Volume 37 – March/April/May 2009

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

I wanted to focus on something that took place at the crucifixion, which I believe, is not mentioned very often from most church pulpits. I want to discuss “The Theology of a Thief”.

Yes, a thief! Actually as the scriptures mention, there were two thieves crucified with Jesus that day, and I wanted to show the difference between the two of them and how only one got it right.  I know this may sound a little strange,  but please bear with me here.

As we read in Matthews gospel, There were those who mocked Jesus while He was on the cross…including BOTH of the thieves crucified with Him.

Matthew 27: 39-44 -Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself.  If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.  Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.  If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Notice how the last verse stated both thieves also went along with the people who were mocking Jesus?  Luke goes into greater detail. In his gospel, we actually read what both thieves were saying…

Luke 23:39 – And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

However, the other thief , who initially was mocking Jesus, finally came to his senses and recognized the reality of his situation…he was about to die! Knowing this fact, he was not mocking Jesus anymore:

Luke 40: 40-43 – But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Notice this thief did not say “dost not thou fear death?” but rather “dost not thou fear GOD?” The most important thing to notice is what he says next…This is truly sound biblical theology and doctrine at it’s best….he says: “…seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.”

Four things to note here:

First, this thief recognized his sinful condition before a Holy God and his desperate need for salvation.

Second, he also recognized the punishment for his crime he was receiving was just and he was getting what he truly deserved.

Third, he also knew Jesus did not deserve to be with them for He was sinless and had not done anything wrong.

Fourth, and most important, this thief knew, and believed, Jesus Christ is truly God! He was saved that very day…as Jesus assured him: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!

This is sound theology! Yes, I know…theology is a dirty word in many churches today, however, unless we first confess we are sinners and need to be forgiven, we will never have eternal life. Like it or not, we are all criminals in the eyes of the Lord and deserve to be punished for our crimes!

Romans 3:10-12 – As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

It’s not enough to simply repeat a prayer as most churches do today. We don’t want to tell people they are sinners and have need of a Savior. I came to this reality more than 20 years ago. I knew I was lost in sin and of need of salvation, but I could not save myself. I needed Jesus! There is absolutely nothing you nor I could do to work our way to Heaven:

Isaiah 64:6 – But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Nobody wants to be told they are sinners and will face Gods wrath for their sins, however scripture says we are sinners:

1 John 1:8 -If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10 -If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us

However, if we go back to verse nine, there’s hope for the lost sinner:

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This was all provided by the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! What glorious and wonderful news this is! Take this example from this thief…he truly knew his theology! We must always be very thankful that because of Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross of Calvary, we will never get we all truly deserve!

May the Lord bless you!

Volume 36 – January/February 2009

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

I have asked this question so many times, and I have received so many answers. Some by well meaning people, others by self-proclaimed biblical “scholars”, however I have yet to receive the definitive answer to this question. It’s not that I don’t know the definitive answer, it’s just I have not received it yet. So I will answer the question myself.  It’s because some people hate to be taught!

When was the last time you saw standing room only and long lines at a theology conference? Yet, you see so many of these so-called signs and wonders conferences pack in the crowds! People would rather have their senses and emotions mesmerized and even be entertained than to be taught.

As some of you may know, I have been writing for The Noble Berean since January 2005 and if you have ever read any of my articles you will notice in every one of them I write the words:

SOLA SCRIPTURA

Which means simply…”The scriptures alone.” There have been times where I have received many comments about these two words more than I have about the topic of the article itself, so I thought I would write about why some Christians, or those who call themselves Christians, are simply not satisfied with the sufficiency of scripture.

It has always boggled my mind how many people in the Church today claim the Bible as the final authority, yet continue to do things that are not even found in the Bible! How do they justify this? Simple…by using the “scripture is silent on some things” song and dance! I always hear John 21:25 quoted over and over:

John 21:25 – And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

So the justification is…“see? Jesus did things and they were not written in scripture!” This verse of scripture simply states there were many other things Jesus did that IF THEY WERE ALL WRITTEN there would not be enough room in this entire world to contain all the books…plain and simple!  This by no means says Jesus did many other things which are never mentioned, or taught in scripture! So one may ask…“what were the many other things Jesus did which were not written?” Simple! Just read what was written about the life and ministry of Jesus in the Gospels and then you’ll know!

