Brian Houston and Hillsong: “Another Jesus, Another Spirit, Another Gospel” Part 1
·READING TIME: 21 MINUTES
The following are the notes to the discussion found at this link (https://www.facebook.com/tammy.cheetham.77/videos/381282905704757/) for anyone who would like to study the subject more in depth.
Yes, we felt led to take on the daunting task of discussing Brian Houston and Hillsong and just to say right away this will be a three-part discussion. I had thought to discuss this before, and even started some notes, but I had put them to the side because the topic seemed so overwhelming. However, the Lord really laid it on our hearts to demonstrate that Brian Houston is a false teacher after a selfie of him and a preacher named Gabriel Swaggart was making the rounds on facebook. Gabriel Swaggart is considered by many to truly be preaching the cross, but he posted that it was a privilege to meet Brian Houston. In addition we found out later that a specific meeting had been set up and that the picture wasn’t taken during a chance meeting. Many have been led to believe this is no big deal, but we would say otherwise. We pray after listening to these discussions people will understand the gravity of promoting, and or following, someone with such aberrant theology.
Now, many of the listeners will have heard about some of the facts we bring out, but as we often say, it is good to be reminded of things. The enemy of our souls would like believers to forget things which can lead people to downplaying error. “Oh, they’re not so bad,” we might hear people say, when they just hear of random, scattered incidents and false teachings. So, we are hoping all the examples we present will provide the listener with more than enough evidence that Hillsong should be completely avoided because they have another Jesus, another Spirit, and another gospel as mentioned in 2 Cor. 11:4.
I want to begin by sharing the following quote concerning Hillsong from a discernment ministry: “Hillsong is a million dollar global enterprise disguised as a church. Their CEO is Brian Houston who disguises himself as a pastor. They make church hip, cool and relevant at the expense of having it not be biblical. They have created their own unique brand and they protect it at all cost. (http://www.828ministries.com/articles/Hillsong-and-Charisma-News-by-Anthony-Wade-Christianity-160607-968.html). (And, sadly these statements only tell half the story. Now, for anyone who is mesmerized by their music, these statements might be upsetting. But, we just pray that people will seek the truth and hear us out).
The following is from an article in the Sydney Morning Herald from 2003 entitled, “The Lord's Profits.” The author of the article asked Brian Houston why he thinks the church has been so successful. "I think the biggest issue is relevance, I really do," Brian Houston says. "We are scratching people where they are itching." This is the nearest thing Australia has to a Bible belt. Houston says that when he and Bobbie set out to build a church, he wanted to build one that he and his family would want to attend, with good music, good sermons and a positive message. (Well, it’s just unbelievable that he would think scratching people where they itch is a good thing. I believe 2 Tim. 4:3-4 says otherwise. And, if this isn’t a definition of a seeker sensitive church, I don’t know what is).
The author of the article continues: Then, there's the message, which is simple and alluring. It says that if you embrace this brand of God you will be rewarded financially and spiritually in this life, as well as the next. It is religion for our material age. "If you believe in Jesus," Houston (says), "He will reward you here [on earth] as well [as in Heaven]" (https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/28/1043804401241.html). (As I noted this article is from 2003 and, sadly, things have only become worse. Brian Houston’s empire has expanded greatly and for those who believe the number of followers, and the amount of money rolling in, are signs of God’s favor, you are mistaken. Luke 12:32 says, “Fear not, little flock.” And, the Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 4:11-13: “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” I guess the Apostle Paul didn’t know about speaking things into existence or perhaps he hadn’t learned not to make negative confessions, yet. And, I of course, am being facetious here).
I want to spend quite a bit of time examining what Hillsong says about itself by presenting the material found at the media link at hillsong. com. Then, when appropriate, I want to offer information concerning the different parts of their ministry they mention.
Brian Houston is the Global Senior Pastor and founder of Hillsong Church. Since founding a single church in 1983 in Sydney, he has launched churches located in some of the world’s most influential cities, three record labels, a film and television platform, multiple worldwide conferences, and an international college. Each week, Hillsong’s music is sung by an estimated 50 million people in 60 languages, and Houston’s sermons are broadcast around the globe. In June 2016, Hillsong launched a global, 24-hour channel in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network, providing access to the worship and ministry to millions of viewers around the world (https://hillsong.com/media/). (Now, this is a summary of what can only be labeled as an empire).
So, I will begin with a section they have labeled Church:
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Hillsong has churches in city centers in 21 countries and on five continents. The church has an average global attendance approaching 112,000 weekly. (So, right away we see the influence this empire is having around the world. And, obviously since much of the false teaching by Hillsong occurs in their churches, we are going to go ahead and discuss their false teachings in this section. Sad to say, Hillsong preaches Word of Faith aberrant theology. And, before I present some examples of them teaching WOF doctrines, sister Tammy, would you please share what you have prepared concerning WOF as false teaching?)
