When Charismanaics pretend its their way or the highway...

::::::::

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. - 1Corinthians 14:1-5 (ESV)

Click Here

The NAR is a wide and broad classification of teachings, which is why people are often confused when hearing about it. There are core sets of beliefs based on the founding by C. Peter Wagner and how it has morphed as it has metastasized. Dominionism is at its core but so is the belief that God has "put the band back together" with latter day apostles. Hyper-charismania is also a core belief. We often write about false teachers who are hardcore dominionists but may not focus so much on Charismania. Today however we have the opposite in Joseph Mattera, who while being a dominionist, often overly-focuses on Charismania in his writing. This is what we are dealing with in the above linked article from Mattera. As Mattera is a Charismaniac, he obviously believes in the continuation of the gifts of the spirit and those opposed are called cessationists. They are called such because they believe the gifts of the spirit ceased at the end of the apostolic age, when John passed away around 100 AD. I have always held a middle ground. I think the bible clearly refutes the notion of cessationism but at the same time I recognize the unbiblical nature of the way gifts are expressed in Charismaniacal churches today. Mattera takes full aim at me and this belief today, creating a brand new doctrine called functional cessationism. This new doctrine essentially says that if you do not believe in the gifts as Mattera does, then you may as well be called a cessationist. How petty and absurd. Let us reason once more.

"In this article, cessationism refers to the doctrine, practice or belief that the ascension ministry gifts and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit ceased with the early church and do not function in the present church age (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 12: 4-11). The charismatic and Pentecostal world believes in all the gifts of the spirit and in hearing God's voice. Various terms are used to describe these manifestations: "revelation" and "illumination." On the other hand, there are evangelical rationalists, who are, in function and theology, "cessationists." Whether Pentecostal or a non-charismatic evangelical, you may be a functional cessationist if you don't practice or experience divine spiritual phenomena. The term "evangelical rationalist" describes a person who believes in all the cardinal truths of the Scriptures but denies the practice of certain manifestations of Holy Spirit phenomena in the contemporary church (1 Cor. 12:4-11)." - Joseph Mattera

Here is the thing - while the Charismatic/Pentecostal world believes in the gifts of the spirit many have diverse beliefs about the specifics. It is interesting to note here that Mattera casually throws in "hearing God's voice" into a discussion where it does not belong. As a biblical purist, one has to admit that God has spoken audibly in the past and could very well do so today if He wished. The problem is that is not the doctrine Mattera is advocating for here. Charismatics like Bill Johnson teach an emptying of the mind and "listening" to the first thing that pops into our head and hearts. The problem in assigning that thought to God is that our hearts are wickedly deceitful above all else created! That does not make me a functional cessationist it just means I can correctly interpret my bible. The term evangelical rationalist was simply made up by Joseph Mattera's wickedly deceitful heart. It is not a matter of denying the Holy Spirit but rather refusing to allow the expression of manifestations that run contrary to the bible. For example, I assume Mattera embraces the theology of being slain in the spirit despite not one shred of biblical support.

"These believers "demystify" the Scriptures and have an enlightenment framework in which all biblical truth is verified through the grid of their rational minds and understanding. Of course, as true Christians, they are inconsistent in their anti-supernatural view. This is because salvation itself, the point of translation for every believer, hinges on faith and the profession of the Lordship of Christ and His historical and supernatural resurrection. This results in a supernatural conversion experience (Rom. 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:17). The following are seven types of functional Cessationists:

1. Cessationism Regarding Ephesians 4:11 Ministry Gifts - Whether you or your denomination classify as charismatic, if there exists no belief in or embrace of the practical function of the ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11, then you or they are cessationists concerning these." - Joseph Mattera

Wow. Look at what Mattera is saying. Essentially, he is saying that as believers, we need to check at the door rational thought and understanding. That's insane and nowhere does God ask this from us. We are to be wise as serpents not stupid as idiots. The rational mind can still grasp the supernatural. When the doctors call a healing a miracle it is not irrational to conclude divine intervention. As for the first offering here for functional cessationism, it seems obvious he is just upset that many people do not count him as an apostle, which is a title Mattera craves. Heck, he runs the United States Coalition of Apostolic Leaders! The only position with some disagreement from Ephesians 4:11 is that of apostle. Forgive us Joseph but we do not bow down to any man claiming to be an apostle. Not you. Not C. Peter Wagner. Not anyone. Those I have met with a true apostolic calling on their life would never be so arrogant as to call themselves an apostle. That doesn't make me a cessationist; just someone who reads their bible.

