Heaven, Hillsong, and Heresy

Costi Hinn has a warning for parents: Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be…..targets.  Targets? Yes.  Young people are being targeted by “Christian” bands like Hillsong and Jesus Culture.  Jesus Culture is known for their “prophetic worship.” Their aim is to “ignite revival in the nations of the earth” through global events. But how will this come about when their message obscures the true Gospel of Jesus Christ?

What are groups like Hillsong and Jesus Culture actually accomplishing through their music?  Multitudes are being drawn into counterfeit Christianity!

As the nephew of Word of Faith televangelist Benny Hinn, Costi knows first hand what it is like to be lured into a heretical movement at an early age. But the Lord in His mercy delivered Costi Hinn out of Satan’s clutches and now Costi’s on a mission to prevent others from being manipulated the way he was.  “Christians who are clueless to enemy strategies are sitting ducks,” he warns, “and churches who can’t confidently explain to their young people why they must avoid these types of conferences are unable to effectively keep watch over the souls of their sheep (Hebrews 13:17).”

Costi Hinn lists five ways pastors and parents can protect young people, and the rest of the church, from being enticed by the enemy of God. He writes:

The 2017 church conference circuit is in full swing and with it comes a plethora of unholy alliances. No surprise, Hillsong and Jesus Culture will headline the apostasy this year. In keeping with Paul’s exhortation from Romans 16:17-18, it behooves pastors and Christians to be aware of the sort of tactics that mainstream movements are using to draw young people to their blasphemous ministries. Two of the more prominent events to be aware of will take place this fall, on back-to-back weekends, on two sides of the country. Each will feature lineups full of known false teachers, and music by Hillsong and Jesus Culture. These alliances allow powerhouse music ministries and their teachers to team up and target millennials with their sensual brand of worship and dangerous theology.

On September 21-23, Los Angeles will play host to the first conference titled, “Heaven Come”, featuring Bill Johnson, his Bethel crew, Lou Engle, and Kris Vallaton; along with Carl Lentz and the Hillsong usuals. It promises to be an epic show. With ticket sales running around $200-$250 a head, and a Microsoft Theater capacity of 7,100, the event will certainly make the gang a pretty penny.

The following week on September 27-30, Jesus Culture will travel south to Orlando, FL to headline the smaller but no less heretical, “Jesus Conference”, where Todd White, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Marilyn Hickey, will join a speaker lineup akin to the backstreet boys. Both of these conferences are designed to mix the old school with the new school as a sort of heretical hand off. It’s as though Satan is casting a net into the population of 80 million millennials and trying to drag out as many as he can by using the old guard.

So why are the 2017 heretical hangouts something you ought to be aware of? Because Christians who are clueless to enemy strategies are sitting ducks and churches who can’t confidently explain to their young people why they must avoid these types of conferences are unable to effectively keep watch over the souls of their sheep (Hebrews 13:17). Cowering in fear is not an option. Hoping it will all blow over is not an option. Not giving answers is not an option. If you aren’t sure what false doctrines are in play here, study the essential beliefs of historical Christianity in relation to the Deity of Christ, Salvation, the Trinity (particularly the work of the Holy Spirit), according to Scripture. Next, compare that to what “word of faith theology”, “little god theology”, “prosperity gospel theology”, and the “NAR”, teach and do in the name of “Jesus Christ.” That will get you all caught up on why these groups are heretical.

Related:

Jesus Culture’s Kim Walker Smith’s Alleged Encounter With Jesus Christ And God the Father by Ken Silva

See our White Papers on the Word of Faith Movement and the New Apostolic Reformation

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36 Responses to Heaven, Hillsong, and Heresy

  1. Manny1962 March 29, 2017 at 11:43 am #

    Does anyone not see the deception, insidiousness and overt heresy that these groups espouse? Is it any wonder why “church” is the largest field for evangelizing? The bulk of the attendees to these heresy marathons are unsaved! It comes to a point when God lets man have his way! Then destruction! I’m waiting for the onslaught of drive-by-posters to start their “how judgemental, how dare you” sniping attacks! What a delusion! This is what happens when people replace the word of God with lies, entertainment, and artificial worship. This is headed straight to Rome on the ecumenical road!

