Pigskin Prophet?

Shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago, Facebook friends posted a meme about the late Bob Jones who died in 2014. This prophet had (according to Shawn Bolz) predicted revival would come when the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. At first, I was skeptical of this prophecy. I recalled a similar one that surfaced four years earlier regarding the Carolina Panthers. They lost Super Bowl 50 to the Denver Broncos.

Critics may look at all this and dismiss Bob Jones as a false prophet. However, I know of other prophecies given by him that were accurate. During the late 1980s, Bob prophesied: “The black panthers are coming to the lumberyard of Charlotte.” This was years before the Carolina Panthers entered the NFL as an expansion team. Their home stadium was ultimately built on land that used to be a lumberyard. 1 Corinthians 13:9 says, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” It’s possible for someone to receive a word from the Lord but then have that misinterpreted.

Bob Jones and others have prophesied stadiums built for football would be used for the end time harvest. We’re already seeing this happen. In 2018, I attended a gathering at the Minnesota Vikings’ US Bank Stadium where numerous people made commitments to Christ. Last year at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida (where the Pro Bowl was played last Sunday), The Send attracted close to 60,000 believers to receive an anointing to fulfill the Great Commission. Of course, we cannot forget most of Billy Graham’s crusades took place in sporting venues.

Usually, I root for NFC teams but will be pulling for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt gave glory to the Lord after his team became AFC Champions. Hunt was quoted as saying, “We want our employees to develop spiritually…My identity is my faith in Christ.” The Chiefs became the first NFL team to provide chapel services for fans prior to noon home games.

Even if the Chiefs lose today, a great end time harvest will happen. God’s promises are not confined to the outcome of a football game but He can still use that as a sign.

“Do not despise prophecies.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20

Believing the Best

A few weeks ago, reports surfaced of immoral behavior involving Canadian-born evangelist Todd Bentley. Three of his former associates who I’m friends with on Facebook issued public warnings about him. Todd has denied most of these accusations. Meanwhile, a tribunal has been set up to investigate the charges. At the time of this writing, I’ve not heard of any legal action taken against Todd. 

Unless he is proven guilty, I’m choosing to believe the best about Todd Bentley (1 Corinthians 13:7). It was around 2002 when I started hearing about him. His name stood out to me because I had a junior high classmate also named Todd Bentley. 

The first time I heard evangelist Todd Bentley minister was at The River at Tampa Bay church in 2004. He wasn’t the scheduled speaker but Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne invited him to come up to the pulpit for a few minutes. Because he’s from Canada, I was surprised to hear Todd preach like an American Pentecostal.

Over the next two years, I listened to more messages by Todd Bentley. Cuts from his albums “Soaking in the Secret Place” and “Marinating” were played on my Internet station Signs & Wonders Radio. I also read his testimony book “Journey Into the Miraculous.” Admittedly, I was somewhat jealous of Todd’s rapid progression in ministry but respected his spiritual hunger and passion for the lost.

In 2007, I attended a Todd Bentley conference in London, Ontario. One night in a prayer line, Todd laid hands on me without looking me in the eye. I thought that was odd. Another time, I stood by his book table while he was talking with someone. I hoped to at least say “hello” to him but that didn’t happen.

A year later, a series of Todd Bentley meetings in Lakeland, Florida quickly erupted into a revival that lasted several months. I went there for a few days in May. During my first night at the revival, Todd offered to pray for all the missionaries. Just before I reached the platform, Todd sent his associates to pray for the rest of us waiting in line. That caused me to question if God didn’t want me having contact with Todd. Nevertheless, he laid hands on me again at an anointing service three nights later. We also became friends on Facebook.

Throughout the summer of 2008, I watched more revival meetings on GodTV. I appreciated what God was doing through Todd Bentley but perceived not everything was okay in Lakeland. The revival soon cooled off when Todd’s marriage problems became public knowledge. Since I had gone through a divorce that year, I could relate to the flak Todd experienced. It’s sad when Christians judge others without knowing all the facts.

In 2009, I watched videos of Todd Bentley going through a restoration process with Rick Joyner of MorningStar Ministries. In one of them, Todd’s new wife Jessa explained how they came together while Todd was getting a divorce. Jessa clarified that no adultery occurred but got too emotionally involved with Todd before his divorce was finalized. It was also revealed Todd and his first wife Shonnah had marital difficulties before Jessa came into the picture.