The Word of Faith teach that God wants his people to be healthy, wealthy, and happy all the time, and that if you say the right words, speak in the correct “formula”, in faith, then God is obligated to deliver. These see God as though He is some fairy in the sky as though we can use Him for our will being done and they miss out the biblical command to pray Thy will be done! God’s will is how we ought to pray and not commanding God for what we think He is obligated to give us if we just muster up enough faith!
Many of these false teachers say that we are entitled, as God’s children to have the good things all the time in this life and if we don’t then we are lacking faith, they mainly have lavish lifestyles and use this as a means to twist the Word of God and claim that it is true because they have all these things, which is preposterous and lies. All these believe all we have to do is ask God correctly and just have enough faith then our wish is God’s command.
These claim that literal words have actual power contained within them; often people refer to them as “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it.” These use many different verses to state what they are saying is actual truth, such as Matthew 21:21-22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive., These only emphasizing the belief aspect of it only as justification of error!
God’s will determines the answer to our prayers, not the other way around.
If these would read Romans 8:26-27 they would see this is so. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
The Bible is very clear on the warnings against pursuing money instead of God. For example, 1 Tim 6:9-11; also in Hebrews 13:5 we are told to be content with what we have.
These see wealth as a means that God is blessing you. Then we have rich wicked men and women in this world that are caught up in the most heinous crimes and sins! Not blessing!
These claim to be little gods that have the power to use faith as a force as we have mentioned already and these use Scriptures in the Bible (again twisted) to claim this. They take John 10:34 in the Bible that says, “Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?’” Yet these forget to understand that God uses this in the context of talking about judges as we clearly see in Psalm 82 also and that Jesus, Himself was above these judges.
Here are some Scriptures that are used and twisted from the Word of Faith movement:
Matthew 17:19-21 “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, ‘Why could not we cast him out?’ And Jesus said unto them, ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.’”
Many in the Word of Faith use this as a means again that God will do as they desire, if they have mountain moving faith and prayer, the type of faith they have is as I have mentioned before about faith in faith, etc. Jesus here was talking figuratively about mountain-sized difficulties and how the disciples had just not been able to cast out the demon from this boy, the condition He gave to them was that nothing shall be impossible if it was within the will of God to perform such, as in this instance it was. But, putting faith in our own faith or faith in oneself will not produce trust in the Lord and His will. We need to have faith in God and this is what it is talking about, they were not able to do what Only God can and Jesus would encourage always that we would prayerful persist in trusting Him! These did not persist in prayer as the Lord was showing them so they were unable to cast out the demon. It ought to teach us dependent prayer on the Lord’s will being done and this is true faith in God. He will do as He desires and will heal and set free all in His time. When we have this faith God really does move. Simple faith in the right place and trust as a mustard seed accomplished much and lifts Jesus alone.
Romans 4:17 “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”
This is another they use, and this does not speak about US speaking positive confessions to make things happen. This Scripture is about the Lord, and how HE sovereignly calls people, and how HE spoke creation into existence.
John 14:12 – The greater work is speaking about the preaching of the Gospel, but many take this to mean we can do more than what Jesus did and be as little gods. Jesus would only preach in certain places and never preached outside of Palestine, but the believers after Him would preach the Gospel throughout the world; to the ends of the earth.
Thank you very much for all of that information, sister Tammy. I hope the listeners will realize that while they use scriptures for their doctrines, they are absolutely twisting these scriptures so their doctrines are not Biblically based as their followers would like to think. I am going to present a few examples of Brian Houston’s false teaching now and the first one will show beyond a shadow of a doubt that he believes Christians can speak things into existence. This is part of a message from the 2015 Hillsong Conference. This is a little long and a bit repetitive, but it shows his absolute belief in this false teaching from the WOF:
(http://004f597.netsolhost.com/fftf/F4F072415.mp3?download=true About 11:53 in; and, just to note, use of this audio is not an endorsement of the program on which it appeared).
