THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT and that they are truly from God and are real and important. Contrary to what some notable preachers are teaching, the Gifts of the Spirit are not special natural 'talents' or giftings that different people have.

The Gifts of the Spirit are supernatural gifts from God mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:1-10 are: THE WORD OF WISDOM; THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE; FAITH; THE GIFTS OF HEALING; THE WORKING OF MIRACLES; PROPHECY; DISCERNING OF SPIRITS; DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES; THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.

Also in Acts 1:8 and 2:4 in speaks of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.

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BUT, MANY ARE FAKING THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

Today in many circles there are those who are FAKING the Gifts of the Spirit in the name of the Holy Ghost. Many are not doing this intentionally; they just want to be used by God. They can't discern whether its their own spirit talking to them or if it's the Holy Spirit.

*Romans 10:2 "For I bear them record that THEY HAVE A ZEAL OF GOD, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE."

There are others who are intentionally faking the Gifts of the Spirit or are prophesying by "another spirit".

2 Cor 11:4 "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit , which ye have not received, or another gospel." KJV

There is much confusion about the Gifts of the Spirit and the meaning of being spiritual.

*1 Corinthians 15:44 "There is A NATURAL BODY, AND THERE IS A SPIRITUAL BODY."

Man was not made to be one hundred percent spiritual. We are complex: part of us is a natural being, and part a spiritual being. God made us to use our spirit, body and mind. PERVERTED SPIRITUALITY IS DEADLY AND CAUSES IRRATIONALITY.

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THE EMPHASIS ON BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT

Scriptures relating to this:

*Romans 8:14 "For as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT of God, they are the sons of God."

Acts 16:7 "After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but THE SPIRIT SUFFERED THEM NOT."

*Acts 21:4 "And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who SAID TO PAUL THROUGH THE SPIRIT, that he should not go up to Jerusalem."

*Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being WARNED OF GOD of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

*Acts 10:22 "And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee."

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT TALKS TO PEOPLE TODAY. Rarely though, does He speak audibly. Most of the time the Spirit of God speaks to our human spirits. The Holy Spirit will lead us if we are sensitive to Him.

*John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and HE WILL SHEW YOU THINGS TO COME."

Being led by the Spirit is an extremely important part of our walk with God. He can lead us in business decisions; our giving; our families; our ministries, etc. Being led by the Holy Spirit is receiving extra-sensory guidance from the Spirit of God. This is not the same thing as ESP or being psychic. On the other side of this matter, are those who ONLY FOLLOW THEIR SENSES to direct them. They are not open to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and either do not believe in it, or do not think they need it. They believe they can do everything without God.

One of the DEADLIEST TRAPS for Spirit filled people is that they often confuse being LED BY THE SPIRIT WITH FOLLOWING THEIR FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS. We know that being led by the Spirit is real and a very important issue. But often IT IS DIFFICULT TO DISCERN BETWEEN OUR HUMAN FLESHLY EMOTIONS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. ABUSERS OF THE PROSPERITY MESSAGE UNDERSTAND THIS. They know that most Spirit filled people are more emotionally oriented than intellectual. THIS IS THE REASON THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO SO EFFECTIVELY DECEIVE MILLIONS OF GOD'S PEOPLE with their outlandish expositions 'revelations' of the scriptures.

Most cannot distinguish the difference.

*Proverbs 20:27 "THE SPIRIT OF MAN is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly."

*Zechariah 4:6 "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the LORD of hosts."

The Bible speaks of the SPIRIT OF MAN and THE SPIRIT OF GOD. We are to be LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT OUR HUMAN SPIRIT.

*I John 4:1 "Beloved, BELIEVE NOT EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TRY THE SPIRITS to see if they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

*John 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT."

*Matthew 4:4 "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not LIVE by bread alone, but BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD."

We must load our computer minds with the Word of God to give us an accurate guidance system. Being led by the Spirit should be linked to reading the Word of God; a good prayer life; experience and mature godly teaching. Every leading one gets should be bounced off the full counsel of God from the Bible and not just on some "premonition". Although we are not to walk in a "spirit of fear", we are to walk with caution and wisdom by LISTENING TO THE WARNINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT as well as paying attention to our senses. One of the Holy Spirit's main jobs is to protect us from falling into traps.

*1 Corinthians 14:10 "There are, it may be, SO MANY KINDS OF VOICES IN THE WORLD, and none of them is without signification."

There is the VOICE OF OUR HUMAN SPIRIT; THE VOICE OF OUR FLESH; THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; AND THE VOICE OF DEMON SPIRITS. (i.e.: Jesus' Temptation by Satan).

ERRORS TAUGHT REGARDING BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT

One notable teacher said that we should "INSTANTLY OBEY THE VOICE OF OUR SPIRIT". He says that the HUMAN SPIRIT has a voice which we call a 'conscience'. Sometimes this is known as 'intuition,' 'an inner voice', or 'guidance'. Non-Christians call it a 'hunch'. He says that every man's spirit, whether he is saved or not, has a voice. He says that your spirit needs to become strong and you must "learn TO OBEY YOUR SPIRIT".

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IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THIS TEACHING?

This teaching is not Biblical. This is confusing the human spirit with the Holy Spirit. This is not teaching us to follow the VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, but THE VOICE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. Jesus said, "My sheep know MY voice. Developing a STRONG HUMAN SPIRIT and following THE VOICE OF YOUR SPIRIT is EXACTLY WHAT THE NEW AGERS TEACH. This is HUMANISM.

TO INSTANTLY OBEY THE VOICE OF YOUR SPIRIT is the same thing as FOLLOWING YOUR HEART.

*Mark 7:21 "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts."

*Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked who can know it." So this teaching is contradicting everything the Bible teaches regarding following one's heart. One's flesh, and emotions can deceive you in a heartbeat. It's easy to confuse the Holy Spirit speaking from the voice of your flesh. The results can be devastating because the flesh and the Spirit are at enmity with each other.

*John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE, whatsoever I have said unto you."

Your REMEMBRANCE OR MEMORY OPERATES IN YOUR MIND, not in your feelings and emotions.

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THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART

*Psalms 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall GIVE THEE THE DESIRES OF THINE HEART."