Then there is the “you can’t put God in a box” theory. So many people have used this argument to try and justify behavior which cannot be found in scripture. This reasoning goes hand in hand with the “let the Spirit have His way” mentality. For example, I was once part of a charismatic church (yes, that may be hard to believe!). There were so many things done in this church which clearly could not be found in the Bible, however this did not stop the pastor. The only explanation I received was “you can’t put God in a box…we must let the Spirit have His way”.

Well..I would have to agree with the first part…we cannot put God in a box!  Wait a minute!! Did I not call this a theory in the previous paragraph? Am I contradicting myself? Absolutely not! We cannot put God in a box, no one has the power to do so except God Himself. So what I am really saying is God has put Himself in a box?? Technically speaking…yes! How has He done this you may ask? By His own Sovereignty God has chosen to limit the evidence and revelation of Himself first, through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ…and secondly, through His written Word.

This by no means is saying God’s power is limited. If God wanted to manifest Himself in ways contrary to scripture then He can! He can do things which deny, contradict and even add to scripture if He so wanted to. I am not saying God cannot do this, what I am saying is God WILL NOT do this! God will NEVER say nor do things opposite of written Holy Scripture. How do I know this? Read Psalm 138:2 for starters:

Psalm 138:2 – I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

What makes some people reject SOLA SCRIPTURA is the fact that it does not put God in a box, rather it puts people in a box! What people can say or do in church is limited to scripture, and that tends to frustrate some people! They know very well if they were to abide by the written scripture alone, they would have to stop doing all these ridiculous, unbiblical, man-centered, emotional driven things which they claim to be a so-called “move of God”.

If we truly are to “let the Spirit have His way” then we must remain steadfast in sound biblical doctrine,  just like the New Testament Church did (Acts 2:42). When scripture is taught and obeyed, then the Holy Spirit can have His way! God will never move in a place where His Word is not honored.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Just in case you didn’t have a chance to read Acts 2:42, here it is:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

This scripture is very much alive today as it was back then. When the believers in Acts chapter two remained steadfast in the apostles doctrine, it was only then where they had true communion and fellowship…and love for one another! Yes… all this through sound biblical doctrine!

Do I believe God still speaks to His people today? You bet I do! How can one hear the voice of God? How do we know WHEN He is speaking? Open your Bible! How do I know what job to take? Who I should marry? Which church should I go to? Open your Bible! Am I saying the Bible has the answers to all my life’s problems…even in today’s twenty first century society and culture? YES!!

What…? Does the Bible really tell me what job I should take? Well, scripture may not name the exact place of employment, but it does encourage good, honest employment (2 Thessalonians 3:10). How about who I should marry? The Bible may not provide the person by name, but it does tell you the character of the person you should marry (Proverbs 31, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 2 Corinthians 6:14). These are just to name a few.

Why in the world would we believe the Bible does not contain the answers to our everyday life? More importantly, why is scripture not enough for some people? I can write about this till I am blue in the face, and still people will continue to fight me tooth and nail on this, and that’s fine…I’m sure people will argue with me over this very article, and again…that’s fine with me! You can seek more than God’s Word to get some kind of feeling, or experience if you like. But as for me…scripture is sufficient!

SOLA SCRIPTURA…The scriptures alone!! may God bless you!

Volume 35 – December 2008

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

I don’t know about you, but 2008 went very quickly!  I find it hard to believe that I’m writing this edition,  which I do every December.  It seems like yesterday I was writing the 2007 edition!

The term which I use… “damnable heresy” comes from this verse of scripture – 2 Peter 2:1 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Now for the good part…I’m sure you want to know just who has received the coveted award of “The Number One Damnable Heresy of 2008″.   You are on the edge of your seat,  just dying to know which event of 2008 has received this “honor”.  You have waited with anticipation all year long and now it’s finally here!  Alright,  you have waited long enough!

…and the “winner” is:

THE FLORIDA OUTPOURING/LAKELAND REVIVAL with TODD BENTLEY

Did you expect anything else?  Were you thinking it was something different?  Did you all think I would forget about this event?  Of course not!  What other event took center stage in the Christian world this past year?  Where else did you see the constant seeking of signs,  wonders and miracles, with absolutely no sound biblical theology,  or doctrine to be found?  Where else did you hear the constant talk of visions of angels,  calling down of angels,  multiple trips to heaven,  conversations with the apostle Paul…etc… etc… etc?

