compiled by Jason Guenther

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/5977/newwine.html

New Wine Movement Defined

Advocates of New Wine claim they are involved in a renewal. The goal is to receive "more of God," which will manifest in a supernatural outpouring of prophetic insight, and will refresh those who are spiritually hungry. John Arnott (Toronto Airport Vineyard) describes the New Wine movement this way:

This renewal is primarily a call to the "weak ones" rather than to the "wise." It is a call to the thirsty to come and drink of the waters of life freely, to partake of that which is revealed to babes (Matt. 11:25). Our Father is calling His children who deeply desire more of God and who will come in childlike faith to enter into the kingdom (Matt. 18:4-6) and receive the Father's promised blessing (Acts 1:4). This is the season for "wise virgins" to buy oil from those who sell (Matt. 25). May you be filled with all the fullness of God and powerfully prepared for the harvest. (1)

New Wine advocates claim Scriptural and historical precedent for their "renewal," and claim that good fruit (works) manifested over a long period of time is proof that their movement is of God. It might surprise some readers to learn that elements of New Wine do indeed have links in history and Scripture, and it is to those links that we will now turn. (For a discussion of testing "fruit" see The Fruit of the Spirit, DTF May/June 1995.)

New Wineskin -- Old Wine

"Most people know about the trinity -- the Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- but they are not clear on who the Holy Spirit is and what He does." (2) The aim of New Wine is to introduce people to the Holy Spirit, and to everything He supposedly has to offer. The introduction is facilitated, New Winers claim, by someone who has previously received the "anointing." The introduction will not come as result of knowing God through Scripture or Sacrament, but rather, by physically passing on the "anointing," or by invoking the "Spirit." This is often accomplished at special renewal meetings (such as Catch the Fire Conferences), or via exhaustive hands-on courses sponsored by various churches.

Prophecy has come to play a major role in New Wine theology. Many of the bizarre manifestations (roaring, growling, pawing the floor, yelling, etc.) are said to be outward manifestation of a particular vision the wino (their term) is experiencing. These visions are said to be prophetic, and often are associated with Biblical themes. For instance, roaring and pawing the floor are often said to be associated with the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Personal prophecy, or word of knowledge, is also heavily promoted. In New Wine, prophecy is a spiritual gift that improves with practice (more on this later); it requires training to be used effectively.

Critiques of the New Wine movement often focus on the bizarre manifestations. While weird manifestations are a trademark of the New Wine movement, they are not, however, the only point where New Wine deviates from historic, orthodox Christianity. Many of the essential, foundational doctrines of New Wine theology are not compatible with historic Christianity. It is a theology based in esotericism. In short, what is being imparted by way of the New Wine movement is an esoteric knowledge and power -- only the initiated will appropriate and manifest it. The New Wine movement is new in name only. It's history can be traced back to the times of the Apostles. The Gospel of John, the Epistles, and the Church fathers have much to say about the "original" New Wine movement; a movement that was at odds with historic, orthodox Christianity from the very beginning. That movement is Gnosticism.

Gnosticism was rejected and labeled as heresy by the early Church fathers. Nevertheless, it was a belief-system that continued to exist and operate in various forms within the Church throughout Church history (often under the broader label of "Christian" mysticism). It continued to operate because adherents, for the most part, were able to mask their mystic beliefs by cloaking them in Christian terminology. Such is the case with the latest "Christian" mystic movement -- the New Wine movement.

Not surprisingly, what draws a majority of people to the New Wine movement is in fact what has drawn people to mysticism throughout Church history -- a feeling of despair, and a yearning for experience. A dominant theme heard in New Wine circles is that "I came to Toronto because I wanted something more." Compare the experience-driven New Wine spiritual quest with that of the Gnostics. Kurt Rudolph, in his classic work on Gnosticism, summarizes the early Gnostic quest/method as follows.

They (Gnostics) were not aiming at any ideal philosophical knowledge nor any knowledge of an intellectual or theoretical kind, but a knowledge which had at the same time a liberating and redeeming effect. The content of this knowledge or understanding is primarily religious, in so far as it circles around the background of man, the world and God, but also because it rests not upon one's own investigation but on heavenly mediation. It is a knowledge given by revelation, which has been made available only to the elect who are capable of receiving it, and therefore has an esoteric character. (3)

The above quote is just as applicable to New Winers as it is to the first mystics. John Arnott echoes Gnostic sentiment when he says, "It came as a tremendous revelation to me several years ago that the Christian faith is all about love and "romance" or intimacy. I used to think it was all about understanding truth and getting our doctrine straight." (4) In New Wine, one does not really "know" the Holy Spirit until one has experienced the New Wine anointing. At that point the power will begin to flow, and the New Wine initiate will supposedly embark upon a Spirit-filled voyage of supernatural insight, wisdom and experience.

New Winers insist that they are the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy about God pouring out His Spirit in the Last Days (Joel 2:28). Significant emphasis is placed on "prophetic" ministry. New Winers see themselves as the vanguard of a powerful, Latter Day outpouring of the Holy Spirit the likes of which the Church has never seen. To test these claims we will begin with an analysis of prophecy and the prophetic ministry as it is defined in New Wine theology. As always, we will do so using God's sure, objective voice. We will test the New Wine movement by Scripture.

Re-defining Prophecy

The New Wine movement has a preoccupation with "releasing the prophetic" in the lives of those who attend their conferences or embrace their theology. Much of their teaching originates from words given through people who, New Winers believe, have received "inner training by God." (5) These people are said to be able to facilitate the release of prophetic gifts in other would-be prophets and prophetesses.

The movement's understanding of prophecy differs dramatically from the Church's traditional understanding of prophecy. Since the New Wine movement claims a scriptural basis for their beliefs, we will use Scripture to test the claims. Let's start by defining the word prophecy as it is used in the Bible.

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary (1986) defines prophecy as, "Predictions about the future and the end-time; special messages from God, often uttered through human spokesmen, which indicate the divine will for mankind on earth and in heaven. The focus of all prophetic truth is Jesus Christ." A study of the word prophecy in Scripture will reveal two distinct meanings, both of which are in line with Nelson's definition.

First, prophecy can be predictive. Here, God foretells future events by providing His prophet with special revelation. Second, prophecy can be used in reference to forthtelling God's Word. Forthtelling is speaking forth, for a variety of reasons, the truths God has already revealed. Forth-telling God's Word may be for the edification and encouragement of His people (for example, Paul's Epistle to the Philippians). It may be a word of correction, or a call to repentance, such as the Old Testament prophets so often brought forth. Words of knowledge, which spoken after having received special revelation, also fall into this category. True prophecy will always be in harmony with God's written Word. It will never contradict what He has already spoken. True prophecy is a "sure" word from the Lord.

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:19-21)

To New Winers, "Prophecy is for the express purpose of giving strength, encouragement and comfort to the people of God. Nowhere is it a permit for correction or rebuke. (6) They teach, "When we prophesy today, we are basically conveying in our own words what we believe to be the thought and feelings of God about a person or event. We have been given ample space to learn in the process." (7)

Note, first, the New Wine emphasis that prophecy is not for correction or rebuke. Such a teaching flatly contradicts both the Old and New Testament. 2 Timothy 3:16 says the following: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (NKJ). When God says all Scripture He means all Scripture. When He says Scripture is profitable for reproof and correction He means Scripture is profitable for reproof and correction and should be used accordingly. Prophetic forthtelling, for the purpose of correction and rebuke, is seen throughout the New Testament (Acts 2:1-41, 5:1-11, 7:1-53... ad infinitum) Clearly, New Winers have re-defined the role of prophecy by eliminating one of the main purposes of prophetic forthtelling. They do so in direct opposition to Scripture. As serious as this is, they do not stop there.

