By Rick Becker 26 October 2017
You probably have friends and family caught up in New Apostolic Reformation churches like Bethel, and you have found it extremely difficult to persuade them they are being deceived. You may have been accused of having a critical spirit, of being divisive, judgemental, or of being a heresy hunter when warning them of the false doctrines in this movement. Why is it so difficult for those caught up in the New Apostolic Reformation, word of faith, and prosperity gospel movements (NAR & CO) to break free?
These movements have characteristics similar to cults, making it almost equally difficult to come out from their grip and deception. There are reasons why it is so difficult for people to escape from these movements and churches that teach false doctrine. Firstly, we will look at some secondary reasons, and then note the two primary reasons why people struggle to break free from this deception.
- A new priesthood has been established within the NAR & Co. When the likes of Patricia King, Kris Vallotton, or Bill Johnson claim to have a revelation for the body of Christ, a new strategy, etc, who are you to question when God does not speak to you on such an intimate basis? Like any cult leader, they claim to have special knowledge, immediately placing them on a level that is admired by their followers. Leaders claim to have taken trips to heaven, talked with angels, and received new downloads and impartations from an open heaven. Their so-called ability to receive new revelation has elevated them above their followers, in clear contradiction to 1 John 2:27: “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” There is no difference between the manipulative priests and Popes of the Roman Catholic Church and this new breed of apostles, prophets, and pastors. They interpret scripture on our behalf, and through eisegesis twist the scriptures to promote their false doctrines. They are rarely challenged by their followers, and point two reveals why.
2. Submission induced through an unhealthy fear keeps followers in their place. Questioning a particular teaching or any form of critical reasoning is frowned upon by the leaders and treated as a mutiny of sorts. Those who obey and submit are duly rewarded with positions in the ministry, mentioned by name, and are allowed in the inner circle. Those who ask legitimate questions concerning doctrine or practices are immediately dealt with. Usually, they will be accused of several things: having a rebellious spirit, acting out of personal hurts that they have not dealt with, or not being in tune with the Holy Spirit and in doing so grieving him. Some unfortunate souls will even receive threats in the form of “prophetic words.” Finally, they will probably be threatened with the go-to verse for all manipulative false teachers: “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!” (Psalm 105:15). This verse does not mean it’s wrong to question a leader regarding their teachings. This verse meant that it would have been wrong for David to kill King Saul. David had the opportunity but spared Saul (2 Sam 24:10-11) and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe.
Contrary to scripture, the leaders have ulterior motives and rule from their position at the top of their hierarchical structure. Instead, leaders should: “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
3. Pride prevents many from admitting their whole house has been built on the wrong foundation. It’s embarrassing to admit much of what you have believed, practiced, and taught has been based on a lie. The longer a person has been in these movements the harder it is to break free.
4. People have invested heavily in their churches. Time and money have been spent, and if they leave, all those spent resources would have been a waste. What if they are about to receive that long awaited breakthrough? After tithing faithfully for 15 years, God may be about to catapult their business to the level of success they have always dreamed of. Their leader has been given a prophetic word that this is “a season of suddenlies” and “major shifts” – they don’t want to lose out! Perhaps they are on the verge of being offered a leadership position, finally giving them the recognition they deserve.
5. Friendships are in jeopardy, despite a questionable leader and unsound doctrine, friendships are formed that can be as close as or even supersede family ties and provide a means of emotional support. Perhaps the thing that they stand to lose the most are their friendships, and that is what makes breaking away so painful. The thought of losing these friendships and the support they offer is often too much to bear for many, and so they remain, convincing themselves not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. But there is no baby in the waters of the NAR & Co – a little leaven leavens the whole lump.
6. Many are simply too lazy to study the word for themselves, preferring to accept the flawed interpretations of their favorite celebrity teacher. A Beth Moore or John Bevere bible study is far less work than digging into the word for yourself. In this digital age, there are thousands of free resources from commentaries and lexicons that enable us to understand the word in context. Unfortunately, many followers come to the point where they trust their leaders to such an extent that they never question what they are taught. Those who do concede that there are some questionable teachings, simply shrug off any concerns and assure you that they “eat the meat and spit out the bones.” This is not a biblical text – instead, we are commanded to mark and avoid those who pervert the gospel.
