The Apostate

Bride of Christ

John 15:6

If anyone does NOT remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

01 - The Apostate Bride of Christ - Introduction

  • Michael Chriswell shares a deeply personal and divinely inspired story about his wife's journey into apostasy. Her story serves as a real-life allegory and a stark warning to believers about the dangers of falling away from faith in the last days.

02 - Satan Knows Something About Our Marriage That We Do Not

  • 2016-03-19 In a personal journal entry, Michael reveals the escalating spiritual warfare and attacks he and his fiancée, Persis, face as their wedding approaches. He interprets these intense adversities, including parallel dreams of temptation, as proof of God's blessing on their union and a reminder that Christians must be willing to fight for the promised land.

03 - 2016-05-14 Persis Is Being Tormented About My Children

  • 2016-05-14 Michael shares his and Persis's recent spiritual battle, where Persis's fears about his children threatened their relationship's exclusivity. Through this trial, Michael found strength in God's grace, learning to trust God with Persis's heart, leading to their reconciliation and a deeper, more resilient faith.

04 - Persis You are listening to Satan’s lies and I cannot Help You

  • 2016-06-05 In a heartfelt recording to his wife, Persis, Michael addresses the spiritual battle caused by her fear of his children from a past relationship, a fear fueled by the devil’s lies. He expresses his disappointment yet unwavering love, urging her to see the truth of their blessed union and to resist the fear that threatens to drive a wedge between them.

05 - Persis Resisting Acknowledging Me as Her Husband

  • 2016-06-24 Michael shares a personal recording with his wife, Persis, discussing his feelings of being disowned due to her reluctance to share their marital blessings, a reluctance he attributes to her past fears and cultural influences. He explains his desire for mutual acknowledgment and honor in their relationship, likening it to a believer's relationship with Christ, and expresses his love and patience as they navigate this spiritual battle together.

06 - Persis Stands Against Me Wanting to Tell Our Marriage Testimony

  • 2016-10-12 In a reflective journal entry, Michael shares an insightful revelation about his marriage, comparing his wife to a crown that honors him not through words but through her very being, a concept that brought him peace and a deeper understanding of selfless love. This spiritual insight helped him navigate feelings of hurt and misunderstanding, reinforcing his trust in God's plan for their relationship and teaching him the importance of faith over fear.

07 - Persis and I argue about Jews Then I See Snake on Walk

  • 2017-04-21 Michael counts a profound spiritual moment, encountering a snake as a symbolic representation of spiritual warfare while discussing his and Persis's differing theological views on Israel and the Jewish people. This experience, coupled with a series of spiritual signs and personal reflections, leads him to a deeper understanding of faith, marital dynamics, and the persistent nature of spiritual battles.

08 - Finding True Love in God Alone - Persis Testimony

  • In this heartfelt message, Michael addresses women seeking fulfillment in relationships, sharing his wife Persis's testimony of finding true satisfaction not in a partner but in her relationship with God. He challenges listeners to prioritize their spiritual connection with Christ, assuring them that only through this divine fullness can they experience genuine peace and joy, regardless of their marital status.

09 - What Does it Profit a Woman to Gain Prince Charming

  • In a deeply personal testimony, Persis shares her lifelong quest for love and acceptance, a journey that led her through the pain of unrequited affection, the sorrow of loss, and the deceptive allure of worldly relationships. Ultimately, she discovers that the profound, unconditional love she always sought was not to be found in any person or possession, but in a life fully surrendered to Jesus Christ, the true Prince of Peace.

10 - Satan is stopping Persis from Sharing Her and Our Testimony

  • 2017-04-28 Michael describes the spiritual warfare he faces while trying to share his wife Persis's testimony, interpreting a snake sighting as a sign of the enemy's opposition to God's work. Despite the devil's attempts to thwart their ministry through various obstacles and misunderstandings, Michael remains steadfast, trusting in God's timing and purpose, and viewing these challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on divine grace.

11 - Persis Honoring Me With Her Lips But Not With Her Heart

  • 2017-06-18 In two brief journal entries, Michael opens up about a period of spiritual warfare and painful misunderstandings with his wife, Persis, highlighting his struggle to persevere in faith amidst feelings of despair and rejection. He draws parallels between his personal trials and the broader Christian experience of falling away from sincere devotion, ultimately finding solace and renewed purpose in God's promises and the understanding that true reconciliation begins in the heart.

  • 2017-07-10 In two short, poignant journal entries, author Michael chronicles a period of intense spiritual warfare as he grapples with his wife Persis's desire to leave America, a decision fueled by a deceptive spiritual leading that threatens to derail their ministry and personal peace. Despite the pain of betrayal and the enemy's relentless attacks, Michael finds strength in God's promises, choosing to persevere in his calling while trusting in divine providence to navigate the turbulent waters of his marriage and ministry.