"2. Cessationism Regarding Hearing the Voice of God - If you do not believe that God can subjectively communicate to you outside of the written Word of God or that He has ceased doing so since the completion of the canon of Scripture, you are a cessationist. Whether you describe divine communication as an "illumination," (God impressing something upon your heart), or a "revelation," (God speaking to you), it is all the same experience. Evangelical rationalists take Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 13:10 to mean the completion of the canon of Scripture. (The 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament). Thus, when somebody claims "God spoke to them," rationalists believe it is adding to the Word of God or the final canon of Scripture. (They use Revelation 22:18-19 to support their argument.) They believe this, even though a proper exegesis of 1 Corinthians 13:10 shows that Paul was not talking about the final canon of Scripture but rather was referring to the saints seeing Jesus "face to face" in heaven. (1 Cor. 13:12; 1 John 3:2). Furthermore, in the context of this verse, Paul said he would "know fully even as he was fully known." Since he died before the book of Revelation was written, he could not have been speaking about canon completion but rather he was referring to going to heaven. In addition, the context of 1 Corinthians 13:10 also shows that "knowledge" will pass away, not just tongues and prophecies. Do any of these evangelical rationalists genuinely believe that our present-day need for "knowledge" no longer exists?" - Joseph Mattera

Here is an excellent example of what I have been speaking about. Mattera lays out two sides and pretends there can be no middle ground. I disagree. I believe we can hear from God today, even audibly as rare as that may be. I believe the Holy Spirit can guide us into all truth to hear from God through His word. I can believe this and also recognize that Mattera sloppily lumps verbal revelation in with what we think we hear in our hearts. The knowledge Mattera seeks is in the bible. The prophecies we might hear, are to come from the canon of scripture or at least be related to them. Adding to the word is when we teach something NOT found in the bible and then have the temerity to blame it on the Spirit. In order for Mattera's beliefs to be true, God would have had to forget to tell us something when He finalized His word but now, He is using people like Joseph Mattera, James Goll, or Jennifer LeClaire to inform us. But not His whole church mind you, just the American church. It just doesn't pass the smell test. So perhaps that word you received by it being "impressed upon your heart" was not actually God. So yes Joseph, we desperately need knowledge, and many perish still for lack of it, but that knowledge is found in the bible, not in your deceitful heart. Once again, that doesn't make me a cessationist but rather a person who believes their bible.

"3. Cessationism Regarding the Gift of Prophecy - Doctrinally, Pentecostals and charismatics claim they believe in the gift of prophecy. (First Corinthians 14:31 says that "all may prophesy" so that the church may be edified. You can also see 1 Corinthians 14:4). However, if members in such Pentecostal and charismatic churches never practice this gift in their gatherings, it is reasonable to classify them as functionally cessationist toward prophecy." - Joseph Mattera

This is so wicked. What Mattera is teaching is that unless you allow the everything goes prophecies like Bethel, then you don't believe in the gifts of the spirit. Nonsense. Paul put severe limitations on the usage of the gifts during service. Not to mention that Mattera's version of prophecy is not what the bible supports. God did not forget something thousands of years ago that He is now using Betty from row three to inform us about. Even if you believed such nonsense, how does the rest of the church hear it? Look, if someone prophesy's repent for the kingdom of God is at hand or for God so loved the world that is perfectly acceptable because it is in the bible. What I do not need to hear however is Bob from the hardware store telling me God is saying that I should chase my inheritance or something equally unbiblical designed to scratch my itching ears.

"4. Cessationism Regarding the Practice of Glossolalia - Many leaders in the Pentecostal movement say that some of their young pastors and members in their contemporary churches do not practice "speaking in tongues" for personal edification (1 Cor. 14:2-4). Those who don't pursue, receive and practice this spiritual gift, aside from the Pentecostal classification, are functionally cessationists (1 Cor. 14:18, 1 Cor. 39-40)." - Joseph Mattera

Here is the poster child disagreement we are speaking about today - tongues. Specifically, we are speaking about the gibberish speech practiced in most charismatic churches today. Ironic that he cites the key verses for today and fails to realize that Paul is speaking AGAINST tongues in favor of prophecy. The larger point here is what manifestation of tongues are we talking about. The biblical manifestation was known earthly languages not this fake supernatural occurrence of baby-speak. So, what Mattera is arguing is that unless you speak HIS version of tongues then you are a cessationist. How arrogant. The word "Glossolalia" originated in the late 19^th century. The modern version of tongues has only been around for 140 years or so out of over 2000 since Christ walked the earth. So according to Mattera, everyone who came before the 1880's had it all wrong. Right, and that makes me a cessationist.