In February 2010, the Lord led me to Charlotte, North Carolina to attend meetings at MorningStar. By this time Rick released Todd Bentley to do public ministry again. Just before one evening service, I got to meet with the Bentleys for a couple of minutes. Todd prayed a blessing over my ministry without me asking him to. Since a brief return to MorningStar later that year, I haven’t attended any of Todd’s meetings but often read his Facebook posts.

In response to the recent allegations, many Todd Bentley meetings were canceled and partners have withdrawn their support. A few Christians insist he should no longer be behind the pulpit. I disagree as long as Todd has repented of all wrongdoing. Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Televangelist Jim Bakker had a moral failure and was divorced by his wife Tammy while behind bars. God still brought him back into ministry. Jim didn’t even want to go on TV again but was led to start a program he now hosts with his current wife Lori.

Friends of mine in Massachusetts are hosting a Todd Bentley meeting in their home next weekend. I pray that heaven’s purposes will be fulfilled there. No matter how many times someone may mess up, God will use anyone who humbles himself and is repentant.

“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” - Proverbs 24:16

UPDATE: Dr. Michael L. Brown released two statements regarding a Leadership Panel that investigated Todd Bentley's recent actions. The statements were posted on Dr. Brown's Facebook pages in early January 2020. I encourage everyone interested in reading them to do so prayerfully.

Ready for Rebuke

Over twenty years ago I made the first of what would be many trips to the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. My initial reaction wasn’t too favorable. Previously I hadn’t heard any sermons from Pastor John Kilpatrick or Evangelist Steve Hill and was taken aback by their in-your-face preaching styles. I would have preferred attending more renewal meetings in Toronto but the Lord kept sending me to Pensacola. Since then I have grown to appreciate the ministry that went forth from Brownsville Assembly of God. Their leadership’s passion for purity and holiness is greatly needed in our churches.

Once I posted on Facebook a link to a Steve Hill article warning against heretical teachings invading the church. A fellow minister responded to that with mocking comments. He wrote, “I always cringe when people/prophets/fruitcakes say they have a word of rebuke from the LAWd. He is the God of ALL ENCOURAGEMENT.” Ironically, I spent time with this minister in Pensacola the year before.

Yes, God wants to encourage His people. But Jesus Himself said in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” The dictionary defines rebuke as “express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions.” Nobody likes to be rebuked. Yet it is sometimes necessary if we are to grow up spiritually. Proverbs 1:23 says, “Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”

Because we live in the dispensation of grace, some Christians won’t give and/or receive correction. That’s why there are too many immature believers (and non-believers) sitting in church pews week after week. Hebrews 12:8 warns, “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” John Paul Jackson once said, “We are life long students of the ways of God; trouble starts when we think we have graduated.”

The Epistles contain many instructions to confront an erring believer…

“Those [elders] who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” - 1 Timothy 5:20

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” - 2 Timothy 4:2

“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” - Titus 1:13

“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” - Titus 2:15

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him’ - Hebrews 12:5

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” - Hebrews 12:11

Keep in mind the Lord brought correction to five of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. So if you want to fulfill His plan for your life, don’t tune out godly correction when it comes. Instead of shunning and unfriending people who care enough to point out where you’re missing it, be ready for and receive rebukes spoken in love.

“Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18

Looking Back @ the Toronto Blessing

With friends I met in 1996

Twenty-five years ago today, a supernatural move of God began at a church near the Toronto airport. When guest speaker Randy Clark prayed over congregation members that night, they started shaking, hollering, and doing other things religious folk would consider disruptive. However, there were changed lives as a result of what became known as “The Toronto Blessing” (or “The Father’s Blessing” as Pastor John Arnott prefers calling it). Soon people from all over the world flocked to Toronto Airport Vineyard to experience a fresh touch from God.

By 1995, both pastors and lay people from my home church in Minnesota were making pilgrimages to Toronto. One woman who visited there invited a group of us to watch videos of services from Toronto Airport Vineyard. Initially, I wasn’t impressed because the preaching didn’t sound “charismatic” enough. The worship music gradually appealed to me because of its unique passionate sound not often heard in churches back then. 

