Thursday 8 September 2011

"holy laughter"

What is "HOLY LAUGHTER" ?
The term "holy laughter" was coined to describe a phenomenon during which a person laughs uncontrollably, as a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit's joy. It is characterized by uncontrollable laughter, sometimes accompanied by swooning or falling down to the floor. First-hand accounts from those who have experienced this, believe it to be a sign of a "blessing" or an "anointing" of the Holy Spirit.



Acts 2:11-15 (KJV)
 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

 13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

 15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

If you look at verse 13, the first thing you see is that only some said they were drunk. Second, those who identified them as drunk were scoffers. 

Others, far from being convinced of their drunkenness, were instead amazed that 
“we do hear them speak in our tongues." 
Luke says that they were amazed because these unlearned Galileans were
 “declaring the wonderful works of God” 
in a language they could understand. Thus, they were clearly not emitting incoherent noises in a drunken stupor or slurring their words, but they were cogently articulating 
“the wonderful works of God.” 
Peter, in fact, spoke so powerfully that 3,000 people stampeded their way to Calvary.

Leaders of this "Counterfeit Revival," like Rodney Howard-Brown and John Arnott, seem bent on convincing their audiences that the apostles were manifesting all of the characteristics of drunkards.
"Why did they think the believers were drunk?" asks Rodney Howard-Browne. "Because they must have acted like drunk people".
Laughing Revival advocates argue that, if it happened during the First Pentecost, then it should happen today in an even broader and more spectacular fashion in what many are calling the “Second Pentecost.”

If the apostles truly were acting like drunks, Peter would have likely given an alternative explanation for their actions — attributing their bizarre behavior to an overwhelming “spiritual intoxication.” Instead, he corrected the scoffers by saying, 
“For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.” (Acts 2:15)

In truth, the Bible gives no evidence that the believers “acted like drunk people.” The only behavior disclosed and discussed in Luke’s narrative is speaking in tongues.

Acts 2:4-11(KJV)
 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.



There is therefore no basis whatsoever in the text for imagining or attributing any other action or conduct (such as laughing, falling down, etc.) to those Spirit-filled believers.

Ephesians 5:18 (KJV)
 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Another verse commonly misrepresented by Laughing Revival advocates encap­sulates Paul’s admonition that we should “not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead,” Paul urges, “be filled with the Spirit.” Being “drunk in the Spirit,” according to holy laughter factions, is the God-ordained counterpart to being drunk on alcohol — hence, the rationale for the inebriated-like state and behavior of those caught up in holy laughter.

A careful examination, however, reveals that in no way can this pas­sage be legitimately used to support “spiritual drunkenness.” To begin with, there is no reason to equate being filled with the Spirit with any form of “spiritual drunkenness.” In fact, the context of the passage indicates a consistent use of contrasts to differentiate ungodly behavior from godly conduct. 

For example, sexual immorality is contrasted with holiness (v. 3). Coarse jesting is contrasted with thanksgiving (v. 4).

Ephesians 5:3-4 (KJV)
 3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

 4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Foolishness is contrasted with wisdom (vv. 15—16). Likewise, drunkenness is contrasted with being filled with the Spirit (v. 18).

Ephesians 5:15-18 (KJV)
 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

To understand what “being filled with the Spirit” means, one need only read the next few verses which spell out the details in unmistakable terms: (vv. 19-20)

Ephesians 5:19-20 (KJV)
 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Nowhere is there even a hint of the kind of erratic behavior promoted in Laughing Revival circles.

It is patently absurd to say that “spiritual debauchery” is the God-ordained counterpart to “plain old debauchery.” Or that precedents for indulging in “holy immorality,” “holy impurity,” and “holy greed” can be found in the Bible. Yet if “holy laughter” advocates are to stay consistent with their interpretation of verse 18, no other conclusion can logically follow — for the type of reasoning they use in claiming a biblical basis for so-called “spiritual drunkenness” can also be used to justify other “sanctified” acts of debauchery, immorality, impurity, and greed.

The most convincing Scriptural argument against what is called "holy laughter" is found in Galatians 5:22-23.
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.