7. It’s all they know. Many are graciously saved by God despite being in these churches. However, expository preaching and working through actual chapters in context is foreign to them. Topical preaching, motivational messages, and storytelling are the order of the day. Followers cannot discern the twisting of scripture through the narcigesis and eisegesis employed by their leaders. Years of indoctrination have taken their toll. Attempting to reason or discuss scripture with those caught up in these movements is often futile. Those who are believers remain in a state of spiritual infancy: “About this, we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:11-14).
There are two main reasons why people stay in the NAR & Co even after being confronted with the truth:
1. Many are false converts, so don’t expect them to see the light when they are firmly entrenched in the kingdom of darkness and loving it. When Jesus said my sheep hear my voice he did not mean he will give you a new revelation during your quiet time; he meant true believers will hear and obey his voice. His voice is clear, his voice has spoken, it’s called scripture. These false converts need the true gospel to repent and believe before they can be able to discern the errors of the NAR & Co: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Don’t think for a second that many caught up in these movements are not passionate or sincere, but they are sincerely wrong. Passion, crowds, testimonies, and even signs and wonders do not guarantee that God is involved. Ultimately, God knows who is his, and what may fool men, never fools God: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matthew 7: 21-23).
2. Many are simply feeding their passions and are getting exactly what they desire – ear tickling messages. It’s not so much a question of them being deceived by a teacher, but rather them finding a teacher who is as deceived as they are. We are quick to blame false teachers who are leading many astray, but these verses give us the reason many are deceived: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Note the following:
• The people will not want sound doctrine.
• The people already have itching ears.
• The people are the ones accumulating false teachers.
• The people are merely catering to their own carnal passions.
• The people are not interested in the truth.
The prophets of the old testament also had to contend with false prophets and a people who preferred satisfying their passions rather than obeying God:
“An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?” (Jeremiah 5: 30-31).
“For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 30: 9-11).
Don’t be fooled by those in these movements, who by outward appearances seem to be devoted to God and his kingdom. They seem so passionate and determined to make a difference in this world; they are bold, unashamed, and eager to spread their message. Dig a little deeper, however, and you will find that ultimately they are the ones who are exalted. It’s a man-centered gospel. You will leave a legacy, you will usher in God’s kingdom, you will do greater things, and you will be a world changer…God needs YOU.
Pray for those you know who are caught up in these movements. God has graciously saved people in these churches, and that same grace will lead them out. If you have an opportunity, speak the truth in love, keeping in mind that you were probably deceived by these movements to some degree in the past. The journey of those who have left these movements would have been painful. The scars remain, but ultimately we have to be faithful to God and his word.
“And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 1: 22-23).
Hi Alexa, thanks so much for your encouragement. It is sad that those caught up in it refuse to even examine scripture. Keep contending for the faith!
Also thanks rick for taking up the challange of truth. Friends we need to pray to God, and believe the Holy Spirit can keep us safe and lead us to truth and to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I was in a church that was partnering with Bethel. God lead me out of there about a year and a half ago. I actually thought it was my problem at the time but now I see that it was a move of God to get me out. I recently went back to a thing they were having with Bethel one night with my very best friend who still goes there. I left very confused about whether it was God. The people were shaking and jerking. They were falling and flailing on the ground like they had demons. When I got to my car I had to repent for not having the wisdom to leave earlier.
I pray that this NAR does not sweep the Pacific Northwest. Please pray with me. I worry about my friends and even more people who would be entertained by a false doctrine.
Thanks
Please read this will help also! http://www.828ministries.com/populum/pagem.php?f=Bethel-Teaches-to-Declare-by-Anthony-Wade-Faith-171103-878.html
Another good article by Anthony!
I couldnt agree more.. many people are too proud or embarrassed to admit or question these people. The false hope of imminent (but never coming) breakthrough has a ridiculous grip on people. Its sweeping across africa now unrelentingly!!
