ANGELS OR DEMONS?

ANGELS OR DEMONS?

By Berit Kjos

July 6, 2008

NewsWithViews.com

“I went into a trance-like state and I saw… the angel of finance…. In that trance I experienced one of heaven’s realities and then that experience became a reality here on earth…. I found myself in a treasure room in heaven. The only item in this room was gold coins, and I began stuffing those coins into my pockets until they were falling out.”[1] Todd Bentley

“… my spirit guides, Jesus and Mamacita, where with me, teaching me to overcome the lower spiritual entities. Now, during the many hours spent in meditation waves of light and peace would flow over me….”[2,p.85] Joanna Michaelson, The Beautiful Side of Evil

“… false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed….” Mark 13:22-23

What’s driving Todd Bentley? Why do thousands of people flock to his revival meetings?

Some reasons are obvious. Many seek healing, financial success, spiritual experiences and sensual thrills. After all, Bentley puts on quite a show! Known for his heavenly visions, angelic “partners,” mystical tattoos, and irreverent “teaching,” he makes them laugh. One of his many Youtube performances includes this outrageous dialogue with an unbiblical “God”:

“The woman was standing in the back of the room when the faith of God hit the meeting, and her tumor exploded out of her right leg, slid down her leg onto the floor! … [God] said, ‘…I want you to grab that lady’s crippled legs and bang them up-and-down on the platform like a baseball bat.’ [loud laughter] … I grabbed her legs, and I started going, BAM! BAM! …banging them…. She got healed!…

“And there is this older lady worshipping right in front of the platform. And the Holy Spirit spoke to me; the gift of faith came on me. He said, ‘Kick her in the face with your biker-boot..’… I went like this [kicks and shouts] BAM! And just as my boot made contact with her nose, she fell under the power of God.”[3] [laughter]

“You will know them by their fruit,” said Jesus. (Mt 7:16) But the genuine “fruit of the Spirit” (God’s love, goodness, gentleness…) was missing from this brutal show. God’s warnings are becoming increasingly relevant:

“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so!” Jer 5:30-31

COUNTERFEIT ANGELS AND DEMONIC VISIONS

Exposing False Teachers

August 6, 2008
Exposing False Teachers
Matthew 7:15-20

New Testament writers warned about false teachings that sounded good but defied truth (2 Tim. 4:3; 1 John 4:1). Believers today must still heed these warnings! Ungodly leaders subtly twist truth with such conviction that unprepared Christians can be charmed by their lies. That’s why the Bible instructs us to evaluate the message of whoever desires to lead us (Matt. 7:20).

The false teacher is deceptive. Verse 15 of today’s passage describes him as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He appears to want people to know the “real” truth about God, but his interpretation of Scripture may contain outright lies or a distorted mix of fact and error. Since wise believers study God’s Word, they can detect a “sheepskin” starting to slip. The wolf is further exposed by his personal life, which won’t be consistent with righteousness (Matt. 7:16). A close study of his decisions, actions, and words will reveal that he does not follow the Lord’s will or biblical principles.

The false teacher’s life and message are self-indulgent. His enticing ideas appeal to his listeners’ fleshly nature. In fact, he’ll often permit activities prohibited in Scripture. Some deceivers describe God’s grace as a license to live without restraint (Jude 4). Paul clearly denounces this lie, teaching that believers have died to sin and shouldn’t live in it (Rom. 6:2).

The body of Christ is expected to use Scripture as the standard against which to measure a leader’s lifestyle and words. When we seek divine truth, we are given the discernment to know a holy message from a misleading one.

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