Deception Bytes

Prior to this past Monday night, I had sent a letter to my pastor concerning Todd Bentley.I knew little about Bentley until I did some researching on him. I did this before I knew that he was having another pastor friend in who went to Lakeland after watching this revival (???) 50 days on tv. I do not have television with cable or satellite so I have not watched the outpouring as it is called. To make a long story shorter pastor completely avoided me Sunday and when he announced about Monday night Todd Bentley's name was not mentioned. This is deceit. On Monday night, I sat way in the back to observe people. I wish I could not have had the angry face on me. The speaker also made the same comment as pastor did "It is not about the man, but about the revival" and his name was not mentioned. Deceit again. I have been in pentecostal church for 25 years and what I saw was wrong, wrong, wrong. The speaker brought his own worship team and the music went on for well over an hour with just 4 chords being planned. This is trance producing music. I heard some noises that were very questionable. One song mentioned winds of change.
The speaker would hit himself on the back as if he was swatting a fly.I noticed and my small church was well packed, that most people were worshipping. I just sat there and an elderly retired pastor (been a pastor for over 60 years) was praying the whole time and did not take part in the worship. The speaker did some prophesying. My pastor just laid there and had no control ...He was hugging the altar.. When there was a call from the speaker for everyone to come up and have hands laid on them, I left. Later I found out several others had including the retired pastor. I am still upset in the way my church is going. In my letter to my pastor,I stated "The AOG must approach this man with caution" and I closed it with this "I will state that if not a wave from God much tranference is being taken into churches and people are being greatly deceived and accepting spirits that are out to destroy the works of God and His Bride". I witnessed this first hand Monday night.

Very interesting and heart-breaking post.  It is interesting to say that you attend a AOG church.  Bentley is pushing latter rain theology, the very same theology that the AOG church rejected as heresy in the 1940's.  How far we have fallen.  I am so encouraged by Christians like yourself and the retired pastor you mentioned who have discernement and do not just blindly follow. It is devastating when those we love and fellowship with fall so easily into deception. My heart has been broken this way many times as I have fought to get free of this movements influence in my life. 

Blessings and thank you for sharing

Mishel

AOG headquarters had to make a statement about Lakeland. They did not come right out and say do not go there but to be cautious. They also did not name names and you had to read between the lines but you knew who they were talking about. I know my pastor either got an email or letter from the headquarters before I gave him my letter. This was before I knew about the headquarter's letter. My exact words were the same as headquarters and it was confirmation to not have anything to do with Lakeland. I have been a member for 25 years and also attended AOG bible college. My pastor's actions and the other pastor's actions put them in the catagory of rebellious pastors. Let me also state the visiting pastor had to travel clear across the USA to get to Lakeland since we are located on the west coast.I know that people trust their pastors to lead them and not to lead them astray. I believe this Lakeland will have God's hand in it and it is to seperate the sheep from the goats. The sheep are the churches and pastors who are not being sucked into Lakeland and are having their churches go into intense prayer/Bible study. The goats are those endorsing Todd Bentley/Lakeland and go there for the impartations and bring it back to their church and other churches who eagerly receive it.... The bottom line is that they eagerly receive it and do not make a fuss about it.....

I commend you on your work. I was National General Secretary of AoG Australia (1989 to 1992) and resigned over where I perceived AoG to be heading. I have written a long article entitled "AoG-UK a different movement with the same name." I served for many years as an AoG pastor in UK and have traveled extensively in both USA and other countries. CWM has commenced a blog which among other things features the Todd Bentley so called healing revival. We have been speaking out since 1994 on matters such as these. You can access our blog at: http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/ where the article on AoG-UK is accessible and is as follows in part: THE UK ASSEMBLIES OF GOD A DIFFERENT MOVEMENT WITH THE SAME NAME By Philip L. POWELL - http://www.cwmfellowship.org; http://www.christian-witness.org Having grown up as the son and nephew of British Assemblies of God pastors, [born 1939] and having entered the Assemblies of God ministry as a student-pastor [circa 1959 in Brisbane, Australia] and a credentialed AoG-UK minister [circa 1961], becoming General Secretary of The Australian Assemblies of God [1989-1992] after pastoring in Britain (16 years) and Australia (10 years), I and others found ourselves in a quagmire. The original Assemblies of God had never been a denomination with a hierarchy. It was designed as a movement of autonomous local congregations held together by common doctrine and biblical practice with “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). However things had changed and with the election of carnal ambitious men as part of the hierarchy, over the years, the emphasis had moved away from Bible based doctrine and holy living to pragmatism and a plethora of false teaching with inevitable consequences. I witnessed one deception and counterfeit “revival” after another bearing no resemblance to the biblical Pentecostalism I knew from my childhood. Doctrines alien to the Word of God, that traditional Pentecostals would have dismissed as heretical, were being embraced and promoted. For me it started with the 2nd visit of Mr Paul (later changed to “David” in typical cultic fashion) Yongii Cho to Australia [Adelaide circa 1979] . He taught “incubating” as part of his Fourth Dimension heresy. Admittedly I did not at that time realise that the source of his doctrine was Buddhism, on account of his claim to have received it by “revelation” from the Lord Jesus. However both my wife and I were uncomfortable with it. I recall mentioning my concern to Fred Evans, brother of the then Australian AoG Superintendent Andrew Evans. It seemed to me that Mr Cho’s idea condoned and even promoted covetousness, which the Bible forbids (cf. Exodus 20:17 with Romans 7:7 and 13:9). I shall never forget Fred’s response, “Ah, Phil I don’t worry about that sort of thing!” My concerns and more were confirmed by Dave Hunt’s book – The Seduction of Christianity in which among other things the author documented Cho’s doctrinal source as being Buddhist. Amazingly the AoG hierarchy in Australasia banned Hunt’s book. I wrote to the editor of The Australian Evangel at the time, challenging the official AoG ban. My letter was not published. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD—inter alia

