Jenn Johnson of Bethel Redding views the Holy Spirit “like the genie from Aladdin. And He’s blue. And He’s funny. And He’s sneaky.”
Bethel Redding is known for many things, but reverence is not at the top of the list.
Jenn Johnson, the daughter-in-law of Bill Johnson, also calls the Holy Spirit wonderful, courageous, silly, and says “He’s just fun.”
Thanks MWLF,
You didn’t make the claim, Debbie did. I was responding to her claim, and your statements about “no fear and nor reverence”. Hope that clears up my statements.
Thanks for the video on teaching by Eric J. If you don’t mind, I commented on that page. I would truly like to invite Bethel leaders (Eric primarily, since he is the “teacher” of interest there), to correct themselves based on Biblical Truth (not subjective opinion or feelings). I truly do not think that some teaching folks there (perhaps many?) realize the ramifications of their erroneous statements. It seems so much of the approach is on the “Love” message while blogs like this are (in their view) simply full of “intolerant”, “Bible Thumpers”. And the “Judgement Card” is often played. The reality is “admonishment” (a Biblical word) is what we’re supposed to do if we truly “love” each other. And especially if our teaching borders on the “dangerous”.
Thanks!
Hi Tom,
Where did I say “blaspheming” concerning Jen Johnson and the Holy Spirit? Maybe I should have–she is mocking God in the video, whether she realizes it or not. As for Fear of the Lord, obviously I cannot know the hearts of every single person in Bethel Redding in terms of Fear of the Lord or proper reverence. However, watch these videos and you will get a good idea of the spirit of Bethel Redding. Consider how Bill Johnson’s son contradicts the Word of God here: https://mywordlikefire.com/2014/04/26/bethel-redding-pastor-eric-johnson-denies-original-sin/ There are many things to be disturbed about, and to warn about.
Who-ah! What the ???
Well, thanks Brother, for exposing this one.
This particular testimony (and that is all this is frankly .. :o( .. a “subjective testimony”, not a “preaching” based on the Truth in God’s Word) … is just flat out subjective emotion, BIZARRE and terribly “off base”.
I have to ask (frankly) …. where do you find these videos ? … apparently some Bethel site exposed on the NET ??
And to Bethel Leaders ? …. you have no “qualms” about exposing such videos to the world ?? Golly!
I remain (honestly) skeptical that ALL who attend Bethel (including its leadership) are so enamored w/ “humanistic love” for all mankind such that they have (in fact) “thrown away their minds” .. and lost sight of what “true love” is (according to Our Lord Jesus!). May all who seek for the “love of Jesus” do so w/o compromising His Truth too! Mind you Everyone! … pay close attention please to what He (by His Apostles) revealed to humanity! … eg. … He was “Full of BOTH… GRACE AND TRUTH” (john 1:14). Not one w/o the other.
QED!
Hi Tom,
I will answer in more detail soon, scrambling this morning, but no, there is no reverence for God, or Fear of the Lord at Bethel. Here is a video to ponder, the leader of Bethel Childrens Ministry and his heretical vision of Christ asking him for…forgiveness. These things are rarely if ever repented for or corrected, it seems.
https://mywordlikefire.com/2015/10/06/bethel-redding-youth-leader-says-jesus-asked-him-for-forgiveness/
Greetings to you “Mywordlikefire” and Debbie.
May God’s blessings & protection be upon the both of you in these days of Apostasy !
Couple of questions if I may ?
Do you truly believe that there is (absolutely) .. “no reverence for God, or fear of God, at Bethel”? And (likewise) .. is it really true that Jen (and others at Bethel) .. are “blaspheming God The Holy Spirit” by such words as Jens in this video ?
Honestly, I have never been out to Bethel myself so I have very limited exposure to say such things. Perhaps you all have greater visibility than I ?
Likewise, .. not having God’s final judgement perspective myself (may the World be thankful for that!) :o) … I cannot “read” Jen’s heart such that I can know what is her “heart intent” by her words here.
