gdp's Comments

Supernatural Truth Blog : Chick-Fil-A Thoughts from a Theologian

Mon, 6 Aug 2012 03:04:27 +0000

Hi Steve, While I welcome differing opinions, I'm not sure why you shared the Scripture that you did. Was it because this article didn't give you the happy sentiments and feelings of being "right" that your itching ears wanted? Sorry...Maybe my sense of humor isn't translating here in text... Here's why I raise that issue: You can say that you disagree, but quoting a Scripture verse that authorizes Christians to rebuke is not validation for a rebuke. Please share something of substance to back up your view. I could rattle off a list of foolish, harshly-toned, sarcastic comments from Christians online who horribly misrepresented Jesus on the Chick-fil-a matter (but I'm avoiding it if at all possible because I don't want them to receive any more attention). While I agree that most American Christians handled this issue well, the unfortunate reality is that the loudest and most obnoxious voices tend to be the ones that are heard by the masses. Maybe your friends are all handling the issue with class and tact, but I've seen too much of the other side. The reason I shared this article was not because I'm against the Christians. I shared it because some Christians are out there ruining things for the rest of us by insulting their opponents. It's one thing to stand up for morality, but it's another thing to do so with a self-righteous attitude. That's what I'm against. Those Christians need to be rebuked. Thanks for sharing the Scripture passage that authorizes my rebuke :-)

Supernatural Truth Blog : Chick-Fil-A Thoughts from a Theologian

Fri, 3 Aug 2012 17:23:34 +0000

This article wasn't an invitation to recede. It was an invitation to be smart about our mission. If you re-read the closing paragraph, you'll see that the author agrees with Mr. Cathy. Dorsey's beef wasn't with the stance on morality. His beef was with the monster that this debate has become. I too have noticed that rather than the world being met with a loving, grace-filled dialogue about God's standards and redemption, they have been met with sarcastic Facebook comments/pictures and a barrage of pseudo-spiritual political jargon. By the way, I agree that we cannot separate our faith from our politics--to do so would be irresponsible. The problem is that we tend to mix politics and religiosity while failing to represent Jesus. That's not a blending of faith and politics; it's sin. And I would consider it equally as immoral as homosexuality.

Supernatural Truth Blog : Spiritual Sensitivity and Discernment

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:12:00 +0000

You're right... God is not the only spiritual being out there. However, He is the only one with true power. All other spiritual powers are inferior. I've seen witchdoctors and shamans rendered powerless because the name of Jesus was invoked to command their spirits to leave. In fact, right now, in Jesus' name, I command the lying spirits behind your so-called "spirituality" to leave and never return. If you'd like to know what to do next, let me know. God bless you! --Art

Supernatural Truth Blog : Are Doctors Evil? - \"Pharmakeia\" and Medicine

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:07:22 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement, Nolan!

Supernatural Truth Blog : How to Know God\'s Will

Mon, 28 May 2012 01:03:40 +0000

Point 5 is about identifying the wisdom of God. God is perfect. If an idea does not perfectly meet the criteria, then it is likely human wisdom, which always falls short. I would ask the Lord what needs to change about your idea in order to fulfill that missing piece.

Supernatural Truth Blog : Why are Some People Not Healed?

Sat, 26 May 2012 03:02:38 +0000

Hi Elaine, I'll certainly pray for you! Put your hand wherever the problem is as you read...be healed in Jesus' name. If it's something you can test out, see if there's any change, and let me know what's happening. If its something that requires medical confirmation, have it checked out. Jesus paid the price for all of it! Be blessed!