A representative picture of the Bible’s stance against the Laughing Revival phenomenon can readily be gleaned from various portions of Paul’s writings. The apostle listed, for example, “self-control” as one of the fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:23 (KJV)
 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 — clearly the opposite of the uncontrolled and chaotic activities that are characteristic of “holy laughter” gatherings. “Let us be alert and sober,” Paul told the Thessalonians 

1 Thessalonians 5:6 (KJV)
 6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

 8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

as he contrasted drunkenness with sobriety (vv. 7—8). And to young Timothy, he advised to 

2 Timothy 4:5 (KJV)
 5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

With so much emphasis on “self-control” and sobriety, the burden falls upon holy laugh­ter proponents to reconcile their views with Scripture — a formidable, indeed impossible, undertaking.



If self-control is a fruit of the Spirit of God, how can uncontrollable laughter also be a fruit of His Spirit? Revival leaders claim that being "filled" with the Spirit means that we are sort of "tossed about" by His whims. But the idea that God would make people act drunk, or laugh uncontrollably, or make animal noises as a result of the Spirit's anointing is directly opposed to the way the Spirit acts, according to Galatians 5:22-23. The Spirit described in Galatians 5 is one that promotes self-control within us, not the opposite. Finally, there was no one in the Bible more filled with the Holy Spirit than Jesus, and not once does the Bible ever record Him laughing.


Despite this impossibility, some still appeal to personal experience to vali­date their behavior. This, too, is a dan­gerous premise from which to operate. As fallen creatures our personal judgments are all too fallible — particular­ly when it concerns spiritual matters. We should not test experience in light of experience; rather, we should test experience in light of the final court of arbitration, the Word of God. This is precisely why God directs His people to search His written Word for coun­sel in matters of doctrine and daily liv­ing. Faithful followers of Christ must therefore look not to their own person­al experiences, but to the Scriptures as the ultimate measuring rod. As Scripture itself exhorts us, “test all things” 


1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)
 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Acts 17:11(KJV)
 11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
 16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Even a cursory examination of the Scripture-twisting tactics of men like Rodney Howard-Browne and John Arnott reveals their propensity for taking Scripture out of context to develop a pretext for their convoluted notions. This is why today, more than ever, it is incumbent upon believers to be so familiar with the truth that when a counterfeit looms on the horizon, they will know it instantaneously.


Here are some concerns about "holy" laughter and "the laughing revival."

(1) There is no biblical precedent for "holy" laughter.


Laughter is rarely mentioned in the Bible. Yet, when it is, the Bible seems to make more of a case for holy sorrow than for "holy" laughter. Scripture supports Solomon's contention that "sorrow is better than laughter." It does not support the present "laughing revival."


(2) Substituting the word joy for laughter is a non sequitur. It is inaccurate and misleading.


There is no scriptural authority for equating biblical references to joy with the involuntary manifestations of "holy" laughter. Just because there are insufficient Bible texts to make the case for "holy" laughter, it does not follow that you can simply redefine the word laughter by substituting the word joy.


(3) "Holy" laughter advocates rarely, if ever, discuss the need to "test the spirits."


The Bible warns us that not every supernatural manifestation is necessarily from God.

1 John 4:1 (KJV)
 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Charles and Francis Hunter write in their book Holy Laughter, "Once you begin to walk in the supernatural you really have to be ready for anything and everything and never question the way God does it!" (p.65)


(4) "Holy" laughter advocates rarely, if ever, talk about the Spirit's express warning that in the latter times some people will be supernaturally seduced by deceptive evil spirits into following them and not the one true God.


1 Timothy 4:1 warns,
1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)
1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

(5) "Holy" laughter advocates rarely, if ever, talk about the Bible's warnings of false prophets who come in the name of Jesus but bring with them "another spirit." 2 Corinthians 11:4 says,

2 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV)
 4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

(6) Many laughter advocates condescendingly discourage and even openly intimidate sincere Christians who question the "laughing revival."


According to the August Charisma article, Rodney Howard-Browne "disparages" people who "try to apply theological tests" to what he does. The Hunters' book Holy Laughter refers to skeptics as God's "frozen chosen." Mona Johnian writes, "skeptics, hesitaters and procrastinators do not get anointed." She warns "that any person or church that wavered could be eliminated."


(7) Rodney Howard-Browne's prayer to God just prior to his "anointing" ("either you come down here and touch me or I'll come up there and touch you") was unscriptural.


Howard-Browne's prayer was the essence "my will be done." It was not "thy will be done," as taught by Jesus in scripture. Why should we automatically assume that it was God who answered his prayer?


(8) "Holy" laughter advocates, in talking about "signs and wonders," rarely, if ever, mention the Bible's many warnings about deceptive signs and wonders.