Dear folks, encouragement to you for being prepared to follow and speak out about the Truth - a person - Christ.

If the Church is willing to really listen to the Head, then she will be spared much grief. He clearly said - "you have only one Master and you are all brothers" (Matt 23:8). The very second that any of us sets ourselves above our brothers in some way, we automatically take what is rightfully only His place.
The so-called "churches" of today, which are nothing but man-made organisations, are full of 'men who would be kings'.

Consider carefully what Jesus said... (Mat 20:25-28 NIV) "Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. (26) _Not so with you_. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (27) and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- (28) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.""

Jesus demands a life that is totally given over - to Him and no one else - "You are not your own, you were bought at a price" (1 Cor 6:19,20) -- and especially not taken up with our_selves_! He is coming back soon, for His perfect bride, that which has made herself ready for Him, "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish".

To those who are still concerned with what the AOG 'church' may have to say about Todd Bentley - do not look to men. Make sure that the Word of God (Christ) is the Lamp to your feet. If we have undivided hearts towards Him, and Him alone, we can trust that He will guide us into all truth (Jn 16:13).

For any who would like to seek further into the Word about 'prophets' and 'prophecy', the following may be useful:- http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/prophetic_ministry.html

...blessings in Him...GordonH

Praise God for doing a new thing! I always get surprised why there is so much fear about whether something is or is not of God. If someone earnestly believes that God is moving through this man's ministry then who are we to criticize. On the issue of theology, it is tragic to see how some have become so self-obsessed in getting our theology right - that they miss Jesus.

Perhaps you would do well to consider exactly what the purpose of John 9 was. Perhaps instead of living out of fear that you may be deceived in seeking God (by some false ministry) you should apply the simplicity of this poor blind man? I certainly have:

John 9
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was.
Others said, "No, he only looks like him."
But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.

11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

12"Where is this man?" they asked him.
"I don't know," he said.

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."
16Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."
But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.

17Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened."
The man replied, "He is a prophet."

18The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19"Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"

20"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ[a] would be put out of the synagogue. 23That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

24A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God,[b]" they said. "We know this man is a sinner."

25He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

26Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

27He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"

28Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."

30The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

34To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.

Spiritual Blindness
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."

37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."

38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"

41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

I implore you - don't dismiss something just because you don't get the whole theology. I guarantee your local pastor (including Philip Powell) have misconceived ideas (as no one has everything down pad). Earnestly seek Jesus. Read God's Word. Pray and ask God to touch you. Open your hearts to Him and expect that our Living God will reach you in a living way today!

Phil wrote the following:

Praise God for doing a new thing! I always get surprised why there is so much fear about whether something is or is not of God. { ummm I am going to pretend you didn't just ask why we would worry if something is of God or not} If someone earnestly believes that God is moving through this man's ministry then who are we to criticize. {I have never criticized ANYONE for believing Todd's ministry is from God- People are entirely free to believe what they will- I have pointed out the error in his teaching- we are told to have nothing to do with the works of darkness but rather EXPOSE THEM- I would never criticize someone for their beliefs as I was once very DEEPLY involved in this movement.} On the issue of theology, it is tragic to see how some have become so self-obsessed in getting our theology right - that they miss Jesus. {Yeah but what about missing Jesus because we don't get our theology right?  Jesus said many would come to him saying but Jesus look man- look at all the cool stuff we did and He will say - sorry guys I never knew you}

 Later you wrote:

 I implore you - don't dismiss something just because you don't get the whole theology.{oh I get the theology} I guarantee your local pastor (including Philip Powell) have misconceived ideas as no one has everything down pad. ( except for you?  So you are saying that we should accept Bentley because we dont have everything down pat and just trust your judgement because you can not be deceived?}Earnestly seek Jesus. Read God's Word. Pray and ask God to touch you. Open your hearts to Him and expect that our Living God will reach you in a living way today! {So let me get this- you are saying I dont read God's Word, dont pray, haven't asked God to touch me and have a closed heart?  .. and you say I am the one critcizing others?

So let me sum up your advice

1- dont be afraid if something is God or not

2- Don't worry about getting the theology right

3- Consider John 9 ( not sure how that supported your argument - but enjoyed the verses)

4 Don't worry about being deceived by fasle ministries

5- Don't miss "something" because you don't understand the theology ( its that very something that I am worried about)

6- Consider the fact that we non-Bentleyites have misconceived ideas and should just follow the advice of someone such as yourself who obviously has it right.

7- Read our bible- pray and be "open" suggesting that of couse we haven't been.

