There is a powerful hymn that sings, “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus”. No truer words were spoken. For Jesus came as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. And His shed blood makes those who believe in Jesus new creations in Christ. Through the blood of the Lamb sin loses its power, for the power of the blood of Christ is greater by far. The serpent’s plan in the garden to infect the world with its toxic poison, was destroyed through the antibody properties of the blood.
Incredibly enough, the literal blood of literal sheep is used to create antivenom. This is because sheep’s blood is resistant to snakebite poison. They are immune to it. Thus, what some have done is use the sheep’s antibodies to create a serum for others who do not have those antibodies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/antivenom
In effect, Jesus did that for us. He is our Lamb who laid down His life so that we can have life more abundantly – and that we might be sin and snake venom free!
But, the enemy is still trying to bite us and defeat God’s plan. And as before, his goal is to corrupt us via our genetics thus rendering us unredeemable. He did this via fallen angel activity before the flood, when the sons of God (angelic beings) married the daughter’s of men and had hybrid children through them called the nephilim (Genesis 6). This is why the entire world had to be wiped out, including the animals, and yet Noah was the only one “perfect in all his generations”. This perfection was in his genetic code. In other words, the image of God remained in Noah while all others on the earth had corrupted that image (“Nephilim, Fallen Angels, Aliens and the Mark of the Beast,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8q1Cxlwtb8). During the Great Tribulation/Jacob’s Trouble, the mark of the beast will corrupt mankind’s DNA yet again. But, the devil is jumping the gun right now by attempting to corrupt Christians before the rapture. This he is doing through Covid-19, Remdesivir, and the vaccines.
As has been revealed over and over again by a multitude of medical professional sources, the vaccine is not really a vaccine. But there is more to it than that. Way more. And the devil that old serpent has his serpent footprints- or shall I say slither prints- all over it!
Below I have listed 4 links. The first three are composed of a lengthy interview in which Dr Ardis goes step by step through his detailed research that led him to his conclusion that COVID-19 is not a virus, Remdesivir is not a medicine, and the mRNA vaccine is not a vaccine. Though many of us know this by now, what is not known is what they really are. He will disclose that all three are toxic poison – specifically, venom from at least 2 snakes. Dr Ardis documents his findings as well as what supplements and treatments repel snake venom poisoning.
Sound too crazy? Please reflect prayerfully on Dr. Ardis’ findings. Please, just be aware. Because, really, it’s actually not that far fetched. It’s all interconnected, and when you think about the devil that old serpent, it makes perfect sense. He’s wanted to corrupt God’s image in us from the beginning, and at this point in history is seeking to do so through the corruption of our DNA – even Christians. And why not do so with viper venom?
This is why so many are getting blood clots and others neurological damage and some are suddenly dropping dead. This is what certain types of snake poisoning does in the body – like the specific types spoken of by Dr. Ardis in the videos below.
And so the Satanic, Luciferian plot thickens!
But let us also remember several very important things. The enemy is only able to do what he’s doing because God has okayed it, and He has okayed it because of grave evil that is unrepented of worldwide (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28, Isaiah 24). Nations have rejected God, and God’s time clock has come to the final seconds of this present age. Indeed, we are very much at the end of the age that Jesus addressed in Matthew 24. Furthermore, many including Christians have willingly been vaccinated and/or taken or said yes to a loved one being “medicated” by Remdesivir. They have willing trusted science and have been deceived. They have not knowingly done these things. There is a difference. But, there still can be consequences, including death. But, most importantly, let’s remember that Jesus’ blood has never lost it’s power. It still covers and cleanses and makes us whole. There is still power in the antivenom blood of the Lamb!
Even so, let us remember what Jesus said in Luke 16, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
The Apostle Paul lived this out in Acts 28 when on the Isle of Malta he was bitten by a viper. Though everyone expected him to drop dead suddenly, Paul just shook the snake off into the fire, and many came to salvation in Jesus and were healed of many diseases.
As the enemy’s plan of mass genocide and a new, one world order marches forward, God’s rapture and Revelation plan will prevail. Thus, I call on all Christians who have been deceived with this “plandemic” and “science” and are now startled and rudely awakened by all this, please repent. Please seek the Lord. It is imperative. The time is short. Even if serpent’s venom is coursing through your veins right now and you feel overwhelmed and filled with remorse, remember there is still antivenom power in the blood of the Lamb!
For other Christians who have not been deceived, stay alert and remain on your guard. The darkness is growing, the evil is spreading, the plot thickens, the new world order of the Beast is forming and taking shape, and this age is coming to a speedy – even “warp speed”- conclusion. Fear not! Keep looking up! Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!
I do not think we on earth will ever fully grasp the awesome grandeur of our God. All too often we act far too familiar with Him by calling Him our friend, as well as dismissing the gravity of our sin (whatever its type) weighed against the enormity of His holiness. Jesus to us in the western world seems to have become a soft, “warm and fuzzy” sort of man, who is all about social justice and being non-judgmental. It is assumed that the God of the Old Testament was holy and harsh, but the God of the New Testament is permissive and meek and mild. And the two do not meet in the middle. However, in so believing, we miss the true power and nature of who Jesus was/is and what Jesus did when He as eternal God laid aside His glory and put on human flesh for us.
To even begin to catch a glimpse of the immense nature of what He did, let’s first take a look at two Old Testament passages of God’s glory.
“4Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures…22The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads…26And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. 27Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. 28Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.” (Ezekiel 1:4-5, 22, 26-28)
“2Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.6Before the throne therewas a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”” (Revelation 4:2-8)
This is Jesus’ home. This is the realm from which He came to earth. And this very glory belonged to Him as well, as it states in John 1, “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4In Him was life, and the life was the light of men…10He was in the world, and the world was made through Him…” Colossians 1:16-17 in agreement states, “16For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” And to wrap this all together in a nice bow, Jesus prays in John 17, “5And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”
Thus, Jesus shares such glory with the majesty and splendor of the God enthroned in Ezekiel and Revelation (as well as Isaiah 6 that was not quoted here). He is the One who measures the sky with His hands and holds the oceans in His hands (Isaiah 40:12), the One who sends the snow and the hail (Job 37), who rides the whirlwind (Nehemiah 1), and commands the stormy winds (Psalm 147) and calms the stormy sea (Psalm 107). This is our Jesus. This is the same Jesus who descended and took on human flesh, as Philippians 2 so powerfully presents when it says,”5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Think about that passage. He was in the “form” of God. This means that He was forever in the visible image/shape of God continuously, even while here, for the word is a present participle which implies continuous action. Thus the image of God did not cease while He here. Nevertheless, while He remained in the image of God continuously, He did not consider His equality with God something to be held onto tightly. In other words, He did not cling to His heavenly role, but rather, descended and made Himself of no reputation, which means that He divested Himself of His rightful dignity. He did not cling to His rights as an equal with God. Instead, He actively took upon Himself the essence of a slave. Even as He was in the visible shape of God, He also came in the visible shape of a slave. He had not existed as a human before, but became a human in every sense of the word. And not just any human but that of a humble servant. No one did this to Him. He brought Himself low, like a king in ancient times who would set aside His royal robes and put on beggar’s clothes for a brief period of time. Even so, Christ clothed Himself in a human body as a slave, and was obedient to the point of death on the shameful cross. Indeed, as Hebrews 12 so aptly says Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame because of the joy that was set before Him.
Jesus in all of His grandeur and majesty, robed in righteousness and splendor, surrounded by holy angels, a sea of glass before Him, majestic music permeating the atmosphere, and worshipful calls of “holy, holy, holy” echoing into eternity, laid aside His regal robes and all the beauties of heaven to come down here…for us.
As the old hymn goes,
“The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell; The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin.
Refrain: Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure— The saints’ and angels’ song.
When hoary time shall pass away, And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call, God’s love so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam’s race— The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.”
As we reflect on Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and as we reread the Gospel story of Jesus and His love, let us remember the height from which Jesus came in order to die on our behalf that He might lead captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8), defeat and shame the principalities and powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15), fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17-20) and then nail the oppressive law to the cross (Colossians 2:14), “to preach good tidings to the poor . . . heal the brokenhearted . . . proclaim liberty to the captives . . . opening of the prison to those who are bound . . . to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…” (Isaiah 61). And that year is still now. Jesus’ blood still atones, and he whom the Son has set free is still free indeed!
And let us not forget what the angels said in Acts 1:11 as Jesus ascended into heaven and disappeared in the clouds of God’s throne, “…this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus! The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”
Blessings in Christ,
Holy Light Ministries
Sources:
Bible Hub Interlinear
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, by Zodhiates
(Links to various articles/videos will be posted below in an outline form so that you can read/watch and not just take my word for it. The Links are extremely important! There are even more articles not listed below (a plethora), but they are online regarding what I have only begun to touch on here from websites such as https://www.thebereancall.org/; http://letusreason.org/; https://carm.org/; https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/ and many others. May your hearts be open to what the Spirit of God would say to you through this article, and the resources that follow).
