The Power of the Holy Spirit on Reality TV?
Filed under Culture, News on September 22nd, 2009 by Marcus FrenchA group of Christians praying for random people to experience the supernatural presence of the living God on network television? That seems to be the goal of a group affiliated with Randy Clark’s Global Awakening Ministry. They explain their idea for the potential show entitled “The God Squad Show” below:
Imagine this…
…through relationship with God being able to see future events in peoples lives… being able to paint and show future events or unlock mysteries and draw the viewer into a greater understanding of life…with the laying on of hands restoring life to the recently deceased…
Sounds like a great conference! It’s not. It’s descriptions from some of the 6 Primetime dramas on the 3 Major Networks! We can’t get enough of the supernatural… because innately we know, there has to be more…
It’s time for us to give the viewing public more. It’s time for a reality show that doesn’t highlight our greed, fickle hearts or ability to withstand pain and hardship, but a reality show that shows His ability to provide, restore and heal our pains and hardships.
God Squad is a half hour reality show that takes us to city streets all over America and allows us a front row seat to individuals experiencing encounters with the supernatural in a way that has never been seen on secular television. We follow our cast members as they encounter random individuals in daily life and bring them into a supernatural experience.
In our travels we will see sight restored, aches and pain relieved, people healed by art drawn for them, about them before we even met them… broken lives restored to peace and love… watch people feel the supernatural Presence on their bodies in a physical and undeniable way.
In each episode we will visit several cities and go from story to story of supernatural encounters taking place in peoples daily lives right in front of us… in real time.
Reality is often just a lie agreed upon, its time to bring the truth to reality and to confirm what we know in our hearts… that just like we imagine in our weekly fictional dramas on TV, the truth is… there is more.
Below is a clip of someone from the group praying for a woman with no cartilage in her knee. While we cannot verify the long term results of the prayer on the woman’s knee, she does say to the crew that though she is not a “religious person,” she found that as she was being prayed for, her knee felt progressively better, and she felt a strange feeling rush through her body (I found one of the comments on the youtube page for the video amusing: “r there more video’s like this?? and how the **** is it so possible…. i dont ****** get it “): [Link to Video]
People were made to experience the supernatural. Let’s hope that this and similar projects succeed in displaying the power of God to the world.
Tags: christians, God, healing, Holy Spirit, miracles, Randy Clark, Reality, secular, supernatural, television
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Are you seriously supporting this? People ’sticking their fingers in angels’? New Age garbage with a ‘Christian’ tag and not ONE WORD ADDRESSING SIN! No wonder the world likes it, but then again, the Master said they’d hate us because they hated Him. Hmm… I believe the Bible also states that if we’re friends with the world then we are enemies of God. Seriously, I held this ministry to a higher standard than this.
Jason, what are you talking about? I didn’t hear anything about angels at all. I agree that the repentance message is sorely lacking in these kinds of ministries (I’ve been on the streets of NorCal with folks like that who forbid repentance being mentioned; no joke), but I don’t quite get what you’re talking about with this angel/finger thing. Maybe you meant to respond to something else?
This kind of thing could very well be the open door for the gospel, i.e. “repent and be baptized and you will recieve the Holy Spirit”. There’s nothing wrong with this per se, except maybe that we don’t see her being given what matters most, which is certainly a problem.
“This ministry” holds itself to standards higher than your most likely and being privelaged to know some of these writers I can vouch for their living up to it…or at least they have a spirit about them that will “die trying”. Be careful Jason, you don’t know these folks. Jesus permited righteous judgment, but I’m not sure that this is what you just did.
Jason,
Regarding the angel quote, perhaps you can share here more about where you got that from, and why it concerns you.
Regarding the people affiliated with this project operating in a “new age” spirit rather than by the Holy Spirit, I take this as a very serious charge. Have you attempted to raise these concerns with these brothers and sisters in the Lord directly? I know if I was under the influence of any spirit but the Holy Spirit, I would want to know immediately. This brings up the question of how you came to know that this was not the Spirit of the Lord in operation here, but that is another matter.
