Rediscover Bethel - Episode 2: Jesus, The Cross, and Preaching

[@Bethel_Online]

Thanks for watching episode 2! To see episode 3 go here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZSapGCNeLB8qLM And take a look at the full series here: kzbin.info/aero/PLUaRlPOu98p0clsG0U0jGoU91tl5q3-sK

[@vickinelson4777]

We were at Betthel 10 years and were changed forever by the teaching, worship, Freedom and Love for God!. I appreciate these insider conversations of your perspective, challenges and how to teach all of us how to follow Holy Spirit's leading. God bless you!

[@Bethel_Online]

Thanks for sharing!

[@JonathanGrahamVideo]

These podcasts are extremely helpful at clearing up your doctrinal positions- especially since your teachings are a bit controversial and are often perceived as things that I don’t think you meant to say. I hope a lot of people watch these podcasts.

[@braxton_reynolds]

Yes!! Sharing it with many that have had misunderstanding! I'm so thankful and this podcast is a prayer answered!!

[@brandiibrao2316]

I didn't get hung up on these things the way that others have, or at all, for that matter, but I appreciate these conversations are happening! Even to hear things that I know be articulated helps give greater perspective.

[@rafeandersen5476]

You never got "hung up" because you don't care about having correct Christology.

[@Cwood79]

Love this series. Thank you for the love and humor.

[@mrstrypes]

For a little while now, every time I see someone slandering you guys, I hear the Holy Spirit whisper Matthew 5:11-12 to me. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11‭-‬12) Thank you for all that you do to advance the Kingdom of God!

[@mrstrypes]

@@mturner2572 It wasn't wrong criticism. Bill knew what he meant by what he wrote originally, but it was being misinterpreted by his audience in a way that he hadn't considered when he wrote it. (This happens to all of us when we speak or write, since we're not infallible.) I think it's awesome that he changed the wording instead of sticking to his guns. That shows humility and correctability.

[@storyofscripture]

Glad you guys are making these, also glad to hear you are contacting the publishers to clear up the confusion. I think it is a great corrective step.

[@reyburchill1423]

You can really tell that this is what Dan was born for 😄

[@braxton_reynolds]

Absolutely!

[@lizziejbird1]

Amen

[@WilliamtheWorst]

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23:16-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[@mrstrypes]

I love these videos! Keep them coming, my friends. People can theorize whatever they want about you, but I EXPERIENCED a touch of the Holy Spirit through your ministry and teachings back in 2015 that forever changed me.

[@dmorey777]

Agree!

[@mitch674]

Amen! I’m right there with you!

[@dykeneuk]

Very helpful. Thanks for being so open. ❤️

[@VictoriousChurch777]

Glory!!!!

[@samcooperyoutube]

Thank you thank you thank you! This is answering so many questions!

[@cassjoyberry]

Great job guys. We love you so much & bless you!!

[@isaacgylfe]

Thank you for another one!

[@htebazileeilsel2293]

"Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

[@Mitral_valve]

Oh Bill, thank you! But people will believe what they believe

[@josiahpalumbo]

when you truly love someone you don't define them by their flaws. - BJ.

[@norab1674]

I am loving this series. I would love to share it with my church who have a major beef (unjustified and uneducated) with Bill and Bethel. Thank you for this. I would like you to go a bit deeper regarding The Passion Translation as I have some major concerns about it and it's author and I know Bill has endorsed and uses this version. For example this statement taken from the website 'This translation reclaims lost Aramaic texts, bringing the full texture of God’s Word to the surface, and helping you recapture the original essence of the teachings of Jesus and His disciples.' What lost texts are being referenced here? The Gospels and Paul's Epistles were written in Greek, so this statement confuses me.

[@takingupmycross9869]

I've heard similar Passionate Translation concerns. I've found TPT is really a paraphrase more than a translation. I use NASB mainly, but I compare it to a few different translations when reading. TPT keeps to the heart of what's being said in the scriptures and I find it helpful. There are definitely a few scriptures where TPT doesn't capture the meaning in the same way as others, but generally speaking I like it. I've heard people say it's of the devil. I wouldn't take it that far. Just look at it as a paraphrase and you'll be fine. I grew up with KJV, then started reading NIV after I got saved and wanted something easier to understand since we don't talk like they did 400 years ago. Then God had me start reading NASB which I like the best as a word for word translation. TPT, the Message, Amplified, and New American Standard are great to read in comparison. I hope this is helpful. My two cents anyway.

[@dagman85]

@@takingupmycross9869 - for what it's worth the Passion translation doesn't consider itself to be a paraphrase. If you go to the FAQ on its website, you can see where they state that it was translated from the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic texts and not another English translation.