 

I do thank you for your advice and I do think that you mean well- but if it is all the same to you I think I will pass.

Mishel

 

 

Bentley IS HEARING FROM GOD'S THRONE!

Phil,

I agree that we don't need to fear Todd Bentley or the anti-Christ spirit that is operating in him. I am grateful to God the Father that we are seeing the sign of the end and that he is making manifest the hearts of men. Todd Bentley doesn't preach (or want) holiness, he wants exaltation and the desires of his own heart, the only scary thing is that God is ALLOWING HIM TO HAVE IT!

I greatly fear God the Father, that He would agree with me (instead of I with Him) and send me the desires of MY heart. If I seek His kingdom and his righteousness first then ALL good things will be added unto me. What if He allowed me to have everything I wanted without His kingdom and righteousness?? THAT IS SCARY.

I understand ALL of Bentley's "theology" well enough to see what is in operation, a lying false spirit, SENT BY GOD.

1Ki 22:4-24 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. (5) And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD today. (6) Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. (7) And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? (8) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. (9) Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. (10) And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. (11) And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. (12) And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand. (13) And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spoke unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. (14) And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. (15) So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. (16) And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD? (17) And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. (18) And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? (19) And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. (20) And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. (21) And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. (22) And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. (23) Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. (24) But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

Was the spirit "from" God? Yes. Was it the Holy Spirit? No. God gave King Ahab EXACTLY what he wanted to hear, and of course Ahab went and DIED, thank you Lord! Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing the truth but Ahab insisted on hearing a LIE! So God sent him one.

THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO FEAR THE LORD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Also in: 2Th 2:1-12 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Mishel,

Now that you have misinterpreted what I said it is quite clear to me where the issue is - so I will address each of your points to make my position abundantly clear to you and your band of not so merry men:

1- dont be afraid if something is God or not - If you knew God's voice then you would not spend so much time decrying someone's ministry (lest someone else be deceived). God is not going to trick His people. I do not believe I am deceived and I follow Him whole-heartedly. It is not in Satan's business to make people hunger more for God's Word, His Spirit, and His Son - Jesus Christ. So go figure...

2- Don't worry about getting the theology right - Of course, if someone is preaching heresy you have every right to object. The fact, is that there is a group of perverted naval gazers who spend so much time (as did the Pharisees) summing up whether or not a person meets their theological standards, that they miss the fact that God can move through whom He chooses. He can move through donkeys - He can move through those casting out demons in His name (even if it flustered His uneducated disciples).

3- Consider John 9 ( not sure how that supported your argument - but enjoyed the verses). Mishel to make it very clear - the Pharisees were very quick to judge Jesus because he didn't tick their religious sabbath box. Perhaps you have put on a pedestal, in a not dissimilar way - your box of how and when God can move - and more importantly whom He move through. If people are being healed and saved and following Christ whole heartedly - then what is your problem?

4- Don't worry about being deceived by false [sic] ministries - I never wrote that (so who is bearing false testimony - by skewing my words for their agenda? Hmmm)

5- Don't miss "something" because you don't understand the theology ( its that very something that I am worried about). There is a big difference between dismissing something and missing something. Perhaps you should continue to read articles more carefully. You might find points you invalidated - were actually because of your interpretation rather than what is actually said. As I go through your list I am becoming more convinced that you are just looking for something to be deceived by. Bon appetite!

6-Consider the fact that we non-Bentleyites have misconceived ideas and should just follow the advice of someone such as yourself who obviously has it right. I am not a Bentleyite. I am a Christian. Would my world come crashing down tomorrow - if Bentley 'fell from grace'. No! Do you know why Mishel? Because I follow Christ - a man who will never fall from grace. Do I have everything right? No. I don't - but then again I am not the one who feels the need to set up a whole website to broadcast why they are right, and why Todd Bentley (and the other movements you have been involved are) are wrong. So Mishel, with all due respect - who is the one who is promoting themselves as being right? Thanks for the opportunity to use your illuminatingly 'right' website (so aptly named after its author)

7- Read our bible- pray and be "open" suggesting that of couse we haven't been. To those who are "open" it is abundantly clear that you are not.

Mishel, I weep for you brother. If only you dedicated as much time spreading the Good News of the Gospel to those who are lost - rather than your misguided mission to save those who have already found the truth of God's saving grace and healing. I pray that God sustains those who promote His word.

You still are missing it Phil. Did you bother reading my post?

1. Will God trick his people? Yes, if we want stuff more than Him He most definitely will. (Read 2 Thessalonians 2)

2. Don't worry about theology right now? When are we supposed to "worry" about it? After we stand in front of His throne? (Maybe we can plead ignorance?) Theology means study or teaching of God whereas doctrine means teaching. Here are some verses on that:

2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2Ti 4:3-5 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Tit 1:9-11 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

2Jn 1:7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed: (11) For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds.

3. Don't be quick to judge? Signs and wonders? See above and read this again for good measure:

2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

and

Mat 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

4 and 5. Grow up.

6. We are all in error so why bother? Just because I'm a sinner doesn't mean that God cannot use me to expose error and bring His Word.