12 - Persis wants to go back to India

13 - Confronting My Wife About Biblical Submission in Our Marriage

  • 2017-07-12 Michael reflects on a profound message about spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between his marital struggles and biblical accounts of perseverance through betrayal and loss. Amidst feelings of sorrow and betrayal, he finds solace and renewed purpose in God's unwavering promises, embracing his trials as a divine calling to continue his ministry with unwavering faith.

14 - Persis Reply, Revelation on Her Rebellion, Trusting God for Her Repentance

  • 2017-07-12 Michael documents the spiritual warfare he endures as his wife, Persis, becomes increasingly deceived, culminating in her desire to leave America and what Michael perceives as a complete betrayal of their marital covenant and shared ministry. Grappling with feelings of sorrow, frustration, and the pain of rejection, he finds solace in God's promises and the understanding that his suffering is a reflection of Christ's own, ultimately choosing to persevere in his calling with unwavering faith and trust in divine providence.

15 - My Faith Being Tested as Persis is Becoming like Lot's Wife

  • 2017-07-27 In a deeply personal reflection, Michael grapples with the painful reality of his wife Persis's spiritual rebellion, recognizing her fear-driven actions as a deviation from God's intended order for their marriage. He finds solace and understanding in the parallels between his own suffering and Christ's betrayal, ultimately choosing to trust in God's sovereign plan and persevere in faith, even as he confronts the heartbreaking possibility of losing his wife to her own misguided path.

16 - Satan is attacking me from every direction to destroy our marriage and stop the work

  • 2017-08-01 Michael opens up about a period of spiritual warfare and painful misunderstandings with his wife, Persis, highlighting his struggle to persevere in faith amidst feelings of despair and rejection. He draws parallels between his personal trials and the broader Christian experience of falling away from sincere devotion, ultimately finding solace and renewed purpose in God's promises and the understanding that true reconciliation begins in the heart.

17 - A Supernatural 21 Day Reconciliation

  • 2017-07-29 Michael Chriswell documents the spiritual warfare he endures as his wife, Persis, becomes increasingly deceived, culminating in her desire to leave America and what Michael perceives as a complete betrayal of their marital covenant and shared ministry. Grappling with feelings of sorrow, frustration, and the pain of rejection, he finds solace and renewed purpose in God's unwavering promises, embracing his trials as a divine calling to continue his ministry with unwavering faith and trust in divine providence.

18 - How Satan Perverted My Wife's Once Pure Christian Views

  • 2017-08-28 In a deeply personal reflection, author Michael Chriswell chronicles a period of intense spiritual warfare as he grapples with his wife Persis's desire to leave America, a decision fueled by a deceptive spiritual leading that threatens to derail their ministry and personal peace. Despite the pain of betrayal and the enemy's relentless attacks, Michael finds strength in God's promises, choosing to persevere in his calling while trusting in divine providence to navigate the turbulent waters of his marriage and ministry.

19 - 2017-09-14 - Her Actions Deny Her Claim of Being Perfected in Christ

  • 2017-09-14 Michael documents the spiritual warfare he endures as his wife, Persis, becomes increasingly deceived, culminating in her desire to leave America and what Criswell perceives as a complete betrayal of their marital covenant and shared ministry. Grappling with feelings of sorrow, frustration, and the pain of rejection, he finds solace and renewed purpose in God's unwavering promises, embracing his trials as a divine calling to continue his ministry with unwavering faith and trust in divine providence.

20 - The Pain of a Wife Who is Ashamed to Acknowledge Her Husband

  • 2017-09-17 In a heartbreaking journal entry, Michael Chriswell reveals a profound spiritual crisis with his wife, Persis, whose newfound beliefs have created a painful chasm between them and led her to demand her presence be erased from his public ministry. Grappling with feelings of betrayal, confusion, and deep personal offense, Michael ultimately resolves to view this trial as a cross to bear, choosing to die to his own desires and persevere in what he believes is God's calling for his life.

21 - Shocker Persis Believes Diff Gospel

  • 2017-09-19 Join author Michael as he opens up about the profound spiritual crisis that has shaken his marriage to its core. He details the unbelievable shock of discovering his wife has embraced a completely different gospel, believing Jesus has already returned and heaven as he knows it does not exist.

22 - God's Wonderful Reasons for Allowing Spiritual Disunity in Our Marriage

  • 2017-11-03 Michael shares an incredible personal insight that he believes came directly from the Lord. He finally understand why God has allowed these terrible spiritual differences between his wife and him and how they are shaping him into a better man.