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, `How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?'-- when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deut. 18:20-22 (NKJ)

To put it in simple terms, Scripture says if someone gives a prophecy in the name of the Lord, and the prophecy does not come to pass, then he or she is not a prophet of God -- period. The New Wine movement disagrees.
Here is what they have to say:

Just as a toddler has many accidents before he or she is potty trained, the prophetic person on training will also stumble. (8)

It is possible for the prophetic word to be "tainted" and, thus, only part of what the prophetic person is saying comes from God. (9)

When I first began to prophesy to others, I asked the Lord, "What if I'm wrong?" "As long as love is your motive," He told me, "and building them up is your goal, you can't miss."...Love is the principal issue in prophetic ministry. ( 10)

If they get one right, tell them so. They don't know....so that they'll do it again or else they will quit. (11)

We don't have the whole mind of God on a matter. Sometimes we get it wrong. (1 )

This does not mean that true prophets never prophesied inaccurately. Scripture makes it clear that on occasion true prophets knowingly (Ed note: "knowingly prophesied inaccurately" is doublespeak for lying. Do God's prophet's lie?) or unknowingly prophesied inaccurately, though they were not put to death or branded false prophets for such inaccuracies...what separated false prophets from true prophets was more than just consistency in prophetic accuracy. False prophets were, by contrast, presumptuous and proud in attitude, they bore bad fruit in their lives and ministries, they were consistently inaccurate in their prophecies. (1 )

Not every prophecy is going to be to be correct. No one is going to be 100 percent accurate all the time. In this regard New Testament prophets differ considerable from their Old Testament counterparts. The Old Testament prophets spoke what was to be recorded as the very word of God and therefore could not falter at all. If the words they spoke proved to be untrue to any degree, they were to be executed. But the New Testament era provides greater flexibility... (1 )

We've quoted at length from numerous New Wine leaders to demonstrate the clear nature of their teachings on prophecy. We can sum up this aspect of their theology this way:

1. New Testament prophecy is not the same as Old Testament prophecy.
2. God speaks through prophets today.
3. God speaks accurately.
4. New Testament prophets do not always hear the message accurately.
5. Therefore: A true prophet of God can and does prophesy inaccurately, but will improve with practice.

Let's deal with #1 first. New Testament prophecy is not the same as Old Testament prophecy. New Winers base this claim on, (a) since the New Testament does not call for the death penalty for prophets who prophesy inaccurately, God must not mind if prophets "miss" (so long as the "prophet's" heart is in the right place); and (b), the belief that prophecy is conditional. It is at this point where the New Wine movements jumps headlong into the kingdom of the cults.

Nowhere does the Bible make a distinction between Old and New Testament prophets or prophecy. Then why did the penalty change? Examine history. First, the Law required the death penalty, not only for false prophecy, but also for adultery, and for cursing one's father or mother. The fact that the Church does not carry out the Old Testament penalty does not indicate that God has changed His mind about the severity of these sins (God is immutable). The death penalty was required for the people of Israel when they operated within their theocratic system; the death penalty for these sins is not required of the New Testament Church. The "earthly" penalties for the above infractions may have changed, but God's feelings towards sin has not. New Winers can thank God they do not live under a theocracy.

The claim that all prophecy is conditional is also easily refuted. New Winers follow the Jehovah's Witnesses' lead by appealing to Jonah 3:4. Both groups claim Jonah prophesied inaccurately since the prophecy failed to come to pass. Jeremiah 18:7-8 is the key here; God said, "If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned." There you have it; God's statement as to which prophecies are conditional. Any statement that all prophecy is conditional has no scriptural support.

Occasionally, a New Winer will quote 1 Kings 22:15 as "proof" that even the Old Testament prophets blew it on occasion. Verse 15 does look like a failed prophecy -- until you read it in context -- then you will see that, in verse 15, Micaiah is not prophesying, but mocking! In essence Micaiah is saying, "Sure King, you want me to agree with the other 400 so-called 'prophets,' so go ahead and attack." Read the verse in context. The 100% accuracy rate of God's prophets still stands.

We agree that #2 and #3 above has scriptural support. At DTF we believe in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, and believe that God does not err. The fourth point (that prophets do not always hear the message correctly), and the conclusion (that God's prophets improve with practice), is absolutely opposite of what Scripture says. 2 Peter 1:12 is clear: When God has a message for man, the Holy Spirit sees to it that His prophet receives the message accurately, and communicates the message accurately. Look at the text again: For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. That is how we are to tell the difference between a true prophet and a false prophet -- when the former claims to speak a word from God, the word will always be correct, and the word can always be objectively tested (by the standards set forth in Scripture). A word spoken in the name of the Lord that does not come to pass is a lie. The person who speaks a false prophecy is a liar, and is not a "sincere but improving New Testament prophet" as the New Wine movement claims:

Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. (Jer. 14:14)

The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The oracles they gave you were false and misleading. (Lam. 2:14)

Conclusion: If New Testament prophecy is characteristically different than Old Testament prophecy, no such distinction is found in Scripture. The New Wine movement has no scriptural support for it's position. New Winers have built their case upon a foundation of circular reasoning. Their prophecies are not accurate, they say, "because prophecy has changed." How do you know prophecy has changed, you ask them? "Because our prophecies are not always accurate."

Catch the Fire
I COMMAND the spirit of prophecy to descend on this place!...
I COMMAND evangelism to go out across this place!
ARISE! Stand upon your feet and take authority!
Let the glory of God descend on you!
Let the fire come Lord; emerse us in the fire of your Spirit!...
We stand to your feet and say "no matter what" we will pay the price!
Double it on us; double, double, double. Let the power come!
We strike the ground, we strike the ground, we strike it, strike it, strike it!...
Let the prophetic voice of the prophets come!
Call it out! Increase it , increase it, increase it!...
Don't be frightened by this. Don't be frightened by this...
We call out the prophetic anointing for the prophets of the Lord...
Prophesy in the Spirit!... (15)

At the first sound of John Arnott's invocation the room erupted. Ten hours of music and teaching had primed the psyche for this moment. As one, a thousand plus people stood to their feet as shouts of "Ahhhh! Ahhh! Yes Lord! More! Ahhhhhh!" echoed throughout the conference hall. People fell to the ground in laughter; piles of limp bodies were everywhere. Others were rocking back and forth, moaning quietly. Some launched into fever-pitched "prophetic" monologues. One woman nearby was thrusting her pelvis and moaning. A few were just watching. This time of "ministry" went on well into the evening.

If you have not attended a Catch the Fire conference you might think the above narrative is an exaggeration. It isn't. It isn't something you will see in the meetings broadcast over "Christian" television, or when you hear the edited conference tapes either. But you will see it over and over again if you attend the Toronto Airport Vineyard's roadshow -- Catch the Fire. To New Winer's these manifestations are outward signs that supposedly result from a special, "intimate" contact with God. This is the "blessing" they came to receive.

If the New Wine movement in general, and the Catch the Fire roadshow in particular, is as blatantly un-Christian as we state, then why are so many people drawn into it? Why do some "mainline" and conservative churches allow, and even encourage, people to experience this "new move of God?"

By reading or listening to those who promote these teachings, it becomes clear that there is a great deal of manipulation involved. How are people manipulated -- emotionally and spiritually. The emotional manipulation comes from the particular style and content in both worship and teaching. Spiritually, they are manipulated via practices and manifestations, some of which appear to be occultic in nature.

Movements that are experiential and subjective in nature, much of the time at the expense of sound Biblical teaching, have always attracted those who are highly "charismatic". Those in churches who promote experience over the Word generally have no understanding of how unscriptural it is to draw attention to self, thereby glorifying and exalting the flesh, rather than giving all glory to the Lord. This certainly would explain why New Wine has been enthusiastically embraced by the more experientially-driven churches -- New Wine focuses on the individual, and what he or she can receive.

What may not seem so easy to understand, at least on the surface, is why some of the more conservative, or even anti-charismatic, churches have jumped on the New Wine bandwagon. Spiritual dryness is one reason. Favorable press by the "Christian" media is another. People who, for so long have been just "going through the motions" ("I came to Toronto because I wanted something more."), have so longed for a move of the Holy Spirit that they have jumped on this bandwagon, not wanting to be "left out."

Whether it is due to spiritual hunger or simple curiosity, those who eventually do make it to a Catch the Fire conference will find the show anything but boring. First comes "worship," which is lengthy, loud, and emotionally charged. Early on it becomes a concert-like atmosphere; the auditorium is hot, dark, and crowded. The anticipation is palpable; fueled by "worship" lyrics that stress what God is going to do for you today, and, how we should fall intimately in love with Jesus. The lyrics, combined with the charged atmosphere in the auditorium, breeds expectation. God is going to "move" -- God has to "move" -- you "know" it in your heart; you see it in the crowd. Some of those who have already tasted the New Wine from "Joel's Bar" begin "manifesting the Holy Spirit." God is honoring our praise!