Keep exposing keep striving.
Dagmawi
Addis ababa, Ethiopia
Yeah, these churches always seem to be on the brink of some break through. My last church was like that and for five years they have been talking about this big break through….but it never happened. It’s manipulation.
Yep – have experienced the same with the NAR-influenced fellowship I used to go to. Of course I knew nothing of WOF and NAR when I started going, but by immersing myself in the Word and praying to God to always guide me in truth, to give me wisdom – He opened my eyes to what they are doing and who they are and lead me out of that church and away from their toxic teachings. I was so dissappointed in these people as they came across as so caring – but I realised God taught me the greatest lesson – never put your faith in men – look to Jesus and the Word above all else. I am thankful that He saved me from that cult-like place, yet I am praying for those dear friends who are still there – but as the article states correctly – some people want to listen to others and their soothing messages rather than examine the Word and themselves. Yes, people can be simultaneously very passionate yet very lazy in their devotion – these apostate churches know that very well.
Where there is false doctrine, false prophecy, control and manipulation, false accusation and unfounded judgement, unrepentant and proud hearts, you can be sure that the spirit of jezebel is behind it. A religious spirit. Haughty, arrogant, and ready to slice you up if you cross her/it.
Yes. It certainly is… and it’s interesting that the order of creation and priestly authority is usurped by woman in these movements. Joyce Meyers is developing a Joker-like smile, that looks like a mockery of sorts.
hi … just a quick note… i think you need to study the word concerning ” jezebel spirit” ..i am sure you will see that when the Lord gave her time to repent…. it wouldnt have been a spirit.. demonically inspired yes.. but to call IT Jezebel would be wrong.. ..you are right to say that these are false doctrines.. ect… but sin is what needs to be repented of…and when speaking the truth .. preadventure …God would grant to them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth…
please consider……
What are your reasons for believing Bethel and Hillsong promote deception. I believe God can reveal new things to anybody. In my opinion that would not disqualify one from being true to the Word. I see many flaws in their doctrine, but I don’t know if I’m ready to compare them to cult-like behavior.
Hi Gabriel, we view word of faith theology, the prosperity gospel, and New Apostolic Reformation teachings as false doctrines. Both these churches teach these doctrines in varying degrees. Do some research on these two churches/movements, there are many articles exposing their false doctrines. As far as God revealing new things – God has revealed all we need to know through his word. If God adds new revelations, then they need to be added to the word of God, in which case the word of God currently, is insufficient. The way the leaders in these churches are revered, obeyed, never questioned, are characteristics of cult leaders. Speak to some who have escaped these two churches, and you will hear how they were condemned, ostracised, threatened etc – similar to treatment people receive after leaving cults.
Wait, so you don’t believe that God speaks today? Are you a cessationist?
God speaks primarily through his word. On a personal level, he leads and guides us through his word, our conscience, circumstances, inner promptings etc. So God does speak to us today. When it comes to the new revelations and prophecies from Bethel & co, we draw the line.
When God speaks, He will not contradict what He has already said in scripture. These new “apostles” are doing just the opposite. Many teach people to set aside the bible and listen to them instead. We need to “search the scriptures daily to see if these things are true”. Test everything that a preacher/teacher says. If we know the bible well, that won’t be hard. Then challenge them when they don’t line up and if they won’t hear you, “come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord”.
I will say, that Christ centered churches may choose to sing Hillsong songs…a church preaching from the Bible. I believe the Lord can use worship, even written by imperfect people to draw people to Christ. We can never put what God can do through music in a box, if a Hillsong song touches someone on the radio or at youth group & it leads them to speak & pray for someone, then it was God’s power through the music & lyrics that has the potential to encourage or bring healing in that moment. The song did not do anything but the Holy Spirit is able to move & transform lives. Yes, it may start with a song but then they take the next step in Faith.
Benny Hinn (WOF) has said that God is 9 persons, not 3.
Bill Johnson stated that Jesus was a “man in right relationship with God’ so the things He did are attainable for us (straight out of his book). This is false, it would mean that ANYONE could have died for humanities sin’s as well.
Rick Joyner has stated he wants Christians to control America (even if by force if necessary)
Lou Engel has run around at meetings cursing politicians and gays- falsely thinking he is an old testament prophet or the reincarnation of Elijah.
Their children are brainwashed to think they will be superhuman “god men” that will unleash judgement on the earth through ‘prophetic declarations” .
Please do some research into the “latter rain” heresy – the NAR is a re-hash of these evil doctrines just on a larger scale.
The only spirit that caused men to writhe and act like fools in the Bible was not Holy.
The Word is not preached at all in these churches- it is all a hodge podge of scriptures taken from Acts (mainly) and Revelation.
Surrendered my life to Jesus in 1976. Was part of a study church started by an independent group. Loved Gods Word and immersed myself in it. Before long, I began to see some questionable teachings (Derek Prince, Haigen, Mumford, etc ) heave in deliverance (Christian possession). Initially, I didn’t feel qualified to confront. Began to listen to Chuck Smith, Swindol, etc., and saw inconsistencies. With courage to confront and question, I was disciplined before the congregation. Left that fellowship. We had invested much, but the price to stay quiet was too high. Today, I continue to see these same errors, and find myself very discouraged at the unwillingness of church authority to confront these errors. Listening to Truth for Life with Alistair Begg is God’s lifeline. So sad to see so many being led by blind guides! Jesus has warned us of false teachers. Ultimately, Christians must check their motives for believing what they choose to believe. We have Jesus to answer to!
Hi we ve come out of a NAR church here in Gatinea.Que. Source de Vie pastor is Bruno Savard who is a member of Hodos whos founder is Alain Caron of Le Chemin church the french version of C.Peter Wagner network Global Sphears.
We ve started a french english FB page called Le respect de la Parole de Dieu dans nos Eglises a Gatineau. They are leading many astray with their false doctrine and teaching we are trying to warn others that are left in these churches by posting videos.documentions.Scriptures.comments testamonies.Please feel free to visit page and add info. Scriptures.testamonies documention.videos. I would appreciate all the help you all could send to aid us in exposing these false teachers apostles and prophets here in Gatineau heres the page https://www.facebook.com/Eglises.Gatineau/ https://www.facebook.
Hi Suzie, I have liked the page and will participate!
What do you say about people on facebook and youtube who post their dreams, visions, and words from the Lord of terrible destruction coming to the world? They aren’t preaching “pie in the sky” futures, they are screaming for people to repent because the Day of the Lord is coming upon America. I don’t believe they are receiving any such revelation or words from our Lord, but they are causing many who belong to Him to fear they are not saved because they don’t hear from God; they don’t receive visions or dreams. One of them, Marty Breeden, a police officer, and a real dinger of a “prophet” has had an NDE in 2016, if I remember correctly, and continuing dreams and visions. He has an ever growing population of Christians following him. So what does Scripture say about people like him and Lyn Leahtz (worst one yet in my opinion)… Thanks!
They certainly aren’t offering the usual dream destiny vision or American dream, but rather a nightmare (and it will be for the lost) Like yourself, I don’t believe their revelations come from God, the fact that they may be similar to what scriptures describes during the end times cannot justify their messages. We know that false teachers are serving their own appetites, usually greed, fame, power, pride, control etc. People who give words like these get attention, they may not (well the police officer at least) be making money off their revelations, but they are in a position where others are looking to them for guidance. They are getting attention for the wrong reasons, and as you point out are causing some to stumble. I would hope someone has warned them at some point, but they need to be marked and avoided like any other false teacher.
I went through a period when I started receiving visions and then started receiving “words.” The initial cause was prescription drugs for menopausal emotions….celexa. But when they started i craved them and asked for more…I was sooooo special to be used by God in this way…initially it was exciting. I sought others who receivers also of such things and that is how i discovered the prophetic ministries…however it was to come to an end.
I was given a message of doom upon a city in the US. It was to occur within a couple of weeks. It did not happen and knew something was wrong…Only wanting truth I came to realize I had been listening to enemy. I had to actually burn all my journals (Acts 19:19) to be free of the oppression which I had to deal with…
Today I still read all these prophetic words of doom/blessings/breakthrough etc….and the people just ignore the things that did not come to pass and it is on to the next thing.
Hi Kim, thank you for sharing, recognized your name immediately,thank you for your website!!!
I have shared your article on my site http://www.sozoresearch.org Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, and thank you for the work you do!
Hope city C3 church (UK) are exactly like this. It’s a cult.
This new wave of churches are all distortions of the message and cults. They are so believable though if you are new to church and they are so good at manipulating people.
I have family who are caught in this too and it is hard to see them continue to defend this cult despite all the obvious wrongs they are doing and saying.
Please keep earning people. It is such a dangerous movement.
Thank you Kris, we will keep contending for the faith, rest assured!
Some excellent points and advice!
Thank you Rick for writing this article. You have put together a succinct and thoughtful article. You have put together something that I would have loved to put together, but haven’t do so yet. It is something that is well written, well reasoned and concise. It is something I will share with my pastor and with those friends and family that are involved in NAR, WOF and oneness Pentecostal churches.
My husband and I have been members of several churches that have NAR characteristics. Thirteen years ago, we attended a oneness Pentecostal church that morphed into a seeker-sensitive NAR church. Only by the grace of God did we both begin to recognize the error in the teaching, worship, etc (both of Oneness Pentecostalism and NAR). And through our reading of the Bible, seeking God’s counsel through the Holy Spirit and prayer did we both begin to mature and discern the error. Thankfully we are equally yoked in that regard! After leaving that church we began attending a church that we felt God had led us too and one that seems to preach/teach biblically sound doctrine. Two years into our time there, the worship team began to sing Bethel, Jesus Culture and Hillsong “worship” songs. And the pastor’s teaching began to include more themes about blessing, breakthrough, open heavens, kingdom come, etc. I could go on and on with different examples. But as Romans 8:28 says, and I paraphrase, God uses ALL things for his purposes. My husband and I can see how God is using these experiences to teach us and encourage us to be bold contenders of the faith.
The time is short and there is a lot of apostasy, false teachers and false teaching out there. We just want to run the race well and fight the good fight of faith until His soon return! So, again, thank you for this article and the work you do to try and dispel heresy and false teaching. It is an encouragement to us, but more so, it is a tool we can use to shine a light, to share with our friends and family that are still deeply involved with NAR, WOF, and oneness Pentecostalism. Thank you and God bless you!!
Hi Shelly, I’m always encouraged when I hear another (real) testimony of someone coming out of this deception. The usual culprits again – Bethel/Hillsong, it’s the same here in South Africa, and it’s ironic that the very churches who claim to be instrumental in a world wide revival etc are the very one’s orchestrating a world wide deception. God bless you both, and thank you for standing firm in the true gospel.
I grew up in a church that was influenced by the Latter Rain movement. As a child I remember experiencing praise and worship and the presence of God. It so captured my heart that over 60 years later I am still inspired to follow the Lord with my whole heart. Also we were strongly taught about the priesthood of all believers, that everyone is called to hear from God. We were firmly encouraged to seek the Word of God, not be swayed by the words of men but to search the Scriptures diligently and daily.
The Latter Rain churches and the New Apostolic Movement have much truth. I think the message of the epistle of Jude applies to them. Evil men have crept in unawares. Satan always targets those on the front line. Bethel and Hillsong are on the front line. They have much to offer the Church around the world. When we turn and attack them we are fighting those who are on our side.
The same Enemy that has entered these churches, bringing in all kinds of excess, is the same Enemy that is at work in many other churches telling them that it is enough after having repented and believed, to attend church each week, read the bible and pray but that they do not have to hear from God or have any revelation from Him. They do not have to go out and boldly witness. They do not have to oppose spiritual powers and authorities. They do not have to preach the Gospel. They do not have to heal the sick and raise the dead and cast out demons. As a result there are still many sleeping, dead and Laodicean churches around the world today.