Spirit-filled churches, but what spirit?

[Hobie]

I had someone who ask me why he should go to a church that followed the scriptures when he was already going to a 'spirit-filled church' and thus was fine. But after seeing what can happen with Oral Roberts back in the day, and the Word of Faith preachers Kenneth Hagin , Kenneth Copeland, and Benny Hinn, etc.. and the movement behind it. I have to say, test the spirit. Many Word of Faith teachers use phrases such as "little gods" to describe believers. Kenneth Hagin wrote that God had created humans "in the same class of being that he is himself,"and reasoned that if humans are made in God's image, they are "in God's class", and thereby 'gods.

Here is more on what I came across...
'Although individual teachings range from completely heretical to completely ridiculous, what follows is the basic theology most Word of Faith teachers align themselves with.

At the heart of the Word of Faith movement is the belief in the "force of faith." It is believed words can be used to manipulate the faith-force, and thus actually create what they believe Scripture promises (health and wealth). Laws supposedly governing the faith-force are said to operate independently of God’s sovereign will and that God Himself is subject to these laws. This is nothing short of idolatry, turning our faith—and by extension ourselves—into god.

From here, its theology just strays further and further from Scripture: it claims that God created human beings in His literal, physical image as little gods.'... Is the Word of Faith movement biblical? | GotQuestions.org

I am hearing a lot about these 'spirit-filled' churches but they seem to be leaving out the Bible, and just following whatever they think the 'spirit' is telling them. Scripture is set aside and they are being led, but by what?

 

[Taken]

Spirit-filled churches, but what spirit?

Churches are Not an exception to many other man-made structures.

Fallen angels, Holy angels, “spirits” are everywhere.
* Humans with “demonic spirits” WITH them.
(Ie “tasting”, seeing if they like the results)
* Humans with “demonic” spirits IN them.
(Ie “allegiance”, pledged unto them)
* Humans with “the Holy Spirit” WITH them.
(Ie “tasting”, seeing if they like the results)
* Humans with “the Holy Spirit” IN them.
(Ie “allegiance”, pledged unto the Lord God)

A MIX is everywhere. And one of the Primary reasons, PARENTS are supposed to Teach their children Gods Truth, and GUARD their children BEFORE they unleash their child out into the world….AND….
See how the Opposite is promoted, encourage, celebrated….To Send newborn babes off to day care…3 yr olds to pre-school, 5- 18 yr olds in the care of psychobabble indoctrinated care takers.
And then when the child is out of control, (now it is Not uncommon for teens to commit unthinkable crimes)….the Parents say, wow, so shocking,”we didn’t raise them to be like that” !! No kidding! Someone else indoctrinated them for 18 years!



Glory to God,
Taken

 

[lforrest]

It's dangerous business judging the spirits active in a church setting. One could find themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit if they are not careful.

 

[quietthinker]

It's dangerous business judging the spirits active in a church setting. One could find themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit if they are not careful.

It's critical to determine the operative spirit. These settings are ripe for people being hoodwinked....and why? because they have built on a shaky foundation.

 

[Nancy]

Not to mention, they are rarely, if ever encouraged to 'study for themselves, to show themselves approved' of God and to be able to discern. Not a surprising thing as, Satan stands at the podium in many churches today IMHO.
I've been attending a church last few weeks and, it is boring. They try to make jokes and such to liven it up but, it is still milk, milk, milk. Seems they want to keep their congregants as babes, never getting to the strong meat of the word.

We have the scriptures to guide us as they were inspired by Gods Spirit after all.

 

[Hobie]

Spirit-filled churches, but what spirit?

Churches are Not an exception to many other man-made structures.

Fallen angels, Holy angels, “spirits” are everywhere.
* Humans with “demonic spirits” WITH them.
(Ie “tasting”, seeing if they like the results)
* Humans with “demonic” spirits IN them.
(Ie “allegiance”, pledged unto them)
* Humans with “the Holy Spirit” WITH them.
(Ie “tasting”, seeing if they like the results)
* Humans with “the Holy Spirit” IN them.
(Ie “allegiance”, pledged unto the Lord God)

A MIX is everywhere. And one of the Primary reasons, PARENTS are supposed to Teach their children Gods Truth, and GUARD their children BEFORE they unleash their child out into the world….AND….
See how the Opposite is promoted, encourage, celebrated….To Send newborn babes off to day care…3 yr olds to pre-school, 5- 18 yr olds in the care of psychobabble indoctrinated care takers.
And then when the child is out of control, (now it is Not uncommon for teens to commit unthinkable crimes)….the Parents say, wow, so shocking,”we didn’t raise them to be like that” !! No kidding! Someone else indoctrinated them for 18 years!



Glory to God,
Taken

Yet these churches of those claiming to speak/sing from the spirit dont even try to make people aware of this and let anything go on even if its clearly demonic or from unclean spirits..