Some teachers have given the spin on this scripture that it is GOD WHO GIVES US OUR DESIRES. Whereas this can be true in some instances, IT IS BY NO MEANS ALWAYS TRUE. If we delight in the Lord He will bless us abundantly in this life, but MANY DESIRES, even of Christians, COME FROM OUR FLESH. Many of these are evil, carnal or self serving, and are not from God.

The problem with following our emotions is that our feelings are connected to our flesh. The Bible commands us NOT TO BE RULED BY OUR FLESH, but by the Holy Spirit. Many who are endeavoring to be led by the Spirit cannot differentiate between the flesh, a lying spirit, and the Holy Spirit. This is the reason many Spirit filled people make so many wrong decisions. What many perceive as "the leading of the Spirit" is instead a leading of the fleshly passions. It is not that easy to distinguish.

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THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

One teacher said that THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT spoken of in Ephesians 6:17 IS "THE HUMAN SPIRIT".

*Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD."

The SWORD OF THE SPIRIT IS NOT THE HUMAN SPIRIT. The WORD OF GOD is THE SWORD of the HOLY SPIRIT. Saying that the Sword of the Spirit is referring to the "human spirit" is perverting scripture and is New Age.

*John 14:16-17 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

*John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: THY WORD IS TRUTH."

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SOME CLAIM THEY SEE JESUS IN PERSON

There is a certain preacher who claims that he see Jesus often. He says that Jesus visits him regularly. He says that he has regular conversations with Him. At times he says he even argues with Jesus about the scriptures. He claims that Jesus reveals deep secrets to him that He has never revealed to other men. Most of this man's followers believe him without question, even when things he says are inconsistent with the Bible. Who could ever question someone who regularly has Jesus manifest himself to them and talks to them? These "visitations" give a special aura and infallibility to this minister and others like him.

*2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION."

*Matthew 24:23 "Then IF ANY MAN shall say unto you, Lo, HERE IS CHRIST, or there; BELIEVE IT NOT."

*2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

*Matthew 24:26 "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he (referring to Christ) is in the desert, go not forth: behold HE IS IN THE SECRET CHAMBER (bedroom or private place) BELIEVE IT NOT!"

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SCRIPTURAL PRECEDENTS OF SEEING JESUS AFTER HE ASCENDED TO HEAVEN

After Jesus' ascension into heaven, the only precedents of people SEEING HIM were: STEPHEN

*Acts 7:55-56 "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and SAW the glory of God, and JESUS standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
The next thing that happened was that he was in heaven.

JOHN IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION, SAW JESUS IN THE SPIRIT, he was not with him physically.

In both of these instances, Jesus is either revealing Himself to them in the Spirit, or telling them through revelation the things that are to come.

THE APOSTLE PAUL

*Acts 26:14-15 "And when we were all fallen to the earth, I HEARD A VOICE SPEAKING UNTO ME, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest."

Saul of Tarsus, (Paul), HEARD JESUS' VOICE, BUT DID NOT SEE JESUS.

I believe it is possible that Jesus can reveal Himself in the spirit to someone today, but I do not believe that it would be a common or everyday occurrence or for the purpose of exalting a particular ministry or that they are someone actually seeing Christ in the flesh.

*Matthew 24:23 "Then IF ANY MAN shall say unto you, Lo, HERE IS CHRIST, or there; BELIEVE IT NOT."

The disciples in the Bible did not experience this. APPARITIONS OF PEOPLE SEEING MARY OR JESUS are not biblically based. Most of these sightings originate inside the Roman Church. Many are seeing SHADOWS ON A WALL, that are supposed to be shadows of Jesus or Mary. These sightings play to peoples superstitions. With such apparitions, the masses can be easily manipulated.

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THE EXULTATION OF ANGELS

Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Days Saints, The Mormons, said an ANGEL VISITED HIM and GAVE HIM DIVINE REVELATIONS. He also felt free to ignore many scriptures in the Bible and to even add another book to the Bible, The Book of Mormon. He did this in defiance of Revelation 22:18-19. Mohammed, the founder of Islam, said he had VISITATIONS FROM AN ANGEL who gave him revelations and produced the Koran.

Col 2:18 "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels , intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind," KJV

Rom 8:38-9:1 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels , nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." KJV

Note: There are also fallen angels, angels of light, who deceive even God's people.

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GOD TOLD ME

When someone says "GOD TOLD ME", where do you go from there? The argument is over. God speaks to men's spirits today. That is indisputable, but the concept of God speaking to people has been greatly exploited. God primarily speaks to us through His Word. Question? What should be our primary guidance system, "God told me" or the Bible? (See my book 'The Paganization of Christianity' the chapter on False Prophets)

Some believe because we have the Holy Spirit that we can hear directly from God as much as the Apostle Paul did. That is true. But there is a major difference. What God gave Paul was infallible SCRIPTURE. ANY REVELATION WE GET IS NOT EQUAL WITH SCRIPTURE, but is subject to it.

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MYSTICS

Mystics were people who were always seeking SUPERNATURAL SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES. Many of the mystics' spiritual experiences were connected to the OCCULT AND WITCHCRAFT. Today, mysticism has been carried over into Christianity, particularly in some realms of Catholicism and the Spirit filled movement. Many Christians seeking spiritual experiences often inadvertently get involved with "ANOTHER SPIRIT". MANY ARE SEEKING SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES OF THE HOLY GHOST JUST TO GET A THRILL. Just what is the step over from "revelation" to séances? Many Christians even consult psychics. This obsession to communicate with the nether world can lead one into a demonic spirit world that is deadly. The great interest and popularity of the Harry Potter books has come because of the great renewed interest in sorcery, the occult, witchcraft, and communication with THE FORCE of the universe. This shows that man's spiritual interest can become perverted in a heartbeat.

Those communicating with the "other side" are called MEDIUMS. Sometimes many modern day 'prophets' are really nothing more than mediums. They are not truly prophets of God at all, but imposters. We are not to consult or seek after mediums to hear from the dead nor to plan our lives after what some 'prophet' tells us.

MANY SAY THAT GOD IS ALWAYS TALKING TO THEM

It was primarily in the Old Testament that God spoke to the prophets. In the New Testament Age the Holy Spirit primarily speaks to us through the scriptures and at times through our spirit. It is a very dangerous zone though just to follow our spirit. The Word of God is THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.