In Matthew 16:4 Jesus warns,
Matthew 16:4 (KJV)
 4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

 In Matthew 24:24 JESUS says, 
Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
 24For 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.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:9 the apostle Paul warns of the coming Antichrist, 


2 Thessalonians 2:9 (KJV)
 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

(9) "Holy" laughter advocates seem to lay hands on almost everybody. The Bible specifically warns against this.


The eighth chapter of Acts describes how the disciples would not lay hands on Simon, a baptized believer, even though he desperately wanted the gift of the Holy Ghost, because his heart was "not right in the sight of God." 1 Timothy 5:22 warns us 


1 Timothy 5:22 (KJV)
 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Yet "holy" laughter is passed on from person to person without so much as a second thought.



(10) "Holy laughter advocates blatantly disregard the biblical admonition that things be done decently and in order.


1 Corinthians 14:40 says, 
1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)
 40Let all things be done decently and in order.

Mona Johnian in her book Fresh Anointing says, "decently and in order! We must do things decently and in order. The Bible itself commands it, cry those who are frightened by that which is beyond traditional order" (p. 35). She advises her readers to "break with tradition" (p.45).



(11) The chaos and confusion that usually characterizes the "laughing revival: contradicts the Bible's description of the Person of God.


1 Corinthians 14:33 states, 
1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
 33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

(12) Laughter advocates rarely if ever, discuss the well documented demonic deceptions that have manifested in past revivals.


To combat the deception that arose during the Welsh revival at the turn of this century authors Jessie Penn-Lewis and Evan Roberts wrote "War on the Saints: a disclosure of the deceptive strategies used by evil spirits against God's people." Both were very involved with the revival and were extremely concerned about the demonic manifestations that began to dominate their meetings. The forward to War on the Saints warns of "the grave dangers that beset the path of uninformed enthusiasm."


(13) A number of Christians have experienced the equivalent of "holy" laughter when they were in the New Age.


Indian Guru Bhagvhan Shree Rajneesh was affectionately known by his followers as the "divine drunkard" because he was reputed to have drunk so deeply from the well of the "Divine." Hundreds of Sannyasins had flown to India "to drink" from "Bhagwan's wine." When followers were physically touched by Rajneesh, or even if they were merely in his presence, they would often experience feelings of great exhilaration and joy. Disciples of Swami Baba Muktananda would often manifest uncontrollable laughter after receiving Shaktipat (physical contact) from the guru.


(14) The "laughing revival" could one day merge with what the New Age calls the coming day of "planetary Pentecost."


Barbara Marx Hubbard, (revered New Age leader and a 1984 Democratic nominee for the Vice Presidency of the United States), writes in her book, Teachings from the Inner Christ, how the human race will soon experience a day of "Planetary Pentecost." Hubbard, claiming to be in contact with "Christ," writes: "the Planetary Smile is another name for the Planetary Pentecost. When enough of us share a common thought of our oneness with God, Spirit will be poured out on all flesh paying attention" (p.79). In her book The Revelation, Hubbard says "Christ," in describing the planetary smile, said: "an uncontrollable joy will ripple through the thinking layer of the earth. The co-creative systems, which are lying psychologically dormant in humanity will be activated. From within, all sensitive persons will feel the joy of the force, flooding their systems with love and attraction...as this joy flashes through the nervous systems of the most sensitive peoples on earth, it will create a psycho magnetic field of empathy, which will align the next wave of people in synchrony, everywhere on Earth. This massive, sudden empathic alignment will cause a shift in the consciousness of Earth" (p. 234-235). Writing in Happy Birth Day Planet Earth, Hubbard repeats what she heard from "Christ." He said, "as the planetary smile ripples through the nervous systems of earth, and the instant of co-operation begins, and empathy floods the feelings of the whole body of Earth, separation is overcome, and I appear to all of you at once (p. 10-11).


The controversy over "holy" laughter is already splitting congregations and causing deep divisions in the body of Christ. And while many people have already taken sides, there are many more who are still trying to figure out just what is going on. Is this really a move of God, or is this the kind of deception the Bible warns about in Matthew 24, 1 Timothy 4:1, and in the second chapter of Thessalonians?


Unity is indeed the heartfelt desire of every sincere Christian.


Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
 1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

But the Bible warns of massive deception that will come at the end and in Christ's name. Before the Church--in the name of unity--free falls into a worldwide "laughing revival," we had better be sure what it is we are uniting with.