Regarding the gospel presentation issue you raise, I know that this is a very serious matter that is effecting the entire body of the Messiah right now, with a watered-down message being propagated, and so I definitely can understand your concern. I wonder, however, if the people affiliated with this project have a reason for presenting the gospel in the way they have. Perhaps they simply want to open a door for dialogue? Perhaps they consider praying in Jesus’ name and seeing Him move through healing enough of a message in and of itself to warrant waiting on a response from these strangers before going further with the gospel message? Perhaps they treat each person differently, with some only receiving prayer and some receiving a full gospel proclamation, depending on the divine insight they believe they are receiving for each person individually? I don’t really know, but I would be careful about ripping apart a ministry before getting all the facts.
Regarding us “supporting” this project, the only “endorsement” I gave in the article is: “Let’s hope that this and similar projects succeed in displaying the power of God to the world.” Do you want projects like this to fail in displaying the power of God to the world? Would you rather leave television producers to fill people’s insatiable desire for the supernatural with nothing but fiction (reinforcing the fact that the supernatural isn’t real)? I can’t imagine you want this, so perhaps what you are saying is that you want these people to further develop their gospel presentation before anything like this actually does succeed in presenting the power of the gospel to the world? (BTW, I have no idea where this particular project stands, it may not even be a live work now, but the point remains the same).
A final point of consideration:
Perhaps I’m looking at things from an impact to society perspective, greatly appreciating how having a witness to God’s power and the reality of the supernatural would impact culture, and you are looking at things from a perspective that is zealous for the gospel to be properly articulated? I think both are essential, but in this world that is coming more and more against the people of God (I just read this virulent anti-church article from The Nation entitled “The Nightmare of Christianity” which is a good example of where things are going), it grieves me to see fellow believers attacked by other believers because they are attempting to break out of the box and impact our world with the gospel, though they perhaps are missing it in certain areas.
I have no idea obviously if this network tv idea will fly, but praise God for the boldness to even consider something like this. And praise God that He will bring the church into a full understanding of the gospel and how to properly present it to the world.
Marcus French
Editor: Voice of Revolution
Guys, if you’ll follow the link provided directly above this video, you’ll see two videos: the one on this page and another, larger one. They are both God Squad videos. On the second one, you’ll find what I’m talking about, as well as some very bizarre doctrine. I quote, “You were raised in the Church, right? You were raised Catholic and Jesus lives in your heart and you know that.” I have no doubt that there are born-again Catholics and that’s not the issue. The issue is that we are saved by faith. When did being dragged to church as a child by your mom be the deciding factor on salvation?
On another portion of the same video, we find a guy putting energy balls from God in somebody’s hand. I understand completely that what I said is a serious charge, but it stands none the less. Signs and wonders are very real and true signs and wonders follow those who believe as a witness to what is being preached. There are also false signs and wonders and if there is no true Gospel being preached, then what exactly constitutes these signs and wonders as being truly from the Holy Spirit, Who’s number one job towards unbelievers is to convict sinners of their sin and not to wow them.
I have brought this up with some people who are affiliated with Randy Clark’s ministry, yet it’s always the same thing - I’m ‘religious’. There is a vast difference between being under the influence of a religious spirit and being reverent of The Holy One Of Israel and holding to sound doctrine. Yeshua tells us, “For false christs (anointed ones) and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if it were possible” (Matthew 24:24)
If miracles are occurring where the word of God is not being preached and sinful men are not being called to repentance, it would be foolish to go along with it thinking, “Well God MUST be doing it! Who else can!”
Jason;
I actually am probably in way more agreement with you than not. It’s just that your original statements didn’t have anything directly to do with what was posted, but now it makes more sense. Yeah, I’m not a big fan of imparting a “Ryu” anointing, i.e. Street Fighter sonic booms and such. It seems really silly, not to mention that I haven’t yet found the gift of energy balls. And yes, going to Catholic church is by no means a good reason to just tell someone Jesus is in their heart. Heck, going to Pentecostal church is in the same boat. Attendance to buildings never saved anyone.
But as Marcus pointed out, the only endorsement was a very generic statement that it would be great to see God actually doing the real thing in the streets (to paraphrase). So on that note, I still think the “higher standard” statement was hasty at best, mean spirited at worst. But again, I personally cannot refute your points; sounds like what I believe. I would just put forth a word of caution as to how much your passion is able to catch you up while you comment on these things. The serious nature of them can sometimes cause us to forget being tactful when speaking of people who’s lives we don’t know anything about, much less the height of their standards regarding issues like this.
Jason,
Thanks for the info on the second video. I have not watched it up to this point, and am in the midst of processing its contents (certainly some interesting things going on there). I’ll get back to you on it.
