NAR and the turning tide

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has grown rapidly over the years, yet under the radar of most Christians. But it appears that, when it comes to awareness of this movement, the tide may be turning. It's been encouraging to see a growing number of Christian organizations and church leaders, including Pentecostals and charismatics, recently speak out against NAR teachings and practices.Here are links to some recent articles and videos that sound the alarm about Bethel Church in Redding, California -- one of the most well-known NAR churches -- pastored by the "apostle" Bill Johnson. Other articles linked to below warn about a NAR translation of the Bible -- promoted by Bethel Church -- called the Passion Translation. I've included brief excerpts to give you a small taste of each source. I encourage you to check them out for yourself.The Gospel Coalition article by Joe Carter, "9 Things You Should Know About the Bethel Church Movement"Excerpt: "The Johnsons are frequently criticized for their teachings, which often veers from the suspect to the outright heretical."The Gospel Coalition Australia Edition article by Stephen Tan, "At What Price Awakening?: Examining the Theology and Practice of the Bethel Movement"Excerpt: "I am concerned that the upcoming “Awakening Australia” (which is hosting Bill Johnson, and which was itself founded by a Bethel Missionary & Former Pastor) has the potential to cause much confusion and spiritual damage to thousands of unsuspecting Australians. To those who are supporting this event in the name of revival, may I ask this question: 'At what price, awakening?' Is it worth pursuing awakening if it means that the gospel is compromised and that false teaching is promoted?""Burning Scripture with Passion: A Review of The Psalms (The Passion Translation)" by Andrew G. SheadExcerpt: "Brian Simmons has made a new translation of the Psalms (and now the whole New Testament) which aims to ‘re-introduce the passion and fire of the Bible to the English reader.’ He achieves this by abandoning all interest in textual accuracy, playing fast and loose with the original languages, and inserting so much new material into the text that it is at least 50% longer than the original. The result is a strongly sectarian translation that no longer counts as Scripture; by masquerading as a Bible it threatens to bind entire churches in thrall to a false god."Youtube video of Bill Johnson's Theology and Movement Examined Biblically by Mike WingerExcerpt: "There are consequences when we tolerate too much error."Book titled Defining Deception: Freeing the Church from the Mystical-Miracle Movement by Costi W. Hinn (nephew of faith-healer Benny Hinn) and Anthony G. WoodExcerpt: "The global movement of mystical-miracle enthusiasts have put a modern face on historical heresies. Men and women posing as prophets and apostles make millions preying on the sick, poor, and emotionally fragile. Behind a veil of glamour, many self-proclaimed pastors mask their spiritual abuse with claims of special power from the Holy Spirit. Defining Deception pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth behind this lucrative industry."--------Holly Pivec is the co-author of A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement and God's Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement. She has a master's degree in Christian apologetics from Biola University.