I remember many years ago, your uncle came to a church I belonged to. As a matter of fact he came quite a few times. I thought something was wrong with me because I wasn’t falling. I know now why it didn’t happen. I believe God was protecting me from what was happening
I never saw B Hinn, but belonged to a church that followed these practices, I too thought what was wrong with me, as I NEVER experienced ANYTHING...Im TRULY SOOO VERY THANKFUL GOD PROTECTED me in my ignorance of desiring signs & wonders...By GODS GRACE HE has opened my eyes to HIS TRUTH through the HOLY SCRIPTURE...Not "experiences"...🙏
Same with me, in my college years I went to a church like this but wasn’t experiencing the same as everyone else around me. Thought I was doing something wrong but now I know it was God protecting me from false doctrine.
It's a team effort 😁 Clearing soil for it to be ready for planting takes a lot more time and repeated effort than does the planting stage. When I was clearing and preparing my garden, I found broken bricks, bits of cement, beer bottle glass, stones, and weeds. I'd look it over again, and find more debris and weeds where I thought I'd carefully dug through the soil. I suspect that our hearts and minds are like this when we've been taught wrong things over a long time, and been conditioned to accept a normal that isn't normal, by being in Pentecostal churches. More digging up of the soil is required, by truth as a trowel in the hands of believers. Godly leadership presenting truth helps us to see what needs to be dug out of our soil. I'm very grateful to the Lord for having raised up leaders for the remnant believers in these end times. About two years ago when I was distressed and angry about the way the world was unraveling, descending into darkness, lies and corruption, before I began studying Bible prophecy, I would cry out to the Lord that He would raise up some godly leadership, as there seemed to be none that I could see. I'm glad to say that He was already at work raising up some leaders to help protect His flock, and He helped me find other remnant believers in the world so that I wouldn't feel so alone. I'm glad that I found your TH-cam channel during the past year Justin, or I might still be searching for substance in what Joyce Meyer says. I don't have a microscope in order to do that. Hahaha! 😀 🇭🇲
I don't believe in being slain in the spirit because it's not Biblical but I believe in the gifts of the spirit healings and miracles for today because the scripture says it's for today 😊
I was attending a Assemblies of God church for years as a teen and young adult and even served as a pastor. I was “slain in the spirit” a couple times. The first time was at a conference and had a speaker start just pointing at people and they were falling down. He pointed at me and I passed out and woke up on the ground. It was scary and I now believe it was demonic. Another time I have been pushed and told to let go! Let god touch you. Let go! And other buzz words! Thank you for this video Costi and team!
Just curious were you saved then? If so, you are claiming you can have the Holy Spirit in you and a demon forcing you to do something at the same time. I believe differently, I don't believe you can be saved and full of the Holy Spirit and have a demon take over you. I don't see how a demon and the Holy Spirit could live in the same person.
Thank you for revealing the truth ☺️ I’ve been so caught up with the physical manifestations thinking that they were from the Holy Spirit. I thank God that he lead me to this video and gave me conviction. May you continue to do the Lord’s work and expose the lies of the enemy 🙏 ✝️
From my experience, some of it was demonic (I was taken aside as a "project" by a female Kenneth Copeland), some of it was fake (I know because that was me at times), some of it was peer pressure that resulted in "real" experiences (me, again). I find myself praising God even after all these years (20 years have passed) for removing me from these unbiblical practices and doctrines. I still have friends who are "cautious but open" and it breaks my heart. I pray for them all the time.
@@wlknonsonshine Oh, no one you would know. She was a woman at church who was considered a "prophetess" and she tried to get me to "loosen up" and "receive what God had for me." She was a "strange" lady. In the four years that I knew her, I never once saw her smile. She was very intense and intimidating. She was always frowning and her gaze would scare you half to death. I have no doubt that she was heavily influenced by demons.
I have to agree. I was at Benny Hinn's crusade in Arkansas in 2001 and I went with some college friends and we were on top of the balcony and when your uncle stated that he was going to blow on everyone, I remember the music slowing and the atmosphere was charged but the moment he said something it was like dominos how the front went down all the way up and when I was sitting on the stairs I promise until this day we still talk about this (our experience) but something like a fire was in front of me and I tried to resist and i felt it on me. It was crazy. And since we came out of the NAR and WOF into biblical teaching we have yet to figure out what threw some people and the rest of us had a crazy experience. I am always ministering the scriptures and encouraging others to read the word it is sufficient! Good teaching, I will share this video.
So much of the "show" uses tools of mass hypnosis. Soft, repetitive music, going with expectations, the power of suggestions, and a deep desire to "fit in". The peer pressure is huge.
I totally understand. It's not any type of hypnosis. It's a type of wind and electricity-like feeling. Very intense. I've been genuinely seeking answers if that is the Holy Spirit or demonic. I've been in new age before with chakras, reiki, and all that, but this is different. That is why I keep seeking. It would be such a shame that places where the name of Jesus is being spoken of and people are worshipping, that a demonic spirit can be amongst them. It's just doesn't make sense either.
A study was done that found that people who were "slain" in a service went on home and absolutely nothing changed in their lives. It would seem such an event would have some kind of lasting impact if it were true.
Not true I have been forever change by the Holy Spirit. I’m 72 yrs old and have known the Lord for 53 yrs. the first time I was slain in the spirit I had known the Lord probably 10 to 15 yrs. I didn’t believe in it. I knew about it but but didn’t believe. I was shocked cause I was the first in line to get prayed for. I have been slain in the presence many times throughout my life and at 72 I feel closer to the Lord then ever. Plus I have gone to Benny Hines crusades and the Lord has used his teaching in my life to strengthen me. Plus I love his book about the Blood. You really shouldn’t talk bad about him or anyone else. If you do remember that when you judge God will judge you on what you say.
@@janetlanders8220 Excuse me but Costi is well placed to talk about these things. He comes out. He decided to seek the truth before the experiments. About Benny Hinn, I never found in the Bible men hitting others men with their jackets etc...
@@janetlanders8220no he won’t. We aren’t judged by God if we use spiritual discernment and call out fakery. That’s a wrong interpretation of scripture.
@@janetlanders8220 Sorry janney, but you were absolutely duped every single time you were so-called "slained". Remember, "slained" is nowhere in the whole history of the Bible. It wasnt our Lord Jesus that caused that experience. I assume you send money also to the false prophets. I hope you one day find the truth...Jesus is THETRUTH, THE WAY AND THE LIFE.
Lol same for me. But it was my first time being in part with slain with the spirit. Since I was new, I don't know what to expect. We were gathered in the middle of the hall. Then ask to closed our eyes. The pastor then make prayers then said FIRE. And all I heard were people screaming and crying. Then I'm ought to open my eyes because I want to look around. Some people fell and some not. Then it's my turn being prayed , I didn't feel anything except being a bit pressured on my forehead so just follow to pastor hand to lay down and I was forced myself to stay closed my eyes. Then about a minute later when I felt the people who fell beside me start to get up,I also get up😅. No I wasn't fell to fake the slain. I fell because I was slightly pushed and my own will because I don't want them to look on me differently. 😅. Also I do believe in holy spirit but this I think this is not it because before starting the slain, I do ask God for show me something or feeling. But there's none of it.
Thank you Costi❤ I have been saved out of the charismatic movement. I have been in that mess since a young girl. I left it in 2019. I totally have had to detox from it. It is soooooo dangerous😢. I thank God a lot that am out of that. Followers of this are so injured and I have grieved, been angry, cried, doubted, but I am learning the true gospel with pastors Voddie Baucham, John McArthur, Paul Washer, Justin Peter's and you. I don't chase the devil anymore or speak about him. Being set free from this has been hard, but thank you Jesus He set me free!!
I once went to one of those churches and went forward. There were say 20+ of us. In the end, I was the only one still standing upright. When that Pastor looked me in the eyes, I can describe it as a look of hatred. He however walked away from me without saying a word. Must just say that at that stage I was for many years already a born-again child of God.
I got saved in 1999, and from the get go, I rejected this whole thing as a deception. One of my elders said, "the Holy Spirit is calm and gracious, and when He fills you, you could be holding a cup of water full to the brim and not a drop would pour because the spirit doesn't author chaos" And I still believe it to this day
Hello Joseph I'm from France and here ( with some of brothes and sisters ) we say the same thing as your elder 😁🙂 the Spirit is not in the thunder... The wind... The fire.. 1 Kings 19v11. Be blessed brother.
Are you born again believing that the only way your sins are forgiven is through the blood of Jesus Christ? Because if not, then you will still go to hell :) whether or not you were "slain in the spirit"
@@captainkrajick Satan believes that so do the catholic and many other sect of christianity. So it matters and if you been slane then there is something wrong.
Thank you, Costi. I was raised by Charismatic parents. I was "slain" in the spirit (I use a little s because it wasn't the Holy Spirit) as a child to "get it over with". I literally, threatened those behind me that if they didn't catch me I'd be after them first! Then I stood where I was supposed to, waited for the praying to heat up, and pulled my toes up. It was done. That was after being "taught" how to "speak in tongues". I was tired of constantly being hounded by -- admittedly well meaning -- but absolutely insistent grown ups after every service! And we went every single night. You can only take so much of that at age 11. So it's nice to hear you lay that out the way it can be in different ways for different people. So glad I escaped it all! Mine was totally fake because I faked it to get them to STOP.
Grew up watching all this on TV as a child and being in and out of these 'glory meetings' in the UK. So so glad God brought me out of it and into the truth. Thank you for teaching on this!
thank you LORD JESUS !! repentance in utter obedience with an ongoing personal relationship with JESUS is my only Hope in a sea of end of the age unfolds ! this man is answer to my prayer from decades ago when i first encountered this [[ CHARISMATIC ]] MOVEMENT in 1984 and i asked JESUS questions! waiting on JESUS is precious for he hears and answers questions when you PSALM 27:14 for him! thank you JESUS for this gentleman
Thank you, Pastor Costi. This is so incredibly helpful. As you may remember, my husband, Brian Lightfoot, was your Uncle Benny’s administrator at Orlando Christian Center. He worked alongside Gene Polino in the early 90’s. God was so merciful and kind to bring us out of the prosperity “gospel” and into a right biblical worldview, but being involved in that “ministry” really took a toll on our family. I definitely can relate to the attitude of “touch not the Lord’s anointed”…aka “Do not question the teaching, methods, or practices of the spiritual leader. Brian and I are now part of a Reformed Baptist Church in NC but it took many years to “deconstruct” the faulty belief system we participated in and perpetuated while part of OCC. You are in our prayers, brother, as you rightly divide the Word of God and expose the dangers of a false “gospel”. The Lord bless you and your family. I’m sure all this comes at a great cost, but Jesus is worth everything! To Him be all the glory forever!
Thank you for your testimony. It was definitely a no no to question Benny Hinn, judging from what I read in one of his former youth pastors' books about the inherent dangers of touching God's anointed
Point 1 is so accurate - peer pressure is huge!!! Point 2 - wow, so accurate! Hypnotic - Yes Jesus is here, going to touch you.. “touch” and then a soft blow sometime! And you fall .. wow Point 3 - yes the honor of the leader!!! Sooo true oh my goodness! So true 😮 they want the “mantle” .. for us it’s “Guillermo Maldonado” Point 4 - yes! Faking it! Just to get it over with and make leader look good Point 5 - yes! Demonic ! Oh my goodness, very! Just crazy, my faith was truly in Christ but to be so deceived to start screaming and yelling is just so confusing and it’s just so awful. What a shame I had.
I was a part of this movement for many years. If I could add another one to this list it would be the need to prove to other believers just how in tune and receptive I am to the spirit of God by falling down. And to take it a step further, once I fall down, if I shake and quiver and moan etc I am displaying that God must be doing a thorough work ! The whole practice is really rooted in pride and self exultation, almost a competition to see who’s affected the most by the Holy Spirit. The degree of my experience determines the degree of my closeness to God ! The real problem with this practice and the question that really needs to be put forward is this, If the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, which indeed he is, how could he possibly endorse a practice based on falsity ? If I’m falling down because it’s expected and it’s not really God doing it, then the reality is I’m practicing a lie !
