SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT: THE CORRUPT LOGIC OF MICHAEL BROWN

Is Being ‘Slain in the Spirit’ Really from the Lord? (youtube.com)

Below: New Apostolic Reformation proponent Michael Brown's devious response to the question of whether the phenomenon of "slain in the Spirit" is from the Lord:   

Where is it spoken against in the bible?
Where does God warn against it?

Where does scripture say this is something we should avoid? 

We use the Word of God according to the Word of God, not according to your standard or mine, but according to the Word of God.

Does (slain in the Spirit) lead them to Jesus, does it lead them to the truth, does it lead them to the Word, does it lead them to holiness?

The answer to all the above questions is negative. The "slain in the Spirit" phenomenon is not found in the scriptures. Along with other alleged "signs," this phenomenon can only be found within charismania and it does not lead people to Jesus, truth, and holiness. 

Many have witnessed the antics, the fakery, and the abominations of false teachers like Todd Bentley, Benny Hinn, Bill Johnson, Mike Bickle, Todd White etc. Their teachings and lifestyles are disqualifying traits and a denial of the faith. (2 Timothy 3:8; Colossians 2:18). The scriptures instruct believers to mark and avoid those who teach things contrary to the scriptures. (Romans 16:17). Should we believe anecdotal evidence from Brown and other NAR leaders about this experience? Michael Brown has already demonstrated to the world that he is far too busy "fulfilling God's calling" and providing cover for his friends to care about believers! (Acts 20:21).1

Arguments from scriptural silence

Brown's assumption that whatever is not expressly forbidden in the scriptures is allowed is yet another one of his devious attempts to obscure the scriptures. To reject NAR false teachers and any phenomena associated with them is to practice spiritual discernment. Arguments from scriptural silence are by their very nature unsound. If we operate on the premise of scriptural silence, we are free to approve of any practice we care to devise. The result is that literally anything goes and all kinds of disorderly and corrupt conduct arises. (1 Corinthians 14:40; Colossians 2:5).

Several Old Testament passages demonstrate the folly of deviating from the scriptures: e.g. Nahab and Abihu and the strange fire incident (Leviticus 10:1). When David brought the ark from Kiriath-Jearim he said "If it seems good to you and from the LORD our God."  The specific instruction for transporting the ark given to Moses was that it was to be carried by the Levitical priests. (Exodus 25:10-15). However, David transported the ark on a cart, and when the oxen stumbled, Uziah put out his hand to take hold of the ark and the Lord's anger was kindled. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10). King David's willful act of taking a census was incited by Satan. (1 Chronicles 21:1-7). A census of the Israelites was to be taken only when God specifically commanded it to be done. (Numbers 1:1-2,4:2,26:2-4). God condemned the illicit high places erected by the people of Judah: And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. (Jeremiah 7:31).

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. (Acts 20:28-31 cf. Matthew 24:24)

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16 cf. Exodus 23:13; 1 Corinthians 4:6).

    

Brown quoted the response of Puritan theologian and philosopher Jonathan Edwards to his critics during the "Great Awakening" in the 1730s and 1740s. Edwards: "We ought not to limit God where he hath not limited Himself."2  Brown's snapshot of Jonathan Edwards is misleading. Edwards did not class various manifestations (bodily effects) as distinguishing marks of the Holy Spirit one way or the other. Edwards was a very controversial character who eventually lost the confidence of his own congregation. Because false revivals are often accompanied by unusual phenomena not found in the scriptures, those leading them are unreliable witnesses. 

Wikipedia: "The movement met with opposition from conservative Congregationalist ministers. In 1741, Edwards published in the defense of revivals The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, dealing particularly with the phenomena most criticized: the swoonings, outcries, and convulsions. These "bodily effects", he insisted, were not distinguishing marks of the work of the Spirit of God one way or another. So bitter was the feeling against the revival in some churches that in 1742 he felt moved to write a second apology, Thoughts on the Revival in New England, where his main argument concerned the great moral improvement of the country. In the same pamphlet he defends an appeal to the emotions and advocates preaching terror when necessary, even to children, who in God's sight 'are young vipers... if not Christ's.'"3  

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).

 

1. A Friendly Challenge to My Critics (youtube.com)
2. Edwards - The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God (monergism.com)
3. Jonathan Edwards (theologian) - Wikipedia

Further Links

The Silence of the Scriptures: Permissive or Prohibitive? | Christian Courier
An Introduction to Bible Silence (insearchoftruth.org)
If Brown is not a NARpostle, then what was he ‘imparting’ to NARpostle Katherine Ruonala? (churchwatchcentral.com)Search Results for “Michael Brown” – ChurchWatch Central