7. Open to what? Anything?

Pat, I seriously doubt that you are "weeping for Mishel. Seeing the number of people being sucked down the broad path (that leads to destruction) I recommend that more people point out apostasy in the church and continue to cry for HOLINESS. People that get suckered by the preaching of Bentley types ARE LOST if they don't understand that our God is a HOLY GOD.

Mat 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We need His righteousness more than ANYTHING. Without it no amount of healing or anointing or "blessing" is going to do anything more than confirm our destruction along the broad path as we skip along to our doom. Pat, you really need to pray for God to reveal His Word and His righteousness to you and start letting Him clean you up, repent and turn.

 

Mishel,

I'll leave you and Ben C to it. There is a lost world out there that needs to know the love of Jesus, the fear of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. I see it a far better use of my time - reaching those needing to know Jesus then debating with you.

Goodbye

I completely agree with you- all the best

Mishel

If you want to hear a preacher that is preaching the truth connect with Jimmy Swaggart ministries.

When I first saw the comment on Jimmy Swaggart I dismissed it but you are speaking the truth.  That ministry is one of the very few that are speaking out against this stuff- I was shocked to hear how accurate they were about all this. 

It seems to me if you don't have the time
to test the spirits stop sticking up for todd bently
and sit down and shut up.The biggest cry babies in the
kingdom of GOD are always the ones that don't do
their homework on such matters.Final word GOD says test the spirits
or maybe you think that word isn't for you.If you are not doing this you have no foundation of truth to stand on so again set down!

It's not just the theology:

Have you seen this? I was stunned. I hope the poor guy is OK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUTCWLoD4-4

How can anyone say Todd is of God? This thing is as evil as it gets!

God gave us brains. We need to use them. I have not missed Jesus in this. He does not do this kind of thing.

What happens if he kills somebody?

That is so twisted. I feel like throwing up. And naming names.

The goon in the black shirt who brings this poor man up on stage is Bojan Jancic of New York City. I know this because he sought me out as a friend on Facebook. Before I realized that he and Todd Bentley were good friends, I sent him information I had discovered that raised concerns about Lakeland, beginning with the "Kick her in the face" video. It was after sending this, and a few other items, that I noticed he had posted all kinds of pictures on his profile page of himself with Todd "ministering" to crowds of people in the streets in NYC. Not surprisingly, he removed me from his friend list.

This video shows him at work in the NYC Church, CityLight, where he pastors. The tall blonde woman is his wife, Jamie.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VoLpIeTKVhE&feature=related

And here you can hear Todd's "prophetic word" for Bojan, delivered in Manhattan one week before Lakeland.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?

Note: On this myspace profile Bojan lists his religion as "Christian - other" and his occupation as "Life Resuscitationalist." Whatever that means.

That REALLY upset me- who on earth would kick a man with stage 4 colon cancer in the stomach.  You can tell he is in a lot of pain after being kicked. I am going to post the video under the video section. 

Not sure which translation this is but, as with so many, it is a gross distortion of God's character. God never made anyone blind to show His glory. It would be totally inconsistent with His nature as shown by Jesus.
I very strongly believe that the following punctuation would give a totally different interpretation. Instead of "Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him." it should be: Jesus answered, “Neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but so that the works of God might be displayed in him we must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day…" There is no punctuation in the Greek nor the words "it was" This, with its traditional punctuation, stands alone in the NT as giving any hint that God afflicts someone for His glory. Those sort of ideas appear to have appeared with Augustine of Hippo many years later. Do we really believe that blind man suffered all those years for God's glory? I cannot do so when I look at Jesus!

can you tell me where you get your information for a direct connection between Todd Bentley and these new age teachings. I find the information fascinating but I'd like to substantiate what you are saying. Have any of these revival guys actually said they espouse the teaching you describe. I know they are crazy but your article doesn't prove they are really in conspiracy. Do you have quotes and articles or teachings of theirs to back up what you've said. I'd love to read them.

Just a quick example: last night (2nd July UK) Todd claimed that God said He would move until Todd moved the pulpit 5 inches. Todd said he disputed with God as to why that was. God's alleged reply was that He wouldn't move until the "pattern was right." That is a very clear New Age concept in the Feng Shui line! That is just one example of these concepts being promoted at Lakeland. Basically if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck & quacks like a duck; it IS a duck! These guys don't need to say they are teaching New Age for that to be the actual case.

Ian, Hi! Sorry, I can't agree with you there about what TB said and the Feng Shui link. There are numerous parallels in world religions, for all kinds of complicated reasons. Just because something in one mirrors something in another does not make a direct equivalence. There are many underlying concepts which spread right across world faiths. To follow your logic, you might as well take the extremely exact measurements given by God in the OT regarding the building of the Temple and label those as evidence of Feng Shui.

In my opinion, and it is only an opinion, but one borne out of ten years of deep research into world religions and the vast majority of that in dealing with New Age concepts, we have to be very careful about jumping to simplistic conclusions based on similarities. There are numerous occult-type parallels to praying in tongues, but this does not make praying in tongues dependent on these as a source. We cannot make direct, unsubstantiated links between concepts just because they follow a similar structure.

Having said all of that, I am as sceptical of Lakeland as anyone else, just for different reasons.