“I wonder what words you should be speaking right now; bringing your confession in line with God’s Word, the same words God speaks…Right now in your situation, whatever it is, I’d love you to start speaking words of faith. Bring it into being; things that are not. God called into being the things that were not. Well, listen I don’t know whether you want to be doing that publicly; it might be too embarrassing. But, if you want to, hey, that’s fine. But, if you just want to do it this time in your heart, but there’s something powerful about the spoken word. In Romans where it talks about confession and belief in our heart it talks about it three times. I wonder what’s facing you. I wonder where you could use words for creation and not just communication. What would you love to see come into being? Would you love to see growth in a certain area? A new beginning? Prosperity? Blessing? God’s hand upon something? Something in your life and something in your ministry? Well, you need a breakthrough right now, right now…Whether you do it under your breath, or whether you do it out loud, I just want you to start saying, speaking. Don’t be afraid of it, saying, speaking, speaking out, those things you believe for in Jesus’ Name. Speak into the opposition; into the challenge. Begin to speak to your own soul; begin to speak into being those things that are not, in Jesus’ Name. Oh, come on, let’s really begin to speak it out, speak, speak into being what you see for your ministry. Speak into being that building that you don’t have. Speak into being that growth in your church. Speak into being that second morning service, that third morning service, the evening service back. Speak into being the new campus. Speak into being the teens that you believe for. Speak into being the business God has promised you. Speak into being creative capacity. Speak into being those things God has put in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name. I believe for some here, for buildings, for facilities, for breakthroughs, for land in Jesus’ Name. I believe that God wants you to have ownership, to be the head and not the tail, so start to speak it into being. That first home that I keep speaking about. Speak it into being. It may seem so impossible, but speak it into being. I keep talking about a best-selling author; speak it into being. In Jesus’ Name. New songs; anthems; beautiful worship songs with lyrics so profound; tunes so sweet and beautiful. Speak it into being, amen. Your brother’s salvation; your wife’s healing; your children’s salvation; their turnaround from their backsliding; seeing people’s lives lining up with the Word of God. Speak it into being. Don’t be afraid to speak it into being. We claim by faith the Word of God. Help us to be people who speak the word of faith. (Well, if that is not mind-numbing I don’t know what is. But, I seriously hope people can see this is not Biblical. We are instructed to pray for our needs in God’s Word and this speaking our desires, expecting them to come forth, is not praying. You know, what if some of these things are not God’s will as you already mentioned, sister Tammy? Also, since we would have to be God to be able to speak things into existence this also means he thinks we are little gods whether or not he says these exact words here. As you also mentioned, sister Tammy according to Rom. 4:17 it is God who “calleth those things which be not as though they were.” I want to read Ps. 33:6, 8, and 9 “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” You know, if we could speak things into existence why would we stand in awe of God since we would be doing the same thing He does? Yet, verse eight here clearly says, “let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” This must mean He is doing something we cannot do).
To demonstrate his affinity for the prosperity gospel, I want to mention a book he wrote in 1999 entitled, “You Need More Money.” I read one review of this book which said, “According to ‘You Need More Money,’ much of the problem of those Christians who are struggling financially comes from their negative thoughts about money. If they would only think and speak positively about wealth, much of the problem would disappear.” Brian Houston states the following: "It is time to relax and become comfortable around money. You need to stretch yourself and position yourself right out of your comfort zone. For example, it may involve a little exercise like putting on your best clothes and ordering coffee in a fancy restaurant or hotel lobby. Even though you could make the coffee for half the price at home, the total experience may enlarge your thinking. You may even feel better about yourself and life" (https://www.amazon.com/Need-More-Money-Brian-Houston/dp/0957733607). (So, we see a promotion of the prosperity gospel and also the idea that our words can change our circumstances. God’s will is supposedly for us to be rich and those who aren’t supposedly lack faith. But, even Jesus had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20). And, God’s Word says we are just supposed to be good stewards with what we have and that we are supposed to be content (Phil. 4:11), as you already mentioned, sister Tammy, in Heb. 13:5. Interestingly enough, Brian Houston is on record as having regrets about this book, saying, “If you ask me about the three most stupid things I have done in my life, I would most likely put up as number one my book about faith and money.” However, Houston still proclaims that people need more money to be effective. But, he recognizes the title of the book gave critics of Hillsong Church lots of free ammunition (https://ivarfjeld.com/2010/05/27/regrets-his-book-about-jesus-and-money/).
Additionally, at the conclusion of this book we see Brian Houston has included the lines to one of the worship songs from Hillsong. The song is entitled “More Than Enough.” Some of lyrics are as follows:
“More than I could hope or dream of,
You have poured your favour on me,
One day in the house of God is,
Better than a thousand in the world,
So blessed, I can’t contain it,
So much, I’ve got to give it away,
Your love taught me to live now,
You are more than enough for me.”
