As a result of my previous post on Todd Bentley on God TV, I received various comments from people defending him. Here are a few of those comments:
What if this is God and you are the ones that have “missed the boat”?
Jesus is being glorified, ministries from Scotland, Pensacola, SC and more are giving testimonies
You shall know them by there fruit, where’s your ministry, where’s your God television, all your doing is slagging other christians off who are trying there best to win people for God
Wow! did any of you see the Florida outpouring last night it was awesome. People on their faces, more testimonies….
Are people being healed and delivered? It appears a lot are. Even Todd wants verification. There “ain’t” know way he wants to document this “thing” with the media without verification.
I am also a researcher, I can be a skeptic also, so my wife and I went to check it out. The ones that go want more of God, not religion. I and they have been touched by God in a tangible way.
GOD touched me and i found that what my family members were criticising and mocking was actually happening to me a nobody from northern ireland.when i came home i had an even greatar love for JESUS and the WORD OF GOD.Surely this is the fruit in my life.I ask you not to judge yet but see what the fruit of this outpouring is.Surely satan is not going to glorify JESUS and get people truly saved.
You guys have no idea how much of God you are missing out on. I used to be a dry church pastor. We must look to the Bible to see that Jesus said, ‘by their fruit you will know them.’ Every night hundreds of people are getting saved at the Florida Revival
What if the doctrine you have learned is wrong! And now you are avoiding the real thing and therefore God?
I ask you not to judge yet but see what the fruit of this outpouring is.Surely satan is not going to glorify JESUS and get people truly saved
Guys who are we to judge, all you lot are doing is putting yourself in GODS chair and judging and making up your own minds what is off GOD or not, you need to seek GOD before you make up your minds
Now, looking at the Benny Hinn video, I am sure that many of the people who were there could say exactly what my commenters have been saying. That they ‘experienced God’ at his meetings, that anyone who speaks against him is judging. I mean, look at the people with their hands raised to God. The devil wouldnt want that would he? You can see that people are being ‘touched by God’
So the question is, if all these people are experiencing these things, does it automatically mean it is from God? Lets see what the bible says about Benny Hinn
So now we have a dilema. Is Benny Hinn a prophet of God because of the experiences we see in the first video or does scripture tell us something different?
Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness
So here we see that people will be suprised when Jesus rejects them, even though signs and wonders were performed and no doubt people had ‘experiences’ as a result.
He also says in Matthew 24:25-26
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.
In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 the apostle Paul says the following
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
So you can see here plainly that Satan will transform himself into the ministers of righteousness. He will not make it obvious, hence the reason why Paul calls them ‘deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ’. They will do God stuff. They will mention the name of Jesus. They will even perform miracles. From these scriptures, we can conclude that experiences, signs and wonders does not automatically mean that a person like Benny Hinn or Todd Bentley is from God
Some of the comments basically tell me to ask God for verification or to seek God about it. When scripture tells us plainly, there is no need to seek God about it because he has already given me the answer in his word. That will be like asking God, “Is it OK for me to steal?”
I will always says this. ‘Doctrine determines experience’ and not ‘experience determines doctrine’ which is what I seem to be hearing a lot of by the defenders of these teachers. This is what happens when we have a low view of scripture and elevate our experiences above it or we do not have some basic rules of biblical interpretation. We must be a Berean (Acts 17:11) and examine the Scriptures for ourselves to see if what they teach is true. I will leave you with the words of Jesus
I have been speaking to a few people lately and it seems that only a few people (like myself) are saying what a lot of people are thinking. I have seen the effects of an abusive church and I have seen the casualties along the way. So below are some signs to look out for which may indicate that you in an abusive church.
There is strong, control-oriented leadership. (Authoritarianism)
The use of guilt, fear, and intimidation by the leadership to manipulate members and keep them in line.
Followers led to think that there is no other church quite like theirs, and that God has singled them out for a special purpose.
Other, more traditional churches are put down as being less “holy” or “religious”. Self-righteous, Arrogant, Prideful attitudes are common (Elitism)
Subjective experience, especially public or group testimonials (sometimes coached), are encouraged and emphasized.
Many areas of members’ lives are subject to scrutiny, and the church standards established are usually based upon the life-style adopted by the leader.
Rules and legalism abound.
Members not following rules established by the leadership (or threatening exposure of the manipulation and abuse) are often labeled “Reprobates”, “Dupes of Satan”, “Jezebel” or “Bastard Ministries” and are dealt with harshly. They are often talked about in a negative light from the pulpit. Ostracism of former members and excommunication of dissenters are common.
For members choosing to leave a spiritually abusive church, returning to the realm of normalcy is difficult.
Oftentimes a spouse will show more loyalty to the church/pastor than to their spouse.
Oftentimes members of an abusive church will see what is wrong, but “turn the other cheek” out of fear.