Michael

I completely agree that Mr Bentley is following a new age agenda. The weight of evidence mounting up against him is overwhelming.
He is clearly following in the footsteps of William Branham who believed in ufos and pyramid power. Branham also denied the existance of the Holy Trinity and claimed to be the prophet Elijah.
I too have studied the New Age for many years after being an proponant of such philosophies. Thankfully I received grace from the Lord.
I pray that the Lord will give His people the gift of discernment.
It does seem quite clear now that the Lord is allowing this for the purpose of separating the sheep from the goats.
We are living in an incredibly important time. Jesus is Lord. Hallelujah.

Pete

Hi Mishel Could you site your sources for all the information you give on the basic tenant of what Todd Bentley and the Lakeland people believe. I know about Paul Cain but I can't find where Bob Jones did the naked before the lord horrors. I am not doubting the connection to the new age and occult (7 headed voodoo vampires indeed!) but what source do you use? Has Todd Bentley written something that could be read that lines up with what you are saying? Are you just drawing conclusions because of the similarities to Alice Baileys teachings? I don't think you would do that b/c of what you have commented in dialog with other comments. Thanx

I get constant emails asking me to site my sources.  All the information I use is readily available in their teachings.  i was IN this movement and I am all to familiar with what they believe first hand.  I always site what sources I use in my articles.  In terms of Bob Jones- I do have the original article some where but if you google it you should be able to get the ACTUAL news article from Kansas City.  However details of this are readily available in the internet.  As well, I heard Bob talk about a similar incident in person with his own lips at Morningstar Ministries in Charlotte.  This is a well known fact in the apsotolic and prophetic circles and not disputed by anyone. 

In answer to your question, yes I am drawing conclusions- - from their own teaching,  tapes, videos, books and from my own personal experience with them.  They are not going to come right out and say - hey what we belive is "New Age" - no it is deception.  That is why Satan comes as an angel of light- he fools us into thinking that he is from God. 

My suggestion to you is what I suggest to everyone who asks- please do NOT take my word for it- that is how you fall into deception- but take my research as a basis to do your own- check out the things I say and look them up on the internet.  Do NOT ever take my word for anything- research it, weigh it and decide for yourself.  It sounds to me as if you are already skeptical of Bentley but still I would admonish you to do your own research- it does two things- it establishes it as fact in your own heart and mind and two it gives you a ready defense for those that would say - "hey you just read that in someones blog and that could be their opinion."

 

Also I would also highly encourage you to read the articles under "latter rain deception"

also "the outpouring of new age Doctrine in the Church" and "A Strong Delusion- The New Apostolic Reformation"  These articles all fit together and shed light on each other.

no thanks.

I have been in the Pentecostal for over 40 years, one thing I have learned is you judge the fruits. Also the word says touch not the anointed. Did you at any time bring this before the throne room of our Lord??? Now what do you have to say about Oprah's new church. Would you like to bash that too, there's one you may like to join???

If you have been a Pentecostal for over 40 years then I am surprised to see you misuse scripture.  No where in scripture does it say to "Touch not" the Lords annointed. This is always taken out of context from the story of David and Saul.

In this story we see that David refused to kill Saul, even though in doing so,  he would have rid himself of enemy, and secured the throne for himself(1 Sam. 24:1-15).

 But some say there is another application to this and that God was banning ANY negative comments or refroof about another's ministry, for this, too, would constitute "touching God's anointed." Is this a correct application of these scriptures? Absolutely not!

If you use the above criteria - then Samuel must have been in sin.  He certainly "touched God's anointed," in speaking out about Saul's disobedience (1 Sam. 15:20).

There are other examples- you must remember that these self styled prophets and apostles have their own SELF interest to protect in preaching the "touch not the Lord's anointed" mantra.  They do it to PREVENT  honest discussion of their unbliblical views and teachings.

 

Jesus Christ is the Anointed One and EVERY Christian shares in His anointing, not just a select few.

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth…
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” - 1 John 2: 20 + 27

It is worth noting that the apostle John debated in person with Gnostics of his day, and he had Gnostic thinking in mind when he wrote this letter. The Gnostics sought to rise to a higher, more spiritual plane, didn't care about personal ethics, and believed their "pure spirits" could not be tainted by "earthly" sin. Thus, they could act any way they wanted. Sounds a lot like the Lakeland shenanigans to me.

Beliefs must be judged by the actions they produce. True fellowship is not a mystical, super-intellectual flight into the great Alone, but a relationship with the Father through Christ. And that also entails responsibilities to others in God's family, not dependence upon on a few so-called ‘anointed’ ministries or people.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to brotherly love and wholesome living, and we are to heed the Biblical principle of the Anointed One, with everyone sharing in Christ’s ministry.

Shalom.

pitifulcoma,

Here's a link to a commentary from a man who attended one of Todd's teaching seminars and it's use of Guided Visualization that he uses to contact angels and visit heaven - http://www.supernaturalblogger.com/index.htm - do a search on "Guided Visualization" and you'll find the entry.

Also, Patricia King, who is Todd's mentor and the one who discovered him and got him started in ministry, was a witch who continued many of the same new age/witch teachings after becoming a Christian. She was publically rebuked last year by C Peter Wagner, Chuck Pierce and Bill Hamon for those teachings and warned everyone not to go to her meetings because they would be subject to evil spirits - this was a publically issued letter that can be found at Charisma forum. Patricia taught Todd much and even has co-hosted the Lakeland meetings a number of nights, yet she never repented of or changed her new age/witch teachings.

