There is a difference between believing in the gifts of the spirit and believing false signs and lying wonders...

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For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. -- 1Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)

https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/church-ministry/38952-7-guaranteed-ways-to-end-boring-predictable-church-services

I make no bones about the fact that I am a Charismatic Christian. Simply put, that means I believe in the expression of the Charismata, or the gifts of the spirit. I believe the New Testament is clear about how these are apportioned and manifested. As the key verse sums up this teaching -- God is a God of order. Why? So that there would not be confusion but rather peace, in His church. It is because I believe these things that I can biblically debunk cessationism, which believes the gifts ceased at the end of Apostolic Age. It is also for this reason that I can admit that my house is not in order. I can readily admit that the gifts are largely abused these days as Charismania has supplanted reason. Charismania believes in gold dust and gem stones. Charismania believes in angel feathers and glory clouds. Charismania believes experiential Christianity trumps what the bible says. I reject all such nonsense as the bible instructs me to do. I came across the above linked article a few weeks back that perfectly outlines all that is wrong with Charismania. So let us reason together once more as we walk through this offering:

"An Azusa Street report: disgraceful intermingling of the races ... they cry and make howling noises all day and into the night. They run, jump, shake all over, shout to the top of their voice, spin around in circles, fall out on the sawdust blanketed floor jerking, kicking and rolling all over it. Some of them pass out and do not move for hours as though they were dead. These people appear to be mad, mentally deranged or under a spell. They claim to be filled with the spirit. They have a one eyed, illiterate, Negro as their preacher who stays on his knees much of the time with his head hidden between the wooden milk crates. He doesn't talk very much but at times he can be heard shouting, "Repent," and he's supposed to be running the thing... They repeatedly sing the same song, "The Comforter Has Come."

It's becoming less common for Christians to jump out of bed on Sunday mornings, excited about heading to church. Of course, many do still love their church experience. The worship environment is powerful, the vision is alive, and the part they play causes them to feel the fire of the Holy Spirit coursing through them. However, sadly, if we were honest, we'd have to admit that many church services are much less powerful, less anointed and less impacting than we'd like. In fact, a church that looks anything like what was described in the above Azusa Street report can hardly be found." -- John Burton

Thank God churches cannot be found like described in the Azusa blurb. That does not sound like church but rather demonic outpouring. The race of the pastor (William Seymour) is irrelevant, although clearly not at the time of the revival. The focus on one worship song while repetitive is equally irrelevant. The fact that Seymour spent much time in intercession and calling for repentance is welcome. It is the rest of the report could just as easily describe a service in the 1990's at the bogus "Toronto Blessing" or the infamous "Lakeland Outpouring" in 2008. People running, jumping, shaking all over, falling out jerking spasmodically, rolling around on the ground, and passing out for hours as if dead? That is all the greatest hits of the modern day Charismania experience or as huckster Benny Hinn calls it, Sunday. They claim these activities are all orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, as did the Azusa followers. Yet we know this cannot be true by reading our bibles. God is a God of order. One of the gifts of the spirit is self-control! The truly sad thing is Burton essentially opens up by saying that it is these unbiblical things that determine if a service is powerful, anointed and impactful. What about the Gospel preached correctly? What about God focused corporate worship? What about communion with the saints? Unless I burst into uncontrolled laughter it is not powerful? Ridiculous.

'There is a way to fix that. The end result is an atmosphere that's placed in the Holy Spirit's control. I'll tell you this: It's impossible to be bored when God moves. Impossible. It can't happen. It's possible to be provoked, irritated, offended or troubled, but not bored or disconnected. What this means is that, in many churches, God isn't moving in real power. It may be hard to admit that, but we must if we want to prepare for revival and an outpouring that will make us say, "I can never do church the way I used to again."' -- John Burton