 

[Cassandra]

It's dangerous business judging the spirits active in a church setting. One could find themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit if they are not careful.

But why are we then told to try the spirits?
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

I think it is better to go by the Book. And that's what it says.

 

[lforrest]

But why are we then told to try the spirits?
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

I think it is better to go by the Book. And that's what it says.

It is dangerous but necessary sometimes. If there is any doubt people shouldn't jump to conclusions, because judging a work of the Holy Spirit to be from the devil ad declaring as much is the unforgivable sin.

 

[Ritajanice]

It is dangerous but necessary sometimes. If there is any doubt people shouldn't jump to conclusions, because judging a work of the Holy Spirit to be from the devil is the unforgivable sin.

Can you please explain in more detail?

What conclusions are some people jumping to?

 

[lforrest]

Can you please explain in more detail?

What conclusions are some people jumping to?

For example if someone is a cessationist and convinced that there are no gifts of the Holy Spirit active today. Then they see evidence of a gift in action, but believe it to be counterfeit and a work of the devil. They may try to convince others and blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

This is the same scenario Jesus found himself in Matthew 12

 

[Cassandra]

It is dangerous but necessary sometimes. If there is any doubt people shouldn't jump to conclusions, because judging a work of the Holy Spirit to be from the devil ad declaring as much is the unforgivable sin.

No--we are counseled to try the spirits. As someone mentioned upthread, there are false prophets, which the Bible also gives the definition of. You will not be faulted for doing what the Bible says.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

For example if someone is a cessationist and convinced that there are no gifts of the Holy Spirit active today. Then they see evidence of a gift in action, but believe it to be counterfeit and a work of the devil. They may try to convince others and blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

That's what the calvinist do and I noticed the church of christ does this too and they aren't calvinists

 

[lforrest]

No--we are counseled to try the spirits. As someone mentioned upthread, there are false prophets, which the Bible also gives the definition of. You will not be faulted for doing what the Bible says.

Yes-and we do identify the false prophets. Those could be considered an accusation against a human being, which can be forgiven if we err in judgement. To be safe I wouldn't specifically call out all their words as doctrines of devils, even if their character proves they are themselves a son of the devil. Only call out where it can be disproven by scripture.

 

[Taken]

Yet these churches of those claiming to speak/sing from the spirit dont even try to make people aware of this and let anything go on even if its clearly demonic or from unclean spirits..

I think you are on point!
Many, many churches…and likely a large percent of members are missing the deeper Knowledge and Understanding.

God Bless you,
Glory to God,

Taken

 

[Behold]

Kenneth Hagin wrote that God had created humans "in the same class of being that he is himself,"and reasoned that if humans are made in God's image, they are "in God's class", and thereby 'gods.

Reader,

The "WOF" movement started with E.W. Kenyon,. .who was a BRITISH preacher.

I personally don't support "denominations" as they are made by man and Christianity is created by God.

Reader, you should join other believers, and find a good local Church.
You just have to avoid cults, and the problem is, how do you do that?

A.) You find a Teacher who can show you what not to believe, so that you can then spot those who believe it, and walk away.

So, about that "little gods", that came out of the WOF theology..

They get it here..

1.) Jesus said ......"know you not that you are godz"

And..

This verse..

2.) "As Christ IS... so are the Born again... in THIS World"..

And..

3.) God said... "Let US... make man.. in OUR Image". = our Likeness...

So, if you teach all that carefully, then you're ok., because its true.

Think about it like this..

Jesus is a Son of God, and so are you.. if you are born again.....= You are a Son/Daughter of God..

You are a Heir of God.
You are a joint Heir with Jesus
God is your Father
Jesus is not your Brother, but He is your Savior, and your Lord and your Eternal Life.

The Angels, according to the Bible, wish they could have what we possess, as our RELATIONSHIP with God..

One of the reason that a Fallen Angel (Cherub Lucifer) hates you so much, is because He is so Jealous of you, and your relationship as a SON/Daughter of God.

See, when Lucifer was in Heaven, he wanted to be Above God... He wanted ultra dominion, that was greater than God's.

So, once down here, he came to Eve and Adam, and deceived them out of their Dominion over all that God had created and gave to them.

Satan became the "god of THIS world"... and that is why its an evil, sensual, sewer of sin and death.

2nd Adam, came and died and rose again, and got it all BACK,, but He has not come back the 2nd Time Yet as the KING, and made everything perfect.
That'll be soon.

And right now you are "In Christ" and are a Heir of God, so, its ALL yours also.

Isn't God good?

 

[Hobie]

But why are we then told to try the spirits?
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

I think it is better to go by the Book. And that's what it says.

Remember, the devil and his unclean spirits rather that no one test them so they can do their purpose and still keep hidden, and we see many of those who repeat this...