I notice they use the word Holy Spirit alot, but Scripture says we are to call him by name, Hallowed be thy name... No where does it say to call him Holy Spirit, and even Muslims believe their Spirit is holy. But I think Jesus can still use this to bring people to him. But it looks scary what goes on on those stages. Just my opinion
This is such a helpful video. So accurate and edifying. As someone who grew up around this type movement, this video gave me the closure I didn’t know I needed. Almost all the examples given in the clips are things I had experienced live, even down to the music played. Sends shivers through my spine just thinking about it. Like some have commented, I used to think there was something wrong with me when everyone around me was being “slain” and I wasn’t. I thank God for taking me out of this movement many years ago. I thank God for protecting me. I pray for those around me still caught up in this movement. It takes the true power of God to deliver.
Thank you Costi , I'm embraced to say . I was one of those who were court up & descived in the Pentecostal Charismatic movement for 25 years. I feel down in the so called power of the spirit , I once spoke in tongues & experienced the so called laughing in the spirit . I thank my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ , for His mercy that lead me to repentence & out of that false Christianity that is the Pentecostal Charismatic movement . I'm now reformed & a cessationlist , who now loves sound doctrine of God's Holy Word the Bible , that is the closed cannon of Scripture 🙏♥️.
Thank you so very much for this teaching, I used to be part of this circle of churches, so thankful to the Lord for getting me out of it. and for his protection I never was slain in the spirit … and I always thought there was something wrong with me.
I respect your desire to keep people in the accuracy of the Word of God. And you've had personal experiences that have shown certain things to be false as I've seen you interviewed. But, I have to share that I experienced being "slain" under the power of God's Presence one time in my life and no one was laying hands on me, caught me, nor did I see other people having that experience around me. My eyes were closed as I was having a very deep moment of prayer with the Lord and by total surprise I had this experience. I was never the same, more in love with Jesus and following Him, learning His Word through Bible study, being committed to Him and His Church. So even though there are certainly false experiences out there, it grieved my heart to think that people would walk away from the teaching thinking it is never legitimate. God bless you as you share the Gospel of Jesus!
People want to impose their ideas on all. We cant deny other person experiences . When Jesus did out of box workings - even pharisees the word focused people couldn't agree ... they said its demonic . i do agree certain times there are abuses that takes place . we don't deny the true move of God because there are fakes counterfeit .
Agree 100% . I have even listened to legitimate preachers and apostles teach and right through TH-cam I was slain in the spirit. I pray that people will heighten their discernment in this season ❤
Amen. Perhaps when others come up under false teachers, they label everyone else false as well because they have only been exposed to the counterfeit. That actually sounds like the trick of Satan as opposed to the teaching that it cannot be so. (Example. The text says Jesus fed the 5,000. We know by understanding these ancient and cultural writings, women were not counted. Shall we conclude they were not fed?). You tell me.
This is so good. Thank you for covering this! It’s really helpful to have it put into words as simple as you put it because when ppl really want to justify these kind of actions they will make ANY excuse. But you made it plain as day. If it’s not in the Bible, you aren’t missing a thing
I used to get slain many times at my old church assembly of God. Once I was laughing in the spirit for like an hour. It was a NYE prayer small service. God was repeating So What? In my spirit because at the time I was experiencing a lot of hypocrisy, judgment and condemnation. Late I realized it's in the bible where God sits on His throne and laughs at his enemies. Also, the verse that says She laughs with no fear of the future. Later I went on to sing praise and worship at church for about 5 years and more. I still sing gospel but mostly at funerals or local talent shows.
First to say thank you, brother Costi, for speaking openly about the false manifestations, commonly mistaken with the power of the Holy Spirit. It is as you said. But there is a real power of the Holy Spirit, a real joy in the Lord and a real tearing of hearts in His presence - only if people revere Jesus enough to be honest with Him and to love Him. I have experienced both and there is a huge difference - one is hollow, the other is holy.
I totally understand I started a new job a couple months ago and I was driving to work one day singing a worship song and I started to cry and feeling some electric feeling in my face and hands while driving.
I was a member of Evangelistic Temple in Houston back in the day. It was known as Charismatic. We really had the best worship music back then. All of these people, Hinn, Copeland, Hickey, etc were in and out of the church which on many occasions was standing room only. I used to work for Charles and Francis Hunter in their office and was required to go to their meetings at "The Temple". I quit because I never really got into what they were doing especially Slain in the spirit. I loved this church and all of my friends there and had so many experiences that I knew were from the Holy Spirit. The pastor and many of the people in charge were found out in their immoral sins and I left and heard that eventually the church closed. I am so glad to have been delivered from that belief system.
When I see these fakes, I experience many thoughts and feelings. From anger to sadness to grief to disgusted. My God have mercy on all of them and lead them to the truth. Costi, I am thankful God delivered you. He also delivered me from many false teachings and false doctrines/man centered slavation. Praise God for His mercy.
Remember Jesus sent out the 70 to preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out devils… the Holy Spirit was upon them… this is what happens not the modern form of false teachings. Amen Costi
I went to 2 Benny Hinn conferences and left both times thinking Jesus didn't love me because I wasn't "touched by God". At our church that I no longer belong to it was just as Costi explained. Again, I felt like less of a Christian because I didn't get that touch from God others did. A visiting evangelist literally tried pushing me down when I wasn't falling down. He shoved on my forehead so hard it hurt my neck. Im so thankful to no longer be a part of that circus. It has taken YEARS to sort through false teachings to find truth. Thank you Costi for exposing these things.
Five years ago, the Lord mercifully delivered my family from this kind of deception. Costi, you played a significant role in helping us understand the true work of the Holy Spirit and along with other expository Bible teachers, to examine carefully what we had believed , practiced and experienced in the United Pentecostal Church. I must say that this organization seems to continue to fly under the radar. What you said at the end of this video is truth that finally brought clarity, understanding, and the willingness to admit that much, if not all, of the spiritual manifestations and experiences, we witnessed, and experienced ourselves over three decades were not the Holy Spirit. The United Pentecostal Church preaches a false Gospel. They do preach, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, however, salvation comes- not through trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ, but by obedience to Acts 2:38. They have erroneously connected John 3:3 and John 3:5 with Acts 2:38 making Acts 2:38 the way a person is born again. That is, a person must repent, be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. They believe what happened on the day of Pentecost is prescriptive for every believer. If you don’t obey the gospel, by obeying Acts 2:38 then you are not saved. Speaking in tongues is the evidence that the Holy Spirit has filled you. If you don’t speak in tongues, then you were not born again. This is such a gross aberration of the true gospel! Add to this their oneness theology concerning the Godhead and how could this be anything but another Jesus, and a different spirit. Thank you for all you are doing, Costi. May God continue to bless, guide and strengthen you.
Uhhh speaking from someone in a Pentecostal Church, the general theology is that there is a Baptism in the Holy Spirit upon a sign is speaking in tongues, however, this is not a prerequisite from being saved in any way. Now, this theology is a whole debate for another time, and may be contestable, but the Gospel itself, that salvation is through faith in God alone, is the same. God bless you!
I have a lot of respect for you Costi. I had an experience twice where I was what would be considered slain the spirit. I hate the term slain in the spirit. I know where they get that verse from in Revelation, but I don't like that term. I think it can happen, but I definitely don't think it happens in large groups, like Benny Hinn swinging his coat and everybody falls down. That to me is show. But my experiences both times profoundly changed my life. Both times when I opened my eyes I was praising God with my hands raised. Satan never praises God. And I found a closeness to God and felt a love I can't explain in words but that it was God's love. The second time it happened was just a week ago, I was not expecting it and I had no idea that would happen. The preacher asked all of us volunteers to come up to the altar for prayer, I work in a non-profit Christian organization that serves our community. I had my eyes closed and was praying, it was a quiet prayer. I wasn't praying out loud there was no hyperness going on just the normal altar call and gentle music. There were no hysterics. I didn't even know the pastor was up at me, he was going to each person and anointing us for the ministry in our community. Our city has a lot of drugs and violence and a high rate of murder even for a small city. So he was anointing us and praying us for our ministry for God. He came and anointed me and I fell. I cannot explain why, as I was not expecting this to happen. But I opened my eyes and was praising God with my arms up. It was actually a beautiful Holy experience. The more I saw God's holiness the more I saw my own sin in my life. But the more I also felt gratitude for his grace and love. I've met a few people who've had this experience, and I think for some yes it is genuine. And it has happened for a long time, but people being what they are had to put some kind of term on it and sensationalize it and act like it should happen in groups and happen regularly. And that's simply not true. we each with fear and trembling need to work out our relationship with God. So while I don't disagree with this video completely, I do think there are genuine times that happens. Now the convulsing, I don't get that. I don't think that's legit, I try not to be judgmental of people, but the only time people convulse is with seizure disorders or demon possession. God is love, He is good. The few people I know that something like this has happened to, are not hyper people, they don't even go to charismatic churches. They are your "average" person in society and Christian, a couple of pastors I know, those pastors having been pastors yo more conservative churches for many years. But it was never in a chaotic everybody falling down lots of silliness like that. It was often a very peaceful service, and I do believe those are authentic. The first time it happened to me I had no idea what it was. My husband and I visited a Pentecostal church, I had no idea we were in a Pentecostal church at that time, and I had no idea what being slain in the spirit even meant. He prayed for me and he barely touched my head and I fell. I knew nothing at the time of such a thing. I actually had to ask what happened to me. But after that I was so blessed by God, and I knew I could get through what I was facing. Way too long a story to put in a message. But I have never been to a hysterical service like you are explaining. I know those happen, I've seen it on videos.
Hi This is Bharat from Mumbai India I was 12 when pastor Benny Hinn visited india in 2004. I didn't know who he was. I heard a preacher came from USA I was so far from him. Huge crowd. Almost 2 million people were attending the congregation. I wasn't able to see him. I don't remember how and why But I was slain in the spirit I fell down bavkwards for 3 times it was like heaven was open form me i could not stand up so touched by something powerful. Second time when I fell i felt that wave of water or something hit me and an i fell again. And that presence and power gripped me for 3 days When I came home whenever I closed my eyes i felt i was flying or siting in heaven. Fast forward after 20 years I am baptised 32 year old man Whenever I pray to God I can feel that same presence around me not that powerful but same presence. its so pleasant presence of God I can pray for hours. It's not just falling backward I don't listen pastor Benny hinns messages but it's my personal experience with Lord , there is nobody in my room who can hypnotise me a simple prayer brings Lord presence in my room. That's my testimonyI
When my pastor prayed for me and laid his hands on my head there was a tremendous warmth and love that flowed into my spirit, I went weak at the knees and had to lay down. It was a gentle, lovely moment and I experienced a vision that changed and softened my heart . The pastor was just an ordinary man in an ordinary service in a beautiful, loving , spirit filled church. All I will say is ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bath water’. Be discerning, but not cynical.
@@DoveCeramics It was an angel of light sis. Dont you know how satan is the great imitater of God? And he thrives on feelings. Yes you were duped take it or leave it. Walk by faith not sight.
I've been part of both experiences and I can tell you this much. I won't LET anyone push me down, nor will I fake it before the Lord, or fall under any peer pressure. I would NEVER bring irreverence to my heavenly Father in any such way. Yet I can ASSURE you I have had such experiences in my lifetime that include being touched by the Lord AT MY HOUSE WITH NO ONE ELSE THERE OR TOUCHING ME, and at my church where again no one touched me, but I could not only feel the feeling of electricity running thru my arms, but that day also clearly for me marks a day in which a desire to chase ALL that God has for my life heightened, and has only increased every day since (that's 17 years plus, y'all). Actually my pastor in that church wasn't even big on sharing these things or having any"special services" from the pulpit. And yet prior to that day(remember, NOBODY TOUCHED OR BLEW ON ME OR WAVED A JACKET AT ME) I never lived with the hunger for purity and righteousness that I have since that day. So think what y'all want. There are probably many fakers doing the touching or being touched, but don't be fooled for one second in believing ALL of that is fake or demonic.
I would love to hear your testimony. I agree that most of what we've seen in these clips is either mass hysteria, the power of suggestion, demonic, or simply "faking it" for approval. However, I can't say this applies 100% of the time. It may be 100% of the time in the instances and circumstances shown. I don't believe God intended "The Church" to endorse celebrity which consolidates perceived power into an individual. This leads to error and abuse.
I expirienced the same. Nobody lay hands on, prayed, there was no music, we were in a private prayer meeting and praising the Lord. Suddenly I was hit and was on the ground, I had no chance to resist. No catcher, I fell in a fathered bed and was filled with the joy of the Lord. No one can tell me, that was the devil. They just do not know. It is not all fake.