One September morning, I woke up with a strong prompting to look up Bible verses about how much God loves us. When I called a friend for suggestions, she told me about a special church service happening that afternoon. The main speaker happened to be John Arnott. Guess what the title of his message was? “The Love of God.” After I went forward to receive prayer, a couple approached me and said my life would never be the same.

A few weeks later in November 1995, another friend informed me he had just gotten back from Toronto. He was going there again the following week and suggested I come along. Upon learning Toronto Airport Vineyard was having a Healing School that week, I knew this was my time to go. Despite forgiving those who hurt me in the past, I needed more “spiritual surgery.” During the meetings we attended, I felt unusual things happening in my heart. I enjoyed the presence of God at Toronto Airport Vineyard and desired to go back there again. 

In 1996, the Lord directed me to resign from my job and eventually move to Toronto. I left Minnesota with $120 not knowing where to stay. To make a long story short, I found a house near the church where the owner allowed guests to live there for free. Except for one night, I went to every renewal service at (the renamed) Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship during my two-month stay, wanting to receive as much “soaking prayer” as possible. The prayer team members kept telling me to “quit striving” and just receive. Many times while lying on the floor doing “carpet time”, I felt pains shooting out of my heart. God removed more hurts that I had suffered over the years. 

At the last renewal service I attended in November 1996, I was lying on the carpet and felt something “pop” in my sinuses. Prior to that night, one of my nostrils was always plugged up whenever I breathed through my nose. Because I used to think that was normal, I received a healing in my nasal cavity I didn’t know I needed! 

During the next few years, the Lord sent me to numerous Brownsville Revival meetings in Pensacola, Florida. Their worship leader and the pastor’s wife had experienced the Toronto Blessing just before their revival broke out. Still, I preferred going to Toronto and made two quick trips there in 1999. 

Then in October 2005, I returned to TACF for another season of soaking in the Father’s love. I needed inner healing following a short-lived marriage to a verbally abusive spouse. I also spent time taking the gospel to the streets of Toronto and got to pray with 100 people there to receive salvation. Like the church mission statement says: “That we may walk in God’s love and then give it away” (the above photo has a German translation of that phrase). Before the decade was over, I made three more visits to Toronto.

This week the church that now calls itself Catch the Fire is having a Revival 25 Conference commemorating the silver anniversary of the Toronto Blessing. Critics may continue to fuss about manifestations but no one can convince me this is not of God. There are testimonials from many other people whose lives were changed as a result of visiting this church. One of them is my friend John Scotland who offers this advice: “Don’t look at the suit…examine the fruit.”

“Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” - Matthew 7:20

Armchair Pastors

A new NFL regular season begins in a few days. Armchair quarterbacks are already discussing how their favorite teams and players should do things differently this year. These self-appointed experts seem to think they know more about football than the coaches. 

Sadly, this sort of thing happens in the Body of Christ. “Armchair pastors” criticize ministers for doing or not doing certain things. This past week, the Internet has been (pardon the pun) flooded with unChristlike remarks regarding a well-known pastor in Houston, Texas. Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church receives enough flak from heresy hunters who disapprove of his ministry. Now Joel has been lambasted for his response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Lakewood Church was criticized for not having services last weekend. Their website stated that was done due to “…concern for the safety of our members.” Many streets in Houston were impassible by flood waters. In the Upper Midwest where I’ve lived most of my life, churches of various sizes often cancel services because of inclement weather. 

Joel was also criticized for his church not immediately offering shelter to hurricane victims. Watchdogs make judgments without knowing all the facts and logistics involved. Lakewood Church’s website stated early on they are working with Samaritan’s Purse to provide disaster relief. Until a public announcement was made offering shelter, the church itself experienced flooding despite false reports stating otherwise. There are shelters in Houston better equipped to take in displaced residents. As Joel pointed out in a Fox News interview, “When the big shelter filled up, people started coming here [Lakewood].”

On a related note, I’ve seen a photo gone viral showing the Lakewood Church sanctuary with the caption: “Instead of building mega-churches, how about building mega-homeless shelters?” How about these critics put their money where their mouths are? Few of them probably do anything to help homeless people get off the streets. Romans 2:1 says,“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Among those in the fivefold ministry, pastors in particular have a time-consuming job that pays very little if their congregations don’t give in the offering like they should. Immature Christians expect pastors to be at their beck and call whenever they have a problem. This includes individuals who aren’t even committed members of a church. Then they often get offended if their problem isn’t addressed right away. 