Supernatural Truth Blog : How to Heal People in the Name of Jesus

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:02:26 +0000

Hi Dezi, Great question! I decided to devote an entire article to answering it, which you can read at http://supernaturaltruth.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-... Thanks for your question! --Art

Supernatural Truth Blog : What\'s wrong with Kevin Dedmon\'s Treasure Hunt Evangelism?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:08:36 +0000

--CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS COMMENT-- "The righteous hate what is false" (Prov. 13:5) Yes. The righteous hate what is false. But hating false things does not make you righteous. Many "discernment ministries" seem to hate falsehood for the sole purpose of making themselves look and feel more true. That's an improper use of discernment, and it's full of pride. It is viciously anti-Christ because the example of Jesus is to humble Himself to serve sinners. Jesus didn't attack people who had questionable spiritual ministries; He stood up for them (Luke 9:49-50). The only people Jesus rebuked were the ones who were opposing the supernatural work and love of God--those who looked at others with self-righteousness and claimed that Jesus was doing the work of the devil (which, by the way, seems to be what you're accusing me of). Finally, you said, "I pray you seek the truth more and supernatural experiences less. This is what honors God. Remember, Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent by tempting them with supernatural power." I agree that we should always seek the truth more, but I adamantly disagree that we should seek supernatural experiences less. That's unbiblical since Paul said to "eagerly desire spiritual gifts." The Greek for "eagerly desire" literally means to crave or even lust after. We must have both. "Faith without works is dead." You can't desire either at the expense of the other. We must be passionate about both. Furthermore, Adam and Eve were not tempted by supernatural power (unless you can show me a Scripture that proves it); they already had dominion over all creation. Adam and Eve--who were created in innocence--were tempted with the possibility of gaining knowledge of both good and evil. Unlike the "discernment ministries," I have no interest in knowing and understanding evil. (If anyone seems to be traveling down that rabbit hole, it's them.) I want to feast on the Tree of Life, which is Jesus. I want to know HIM and the power of His resurrection. And I want to spread this good news in whatever way I possibly can. While I have defended Kevin Dedmon in this response and in this article, I am careful not to endorse him because he's just a man. He could fall at any moment (as could you or I), and that would only give people ammunition to attack me. I try to be careful not to endorse men who I don't personally know. However, based on my experience with positive fruit for the Kingdom, I will endorse Treasure Hunt Evangelism as a useful tool in the belt of any Christian. Nobody has to do it, but that doesn't mean that we should discourage others from it. God bless, --Art

Supernatural Truth Blog : What\'s wrong with Kevin Dedmon\'s Treasure Hunt Evangelism?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:08:02 +0000

--CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS COMMENT-- "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings." (Hebrews 13:9) This is the first half of a verse, used out of context. In context, the writer of Hebrews defines "strange teachings" as those teaching that require others to live according to ceremonies rather than by grace. The Greek word for "strange" here literally means "alien" or "foreign." In other words, any teaching that enters the Church and contradicts what Jesus and His apostles have taught is alien, foreign, and "strange." Treasure Hunt Evangelism does not contradict Jesus, and it certainly has nothing to do with forcing people to follow the Law. The way you are using this verse is implying that "strange teachings" are any teaching that seems strange to the hearer. If that's the definition, then many of Jesus' own teachings would be considered strange--like eating flesh, drinking blood, and being born again. Our own opinion about a teaching is not what makes it strange. "Strange teachings" are those which seek to pollute the Gospel of grace with manmade rules and regulations. Be careful about using Scriptures out of context. That too is the work of Satan (just like when he tempted Jesus), and I would argue that it is dangerously close to the category of "strange teachings." Also, be careful what you judge in others (See Romans 2:1). "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) To correctly handle the word of truth is definitely important. I could be wrong, but it appears that your definition of "correctly handling" that word is to use that word to stop others from doing things you're not comfortable with. I would say that "correctly handling" can only be understood in the context of this verse: it makes you "a workman who does not need to be ashamed." Why would a workman be ashamed? Because His role was to be a workman, and he did no meaningful work. I'll keep working at spreading the Gospel via whatever effective methods I can find, and you keep working at stopping me by taking scriptures out of context. When we both get to heaven, we can compare notes. "I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law." (Psalm 119:163) I too hate and abhor falsehood; but the only law I love is the law of the Spirit of Life, which has set me free from the law of sin and death. You're starting with the assumption that Treasure Hunt Evangelism is falsehood and should be hated. I'm willing to examine whether or not that's true, but this Scripture is not an argument for one side or the other. John said to "test the spirits"--he didn't say to form opinions about the spirits and then accuse others based on your opinion. Lets' examine the Scriptures, examine the fruit, and discern good from evil. --CONTINUED IN NEXT COMMENT--