Brian Houston says, “The words of this song are a powerful confession of the promise of God. Written by Reuben Morgan, a young songwriter and worship leader in our church, he was inspired to write this song by the theme of the teachings in this book and the revelation of God’s blessing in one’s life” (Brian Houston, You Need More Money, Alken Press: Smithsfiedl, NSW, 1999, pg. 133-134). (So, for anyone who thinks surely it’s okay to sing the songs by Hillsong since they’re just so beautiful, in this example we can see how the lyrics promote false teaching. And, I do understand that people can be taken in by their music. I attended an Assemblies of God church years ago and we sang Darlene Zschech’s song, “Shout to the Lord” and I thought that was an awesome song. But, that was before I had any understanding concerning Word of Faith, the prosperity gospel, the NAR, and so forth. I will be eternally grateful the Lord opened my eyes, that’s for sure).
Next, I want to briefly mention five of his books in which we can see some of the false teachings we’ve already mentioned highlighted:
1)”How to Live a Blessed Life” – one of the sections is entitled “Lasting Legacy” and one sentence says: “One of the greatest decisions you can make is to choose to live a life that is dedicated to accomplishing and building something that will stand as a testimony or legacy for the generations ahead.”
2)”How to Build Great Relationships” – one section is entitled “Partnering for Success”
3)”How to Flourish in Life” – one section is called “God’s People Should Flourish” and another one is called “Your Thinking Determines What Thrives”
4)”How to Make Wise Choices” – one section is called “Increase and Expansion” and another one is “Status and Favour”
5)”How to Live in Health and Wholeness” – one chapter is entitled “Created for Health and Wholeness” (Is it just me or do these titles sound like the books could have been written by Joel Osteen with his inordinate focus on this life? But, that’s not surprising since Brian Houston and Joel Osteen are both WOF preachers).
Sister Tammy, you had a few more comments in this area so could you share these at this time, please?
Taken from this news article (https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/inside-the-hillsong-churchs-moneymaking-machine-20151026-gkip53.html) in which commentary from a Hillsong sermon is given, Houston preaches these words:
“Your words can frame your future. Speak your faith, start seeing miracles … Owner of your first home! Best selling author … Mother of handsome sons and beautiful daughters! Businessman who is prosperous and fruitful! Your brother’s salvation, your sister’s healing … Speak it into being! Speak it into being! Speak it into being! Amen!”
Taken from Brian Houston’s book 2005 Live Love Lead – endorsed by Rick Warren, false ecumenical teacher.
“We are all born with God-given potential to change the world around us.”
“We are on a co-mission with Christ.”
“When following Jesus, be careful what you dream. Because you can rest assured that God will exceed the limits of your imagination if you’re committed to advancing His kingdom.”
This is doused in Kingdom Now, NAR talk – God’s Kingdom is at hand and does not require our participation! God orchestrates, and we follow Him.
Also from this book
“… finding our grace zone …” is repeated within the book, representing a spiritual state from which to accomplish your goals, dreams, and visions. “Follow your heart, stay true to the gift that is on your life, go forth in the strength that you have, be comfortable in your grace zone, be confident in your call – and watch as God exceeds your every expectation and leads you into a wide-open and spacious life.”
The Bible tells us to have faith in Jesus and trust Him. It is not about following our heart, we lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path. Take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Thank you so much for that information, sister, Tammy. And, since we have been discussing his books I want to mention Houston’s latest book, “There is More.” Here is the description of it at amazon.com:
In his latest book, “There is More,” Founder and Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church shows how, with God's power, you can believe and achieve a life that exceeds every earthly expectation. When you surrender control and follow God's guidance, you become empowered and equipped to do the impossible, reach higher, and go further than you could have ever imagined--giving Him all the glory.
And, here are two endorsements of the book: “Brian Houston is a dear friend who knows what God can do in your life when you surrender all. ‘There is More’ will help you learn to live a fulfilled life by trusting God to take control. I challenge you to allow this book to impact your life.” Rick Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church
And, then, “There couldn’t be a more timely or needed book. In these confusing days we need to be stretched where our thinking is limited, expanded where our dreams are small, and reminded that our God is not a God of confusion. In Brian Houston’s “There is More” we are encouraged to hold tight to that truth, believing that His peace, power, and light abound even in the darkest of times and that through us He can and will do immeasurably more than we can ever imagine.” Roma Downey, actor, producer, and president of Light Workers Media. To which I would add, new age Catholic.
Steven Furtick, Joyce Meyer, Nicky Gumbel, and John Bevere also wrote glowing reviews of this book (https://www.amazon.com/There-More-When-World-Says/dp/073529061X). (Well, I really can’t think of any place in God’s Word where we are encouraged to “achieve a life that exceeds every earthly expectation.” This sounds like more of “your best life now” drivel that pervades the modern church world. Colossians 3:1-3 says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” And, sadly, the modern church attendee will be impressed by these reviews and by those who wrote them. However, true believers will know to run a mile. There are a thousand things to make us wary of Brian Houston and Rick Warren calling him a dear friend is definitely on the list).
