Article by David G. McAfee
October 15, 2017
(Image via Shutterstock)
Commentary inserts, highlighted in pink by Rainbow Pastor David
10/19/2017
___________________________________________________________________________________
About 100 miles from my hometown in one of
the most conservative areas of Northern California, there sits a school
that students have dubbed “Christian Hogwarts.”
The Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry,
in Redding, has drawn students from all over the world. So what makes
the school special? It promises to teach students how to spot a “true
prophet” as well as how to perform miracles, according to BuzzFeed’s Molly Hensley-Clancy.
It is through JESUS CHRIST ALONE and being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT that you will be able to discern the things of GOD. We learn by READING and FOLLOWING the instructions in GOD'S WORD. We learn in 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 the difference from the spirit of man and the spirit of CHRIST.
The Word of God teaches that those who follow Jesus proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of the GOSPEL will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. We read this in Mark 16:17-18, "
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” We also read in John 14:12-13, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son.
The school teaches students all about past “prophets,” and trains them how to hear and interpret supposed messages from God. In other words, an institution that portrays itself as an education center is disconnecting more and more young people from reality. They are learning how to play into their delusions and ignore the real world.
Jesus warns about people who desire signs over believing in HIM in Matthew 12:38-40, Matthew 16:1-4 and 1Corinthians 18-31.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-9 we learn about the people like this who will be deceiving so many.
" Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” They get exploited every time and never really learn. These men are like those old Egyptian frauds Jannes and Jambres, who challenged Moses. They were rejects from the faith, twisted in their thinking, defying truth itself. But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them, just as people saw through that Egyptian hoax.
It doesn’t stop there. The
incredibly popular school also props up the harmful practice of faith
healing, which encourages people to avoid traditional medicine (that’s
been proven to work) and instead engage in chanting and praying.
The basic theological premise of the School of Supernatural Ministry is this: that the miracles of biblical times — the parted seas and burning bushes and water into wine — did not end in biblical times, and the miracle workers did not die out with Jesus’s earliest disciples. In the modern day, prophets and healers don’t just walk among us, they are us.
To Bethel students, learning, seeing, and performing these “signs and wonders” — be it prophesying about things to come or healing the incurable — aren’t just quirks or side projects of Christianity. They are, in fact, its very center.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16, "The
unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of
God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much
silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our
spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to
everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual
critics. Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s
Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ
knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit."
The Word of God teaches that those who follow Jesus proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of the GOSPEL will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. We read this in Mark 16:17-18, "
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” We also read in John 14:12-13, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son.
The school teaches students all about past “prophets,” and trains them how to hear and interpret supposed messages from God. In other words, an institution that portrays itself as an education center is disconnecting more and more young people from reality. They are learning how to play into their delusions and ignore the real world.
Jesus warns about people who desire signs over believing in HIM in Matthew 12:38-40, Matthew 16:1-4 and 1Corinthians 18-31.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-9 we learn about the people like this who will be deceiving so many.
" Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” They get exploited every time and never really learn. These men are like those old Egyptian frauds Jannes and Jambres, who challenged Moses. They were rejects from the faith, twisted in their thinking, defying truth itself. But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them, just as people saw through that Egyptian hoax.
So far, Bethel’s first-years have been learning the stories of their predecessors, ancient Old Testament prophets like Daniel and Jeremiah and Ezekiel, in preparation for today — the day they begin to become prophets themselves.
Question: "How should a
Christian view prescription drugs?"
Answer: Many Christians wrestle with their decisions over accepting valid medical therapies, including the use of prescription drugs. The Bible does not give us much on this subject, but if we examine the purposes of prescription drugs we can present an ideal approach to their uses based on biblical principles. We know from Scripture that ill health, disease, and death are the result of sin in the world. Much of Jesus’ earthly ministry involved combatting that curse, as He healed people everywhere He went (see Matthew 15:31). Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being (Hebrews 1:3), and by healing people He showed us God’s compassion and His identity as the Great Physician who will one day restore all of creation to health (Romans8:18–22).