Supernatural Truth Blog : What\'s wrong with Kevin Dedmon\'s Treasure Hunt Evangelism?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:06:26 +0000

--CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS COMMENT-- "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 1:13) What would Timothy have heard from Paul? What kinds of things did Paul practice and teach? Sound doctrine is probably at the top of the list. He also didn't pull any punches when addressing sin and immorality. But these weren't the only things that Timothy would have heard from Paul. Paul worked mighty miracles (Acts 19:11-12). He valued demonstrations of spiritual power more than wise and persuasive words (1 Cor. 2:4). He referenced a third-heaven encounter (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Even his own conversion, which he shared three whole times in the book of Acts, was based purely on a subjective spiritual experience with a vision of Jesus! These spiritual experiences and supernatural encounters were not absent from the teachings and lifestyle of Paul. So I would have to say that this is the definition of "sound teaching" as Paul used it in this passage. This tells me that any teaching absent of such experiences is NOT sound. The same way I wouldn't trust a surgeon who has no experience, I don't trust Bible teachers who lack experience. No personal experience can trump the Word of God, but never have I suggested such a thing (and to my knowledge, neither has Dedmon). Rather, experience helps us understand what the Word of God actually means. I have tested the methods of Treasure Hunt Evangelism, and my experience is that people encounter the true and living God. Reading the critiques of others (positive or negative) is not experience. Have you had experience with Treasure Hunts? If not, then on what are you basing your opinion? "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1) This goes with my earlier statements. In the matter of Treasure Hunt Evangelism, let's examine whether or not it is "in accord with sound doctrine." Does God speak to man? Yes. Can God speak to man right when we ask Him to? Yes. Does God sometimes speak in mysteries, riddles, and clues? Yes. Are spiritual gifts for today's Church? Yes. Is evangelism an appropriate use of spiritual gifts? Yes. Is there anything in the Bible condemning the act of asking God to lead you to someone so you can pray for them and share the Gospel? No. As far as I can tell, it's perfectly "in accord with sound doctrine." This doesn't mean that Treasure Hunt Evangelism is itself a doctrine to be followed--and no one would suggest that anyway. Neither would we say that handing out Gospel tracts is a doctrine to follow. But these are indeed "in accordance" with sound doctrine. In other words, they do not conflict with sound doctrine. Thus I have no problem with teaching such a thing. (By the way, if you disagree with the premise of the "sound doctrines" I listed above, then we need to deal with a different issue. I'd be happy to discuss whether or not each point is indeed a sound doctrine. Let me know.) "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor. 13:6) I'm not sure why you used this scripture. Are you accusing me of delighting in evil? Again, what is evil about asking God to lead you to someone to share the Gospel? As Jesus said, "a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand." I most definitely rejoice with the truth. Interestingly enough, the so-called "discernment ministries" tend to get really excited about the faults of others. They prey on the sinful mistakes of others and point such things out as a means of propping up their own ministries. If you ask me, THAT is "delighting in evil." --CONTINUED IN NEXT COMMENT--

Supernatural Truth Blog : What\'s wrong with Kevin Dedmon\'s Treasure Hunt Evangelism?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:03:56 +0000