Bethel of the Bible
The Bible recounts that a place by the name of Bethel, meaning “house of God”, had been incredibly special and important. It was the place of Abraham’s communion with God (Genesis 12:8), the location of the heavenly staircase upon which Jacob perceived angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:10, 19), where the Israelites went to seek God’s council in troubled times (Judges 20:18 Judges 20:31; 21:2), where the ark of the Covenant was protected by Phinehas (Judges 20:26-28), and was one of the places where the prophet Samuel judged the people (1 Samuel 7:16). It was a holy place. It was a blessed place.
But Bethel did not remain pure and holy, for it fell head over heals into idolatry when Jeroboam set up a golden calf in its midst (1 Kings 12:28-13:1) and told Israel that it was their god. And thus the prophet Hosea (Hosea 4:15, 5:8, 10:5, 8) calls it Beth-aven, “house of idols.” No longer was it a place where God dwelt and met with His people. Rather, it became a place wherein evil was welcomed with open arms, the exciting and exotic rites of Occultism were practiced openly along with Temple rituals, and where the people sought the aide of any god but God while not at all discerning the difference.
In Acts 16:16-24 a story is recounted of Paul, Silas, Luke and other Christians who were being closely and daily followed around by a young woman who was declaring, “These men are servants of the Most High God which show unto us the way of salvation” (vs 17).
Now, what is wrong with this statement? Sounds inspired, doesn’t it? It appears completely sound in doctrine, doesn’t it? So, why then is Paul troubled and thoroughly fatigued (1278) by her? I mean, wasn’t what she was saying making the people listen to Paul? Wasn’t it drawing them to Jesus?
The Spirit of Python
No. She was possessed by the spirit of puthon. Puthon sometimes called Python, was a serpent that the Greco-Roman god Apollo was said to have slain, but then manifested at a place called Delphi through a young woman for the purpose of prophesying. (https://ehistory.osu.edu/articles/oracle-delphi) And though the instruction was more often than not cryptic and vague, the oracle at Delphi was still considered to be so accurate that commoners and influential people alike from all around would seek to divine their future through her. But puthon was not of God. Puthon was demonic.
In other words, it was not what the young woman said that was wrong. The words she spoke were not wrong. Please, notice that. The average listener would not hear anything amiss. But, the spirit behind the prophetic words was evil, and Paul through discernment, knew this. The spirit wanted to attach itself to the Christian message and become revered by the Christian ministers and all listening, in order to gain the trust of believers and to attain greater prestige. The Gospel was forcefully advancing, and many were coming to Christ, and the spirit of Python wanted to be apart of it in order to draw attention to itself and steal Christ’s glory.
This Present Darkness
It is no different today. For, there is a deep darkness that has descended over the modern day house of God worldwide. The tares are growing up prolifically among the ears of wheat, and great deception is pervading with increasing energy and perseverance. There is a hybridization taking place, a mixing and mingling of Christianity until little of Christ is left except a shell void of the life that once dwelt there. Though many may nod knowingly regarding this apostasy, very few actually regard the specifics and far reaching, tentacled, many headed hydra that has overtaken the Church. A spiritual genetic manipulation has and is in effect taking place, and most are too apathetic or mesmerized or sleepy or dismissive to notice or care.
But, I must ask, is it at any time acceptable for Christians to use tarot cards or Ouija boards? What about practicing necromancy or divination or any other type of Occultism? Is any of that blessed by God at any time or under any other name? How about being filled with “drunken glory” exemplified by staggering and slurred speech? Would you be comfortable with the belief that there are “precious” treasures of New Age mysticism that we as Christians must reclaim and fully utilize? What about the teaching that Jesus was completely emptied of His godhood while here and thus was only a man? What about the teaching that Jesus was the first one to be born again?
Deception
Our God is a holy God, and He commands that we are to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). And this holiness is to pervade every aspect and facet of our daily lives, from what we watch, what we think about, what we listen to, what entertains us, what and who motivates us, and what type of teaching and teacher we heed. Indeed, even as the saying goes “garbage in, garbage out”, so it is with the spiritual food we receive, whether deliberately or inadvertently. That which we take into our spirits, does eventually produce fruit of some kind – good or bad depending on what type of spiritual food we ingest.
We so quickly and easily say that we have the Holy Spirit and that He will not allow us to go astray. And yes, as Christians we do have the Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truth – if we are abiding in His word (John 16:13). For indeed, we are still sheep, and we can still be “drawn away” by the desires (James 1:14) of our hearts that are deceitful above all else (Jeremiah 17:9). We are still called on by the Savior to be diligent and of a sound mind. Thus, James implores his Christian readers saying, “do not be deceived” (James 1:16). For as Peter states in 2 Peter 2, “1But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
Deception has been around since the snake in the garden, but it grew thick and fast after Jesus’ resurrection and the commencement of the Church age. This deception has not been outside of the Church, but inside. That is why Peter, Paul, John, James, and others in Scripture warned believers to beware and be on guard constantly. Even Matthew 24 relates, “3Now as He [Jesus] sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”4And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you…” Again, this is addressed to believers. This is addressed to us.
The Problem of Cognitive Dissonance
Most if not all who read what I’ve just stated above will be nodding their heads quickly in agreement to such a general statement. But, the moment that one gets specific and begins to point out who or what is false and why, people start to stiffen, resist, and disagree. Why? We get uncomfortable as soon as the information hits too close to home, in other words, touches on a ministry or minister that we like. That is the nature of each of our hearts. That is the nature of deception. And that is precisely how Satan preys upon Christians.
Here’s the deal. Do you want the truth? Do you want it even at the expense of losing names and faces that you have looked up to and trusted? Do you want the truth even at the expense of realizing that you were fooled by them and their smooth words? Do you want the truth more than signs and wonders? Do you?
Deception in Plain Sight
Well, there is a specific church, a specific organization, a specific movement, a specific ministry, a specific man that is propagating a now widespread deception in the Church. Yes, they truly do believe that they are “reclaiming” Hindu/New Age teachings as if they at first belonged to Christianity, and are teaching and inspiring other Christians to do so too. This includes the use of Ouija Boards aptly renamed Angel Boards, Tarot Cards aptly renamed Destiny Cards (and now there are Destiny Pants too), Necromancy renamed grave soaking/sucking/mantle grabbing, and Eastern Meditation practices now aptly renamed Contemplative Prayer or Soaking Prayer which leads to Kundalini enlightenment, and people are staggering and stammering about in a so-called “drunken glory”. But of course they do not call it Kundalini (the nine headed serpent power/wisdom of the Hinduism of India, https://icrcanada.org/learn/historicalbasis/kundaliniindia). Rather, they call it the Holy Spirit. And the manifestations of this Kundalini are as follows: “Unholy laughing, uncontrollable laughing, involuntary falling, jerking, roaring, barking, hissing, crying, body contortions, shaking, muscle twitches, spasms, postures or moving one’s body in unusual ways, drunkenness,” (“Lindsey Davis’ Heart Cry for Bethel’s Correction,” pg 29, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jTWy8zJMf4X13maBE2SXRLT2-ACM7MCf/view). And then there is the walk through the “fire tunnel”, wherein Kundalini is imparted and people begin to thrash about like the demon possessed/oppressed because they are, but they believe it to be an encounter with God.
On top of this, the one propagating the above is also a teacher of false doctrine regarding Jesus, for it is taught that Jesus while here was only a man and was completely emptied of His divinity/godhood, and that Jesus was the first one born again. The reasoning presented is that if Jesus had not been merely a man, then we as humans could not hope to do the miracles that he did. But, because Jesus was only a man then we can do what he did. One of those spiritual manifestations is that of prophecy, only one does not need to be 100% accurate. And in this organization’s school of ministry (which is increasingly popular), they will not allow any student to graduate until they have prophesied three times incorrectly.
Does this even sound Christian or doctrinally accurate? What good can come from this?
In spite of these horrors, this organization and its founder are highly venerated among charismatic Christians, and big name Christian leaders visit his church for conferences, worship gatherings and the like. This individual is viewed as a respected leader among Pentecostals and charismatics, and is even included on the Global Council leadership team of Empowered21. Empowered21 states that it “is a global movement which aims to…Promote the empowerment of the Holy Spirit on all believers and the empowerment of the generations to serve God…The vision is for everyone on Earth to have an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit… by Pentecost 2033”. (https://digitalshowcase.oru.edu/e21archive/; https://empowered21.com/about/; https://empowered21.com/about/global-leaders/)
First of all there is nothing wrong with this vision. I myself am Pentecostal. There, the cat’s out of the bag on that one! But, at this point it is imperative that you know this. I am not merely charismatic. I am Pentecostal. I believe that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 began then and continues today, and that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit as explained by Paul in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-14 are still for the edification of the Church today. Thus, the noble goals of Empowered21 are good.