  2. SusanJ March 29, 2017 at 5:06 pm #

    I share your emotions. A few of us see it Manny. And we get passionate about it. Then we are called Divisive. Disruptive. Extreme. Unloving. While all the time we care deeply for the people of God, especially the young ones, and for the honour of HIS name and for HIS Word and for lost people on their way to an awful eternity who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

    But our concerns are trivialised or ignored. We sound a warning from scripture and although we might gain some victory for truth here and there, the same battle comes up again and again until we are wearied.

    Most people do not know what the Bible says. They have this notion that anything coming from the pulpit from ‘God’s anointed’ must be true. And so believe it and get sucked in. The pastor picks the songs or the ‘worship’ team do and nobody checks them. And the crowds sing and sway and have an experience and are ‘blessed’. We challenge a song for unbiblical words (whether old or new!) to no avail as it comes up again in a few weeks time and two or three of us do not sing but it makes no difference.

    So the last statement we can make is to resign from our church. And those who know what we stand for cry, because they recognise things need to be said but they themselves are too afraid to speak up.

    Here and there yes people are hungry for truth. And we find teens who want to study deep in to God’s word. and understand it and live it. Who want to know how they can witness to others and share the good news. So we can give our time to these and maybe it will make a difference. By God’s grace and by the help of his Spirit.

    • Maggie March 29, 2017 at 6:19 pm #

      This past week someone asked me in conversation if I was always interested in the Bible. I had to think on that and realized yes! I was always attracted to knowing what the Bible says, even before I was saved. The problem was that the majority of the time I was being taught church doctrine and not actual biblical doctrine. I attended church compliantly, but I did not feel satisfied because there just wasn’t good spiritual food being served. I’m sure there are others who feel this way…if only they were presented the real thing and not a cheap imitation. It encourages me to continue to share the gospel, as we have been instructed to do as Christians. There is a famine for the Word these days, including in the churches.

      SusanJ, I was once one of those teens who would have benefited from good teaching because the desire was there.

    • Manny1962 March 29, 2017 at 8:27 pm #

      Thank you Susan! Sometimes being in the trenches wears on all of us trying to sound the warning bell. The Bible says our own will turn on us, I see it very clearly, those calling themselves Christians will one day call the authorities on us for being hateful and intolerant, I pray The Lord will keep us from that day, but if He does not, His perfect will for us will be done. But without doubt, the Great Apostasy is unfurling before our eyes! Maranatha! His perfect and good will be done!

    • Kaitlyn Walker March 30, 2017 at 3:17 am #

      What are you talking about? If you want us to know so bad what these christian bands are doing wrong than just say it put it out there. What clearly see you saying. I read your whole paragraph and your not saying anything but they don’t know. They don’t know what? Cause people that are reading your comment don’t know what your talking about

      • Manny1962 March 31, 2017 at 8:30 am #

        You’re not making any sense.

      • Teresa May 13, 2017 at 10:34 am #

        Agree Kaitlyn! This article is accusing without substance, which totally invalidates the arthur’s arguments and validity. This whole article is making a mountain out of nothing, not even a molehill!

  3. Cristina Henry March 29, 2017 at 6:08 pm #

    Did anyone take notice of what Carl Lentz was doing the week of March 20th in New Zealand? Between his Hillsong Conference and Justin Bieber’s secular concert tour, Mr. Lentz spent all of his free time hanging out in bars with Justin Bieber, drinking shots, drinking lots of alcohol, riding in a rickshaw singing to the secular rap song ‘Move B####, Get Out the Way’ by Ludacris, and smiling/laughing as Justin Bieber says, “Dude if I was turtle I’d use my shell as surfboard & ride waves Cuz I’m f###### knarly”. Video References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEC6oukLiyI ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dT9oawNnRg ; http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/justin-bieber-slams-shots-and-dances-with-an-elderly-fan-at-a-bar-in-new-zealand/news-story/c7d3cb10346656841d4deaa4e7e32483

    • Ben April 2, 2017 at 2:45 pm #

      Cristina Henry excellent info

      Exactly what I observed at a Hillsong clone church here in Canada from 1997-2005

      The pastors and congregation still live and promote a worldly lifestyle. lives still stuck in sin

      Sex, drugs, partner swapping, married Church employees cheating on each other head worship leader with the accountant

      the worship leader is still up singing Hellsongs music every week.