@@TimBunch I grew up in a methodist church, not ever hearing the gospel message. I was well versed in religion, but not the saving grace of Jesus. I received Jesus's into my heart in 1996, and Tyger was baptized in the Spirit 2 years later. But I so struggled in certain areas, and backslid hard shortly after. I rededicated my life in 2001, got rebaptized in 2006, and THAT was the moment that changed me forever. I have since been called to Evangelism, been ordained as so, and love sharing the gospel every day, no matter how God asks me to
Just remember bro, we WALK by FAITH not by SIGHT. Another words, we dont chase after "good feelings" or look for "goose bumps". We just trust and obey the Lord and KNOW that HE is with you everywhere you go. Pray, study, and meditate on His Word the Holy Scriptures daily....God bless you !
I agree with many of your points but would add one… Just because there are fakes or inauthentic does not mean there is not an authentic experience…. No hype, no drama or music required. Lots of fakery though for sure… so I understand your perspective. Experiences like this have been elevated over teaching and formation and I do see that as a problem.
I haven't been slain in the spirit, but I remember when I was being convicted of my sins, I felt so pulled to run to the altar and ask for forgiveness. However, when I sang in charismatic churches, I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with me when I didn't act like or "feel" what everyone else did.
I agree with everything you said …having been in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for too many years. I got my enlightenment by reading Fr. Seraphim Rose’s book entitled “ Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future”. Now I am safe in the arms of the holy Orthodox Church. God bless you for your courage to speak out.
Thanks Costi. I'm a bit older than you. I came under the pressure, as a young bloke in the late 70s, to yield to the manipulation(predominantly the learning to speak in tongues) of the AOG. I believe I have been pulled out of this fraudulence over the last decade or so. I have friends who loved the Lord and went into ministry. They are bogged there to this day. I very much appreciate your lesson and pray success to your message.
I was blessed with the gift of discernment. One, among many things Yeshua said directly stands out to me. He laid this directly on EACH OF OUR SHOULDERS, “ do not be deceived “ how? How are we not deceived? By studying and reading the Word. YOU MUST TEACH YOURSELF NOT TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DECEIVED. Costi was for years. Don’t ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DECEIVED. TIME IS TOO SHORT
Brother, I thank God for this video and also that He plugged you out of this stuff to testify for the Truth 💓 As a young Christian I was definitely confused by this practice, I could see it's not OK, but Christians around me were telling me it's from God, even saying that I might offend the Holy Spirit if I call it out... I prayed so much for God to reveal the truth of this 🙏💓✝️ Praise the Lord ❤️🙏
Yep, thank you for covering this. I'm a recovering Pentacostal..really just a child of God saved by grace through faith. When I was young, I went up for prayer. The "minister" tried to knock me down and because i didn't fall under his influence, he said I didn't have enough faith. Who shames a young person in the faith like that? So sad!
If you don’t mind me asking, what organization was the Pentecostal church under? Or was it independent? As an Apostolic person, I have seen the spirit move on people, but a minister has never tried to physically knock me out. I’m not undermining your experience, I just want the best for you. The power of God is what cause people to fall or be slain in the spirit.
sorry he/she had to push you but there is a reality in the presence of the holy spirt that we all need ... falling down isn't the marker for this but obviously the minister was insecure so felt the need to push
Thank you so much Costi Hinn because I kinda grew up with this kinda teaching. I always had bad feelings about this teaching but finally I have left this kinda movement because it's totally unbiblical! We all need to pray for Benny Hinn so God will show him the true gospel. Greetings from Germany where we also have these unbiblical teachings. God bless you Costi ❤
My very first experience with church as a new believer when I was 18 was at a charismatic church. I always went to the midweek worship nights where they would do healings and people would be slain in the spirit, and I remember one night I was getting to the front of the line so expectant to “feel” something, and I thought there was something wrong with me when I didn’t fall down or start shaking. I went on to work at this church for 2 years and at one point I was basically told that I had to speak in tongues and they were showing me how to do it and it just never felt right, but it wasn’t an option not to so I just faked it. I left that church 4 years ago and I have been slowly realizing how manipulative and abusive that environment was. SO grateful to belong to a church now that preaches the Bible and doesn’t mess with any of that.
Well, done, brother you nailed it. Good for you. I was many of those people you described for a couple decades praise the Lord I no longer am thank you for your help in that.
Regarding being 'slain in the Spirit', your explanation (self deception and hypnosis) makes perfect sense! This is because deception is how Satan normally operates (Gospel Of Matthew, 7: 15-23; Epistle 2 Of Paul To The Corinthians, 11: 12-15)! I say this as a Christian myself! And I will confess that I would watch that sort of thing (presided over By Benny Hinn, and others such as him) for the laughs! But now I know better! And when I witness that sort of thing now, it disturbs me!!
Thank you for being obedient to the Lord. In 2001 during "worship" service on Easter Sunday I had a grand mal seizure. The only recollection I had was laying on the Ambulance gurney and the pastor telling me it was going to be ok. Recently, my daughter who was 16 at the time shared with me the traumatic experience she had and that if not for an EMT attending that day she does not know what would have happened as "our" church family was saying I was under the power of the Holy Spirit. This experience caused my daughter to fear church, God and the Holy Spirit, she just recently turned back to God, repenting and calling upon Him. I also would like to add, the seizure was caused by a pacemaker lead that was sending shocks to my brain. I am thanking God for delivering myself and my family out of the lies. God Bless you
Have I been slain in the spirit? Most certainly. It happened before I knew such a thing existed. When I was 19 years old, I was in my kitchen and God, and his mercy, moved on my heart, and showed me the sin in my life. I heard the audible voice of God tell me, “John, stop it!”. There was no standing at that moment. I simply fell to the ground and wept in repentance for my sin. I get it, there is a lot of foolishness that happens. Having said that, I am confident that there are times, when God moves in such a way that people simply fall to the ground.
It's unbiblical to say you were slain in the spirit, the Holy spirit gives life it does not slay you, that's not the Holy spirit, that's something diffrent, I could understand getting on your knees and crying out to the lord for repentance but you should not be falling over backwards, laughing uncontrollably nor flying back, men cannot touch you now and make you fall, only Jesus and those he appointed to do so in his time on earth could do that but after he resurrected that ended, as hard as that is to believe it is biblical fact
@@bringingforthtruth I never said that I fell backward, rolled on the ground, and laughed. I said that, in the presence of a Holy God, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit I could not stand and collapsed. Is that “unbiblical”? If so than demonstrate it.
@mayorrodgers7446 We are to have self control with the holy spirit, to be steadfast with the lord. You asked in your comment "had I been slain in the spirit" and you said yes To be slain in the spirit is not of the holy spirit, the holy spirit does not slay you at all, it fills you with peace, happiness, understanding of God's word, a deeper sense of self and the lords love he has for you. This is slain in the spirit and what it does, person collapses to the floor, supposedly overcome by the power of the holy spirit. Yes, there may be some energy or force involved, but if so, it is very likely not of God and not the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23). Being filled with the Spirit is not evidenced by such counterfeits, but by a life that overflows with the Word of God in such a way that it spills over in praise, thanksgiving, and obedience to God.
Thank you for patiently explaining this. The Bible teaches us to be sober and alert, so it can't be of God's Holy Spirit for people to fall down and start having seizures just like those who are demon-possessed, or laughing wildly in church, or acting as though they're insane and belong in asylums. Handing over one's mind and consciousness opens anyone up to the demonic. May the Lord bless you and your ministry!
So creepy and disturbing. I would venture to say demonic. None of these practices have God’s work or hands in this. Finding your ministry has been incredible, life changing and eye opening. Thank you for calling these things out and for contrasting them with truth from the Word!
I am someone who was slain in the spirit.. but it wasn't loud and overbearing like Benny hinn. We came to the front of the church to receive a touch from the spirit.. and I felt it ! I did not even know I'd fallen over .. no one told me I'd fall! I believe everything is possible with God. And I have fond memories of that experience.. ❤
I can only thank the Lord that these slayings never had any effect on me. Seeing others fall and not me, often made me wonder if something was wrong with me spiritually. There were no conversations at church or in my family to help me understand what was happening. Some of these hyper charismatic churches are damaging people's faith and sowing doubt when people don't see these physical manifestations. Also, I've heard some people are taught they should just fall when touched and that's why some fall. These days I'm learning I don't need these hyper supernatural experiences to love the Lord and know he is at work in my life. Jesus' death for me and daily sanctification of the Holy Spirit is enough for me to trust God.
Thank you so much for explaining this Costi.There are so many people being deceived! We pray for you daily for strength to continue to stand for the truth!❤
I gave my heart to Jesus in 1973 in Rhodesia. I saw z women who approached the pastor Earl Davis at the pulpit, accusing him of being a liar. The pastor pointed at her and said, " in Jesus name" . Immediately the accusing lady was lifted off the floor and landed about 30 feet at the entrance of the church and started rolling in the dust, making gargling noises . Romans 13;11. It is time a large part of the church wake up and reject lying cessationist.
Good work brother, I used to be so worked up wondering why I wasn't being "touched" by the slaying power of by God, I struggled with the thought that perhaps God didn't love me because I wasn't falling down and experiencing the "power" of the Holy Spirit like many others in my church.
@gabrielirungu5635 Well i hope you know the truth after watching this video? And of course the study of Gods Word, meditate on it day and night along with prayer preferably before you read. God bless you sister.
I can say with U Amen, for we R not slain, but made alive in the Holy Spirit. We R going from death 2 life eternal as it is written. God is so good 2 us, & His word is the truth 4 He is.
I got steered into a group of people at the altar without intending to be there. The service was ending and I was trying to make my way to my sister in law a few rows away. By accident I got led into the people there for healing or praying or whatever. I tried to walk away but the catcher blocked my way and kept pointing at my feet to stay there. So I just decided to stand there to be polite, and not to make a scene by leaving but also not participate by pretending to fall down. I refused to do that. It couldn't hurt to stand there and be prayed for. I didn't even have a specific reason for being down there, but when the pastor started praying with me and told the Holy Spirit to touch me, I could not stay on my feet.😮 I went down and back like something temporarily removed my ability to hold myself up. It's real.
This was so good! I was one who wanted to fall and so I did... often. I'm like you...I cringe when I see this on video too. But like you said, praise God he can save sinners like us!
Ahh Costi Always love your teachings Spoken with truth I was Catholic and later got into charismatic prayer groups, then left and joined Assembly of God and was I to their sermons, prayer, worship etc. During Covid watched some churches including Redeemer Bible Church with your self and some wonderful pastors and it all changed. Also been Watchin Spencer Smith's 3rd Adam series (no 4 has just come out) what an eye opener Thankyou Costi and Redeemer Bible Church, Gilbert Arizona Oh and we found a local church that only teaches the Bible herein Australia 🇦🇺 using the find a church near you on your home Web page, couldn't believe my town of Albury got mentioned Love your book too God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies
Every time I watch these clips, I can't help but to recognize how MAN desires so much to HAVE POWER..even if only a few actually think they do, it must make them feel like they can actually COMMAND the holy spirit to do anything AT THEIR WILL!! shamefully...so many fall for this nonsense!
I have been motivated by the spirit to run. So I run usually at the gym and at the park and am brought to tears, or brought to my knees in worship. Never spoke in tongues, passed out and convulsed at “laying of hands”
I was slain in the Spirit back in 1986. I purposed that I would not fall over and then I did and the preacher didn’t push me. When I came too which was almost immediately I felt the presence of the Lord, my life was forever changed. I spoke in tongues, the grass was greener, the sky bluer than I’d ever seen it before and the word of God leapt out of the pages of the bible. I used to support your uncle Benny until he bought a jet then I became upset and withdrew my support. I prayed about it and one day I felt the Holy Spirit speak into my mind that Benny Hinn was his servant and would deal with the matter. I see Benny on my news feed sometimes and give an amazing message and then ask for money in the same way he used to 30 odd years ago. It’s like nothing has changed. You’re right David Diga Hernandez follows Benny’s model exactly except he’s more specific, on occasion, of how much money he expects from you which I find extremely distasteful. I know they are friends they sat down together for an interview talking about the prosperity gospel!