I Totally agree w/ you all that The “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” (in God’s Word) is VERY serious as exemplified in the gospels
BUT .. it is far more than the words Jen has demonstrated here (in my own humble view).
Totally agree w/ both of you that ..
1) the words Jen shared in this (and perhaps in other some videos also?) are “inappropriate” for a leader in Christ’s Body (to say the least).
2) there seems to be alot of room for Bethel leaders to grow (not only in “Grace” & “fervor” for the “spiritual” things of God, but also .. :o) …
to grow in “Biblical Truth” :o) Because ? .. Well .. :o) .. We all know what Jesus said here (John 4:24).
All said, .. I’m not seeing “Solid evidence” yet that Bethel leadership is anything other than a bunch of “Holy-Spirit fervent” folks who
maybe do not know or have enough commitment to the “Truth” side of Christ’s gospel , .. as exemplified by our Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ (aka. .. “THE Word of God”) :o)
And you guys know .. that HE (The “Word”) and the Holy Spirit (3rd person of the Trinity) are in unity and have a unified “heart” for all believers in Jesus who are truly seeking Him passionately this side of Eternity.
Appreciate your honest feedback here Bother and Sister.
In Christ & For Him!
God bless
Yes, there is no reverence for God, or fear of God, at Bethel.
It is despicable & unbelievable that anyone would speak of God, The Holy Spirit as she does. Shame on her & anyone that blasphemes God The Holy Spirit. Jesus says “You will know them by their fruits.” Mathew 7:16
Absolutely NO reverence… My blue genie… Really?
FOOL!
He is a merciful God & a God of judgement.
Luke 7:43 We are called to judge…
Greetings to you Dean,
I wonder if (like some others on this blog) you could make a little better effort to speak directly to those you believe you are speaking to ? Rather than addressing your points w/ generality ?
Likewise, I don’t see anyone here claiming that Jen Johnson is (somehow) a “heretic” for her words. I (for one) have spoken about this far below.
Neither do I see anyone here (as you claim) .. “judging” Jen for her words. In God’s Word, there is quite a difference between the two .. (e.g. .. “judging” vs. “admonishment”).
“Admonishing” on this blog ? .. Of course. “Judging” ? Ney. There is ONE Judge, and you and I are not Him, but we certainly WILL
be “subject” to Him on that Day, for ALL our words, .. even those expressed here. :o)
And like others who seem to quickly want to play the “judgement” Card when their favorite teachers are lovingly confronted w/ concerns about their teaching .. I think you may have “raced to some judgement” yourself by assuming things not so here.
Jen may be a bit “loose” on words and concepts in her teaching, but (I suspect) she is quite mature to hear words of loving admonishment from concerned Brothers and Sisters. And (in my own quite limited place in Christ’s Body) .. I believe she (and others at Bethel and elsewhere) will be ALL THE BETTER for it in their own
lives and ministries.
BTW .. :o) .. (by God’s incredible grace for me .. which I don’t deserve) .. I operate in numerous “gifts of the Holy Spirit”. And I highly suspect that others who have commented here do as well, even if some don’t realize it all the time .. :o)
Including, even ? … the creator of this blog.
:o)
Thankful he has had the courage to speak his concerns for the sometimes “loose” theologies being uploaded on the net.
God bless!
Is she denying the blood of Christ and His atonement for our sins, no she is expressing how she feels the Holy Spirit ministers to her, she is not making a theology, she is talking of intimacy. Most of you who speak so strongly against people who are passionately going after God don’t move in the gifts.
2 Cor. 3:6 “Who has made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit, for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.”
Yes, we should study to show ourselves approved to God, but Jenn Johnson likening the Spirit to a Genie in a bottle does not make her a heretic. What you say if you saw a man suspended by his hair and suspended between heaven and earth, would you call him a heretic, well read Ezekiel 8:3.