Determine to make it a lifestyle to regularly share your faith. It may be with an unsaved friend, a coworker, a family member, or a stranger. Remember, the key to motivation is not to be concerned about yourself, but to care about the unsaved person’s eternal fate. Even if you were beaten up, Jesus said to rejoice and be exceedingly glad because even the prophets before you were persecuted. Think of what a child does when he’s learning to walk. If he falls down, do you discourage him from trying again? No. You want him to grow up, so you encourage him to stand on his own feet, and to take more steps. Even if he gets a bruise, you don’t tell him to give up. That would be unthinkable. So, if you fall down and get bruised, stand up, dust yourself off, and take another step of faith. There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.
Over the next few weeks I will attempt to answer this question.
What has prompted me do start this topic? It was a comment by a person called Jimmy aka ‘Curious Former Christian’ who seemed to honestly be seeking answers to this very question. Click here to read the comment. I will try and do this in stages and hopefully answer some of the questions such as:
Is there a God and if so, who created him?
IF THIS IS TRUE, how do we know that this God is the Christian God?
IF HE IS THE CHRISTIAN GOD, does this He reveal himself to us in the bible or by some other revelation?
IF IT IS BY THE BIBLE, how do we know that the bible is true?
IF THE BIBLE IS TRUE, how do we know that what Jesus said was true? Was he a liar, lunatic or is he truly Lord?
IF HE IS LORD, is Jesus the only way to God?
IF JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY, then what are the consequences of not choosing Him?
Let me start off by saying that I am no great theologian or scholar but as always, I will try and explain it (as much as I can) in laymens terms
On 2 May 2008 Cyclone Nargis ripped across the coast of Myanmar (Burma), bringing misery & devastation to tens of thousands. Below is a picture of a human corpse and animal remains decomposing side by side.
This is the reality. The Burmese state media say 22,980 people were killed by Cyclone Nargis but there are fears the figure could rise to 100,000. There is an estimated 1million Burmese injured or left homeless as a result of the cyclone
Some of us Christians have been accused of just knowing about theology and not dealing with or acknowleding peoples practical problems. Here is a chance for us to get the balance right. If you can (and I stress if you can), can I challenge the believers to make a small donation to help the relief efforts. Remember, people have lost their children, their babies, their mother, their family, their homes, their livelihood and the list goes on. I cannot even imagine what is going through the minds of those people and the distress they must be feeling
In the UK, to make a donation, please visit www.dec.org.uk or phone 0870 60 60 900
Alternatively, you can donate through Christian Aid by clicking here (you can donate US$ here)
If you live in another country, please can you provide a link where people can donate stating which country you live in and I will edit the post accordingly
Every little helps
Thankyou
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:31-39)
Remember to keep the people of Burma in your prayers
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. “ (Romans 8:1-2)
INDONESIA UPDATE: Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources
Praise God! On April 27, Pastor Abraham Bentar was released from prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, “Pastor Bentar was released two days ago; because he had served two-thirds of his sentence, he could be paroled. His wife received more than 10,000 letters and photographs from families around the world who were praying for them. The family is thankful for the support they received and rejoice in the pastor’s release.” VOM rejoices with Pastor Bentar’s family and thanks believers around the world for praying and encouraging him. Continue praying for protection and wisdom for Pastor Bentar as he returns home to his family and congregation. Ask God to protect believers in Indonesia. Psalm 100
INDIA “Anti-Conversion” Law Implemented in Gujarat State - VOM Sources
On April 1, an anti-conversion law passed in 2003, in Gujarat State, India, came into effect, increasing Christians’ concerns that it will encourage false accusations by Hindu extremists. According to VOM sources, “The law is supposed to curb religious conversions made by ‘force,’ ‘fraud’ or ‘allurement.’ However, Christians and human rights groups believe that the law actually obstructs all conversions, as Hindu extremists invoke it to harass Christian workers with arrests and imprisonments, which are often accompanied with violence against the accused.” The law dictates that any person who intends to convert must notify the government or they will be declared an offender and prosecuted under criminal laws. It also stipulates that those convicted of “forcible conversion” could be jailed for up to three years. Anti-conversion laws are now enforced in five Indian states-Gujarat, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh-and have been passed, but are yet to be implemented in Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Ask God to strengthen Christian workers in Gujarat as they face more opposition in serving the Lord. Pray the faithfulness of Indian Christians will be a light that draws many to the love of Christ. Matthew 5:14-16
KAZAKHSTAN Churches Facing Administrative Charges - Forum 18 News
On April 21, the government in Kazakhstan brought charges against the Salem Church in the capital city of Atyrau, in Atyrau province, for holding “illegal” meetings under Article 374, part 1, of the Administrative Code, which punishes unregistered church activity. According to Forum 18 News, “The charges are a response to a group of Russian-speaking church members meeting regularly in a private home instead of the church’s registered address. The church’s leader, however, stated that the Administrative Code allows such groups to meet in a member’s private home, so long as important religious ceremonies-such as baptisms and weddings-are not conducted.” Meanwhile, local authorities have asked the New Life Church, also in Atyrau city, to re-register since their old registration did not indicate a legal address. Forum 18 reports, “Since the church does not currently have a building, re-registering will be difficult as Kazakhstan’s amended Religion Law demands that a church indicate a legal address. Church members fear they will be subject to penalty because authorities will now consider their church activity ‘illegal.’” Pray for wisdom for these churches and their leaders as they face pressure and opposition from authorities. Pray that the Word of God will continue to spread throughout Kazakhstan. Psalm 5:11-12
“People who don’t want scrutiny, people who don’t want to be held accountable for what they teach or what they believe, people who don’t want to be told they’re wrong, they always throw that verse ‘Judge not lest you be judged!’”
