I have been wanting to write about this for a while now and know that it will shock and possibly “offend” some, but in light of the truth and Christianity, I have to warn fellow Christians, in case they are being affected by the very popular – Bethel deception.
The Bethel movement should be a red flag to all Christians. It is a very popular church today that has been spreading it’s popular allure through false teachings, twisting of scripture, and the prosperity gospel ideology. They also have many talented musicians, whom promote “word of faith” ideas that are also misleading.
Bethel church has been training their school of ministry with their own made “Christ Enlightenment Cards.” They take students that are nearing graduation, to Fairs where there are Tarot Readings. There, they set up a “Christ Enlightenment” tent next to it, in order to “draw people to the Lord.” This practice is similar to “Angel Card” readings. Both are no different than Tarot card readings, which is a form of witchcraft and sorcery, not to mention absolutely forbidden by God! “ ‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31. It also says, ‘I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people” Leviticus 20:6. God expects Christians to turn to Him, not mediums because mediums are controlled by the power of darkness and demons. These demons lie and deceive, whereas, God tells us the truth and liberates us from darkness and lies.
If one follows Christ, they are called Christians. Christians strive to reflect Jesus’s character and obey His Word/commandments. Bethel is not doing either. Their claim is nothing more than New Age with a Jesus label on it. When a person receives Jesus as both Lord and Savior, they receive the Holy Spirit and because Jesus is the light, Christians are already enlightened by God, Himself. In John 8:12 it tells us, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’.” Jesus is the opitomy of spiritual enlightenment. Once a person knows Jesus and receives Him as Savior, there is nothing else needed because that is the job off the Holy Spirit. He teaches us and convicts us throughout our spiritual relationship with Him.
If Jesus is not the focus, the pagan term, “spiritual enlightenment” has its roots in spiritual mysticism, which includes Buddhism, Gnosticism and Hinduism. It focuses on the inner self and all are false religions. The more we know Jesus Christ in our own personal relationship with Him, the more enlightened we are according to John 1:4-5, “ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Bethel is i(n this day and age) the poster child for what Christianity is Not.
If you’re a new Christian or a seasoned Christian, I implore you to do your own research. Don’t take my word for it, but test things to make sure they line up with scripture. The only form of “prophetic word” is already written -by God- and in the Bible. It is always to be tested to see if it is from God. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” I John 4:1.
Not only is Bethel a mega-church movement misusing the name of Jesus, but their music is full of talented musicians that are pushing the “word of faith” following. The word of faith movement pushes the prosperity gospel, which is a false gospel. Jesus never said you can “name it and claim it” to anyone. In fact, Jesus assures believers that we will go through hard times.
To follow Jesus is a straight and narrow road. Within the Christian church deception is very alive. We are told by Jesus to pay attention, compare all things to what scripture says and not be deceived.
Fellow Christians, we must not forget that Satan is a master deceiver and can make and twist all things that are involved in the worship of Jesus. The fact remains that the Christian who doesn’t know what God’s Word actually says, will be the one that will ultimately be deceived.The Christian that doesn’t have God’s wisdom or discernment, will fall into Satan’s trap, just like Eve did.
Please, if you are wanting to worship Jesus in sprit and in truth, do not get pulled into anything Bethel-involved or related. It will be difficult at first, but taking a stand for God’s Word and His Truth always is. Remember, the first thing Jesus mentioned to be aware of in the Last Days was deception. ”Jesus answered, ‘See to it that you are not deceived’ Luke 21:8.
Unfortunately, Bethel does not know or share the true Jesus with their congregation. We have all heard the verse on “do not judge others”. This verse is so misquoted! This is mostly done by non-Christians that don’t even read the Bible. Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged means do not judge someone hypocritically! We cannot judge if we are doing the same sin in an even more severe way. In John 7:24 it reads,
“Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” We are commanded to judge righteously, to show others what is right before the eyes of the Lord. In fact, Steven judged the “righteous” Pharisees in Acts 7:51-55. Jonah was told by God to judge Ninevah in Jonah 1:1-2. It is with the intent of bringing repentance. So, if you see something that doesn’t line up with the Word of God, it is our duty to point it out in order to warm someone if they are being deceived. If they are a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and are knowingly deceiving people in order to divide people, we are to point out what scripture says. In Titus 3:10, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. “ In Ezekiel 3:18-20 it tells us that God will hold us responsible for not warming both the righteous and unrighteous people. “”If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. 19 But if you warm a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself20Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.…”. In II Timothy 3:16 reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” . So stand up to sin and unrighteousness and pray that those who are in sin will repent, then leave the rest to God.
Giving God The Glory 