RSS Feed
 Hello AGTV supporters! It’s been 4 months since we released the four Bethel Redding AG3 episodes, and it’s time to give you an update on the rest of the season progress. Over the past few months I have been editing the “Your Will Be Done” episodes:
Editing Progress:
0 Comments
 Hello AGTV Supporters! As 2024 draws to a close, you deserve an update on the progress of season one of American Gospel: Spirit & Fire (AG3). We're excited to announce our plans to release four episodes of AG3 as soon as possible (see Redding Parts 1-4 below), though we first need to overcome some financial hurdles:
Eight episodes (shown in bold above) are now complete, with a ninth episode (Redding Part 4) nearly finished. Since my last update, while working on "Your Will Be Done," we've made several improvements to previously completed episodes. A significant addition to Redding (Part 3) led us to split it into two episodes, creating Part 4. We are now focusing on completing the animations and music for Redding (Part 4). The four Redding episodes need a legal review of their fair use content before release, which provides insurance to protect the project. While such reviews typically cover an entire season, we can't begin this process with two episodes still unfinished. To speed up the release, we've chosen to get a separate legal review and insurance just for these four episodes. However, we currently can't afford these additional costs to proceed with the legal review. Please pray for us as we seek solutions to these financial challenges. Lord willing, we will be able to move forward with releasing this season that you've all waited for so patiently. -Brandon Kimber  A year ago, Dr. Michael Brown dropped out of American Gospel: Spirit & Fire (AG3). Recently some of my critics have been repeating some of Brown's critiques of AG related to the "sin of unequal weights and measures" (claiming I spend too much time critiquing the charismatic camp, and not my own camp). There are a number of problems with this claim:
"You know the Scripture says that God hates unequal weights and measures, and that's what grieves me as I watch some of this trailer. I know there's an attempt to be balanced, but I could make a whole documentary of all of those that came out of cessationist churches and had their spiritual life totally transformed when they came into the things of the Spirit—the power of the Spirit. Churches that were totally transformed. And I could do a whole documentary about those that left charismatic, Pentecostal churches—left some of these spiritual movements and went into a cessationist church, or a Reformed Church and their faith became bankrupt and they fell away from the Lord…" —Dr. Michael Brown According to Michael Brown, the only way I could have made a "balanced" trailer and docuseries in the sight of God was if I made a film that also critiqued the dangers of both cessationism and Reformed theology in addition to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). I think this is coming from a mistaken view that we are offering cessationism and Reformed theology as the main solutions to the problems in NAR or the Word of Faith movement. If you've watched the previous AG films, this is clearly not the case; while issues related to cessationism and Reformed theology were discussed, the main emphasis has always been clarity on the person and work of Christ (the gospel). I also never promised to make a film critiquing those other topics, and Michael Brown knew this. My goal of a balanced film was to critique ONE movement and allow those we are critiquing to respond to those critiques (not allow them to shift the discussion to unrelated topics).
Are there dangers, errors, or sin happening in Reformed or cessationist churches? Of course! Could I address any of these errors in future films? Yes, but I am not making a film on these topics right now. It's absurd that I would be expected to conform my project to how Michael Brown views opposing "camps" of Christianity, in order to avoid being accused of committing the sin of unequal weights and measures. In the end, I realized that Michael Brown's standard of "unequal weights and measures" was his attempt to distract attention away from the topic of NAR (red herring fallacy) and an attempt to discredit me by accusing me of hypocrisy for not seeing or addressing the sins within my own "camp" (a Tu Quoque fallacy, a.k.a. "you too" or "whataboutism"). Finally, do the doctrines of cessationism or Reformed theology specifically cause a lack of spiritual life, leading to a bankrupt faith as Michael Brown claims? No. The absence of the GOSPEL (Christ) being preached within ANY type of church creates these dangers. When we critique moralistic preaching, a confusion of law and gospel, the Word of Faith movement, progressive Christianity, or the New Apostolic Reformation, we are focusing our critique on errors related to adding to or subtracting from the gospel, which are errors that any "camp" of Christianity can fall into. The gospel and its clarity will always be my primary concern, which is why I believe that viewing people through the lens of opposing "camps" in terms of secondary issues is unhealthy. My goal in this project has always been to bring both cessationists and continuationists together to critique errors in NAR that distort the gospel.  