So, it is clear from Jesus’ ministry that to seek healing is not wrong; in fact, it is very right! Also, Luke, the writer of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, was a physician (Colossians 4:14). Dr. Luke may not have dispensed prescriptions in the manner that doctors do today, but he was in the business of treating people’s physical ailments, using the medicines and treatments of his day.
In the days before prescription drugs, people sought relief from pain in other ways. Alcohol is mentioned in Proverbs 31:6–7 as being given to the terminally ill and others who suffer. Also, in 1Timothy 5:23, Paul advises Timothy to drink a little wine to relieve his stomach ailment. Since other drugs had not yet been developed, fermented drinks were often used as remedies for pain and suffering, and the use of such analgesics is approved in God’s Word.
Also, we should keep in mind that most of today’s prescription medicines are based on elements occurring naturally in creation. A doctor may prescribe Amoxil, for example, but where did that antibiotic come from? It came from a substance produced by a blue-green mold called Penicillium notatum. Where did the mold come from? God made it. So, we can say that God created the penicillin mold and gave it the useful property of killing infectious bacteria. God then allowed people to discover this property, isolate the acting agent, and purify it for use in the human body. Is it wrong to use God’s own creation to improve the health of humanity? Not at all. In fact, He is glorified in such discoveries.
All of this should help us decide how we should think about prescription drugs. There is nothing wrong with seeking a doctor’s help when we are sick. There is nothing wrong with taking the drugs that doctor prescribes in the way that they are prescribed. Are there dangers and side effects associated with prescription drugs? Yes, of course, and doctors and pharmacists will explain the risks. Is it possible to abuse prescription drugs, overuse them, or develop unwanted dependencies? Yes, and the children of God must never allow themselves to be brought under the habitual control of a substance (see 1Corinthians 6:12 for this principle stated in a different context).
In the end, a Christian’s use of prescription drugs is between that Christian and the Lord. The Bible does not command the use of medicinal treatments, but it certainly does not forbid it, either. The child of God should care for his or her body as being the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 3:16). This means taking preventative care, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting proper exercise. It also means taking advantage of the wisdom that God has given skilled researchers and physicians. We understand that God is the Healer, no matter by what means He heals, and we give the glory to Him.
Also check out BiblicalHealth and Wellness for more information about taking care of your body according to the WORD of GOD.Answer: Many Christians wrestle with their decisions over accepting valid medical therapies, including the use of prescription drugs. The Bible does not give us much on this subject, but if we examine the purposes of prescription drugs we can present an ideal approach to their uses based on biblical principles. We know from Scripture that ill health, disease, and death are the result of sin in the world. Much of Jesus’ earthly ministry involved combatting that curse, as He healed people everywhere He went (see Matthew 15:31). Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being (Hebrews 1:3), and by healing people He showed us God’s compassion and His identity as the Great Physician who will one day restore all of creation to health (Romans8:18–22).
So, it is clear from Jesus’ ministry that to seek healing is not wrong; in fact, it is very right! Also, Luke, the writer of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, was a physician (Colossians 4:14). Dr. Luke may not have dispensed prescriptions in the manner that doctors do today, but he was in the business of treating people’s physical ailments, using the medicines and treatments of his day.
In the days before prescription drugs, people sought relief from pain in other ways. Alcohol is mentioned in Proverbs 31:6–7 as being given to the terminally ill and others who suffer. Also, in 1Timothy 5:23, Paul advises Timothy to drink a little wine to relieve his stomach ailment. Since other drugs had not yet been developed, fermented drinks were often used as remedies for pain and suffering, and the use of such analgesics is approved in God’s Word.
Also, we should keep in mind that most of today’s prescription medicines are based on elements occurring naturally in creation. A doctor may prescribe Amoxil, for example, but where did that antibiotic come from? It came from a substance produced by a blue-green mold called Penicillium notatum. Where did the mold come from? God made it. So, we can say that God created the penicillin mold and gave it the useful property of killing infectious bacteria. God then allowed people to discover this property, isolate the acting agent, and purify it for use in the human body. Is it wrong to use God’s own creation to improve the health of humanity? Not at all. In fact, He is glorified in such discoveries.