Finally, if you read through the many articles on Todd's website, he often discusses how he contacts angels (using the "third eye" of his imagination - yes, I read his description of how he does this) and visits heaven - they are clearly new age techniques. He talks about how you close your eyes and imagine your angel, picture him or her in your mind and then start to talk to it and interact with it - pretty soon, it starts to talk back. That is new age and how people get misled by demons calling themselves spirit guides.

I also have been in Pentecost for 40 years plus, and I have learned that you judge fruit not by the personality of the individual, but rather by the written word of God. As regarding "touch not my annointed", please, let's apply context. If you are in Pentecost, then I assume you believe in the priesthood of all believers? Therefore, we are all anointed and all have the responsibility to use discernment.

As a 40 year veteran of Pentecost, you have seen this "latter rain" heresy time and again, and know how destructive it is. You have also been witness to very convincing hoax artists such as Warnke, etc... we were all fooled for a while. Let us learn our lesson...

When Todd by his own words asserts his authority and bona fides are directly the result of William Branham and Sadju Singh, there is little left to discern. When he sites his reliance on Angels to produce healings, and they are clearly and by his own confession the entities associated with Paul Cain and William Branham, there is no longer a debate...

If we just depend on what we "feel" are fruits, rather than measuring them against scripture, we will end up with rotten fruit.

Remember, sign and wonders that... they do not validate! That is why the Anti-Christ will be able to do these things as well...

There is nothing left to discern here, all is plain...

"A new thing" is usually code for "There is no scripture to validate what is happening".

What "new thing" can you point to in the past that would be a basis for what Todd is doing? Mostly, Todd cites others (Branham, Cain, Jones, King, Singh, etc... and their actions as a basis for what he is doing now... not new, just recycled...

Most of us who have been around a while have seen it over and over... the difference is, Todd is being caught and ensnared in his own words and actions on Utube. Now he cannot take it back and deny it effectively. His constant changes to his website are also being documented, as well as his "adjustments" to his theology...

One thing about God... He never changes!

Jesus Christ, the same... yesterday, today and forever...

Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven...

I've watched the "outpouring" skeptically for at least 40+ hours. I believe that Todd is a genuine Christian and is careful to give the glory to God and point out that only Jesus can heal and the outpouring is all about Jesus. The healed people are so genuine and sweet and clearly the real deal. My spirit says it's of God, not Satan. I agree it's extremely wise to be very very careful.

"My spirit says it's of God, not Satan", you see, that's the problem, you're going off what your, "spirit" tells you, or your "heart". If you would go off what the Bible says, you'd have a different story. The Bible says that our hearts are deceitful and wicked, we can't trust our hearts because they can deceive us. We need to run all things through Scripture. Sure, some, and I mean a small some, of what Todd Bentley says is good, remember, even a broken clock is right twice a day. If a person was to watch and do what Todd is doing, they'd be just as far from heaven than they were if they hadn't. He is 100% a false teacher, please stay away from him, you see, it's just like the devil, he'll get you hooked on just enough to get you to swallow the whole bait. Once he's got you just a little, you're a goner. If you must watch preaching on TV or the internet, then watch some John Macarthur or John Piper or somebody else that's know for good, solid Bible teaching, not this new-age Todd Bentley stuff.

Do not be decieved brethren, This is of GOD. You, brethren mind as well just keep all your comments inside from the threat of Blasphemy against the Holy Spirt. Of course amost of you are probably getting angry as I say this just as the Pharisee's did when Jesus spoke of the truth. History repeats itself.

I know this Todd Bentley, and there is nothing wrong with him, tons and tons of people have been saved through his ministry. He does not a Gnostic, I heard him talk about it once and how crazy and demonic it is. Do not be critical brothers, look and see....I've seen false prophets too, I know the truth.

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from GOD,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the
spirit of GOD: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from GOD
, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus, is not from GOD. This is the spirit of the antichrist
, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." (1st John 4:1-3) NIV

I know false prophets I have seen them and I know the truth. Brethren, do not be like the Pharisee's, in which do not know GOD whatsoever but persecute those who do for things they thing are different and wierd. The world has taught you what is wierd and what is not wierd!

"It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the
house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid
of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will be made known. What I
tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim on the roofs." (Matthew 10:25-27) NIV

Know the knowledge of GOD.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge......." (Hosea 4:6) NIV

If you brethren, or I, were to stand in the full glory of GOD, we would die and be seared off. That is why we will resurrected with new bodies. When the power and glory of GOD through the Holy Spirit comes on to somebody, our bodies can't take it. Of course it is only a fraction of the glory of GOD. But our physical, carnal, fleshly bodies can't take it. In the Gospel of John in Chapter 18..........

"'I am He,' Jesus said. When Jesus said,' I am He' they drew back and fell to the ground." (John 18:5-6) NIV
The power of GOD. Or even here in Revelation..............

