Where did Pentecostals and charismatics get this practice of "pew walking," "pulpit dancing," and punching themselves in the face? What does the Bible say about this? Listen and find out as we look at key passages from 1 Corinthians 14.
What is a Holy Roller? In slang terminology, a Holy Roller is a Charismatic, a Pentecostal, or some other church attender who worships in an ecstatic, frenetic, or out-of-control manner. The idea behind the epithet is that believers of certain denominations engage in bizarre behaviors during their worship services, including falling down on the floor and rolling around in the aisles. The term Holy Roller has always been considered derogatory and is meant to be offensive.
The term Holy Roller was specifically coined to describe those in the Charismatic branch of Christianity. Holy Rollerism is the set of beliefs behind the ecstatic worship experience. Sometimes the word Holy Roller is used more loosely today to refer to anyone who believes the Bible is true, who claims to be an evangelical, or who talks about God in public.
While it is true that some practices within the Charismatic movement are unbiblical (e.g, holy laughter, slaying in the Spirit, being drunk in the Spirit, etc.), and there is a definite emphasis on emotionalism and subjective personal experience in Pentecostal churches, there is no place in the church for the use of disparaging names. Let the unsaved world do the name-calling—the term Christian was most likely a term of contempt when coined—but let not the people of God stoop to such tactics.
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39Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
There are three movements which have appeared in
the last two centuries out of which Charismania has now emerged in
recent days, Pentecostalism, the charismatic movement, and the New
Apostolic Reformation. The definition of Charismania is “neo-montanism,
or new Montanism known by its adherents as the New Prophecy. Truth is,
there is nothing new about it as this was an early Christain movement of
the late 2nd century who’s founder was Montanus. And like today, they
call for the reliance on the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit rather than a
compliance and obedience to the Holy Writ.
In the aftermath of this new teaching in the 2nd
century Montanism rapidly spread to the many regions of the Roman Empire
well into the 6th century. To the orthodox Church, the New Prophecy
movement was regarded as heresy and the Churches in Asia Minor
pronounced it as profane and excommunicated the New Prophecy adherents.
Although not much is known about their beliefs, some
sources reported that Montanists claimed their revelation directly from
the Holy Spirit and this new revelation/prophecy superseded the
authority of Paul or even Jesus Himself. What surrounded the movement
was a sort of frenzy ecstasy and proclaimed to be possessed by God
unable to resist. They were viewed as false prophets because they acted
irrationally and were not in control of their senses.
This is a mirror image to what we see coming out of
Charismania today! It must be understood that the term Charismania
applies to the extremists with the Christian Charismatic Movement.
Charismania is simply a byword to describe the entire movement’s mood
and swings occuring during their revival meetings. Within the dogma of
the modern neo-Montanistic Movement (Charismania) are phenomena they
allege to be common to virtually all sign-gifts, Slain in the Spirit,
excessive laughing/crying, screaming, wild dancing, violent shaking,
drunk in the Spirit, Glory Clouds, the interruptive speaking in tongues
all asserted as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Charismania is
applied to the modern televangelists, the prosperity gospel preachers
who garner money from their followers and the New Apostolic Movement.
The Third Wave Movement
The modern classical Pentecostal movement began at
the beginning of the 20th century and has its roots in the holiness
movement and revivalism of the 2nd Great Awakening in America during the
19th century. This has been coined “The First Wave” as Modern
Pentecostals are distinguished by three main doctrines.
· The baptism of the Holy Spirit
· The manifestation of speaking in tongues
· The manifestation of divine healing
The Second Wave is seen in the Charismatic Renewal
Movement which began in the middle of the 20th century. Pentecostal
doctrines spread into the mainline Protestant and Catholic churches as
“charismatic renewal” movements with the aim of renewing the historic
churches. The Charismatic Movement were known to break into the Mainline
Denominations as they encouraged those who have ‘received the baptism’
to remain in their churches and denominations. However,
Non-Denominationalism began to emerge developing a system of
organization which became known as the Charismatic Church.
The third wave movement is identified in its
escalation and adherence to Signs and Wonders, also known now as the
Neo-charismatic Movement. Radicalism in this movement has set them apart
as they do not wish to be labeled “Pentecostal” or “charismatic.” This
wave is Eschatological in nature as what accompanies “Signs and Wonder”
is the new doctrine called Kingdom Now Theology. A careful examination
reveals that the Kingdom Now Theology has a natural history of
preteristism. The two main attributes of dominionism and triumphalism
have become the fuel of Charsmania seen in its three main gospel
teachings:
· Their signs and wonders gospel.