[@takingupmycross9869]

@@dagman85 Thanks! I have a copy and enjoy reading all the footnotes, and I love reading it side by side with other versions too. I guess I tend to see it as a paraphrase because Dr Simmons is basically saying the same thing in a different way. I'm glad I have a solid foundation in the NASB because I can see the differences in texts easier. I'm not sure why people are so afraid of the TPT. If someone reads it, they'll still hear about Jesus in virtually the same way as the other versions. Jesus is amazing in every version! I think Dr Simmons alarmed the scholars out there for calling it a translation and using Aramaic texts that are actually Syrian Aramaic that were written in the 2nd century AD. I still enjoy it, and Jesus is still lifted up. Jesus is King!

[@norab1674]

@@takingupmycross9869 Thanks for your balanced thoughts from your experiences. I am newly reconciled with Jesus after 30 years of thinking I knew better. After being dragged along to a 'Love After Marriage' weekend, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I have new life in Christ. I love reading different paraphrases like The Message and NLT and love the way that the ESV and NASB allow us to dig deeper. I did love the beautiful language used in TPT and always used it along side other translations, I always considered it a paraphrase to be used to compliment a proper translation. I guess my concerns were raised when I realized that the (mainly single) author calls it a translation and sells it as such. I believe that God can still be seen in the pages but worry that, in some places, it is a slightly altered version of Him, flavored by the (Human) author.

[@sharonlohman4516]

They say TPT is a translation-it is NOT, it’s a paraphrase. It speaks to an Eros relationship with Jesus, rather than a correct Agape relationship with our Savior. This is following our sexual worldly culture. So disrespectful of how our relationship with Jesus really should be. Very sad!

[@marjorieclark6374]

Bill, in keeping with the atmosphere of this wonderful conversation ... I wonder if some pastors and pastors-in-training will here your discussion about hearing the voice of the Lord in the moment as you teach, as being opposed to having prepared notes. I know that's not what you meant. As one who preaches, I've heard that either/or argument, and I think you'd also say that you seek to hear the voice of the Lord as you write books, and when you prepare a message or teaching that includes notes. We always want the heart of the Father and the mind of Christ and the power of Holy Spirit leading and guiding and speaking through us.

[@customstonework1682]

As a worship leader i've always viewed any song as launching pad not the destination. i think its the same for sermon notes. as long as the notes don't dictate every step... always leaving room for the Holy Spirit it interupt.

[@RestoringYourVoice]

Once again, you guys are doing a great job with these. I don't think you guys owe anyone an explanation, but you do and that shows the great grace you have. I'm not going to get hung up on when you get phrases not quite right. I know I do as a Pastor. In fact, we all do, since the Bible says in 1 Cor 13 we only know and understand in part. I do know your hearts, they are for God.

[@rafeandersen5476]

The fact that you are a pastor and not concerned about getting phrases right on important issues like Christology is embarrassing. You, sir, are not qualified to be a pastor, and I pray God removes you from harming your people any more than you already have by your bad example.

[@RestoringYourVoice]

@@rafeandersen5476 tell you what, if you think you can do a better job, go start your own church.

[@rafeandersen5476]

@@RestoringYourVoice I am a pastoral intern right now! I will enter ministry in some capacity soon!

[@RestoringYourVoice]

@@rafeandersen5476 let me give you some friendly advice. If you're worried about saying everything perfectly, you will never say anything worth saying.

[@rafeandersen5476]

@@RestoringYourVoice Perfectlly? never. Orthodox? Yes, I will.

[@parfenyj]

I haven't seen a problem with how Bill has taught - I mean, of course God *can* walk the Earth as just a man! If not, that would not be omnipotence, would it? ... I read somewhere that for the Gentiles, the challenge is to accept the humanity of the Messiah; and for a Jewish believer, to accept His divinity. Maybe because we Gentiles used to believe in evil gods of oppression, so receiving the fact that the One true God actually *has* walked in our shoes and actually cares for and loves us - that's such a paradigm shift.

[@camerongalloway518]

I never understood why people have gotten so hung up on Bill talking about Jesus being a man and not doing miracles as God. It was obvious to me. I never once questioned that he was bringing into question Jesus' deity. I feel we either greatly lack in social/emotional intelligence or the devil is interjecting and distracting us with unwarranted thoughts and questions that keep us from experiencing the truth.