But, the goats have mixed in with the sheep, the tares with the wheat. This man is a counterfeit, and is apart of a much larger, approved of movement that is polluting the Body of Christ with lies garbed in prophetic words, ego building dreams and visions, and decorated with flashy promises of good to come and hit or mostly miss emotionally charged prophetic utterances. The deception of this group is far-reaching and deeply entrenched in the Church, poisoning it from the inside out. For, even if it tastes good, looks good, and smells good, it is still poison.
Exposed
The movement is the New Apostolic Reformation, also referred to as the acroym NAR.
The man’s name is Bill Johnson, and his church’s name is Bethel, also called Bethel Redding or Bethel Church Redding.
Much can be found online regarding Bill Johnson, his links with the NAR, the Toronto Blessing (so-called), Rick Joyner and other NAR apostolic leadership, the Three Rivers/Latter Rain/Dominionism/Manifest Sons of God/Seven Mountains Mandate beliefs, etc., but this article is not for the purpose of summarizing these nor the heresy of this movement. Rather, it is to point out a very overlooked yet overwhelmingly prevalent fact. Jesus stated in Matthew 7:18, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” There is something that springs from the source of this heretical church and movement, something that grows from its roots, and that is inseparable from this corrupt Bethel tree.
Corrupt Fruit
What is this corrupt fruit of Bethel church in Redding, California? Bethel Music and Jesus Culture.
How can such incredible music and such moving lyrics come from such a polluted, cult-like church? How can they sound so Christian, when they are led by the guru-like teaching of Bill Johnson who propagates a false doctrine and advocates Occult and New Age practices?
Lucifer: Worship Leader
Let’s remember this very important fact: Lucifer was a worship leader in heaven. In Ezekiel 28:13 he is said to have been made with timbrels and pipes, and in Isaiah 14:11 it goes on to say that the sound of his stringed instruments and music were silenced in the day he was taken down to Sheol. Thus, it is said that Lucifer was made up of all three types of musical instruments that we use today (percussion, wind, and strings).
But one day, he polluted his sanctuaries by the iniquity of his “trading”. This “trading” or “merchandizing” that Lucifer did, according to Pastor Zev Porat, a Messianic rabbi whose first language is Hebrew, was actually stealthily and secretly keeping back part of what rightfully belonged to God – namely His worship – while making it look like all of the worship had been given to God. (“Satan’s Days are Numbered – Messianic Rabbi Zev Porat Teaches,” November 5, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNs2adgR4gc).
Really, this is exactly like what Ananias and Sapphira did in Acts 5. They covertly embezzled (nosphizo, 3557), deceptively held something back when they said they given all of it to God. And, does the spirit of this not align with Matthew 4 when it says, “8Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.””
Would Satan, who led in worship in heaven not also be well-versed in what worship ought to sound like, be worded like, even feel like? Wouldn’t he then who is a deceiver also be very excellent at mixing truth with a subtle lie, mingled with powerful music that stirs the soul so that one overlooks the error, lets down their guard, and sings on with the mesmerizing melody? Is Lucifer not adept at appearing as an angel of light? (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Are you shaking your head in disbelief? Are you underestimating the devil, that ancient serpent (Revelation 12:9)?
Now…back to Bethel.
Bethel Music
Bethel church, filled with error and heresy, a church endorsing Occult practices, advocating New Age manifestations, a church apart of the New Apostolic Reformation which calls their leadership super apostles and prophets who also backs false prophets and false teachers including Bill Johnson, and who advocate all unfiltered, untested supernatural signs as being from God, all while calling themselves Christian, has now given birth to a music revolution.
“From 2009 to 2013, Bethel Music rapidly grew from being a relatively small local church music ministry to becoming a fully-fledged record label and publishing company, featuring songwriters and worship leaders based out of Bethel Church in Redding, California” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethel_Music). “Bethel Music is an American record label and publishing company associated with Bethel Church, led by Bill Johnson’s son Brian Johnson. Its music was among the most played contemporary worship music in American churches in 2019 and its albums have reached the BillBoard 200 multiple times. Bethel Music has many songs with tens of millions of views on Youtube, and two with over 100 million views as of 2019. The live performances of its songs are characterized by extended duration with much repetition and emotion.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethel_Church_(Redding%2C_California) And furthermore, they have mixed and mingled with many well-meaning, godly worship teams worldwide, rubbing shoulders with and sharing platforms and songs, thus presenting themselves as legitimately Christian and legitimately inspired.
Not Just Music
Some may say, it’s just a song. It’s just music. The words sound okay. I feel good when I sing it. It feels like the Holy Spirit to me. It’s not teaching doctrine.
In Acts 17:11 the Berean group of people were praised for being noble minded in their daily research of Scripture to see if what Paul said was true. First of all, think about that. The Apostle Paul was scrutinized. The man of God who was Holy Spirit inspired, had his words investigated by the Bereans to make sure that what he was saying was true. It’s not that they were suspicious of him. They actually really believed and wanted to believe what he said. But, they wanted the whole truth and nothing but the truth more than anything else.
If they did this to trustworthy, Spirit-inspired, Apostle Paul, how much more ought we to do this when it comes to the worship leading and instruction of fallible teachers and worship leaders.
Furthermore, worship songs are not just songs. In Colossians 3:16 we read, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” It is clear from this passage that songs teach the Church. They give instruction. They present doctrine in poetic stanzas, set to stirring music. Songs are not just songs. Music is not just music. They sculpt us, mold us, make us, warn us, reinforce us, and inspire us.
This being the case, it is imperative to know what a song is communicating, who the human author is, and what spirit is behind it.
Python: The spirit behind the music
The spirit behind Bethel church is a false Holy Spirit. The Jesus of Bethel church is a very human Jesus who was not divine while on earth, was the first one born again, and who taught all people how to become christs on earth. Demonic manifestations are attributed to the Holy Spirit, and lying signs and wonders entrance the masses (angel feathers, gold dust, gem stones, fire tunnels, etc.).
The authors of Bethel worship music and Jesus Cultureare attenders of this very same Bethel church, and are disciples of Bill Johnson and followers of the Bethel Jesus, and their music and lyrics flow from this same spirit and influence – even an angel of light.
And so we come back to the spirit of Python and the oracle at Delphi who called out that Paul and his Christian companions were men of God, declaring the way of salvation. She was already considered prophetic. Her utterances were revered. And, her words regarding the apostles were accurate. But, the spirit behind the words was demonic. The spirit of Python was at work seeking to deceive everyone into believing that he and the Holy Spirit were one and the same, that he was on the same team as Christians. Python wanted to blur the lines, to be accepted by Christians and all religions, and thus to steal God’s glory for himself.
But, God does not share His glory (Isaiah 42:8). God does not like mixtures (Exodus 34:12-16; Leviticus 19:19; Numbers 25; Ezra 9:12; Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 7:3-4; 22:9-11; Ezra 10; Nehemiah 10:28-30, 13:23-27). God does not like compromise. God does not like the blurring of very clear lines that have been drawn in the sand. Thus, God is exposing this spirit of deceptive divination yet again, for the spirit of the NAR prophetic movement and Bethel church Redding and Bethel music is nothing more than the spirit of Python drawing attention to itself, the seething of Lucifer stealing worship from God.
Are we being tested?
While the Lord does not tempt us to sin, could He possibly be constructively testing us? As it says in Exodus 13, 1“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” In other words, it sounded right, but, the spirit behind it was evil. Discerning is not always cut and dry. And believe it or not, God allowed for this in order to test the quality of the hearts of His people, like fire tests metal not for the sake of destruction but to temper it.
The line drawn in the sand by Moses thousands of years ago at the foot of Mount Horeb is still in the sand before us today, and his words still echo loudly and clearly above the beat of drums and strum of guitars saying, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come to me” (Exodus 32:26).
Good fruit cannot come from a bad tree, and bad fruit cannot come from a good tree. Can we trust anything that comes out of the serpent-inspired rot of Bethel Church in Redding, California or even the NAR movement?
Dealing with Those Steeped in Deception
Now, regarding those more deeply deceived by the entrancing teaching and feel-good prophecies of the NAR and who are lulled by the spell of Bethel, remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4, “1I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” And finally, the epistle of Jude says, “17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” 19These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit. 20But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. 22And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.”