If you don’t agree with how a pastor conducts his ministry, pray for that brother (or sister). If you believe he’s not doing something that should be done in his church, maybe God is calling you to help him out in that area. To put it bluntly, armchair pastors should either put up or shut up.

“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:4

Kundalini Chaos

Some Christians are quick to demonize Holy Spirit manifestations unfamiliar to them such as people shaking. A few of these watchdogs accuse certain ministers of allowing a Kundalini spirit at their meetings. Kundalini is a yoga term whose origin is the Sanskrit word for snake. One dictionary defines Kundalini as “latent female energy believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine” and “a system of meditation directed toward the release of kundalini energy.”

In response to a YouTube video posted to “expose” one well-known evangelist/pastor, I pointed out these Kundalini hunters don’t know how to test the spirits. 1 John 4:2 says, “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” The minister in question has altar calls for salvation that include leading newborn believers to say, “I confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.”

One critic responded, “So did Jim Jones. What does that prove?” I replied by asking him to provide proof of that but he refused (possibly because he didn’t have any and simply repeated what somebody else said). Would a minister supposedly under the influence of a demonic spirit preach that Jesus is the only way to the Father? Would he encourage newborn believers to attend a Bible-believing church, read the Word of God for themselves, and go out to win souls?

It’s true demons tremble in the presence of God (James 2:19) but that doesn’t mean all supernatural shaking is of demonic origin. In Matthew 28:4 following the resurrection, “…the guards shook for fear of him [the angel of the Lord], and became like dead men.” Hosea 11:10 says, “They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall come trembling from the west.”

People respond differently when God’s power manifests. During my early years as a street evangelist, I had returned from one outing when my fellow soul winners gathered in the church lobby to pray. Someone laid hands on me and I fell to the floor shaking uncontrollably. Despite forgiving those who had hurt me in the past, deep wounds still festered in my soul. God needed to perform “spiritual surgery” on me so I would be a more effective minister.

All the Kundalini warnings against certain preachers is reminiscent of how the Pharisees often accused Jesus of having a demon. Instead of focusing on outward manifestations like shaking or falling, one should look at the results of those manifestations. Often you'll find people healed and more at peace.

“You will know them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:16

Thou Shalt Laugh

As a young Christian I used to get offended when holy laughter manifested at the full gospel church I attended. Coming from a traditional denominational background, I had a hard time accepting that being of God. Fortunately my religious mindsets were dispelled once I lightened up more and studied the Bible for myself. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Recently I exchanged emails with a man who claimed “there is no such thing as holy laughter.” I have to disagree. Not only have I seen it manifest in meetings but also on the streets. Occasionally while evangelizing people have giggled uncontrollably as they prayed with me to receive salvation (including three skateboarders this past Friday in Omaha). Often they apologize thinking there’s something wrong with that. I point out God is making Himself real to them. Psalm 16:11 says, ”In Your presence is fullness of joy.”

Laughter and joy go hand in hand. Job 8:21 says, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing.” Psalm 126:2 in the New Living Translation says, "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, 'What amazing things the Lord has done for them.'” Other Scriptures such as Psalm 2:4, Psalm 37:13, and Psalm 59:8 mention God Himself laughing. 

Now there are occasions when laughing during services would be inappropriate particularly if people purposely do that to draw attention to themselves or when the Holy Spirit is leading the congregation into intercessory prayer. Ecclesiastes 3:4 says there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh…” 

Nevertheless, going to church should be a joyful experience instead of resembling a funeral. Rodney Howard-Browne says, “Church should be the happiest place on the earth.” I even attended a fellowship called Joy Church for a season.

Holy laughter is not “another gospel” as some critics argue. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul was talking about a gospel based on works. I’ve yet to hear a preacher claim one must laugh to be saved. 

Then again, Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Have you noticed children usually laugh a lot more than adults? Jesus wants His people to be joyful and have childlike faith. The world is not attracted to congregations being a bunch of stick-in-the-muds. They see enough sorrow as it is.