Hi Gordon, Since you quoted me in the beginning of your comment, it appears you're leveling a personal attack against me--as though I disagree with all the scriptures you shared. Actually, I agree 100% with all of them. I don't have a problem with being wrongfully accused--that's par for the course in Christianity. But I also care deeply about you and the condition of your heart. You don't have to agree with the whole Treasure Hunt method, but I would encourage you to be careful with the way you level attacks against fellow believers. I recognize that you're probably thinking I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to the verses above, so I'll address each one in the context of this article: ------- "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (Titus 2:7-8) First of all, I would say that seeking out people with whom to share the Gospel is a great way to "set them an example by doing what is good." Conversely, I would say that leveling personal attacks against fellow Christians is not "good." Just something to think about. If you have spent any time with me, you know that the instructions of this scripture are my regular practice. Admittedly, if you're directing this Scripture toward Kevin Dedmon, I would agree that he should heed the advice of Paul because he does often seem to lack in "seriousness" when he's teaching (which opens the door for people to say bad things about him). The problem, though, is that Paul was not defining the actions of a true vs. a false teacher. He was giving advice to a young preacher. In other words, Paul was offering instructions for behavior rather than criteria for discernment. Timothy could have lacked all these things and would have still been a true minister of the Word--he just wouldn't have been as effective. So while I agree with this Scripture, I disagree with your use of it. Methodology and sound doctrine are two different things. Just because you have something bad to say about me doesn't mean I'm a false teacher. People had bad things to say about Jesus too. Paul is simply saying that we're better off to avoid creating controversy by speaking without purpose. "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Tim. 4:16) Absolutely. And I do watch my life and doctrine closely. Are you looking at your own life and doctrine closely? Or are you too busy trying to find fault with me? The trouble with the so-called "discernment ministries" out there is that they spend more time looking closely at the life and doctrine of others than they do at their own. As a result, they live in fear of straying from everything they've known thus far--essentially crippling themselves in their walks with God. They look at the lives of others and see something that they've never personally heard of or experienced, and they consider that to be grounds for leveling attacks against such people. If they watched their own lives and doctrines as closely as they watch others, they would probably start growing more in grace and love. Satan is "the accuser of the brethren." If you find yourself accusing others more often than you find yourself changing into the likeness of Christ, then you are a child of Satan rather than a child of God "who gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). Satan looks for faults; God does not. We can't be children of both--it's one or the other. I can't possibly know if this statement is true of you, but it's something we should all keep in mind as believers. You'll have to examine your own heart. --CONTINUED IN NEXT COMMENT--

Supernatural Truth Blog : How to Heal People in the Name of Jesus

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 01:59:50 +0000

Absolutely!

Supernatural Truth Blog : Generational Curses and Sin

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:31:07 +0000

Great question, Aaron. I think I see where you're headed with your questions (the goodness of God), and I don't have any reason to refute such an absolute truth. Actually, I'm glad you brought it up! You asked me why I would say "revisit" and "punishes." The simple answer is that "punish" or "avenge" are traditional and acceptable translations of the Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:5; Exodus 34:7; Numbers 14:18; and Deuteronomy 5:9 (loosely rendered "paqad" in English letters). There are, admittedly, other ways to render that word, so I don't have a problem admitting that it's possible some translators got it wrong. I'm just telling you why I used the word. As for "revisit," you got me there. I used the wrong word. "Visit" is better. You'll notice, in a few minutes, that I will have edited the article to simply say "visits." I'm not as interested in playing a semantics game as I am interested in helping people discover freedom in Christ. But I also want to be accurate and above reproach, so thanks for pointing this out! I still stand by the rest of my article. People do indeed need to stop drawing their identities from sinful family history and simply identify with Christ. We should look more like our Father in Heaven than we look like our forefathers on earth. And the point of the article is that Christ has made such freedom possible. Thanks for taking the time to write!

Supernatural Truth Blog : Why Don\'t Miracles Happen in America? ...Or Do They??

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:06:56 +0000

$23,718, filed jointly with my wife. About a fifth of that was ministry related; the rest was secular income. I was on staff at a church and had (if i remember right) an $8,000 housing allowance, which really helped with our new baby. How much did you claim on your taxes? I believe the best way to show that you truly care about any human being is practicing what you preach. One last thing: Next time you demand transparency from a person, please sign your name. Merry Christmas! --Art

Supernatural Truth Blog : Why Don\'t Miracles Happen in America? ...Or Do They??