Where else did you see notable “church leaders” gather together on one stage to endorse this “revival” and the man who led it? What about the claims of  healings which occurred by the kick of a biker boot, or by other violent means? Where else have we seen this? I do not believe this comes as a surprise to anyone.  In fact,  I believe many of you were expecting this.  To be quite honest,  I had already selected Todd Bentley and the Lakeland “revival” way back in July of this year,  so that ought to tell you something!

For all that is mentioned above…and much more, Todd Bentley and the Lakeland “revival” is….

The Number One Damnable Heresy of 2008!

What will 2009 bring? We’ll just have to wait and see!

Wishing you all a very blessed and joyous New Year 2009!

Volume 34 – October/November 2008

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

I stumbled upon a very interesting article the other day and thought this piece would be a very good topic to write about. This article entitled “TD JAKES CALLS OFF AFRICA TRIP FEARING DISEASE!” this comes from INSIGHT NEWS October 14th 2008, here it is in full:

Oct. 14 (GIN) – American televangelist TD Jakes called off a planned trip to Zambia where he was to officiate at a Freedom Summit, meeting presidential hopefuls ahead of this month’s presidential election.

He explained his cancellation, citing a mysterious disease reported last week to have killed some people. Summit organizers were unable to reassure Bishop Jakes there was no chance of catching the viral hemorrhagic fever believed to be rodent-borne. Two out of three victims of the disease, who died in Johannesburg, had come from Zambia.

“This decision was made by Bishop Jakes and his team because of their concerns regarding a disease they understood to have originated in Zambia,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, the tele-evangelist reportedly electrified crowds at MegaFest International, on Saturday, in Johannesburg, South Africa. “I believe the true purpose of the ministry is to go beyond the traditional walls and minister to the world,” said Jakes. “MegaFest International provides us with that platform.”

Wait a minute….I thought “by His stripes, we are healed”…Doesn’t this mean we are already healed physically? Isn’t sickness supposed to be from the devil in whom the believer has authority over? What about physical healing being a “right” and/or “privilege” for every believer? Is Jakes fearing sickness because he does not have enough faith? Maybe he fears disease because there’s sin in his life somewhere?

According to Word of Faith theology ALL believers have authority over sickness. TD Jakes even says in his doctrinal statement the believer has “authority over sickness, disease, demons, curses and every circumstance of life”. The following is from The Potters House Doctrinal Statement:

We believe that it is God’s will to heal and deliver His people today as He did in the days of the first Apostles. It is by the stripes of Jesus that we are healed, delivered and made whole. We have authority over sickness, disease, demons, curses, and every circumstance in life

See it here for yourself: http://www.thepottershouse.org/PH_doctrine.html

SOLA SCRIPTURA THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!

If TD Jakes really believes his own doctrinal statement regarding sickness, then he has nothing to fear!  So why has he canceled his trip to Africa? Why is he afraid of sickness if he has authority over it?…It looks like TD Jakes, and the Word of Faith Movement want you to believe one thing, while they believe something totally different.

If Jakes were to cancel this trip due to schedule conflicts, or a family emergency, then I could buy that. However, A prominent and influential Word of Faith teacher like Jakes is calling off the trip because he fears sickness? If this INSIGHT NEWS article proves anything it’s that Jakes and the Word of Faith Movement do not practice, nor believe, what they preach.

Volume 33 – September 2008

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

Folks, I am going to keep this short and sweet. I present to you the most simple, easy, no-brainer message in the entire world which man has over complicated with their own pride, religious tradition, political correctness, stubbornness, ignorance and mostly…their SIN! Here it is:

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Wait! It gets even more simple:

Mark 16: 15-16 – And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

That’s it! And you thought I was going to write a long-winded, dull blog!!

Till next month!

Search the Scripture for yourself! SOLA SCRIPTURA! The Scripture ALONE! May the Lord bless you!

Authors note: comments are closed for this months blog.

Volume 32 – July/August 2008

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

As a follow up to the previous blog “Todd Bentley is not The Problem” it goes without saying that I was right…biblical doctrine, sound theology is completely irrelevant. I can say with confidence that whatever scripture teaches concerning the pattern of the New Testament Church does not matter to the masses of people who have been deluded by Todd Bentleys Florida “revival”.

This one particular comment I received from a reader sums up everything I have been saying because it represents the way Charismatics and Pentecostals alike have been justifying their unbiblical behavior for years…they use the old “scripture does not mention everything” song and dance:

“The Apostle Paul said, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift.”