We recently finished completing two episodes, titled "Wake Up" (Part 1 & 2), which are part of season 1 of the American Gospel: Spirit & Fire docuseries. These episodes are 2 hours and 24 mins in total length (equivalent to a film!) in a group of eight that we have now finished. There are now two more episodes to go! (the episodes in bold are now completed). 1. Holy Spirit & Fire 2. Redding (Part 1) 3. Redding (Part 2) 4. Redding (Part 3) 5. Your Will Be Done 6. Wake Up (Part 1) 7. Wake Up (Part 2) 8. Grave Soaking 9. The House of Generals 10. The Greatest  Screenshots of the editing timelines for Wake Up (Part 1) and Wake Up (Part 2). Description: All Christians believe in the power of God to resurrect the dead. The foundation of our faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, "and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But what happens when false teachers twist the promises of Scripture to teach that all Christians are mandated to raise the dead? How does Bethel's theology of faith, God’s sovereignty, and dead-raising impact prayer and the grieving process? Bad theology hurts people. "Wake Up” (Part 1 & 2) examines Bethel's dead-raising theology and its impact on a local tragedy, which became an international news story—the death of a two-year-old baby named Olive, and Bethel's attempt to resurrect her from the dead. It also follows Jesse and Kali Westwood on their journey through deconstructing their own experiences with dead-raising, false teaching, atheism, and ultimately finding true hope and freedom in the gospel. Our friend Alisa Childers was kind enough to review the episodes and send us this review: In the “Wake Up” episodes of AG3, I found myself deeply relating to the Westwood’s story. Although I grew up in a different church context, I have witnessed the damage and spiritual abuse fallout from the prosperity gospel. These episodes outline the teachings of miracle-working and dead-raising, and astutely refute them with sound biblical doctrine and surprising hope. The narrative arc of the Westwood’s story put flesh on the arguments and helped me understand the danger of what could at first seem like nothing more than a fringe doctrine. It demonstrates how this false gospel has found its way into many a church community, yet does it in a way that is truthful, encouraging, and convicting. I found myself moved to tears by the end, not simply because a false doctrine was refuted, but because I witnessed the gut-wrenching despair of false hope, the breathtaking beauty of repentance, and the tender mercy of Christ’s restoration.  The “NAR: Myth or Movement?” roundtable is now available on AGTV here: https://www.watchagtv.com/nar-myth-or-movement-roundtable Is the New Apostolic Reformation a real movement that promotes dangerous false teachings that have subjected countless people to spiritual abuse and manipulation? Or is the label "NAR" being used by critics to misrepresent the beliefs of faithful leaders? Note: Michael Brown, Holly Pivec, and Doug Geivett met in person on August 13, 2022, to discuss these important issues. This discussion was originally intended to be part of the “American Gospel: Spirit & Fire” (AG3) docuseries. Michael Brown withdrew from that project in the fall of 2023 but gave permission to publish this roundtable in an “uncut” format, separate from AG3. If you would like to support the production of the American Gospel: Spirit & Fire docuseries, please subscribe to AGTV (watchagtv.com). You can also view the roundtable for free with a 3-day trial. This roundtable will only be available on AGTV through the month of July. On 8/1/24, it will be freely available on YouTube. We are a few weeks away from publishing the “NAR: Myth or Movement?” roundtable discussion for AGTV subscribers! Checkout the trailer! Is the New Apostolic Reformation a real movement that promotes dangerous false teachings that have subjected countless people to spiritual abuse and manipulation? Or is the label "NAR" being used by critics to misrepresent the beliefs of faithful leaders? Since our 4-hour roundtable discussion was published (3/13/24), much has happened regarding the topic of Benny Hinn's false teaching and false prophecy, and whether he has truly repented. From the documentation below, you can see how people like Dr. Michael Brown and Stephen Strang (Charisma Magazine) are currently supporting the idea that Benny Hinn has once again "repented", when this is clearly not the case. If you missed this discussion, you can find the link below: 4/1/24: Mike Winger: “The Victims of Benny Hinn: 30 Years of Spiritual Deception.” Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Ip_3A32W0 4/2/24: Michael Brown Calls Benny Hinn to “Repent” Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_bLSbnpfDA Winger's video compelled Michael Brown to respond, urging Benny Hinn to repent for, at the very least, false prophecy and worldly fundraising practices. However, Brown still refrained from labeling Benny Hinn as a false teacher or prophet, declaring that Hinn is unfit for ministry, or warning people to "mark and avoid" Benny Hinn. Instead, he spent the following week criticizing discernment ministries who "attack" him for his inability to call some a false teacher. 