Jenn is not saying that this is her God, but how she perceives His ministry to her. I have listened to Bill Johnson many times and have been to Bethel. People used to get on them for gold dust, why is that such a stretch, I am sure heaven is full of gold. I was praying and crying out for God to move in our service (at our church) one day and the next thing I knew there was gold dust on my hands. So now I am a heretic because of this. I don’t understand it, other than God is a Holy, righteous, and a God of judgement and mercy, but remember mercy triumphs over judgement, He is a God of royalty, does not gold bring royalty to mind.
Careful on how you judge my friend, if you maintain a critical spirit, that is what you will reap. Do you practice any of the gifts according the 1 Cor. 12 and14? If not you should, Jesus said that those that believe in His name would speak in new tongues Mark 16. Paul said to earnestly desire the higher gifts. 1 Cor 12:31
Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” The word mighty means inaccessible or isolated in Hebrew, are there things that have not entered into your mind or do you understand all things?
Maybe there are some things about the kingdom that you could learn from people that really press in like those at Bethel. They do inner healing as well, I feel like you need your heart healed my friend. It is easy to be judgmental on things that you don’t understand. Do you have hidden, God can and is ready to heal your heart. Blessings to you
Greetings to you George,
Thanks much for your passion and zeal for wanting to get to know God more via the Holy Spirit (3rd Person of the Triune God).
And all the wonderful experiences that come with that. Curiously, does John 4:24 mean anything to you Brother ?
And while we all seek to work toward loving each other with God’s “love” and “grace” (John 13:34) … If we are truly….
“Brothers and Sisters in Christ” who care for each other, how about we all work together towards “Godly wisdom” (e.g. “Truth”)
as well ?
In other words .. Is there ANY room in your OWN theology for that word called “Truth” ? … or is your “theological framework”
of understanding and your “experience” about Jehovah God (AND His principles for “Life and Godliness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) ) simply a “trivial matter” to you ? In other words, … is your desire for God only one based “emotion”) ? .. AND .. since I ask these questions of you, ..
am I (in your view) simply a “crusty old” Christian .. “cold at heart” and resembling the “former way of things” in that OLD CHURCH that you might hope will .. “pass from history” ? :o)
BTW … just my humble view here but I think your posts would be more effective if your vindictive arrows were aimed “directly” at those you seek to challenge here. Rather then your generalizations. Let’s name some names here, right Brother ? Not everyone here fits the categories and the “narrative” in your post, whether you realize it or not.
And, .. ultimately, this is not an “US vs. THEM” collaboration. Brothers and Sisters in Christ are called to “unity” (not division).
ask you to read carefully
But Christ-centered”Love” and “Truth” are “sisters” my friend. They are inseparable. While I assume you like to preach
(on these blogs) .. I would urge you (nay ..
John 4:24. Otherwise, none of my effort to reach your heart here will matter to you.
And .. Likewise, the same “Lord Jesus” whom you espouse to, together with the Holy Spirit of God ? Well, .. THEY are the ones
who will (in their Love, Grace .. AND Truth) .. render final judgement on men’s hearts, thoughts AND “speech” on that final Day. We .. (you, me and everyone else here) .. do not have that luxury “to judge” my friend. You DO agree on these points yes? Or no ?
Well, you lost me at “glory cloud.” And true love is warning His people about deception.
I think it is unfortunate when people put more faith in the Devil’s power to deceive than they do the Lord’s power to deliver, protect, and keep his people safe.
You who try to scare people away from various movements because it is not the same old stale bunch of religious garbage that passes for Christianity. Worshipping a god so powerless that you can’t even listen to one girl sharing her personal experience of the Holy Spirit without going into judgement in the name of keeping people safe.
We love the Holy Spirit. We worship Him. We adore him. He’s our best friend, an awesome and incomparably tender loving being, one with the Almighty, and one with Christ himself.
The Holy Spirit adores us as much as He’d love for us to adore him. He is interested in everything about us even to a single hair on our head. He desires our constant company and loving interaction and who is more willing to bless us than we are to receive.