[@camerongalloway518]

@@mturner2572 I see what you mean. I don't mean this snarky or sarcastically I mean it with a smile. But I think you're question actually helps to validate my point somewhat. I'm not laying down a legal law saying that it's only either the devil or it's our perception. It's both. That sentence I said above is common figure of speech that we all use on a regular basis. I use it loosely, of course there's room for other options, that should go without saying. I see credit due on both sides of the debate. I think Bill should've openly addressed this years ago. He should've gone to his publisher and changed the wording years ago. There's value in meeting people where they are and adjusting in order to reach them. You don't do that all the time. It's not a method. What I'm really getting at by social/emotional intelligence is the word discretion. When it comes to ministry, teaching, and social media, and most often in the more reformed sphere, which often is more academically minded (heady), there's a lack of discretion given in sharing and communicating with each other. But out of whatever reasons, be it fear, pride, short temperment, gullibility, or being presumptuous, we hear or read words like Bill's and we assume the worst, unfortunately often without Godly loving communication with one another but rather stirring up allegations, accusations, and hasty conclusions and generalizations. I do however give grace to Bill for not really clearing the air till now, in the sense that most of these people, like Bill, that have been greatly and unfoundedly criticized, have for the longest time at large been virtually clueless of these controversies about them in the church till just a couple years ago. They've been busy living their personal lives and taking care of their church families and they haven't spend an abundance of time on the internet researching error and controversies in the church. Most of the people at my church as well are largely ignorant of these so perceived hot topical controversies in the church.

[@camerongalloway518]

@@mturner2572 And I'm in no way saying that you're being fearful of prideful. I'm meaning more to the point I'm making about discretion.

[@camerongalloway518]

@@mturner2572 Appreciate your understanding. Though I wouldn't say I corrected what I said at first. Rather I just expounded upon or clarified what I meant by what I said. There's a portion of the full video between Bill and Dann that the clip above is extracted from where they discuss the concerns surrounding the Passion Translation. Personally I have no issue with it. I'm sure there are discrepancies in respect to some errors as there are with every translation I've used/studied. There's no one who translates without bias. Bill doesn't teach with it the same he does with NKJV, ESV, and NASB. He's clear about that, as he is when he uses it on stage. I had an experience with my mom where I had it on my heart to buy her a GNT (Good News Bible). That's one of the first meaning for meaning/thought for thought translations put out, back in the 1900s. I really like it. I bought it and came over to her house. As I walked through the door, the moment prior, she had gotten out of bed from a nap, but she was heavy with a gloominess, a guilty, condemning feeling as we can often feel. She was just thinking how she knows she needs to read the Bible more, but it feels so hard to understand sometimes. At that exact moment I walked through the door with a translation I knew she could understand. It deeply touched her, knowing that God cares about those little things. He's willing to meet us where we're at. And those little things we sometimes get over concerned about (like being concerned about TPT), he's bigger than them. He's a lot looser.than we tend to think him of. He definitely is the most serious, but somehow he's also not that serious. He's gracious.

[@dmorey777]

Good point!

[@dagman85]

@@camerongalloway518 - well said!

[@bezaassegu7384]

Thank you for articulating what your church believe. How do you explain the many prophecies that never come to pass? I do agree with all of your understanding of scripture but have issue with the implementation…..

[@kryer981]

What prophecies? Who's prophecies?

[@user-gx4wi4cv2m]

I’m a little confused by the statement/idea “He did miracles not as God.” Can someone demonstrate how that is true or why we should believe that from Scripture?

[@fidelemusangile743]

You may read Acts 10:37-38. The bible shows that, although being eternally God, He did the miracles because/when he was anointed with the Holy spirit and power (Whom He received in fullness and upon Whom He was totally dependent).

[@Filipalien]

Luke 5:17 as well: "On one of those days, as [Jesus] was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal."

[@camerongalloway518]

He is simply saying he didn't do miracles the same way he would do miracles right now in his glorified, fully transfigured state at the right hand of God, on the throne. He did them as God in a flesh and bone body, which is a man. He laid aside the privileges of being God in the sense that he did not use his Deity in any way as advantage over us or advantage over the devil and tribulations. He lived as a human being, because he was. He didn't cheat. He faced everything we would face, tempted with everything we would be tempted with. He felt everything we could feel. When Bill says these things, he's thinking of passages like Philippians 2 and John 5.