4/3/24: Michael Brown: “A Friendly Challenge to My Critics” Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdh1h1vacsU Brown defends his reputation by explaining that he has no time to research false teachers like Benny Hinn. He proudly displays all of his books and articles that he's written over the years on his desk, while mocking his critics who aren't doing the same work he is doing. Despite his attempt to counteract this display of pride by explaining how his wife keeps him humble and that his gifts are all of God's grace, it doesn't erase what took place beforehand. From my perspective, I don't think critics want Brown to change his ministry focus. We respect the work that he does and the knowledge that he has. However, we don't want him to associate with and defend false teachers and prophets. He should have time to examine those he's associating with and defending (Scripture commands it). Scripture doesn't command us to specifically write books or articles on the culture wars. He also makes time to do a week-long series on "hyper-critical cessationists", so why can't he do the same for people like Benny Hinn? 4/17/24: Mike Winger: “Benny Hinn is trying to Silence Me. I Won't Back Down”: Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmWz3gch4fY Mike Winger explains that Hinn is actively trying to remove his video from YouTube through the YouTube copyright system. However, YouTube agrees with Winger that his video falls under fair use law. 5/8/24 - Stephen Strang Interviews Benny Hinn: “Forgive Me.” Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2DyhGQcegQ** Stephen Strang of Charisma Magazine interviews Benny Hinn, who goes into damage control mode. Hinn tries to portray who he really is by giving a solid gospel explanation, speaking of his focus on Jesus, his view that salvation is the greatest miracle, and the fact that he reads his Bible every day in Hebrew. He then gives a mixed apology, where on one hand he blames others for his errors in false prophecy (he invited guest speakers who falsely prophesied), prosperity teaching (outside pressure from praise-a-thons, etc.), and on the other hand, personally apologizes, and asks for forgiveness. He says, "Who's perfect?" 5/9/24: Stephen Strang Interviews Michael Brown Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-rul4E1bY Michael Brown and Stephen Strange appear to have now accepted that Benny Hinn has "repented" again. Sadly, they spend more time talking about destructive "heresy hunting" discernment ministries (which can sometimes be constructive and correct), and the sins of other ministries, rather than the content of Mike Winger's video (the sins of Benny Hinn, his victims) and whether he is qualified to be in ministry. Hinn’s sins are described as "blowing it" or making "mistakes." Based on Titus 1:7-13, we know that Hinn's repentance would at least look like stepping down from ministry, because he is not qualified: For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” — Titus 1:7-13 Michael Brown also describes how he mistakenly appeared on Benny Hinn's show, which initially seemed to bear good fruit, but Hinn later replaced his final recording with a sinful fundraising program. Despite being deceived by Hinn, Brown suggests that Mike Winger should engage in private conversation with Benny Hinn. I believe this is unwise, as people typically resort to damage control and dishonesty when faced with criticism, or they gloss over their past sins (Hinn has a history of doing this to appear repentant). Once again, why can't Michael Brown recognize that Hinn is unfit for ministry? Instead, it's, "He needs to repent, but he's a believer who loves Jesus. However, I disagree on issues X, Y, and Z." 5/14/24: Anthony Wade Responds to Brown & Strang: Anthony Wade (from 828 Ministries, and a charismatic critic of Michael Brown), wrote this article in response: "Dr. Brown and Stephen Strang - Swallowing Camels to Strain Out the Gnat that is Benny Hinn." https://www.828ministries.com/articles/Dr-Brown-and-Steven-Stran-Christianity-240514-219.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0-Ffde_mzbKQ86pNBYC2kDYDLWOWDuSq35UqkkLYIO-moocsXfTXkwkFc_aem_AQC-KuUQrA9aV1b8_lbWKqeNd1fd76B0cFehSus_C4PEdR97QRiumK18F7Yza7fLeQ6CZ-hW5ta3d2YcGl3Lmd33 5/15/14: Stephen Strang and Benny Hinn Podcast (Part 2) - “Who’s Perfect?” Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87zSp-evtKs Benny continues to defend his image by saying, "sometimes change is slow," in response to those who are doubtful about his true repentance (1993, 2019, 2024). At the end of the video, Strang asks Hinn to pray for his audience. Hinn prays, "We forgive those who have spoken against us," which appears to be a reference to Mike Winger and his video. Benny Hinn clearly thinks he is a victim, and that Mike Winger has been in sin for speaking against him. This is not repentance at all! 5/15/24 - Mike Winger’s Facebook Response Mike Winger writes: “How should I feel about the fact that Benny Hinn offered a prayer yesterday where he gave forgiveness to those who speak critical of him? Is he forgiving ME for something? His interview was with Charisma Magazine founder Steven Strang. Charisma Magazine said that this interview was in response to my video. When Hinn offers a prayer to forgive those who criticize him, he’s got to be talking about me. He’s been on a lot of damage control recently (interviews, videos, articles) but has yet to show a single thing that I said in my video that wasn’t true. If Benny Hinn shows me what I’ve got wrong then I will publicly admit it (as I should) but the idea of being offered forgiveness for warning people against a wolf is… not compelling. I reached out to him before I made my video, to give him a chance to correct any errors I may have. I’m open to it still. The only contact I’ve actually had from Hinn is when his representative tried to take my video off of YouTube with a false copyright claim. I also did an interview with Charisma Magazine. It’s supposed to come out very soon.”  5/17/24 - Mike Winger’s Interview with Charisma Magazine Link: https://youtu.be/D8QJPkrlZsI?feature=shared  Hello AG Supporters! Here’s an update on the progress of Season 1 of American Gospel: Spirit & Fire. The current plan is to release eight episodes in the coming months of 2024. Each episode is about 1 hour+ in length. Currently 5 of the 8 episodes have been completed (or over 90% completed). Work on a sixth episode has begun, and two episodes remain to be started. Below you can find rough descriptions of the episodes and their progress status:
I. The Holy Spirit  Description: An introductory episode to the “American Gospel: Spirit & Fire” docuseries exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and what unites and divides believers across the gifts of the Spirit debate (continuationism vs. cessationism). Can both groups agree about the errors connected to the New Apostolic Reformation? Progress: This episode has not been started. I will probably work on this first episode last. II. Redding (Part One) Description: An introduction to Bethel Church, and their relationship with the City of Redding, California through their theology of dominionism and the “Seven Mountain Mandate.” This episode explores what attracts students from all over the world to Bethel Church and their school of supernatural ministry (BSSM). How does their view of “heaven on earth” appeal to other nations (Ex: South Africa)? Do the promises of earthly prosperity for individuals and nations create a false hope that distracts from the gospel and the Great Commission, or are they necessary for the return of Christ? Progress: "Redding (Part 1)" is 90% completed. There's still some animation and graphical work to do, along with an additional pickup that will be shot in April to conclude a story. III. Redding (Part Two)  Description: A deeper look into Bethel’s teaching and practices, including prophecy, “treasure hunting”, and their view of revival. Former BSSM students, Jesse Westwood & Annelise Pierce explore how these teachings impact the students and the city of Redding. Are Bethel’s teaching and evangelism lacking the biblical gospel? Are they leading students toward deconstruction and the paths of new age and atheism? Progress: "Redding (Part 2)" is 95% complete. There's still some animation and graphical work to do, along with some additional footage to film. IV. Your Will Be Done  Description: Is it always God’s will to heal? Is physical healing available in connection to forgiveness of sins? Does the life and example of Jesus in His healing ministry override clear examples in Scripture where God causes or allows sickness? This episode examines this theology and the impact that it has on those outside of Bethel, Christians with illnesses and genetic disorders, and the sovereignty of God. Progress: This episode has not been started. V. Wake Up Description: Continuing the story of Jesse Westwood post-Bethel, this episode explores how false prophecy lead him to deconstruct to atheism, and how he returned to a more historic understanding of Christianity. Bethel’s theology of miracles is also examined, along with its implications in a local tragedy, which became an international news story-- the death of a two year old baby named Olive, and Bethel’s attempts to resurrect her from the dead. Are all Christians mandated to healing the sick, and raise the dead? Are all Christians mandated to perform miracles like Jesus? What is a biblical view of prayer? Progress: Work on this episode is currently in progress. VI. Grave Soaking - VII. The House of GeneralsDescription: The leaders of Bethel Church in Redding, California are known for cultivating a culture of spiritual experimentation and risk-taking. One experiment involved certain leaders and students visiting the burial sites of old Pentecostal heroes. Trips were made to the resting places of Kathryn Kuhlman, Smith Wigglesworth, and other famous “generals” to seek a transference of