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 17:41:30 +0000

You make a great point about not having seen any miracles. I tried ministering healing for years, and the only examples I had were flashy "Faith Healers" on the television. Needless to say, their methods didn't work for me, and I struggled a long time in frustration. But after seeing some ordinary people ministering healing in Jesus name--and doing it in a down-to-earth, practical way--I realized how simple God made it. Seeing it happen certainly helps. That's why I've been posting videos on my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtThomasMinistries. Thanks for your comment!

Supernatural Truth Blog : Why Don\'t Miracles Happen in America? ...Or Do They??

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 17:37:54 +0000

Awesome, Coe! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask. I love seeing people step out in ministry. God bless!

Supernatural Truth Blog : Nothing is Impossible for God!

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 01:08:34 +0000

Well, this took me by surprise! A gentleman just e-mailed me to tell me that he was healed--not as he read this article, but as he read the next one: http://supernaturaltruth.blogspot.com/2011/10/wit... Then he read this article and decided to e-mail me. Here's the e-mail he sent: "Thank you so much for your article and ministry in Uganda. I praise God and thank him for using you. While reading the email (witchdoctors, demons...) and reading about what was happening to you while there and challenging the witchdoctors, I sensed that there was healing power in your message. So, I asked the Lord to heal me of a pain in my side and within 5 minutes it was gone. Then I read this article and I was so pleasantly surprised to read that you stated there was healing in this article, and I had already received a healing from the previous article." Praise God for His miracle-working power! --Art--

Supernatural Truth Blog : The Wrath of God Against Mankind

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:11:55 +0000

"Mister Corduroy" brought up a great point: God is not a different God than He was in the Old Testament. However, I would like to be clear that the two Covenants are VERY different. While God never changes (James 1:17), He does have the liberty to do a "new thing" (Isaiah 43:19). That was the premise of the New Covenant. The purpose of the Old Covenant was to reveal the power of sin, whereas the purpose of the New Covenant is to reveal the power of grace through the sacrifice of Jesus. So throughout the books of Law, history, poetry, and prophecy in the Old Testament, we see God dealing swiftly with sin. But as Jesus brought about the close of that covenant and ushered in the new one of grace, we see a clearer perspective on God's actual will. Our unchanging God did not ultimately want all that death and destruction, but it was necessary for His righteousness to be fulfilled. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is the exact representation of the Father. So if you want a clear picture of God's will, take a look at the four Gospels. Jesus didn't kill anyone. He didn't destroy sinful villages. Rather, He healed everyone who came to Him, cast out every demon He encountered, cleansed every leper who called on Him, and messed up every funeral He ever went to (including His own!). The Old Testament methods were being superseded by a superior way: Christ Himself. Whereas the Old Covenant carried certain rewards and punishments for our actions, the New Covenant grants blessing prior to our obedience. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The Old Covenant was for those who thought they could please God with their actions. The New Covenant is for those who humbly realize their inadequacy and please God through faith (which is wholehearted relationship with Him). Hebrews 11 tells us about those forerunners who saw God's heart and accessed "a righteousness that comes by faith" before Jesus came to procure it. But the majority of mankind lived according to their own strength--falling victim to the weight of the Law. The same God is behind both covenants, but the covenants do not function according to the same principles. The destructive wrath that He regularly displayed in the Old Testament is temporarily held back during this New Covenant era. The New Testament is clear that during these end times, God is demonstrating kindness, tolerance, and patience in order to bring us to repentance. Destructive wrath will come, but not until the appointed time. ------------------------------ 2 Peter 3:3-15--Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. ------------------------------- If it weren't for the Old Testament, we would not have any comprehension of God's destructive capabilities, and we would not be as passionate about sparing people from the wrath that is to come. We would have no grid of understanding for such a concept. Frankly, we would have a hard time believing that our loving God could be capable of such destruction. Perhaps this is why so many New Covenant preachers have abandoned teaching about God's destructive wrath--they pay no attention to history and only observe the present. As for Ananias and Saphira, I think I may need to write another article to deal with that can of worms :-) --Art

Supernatural Truth Blog : What\'s wrong with Kevin Dedmon\'s Treasure Hunt Evangelism?