He obviously believed in impartation! The point is that scripture is the authority.  The scripture forbids some things.  On other things it is silent.  Any revelation beyond the scripture must not contradict the scripture.  In the scripture people talk to angels, people get healed, people impart things.

Paul recognized this principle when he said, Do not forbid speaking in tongues.

There are some things that are forbidden, but when something offends us, we need to be careful to discern whether the scripture actually forbids it, or whether we just find it unusual and acceptable in our own thinking. How wonderful that more of the attention of the nation is being drawn to the claims of Christ.  People are being saved and set free in Lakeland.”

I especially like this part: “There are some things that are forbidden, but when something offends us, we need to be careful to discern whether the scripture actually forbids it, or whether we just find it unusual and acceptable in our own thinking.” In other words, if we do not like something that’s happening, don’t say anything negative about it…that is, unless scripture actually forbids it! This is another way of saying…”don’t think…just accept it by faith!” If we went by this foolishness then we would have to accept every claim which cannot be found in the Bible and simply say “as long as it does not contradict scripture, then it must be from God!” If this is true, then scripture is NOT the authority!

It’s no wonder Todd Bentley supporters think this way. After all, Bentley has taught them well. From his Fresh Fire Ministries web site Bentley has written an article entitled “Lifting Jesus High! Bringing Biblical Light to Your Questions about the Lakeland Outpouring & Todd Bentley – June 8, 2008.” Bentley states:

“While it’s good and right and biblical to test the spirits to see if they are of God, it’s vital to realize that just because a type of vision or a sign is not listed in Scripture, that it’s unscriptural, to be discounted, or false.” (Authors note – scripture does mention lying signs and wonders (Matthew 24:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) how would we test the spirits to determine truth from error if what Bentley says is correct? It would be insane not to discount manifestations as false which have no solid biblical basis!!)

“We have no account of miracles like amputated limbs growing back, but the absence of this is Scripture doesn’t mean that such a miracle unbiblical.” (Authors note – According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, Satan can also appear as a angel of light, as if he were sent by God. Based on this fact, if there’s no account of amputated limbs growing back in scripture, how would we then be able to tell if the miracle is a lying sign or wonder, or a true miracle from God apart from scripture?)

“To apply doctrine to the response of God in our lives is wrong.” (Authors note – WHAT?? Will somebody PLEASE show Todd Bentley 1 Thessalonians 5:21!!)

“If a person is of the mind-set that everything spiritual that happens or manifests in our lives has to be found in Scripture to be divine and of God, then that standard or belief would have to be applied to every area of one’s life.” (Authors note – heaven forbid Christians should apply biblical teaching to every area of their lives!!) – (2 timothy 3:14-15)

SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!

Scripture puts a huge hole in Todd Bentleys “scripture is silent” theory:

Deuteronomy 29:29 – The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

This scripture is very clear! No room for misquoting or taking out of context! Whatever is written is what we live by and also to discern truth from error! Whatever is silent, belongs to God and to God ALONE!! We have no “gray areas” when it comes to God’s Word, nor can we take it upon ourselves to assume something is of God simply because scripture does not mention it! The apostle Paul also agrees:

1 Corinthians 4:6 – And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Please note Paul says “not to think of men ABOVE THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN”! Again, very clear! We are not to go beyond what is already written in the scripture! In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Paul tells Timothy that he will come to him in person, however, if he is delayed, Paul then explains to Timothy he will know how to behave in the local church because he already has what Paul wrote to him:

1 Timothy 3:14-15 – These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

So, what about the other churches? Paul has this covered as well:

Colossians 4:16 – And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

1 Thessalonians 5:27 – I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

This is crystal clear! The Church patterns herself by what God has written in scripture and is not to assume whatever scripture is silent about must be from God. I heard a preacher on radio give an account about a man who came to him claiming he had a “message from God”. The preacher asked the man if this “message from God” had any basis in the Bible. The man replied “this message is not in the Bible…it’s a new message from God”. The preacher immediately responded “if it’s not in the Bible…I don’t want to hear it!” Now that’s a true man of God…willing to stand and defend sound biblical doctrine at any cost! We need more preachers like that in our churches!

