False Teaching / Teachers

The Pentecostal Charismatic Invasion Of Baptist Churches

by Kenneth D. Willis

WHY THIS ARTICLE?

A combination of observations in various areas of my personal study, reading, noticing social media posts and listening to several church live streams all culminated in peaking my interest in making a watchlist on my website where I listed, in respectable detail, many heretical and apostate false teachers and their respective organizations, ministries and movements. That link is here: 

While compiling that information, I noticed a running trend: the growing influence and infiltration of Pentecostal-Charismatics, influences which have reached and permeated even into many Fundamental Baptist churches. Therefore, I feel it would behoove us all to briefly examine these influences and consider their dangers. 

SOME BASIC TERMINOLOGY

I seek not to insult your intelligence, but am concerned at how often good folks are completely unaware of the terminology and beliefs of some groups I will name below. I doubt many will be familiar with all these, so please give them a quick read over. 

Pentecostalism — the denominations which emphasize an individual experience of grace, being primarily evidenced by using apostolic sign gifts (“healing” and “speaking in tongues”)

Charismatism — the denominations which seek new divine revelation and manifestation of apostolic sign gifts (“healing” and “speaking in tongues”) 

Word of Faith Movement (WOF) —`a movement within Pentecostalism and Charismatism which teaches several erroneous doctrines, such as that Christians can gain financial prosperity and power through prayer, those who believe in Jesus' resurrection and death have the right to physical health, divine favor is expressed in material and financial blessings and giving to ministries unlocks divine favor. 

New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) — a movement of both Pentecostals and Charismatics which teaches erroneously that the Kingdom of God is advanced on earth through the church gaining “dominion” via modern day apostles, aided by prophets. They teach a strong focus on prophetic insight and supernatural manifestations, leading to new revelation and casual use of the Bible—which they consider a secondary source of revelation. 

Third Wave (Signs & Wonders) Movement — a movement within the NAR and WOF which places major emphasis of belief in signs and wonders and that the message of the Christian "good news" is communicated more effectively to those who do not believe if accompanied by supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit, including such signs and wonders as miraculous healings and modern prophetic proclamations of new revelations. 

Azusa Street Revival — a popular Pentecostal-Charismatic “revival” where utter chaos broke out and people claimed to speak in tongues, heal and become slain in the Spirit to the point of losing consciousness

Latter Rain Movement — a post WWII Pentecostal-Charismatic movement seeking to restore the apostolic signs of healing, tongues, etc. 

Toronto Blessing — a more recent Neo-Charismatic “revival” seeking to restore apostolic signs of healing and speaking in tongues  

Prosperity Gospel — a false gospel proclaiming that Christians can gain financial prosperity and power through prayer, those who believe in Jesus' resurrection and death have the right to physical health, divine favor is expressed in material and financial blessings and giving to ministries unlocks divine favor. 

Heavenly Tourism — false claims by many NAR and WOF preachers that they are allowed special visions in which they frequently visit heaven or hell and receive direct divine revelation 

False Apostles — those who erroneously claim the office of Apostle (which ceased upon the death of the 13 original Apostles and the completion of the Scriptural canon; these individuals claim direct revelations from God and that their words are on par with Scriptural authority. 

A COMMON THREAD

I noticed a common denominator in almost all Pentecostal and Charismatic preachers and organizations. They almost always self-identify as either Word of Faith (WOF) or New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), or both—which happens often. Both movements are renowned, or should I say infamous, for their erroneous and heretical teachings concerning faith-healing, speaking in tongues, receiving extra-Biblical revelation, preaching the Prosperity Gospel and a host of other errant teachings. I can say without reservation or apology that both the NAR and the WOF are rife with false teachers, false prophets and those who shamelessly preach another Gospel and promote a Theology of prosperity, charismatism and in many cases deny the very Lord Jesus and His Word to line their own pockets. I will not go here into the discourse on why “speaking in tongues” is neither Biblical nor actually happening today, nor shall I attempt to debunk the host of fake healers and charlatans, for most of you already know folks like Benny Hinn are complete phonies and crooks. 

THE MOST PROMINENT OFFENDERS

Here are some names you have probably heard of and should know to avoid. These folks and groups are known Pentecostal-Charismatics, WOF or NAR bannermen/women. For a more comprehensive list, I again refer you to the Ken Willis Podcast’s Wolf Watch List (Click Here). 