There are those who have left Bethel and the NAR. There are those who truly loved Christ and His word more than all else, and eventually they saw through the facade. So, please do not give up on praying for those ensnared right now. The Holy Spirit is still working. More will make their exodus. As Jesus said, ““If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:32)
O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
But then, what do we do with seemingly sincere, evangelistically minded people like Sean Feucht (who attended Bethel and also ministered there in the past as a worship leader) and Mario Murillo (who is in thick with the NAR)? Neither of them are false prophets; the gospel they preach is Biblically sound, and many are coming to Jesus through their outreaches. However, they do respect and work alongside of false prophets and false teachers and questionable worship leaders. And this goes for Pastor Louie Giglio, worship pastor Kristian Stanfill, singer Keri Jobe, Evangelist Perry Stone, worship leader/song writer Darlene Zschech, the Daystar television network and the Lamb family (who have brought great truth to many concerning the vaccine etc) and others who also lend credence to Bethel. These are brothers and sisters in Christ who have obviously been deceived into believing that Bethel and the NAR is genuinely and unquestionably Christian. After all, Bethel and the NAR sing to Jesus; they pray to Jesus; they seem close to God because they have spiritual manifestations; they have visions and dreams and trips to heaven and have eavesdropped on important conversations of God on His throne.
Speaking of Christians who have not yet seen through the “glory cloud” smoke screen of Bethel and the glitz and glamor of dreams of heaven and lying signs and wonders of the NAR, these are still our fellow Christians, and God loves them immensely. Let us remember that just because we can see through the flashy facade, there is something else in our life that we either at one time could not see through but now do, or that we even now are deceived about. How many times have I felt I was immune and years go by, and then one day I see. And when I see, my heart is pierced through with the grievous thought that I had thought I was so right, when in reality, I was so terribly wrong. This does not excuse someone else’s deception. But, it ought to change our attitude and approach of them regarding that deception.
Second Timothy 2:24-25 clearly explains concerning the correction of fellow Christians that “24…a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26and that they may come to their senses andescape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
O think of God’s great patience in teaching and instructing us! O how gentle He is with each of us, so adept at correcting and disciplining the ones He loves. O how much Jesus loves us! As the voice of Samuel T. Francis’ heartfelt hymn still resounds and reaches the depths of hearts today with the words,
“O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own; How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hzYKovRsJ8)
Now What?
This being said, what do we practically do regarding these deceived fellow Christians? Do we follow their ministry? Do we include their songs in our worship lineup in church? Do we go to their conferences, attend their churches, or buy their books and CDs?
Just before the book of Revelation is released upon the world, Jesus inspects each of His seven churches. First of all, each of them is Christian. Each of them is a Church. Each of them is beloved of Christ, so much so that He has John pen the letters to them. After all, He disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12). But, of the seven only 2 are pure, and 5 are called to repent. Repent of what? Imperfect works. What does this mean? They all compromised, and were found wanting. And before the full Revelation of Christ, Jesus calls His churches away from their compromise, away from their mixture, and to repentance.
Another example is that of the Christian Dallas Jenkins, the main writer of the show “The Chosen”, who not only works alongside Mormons but also calls them his brothers and sisters. He fellowships with them, hangs out with them, and defends them. (https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/03/17/do-not-be-deceived-the-chosen/)
Even so, the Passion Band along with the Passion City Church, Daystar television, Hillsong, and a host of other well-known names have come alongside Bethel, calling them brothesr and sisters in Christ, when in reality Bethel’s leadership follows another Jesus — just like Muslims and Mormons.
Some may rightly assert that God is using these bands and evangelists and pastors for His glory anyway. True. But, let us also remember that God used Judas Iscariot, Balaam and Pharaoh and the devil. Interestingly enough Paul said in Philippians 1, “15Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
These well-meaning Christians are not who Paul is referring to, nor are they evil. I do not mean to even slightly imply this. Rather, what I do mean is that God so often takes what the enemy means for evil and turns it for good. But that truth does not give any Christian license nor a legitimate excuse to be deceived.
These brothers like Mario Murillo and Sean Feucht appear to be in fellowship with those who serve another Jesus — a New Age, feel good, “drunken glory,” “grave sucking”, mere man who needed to be born again, spouting false prophecies and boasting about trips to heaven and visions and dreams kind of Jesus. It doesn’t look good and is at present being spoken of as evil (Romans 14).
Is this any different than Jenkins’ inability to discern the false Jesus of the Mormons? Is this any different than Warren’s inability to discern the false Jesus of the Muslims?
Second Corinthians 6 says it best, “14Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”
17Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.””
Indeed, are we not to “21Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil,” (1 Thessalonians 5)? Need anything more be said?
Romans 14
I had been a worship team leader at my church until one day I let asked politely if we could sing a different song because I could not in good conscience lead the congregation in that certain song. I handed each member of worship team a copy of the information I had found out about Bethel, and explained that singing certain songs made me literally physically nauseated. Though they did switch the song for that Sunday, I was never again invited to lead worship. That was over a year ago now.
Did I leave that church? I surely could have. I was terribly offended, wounded to the core. I loved leading in worship. It was a calling. And I felt lost without it. Even though I thought I’d forgiven everyone on worship team, the Holy Spirit showed me later that I was holding resentment in my heart toward them. Oh how freeing it was to finally let go for real! And oh how wonderful to rejoice in how God is opening doors for those on worship team to lead in other ways, for I know He is using them and growing them and loving others through them.
Following this surrender and full forgiveness, my heart was still horribly grieved whenever they led in a song that was Bethel or akin to it, and would stop singing, sit down, and/or use the bathroom at that time in the service. Or I would just not come into the service until after the singing was over. Deep inside, the grief grew to the place that I was genuinely concerned that the congregation and others like them were sinning unknowingly by singing the songs. I wept. Day after day. Night after night. And I wondered if I ought to leave the church. I did not know what to do.
It was then that God lead me to Romans 12 and 14.
Romans 12 says, “10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…”
First of all, God wanted me to keep on loving them as family and to treasure them by putting them above me, and to lead by doing this. and to do this fervently and diligently with great patience and steadfast, intense prayer.
Furthermore, God showed me Romans 14 which shook my world. Please read it in total, even into chapter 15 as soon as you can. I pray it rocks your world and moves your heart as it did mine. In short, congregations who are singing doctrinally soun songs written by a mixture of Bethel leaders and Christian, and those other songs by Christian authors who are in league in one way or another with Bethel — and I repeat, these are songs that are doctrinally sound– are not sinning.
Romans 14 states, “5One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; [a]and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
I when I sit and abstain from singing along am doing it for the Lord, and those who sing along whether knowingly or unknowingly, are singing unto the Lord. We are all the Lords and are worshiping Him. He is our Master, and we are His servants. What we do is between Him and each of us. Thus we are not to stand in judgment over those who sing, nor are any to ridicule or attempt to persuade those who do not (Romans 14:1).
This Biblical truth regarding my congregation gave me great peace and incredible comfort. I pray that perhaps my testimony in this regard might comfort you too.
A Word to Those Who Can Sing Bethel Songs etc.
There is more to this story and the revelation of Romans 14. It is a message to those who are able to sing these songs and go to these concerts even. It is found in verse 15-16, “15Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil…”
If your brother is grieved. Not just judgmental. Not just nitpicking. Grieved. Grieved in the Greek means that the person is “cut to the heart,” even in a state of mourning. This is exactly where I have been . This is exactly where some others in the body of Christ are. And God is telling those who are free to eat or drink or sing or whatever, that they are not walking in love if they continue to do so when their brother is weeping over what they are doing. No in America there is a mentality that if you don’t like something then just move one, and that attitude is in the Church too. No one wants to stop doing something that pleases them on behalf of someone else. It’s easier to just tell them to go somewhere else or try to persuade them that they are wrong or ignorant or to just avoid them all together.
But this is not what God instructs in Romans 14. God tells the “strong” to lay aside their right for the sake of the one who is grieved. “19Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” If your brother is hurting in their heart over your liberty or is being lead away to sin against their conscience because of your boldness or is being made sick physically by your actions, you are to stop it immediately. You don’t have to change in your opinion about something nor do you have to admit that you are wrong, for this is not about being right or wrong. This is about conscience. This is about LOVE, true love that puts others first above your pleasure, rights, and liberties. It is the kind of Love that would rather have a brother in Christ remain in church over the singing of a certain song or the eating of pork or the drinking of alcohol the watching of a certain movie or whatever other matter of conscience comes up. A brother or sister in Christ is ALWAYS MORE IMPORTANT than anything else!!!
“1We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”…5Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
All of us are weak in something. All of us are strong in something. Let us therefore LOVE each other and put each other first. I do not fully understand these matters of conscience, but I do know that Jesus has said that if we love Him then we will keep His commandments and that His commandment is that we love one (John 14:15, 21; John 15:12). And Jesus also said, “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for His friends” (John 15:13). Perhaps Romans 14 is expressing exactly how we are to lay down our life– not physically but in selfless devotion and genuine affection even when we disagree on matters of conscience.