It’s amazing to me how some people accept the word of “church leaders” over scripture to determine if something is a move of God. It’s no different with Bentleys “revival”. I found this one comment on YouTube regarding a video which shows “great leaders of the Church” giving their approval of Todd Bentley and his “Florida Outpouring”

“Great leaders of the church “Peter Wagner, Bill Johnson, Che Ahn, John Arnott, Rick Joyner” support and commission Todd Bentley, approving that Lakeland Revival is a Move of God.“

Notice the last sentence: “approving that Lakeland Revival is a Move of God.” According to this, it’s the so called “great leaders of the Church” who approve this “revival”, but nowhere does it say if it’s approved by the Word of God. So the masses of Bentley-ites would rather take the word of these so-called “church leaders” over scripture, again proving….SOUND BIBLICAL DOCTRINE DOES NOT MATTER!!

I am not saying God cannot or does not do miracles today. We cannot put God in a box! No one has the power to do so. However by remaining steadfast in sound biblical doctrine, the Charismatic Movement is put in a box, and would have to stop the outrageous things they claim is from God…hence the reason they use the excuse “scripture is silent on some things” to try and explain things not found in the Bible.

However, what I am saying is God WILL NOT say or do ANYTHING contrary to His Written Word, nor will he ever deny His own Word!

Psalm 138:2 – I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

If I have said this once, I have said it a million times…Scripture is sufficient! (2 Timothy 3:16-17) If I live to be a hundred, I will never understand why this is not good enough for some believers in the Church today!

Search the Scripture for yourself! SOLA SCRIPTURA! The Scripture ALONE! May the Lord bless you!

Volume 31 – May/June 2008

By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

I have read so many articles and blogs from wonderful discernment web sites regarding Todd Bentley. I have seen hours of video footage from the “Healing Revival” services in Lakeland Florida. There are many so-called signs, wonders and manifestations occurring at this event which cannot be found anywhere in scripture. I believe what’s going wrong here is quite the obvious…Todd Bentley is not the problem! People like him will come and go…the scripture says this:

Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

There are no shortage of false prophets and false Christs….they will always be in great supply. What really grieves me here is not Todd Bentley, although what he’s doing is bad enough, rather it’s the massive amounts of people who believe this “revival” is a move of God, and it matters not how much evidence from scripture you can show to prove Bentley is a false prophet, these people don’t care, they will continue to defend this heretic! Sound biblical doctrine does not matter to the thousands of people who go to this so-called revival…this is the real problem…NOT so much Todd Bentley!

2 Timothy 4:3-4: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Proof of this scripture in 2 Timothy 4 is evident at Bentleys “revival” comes from a comment written in response to a Todd Bentley You Tube video:

“video’s of tod less than 9:57 min. should be forbidden on youtube. I love his shows. From satan or from God, I don’t care. If it is from satan, I must say I never heard a satanworking talking this much about Jesus (Really? how about Mark 5:7, Luke 8:28, Acts 16:16-17 emphasis mine). Different from clips of Marillin Manson or clips about the satan church. I agree, no bible teaching only healings, but I still love watching it. What is the destuction in me after watching this? I think it doesn’t harm me. Wolf in sheepsclothes or not. I just don’t care.” (Bold letter emphasis mine)

This is a prime example of the bad fruit coming from the Lakeland Fl “revival”. This comment is no different than the many testimonies coming from the multitudes attending this event. Please take notice where this person says “I love his shows” or “no bible teaching only healings” and especially “Wolf in sheepsclothes or not. I just don’t care.” Sadly, this is the attitude of many who attend this “revival”. Not one testimony I have heard remotely mentions the cross is being preached, or the Blood of Jesus, or of God’s wrath and His judgment to come upon all sinners lest they repent of their evil…instead, it’s nothing more than a show with no sound bible teaching, but an over abundance of signs, wonders and miracles!

The following is taken directly from Todd Bentley’s statement of faith from his web site Fresh Fire Ministries (www.freshfire.ca):

We Believe in…

1. THE WORD OF GOD

We believe the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error, unified in their redemptive purpose, yielding a complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of mankind. We hold the Bible to be trustworthy, the only supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. Scripture is our source of revelation of God, the knowledge of salvation, the origin of all things and of the hereafter-it is the final Court of Appeal on all points of doctrine, life and godliness. (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12) (Bold letter emphasis mine)

It is very clear from the first point of Bentleys statement of faith scripture is their final authority on all matters of faith and all points of doctrine. However, if you look further, you’ll see point number 12:

12. FURTHER REVELATION

We recognize that God is continually restoring truth and light to His Church. Therefore, we place no limit on further revelation; however, each must be substantiated according to the Scriptures. (Bold letter emphasis mine)

If Todd Bentley believes scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith and all points of doctrine, why then is God “continually restoring all truth and light to His Church?” Why does Bentley insist there’s “no limit on further revelation” if he calls scripture “our source of revelation of God?” Either scripture is not complete and insufficient, or Bentley is contradicting himself…well…which is it?? The first point of his statement of faith says scripture is all the revelation from God we need, yet his last point says God STILL has to restore truth and light to His Church! Let me make this perfectly clear, there is no more need for further revelation if scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith and all points of doctrine and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 confirms this:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

I do believe God speaks to us today, however, He will NEVER speak contrary or against His Holy Word, which brings me to what he also says in regards to “further revelation” in point 12: each must be substantiated according to the Scriptures. (Bold letter emphasis mine) This is interesting considering most of what Bentley has said and done CANNOT be substantiated according to the Scriptures. For example, his “vision” of a female angel named “Emma” who walks around spreading “gold dust”. Bentley claims God revealed this is the “angel of finance” spreading prosperity. Scripture mentions the archangel Michael (Jude 1:9) and also the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:19, Luke 1:26), however there is absolutely no mention whatsoever in scripture of an angel named “Emma”, nor of any female angels, let alone an “angel of finance”. Instead, Bentleys “Emma” comes straight to him, not from God, but rather from Buddhist mythology:

“in Japanese Buddhist mythology, the overlord of hell (Jigoku), corresponding to the Indian deity Yama. He judges the souls of men, while his sister judges the souls of women. The sinner is sent to one of the 16 regions of fire or ice assigned him by Emma-ō for a fixed period of time until the next rebirth, unless saved by the prayers of the living, in which case he is reborn either on earth or in a heavenly paradise. Emma-ō is usually represented with a fierce expression, wearing a Chinese judge’s cap and holding his mace of office.” (Britannica Online Encyclopedia - http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/185925/Emma-o)
If Bentley truly believes scripture is “the final Court of Appeal on all points of doctrine” as described in point number one of his statement of faith, how then does he justify his “vision” from an angel that’s straight from Buddhist mythology? This is just one of many examples of Bentley’s violation of scripture. But again, to Bentley’s supporters, this does not matter!

Some may try to defend Bentleys extra-biblical “angelic visions” and other manifestations by claiming “since scripture is silent about certain things, we should not automatically forbid it.” This is a very poor line of reasoning and scripture has something to say about this:

Deuteronomy 29:29 – The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

1 Corinthians 4:6 – And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

1 Timothy 3: 14-15 – These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Based on this, if it’s not written in scripture, then we are not to make any assumptions, no matter how “Christian-like” it may appear, and go beyond what God has already revealed to us via the written scripture…PERIOD! God has sufficiently provided us all we need to know about Him in his written Word.

Now, some may also say, “isn’t this putting God in a box?” Absolutely not! On the contrary, if Todd Bentley and the Charismatic movement behaved according to the New Testament Church pattern as God revealed in scripture, then this would limit what they can say and do, ultimately putting Todd Bentley and the Charismatic Movement in a box…not God!

This is why most of Bentleys supporters strongly disagree with this viewpoint. There are guidelines set in scripture in how the Church is to behave (1 Timothy 3:14-15), if Bentley were to abide by this, then his “revival” services would be more orderly and organized. However, this is not the case.

According to Stephen Strader, pastor of Ignited Church in Lakeland Florida, he states in regards to the services “It’s chaotic, it’s disorganized.” (“A Working Man’s Revival,” The Ledger, May 18, 2008) Now, does the Bible say anything about this? Yes it does:

1 Corinthians 14:33 – For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Notice it says “as in ALL the churches of the saints?” This means it was not just for the church at Corinth, but for ALL churches for ALL time, past, present and future.

Most of the comments I read on blogs are from people who claim healings taking place, some have even claimed they were healed themselves at the nightly “revival” services. Can we really believe this is a move from God simply because people are being healed? Please don’t misunderstand me, I do believe God heals today and I’m happy to hear about people being healed, but are signs and wonders the basis we need to go by?

