Why Do Christians Accept the Ridiculous? Part 3

The Answer in One Word

We have seen that some sincere Christians gradually begin to accept ridiculous manifestations of so-called revival. This occurs because Christians are prepared to accept such expressions. As we have seen, Christians are “prepared” to accept the ridiculous by leaders instilling a fear in them to speak against such manifestations. They are “prepared” by being instructed not to “play it safe.” They are “prepared” by being taught to not cling so closely to their Bibles.

If a Christian does not test “laughing in the Spirit” by whether or not it occurs in the Bible, he will most likely accept it as a genuine phenomenon of the Holy Spirit. If a Christian does not “try the spirits,” testing every form of worship with the Bible, then he will probably accept the “Holy Ghost gun,” or the “Holy Ghost glue.”

But let me ask a sincere question, and then answer it clearly with one word. Suppose you visited a Charismatic church. The preacher is preaching about hell. Suddenly, laughter breaks out. The more the preacher preaches about hell, the more the people laugh (this has actually happened). Those who are laughing, as well as those who are not, believe that what is going on around them is a work of the Holy Spirit. The whole congregation, whether they are actually laughing or not, accept this ridiculous phenomenon. Why do they accept it? How can they “eat it up”?

Now, suppose you approached a garbage dump. Suppose you witnessed a man eating his meal from the garbage dump. How can anyone eat from a garbage dump? People eat from a garbage dump for the same reason that some Christians “eat” from the dump of ridiculous manifestations. A man will eat a maggot-infested meal from the dumpster for the same reason that Christians will accept “laughing in the Spirit,” the “Holy Ghost gun,” or the “Holy Ghost glue.” In one word, the man who eats from a garbage dump and the Christian who accepts the ridiculous does so because of their hunger. Christians accept the ridiculous because they are hungry. They are starving to death. Personally, I would have to, spiritually speaking, be skin and bones before I’d accept “laughing in the Spirit” as a genuine phenomenon of the Holy Spirit. I do not accept “laughing in the Spirit” as genuine for the same reason I do not eat from a garbage dump – I’m not starving to death.

While it is good to have a hunger for righteousness, it is not good to be so hungry as to accept anything. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Notice, Jesus did not say, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after anything;” He said rather “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” We are not to be so hungry as to accept anything that comes in the name of religion and revival. Spiritually speaking, I am a picky eater. I am hungry for righteousness, but I am not hungry for anything else. If it is not righteous, I do not want it. If it doesn’t line up with scripture, I do not desire it. If the Holy Spirit within me cautions me about it, I do not need it.

I feel sorry for Christians who entertain ridiculous, non-Biblical manifestations because they are spiritually starving to death. It’s been so long since many such Christians have had a wholesome meal spiritually. It’s been so long since they’ve heard a solid, Bible-based message. Many of them cannot remember the last time they were blessed by simply reading the Bible, or spending time in prayer.

A Warning to Professing Christians

If you profess to be a Christian, and you accept the ridiculous manifestations I have mentioned, I must give you a word of warning. If you think Benny Hinn is a man of God because the crowd falls backward at his beckoning, then you are deceived. If you think a man is a man of God because he prophesies over everybody in the church, without any regard to whether or not his words come to pass, or whether or not his words line up with scripture, then you are deceived.

If you are a professing Christian who accepts such things, I would ask you, with a heart of compassion and concern, to make your calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10). I would ask you to make certain that you are genuinely saved by God’s grace. While a true Christian can be deceived in a certain area, it is also true that a person may be deceived because he is not a Christian. Christ, the good Shepherd, says concerning His sheep, that His sheep know the Shepherd, know the Shepherd’s voice, and will not follow a stranger.

John 10:2-3 – “But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.”

John 10:5 – “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Dear reader, true Christians know the Shepherd’s voice. They will not follow a stranger. The fact that some professing Christians confuse “laughing in the Spirit” with the Shepherd’s voice gives me great concern. I would advise any professing Christian who entertains the likes of Benny Hinn and the manifestations he exhibits to examine his own salvation, to ensure that it is genuine. Christ’s sheep know the difference between the voice of the Shepherd and the voice of the hirling.

False Teachings of the Charismatic Movement - Part 3

The Charismatics’ Disproportional Power of Words

There is Power in Your Words

There is one fact of which Charismatics are correct – there certainly is power in our words. The Bible teaches this.