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:57:18 +0000

Hi Chris, Thanks for the thought-provoking reply. I agree completely with your observation that things in the Charismatic world include a full range of things like "the truly miraculous, parlour tricks, wild claims and unproven assertions." In fact, I've written about this unfortunate reality many times on this web site. I think my best article on the topic (and one that might be good for you to read) is one titled "The Truth about Signs and Wonders," which is available at: http://supernaturaltruth.blogspot.com/2010/06/tru... On another note, I'm not sure I understand what you'd like to know about discernment relating to personal prophecies. If you could clarify that into a more concise question, I'd be happy to reply (because I definitely agree that discernment should be applied in such cases). I agree that making things up and stepping out in "faith" is a bad idea. I would argue that such presumption is not faith at all. Faith is a relational word having to do with trust. It implies that you know God's character and His will. I definitely encourage people to step out on faith based on God's character and will. Sometimes that will is revealed in the Bible, and other times that will is revealed via personal revelation. I would suggest that Treasure Hunts have nothing to do with making things up and everything to do with trying to discern God's present will. You are also right about there being more ways of drawing a crowd that don't lead to long-term growth. Ray Comfort wrote a book titled "Revival's Golden Key," and in it he shares some startling statistics about the ineffectiveness of our typical evangelistic campaigns. One such anecdote--if I remember the numbers correctly--identified 600 people who filled out "commitment cards," but the follow-up team could not find even one who made a single step toward Jesus beyond filling out that card. Clearly, all evangelism is about scattering seeds and hoping some fall in the right soil. Interestingly enough, Treasure Hunt evangelism has nothing to do with drawing a crowd. In fact, we often don't even promote our specific church--although we will sometimes invite people to other relational opportunities for interaction and dialogue. You said that Treasure Hunts do not prepare you for suffering. I've had to wrestle with how to respond. I never suggested that they prepare you for persecution. I would add that handing out Gospel Tracts does not prepare you for persecution either. Neither do big community outreaches, church plays, surveys in the park, or Bible studies at work. We don't do these things because they prepare us for persecution; we do them to win the lost by any means necessary. With that said, the one thing that does prepare us for persecution is being led by the Holy Spirit and not caring about our own comfort or reputation. These things can happen in the context of all these forms of evangelism, and they especially happen during Treasure Hunts. I too have seen people question their faith when God--as you put it--"failed to act in line with people's expectations." The interesting thing to me is that we haven't had much of that problem. The people with whom I walk in fellowship have moments of wrestling, but their faith is secure. I would venture to guess that it has a lot to do with their conversational relationships with God, their passion for holiness, and the fact that we so often witness God's supernatural power and love in action. God doesn't heal everyone we pray for, but He does heal a lot of them. He doesn't work every miracle we ask for, but He does work a lot of them. While some people shy away from miracles and healing (for fear of what will happen when God doesn't respond), we regularly make opportunities for God to work. We see these things happen more often only because we make more opportunities based on faith in God's character and revealed will. When the times of "dry seasons" or even persecution come our way, we have seen enough of God's love demonstrated that we have less reason to question it. This sounds a lot more like the Book of Acts to me. Admittedly, you can do all those things without Treasure Hunts, but Treasure Hunts are a great way of taking this supernatural Jesus to some people who He knows are the perfect subjects for the unique ministries we carry. Rather than a "shotgun" approach--blasting as many people as possible (usually without results)--we take a rifle approach--targeting specific individuals not based on what man sees (outward appearance) but based on what God sees (the heart). We can't do this apart from spiritual revelation. Are treasure hunts a "better way"? Not necessarily, but they are a good way. I've seen lasting fruit and good seeds planted. I've seen Christians drawn deeper into the heart of God. And I've seen the Gospel Jesus demonstrated looking the same today as it did back then. Treasure Hunts aren't the answer, but they are a great training ground to help people step out into a new realm of listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit. --Art