23 - The Cost of Being Unwilling to Fellowship with Darkness

  • 2017-11-08 In this raw and honest post, author Michael shares his torment and frustration as his wife’s spiritual journey takes a turn he finds deeply unsettling. He grapples with the pain of watching her embrace secular movies filled with profanity and nudity, creating a heartbreaking divide in what they have in common.

24 - The Climax of My Frustrations and Being Overcome By Evil

  • 017-11-20 Join Michael as he opens up about the most challenging period of his marriage, where his wife's journey into what he calls "apostasy" has reached its peak. In a moment of raw frustration and feeling utterly defeated, he candidly shares the climax of his suffering as his wife's spiritual choices continue to push him to his limits.

25 - Revelations on What God Calls Good Gifts in Matthew 711

  • 2017-12-03 Michael offers a heartfelt look at the profound spiritual journey that has been unfolding in his life since marrying his wife. He explores the complexities of their relationship, the lessons learned through hardship, and the humbling realization that even in the midst of turmoil, God's plan is at work.

26 - Prophetic Dreams and Perfect Rest Which Comes from Perfect Acquiescence

  • 2018-04-13 Michael recounts a vivid dream that had left him with a sense of hope and renewed faith in his marriage. The dream, which he believes to be a message from the Lord, suggests that his wife and I will one day reunite spiritually, overcoming the challenges that have separated us.

27 - The Climax of Persis Apostasy and the Lessons Learned So Far

  • 2018-11-10 Michael in this blog post, offers a heartfelt look at the profound spiritual journey that has been unfolding in his life since marrying my wife. He explores the complexities of our relationship, the lessons learned through hardship, and the humbling realization that even in the midst of turmoil, God's plan is at work.

28 - The Excruciating Pain of Losing My Wife One Piece at a Time

  • In this raw and honest series, Michael details the excruciating multi-year process of watching his wife slowly recede from their shared faith and marriage, first spiritually and then physically. He describes the unique and profound pain of this step-by-step loss, offering a vulnerable look into the journey of grieving a relationship that faded over a long period of time rather than ending abruptly.

29 - Wrestling against My Thorn in the Flesh

  • 2019-03-01 In a moment of raw vulnerability, Michael shares his agonizing struggle with a secret and relentless "thorn in the flesh," a heavy cross that brings him to the verge of weeping. He confesses his deep-seated desire to escape this painful trial while simultaneously acknowledging it as God's profound tool for keeping him humble and dependent.

30 - Persis May Be Leaving, But God Gives Me Hope for Repentance

  • 2019-03-05 In a remarkably bizarre and insightful conversation, Michael's wife uses the analogy of a desert lizard living with a polar bear to explain how completely out of her element she feels in America. The discussion takes a surprising turn, questioning their future together and whether God might call her in a different direction, leaving Michael to grapple with this possibility with a strange and profound peace.

31 - Against All Hope Believing God to Resurrect Persis

  • 2019-03-19 In a deeply personal and raw recording, Michael shares his profound struggle as his faith is tested to its limits during what he describes as a hellish assault on his marriage. He recounts hitting rock bottom and crying out to God in his unbelief, only to find renewed hope to love his wife unconditionally and believe for a miracle of resurrection in their relationship.

32 - Pleading with God to Have Mercy on My Wife

  • 2019-04-03 Michael details his passionate prayer pleading with God to resurrect his "spiritually dead" wife, whom he believes has been deceived and led astray from her faith. Through this torment, he finds a new understanding of sacrificial love and surrenders the outcome to God, holding onto an unwavering faith that God will perform a miracle and bring her back from the dead.

33 - How Satan Continues to Drag Me Into Conflict With My Wife

  • 2019-04-03 In a deeply personal and emotional entry, Michael reveals the immense strain on his marriage as a heated argument erupts from his wife's feeling that he is trying to change her while she drifts further into different spiritual beliefs. Grappling with her profound transformation and emotional withdrawal, he feels torn between fighting for the truth he believes in and the painful reality that his efforts are only pushing her away.

34 - Giving Up and Apologizing to God and Persis for Trying So Hard to Save it All

  • 2019-04-13 In a moment of painful clarity, Michael recounts apologizing to his wife for trying to force their marriage to survive, finally surrendering and letting go of the woman he now views as spiritually dead. He details the heartbreaking conversation where he told her she has "ripped his heart out," ultimately resolving that he can no longer fight her journey and must now place any hope for her spiritual "resurrection" solely in God's hands.