Regarding the Catholic quote, assuming that he believes that everyone that has gone to Catholic church is a Christian (rather than that he received some divine revelation on the manner for this particular person), is that any sillier than judging someone’s identity in the Messiah on if they’ve asked Jesus into their heart? Yet this is how the majority of the church would judge the matter at this point. If you want to go down the road of exposing the fallacy of judging someone’s salvation in this manner I’ll be the first to join you, (for more on my perspective on this, check out http://voiceofrevolution.askdrbrown.org/2008/11/11/the-prophetic-gospel/). But don’t think it’s unique to these guys.
Regarding your statement that unless the “true gospel” is being preached, any spiritual manifestations cannot be of the Holy Spirit (please correct me if I misunderstood your point), I wonder, exactly what percentage of the “true” gospel must be present before God shows up? 50%? 90%? 100%? And who determines what the “true gospel” is? For hundreds of years, the Catholic church did an undeniably crummy job of articulating the gospel (though they were the only game in town), yet think of the tremendous heritage of godly people from that period performing miracles, bringing people to faith in Jesus, writing tremendous godly works, holding 200 year round-the-clock prayer meetings, etc… Was the Holy Spirit not present during that entire time? Or does He only come when the gospel is articulated perfectly?
And when we befriend unbelieving neighbors and colleagues, seeking to bring them into an experience of Jesus’ reality through our lives, must we make sure the repentance message is given first, followed by an altar call, before we can be sure that the Holy Spirit will be with us in our friendships? Or does it vary from person to person, as we are led by the Spirit?
One more thought: would Jesus’ method of evangelism have met your criteria for being the “true gospel”? When you are asked by someone “what must i do to inherit eternal life?”, do you often respond with “do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother”? Jesus was being led by the Spirit in response to this man’s question, knowing what this man needed to get to his heart. Would that we would be led by the Spirit in this manner, rather than simply giving a rote answer! (The gospel is also articulated differently throughout Acts. Does Paul even mention the atonement at Mars Hill?)
Much more needs to be said in our conversation on this topic, and I hope we can continue to sharpen each other in humility and grace on this topic, but I think it’s best to deal with one subject at a time, so I’ll leave you with a quote from N.T. Wright:
To all,
I apologize, not for the comments that I made regarding the 2nd video, for I believe it to be the truth, but for hastily coming to the mistaken conclusion that because the videos were hosted on this site that you were condoning it. Please forgive me.
Mr. French,
I agree whole-heartedly with you regarding the fallacy of decisionism, i.e. “I asked Jesus into my heart/said-a-little-prayer once upon a time” that so many of the Western Church seems to be propagating these days. Concerning the question of how much of the Gospel must be present, I don’t see from Scripture that there is a set formula. The Spirit of God fell on the household of Cornelius as Peter was preaching, but notice what he preached! His very first sentence dealt with the fear of the LORD and doing what was right. We find that prevalent throughout the New Covenant Scriptures dealing with the preaching of the Gospel. It’s a very simple message, yet it’s hard-hitting. It’s the reason we are to be hated, not adored, by sinful men. Repent and believe. Deal with the sinfulness of man and show the way to the cross. If that’s not there, then it isn’t the Gospel. I believe the real question is this: Does He show up before, during or after the Gospel is proclaimed? The answer, I believe, is, “Yes!” But if the Gospel’s not proclaimed, then I seriously question if that was, indeed, God. We don’t know if the Gospel was preached to these individuals after they were healed. Logically speaking, we can deduce that it wasn’t, or if it was, then either it was omitted from television because of either compromise or lack of ‘creative control’. Either way, millions of people will be wowed into believing what the majority of the ‘Church’ already believes; and that is this, “Sin is no big deal. God still loves me just as I am. He knows my heart… yada yada yada.” He never tells the Church in the Book of the Revelation that He knows their hearts. He says, “I know your works, and I have this against you.”
We are in a very serious dilemma in the Western Church. We all believe that there is coming a great worldwide revival in these end times, yet, according to a parable told by Yeshua, only 5 out of the 10 virgins are going into the wedding feast upon His return. 50% of the Church! I think it would be very liberal to suggest that 10% would if He were to return now. We need to be sounding an alarm, you guys. We need to be screaming from the rooftops! Can we really afford to speak in fear of offending them?