All of this should help us decide how we should think about prescription drugs. There is nothing wrong with seeking a doctor’s help when we are sick. There is nothing wrong with taking the drugs that doctor prescribes in the way that they are prescribed. Are there dangers and side effects associated with prescription drugs? Yes, of course, and doctors and pharmacists will explain the risks. Is it possible to abuse prescription drugs, overuse them, or develop unwanted dependencies? Yes, and the children of God must never allow themselves to be brought under the habitual control of a substance (see 1Corinthians 6:12 for this principle stated in a different context).
In the end, a Christian’s use of prescription drugs is between that Christian and the Lord. The Bible does not command the use of medicinal treatments, but it certainly does not forbid it, either. The child of God should care for his or her body as being the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 3:16). This means taking preventative care, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting proper exercise. It also means taking advantage of the wisdom that God has given skilled researchers and physicians. We understand that God is the Healer, no matter by what means He heals, and we give the glory to Him.
The school — which is unaccredited and does not confer degrees — sends students into Redding and across the globe armed with training in how to speak God’s words, heal the sick, and use the supernatural to win souls. It has spawned imitators across the country and on nearly every continent.
"Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages [in Galilee], teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness [His words and His works reflecting His Messiahship]. When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
The Word of GOD tells us that those who believe in JESUS and follow HIM will do amazing things for HIM in Mark 16:17-18.
As if this wasn’t bad enough, the school and its associated church have all but taken over the quiet town of Redding. Many residents see their presence, and their power in the area, as a threat.
They see Bethel insinuating itself into every piece of Redding — politics, real estate, schools — and, in the process, altering the very fabric of their city. The church’s opponents have begun to stage protests, pressure local officials, and badger the press to expose the church. Daily, on Facebook, they catalog the infiltration of Bethel into Redding: “Bethel-owned” businesses, Bethel-sponsored events.
In Redding, BSSM’s students — some call them “Bethelbots” — are everywhere. For school assignments, students hang out in parking lots and grocery store aisles, asking strangers who use wheelchairs or crutches if they can pray for them to heal.
Gods Word expressly says to stay away from and not to practice magic in Leviticus 20:6, Deuteronomy 18:10-11, 2 Chronicles 33 and Galatians 5:19-21.
Matthew 23 teach about the RELIGIOUS SHOW OFFS and GIVES us WARNING there will be many in the end. Please take time to read my blog post on The DOCTRINES of DEMONS.
We are living in the time when many will be out performing miracles all the while teaching a doctrine of faith that is dependent on SELF instead of GOD for the miracles and healing we need. Jesus said many would perform miracles in HIS NAME, DECEIVE people and rob them of their money at the same time in Matthew 7:15-23. Jesus will tell them, "And
do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use
me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of
here." Matthew 7:23
Jesus wants us to teach others with our life example NOT by the teachings of FAKE MINISTRIES like this one. Read 1 Timothy 4 and know the TRUTH of GODS WORD about living your life like GOD wants instead of following FALSE TEACHINGS of UNGODLY PEOPLE.
"The
Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up
on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional
liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost
their capacity for truth. They will tell you not to get married. They’ll
tell you not to eat this or that food—perfectly good food God created
to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better!
Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing
is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make
every item in creation holy. You’ve
been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound
teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and
you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get
dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness,
please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in
God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count
on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this
venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men
and women, especially believers. Get
the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down
because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by
demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading
Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry
you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and
prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate
these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you
mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character
and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and
those who hear you will experience salvation." 1 Timothy 4.
Chose to be like Jesus and do NOT DENY HIM as so many are doing. Listen to the warning for those who DENY JESUS, 1 John 2:18-27. Live your life like the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37.
Remember there are many deceiving spirits in this world claiming to be of GOD when in actuality they are DEMONS from HELL. We are given POWER over them and the ARMOR of GOD to help us fight the war against them. Ephesians 6:10-18.
Blessings and Peace, Rainbow Pastor David
Remember there are many deceiving spirits in this world claiming to be of GOD when in actuality they are DEMONS from HELL. We are given POWER over them and the ARMOR of GOD to help us fight the war against them. Ephesians 6:10-18.
Blessings and Peace, Rainbow Pastor David
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