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GOD DOES SPEAK

*Luke 3:22 "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."

*1 Timothy 4:1 "Now THE SPIRIT SPEAKETH EXPRESSLY".

Acts 16:7 "After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but THE SPIRIT SUFFERED THEM NOT."

*Acts 21:4 "And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul THROUGH THE SPIRIT, that he should not go up to Jerusalem."

When the Holy Spirit talks to us it always registers on our natural mind. There is no doubt that God does speak to men today by His Spirit and through His Word. The problem is when people CLAIM THAT GOD IS "ALWAYS" TALKING TO THEM.

*2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no marvel; for SATAN himself IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT."

*II Thessalonians 2:11 "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should BELIEVE A LIE."

Never believe everyone that says God told them something. Check it out. In the Old Testament SAUL was LOOKING FOR A WORD so much, that he went to a witch.

*1 Samuel 28:7-9 "Then said Saul unto his servants, SEEK ME A WOMAN THAT HATH A FAMILIAR SPIRIT, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, DIVINE UNTO ME BY THE FAMILIAR SPIRIT, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have FAMILIAR SPIRITS, and THE WIZARDS, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?"

It is said that 60% of those who contact psychics in America are Spirit filled Christians. They are looking for a word. Many are not careful of which spirit the word comes from. Getting A WORD becomes an obsession. It is a sin to go to a sorcerer. Sorcery is a work of Satan.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "Now THE SPIRIT SPEAKETH expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to SEDUCING SPIRITS, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron."

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WHAT IS THE SPIRIT SAYING?

Many preachers are always talking about WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING. They hardly ever talk about what the Bible is saying. God's Word, the Bible, is the Sword of the Spirit. When you are hearing the Bible you are hearing what the Spirit is saying. There can be specific things said by the Spirit today, but it will always be in line with the Bible. If it is not, it is not THE SPIRIT. Many use WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING, as a cover to give you their opinions. That is a deadly abuse of the Holy Spirit.

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REVELATION KNOWLEDGE

Revelation knowledge is scriptural.

*1 Corinthians 14:6 "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either BY REVELATION, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?"

*1 Corinthians 14:26 "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, HATH A REVELATION, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."

*Ephesians 3:3 "How that BY REVELATION he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words."

There is no debate. God gives revelations. It is scriptural. The problem is to determine whether the revelations are from God, the flesh, (human desires), or of Satan. It is not a simplistic thing.

Revelation Knowledge, has been given an inordinate amount of attention and now, often, is exalted to even supercede the written Word of God. Many look at THE PROPHET'S REVELATION as the Final Word of God. Joseph Smith and Muhammad attributed their authority to their "special revelations" from God.

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REVELATION KNOWLEDGE vs SENSE KNOWLEDGE

There are those today teaching that REVELATION KNOWLEDGE IS SUPERIOR TO THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. Some teach that our SENSE KNOWLEDGE (sight, touch, taste, feel, hear) is adversarial to REVELATION KNOWLEDGE. What THEY ARE actually saying IS THAT IT IS WRONG TO USE OUR BRAIN. We obtain our fundamental knowledge of God through our brain by hearing or reading. This comes from our ears and eyes, OUR SENSES. The Bible tells us to get wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prudence, and diligence. These all function with the activity of our minds. When a person ceases to use his mind, he is vulnerable to any and every error. When we cease to use our minds, then we only follow what comes from another's mind. No wonder Jesus called us sheep. Often we follow anyone blindly. This is the fast track to a life of deception and misery. MANY PREACHERS, DENOMINATIONS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, POLITICAL PARTIES, ETC., DO NOT WANT US TO THINK. THEY WANT TO DO OUR THINKING FOR US.

Hebrews 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who BY REASON (logic) of use have their SENSES EXERCISED TO DISCERN BOTH GOOD AND EVIL."

Our MIND AND SENSES, according to the Bible, play a major role in discerning between good and evil; to help us determine if the voice we hear is from our human spirit, demon spirits, the flesh, or the Holy Spirit. Our MIND AND THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE SUPPOSED TO FUNCTION TOGETHER IN HARMONY, AND ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED ADVERSARIAL. There of course is a difference between being carnally minded and being spiritually minded.

*Romans 8:6-7 "Because THE CARNAL MIND is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be; but to be SPIRITUALLY MINDED is life and peace."

Using your brain is not being CARNALLY MINDED

*Mark 5:15 "And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in HIS RIGHT MIND: and they were afraid."

*Philippians 2:5 "LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus."

*Romans 7:21-8:3 Here is a key to pinpointing the problem here. The Bible says, "so then with THE MIND" a man FOLLOWS THE LAW OF GOD, but that there is ANOTHER LAW at work in our FLESH which keeps us from keeping the law of God. So WHEN ONE IS CONTROLLED BY HIS EMOTIONS OR PASSIONS INSTEAD OF USING HIS MIND, HE IS FOLLOWING HIS FLESH WHICH IS BEING RULED BY THE LAW OF SIN. If the devil can stop us from thinking, he can cause us to destroy ourselves or use us to destroy someone else. When Christians refuse to think and judge things according to the Bible, they are being led by their flesh or sin. Many Christians confuse being led by the Spirit with being led by their flesh, passions or emotions. ABOVE ALL THE DEVIL DOES NOT WANT YOU TO THINK, TO USE YOUR MIND. If you refuse to think, you can easily be duped. You are easy prey. Wolf preachers do not want you to think. Using your mind is their biggest enemy. So many who think they are being led by the Spirit, are instead are being led by their flesh.

There is a SPIRITUAL MIND AND A CARNAL MIND. The Spiritual Mind follows the Word of God. The Carnal Mind follows the flesh or the LAW OF SIN. When one follows the Carnal Mind, he is following his emotions. The Carnal Mind is controlled by one's flesh. When he follows the Spirit, he is following the Word of God which contains THE MIND OF CHRIST.

Romans 8:7-10 "Because THE CARNAL MIND IS ENMITY AGAINST GOD: for IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE. So then THEY THAT ARE IN THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And IF CHRIST BE IN YOU, THE BODY IS DEAD because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

Romans 7:14 "For we know that THE LAW IS SPIRITUAL: but I am carnal, sold under sin."