Please note this has nothing to do with matters of morality and immorality and doctrinal purity. In such matters we are not to tolerate and agree to disagree, but rather are to correct and instruct with the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Glorify God Together
7Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God
Grievous
I am grieved beyond words over all of this. I do not revel in revealing any of this. My heart is broken. I hate deception and the unholiness and division that it causes. I am sickened that is tainting large numbers of churches and Christians. I especially am deeply troubled over those who are not troubled over this information, but instead defiantly reject the truth. It seems that the knowledge of good and evil is a terribly weighty burden.
Knowing the Genuine
Furthermore, I am not approaching this from the vantage point of someone who is against the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. I grew up a Pentecostal and have experienced the Biblical manifestations from a young age. It is precisely this knowledge and experience of the genuine that has enabled me to recognize the counterfeit. For not everything supernatural is of God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let us remember the alarming words of Jesus that “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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). Please note the word, “many”. These “many” are people who considered themselves Christians. These are people who thought they were operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. And, they were “many”. This word in the Greek polys (4183) means that this is a multitude. This is not a handful of well-meaning people. Rather, this is an exorbitant amount, a very and extremely large number, for the word “emphasizes the quantity involved” (https://biblehub.com/greek/4183.htm).
Please, please understand how important it is to be discerning. After all, if countless numbers who performed and are performing wonders and speaking countless prophetic utterances can be so deceived, couldn’t any of us be too?
This message is beyond humbling, and is a piercing warning to those who will heed it.
It is time, body of Christ, to be grieved like Paul and to discern that the angel of light is at work right now. It is time to quit abiding unholiness of any kind in God’s house. It is time to quit legitimizing it by accepting it as a new normal, even as Christian when it is not. It is time to quit pampering Python and his need to usurp what is God’s. It is time to stop singing along to the mesmerizing pied piper of our day. It is time to be wearied to the point of complete fatigue by it all, and to turn and rebuke it. In a day of hybrids, syncretism, ecumenism, and prolific deception, it is time to rally on the Lord’s side of pure spiritual genetics, to be like zealous Nehemiah as we keep our house of God, even our Bethel, holy and undefiled.
Jesus is coming soon! It is time to be ready!
Ever vigilant,
Holy Light Ministries
Nehemiah 13:14, “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services!”
Outline, Notes and Quotes from Many Sources
If you view no other source below, at least view this video. “Kundalini Warning: Full Documentary – All Parts – Shocking – Andrew Strom,”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXolizIy6_g
Bill Johnson and Bethel Church (in General)
Bill Johnson is a 5th generation pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Bethel Church was established in 1952, and became affiliated with the Assemblies of God in 1954. Bill Johnson’s father Earl Johnson had been the pastor just prior to Bill.
In 1995 just before Bill became a part of the pastoral staff of Bethel Church, he attended the Toronto Blessing which was one year into its “holy laughter” movement started by the visit of Randy Clark (who was influenced by Rodney Howard-Browne). In 1996 Bill Johnson became head pastor of Bethel church in Redding, California, and though church leadership unanimously agreed with Bill Johnson’s vision for Bethel, upwards to 2000 members did not and left.
Soon thereafter, they began the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry under the leadership of Chris Vallatton. And though Johnson has tried to distance himself from the NAR, even openly denying being apart of any such thing, rosters of NAR guest speakers at Bethel, pictures of NAR apostles with Johnson gathered for special NAR ceremonies, quotes, publications, and other evidence speak louder than his words. He is very much apart of the New Apostolic Reformation, and in complete agreement with their beliefs of Dominionism, Seven Mountains Mandate, Manifest Sons of God, and so forth based on his own spoken and written words.
Quote: “The predictions alleged to come straight from God’s own mouth say that the three conglomerates, Bill Johnson’s Bethel Church in Redding, California, Mike Bickle’s International House of Prayer (IHOP) empire, and the Toronto church are three rivers that must flow into one.”
– This is an excellent video that every Christian should watch. It documents and exposes the New Apostolic Reformation, its leadership, and the Kundalini serpent spirit that works among them in the name of the Holy Spirit.
Quote: “…NAR, the New Apostolic Reformation. … It is like Grape Nuts – it’s not grapes and it’s not nuts. It’s like Christian Science – it’s not Christian and it’s not scientific. Well, the New Apostolic Reformation isn’t new, it isn’t apostolic, and it isn’t a reformation. But it is a rapidly expanding movement being generated by some of the same old troubling false teachers and false leaders that have been around in Charismania for decades, always dishonoring the Holy Spirit, always dishonoring the Scripture, always claiming miracle signs, wonders, visions, dreams. ~ John MacArthur
Quote: “This term was first used by C. Peter Wagner. According to him, the roles of apostles and prophets, which had been lost after the first century, were restored in 2001.”
Among their core beliefs are of the seven mountains mandate, extra biblical revelations that do not have to align with the word of God, and that of Dominionism to name a few.
Quote: ““Dominionism“: when Jesus came to earth, he brought down the kingdom of heaven with Him and is waiting for Christians to take control (again) over the world, snatching it from Satan’s hands. They have to bring peace and prosperity to the world; only then will Jesus come to be crowned”
Quote: “The NAR is an evangelical movement that seeks to take over “seven mountains of culture”, including business, government, and media, to prompt the return of Jesus. [13]”
Quote: “Many well-known pastors and theologians have come out against Bethel Church’s teachings and practices, one of whom is Pastor Gabriel Hughes of First Southern Baptist Church in Kansas, in which he stated in a 2017 blog post, “Bill Johnson, pastor of Bethel Church, preaches a different gospel. This is a very serious charge, and I’m very serious when I make it.””
– When here Jesus was only fully human, and was completely emptied of His godhood. If Jesus hadn’t been only a man, then we could not ever hope to perform miracles like He did.
Quote: “In his book, When Heaven Invades Earth, Johnson explains,
“He [Jesus] performed miracles, wonders, and signs, as a man in right relationship to God, not as God. If He performed miracles because He was God, then they would be unattainable for us. But if he did them as a man, I am responsible to pursue His lifestyle.””
**The booklet Addresses Kenosis, Jesus emptying Himself.
Quote: “Johnson believes in a teaching called kenosis, an unorthodox heretical belief that the Incarnate Christ laid aside His divine attributes and walked the earth as a completely limited, human man.13 According to Johnson, Christ “performed miracles, wonders, and signs, as a man in right relationship to God . . . not as God. If He performed miracles because He was God, then they would be unobtainable for us. But if He did them as a man, I am responsible to pursue His lifestyle. Recapturing this simple truth changes everything.” (Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth: A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles, op. cit., Kindle location: 259)
– Gold dust that has been found to be plastic, angel feathers, the appearance of gem stones that are in actuality fake, “Fire Tunnels”
– Kundalini spirit which is the same as that in India via Hindu enlightenment which is accompanied by strange shaking, jerking, and violent head movements, but is said to be the Holy Spirit.
Quote: “Services may have congregants laughing uncontrollably, lying on the floor,[7] shaking, staggering, screaming,[5] and dancing, which they teach are signs of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Leaders claim to have witnessed angels appearing and “balls of electricity” that throw people into the air.[5] One of the most well-known phenomena is a cloud of what is claimed to be gold dust or gold glitter that has been seen falling from the roof of the auditorium.[5] The church has uploaded videos to its YouTube channel, calling it a “glory cloud”.[8]”
Quote: ““In response to a question about how he cultivates gifts such as prophecy, Johnson replied, “When I taught my boys to ride their bikes I took them to the park where there was a lot of grass so that when they fell, they fell safely. You have to create a context for people to learn the gifts, to operate in the gifts of the spirit. You have to give them permission to not get it right. In fact at our school we actually require our students to fail three times their first year. At least three times or they can’t graduate.” – Bill Johnson
Quote: “In addition to Johnson’s own contribution to the book (one full chapter), his personal assistant, Judy Franklin, is a co-author; and the foreword of The Physics of Heaven is written by Kris Vallotton, Senior Associate leader at Bethel. Vallotton lauds the contributors as “seers.”5 Banning Liebscher, Director of Bethel’s Jesus Culture, adds his praise.6 Bill Johnson’s wife, Beni Johnson, also has a chapter in the book. With all that, The Physics of Heaven undeniably has the approval of Bethel’s leaders.”