35 - Providential Signs Leading Me to Believe Persis Will Leave

  • 2019-04-17 In a deeply moving and surprisingly peaceful reflection, Michael recounts looking through old photos and videos of his marriage, finding not sorrow, but a deep sense of gratitude for the love he once had. This newfound peace allows him to send his wife a heartfelt message of thanks, fully accepting the end of their relationship and surrendering the outcome to God's sovereign plan.

36 - Wrestling about Persis God says Finish my work

  • 2019-04-18 Michael lays bare his profound struggle, pleading with God for mercy and repentance for his wife who has fallen away from the faith. He wrestles with the pain and confusion of her spiritual journey, ultimately surrendering to God's sovereign will and finding the strength to love her unconditionally, regardless of the outcome.

37 - No Longer Have Any Will of My Own in This Marriage

  • 2019-04-21 In a somber yet steadfast reflection, Michael recounts the emotional strain of living with a wife who is spiritually and emotionally withdrawn, finding a strange peace in the surrender of his own desires to God's will. Amidst deep suffering and a sense of impending loss, he focuses on patient endurance, believing that even this unbearable pain is part of God’s plan to bring about a greater spiritual purpose in his life.

38 - Prayer and Devotions of Faith for Persis to be Resurrected

  • 2019-04-22 In a profoundly moving and honest reflection, Michael shares his ongoing struggle with his wife's spiritual departure, comparing his emotional state to being sorrowful yet not in despair as he places his trust entirely in God. Through a series of providential signs and scriptures, he holds onto the firm belief that God will perform a resurrection in his wife's heart and restore their marriage.

39 - Missing my wife but I must finish my work and wait for God

  • 2019-04-30 In a raw and vulnerable entry, Michael reflects on the profound joy he feels while editing old videos of his marriage, a stark contrast to the painful emotional distance he now experiences with his wife. He grapples with the heartbreaking reality that she has become a "dead person" to him, yet he holds onto faith that God will resurrect their love and that his obedience in finishing their story will lead to a miraculous breakthrough.

40 - Revelations on My Sorrow

  • 2019-05-02 Michael grapples with the profound sorrow and perplexity of his wife's spiritual departure, finding comfort in his unwavering faith and God's sovereign plan. He shares his heartfelt prayers and revelations, holding onto the hope for a miraculous resurrection of her faith while patiently enduring the pain and continuing the work God has called him to do.

41 - Revelation about My Wife's Need to See She is a Sinner

  • 2019-05-03 In this audio journal entry, Michael shares a profound spiritual revelation regarding his wife's journey and the nature of salvation. He reflects on biblical passages and personal experiences to articulate his newfound understanding of sin, repentance, and God's redemptive plan for his wife.

42 - Persevering in the work in the face of Satanic Opposition

  • 2019-05-09 Michael recounts an encouraging spiritual sign where the time 5:42 AM led him to Mark 5:42, a verse about resurrection. He applies this promise directly to his wife, strengthening his faith that she will be raised from spiritual death, even as he navigates criticism and reaffirms his love for her.

43 - Feeling Strong Temptation to Stop Telling the Apostate Bride of Christ Story

  • 2019-05-13 In this update, Michael reflects on the bittersweet reality of his marriage, where a loving reconciliation with his wife Persis coexists with her continued spiritual distance. Drawing a parallel to Hosea and his unfaithful wife Gomer, he resolves to continue sharing their story as a divine assignment, viewing their personal struggles as a larger illustration of God's love for His church.

44 - Satan Brings Painful Strike 1st Day I Launch Apostasy Series

  • 2019-05-15 In this raw and emotional audio, Michael recounts a deeply painful and shocking confrontation with his wife, which he perceives as a direct spiritual attack following a brief, loving reconciliation. Despite the hurtful and delusional accusations, he concludes that this crisis is a necessary, albeit agonizing, step in God's plan to break her and bring her to a place of true spiritual surrender.

45 - Persis Spirituality Not Holding Up and God Confirms Where I'm to Move

  • 2019-05-16 In this deeply personal recording, Michael describes the intense spiritual confirmations leading him to move to Texas, a decision he once dreaded, while simultaneously enduring a shocking and painful confrontation with his wife. Despite the immense hurt from her words, he views her crisis as a hopeful sign that her new beliefs are failing her and reaffirms his commitment to follow God's will, seeing their story as a living parable of Christ's love for the church.