"When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead........" (Revelation 1:17) NIV

The way he said didn't sound like he was bowing down to Jesus, but fell as if he died. Sure you may argue and conclude against all these, but ultimately, I must tell you that in the Temple in the Old Covenant............you had to be clean and sinfree and a priest, you would enter and the power of GOD would fill the place. People would die if they were'nt priest's or even unclean and sinful. Well Jesus broke that! W e are the Temples and we won't die...................We all may experience the glory and power of GOD through love and sometimes our Temples may shake. All satan tries to do is copy GOD with satanic and demonic garbage through all kinds of pshycic and demonic philosophy. And satan also wants to rob you guys from anything GOD has for you and wants you to experience the less of GOD. He'll do it through anybody. Even believers.

"Do not be decieved; Bad(Evil) company corrupts good habits." (1st Corinthians 15:33) NIV/?

Agreed brother!

NOT agreed, oh, brother!

Reply to hear my case bretheren:

I wonder if you have studied what these so called prophets of this movement teach? Who they are affiliated with? We can be deceived by outward appearances and emotional experiences. We must, as you said, test the spirits. How do we do that? By comparing them to the Word. Many have come in the past in the name of Christ and decieved many, even to death. Now, I have studied their teachings and who some are affiliated with and I will tell you, unless the Word of God has changed and he is now calling us to take over the world so that he can manifest his kingdom, they are not of God. Remember the deluded Catholic church and her cruel ruling of the world and killing of Christians and anyone else who disagreed. Having read their agenda I am confident these would do the same if anyone stands in their way. It seems odd that Rick Joyner and Paul Cain are Knights of Malta - a Catholic military order. Read the oath of a Knight.

Their plan is to take over all the churches and have them be submissive to one of their prophets. Most of what I have read about their disgust with today's churches seems to be more directed towards Protestant ones and not much said about Catholic. Could there be a reason for this, seeing some have taken an oath that gives allegiance to the pope. Read of the Catholic churche's agenda for it too is seeking this authority over all churches, of course under a spirit of ecumenism.

Remember too: the second beast with two horns like a Lamb (the false prophet of Rev. 13) oddly enough has power to call down FIRE from heaven. Could this be a false Holy Spirit? You must decide but do not just accept every thing in light of so many warnings and without first testing what they teach just because they name the name of Christ.

The Bible says the false prophet (that looks like a Lamb) and decieves with his miracles will cause people to worship the first beast and he will be given power over all the nations, not Christ's true disciples. He will kill them. If this is what the scripture says, how can their Dominionist theolgy be correct?

By the way, the Catholic church does deny Christ has come in the flesh. How? By their insistence on an immaculate conception. If Mary was preserved from the sin nature (original sin) of mankind, then Christ was not a man. He did not come in the flesh of a true man. They have the spirit of antichrist and don't even know it.

The Bible says he was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. He had the flesh as well as the nature of a man, only he overcame it and did not sin. That is why He is worthy. "Wherefore in ALL things it behoved Him to be made like unto his bretheren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people" (Heb 2:17).

I don't know what the others truly believe about this but I will find out.

I know this because I am one of them. You will be surprised in the end. I know this is the truth because my mother was healed of a terminal disease going to die. But was healed and I fell in love with Jesus. Ever since then all these things taught have sprung forth as the Holy Spirit taught me. It's not hard. Listen to the Holy Spirit and ignore the Devil. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. GOD has given me the call to preach to the nations. If GOD ever makes me big (which I hope not) then without a doubt you shall persecute me still for Christ and His Holy Spirit. I'm am sorry brother. I wonder if that is so. Then I will know even more that this is the LORD.

But even I have baptized others in the Holy Spirit and fire. And the fire does come "fire! fire! fire!" Isaid and he was filled in the Holy Spirit and had peace. So I know it is GOD. It's not just Todd Bentley. It's millions of Christians out there. And as thier numbers decrease, but the Church goes stronger. So you shall see. You sound right in what you say about Catholics.

YOU have baptized others in the Holy Spirit? And how exactly did YOU do that? Neat trick. Can you pull coins out from behind peoples ears too?

Do they get a "burning in their bossom" like Joseph Smith did to confirm the message of his Angel?

What exactly is "fire! fire! fire!"??

Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jas 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

I'm just curious, after doing a word study on "fire" what you have come up with. Anything good? Please explain what exactly you were proclaiming over those individuals you were "praying" for (on) HEAR.

John the Baptist said of Jesus that He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (for eternal life in knowledge of Truth) and with fire (for eternal damnation of which He is the Judge). Amazing how people pray for the fire to come down and believe it is a good thing! You have baptized folks with fire! May they be delivered from the demonic oppression that you have called upon them! And all because YOU do not know scriptures! You need to study from a Messianic Jew what scriptures truly mean from the Jewish perspective. It would save alot of people from falling into error such as you have. Please repent and warn those you have baptized in fire of your error! You will be held accountable for leading these souls astray with your heresy so, please, fear God and repent!

I thank God your mother was healed and that you love Christ. Of this let us put our trust: that He will fulfill His promise to lead us into all truth. Grace and peace to you.

It is a very deceitful time. I showed my pastor the background on Todd Bentley and that his practice of contemplative prayer is new age eastern ways of meditation. I'm a deliverance minister so I see this a lot.

Anyway, I told my pastor and then they turned against us. What I found out, it was like the trumpet went off and they were going to move onto their agenda. They kept saying they were not following a man but it was the agenda.