Quote: “Ellyn Davis, one of the authors of The Physics of Heaven, says this:
“[The contributors of the book] all agree that the next move of God will cause a shift at the deepest level of who we are—perhaps the very “vibrational level” that the New Age movement has been exploring. They also all agree that there are precious truths hidden in the New Age that belong to us as Christians and need to be extracted from the worthless.”” (The Physics of Heaven, Kindle location, 447)
Quote: “Contributor Jonathan Welton adds:
“I have found throughout Scripture at least 75 examples of things that the New Age has counterfeited, such as having a spirit guide, trances, meditation, auras, power objects, clairvoyance, clairaudience, and more. These actually belong to the church, but they have been stolen and cleverly repackaged.” (The Physics of Heaven, Kindle location, 808)
* New Age/Hindu Meditation/Contemplative/Soaking Prayer
Quote: Speaking of a “Bethel produced book” entitled The Physics of Heaven, “One Bethel leader (Kris Vallotton) says it is “a foretaste of things to come”.[10] The book also states, “It wasn’t that I wanted to become a New Ager. I just wanted to find out if maybe they had discovered some truths the churches hadn’t.”[11]
Quote: “Contemplative adherents, such as Richard Foster, have convinced Christians that Eastern and New Age meditation are actually counterfeits of the real deal (i.e., contemplative prayer). Contemplative prayer is presented as an ancient Christian tradition.
Yet, contemplative prayer is not prayer at all. It is essentially Eastern/New Age meditation thinly coated with Christian terminology. The goal in contemplative prayer is to stop the thinking process and to enter what is known as the silence. This is accomplished by repeating a word or phrase over and over (or focusing on the breath) until the word loses its meaning and the mind becomes void.
In this void—this silence—many wonderful deceptions can occur: spirit guides, ascendant masters, oneness, bliss, false “christs.” The deception that occurs through contemplative prayer destroys doctrinal soundness and ultimately even faith.”
Quote: “To those who are still skeptical, I suggest examining the writings of Philip St. Romain, who wrote a book about his journey into contemplative prayer called Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality. This title is revealing because kundalini is a Hindu term for the mystical power or force that underlies Hindu spirituality. In Hinduism it is commonly referred to as the serpent power.”
Quote: “…“hypnosis” does not refer only to putting someone into a trance to entertain an audience (a very dangerous practice); it has many forms and techniques (some of which you may recognize). These include deep hypnosis, Eastern meditation, relaxation techniques, induced suggestions, monotonous stimulation, stimulation of the imagination, imagery suggestions, guided imagery, activation of unconscious motives, visualization, regressive therapy, altered states of consciousness, trance phenomena, induced hallucinations, hypnotherapy, autosuggestion, medical hypnosis, shamanic hypnosis, et al. Although the list is quite diverse, the activity is basically the same: the individual becomes receptive to the suggestions of a person or an entity other than himself.
The Bible has its own list of activities related to the practice of hypnosis: sorcery, wizardry, enchantments, “charming,” necromancy, astrology, consulting with familiar spirits, and practicing magic arts. None of these, as we all should be aware, are okay with God. In fact, they are condemned, and all involve deception…
Sozo is one of the latest inner healing practices to enter the church, particularly among those who are into signs and wonders, healing and prosperity, word-faith, and the Latter Rain/New Apostolic Reformation movements. The Sozo website declares that “Sozo is a unique inner healing and deliverance ministry aimed to get to the root of things hindering your personal connection with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. With a healed connection, you can walk in the destiny to which you have been called.” Sozo was developed and is led by two women, Dawna DeSilva and Teresa Liebscher. Another leader, teacher, and mentor in Sozo is Randy Clark, who instigated the bizarre manifestations allegedly of the Holy Spirit at the Toronto Airport Vineyard.”
Later Rain/Dominionism/Manifest Sons of God/Seven Mountains Mandate
Below are a number of articles that explain what this belief is. To summarize, however, this has gone by many different names (Manifest Sons of God, Seven Mountains Mandate, Latter Rain, Joel’s Army, New Breed, Dominionism, etc), but all of them refer to the same thing. In short, they teach that last days Christians are not only reincarnations of Christ but are becoming Christ. They are therefore not awaiting the Second Coming of Christ but the “becoming of Christ.” As those who are becoming christs they must take back each of the seven mountains of society until they take over the world with the greatest revival the world has ever seen. Those who are little christs/little gods will take on immortality and will be an invincible Joel’s army of supermen that will conquer the world for Christ, and Christ will then be released to come down from heaven.Doesn’t this sound familiar — maybe “lo here is Christ, lo there” from Matthew 24?
Quote: “The Seven Mountain Mandate(7MM) was invented by NAR Apostles Bill Bright and Lorren Cunningham. NAR Apostles Lance Wallnau and Johnny Enlow are responsible for repackaging the 7MM and continually pushing this dangerous cult teaching on churches around the world.”
Quote:“That teaching can be traced back several centuries, but its recent explosion dates from the Latter Rain, or Manifest Sons of God, movement that began in 1948 in Canada in apparent revival. It was declared to be heresy by the Assemblies of God in 1950. Its relationship to the Word/Faith, positive-confession, prosperity and healing movements (Hagin, Copeland, Capps, Price, et al.) is clearly established. Obviously, if we can get whatever we confess, then we ought to confess healing and immortality and peace and prosperity and salvation for the world. This is, in fact, where the name “Manifest Sons” comes from: the last-days overcomers must manifest total victory over all foes, including death, while in these bodies and without a resurrection…
Many groups are beginning to work together who disagree on some points but join with Gaia (Mother Earth)-worshiping New Agers in their desire to clean up our terra firma and establish the Kingdom. We can expect such cooperative efforts to grow, even involving Christian leaders who are not aware of what they are actually promoting. The Coalition on Revival (COR), for example, included such influential evangelicals as Joseph Aldrich, Pat Robertson, Bill Bright, Jerry Falwell, Armin Gesswein, Josh McDowell and J. I. Packer, who were probably clueless regarding the actual intention of the leaders of COR.”
Quote: “This belief is not held by one particular group but many individuals are influenced by the teaching. It has many names, such as, The Latter Rain Movement, Identity, Joel’s Army, Restoration and Reconstruction. The Manifest Sons of God doctrine has been around in some Pentecostal circles for many years, but it was the ‘Latter Rain Movement’ of 1948 that gave them a wider audience. This movement was thought of as the last great spiritual outpouring that would see the return of Christ. It would result in the Church being perfected and submitting to the restored ministry of apostles and prophets. These ministries would be in charge of restoring truths that were lost to the Church. Scriptures refer to the rains in Israel as the ‘former rain,’ essential for planting and the ‘latter rain,’ needed for the harvest. Manifest Sons see the former rain as Pentecost and the latter rain as a greater outpouring of the Spirit in these last days. There is evidence that much teaching on spiritual warfare today, is largely an extension of this doctrine…
“Jesus is considered the ‘Pattern Son.’ He was the first one to make it as a divine, immortal, sinless Manifest Son of God and this accomplishment will be duplicated by each individual who, following Jesus, become Manifest Sons of God. This Christ Company, now individually Manifest as Sons of God, will execute judgement at the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord…
“Rick Joyner is another teacher for this movement. He believes that the elite ‘overcomers’ will conquer the world. This will lead to the greatest revival of history, where the majority of the world will be won to Christ and the kingdom made ready to be received by Christ.””
“Every man who has been born again is an incarnation and Christianity is a miracle. The believer is as much an incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth.” – Kenneth Hagin, The Incarnation, December 1980, p.13
“Who are you? Come on, who are you? Come on, say it: ‘Sons of God!’ Come on, say it! And what does work inside us, brother, is that manifestation of the expression of all that God is and all that God has. And when we stand up here, brother, you’re not looking at Morris Cerullo; you’re looking at God. You’re looking at Jesus.” – Morris Cerullo, The Endtime Manifestation of the Sons of God, World Evangelism – Tape 1.
Quote: “Sadly today so called “prophets” are spiritualizing this army and interpreting it to be a supernatural breed of people being birthed without the literal presence of Jesus Christ. Scriptures have been taken out of context to imply a super end-time church made up of a “New Breed” of people who will move in the supernatural realm…
The “waves” that break from time to time are referred to as new waves bringing forth new truths hitherto hidden. One of the strongest waves to bit in this century was the “Latter Rain” referred to as ‘”The New Order of the Latter Rain.” Out of this Movement in the late 40’s came the teaching: “Manifest Sons of God”. Other terms that were prevalent are: “Joel’s Army”, “New Breed”, “Elijah Company”, “Manchild” and “Overcomers” etc. Modem day prophets are always quick to deny that they teach Manifest Sons of God teaching, but yet continue to do so. We see from the 1920’s onward, similar thinking emerging from divergent sources…
In 1948, the Assemblies of God were particularly hit by the wave that came out of Canada. The new manifestations coming out of the tide were claimed to be of God. The Assemblies at that time took a strong Stand and officially rejected the new teachings… However today we are seeing a new development – instead of the Assemblies of God rejecting this teaching in its new garb, they are courting it and have been infiltrated to such an extent they have become part of it.