Having primed your pump, so to speak, the first speaker begins by asking, "Do you want more of the Holy Spirit in your life?" What Christian would say no? He then explains that we need to be open to whatever happens. After all, God won't give you a stone, will He? What, you're still skeptical? You better watch out, or you might not receive all that God wants to give you. After all, "When there is a lack of faith or a downer in the room believe me it takes everything in you to come up with prophecy." (16) You don't want to be responsible for shutting down the Holy Spirit, do you? Don't you know that "criticism will shut down prophecy?" (17) Let go, and let God! You can test it later! By now practically everyone around you is giving in and letting go. You don't want to be left out do you? You don't want your friends to think you've missed the blessing do you? Of course not. What if the speaker is right; what if your doubt will hinder someone else's receiving? Besides, there's no harm if you just "try it"; you might even catch the fire. The worst that can happen is nothing, right? Not so fast.

A very disturbing aspect of this movement is what appears to be their embracing of, or at least the toleration of, certain practices and ideas that are rooted in occultism and witchcraft. For example, Stacey Campbell recounts how, "I actually left my body...could feel myself walking down the stairs...touching the fireplace..." (18) Stacey is describing astral projection. Astral projection is an occultic practice; there is no such thing as "Christian" astral projection. She went on to say that such experiences are "normal." At Catch the Fire we also witnessed the following: Two women, before the event began, launched into a dance hauntingly reminiscent of one used in a witchcraft ritual. For the remainder of the day they were seen acting out an occultic practice often referred to as warding (see warding in end notes). Apparently the conference-goers considered these women to be especially "anointed," since they were continually involved in "transferring" their "blessing" via the laying on of hands. The "prophetic" monologues that erupted spontaneously during prayer and "ministry" times were often preceded by a period of "restoration" -- several minutes of groaning and screaming that resembled primal scream therapy (a practice rooted in occultism) rather than blessing. Some of the blessings seemed overtly sexual in nature: One woman, for several minutes, rhythmically thrust her pelvis and moaned, seemingly oblivious to those around her. Perhaps she drew her "prophetic inspiration" from the popular New Wine "praise song (True Love, by David Ruis) that was performed earlier that day:

Jesus I need to know true love
Deeper than the love found on Earth
Take me into the King's chamber
Cause my love to mature
Let me know the kisses of your mouth...

Whether by design or accident occult themes and practices were evident at Portland Catch the Fire -- they were blatantly obvious. Though "ministry" teams were stationed in large numbers throughout the auditorium, we did not witness a single attempt to restrain or rebuke any manifestation. The failure to restrain these "prophetic" outbursts was not because they occurred out of view, off in some corner; they occurred often, and in full view.

God does not need to manipulate people. Satan must. It is clear from personal observation and primary source research that methods employed by those in this movement are not of the Lord; neither are many of their doctrines and practices. Whenever a structure is unsound, check out the foundation.

Foundations of Straw

A Sweeter Sacrifice

New Winers claim that doctrinal issues are not what their movement is about. The focus of New Wine, they claim, is on love, and not on doctrine. Despite these claims, doctrinal issues are at the foundation of New Wine theology. You wouldn't have a New Wine "anointing" without a New Wine proclamation (doctrine) as to the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. The message that the essence of Christianity is "intimacy" and "romance", and that these are more important than understanding such things as justification, sanctification, and the nature of God, is itself a doctrinal proclamation. The fact is, every theological system is necessarily built upon it's own unique doctrinal foundation. The New Wine movement is no exception. Let's analyze the foundation:

It came as a tremendous revelation to me several years ago that the Christian faith is all about love and "romance" or intimacy. I used to think it was all about understanding the truth and getting our doctrine straight....
This is a call to "romance," a call to having a deeper intimate relationship with Jesus. Being in love with Jesus is more important than having pure, perfect doctrine. (19)

In the Lord's final instructions to His disciples before His death, Jesus makes it clear that His purpose in coming was to share with His followers the same intimacy that He knew with the Father. (20)

To some, the above quotes (which exemplify a core doctrine of the New Wine movement) might sound "New Testament"; but are they? No one disputes that love is a key Bible theme, but is New Wine love ("romance" & "intimacy") for God the love God calls us to? Is it really the essence of Christianity? Is it something to be valued above "truth and getting our doctrine straight?"

First, the New Wine view of love is not what God calls us to. A love characterized by "romance" and "intimacy" is not what God desires. How do we know? God has told us. In Mark 12:29-31 Jesus says the following is the most important commandment:

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

The Greek word for love in these verses is the word agapao. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to agapao God with all our being. (Note also that Jesus includes a doctrinal statement on the nature of God in this "greatest" commandment.) The Greek language is very specific -- agape (agapao) is not a romantic or intimate feeling. Agape is not a feeling-based love; agape is a love derived from the will. Agape is an attitude we are to embrace -- it is not an emotional response. New Wine love -- romantic and intimate emotionally-based love -- falls into the category of phileo love. Phileo is not used in Mark 12:29-30, and it is not used anywhere else in the Bible in a command to men to love God. God never commands us to phileo Him.

Why does God require agape rather than phileo? For one thing, we are to be conformed to the image of Christ. 1 John 4:8 reads: "Whoever does not love (agapao) does not know God, because God is love (agape)." God is, by nature, agape; which is why Jesus said the greatest commandment is to agapao God. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ, who is agape.

New Wine theology re-defines Christianity. It views the essence of Christianity as "romance" and "intimacy," rather than the gospel of Christ. (Paul defines the true gospel in 1 Corinthians 1-8.) No matter how sincere, New Winers (as did Cain) are attempting to approach God in a way that He has not commanded -- a way they deem to be sweeter. A dangerous move -- a foundation of straw.

Just Do It (you can't lose)

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:11-13)

If you ask for the Holy Spirit, you won't get a demon. If you fall down and shake and rattle and roll after you ask for the Holy Spirit, have you then received an unholy spirit? No. You received what you asked for according to Luke 11 -- the Holy Spirit. (21)

Go with intimacy and let Him come and touch you profoundly and fill you and fill you and fill you. You can analyze it and test it later. (22)

Don't be frightened by this. Don't be frightened by this.... (23)

A second critical doctrine of the New Wine movement has to do with discernment and the Holy Spirit. The message is that, as long as the seeker is sincere, he or she will "receive the Holy Spirit," and will not receive an "unholy spirit." If for some reason the recipient wants to analyze it he or she will have to do so later using the long-term good fruit test (see Testing the Fruit DTF vol. 1, issue 3). In the mean time, receive everything and don't be frightened by the manifestations. The screaming, jerking, laughing, "prophesying," bizarre manifestations, and visions, are just, New Winers say, God working through the human spirit to accomplish His will. Luke 11:11-13 is the proof-text to support this essential New Wine doctrine. But before we look at Luke, notice something. On page 137 of The Father's Blessing, Arnott has this to say:

As I already pointed out, discernment is very important. Church leaders are particularly responsible if they allow the flesh and demonic activity to go on.... Our experience has been that manifestations of the flesh and the demonic are actually rare, though they tend to get all the attention.... But here is the challenge: That which is demonic must be dealt with -- hopefully the person can be delivered from the demonic influence. That which is the flesh must be pastored through correctly and redirected. That which is of the Holy Spirit must be embraced. Sometimes the manifestations look almost the same. Two people can be on the floor doing exactly the same thing, but one is under the anointing and the other person is wishing he was under the anointing.

That should make you question "ask for it, receive it, don't test it now, and don't be afraid," wouldn't you say? By admitting the presence of demonic and fleshly manifestations at New Wine gatherings, Arnott flatly contradicts his popular claim (which is echoed by other New Winers) that you cannot be deceived if you are sincerely asking God for this "blessing". The bottom line, as Arnott candidly reveals, is that people who are seeking the New Wine "blessing" can be deceived. The New Wine interpretation of Luke 11:11-13, an essential foundation of New Wine theology, doesn't hold up by their own admission. The problem, of course, is with the New Wine interpretation of Luke 11.