Our healer, our counsellor, the one to whom we adore, the one whom is so holy you would not dare to say to His face the things you are saying here. You are supposed to be His temple. The things you write on this blog would be thrown out of heaven. Actually I correct myself. Those words would never even get in the gates of heaven as long as they remained in your heart.
Bless and do not curse. Perfect love casts out fear. Cease pretending to minister by going around judging. Leave the judging to the only righteous judge and remember the “gospel” is only good news. It is also “the power of God that saves”. Take your bad news and throw it in the pit along with the devils that preach it. Preach Jesus Christ and him crucified.
That’s got power. It saves, delivers, sanctifies, makes holy, purifies, refines, and produces love that is so powerful it takes no notice of suffered wrongs, it unites and does not divide, it’s patient, kind, lovely, wonderful, amazing, and you instead waste your time being critical of things you are not qualified to judge righteously.
Fix your eyes upon Christ and you will never want to point your finger at anyone else while you have your eyes on him. If you ever truly get your eyes on HIm you’ll never want to stop looking into those eyes of eternal love so great you almost cannot stand it because it is far too wonderful to behold. Sadly you haven’t done that yet or you would not be doing what you are doing here.
If you’d ever spent but a few moments in a service when a glory cloud appears and felt the amazing love and the wonder of his Holy Presence you’d cease your petty attacks on people that don’t happen to reflect your unkind little version of the ONE who Himself IS love.
Greetings to you Jared,
Are you open to any sort of “challenge” my friend ?
Or no?
If so, … what are these “judgmental” statements of yours … ? ….
“What a sad pathetic lot, all of you”.
“I hope you all are cursed”
?
Do you suppose those here you are speaking to truly feel the same way about you ? … or Jen ? .. or any other here ? :o(
If (unfortunately) you are NOT open to any “challenge”, then (frankly, from your side of the world) .. no one on this blog will be able to match your own self-aggrandizement & energetic prowess .
You are (therefore) the master of your own destiny. :o(
We stand down (therefore) from you (the “Judge”) .. :o(
May God’s Grace Be Upon You Friend.
Hi Jared,
It is not about what accepting what you or I or anyone else may “see as right,” but what is biblical and what is not. There is much more going on than Jenn Johnson’s blue genie speech. Bethel Redding is way off.
What a sad pathetic lot, all of you. This is why I left the church. you only accept what you see as right and have zero tolerance of others. Please I hope you all are cursed
Sincerely a former church goer.
To mywordlikefire,
Thank you for posting this video. It came up as a result of some research we’re doing for current NAR and Word of Faith movements and has been VERY helpful.
To be fair to Jen, she’s mentioned the “Caveat” that her parrallel descriptions of the Holy Spirit are “who He is to her”. Any thinking person immediately should (or should have) FILTERED what she is saying as “subjective” and not grounded in “absolute Biblical truth”.
To be fair to Bereans, .. any person in highly visible Christian leadership (which Jen obviously is) needs to realize there are MANY out there, especially of the “younger” crowd, who (unfortunately) do not think nor read their Bibles but rather take their words as “gospel truth” when in fact they are not, and must be “tested” by Scripture.
As I watch Jen’s (rather silly) presentation here, .. it reminds me of the Words of our Lord Jesus regarding stuff like this … eg.. “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account on the Day of Judgement” (Matthew 12:36). And this seems not a LAW vs. GRACE issue. In other words, .. ALL will give an account (Whether “Saved” or not). By this criteria, .. I suspect ALL of us have said at least a few similar (silly and foolish things) like Jen did here. If true, ALL of us will be questioned about our words by our LORD (As will Jen too).
Thanks.
I can only say that if you have truly researched and are still blind, there is nothing I can say to change that. Not trying to be offensive, but this is the way it is.
Why defend this?
Perhaps the thing she attributes to the Holy Spirit that is offending people the most is that of being “sneaky”. But does this necessarily mean anything more than Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.”? The Holy Spirit is in fact full of surprises, for example in the way He challenges and refines and guides us. Perhaps she is speaking truth but in a deliberately inflammatory way, which, while (at least) unfortunate for those trying to understand her from a distance, is hardly blasphemy.