Romans 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

NOT ONLY SHOULD WE USE OUR BRAIN, WE SHOULD SEEK THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We use our mind to judge the voice we hear by the Bible.

I John. 4:1 "TRY THE SPIRITS to see if they be of God."

I Corinthians 12: 10, says; one of the Gifts of the spirits is "THE DISCERNING OF SPIRITS". If one is supposed to instantly obey the voice of his spirit he has removed his defenses, and is vulnerable to following his fleshly passions or the devil himself.

II Thessalonians 3:2 "And that we may be delivered from UNREASONABLE and wicked MEN: for all men have not faith." This indicates people of faith are reasonable people.

Too many professing Christians don't have COMMON SENSE.

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MY EXPERIENCE

As a young man I read the Bible diligently and prayed much. I sought very much the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life. I was full of faith and had no fear. Unfortunately, I could not tell the difference of being led by the Holy Spirit and being led by my human spirit, my soulish, emotional or fleshly realm. By believing that all fear was bad, I felt invincible, which made me vulnerable to making decisions that nearly destroyed my life. I am sure the Holy Spirit warned me many times of impending danger, but not wanting to be negative; desiring to be in faith; and not wanting to walk in fear, I went headlong into disaster after disaster for many years. My problem was THAT I DID NOT "BY REASON EXERCISE MY SENSES TO DISCERN GOOD FROM EVIL". I went strictly by my feelings, and didn't use my brain to protect myself.

MANY CHRISTIANS HAVE HAD THEIR LIVES RUINED BY INSTANTLY OBEYING THEIR SPIRIT. They make decisions regarding who they will marry; business deals; doctrines; etc, on how they feel, instead of using their brains to check things out.

Many are more loyal to a preacher and his revelation than they are to Christ and His Word

Proverbs teaches us that we are to get DISCRETION and UNDERSTANDING. Many have taken the scripture, "Be careful for nothing" out of context and apply it to every situation. They totally ignore many other scriptures about being PRUDENT AND WISE.

Many teachings are founded on half truths, which make them untruths. Satan is famous for quoting the Word of God out of context to mislead God's people. He even used this ploy on Jesus. So many have abused the teachings of being "Led by the Spirit", that it has turned millions off of it. This is a tragedy, because truly being led by the Spirit is essential for our survival and success. This perversion of being led by the Spirit is doing much to 'paganize' Christianity.

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THE MOVE OF THE HOLY GHOST

It is important that we have a true move of the Holy Spirit in our church services. That is without debate. But in recent years psychology, emotional appeal, and pageantry have been used TO SIMULATE THE MOVE OF THE HOLY GHOST. THIS supposed "Move of God" has been BASED ON A LOT OF HYPE AND EMOTIONALISM. Much of what has been called the Holy Spirit, is nothing more than putting on "THE HOLY GHOST SHOW". This is a carnally manipulated and contrived WORK OF THE FLESH. So many of God's people are so hungry for a move of the Spirit, that they overlook much, even when they know it doesn't look or feel right. After awhile they are just looking for HOLY GHOST "ZINGERS" (experiences). Many call these "Holy Ghost" meetings or "Holy Ghost" parties. This has destroyed the credibility of the real move of the Holy Spirit to millions.

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THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TO EXALT JESUS

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost...He shall teach you all things, and BRING TO REMEMBRANCE, whatsoever I HAVE SAID unto you."

Although we deeply revere the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is NOT our Saviour, Healer, Baptizer, Redeemer, Messiah, or Mediator. The Holy Spirit did not shed His blood for us. JESUS DID! He did not bear stripes for our healing, Jesus did! The Holy Spirit is not COMING BACK for us. JESUS IS! The Holy Spirit brings these things to our remembrance and works exalting Jesus.

IT IS A PERVERSION TO EXALT THE HOLY SPIRIT ABOVE JESUS. MANY ARE EXPLOITING AND USING THE HOLY GHOST LIKE HE WAS A PARTY ANIMAL. I CAN'T THINK OF ANY THING MORE DEGRADING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.

It is deadly to say the Holy Spirit is saying something when it is just you speaking out of your own spirit.

Matthew 12:31-32 "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

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IGNORANCE IS NO LONGER AN EXCUSE!

*Acts 17:30 "And the times of this IGNORANCE God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"

There are many who are who are getting involved in these artificial moves of the Holy Ghost ignorantly, not knowing what's going on. On the other hand, there are those exploiting people in the name of the Holy Ghost who know exactly what they are doing. This is the PAGANIZATION OF Christianity.

Those who are intentionally abusing and misusing the Holy Spirit have LOST THEIR FEAR OF GOD.

*Job 28:28 "And unto man he said, Behold, THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM, and to depart from evil is understanding." The reason these false teachers and practitioners are getting away with this is that many Christians have no discerning of spirits. Even unbelievers come to some of these so-called Holy Ghost parties, because it gives their flesh a high. This is mixing Baal with Christianity. It would be impossible for the devil to formulate a better strategy for discrediting the Baptism of the Holy Ghost; the Gifts of the Spirit; Signs, Wonders and Miracles; the Power of God; and the Life in the Spirit, than by what is being done.

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SIGNS AND WONDERS

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE THERE ARE TRUE SIGNS AND WONDERS, TRUE MIRACLES FROM GOD. THESE WERE SHOWN BY CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS AND PROMISED FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH.

Mark 16:15-18 "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. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." KJV

The signs these scriptures are talking about are people being saved; casting out devils; speaking in tongues; and God's supernatural divine protection.

WE KNOW THAT GOD HAS DONE AND DOES SUPERNATURAL SIGNS AND WONDERS.

Deuteronomy 6:22 "And the LORD shewed SIGNS AND WONDERS, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes."

Acts 4:30 "By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that SIGNS AND WONDERS may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus."

Romans 15:19 "Through mighty SIGNS AND WONDERS, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."

Acts 14:3 "Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted SIGNS AND WONDERS to be done by their hands."

Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing them witness, both with SIGNS AND WONDERS, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost?"

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WHAT ABOUT THE "GREATER THINGS"

I mentioned to someone that many of the manifestations happening today in church services were not manifested in Jesus' or the disciples' ministries. The reply I got was that Jesus said that "GREATER THINGS" we would do than Him. So they said that these extra biblical manifestations are the "Greater Things" Jesus talked about. I told them that that is not so. The "Greater Things" Jesus was talking about was getting a bigger harvest of souls and more miracles BECAUSE THE WORLD POPULATION IS MUCH GREATER AT THIS TIME. Many have used the "Greater Things" scripture as AN EXCUSE TO SENSATIONALIZE THE HOLY SPIRIT and to fabricate signs and wonders in His name.