Proverbs 18:4 – “The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”

Proverbs 18:7 – “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”

Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Mark 11:23 – “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Romans 10:10 – “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

These scriptures are clear (and the Charismatics love to use them) that there is power in our words. A couple of these scriptures are the targets of scripture-twisting by the Charismatics. I will get to that shortly. However, do not be mistaken – there is power in your words. I have seen this come to pass in the lives of individuals. I have seen older people whose spouse passed away. Some of the surviving spouses said with their mouth that they were not going to give up on life – and they went on to live many years after. I have seen other surviving spouses who said with their mouth that they nothing to live for – and they died shortly after their spouse did. I have witnessed this on several occasions.

In Numbers 13, Moses chose twelve spies, one spy for each tribe, to search out the land that God promised Israel. After forty days of spying out the land, the twelve spies returned to Moses and the nation of Israel to give a report of the land. Ten spies gave their report:

Numbers 13:32 – 14:1 – “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!”

Ten of the twelve spies said, “Would God that we had died in this wilderness!” And that’s exactly what they did! That generation died in the wilderness, and never entered the promised land.

The remaining two spies had a different report:

Numbers 13:30 – “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.”

And that’s exactly what they did – they overcame the giants and possessed the land. There most definitely is power in our words!

Where the Charismatics Err

So, if the Charismatics are right in saying that there is power in our words, then where does teaching become error? The error in the teaching of Charismatics occurs when they try to answer the question, “How much power is in our words?” There is no doubt that our words are powerful. Words can wound; words can heal; words can build friendships; words can destroy friendships; words can build a strong home; words can destroy the home. But exactly HOW MUCH power do our words contain? The Charismatics would lead you to believe that our words are ALL-POWERFUL. That is the point at which the scriptures disagree with Charismatic teaching.

Earlier, I stated that I would discuss a couple of scriptures taken out of context by the Charismatics.

Proverbs 18:24 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

This verse is used by Charismatics to show that our words contain power. Charismatics use this verse to show us that if we speak it, we have it! However, in real life (as opposed to Charismatic dogma), there have been some who declared with their lips that they wished to live – but they died. While doing pastoral work in Illinois, there was a lady by the name of Louise who became very ill. Her lungs were gone. Louise had been to the church only a few times. She was not a member of my church. Yet, upon hearing of her illness, I inquired of which hospital she was. She had such a will to live. She was convinced that she would have only a brief hospital stay and then would go home. I visited her at the hospital in her room for two or three consecutive days. Then, one day upon entering her room, Louise was not there. I asked the nurses of her whereabouts. She had been moved to ICU. I visited her in ICU. She was in so much pain. She came up off the bed just to get a single breath, and then she would lie down again. She could not speak. But her face was filled with agony. She knew she was dying, but a few days earlier declared that she would live. After only a couple days in ICU, Louise died.

Yes, our words are powerful, but not all-powerful. Just because you express willpower to live does not guarantee that you will live – you may die. There was a Charismatic preacher who boasted of never being sick. He was one of those “name it, claim it” preachers. He taught that if you say it, you have it. He died. To keep from dying, why didn’t he just say he was going to live? Though our words are powerful, they are not ALL-POWERFUL, that’s why!

When Proverbs 18:24 states that life and death are in the power of the tongue, it does not mean that you have everything your tongue utters, as the Charismatics falsely teach. Paul put this verse in context in Romans 10:10 when he stated, “Confession is made unto salvation.” Death and life are in the power of the tongue in this manner – those who confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, when it stems from faith in Him, have eternal life. Those who deny Jesus Christ with their mouth will inherit eternal death! Death and life are in the power of the tongue!

Another verse taken out of context by the Charismatics is found in Mark’s gospel:

Mark 11:23 – “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

The last phrase of this verse is the only phrase that Charismatics care about – “…he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Charismatics love this. However, when you read the entire verse, you find out that what we speak is connected to what we BELIEVE! Look at it, it plainly, “…but shall BELIEVE that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith!” Faith is BELIEVING; not SAYING. Jesus emphasized BELIEVING throughout his whole ministry. Charismatics emphasize SAYING. So, in Mark 11:23, it is not SAYING that gives us what we need; it is BELIEVING! If you do not believe, you can say stuff all day long, and not receive!

