PIC: Fires of Hell Graphic-PMR-456_Evaluating-Bethel-Church-Bill-Johnson. From Equip.org
Have you accepted the Charisma gifts? NAR-type Charismatics do.
Scripture encourages us to examine yourselves “to see whether you are in the faith”. I say: Know your thinking – Save your future.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers. Examine yourselves [not me]! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves [by an ongoing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as counterfeit?
One key passage warning us not to reject Charismatic gifts is 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22. But there is a catch. Let’s look closely at what it actually is saying to us today.
Interpreting the passage of
_________________
1 Thessalonians 5:20-22
20 Do not scorn or reject
gifts of prophecy or prophecies
[spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning].
21 But test all things carefully [a Or [test] everyone, that is, anyone claiming to be a prophet.]
[so you can recognize what is good].
Hold firmly to that which is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil
[withdraw and keep away from it].
________________________
Consider the source
Start here with verse 21: “test [d]all things carefully“. We must consider the source. Test the source. Test “everyone, that is, anyone claiming to be a prophet” BibleGateway footnote d. Have you? Are you testing NAR-type Charismatic practices and teachings?
Today, in these End Times,
* Where are these “prophets” and “prophecies” coming from?
* Who is giving us…the new revelations, special “words of instruction”, special “exhortation”, special “warning”?
Where – Who?
Basically 99% of it is coming from apostates: apostate churches like Bethel in Redding CA, apostate believers all over the world, and false prophets, false apostles and false teachers. They are in the NAR-type Charismatic movement.
Most do not even know they are in it! What’s with that?! How ignorant is that? You don’t know your practices are different from evangelical practices? What have your leaders been telling you? You should know these things.
If your church sends leaders to Redding CA for Bethel training, or if leaders are sent for training at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM)… then your church is NAR. No question about it.
What does your church practice? Your practices are as important (or more so) as your statement of doctrines.
_________________
20 Do not scorn or reject
IF they pass the test
We are not to scorn or reject Charismatic gifts – if they pass the test. Do Charismatic NARers pass the test? I think not.
Testing is called for in verse 21: “test [d]all things carefully“. “Recognize what is good“. v21 Keep what you recognize as “good” — but, if it fails the test: Abstain from every form of evil.” If it fails the test: “withdraw and keep away from it”.v22
The “form of evil” v22 is the practicing of gifts unbiblically. Practicing what God has forbidden? That is evil. Since Old Testament times – that is evil. And it is still not OK by God.
References for God’s Condemnation
“I am against you”
See in one link or:
Deuteronomy 6:15, Deuteronomy 31:27, Matthew 22:29, Ezekiel 13:8, Ezekiel 13:9, Ezekiel 13:20, Ezekiel 14:9-11.
_________________
gifts of prophecy or prophecies
True Prophecy
Two things are true of legitimate God-given prophecy:
(1) A prophecy is always true and accurate.
(2) A prophecy is always given with God’s exact words. Not your words. God’s exact words.
There are many accounts of inaccurate, untrue propecies by NAR-types. The Old Testament prophecies were 100% accurate. Why? Because false prophets were stoned.
We should not trust the source of prophets who are wrong. Where are they? In NAR-type churches. That is why I do not believe in NAR prophets, apostles, teachers and the ones in the pew.
If these gifts are legitimate, then keep them. But if they are false, then “withdraw and keep away from it“. Those who are into false practices of Charismatic gifts are: Bethel of Redding, CA, and many others. See a list here, Examples of False Doctrines – to stay away from.
“withdraw and keep away from it” v22
_________________
[spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning].
In Old Testament times “spoken revelations” (as it is called here in verse 20) were communicated from God with His exact words. Today’s NARers are being taught “Just say what comes to mind. It’s okay to be wrong….” That practice is unbiblical and evil in the sight of God. See references to this in one link. Since that is what they are taught, they all are doing it.
Ezekiel 13:8
Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “Because you have spoken empty and delusive words and have seen lies, therefore behold, I am against you,” says the Lord God.
If back in the day God had false propheciers stoned… what will He do to them at the Great White Throne Judgement? Hell will have greater punishment for them, I suspect.
Jesus is all about sinners getting saved, but He said “I am against you” when speaking of prophets who were wrong. I am deeply sorrowful for them.
Gifts from God, like “spoken revelations”, really are from God – not from your thinking. Charisma gifts are like what happened at Pentecost. Did they have classes to teach how to do His gifts?
_________________
21 But test [d]all things carefully
What we believe and practice
It behooves us to closely watch what we begin to believe as Christians. All our ‘pinionating, social media posts, and arguing may lead us away from the faith. It can happen to you. Millions have been bambozzled already.