their anointing for miracles. Concerned critics have labeled the practice as “grave-soaking” or “grave-sucking”. A controversy was ignited after photos and videos of the practice began to circulate online. Today, you can’t read an article about Bethel Church without seeing mention of grave-soaking. What was the origin of this experiment? Is there Biblical support for it? Is it only a fringe practice that “heresy hunters” have blown out of proportion? Has there been genuine repentance on the part of the leadership for allowing and encouraging this trend? These episodes (Grave Soaking & The House of Generals) provide an in-depth investigation into the facts, including eyewitness testimony, an evaluation of recent attempts to downplay the situation by the leaders of Bethel, and a look at the overall culture that made this possible. Most importantly, Biblical teaching and correction will be offered on the subject of “anointing”. The truth of what Christ has done in the Gospel shines in beautiful contrast against the distortions made by those who are earnestly seeking miraculous power. Progress: Completed VII. The Greatest Description: To conclude the Westwoods' story, this episode examines Bethel’s view of the nature of man, and how their teaching distorts what it means to follow Christ, and how Christians deal with their remaining sinful flesh. Does Christ’s influence cause us to recognize our greatness in our royal identity, or cause to humble ourselves and take up our cross? How are Christians to view their identity before coming to Christ, and after Christ? Are we still sinners, saints, or both? Progress: Completed Release Date?I know the biggest question is, "When is the release date?" An episode can take 1-2 months to complete (based on many factors). With 3 episodes remaining, it could take anywhere from 3-6 months. Another thing to consider is that we cannot release individual episodes that are "complete" until the whole season is complete (we have to have the entire series sent for a fair use legal review which could also require small changes to any episodes).
"AG2: Christ Crucified" was nearly 3 hours in length. Season 1 of "AG3: Spirit & Fire" is more than double that. Please continue to pray for our small team as we edit this story, create animations, compose music, etc. Thank you for your prayers and patience! Yesterday I wrote a blog post, where I explained Michael Brown's objections to the recent video that Chris Rosebrough recorded on the sins of Martin Luther. This video caused Michael to rescind his permission for us to publicly post the roundtable discussion that he had with Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett on the subject the New Apostolic Reformation. I deleted the post because Michael and I thought it would be better to continue our conversations behind the scenes rather than having a public back and forth. I originally wrote the post in a hurry because Michael cut off communication with me and said he would be publicly responding with a video later that afternoon. The good thing about this whole situation is that Chris Rosebrough was able to call into his radio show and explain his perspective on Luther in more detail: This conversation lead to an exchange of phone numbers, and a shift in Michael's decision to withdraw his permission. In sum, he is now allowing the roundtable with Holly and Doug to go public in the future, no matter what happens.   📣 Exciting news, AG supporters! This week (3/1/24) we are releasing a 4-hour (uncut) roundtable with Justin Peters, Jim Osman, Michael Brown, and Sam Storms. The topics of discussion center around the differences these men have in discerning false teachers and false prophets, and the work of the Holy Spirit today. As many of you know, Justin and Jim bring a cessationist view to the table, while Michael and Sam share a continuationist perspective on the gifts of the Spirit. This discussion began with a phone call that Jim Osman made to Michael Brown's radio program in 2021, which you can watch below. Jim’s phone call reveals some sharp differences in how he is more quick to label certain individuals as “false teachers” in comparison to Dr. Michael Brown. This led us to coordinate some behind-the-scenes conversations about these differences in Biblical discernment, which finally lead to this public discussion on April 1st, 2023.
Dr. Michael Brown unfortunately withdrew his involvement in our American Gospel: Spirit & Fire (AG3) docuseries a few months ago, leaving us unable to use the footage we recorded with him. Shortly after that was announced, he kindly gave us permission to publish this roundtable (originally intended to be part of AG3) in an uncut form, as long as it was separated from the AG3 project. This discussion will be exclusively available to AGTV subscribers on Friday, March 1, 2024. A few weeks later, it will be accessible for free on both AGTV and YouTube. We pray that this conversation will be edifying, and leads to greater discernment within the body of Christ. Link (Available 3/1/24): https://www.watchagtv.com/roundtable-peters-osman-vs-brown-storms |
Archives
July 2025
Categories |