The MANIFESTED SONS believe they are establishing a new and glorious Kingdom – led by a NEW BREED of men of women. The” Joel’s Army” now individually manifest as Sons of God, would be revealed to the world as many “saviours” who would take dominion and execute judgment.”
Quote: “The 7-M movement places upon Christians a mandate to dominate world systems to usher in Jesus’ return. Spiritually, these ideas are closely associated with New Age thoughts that call for a spiritual shift in which humans become co-redeemers of earth.”
Quote: “7 Mountain Mandate simply says, that in order for the church to control the global society, it must take control over every aspect of that particular society and its culture, being 7 cultural mountains. They are; Family, Government, Business, Media, Arts and Entertainment, Education and the church itself. Those who control these cultural gates exercise the greatest influence over the culture and ultimately that society. This is, in a nutshell, the doctrine of Dr. Lance Wallnau and why many are beginning, and have already, been embracing like a strange, intoxicating drink, they (the church) are becoming drunk on this notion that says we shall eradicate evil and overthrow Satan’s kingdom of dominance…
This teaching (7 mountain mandate) is a false teaching simply because it goes against scripture. Jesus gave us (the end time church) a clear picture of the end times just before he returns, and that picture is not one of hope, or victory, but instead, one of which would shake any believer in terrible fear, for he (Jesus) paints a very sobering portrait of what we will see, those who are alive during this particular time, of what the world will look like, as well as resemble, and it is found in Matthew chapter 24, as well as Luke 21:8-28. For your sake I encourage the reader to search those scriptures up and read them repeatedly.”
Quote: “Here is the underlying goal within the Latter Rain message of Bill Hamon.
“The whole creation is waiting for the last generation Church. The earth and all of creation are waiting for the manifestation of God’s last-day apostles and prophets and fully restored Church. “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19 NKJV). When the Church is fully restored, then the saints will receive their final redemption, the immortalization of their mortal bodies. When this happens, then the natural creation of plants and animals will be delivered from their bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Apostles, Prophets and the Coming Moves of God: God’s End-Time Plans for His Church and Planet Earth. Destiny Image Publishers (July 1, 1997). p. 235…
Hamon promotes one of the more distorted doctrines that came from the Latter Rain movement, the manifested sons of God doctrine. Their interpretation of this verse is unique in church history. There is no rapture but people will be changed into eternal beings right here on earth to do miraculous works like Jesus to overcome the devil and the world system BEFORE the Lord returns.
Hamon claims in The Eternal Church, ‘Jesus is waiting on the church. All that the fall of man and sin has taken away from humanity, Jesus through His church shall restore.”
Again this can only take place “When the Church realizes its full sonship, its bodily redemption will cause a redemptive chain reaction throughout all of creation.” (Bill Hamon p. 385 The Eternal Church)…
Hamon: “When the church has put under it’s feet all enemies of Christ …then Christ can be released from Heaven to return as the manifested head of His physically resurrected and translated church.” (Prophets and Personal Prophecy, Bill Hamon).”
Quote: “In the 50’s Paul Cain travelled with and ministered alongside William Branham, whom he called “the greatest prophet that ever lived.” Though he disagrees with Branham’s views on the doctrine of theTrinity (which the latter said was inspired by the devil), Cain very much promotes Branham’s Manifest Sons of God teachings. Cain coined the term “New Breed” to refer to that doctrine. Paul Cain was instrumental in founding Kansas City Fellowship (as it was known at the time) – a church based on the teachings of Latter Rain theology. Cain headed the controversial Kansas City Prophets.”
Quote: “ ‘The Manifest Sons of God'(MSOG) movement has many names such as, The Latter Rain Movement, Identity, Joel’s Army, Restoration and Reconstruction. MSOG doctrine has been around in some Pentecostal circles for many years, but it was the ‘Latter Rain Movement’ of 1948 that gave it a wider audience. This movement was thought by its adherents as the last great spiritual outpouring that would see the return of Christ. It would result in the Church being perfected and submitting to the restored ministry of apostles and prophets. These ministries would supposedly be in charge of restoring truths that were lost to the Church. But when we examine the fruit of this movement and see how it’s doctrine compares to the Word of God, it falls woefully short…
‘The Great Tribulation itself is going to be cut short because of the Sons of God…so the Sons of God, through the exercise of their royal priesthood, shall actually shorten the Great Tribulation… As priests, they will be able to present the needs of the people to God, and intercede for them; and as kings they will have the authority of God to dispense life and blessing to such as are in tribulation and distress.’ – George Warnock: The Feast of the Tabernacles, p.79…
‘Who are you?…Come on, say it: ‘Sons of God!’ Come on, say it!…And when we stand up here, brother, you’re not looking at Morris Cerullo; you’re looking at God. You’re looking at Jesus.’ – Morris Cerullo, The Endtime Manifestation of the Sons of God, World Evangelism – Tape 1…
‘Man was created on terms of equality with God, and he could stand in God’s presence without any consciousness of inferiority…Kenneth Copeland, Zoe: The God-Kind of Life, 1989, pp.35-36”
Quote: “Brian Mark Johnson (born March 17, 1978) is an American contemporary worship musician and worship pastor. He is the president and co-founder of Bethel Music,[2] as well as a member of its Artist Collective and is one-half of the husband- and-wife worship duo, Brian & Jenn Johnson.[3][4] He is also a senior worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, and a Senior Overseer of WorshipU,[4] an online school of worship under Bethel Music which he co-founded with Jenn Johnson. [5]… As a founding member of Bethel Music, Johnson has been featured on most Bethel Music releases… ”
Quote: “Jennifer Louise Rock Johnson is an American Christian worship singer, songwriter and worship pastor. She is a co-founding member of Bethel Music, and is one-half of the husband-and-wife worship duo, Brian & Jenn Johnson.[1][2] She is also a senior worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, and a Senior Overseer of WorshipU,[3] an online school of worship under Bethel Music which she co-founded with Brian Johnson.[4]”
Quote: “She produced her first solo album, Here Is My Song, which was released in February 2008 through the Jesus Culture record label.[1][2] Walker-Smith is best known as the worship leader for the Jesus Culture Band and Jesus Culture events, and a worship pastor for Bethel Church in Redding.[3]”
– Just confirms that she is a worship leader at Bethel church, and therefore exposes the fact that she is under the leadership and teaching of Bill Johnson.
Quote: “Kim Walker-Smith a worship pastor for Bethel Church in Redding and worship leader for the Jesus Culture Band has a vision that would more akin to a hallucinogenic trip, it certainly was not God from the Bible no matter how passionate she is in conveying it… To believe Jesus is begging her to ask him this certain question and brings her to heaven where she sees God the Father (which the bible says no man can see). God rips a piece out of himself and forms it into her right on the spot and then gets entertained but putting her in a music box and continues to open it to see her dancing. Saying “Woohoo! And He starts running around in circles.” And she is transferred into the Fathers hand, where he then he puts her into the missing portion of his heart where he says I created you from and commends her.
Really? I mean Really?! This is her view of God by going to Bethel church. Contrary to this, holy men who went to heaven fell down as dead (John) and could not convey what they saw for it was illegal (Paul). John later was allowed so we would have it written to know what is genuine.”
Quote: “In 2010, Cook became a worship leader at Bethel Church in Redding, California, joining the Bethel music collective, Bethel Music.[15] She has appeared on many Bethel Music albums since then.”
Note: Her words are more New Age than Christian. What she says is disturbing at best. Is this how a worship leader should talk? Is this what King David and psalmist in the Bible would say? Quotes from her interview with the Christian Post are in the article linked above. A link to the full interview is found in this article by Holly Pivec.
Quote: “… Amanda Lindsey Cook also teaches at Bethel Church in Redding, California, home to Bethel Music. Given her unclear and curious responses during the interview, one may wonder how she ever was approved to teach at any church, let alone one as large and influential as Bethel Church.”
Quotes of Amanda Lindsey Cook from her interview:
“Every day I increasingly felt like gravity and the great beyond, called God, was working in my favor.”
“”I love the names that this essence and this divine presence gives itself. In the Old Testament, where God describes themselves as ‘I am,’ also the name Yahweh, ‘the intake and the exhale of breath.'”
“”It’s this common acknowledgment, this communal aspect of living, where we’re all connected, we’re all part of the common thread … to be connected at the source to this divine presence, this Christ consciousness…”
Quote: “In 1999 the youth group pastored by Banning Liebscher at Bethel Church
launched the first Jesus Culture Conference. This gave birth to Jesus Culture and paved the way for what it is today–a global movement awakening hearts to worship and serve God. Through events, worship, resources, and a local church, Jesus Culture has a mandate to mobilize a generation of revivalists and reformers who will shape culture and transform nations.”