Sister Tammy, this is a good place to stop this first part of the discussion and we will begin part two by discussing their music.
·READING TIME: 21 MINUTES
The following are the notes to the discussion found at this link (https://www.facebook.com/tammy.cheetham.77/videos/381282905704757/) for anyone who would like to study the subject more in depth.
Yes, we felt led to take on the daunting task of discussing Brian Houston and Hillsong and just to say right away this will be a three-part discussion. I had thought to discuss this before, and even started some notes, but I had put them to the side because the topic seemed so overwhelming. However, the Lord really laid it on our hearts to demonstrate that Brian Houston is a false teacher after a selfie of him and a preacher named Gabriel Swaggart was making the rounds on facebook. Gabriel Swaggart is considered by many to truly be preaching the cross, but he posted that it was a privilege to meet Brian Houston. In addition we found out later that a specific meeting had been set up and that the picture wasn’t taken during a chance meeting. Many have been led to believe this is no big deal, but we would say otherwise. We pray after listening to these discussions people will understand the gravity of promoting, and or following, someone with such aberrant theology.
Now, many of the listeners will have heard about some of the facts we bring out, but as we often say, it is good to be reminded of things. The enemy of our souls would like believers to forget things which can lead people to downplaying error. “Oh, they’re not so bad,” we might hear people say, when they just hear of random, scattered incidents and false teachings. So, we are hoping all the examples we present will provide the listener with more than enough evidence that Hillsong should be completely avoided because they have another Jesus, another Spirit, and another gospel as mentioned in 2 Cor. 11:4.
I want to begin by sharing the following quote concerning Hillsong from a discernment ministry: “Hillsong is a million dollar global enterprise disguised as a church. Their CEO is Brian Houston who disguises himself as a pastor. They make church hip, cool and relevant at the expense of having it not be biblical. They have created their own unique brand and they protect it at all cost. (http://www.828ministries.com/articles/Hillsong-and-Charisma-News-by-Anthony-Wade-Christianity-160607-968.html). (And, sadly these statements only tell half the story. Now, for anyone who is mesmerized by their music, these statements might be upsetting. But, we just pray that people will seek the truth and hear us out).
The following is from an article in the Sydney Morning Herald from 2003 entitled, “The Lord's Profits.” The author of the article asked Brian Houston why he thinks the church has been so successful. "I think the biggest issue is relevance, I really do," Brian Houston says. "We are scratching people where they are itching." This is the nearest thing Australia has to a Bible belt. Houston says that when he and Bobbie set out to build a church, he wanted to build one that he and his family would want to attend, with good music, good sermons and a positive message. (Well, it’s just unbelievable that he would think scratching people where they itch is a good thing. I believe 2 Tim. 4:3-4 says otherwise. And, if this isn’t a definition of a seeker sensitive church, I don’t know what is).
The author of the article continues: Then, there's the message, which is simple and alluring. It says that if you embrace this brand of God you will be rewarded financially and spiritually in this life, as well as the next. It is religion for our material age. "If you believe in Jesus," Houston (says), "He will reward you here [on earth] as well [as in Heaven]" (https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/28/1043804401241.html). (As I noted this article is from 2003 and, sadly, things have only become worse. Brian Houston’s empire has expanded greatly and for those who believe the number of followers, and the amount of money rolling in, are signs of God’s favor, you are mistaken. Luke 12:32 says, “Fear not, little flock.” And, the Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 4:11-13: “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” I guess the Apostle Paul didn’t know about speaking things into existence or perhaps he hadn’t learned not to make negative confessions, yet. And, I of course, am being facetious here).
I want to spend quite a bit of time examining what Hillsong says about itself by presenting the material found at the media link at hillsong. com. Then, when appropriate, I want to offer information concerning the different parts of their ministry they mention.
Brian Houston is the Global Senior Pastor and founder of Hillsong Church. Since founding a single church in 1983 in Sydney, he has launched churches located in some of the world’s most influential cities, three record labels, a film and television platform, multiple worldwide conferences, and an international college. Each week, Hillsong’s music is sung by an estimated 50 million people in 60 languages, and Houston’s sermons are broadcast around the globe. In June 2016, Hillsong launched a global, 24-hour channel in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network, providing access to the worship and ministry to millions of viewers around the world (https://hillsong.com/media/). (Now, this is a summary of what can only be labeled as an empire).
So, I will begin with a section they have labeled Church:
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Hillsong has churches in city centers in 21 countries and on five continents. The church has an average global attendance approaching 112,000 weekly. (So, right away we see the influence this empire is having around the world. And, obviously since much of the false teaching by Hillsong occurs in their churches, we are going to go ahead and discuss their false teachings in this section. Sad to say, Hillsong preaches Word of Faith aberrant theology. And, before I present some examples of them teaching WOF doctrines, sister Tammy, would you please share what you have prepared concerning WOF as false teaching?)