*John 1:50-51 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? THOU SHALT SEE GREATER THINGS THAN THESE. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and THE ANGELS OF GOD ASCENDING AND DESCENDING UPON THE SON OF MAN."

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PERVERTING THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

One prominent preacher wrote in his book that Spirit Filled Christians are exempt from keeping the Ten Commandments BECAUSE WE ARE UNDER "THE LAW OF LIBERTY". According to God's Word IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT THE "HOLY" SPIRIT WOULD EVER DISAGREE WITH THE WORD OF GOD! Above all the Holy Spirit is Holy. (See Chapter 14 of my book on the Ten Commandments). How dare one use Pentecost and the Holy Spirit to say that Spirit filled Christians no longer have any rules and can do the things that contradict the Bible.

A WARLORD IN AFRICA SAID THAT THE "HOLY SPIRIT" TOLD HIM TO KILL ALL THE BISHOPS IN HIS COUNTRY. Murder is against the commandments of God. It is amazing how many misdeeds have been blamed on the Holy Spirit . Many horrible things have been done in the name of "God told me".

In the name of the Holy Ghost EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS are interpreted to be a Move of the Holy Ghost. Many come to church looking for an EMOTIONAL HIGH. These people could care less if sound doctrine is being taught or if what is happening is truly the Holy Spirit or the flesh. They are just going to the church where they can get the biggest thrill. Too many people believe any and everything they are told or see.

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THE LAUGHING MOVEMENT

There are prominent ministries that have taught us to be "DRUNK" IN THE SPIRIT. Many call this experience BEING FILLED WITH "THE NEW WINE."

PETER DID NOT SAY THAT BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE NEW WINE.

*Acts 2:12-15 "And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others MOCKING said, These men are FULL OF NEW WINE."

PETER DID NOT CALL the outpouring of the Spirit "NEW WINE". THE MOCKERS CALLED IT "NEW WINE".

Why do Spirit filled people call the outpouring of the Holy Spirit the same thing THAT THE MOCKERS called it? The mockers were those who were making fun of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the day of Pentecost.

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THE BIBLE NEVER SAYS THEY WERE DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT!

*Acts 2:12-15 "But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice...(and said) be this known unto you, and hearken unto my words: FOR THESE ARE NOT DRUNKEN, as YE SUPPOSE...(in other words their analysis of the situation was incorrect) But this is that prophesied by the prophet Joel, and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:"

THE MOCKERS SAID THEY WERE DRUNK. NONE OF THE DISCIPLES SAID THAT THEY WERE DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT.

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HOLY LAUGHTER

Often, "HOLY GHOST" SERVICES are STAGED and PLANNED IN ADVANCE. The preacher plans to get EVERYONEÂ LAUGHING. You know it is coming. That is not the work of the Holy Spirit, it is the WORK OF MAN, a CARNAL MANIPULATION of people who are hungry for a move of God. Even when it is done in the NAME OF THE HOLY GHOST it is still A WORK OF THE FLESH which makes it doubly deadly.

In the name of the Holy Ghost MANY OF THESE HOLY GHOST MEETINGS turn into FLESHLY PARTIES. OFTEN FOOLISH, RIDICULOUS AND DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR OCCURS when some people BARK LIKE A DOG, OR CROW LIKE A ROOSTER. These are just a few among other types of misbehaviors which occur in these meetings. They DISHONOR THE HOUSE OF GOD, the Holy Ghost, and the name of Jesus.

This behavior makes the Holy Spirit and the Gospel appear foolish. It DEMEANS Christianity and turns people away from Christ instead of to Him. No matter how uncomfortable people are with a lot of this unseemly behavior, no one will say anything, not wanting to be accused of being UNSPIRITUAL or of not being opened to the MOVE OF THE SPIRIT. Pentecostal and Charismatic people are perhaps the MOST GULLIBLE PEOPLE in Christianity. Some have Holy Ghost Parties with the intention of getting "Drunk in the Spirit". Just WHAT IS THE BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY GHOST? Could it be ATTRIBUTING TO THE HOLY GHOST, the CARNAL MANIPULATION of preachers, who are psychologically orchestrating God's people to behave in a manner that is unbecoming to Christ. Is this not an abuse of the name of the Holy Ghost?

Galatians 6:7 "Be not deceived, GOD IS NOT MOCKED."

Many non-Christians who attend these meetings perceive Christians or Spirit filled people as a bunch of flakey nuts. Many will go to hell over these laughing services when they are carnally whipped up by man. It destroys the credibility of Christianity and the work of the Holy Spirit.

In a service where LAUGHING occurs, one had better operate in the DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, lest you be caught up in a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. This is an extremely serious situation. I believe one reason Charismatics/Pentecostals get caught up in this is because many Christians are bored with church and are looking for a NEW WAVE, which is often nothing more than a new religious fad.

How many weak Christians or sinners have been in these "Holy Ghost Laughing Services", who vowed never to come back to the church? Not only that, it has turned off many denominational people towards the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and the Gifts of the Spirit. There is no record of this 'laughing' thing happening in Jesus ministry or that of His disciples.

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THERE IS A TRUE MOVE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Revelation 1:10 The Apostle John said, "I WAS IN THE SPIRIT on the Lord's day."

When John was "IN THE SPIRIT" it did not say he was caught up in laughter. Today UNCONTROLLABLE LAUGHTER HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH BEING IN THE SPIRIT. While John was caught up in the Spirit he was given The Book of Revelation. Today,we can get revelations from God, but THEY ARE NOT EQUAL to DIVINE SCRIPTURE.

God IS NOT A FOOL, neither does he make his servants behave as fools! The Gospel is a very serious business. Heaven and hell are serious issues.

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God."

When the Bible says that the preaching of the Gospel is foolishness to those who perish, it was not saying that His people should act as fools. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT A PARTY ANIMAL!

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT A CLOWN

There is NO RECORD IN THE BIBLE SHOWING that JESUS was drunk in the Spirit when the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. He is our example! God never intended His servants to ACT CRAZY like the TOWN JESTER, THE TOWN FOOL.