Quote: “When you hear the word “gospel” mentioned at Bethel Church, know that it is a different gospel they’re talking about. This filters into all of their ministries. The “Jesus” in the name “Jesus Culture” is not the Jesus of the Bible. When you listen to their worship songs, you might hear all the right Christian words, but you are not praising God with them because they are writing and singing about a different Jesus.”
Quote: “Jesus Culture started as a youth group at Bill Johnson’s church Bethel in Redding California… It must be made clear that Bethel Church and Jesus Culture cannot be separated for their roots are in Bill Johnson…”
Quote: “Now over the last many years it is Bethel under Bill Johnson spearheading a mystical Christianity. He is a man who has less than 0% discernment (in fact they change the meaning of discernment to be “changing the atmosphere.” Bethel has become the sweet spot for every trend tried and some new ones. It is the new Hybrid model for the church, combining new age practices (which they say were once Christian and they are now redeeming them) one of them is yoga. These revivalists are fooling the whole Christian world with their synergism of new age with Christianity using occasional Bible words. It’s time we stand up for the word of God who is Jesus. Its time for the church to be what it was intended to be and not be changed by new age change agents touting their Gnosticism and Mysticism. This is no longer a subtle change but bold and audacious one, and it has gone on far too long through the various false revivals. Only to find a more permanent home at Bethel among the naïve ungrounded youth that are inclined to feel more than to think biblically.”
The NAR Bible Translation of Choice: The Passion Bible
Quote: “Apostle Brian Simmons, of Stairway Ministries, is the lone translator of this “groundbreaking” project…
Simmons’ translation is endorsed by influential NAR leaders…
Simmons claims he undertook this work because he saw a need for a more emotionally passionate translation of the Bible…
Simmons has taken verses of Scripture that have nothing to do with NAR teachings or practices and reworded them so they appear to support those very teachings and practices, such as “prophetic singing,” the “transference of an anointing,” and the issuing of “apostolic decrees.” In other words, despite his claim to unveil the truth of the Bible “unfiltered by religious jargon,” he’s actually exploiting his audience’s ignorance of sound textual criticism to smuggle in a heterodox theology along with a good measure of NAR jargon.”
Quote: “NAR Bible: Like most cults, the NAR have extra-biblical revelations that add, surpass or mangle the bible. Brian Simmons’ ‘The Passion Translation’ (TPT) is the ‘bible’ that NAR leaders preach and teach from. In fact, if you are unsure if your church is part of the NAR or is being influenced by the NAR, if your leaders are using the TPT, that should be a warning sign.”
The “becoming of Christ” teaching in conjunction with the Later Rain and Manifest Sons of God teaching of Branham, and Christ’s second coming on the clouds is actually about people becoming Christ.
Quote: The “Reincarnation of Christ” teaching that Christians are “the word made flesh again. We ARE the reincarnation of Jesus Christ…” And this again is in agreement with the teachings of William Branham who said, “I believe that’s Jesus Christ reincarnated in flesh in the human church here on earth a doing signs and wonders. ” (53-1205, The Resurrection, American Legion Hall, West Palm Beach)
“”Forged many years ago while translating the Scriptures among South American tribes, and hammered out on the anvil of decades of personal devotion and apostolic experience, my dear friend Brian Simmons brings to the earth a powerful and refreshing translation of the Scriptures that is fueling and inflaming the hearts of tens of thousands world wide. Like the Living Bible that sprung forth in the days of the Jesus Movement, this translation bursts forth from the womb of this present revival. Read it and get caught up in a God-swirl of spiritual understanding and revelation.”
Patricia King
“The Passion Translation skillfully penned by Dr. Brian Simmons contains deep treasures that can only be discovered through intense scholarly research saturated in Divine Revelation. Dr. Brian Simmons fulfilled both of these criteria so he could present to you this glorious gift. Keys to knowing the heart of God and His deep love for His people will fill you as you read and meditate on the scriptures. I personally cannot get enough of this translation! It is beyond beautiful!”
Heidi Baker
“During my over four decades of ministry around the world, I have read and preached from various Bible translations in different languages. They are all powerful and anointed, and each has its particular strengths. The Passion Translation is one that speaks with particular poetic imagination in a style that is deeply moving and easily accessible. I have found it truly refreshing in personal devotion. It has been a steadfast help and comfort in the midst of many storms”
Banning Liebscher (founder of Jesus Culture)
“In a world that is constantly shaking, The Passion Translation is making Scripture accessible to a generation whose lives long to be established on the truth of God’s Word. Young and old are experiencing the inevitable freedom that comes when you encounter the power found in God’s Word, and are being ignited with a passion for Jesus that will not be extinguished. My own personal devotion and study has been deeply impacted by The Passion Translation and I am grateful for what this work is adding to the body of Christ.”
Che Ahn
“I believe The Passion Translation will be the Bible of choice for the next Jesus people movement.”
Chuck Pierce
“I have devoured The Passion Translation! There is a fragrance of God’s Spirit that emanates from the powerful expressions that Brian Simmons has brought forth in this translation. Not only have I used The Passion Translation for teaching, but I have picked up certain books of the Bible and read them like a living novel. I love this translation!”
“4And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for [a]all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, [b]pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Matthew 24:4-8 (NKJV, emphasis mine)
The videos that I’ve attached below give animation and color to the statement about earthquakes in various places. The term “earthquakes” is actually the Greek word seismos (#4578) meaning, “a commotion, shaking”, even a tempest or storm, and comes from the term seio (4579) meaning to shake, agitate or stir up. Thus, it appears that this could describe a variety of weather events that are stormy, shaky, and tempestuous such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, and of course earthquakes. And, because of the Greek word kata (2596) placed in front of seismos it is clear that these events are happening daily. It is not occasionally, but rather, day-by-day.
Though this passage could be said to have been unfolding throughout the centuries, it was not happening daily and it was not happening everywhere at the same time. However, right now in the year 2022 it is happening daily, and it is happening everywhere.
When it comes to the United States, earthquakes have been shaking this land from sea to shining sea in just the past few days. A 2.9 shook Darrington, Washington and its surrounding towns including parts of Stanwood, Camano Island, Mount Vernon and Burlington. A lot of low rumblings have been trembling Vancouver Island in the area of Victoria. The Saint Louis area has also been jostled, and yesterday South Carolina was shaken by an earthquake and very bad thunderstorms. Oklahoma, Georgia, and parts of California and Alaska have effected by seismic activity as well. Western Texas and New Mexico recently suffered swarms of tremors with the largest registering a 4.4. And east Texas in the are of Hallsville, a rare and extreme hailstorm hit about two weeks ago. People whose heritage in the area goes back generations said it was record breaking and unprecedented. Indeed, they have never seen such a hailstorm in all the years they or their ancestors have called Hallsville home.
Then around the world earthquakes and volcanoes are causing emergency evacuations. On April 7th Poland was hit by a 4.7. They thought it was bombing and that war had come to them, but it was an earthquake. March 30th there was a 7.0 earthquake near New Caladonia of the Loyalty Islands just east of Australia, and on March 29th a 3.0 struck southern Australia. This was preceded by a volcanic eruption in the Philippines on March 28th. And for up to a week (as reported on March 25th) a Portuguese island has had over 2,000 tremors and volcanic activity prompting evacuations. And two weeks ago a large earthquake was registered in Tawain at a 6.7.
This brings to mind Nahum 1 which says,
“…The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet. 4He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, And dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, And the flower of Lebanon wilts. 5The mountains quake before Him, The hills melt, And the earth [b]heaves at His presence, Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.”
In conclusion, Hebrews 12 powerfully states,“25See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29For our God is a consuming fire.”
His voice shakes both the earth and heaven, both the spiritual realm and the physical. Think on that.
This also causes my mind to turn to 1 Thessalonians 4 regarding the “snatching away” of the Bride which says, “16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18Therefore comfort one another with these words.” “27For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be,” Matthew 24:27.
Just imagine what that shout will do to this world, what the voice of the archangel will rattle, and what the trumpet of God will shake at that very split second, when in the twinkling of an eye we are all changed (I Corinthians 15)!!! When Christ in lightning fast fashion takes us to be with Himself, the thunder of His voice will inevitably cause this world to shake uncontrollably. For, with lightning always comes thunder, even the thunder of God’s voice! As Job 37 unequivocally states,
“2Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that comes from His mouth. 3He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His [a]lightning to the ends of the earth. 4After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend.”
Jesus’ words are coming to pass, and the present age is truly coming to a very swift, dramatic, and climactic close. And this most definitely means that Jesus’ return is immanent. Let’s be ready!