Then at the pulpit, I was told to give up old doctrine and step into the new doctrine that if I did not "I was narrow minded" or "hardness of heart."

Then, they went on to say to we needed to step in the Glory and that we would be transformed and that there would be no space or boundaries, no sickness or disease.

Then they went on to say that if we turn back, it would be looking at the past and that we would lie like Lot's wife. Lot's wife died because of disobedience.

Anyway, they had people that went with them to Lakeland and so during the services they had this lady walk behind several of us that was against this movement. She was praying over us and I even heard the Lord say "put on your armor and protect your mind." I did.

We ended up leaving the church because the church treated us as enemies. There were all kinds of things said as well as the pastor's wife had not talked to me or even could look into my eyes for six weeks. It was a sad day and I lost my church and thought I knew these people.

Sorry for the betryal. This IS an evil time, AND it will get worse. Jesus warned us. As far as these "christians" in your old church, they are GUILTY!!! However, it is a blessing because God loved you enough to throw you out to spiritual safety because your hearts are for Him, and not for self and an idol worshiping agenda. I believe that God is separating the wheat from the chaff, and though this is painful, it is necessary for our spiritual survival, because there is coming a STRONG delusion, and the Lord MUST protect, by separating, His people from those who sadly are not and will be swept away. He is being merciful to you even though their actions are UNJUST and dishonest. Hopefully, they will see the light and also bail out before it is too late, and then they will apologize to you for being right all along.

Classic Kabbalah

This is a description of the doctrines of Gilgul and Tikkun Olam from the Lurian Kabbalah. I'm saying that this classic gnostic "sparks of light" doctrine is co-opted into Kabbalah using Jewish terminology. More importantly, it was "Christianized" by many English sects in the 17th century, especially by Jane Lead and the Philadelphian Society. The early pioneer founders of the Latter Rain embraced this doctrine when they formed the New Order of the Latter Rain (NOLR) after WWII. The NAR is the handmaiden of the original NOLR that was re-worked by C. Peter Wagner. Here are some quotes from Wagner showing why he approved of the NOLR,

Excerpt from: Wagner, C. Peter. Spheres of Authority: Apostles in Today’s Church (Colorado Springs, CO: Wagner Publications, 2002) pp. 16-18.

Some Disagree!

However, there are some who disagree. Back in the pioneer post-World War II days, many highly respected Christian leaders took strong public positions against the fledgling apostolic movement. Whenever the apostolic leaders would make one of their higher profile mistakes—and many of them, in fact, did not finish well at all—the opponents were more than ready to say, "I told you so!" I strongly suspect that the major reason why the post-World War II movements did not carry the day as some expected they would was that the criticism, much of it being based on empirical facts, was simply too strong to resist.

Even today we find continuing criticism of the New Apostolic Reformation. Take, for example, Vinson Synan. Few would deny that Vinson Synan is today's Number One historian of the Pentecostal/charismatic movement. His book, The Century of the Holy Spirit (Thomas Nelson), is a landmark publication. My high esteem of Vinson Synan is precisely what leads me to choose him as a contemporary representative of what we could call the opposing view.

Here is what Vinson Synan writes: "It is axiomatic to say that anyone who claims to be an apostle probably is not one. An apostle is not self-appointed or elected by any ecclesiastical body, but is chosen by the Lord Himself."2

The U.S. Assemblies of God, again one of today's most highly respected Christian bodies, is even stronger in their opposition to the New Apostolic Reformation. During the post-World War II phase, their General Council in 1949 decreed that "The teaching that the Church is built on the foundation of present-day apostles and prophets" is "erroneous."3 This was reiterated in their General Council of 2000. The denomination declared that the "teaching that present-day offices of apostles and prophets should govern church ministry" is a "departure from Scripture" and a "deviant teaching."4

Will This Movement Sputter?

I cite these criticisms, and I have many more in my files, to raise the question as to whether the current apostolic movement is in danger of sputtering like the last one did. I don't believe that it will, based on four observations:

1. We have learned from the mistakes of the pioneers, and we are determined not to repeat them.
2. This movement was preceded by the ministry of intercessors and prophets who are now part of its warp and woof.
3. The growing library of substantial books on different aspects of apostolic ministry that began appearing in the late 1990s is highly impressive. These authors are building a solid biblical, historical, and theological foundation for the movement.
4. Apostolic accountability has been heightened by the formation of many units of apostles who are holding themselves responsible to peers for their ministry and their character.

As I see the picture God has given His church a new wine skin and He will be pouring out new wine into that wineskin for the foreseeable future.

Notes
1. J. Wilbur Chapman, The Life and Work of Dwight L. Moody: Presented to the Christian World as a Tribute to the Memory of the Greatest Apostle of the Age (Chicago IL: J. S. Goodman & Co., 1900).
2. Vinson Synan, "Who Are the Modern Apostles?" Ministries Today, March-April 1992, p. 47.
3. 1949 Minutes of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, Resolution 7: "The New Order of the Latter Rain."
4. "Endtime Revival—Spirit-Led and Spirit-Controlled: A Response Paper to Resolution 16," Adopted by General Presbytery, The General Council of the Assemblies of God, August 11, 2000, p. 2.