· Their kingdom now gospel.
· Their prosperity gospel
There occupation by a false spirit of dominionism and
triumphalism is quickly spreading throughout much of the church today,
including most of the Mainline Denominations. It is here within
Charismania where we see the revival of Montanism. This movement headed
up by men such as Rick Joyner and Bill Johnson are building an endtime
transformational army called Joel’s Army in an attempt to conquer the
seven mountains of culture; Religion, Family, Education, Media, Arts
& Entertainment, Government, and Business. Coupled to the teachings
of this transformational Army is the prediction of a Great Endtime
Revival.
This of course is one of the most dangerous movements
to date for it is riddled with Gnosticism believing God can and does
communicate outside of Scripture giving new revelation that is apart
from Scripture, thus, denying the sufficiency of Scripture. It also
embraces the Five-Fold Ministry as one of the “truths” that God is
restoring to the church and is associated with the Latter Rain Movement.
They publicly acknowledge we are in the endtimes submitting that God is
re-establishing the offices of apostle and prophet with the power and
authority beyond the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament
Apostles. Not to mention, unity supersedes doctrine. Doctrinal
differences are laid aside with the goal of influencing Mainline
Churches to accept the modern day apostles and prophets.
The Great Debate
Since the emergence of Pentecostalism, the
Charismatic Movement and now Charismania a heated debate has existed
between the conservative cessationist and the three Charismatic
movements listed above. The problem is, both approach this debate with
their own presuppositions of the Scripture. In my opinion, both are
equally in error, both are unbiblical in their approach and beliefs,
both lack a proper understanding of the other, and neither can present a
clear biblical exegetical argument supporting their view even though
both claim to. To gain a better understanding of what I am saying, we
must first look at both views, then as I hope to present, bring a
balanced biblical approach to the subject.
Cessationism Vs. Continuationism
Cessationism in Christianity is the doctrine that
Apostolic gifts ceased with the original twelve apostles. This is
generally opposed to the view of continuationism, which teaches that the
Holy Spirit may bestow the sign gifts to persons other than the
original twelve apostles, at any time in the Church age.
No one can show that the Gifts ended with the
apostles, it simply is not found in the Word of God. Cessationism is
only based on eisegesis, they have to read into the Scripture something
it does not say. Cessationism is as wrong and as false on one extreme as
Charismania is on the other. I remember back in the late 70’s and into
the mid 80’s the proof text cessationist used to demonstrate their case
was 1 Corinthians 13:9-10, ironically today they avoid this text like
the plague, why? Because an honest assessment of this text when you
consider its contexts says just the opposite. “When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part will be done away”
(vs.10) in their opinion was the completion of the cannon of Scripture,
therefore, the Gifts ceased. Here we see how they apply eisegesis,
nowhere in the text or surrounding context does it say that, not even a
hint, it simply is not there.
Those in Charismania by their own admission support
cessationism when they claim God is restoring the Five-Fold Ministry.
For something to be restored it must first have ceased. The Gift of
Tongues, the hottest topic on the table should in retrospect be a mute
subject in light of the greater gifts which are ignored by most. When it
comes to the debate over the Gifts of the Spirit both sides approach it
with, “this is my story and I’m sticking to it.” Both are on opposite
extremes to the other and the legitimacy of biblical text at best are
either ignored or exploited by their own presuppositions. In other
words, there is never any balance in light of the truth of Scripture
presented.
If 1 Cor. 13:9-12 are not enough to refute Cessationism, other texts do. For example, Romans 11:29; “For the gifts and the callings of God are irrevocable.”
What does the New Testament mean by ‘The Gifts of the
Spirit?” To answer this we must first understand what is meant by the
word “gift.”
“Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the
gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would
have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” ~ John 4:10
“Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one
of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of
sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Acts 2:38
“And the gift is not like that which came through the
one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted
in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses
resulted in justification.” ~ Romans 5:16
In these verses the word “gift” is a gift as in ‘a
present,’ like a Christmas present or Birthday present. When we consider
Acts 2:28 the clause is epexegetical, the “gift” being the Holy Spirit
Himself. The generic word dorea (Gk. gift) differs from the Greek word charisma (1 Cor. 12:4) signifying not miraculous powers but the working of a new spirit in men, and that Spirit is from God.
Interestingly, the word charisma means Grace
in the Greek. For instance, Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift (charisma) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord.” Now where it comes to the “gifts of the Spirit,” it is charisma that’s used as in Romans 12:6:
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in
proportion to our faith.”
For someone to say they have the gift of prophecy
would be wrong, they would have the grace to prophecy, others believe
they have the gift of tongues, assuming its real, truth is you don’t
have the gift of tongues, you have the grace to speak in tongues. The
gift is eternal life, the gift is the Holy Spirit Himself, what we think
of as gifts is merely grace whether it be a ministry gift or a
charismatic gift. Prophecy, miracles, healings, etc., are never to an
individual, by God’s grace they may operate through a person, but those
gifts are never given to an individual, they are given to the Church. By
God’s grace they operate through a person but they are given to the
church corporately. It is the body of Christ who has the gifts of the
Spirit. This clears up so much misconception surrounding the gifts when
we understand that.1 I do not possess a gift of the Spirit, I
may be given the grace from God to operate in any given gift for the
sake of the Church, but they are not mine.
1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 is primarily dealing
with what is popularly called the charismatic gifts. But in Romans 12 we
see an integration of both the charismatic and ministerial gifts much
like what was mentioned in Roman 11:29, one is a gift, the other a
calling and many times they work in conjunction to each other. For
example, it is not uncommon for a good pastor to have a word of
knowledge. I’ve seen this many times, even in the Baptist churches, they
just don’t recognize it as one of the grace gifts if the Spirit. The
Charismatic gifts are simply there to equip us to fulfill our calling in
the body of Christ. The problem today with the gifts is to many people
believe the charismatic gift is a gift instead of grace. Secondly they
don’t understand that in the way it is a gift it is a gift to the body
of Christ, not to them personally. And thirdly, they believe they have
the ability to use the gifts when ever, where ever, and how ever they
like, as though the Holy Spirit is some kind of light switch they can
turn on and off at will. You see they have it backwards, the Holy Spirit
distributes the gifts to individuals as He wills (1 Cor. 12:11), gifts
meant for the body, not individuals.
Continuationism
Gifts in and of themselves are not the mark of true
spirituality, the fruits of the Spirit are. Gifts are given by the
ascended Lord without regard to a person’s own merit. As we have already
established, the Gifts of the Spirit are a matter of grace. The
question is, did the gifts of the Spirit continue or cease with the
first generation Church? There is no exegetical argument cessationist
can construct from Scripture to corroborate their assumption the Gifts
have ceased, it’s all conjecture. On the other hand, there is no
exegetical grounds on which Charismania can claim to be valid concerning
the Gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In fact, I would say it
is all rubbish! Charismania, like the cessationist, just make it up as
they go. Cessationism is a false doctrine, but the elevation of signs
and wonders by the Charismatic groups above solid doctrine is as
dangerous and seducing as cessationism. There is however, Biblical
evidence the Gifts outlined in Scripture have continued and will
continue until Christ returns.
1 Cor. 1:4-8
“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace
of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in
everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the
testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no
gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Emphasis mine)
Here is where our wonderful Theologians and our many
Commentators get weak at the knee’s. So let’s break it down and revamp a
little. “Gift,” charisma is derived from the root char. Chara is joy, cheerfulness, and delight. Charis is grace, goodwill, undeserved favor. Charisma
however is a gift of grace, a free gift, spiritual endowment, a
miraculous faculty. It is especially used to designate the gifts of the
Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4-10). Here in this context ‘Gift’ is charisma
and Paul makes it clear that they come short in no gift as they eagerly
wait for the revelation of Christ who will also confirm them to the
‘end’ that they may be blameless in the ‘day of our Lord Jesus Christ.’
This then is Eschatological language, the gifts have remained in place
and will continue until the return of Jesus Christ, there is no other
way to see it.
Jacob Prasch points out;
“The text of Peter’s kerygma (an evangelistic
message of the Gospel) in Acts 2:17-21 quoting Joel 2:28-32
prophetically predicts charismatic manifestation with an emphasis on
prophecy not as doctrine but as exhortation to take place in concert
with the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit before the Restrainer is
removed. This will be followed by cosmological signs in the heavenlies
before the Parousia.