Jesus told the faithful servants in Matthew 25, “Enter into the joy of your lord.” For the Christians offended by laughter in the church, what will they do when they get to heaven?

“God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.” - Luke 6:21 (NLT)

Looking Back @ Brownsville

Photo by Cathy Wood

Twenty years ago on Father’s Day, a powerful revival broke out in the Florida panhandle. Evangelist Steve Hill was a guest speaker at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola. Steve talked about God doing powerful things for him after visiting a church in England. He then offered to pray for people. The Spirit of God swept through the sanctuary. Pastor John Kilpatrick fell to the floor, unable to rise for about four hours. This sparked what became the longest-running revival in U. S. history. 

During the next five years, Steve Hill preached up to four nights a week as the Brownsville Revival attracted over 4 million visitors. People from all over the world waited in line for hours just to get a good seat. Those of you who went there should remember the security guard repeatedly telling people on his bullhorn “single file line” as they walked into the church. The intense altar calls resulted in over 200,000 decisions for Christ. This birthed the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry (BRSM) that sent out missionaries to various countries.

I started hearing about the Brownsville Revival in 1996 but didn’t make my first trip there until a year later. In September 1997 I flew down to Pensacola for a five-night stay and initially wasn’t fond of the confrontational preaching I heard. The previous two years I had gone to renewal meetings at Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship (TACF) where the ministry was more about the Father’s love and being healed from past hurts. The sermons at Brownsville challenged people to holiness and “getting the sin out.”

While I preferred the atmosphere at TACF, God repeatedly sent me back to Pensacola. During my second visit in January 1998, the Lord spoke to me about downsizing my personal belongings since I would be traveling more as a missionary. Later at the revival, I received a confirmation through a prophetic word spoken by Steve Hill. He exhorted us to “live unsettled” since the Lord “will return for a pilgrim people.” 

The first two times I flew to Pensacola, I stayed in motels. Doors then opened for me to stay in guest rooms at little or no cost. However, my love walk was frequently tested by hosts and roommates who mistreated me. That caused me to dread returning to Pensacola even though I got blessed at the revival meetings and enjoyed escaping the colder weather up north. Nevertheless, I obeyed the Lord when He directed me to make a temporary move there at the end of 2000. This time I did a lot more street evangelism. Despite the impact the revival had on the city, I was surprised to meet numerous people who hadn’t heard of it.

The last time I visited Brownsville Assembly of God was in November 2003. By then most of the key revival leaders were gone. John Kilpatrick resigned to focus on itinerant ministry. Steve Hill (who passed away last year) had returned to world evangelism and started up a church in the Dallas area. Worship leader Lindell Cooley founded a church in Nashville. BRSM President Michael Brown launched another school in Pensacola that later moved to North Carolina.

When the revival started cooling off, I became somewhat concerned. In 1993 Korean pastor David Yonggi Cho prophesied of a coming revival to Pensacola. Five years later, Dr. Cho announced from Brownsville’s pulpit the revival “would last until Jesus comes.” 

Then in July 2010, a move of God broke out at another church pastored by John Kilpatrick in Daphne, Alabama. The Bay of the Holy Spirit Revival was quickly moved to the Mobile Convention Center to accommodate increasing crowds. During one meeting I attended there, Paul Keith Davis mentioned that before the Brownsville Revival started, he was praying with a group of prophets and declared a revival would start in Pensacola and then move 50 miles away.

This morning Brownsville Assembly of God is hosting a 20th Anniversary reunion service. I’m sure many people there will reflect on past revival moments. However, a movement cannot become a monument. I heard Tommy Tenney say one time at the revival “...if Brownsville is the best God can ever do, we’re in trouble.” An even more powerful move of the Holy Spirit can descend upon Pensacola if God’s people there remain hungry for Him. 

As Michael Brown (who is speaking today at Brownsville) often says, “The best is yet to come!”

“Most assuredly, 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 My Father.” - John 14:12

Refills of the Spirit

Today is Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church 50 days after Easter as recorded in Acts 2...

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

God wants us to experience our own personal Pentecost. Unfortunately many Christians are mistakenly taught that being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit are the same thing. Numerous Scriptures disprove that. Look at Acts 19...