Praise God the Father, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit because only He can see into Jenn’s heart and the hearts of the audience members to know what they were actually talking about, instead of what it appears to be about. And he will judge each soul in perfect righteousness. Hallelujah! My thought is that the Holy Spirit of the Bible has *some* similarities to the genie from the movie Aladdin, although the genie (Robin Williams’ character) is obviously not Almighty God. Inasmuch the genie uses his wisdom and power to look out for Aladdin’s best interest and gives good gifts to him, and sees and draws out the good in Aladdin. He is clearly on the side of good and works against the side of evil in that movie. On the other hand, it is unfair speculation to say that Jenn means to draw any connection between the Holy Spirit and the genies of Arabic mythology, which would be a very bad thing to do. You know, if she is in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, then what some comments on this forum have said about her experience (Kundalini/demon controlled) is in fact blasphemy. From what I can tell, the Kundalini accusation of Bethel church is soley based on observation of the outward appearance of persons channeling Kundalini, and persons at Bethel church who, from everything I can tell, are confessing and worshiping our perfect Triune God. Just think about the people who attend the church for a minute. It seems to me that some people (on the internet) are convinced that a person can be worshiping and calling out to Jesus with all their heart and somehow they have actually been deceived into worshiping a demon by mistake. I think that without actually knowing these people, such accusations are out of place.
Someone upthread told us not to judge and used Romans 14. That passage deals with matters of conscience. Doctrine is an entirely different matter and Paul addresses that in Romans 16:17 and that’s what is being done here.
Paul commended those in Berea for checking what they hear from him against Scripture. So very much coming out of Bethel is demonstrably unbiblical.
We better know Scripture before we use it to argue a point. Misrepresenting His Word is a serious matter
i think the word genie means demon. I am not so sure.
Reblogged this on The Shepherd/Guardian.
Isn’t blaspheming the Holy Spirit the “unforgivable sin”? (See Matthew)
You don’t know her heart. I get where she is coming from. She is being vulnerable and transparent. I see a lot of religious comments. I am sure none of you are perfect and that you all make mistakes. She will answer to God. Who are you to judge her and damn her to hell? Read ROMANS 14:1-23
Jesus never zaid to leave our brain at the door. So sad that so many have. May we all be as Berean’s, which Paul commended in Acts 17:11
The only truth we have is the Word of God.
Jenn Johnson – you have had an impartation through the kundaligni – you are seeing krishna – a blue boy god who likes games and sillyness – it is occultish – you need spiritual help from a solid christian deliverence minister – The God of the Bible is a jelous God – turn away from this wickedness or you will be damned -a true beleiver of Christ Jesus.
She’s kinda crazy, but y’all are, too. Take a chill pill and worry about your own faith instead of working to destroy churches that are responsible for twice as many converts as you’ll ever see.
He was is and will always be God. He never gave up His divinity. He walked the earth as 100 percent God and 100 percent man–the hypostatic union.
Hebrews 2
Says Jesus became exactly like us therefore leaving his divinity and becoming a mere man. so that we would be made righteous.
Look at her face and eyes as she describes the Holy Spirit. Such…rebellion…sad…
you’re welcome brother. It’s a sad video, she also mentions that the angels text one another. This woman is a sad representation of what superficial Christianity looks like, she is a false convert. Unless God has mercy, she will perish in her sins.
Thank you!
BTW, it’s right at the 4:44 mark that she speaks of ‘farting contests’. This woman is deluded, and dead in sin. She knows NOTHING of the thrice-holy God of the Bible.
John,
Concerning the flatulence issue, You may find what you’re looking for here – http://slaughteringthesheep.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/this-is-sound-doctrine/
I have been trying to find the farting contest video. I hate even saying that and I know you do too–so much disrespect. Can you send me the link?