We must follow this Gospel, what Jesus brought from Heaven and His disciples wrote. It’s not just any “good news”, “a different gospel”, “another Jesus”, “a different spirit”. We must believe and “obey” this message – or we are following another gospel that does not save for eternity. Don’t welcome “the deception”.
Follow this Gospel:
2 Corinthians 9:13
“…they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess….”
2 Corinthians 11:4
“For [you seem willing to allow it] if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted. You tolerate all this beautifully [welcoming the deception].”
Galatians 3:1
“O you foolish and thoughtless and superficial Galatians, who has bewitched you [that you would act like this]….”
Ephesians 3:7
Of this [gospel] I was made a minister by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.
Colossians 1:5
“…You previously heard of this hope in the message of truth, the gospel [regarding salvation]”
Colossians 1:23
“[and He will do this] if you continue in the faith, well-grounded and steadfast, and not shifting away from the [confident] hope [that is a result] of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which [gospel] I, Paul, was made a minister.“
2 Thessalonians 2:14
It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
See “Gospel” references all in one link or: Matthew 24:14, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 9:13, 2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 3:1, Ephesians 3:7, Colossians 1:5, Colossians 1:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 13:5
“The glory” does not come through any other gospel. Supporting the evil of any brand… is damning. Unsure? Better brush-up on biblical terms and the consequences of holding to them. Know your terms. Truth – Apostate – Antithetical – Heritical. Know the Gospel well enough so any Counterfeit Spirit of God is recognized right off. 1
_________________
[so you can recognize what is good].
Do you know the Bible well enough? What happens when you do not know what the Bible says on a matter?
Can you recognize what is good and what is not – in God’s eyes? Where have you put your trust forever?
Trust in the apostate preacher down the street? How come?
See: | About Being Apostate… following “another gospel” | Know your terms. Truth – Apostate – Antithetical – Heritical | Weird unBiblical NAR beliefs | Charisma Seekers Beware | Making God Speak | Caught up with a practice God has said not to practice?
– Source: Where have you put your trust forever?
We are being tested
There is no excuse for being misled into Hell. The Bible is here to warn us, to tell us “what is what”. Are you claiming a sin with your practice of Charisma gifts? We must keep in mind that “sin” is whatever God calls a sin. And He calls it direct disobedience – what many NAR-type Charismatic folks are doing. Scary thought.
When you are wrong and just don’t get it — that is no excuse when standing before the Judge at the Great White Throne Judgement. Maybe you will soon be in line at that Throne Room and hear Jesus say to you, “I am not your Lord.” Scary thought. Maybe He is warning you now.
We all are being tested to know for sure our faithfulness to God. He knows already where we’re at, but He’s hoping you will find out the Truth – sooner than later.
The prophets of Baal who worshipped Baal — were most likely former worshippers of Yahweh. They left Yahweh.
Christians leave Yahweh when they embrace what Yahweh is against. Clear and simple. When you embrace practices that Yahweh is against – then He is against you.
Maybe you are not faithful to God – making God speak, misrepresenting Him, practicing what He warned He was against, pretending your own words are God’s Words (when you know they are not), following the Jesus who was not God. When you are for that, you have left the God who is against that. You must change your practices or He remains against you.
God has not declassified any sin whatsoever. It is what it is. What He said it was – is what it still is.
NARers went as far as to fake a prophecy saying the New Covenant made the Old Testment inApplicable to today… in order to negate God’s list of what He is against. How convenient this “revelation”, eh? Amazing how they fool themselves.
Read-up on The New Covenant. The New Covenant did not abolish any previous covenants of God.
But we know. And we believe what the Bible says – – in both the Old and in the New Testaments. The Old Testament is still truth for today.
_________________
Hold firmly to that which is good.
If you don’t know what the Bible truely says (and all you do is spout your personal beefs), then anything goes, and that type of anything goes religion is leading you along with that huge broad road going to Hell.
There are good ones and there are bad ones… good practices, and bad practices. Hold strongly to the good ones.
_________________
22 Abstain from every form of evil
Abstain from the bad ones. No matter what type of sin it may be – it is a “form of evil”. About “abstaining” MerWeb says:
“If you abstain,
you’re consciously, and usually with effort,
choosing to hold back from
doing something that you would like to do.”
_________________
[withdraw and keep away from it].
To “withdraw” MerWeb is to retreat, remove yourself from… in this context is to not attend meetings of that church. Withdraw from the practice of what God is against. Get out of Dodge! Leave that religion. “They were not really of us.”
1 John 2:19
“They went out from us [seeming at first to be Christians], but they were not really of us [because they were not truly born again and spiritually transformed]; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out [teaching false doctrine], so that it would be clearly shown that none of them are of us.”
