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The Way of Cain - Page 15New teachings in the Christian Church- Where are They Leading Us?
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The Place of Music
Music is used as a tool to stimulate these physical manifestations: An 'altered state of consciousness' is induced by singing one simple chorus repeatedly over a long period of time, in the same way mantras are chanted by pagan mystics to achieve a mind emptied of coherent thought and open to influences from the spirit world. The movement objects to the great hymns of the past, as they contain much doctrinal substance (which they do not support) and require concentration of the mind.
Because of criticism, some leaders are trying to de-emphasize the 'partying' aspect of the Toronto Blessing, urging 'repentence' instead, but it remains just as carnal, unbiblical, and destructive- a field day for the flesh. Some people have actually repented of doing what is right- for instance, confessing they had been ''legalistic'' because they sought to remain faithful to the Bible!
When I first began asking questions about the Toronto Blessing, supporters told me that it was about ''falling more in love with Jesus'' and that it was only ''some extremists following along on the fringe that were giving it a bad name.''
I have found this to be totally untrue: It is the genuine, sincere Christians following on the outskirts that give the movement any credibility, and it is the leaders of the movement, the pastors and speakers, those in the pulpit, who are modeling, encouraging (demanding might be a more appropriate word), rewarding, and passing on every bizarre and ungodly behavior.
Speakers openly deride the word of God and holy things as they stagger about the altar in a drunken stupor, quoting from rock music lyrics more readily than the scriptures, and the crowd roars with laughter like an ungodly audience cheering on a crude nightclub act; each reference to ''drunkenness'' or foolish behavior receiving a roar of approval. (16)
The sounds coming from the crowd resemble those of an insane asylum - cackling, shrieking, moaning, roaring. The crowd is dotted with people doing odd things- lying or rolling about on the floor, performing compulsive movements, laughing inappropriately, talking to themselves in a world of their own, perhaps one may even be seen banging his head against a wall. The ''laying on hands'' is practiced in indecent ways that defy description, ''prophecies'' are exalted that are clearly and openly contrary to the word of God, worshippers flail around endangering others, falling and stepping on one another.
Pensacola pastor John Kilpatrick laughs about how someone in his church mistook another woman as his wife- because after Kilpatrick had been 'slain in the spirit,' this other woman was 'slain' and landed in his arms, where they continued to lay together for some time. (17)
...and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting... Eph 5:4
For certain persons have crept in unnoticed... ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness... Jude 4
The saddest thing is to catch sight of the frightened, confused faces of children in the midst of this bedlam, and to see adults initiating these innocent, trusting ones into the practice.
...but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. Mt 18:6
Most people receive the Toronto Blessing before being aware of any of the theology behind it- they are bound into the movement by this very powerful experience before they can objectively examine the theology and goals (or even realize there are a theology and goals), which is just the way the leaders want it. It is very difficult, if not impossible, for people to use objective, critical thinking skills about the movement after receiving it.
Here is a good description of the experience which was posted on a Toronto Blessing newsgroup by a woman deeply involved:
Dear __, You asked me what's up.... so....... here goes! The Gott's (Ken and Lois) from Sunderland England are here.. for conference at Brownsville... they seem to have an impartation for intercession and going a bit deeper in the river...!!! They prayed for the prayer team last night for about 45 min. before church. It was such a strong anointing. The room was full of everyone of us behaving as if electricity was charging thru us in huge waves. Uncontrollable yells were coming out of us... As a matter of fact... Ouch.. they are hitting me as I try to describe it. My head keeps getting swallowed up by my shoulders in huge jerks as ''OHHHH!'' comes out of my mouth as as if my voice and body are synchonized. Last night...my head seemed to get so much lower than my shoulders that at one point, my head was in my blouse..ha ha ha ha ha.. I am starting to laugh now........................ whoa............... Oops...there I go again! Some time between 6:15 and 7:00 my earrings broke off... Who knows how or when???? Maybe My shoulders did it!!! It all started early on Friday... By the time the Gott's came to pray for us at 6:15... Well, after those prayers last night, we were manifesting like we did in the beginning...only louder. Trying to walk was harder. Going in a straight line and completely upright was nearly impossible for the the whole night. Staying silent was also nearly impossible. The OH's came without thought or foreknowledge that it was about to come. I was assigned to pray in the Chapel last night... The people were very hungry to be touched by God. [sic] My partner, ______, had been powerfully touched in the prayer room too so we FELT the presence of God swirling around us as we prayed... My knees kept giving out and I'd end up in a squatting postion going ''OHHHHHHHHH!'' ...I got Pastor ____ from another AOG to pray for me. As he turned toward me..I started deep bowing until he touched my head and then I went electric until I crashed to the floor. My head was trying to hide in my blouse again.. ha ha ha ha .. my pockets emptied.. my tags and certs were everywhere. I could see them but I couldn't get them. Some people around me tried to help me up but it was no use...My legs would not hold me up. I don't know how long I was down but when the lights started going out ... I made myself get up and wobbled in a bent over postion all the way to the car. I did the OHHH's all the way. No one pays any attention to people like me anymore..its a common sight here... I had to set my cruise control on the car to 35mph or else I would find myself slowing down to 20 mph as I boxed the air in intercession all the way home... I dreamed of being at church while I slept. Jerks woke me up several times. It was very nice. When I got to _____ this morning and picked up some photos of the Gott's praying for some others the day before... I start the bowing and had to stop looking at them in public!!! Instead of the loud OHH'S.. I had some more quiet EWE'S.. ha ha ha ha... ...since you asked what was UP... I just had to tell you while this is so fresh! (18)
And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned... 2 Pet 2:2
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