What we see in Cessationism is the working of Satan
to prevent the prophecies of Joel and Peter from taking place just as
what we see in the Neo-Montanism of Hyper-Pentecostal extremism and
counterfeit charismata is the backsliding Church being set up for
Antichrist seduction. Both extremes have the same origin.”2
Returning to 1 Corinthians chapter 1, “…waiting for the coming (apokalupsis) of our Lord Jesus Christ,” is placing an emphasis on the time of Christ’s Parousia
when He visibly returns to Rapture the Church while “the end” (vs.8)
refers to the completion of the Gifts purpose and function upon Christ’s
coming. The context defines “the end” as the termination of Christ’s
redemptive reign at the right hand of the Father which is consummated at
His Second Coming. “The day of Jesus Christ” specifically is a
reference to the Day of the Lord, when Christ will return to judge the
world and fully establish His kingdom.
This flows seamlessly with 1 Corinthians 13:8-13:
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies,
they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether
there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we
prophecy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that
which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a
child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a
man I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but
then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I
also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the
greatest of these is love.”
Cessationist approach this text with an eisegesis
method of interpretation believing “the perfect” to come is the New
Testament Canon. “The perfect,” if taken in context and by comparing
Scripture with Scripture refers not to the New Testament canon, but to
the return of Christ. Why? Because if it were a reference to the canon
of Scripture, knowledge would have vanished away just as tongues would
have ceased. Because we would now see “face to face,” and we would no
longer know in part but would know just as we are known. The dim glass
would be clear, nothing obstructing our vision to see and know in the
perfect tense.
Since it is not referring to the New Testament canon
but to the Coming of Christ, prophecies have not failed, tongues have
not ceased, and knowledge has not vanished away. Again, this only serves
as proof the gifts have continued and will continue up until the return
of Christ.
On the other hand, what we do have today is
generations of bad teachings where the gifts are concerned. Everything
we have been taught assume it was wrong. Satan has made tongues the
focal point, while discernment, a viable gift of the Spirit has been
grossly ignored. Discernment has been pigeonholed into a ministry of
casting out demons, etc.
Modernism in our day has produced “another Spirit,”
one who has no gracious persona, no divinity, but whose manifold works
are simply emulations emanated through individuals with corrupt minds. A
cry for another Spirit through a greater manifestation of ‘seducing
spirits’ (1 Tim. 4:1) fills the air today as we witness a corporate
yielding to the apostasy (2 Thess. 2:3), a sure mark of our Lord’s
speedy return. Charismania is the perverted, God-dishonoring faction
laboring under the cloak of Christianity forming a deeper apostasy apart
from the Holy Spirit Himself. The depravity and deceptions of false
Apostles, prophets and teachers today have plunged the masses into an
apostasy by deliberately rejecting the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). “But
it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to
his own vomit, and a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” ~ 2 Peter 2:22
No matter how sound most Churches appears to be on
the surface, the underline current of false Doctrine is driving it. Some
may not be openly teaching it, but it has been integrated into their
belief system. More and more people are finding themselves in a place
where they do not know where to go to church, or if it is better to
simply stay home. They have virtually no real Christian fellowship, and
feel the need to get together with others who are of the same
heart/mind/spirit of love for Jesus and the all-sufficiency of
Scripture. This is a growing trend as many are now finding themselves
segregated from the Institutional Church.
Okay. Okay. The sheer political incorrectness of it is funny. You have to admit. A Pennsylvania church that the local press calls “controversial” has announced that it will be holding a rifle-blessing ceremony.
World Peace and Unification Sanctuary (aka Sanctuary Church) says that the service is intending to “bless” the AR-15s of couples, singles, and families who would like to pray that they be better prepared to protect their country, homes, and loved ones. The church is a part of the sect belonging to the founder, Sun Myung Moon. Moon was a Korean religious leader who claimed to be a Messiah and was outspoken on political and cultural issues, which probably explains the reason behind this odd decision to bless rifles at a time of national dialogue on gun rights in the wake of a tragic school shooting. He founded the Unification Church and then bequeathed it to his children, who are prominently displayed on the church’s website.
