I posted a video on here a few weeks ago, asking him to forgive me for being skeptical (with all his stories about the Spirit telling him to punch old ladies in the face, etc.), but now I just hurt for the guy.
You can read the details HERE if you want, but I appreciated John Piper's response over at Desiring God, in a post entitled "Test Revival With Doctrine."
He emphasized the church's need for discernment that is only gained through biblical truth, and the application of that truth to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Piper quotes an article from Lee Grady, editor of Charismatic magazine Charisma, in which he offers several insightful observations and recommendations:
"Many of us would rather watch a noisy demonstration of miracles, signs and wonders than have a quiet Bible study. Yet we are faced today with the sad reality that our untempered zeal is a sign of immaturity. Our adolescent craving for the wild and crazy makes us do stupid things. It’s way past time for us to grow up."
"A prominent Pentecostal evangelist called me this week after Bentley’s news hit the fan. He said to me: “I’m now convinced that a large segment of the charismatic church will follow the anti-Christ when he shows up because they have no discernment.” Ouch. Hopefully we’ll learn our lesson this time and apply the necessary caution when an imposter shows up."
Piper responds that it is not "Charismatics" that will follow the Antichrist, it will be those who refuse to "love the truth," as the apostle Paul says in 2 Thessolonians:
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
He ends with classic Piper conviction and solid discernment:
"Our test for every Lakeland that comes along should first be doctrinal and expositional. Is this awakening carried along by a “love for the truth” and a passion to hear the whole counsel of God proclaimed?"
2 comments:
wow, i can't believe those words of the pentecostal evangelist.
did you hear about where Bentley is preaching now? None other than harvest Rock Church where Maranatha is. Apparently the pastor there and Bentley have a long relationship. scary.
Really? I had not heard that...yikes.
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