Look at Matthew 7:

Matthew 7:21 – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

What??? “Not every one that SAITH…shall enter into the kingdom of heaven!” Our words are powerful, but not all powerful. Some will claim salvation with their lips – and go straight to hell.

Matthew 7:22, 23 – “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.”

Here is a group standing before God on the Day of Judgment. It sounds like a Charismatic group to me – they’re claiming to have cast out devils; they’re claiming to have prophesied in His name; and they’re claiming to have done many wonderful works. Sounds like the Charismatics to me. But Jesus responds, “I never knew you!” But look at how verse 22 opens – “Many will SAY to me in that day…” Yes, the Charismatics are going to try their “power of words” with the Saviour, and it will miserably fail! They’re going to try to speak their way into heaven – and will end up in hell.

Our words are not all-powerful. Just because you speak it does not mean you will have it!

My Dear Charismatic Friend – You Are Not God!

While sitting in church a couple of years ago, there was an ignorant woman who stood up and made the following statement:

“We need to speak those things are not as though they are.”

This woman is off her rocker! No, we do not need to speak those things that are not as though they are! This woman thinks she is quoting scripture. There is no scripture that says that we need to speak those things that are not as though they are! There is a scripture that has wording similar to this.

Romans 4:17 – “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

When Romans 4:17 speaks of calling those things which be not as though they were, he is talking about GOD, not you! It is God who said, “Let there be light” when there was no light, resulting in the creation of light. It is God who said, “Let there be a firmament” when there was no firmament, resulting in the existence of a firmament! No, lady, you do not need to speak those things that are not as though they are! You need to sit down, let God be God, and stay in your place!

False Teachings of the Charismatic Movement - Part 2

Unbiblical Demonstrations in the Church Service – Azusa Street and Before

My Thoughts on Azusa Street

Having been in the ministry for a number of years, it has not been uncommon to hear a minister speak of the happenings at Azusa Street. Azusa Street, located in Los Angeles, California, is widely accepted to be the birthplace of Pentecostalism in the United States. Although ministers allude to the events that occurred in 1906 at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, I found out that most of these ministers do not even know what really happened there. Usually, when a minister talks about Azusa Street in a positive manner, they are NOT referring to souls being saved. They usually emphasize the excitement, emotionalism, and physical demonstrations that occurred there. Most ministers who are proud of the events of Azusa Street can tell you about Rev. Seymour who kept his head in a shoebox to display his humility, but they can’t tell you how many people were saved there.

In light of these observations, I began to study the events of Azusa Street in recent years. Frank Bartleman was a leading minister of that era. He witnessed the events of Azusa Street firsthand. He wrote about those events in great detail in his book, Another Wave of Revival. I read this book thoroughly. I honestly do not think Frank Bartleman, an eyewitness of the Azusa Street events, could tell you how many people got saved during that time. Frankly, I do not think he cared.  In Bartleman’s above-mentioned work, you will find pages upon pages of physical manifestations – people were shouting, falling over chairs, weeping for hours, placing their heads in cardboard boxes, spontaneous testimonies, and other such manifestations; but VERY LITTLE or ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about souls being saved. I’m not being critical; I’m being honest.

Frank Bartleman despised any type of leadership in the church. According to him, the church as a whole should merely come together, pray until the Spirit moves, and no man should take any type of charge whatsoever. Bartleman did not even promote the preaching of the word of God! Look at Frank Bartleman’s own words:

“There was no program, and hardly s chance for even necessary announcements. No attempt was made to preach (Bartleman, Frank. Another Wave of Revival. Whitaker House. Springdale, PA. ©1982. p. 76).”

“The Spirit allows little human interference in the meetings…To draw attention to them brings a spirit of fear on the saints, and they stop seeking. The Spirit is hindered from working. He moves them out of the way (Bartleman, p. 77).”

Dr. W.C. Dumble of Toronto visited Frank Bartleman’s congregation, a branch that sprang from the Azusa Street Mission. Dumble wrote of what he witnessed:

“Jesus is proclaimed the Head, and the Holy Spirit His executive. Hence, there is no preaching, no choir, no organ, no collection, except what is voluntarily placed on the table or put in the box on the wall (Bartleman, pp. 97, 98).”