The Word of Faith teach that God wants his people to be healthy, wealthy, and happy all the time, and that if you say the right words, speak in the correct “formula”, in faith, then God is obligated to deliver. These see God as though He is some fairy in the sky as though we can use Him for our will being done and they miss out the biblical command to pray Thy will be done! God’s will is how we ought to pray and not commanding God for what we think He is obligated to give us if we just muster up enough faith!
Many of these false teachers say that we are entitled, as God’s children to have the good things all the time in this life and if we don’t then we are lacking faith, they mainly have lavish lifestyles and use this as a means to twist the Word of God and claim that it is true because they have all these things, which is preposterous and lies. All these believe all we have to do is ask God correctly and just have enough faith then our wish is God’s command.
These claim that literal words have actual power contained within them; often people refer to them as “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it.” These use many different verses to state what they are saying is actual truth, such as Matthew 21:21-22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive., These only emphasizing the belief aspect of it only as justification of error!
God’s will determines the answer to our prayers, not the other way around.
If these would read Romans 8:26-27 they would see this is so. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
The Bible is very clear on the warnings against pursuing money instead of God. For example, 1 Tim 6:9-11; also in Hebrews 13:5 we are told to be content with what we have.
These see wealth as a means that God is blessing you. Then we have rich wicked men and women in this world that are caught up in the most heinous crimes and sins! Not blessing!
These claim to be little gods that have the power to use faith as a force as we have mentioned already and these use Scriptures in the Bible (again twisted) to claim this. They take John 10:34 in the Bible that says, “Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?’” Yet these forget to understand that God uses this in the context of talking about judges as we clearly see in Psalm 82 also and that Jesus, Himself was above these judges.
Here are some Scriptures that are used and twisted from the Word of Faith movement:
Matthew 17:19-21 “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, ‘Why could not we cast him out?’ And Jesus said unto them, ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.’”
Many in the Word of Faith use this as a means again that God will do as they desire, if they have mountain moving faith and prayer, the type of faith they have is as I have mentioned before about faith in faith, etc. Jesus here was talking figuratively about mountain-sized difficulties and how the disciples had just not been able to cast out the demon from this boy, the condition He gave to them was that nothing shall be impossible if it was within the will of God to perform such, as in this instance it was. But, putting faith in our own faith or faith in oneself will not produce trust in the Lord and His will. We need to have faith in God and this is what it is talking about, they were not able to do what Only God can and Jesus would encourage always that we would prayerful persist in trusting Him! These did not persist in prayer as the Lord was showing them so they were unable to cast out the demon. It ought to teach us dependent prayer on the Lord’s will being done and this is true faith in God. He will do as He desires and will heal and set free all in His time. When we have this faith God really does move. Simple faith in the right place and trust as a mustard seed accomplished much and lifts Jesus alone.
Romans 4:17 “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”
This is another they use, and this does not speak about US speaking positive confessions to make things happen. This Scripture is about the Lord, and how HE sovereignly calls people, and how HE spoke creation into existence.
John 14:12 – The greater work is speaking about the preaching of the Gospel, but many take this to mean we can do more than what Jesus did and be as little gods. Jesus would only preach in certain places and never preached outside of Palestine, but the believers after Him would preach the Gospel throughout the world; to the ends of the earth.
Thank you very much for all of that information, sister Tammy. I hope the listeners will realize that while they use scriptures for their doctrines, they are absolutely twisting these scriptures so their doctrines are not Biblically based as their followers would like to think. I am going to present a few examples of Brian Houston’s false teaching now and the first one will show beyond a shadow of a doubt that he believes Christians can speak things into existence. This is part of a message from the 2015 Hillsong Conference. This is a little long and a bit repetitive, but it shows his absolute belief in this false teaching from the WOF:
(http://004f597.netsolhost.com/fftf/F4F072415.mp3?download=true About 11:53 in; and, just to note, use of this audio is not an endorsement of the program on which it appeared).