46 - Satan's Continued Attacks Against the Work and Cleaning Up After a False Prophet

  • 2019-05-20 In this deeply personal recording, Michael recounts a series of spiritual confirmations—including a providential encounter with a fellow writer he’d prayed for years earlier—that affirmed his divinely-led path, even as he simultaneously navigated the confusion and doubt sown by a false prophetess named Lacey among his followers. Despite the pain of the spiritual warfare, which manifested in everything from technical glitches to direct attacks on his character, he found strength in these signs, concluding the entry with a powerful message of encouragement to a young woman named Yancey who was struggling with her faith due to Lacey's influence, urging her to fix her eyes on Christ alone.

47 - Productive Day then Satan Brings Most Crafty Type of Strike

  • 2019-05-23 In this audio journal entry, Michael reflects on the spiritual warfare he's enduring while working on his series "The Apostate Bride of Christ," detailing an onslaught of subtle yet potent attacks from the devil through various people, including a young girl tormented by a false prophet, a long-term subscriber, and an old acquaintance. Despite the immense pain, he finds encouragement and strength in what he perceives as a divine anointing to finish his work, evidenced by a series of spiritual confirmations and the fervent belief that his personal suffering will ultimately serve to warn and bless the body of Christ.

48 - Revelations on the Highest Level of Love

  • 2019-05-27 In this journal entry, Michael details a day of productive work on his "Apostate Bride of Christ" series, highlighted by several encouraging ministry opportunities at his local Starbucks. He juxtaposes these moments of connection with the painful reality of his marriage, reflecting on a 40-day period of separation from his wife and reaffirming his belief that completing his work is divinely tied to her eventual spiritual return.

49 - What a Doubting and Weary Day for Michael Feels Like

  • 2019-05-27 In a moment of profound weariness, Michael reflects on the spiritual significance of completing 34 parts of "The Apostate Bride of Christ," which coincides with the 40-day mark since his marriage died. Grappling with doubts and spiritual attacks, he expresses a deep need to take a break and seek solace with God, feeling overwhelmed by the constant battle.

50 - God Leads Me to Elisabeth Elliots New Book

  • 2019-05-29 In this entry, Michael shares a series of encouraging spiritual experiences, including ministering to a woman at Starbucks and receiving a powerful message of hope from the newly published book of Elizabeth Elliot, a three-time widow whose writings uncannily mirrored his own spiritual journey and understanding of suffering. He expresses his profound gratitude for these confirmations and discusses the ongoing spiritual warfare he faces, ultimately concluding with a renewed sense of purpose to finish his work, trusting in God's sovereign plan for his life and marriage, despite the pain of his wife's continued apostasy.

51 - Torn Terribly Between Two Possible Outcomes

  • 2019-05-30 Michael vulnerably shares his recent struggles with temptations of desiring another wife, acknowledging that while being tempted isn't a sin, yielding to it is. He recounts praying for strength to remain faithful to his wife and his commitment to God, especially in light of feeling rejected in his marriage.

52 - The Torment Has Lifted

  • 2019-05-31 Following a period of intense spiritual torment and temptation, Michael offers a heartfelt praise report, thanking God for delivering him and restoring his peace within 24 hours. He encourages listeners to stand firm through their darkest trials, sharing that his own experience of enduring the overwhelming feelings led to God's faithful relief.

53 - Insights on My Weaknesses and Fixing My Hope Fully on Grace

  • 2019-06-02 In this post, Michael reflects on a period of intense suffering, realizing his longing for a new wife was a search for pain relief from his unfulfilled desire for a loving family. Despite this struggle, he shares a powerful testimony of finding consolation from God and expresses immense joy in witnessing his mother's profound spiritual growth and humility.

54 - Revelation on God Allowing Shame and Controversy in My Ministry

  • 2019-06-02 Drawing inspiration from an Austin Sparks devotional, Michael explains how his personal experience of shame and limitation in his marriage serves as a prophetic sign, a difficult path God uses to sift true believers from the false. He then shares a deeply moving voice recording from a family in Australia, whose encouragement and love in the midst of his struggles provide a beautiful, real-time example of how this painful testimony is enriching the true body of Christ.

55 - Revelations on Gods Desire for Repentance

  • 2019-06-03 In this blog post, Michael describes the emotional difficulty of his wife's continued spiritual separation, especially as she pulls further away and now seems to be without her emotional support dog. He feels the immense pain of this separation, but finds hope in understanding the necessity of her humbling herself before God, just as all believers must.

56 - Insights about the Dying Church and Loving My Wife Too Much

  • 2019-06-10 Michael explains that his love for his wife has become excessive and out of balance, and he feels God's intent to contract this affection in order to teach him a deeper, more spiritual form of love and detachment. Drawing from an old Christian text, he learns that just as there is a time to love, there is also a time to detach from earthly relationships and fix one's hope fully on the grace to come when Christ is revealed.