The AR-15 blessing ceremony will be on February 28, and they will bless rifles and the cult has told the public they may bring in a $700 certificate to be blessed if they don’t yet have a rifle but intend to purchase one. So then their rifle can be blessed in advance. So that’s handy. The cult states, “If unable to purchase and legally transport such a ‘rod of iron’ because of laws barring the purchase of such weapons, or other reasons, couples are invited to purchase a $700 gift certificate from a gun store, as evidence of their intent to purchase a ‘rod of iron’ in the future.”
The church president said in an email, “All of the weapons in the ceremony will be checked to make sure they are unloaded, with a zip tie so that no bullets can be inserted, ‘We are inviting local and state police to be on the premises so that everything goes safely.”
The church has an affiliate ministry, “Rod of Iron” (a gun group) that is hosting a “President Trump Thank You Dinner” on Saturday at a local Best Western Hotel. A gun manufacture who happens to be Reverend Moon’s brother-in-law is sponsoring the event. It’s unknown if Trump’s overtures to possible gun control measures and his unconstitutional ban on bump stocks will be thanked at the dinner as well. The Southern Poverty Law Center has claimed that the Sanctuary Church is a hate group and “cult with an anti-LGBT agenda,” but they pretty much say that about everybody is a hate group, so it’s hard to know whether or not to take that seriously. In the meantime, whether we’re talking pets or guns, “blessing” random objects is not really a thing. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CULTS GO TO THE LINK BELOW: How Cults Work
. Super Apostles and Prophets (NAR National Apostolic Reformation) At the top of the spiritual elite is the National Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Through
them, we are hearing more and more about the need to raise up Apostles and Prophets in
these last days to edify the Body and bring it to fullness and unity. These end times
Apostles and Prophets are far from simple church leaders as we used to understand the
meaning of the word. They are seeking the authority to act as Christ Himself in dominion
over the Body.
One of the central new teachings of the Latter Rain Movement, of the 40’s and 50’s, was
the so-called restoration of Apostles and Prophets to the overcoming End time Church.
This restoration teaching percolated on the back burners of the Charismatic Renewal for
years. But, it was never promoted heavily and no one attempted to systematically
implement it on a worldwide scale. Into this vacuum, G. Peter Wagner has evolved as a
central personality. He has given organizational and promoting impetus to this so-called
restoration and taken bold steps to implement apostolic restoration to a wider Global
Church. Wagner is positioned to have a greater influence than many other promoters of
apostolic restoration.
I do believe God is restoring the ministry of the apostle. I just don’t think it’s the way
Wagner and his group is saying. They are not “appointed”, they are recognized by the
church because of the relationship/friendship/fathering input into churches. A key text
is Eph. 4:11-13 which implies that the Ephesians 4 trans-local ministries are essential to
the maturing of the church.
The role, function and ministry of the apostle has been rejected, or misunderstood, or
ignored for a long time now. God is restoring a Biblical understanding and function in
these days, I believe. But they will not be “Super Apostles”, just humble men of God who
have been broken and who are faithful! There also should at some point be true signs 8
and wonders that will follow their preaching and ministry. That’s why its so important to
recognize the false!
Although Peter Wagner and his apostolic friends (Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce) are
generally unknown to rank and file pastors and church leaders, they, never the less, are
boldly proclaiming their authority in the church. They apparently feel that they are now
“positioned” to make authoritative “apostolic declarations” to the wider church. Wagner
recently posted, on his Website, an “Open Memorandum Addressing the Twin Towers
War.”
In the memorandum, dated September 14th from C. Peter Wagner, presiding apostle of
the International Coalition of Apostles, he made the following statement: “This is the
time for apostolic declarations. The church is in a position now, characterized by active
and accepted roles of Apostles and Prophets and Intercessors that is has not experienced
in 1800 years.” Wagner then quoted Prophet Rick Joyner: “What seemed to so many to
be an impossible task of restoring Apostolic Christianity to the earth is about to become a
reality.”
With such over-reaching optimism, it is not surprising that Peter Wagner and friends
have planned to implement their dream.
The New Apostolic Roundtable:
Wagner is linked with Twenty-five other Apostles who have been invited to form an
international leadership of Apostles. These roles are by invitation only.