I have examined the NARers, been with them, read their doctrines – and I totally reject the Charismatic gifts that they practice. Why? I base this biblically on 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22.
God can do whatever He wants. That is a given. But Christians cannot. We are called to follow what Jesus and His Bible teach us. I say with love: Charisma Seekers Beware.
We must abide by what the Bible prescribes and proscribes. That goes for Charismatic practices also.
Gifts from God,
like “spoken revelations”,
really are from God
– not from your thinking.
Following your own ways
What I see in NAR-type Charismatic churches is an abysmal failure to follow Scripture. The same goes for any religious folk who do not obey God’s written Word. Be they Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Buddists, Hindus…what have you — “You are not of God”, as Jesus said.
Following your own ways which oppose God’s declared Word? That is “practicing sin”. Are you Practicing Sin, Not Following Christ? I’d say these verses say you are.
The Practice of Sin
…whatever it may be
See all references all in one link, or singly:
Galatians 5:16-21, 1 John 3:4, 1 John 3:8, 1 John 3:9, 2 Corinthians 12:21, Colossians 3:9, Ephesians 4:17-22, Ephesians 5:3-5, 1 Peter 4:1-6.
– Source: Practicing Sin, Not Following Christ
What a horrible way to go: You arrive at your final destination – and it’s not where you thought you were going! What horrors! What regret.
FOR MORE:
Are you afraid to read articles like this (and those in the FOR MORE section)? Are you avoiding colliding with true interpretations of the Bible concerning “false teachings” and the NAR-movement? Why is that?
___________
The many hardhearted mind closed
Running with sin and calling it “just fine with me”
Practicing Sin, Not Following Christ
Good news! God declassified certain sins!?…actually – God has not declassified any sin
I biblically tut these apostate imposters
Why Jesus will say to some “I don’t know you” Excerpt: Why will Jesus say to some “I don’t know you”
…whereas to others He will say
“well done“… enter into my Kingdom?
What if? God looks inside your soul and says “I am not your Lord”
Why might many Charismatics not be saved?
Being tested to know for sure your faithfulness to God
Caught up with a practice God has said not to practice?
Consequences of supporting evil…Caught up with a practice
The ultra extreme unresolvable horror upon arrival for Gods condemnation
Examples of False Doctrines – to stay away from.
The NAR-type Charismatic movement…Wandering Stars. The Paganism of Bethel, Hillsong, and the NAR pt 1. Also see: pt 2, pt 3, pt 4
The NAR – “A New ‘Reformation’ That Many Don’t Realize They’ve Joined…how come most do not even know they are in it?! Excerpt: NAR “associated” churches continue to flourish. Many people who are part of this movement don’t know it’s called the New Apostolic Reformation. In fact, they may not even know they are part of a movement at all. And they may not be fully aware of all the extreme teachings associated with it. Do you?]
Bill Johnson’s Christology: A New Age Christ?, part IIIb | From Craig at CrossWise | Part IV will discuss how some other teachings of Johnson resemble those of occult | New Age | New Spirituality and will conclude this series.
Christian Idolatry? Evaluating Bethel Church and Bill Johnson | Jul 30, 2025 | equip.org | The vanguard of the NAR is Bethel Church in Redding, California, led by the charismatic (in both senses of the word) pastor, Bill Johnson, who has stretched Bethel’s influence over the entire globe through the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM).
7 signs you are in a counterfeit church | By Joseph Mattera, Op-ed Contributor | Voices | Excerpt: “The words “Christianity” and “Church” trigger many thoughts in people’s minds. Some of the ways these words are defined contradict or compromise the faith, as described in Jude.
“Reading further in Jude, the source of concern is identified as being ungodly people who have crept in unnoticed (v. 4), those who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit (v. 19). We surmise then that not all who claim to be Christians are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and that every church is scrutinized and judged by the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2-3). Beware of churches exhibiting the following… [7 signs you are in a counterfeit church]”
Kundalini Hindu mysticism in Charismatic churches
I biblically tut these apostate imposters
Jude 1:3
“Beloved; when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.”
NAR-types are changing God’s Way, denying the Old Testament…saying the New Covenant made the Old Testment inApplicable to today
The New Covenant did not abolish any previous covenants of God
The Old Testament is still truth for today…we believe what the Bible says – in both the Old and in the New Testaments.
The Pharisee Card by Todd Wilkin, Issues, Etc., March 7, 2009
“If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31–32)
“In fact, Christians who demand doctrinal purity are really following the example of Jesus, of Paul and the other Apostles (Matthew 7:15; see also Matthew 24:10–11; Mark 9:42; 2 Corinthians 15:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Timothy 4:16; 6:3–4; Titus 1:7–9; 2:1, 7–8; 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 3:17 and Matthew 15:6-9; Isaiah 29:13).
