There are a few subjects that come up over and over with people who are opposed to Bethel or that misunderstand our position on certain issues. I thought I would try to clarify some of these issues for the people who truly care about our perspectives.
I am not writing an exhaustive theological dissertation on each point to try and convince our detractors that we are right. I am simply trying to make it clear, in simple terms, what we believe and why.
Signs, Wonders and Miracles
Signs, wonders and miracles seem to be a constant point of turmoil with people who oppose us. Some write about me, Bill Johnson or Bethel Church as if we were the originators of the idea that Christians should have a supernatural lifestyle. This is comical to me. People will often write something like, “Bill Johnson says,” and then go on to quote the Bible word for word.
For example, it was Jesus who said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved … these signs will accompany those who have believed in My name: they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:16-18). We have no interest in picking up snakes or drinking poison. We don’t think that was Christ’s point. He was simply articulating that believers have power over the demonic realm and over all the harmful elements that exist on this planet.
Superior Kingdom
When Christians supernaturally overcome sickness, disease or demons, it’s a sign that a superior kingdom has been superimposed over an inferior world. Jesus went on to say, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:10-12).
The exhortation, command and commission to do miracles, heal the sick and cast out demons is all throughout the New Testament. A supernatural lifestyle is articulated, demonstrated and replicated by Jesus and the apostles, as well as everyday believers from the book of Matthew to the book of Revelation. Not only that, but miracles, in one form or another, have been a part of nearly every revival in church history.
Get What Jesus Paid For
Yet some Christians choose to live with less than Jesus paid for, and that is their prerogative. It’s common for believers to shrink back when some reporter asks with a sarcastic grin, “Do you believe you can do miracles or drink poison and not be harmed, or pick up poisonous snakes?” I personally hate snakes, but my response is that I believe everything that Jesus said about me!
Let’s face it folks, the world has some doctrines that take a lot more faith to swallow than we do. They believe in creation with no Creator, in fetuses that aren’t people, and they are convinced that life with a purpose originated from a cosmic accident. It takes more faith to make God disappear than it does to live for Him.
Do you agree with this? Tell me in the comments below. {eoa}
Kris Vallotton is the Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California and co-founder of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM). Kris travels internationally training and equipping people to successfully fulfill their divine purpose. He’s a best-selling author, having written more than a dozen books and training manuals to help prepare believers for life in the kingdom. He has a diverse background in business, counseling, consulting, pastoring and teaching, which gives him unique leadership insights and perspectives. Kris has a passion to use his experience and his prophetic gift to assist world leaders in achieving their goals and accomplishing their mission.
For the original article, visit krisvallotton.com.