In reflecting on "holy" laughter during these very troubled times, a music special in the midst of an otherwise polite Hollywood type crowd, a male vocalist sang straight faced and sober into the teeth of their celebration. His words were electric and piercing, and they seemed to hang in the air. He sang, "you're laughing now, but you should be praying. You're in the midnight hour of your life."

Some Examples of Holy Laughter in Other Religions

1) Kundalini Energy is typically described as a powerful energy source lying dormant in the form of a coiled serpent at the base of the human spine. When freed it reputedly has the capacity to effect great physical healings. Christina and Stanislov Grof, New Age authors of the book The Stormy Search for the Self, describe how the awakening of Kundalini energy can be triggered by an advanced spiritual teacher or guru. And how the awakening can bring up memories of past psychological traumas. The Grofs state that "individuals involved in this process might find it difficult to control their behavior; during power rushes of Kundalini energy, they often emit various involuntary sounds, and their bodies move in strange and unexpected patterns. Among the most common manifestations . . . are unmotivated and unnatural laughter or crying, talking tongues . . . and imitating a variety of animal sounds and movements" (p. 78-79). The Grofs state that "careful study of the manifestations of Kundalini awakening confirm that this process, although sometimes very intense and shattering, is essentially healing."

Bwagwhan Shree Rajneesh, the former Oregon guru tells one of his followers in his book, Dance Your Way To God, "just be joyful . . . God is not serious . . . this world cannot fit with a theological god . . . so let this be your constant reminder - that you have to dance your way to God, to laugh your way to God" (p. 229). Often referred to as being "drunk on the divine," Rajneesh encouraged his followers to come and "drink" from him. Bahgvan's spiritual "wine" was often passed along with a single touch to the head. Many of his Sannyasins would fall to the floor in ecstasy after their encounters with Rajneesh.

Ramakrishna, an Indian saint, "daily went into 'samahdi,' a trance in which one involuntarily falls down unconscious and enters a rapturous state of super-conscious bliss (ananda), complete with beautiful visions and often involving astral projection. These states could last anywhere from a few minutes to several days and were often accompanied by uncontrollable laughter or weeping. He could send others into this state with a single touch to the head or chest" (unpublished article by John Rice on file at SCP).

Swami Baba Muktanada would transfer what was called "guru's grace" to his followers through Shaktipat (physical touch). This "grace" triggered the gradual awakening of the Kundalini which in turn produced various physical and emotional manifestations. Manifestations included uncontrollable laughing, roaring, barking, hissing, crying, shaking, etc. Some devotees became mute or unconscious. Many felt themselves being infused with feelings of great joy and peace and love. At other times the "fire" of Kundalini was so overwhelming they would find themselves involuntarily hyperventilating to cool themselves down (Per former Muktananda follower Joy Smith).

2) African Kung Bushmen of the Kalahari. The Grofs, in their book The Stormy Search For The Self , also cite an interesting parallel between the Kundalini awakening and the trance dance of the African Kung bushmen. During rituals the bushmen “enter a profound altered state of consciousness associated with the release of powerful emotions such as anger, anxiety, and fear. They are often unable to maintain an upright position and are overcome by violent shaking. Following these dramatic experiences, they typically enter a state of ecstatic rapture. According to the bushmen tradition, the dance releases from the base of the spine a cosmic healing force called ntum or ‘medicine.’ This is then passed by direct physical contact from one person to another.”

3) Qigong (ancient Chinese practice) Yan Xin, a Chinese Qigong master known to most of the over one billion people in China, gave a talk in San Francisco in 1991. Seventeen hundred devotees, most of them Chinese, showed up at the Masonic auditorium to listen to Yan. The San Francisco Chronicle on 5/16/91 reported that "minutes into his talk, several began experiencing what Yan Xin calls spontaneous movements." The Chronicle reporter said that "before long, the scene resembled a Pentecostal prayer meeting with many people waving their arms and making unintelligible sounds." Yan told his audience, "Those who are sensitive might start having some strong physical sensations - or start laughing or crying. Don't worry. This is quite normal." The article said that "since 1985, when a Qigong revival started sweeping China, 50 to 60 million Chinese have gone to see Yan."