Beware of folks and groups like: Todd Bently, Bethel Church & Bethel Music (Redding, CA), Mike Bickle, Reinhard Bohnke, William Branham, Brownsville Revival, Jim Bakker, Jonathan Cahn, Ron Carpenter, Christ For All Nations (CFAN), Todd Coontz, Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Paul & Jan Crouch, Jim Cymbala, Creflo Dollar, Dominion Theology, John A. Dowie, Jesse Duplantis, John Eckardt, Elevation Worship, Steven Furtick, Five Fold Ministry, Ted Haggard, Kenneth Hagin, Franklin Hall, Harvest Rock Church (Pasadena, CA), Berniece Hicks, Hillsong & Hillsong Worship, Benny Hinn, Brian & Bobbie Houston, International House of Prayer (IHOP), IMPACT Network, Mike & Cindy Jacobs, T.D. Jakes, Jesus Culture, Benji & Bill Johnson, Kingdom Now, Daniel Kolenda, Marcus & Joni Lamb, Bishop Eddie Long, Manifest Sons of God, Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore, MorningStar Fellowship Church (Charlotte, NC), Dayna Muldoon, Mike Murdoch, New Life Church (Colorado Springs, CO), Newspring, Perry Noble, Joel Osteen, Charles Parnham, Rod Parsley, Peter Popoff, Phineas Quimby, Smith Wigglesworth, Joseph Prince, Frederick Price, RHEMA Bible Training College, Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Sid Roth, Seven Mountain Mandate, Spiritual Mapping, Jimmy, Francis & Donnie Swaggart, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), The Elijah List, The Passion Bible, Third Wave, Robert Tilton, Peter C. Wagner, Lance Wallnau, Sheila Walsh, Warfare Prayer & Worship, Paula White, Todd White, Tom White, Andrew Womack, and Paul Yonggi. These are simply the tip of the iceberg, but if you find out someone is involved in Pentecostalism, Charismatism, the Word of Faith or New Apostolic Reformation, RUN! 

TWO TRENDS I AM SEEING IN BAPTIST CHURCHES

The Use & Support of Hillsong, Bethel and Elevation Music 

While you could argue that some of Hillsong’s music is acceptable (if cleaned up and performed correctly) and even some of it has good doctrine, however, the association with the false church of Bethel, Elevation and their false teacher and wolf pastors far outweighs any benefit their music advertises to bring. These “ministries” openly boast that their music is their gateway into the hearts and ministries of millions—inherently causing otherwise solid churches and believers to gradually accept their host of false doctrines and unbiblical teachings. These men and women are wolves, and there is no reason a careful shepherd would allow them or their music into his flock. In fact, if a church is legally playing their music, these wolves are profiting financially from that in royalties. I urge you to approach your music pastor and or pastor and inquire if your church uses any of this music. If so, ever so kindly point them to this article. If your church is fine with continuing to use that music, I would suggest you need a new church and or a new music pastor. 

The Acceptance of Self-Professed Pentecostal-Charismatics & Their Teachings

Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle (Brooklyn, NY), is a name I am seeing more and more commonly recommended and praised by Baptist pastors and preachers. David Cloud at Way of Life Literature has much to say about Cymbala and in one piece quotes an interview with Cymbala, saying, 

“Cymbala said God does not want us to have a message of blame for Americans. He said that we shouldn’t have an Old Testament prophet-type ministry but an ‘apostolic’ ministry like Paul’s, implying wrongly that Paul did not speak prophetically and directly rebuke sin. Paul preached the same thing as John the Baptist, ‘that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance’ (Acts 26:20). Paul plainly rebuked the idolatry of the Athenians in his sermon on Mars Hill (Acts 17). Paul continually warned about sin and error. Cymbala also said that God is using 9-11 to cause American Christians to “get rid of denominational prejudices,” and he had no word of warning about ecumenism and rank denominational heresies such as infant baptism and sacramentalism.” 

FRESH WIND, FRESH FIRE

Cymbala’s book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire is frequently promoted by Baptist pastors as a sound source of doctrine and teaching concerning the Holy Spirit, yet it is problematic due to the views of its author and the inherent Pentecostal-Charismatic teaching it propagates. The following points are from my examination of  A Biblical Screening of Jim Cymbala’s Book, ‘Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire’ by Gary Gilley, published on October 26, 2008. Jim Cymbala is a self-professed Pentecostal & Charismatic. This fact alone should alarm us that any Fundamental Baptist would regard him as a legitimate Theological voice for orthodox doctrine. The book  contains the following teachings, all of which are classic trademarks of Pentecostal-Charismatic teaching. 