“I wonder what words you should be speaking right now; bringing your confession in line with God’s Word, the same words God speaks…Right now in your situation, whatever it is, I’d love you to start speaking words of faith. Bring it into being; things that are not. God called into being the things that were not. Well, listen I don’t know whether you want to be doing that publicly; it might be too embarrassing. But, if you want to, hey, that’s fine. But, if you just want to do it this time in your heart, but there’s something powerful about the spoken word. In Romans where it talks about confession and belief in our heart it talks about it three times. I wonder what’s facing you. I wonder where you could use words for creation and not just communication. What would you love to see come into being? Would you love to see growth in a certain area? A new beginning? Prosperity? Blessing? God’s hand upon something? Something in your life and something in your ministry? Well, you need a breakthrough right now, right now…Whether you do it under your breath, or whether you do it out loud, I just want you to start saying, speaking. Don’t be afraid of it, saying, speaking, speaking out, those things you believe for in Jesus’ Name. Speak into the opposition; into the challenge. Begin to speak to your own soul; begin to speak into being those things that are not, in Jesus’ Name. Oh, come on, let’s really begin to speak it out, speak, speak into being what you see for your ministry. Speak into being that building that you don’t have. Speak into being that growth in your church. Speak into being that second morning service, that third morning service, the evening service back. Speak into being the new campus. Speak into being the teens that you believe for. Speak into being the business God has promised you. Speak into being creative capacity. Speak into being those things God has put in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name. I believe for some here, for buildings, for facilities, for breakthroughs, for land in Jesus’ Name. I believe that God wants you to have ownership, to be the head and not the tail, so start to speak it into being. That first home that I keep speaking about. Speak it into being. It may seem so impossible, but speak it into being. I keep talking about a best-selling author; speak it into being. In Jesus’ Name. New songs; anthems; beautiful worship songs with lyrics so profound; tunes so sweet and beautiful. Speak it into being, amen. Your brother’s salvation; your wife’s healing; your children’s salvation; their turnaround from their backsliding; seeing people’s lives lining up with the Word of God. Speak it into being. Don’t be afraid to speak it into being. We claim by faith the Word of God. Help us to be people who speak the word of faith. (Well, if that is not mind-numbing I don’t know what is. But, I seriously hope people can see this is not Biblical. We are instructed to pray for our needs in God’s Word and this speaking our desires, expecting them to come forth, is not praying. You know, what if some of these things are not God’s will as you already mentioned, sister Tammy? Also, since we would have to be God to be able to speak things into existence this also means he thinks we are little gods whether or not he says these exact words here. As you also mentioned, sister Tammy according to Rom. 4:17 it is God who “calleth those things which be not as though they were.” I want to read Ps. 33:6, 8, and 9 “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” You know, if we could speak things into existence why would we stand in awe of God since we would be doing the same thing He does? Yet, verse eight here clearly says, “let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” This must mean He is doing something we cannot do).
To demonstrate his affinity for the prosperity gospel, I want to mention a book he wrote in 1999 entitled, “You Need More Money.” I read one review of this book which said, “According to ‘You Need More Money,’ much of the problem of those Christians who are struggling financially comes from their negative thoughts about money. If they would only think and speak positively about wealth, much of the problem would disappear.” Brian Houston states the following: "It is time to relax and become comfortable around money. You need to stretch yourself and position yourself right out of your comfort zone. For example, it may involve a little exercise like putting on your best clothes and ordering coffee in a fancy restaurant or hotel lobby. Even though you could make the coffee for half the price at home, the total experience may enlarge your thinking. You may even feel better about yourself and life" (https://www.amazon.com/Need-More-Money-Brian-Houston/dp/0957733607). (So, we see a promotion of the prosperity gospel and also the idea that our words can change our circumstances. God’s will is supposedly for us to be rich and those who aren’t supposedly lack faith. But, even Jesus had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20). And, God’s Word says we are just supposed to be good stewards with what we have and that we are supposed to be content (Phil. 4:11), as you already mentioned, sister Tammy, in Heb. 13:5. Interestingly enough, Brian Houston is on record as having regrets about this book, saying, “If you ask me about the three most stupid things I have done in my life, I would most likely put up as number one my book about faith and money.” However, Houston still proclaims that people need more money to be effective. But, he recognizes the title of the book gave critics of Hillsong Church lots of free ammunition (https://ivarfjeld.com/2010/05/27/regrets-his-book-about-jesus-and-money/).
Additionally, at the conclusion of this book we see Brian Houston has included the lines to one of the worship songs from Hillsong. The song is entitled “More Than Enough.” Some of lyrics are as follows:
“More than I could hope or dream of,
You have poured your favour on me,
One day in the house of God is,
Better than a thousand in the world,
So blessed, I can’t contain it,
So much, I’ve got to give it away,
Your love taught me to live now,
You are more than enough for me.”
Brian Houston says, “The words of this song are a powerful confession of the promise of God. Written by Reuben Morgan, a young songwriter and worship leader in our church, he was inspired to write this song by the theme of the teachings in this book and the revelation of God’s blessing in one’s life” (Brian Houston, You Need More Money, Alken Press: Smithsfiedl, NSW, 1999, pg. 133-134). (So, for anyone who thinks surely it’s okay to sing the songs by Hillsong since they’re just so beautiful, in this example we can see how the lyrics promote false teaching. And, I do understand that people can be taken in by their music. I attended an Assemblies of God church years ago and we sang Darlene Zschech’s song, “Shout to the Lord” and I thought that was an awesome song. But, that was before I had any understanding concerning Word of Faith, the prosperity gospel, the NAR, and so forth. I will be eternally grateful the Lord opened my eyes, that’s for sure).
