![]() ![]() We may disagree with their view on this point, but it is very much a secondary, perhaps even tertiary, doctrine. And let us not forget that although I and many evangelical charismatics believe baptism in the Spirit occurs simultaneous with conversion, the doctrine of “separate and subsequent” has been and still is embraced by numerous Christian denominations within the Pentecostal world, and is ably (even if not persuasively) defended by countless biblical scholars who minister in that tradition. They do appear to believe that this experience is separate from and subsequent to conversion, but even then the language is a bit ambiguous. Nothing is said about speaking in tongues being the initial, physical evidence of Spirit baptism. Here is what they say: “The baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 1:4-8 and 2:4, is poured out on believers that they might have God’s power to be His witnesses.” Bethel was at one time affiliated with the Assemblies of God, and yet their statement on the issue of Spirit baptism differs from that denomination’s viewpoint. They further affirm that we are saved by grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus. ![]() They affirm the Trinity, the inspiration and authority of the Bible, the incarnation and virgin birth of Jesus Christ, His substitutionary death on the cross, bodily resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. Bethel’s statement of faith is profoundly evangelical and orthodox and consistent with the historic creeds of Christianity. Not me, not your pastor, not the world, only God. Don’t compare it to your traditions or what you think is right. She also insists that we should “read their church’s doctrine and see what they preach, teach and believe. Because this lady believes that some of what Bethel and Hillsong teach is unbiblical, no other church should make use of the music composed or sung there. Every church, be it Bethel, Hillsong or Bridgeway (including Refine Church in Tennessee), needs to labor more vigorously to tether our teachings and practices to the inspired Word of God.īut let’s go straight to the point. In no way do I endorse certain ministry methods that are employed at a variety of churches that artificially stir up emotions as an end in themselves or manipulate people into behaviors or experiences that lack biblical sanction. In no way do I endorse or turn a blind eye to the scandals that have rocked Hillsong in recent days. I’m curious: Does a person’s stiff, statuesque posture, with hands firmly at one’s side or stuffed into one’s pockets honor God more than those that are lifted in praise?īe assured of this. Has she not read Scripture’s many references to this practice? Has she not considered the deeply symbolic and spiritual nature of not only this but of other physical postures in worship? ![]() But I’m puzzled by the reference to the raising of hands. I don’t like the strobe lights that so often are used in church worship sets. So let me go on the record in this regard. She continues: “What if the majority of the church is leading its people astray singing music that is less than worthy of a Sovereign and Holy God? Would God be pleased with the lights? With the smoke machines? With the obsession of hands in the air and ‘response’ from the crowd? With loud worship nights singing songs He doesn’t approve of?” And in this, we are tacitly subsidizing and spreading “their false gospel message.” Morgan is also bothered by the fact that in singing the songs of Bethel and Hillsong, “royalties” are being paid to them. If a song is in any way inconsistent with Scripture, we don’t sing it, no matter who wrote it or how much we might like the melody. Here at my church, Bridgeway, we are intensely careful never to sing error. Morgan insists that when it comes to corporate singing in church, “theology matters.” “It matters,” she says, “if a song is weak in theology and is not accurately displaying the Holiness of our God.” I couldn’t agree more. Perhaps you saw an article that appeared online recently in which Mackenzie Morgan, a worship leader at Refine Church in Lascassas, Tennessee, announced that she and her church would no longer sing songs that come from Bethel Church in California or Hillsong Church in Australia.Īfter examining some of the teachings from both Bethel and Hillsong, she concluded that to sing any song that originated with or was composed by someone from either of these churches was dangerous.
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