I got slain in the spirit in the early 90’s. I had never been to the church before, and I never heard of such a thing. I was confused because I felt blissed out for many hours afterward. I still wonder what that was. That said, nothing happened that changed my life for the better.
I’m so glad that I found you,Costi, on TH-cam. I was in a Pentecostal church and yes, I was slain in the Spirit but after it happened I questioned, did I fall cause I leaned back too far? I wanted to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit just as my former friends in the church. I said former cause when I left, those “friends” never contacted me, EVER!
@@johnetanneso5095, but when I was attending that Pentecostal church, it was taught there is the filling of the Holy Spirit when born again and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, ex. as the Upper Room disciples were. After studying further, I know now that the baptism was for those to show 1) power of Holy Spirit, 2) speaking in tongues, the languages of the people around, from Galatians people with the messages of praising God and His greatness, glorifying His wonder, etc. I believe now, that the apostles powers of raising the dead and instant, miraculous healings is no longer available today for Jesus gave it to only the Apostles for that time.
@@johnetanneso5095 I was just fixing to say the same exact thing !! But you see, the charasmaniacs/pentacostals been teaching that tripped up stuff for years and its gotten worse now !! they ndont even go by Scripture at all now !!
@@invisibleman53God performs miraculous healings today, still. I myself have personally witnessed it (I was the one praying-not a pastor but just one who truly loves the Lord). I watched a boy be transformed and miraculously healed before my very eyes as his father jumped and shouted for joy!
This was really helpful to hear. I've never been to a service like those, but do desire to be baptized in the Spirit. I think your teaching here will really help me avoid some pitfalls if I am ever in a situation like that.
@Waypoint451 Are you tuly born again? If the answer is yes, then you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. He now lives inside of you, a temple of God !!
Seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit from God directly. He will fill you. It may take some time. Some people will say you were “baptized in the Holy Spirit” when you believed, but Scripture is clear that it is a different occurrence (for most people).
@@christincommon5496 Back before tha Holy Spirit ever came down to dwell inside of men (our hearts) Jesus spoke of Him before His ascension. It was a one time deal that wouldnt happen again. Thats why the Holy Spirit came at a certain time which we refer to it as "the day of pentecost". That "day" was a fullfillment of the prophets(Joel etc) and what Jesus told them before He ascended (I will not leave you alone but will send you a Helper/Comforter the Holy Spirit and He will be with you and inside of you and He will remind you of all of the things I said to you). Go read in Acts when the Holy Spirit came down, people of every region were there and could hear the great things of God spoken in their own languages. Speaking in tongues is NOT jiberish that cannot be interpreted. Until that day, man could not have the Holy Spirit living inside of him , even the prophets was looking intently into that day with anticipation. Having God by His Spirit living inside of you being His temple is a BIG deal !! Im sorry that I didnt give you any "Book, chapter, verse" as I just woke up drinking coffe fixing to pray and study my bibles, but study it and I dont claim to know it all Im constantly studying but the Word does say that we only know in "part" but when we have our glorified bodie we will know ...God bless you in your search !!
I believe that the baptism is for the church today. That being said I agree that the vast majority of "being slain in the spirit" as we see today is influenced either by the flesh or demons.
Well said Costi, thank you. I remember going out the front of my church for prayer, and there being an expectation by certain people that I (and others) would fall over. They'd take their position as catchers. I never felt the slightest bit like falling, or of losing my dignity. The Lord knows that maintaining my dignity and composure is very important to me, and I see in the gospels that He did that for every person who came to Him for help and healing. I love Him for it. With regard to being "slain in the spirit", I had grown men trying to push me over...yes, as a teenager and as a young woman....how is this not assault?.....but I would brace myself against it, much like traveling on a train or a bus (standing up), and I wouldn't let anyone push me over. The "Pastor" at that independent charismatic church called himself an apostle, and at one stage he had everyone meet together in the evening for a weekly "prayer meeting", but it was just two hours of everyone yelling loudly at the evil one, for example "I rebuke you S*t*n!", etc,. All unbiblical. I suspect that the "Pastor" was a narcissist and had no idea about a real relationship with God. He thrived on power over others and attention. My mother was a narcissist, and she decided one day when I was about 12 that she and the pastor's wife were going to do "deliverance ministry" to me at the pastor's house. I'd believed in and loved Jesus since I was nine years old. So, there was nothing to "come out" despite the commands of these two women. I wasn't going to get out of there if I didn't do something, so in the end I faked a bit of hyperventilating and said when they kept asking me, that it was gone. So these clowns from Clown World forced me to lie. That's a millstone event, right there. I've been studying these things and seeking the wisdom of God in His word on the matter, and unless my mother repented on her deathbed (highly unlikely because of her arrogance, entitlement and pursuit of wickedness), she'll be at the Great White Throne Judgement. Thank you again.🇭🇲
I am so sorry for your experience; however, I can tell you that I have casted demons out of people and it’s a real thing-the name of Jesus is above every name.
I've been in these circles and thankful to be out of it. BUT, I did witness a missionary woman at a small gathering fall completely face forward, not backward. Noone expected it, noone to catch her and she wasn't injured. It did seem to be the power of the Lord. Anyone else experience anything like this?
Nothing like that in Scripture. And what does that do for the body of Christ? There is no miracle or move of God in Scripture that doesn't MEAN something, or SHOW God's power. The whole problem with the charismatic movement is it's empty emotionalism with nothing to learn, nothing to spread the faith, nothing to spread the Gospel or call people to repentance. Someone falling on their face isn't a miracle. It's just more of the same mass psychosis.
@@donquixote8462 I understand your points very well and agree overall. Most is hyped up emotionalism. Trust me, I've had my forehead pressed to fall down too many times! This was not a mass psychosis though. There were only a handful of us and we were praying for her and her husband. They served in Africa and were going back to mission field. We weren't at the church either, we had gathered outside for small group fellowship. Its just kind of strange experience that I can't explain. At the time, I think I just saw it as a confirmation she was really being filled with power for the assignment and it was one of few times I though it was something supernatural rather than drummed up.
@bespiritfilled thank you so much for your sincere concern! And for the resources, I will check it out. I've been seeking God about these type of things for a while. I just want to know His truth!!
The scriptures said that we are to lay hands on the people being prayed for.No waving coats...no yelling fire...just laying on of hands! God's power will do whatever He wants His power to do!
I agree with you 100%. My husband and I grew up in churches where there were abuses of the Holy Spirit's work, so when we had children of our own, we chose to raise them in the Wesleyan Church. Interestingly, when our son, at age 6, developed Tourette's Syndrome, we asked our Wesleyan pastor if we could have the elders pray for him for healing. On a Wednesday morning, after the church staff meeting, several of our church staff gathered with my husband, son, daughter and myself for prayer. It was merely 6 adults and the two children. Pastor Dave, a calm non-charismatic pastor, but a godly man, asked our son, "Do you believe Jesus can heal you?", then he explained that he was going to use anointing oil as a representation of the Holy Spirit. He explained that the oil wasn't magic. Then, Pastor Dave began to pray. When he did so, our son instantly fell back into another pastor's arms and appeared to be sound asleep. After another pastor prayed, Josiah woke up and seemed to be in awe, but, of course, he didn't know what had happened. But, all of us adults just stood there, wondering what that was all about. On the way out of the church, I asked my husband, "Did what I think just happen, just happen?" He said, "Yes. Josiah was 'slain in the Spirit'". I said, "In the Wesleyan church?" Previously, neither of us even believed "Slain in the Spirit" was real, but this incident showed us that, though there is, indeed, abuse of God's gifts, He can still do whatever He chooses to do, when and where He chooses to do it. Afterward, I asked Pastor Dave about it and he asked us questions like, "Has Josiah ever seen this happen on t.v. or anywhere?" We said "no". In fact, we had purposely kept our children away from anything that even remotely resembled a false spirit. Pastor Dave said all he could explain was that when he began to pray, he felt a warmth go down his arm, then when he touched Josiah with the anointed tissue, Josiah went out. And, the testimony to all of it, to the glory of God, is that our son was completely, miraculously healed that day! Praise God! He is now 27 and still has no signs of having Tourette's! So, God did heal Josiah that day. It was a miracle of God's choosing and in God's timing. Since then, we have not seen any miraculous healings. In fact, shortly after that happened, our church had a healing service...but they made everyone who needed healing sit down in a chair while being prayed for! I guess they didn't want anything to become a spectacle, but only for the true Spirit of God to be at work, according to His own choosing. I praise God for the miracles He still does. And I praise Him for godly men who warn us of false prophets and strive to live by every word of God!
Well said! Sadly, there have been abuses of the ways of God. This calls for discernment. But we can’t discount any way in which God decides to manifest Himself. I have heard of others experiencing this same miraculous heat and have been changed by it. Some have described it at liquid love. Thank you for sharing your story.
Praise God! By your description of what happened though with your son at 6, seems still much different than the "slain in the spirit" videos showed in this video, where people are jirating and acting crazy and clearly fake! Jesus absolutely heals, but the whole term "slain in the spirit" is not biblical. Healing is. Praise the Lord He chose to heal you so at only 6 Years old! God is good and faithful!
Thankyou for sharing. I too have been "slain in the spirit"... it was not extravagant, there was no shaking or wailing. It is a shame that such a stupid phrase was attached to this action, which has allowed people to pick it apart. Of course abuses can happen, but to be honest, I am more disturbed by the numbers of people attacking who they consider false teachers and attacking worship teams. Just go preach the Word and the TRUTH WILL set people free. Our spirit recognizes the Holy Spirit when He speaks. When we ask God to reveal truth, He does. If these "exposers of truth" want to see the false exposed- then go into the secret place and PRAY about it! Ask the Lord to reveal the truth to people, then let Him work. I'm so curious about their need to rescue everyone- our job is to share the Good News and Love each other to Christ- not convince anyone of anything else.
I was in a pentecostal church for 30 years and I saw that garbage every Sunday. I am so glad that my eyes were opened. Thank you Lord!!! I am still serving the Lord but I go to a independent baptist church now. 😊
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
I remember many years ago, your uncle came to a church I belonged to. As a matter of fact he came quite a few times. I thought something was wrong with me because I wasn’t falling. I know now why it didn’t happen. I believe God was protecting me from what was happening
I can say the same, with Benny Hinn ministering in my church in the past!
I never saw B Hinn, but belonged to a church that followed these practices, I too thought what was wrong with me, as I NEVER experienced ANYTHING...Im TRULY SOOO VERY THANKFUL GOD PROTECTED me in my ignorance of desiring signs & wonders...By GODS GRACE HE has opened my eyes to HIS TRUTH through the HOLY SCRIPTURE...Not "experiences"...🙏
Same with me, in my college years I went to a church like this but wasn’t experiencing the same as everyone else around me. Thought I was doing something wrong but now I know it was God protecting me from false doctrine.
just because it didn't happen to you, does not mean it is false or worng
Whoa dude.
Thank you so much for this, brother. This is the best treatment of this issue I've seen - including my own. Great job.
It's a team effort 😁
Clearing soil for it to be ready for planting takes a lot more time and repeated effort than does the planting stage.
When I was clearing and preparing my garden, I found broken bricks, bits of cement, beer bottle glass, stones, and weeds.
I'd look it over again, and find more debris and weeds where I thought I'd carefully dug through the soil.
I suspect that our hearts and minds are like this when we've been taught wrong things over a long time, and been conditioned to accept a normal that isn't normal, by being in Pentecostal churches.
More digging up of the soil is required, by truth as a trowel in the hands of believers.
Godly leadership presenting truth helps us to see what needs to be dug out of our soil.
I'm very grateful to the Lord for having raised up leaders for the remnant believers in these end times.
About two years ago when I was distressed and angry about the way the world was unraveling, descending into darkness, lies and corruption, before I began studying Bible prophecy, I would cry out to the Lord that He would raise up some godly leadership, as there seemed to be none that I could see.
I'm glad to say that He was already at work raising up some leaders to help protect His flock, and He helped me find other remnant believers in the world so that I wouldn't feel so alone.
I'm glad that I found your TH-cam channel during the past year Justin, or I might still be searching for substance in what Joyce Meyer says.
I don't have a microscope in order to do that.
Hahaha! 😀 🇭🇲
You both are blessings to us all.
You both are doing great. To God be the glory👏👏
I don't believe in being slain in the spirit because it's not Biblical but I believe in the gifts of the spirit healings and miracles for today because the scripture says it's for today 😊
Justin, you and Costi both have been very faithful to the Lord in calling this out as what it is. Thank you both!❤
I was attending a Assemblies of God church for years as a teen and young adult and even served as a pastor. I was “slain in the spirit” a couple times. The first time was at a conference and had a speaker start just pointing at people and they were falling down. He pointed at me and I passed out and woke up on the ground. It was scary and I now believe it was demonic. Another time I have been pushed and told to let go! Let god touch you. Let go! And other buzz words! Thank you for this video Costi and team!
Just curious were you saved then? If so, you are claiming you can have the Holy Spirit in you and a demon forcing you to do something at the same time. I believe differently, I don't believe you can be saved and full of the Holy Spirit and have a demon take over you. I don't see how a demon and the Holy Spirit could live in the same person.
Just asking... when the pastor pointed out to people, was he like sending "energy" towards the people making them fall down?
Thank you for revealing the truth ☺️ I’ve been so caught up with the physical manifestations thinking that they were from the Holy Spirit. I thank God that he lead me to this video and gave me conviction. May you continue to do the Lord’s work and expose the lies of the enemy 🙏 ✝️
From my experience, some of it was demonic (I was taken aside as a "project" by a female Kenneth Copeland), some of it was fake (I know because that was me at times), some of it was peer pressure that resulted in "real" experiences (me, again). I find myself praising God even after all these years (20 years have passed) for removing me from these unbiblical practices and doctrines. I still have friends who are "cautious but open" and it breaks my heart. I pray for them all the time.
Who was the woman?
@@wlknonsonshine Oh, no one you would know. She was a woman at church who was considered a "prophetess" and she tried to get me to "loosen up" and "receive what God had for me." She was a "strange" lady. In the four years that I knew her, I never once saw her smile. She was very intense and intimidating. She was always frowning and her gaze would scare you half to death. I have no doubt that she was heavily influenced by demons.
@@carolberubee oh gotcha you.
Pastor Costi THANK YOU for pointing people to the TRUTH of JESUS HOLY WORD!!! 🙏
I have to agree. I was at Benny Hinn's crusade in Arkansas in 2001 and I went with some college friends and we were on top of the balcony and when your uncle stated that he was going to blow on everyone, I remember the music slowing and the atmosphere was charged but the moment he said something it was like dominos how the front went down all the way up and when I was sitting on the stairs I promise until this day we still talk about this (our experience) but something like a fire was in front of me and I tried to resist and i felt it on me. It was crazy. And since we came out of the NAR and WOF into biblical teaching we have yet to figure out what threw some people and the rest of us had a crazy experience. I am always ministering the scriptures and encouraging others to read the word it is sufficient! Good teaching, I will share this video.
So much of the "show" uses tools of mass hypnosis. Soft, repetitive music, going with expectations, the power of suggestions, and a deep desire to "fit in". The peer pressure is huge.
I totally understand. It's not any type of hypnosis. It's a type of wind and electricity-like feeling. Very intense. I've been genuinely seeking answers if that is the Holy Spirit or demonic. I've been in new age before with chakras, reiki, and all that, but this is different. That is why I keep seeking. It would be such a shame that places where the name of Jesus is being spoken of and people are worshipping, that a demonic spirit can be amongst them. It's just doesn't make sense either.
A study was done that found that people who were "slain" in a service went on home and absolutely nothing changed in their lives. It would seem such an event would have some kind of lasting impact if it were true.
Hello
Could we have the study please ?
Thanks. Be blessed 😊
Not true I have been forever change by the Holy Spirit. I’m 72 yrs old and have known the Lord for 53 yrs. the first time I was slain in the spirit I had known the Lord probably 10 to 15 yrs. I didn’t believe in it. I knew about it but but didn’t believe. I was shocked cause I was the first in line to get prayed for. I have been slain in the presence many times throughout my life and at 72 I feel closer to the Lord then ever. Plus I have gone to Benny Hines crusades and the Lord has used his teaching in my life to strengthen me. Plus I love his book about the Blood. You really shouldn’t talk bad about him or anyone else. If you do remember that when you judge God will judge you on what you say.
@@janetlanders8220 Excuse me but Costi is well placed to talk about these things. He comes out. He decided to seek the truth before the experiments. About Benny Hinn, I never found in the Bible men hitting others men with their jackets etc...
@@janetlanders8220no he won’t. We aren’t judged by God if we use spiritual discernment and call out fakery. That’s a wrong interpretation of scripture.
@@janetlanders8220 Sorry janney, but you were absolutely duped every single time you were so-called "slained". Remember, "slained" is nowhere in the whole history of the Bible. It wasnt our Lord Jesus that caused that experience. I assume you send money also to the false prophets. I hope you one day find the truth...Jesus is THETRUTH, THE WAY AND THE LIFE.
I 100% once fell down on purpose because I was tired of being prayed for. I figured if I just fell everyone would go away. It worked
😂
😂
😂 but also 😢
Lol same for me. But it was my first time being in part with slain with the spirit. Since I was new, I don't know what to expect. We were gathered in the middle of the hall. Then ask to closed our eyes. The pastor then make prayers then said FIRE. And all I heard were people screaming and crying. Then I'm ought to open my eyes because I want to look around. Some people fell and some not. Then it's my turn being prayed , I didn't feel anything except being a bit pressured on my forehead so just follow to pastor hand to lay down and I was forced myself to stay closed my eyes. Then about a minute later when I felt the people who fell beside me start to get up,I also get up😅. No I wasn't fell to fake the slain. I fell because I was slightly pushed and my own will because I don't want them to look on me differently. 😅. Also I do believe in holy spirit but this I think this is not it because before starting the slain, I do ask God for show me something or feeling. But there's none of it.
Thank you Costi❤ I have been saved out of the charismatic movement. I have been in that mess since a young girl. I left it in 2019. I totally have had to detox from it. It is soooooo dangerous😢. I thank God a lot that am out of that. Followers of this are so injured and I have grieved, been angry, cried, doubted, but I am learning the true gospel with pastors Voddie Baucham, John McArthur, Paul Washer, Justin Peter's and you. I don't chase the devil anymore or speak about him. Being set free from this has been hard, but thank you Jesus He set me free!!
Well done Costi. Thanks for shedding light on dark places that blind people from seeing the Truth 🙏🏻
I once went to one of those churches and went forward. There were say 20+ of us. In the end, I was the only one still standing upright. When that Pastor looked me in the eyes, I can describe it as a look of hatred. He however walked away from me without saying a word. Must just say that at that stage I was for many years already a born-again child of God.
I got saved in 1999, and from the get go, I rejected this whole thing as a deception.
One of my elders said, "the Holy Spirit is calm and gracious, and when He fills you, you could be holding a cup of water full to the brim and not a drop would pour because the spirit doesn't author chaos"
And I still believe it to this day
Hello Joseph
I'm from France and here ( with some of brothes and sisters ) we say the same thing as your elder 😁🙂 the Spirit is not in the thunder... The wind... The fire.. 1 Kings 19v11.
Be blessed brother.
@@johnetanneso5095 Aaaamen.
He is the Still Small Voice.
What a great way of putting it. Thanks for that one. What a wise elder.
I like the way you put that. Thank you.
I am curious, just how does one get saved and be born again? I always got confused by it even though I watched many videos about it
i have been slain in the Spirit - in that, God has healed me of anxiety, insecurity and strengthens my inner being.
You can do that too in othe religions did you know!
Are you born again believing that the only way your sins are forgiven is through the blood of Jesus Christ? Because if not, then you will still go to hell :) whether or not you were "slain in the spirit"
@@captainkrajick Satan believes that so do the catholic and many other sect of christianity. So it matters and if you been slane then there is something wrong.
baloney the pastors push on you to make you fall down
@@geoffreypalmer2661 and you know this because ?
Thank you, Costi. I was raised by Charismatic parents. I was "slain" in the spirit (I use a little s because it wasn't the Holy Spirit) as a child to "get it over with". I literally, threatened those behind me that if they didn't catch me I'd be after them first! Then I stood where I was supposed to, waited for the praying to heat up, and pulled my toes up. It was done. That was after being "taught" how to "speak in tongues". I was tired of constantly being hounded by -- admittedly well meaning -- but absolutely insistent grown ups after every service! And we went every single night. You can only take so much of that at age 11. So it's nice to hear you lay that out the way it can be in different ways for different people. So glad I escaped it all! Mine was totally fake because I faked it to get them to STOP.
I hope you're okay today...
I grew up around it too. It was honestly traumatizing as a child.
Thank you God for pulling Costi out of this mess snd bringing him into a saving faith in Jesus Christ
Thank you Costi. God is glorified through your boldness to proclaim the truth.
Amazing praise God for pulling you out of the deception Costi
Grateful for you ministry
Grew up watching all this on TV as a child and being in and out of these 'glory meetings' in the UK. So so glad God brought me out of it and into the truth.
Thank you for teaching on this!
Amen brother! Thank you for shining light on the darkness and workers of iniquity.
thank you LORD JESUS !! repentance in utter obedience with an ongoing personal relationship with JESUS is my only Hope in a sea of end of the age unfolds ! this man is answer to my prayer from decades ago when i first encountered this [[ CHARISMATIC ]] MOVEMENT in 1984 and i asked JESUS questions! waiting on JESUS is precious for he hears and answers questions when you PSALM 27:14 for him! thank you JESUS for this gentleman
God work marvelous through Benny Hinn,true man of God.
Thank you, Pastor Costi. This is so incredibly helpful. As you may remember, my husband, Brian Lightfoot, was your Uncle Benny’s administrator at Orlando Christian Center. He worked alongside Gene Polino in the early 90’s.
God was so merciful and kind to bring us out of the prosperity “gospel” and into a right biblical worldview, but being involved in that “ministry” really took a toll on our family. I definitely can relate to the attitude of “touch not the Lord’s anointed”…aka “Do not question the teaching, methods, or practices of the spiritual leader.
Brian and I are now part of a Reformed Baptist Church in NC but it took many years to “deconstruct” the faulty belief system we participated in and perpetuated while part of OCC.
You are in our prayers, brother, as you rightly divide the Word of God and expose the dangers of a false “gospel”. The Lord bless you and your family. I’m sure all this comes at a great cost, but Jesus is worth everything! To Him be all the glory forever!
And God Bless you and your family, as you share your story of His Shepherding you! XOXO
Thank you for your testimony. It was definitely a no no to question Benny Hinn, judging from what I read in one of his former youth pastors' books about the inherent dangers of touching God's anointed
@@diannebutler1807 I like that, Jesus is our Great Shepherd indeed !!
Point 1 is so accurate - peer pressure is huge!!!
Point 2 - wow, so accurate! Hypnotic - Yes Jesus is here, going to touch you.. “touch” and then a soft blow sometime! And you fall .. wow
Point 3 - yes the honor of the leader!!! Sooo true oh my goodness! So true 😮 they want the “mantle” .. for us it’s “Guillermo Maldonado”
Point 4 - yes! Faking it! Just to get it over with and make leader look good
Point 5 - yes! Demonic ! Oh my goodness, very!
Just crazy, my faith was truly in Christ but to be so deceived to start screaming and yelling is just so confusing and it’s just so awful. What a shame I had.
I was a part of this movement for many years.
If I could add another one to this list it would be the need to prove to other believers just how in tune and receptive I am to the spirit of God by falling down. And to take it a step further, once I fall down, if I shake and quiver and moan etc I am displaying that God must be doing a thorough work !
The whole practice is really rooted in pride and self exultation, almost a competition to see who’s affected the most by the Holy Spirit. The degree of my experience determines the degree of my closeness to God !
The real problem with this practice and the question that really needs to be put forward is this,
If the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, which indeed he is, how could he possibly endorse a practice based on falsity ?
If I’m falling down because it’s expected and it’s not really God doing it, then the reality is I’m practicing a lie !
I notice they use the word Holy Spirit alot, but Scripture says we are to call him by name, Hallowed be thy name... No where does it say to call him Holy Spirit, and even Muslims believe their Spirit is holy. But I think Jesus can still use this to bring people to him. But it looks scary what goes on on those stages. Just my opinion
Romans 10[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
This is such a helpful video. So accurate and edifying. As someone who grew up around this type movement, this video gave me the closure I didn’t know I needed. Almost all the examples given in the clips are things I had experienced live, even down to the music played. Sends shivers through my spine just thinking about it.
Like some have commented, I used to think there was something wrong with me when everyone around me was being “slain” and I wasn’t. I thank God for taking me out of this movement many years ago. I thank God for protecting me. I pray for those around me still caught up in this movement. It takes the true power of God to deliver.
@tosinsmusings Thanks for your testimony sister, thats awesome !
Thank you Costi , I'm embraced to say . I was one of those who were court up & descived in the Pentecostal Charismatic movement for 25 years. I feel down in the so called power of the spirit , I once spoke in tongues & experienced the so called laughing in the spirit .
I thank my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ , for His mercy that lead me to repentence & out of that false Christianity that is the Pentecostal Charismatic movement . I'm now reformed & a cessationlist , who now loves sound doctrine of God's Holy Word the Bible , that is the closed cannon of Scripture 🙏♥️.
That’s great, maybe someday you’ll not feel the need to label yourself other than a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ.
Thank God someone brought it to light. Bless you bro
Thank you so very much for this teaching, I used to be part of this circle of churches, so thankful to the Lord for getting me out of it. and for his protection I never was slain in the spirit … and I always thought there was something wrong with me.
I respect your desire to keep people in the accuracy of the Word of God. And you've had personal experiences that have shown certain things to be false as I've seen you interviewed.
But, I have to share that I experienced being "slain" under the power of God's Presence one time in my life and no one was laying hands on me, caught me, nor did I see other people having that experience around me. My eyes were closed as I was having a very deep moment of prayer with the Lord and by total surprise I had this experience. I was never the same, more in love with Jesus and following Him, learning His Word through Bible study, being committed to Him and His Church. So even though there are certainly false experiences out there, it grieved my heart to think that people would walk away from the teaching thinking it is never legitimate.
God bless you as you share the Gospel of Jesus!
agree 100%
People want to impose their ideas on all. We cant deny other person experiences . When Jesus did out of box workings - even pharisees the word focused people couldn't agree ... they said its demonic .
i do agree certain times there are abuses that takes place . we don't deny the true move of God because there are fakes counterfeit .
Agree 100% . I have even listened to legitimate preachers and apostles teach and right through TH-cam I was slain in the spirit. I pray that people will heighten their discernment in this season ❤
Amen. Perhaps when others come up under false teachers, they label everyone else false as well because they have only been exposed to the counterfeit. That actually sounds like the trick of Satan as opposed to the teaching that it cannot be so. (Example. The text says Jesus fed the 5,000. We know by understanding these ancient and cultural writings, women were not counted. Shall we conclude they were not fed?). You tell me.
This is so good. Thank you for covering this! It’s really helpful to have it put into words as simple as you put it because when ppl really want to justify these kind of actions they will make ANY excuse. But you made it plain as day. If it’s not in the Bible, you aren’t missing a thing
God bless you for this common sense, Biblical explanation
I used to get slain many times at my old church assembly of God. Once I was laughing in the spirit for like an hour. It was a NYE prayer small service. God was repeating So What? In my spirit because at the time I was experiencing a lot of hypocrisy, judgment and condemnation. Late I realized it's in the bible where God sits on His throne and laughs at his enemies. Also, the verse that says She laughs with no fear of the future. Later I went on to sing praise and worship at church for about 5 years and more. I still sing gospel but mostly at funerals or local talent shows.
First to say thank you, brother Costi, for speaking openly about the false manifestations, commonly mistaken with the power of the Holy Spirit. It is as you said. But there is a real power of the Holy Spirit, a real joy in the Lord and a real tearing of hearts in His presence - only if people revere Jesus enough to be honest with Him and to love Him. I have experienced both and there is a huge difference - one is hollow, the other is holy.
I totally understand I started a new job a couple months ago and I was driving to work one day singing a worship song and I started to cry and feeling some electric feeling in my face and hands while driving.
I was a member of Evangelistic Temple in Houston back in the day. It was known as Charismatic. We really had the best worship music back then. All of these people, Hinn, Copeland, Hickey, etc were in and out of the church which on many occasions was standing room only. I used to work for Charles and Francis Hunter in their office and was required to go to their meetings at "The Temple". I quit because I never really got into what they were doing especially Slain in the spirit. I loved this church and all of my friends there and had so many experiences that I knew were from the Holy Spirit. The pastor and many of the people in charge were found out in their immoral sins and I left and heard that eventually the church closed. I am so glad to have been delivered from that belief system.
When I see these fakes, I experience many thoughts and feelings. From anger to sadness to grief to disgusted. My God have mercy on all of them and lead them to the truth. Costi, I am thankful God delivered you. He also delivered me from many false teachings and false doctrines/man centered slavation. Praise God for His mercy.
Remember Jesus sent out the 70 to preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out devils… the Holy Spirit was upon them… this is what happens not the modern form of false teachings. Amen Costi
My family loves what you all are doing at For The Gospel! So informative.
Kudos to you for being brave enough to expose your own uncle! God bless, you Costi
Thank the Lord for revealing and allowing fot us to see the deception and the power of what we believe in...
Thanks to Costy to show the truth in the bible.
I went to 2 Benny Hinn conferences and left both times thinking Jesus didn't love me because I wasn't "touched by God". At our church that I no longer belong to it was just as Costi explained. Again, I felt like less of a Christian because I didn't get that touch from God others did. A visiting evangelist literally tried pushing me down when I wasn't falling down. He shoved on my forehead so hard it hurt my neck. Im so thankful to no longer be a part of that circus. It has taken YEARS to sort through false teachings to find truth. Thank you Costi for exposing these things.
Five years ago, the Lord mercifully delivered my family from this kind of deception. Costi, you played a significant role in helping us understand the true work of the Holy Spirit and along with other expository Bible teachers, to examine carefully what we had believed , practiced and experienced in the United Pentecostal Church. I must say that this organization seems to continue to fly under the radar. What you said at the end of this video is truth that finally brought clarity, understanding, and the willingness to admit that much, if not all, of the spiritual manifestations and experiences, we witnessed, and experienced ourselves over three decades were not the Holy Spirit. The United Pentecostal Church preaches a false Gospel. They do preach, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, however, salvation comes- not through trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ, but by obedience to Acts 2:38. They have erroneously connected John 3:3 and John 3:5 with Acts 2:38
making Acts 2:38 the way a person is born again. That is, a person must repent, be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. They believe what happened on the day of Pentecost is prescriptive for every believer. If you don’t obey the gospel, by obeying Acts 2:38 then you are not saved. Speaking in tongues is the evidence that the Holy Spirit has filled you. If you don’t speak in tongues, then you were not born again. This is such a gross aberration of the true gospel! Add to this their oneness theology concerning the Godhead and how could this be anything but another Jesus, and a different spirit. Thank you for all you are doing, Costi. May God continue to bless, guide and strengthen you.
👍❤
Uhhh speaking from someone in a Pentecostal Church, the general theology is that there is a Baptism in the Holy Spirit upon a sign is speaking in tongues, however, this is not a prerequisite from being saved in any way. Now, this theology is a whole debate for another time, and may be contestable, but the Gospel itself, that salvation is through faith in God alone, is the same. God bless you!
I have a lot of respect for you Costi. I had an experience twice where I was what would be considered slain the spirit. I hate the term slain in the spirit. I know where they get that verse from in Revelation, but I don't like that term. I think it can happen, but I definitely don't think it happens in large groups, like Benny Hinn swinging his coat and everybody falls down. That to me is show. But my experiences both times profoundly changed my life. Both times when I opened my eyes I was praising God with my hands raised. Satan never praises God. And I found a closeness to God and felt a love I can't explain in words but that it was God's love. The second time it happened was just a week ago, I was not expecting it and I had no idea that would happen. The preacher asked all of us volunteers to come up to the altar for prayer, I work in a non-profit Christian organization that serves our community. I had my eyes closed and was praying, it was a quiet prayer. I wasn't praying out loud there was no hyperness going on just the normal altar call and gentle music. There were no hysterics. I didn't even know the pastor was up at me, he was going to each person and anointing us for the ministry in our community. Our city has a lot of drugs and violence and a high rate of murder even for a small city. So he was anointing us and praying us for our ministry for God. He came and anointed me and I fell. I cannot explain why, as I was not expecting this to happen. But I opened my eyes and was praising God with my arms up. It was actually a beautiful Holy experience. The more I saw God's holiness the more I saw my own sin in my life. But the more I also felt gratitude for his grace and love. I've met a few people who've had this experience, and I think for some yes it is genuine. And it has happened for a long time, but people being what they are had to put some kind of term on it and sensationalize it and act like it should happen in groups and happen regularly. And that's simply not true. we each with fear and trembling need to work out our relationship with God. So while I don't disagree with this video completely, I do think there are genuine times that happens. Now the convulsing, I don't get that. I don't think that's legit, I try not to be judgmental of people, but the only time people convulse is with seizure disorders or demon possession. God is love, He is good. The few people I know that something like this has happened to, are not hyper people, they don't even go to charismatic churches. They are your "average" person in society and Christian, a couple of pastors I know, those pastors having been pastors yo more conservative churches for many years. But it was never in a chaotic everybody falling down lots of silliness like that. It was often a very peaceful service, and I do believe those are authentic. The first time it happened to me I had no idea what it was. My husband and I visited a Pentecostal church, I had no idea we were in a Pentecostal church at that time, and I had no idea what being slain in the spirit even meant. He prayed for me and he barely touched my head and I fell. I knew nothing at the time of such a thing. I actually had to ask what happened to me. But after that I was so blessed by God, and I knew I could get through what I was facing. Way too long a story to put in a message. But I have never been to a hysterical service like you are explaining. I know those happen, I've seen it on videos.
Hi This is Bharat from Mumbai India
I was 12 when pastor Benny Hinn visited india in 2004.
I didn't know who he was.
I heard a preacher came from USA
I was so far from him.
Huge crowd.
Almost 2 million people were attending the congregation.
I wasn't able to see him.
I don't remember how and why
But I was slain in the spirit
I fell down bavkwards for 3 times it was like heaven was open form me i could not stand up so touched by something powerful.
Second time when I fell i felt that wave of water or something hit me and an i fell again.
And that presence and power gripped me for 3 days
When I came home whenever I closed my eyes i felt i was flying or siting in heaven.
Fast forward after 20 years
I am baptised 32 year old man
Whenever I pray to God I can feel that same presence around me not that powerful but same presence. its so pleasant presence of God I can pray for hours.
It's not just falling backward
I don't listen pastor Benny hinns messages but it's my personal experience with Lord , there is nobody in my room who can hypnotise me a simple prayer brings Lord presence in my room.
That's my testimonyI
What do you think of suffering?
Feelings can’t be trusted nor can we based our testimony on them.
When my pastor prayed for me and laid his hands on my head there was a tremendous warmth and love that flowed into my spirit, I went weak at the knees and had to lay down. It was a gentle, lovely moment and I experienced a vision that changed and softened my heart . The pastor was just an ordinary man in an ordinary service in a beautiful, loving , spirit filled church. All I will say is ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bath water’. Be discerning, but not cynical.
@@DoveCeramics the Lord is awesome, isn’t He?
@@DoveCeramics It was an angel of light sis. Dont you know how satan is the great imitater of God? And he thrives on feelings. Yes you were duped take it or leave it. Walk by faith not sight.
I've been part of both experiences and I can tell you this much. I won't LET anyone push me down, nor will I fake it before the Lord, or fall under any peer pressure. I would NEVER bring irreverence to my heavenly Father in any such way. Yet I can ASSURE you I have had such experiences in my lifetime that include being touched by the Lord AT MY HOUSE WITH NO ONE ELSE THERE OR TOUCHING ME, and at my church where again no one touched me, but I could not only feel the feeling of electricity running thru my arms, but that day also clearly for me marks a day in which a desire to chase ALL that God has for my life heightened, and has only increased every day since (that's 17 years plus, y'all). Actually my pastor in that church wasn't even big on sharing these things or having any"special services" from the pulpit. And yet prior to that day(remember, NOBODY TOUCHED OR BLEW ON ME OR WAVED A JACKET AT ME) I never lived with the hunger for purity and righteousness that I have since that day. So think what y'all want. There are probably many fakers doing the touching or being touched, but don't be fooled for one second in believing ALL of that is fake or demonic.
I would love to hear your testimony. I agree that most of what we've seen in these clips is either mass hysteria, the power of suggestion, demonic, or simply "faking it" for approval. However, I can't say this applies 100% of the time. It may be 100% of the time in the instances and circumstances shown. I don't believe God intended "The Church" to endorse celebrity which consolidates perceived power into an individual. This leads to error and abuse.
I agree with you brother
I expirienced the same. Nobody lay hands on, prayed, there was no music, we were in a private prayer meeting and praising the Lord. Suddenly I was hit and was on the ground, I had no chance to resist. No catcher, I fell in a fathered bed and was filled with the joy of the Lord. No one can tell me, that was the devil. They just do not know. It is not all fake.
@@TimBunch I grew up in a methodist church, not ever hearing the gospel message. I was well versed in religion, but not the saving grace of Jesus. I received Jesus's into my heart in 1996, and Tyger was baptized in the Spirit 2 years later. But I so struggled in certain areas, and backslid hard shortly after. I rededicated my life in 2001, got rebaptized in 2006, and THAT was the moment that changed me forever. I have since been called to Evangelism, been ordained as so, and love sharing the gospel every day, no matter how God asks me to
Just remember bro, we WALK by FAITH not by SIGHT. Another words, we dont chase after "good feelings" or look for "goose bumps". We just trust and obey the Lord and KNOW that HE is with you everywhere you go. Pray, study, and meditate on His Word the Holy Scriptures daily....God bless you !
I agree with many of your points but would add one…
Just because there are fakes or inauthentic does not mean there is not an authentic experience…. No hype, no drama or music required.
Lots of fakery though for sure… so I understand your perspective.
Experiences like this have been elevated over teaching and formation and I do see that as a problem.
I haven't been slain in the spirit, but I remember when I was being convicted of my sins, I felt so pulled to run to the altar and ask for forgiveness. However, when I sang in charismatic churches, I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with me when I didn't act like or "feel" what everyone else did.
I agree with everything you said …having been in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for too many years. I got my enlightenment by reading Fr. Seraphim Rose’s book entitled “ Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future”. Now I am safe in the arms of the holy Orthodox Church. God bless you for your courage to speak out.
This is so clear, so helpful, so important for the True Church to understand. Thank you, Costi!
Thanks Costi. I'm a bit older than you. I came under the pressure, as a young bloke in the late 70s, to yield to the manipulation(predominantly the learning to speak in tongues) of the AOG.
I believe I have been pulled out of this fraudulence over the last decade or so.
I have friends who loved the Lord and went into ministry. They are bogged there to this day. I very much appreciate your lesson and pray success to your message.
I was blessed with the gift of discernment. One, among many things Yeshua said directly stands out to me. He laid this directly on EACH OF OUR SHOULDERS, “ do not be deceived “ how? How are we not deceived? By studying and reading the Word. YOU MUST TEACH YOURSELF NOT TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DECEIVED. Costi was for years. Don’t ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DECEIVED. TIME IS TOO SHORT
Brother, I thank God for this video and also that He plugged you out of this stuff to testify for the Truth 💓 As a young Christian I was definitely confused by this practice, I could see it's not OK, but Christians around me were telling me it's from God, even saying that I might offend the Holy Spirit if I call it out... I prayed so much for God to reveal the truth of this 🙏💓✝️ Praise the Lord ❤️🙏
Thank you for speaking truth and breaking this down for us. Your ministry has truly blessed me!
You have a gift for explaining things.
Yep, thank you for covering this. I'm a recovering Pentacostal..really just a child of God saved by grace through faith.
When I was young, I went up for prayer. The "minister" tried to knock me down and because i didn't fall under his influence, he said I didn't have enough faith.
Who shames a young person in the faith like that? So sad!
If you don’t mind me asking, what organization was the Pentecostal church under? Or was it independent? As an Apostolic person, I have seen the spirit move on people, but a minister has never tried to physically knock me out. I’m not undermining your experience, I just want the best for you. The power of God is what cause people to fall or be slain in the spirit.
sorry he/she had to push you but there is a reality in the presence of the holy spirt that we all need ... falling down isn't the marker for this but obviously the minister was insecure so felt the need to push
@@Kaybo_Real Nope, you are duped and you need to go re listen to brother Costi in the video.
Thank you so much Costi Hinn because I kinda grew up with this kinda teaching. I always had bad feelings about this teaching but finally I have left this kinda movement because it's totally unbiblical! We all need to pray for Benny Hinn so God will show him the true gospel. Greetings from Germany where we also have these unbiblical teachings. God bless you Costi ❤
Thank you Brother Costi. Very Very much needed.
My very first experience with church as a new believer when I was 18 was at a charismatic church. I always went to the midweek worship nights where they would do healings and people would be slain in the spirit, and I remember one night I was getting to the front of the line so expectant to “feel” something, and I thought there was something wrong with me when I didn’t fall down or start shaking. I went on to work at this church for 2 years and at one point I was basically told that I had to speak in tongues and they were showing me how to do it and it just never felt right, but it wasn’t an option not to so I just faked it. I left that church 4 years ago and I have been slowly realizing how manipulative and abusive that environment was. SO grateful to belong to a church now that preaches the Bible and doesn’t mess with any of that.
Well, done, brother you nailed it. Good for you. I was many of those people you described for a couple decades praise the Lord I no longer am thank you for your help in that.
Great video! I hope that people who disagree will actually watch the whole video and think about it with an open Bible.
Regarding being 'slain in the Spirit', your explanation (self deception and hypnosis)
makes perfect sense! This is because deception is how Satan normally operates
(Gospel Of Matthew, 7: 15-23; Epistle 2 Of Paul To The Corinthians, 11: 12-15)! I
say this as a Christian myself! And I will confess that I would watch that sort of
thing (presided over By Benny Hinn, and others such as him) for the laughs! But
now I know better! And when I witness that sort of thing now, it disturbs me!!
Thank you so much for breaking this down for us Costi. You have really blessed me with greater clarity.
Thank you for being obedient to the Lord. In 2001 during "worship" service on Easter Sunday I had a grand mal seizure. The only recollection I had was laying on the Ambulance gurney and the pastor telling me it was going to be ok. Recently, my daughter who was 16 at the time shared with me the traumatic experience she had and that if not for an EMT attending that day she does not know what would have happened as "our" church family was saying I was under the power of the Holy Spirit. This experience caused my daughter to fear church, God and the Holy Spirit, she just recently turned back to God, repenting and calling upon Him. I also would like to add, the seizure was caused by a pacemaker lead that was sending shocks to my brain. I am thanking God for delivering myself and my family out of the lies. God Bless you
Have I been slain in the spirit? Most certainly. It happened before I knew such a thing existed. When I was 19 years old, I was in my kitchen and God, and his mercy, moved on my heart, and showed me the sin in my life. I heard the audible voice of God tell me, “John, stop it!”. There was no standing at that moment. I simply fell to the ground and wept in repentance for my sin. I get it, there is a lot of foolishness that happens. Having said that, I am confident that there are times, when God moves in such a way that people simply fall to the ground.
Absolutely! Thank you for sharing!
Love to hear how great God is!
It's unbiblical to say you were slain in the spirit, the Holy spirit gives life it does not slay you, that's not the Holy spirit, that's something diffrent, I could understand getting on your knees and crying out to the lord for repentance but you should not be falling over backwards, laughing uncontrollably nor flying back, men cannot touch you now and make you fall, only Jesus and those he appointed to do so in his time on earth could do that but after he resurrected that ended, as hard as that is to believe it is biblical fact
@@bringingforthtruth I never said that I fell backward, rolled on the ground, and laughed. I said that, in the presence of a Holy God, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit I could not stand and collapsed. Is that “unbiblical”? If so than demonstrate it.
@mayorrodgers7446
We are to have self control with the holy spirit, to be steadfast with the lord.
You asked in your comment "had I been slain in the spirit" and you said yes
To be slain in the spirit is not of the holy spirit, the holy spirit does not slay you at all, it fills you with peace, happiness, understanding of God's word, a deeper sense of self and the lords love he has for you.
This is slain in the spirit and what it does, person collapses to the floor, supposedly overcome by the power of the holy spirit.
Yes, there may be some energy or force involved, but if so, it is very likely not of God and not the result of the working of the Holy Spirit.
(Galatians 5:22-23). Being filled with the Spirit is not evidenced by such counterfeits, but by a life that overflows with the Word of God in such a way that it spills over in praise, thanksgiving, and obedience to God.
Thank you for patiently explaining this. The Bible teaches us to be sober and alert, so it can't be of God's Holy Spirit for people to fall down and start having seizures just like those who are demon-possessed, or laughing wildly in church, or acting as though they're insane and belong in asylums. Handing over one's mind and consciousness opens anyone up to the demonic. May the Lord bless you and your ministry!
Thank you Costi. We so appreciate you and your love for truth.
Thank you for your clear Words . God Bless you
So creepy and disturbing. I would venture to say demonic. None of these practices have God’s work or hands in this.
Finding your ministry has been incredible, life changing and eye opening. Thank you for calling these things out and for contrasting them with truth from the Word!
Thank you Jesus for opening Costi's eyes and getting him out of that mess!
God blesses you brother for expossing those false churches
I am someone who was slain in the spirit.. but it wasn't loud and overbearing like Benny hinn.
We came to the front of the church to receive a touch from the spirit.. and I felt it !
I did not even know I'd fallen over .. no one told me I'd fall!
I believe everything is possible with God. And I have fond memories of that experience..
❤
Amen
But did this experience lead to a life changing action. Does your life now have proof of work due to being slain in spirit?
I can only thank the Lord that these slayings never had any effect on me. Seeing others fall and not me, often made me wonder if something was wrong with me spiritually. There were no conversations at church or in my family to help me understand what was happening.
Some of these hyper charismatic churches are damaging people's faith and sowing doubt when people don't see these physical manifestations. Also, I've heard some people are taught they should just fall when touched and that's why some fall.
These days I'm learning I don't need these hyper supernatural experiences to love the Lord and know he is at work in my life. Jesus' death for me and daily sanctification of the Holy Spirit is enough for me to trust God.
Thank you so much for explaining this Costi.There are so many people being deceived! We pray for you daily for strength to continue to stand for the truth!❤
I gave my heart to Jesus in 1973 in Rhodesia. I saw z women who approached the pastor Earl Davis at the pulpit, accusing him of being a liar. The pastor pointed at her and said, " in Jesus name" . Immediately the accusing lady was lifted off the floor and landed about 30 feet at the entrance of the church and started rolling in the dust, making gargling noises . Romans 13;11. It is time a large part of the church wake up and reject lying cessationist.
Brave man costi! Working for God against family
Good work brother,
I used to be so worked up wondering why I wasn't being "touched" by the slaying power of by God, I struggled with the thought that perhaps God didn't love me because I wasn't falling down and experiencing the "power" of the Holy Spirit like many others in my church.
@gabrielirungu5635 Well i hope you know the truth after watching this video? And of course the study of Gods Word, meditate on it day and night along with prayer preferably before you read. God bless you sister.
Thank you for the truth and your faithfulness.
I can say with U Amen, for we R not slain, but made alive in the Holy Spirit. We R going from death 2 life eternal as it is written. God is so good 2 us, & His word is the truth 4 He is.
Hey Costi….so glad you got saved. You’ve become such a wealth of information and correction to the real church
I got steered into a group of people at the altar without intending to be there. The service was ending and I was trying to make my way to my sister in law a few rows away. By accident I got led into the people there for healing or praying or whatever. I tried to walk away but the catcher blocked my way and kept pointing at my feet to stay there. So I just decided to stand there to be polite, and not to make a scene by leaving but also not participate by pretending to fall down. I refused to do that. It couldn't hurt to stand there and be prayed for. I didn't even have a specific reason for being down there, but when the pastor started praying with me and told the Holy Spirit to touch me, I could not stay on my feet.😮 I went down and back like something temporarily removed my ability to hold myself up. It's real.
This was so good! I was one who wanted to fall and so I did... often. I'm like you...I cringe when I see this on video too. But like you said, praise God he can save sinners like us!
Thank you for sharing the truth!