Well, considering all these miracles and other manifestations are supposedly occurring, we need to remember what 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 says:

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Paul is giving the Church at Corinth a warning, which also applies to us today as well. Just because miracles are occurring does not mean this is a move of God, again, I’m not saying God does not heal, I’m simply saying miracles are not the basis in which we are to discern truth. I would challenge any Todd Bentley supporter to read through the New Testament, beyond the Book of Acts…especially read both 1 and 2 Timothy, then show me where Paul encourages Timothy to demonstrate the Gospel with signs, wonders and miracles. You will not find it there! Instead, Paul encourages Timothy to remain faithful to sound doctrine and the holy scriptures!
SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!
You will not find anywhere in the New Testament the Church seeking signs, wonders and miracles, with the exception of the church at Corinth, in which Paul called them carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1) and immature (1 Corinthians 14:20). Also, there are no records in scripture of “healing revival” services. The only basis scripture gives is for the the local church to pray for the sick:

James 5:14 – Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord

It was, and still is, the duty of the elders in the local church to pray for those who are sick, not for believers to go to a “faith healer” or “healing revival service”. James 5:14 does not say anything about signs, wonders, miracles, or healing revival services! Bentley can say anything from that pulpit and people will believe him, even if it adds or takes away from scripture. Another example of this is Bentleys constant claims of the “anointing” being tangible and is transferred to everyone who comes to the “revival”. There is NOT ONE mention in scripture of the anointing from God as being a tangible substance which is transferred from one person to another.

Doctrine does not matter at all, as long as people are getting the desired results they want, biblical teaching is irrelevant. This is the real problem…not Todd Bentley. Now, I realize people truly want to receive a touch from God, I do not fault them for this in particular, however, if people really believed scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith and all points of doctrine, then Bentley’s “revival” meetings would be an empty sanctuary. As long as there are blind sheep who disregard sound biblical teaching and doctrine, wolves like Bentley will continue to devour the sheep and lead them deeper into apostasy.

Everything I’ve said in this article can be summed up in this passage of scripture:

2 Timothy 3:3-4 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
This describes exactly what’s happening at the Lakeland Florida “revival”

Search the Scripture for yourself! SOLA SCRIPTURA! The Scripture ALONE! May the Lord bless you!

]]> http://thenobleberean.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/todd-bentley/feed/ 6 The Noble Berean http://thenobleberean.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/the-tbn-spring-2008-praise-a-thon-report/ http://thenobleberean.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/the-tbn-spring-2008-praise-a-thon-report/#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:48:38 +0000 The Noble Berean ]]>

Volume 30 – By Michael C. Gaudiosi

The Noble Berean

THE CIRCUS IS BACK IN TOWN! Yes, it’s that time again! The TBN Spring Praise-a-Thon, where for one week, the parade of celebrity preachers grace our TV screens with promises of health, wealth and prosperity, BUT you must give a monetary offering (specific amounts to be determined), to TBN…and TBN ALONE!! That’s right, the promised health, wealth and prosperity only come to you if…and only if you give exclusively to TBN. Giving to your local church, or a biblically based ministry does not count!

Before I go further, I want to make my intentions perfectly clear. I have nothing personal against anyone at TBN, whether on camera or off. This is not a personal attack on anybody. What this is about is simply looking at the fund raising methods of TBN and expressing my disagreement with the way they conduct such an event. I know some people will not like what I have to say about TBN, but be that as it may, this is the reason for this article.

I would like to start with a quote, not from the Spring Praise-a-Thon, but from last fall 2007. This quote clearly sums up the reason why TBN does this year after year. From Paul Crouch Jr. Himself:

“We don’t need your money…we don’t need your money, but we want you to be blessed, and we want to release the blessing into your life, and that’s what this is all about” – (Paul Crouch Jr. – TBN Fall 2007 Praise-a-Thon November 10th 2007)

TBN does not need your money, they just want you blessed. This confirms everything I’ve always said about the Praise-a-Thon. It’s not about the cross of Jesus Christ, nor the spreading of the Gospel…it’s all about YOU! This whole week of Praise-a-Thon is about how you can get something from God…provided you ONLY give to TBN ALONE! I may sound like a broken record, but I strongly disagree with this! If TBN does not need your money…as they have said, then TBN should be telling you to give to your church, or a bible based ministry first, however, they never tell you this on the Praise-a-Thon.