Calling the Spirit Down

Cymbala takes a clearly charismatic position on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, saying, “The Spirit of God came down upon us” (p.18). “People began to sense the presence of the Lord in that humble place” (p.31). “I felt the Spirit nudging me” (p.128). In a complaint about ordered church services Cymbala states, “A basic sign of revival is that the wind is allowed to blow where it will. . . . Are church members encouraging their pastors to act on the Lord’s prompting no matter the cost?” (p.134) Quoting positively a friend of Charles Finney, “I am now convinced, it is my duty and privilege, and the duty of every other Christian, to pray for as much of the Holy Spirit as came down on the day of Pentecost, and a great deal more” (p.176).

The “coming down of the Holy Spirit” and “feeling His presence,” etc. are not New Testament teachings. The Holy Spirit has already come, and we already possess all of the Holy Spirit that is available. To pray for the Holy Spirit to come down as at Pentecost, is a gross misunderstanding both of the purpose of Pentecost and of the present ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Revelation in the Inner Spirit

Cymbala supports the increasingly accepted view that one can hear from God in the inner spirit. “I sensed God speaking.. . . I knew I had heard from God. . . . His word to me was. . .” (p.25). “Brothers and sisters, I really feel that I’ve heard from God about the future of our church” (p.27). “The Holy Spirit spoke to one of the choir members” (p.103). “As I spoke, the Holy Spirit seemed to prompt me to add” (p.160). Of course what God had to say to Cymbala was what every pastor would love to hear, “If you and your wife will lead my people to pray and call upon my name, you will never lack for something fresh to preach. I will supply all the money that’s needed, both for the church and for your family, and you will never have a building large enough to contain the crowds I will send in response” (p.25).

Where in Scripture does one find this concept? That God has communicated audibly, in dreams and visions, through prophets and apostles, we are in agreement, but this “inner voice” is not to be found. Even the Vineyard theologian Jack Deere claims that the concept of God guiding through promptings, impressions, and insights has no biblical base. He says, “The word ‘prompt’ never appears in Scripture with God as the subject. [We are being] asked to believe in a form of guidance that can’t even be found in the Bible” (Surprised by the Voice of God, pp.283,284). 

Azusa Street

Cymbala sees the Pentecostal “tragedy” of Azusa Street (1906) as an example of the outpouring of God’s Spirit. He even quotes William Seymour, the guiding light of Azusa Street, as saying, “We are measuring everything by the Word” (p.117). Something is seriously wrong if we accept this statement at face value. Those who know the history of Azusa Street, Pentecostalism, and the theology of Seymour, should be repulsed by such a comment, for Seymour and his followers obviously were not measuring everything with Scripture. And the Pentecostal church that sprang from their teachings is full of theological error.

Power Evangelism

One of the most disturbing elements of this book is an apparent acceptance of “power evangelism” (a Vineyard doctrine). Cymbala writes, “The absent element is what is expressed in the final sentence of the prayer recorded in Acts 4, ‘Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders’ (verse 30). What gains unbelievers’ attention and stirs the heart is seeing the gospel expressed in power. It takes more than academic rigor to win the world for Christ. Correct doctrine alone isn’t enough. Proclamation and teaching aren’t enough. God must be invited to ‘confirm the word with signs following’ (see Hebrews 2:4). In other words, the gospel must be preached with the involvement of the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven. The apostles prayed for God to do supernatural things. . .” (p.138). “Message plus divine demonstration. Doctrine plus power. This is the New Testament way” (p.146). “The teaching of sound doctrine is a prelude, if you will, to the supernatural” (p.151).This is almost straight John Wimber. Here is Wimber’s definition of “Power Evangelism.” “It is a spontaneous, Spirit-inspired, empowered presentation of the gospel. Power evangelism is preceded and undergirded by demonstrations of God’s presence, and frequently results in groups of people being saved. 

Signs and wonders do not save, only Jesus and his substitutionary work on the cross saves. Through these encounters people experience the presence and power of God. Usually this takes the form of words of knowledge, healing, prophecy, and deliverance from evil spirits. In power evangelism, resistance to the gospel is overcome by the demonstration of God’s power, and receptivity to Christ’s claims is usually very high” (Power Evangelism, p. 78,79).