OK, I was on another website and someone commented ‘Have ya’ll heard about the Florida outpouring? Check it out on God TV at 7.00pm onwards every night! Be excited…God is about to move!’
For those of you who don’t know, God TV is a christian television channel here in the UK which broadcasts around the world. It has a lot of false teachers/word of faith preachers on it like the Copelands, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Benny Hinn and they occasionally do beg-a-thons Missions Week where they get in people like Mike Murcoch and Steve Munsey to help with fund raising. It seems like I am not the only one who has beef with God TV. Check out this post
How do we preach the gospel? By preaching repentance and faith? Don’t be silly. Benny Hinn will tell you how
That’s right. You preach the gospel by ’sowing that seed’. Shame on you if you didn’t know
But I digress, so going back to the ‘Florida outpouring’, I turned over the channel to see this ‘outpouring’ and what do I see. I see a man called Todd Bentley doing ‘Benny Hinn’ style of ‘healings’ in Florida. When I saw it, I had to ask the question “Is that it? Is that what is now classed as revival?”
It never ceases to amaze me how deceived people can be. All because of a lack of knowledge of sound doctrine or because people just cannot be bothered to read the bible themselves. For example here is a quote from Todd Bentley
“If an anointed point is made by a minister of the gospel and an associate wants that particular point activated in their life, they will immediately sow into it. By that I mean, they will run up to the pulpit or the altar—“I want that”—and sow into the anointing in that moment of glory, by placing an offering there. Bam! Just whatever is said, they sow into it. Of course they can’t buy the anointing, but on the other hand they can sow into it.”
And the bible verse for that is …….hmmmmm….that’s right. There isn’t one. He also says that scripture speaks of an angel that releases finances. Check out Phil 4:19 for yourself. What do you mean you cant see it? Just do some scripture twisting and it will appear. You can read some of Todd Bentley’s teachings here and also here where he talks about going into trances, seeing angelic beings and how we should pray that we can see angels and get a visitation from them.
Check out a clip of his ‘Florida Revival’. Look familiar?
If this is what the priest wants to bring back to Engalnd, I hope he stays where he is.
Below are two videos which does a good job exposing some of the false teachers for who they are.
1. True Christianity must line up with the Bible, the word of God. True Christianity pronounces Jesus Christ to be the son of God and believes that He is the only way to salvation and forgiveness.
2. True Christianity will be rejected by the vast majority. This has always been the case throughout history. In Noah’s time only 8 people were saved in the whole world. In Lot’s time only Lot and his family were saved in two cities. The Bible says that our time will be similar to Noah and Lot’s time so it is very likely that the percentage of people saved could be similar.
3. True Christianity will be considered radical by most people. Jesus, the apostles and the prophets were considered radical. The Bible says that Christians are a peculiar people.
4. True Christianity will boldly rebuke and hate evil to such a large extent that those who preach the truth will greatly upset those who are evil. Those who preach truth will suffer persecution as a result.
5. True Christianity will be controversial and cause divisions (Luke 12: 51,52). To cause these divisions major change would have to occur in someone’s life which would upset others.
6. True Christianity will testify that almost everything that almost everyone does is evil.
7. True Christianity will be about true love, which is sharing and caring for others, where the main focus is to proclaim or aid the proclamation of the Gospel.
8. True Christianity will not be conformed to the world by accepting or desiring materialism, money and commercialism as a good thing or a part of life.
9. True Christianity will not be able to be proved wrong, although people may appear to make it sound untrue by arguing against it by using false statements.
10. True Christianity will not be deceptive or misleading or cause people to believe a lie. It will be about honesty and truth. People today are saying misleading things such as that the church is fine. They say people are supposed to be getting healed everywhere and saying they are healed when they are not. This could be compared to a dishonest salesman who says something is great when it does not work in order to get people to accept their product or system.
11. True Christianity is positive about good things and doing God’s will, but it hates evil. It is not like the mainstream that is positive about many evil things. Saying that something evil is good is only leading people to do evil. Many people say that things are fine and that many people are being saved and doing God’s will when this is not true. This is only suppressing the fact that the world is almost totally evil and causing people not to repent.
12. True Christianity has the fruits of commitment to doing God’s will and it will follow the historical example of those who did God’s will such as Jesus, the Apostles and the Prophets. Using your time and money to do God’s will is the purpose of life. The majority don’t do God’s will by working for the corrupt system or spending their money and time on unnecessary things
UPDATE: Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources
