Preparing the Christian to Accept the Ridiculous
Having defined what is meant by the phrase “the ridiculous,” we now move on to begin answering the question at hand – “Why do Christians accept the ridiculous?” In part 1 of this series, we identified “the ridiculous” as unscriptural manifestations such as “Holy Ghost glue,” the “Holy Ghost gun,” and “laughing in the Spirit.” When it comes to such demonstrations, why are sincere Christians fooled into running after such idiocy? Make no mistake about it – some sincere Christians have fallen for nonsense in the name of revival. While I do not question that some who fallen for the ridiculous have never had a genuine salvation experience, I am equally convinced that some who have fallen for the ridiculous are sincere believers. So, why do earnest Christians fall for the excessive prophecies of so-called prophets? Why do genuine Christians fall for the counterfeit expression of “laughing in the Spirit?” How can someone who has been saved by the grace of God fall victim to such shams as these?
Most Christians do not accept the ridiculous instantly. When most believers hear of such nonsense as the “Holy Ghost gun,” or “Holy Ghost glue,” they would resist it in an instant. Over time, however, if these Christians continue to associate with others who promote ridiculous manifestations, things begin to transpire within the heart that prepares them to fall into the trap of believing unscriptural expressions. Let us look at some things that happen in the heart of a Christian that will lead him to accept the ridiculous.
A Christian Must Fear to Speak Against the Ridiculous
Christians who have been duped into believing in unscriptural nonsense must first be afraid to speak against such nonsense. Ministers who promote “laughing in the Spirit,” the “Holy Ghost gun,” or “Holy Ghost glue” must first convince Christians that what they are doing is the work of the Holy Spirit, and that, should anyone speak against them, they would be in essence speaking against the Holy Spirit. This is nothing but a tactic of the devil, to keep genuine Christians from speaking against unscriptural garbage.
At the Melodyland Christian Center in southern California, Benny Hinn said the following to the congregation:
Now I’m pointing my finger with the mighty power of God on me… You hear this. There are men and women in southern California attacking me. I will tell you under the anointing now, you’ll reap it in your children. You will never win… And your children will suffer. You are attacking me on the radio every night; you’ll pay and your children will. Hear this from the lips of God’s servant. You are in danger. Repent or God Almighty will move His hand…
Do you not see what is transpiring in these words? Benny Hinn first associates himself with the anointing. Then, consequently, he addresses those who speak against him as those who would speak against the Holy Spirit. Because of this, some are afraid to speak against Benny Hinn; they are afraid that they will be speaking against the Holy Spirit. This is precisely the devilish plan. Personally, I do not fear to speak against promoters of the “Holy Ghost glue” or the “Holy Ghost gun,” because such manifestations are unscriptural. On the other hand, I would be afraid to engage in such activities as “laughing in the Spirit” because it is unscriptural.
The Test of the Prophet Must Be Thrown Out
As previously mentioned, this group that promotes the ridiculous also emphasizes heavily the gift of prophecy. In many services where ridiculous manifestations are present, there is often an excess of the use of the prophetic gift. Sometimes, ministers will prophesy over everyone in the congregation. Usually, the “prophecies” are vague. The “prophet” will stand up and declare that someone in the congregation has a headache, or that someone has a backache. For crying out loud, in a crowd of ten someone has a headache!
“Prophets” who prophesy excessively often despise the test of a prophet. What is the test of a prophet? It is outlined specifically in the eighteenth chapter of Deuteronomy:
Deuteronomy 18:22 – “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
The test of a prophet is simple – if a man claims to be speaking for God, saying that this or that is going to happen, and it does not happen, then God did not say what that man claims that God said. Deuteronomy 18 certainly applies to anyone who claims to be speaking for God.
The New Testament gives us a key attribute of God that reinforces the test of a prophet as outlined in Deuteronomy 18. Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie, and Hebrews 6:18 tells us that it is impossible for God to lie. God cannot lie! This truth also emphasizes the fact that someone claims that God said that something would happen, and it does not happen, then God said no such thing.
Yet, those who emphasize prophecy heavily absolutely despise the test of a prophet. They do not like their words of prophecy being tested.
Jack Deere, in his book The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy, openly denounces the test of a prophet. Mr. Deere cannot understand why a prophet must speak truth in order to be a prophet of God. Look at Deere’s own words:
“A false prophet is not a prophet who makes a mistake in a prediction.” (p. 132)
It is clear – Deere wants to be able to prophesy inaccurately and still be called a prophet of God. Deere does not understand that if God really says something, then that statement will never be wrong. Why does Deere wish to do away with the Biblical test of the prophet? The answer is simple – Even though Deere has been wrong in some of his prophecies, he still wishes to be called a man of God. However, you are not granted that privilege. If you are going to speak for God, then know that God never makes a mistake.
Concerning the gift of prophecy, Bob Jones (not associated with Bob Jones Sr., founder of Bob Jones University), in his sermon “The Shepherd’s Rod,” said, “I figure if I hit two-thirds, I’m doing pretty good.” Jones is admitting that at least one third of the time, when he says that God said something, God actually did not say it. Consequently, he does not want you to judge his words by their accuracy. He does not want his words to be put to the test because he is not hearing from God as he claims.