4) Subud. According to The Encyclopedia of American Religions by J. Gordon Melton, the central element of the Subud faith is the practice of "latihan." Latihan is the way one surrenders to the power of God. It is a group process. The Encyclopedia says, "the latihan proper is a time of moving the consciousness beyond mind and desire and allowing the power to enter and do its work. . . . often accompanying the spontaneous period are various body movements and vocal manifestations - cries, moans, laughter and singing. These occur in the voluntary surrender of the self to the power. During this time, people report sensations of love and freedom and often, healings. All reach a higher level of consciousness"


Wednesday 7 September 2011

A false "holy spirit" within the churches!

FALSE SPIRITS ARE INVADING THE CHURCHES!
Christians should beware the counterfeit of the Holy Spirit found in yoga and the Kundalini spirit. When most people hear the word “yoga,” they understand it to be an exercise. They envision a person on a mat striking poses and practicing stretches to develop the body and relax the mind. But there is more to it than meets the eye. These poses and stretches embody more than physical exercise. Yoga has power to unleash the Kundalini spirit.

If you search for Kundalini and Shakti on the Internet, you will find
that multitudes of people in the New Age and Eastern religions
still experience these powerful manifestations. Often this is with
the help of a Guru, who touches them on the forehead so that
they can experience a "Kundalini Awakening".



Serpent Power of the Awakening Kundalini:
In Hinduism there are several forms of yoga (yoking) which all have the goal of giving the practitioner cosmic consciousness and unity with God. [The origins of Kundalini Yoga (sometimes called Raja or roya Yoga) come from the form of Hinduism known as Kashmir Shavism. This form of yoga comes from the Kashmir region of India and the god these Hindus worship is Shiva.

Hindu depiction Of A Chakra:

Wheel of spinning Energy - Kundalini Yoga "the serpent power."

Sanskrit kund, "to burn"; kunda, "to coil or to spiral": a concentrated field of intelligent, cosmic invisible energy absolutely vital to life; beginning in the base of the spine as a man or woman begins to evolve in their first incarnation; fed by the chakras along the spine and by the cosmic energy entering through the feet from the earth; as wisdom is earned in each incarnation, this electromagnetic, ultrapotent energy moves slowly upward through the spine; Kundalini is feminine polarity in nature. Sim. (Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary, June G. Beltzer, Ph.D., p. 343).

1.Kundalini in English means "the serpent power." It is the common Hindu belief that within each person resides a "serpent" coiled tightly up at the base of the spine. Through practicing Kundalini yoga, along with chanting, mediation, and an impartation from the guru one can have their Kundalini Awakened. Kundalini Yoga is the "power yoga" of Hinduism. It is the pathway to supernatural power and godhood. Kundalini Yoga can also lead to mental collapse, psychosis, and demon possession or oppression.

2."Asian cultures have used these teachings of the Chakra System for about 4,000 years and it's only the last approx. 10 years that this information has filtered into the west. Chakra literally translated from the Hindi means 'Wheel of spinning Energy'. Within our bodies are contained seven major energy centres. They are located within the body in front of the spinal column and are aligned vertically up and down the spine. Each wheel has a colour of the rainbow and vibrates to a musical note... ." (Inner Star Magazine)


3.Kundalini is at least 1000 years old occult practice. It involves bodily manifestations as a consequence for the "awakening of an individual's Kundalini'' and is related to, for example, Qigong (a Chinese occultic tradition).

4.Kundalini energy is typically described as a powerful energy source lying dormant in the form of a coiled serpent at the base of the human spine. When freed it reputedly has the capacity to effect great physical healings. Christina and Stanislov Grof, New Age authors of the book "The Stormy Search for the Self," describe how the awakening of Kundalini energy can be triggered by an advanced spiritual teacher or guru. And how the awakening can bring up memories of past psychological traumas. The Grofs state that "individuals involved in this process might find it difficult to control their behavior; during power rushes of Kundalini energy, they often emit various involuntary sounds, and their bodies move in strange and unexpected patterns. Among the most common manifestations ... are unmotivated and unnatural laughter or crying, talking tongues ... and imitating a variety of animal sounds and movements" (p. 78-79). The Grofs state that "careful study of the manifestations of Kundalini awakening confirm that this process, although sometimes very intense and shattering, is essentially healing" (citing Warren Smith by permission in an article for Spiritual Counterfeits Project entitled "HOLY LAUGHTER or Strong Delusion" (Fall, 1994, Vol. 19.2), p. 14).



WHAT IS THE KUNDILINI SPIRIT?
In Hindu mythology, Kundalini is a serpent goddess who lies asleep at the base of the spine, coiled three and a half times around the first chakra. Her name is Kundalini Shakti, and she represents the unfolding of the divine Shakti energy, the energising potential of life itself, a living goddess who enlivens all things.


