I just read this from my Google Reader, a quote by Christianity Today of Charisma's editor on Todd Bentley controversy and Lakeland revival.
" One critic, Charisma editor J. Lee Grady, faulted Bentley for sending the charismatic movement into a "tailspin." He quoted an anonymous Pentecostal evangelist who said, "I'm now convinced that a large segment of the charismatic church will follow the Antichrist when he shows up because they have no discernment." "
This really echoes and confirms my sentiments of the danger of the lack of discernment amongst believers in the charismatic circle, especially those linked with Peter Wagner's self-termed apostolic and prophetic ministry. (I am speaking as a thorough-bred charismatic who appreciated Wagner's work on spiritual giftings and church growth in the early 90s.) The local congregation here in Malaysia is not spared of this predicament. We are running to every new revival meeting and prophetic convention, taking in all sorts of so-called apostolic and prophetic teachings as if these are the actual revelations of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ without following Paul's advise on how to evaluate these prophecies. It really scares me how close this situation is when compared with the following end-time warning by the Lord of false prophets and those who follow them.
Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. (Mat 24:23-26)
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Mat 7:15-24)
I am afraid this warning equally applies to some of the teachings currently propagated by some of the mega-charismatic churches constantly harping on health, and wealth as the full gospel of Jesus Christ.
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