defluffing

Defluffing perfectly describes my journey right now. Let me share...

When God led me to research New Thought back in November/December, little did I know what exactly that would be unearthing. I shared about what I was discovering on my podcast here: Mixture in the Church - Part 1: What is going on?

Knowing the foundations of New Thought, I found out how the Prosperity Gospel was started in the '50s by Oral Roberts, based on those views. What?! Then I saw how the Word of Faith movement took off after that by Kenneth Hagin, still building on those beliefs. Good gravy. THEN how the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) was birthed by C. Peter Wagner. Oy vey. I cover all of this in the podcast here: Mixture in the Church - Part 2: Let's Go Deeper

Upon discovering NAR and how unbiblical it is, I asked Jesus to show me what books to throw out, that were NAR/Prosperity Gospel/Word of Faith based. Oh boy. At this moment, I am at 90 books in the dumpster, including the Passion translation Bible (Brian Simmons is another NAR "apostle"). NINETY! Just some of the books I tossed...

But the journey was still not done. After hearing how the God's Generals books are required reading for Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, I started looking up these so-called generals. Since the NAR belief says that the Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel teachings are a must for bringing "heaven to earth" and for "revival", I was growing wary of anyone in those camps. Turns out the big "generals" believe all of that. Ugh. 

A big daddy one that the NAR leaders adore is William Branham (1907-1965). He's known as a huge influencer of the Charismatic movement, lots of healings/signs/miracles. I don't know how much of what happened was true or not or a mix, but the key is to always go to the root. What did he believe? Well, the stuff that wasn't of God that he believed and taught was:

• the Trinity and church denominations are of the devil

• the three forms of God's Word are: the Bible, the Zodiac, and the Egyptian pyramids

• the "serpent seed" doctrine: the serpent in the Garden had sexual intimacy with Eve that resulted in the birth of Cain

• his angel taught him that he was Elijah before the second coming of Jesus as well as the messenger to the last days Church

• believers would reach immortality before Jesus returns, and become a super race known as Joel's Army

He also spoke against interracial marriages, the Civil Rights movement, was connected to Jim Jones (Kool-Aid suicide cult), and is known as the father of the Latter Rain movement from the late 1940s. His followers were so captivated by the supernatural signs and wonders that followed him, they were willing to overlook his false doctrines. This kind of mindset still happens today with teachers of NAR. Even Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church associate pastor) publicly prayed that the Body of Christ would receive the anointing of William Branham. Um, no thanks. 

The Latter Rain movement repackaged itself as NAR in the '90s. Bill Hammon, Paul Cain, and Bob Jones were a few that help to bridge the gap between the two movements. In 1994, Randy Clark went to a church in Toronto to hold revival meetings and it grew and was called the Toronto Blessing. This movement ushered in NAR full throttle. It familiarized people with the supernatural so much, that they were very receptive and vulnerable to New Age practices and false doctrines. The Toronto Blessing launched several ministries. Here's a few: 

• Global Awakening Ministry - Randy Clark

• Iris Global - Heidi Baker

• Harvest International - Che Ahn

Bill Johnson (senior pastor of Bethel Church ) was greatly impacted by the Toronto Blessing and then focused his church on bringing heaven to earth, revival, supernatural signs & wonders, even launching a school (BSSM) in 1998. Interesting to note, Bill's father was the pastor before him, and led the church as part of the Assembly of God denomination - the same denomination that spoke out against the Latter Rain movement in 1949. (The Brownsville and Lakeland revivals came from the Toronto one, btw. Lots of shady stuff there as well.)

Remember C. Peter Wagner, the one who started NAR? He identified Bill Johnson as an "apostle" and they contributed to a book called Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate, a core teaching of NAR. 

More books into the dumpster...

Now that I knew who William Branham was, who influenced him? I found out about Charles Parham. He was known as the father of modern Pentecostalism. 

He was influenced by Frank Sandford....

And the top dog, the forerunner of Pentecostalism, John Alexander Dowie...

Wow. So, yes, there's recorded people who've operated in the gifts of the Spirit as well as speaking in tongues over the centuries before Dowie. But funny how the whole Charismatic/Pentecostal denomination and movement stems from these men listed above. They are listed in the God's Generals books and help fuel the Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel/NAR doctrines and beliefs. Pushing revival, pushing focusing on the experiences, and so on. Having poured over articles, essays, and facts from these men's lives, they were not up to par to being so revered. Not in the least. So much sexual immorality, lying, cheating, spiritual abuse, false doctrine, greed, pride, physical abuse, and who knows what else! 