"5. Cessationism Regarding Divine Healing - The Gospels and New Testament writings encourage believers to pray for the sick by faith for supernatural healing (Mark 16:15-18; Luke 10:1-9; John 14:12; James 5:13-15; Acts). Despite this New Testament chronicled practice, many Pentecostals and charismatics rarely pray effectively for the sick. Consequently, they are functional cessationists when it comes to divine healing." - Joseph Mattera

Note the inference here. Most do not pray effectively for the sick. What Mattera is speaking about here is the disagreement regarding divine healing, which is the belief that God always heals and thus if we are not healed it is due to our faith. This is a grotesque usurpation of God's power that absolutely destroys people's faith. If this bogus theology was true, why do people who believe in it continue to die like the rest of us? Beni Johnson believed in divine healing, but she passed recently. Her husband Bill believes in it but wears prescriptive eyeglasses! If you stop trying to be God, you will realize that He can always heal but in His sovereignty He can always choose not to. Are we sensing a pattern here? Joseph Mattera believes in Charismania, not biblical accuracy. As such his beliefs are often at odds with the bible and he is now saying his way or the highway. No Joseph, you do not get to say who is and who is not correct just because you fancy yourself an apostle.

"6. Cessationism Regarding the Expelling of Demons - Jesus made it clear that believers have authority over demons in His name. (Luke 10:17-20; James 4:7). Despite this, many charismatic Pentecostal believers are spooked out when casting demons out of people. This practice, sometimes called "deliverance," should not be the special unique calling of any one person or church, but should be part of the spiritual arsenal of all believers as the need arises. Setting the captives free is one of the essentials of the Gospel (Luke 4:18). In this area, those who never engage in the expelling of demons are functional cessationists." - Joseph Mattera

James 4:7 has nothing to do with casting out demons. It simply says resist the devil and he will flee from you. Based on the context this is about the lives we lead and how to make sure it is more devoted to God than influenced by the enemy. Luke 10 sees the 72 return rejoicing over the power Jesus gave THEM, not you, over demons. Jesus even rebukes them for overly focusing on that! These powers were specifically given to the 72 but Mattera loves to usurp. Setting the captives free has to do with the power of the gospel over sin, not the Charismaniacal scene of literally trying to cast out demons from people. By the way, I am not suggesting that demonic powers do not exist and cannot be expelled by someone who knows what they are doing and more importantly knows Jesus. This isn't a game and yet it seems many Charismaniacs have seen too many movies. Most end up like the Seven Sons of Sceva, who thought it was cool to cast demons out until one time the demons answered and beat them so badly they ended up naked! So it is that we come to realize that the Joseph Mattera's of the world likewise have no clothes when discussing things they simply do not understand.

'7. Cessationism Regarding Experiential Hermeneutics - Being trained in the historical/grammatical method of biblical interpretation enables me to properly discover the author's original intent when they were inspired to write the sacred, canonical text. However, if the Holy Spirit is not allowed to give further insight into the practical application and understanding of the scriptures, this would be a form of hermeneutical cessationism. After all, the Holy Spirit has come to guide us into all truth and is our primary Teacher (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27). For more recommended reading on this subject, refer to Dr. Craig Keener's book, "Spirit Hermeneutics."' - Joseph Mattera

Another of the foundational planks in the platform of the NAR is experiential Christianity. This heresy is where our personal experiences rise to the level of or even trump scripture. When I discovered that slain in the spirit was not biblical, I had a dilemma because I had experienced this once. When faced with what I experienced and what God said, I had to side with what God said and chalk my experience up to an emotional move, not a spiritual one. The NAR does the opposite. They side with their experience and those of us who insist on biblical accuracy are deemed to have a religious spirit! We must realize that while the spirit will lead us into all truth contained within the bible it does not all happen on our schedule. Because the NAR is obsessed with this world and dominionism idolizes this country, it is no wonder they demand a practical application for every scripture they read. The bible however, is not about them. It is about Jesus, so not every application is practical to this world. Mercifully, Mattera concludes:

"In conclusion, my prayerful aim is to encourage all believers, irrespective of their classification, to pursue and allow the fullness of the Holy Spirit to flow through their lives, and in their local church so that all may become more effective witnesses of Christ (Acts 1:8). Examine the Scriptures and be bold as you respond to apostolic instruction (1 Cor. 14:1). Pursue, love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy." - Joseph Mattera

Mattera talks a good game and I do not doubt his sincerity. When your theology starts with God naming you a new apostle however, I tend to start off doubting you. When you then add to scripture to pretend there is a new apostolic reformation, I know you are false in what you are going to present. This article was a tour de force of the NAR false Charismaniacal teachings regarding the spirit. If you have ever attended an out of control church service then you know what I am speaking about. God is a God of order. Hearing His word is far more important than hearing Bill the baker screaming to not look to the left or right. All the supernatural you would ever want or need is found right there in scripture. All the power of God is right there. Anything straying from it is heresy. Functional heresy if that makes it easier to understand.

Reverend Anthony Wade - January 31, 2023

Authors Bio:
Credentialed Minister of the Gospel for the Assemblies of God. Owner and founder of 828 ministries. Vice President for Goodwill Industries. Always remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.