[@takingupmycross9869]

Phillipians 2 is a great one to read. Jesus was the Son of Man and the Son of God, but He laid aside the privilege of deity to come as man, live as man, learn obedience as man, and suffer as man. Now we have one who is able to sympathize with our weakness. This is such a fantastic scriptural truth! I like to think of it like Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world. If he were to go somewhere in Africa, without any credit cards, possessions, or access to his bank account, and had to start from scratch to see if he could build another business from nothing. He would have to struggle, and save, and sleep like a homeless person. He's really a billionaire and could probably buy the entire country he was in, yet he wanted to come with nothing, to try to build an empire. This is similar to what Jesus did. He wasn't allowed to "cheat." Jesus could only do what He saw the Father do. How could we possibly walk as Jesus walked and follow Him if He came only as God? Why would Jesus need to be anointed by the Holy Spirit after His baptism if He was already here as God? God doesn't need to be anointed. Jesus fell asleep in the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Scripture says God never sleeps or slumbers. Jesus was very clearly tired. I think the fear here is not wanting to take something away from Jesus and making Him out to be just a normal man who wasn't special. Its understandable, but that is not what is being done. We are trying to understand Jesus and who He was. Questions are great as long as they're asked with a pure heart and teachable spirit. None of us knows it all. God bless you today!

[@user-gx4wi4cv2m]

@@takingupmycross9869 that’s a great answer. It’s just so crazy to think Jesus did that.

[@scrapingrama1]

Jesus is the Holy Spirit. He didn’t model the Holy Spirit. He was fully God and fully man at the same time

[@anar3602]

Uhhhh. Jesus is one with the Holy Spirit and the Father, but they're not the same personage. Sorry, the Bible is very clear about that.

[@norab1674]

Jesus modeled how to live in perfect relationship with the Father, doing His will, being filled with the Holy Spirit. 3 persons - 1 God. He did it perfectly, we are in training following his example.

[@lucycook8876]

@@anar3602 yes!!God never sleeps but Jesus fell asleep in the boat 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@anar3602]

@@Laredef54 I couldn't disagree enough with this statement. How can a "force" be grieved (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30)? God Himself describes Him as a "He" in Ex 9:24. How can the Holy Spirt send Jesus in Is 48:16? How can a "force" give a testimony (Jn 15:26) or speak (Jn 16:13, Acts 21:11, Rev 19:10, Rev 22:17)? And sooooooo many more. Sorry, this is contrary to biblical scripture.

[@anar3602]

@@Laredef54 It doesn't matter what your LOGIC resolves. If HE said it, it's TRUE, regardless of you being able to understand it. You can't take one scripture and CANCEL OUT another scripture to devalue them. HE INTENTIONALLY put each word in His Word. Put all the scripture TOGETHER, it's one gospel, one testimony, the testimony of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. If YHWH declares that Holy Spirit fills us and also speaks, testifies, commands and grieves, than it's ALL true.

[@1HGhost3W]

I usually say he did everything as a man with God not as a God with man so we would have an example of the life we are to live

[@johnwreed8839]

Thanks for clarifying your thoughts and views but remember Jesus had plentious amount of criticism from the religious minded and no amount of explanation will satisfy them…😊

[@JewandGreek]

The point isn't to silence the critics but to discredit them when it's blatantly obvious that they're misrepresenting Bill Johnson and Bethel.

[@Indorm]

It will satisfy me though. Because of all the nonsense said about Bill Johnson I thought it wasn't a good thing to listen to him. Now I know the truth. I think there are many like me out there. The devil must be very scared of Bill Johnson and Bethel.

[@CephasDoc]

Great video. I'd appreciate if the interviewer talked a lot less though.

[@vojtechbasta9280]

I believe that Dann (the interviewer) offers so much to the topic. He (apart from other things) is a great teacher and it complements Bill's approach to things. I saw Dann beautifuly prepare the ground for Bill to answer.

[@Holyrighteousandfree]

Can you tell us your beliefs about the end times, the rapture, and dominion theology.

[@htebazileeilsel2293]

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1

[@htebazileeilsel2293]

Jesus was *testing* the woman of Canaan and His disciples, He wasn't swayed because of her faith, He knew the hearts of all, already.

[@jailsonmdiniz]

Legend in Portuguese please 🇧🇷

[@sharonlohman4516]

How can I respectfully say . . . Wow, what a lot of backpedaling!

[@teebanana22]

They're explaining their position. Backpedaling would be taking back what they previously said, which is not what they're doing.

[@markdownham7109]

Bill Johnson understands Kenotic Christology.

[@Alex.Kalashnik]

What does that mean?

[@kitty7644]

@@Alex.Kalashnik Basically, the idea that Jesus stopped being God when He became a man. This is not true and nor does Bethel support this idea as shown in the video.

[@GeoCalifornian]

0:29 Curious! --After all these years Bethel still cannot be sure of their tenets of faith. Give this fellowship of people a very wide berth... /Lonewolf Liberties