Again the connotation to losing complete control of oneself as being powerful is asinine and not supported biblically. What is truly worse now is he actually says that those that seek to hear the word preached correctly without having to fall down in a pile of sawdust must be bored. Sorry, I never grow bored with the Gospel. The reason why so many do these days is the modern church does not preach the Gospel at all and would prefer to entertain people. From an entertainment perspective I can see Burton's point. Who wouldn't rather be part of the show? Running around falling down, screaming out. Except church is not supposed to be about us now is it? Burton now gives seven ways to end boring, predictable church services:

"1. Lead in lengthy sessions of corporate praying and singing in tongues. True Christian leaders will confidently, passionately and continually lead people in fervent and supernatural prayer. Lack of a powerful prayer emphasis on Sunday mornings is an indicator of a lack of a powerful prayer discipline throughout the week. When we are burning in intercession throughout the week, there is an explosion that simply must come on Sunday mornings and any other time the saints meet together. Nurturing an atmosphere where everybody is praying in tongues and singing in the Spirit simply cannot disappoint. How easy would it be, in the midst of worship, to spend 15 or 20 minutes pacing around the room, lying out at the altar or finding a place to pray in tongues with a zealous spirit? I recommend integrating this into every church service, understanding that the wind of the Holy Spirit may blow the program for the rest of the day well of course. In fact, it would be valuable to bring the worship team down off the platform on occasion during this part of the service so they can be free to let the groans and cries of their heart out. Often, worship team members find a comfort spot behind their instrument or microphone. You'd be sadly surprised at how many people who have been entrusted to lead us into the holy of holies don't operate from a burning, overwhelming spirit of prayer. "When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6)." -- John Burton

The scene from Acts 19 is not from a church service. It has no relevance to the point he is trying to make. Look at what he is recommending though! This is pure chaos. The chapter the key verse is from displays the correct order of church service and Paul clearly tries to dissuade people from pursuing tongues. In the end he capitulates but limits the amount of tongue speakers to 2-3 in a service. Here Burton wishes to interrupt worshipping God Almighty so we can wander around the sanctuary muttering in tongues under our breath. This is the traditional false teaching regarding tongues. The public manifestation of the gift was always known foreign languages. Yes there are verses about a private prayer language where the Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know what to pray but Burton misses the "private" part. I might add here there is no such thing as singing in the spirit. This has been made up by Charismania by hijacking the following verse:

addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, - Ephesians 5:19 (ESV)

A spiritual song does not mean singing in tongues. If it did, it would say so. God is not vague. In fact, the word song there more properly breaks down as "ode", which is a short poem. Paul is encouraging us to recite poetry ABOUT spiritual matters. Not to mention the bible is very clear about the expression of tongues in church:

If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. -- 1Corinthians 14:27-28 (ESV)

Burton is advocating for everyone to be "praying and singing" in tongues at the same time without any interpretation. While that may replicate Azusa it wouldn't represent any biblical instruction at all.

"2. Embrace a vibrant prophetic culture. Invite people to submit prophetic words during the service. In order to stay right on track with the order of service and to ensure the focus of the day isn't threatened, definitely do not promote a prophetic culture. Unfortunately, too many pastors have embraced that advice by eliminating or rejecting prophetic ministry on Sundays. I've always believed one of the best ways to promote an absolutely electric church service is by allowing God to speak. When people are trained in the prophetic and are also given an outlet to reveal what God is desiring to communicate through them, the supernatural energy in the room spikes. I often wonder how many sermons have been delivered and how many church services have been conducted in such a way that God's plan for the day was entirely missed. As we effectively equip people in prophetic ministry and facilitate an environment that affirms and promotes prophetic expression, God will blow through the saints and the atmosphere will shake under the weight of God's rhema word. We need the groans of God to roar through the saints and to prophetically shatter the building, just as they did at Azusa. "Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy" (1 Cor. 14:1)." -- John Burton