Some preachers at these "laughter" meetings TALK TO EACH OTHER IN OTHER TONGUES. This is an abuse of the Holy Spirit.

*1 Corinthians 14:2 "For HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE SPEAKETH NOT UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD."

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BEWITCHED

*Galatians 3:1 "O FOOLISH Galatians, "WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU?"

*I Peter 5:8 "BE SOBER, be vigilant; because the adversary the devil; as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

I am convinced that when preachers try to work up this Holy Laughter phenomena IT BECOMES A PERFORMANCE, like hypnosis or worse. "ANOTHER SPIRIT" comes in and actually mocks the Holy Spirit. That is Satan's whole purpose. How could he be more effective than this; setting up his show, center stage, in God's House and getting away with it because it is being done in the name of the Holy Ghost?

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DREAMS FROM GOD

Joel 2:28 "your old men shall DREAM DREAMS, your young men shall SEE VISIONS." This lets us know that there are dreams and visions from God.

Matthew 2:12-13 "And being WARNED OF GOD IN A DREAM that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."

*Matthew 2:22 "But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being WARNED OF GOD IN A DREAM, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee."

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ALL DREAMS AND VISIONS ARE NOT FROM GOD

It goes without saying that ALL DREAMS AND ALL VISIONS ARE NOT FROM GOD! Most of the great errors that led to major religions came from VISIONS: i.e.: Joseph Smith, Mormonism; Mohammed, Islam; Buddhism; Hinduism, etc. Some visions are induced by L.S.D. or some other psychedelic drug. Often those on drugs even attribute their dreams to God.

There are many who say, "GOD TOLD ME". Joan of Arc said God gave her a vision to lead the armies of France against Britain to slaughter the Brits. Others who have been sainted by the Roman Church and mystics, were often motivated by visions that did not line up with the Word of God.

Some visions are from the subconscious; natural imaginations, or even Satan. Dreams and Visions have to be discerned and not accepted Carte Blanche. PREMONITIONS may be from God, self or demonic. For example a dignitary in Kenya had a premonition that he was going to die in an auto accident. He prepared his will and got everything in order. One day he was speeding recklessly around a car and had a head on collision and was killed. This premonition was not from God! It was a spirit of fear from Satan that drove him to kill himself because he believed a LYING SPIRIT.

I King 22:22 "And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be A LYING SPIRIT in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so."

Isaiah 28:7 "they ERR IN VISION."

Any vision, dream, or voice that is contrary to the Word of God in any way is not of God but of the devil. Witches, pagans, Hindu and Buddhist priests all have MYSTICAL DREAMS.

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WHERE THERE IS NO TRUTH THERE IS NO HOLY SPIRIT

John 14:17 Even THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH; whom THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him".

The Holy Ghost is "the SPIRIT OF TRUTH". He will ALWAYS BEAR WITNESS WITH THE WRITTEN WORD. If a premonition, leading or voice does not line up with the Word of God it has not come from the Spirit of God.

*2 Corinthians 11:3-4 "For I fear so your minds may be corrupted...For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive ANOTHER SPIRIT, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."

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PRAYING TO THE HOLY GHOST

Some of the major teachers and evangelists are teaching that we should pray to the Holy Ghost. They are always talking about "fellowshipping with the Holy Ghost".

THIS IS NOT SCRIPTURAL.

*John 14:13-14 Jesus said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in MY NAME, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

*Luke 11:1-2 The disciples asked Jesus HOW TO PRAY. And He said unto them, "WHEN YE PRAY, SAY OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN..."

THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE BIBLE WHERE IT TELL US TO PRAY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT! When we pray, according to the Bible, we PRAY TO THE FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit:

Some would say that the following scripture proves we are to pray to the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 2:1 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT, if any bowels and mercies,"

There is only one scripture related to this. This is not teaching us to pray to the Holy Spirit, but we have fellowship of the Spirit when we pray in other tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

Romans 8:27 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because HE MAKETH INTERCESSION for the saints according to the will of God."

IN MANY CIRCLES, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PREACHED AND TALKED ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN JESUS.

*John 15:26 "But WHEN THE COMFORTER IS COME, whom I will send unto you from the father, even THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, which proceedeth of me and the Father, HE SHALL TESTIFY OF ME."(Jesus)

*Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU: and ye shall be WITNESSES UNTO ME..."(Jesus)

Although the Holy Spirit is extremely important, OUR MAIN PURPOSE IS to be WITNESSES OF JESUS, NOT THE HOLY GHOST!

*John 16:13-14 "...when He, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is come, he will guide you into all truth: FOR HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF; but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak: He shall GLORIFY ME." (Jesus)

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SOME BIZARRE ACTIVITIES

There are some churches in Tennessee that HANDLE SNAKES in their services. They do this based on Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall TAKE UP SERPENTS; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." This scripture is not referring to the practice of SNAKE HANDLING. It is referring to God's supernatural protection if one is bitten by a snake. THE INCIDENT WITH PAUL AND THE VIPER ILLUSTRATES THIS.

Acts 28:3-6 "And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came A VIPER out of the heat, and FASTENED ON HIS HAND. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And HE SHOOK OFF THE BEAST into the fire, AND FELT NO HARM. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god."

DON'T TEMPT GOD

*Matthew 4:7 "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, THOU SHALT NOT TEMPT THE LORD THY GOD."

There are denominations in Africa that DRINK OIL TO GET THE ANOINTING. This is totally unscriptural. Others try to get people to VOMIT to get rid of their devils. This is a common practice among some groups. This is nothing but religious ritual and is unsubstantiated scripturally. Some SELL WATER FROM THE JORDAN RIVER promising people miracles. Many bizarre things are done in the name of the Holy Spirit. These things have turned untold numbers away from Christ.

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FALLING IN THE SPIRIT

I believe that there is a REAL FALLING IN THE SPIRIT. We know that Saul of Tarsus fell when Jesus confronted him on the Damascus Road.

*Acts 9:4 "And HE FELL TO THE EARTH, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

But what about the phenomena when in Pentecostal/Charismatic services of FALLING UNDER THE POWER. It has become a common thing that happens in virtually every service?