It's been quite an ordeal learning all of this. I feel like my whole world and faith has been shaken. Yes, many pastors and leaders are just as unknowing to NAR and the like, but some aren't. I feel like I've been low level brainwashed and feel cheated and betrayed. I'm not the only one learning all of this! My own mom told me she's been researching this and highly recommended these books:

Beware of the New Apostolic Reformation

A Hidden Path: Bethel Redding & Beyond

So WHY am I telling you all of this?! Because I care about Christians and they need to not fall prey to false prophets, false doctrines, deception, and hurt. SO many of God's people have been used & abused spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially for FAR too long!! It's time for a major church cleanout, for healing & restoration. My own dear friend has been hurt by these "apostles & prophets" that said that her mom would live & beat her cancer.....but she passed away!!! And that her son would be healed from something major and never was. Where's the accountability?! It's all out of control. Just listen to all the victims' stories on these videos: 

Shawn Bolz & other NAR leaders

Benny Hinn

I've had so many emotions upon learning all of this. It has been a roller coaster ride of denial, shock, anger, hurt, and grief. But God is good and has been there every step of the way. I praise Jesus for revealing all of this! For years I've heard people speak about Bethel or certain charismatic churches/ministries and I would just laugh and call them religious or not in tune with Holy Spirit's revelation. Now it feels like I'm coming out of being brainwashed and I have to unlearn terminology, certain ways of praying, and belief systems. Not to mention I had to remove and redo my "fave books" list on this website as well as removing fluff scripture translations and quotes from NAR leaders. 

I no longer considered myself a "charismatic" or a "pentecostal." Am I a cessationist and believe that the gifts of the Spirit were only for the New Testament? Nope. Those are Holy Spirit's gifts and they can very well be for today because He lives in us and works through us and we still need to carry on the commission Jesus called us to do (NOT the NAR commission of elevating specific people as super apostles and prophets to bring heaven to earth and take dominion in order to bring Jesus back sooner....). Do I believe in having a prayer language? Of course. That's between you and God. Not everyone gets one, and that is okay, too. So if anyone asks, I am a Christian. That's it! I follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 

I believe that this whole line up of so called "God's generals" and "revivals" is idolized. The enemy planted seeds way back and has woven in false doctrine all these years, and look at where we are today - cover up culture, sick abuse of God's people, wolves in sheep's clothing, hurting people trapped in cycles (declare harder, give more money, seek God's hands, mysticism, New Age, New Thought, etc.). Enough is enough!

If you are in the process of coming out of all of this, please be gentle on yourself. Do not accept shame or condemnation from the enemy! You are not broken. Let yourself grieve. The best place to start is with Jesus in His Word. Get back on the right foundation by reading scripture, praying, worshipping, the basics. It will be a process to unlearn the false beliefs. Hang in there, friend. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. Let Him do the work as you seek Him and Him alone. It is actually so much FREEDOM walking out of this. Not having to do all the declarations, careful of what you say to not attract the negative, trying to always learn the next new revelation or thing, getting a sozo for every little thing, constantly evaluating your feelings (basically just so much SELF), not to mention chasing after encounters and experiences. Phew. Step off the crazy train and rest in Jesus' arms. We are not such a big deal as we think we are. God's got it. He's got you. 

The gospel is simple. Humility, repentance, forgiveness, and contentment is key. You don't have to chase healing rooms and every glory conference. You don't have to go to classes and schools to learn  how to operate in the gifts of the Spirit. (Those are Holy Spirit's gifts! When He wants you to operate in them, He will let you know - He alone is in control, not you. He works through you and teaches you as you do it, you don't "conjure" Him up.)

Here is the best book about New Thought:  Happy Lies

And for more info on NAR (besides the two that my mom recommended earlier):  

Counterfeit Kingdom

False Prophets Among Us

If you are interested, there is a facebook group that really helps:

NAR Recovery Group (Non-Denominational)

So I am praying for each and every one of you that is on your own defluffing journey. You may have thought you were free by knowing all of the fluff before, but you'll know what true freedom is when all the fake fluff is wiped away! Get back to the arms of Jesus. He is your Rock and Foundation. Then move forward with your hand in His as He directs your path. And.....exhale. You are loved and you will get through this.