The next abused gift is prophecy. It is true that 14:1 states that all should desire prophecy but it most certainly does not say that all may prophesy. This is one of the major heresies of the modern Charismaniacal movement. Prophecy is hearing directly from God and informing His people what the Lord has said. There is no "preparing" people for such a ministry. You either hear from God or you do not. The modern day false prophet brigade however claims that a good prophet has about a 65% accuracy record! The 35% of the time they claim they have a word from God they are actually lying! In the Old Testament days they would be stoned to death. Today we are to mark them and avoid them. The Charismaniacal church has turned prophesy into clairvoyance. By the way, the bible is the final revealed will of God. He did not forget to include something that He now is giving to Bob from your local church. All prophecy must be reflective back to the word of God. Lastly on this point, not everyone can prophesy. It is a gift given and apportioned by the Holy Spirit alone. The bible is explicitly clear that not everyone prophesies.

"3. Have open-mic intercession. Invite people to pray 10-15 second prayers, to make decrees and to stir the atmosphere. Praying in tongues corporately will naturally lead to some incredibly potent revelation stirring within the people. I believe it's extremely valuable to invite people, in that Holy Spirit infused moment, to release that in the form of short prayers and decrees. Simply open the microphone and watch the line grow as hungry, passionate saints of God prepare to lead the people in intercession, one after the other. Imagine 20 or 30 people or more shocking the atmosphere with Holy Spirit-driven decrees. Not only is it powerful corporately, but it also empowers people individually to take ownership of what God is doing within. As they all respond to the impact of the Holy Spirit, they become stronger and the service will definitely be marked with fire. "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Ps. 34:15)."

"4. Invite people to make biblical declarations. At another point during the service, open the microphone again. Invite people to release biblical declarations. The Word of God is alive, and when that sharp sword pierces the atmosphere as people read it and then call everyone to come into agreement with it, it will result in supernatural shockwaves. "Your statutes are very sure; holiness is becoming to Your house, O Lord, forever" (Ps. 93:5)." -- John Burton

The experiential church turns a church service round from being about God to being about you. Now, I have no problem declaring what sayeth the Lord but that is why He gave the church pastors and elders. I have seen what happens when you leave the mic open -- Bethel Church does that every Friday night. What ensues are not biblical declarations but personal anecdotes, dream interpretations and alleged words from God that most certainly are not. We also have zero authority to "make decrees." This is part of the word faith heresy that believes our words can create or even "stir the atmosphere." If the moment was "Holy Spirit infused" then there would be some self-control. There would be order.

"5. Promote prophetic art, flagging, dance and other expressions during the service. It's disappointing that prophetic expression such as art, dance and flagging are almost extinct in the church today. I suggest we allow the dancers to dance! There's serious prophetic power when anointed people flag, paint, dance and contend in the Spirit. Put up the easels and allow the artists to draw or paint. Provide whiteboards for people to write down prophetic words anytime during the service. Celebrate the dance and encourage the flaggers. God has given them important gifts, and it's a mistake to shut them out. I know many pastors would argue that they can be undisciplined. They might steal attention as they exhibit their gifting during the service. My question would be, what have you done to guide and equip them? Have you invested in them by training in protocols and equipping in prophetic ministry? If not, you can't blame them if they don't know exactly how to respond when their God-given desire to function in ministry is stirring within. "Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing" (Ex. 15:20)." -- John Burton

My old church had a vibrant flagging and dance ministry and it was a disaster from start to finish. I remember one prayer night they had 17 flaggers during one song and when they were all going at once I could not see the worship leader anymore! I thought she was raptured! This however is a microcosm of the showy, look at me spirit that embodies the charismaniacal church. Shouting out in tongues is look at me. Prophesying is look at me. Being slain in the spirit is look at me. What could be more self-centered and showy than the look at me art of flagging or dancing during corporate worship? Anything that distracts me from God cannot be called worship. Burton is correct to say they will steal attention but not from the pastor -- from God. The verse he misuses from Exodus is not during a church service beloved. It is a celebration of God's deliverance. They had just finished singing a song, so Miriam got her tambourine out and the women danced. Hardly a biblical foundation for modern dance and flagging ministries. If you ask hardcore flaggers they will insist that they usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit but if you want to gauge their sincerity explain that they can flag and dance in the back as intercession but not during service. See how many stick around when no one is looking at them anymore.