There are some valid questions to ask

1. After "Falling Under the Power", are the people healed when they get up? Are they changed, or are they still the same as before they fell down? If there is no change physically or spiritually, WAS IT REALLY THE HOLY GHOST that knocked them down?

2. Most ministers' "power" is judged by how many people fall in their services.

3. When everyone falls in every service, is it possible that this has turned into a Pentecostal/Charismatic TRADITION or RITUAL?

4. When everyone falls, could it possible that they all fall because they are expected to fall? Some preachers actually push people over.

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BLOWING ON PEOPLE TO MAKE THEM FALL

Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and BREATHED into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

John 20:21-22 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he BREATHED ON THEM, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost."

God breathed life into creation and for men to receive the Holy Spirit. Never once did His disciples breathe on anyone to receive the Holy Ghost. BLOWING ON PEOPLE TO MAKE THEM FALL OR TO SHOW THE POWER OF GOD IS NOT FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES, but in some high levels of karate this is done. The Buddhist monks practice meditation, inviting demons to possess them. Some develop to such a point that they can point their finger at someone or blow on them and knock them down. Now this same practice has come inside Christianity. They are bringing the spirit that is behind Buddhism inside Christianity, and doing it in the name of the Holy Ghost.

When a preacher blows and everyone falls, could it not be because of social pressure? If one doesn't fall, everyone might think that they were not spiritual.

Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

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ABUSE OF THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

Although we know these are spiritual gifts there has been much abuse of them. Some have faked the GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE, healing and more.

I Cor. 12 tells us there is the 'gift of knowledge', that is where God supernaturally shows you something you would not know with your natural senses.

Many are faking the 'gift of knowledge' today. Some have their aids go before them to their meetings and query people about their problems, then privately share the information with the preacher. Others say the Holy Spirit showed them that someone in a big crowd or watching TV, for example, has a bad back, etc. How could he miss? That's not the 'gift of knowledge' that is playing the odds. No wonder so many Christians themselves no longer believe in the 'gift of knowledge'.

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TODD BENTLEY-"LAKELAND, FL REVIVAL"

Todd Bentley said that God told him to put tattoos on his body to be more relevant to this generation.

The Bible says in Lev 19:28 "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." KJV

TODD BENTLEY HAS BODY PIERCING JUST ABOVE HIS CHIN 1 Kings 18:28 "And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them." KJV ('Lancets' were used for body piercings).

Question? If the Bible commands NOT TO PRINT OR MAKE ANY MARKS ON YOUR BODY, and not to use 'lancelets' to pierce your body, and the Bible is God's Word, and Todd Bentley says that God told him to put tattoos on his body and to pierce himself, who is right Todd Bentley or the Bible? God will NEVER tell someone to do something that contradicts His Word

Note: There is no question God can save someone who has tattoos and has body piercing and use them, but they will never flaunt it but will testify how God delivered them and changed them. Todd Bentley put these tattoos on himself just four years ago, when he was deep into the ministry. He is nothing but a 'change agent' bringing the world into the church.

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A FRIEND OF THE WORLD

James 4:4 'Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." KJV

Phil 4:5 "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."

Gal. 5:22-23 TEMPERANCE.There is nothing temperate about Todd Bentley's appearance and behavior.

2 Cor 6:17 'Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," KJV

Instead of the church changing the world, the world is changing the church.

Rom 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." KJV

Psalms 106:35 They "...mingled among the heathen and learned their works."

Matt 7:15 'Beware of false prophets , which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." KJV

One of the main signs of a preacher being a false prophet is that he claims that his revelation is above the Bible.

WHAT ABOUT THE MANY 'PROPHETS' VALIDATING HIS ANOINTING?

If what the Bible says is put aside by 'these prophets', and they validate him, all of them are false prophets. It doesn't matter how big they are.

Prov 19:5 'A false witness shall not be unpunished , and he that speaketh lies shall not escape." KJV

Prov 11:2 "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished : but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." KJV

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FALSE PROPHETS COUNTERFEITING SIGNS AND WONDERS

Luke 11:29 "And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign" KJV

Matt 16:4 'A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign;" KJV

If one judges whether a preacher is a true prophet of God solely on 'signs and wonders' he can easily be deceived. Witches can produce signs and wonders, but they do it through demonic power.

Matt 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." KJV

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KICKING AND HITTING PEOPLE TO GET A MIRACLE

Did Jesus or His disciples ever kick or hit someone for them to get a miracle?

Galatians 5:22-23. "But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, GENTLENESS, goodness, faith, MEEKNESS,."

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GOLD DUST OR DIAMOND DUST FALLING

"Gold dust" falling in a service became a fad in some Christian circles. This was supposed to be a sign that God was passing by. It wouldn't be hard to simulate such a sign with a good fan, glittery gold particles, the right lighting and a good imagination.

There is no precedent of anything like gold dust falling in Jesus' or His disciples' ministries.

*2 Thessalonians 2:9 "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS," A "lying wonder" is a fake miracle.

If this is really gold dust, why aren't they selling it and getting rich?

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FEATHERS FALLING

There have been services where FEATHERS FELL and the people were told by the minister that this was a sign that the Holy Spirit was passing by. Television cameras at the meeting later revealed that this was fraudulently staged. It wouldn't take a great imagination to produce such a show. One should note also that the Holy Spirit is not a dove, He is the Third person of the Trinity.

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STIGMATA

The STIGMATA phenomena or blood appearing on someone's hands or forehead, has been attributed by some as A SIGN FROM GOD. Scientifically it has been proven that this is a medical phenomena that happens to some people. Others, like the infamous JIM JONES of Jonestown, faked the STIGMATA, telling his followers that it was a sign from God. He used this to deceive his people, keep them in bondage to him, and to lead them into a horrendous mass suicide/murder.

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WHITE BIRDS SHOWING UP IN SERVICES

I was visiting an all night national prayer meeting in a stadium in Africa. The minister said that sometimes the Holy Spirit visits some of his meetings "like" a white bird. During the prayer meeting he said this several times. At about 4 A.M. a white bird entered the stadium and started flying around. The crowd went delirious, screaming. One would have thought that the Holy Spirit Himself had just flown into the stadium. I don't mean to sound skeptical, but I wasn't screaming although I was amazed. I stood there staring into the night sky looking at the bird. The crowd was cheering. My wifeÂ was sitting next to me on the platform also witnessing this. Neither of us said a thing to each other about it at the meeting. We finally left at 5:30 A.M. and went to our hotel room. At 8 A.M. I was awakened with a scripture rolling over and over in my ears, "A STRONG DELUSION, A STRONG DELUSION". How did that birdÂ phenomenon happen? I don't know for sure. But because of it's shape and large size, I am certain it was not a dove.