Apostles to the Cities:
In Wagner’s book, “Apostles of the City: How to mobilize Territorial Apostles for City
Transformation,” he calls for each major city to elevate a cadre of Apostles to leadership.
Mobilize the army of God to receive the great transfer of wealth from the unrighteous to
the godly for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom, reforming society and regaining
rightful dominion of God’s creation.
Mike Bickle and Lou Engle speak of the church at large accepting these Apostles and
Prophets and have added the Nazarite office. They said at the 2008 One thing that
16,000 Nazarites were coming forth. So their plan seems to be to turn the young people
into Nazarites with vows and all. Where do they see that in the NT Bible?
Traditional Christianity teaches: The Gospel of Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and
His shed blood on the cross. The emphasis is placed upon repentance and conversion of
individual souls. The Kingdom of God in this age is spiritual and grows through efforts
of evangelism based on teaching the Bible. It is “not of this world” (John 18:36), but a
spiritual rule in the hearts of men (Luke 17:20-21). Furthermore, the Kingdom of God is
only finally realized upon Christ’s second return to Earth, whereby He Himself
establishes His literal and physical reign.
The evangelism mandate by Word and Spirit.
Christ never intended that His gospel should be propagated by fire and sword or His
righteousness wrought by the wrath of man. When the high praises of God are in our
mouth with them we should have an olive-branch of peace in our hands. Christ’s
victories are by the power of His gospel and grace over spiritual enemies, in which all 9
believers are more than conquerors. The word of God is the two-edged sword (Heb.
4:12), the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17).
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND WATCH THE VIDEOS BY SANDY SIMPSON EXPOSING THE CULT- THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION:
Most
clips were taken directly from the heretics themselves or their
followers. Therefore, their channels will not be endorsed. If you have
any questions about the context of a certain clip, it can be uploaded in
full. Eventually some will be uploaded and examined.
Apprising Ministries warns you that because of the spread of corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism within the mainstream of the visible church you’ll continue to see increasing syncretism and “unity” with people and.or groups you’d never have believed could happen. For example, who would have thought New Apostolic Reformation spiritual wingnuts and self-proclaimed apostles and apostlettes like C. Peter Wagner and Cindy Jacobs would ever have a voice within the heart of the Christian community; but we’re beginning to see it. So I’m pleased to point you to the following interview with Sandy Simpson concerning the whacked works of the NAR. Sandy was one of the very first people to carry my writings when I first came into the field of online apologetics and discernment some six years ago. Over at Echo Zoe we read:
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:13 Sandy Simpson, of the Apologetics Coordination Team, joins me to discuss the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Sandy runs Deception in the Church, an extensive library of resources on the NAR and related movements and organizations. I would appreciate feedback, along with questions about this subject. Sandy has graciously agreed to the possibility of a follow-up interview, possibly late in 2012, and I would love to have listener questions to use in such an interview…
An Outline of the Discussion
Sandy begins by describing his initial encounter with the New Apostolic Reformation while working as a missionary in Guam, which led him to investigate their movement.
The NAR teaches that there are foundational Apostles today that are equal to, if not greater than, the original twelve Apostles of the first century.
They teach that there is a transferrable impartation. The Holy Spirit can be imparted upon individuals by NAR “apostles”.
Sandy sees links between NAR, Emergent, and “Church Growth”; all coming out of Fuller Theological Seminary.
NAR puts together large-scale prayer meetings to lure in orthodox Christians to their methods and teachings.
NAR and Word-of-Faith come from the same roots, and have many similarities.
Sandy asserts that NAR denies some of the fundamental, core doctrines of Christianity. This places them within the definition of a cult movement. Core doctrines that they deny include: the Trinity; the divinity and personhood of Christ (hypostatic union); salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone; the supremacy of Scripture in all matters of faith and practice; the fact that Christ is going to return bodily to judge and rule the Earth (dominionism requires us to conquer the Earth before He returns).
We discuss the prophetic element of NAR. The movement rarely references scripture, favoring instead “new revelation”. When they give prophesy over someone, they often just puff up the person they are supposedly prophesying over.
“Slain in the Spirit” is a practice that is common in the NAR. It was picked up by William Branham on a trip to India, and is just a repackaged version of the Hindu practice of shakti-pat.
Sandy explains the practice of diaprax, which is in use by various groups and forces hostile to Christianity. It pits a thesis against an anti-thesis. The two battle, eventually merging into a synthesis.