Instead TBN wastes an entire week of TV air time telling you to be obedient and “go to the phone” and give, and they really go to extremes to do so. The one person I found to be very extreme about pleading for money was Steve Munsey. If there was an academy award for best drama during fund raisers, this guy would win it hands down! Not only did he quote scripture way out of context, but he did it with mood music in the background for a dramatic effect! It was like watching a theater production instead of a fund raising event.

Again, I would like to emphasize what Paul Crouch Jr. himself said:“We don’t need your money…we don’t need your money, but we want you to be blessed, and we want to release the blessing into your life, and that’s what this is all about” – (Paul Crouch Jr. – TBN Fall 2007 Praise-a-Thon November 10th 2007)

TBN does not need your money because, by their own admission, they have plenty of it! Now, is it wrong to have plenty of money? Not at all! There’s nothing wrong with people having wealth. Is it wrong to flaunt such wealth before the world on a “Christian” TV network? Absolutely! TBN has no fear of God whatsoever! They make no bones about the fact they have plenty of wealth, and they certainly want you to know about it…yet they still have the audacity to ask you for money!

Jesse Duplantis was a prime example of this. Not only does this man have a vivid imagination, but he also boasts about how much money he has, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a roll of cash (claiming it’s mad money his wife does not know about) in front of the camera while he is delivering his fund raising “sermon”.

I know some people will say “you’re just jealous!” I have received these kinds of emails before, and I am sure I’ll receive them again no matter what I say. What have I to be jealous of? These people will stand before the Lord one day to give an account about such ungodly fund raising….here is what they will have to answer to:

2 Peter 2:3 – And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

How will they explain themselves on Judgment Day? No…I do not envy these people at all! They can have their wealth and prosperity. I am content with what the Lord has already given me, and I do not have a desire for more and more as these people do.

Luke 3:14 – And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

1 Timothy 6:6 – But godliness with contentment is great gain.

SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!

Now to the TBN Spring 2008 Praise-a-Thon quote of the week. This one comes from Rod Parsley. I have mentioned this quote in the past, but what he said sums up why TBN and the like are so successful despite the clear departure from sound biblical doctrine. I present to you the TBN Spring 2008 Praise-a-Thon quote of the week:

“When a word from God is given, reason is never required. Faith and faith alone must answer that door” – (Rod Parsley – The TBN Spring 2008 Praise-a-Thon – March 31, 2008)

Reason is never required?? WHAT?? Parsley is actually telling people not to think! Rod Parsleys way of thinking is this: If what you hear is a word from God, do not use your brain, do not try to discern…just receive it “by faith”. Talk about the blind leading the blind! I have seen firsthand how church leaders manipulate people this way. Sadly many believers are throwing reason out the window and this is why TBN remains so successful. Does scripture tell us not to think?

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

This verse clearly tells us to use reason and to test everything by the light of scripture! When the apostle Paul spoke the word of God to the Bereans, did they just accept what he said “by faith?”

Acts 17:11 – These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Jesus Himself praised the church at Ephesus for using reason to expose the false apostles:

Revelation 2:2 – I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars

It is crystal clear the Bible teaches we are supposed to use reason in every situation. If more believers used their God given intellect to discern through scripture what they see and hear, TBN would lose many supporters…Parsley certainly know this…and so does TBN!

TBN has the money to stay on the air without these fund raisers. Again, here’s Paul Crouch Jr.

“We don’t need your money…we don’t need your money, but we want you to be blessed, and we want to release the blessing into your life, and that’s what this is all about” – (Paul Crouch Jr. – TBN Fall 2007 Praise-a-Thon November 10th 2007)

Crouch is not the only one who said this. During the Spring 2007 Praise-a-Thon, Bishop John Francis said:

“This is what Paul Crouch Jr. said: Whether you give yes or no, this station will still continue cause they got the money to keep it going. We just need you to get blessed” – (Bishop John Francis – TBN 2007 Spring Praise-a-Thon – 04/11/07)

TBN has the funds people! They will not go off the air if you do not give! They are the ones saying this, not me! If you want to have a heart for giving, then give to your local bible believing church. God will bless your giving. Your church needs it more than TBN does.

No matter how much money TBN has, they will never stop doing the Praise-a-thon…and I will never stop doing these reports, EVER! Next report Fall 2008…stay tuned!

Search the Scripture for yourself! SOLA SCRIPTURA! The Scripture ALONE! May the Lord bless you!

]]> http://thenobleberean.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/the-tbn-spring-2008-praise-a-thon-report/feed/ 11 The Noble Berean