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 

2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Keep in mind this was not written to unsaved people but to the believers in Ephesus. It’s also worth noting the verb tense in the original Greek says we should be continuously filled. All of us can use occasional refills of the Spirit. 

This past Wednesday I attended the midweek service at Living Word Christian Center. Associate pastor Steve Sibinski ministered that night. Often when he takes the pulpit, the joy of the Lord manifests. This particular night was no exception although the service started on a more serious note. Pastor Steve read Scriptures about the rapture as a reminder the Lord could return any day. Later he invited those who wanted a fresh touch from the Holy Spirit to come forward. I responded and the power of God flowed through me. Holy laughter continued on even after the service was formally dismissed.

So if you have already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit but feel spiritually dry, ask the Lord for a refill. He wants us to be full of Him!

“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 13:52

Do You Tattoo?

One evangelistic slogan found on T-shirts and bumper stickers is, “Body piercing saved my life.” That phrase is sometimes accompanied by a picture of a punctured hand symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus. This is a way of witnessing to the Goth community and others who are into body piercing.  

Two years before giving my life to the Lord, I had my ear pierced and wore an earring. Although I’ve since chosen not to wear it anymore, I still get irritated when earring-wearing men are criticized by religious folk, especially female ministers. Who decided that only women should have earrings? In Old Testament days, both men and women wore them (see Exodus 35:22).

Another trend that has infiltrated the church is tattoos. Until a generation ago, tattoos in Western countries were mostly seen on military men. Nowadays, both men and women from all backgrounds have them. When I first noticed tattoos becoming popular, I thought this could be paving the way for the mark of the beast. The mark may be a bar code or some other symbol permanently stamped on people’s hands and foreheads.

Jay Bakker (son of televangelist Jim Bakker) released an autobiography in 2001 called “Son of a Preacher Man.” You can see on the cover Jay has tattoos. A few years ago, I read Jay’s book and then emailed him about a man I know who had “666” tattooed on his hand before getting saved. Later, my friend had that tattoo redesigned so it now reads “777.” Jay replied by thanking me for loving people who have tattoos even though I don’t find them attractive at all.

Since then, I’ve met other ministers with tattoos. One of them is Todd Bentley, the Canadian-born evangelist who led the Florida Healing Outpouring meetings in Lakeland back in 2008. As far as I know, Todd got most (if not all) of his tattoos after he went into the ministry. I heard one pastor complain that some kids were inspired by Todd’s appearance to be rebellious and get tattoos against their parents’ wishes.

Ministers who preach against tattoos often quote Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.” However, the previous verse says, “You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard.” Jay Bakker astutely pointed out in his book how ministers can be selective when preaching from the Law of Moses.

Some Christians believe tattoos can be used as witnessing tools. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers has tattoos of Scripture, symbols, and phrases honoring God. I even saw a video of a street evangelist named Todd White who uses other people’s tattoos to prophetically minister to them.

One could argue God Himself has tattoos. Isaiah 49:16 in the Amplified Bible says, “Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands.” Revelation 19:16 says Jesus has “...on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” On the other hand, I heard one minister testify of seeing tattoos supernaturally disappear!

I still don’t like tattoos but will not judge brethren who choose to get one. Nevertheless, if you are considering a visit to your local tattoo parlor, I advise you to pray first and examine your motives. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” I know Christians who got tattoos but then later regretted it.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31

In Remembrance: Steve Hill (1954-2014)

This past Monday I initially woke up just after midnight. Unable to fall back to sleep, I went online for a couple of hours. Through Facebook friends, I found out a well-known preacher went home to be with the Lord hours before. Steve Hill, best remembered as the evangelist God used to spark the Brownsville Revival, died after a long battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.

Born in Ankara, Turkey to a military family but raised in Alabama, Steve Hill got caught up in a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and crime. On October 28, 1975, Steve’s life changed when a Lutheran minister stopped by his house. Steve got born again not by going through the Four Spiritual Laws, the Romans Road, or some other popular witnessing method. The minister simply encouraged Steve to repeatedly call on the name of Jesus and was instantly delivered from drug addiction. Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

A few weeks later, Steve was arrested due to unlawful activities prior to his conversion. He was eventually probated to Teen Challenge, which prepared him for the ministry. Steve later spent several years on the mission field planting churches and conducting evangelistic crusades in various countries. All of that came to a halt on Father’s Day 1995 when Steve was the guest speaker at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida. The rest is revival history.

