In a recent CWC article we shared the testimony and document by Lindsay Davis – in this article Lindsay testifies as to how Bethel defines revival:
A. What is “Revival”?
Under Bethel’s “Mission” in the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry student handbook, “REVIVAL” is defined as “the personal, regional, and global expansion of God’s kingdom, through His manifest presence.”
A “REVIVALIST” is defined by Bethel as: “a believer who is focused and passionate, willing to pay any price TO live in community, purity, and power because they are loved by God, whose manifest presence transforms lives and cultures.” (Page 1)
This is classic New Apostolic Reformation heresy on the Kingdom of God (basileiology) and (eschatology) brainwashing youth at Bethel. For instance, ‘global expansion of God’s kingdom, through His manifest presence’ is the NAR agenda, this concept taken from a misreading of Habakkuk 2:14 and Rev 11:15.
The late C. Peter Wagner, leader of the New Apostolic Reformation until his passing, (Wagner also recognised Hillsong as part of this global apostolic movement), states:
“We are aggressively retaking dominion, and the rate at which this is happening will soon become exponential. The day will come when “‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever’” (Rev. 11:15, NKJV)!” [Archived]
Through bullying and intimidation, with their ‘conquering and conquest of nations’, they continue to be an aggressive threat to the spiritual stability of any country they are in. This dangerous movement, knowing they can’t overtly use such ‘war-like’ language without causing concern to the general public, has its leading adherents, such as Apostle Lance Wallnau, Apostle Johnny Enlow and Apostle Os Hillman now say they’re ”influencing culture’ instead of ‘taking dominion’.)
It’s interesting to note that Hillsong only become advocates of the New Apostolic Reformation whenever they believe it ‘safe’ to do so. After the abusive treatment of women in their ‘Mercy Ministries’ and the Michael Guglielmucci scandal was exposed, they have done their best to repackage and normalise their controversial NAR doctrines around the world. In 2013 Hillsong revealed their dominionist agenda in the ‘This is Revival’ advertising campaign leading up to Hillsong Conference 2013 (full article republished below).
In light of this, recently on an Instagram post, Hillsong’s Brian Houston claimed, “I had so much fun on Sunday preaching and pastoring. I felt the Holy Spirit say, “take the revival to the very back of the room” so that’s what I did.”
Source: Brian Houston, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvuj6j4nxw8/, Published April 02, 2018. (Accessed April 10, 2019.)
Why is he starting with this revival talk now? Could it be because of ‘Awakening Australia’?
The recent ‘revival’ that the Bethel cult brought to Australia towards the end of last year, had many of its Australian ‘apostolic’ associates endorse it. With all the talk of ‘revival’, could it be that Brian Houston also wants to be seen as an important spiritual ‘spearhead’ as well – aggressively retaking dominion in Australia by ‘advancing’ the (Hillsong) kingdom (particularly since we don’t find Hillsong associated with ‘Awakening Australia’)? Anyone who has left the NAR will be very familiar with these ‘dominionist’ code words.
When leaders speak like this, people must see them for what they are – wolves, preying in the vulnerable. Consider just those who commented on Houston’s Instagram:
vickestefana Hello Pastor @brianchouston, I am the mother of the child who is in my arms in the photo. Thank you for visiting us in the back of the church. We are a Chilean couple who leave everything without knowing anything, to learn. This has been the most difficult year of our lives, but it has also been the year in which we have experienced the love of God with the church. We have come a long way and we know who we have believed in!
Brian’s response:
brianchouston @vickestefana So nice to hear from you. I believe with you that God has great days ahead for you.
How does he know this? A biblical pastor should not say this. But an NAR Apostle or Prophet likes to give the impression that God speaks to them directly. This man is a wolf preying on this poor soul. A godly pastor would simply pray for them, asking for God’s will to be made manifest in their lives. Note Brian did not do this, rather he’s given a false prophecy.
Jesus makes it clear that men like Brian Houston are false prophets and we are to have nothing to do with them (Matthew 7:21-23).
Why would God the Holy Spirit tell Brian Houston to take ‘revival ‘ to anyone? If God was to speak to Brian Houston (as He does through His Word), God would tell him to repent of his deceitful words and ministry (as He has through His Word).
We end with our article on the ‘This is Revival’ article back in 2013 from Hillsong Church Watch. The language that accompanies their ‘revival’ talk highlights the same dangerous dominionist agenda that we are hearing from Bethel and C. Peter Wagner.
Hillsong Is A “Revival” And “Collective” That Is Not About “Astounding Bible Teachers”?
Hillsong advertised their 2013 Hillsong Conference in a disgraceful manner. To the non-discerning Christian, they would not pick up on the liberal language or agenda within the below blurb.
When you read the below information aboout the conference, notice how this revival is all about YOU. Don’t you think it is odd that they are promoting “revival” but down-playing the importance of “astounding bible teachers”. How can you have a Christian “revival” if the Word of God is not the focus? What to do you think is being emphasised at this conference if it is not God’s Word?
If you find the language below disturbing and would like to know where Hillsong is leading Australian Christianity, please view this important presentation by Chris Rosebrough. At the beginning of this year of 2014, Brian Houston made it clear that Hillsong is founded on the people. In other words, the volk. It is the people’s church. This is why Hillsong is so liberal and convoluted in their below description of the 2013 Hillsong Conference.