Scandals and immoral behavior often follow false teachers.
I ask Sandy to give his thoughts on a few of the players. Specifically I asked about Dutch Sheets, Rick Joyner, and Mike Bickel.
NAR has a practice called “Prayer Walking” by which they supposedly cast out territorial demons.
The NAR has many similarities to the ancient gnostics. Namely, they place heavy emphasis on special knowledge (new revelation), and attempts to create a “higher order” of Christianity/Spirituality. (Online source)
FOR MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION GO TO SANDY SIMPSON'S WEBSITE:
Spiritual drunkenness Is spiritual drunkenness really a sign of God’s favor? Or is it in reality a clear sign of
God’s judgment? In looking at the scriptural references to drunkenness one can only
conclude the latter. In Jeremiah chapter 51, in a prophecy of judgment upon Babylon, we
read:
“Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord's hand, That made all the earth drunk. The
nations drank her wine; Therefore the nations are deranged…In their excitement I will
prepare their feasts; I will make them drunk, That they may rejoice, And sleep a
perpetual sleep And not awake, says the LORD… And I will make drunk Her princes
and wise men, Her governors, her deputies, and her mighty men. And they shall sleep a
perpetual sleep And not awake, says the King, Whose name is the LORD of hosts.”
(Jer 51:7;39;57 NKJV)
Here we clearly see that drunkenness is a direct judgment from God. Is it possible that
God is judging His apostate Church (Mystery Babylon) with spiritual drunkenness even
now? It is my belief that is exactly what is happening through these Latter Rain revivals”
today. In Isaiah 63:6, a prophecy of the last days, we read “I have trodden down the peoples in
my anger, made them drunk in my fury, and brought down their strength to the earth.” The Bible nowhere contains a suggestion that to be drunk, spiritually or otherwise, is a
good thing for God’s people. In fact, in the Word of God, we are constantly exhorted to
sobriety and self-control.
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit…”
(Eph 5:18)
Proponents of spiritual drunkenness like to point to Acts, chapter 2, and what occurred
on the day of Pentecost, particularly the response of some of the people to it:
…Cretans and Arabs; we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works
of God. So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could
this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” (Acts 2:11-13 NKJV)
Having seen videotape examples and attended conferences of people who are supposedly
“drunk in the spirit”; staggering around, struggling to talk (or preach), talking with
slurred speech, and falling down, as well as behavior that is unseemly or immodest, I am
totally convinced that this is not God’s Spirit at work. This kind of behavior is identical to
the type of behavior exhibited by literal drunks - drunk on alcohol. There is absolutely
no reason to infer from the book of Acts (Chapter 2) that the disciples of our Lord were
exhibiting even one of these “symptoms” of drunkenness. If you read Acts, chapter 2 you
realize that what the populace was responding to was the supernatural sign that was in
evidence – they were speaking in tongues.
Unable to explain this sign in any other way, some mocked and accused them of being
drunk. That this charge was spurious and not even considered by the majority can be
seen in the fact that 3,000 listened and responded to Peter’s (coherent) presentation of
the gospel, repented of their sins, and were added to the Church that day.
There is a “party spirit” loose in the Church today. Thousands are dying and slipping into
an eternity in hell every day. Occultism and New Age beliefs, not to mention secular
humanism and the myriad of new cults arising daily are leading millions down the wide
road that leads to destruction. Yet I’m supposed to believe that God would have me sit
back, relax, and enjoy some “Holy Ghost drinking party”? This is just the very thing that
our Lord warned us about:
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing,
drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.”
(Luke 21:34 NKJV)
A conference in San Jose had Che Ahn, Stacy Campbell, Jim Goll and many others who
were so drunk they could not stand up for hours. They had imaginary big bowls that they
were drinking the “new wine” from and teaching that it was a blessing from the Lord that
he was so happy with us that he wanted to pour out this bliss on us.
Also present there were “fire tunnels” which upon going through the tunnels, the people
came out significantly more messed up! While researching spiritual drunkenness, I ran across this web site: "
Our first church plant is officially launched and will start at 7pm Friday May 22nd.