She also says that the angels gather around the throne of “god” and have farting contests. Kris Vallotton even teaches that Adam was a hermaphrodite. Am working on an expose on Vallotton regarding that one. Johnson’s son has said openly that we (people-even the unsaved) are “all basically good” hence denies original sin. It seems as though the worst, most off the wall comments, are from the other folks there at Bethel rather than Bill Johnson himself, I think it’s a ploy so nobody can say “hey Bill Johnson said this!” The fact remains the WHOLE church of Bethel Redding is heretical.
Hi Paul,
I don’t think Bill Johnson teaches that Jesus suffered in hell for three days for our sins, does he? Can you document where Bill Johnson states this for me? Thank you.
I know he embraces kenosis, the heresy that Christ gave up His divinity while on earth.
Recently, I was rebuked by several Christians for exposing the false doctrine being taught by Pastor Bill Johnson of Bethel Church. This minister teaches the heresy Jesus became an unholy sinner on the cross by accepting the nature of Satan, died spiritually, suffered in hell for three days for our sins, and had to be born again when He resurrected from the dead.
Tragically such blasphemy doesn’t faze these rebuking me for exposing this heretic who is an enemy of the cross. The sickening reality is more and more so called Christians are so enamored by well know preachers that they are choosing to close their eyes as the blood of Jesus is trampled upon and the Spirit of Grace is insulted rather than have the reputation of their beloved men of God tarnished in any way. In the name of Jesus by the power of His blood I rebuke this spirit of antichrist. Don’t be deceived, the wolves in sheep clothing, ministers deceptively coming in the name of Christ, will continue to grow til the harvest of the elect (Mat. 13:39-42)
Among other things, I really don’t like the fact that she refers to the Holy Spirit as sneaky i.e. marked by deception, underhanded, corrupt, crooked. That is a totally negative term to describe anyone!
God, the Holy Spirit is blasphemed on a regular basis these days within what man calls Christianity and this should grieve all of us for our LORD Jesus Christ spoke of sending us a Helper, and that Helper would testify of Jesus Christ and His Word. I have found nowhere in my Bible where God, the Holy Spirit testifies of man and his words/ways.
I was delivered out of a church with false teachings/blasphemers of God, the Holy Spirit, and I will confess that is was and still is a painful experience. For all of the “love” exhibited when we first attended this church, the fruits manifested when I left was one of hatred, lies, slander, false accusations, gossiping, whispering, and continued manipulation from those inside the church. Some continue to control and manipulate me through the “dreams” they have been having about me; they believe these dreams are direct revelation from God Himself.
When a true born again believer in Jesus Christ begins to question these unscriptural beliefs and practices within the church, it does not take long for that “love bombing” to wear off and the wolves soon reveal their true character as the fleece turns into mangy hair. The true fruits of God, the Holy Spirit, are thrown aside for the false experiences in the form of dreams, visions, feelings, emotions, and the “god spoke to me” syndrome.
It has taken me several years for God, the Holy Spirit, to heal me from these broods of vipers as Jesus calls them and at times, I still break out in agony over the abuse I received. I now humbly pray for all of those caught up in this deceptive/abusive system who only cares about the clergy/leadership system and the rest of the laity are but spectators to be used and abused. May God have mercy and grace on those who have come out of this harlot religious system. And may our LORD protect and bless these poor souls in spite of this religious abuse. In Jesus Holy Name I pray this for all this day. Amen.
Wow…I have not looked at it from that perspective–what would unbelievers think?
No wonder the world sees Christianity as a fantasy
Reblogged this on DiscernIt.
If this isn’t blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, then some one please educate me how it is not.
Darrel
Sad.
“That’s who he is to me”…so she says. She has NO scriptural support for her outrageous claims. How sad. She’s created a ‘god’ of her own liking, fashioned out of her opinions, and one that looks like her. ‘He’s blue, he’s funny’ – not one shred of biblical backing..and people laugh at this. These same folks will be crying out for the rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb, for who can stand?!
May God see fit to remove the scales from the eyes of the deceived, the deluded, the lost sinners who laugh now, but will very soon NOT be laughing….