Mr. French, I can’t find in the Bible where an alter call was ever given? Can you picture Peter saying, “Yes, I see that hand”? Sir, when dealing with people one-on-one, we are at an advantage because we’re allowed to open the Scriptures and show them on a personal level their true sinfulness and their need for a savior and Lord. The rich young ruler knew the Word backward and forward, yet missed the sum of all the Torah. Yet, even after he answered, Yeshua never said, “By golly! You’re in the Kingdom!” No, sir. He said, “You’re not far from the Kingdom.” He then proceeded to tell him what he needed to do under the Original Covenant. We preach under a different Covenant. Read the answers of the apostles when asked that question. Every one of them said, “Repent.” That answer was given in the New Covenant Scriptures a total of 25 times. Yeshua, Himself, said it 13 times. We must deal with the sinfulness of man. God will determine if it is to be before or after the healing, but it must be dealt with. Is it good news to be healed physically yet allowed to go blindly to hell because the preacher either fears man more than God or believes and teaches a heretical, or ‘other’, Gospel?
Again, Paul hits the sinfulness of man on Mars Hill. In particularly, the sin of idolatry.
I’ll leave you with a quote from A.W. Tozer:
“A heretic is not a man who denies all the truth, he’s just a very persnickety man who picks out what he likes and rejects the rest.”
Gentlemen,
The Scripture that keeps running through my mind is this: “…This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.” Luke 11:29
What was the sign of Jonah? Repentance preaching! The thing that bothers me most about these videos is that it cheapens the Gospel, and the power of God. Are we reducing the precious things of God to a “reality show”? Something inside of me just doesn’t ring true with that!
We need to be on guard against “false signs and wonders” in these times we are living in. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Mat. 24:24
One thing to note is that when signs and wonders were being performed by the Apostles, there was a FEAR OF GOD upon the people. “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” Acts 2:43 However, when I watch these videos, there seems to be NO fear of God in these people, one man “swore to God” and a lady continually spouted out swear words, while they were laughing, and joking around. Don’t you think if God did a miracle, there just “might” be a healthy fear of God in these people, instead of this feeling of “casualness”? It really bothers me inside.
Jesus condemned the folks of His day when they asked for signs, saying, “Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” John 4:48
If Christians are so quick to go out and “demonstrate signs and wonders” to the lost world, I just think it needs to be taken more seriously, and be accompanied by a REPENTANCE message.
Paul wasn’t “casual” at all about the signs and wonders God wrought through him. “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:18
The one thing we should always look for, is CONFIRMING signs, upon the Gospel message. These were signs to confirm the WORD of God being spoken, so that the people would know the Apostles were speaking the truth.
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Heb. 2:3-4
I haven’t even checked out the ministry or the credibility of these people yet, but I am very concerned the Gospel is being cheapened by this, as some sort of “free for all, come and get some of this” type of thing. If I knew that after these “signs” being performed, that there was a repentance Gospel preaching taking place, and people were truly repenting and that these signs were instilling a healthy fear of God in them, then I might give more credibility to them. But I fear this may be more along the lines of Ezekiel 13.
I just have HUGE red flags going up. More investigation needs to be done on my part before I make a final judgment call though.
God bless.
I like this Jason guy…especially when he asks about Peter saying, “yes, I see that hand”. I just about fell off my chair. Good show old man.
I’m encouraged by this discussion. It’s one of the first I’ve ever been in on this subject where belligerence didn’t arrive and blow it all away. God is good.
One thing pops into my head. I don’t have time right now to find them, but there were instances where Jesus healed and gave no message at all. There were even times where He just stood there getting touched and pressed on all sides. I think that an overall spirit of a repentant life that hates sin and is ready like a Minuteman to preach repentance is what needs to be the underlying deal. Who knows? Maybe there might be (allbeit few in scripture) times where only a miracle happens and it is in itself a repentance message to ones heart that God would not even want added to by us. “Who is sufficient for these things?” We have to be a truly Spirit led group of individuals.
Well, that’s about the last of my loose change on this topic.
A Christian,
Very well said.
Mark,
Thanks. I’m not sure which instances you’re talking about where Jesus healed with no message at all.He was always teaching and preaching, but there may have been some. Interesting study.
A.C.,
The sign of Jonah wasn’t repentance preaching; it was his death, burial and resurection. He said in one of the gospels something to the affect of, “even as Jonah was 3 days and nights in the belly of a sea creature, so will the Son of Man be in the earth”…or something like that.