Under certain circumstances the Kundalini energy awakens and begins to rise through the body, piercing and opening the chakras as she moves in her undulating and snake like fashion. as Kundalini releases stored and blocked energies, her movement can be quite intense, sometimes painful, and often leads to mental states that seem out of this world.


KUNDALINI WARNING!
What kind of "spirit" was it
operating in the Lakeland revival - when the leader and main focal-
point of the meetings (Todd Bentley) was having an adulterous
affair behind the scenes? Was it truly the "Holy" Spirit that was
anointing something so sensual and unholy? And now that Todd
divorced his wife and married his mistress - are we supposed to
welcome him back and this "anointing" with him? What is going
on here? Rick Joyner has been warned very specifically by high-
level ministries not to do what he is doing now - bringing Todd
Bentley back into the limelight. And yet it seems he does not
care. Apparently the "manifestations" are all that matter.



HOW DOES IT FUNCTION?
So what are these 'manifestations'? Are they from God at all? Why do we not see such an 'anointing' in the Bible? Why aren't Jesus and the apostles promoting these manifestations if they really are a true Revival? Why instead do we see these things all the way through the New Age and Hinduism.... Do we not realize that many false religions have their own version of "laying on of hands" that result in these very types of manifestations? This 'spirit' is not in the Bible! BUT it is all the way through the Kundalini Hinduism!

Kundalini Manifestations:

Feelings
  • Energy rushes or immense electricity circulating the body
  • Itching, vibrating, prickling, tingling, stinging or crawling sensations
  • Intense heat or cold
  • Strange activity, blissful sensations in the head (particularly in the crown area)
Actions
  • Uncontrollable laughing
  • Spontaneous vocalization of animal sounds
  • Jerking, tremors, shaking
  • Muscle twitches or spasms or cramps 
  • Energy rushes, electricity circulating in the body
  • Postures or moving one's body in unusual ways
Mind
  • Mental confusion, difficulty concentrating
  • Altered states of consciousness, heightened awareness, spontaneous trance states, mystical experiences
  • Psychic experiences, extrasensory perception, out of body experiences, past life memories, astral travel
  • Direct awareness of auras and chakras, contacts with spiritual guides through inner voices, dreams or visions, healing powers
  • Guidance through inner voices, visions, dreams

Foreign spirit has been allowed to invade the church - first through Rodney Howard-Browne's ministry - then Toronto, then the Prophetic movement and on into Lakeland and many other ministries and movements. I urge people now to "test the spirits" just as we are commanded to in Scripture. Do not let just anyone lay hands on you.

1 John 4:1 (KJV)
 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 Timothy 5:22 (KJV)
 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.


This is a powerful spirit and it has the backing of a lot of big-name ministries. In fact, these men and women are the very ones responsible for allowing it to spread right through the body of Christ. And one day they will be answerable to God for doing so.

We are specifically warned in the Bible that the Last Days will be a time of "seducing spirits," false prophets, 'lying signs and wonders,' and that we always need to watch for "angels of light" masquerading as the real thing. Why does the modern church not take these warnings seriously? Aren't we living in the very days that the Bible warns about?

Here is a list of ministries or movements to watch out for. This sickness has gone on long enough. I urge you to cut yourself off from the following ministries and their tainted "anointings" my friends. Even though some of these people say "good things" at times, it is simply not worth having any involvement with them due to the tainted anointing that they endorse or minister in themselves. Here is the list-

  • Todd Bentley.
  • Rodney Howard Browne - the so-called "Holy Ghost Bartender."
  • Rick Joyner or anyone connected with Morningstar Ministries.
  • John Arnott & any connected with TACF (The "Toronto Blessing").
  • Peter Wagner of the 'New Apostolic Reformation' who claims to be head of a worldwide network of 'apostles' - who publicly endorsed Lakeland and will soon preach at Toronto TACF alongside other "false anointing" advocates.
  • Mike Bickle and IHOP Kansas City (Mike Bickle promotes it in his book).
  • Bob Jones - the Kansas City prophet whose ministry is utterly tainted by it all.
  • Patricia King and anyone else from 'Extreme Prophetic.'
  • John Crowder & anyone connected with "Sloshfest."
  • Bill Johnson of Bethel church, Redding - who says some good things but publicly endorsed Lakeland and promotes the "false anointing" very strongly behind the scenes.
  • Heidi & Rolland Baker of IRIS Ministries - who do good work amongst the poor in Mozambique - but who have also carried and promoted this tainted anointing for years.
  • Randy Clark, Wes & Stacey Campbell, and other key figures from the "Toronto blessing."
  • The Elijah List - and almost anyone featured on it.