“NO PREACHING!” That was the testimony of an eyewitness of the Azusa Street days! No preaching! And the Bible says that God chose preaching! The desire of those at Azusa Street was “no human interference.” God, however, gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11)!

The Azusa Street “revival” focused on physical manifestations rather than souls being saved; on “the Spirit” controlling everything instead of teaching or preaching. While this sounds spiritual to some, it is a great degree of ignorance, and the Azusa Street “revival” proves it! Look at what Frank Bartleman said concerning how long this “move of God” lasted:

“The truth must be told. Azusa began to fail the Lord also early in her history. God showed me one day that they were going to organize, though not a word had been said in my hearing about it…From that time the trouble and division began. It was no longer a free spirit for all as it had been (Bartleman, pp. 73, 74).”

Frank Bartleman was sincere. He truly believed that what the church needed was no human governments (when the Bible plainly teaches that God gives governments, helps, and administrations; I Corinthians 12). He truly believed that omitting preaching and teaching from the services would build a strong church. However, Bartleman was forced to admit that this kind of church starved to death in its infancy.

Let me be clear – as a pastor, I am not supposed to gather my church people to do nothing but have prayer meetings. I am commanded to be “apt to teach.” I have a divine order to “feed the sheep.” I want my church to be built on prayer, but not apart from the word of God! You may be impressed with Azusa Street, but it lasted about as long as a drop of water on a pot-belly stove!

The Charismatic movement is characterized by some of the same manifestations as the events of the Azusa Street “revival.” The Charismatic movement today is characterized by physical manifestations rather than soul-winning, and little or no emphasis on the word of God.

Before Azusa Street

Although the events of Azusa Street mark the beginning of Pentecostalism in the United States for some, scholars are swift to point out that people were speaking in tongues before Azusa Street. So, I studied Pentecostal history in the United States prior to Azusa Street in 1906. In 1801, there was a “revival” at Cane-Ridge in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Vinson Synan tells about this revival, stating that there was such occurrences as falling, jerking, falling into trances, barking like dogs, “holy laugh,” and other such manifestations (Synan, Vinson. The Holiness-Pentecostal Movement in the United States. William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company. Grand Rapids, MI. ©1971. p. 24). Barking like dogs? Really? Holy laugh? Where’s that in the Bible? I don’t care if Grandma practiced “laughing in the Spirit” or not; there is no such form of worship in the Bible!

Just like these manifestations in early holiness meetings, you will find them in the Charismatic movement today. Charismatics still laugh “in the Spirit.” There were reports just a few years ago in Pensacola, Florida of Charismatic groups who were telling jokes in tongues, barking like dogs, and laughing hysterically “in the Spirit.” If you’re trying to prove that Pentecostalism has roots in the United States prior to Azusa Street, I wouldn’t use the Cane-Ridge revival as evidence. The Cane-Ridge revival is nothing of which to boast!

Just as there were unbiblical manifestations at Azusa Street, and unbiblical junk such as laughing in the Spirit at Cane-Ridge, these characteristics still classify Charismatics today!

False Teachings of the Charismatic Movement - Part 1

The Prosperity Gospel – A False Gospel

Galatians 1:8, 9 – “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

I Timothy 6:3-6 – “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

II Peter 2:1-3 – “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who…through covetousness shall they with feigned words MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

In the above passages, the prosperity gospel is spelled out for us very clearly. As a matter of fact, the verses above describe the prosperity gospel so clearly that it is as though the writers lived in the twenty-first century. Let us examine each of the above passages briefly to see what God says concerning the prosperity gospel.

Galatians 1:8, 9 – Any Other Gospel is Accursed
As we begin our study on this prevalent subject, it is essential to note that the first of the above three passages gives us a solemn warning. This warning is that if any being, whether a preacher from earth or an angel from heaven, preaches any other gospel than that which is firmly laid in the scriptures, let that creature be accursed (i.e., go to hell).