Supernatural Truth Blog : What\'s wrong with Kevin Dedmon\'s Treasure Hunt Evangelism?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:27:34 +0000

(...Continued from previous comment...) In your statement about gnosticism, you imply that treasure hunts and pre-planned events are somehow polar opposites. That's just not true. What can be stated for certain is that anything Spirit-led is definitely better than anything conceived in the mind of man. I regularly plan things in partnership with the Holy Spirit--often planning as early as a year in advance. There's nothing wrong with planning when God is part of the process. In fact, I often spend a considerable amount of time planning for Treasure Hunts (preparing testimonies, prayer music, worksheets, and the meeting place, while also organizing drivers). I think we spend too much time forming our own ideas and asking God to bless them and too little time asking God what He wants us to do. You also talked about the methods by which God speaks and how the Treasure Hunt style limits this in a believer's life. Are you suggesting that those who go on "treasure hunts" never suffer? Are you suggesting that we have never encountered what the early church fathers called "the dark night of the soul"? It seems as though you're implying that those who practice "treasure hunts" never practice any other form of communion with God. It seems as though you're observing the practice of "treasure hunts" in a vacuum--as though those who engage in such activities never do anything else. In reality, we encounter God in all these ways you're describing because treasure hunts are only one little tool rather than an entire lifestyle. If anyone here is ruling out a form of communication from God, it's probably the one forming the case against the treasure hunts. You raised a question about what place discernment plays in this theology. Actually, it plays a very big role. While many Christians think that discernment means looking at all supernatural things with skepticism (and typically rejecting them), we see discernment as a means of sorting out truth from error within the context of supernatural activity. Discernment has to do with testing spirits, weighing the validity of prophetic words, and sorting out flesh from spirit (among other things). Discernment is not about making blanket accusations against things that make us uncomfortable. The Pharisees made a great deal of accusations against Jesus and His miracle-filled ministry--all in the name of discernment. In reality, it was fear and a subconscious realization that their own lives did not measure up to the standard being presented. And "the injunction that prophets should be judged on the truth of their prophecies" is not entirely accurate according to Scripture. Prophets are judged according to their character. Balaam was perfectly accurate in what he prophesied, yet he was considered a false prophet because of his character. False prophets were to be stoned, but prophets whose words did not come to pass were merely "not to be feared" (Deuteronomy 18:22). It is through activities like treasure hunts that we learn which impressions are God and which ones are not. There were prophets whom God sovereignly chose, and then there were the "schools of prophets" mentioned in the Old Testament. It is perfectly within the context of Scripture to practice hearing God's voice--sometimes being right-on and sometimes missing it. The more we do activities like these, the more accurate we become in our prophetic discernment. How else would we learn? Finally, thanks for sharing that video of Kevin Dedmon. I want to be careful not to fall into the trap of defending a man who could easily fall (just as you or I could). What I will say, however, is that a ten-minute video consisting of some testimonies and a time of worship is hardly an analysis of a person's entire ministry. I've seen the rest of Dedmon's ministry and been rather impressed at the Christ-centered focus--even if some could easily call his methods "flaky" or "strange." Again, if Jesus did not separate the Gospel of the Kingdom from miracles, healings, and other supernatural things, neither should we. While I agree that your video clip was not a presentation of the Gospel, I disagree that it holds any weight in leveling an attack against Kevin Dedmon. Again, I can't defend him vehemently, but I can at least knock down an unfounded accusation. I hope I didn't come across too harsh on any point. I have a tendency to write with passion, which sometimes comes across in the wrong tone. Please forgive me if I've conveyed a wrong attitude as it was not my intent. With my disclaimer out of the way, I truly do appreciate your willingness to dialogue on this. Feel free to respond, but please be sure to consult the Holy Spirit first. Neither of us can assume that our minds are renewed enough to be infallible. I'm trying to work out my salvation with fear and trebling just as much as you are. With that said, please feel free to respond. God bless! --Art