Ahh Costi Always love your teachings
Spoken with truth
I was Catholic and later got into charismatic prayer groups, then left and joined Assembly of God and was I to their sermons, prayer, worship etc. During Covid watched some churches including Redeemer Bible Church with your self and some wonderful pastors and it all changed. Also been Watchin Spencer Smith's 3rd Adam series (no 4 has just come out) what an eye opener
Thankyou Costi and Redeemer Bible Church, Gilbert Arizona
Oh and we found a local church that only teaches the Bible herein Australia 🇦🇺 using the find a church near you on your home Web page, couldn't believe my town of Albury got mentioned
Love your book too
God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies
Awesome teaching on this topic! I am so glad I never fell for this one! By Gods Grace.
Every time I watch these clips, I can't help but to recognize how MAN desires so much to HAVE POWER..even if only a few actually think they do, it must make them feel like they can actually COMMAND the holy spirit to do anything AT THEIR WILL!! shamefully...so many fall for this nonsense!
I have been motivated by the spirit to run. So I run usually at the gym and at the park and am brought to tears, or brought to my knees in worship. Never spoke in tongues, passed out and convulsed at “laying of hands”
I was slain in the Spirit back in 1986. I purposed that I would not fall over and then I did and the preacher didn’t push me. When I came too which was almost immediately I felt the presence of the Lord, my life was forever changed. I spoke in tongues, the grass was greener, the sky bluer than I’d ever seen it before and the word of God leapt out of the pages of the bible.
I used to support your uncle Benny until he bought a jet then I became upset and withdrew my support. I prayed about it and one day I felt the Holy Spirit speak into my mind that Benny Hinn was his servant and would deal with the matter.
I see Benny on my news feed sometimes and give an amazing message and then ask for money in the same way he used to 30 odd years ago. It’s like nothing has changed. You’re right David Diga Hernandez follows Benny’s model exactly except he’s more specific, on occasion, of how much money he expects from you which I find extremely distasteful. I know they are friends they sat down together for an interview talking about the prosperity gospel!
I got slain in the spirit in the early 90’s. I had never been to the church before, and I never heard of such a thing. I was confused because I felt blissed out for many hours afterward. I still wonder what that was. That said, nothing happened that changed my life for the better.
Amen!!!! Thank you for preaching the Truth!
I’m so glad that I found you,Costi, on TH-cam. I was in a Pentecostal church and yes, I was slain in the Spirit but after it happened I questioned, did I fall cause I leaned back too far? I wanted to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit just as my former friends in the church. I said former cause when I left, those “friends” never contacted me, EVER!
If you are born again you are baptised in the Holy Spirit my friend 🙂
@@johnetanneso5095, but when I was attending that Pentecostal church, it was taught there is the filling of the Holy Spirit when born again and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, ex. as the Upper Room disciples were. After studying further, I know now that the baptism was for those to show 1) power of Holy Spirit, 2) speaking in tongues, the languages of the people around, from Galatians people with the messages of praising God and His greatness, glorifying His wonder, etc. I believe now, that the apostles powers of raising the dead and instant, miraculous healings is no longer available today for Jesus gave it to only the Apostles for that time.
@@johnetanneso5095 I was just fixing to say the same exact thing !! But you see, the charasmaniacs/pentacostals been teaching that tripped up stuff for years and its gotten worse now !! they ndont even go by Scripture at all now !!
@@invisibleman53God performs miraculous healings today, still. I myself have personally witnessed it (I was the one praying-not a pastor but just one who truly loves the Lord). I watched a boy be transformed and miraculously healed before my very eyes as his father jumped and shouted for joy!
This was really helpful to hear. I've never been to a service like those, but do desire to be baptized in the Spirit. I think your teaching here will really help me avoid some pitfalls if I am ever in a situation like that.
@Waypoint451 Are you tuly born again? If the answer is yes, then you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. He now lives inside of you, a temple of God !!
Seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit from God directly. He will fill you. It may take some time.
Some people will say you were “baptized in the Holy Spirit” when you believed, but Scripture is clear that it is a different occurrence (for most people).
@@christincommon5496 Back before tha Holy Spirit ever came down to dwell inside of men (our hearts) Jesus spoke of Him before His ascension. It was a one time deal that wouldnt happen again. Thats why the Holy Spirit came at a certain time which we refer to it as "the day of pentecost". That "day" was a fullfillment of the prophets(Joel etc) and what Jesus told them before He ascended (I will not leave you alone but will send you a Helper/Comforter the Holy Spirit and He will be with you and inside of you and He will remind you of all of the things I said to you). Go read in Acts when the Holy Spirit came down, people of every region were there and could hear the great things of God spoken in their own languages. Speaking in tongues is NOT jiberish that cannot be interpreted. Until that day, man could not have the Holy Spirit living inside of him , even the prophets was looking intently into that day with anticipation. Having God by His Spirit living inside of you being His temple is a BIG deal !! Im sorry that I didnt give you any "Book, chapter, verse" as I just woke up drinking coffe fixing to pray and study my bibles, but study it and I dont claim to know it all Im constantly studying but the Word does say that we only know in "part" but when we have our glorified bodie we will know ...God bless you in your search !!
I believe that the baptism is for the church today. That being said I agree that the vast majority of "being slain in the spirit" as we see today is influenced either by the flesh or demons.
Thanks Costi, beautifully explained.
Well said Costi, thank you.
I remember going out the front of my church for prayer, and there being an expectation by certain people that I (and others) would fall over.
They'd take their position as catchers.
I never felt the slightest bit like falling, or of losing my dignity.
The Lord knows that maintaining my dignity and composure is very important to me, and I see in the gospels that He did that for every person who came to Him for help and healing.
I love Him for it.
With regard to being "slain in the spirit", I had grown men trying to push me over...yes, as a teenager and as a young woman....how is this not assault?.....but I would brace myself against it, much like traveling on a train or a bus (standing up), and I wouldn't let anyone push me over.
The "Pastor" at that independent charismatic church called himself an apostle, and at one stage he had everyone meet together in the evening for a weekly "prayer meeting", but it was just two hours of everyone yelling loudly at the evil one, for example "I rebuke you S*t*n!", etc,.
All unbiblical.
I suspect that the "Pastor" was a narcissist and had no idea about a real relationship with God. He thrived on power over others and attention.
My mother was a narcissist, and she decided one day when I was about 12 that she and the pastor's wife were going to do "deliverance ministry" to me at the pastor's house.
I'd believed in and loved Jesus since I was nine years old.
So, there was nothing to "come out" despite the commands of these two women. I wasn't going to get out of there if I didn't do something, so in the end I faked a bit of hyperventilating and said when they kept asking me, that it was gone.
So these clowns from Clown World forced me to lie.
That's a millstone event, right there.
I've been studying these things and seeking the wisdom of God in His word on the matter, and unless my mother repented on her deathbed (highly unlikely because of her arrogance, entitlement and pursuit of wickedness), she'll be at the Great White Throne Judgement.
Thank you again.🇭🇲
I am so sorry for your experience; however, I can tell you that I have casted demons out of people and it’s a real thing-the name of Jesus is above every name.
I've been in these circles and thankful to be out of it. BUT, I did witness a missionary woman at a small gathering fall completely face forward, not backward. Noone expected it, noone to catch her and she wasn't injured. It did seem to be the power of the Lord. Anyone else experience anything like this?
Nothing like that in Scripture. And what does that do for the body of Christ? There is no miracle or move of God in Scripture that doesn't MEAN something, or SHOW God's power. The whole problem with the charismatic movement is it's empty emotionalism with nothing to learn, nothing to spread the faith, nothing to spread the Gospel or call people to repentance. Someone falling on their face isn't a miracle. It's just more of the same mass psychosis.
@@donquixote8462 I understand your points very well and agree overall. Most is hyped up emotionalism. Trust me, I've had my forehead pressed to fall down too many times!
This was not a mass psychosis though. There were only a handful of us and we were praying for her and her husband. They served in Africa and were going back to mission field. We weren't at the church either, we had gathered outside for small group fellowship. Its just kind of strange experience that I can't explain. At the time, I think I just saw it as a confirmation she was really being filled with power for the assignment and it was one of few times I though it was something supernatural rather than drummed up.
@bespiritfilled thank you so much for your sincere concern! And for the resources, I will check it out. I've been seeking God about these type of things for a while. I just want to know His truth!!
@@donquixote8462hi Don,
Actually there is Scriptural evidence of people falling on their faces…many prophets experienced this.
The scriptures said that we are to lay hands on the people being prayed for.No waving coats...no yelling fire...just laying on of hands! God's power will do whatever He wants His power to do!
Amen Costi thank you for this video
I agree with you 100%. My husband and I grew up in churches where there were abuses of the Holy Spirit's work, so when we had children of our own, we chose to raise them in the Wesleyan Church. Interestingly, when our son, at age 6, developed Tourette's Syndrome, we asked our Wesleyan pastor if we could have the elders pray for him for healing. On a Wednesday morning, after the church staff meeting, several of our church staff gathered with my husband, son, daughter and myself for prayer. It was merely 6 adults and the two children. Pastor Dave, a calm non-charismatic pastor, but a godly man, asked our son, "Do you believe Jesus can heal you?", then he explained that he was going to use anointing oil as a representation of the Holy Spirit. He explained that the oil wasn't magic. Then, Pastor Dave began to pray. When he did so, our son instantly fell back into another pastor's arms and appeared to be sound asleep. After another pastor prayed, Josiah woke up and seemed to be in awe, but, of course, he didn't know what had happened. But, all of us adults just stood there, wondering what that was all about. On the way out of the church, I asked my husband, "Did what I think just happen, just happen?" He said, "Yes. Josiah was 'slain in the Spirit'". I said, "In the Wesleyan church?" Previously, neither of us even believed "Slain in the Spirit" was real, but this incident showed us that, though there is, indeed, abuse of God's gifts, He can still do whatever He chooses to do, when and where He chooses to do it. Afterward, I asked Pastor Dave about it and he asked us questions like, "Has Josiah ever seen this happen on t.v. or anywhere?" We said "no". In fact, we had purposely kept our children away from anything that even remotely resembled a false spirit. Pastor Dave said all he could explain was that when he began to pray, he felt a warmth go down his arm, then when he touched Josiah with the anointed tissue, Josiah went out. And, the testimony to all of it, to the glory of God, is that our son was completely, miraculously healed that day! Praise God! He is now 27 and still has no signs of having Tourette's! So, God did heal Josiah that day. It was a miracle of God's choosing and in God's timing. Since then, we have not seen any miraculous healings. In fact, shortly after that happened, our church had a healing service...but they made everyone who needed healing sit down in a chair while being prayed for! I guess they didn't want anything to become a spectacle, but only for the true Spirit of God to be at work, according to His own choosing. I praise God for the miracles He still does. And I praise Him for godly men who warn us of false prophets and strive to live by every word of God!
Well said! Sadly, there have been abuses of the ways of God. This calls for discernment. But we can’t discount any way in which God decides to manifest Himself. I have heard of others experiencing this same miraculous heat and have been changed by it. Some have described it at liquid love. Thank you for sharing your story.
Praise God! By your description of what happened though with your son at 6, seems still much different than the "slain in the spirit" videos showed in this video, where people are jirating and acting crazy and clearly fake! Jesus absolutely heals, but the whole term "slain in the spirit" is not biblical. Healing is. Praise the Lord He chose to heal you so at only 6 Years old! God is good and faithful!
Thankyou for sharing. I too have been "slain in the spirit"... it was not extravagant, there was no shaking or wailing. It is a shame that such a stupid phrase was attached to this action, which has allowed people to pick it apart. Of course abuses can happen, but to be honest, I am more disturbed by the numbers of people attacking who they consider false teachers and attacking worship teams. Just go preach the Word and the TRUTH WILL set people free. Our spirit recognizes the Holy Spirit when He speaks. When we ask God to reveal truth, He does. If these "exposers of truth" want to see the false exposed- then go into the secret place and PRAY about it! Ask the Lord to reveal the truth to people, then let Him work. I'm so curious about their need to rescue everyone- our job is to share the Good News and Love each other to Christ- not convince anyone of anything else.
I was in a pentecostal church for 30 years and I saw that garbage every Sunday. I am so glad that my eyes were opened. Thank you Lord!!! I am still serving the Lord but I go to a independent baptist church now. 😊
Pray for me for I am trying to find a home church myself. I also came out of a Pentecostal church. Originally Church of God then Assembly of God.
@@invisibleman53 definitely be praying for you brother