The first of the above passages, Galatians 1:8, 9, is the reason I am so adamantly against this false gospel. False gospels lead precious souls to hell by the masses. Dr. Harold Sightler stated it correctly when he said, “Hearing another gospel is as fatal as hearing no gospel.” I hear people say concerning their loved ones who attend liberal churches, “Well, at least they’re in church!” Friend, your loved ones can go to hell from the pew of a liberal church as quickly as they could go from a bar stool! Bro. Lloyd Cheek provided a great analogy. He asked the question, “What if your children came home from school, and they told you that they had learned that 2+2 is 5? What if they told you that they learned that 5-1 is 3? Would you say, ‘Well, at least they’re in school’”? No we wouldn’t! But we say that about our loved ones who go to liberal churches! Friend, it is eternally dangerous to hear another gospel, and this prosperity gospel is as false as it can be!

I Timothy 6:3-6 – Preachers Who Think That Gain is Godliness
In the second of the above passages, I Timothy 6:3-6, Paul writes concerning ministers who have drifted from the truth. He then gives characteristics of these preachers. They are proud; they know nothing; they dote about questions and strifes of words. But in addition to these traits, Paul says that they SUPPOSE THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS. The word “gain” refers to any material thing that is obtained. Money is gain. Property is gain. Wealth, an inheritance, bank accounts, vehicles in one’s possession, houses, lands, boats, and all the rest of it, is GAIN! Paul is writing concerning preachers who preach that gain is godliness! And do we ever have preachers like that today! They preach that if you are spiritual, you will be rich! As a matter of fact, I have heard prosperity preachers preach that if you do not have riches, something is wrong with your walk with God! Simply put, these preachers are liars. Many of them are crooks. They preach that if you give (to their ministry), God will give back in terms of money. And while the poorest of the poor watch these “wolves in sheep’s clothing” on their television and mail them a check, these preachers get rich while the ones supporting them continue to do without! It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure this out!

As for these who preach that gain is godliness, notice what Paul says in I Timothy 6:5 – “…supposing that gain is godliness: FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF!” If the preacher on the T.V. screen is preaching that wealth is a symbol of godliness, don’t send that clown a check! Paul said plainly to get as far away from that trash as possible! If your pastor preaches a “give so you can get rich” doctrine, it is time for you do as the Bible says and WITHDRAW YOURSELF! It’s time for you to find another church – a solid, Bible-believing church!

II Peter 2:1-3 – Those Who Make Merchandise of the Saints
Peter, in his second epistle, dedicates the second chapter to false prophets and false teachers. He gives characteristics concerning these false teachers. One leading characteristic is defined this way: “they shall with feigned words MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU.”

The word “minister” means “servant.” This is the true minister. This describes the man of God. God’s man asks, “What can I give?” Satan’s man, the man of whom Peter wrote, asks, “What can I get?” These false teachers MAKE MERCHANDISE of the saints! The false teachers described by Peter are not interested in making saints out of sinners; they are interested in making money out of saints! When a preacher is all about money, BEWARE! When a minister speaks more of money, wealth, and prosperity than he does the cross of Jesus Christ, look out! We have a false teacher on our hands!

Conclusion
The Bible speaks in II Corinthians 8:9 that Christ was made poor that we might be made RICH. John wished above all things in III John 2 that we would be in health and PROSPER, even as our soul PROSPERS. Joshua was promised good SUCCESS in Joshua 1:8. When I read words like “rich,” “prosper,” and “success,” in the Bible, I think of, as John said it, my soul prospering. When a Charismatic reads these verses, he thinks of materialistic prosperity. This is a great revelation of the Charismatic heart. The heart of the true minister of God is on treasures in heaven – souls being saved. Charismatics, on the other hand, are more interested in materialistic prosperity – being rich on the earth.

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Certainly, I am not against someone being rich. Abraham was faithful in the eyes of God, and was very rich. Job was among the richest of all the earth. On the other hand, to preach that earthly riches are promised to everyone who serve God is sheer ignorance. No such promise is made in the Bible. Quite frankly, if your heart is right, you do not demand that God give you a new car. If your heart is right with God, you do not need the finest home. A man whose heart is right with God seeks God and His righteousness first and foremost, and he lets the Lord bless as He sees fit.

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

False Teachings of the Charismatic Movement - Introduction

Who are the Charismatics?

In beginning this brief study regarding the follies of Charismatic teachings, it is necessary to define clearly the group of whom I speak.  When I use the term, “Charismatic” in relation to this group, it is of utmost importance to understand that I am not making reference to Pentecostals in general.  Though Charismatics claim to be Pentecostal, not all Pentecostals claim to be Charismatic.  As a matter of fact, I have been associated for years with the Holiness people, who would greatly object to being labeled as Charismatics.  There is a great deal of difference, and this study will focus on those differences. 

