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Part 2
Part 3
Very interesting to note the link between the 'New Age Mystics' and the always increasingly popular Bethel Church..
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1)
Great videos! You know, it comes as absolutely no surprise whatever to me that a movement that is anti-intellectual, denies the full deity of Christ (a false kenosis), elevates experience above the Word, and holds to no creeds slips into the abyss that is error.
ReplyDeleteWhat IS surprising to me are the amount of Christians suckered into this movement with punchy quotes, weak signs, and promises of glory and health and wealth.
Meh.
Thanks very much. They shocked me a little. The links between the out-and-out heresy of the new mystics and the increasingly mainstream bethel movement is frightening.
ReplyDeleteKenosis - I haven't looked much into the theory, but I cannot see anything in scripture that would suggest that Jesus gave up his divinity. Any theory which attempts to change the very nature of God, either The Father, The Son, or The Holy Spirit, in my opinion, is a theory that promotes another God - a false God. Maybe this assessment is too harsh, but I doubt it.
My issue with the whole hyper-charismatic movement is that The Holy Spirit is subject to a superficial elevation in stature, whereby He is called upon to perform 'signs and wonders', rather than given His rightful place as dwelling within us, sanctifying us and convicting us of our sins, and as such, denigrating Him.
As for the anti-intellectualism and holding to no creeds - The Bible - God's Word to us - tells us the Bereans were commended for 'searching the scriptures daily' (Acts 17:11). Who are we to be arrogant enough to think we don't need to, and the 'proof' of our theology can be based upon our own experiences alone, discounting scripture and the collective church history? Experiences can be counterfeited and feelings lie!
I'm unfortunately not so surprised by the amount of Christians that fall for this rubbish. Someone once told me 'that which you are won with, you are won to' ;) And if it's the showmanship of a a charismaniac circus, instead of the Gospel, then that's what you'll chase, and the circus-masters give their public what they want!
:)