The first time I listened to Steve Hill was in October 1997 during my initial visit to the Brownsville Revival. I hadn’t yet heard any of Steve’s sermons and was taken aback by his in-your-face preaching style. Eventually, I grew to appreciate Steve’s boldness and passion for souls. He always compelled sinners to run for the altar. Steve often extended altar calls whenever he perceived someone had one final opportunity to get right with God.

During my second trip to Pensacola in January 1998, the Lord spoke to me about downsizing my personal belongings since I would be traveling more as a missionary. Later at the revival, I received a confirmation through this prophetic word spoken by Steve…

“The Lord would say to everyone in this place – live unsettled! Don’t sink too deep into the soil of this earth. Keep your head up and your feet moving…loose yourself of any ties that bind. If you don’t loose yourself – I’ll help loose you! Prepare the way in your own heart and then help prepare the way in others…I will return for a pilgrim people.” 

For the next three years, I attended many more Brownsville Revival meetings as the Lord directed me to make temporary moves to Pensacola. Steve Hill prayed over me numerous times although I never got to talk with him personally. I briefly chatted with his wife one time after finding out she is a North Dakota native like me (Jeri Hill was born in Williston).

While most of Steve Hill’s messages were very serious, he occasionally displayed a sense of humor. I was at Brownsville when Steve preached one message called “Just the Facts” wherein the beginning, the worship leader played the old “Dragnet” theme. Steve then announced, “This is the city...Pensacola, Florida. I carry a Bible.” He often made clever use of visual aids while preaching.

Steve Hill ministered up to four nights a week at the Brownsville Revival during its first five years. Then in 2000, Steve relocated to Dallas and resumed worldwide evangelism outreaches. He later started Heartland World Ministries Church. During the last few years of his life, Steve was weakened by skin cancer but continued preaching the gospel mostly through video plus writing books and numerous articles.

Steve’s death surprised me. I thought he had recovered from his illness after watching him on Sid Roth’s “It’s Supernatural” program last year. In addition, Christian singer Carman also went through a recent cancer scare but experienced miraculous healing. Instead of questioning why Steve didn’t get healed, let’s rejoice in the fact that he’s now in heaven and will be joined there by multitudes touched by his ministry. 

Let’s also take to heart this tribute written by Dr. Michael Brown, the former president of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry...

“May Steve Hill now be like a seed planted in the ground that dies, only to bring forth much lasting fruit. And may there be a supernatural multiplication of Spirit-anointed, Jesus-centered, revival-carrying, sin-hating evangelists raised up in his name and sent out to America and the nations.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

- 2 Timothy 4:7

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

Critical Christians who don’t regularly experience supernatural encounters with the Lord will sometimes nitpick the craziest things.  This past week I watched a YouTube video in which a minister I know was labeled an “apostate” because of certain manifestations occurring at his meetings.  One of which is people falling backward when touched by the Holy Spirit.  The producer of this video claimed, “Only the enemies of God fall backwards.”  Other like-minded critics point to Scriptures where men of God “fell on their faces” during worship.

Having grown up in a mainline denominational church, I was somewhat cynical when I first saw people “slain in the Spirit.”  Since then I’ve fallen backward many times when receiving ministry in a prayer line.  After one such incident while lying on the floor doing “carpet time”, I was healed of a nasal defect I had since childhood.  Does that sound demonic to you?  It shouldn’t since Jesus is the healer. 

Some criticize the manifestation of being slain in the Spirit because of men being used as catchers.  Another minister I know once explained the reason he has catchers is to reduce the possibility of people getting hurt and then filing lawsuits against the church.  This same minister and others have testified of being supernaturally stuck to the floor.  It reminds me of that old catchphrase, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

So if you sincerely desire a touch from heaven, don’t be fearful if you find yourself on the floor.  God may want to perform “spiritual surgery” to heal your soul from past hurts.  If you happen to fall backward, that won’t make you God’s enemy.  That simply means you couldn’t continue standing up.

“When Jesus said to them, I am He, they went backwards (drew back, lurched backward) and fell to the ground.”  - John 18:6 (Amplified Bible)