Revival and Finneyism

While the Charismatic teachings alone render this book hopelessly flawed, there is more. For example, Cymbala promotes the currently popular and highly unbiblical view of revival as per Charles Finney style. Finney, who did more to cheapen evangelism than any one individual I can think of, is apparently Cymbala’s greatest hero, and is often quoted (e.g. p.58, p.115, and pp.174ff). Finney, the 19th Century evangelist and theologian, was the well-known author of “means” or special methods that he believed could produce conversions, as well as revival. All the church needed to do, so taught Finney, was to use the right means and the results were guaranteed, with or without help from the Holy Spirit. 

His evangelistic inventions are legion and lethal. Even prayer was seen as a “means” to an end (see p.58). God could be manipulated to send revival if only the church prayed hard enough. Evidence of Finneyism is rampant in evangelism today. Finney and his views need to be exposed, not endorsed.Study the history of revivals and you will find that they are sovereign outpourings of God’s blessings, not dependent in any way upon our methods. The oft-stated comment that prayer has been the catalyst for all past revivals is just not historically accurate. Ian Murray’s out-standing Revival & Revivalism concludes: “No human endeavours can ensure or guarantee results. There is sovereignty in all God’s actions. He has never promised to bless in proportion to the activity of His people.

Revivals are not brought about by the fulfillment of ‘conditions’ any more than the conversion of a single individual is secured by any series of human actions. The ‘special seasons of mercy’ are determined in heaven” (p.22). 

An on-the-spot assessment of the Second Great Awakening, including this analysis: “This revival has made its appearance in various places, without any extraordinary means to produce it. The preaching, the singing, the praying, have been the same to which people had been long accustomed, and under which they had hardened to a great degree” (ibid. p.127). The use of “means” to produce revival, even the means of prayer, can be traced to Charles Finney, not Scripture. Jonathan Edwards’ famous account of the Great Awakening is entitled A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God for a reason. Even Edwards had no explanation for the revival. Cymbala tells of another hindrance to revival as well, “There has never been a revival of religion so long as the order of service has been strictly followed” (p.148). This certainly fits the charismatics agenda, but not history’s, nor Scripture’s.

Apostolic “Evangelism”

This volume makes unbiblical and intimidating claims for the results of evangelism. Using Pentecost as our apparent example he asks, “Are we bringing thousands of men and women to Christ the way Peter did? If not, we need to get back to his power source” (p.97). To my knowledge Peter, nor any of the other apostles, ever again had such a reception to their preaching of the Word. As a matter of fact on some occasions the gospel was rejected by most, the apostles imprisoned, the church scattered. Yet Cymbala assures us that, “When we sincerely turn to God, we will find that His church always moves forward, not backward” (p.97). I do not believe that this claim can be substantiated either in Scripture or church history.

False Claims for Prayer

As important as prayer is, and who wants to say anything against prayer, I nevertheless question whether the Bible reduces virtually the whole Christian life down to this one element. While many of Cymbala’s comments seem to make sense, far too often they do not have the backing of Scripture. For example, he writes: “No matter what I preach or what we claim to believe in our heads, the future will depend upon our times of prayer” (p.27). This sounds good, but what in Scripture teaches this?

Arminianism

When it comes to conversion, Cymbala takes the Arminian – “sealing the deal” as soon as possible position. We dare not allow someone to go home and think about the gospel, read the Scriptures, or give the Holy Spirit time to bring forth true spiritual birth (p. 126). Again, it is Finney not Scripture that guides the author’s philosophy of ministry.

Conclusion

While there are certainly bright spots and good comments in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, I believe it to be a largely unbiblical, charismatic, mystical approach to Christian living. That the IFCA could endorse it, without so much as a warning, is beyond my understanding.

MY CONCLUSION

The simple fact is that we as orthodox Baptists, who follow historic Baptist distinctives and Biblical doctrine cannot accept, endorse or even associate with movements and individuals so profoundly in error as those in the Word of Faith and New Apostolic Reformation and like movements. Neither Pentecostalism nor Charismatism is orthodox Christianity and must be gracefully, yet firmly rebuked and exposed for its vast system of false teachings and doctrines which contradict plain Scripture. For this reason, even using the music and literature of Pentecostal-Charismatics, the WOF, the NAR, Hillsong, Bethel and Elevation are not an option for the believer walking circumspectly. Paul instructs us both to mark and avoid such false teachers and their associations.