Of course there are a huge number of lesser-known preachers and ministries who carry or endorse this Kundalini "anointing" around the world. It really is an enormous issue in the church. I urge anyone who is a supporter of any of the above ministries to really check them out thoroughly. If you find that they carry or endorse this false Kundalini spirit in the church, then please stop supporting them in any way - and whatever you do, don't let them "lay hands" on you!

In the book of Revelation at the time of the end, in the last few years of Satan’s dominion, a charismatic religious personality will arise and deceive the whole world by means of miraculous signs and wonders. If signs and wonders are the fruit by which we judge whether a ministry is from God, then we are indeed on very shaky ground,  and ripe for deception.  So how are we to know? Revelation clearly tells us that the false prophet will be able to call down fire from heaven!  However, Elijah, who was a true prophet of God, called down fire from heaven!

So how is one to know the real from the counterfeit?  The end time is prophesied to be a time of great deception; however Christians seem to feel that they are somehow immune to it.  I have to ask myself why any blood-bought Christian would want to indulge themselves in supernatural experiences that have no Biblical precedent but yet parallel occult experiences in every way.  Most alarming to me personally, are the unmistakable similarities between this fire they are calling down, and the fires of Kundalini.

When New Agers, Gnostics, Mystics and Occultists refer to a “Baptism by Fire” they most surely do not mean what the Christians mean when they use that same term. However, there are striking similarities- so again, how are we to know?  The esoteric meaning of “Baptism by Fire”  is the moment of arousal of the Kundalini power, or simply “the awakening” as the mystics call it.

Kundalini is an Eastern concept of enlightenment in which,  through meditation, electrical energy moves up 7 chakras and impacts the pineal gland bringing forth spiritual enlightenment. When the Kundalini awakens it causes certain manifestations. If you compare the manifestations of the rising Kundalini with the manifestations in Lakeland Florida you will find that they are identical in every way. When we openly accept manifestations that have no biblical precedent yet mimic those of the Eastern religions in every way, we have to seriously re-examine our doctrine.

The Body of Christ is called to be aware and to discern spirits. Our Lord instructs us to obtain godly wisdom.

James 1:5 (KJV)
5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

John 8:32 (KJV)
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Christians know that all-pervading Divine love comes from Jesus Christ and only from Jesus Christ. So who is this Kundalini spirit who claims Christ’s power? The Kundalini serpent is a spirit of anti-Christ, not the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through the anti-Christ spirit of the serpent “Kundalini,” Satan positions himself as mediator between heaven and earth. In this position, he fulfills his desire to be worshiped as God. Satan is always attempting to usurp the position of Jesus Christ. Christ is indeed the only mediator between heaven and earth:

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (KJV)
5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Hebrews 9:15 (KJV)
15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Eternal inheritance is union with God in heaven and comes by receiving salvation through the Blood of Jesus Christ. But according to New Age swamis, a spontaneous transformation of mankind in union with the “Universal World Soul” will come by way of Kundalini through yoga! Many yoga gurus openly admit they become glorified by awakening the serpent power.

These yogis further prophesy that the New World Order and One World Religion will be led by one unparalleled yoga master who is incarnate. This yogi would be a master of the Kundalini and would teach all people the ancient secrets of self-transformation.

Throughout Scripture we are told to be aware of those “religious” persons, called false prophets, who come as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” claiming to be Christ (Matthew 7:15). Lucifer, that serpent of old, the original wolf in sheep’s clothing, is the one who initiated yoga. His powerful scheme is to counterfeit the Christian’s worship of God. He accomplishes his goal through yoga, which incorporates a worshipful practice of sign language gestures, prayer positions, and bowing, all performed in a religious and reverent manner.

As Christians, despite our hearts' and minds’ desires to worship only God through Jesus Christ, we are in danger of committing spiritual adultery. We cannot sacrifice ourselves to idols with body language that invokes the Kundalini spirit at the same time that we offer ourselves to God as a holy, set a part, and dedicated sacrifice to Him. Scripture says:

1 Corinthians 10:21 (KJV)
21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.