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though your are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!?" (Luke 11:11-13)

The subject in Luke 11, and it's parallel passages in Matthew 6, is prayer. The disciple's asked Jesus to teach them to pray correctly. Jesus answered by giving what we often call "The Lord's Prayer" (Matt. 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4). He then elaborated on the various aspects of the prayer. The prayer itself summarizes those things that all believers should express to God: The recognition that God is holy and sovereign, a request to see His kingdom established on earth, the desire to see His will accomplished in our own lives, forgiveness for our sins, provision for our needs, and protection from evil. In essence, we find the three-stage life of a Christian exhibited in this short prayer; it encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification. This prayer cannot be earnestly prayed unless one is in communion with the Holy Spirit. Jesus finished by saying, in Luke 11:13, "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who (now and continually) ask him!" The word "ask" is in the present tense; which refers to present and continuous action. Jesus is saying these are the good things you should pray for, and, these are the good things that will occur when you now and continually are conformed to my image through ongoing communion with the Holy Spirit.

The context and grammar of Luke 11:2-4 negates any use of it in support of the New Wine "blessing." By admitting that deceptions do indeed occur, New Wine leaders demonstrate that their bizarre interpretation of Luke does not hold up in actual practice. Another essential New Wine foundation crumbles.

Another disturbing New Wine teaching, a foundation of straw, is the proclamation that they have the power to impart and "release" the prophetic gifts. Stacey Campbell has stated, "it (the gift of prophecy) can rub off on you." (24) At Portland Catch the Fire there were "ministry times" for those who had been disciplined or rebuked by their churches for giving false prophecies, including exercises whereby the prophetic teaching could be restored and the gift released once again. According to 1 Cor. 12, it is the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit alone, who determines our gifts. He determines our gifts, and He determines how they will be used.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Cor. 12:1,4, 7-8, 10-11 (NKJ)

Where They Are Going

New Wine initiates are falling, not for something new, but for something ancient. Irenaeus' description (second century) regarding the imparting of counterfeit spirits and counterfeit spiritual gifts is as applicable to New Winers as it was to the Gnostics of his day. Irenaeus wrote:

By addressing them in such seductive words as these..."Behold Charis (grace) has descended upon thee; open thy mouth and prophesy." On the woman replying, "I have never at any time prophesied, nor do I know how to prophesy;" then engaging, for the second time, in certain invocations, so as to astound his deluded victim, he says to her, "Open thy mouth, speak whatsoever occurs to thee, and thou shalt prophecy." She then, vainly puffed up and elated by these words, and greatly excited in soul by the expectation that is herself who is to prophesy, her heart beating violently [from emotion], reaches the requisite pitch of audacity, and idly as well as impudently utters some nonsense as it happens to occur to her, such as might be expected from one heated by an empty spirit....Henceforth she reckons herself a prophetess. (25)

Human nature is essentially unchanging -- people have always sought after power of one sort or another. What drives the New Wine movement is the same thing that drove the first mystics; (1) the belief that "deeper" knowledge and power exists, and (2), the assumption that it is their "right" to procure it. To intentionally go beyond the boundaries established by God (established in Scripture), to relentlessly pursue that which in reality is anti-Scriptural, all but insures a deeper slide into spiritual counterfeits. New Wine is an experiential-based sect; new experiences will be needed to keep the "fire" burning. Expect to see increasingly bizarre manifestations and deviant teachings emerge from New Wine.

For some New Winers, the slide will be only from the silly to the sillier as they debate the intricacies of their anointing. New Winers have recently discussed such issues as which body part is most receptive to receiving the "anointing," whether or not animals can receive "it," and whether or not "holy" spitting is of God. Some in the movement have expressed concerns that God might require New Winers to begin prophesying in the nude. (26)

Since certain occultic themes and practices are evident in New Wine, expect to see a growing fascination with occultic themes (which will be re-packaged as "Christian").

Much of what passes for God's truths in this movement does not originate with the God of the Bible. Those involved in this deception must be warned and encouraged to turn back to the Truth, the inerrant Word of God. We must pray for their leaders. Pray that their eyes will be opened, and that they will repent and turn back to God.

In these many months of research, over and over we questioned how professing "Christians," people who supposedly study their Bible, could be sucked into such a blatantly unscriptural movement. It is ironic that apparently sincere people can fail to heed the true prophets' warnings, and instead give ear to the sweet words of the false prophets. Sincerity is never a replacement for discernment, which comes from knowing Scripture.

A New Wine leader has remarked, "There are no Lone Rangers in this business. We are all members one of another, equally accountable to one another for the things we say and do. There is an old saying, If you can't play by the rules, then you can't play." (27) In New Wine, you can't "play" unless you play by their rules. The Bible presents a different set of rules; unchanging rules penned by true prophets of God. The two are diametrically opposed. The New Wine movement is not of God. It is a counterfeit "blessing" that appeals to an era characterized by subjective, pragmatism thinking. We were warned.

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you." (NKJ)
NOTES:
1. John Arnott. (1995). The Father's Blessing, (Orlando: Creation House) 10.
2. Ibid., 34.
3. Kurt Rudolph. (1987). Gnosis: The Nature & History of Gnosticism. (San Francisco: Harper) 55.
4. John Arnott. (1995) The Father's Blessing, (Orlando: Creation House) 16-17.
5. Cindy Jacobs. (1995) The Voice of God, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books) 58.
6. James Ryle. (1993) Hippo in the Garden, (Orlando: Creation House) 255.
7. Ibid., 249.
8. Cindy Jacobs. (1995) The Voice of God, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books) 57.
9. Ibid., 61.
10. James Ryle. (1993) Hippo in the Garden, (Orlando: Creation House) 250-251.
11. Stacey Campbell (speaker). (December 1995). Catch the Fire conference, Portland, OR.
12. Ibid.
13. Cindy Jacobs. (1995) The Voice of God, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books) 95.
14. James Ryle. (1993) Hippo in the Garden, (Orlando: Creation House) 248-249.
15. - 18. John Arnott (Speaker). (December 1995). Catch the Fire conference, Portland, OR.
19. . Iranaeus. Against Heresies, Book I. Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol. 1, pp. 334-335). Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson.
20 - 27. Topics recently covered on a New Wine discussion group

Warding: In occultism, warding is a term that refers to fending off an evil spirit. Various techniques are employed. In this case, the women would recoil into their seats while passing their hands over their head in a brushing motion. Some have suggested it is a way to distribute the Holy Spirit to oneself and others. Rather, is a blatantly occultic practice that has no Christian counterpart.

Copyright 1995 by Defending the Faith. All rights reserved.

http://www.letusreason.org/Pent21.htm

DRUNK ON THE NEW WINE

Rodney Browne has introduced himself to the Church as the Holy Ghost bartender that is serving the new wine at Joel's place, He tells us that you can drink as much as you like, the drinks are on the house.

Browne claims the Lord told him to get the people drunk on the new wine, to get them inebriated. I believe his wine serving license should be revoked! Concerning Acts 2, Rodney Howard-Browne and his followers claim that the disciples must have been behaving like drunkards because the people who stood by labeled them as being drunk and filled with new wine. According to Browne and others, the first Pentecost was the former rain, and now today God is giving us the Latter Rain a "new Pentecost". God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. This is choke full of error.

First, we see that the ones who said that the apostles were drunk in Acts 2 were mockers (unbelievers) they didn't understand spiritual things, they were mistaken. Why were they accused of being drunk? Because they were speaking in other languages. However, others heard the same thing as praises to God in their own languages. So those in this movement agrees with the mockers and not those who understand spiritual matters.

Rodney Howard-Browne and others are using their doctrine from the scoffers. "They were drunk" Peter goes on to say that "These men are not drunk as you suppose." Being or acting drunk according to the scriptures is sin, we are not to look like the world. It is Peter who wrote to be sober and vigilant for the adversary (the devil ) is roaming about seeing who he may devour (chomp on). He's having a tasty meal for years now, a little meat with some wine.

Ephesians 5:18 says: "Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Holy Spirit." From this verse comes the doctrine of being drunk in the Spirit. Rodney Howard-Browne says: " There's a way to get drunk in the natural so there must be a way to get drunk in the spiritual." He's wrong. Ephesians 5:18 is not showing this at all, but is showing a contrast between how one acts while under the influence of alcohol and how one should act in the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is self control. There is not a hint of any erratic behavior that accompanies being filled with the Spirit. 

When "being filled with the Spirit" takes away one's self-control, that one cannot perform his normal functions, it is not the holy Spirit but our fallen nature (flesh) or another spirit in action. To be filled with the Spirit means we are under the control of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit does not act like this. Not once do we find a description of this behavior from the apostles. Yet we see sardonic laughter, violent shaking, dumbness, incoherency, paralysis, and people acting so drunk and out of control that they are unable to drive home are what to expect at these new wine services. After some of these services, the church offers designated drivers to take people home because they are too intoxicated on "The new wine" to drive (Maybe it should have been better if they could not drive to the services?)

Why is this happening mostly in a church setting? Why is this not happening on the job or when people drive? Can you imagine driving down the road drunk under the influence of the spirit going over the lines and being pulled over by a policeman. He says to the driver your drunk, and the person says no, no I haven't had a touch of liquor, this is the holy spirit, I'm on the new wine. Go try that when you come out of one of these meetings and it won't be long before you will hear the clang of bars in front of you. But it will be from another bartender at the precinct.

In his meetings, Rodney repeats the phrase "filled on the new wine". In the scriptures, wine is not a symbol of the Spirit (water most often is). Wine is a symbol of the New Covenant. Jesus lifted the cup and said "This is My blood (wine) poured out for the forgiveness of sins." He also said "You cannot put new wine into old wineskins (symbol of the New Covenant replacing the old). So if wine is a symbol of blood, then what does Rodney's statement actually mean when he says new wine ? Is he saying that the old blood of Christ no longer has strength or is no longer valid ? This is typical of how he lifts Scripture out of context, changes the meaning to whatever he may like. A prime example is that we are not to be drunk on wine but he says if there is away to be drunk in the natural there must be a way to be drunk in the Spiritual. Not so, but for those biblically illiterate it is so!

Consider Belshazzar's feast in Daniel 5! They partied and brought out the vessels of God's temple and filled them with wine to get drunk. Are we not the vessels of the Lord, his temple. Could The hand writing be on the wall for us just as it was for them!

What is new is Rodney's teaching on Jesus, it demotes him. "Nothing Jesus did was because He was the Son of God. The Bible says He laid aside His royal robes of Deity and when He walked on earth He did so as a Prophet under the Abrahamic Covenant"(Rodney H. Browne) Jesus according to the apostles teaching was, and is forever God. So what Jesus is this that is serving new wine? 

This so-called "Holy laughter" occurs during sermons when the topic is Hell. Rodney states "One night I was preaching on hell, and laughter just hit the whole place. The more I told people what hell was like, the more they laughed." Instead of stopping this he affirmed it. What kind of minister of the gospel would approve of such a thing. 

Things can get real exiting when there is something new always coming around the corner. After all God is always doing a new thing nowadays.

Rodney Brown tells others to drink up at Joel's place. To be filled with the new wine. The bible has a lot to say about getting drunk physically and it can certainly be carried over into a spiritual application for those who indulge in today's new "Holy Ghost" experiences.

The Bible speaks of a condition equivalent to being "drunk in the Spirit." But the Biblical interpretation is significantly different than what is being recommended by Rodney Browne, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Oral and Richard Roberts and many others too numerous to name. The Old Testament prophets, Jesus and the apostles warned of it as a judgment from God on an unbelieving people, not a blessing.

Rodney Browne tells people to be drunk in the spirit. When one is physically drunk your able to take on anyone. Your more pliable is his pitch to the church. But the reality is, when someone is drunk they are more liberal and can be very antagonistic and obnoxious.

In Isaiah and Jeremiahs day the priests were getting drunk. And this is what God had to say in Jer. 13:12-14: "Therefore you shall speak to them this word: 'Thus says the LORD God of Israel: "Every bottle shall be filled with wine."' And they will say to you, 'Do we not certainly know that every bottle will be filled with wine?' "Then you shall say to them, 'Thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land-- even the kings who sit on David's throne, the priests, the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem-- with drunkenness! "And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together," says the LORD. "I will not pity nor spare nor have mercy, but will destroy them."

Spiritual drunkenness is very deceptive, in that it feels good at the time but its outcome is judgment. No one feels bad when they get drunk until afterwards, they have fun and it feels good until... Today's spiritual drunkenness is a mystical experience which has an appearance of religion, but its disguised. Jeremiah warned that spiritual drunkenness is followed by a surprise. Destruction!

When asked whether or not people have tested their experiences, they reply "Yes!" The question is how? Did they judge by their feelings or do they just know that it's God by their intuition and not by His Word? Being in church and seeing things happen doesn't necessarily mean that it's from God. We are told to test all things. The spiritual man judges all things; not hearts, but doctrine.

We are to be vigilant in receiving what is good doctrine and be responsible, mature enough to stand up to what is wrong. We are to reject the bad and cling to what is good. A spiritual person is constantly aware that there are two forces at work in the spiritual realm. If one thinks that only the Holy Spirit can influence them in spiritual matters, then they are likely candidates for being deceived. This would mean that since we have God , we are infallible immune to any straying.

If pressure is being put on you to act a certain way or believe a certain thing along with everyone else, without any test applied -- BEWARE ! This is not what Scripture tells us. What we have found is that there is a lot of psychological conditioning and autosuggestion involved to make the audience at a Rodney Howard Browne or Toronto service be geared for expectation.

If I gave you two glasses of orange juice and in one was pure OJ in the other was added 10% arsenic. From sight you could not tell which one it was that had the poison. If I told you one did, you would not risk drinking from either. If not told to the ones who drink the OJ they would eventually be drink it and it would be too late, disaster would have struck. What if I did this to one out of 5 glasses you still would not want to risk drinking it. What if it was upped it to 10 glasses, although the odds are better you still have a chance of being poisoned. Better to error on the side of safety than being unsure and take part. Everyone wants to be part of what God may be doing and no one wants to be left out, so there is pressure to conform to whatever behavior is being performed by others in the service as a God visitation.

There is nothing holy about losing control, outbursts of uncontrollable behavior is an accurate description of what is going on in this movement. Is this not what is happening in Pensacola , Toronto and Rodney Browne's meetings. What we see happening that is called manifestations of the Spirit is, in my opinion, more closely classified as works of the flesh, its not the spirit being manifested but the works of the flesh being manifested. Gal. 5:21 --The word "revelries" refers to "a cutting loose; rioting; a consequence from being drunk." Likewise, the word "lasciviousness" means excessive action; an absence of restraint." Feelings or manifestations cannot be justified on their own as to whether or not they are from the Holy Spirit. They must be examined by Scripture. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit which is operated by self control not the opposite. They are called fruit, not fruits because they all go together.

When people are relaxed and given the suggestion that what is taking place is from God, they relax and go along with the program. They can do funny things such as rolling on the floor, howling like coyotes, bark like dogs, have someone walk them with a leash, or become propellers on an airplane. Instead of becoming laborers in the field, this movement has transformed a portion of the church into an experimental animal farm. 

Whenever the flesh is involved, it becomes trained to the feelings and sensations it experiences. For example, if one is an alcoholic or drug user, they get hooked on the feeling of looseness and euphoria long before they become chemically dependent. When people put down their defenses and believe that it is God who is touching them, they are training themselves for this particular sensation or feeling and will become expectant that this is what it feels like when God is there. The presence of laughing, incoherence, and paralysis is the exact opposite of the fruit of the Spirit which exhibits self control and sober-mindedness. The person with the fruit of the Spirit does not succumb to the excessive behaviors.

Is the Toronto blessing Rodney Brown and Pensacola and Benny Hinn with others actually Gods judgment instead of his blessing because of our lack of discernment? We had better find the answer.

I Peter 4:17-18: "For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Before Christ comes will he not clean out the Church to see where our affections are, is he not preparing a bride who is faithful to Him?

Could God possibly be judging us for our rejecting of truth and the knowledge of God and go after our experiences much like the lukewarm disciples went after the miracles.

Isa. 29:9-13: " Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with intoxicating drink. For the LORD has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, namely, the prophets; and He has covered your heads, namely, the seers. The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I cannot, for it is sealed. "Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I am not literate." Therefore the LORD said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men." The vision is found in the book its not something people keep on seeing its written, that’s why you have to be literate otherwise it is sealed, hidden from your understanding. The leaders, the self proclaimed prophets are spiritually blind, unable to walk straight with the Lord and they cannot help others. God had closed the eyes of the so called prophets and when the Word of God is closed human authority, man's opinions and ways replace the Lord's words. The Bible became a closed book they could no longer understand they became biblically illiterate.

What kind of wine is it that is not a drink but makes one stagger?

What is it like to fall asleep. To be drunk is like having a sedative, putting people in a stupor where one moves very little. There are others who talk in their sleep, this is what is happening to those involved in this new movement, they are sleep walking doing things they never thought they would do. A person who falls asleep is insensitive to what is transpiring around them. people are paralyzed, become mute, spaced out, are delirious, can't speak or mutter unintelligently. If there was a fire they couldn't cope in saving their own life.

They are in a worse condition then the lost that are half awake. Their is going to be no real revival until the church comes out of its state of slumber. Prov.20:1 calls wine "a mocker". All the people I've ever seen drunk were not more flexible or pliable but more obnoxious, loud and rebellious. It is a mockery and judgment from God on a Church that has her eyes closed.

Isa. 24:7-11: "The new wine fails, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted sigh. The mirth of the tambourine ceases, the noise of the jubilant ends, the joy of the harp ceases. They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink is bitter to those who drink it. The city of confusion is broken down; every house is shut up, so that none may go in. There is a cry for wine in the streets, all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone." If one is going to apply the scriptures on wine and joy and drunkenness they cannot just take the positive ones (of which I haven’t really found any), but need to look at it the way God does, it was a visit of judgment.

Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum comments on the use of animal behavior. "Daniel four, where God made Nebuchadnezzar act like an ox. Here, again, the Lord’s action here was not a blessing for Nebuchadnezzar, but, rather, a judgment on an unbeliever who saw himself as a god. In other words, from a purely biblical perspective, people acting like animals is not a sign of any divine blessing from God; on the contrary, if God is involved at all in such an event, it is a sign of judgment. But the fact is that God is not involved at all, Satan is probably involved to a great measure (he, too, is symbolized by a lion in I Peter 5:8-9) and most people on the lay level who are involved in the Toronto Phenomenon have been deceived by false teachers, becoming self-deceived victims of mass hysteria and mesmerism. "

The word drunk appears 3 times in the book of Revelation which has to do with the end of time.17:2,6 :18:3. It states that all nations and inhabitants of the earth will be made drunk with the wine of the harlot church's adultery (Gr.Methistemei- meaning to turn away or seduce through trickery or travesty). Just as in Jer.51:7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord's hand that made all the earth drink and the nations drank her wine. So we see even an enemy can be used by God. Jer. 43:10 says: I will send for my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

Today what was once known as discernment is labeled heresy hunting and a critical spirit. We have found ourselves in a new atmosphere developed around certain individuals that have become the untouchables. Free to dispense a new wine to their more than willing audience.

WHERE THERE IS AN ABSENCE OF DISCERNMENT HERESY WILL THRIVE!

This attitude would never have been accepted in the apostles day or even centuries after. Today is not a time to shrink back from those who say we are "Gods anointed." We need boldness to examine whether they are under his anointing or self proclaimed leaders taking us for a ride over the waterfalls. These men are trailblazer like Paul, leading the church into another Gospel.

Can you throw God around like a baseball? Does he obey your every whim. Can you pass on his presence to another person or an inanimate object? Can you breathe in the Spirit, if you can then so can unbelievers! Is the Spirit a healing presence then we shouldn’t get even a toothache since he is always indwelling the believer! Is the anointing of God going to invade the U.S and drive out every demon, when the anointing comes will all your loved ones be saved, as Benny Hinn says? If not what makes you think you can’t speak up about it? Maybe God is using this to see whose side your on, if you’ll stand up for him and his truth. Remember Joshua "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! " Remember Jesus said "you are either for me or against me", "you either scatter or gather."

Who is your allegiance to? A man who tells you everything God says or God himself! We need to stop and take stock in what we are praying for. Maybe we need to stop praying for our healing and success and pray for some discernment.

If God is endorsing theses men’s ministries than maybe he is also endorsing the Gurus, Mormonism and Christian Scientists. How can you prove he is not? After all he's now pouring out his spirit upon ALL flesh, right!

Rom. 13:11-14: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. "

Does anyone have ears to hear? Lets get back to the ancient ways and live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, not out of the mouth of men.

GOD GIVES EM GOLD

In the world of the supernatural one can only wonder what will be next. Well the new revivals worth is going up. God has begun the Midas 'touch (anointing) to pass on his blessing to his people. You may have heard it said its raining cats and dogs, but for the Church its raining gold dust (inside).

John Arnott of the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship have issued a press release and “official statement” with the caption, “GOLD TEETH!” God has begun dental miracles, filling peoples teeth with gold and sprinkling a little x-tra gold dust besides. I have often said not all that glitters is gold, well I’m going to have to admit I may be wrong, but it just may be fools gold.

The (Happy) Hunters write of this occurring previously 'Other reputed catalysts of the Argentine revival include Edguardo Silvoso, Omar Cabrera, and Hector Gimenez. Reportedly, extraordinary miracles occurred, such as the raising of the dead, the creation of previously removed bodily organs, and even the restoration of tooth fillings.” (Holy Laughter, Charles and Francis Hunter, p.17) Reports about gold flakes falling during prayer meetings were coming in already at the end '97.

Some even claim silver or platinum fillings or caps have been manifested. Some of the fillings are even cross-shaped. I guess you can say this is a Christian dental plan. I remember almost 12 years ago of hearing a rumor like this from a Word/Faith Church here in Hawaii. At any rate there have been over than 300 incidents of “ miracles of the dental kind” claimed during a conference.

Scriptural proof: There are pictures on the Internet of these “molar miracles”. With the Scripture “Open your mouth and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10). So then David experience the dental miracle as well. When God said this it meant to have His word on your tongue. Since many want an experience instead of His word they received a wonder- a lying wonder. (see the video of John Scotland at Toronto to know exactly what this means).

John Arnott says- Why would God fill people’s teeth with gold? Perhaps because He loves them and delights in blessing His children. Perhaps it is a sign and a wonder to expose the skepticism still in so many of us. Perhaps His glory and presence are drawing very near. (Official TACF Statement, March 17, 1999, on their web site www.tacf.org)

In addition to the report it adds that God has thrown in the sprinkling of gold dust. Any time someone claims the miraculous, we are commanded to test it , not just accept it. As much as I would like to believe this, I can't for numerous reasons. Most of all the source it is coming from!

The statement does admits: “In a few cases, dentists were able to show from their records that the gold was put in their mouths previously by the dentist and not by God. These people had apparently forgotten that this work had been done.” That is not surprising considering I have watched the videos and people forgot their name and where they live, so who can remember their last dental checkup. Some are reluctant to go visit their dentist so they can hold on to their miracle.

Example: a Canadian newspaper reported that two TV evangelists had recanted their claims of having received dental miracles: Willard Thiessen, host of a daily religion program on Winnipeg television, admitted yesterday he was wrong in telling his tele-flock that God had inexplicably planted a gold tooth in his mouth. It turned out the gold tooth had been implanted by his brother Elmer, a dentist in British Columbia.

Another religious broadcaster in Lethbridge, Alta., told a CJIL-TV audience during an on-air fundraising marathon in March that God had implanted a gold tooth in his mouth after a bout of intensive prayer. But Dr. Jack Sherman, Mr. Dewert's longtime dentist, said he had put it in about 10 years earlier.

From Australia to S. Africa this is occurring but is found in Churches that already participants in the revival. John and Carol Arnott recently visited South Africa, where “they prayed for gold teeth,” according to Arnott’s assistant, Petra Drnovscek, and “it started happening everywhere.”

Richard Riss, a historian for the current revival has only good things to say. I was forwarded these quotes are from an e-mail that another received from Richard: “There seems to be a sovereign anointing where the Lord is giving gold teeth not only in conferences and churches, but also over the phone, in homes, and cars! Reports are coming in to us from all over the country and it's very exciting! This anointing is wonderfully transferable and it's for everyone, wherever you live! Take it! Give it away!”

Richard Riss …”one thing is for sure, a new wave and a new level of renewal has hit. . .I do know that gold is representative of the divine nature. I also know that, according to Scripture, we will be partakers of the divine nature. So this phenomenon could be a physical manifestation of the spiritual truth that we are becoming partakers of His divine nature.” (Taken from an e-mail received in May 1999 - Richard Riss- RRISS@drew.edu)

Where in the world do we find the concept of “new levels” of the anointing (God himself as the Holy Spirit). Are we just becoming partakers of the divine nature? What does this mean? In light of Latter Rain teachings it means they are becoming manifest sons of God with signs following. We already have the divine nature inside when we were born again. 2 Pet 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature,” We already have it but it is through the Holy Spirit and the word.

Some people claim that gold is a symbol of purity, so these dental miracles are a sign from God that is purifying his Church. Does god give signs now to point to his church or himself? How does the word say we are purified

Peter goes on to say 2 Pet 1:8-9:”For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” This is how we were purified Heb 9:22: “ And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood.”

1 Pet.1:22-23:” Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,” Jesus said John 15:3: “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

Luke 11:39: But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.” Are now people going to travel to get the new anointings of miracles? Of course they have been chasing after spiritual fulfillment for years. These are the same people that were acting like dogs barking, or in birth pains or just plain drunk. ( I recommend that one gets John Scotlands mockery of the word at Toronto Church to see what is really happening). James 5:3 says, “Your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” The treasure in Gods word is discarded and even mocked by those inside this move.

1 Tim 3:9: “holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.”

In Australia is a Vineyard Church closely associated to Toronto are seeing this gold. They are also claiming through Pastor Ian Turton: “We have been hearing about what God has been doing overseas filling peoples teeth with gold, silver & platinum even braces turning to gold. ... Last Sunday night we asked all present to lay hands on their mouths & we prayed that the Lord would fill the teeth with gold. By Monday night we were amazed as we actually saw fillings change into gold before our eyes. Personally I have 7 gold fillings my wife 2 & others are getting blown away by their fillings changing before their eyes.” Why not ask for real teeth, why stop there why not ask for hair on those who are bald?

When they were asked by a ministries why God would just not give new teeth or new enamel. The immediate answer was, “We don't want to get into deep theological discussions here. It is just cool to think of God doing it.”

In response, this ministry wrote Pastor Turton and asked: “I am trying to determine a genuine move of God. Can you provide any proof or documentation (or before and after photos), dental records, etc. to verify the claims of fillings and braces turning to gold?”

The short answer from Pastor Turton was “no real proof.” He put it this way: “In regards to your request of documentation. All that we can provide are photographs of the actual gold fillings. ... There are no photos of before (we were not anticipating what God would really do at the time). ... I believe Toronto Airport C. F. are publishing findings soon regarding hundreds of testimonies there.” But of course there are pictures before, if one has ever had dental work!

Acts records several miracles in the early Church and none of them are of dentistry. Not that this would eliminate this from occurring. But imagine people who had no leg and saying Jesus healed them by giving them a wooden leg, or would a person with a blind eye get a glass eye. When He heals the deaf, would he give them a hearing-aid. When God heals, really heals, it is an organic miracle, we get real parts not synthetic man made ones, at least according to the Bible.

One ministry promoting this on a web site claims seeing in her meetings not only flakes of gold falling out of people's hair and off their bodies, but oil running out of their hands! And she has pictures to prove it! Her Newsletter proclaims: “God gifted us this year with the manifestation of gold dust in our meetings. As we are worshipping, gold dust from heaven is seen on us. Some comes through the pours of our skin, some falls directly from heaven on us and some is created in front of our eyes.” What does this mean, does it have a meaning, what is it suppose to produce?

I guess this is the prosperity that the latter rain prophets have said would come to the church.

One modern-day prophet reports: “the wonderful 'gold dust' started to show up on people's hands and in their tears as they worshipped!” Wow and I thought bleeding crying statues were amazing. Catholicism has there's, now we have ours.

A friend watched TBN on Sept.13,1999 and was amazed to hear Benny Hinn talk about gold dust on his hands, hair, face and jacket. Hinn asked why the gold? Crouch's response, that the gold had to be from another dimension,” heavens door opened a crack and a little of the street dust came down on ya.” Are heavens streets falling apart? Of course not! How this falls from heaven to earth is not explained and does not have to be for the followers of false "supernatural signs." In fact Crouch February of 2,000 had a guest who analyzed the gold dust that appeared on him and found it it be a unknown alloy that was in a square shape (which he related to the new Jerusalem 4 square) with a non genuine gold covering. It was not real gold! Just like the revival its come from, it is a counterfeit.

Charisma News Service reported that a Brazilian evangelist Silvania Machado's had gold dust fall in services. Two independent tests on samples of the gold-colored dust found the substance to be more like plastic glitter, with no gold content. Charisma had two samples of Machado's gold dust analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey in Washington, D.C. Both were regarded to be plastic film with no traces of gold, platinum or silver. (Sept. 8, 1999) Once again the test showed it to be plastic glitter. If this is a sign, what kind is it? 

If you can get a chance to watch the Ruth Heflin video with Machado ( she is now deceased) What you will see is Machado planted all this stationary glitter in her hair prior to the stage performance. On cue from Heflin she bends her head and it all comes falling out from being clumped under her hair. Clearly this is so phony its hard to believe anyone would fall for this! But they do because they want to.

We are told it is our faith is more precious than gold. Prov.3:13-16: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.” Proverbs 8:10 “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold”, I know they didn’t seek for this, but wouldn’t God give people wisdom and understanding before he would give gold fillings. Especially when they have a greater need for discernment and biblical teaching?

Wasn’t the tabernacle made with gold but when the high priest once a year went in he didn’t come out with gold dust or fillings. There's not one miracle like this in the OT the only similar action was manna from heaven and it had a practical purpose. Jesus said in Matt. 23:17 “ fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? So many times we look at the outward for proof of Gods presence, here Jesus says the temple is more important because God was in it as his dwelling place. It is our bodies that have now become the temple of the Lord and he doesn't need to give gold to show his love. It was the Jews who fell into idolatry while the true glory was above them on the mountain with Moses. When Moses came down with the commandments he saw them worshipping the golden calf. He had them burn it, he then crushed it into powder for them to drink it.(Ex.32:19-28) The gold dust sprinkled on the water was drank as a judgment on their forsaking the true God. He then had them decide whose side they would take. 3,000 of them were then killed by the sword. The parallel is that the Church today can't wait for the real glory so we hype up our own. We want the gold, we want the signs. The same people who started this revival preach prosperity as part of the covenant. Whats coming is judgment from the word.

The Apostle Peter confessed: “Silver and gold have I none” (Acts 3:6). Now we can actually say we have that too, at least in our mouths and not our pockets. The apostles saw no type of miracles such as these but today they have become common place as a gift from God.

“... Midas was a character in Greek mythology. The god Dionysus gave Midas the power to turn everything he touched to gold. (Dionysus was the god of wine in Greek mythology. The Romans also adopted him as their god of wine, calling him Bacchus. The Greeks associated him with violent and unpredictable behavior, especially actions caused by drinking too much wine. At first, Midas' miraculous power pleased him, but soon became a curse, because even his food turned to gold the moment he touched it. He prayed to Dionysus to help him, and the god told him to bathe in the river Pactolus. Midas washed himself and the magic touch left him. But the sands of the river turned to gold. The expression “to have the Midas touch” is used to describe a person who makes money in everything he does. (Discernment Newsletter Mar/Apr., 1999)

Interesting to note that those who drink the new wine are now seeing gold. These are the same people who can't control themselves under the anointing and run wild in a church service flipping and flopping like a fish dying out of water. Some that can't remember, having amnesia and speechlessness. The church services also resemble those who express violence much like the Greek god Bacchus.

Alchemy is a medieval chemical art of transmuting base metals into gold.

“The old view of alchemists as seeking after the elixir of life, or touchstone for transmuting metals into gold is totally inadequate. Alchemical roots go back to primitive mythology; and its adepts treated alchemy as both a scientific, experimental tradition and a mystic wisdom tradition in which there was a confluence of Gnostic ideas about man and nature Alchemy always has a strong element of magic and of mysticism. The experimental physical aspect seems to be an introduction to mystic, magical secrets about the transformation of the spirit.” (A Dictionary of Alchemy” by Mark Haeffner)

The Rosicrucian's (named after the Rosy Cross) were known as spiritual alchemists turning objects into gold. Large heaps of gold were found in their houses without knowing from where it came from. Is this from the Lord?

Rev. Willard Fuller of Palatka, Fla. was a well-known of the “psychic dentists” In the 1980s, he claimed he could turn silver fillings and crowns into gold, cure gum disease and even grow new teeth in the mouths of his followers. Their were before or after X-rays produced and requests for such evidence were always ignored.

Those who are already operating by a different understanding will continue to go on the long and winding road of delusion. I hope this is all it is, and these events are not occurring for if they are it is more grave a consequence to be considered. What is concerning is the Church leaning toward icons and miracles that are not addressed or recorded in the Scriptures. This is reminiscent of statues crying and bleeding, stigmata on the hands and feet and a host of other peculiar manifestations.

None of this is new, Franklin Hall who was one of the sources for the Latter Rain movement in 1948 was involved in “Christian” astrology he believed the Aquarian Age was introduced in 1848. He spoke about an “Immortal Substance” that came on those who attended his meetings. This substance was a dusting like fine gold and silver which would sparkle from the skin. This was brought about through faith-power of impartation. He also had a yellow or golden cloud of fire above the audience ( similar the W. Branham).

Bill Britton a promoter of MSOG (manifest sons of God doctrine), essentially we become immortal without Christ's physical return or a resurrection. He taught: “We find the description of the Golden Altar in chapter 30 of Exodus. ... Notice in verse one that the altar is made of wood, overlaid with pure gold. In the Bible, wood is symbolic of the human nature, while gold is a type of the purity of God. So here in the Golden Altar we find a meeting of God and man, with God so overshadowing man, that the nature of man is nowhere to be seen. (Bill Britton “Light From The Shadows”). This is explanation we are hearing from those involved, God is purifying his Church and transforming it.

The occultist Alice Bailey wrote “Purification: Let the fires of divinity burn out all dross. Let the pure gold emerge. Give me the gold of living love to shower upon the sons of men.” (From Alice Bailey's “Discipleship in the New Age; Vol. I - Instructions to Disciples”) It should be concerning to anyone involve that the same manifestations are promoted from new age occultists.

PROOF OF THE UNITING OF RELIGIONS FROM THESE MANIFESTATIONS

Nancy Fowler a medium for Mary, “was praying before the crucifix in a room adjacent to the apparition room. Jesus appeared and said, “ Gold dust will fall from Heaven. Rosaries will turn golden color and hearts will be converted. I am healing My children. Go and believe.” (Journal of Reported Teachings and Messages of Our Lord and Our Loving Mother at Conyers, Georgia, USA Dec.13, 1992)

Jesus said, “People are going to discover they have gold dust on their hands when they go home. You know My greatest healings are the spiritual ones. (Aug. 31, 1992 message)

The Blessed Mother told Nancy that rosaries will turn to a golden color and that there would be sprinklings of gold dust. Crosses and rosaries have turned to gold at the shrines and at appearances of Mary. Thousands have come back from Medjugorje testifying that their rosaries turned to gold...the chain or beads often turn to gold immediately during a prayer service in the presence of hundreds of witnesses. Just like what is happening with the extreme Charismatics that are looking for supernatural events. The only difference, it occurred first with the Catholics!

This is proof that the same Spirit of deception is working to anyone who has opened the door and has a predisposition to these manifestations.



NEW STUFF

Outrageous Latter rain manifestations are popping up everywhere from spokane Washington to...

In Fairbanks Alaska, a few months ago I saw the lightnings of God in the Glory Cloud start flashing and I knew that angelic activity had increased in the light of God's soon return. John Stott of revive-all ministries reports. He relates how in Jakarta Indonesia in January 1999 the Glory cloud came into the car through the windshield and followed him into the hotel.

In Exod. 13:21 we see that the Lord LEAD the People in the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, and the people followed the cloud. Today, the cloud of glory follows men. Some have become so biblically illiterate that this is acceptable.

He goes on with....Leaving Orlando on the airplane a bolt of purple lightening with gold in it streaked across the aisle about 20 ft in front of him.. Then it continued to flash as it moved toward me and popped over his head. This continued for almost 40 minutes.

When he returned home “I continued to see the glory of God with it resulting in me spending 5 days in bed recuperating just feeling weak from being in the Glory. Then again the Glory cloud appeared three times in one day. When I asked John Arnott what was happening to me his response really helped me get a good perspective. He said, Darrel I think it is all about the closeness of the return of the Lord. Now the Glory has led us all into the miracles of healing. gold dust, oil, gold fillings...” Now who would have figured he knew John Arnott?

Go check out what happened to Moses and the people of Israel when it appeared to them. Hardly the same reaction. For good reason, it is not the same thing.

In a recent report on the “Rivers of Fire” annual Summer Conference at Sunderland (UK) with Ken and Lois Gott...Cindy Jacobs was about to speak “but angels invaded the place. She was going to teach on principalities of angels when she had to stop and gasp. She saw these huge angels just walk into the place. At this point laughter broke loose in the congregation as these beings went around touching the people. At first only Cindy could see them. But you couldn't miss them as they left a trail of people falling off their chairs or falling down in hysterical laughter.”

Maitreya the new age Christ has consistently said: “Those who search for signs will find them.” Actually he is said to be the source of the wonders happening. Benjamen Crème has said that Maitreya says He” is going to flood the world with such happenings that the mind can never comprehend it. . . Because Maitreya hopes, by means of these ‘miracles’, to strengthen the climate of hope and expectancy in to which he can emerge as the Teacher for all humanity (November 1977) “Those who search for signs will find them, but My method of manifestation is more simple.” (message no.10)

Benjamen Creme said on the Art Bell show the world today is filled with miracles let me just mention a few of them Maitreya says those who search for signs will find them… But the world filled with signs of his presence take for instance in the Christian world the appearances of the Madonna all over the world the moving Madonna the statues that literally move which open their eyes clasp their hands and unclasp them so, y’know made of plaster or stone or wood.” (Art Bell July 12,1998) The miracles of idolatry is preparing people for the image of the beast. He also gave numerous examples in other religions of crosses of light.

Lets take a quick magical mystery tour in what is being touted as visitations from God in certain Church's Glory clouds appear and follow people, Gold dust falls on peoples heads and gold fills their teeth, gold crosses appear in teeth, fire appears over ones head. Pulpits are split by lightning, sound systems shorted out by lightning. Rays of light coming from ones hands, hands turn purple or are glowing with intense heat, blood appears on hands and feet like Jesus (Stigmata). Oil appears in the palms of hands and dripping from statues. Angels appear to do healings and angel feathers are falling (are Angels losing their wings? They don’t have feathers). The miracle Jesus” of the 21st century has his image appear on walls and makes personal visits people in the bedrooms and in dreams or visions. He comes and takes people to heaven and hell and gives them new revelation.

In all these descriptions we find that Jesus (or the spirit) comes as an “angel of light.” Paul wrote to the church in 2 Cor. 11:3: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-- you may well put up with it. (you will have to endure it, or you wear it beautifully, and some do).

It is clear that Paul said Another Jesus is being preached, but what did Paul mean “another Jesus?” Well considering what is transpiring, it doesn’t matter who he really is, just as long as he called Jesus. We had better learn the voice of our shepherd in the Scripture or your truth will be reduced to only an experience.

Mirages look real but given enough time the picture fades and so does one hope with it. If these are real then it is even more concerning what is going on. and we are far into something the bible speaks on with all seriousness.

Remember Paul states in 2 Thess.2:-1 about Jesus coming, the apostasy comes first. (it must come first). 2 Thess. 2:9-12: “ Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” We are watching the prelude to this happening right before us and portions of the Church are falling for it hook, line and sinker.