Hillsong wrote,
This is Revival
Revival is an awakening. A revitalization; a return to former glory. The Church, Christ’s body, suddeny shakes off it’s slumber and once again is re-animated, alert to a day of opportunity
This invitation to the 2013 Hillsong Conference is not about an annual event, a show, nor a grand line up of astounding bible teachers or artists.
It is about our collective here and now, and it is about the future. It is about HIS CHURCH on the earth today knowing her message, mandate and strategic moment in the chronicles of history. It is about the Church of Jesus Christ rising and weaving God’s master plan of redemption across the earth.
Revival begins in us. It is a personal awakening that in turn awakens others. It is fuelled by God’s Spirit and Word and by the purity of unity that commands His blessing (Psalm 133).
It was imagined, prayed for, and prophesied of by the faithful and fervent of former days and it is the unprecedented reality that we are living in today. Auditoriums and stadiums built for secular events, are now housing the Church alive, commissioned and mobilized.
Without doubt our most glorious and fruitful days are before us all. Our prayer is that you, your family and church will be refreshed, revived and empowered more than ever.
Our prayer is that the twelve months leading into the twenty-thirteen Hillsong Conference gathering will be “crowned with His goodness and favor” (Psalm 65) – and that the depth, breadth, reach and richness of true REVIVAL will be your portion. Our prayer is that our magnificent 2013 guests will again unleash and water the potential within our collective lives.
Across the communities, cities and nations of the earth there are still multitudes in the valleys of decision and despair … this is our moment, this is our Great Commission, this is our day, THIS IS REVIVAL.
— Brian and Bobbie Houston
(Source: This is Revival, http://hillsongconference.com/revival, Accessed 23/10/2012.) [Archive]
Elsewhere Hillsong states, regarding their 2013 Conference:
Hillsong Conference is about you, your Church and seeing God’s Kingdom advance across the earth. Hundreds of churches from across Australia, Europe, and the world at large are represented at Hillsong Conference.
We do not take lightly the power and strength in unity and the opportunity this is to pour into you and your House. This is your chance for you to lean in, receive and take home practical teachings you can outwork in your own church home, family and community.
For Hillsong Conference 2013, we have the strength and experience of our outstanding guests.
In Sydney, we have Rick Warren, Judah Smith, Joel & Victoria Osteen, Craig Groeschel, Kari Jobe and the Hillsong team who are passionate about the Church and seeing her be all God has called her to be.
In London, we have the pleasure of welcoming Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin to the platform, together with the Hillsong team.
We believe you will be greatly impacted and enriched as world-renown church leaders and speakers practically share from the Word and their experience with you.
Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin and the Hillsong team reach thousands for Jesus across the globe through their music. What an honour to worship together as we touch Heaven and stir up revival.
We have 3 streams; Empowering Leadership, Creative Worship and Because We Can. Within these streams we have electives, each with a specific focus to help you in your personal life, ministry and business. These break-out sessions are designed to unpack different areas of ministry, with practical tools and knowledge to help take you and your team forward.
We apologise for not sourcing the above before Hillsong removed this information. However, it was collected on the 23/10/2012. It is also interesting to note that this copy and paste job was done by Brian Houston to Facebook:
Hillsong Conference 2013 New York City
For the first time ever Hillsong Conference is coming to the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Hillsong Conference is about you, your Church and seeing God’s Kingdom advance across the earth. Hundreds of churches from across Australia, Europe, and the world at large are represented at Hillsong Conference.
We do not take lightly the power and strength in unity and the opportunity this is to pour into you and your House. This is your chance for you to lean in, receive and take home practical teachings you can outwork in your own church home, family and community.
Join us as we champion the cause of local churches throughout America.
For more info and to register please visit hillsongconference.com/usa
Your Hosts:
Brian & Bobbie Houston
Joel Houston & UNITED
Hillsong LIVE
Christine Caine
Reuben Morgan
Carl Lentz
I believe that the mandate of Hillsong Conference is inclusive, it is about teaching and resourcing, equipping and empowering, but it is also about gathering and learning from one another, with an outward focus that says we can do more together. – Brian Houston.
Source: Brian Houston, Hillsong Conference 2013 New York City, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/events/176552642485047/, Event Created on the 29 November 2012 at 10:29. (Accessed 16/02/2014.)
The subjective nonsense spouted in their advertisements is abhorrent. The point of the conference is deliberately blurred through post-modern obfuscation. Their aim is to keep advertising Brian Houston’s God-given vision of championing the cause of the local church. In other words, they impose their dangerous movement onto more vulnerable churches through their music, teachings and dangerous cult-like methodologies through various appealing means. They say their conference is all about God. They say all the right things.
But more importantly, to hide their agenda, they make sure they target you and make sure their conference is all about you. Do not fall for their marketing gimmicks. Hillsong is not about God. It is not about you. It is about them.
Source: Hillsong Is A “Revival” And “Collective” That Is Not About “Astounding Bible Teachers”?, HillsongChurchWatch, https://hillsongchurchwatch.com/2014/02/15/hillsong-is-a-revival-and-collective-that-is-not-about-astounding-bible-teachers/https://hillsongchurchwatch.com/2014/02/15/hillsong-is-a-revival-and-collective-that-is-not-about-astounding-bible-teachers/, Published February 15, 2013. [Archived]
Email all comments and questions to c3churchwatch@hotmail.com
Categories: Uncategorized