There is no record that the Holy Spirit ever came like a dove in any of the disciples meetings. THE ONLY TIME THE HOLY SPIRIT EVER MANIFESTED LIKE THAT WAS ON JESUS, Luke 3:22.

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MIRACLE BABIES

There was an incident that hit the world news. An African preacher living in Great Britain made this boast.

There was a woman with him who was past the age of child bearing. He said he spoke over her to get pregnant, and she got pregnant without a man. She claimed to bear two to three children a year for a total of thirteen children in five years. They claimed this was a miracle. He had 30,000 followers. We know that there was only one baby born without a man, Jesus. What blasphemy! This made a mockery out of any miracle ministry. They were actually involved in child stealing and selling.

PICTURES AND STATUES CRYING BLOOD

The Roman Church boasts of statues and pictures of Mary crying blood. There is no precedence for anything like this in scripture.

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POWER CONTESTS

In a major central African city, preachers gather together to have POWER CONTESTS to prove who has the greatest anointing. They rent a stadium and call the multitudes. They then take turns to see who can make the most people fall. On one occasion, they put a goat on the platform. He then said "in the name of Jesus", and the goat fell over. It looked like he had great power. The reality is that some goats faint when shouted at or when they get scared. This was not the working of the Holy Spirit, it was faking the power of God. Just what is the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost? The whole purpose of this show was to exalt themselves in the eyes of the people. It was not done to exalt Jesus.

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APPARITIONS

Some see apparitions or shadows of Mary or Jesus on walls. Great throngs come to these sightings. This happens frequently among the people of the Roman Church, but now some protestant minister's are following suit. MANY OF THESE SO CALLED apparitions CAN BE FAKED. Many just take someone's word that they see them. THEY CAN ALSO OCCUR BY DEMONIC MANIFESTATIONS with JINNS (genie). These are common in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES."

Again there is no precedent in scriptures for apparitions in the Bible. Belshazzar saw the handwriting on the wall from God, but he didn't see GodÂ or someone or some shadow. Daniel 5:5. Manifestations of spirits showing themselves come from witchcraft seyances. When Jesus appeared after his death (the resurrection), He literally showed up in the flesh, not as a spirit.

THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE FALSE PROPHET WILL COME.

HIS PURPOSE WILL BE TO PROMOTE THE ANTICHRIST.

WHEN HE COMES IT WILL APPEAR LIKE HE IS LEADING A MIGHTY BOOK OF ACTS REVIVAL.

IT WILL BE A COUNTERFEIT REVIVAL!

Rev 13:11-18 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

HIS POWER SHALL BE MIGHTY, BUT IT WILL BE SATANIC POWER

Daniel 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power

2 Thess 2:8-12 "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 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." KJV

LYING WONDERS: This would be 'FAKING MIRACLES'.

False prophets work either by having supernatural demonic signs and wonders or by faking. The whole thing is to deceive people to make them believe something is of God which is not.

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SATANIC SIGNS AND WONDERS

*Matthew 24:24 "For there shall arise FALSE CHRISTS, and FALSE PROPHETS, and SHALL SHOW GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS; insomuch that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, THEY SHALL DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT."

I know Jesus turned the water into wine; Philip was supernaturally transported by the Spirit and that God does many types of miracles today besides healing the sick. But none of these were faked supernatural occurrences, nor did they originate from a demonic source.

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THE MYSTERY OF HOW TRUE MIRACLES COULD BE DONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS BY A FALSE PROPHET

Just because there is a true miracle under a ministry does not validate that ministry as truly from God. If Jesus' name is used even by a false prophet or false apostle, and people believe on Jesus, it is possible for them to receive a miracle even under a false prophet. What validates a ministry also is that they are teaching sound doctrine, are honest, are humble and have a good spirit.

Matt 7:21-24 "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and? 'in thy name' done many wonderful works. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me , ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" KJV

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT?

Rom 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." KJV

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance , whatsoever I have said unto you." KJV

The Holy Spirit 's job is to remind you of the things Jesus said which are recorded in the Bible; and also to remind you of the rest of the Holy Scriptures. He will NEVER tell you things that disagree with God's Word.

DON'T BE GULLIBLE

Many people are so hungry to see a move of God that they will believe anything.

1 John 4:1 'Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.'' KJV

1 Cor 12:10 "...to another discerning of spirits"

One of the main purposes of Satan in counterfeiting miracles through false prophets is to destroy people's faith in the Gifts of the Spirit and God's true miracle working power.

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I DON'T SEE THE ANGEL!

A story is told in Africa, of a church where no one was attending. The pastor had a bright idea of how to get people to come to his church. When a visitor came to the church, he told her that there was an angel near the ceiling of the church on the right side of the pulpit. He told her that if she was really saved and truly spiritual, she would see the angel. Not wanting to be judged unsaved or not spiritual, she excitedly said that she saw the angel.

Soon the church grew and was filled to capacity. It became known as "the church of the angel". Everyone was in a frenzy who came, claiming that they could see the angel. One day a street boy wandered into the church. The usher told him that if he were truly saved, he could see the angel. The little boy, knowing nothing of religious terminology, walked into the church and looked around. Not knowing proper church behavior, he loudly blurted out, "MISTER, I DON'T SEE NO ANGEL!" He was so loud, the whole congregation heard him and gasped, looking at him in horror.

Then, one by one, the whispers began going through the church. "You know, I really can't see the angel either. I just didn't want to say anything or people wouldn't think I was spiritual. I didn't want to be rejected by the church and be ostracized!" Soon the whole congregation agreed that none of them could see the angel.

This is exactly what has happened in some realms of Christianity today? Most go along with the phony signs and wonders, false doctrines and revelations out of fear of being an outcast.

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MIXING

Ps 106:35 "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works." KJV

Josh 22:17-18 "Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD, But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel." KJV

Josh 22:29 "God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle."

Casey Stafford

God Bless!!

Ministry of Hope