For several months I've gotten several calls a week for people wanting to come get
drunk and receive drunk teaching and revelatory drunk theology and now the needs
will be met with great intoxication at "Joel's Bar." A first of its kind prototype of
churches to come. The wine is not a weird side dish, it is the main course in salvation
history. The intoxication is not a means to an end, IT IS THE END THING IN
ITSELF. It is the bridal wine of intimacy with the person Jesus Christ. The
intoxication of God's Spirit brings refreshment to the entire person, spirit, soul, and
body. I heard a prophet say lately that drunkenness is one of the highest levels of
wisdom in the Kingdom. So come out to this glory revolutionary church plant and
drink your fill o' lovers!
Come in costumes ready to drink or just come as you are! This is the craziest
drunkiest messiest revival of all time. Come get pickled in the wine cellar of heaven
with some of Minnesota's wildest mystics! Caution: extreme drinking in progress.
Believers appear to be intoxicated on alcohol and high on drugs, but "WE ARE NOT
DRUNK AS YOU SUPPOSE!!!" Just show up empty headed and heart hungry for
God." Jim Goll and John Crowder teach “Tokin the Holy Ghost” from national platforms. I
believe these two men are promoting this teaching and it is polluting the Body of
Christ and people are becoming demonized.
IN ORDER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FALSE DOCTRINES THAT ARE INFILTRATING THE CHURCH GO TO THE LINK BELOW:
So called Apostles like Heidi Baker are not only after your wallet, they are after your soul as well.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”1 John 4:1 (KJV)
Heidi Baker is a rising star in the New Apostolic Reformation, and she is connected with Bethel Church in Redding, California. She has a global ministry that takes in millions and millions of dollars every year and like most Prosperity Gospel performers, she lives the good life. And as this video will prove beyond the shadow of any lingering doubt, she is a portal for demons looking for places to land. They are landing in bunches at Bethel Church.
GRAPHIC WARNING: This video, from a spiritual perspective, is highly disturbing and is not recommended for children to watch. Please view with caution.
Watch the video and see people writhing in pain on the floor, screaming out in pain, this is what passes for a “church service” in the NAR Movement at Bill Johnson's Bethel Church
Notice how she uses repetitive phrases combined with repetitive music to put people into a trance-like state. Trance induction is an occult technique, not a biblical one. Phrases like “receive the anointing”, “ten times”, “giving away” are repeated endlessly, this is right out of the cult’s playbook. We are called to worship God with our whole body, mind and spirit (cf 1 Corinthians 14: 14-15). In the middle of her psychic ramblings, she easily slips in admonitions for the people to “be generous with their gifts”, meaning to empty your wallet in the plate when it comes around. This woman is just crazy . At one point she starts repeating the word “legacy” over and over again while directing her worshippers to “put crowns on people’s head” and to “impart the anointing”. This is what it looks like when there is chaos in the Church..
On May 18, 2012 Tim Stafford of Christianity Today Magazine reported the following: “One night, Heidi Baker had a vision of Jesus in which she literally ate his flesh and drank his blood.” And “Heidi speaks of a ministry flowing from ‘your secret place’ in a love experience with Jesus so potent it verges on the erotic.”
THIS SO CALLED VISION OF HEIDI BAKER IS TOTAL BLASPHEMY! IT IS A SHOCKING TRAVESTY OF THE LORD'S DIVINE CHARACTER WHO IS PURE, HOLY, CHASTE AND UNDEFILED. AND CHRISTIANITY TODAY MAGAZINE HAD THE AUDACITY OF PUBLISHING THIS COUNTERFEIT VISION WITHOUT EVEN QUESTIONING IT'S SOURCE. This vision obviously is not validated by Holy Writ and must be rejected for what it really is: BLASPHEMY.
BELOW IN THIS VIDEO: BILL JOHNSON'S BETHEL CHURCH WHERE HEIDI BAKER FREQUENTLY PREACHES AND WHAT REALLY GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES.
Baker’s ministry, called IRIS Global, is a reference to the all-seeing Eye of Horus ”. In 1998, she joined Bill Johnson's Bethel School Of Supernatural Ministry as a Faculty Member to “equip and deploy revivalists who passionately pursue worldwide transformation”.
Stay far away from Heidi Baker, And stay far away from this Laodicean mess at Bethel Church. This is not New Testament Christianity, and this is not Bible doctrine.
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”Revelation 18:4 (KJV)