“Just like the Race or Gender Cards, the Pharisee Card is not designed to raise a legitimate issue of doctrine or practice. Rather, the Pharisee Card is used to discredit someone by implying that he is narrow, rigid, and unloving—a Pharisee. Most often these days, the Pharisee Card is played to portray a fellow Christian as a “doctrinal purist,” resistant to change, and therefore, unconcerned for the lost.”
What is good and what is not – Micah 6:8. Excerpt: Are you going with God? Or, are you going against God? What’s it going to be?
Titus 1:15-16
“…They profess
to know God,
but by their deeds
they deny Him….”
Acting with your heart, soul, strength, and with your mind
Jesus said, “Be careful that no one misleads you
[deceiving you and leading you into error]
– Matthew 24:verse 4
Be careful that no one misleads you
NAR-types are changing God’s Way, denying the Old Testament
Bethel Redding & Modern Apostles: A Biblical Analysis | podcast on YouTube with Alisa Childers
“As a former NAR worship leader, this is the best and most thorough I’ve heard. I believe this should go to every church in America. Thank you for mentioning the ‘burnout’ factor and fallout that happens when it becomes unsustainable. Also, exposing the ‘prayer-less-ness’ in all this circus, (by continuous declarations) is so necessary.”
– Commentor on site:@ArnoldBru11 months ago
Leaving Bethel: Christian Couple Shares Their Deconstruction/Reconstruction Story | Alisa Childers | YouTube video | 78K views 3 months ago (from 12/2024) Alisa Childers | 78K views 3 months ago (from 12/24)
The Clear Difference Between God’s Voice and Your Thoughts | C.S Lewis Sermons | Echoes Of C.S Lewis | YouTube audio
The Passion Translation – TPT – and why not to use it Excerpt: The translation done by Brian Simmons, 1 called The Passion (TPT), is not a faithful translation of the original. It is very much fraught with misleading words Simmons adds into the text (…”it is at least 50% longer than the original”). Good Christians should want to go to more accurate translations, and not ever use this deviant version. It has been so adulterated that it is not God’s Word.
Do your church leaders use the TPT? That is quite an indicator they are NARers.
Site Search Results for: spoken revelations
No new revelations in these end times
Does God give new revelations or is the Bible enough?…No new revelations
Prophecies in the Bible: A Perfect Track Record…prophecies were 100% accurate
Speaking with love about what is true and what is false
Why stop singing NAR music from Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation
Speaking with love about what is true and what is false
“Remove the evil from among you” – Deuteronomy 13:1-5
God’s exact words
Why God is against me IF I claim my words are God’s own Excerpt: IF I claim my own words are God’s own words, I am looking for the approval of the church. But God is not impressed. In fact, He says “I am against you….” He knows He did not say that Himself! Are you into that?
Caught-up with a practice God has said not to practice?
God did not speak in riddles with the vision to John on the Isle of Patmos
Excerpt: Are you religiously following vision-riddled thoughts imagined by mere puny humans – or “the true and exact words of God” (Revelation 19:9)?
Words of Mere Men Are Not God’s Words
The New Covenant did not abolish any previous covenants of God
Claiming a sin as – God’s will for you…are you claiming God is speaking to you?
Words: Ecclesiastes 5:2, , , , , , , ,
Don’t go misinterpreting verses like this, thinking that your words are God’s words. Wrong!
*Has God v10 “appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms“?! Think again.
The faith of anything goes…wide open “religion”
Arguing with God…spouting your own personal beefs
The sins we can practice to go to Hell. Just so you know…anything goes
What if? Excerpt: What if God really did come down to earth as the real, historical man, Jesus Christ… and walked the earth as recorded in the Bible? Wouldn’t you want to know more about Him? Do you really want to just live your life – and die having rejected “the only real God” and His message in the Bible?
“You are not of God”, Jesus said
What if? God looks inside your soul and says “I am not your Lord”
Pretending their word is God’s Word
So you think you are a Christian saved by His amazing grace
“Remove the evil from among you”
Footnotes
- Counterfeit Christianity is growing. Do you know the Bible well enough to spot a counterfeit church? Are you into one – yourself?
The Bible warns of “seducing spirits” within the church “in later times“. It warns about those church leaders who teach and delve into non-biblical practices. Beware of fake charismatic churches and pastors who follow a counterfeit spirit of god – those who teach extra-biblical experiences, such as: Bill Johnson, pastor of Bethel Church in Redding; Rick Joyner, founder of MorningStar Ministries in Charlotte, N.C.; Ché Ahn, pastor of Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, Calif.; John Arnott of Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship in Canada; C. Peter Wagner, and many more.
– Source: Counterfeit Spirit of God.
Leave a Reply