David Ravenhill, in his message “Understanding Prophecy and its Fulfillment,” says, “I believe the test of a prophet is not whether his word comes to pass; it’s his lifestyle… It’s not a matter of whether the word comes to pass or not; it’s the nature of that person’s life.”
Clearly, David Ravenhill does not want his words to be judged by their accuracy. Friend, if God said it, it will come to pass exactly as He said. There’s a lot of junk being said today in the name of God, and God did not say it. In order for sincere Christians to accept this garbage, Christians must do away with the test of the prophet, and false prophets are working to persuade you to do just that.
Caution Must Be Thrown Out
In order to accept the ridiculous manifestations of so-called revival, caution must be discarded. The Bible plainly tells us to try the spirits, and that not every spirit is of God. Those who promote the ridiculous insist that we should throw caution to the wind, and not worry whether a manifestation is from God or not. In his message “Dynamics of Receiving Spiritual Experiences,” John Arnott says, “If he thinks it’s God and he likes it, let him enjoy it! Because you can always test the fruit later.” If you are in a church service and questionable incidents occur, just enjoy it! Don’t worry about what spirit is behind it; you can always look at that later! John Arnott further states, “If you play it safe with this thing, the Holy Spirit, you know what? You’re never going to get anywhere.”
Arnott wants you to “Eat the fruit now; test it later.” Never mind that the fruit may be poisonous. Why doesn’t Arnott want you to play it safe? Why doesn’t he want you to see if what he promotes passes the Biblical test? Because his actions fail the Biblical test.
The Word of God Must Be Thrown Out
In order to accept the ridiculous, Christians must not compare and contrast modern expressions of worship to the Bible. Those who promote such things as “laughing in the spirit” do not want you to look in the Bible for such a phenomenon, because it is foreign to the scriptures.
John Wimber, Vineyard founder, admits that the phenomenon of being “slain in the Spirit” is not in the Bible, but promotes it anyway – “There’s no place in the Bible where people were lined up and Jesus or Paul or anyone else went along and bapped them on the head and watched them go down, one after another, and somebody else ran along behind. Can you picture Peter and James – ‘Hold it, hold it, hold it!’ – running along behind trying to catch them? And so the model that we’re seeing, either on stage or on television, is totally different from anything that’s in scripture.” (“Spiritual Phenomena: Slain in the Spirit,” audiotape, 1981)
Wimber goes on to state his despite for those who cling too tightly to their Bible – “Evangelicals all over the country are worshipping the book. They have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Book.” (“Healing, an Introduction.” Audiotape #5)
Wimber hates our veneration of the Bible as God’s word. Yes, Mr. Wimber, I will compare and contrast every form of worship you promote to the Bible. If your form of worship does not match the Bible, then the Bible is right, and you are wrong.
In the early twentieth century, a key revival that was taking place was the Azusa Street revival. I do not endorse the Azusa Street revival for many reasons, but one of the most prominent reasons was the mission’s neglect of scripture. The leaders of the Azusa Street revival wanted to pray constantly but gave very little time to the word of God.
Look at what Frank Bartleman, a leader of the Azusa Street revival, said in his book Another Wave of Revival –
“We need no more theology or theory. Let the devil have them. Let us get to God.” (p. 104)
“The doctrinal issue has also been a great battle. Many were too dogmatic at Azusa.” (p. 108)
Frank Bartleman said that doctrine was too great a battle at Azusa Street. Bartleman admitted that the Azusa Street Mission failed God early in her history. The Azusa Street Revival came to naught shortly after its conception. Bartleman believed that this occurred because Azusa Street became too interested in doctrine. I believe it is because of the contrary. I believe that the Azusa Street Mission focused too much on having prayer meetings and not nearly enough on doctrine. Bartleman said “We need no more theology.” But God said “Study to shew thyself approved.” Bartleman said “Many were too dogmatic at Azusa.” But God said, “Take heed to the doctrine.” Doctrine matters!
Listen to me very carefully. If any pastor tells you that, in order to receive what he is trying to give you, you must not cling to the Bible so much, get away from that individual as quickly as possible! No form of worship that is pleasing to God will contradict the Bible!
Prayer Must Be Thrown Out
Promoters of ridiculous expressions of so-called worship discourage prayer. If, while you sit in one of their meetings, you pray, then you might discover the spirit behind their so-called worship is not the Spirit that dwells in you! So, they discourage you to pray.
Rodney Howard-Browne is an advocate of ridiculous expressions of worship. Rodney Howard-Browne, in an audio tape from March 9, 1993, says to those who have come to the front, “Now people in the lines, wait for me to come and lay hands on you, and don’t pray. Please don’t pray.” He goes on to say, “People come trying to be all serious and praying. No! This is not the time to pray. This is not a prayer meeting; get in the joy; you can pray on the way home.”
No man of God will ever discourage you from praying. “Pray without ceasing” is the Bible command.
Conclusion
Christians do not swallow ridiculous forms of worship overnight. Christians become targets for the ridiculous when they become afraid to speak against unbiblical manifestations. When a Christian is afraid to call a man a false prophet when his predictions do not happen, he is gradually setting himself up to be deceived. As the word of God becomes less important in the life of a Christian, he becomes more prone to deception.
Always judge a man’s form of worship by the Bible. If that man’s form of worship is not found in the scripture, you do not need it!