The Charismatics are not easily found.  The term, “Charismatic” is not found on many church signs.  I am doubtful that I have ever seen it on any sign.  Charismatic ideology often slips its way into Pentecostal circles.  I have met Assembly of God preachers who teach Charismatic fallacies.  I have seen those in the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee migrate toward Charismatic thinking.  Now, while I am sure there are strong, Bible-believing Christians and preachers in groups such as these, as well as in others, there are churches here and there that have adapted to Charismatic theology.

So, the Charismatic movement is not a denomination in itself.  The Charismatic movement is composed of ministers and believers who have adapted Charismatic teaching as their own, whether they belong to the Assembly of God, Church of God, or even an independent Pentecostal or Holiness church.  There are non-denominational preachers, who, after hearing them speak, are clearly Charismatic.  There are Assembly of God preachers who make it clear through some of their goofy ideas that they are indeed Charismatic.  Therefore, most Charismatic teachers and preachers will not admit to being Charismatic.  Some may even defy it.  They may say, “I’m not Charismatic; I’m Church of God.”  But if you teach Charismatic dogma, you are Charismatic, no matter which coat you wear.

So, what exactly is the dogma that reveals one to be Charismatic?  Let me say again for the sake of clarity that all Pentecostals are not Charismatic.  I have heard some speak against Charismatics, but they place all Pentecostals in the Charismatic boat.  This is ignorance.  Not all Pentecostals are Charismatics.  But there are Charismatics within, most likely, all Pentecostal groups.  So, what are the characteristics of the Charismatics?  These characteristics include, but are not limited to:

1) Teaching people how to speak in tongues;

2) Teaching that one’s physical prosperity is evidence of spirituality;

3) Acceptance of unbiblical “manifestations of the Spirit”, including barking like a dog, laughing “in the Spirit,” and other unbiblical forms of so-called “worship;”

4) Belief in a disproportional “power of words,” that is, because a believer states what he desires, he receives it;

5) Non-acceptance of illness, harm, or misfortune;

6) An unbiblical view of “binding the devil;”

7) Using the name of Jesus as a good luck charm, or a means of claiming whatever they wish to receive;

8) The belief that all sickness and misfortune in a believer’s life originate from the devil and are therefore contrary to the will of God;

9) The belief that faith in God always delivers from sickness, disease, ill, and misfortune; and

10) The belief in “impartation,” that is, that one minister can “impart” whatever he wishes to another minister or another believer, whether it be wisdom, a gift of the Spirit, or anything else he wishes to bestow.

Many of the above teachings sound good upon first hearing it.  It sounds as though the Charismatics are a wealthy, healthy, and prosperous people.  However, if you know Charismatics personally, you find out that their people get cancer, just as ours do, whether they accept it or not.  I have heard Charismatics “name and claim” that their children would be saved, and then…their children died lost.  Charismatics have claimed healing in spite of “lying symptoms,” and then died.  Often, Charismatic preachers teach and preach that believers should give (to their ministry, of course).  It is not surprising then, that the wealthiest among the Charismatics are the preachers.  It is not faith that has made them wealthy; it is rather their insistence on people giving to THEIR ministry that has done so. 

Regardless of how good these doctrines may seem; regardless of how much these doctrines may be associated with faith; make no mistake about it – these doctrines are wrong.  They are contrary to the scriptures, and they simply do not work.  It is tragic that so many good, well-meaning believers who love the Lord get caught up in false doctrines such as these.  It is also tragic that Bible-believing pastors do not bust the hide off this garbage so that their members do not get deceived by it.  Attention pastors – you need to expose this trash for what it is!  When your members listen to radio preachers, this junk is the chief teaching.  When your members watch “religious” television, this is the manure they are most likely watching! 

In the upcoming posts, I will take some of these Charismatic characteristics, and expose them!  I will show the scriptures that are most often used to promote this mess, and how those scriptures are used out of context.  It is my desire to reach those who have fallen into this mire with compassion, while despising the mire itself.  If you have fallen into the Charismatic trap, I pray that you will see the nonsense of this teaching, and come out of it!