Next, I want to briefly mention five of his books in which we can see some of the false teachings we’ve already mentioned highlighted:
1)”How to Live a Blessed Life” – one of the sections is entitled “Lasting Legacy” and one sentence says: “One of the greatest decisions you can make is to choose to live a life that is dedicated to accomplishing and building something that will stand as a testimony or legacy for the generations ahead.”
2)”How to Build Great Relationships” – one section is entitled “Partnering for Success”
3)”How to Flourish in Life” – one section is called “God’s People Should Flourish” and another one is called “Your Thinking Determines What Thrives”
4)”How to Make Wise Choices” – one section is called “Increase and Expansion” and another one is “Status and Favour”
5)”How to Live in Health and Wholeness” – one chapter is entitled “Created for Health and Wholeness” (Is it just me or do these titles sound like the books could have been written by Joel Osteen with his inordinate focus on this life? But, that’s not surprising since Brian Houston and Joel Osteen are both WOF preachers).
Sister Tammy, you had a few more comments in this area so could you share these at this time, please?
Taken from this news article (https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/inside-the-hillsong-churchs-moneymaking-machine-20151026-gkip53.html) in which commentary from a Hillsong sermon is given, Houston preaches these words:
“Your words can frame your future. Speak your faith, start seeing miracles … Owner of your first home! Best selling author … Mother of handsome sons and beautiful daughters! Businessman who is prosperous and fruitful! Your brother’s salvation, your sister’s healing … Speak it into being! Speak it into being! Speak it into being! Amen!”
Taken from Brian Houston’s book 2005 Live Love Lead – endorsed by Rick Warren, false ecumenical teacher.
“We are all born with God-given potential to change the world around us.”
“We are on a co-mission with Christ.”
“When following Jesus, be careful what you dream. Because you can rest assured that God will exceed the limits of your imagination if you’re committed to advancing His kingdom.”
This is doused in Kingdom Now, NAR talk – God’s Kingdom is at hand and does not require our participation! God orchestrates, and we follow Him.
Also from this book
“… finding our grace zone …” is repeated within the book, representing a spiritual state from which to accomplish your goals, dreams, and visions. “Follow your heart, stay true to the gift that is on your life, go forth in the strength that you have, be comfortable in your grace zone, be confident in your call – and watch as God exceeds your every expectation and leads you into a wide-open and spacious life.”
The Bible tells us to have faith in Jesus and trust Him. It is not about following our heart, we lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path. Take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Thank you so much for that information, sister, Tammy. And, since we have been discussing his books I want to mention Houston’s latest book, “There is More.” Here is the description of it at amazon.com:
In his latest book, “There is More,” Founder and Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church shows how, with God's power, you can believe and achieve a life that exceeds every earthly expectation. When you surrender control and follow God's guidance, you become empowered and equipped to do the impossible, reach higher, and go further than you could have ever imagined--giving Him all the glory.
And, here are two endorsements of the book: “Brian Houston is a dear friend who knows what God can do in your life when you surrender all. ‘There is More’ will help you learn to live a fulfilled life by trusting God to take control. I challenge you to allow this book to impact your life.” Rick Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church
And, then, “There couldn’t be a more timely or needed book. In these confusing days we need to be stretched where our thinking is limited, expanded where our dreams are small, and reminded that our God is not a God of confusion. In Brian Houston’s “There is More” we are encouraged to hold tight to that truth, believing that His peace, power, and light abound even in the darkest of times and that through us He can and will do immeasurably more than we can ever imagine.” Roma Downey, actor, producer, and president of Light Workers Media. To which I would add, new age Catholic.
Steven Furtick, Joyce Meyer, Nicky Gumbel, and John Bevere also wrote glowing reviews of this book (https://www.amazon.com/There-More-When-World-Says/dp/073529061X). (Well, I really can’t think of any place in God’s Word where we are encouraged to “achieve a life that exceeds every earthly expectation.” This sounds like more of “your best life now” drivel that pervades the modern church world. Colossians 3:1-3 says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” And, sadly, the modern church attendee will be impressed by these reviews and by those who wrote them. However, true believers will know to run a mile. There are a thousand things to make us wary of Brian Houston and Rick Warren calling him a dear friend is definitely on the list).
Sister Tammy, this is a good place to stop this first part of the discussion and we will begin part two by discussing their music.