"6. Have prayer for deliverance, healing and freedom. When's the last time you saw someone vomit at the altar? Yeah, I know, that's a funny question. I personally don't prefer to clean up the mess (I love that some pro-deliverance churches have "bucket brigades"). The point is valid, however. When is the last time deliverance has happened on a Sunday morning? The weight of God's glory should be so intense that demons easily manifest, and deliverance commences right there at the altar. I've had demons react in some intense ways in services I've been in. It's actually a thrilling adventure, not something to be shut down for the sake of keeping nice, quiet and sanitized order. When we know who we are and the authority we walk in, deliverance is something we should all get excited about. As we contend for deliverance, healing and freedom on Sunday mornings, the order of service will often have to be violated. I'd personally rather see people free than hear the prepared sermon or get out of the service on time. "These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:17)." -- John Burton

We all remember the biblical imperative to vomit at the altar from 2Regurgitations? Yeah. Me neither. The point is most definitely invalid. Burton all but admits here his desire is for a service that is not in order, directly violating the word of God. He quotes from a portion of Mark that was not in the original manuscripts and fails to realize that even that verse is not speaking about a church service! Seriously beloved, if your service makes you vomit I would wager that is not the Holy Spirit you are trafficking in.

"7. Expect manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and don't shut them down when comfort levels are threatened. How is it we can worship God, preach about God and gather together because of God but shut God out when he starts to interact in a supernatural way? Manifestations of the Holy Spirit should be expected. If God's not moving, something is wrong. I remember a meeting many years ago where God was moving in extremely intense power. People were absolutely rocked. God was touching people for at least two hours before the preaching even began. When the preacher was bringing the message, one lady was laughing and crying under the power of the Holy Spirit. Some in attendance kept looking her way as God ministered to her. The preacher became agitated and said something like, "Can you not hear me? Should I have the sound crew turn my mic up? Pay attention. Do you really want me to shut down God's ministry to that lady just because you can't stay focused?" That was a powerful moment indeed. One I've remembered for over two decades. "'In the last days it shall be,' says God, 'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17)." -- John Burton

Wow. Let's deal with the obvious. That lady was not being ministered to by the Holy Spirit. The spirit of God does not make you lose control and laugh like an idiot. That was the nonsense from Toronto. Secondly, Burton describes a Sunday church service that was completely out of control for two hours and then presents the pastor as being the villain for daring to bring the Word of God! Is the purpose of church service to laugh, collapse, or sing? No. It is to be edified through the preaching of God's Word. Just read Acts 2! There is no holy laughter or silly manifestations. The verse he quotes from Acts is actually taken from the Prophet Joel and nowhere does it say your young men will babble in incoherent tongues. Nowhere does it say your old men will laugh uncontrollably.

Yet this is what modern charismania has done to church. It has become a personal playground for people to play a super spiritual game. The experiential church that Burton advocates for encourages people to assign anything that comes into their deceitfully wicked hearts as having come from the Lord. The sad thing is that this brings a black eye to the true charismata and drives many people into Cessationism. Burton closes his piece by declaring church should never be boring to which I reply; church should never be demonic. The chaos, self-aggrandizement, and marginalization of the Word are all schemes of the devil. Read the chapter the key verse comes from and see how God specifically outlines a church service. The Holy Spirit would not make you collapse, roll around on the floor, bark like a dog, or laugh uncontrollably. Am I charismatic? Yes I believe the gifts of the spirit are still in operation although grossly misused by the apostate church. Am I Charismaniacal? No because none of what they believe and promote is remotely found in the bible.

Reverend Anthony Wade -- November 7, 2018

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.