      The accountant is still counting the $$$$

      The senior pastor just winks and says look at all the people we are reaching for christ!!!

  4. Cristina Henry March 29, 2017 at 6:42 pm #

    I also wanted to say that I left my church last week because my pastor and the worship leader refused to stop playing Hillsong music. I had to make a stand, considering the Lord and His plan. God said we were made by Him and for Him. His opinion is what matters, not the mainstream Christian music industry. I know Hillsong is false and is turning God’s churches upside down. I encourage everyone to research Hillsong. Weekly Internet news searches on Hillsong and its leadership will reveal the bad fruit of Hillsong. Hillsong pastors are very worldly and live like unsaved Hollywood celebrities. God is Holy, and He demands that we be Holy because He is Holy. Hillsong pastors are not Holy. Hillsong conferences and events are not Holy. Hillsong welcomes sinners and accepts their sinful lifestyles in the name of love. Bottom line: Hillsong markets the name of our Lord to gain wealth and fame. Are you brave enough to speak the truth about Hillsong in your church if needed? God says do not fear, for He is with you; do not be dismayed, for He is your God. God will strengthen you and help you; He will uphold you with His righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

    • Jake March 29, 2017 at 8:28 pm #

      I’m going to encourage you not to research Hillsong, but to GO to Hillsong. See what it’s all about for yourself. I grew up in a conservative Baptist Church (the same church I still attend to this day), but I’ve had the pleasure of attending a few Hillsong Church services, and a couple of their concerts. The one thing I saw in every Hillsong event I attended was Jesus. It was all only Jesus. Sadly, you’ve been manipulated by authors who hate to see churches succeed, who look for every flaw to point out, and they miss the fact that God is moving and working through and in Hillsong. So I’m going to challenge you, Christina, to go to Hillsong and find out yourself what they’re all about. You might be surprised to find out that they’re just as passionate as you, if not more so, about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

      • Cristina Henry March 29, 2017 at 8:32 pm #

        I have been to Hillsong. I visited Hillsong Los Angeles this past January. I’ve seen enough. I’ve heard enough. I’d old enough and wise enough in scripture to know that Hillsong is nothing but deception. It’s not the real Jesus Christ. It resembles Him in no way. I encourage you to read the Bible with an educated teacher on the Bible, and then visit the Holy Land. Then, volunteer some time on a mission trip or two, in a poor country. This is where you’ll find the real Jesus.

      • thinker March 30, 2017 at 6:05 am #

        No, you saw a band performing well, singing about Jesus. Nothing more. You’re typing
        like an infatuated teenager.

        If you’re a Baptist you should know full well that you need to compare the song lyrics with the bible in context. The Gospel and bible comes first always. Not music.

        • Believer March 30, 2017 at 4:11 pm #

          Yes I agree with you.Thinker If you love Jesus and sing to glorify his name isn’t that what God wants? The Lord knows our hearts and our intent. Bible says to sing his praises. You can’t fool God so I think if you truly believe your glorifying him than Let God decide and ask him to direct you if your not sure. And always make sure whoever is preaching that they show you in the bible where it is from. If our hearts are in the right place don’t you agree that our Lord knows. One more thing. God wants lus to share our testimony. Some bands do in Thier music. So ls that wrong? Especially if it touches someone who may not have came to christ yet. I have to say thats what brought me to the Lord. Now he is doing the work in me. Amen! Reading his word you will find the answers.

      • Sola Scriptura March 30, 2017 at 8:09 am #

        Jake – the antichrist is moving through Hillsings, by attempting to draw people to a false Jesus…one crafted by wicked and greedy men. It’s all about the flesh – sharp, good looking people showing off their gifts and using those gifts to rake in massive amounts of cash…all while ignoring the teachings of Jesus and Paul regarding losing our lives to find him. The blood of Jesus Christ, which washes us from our sin, is rarely if ever mentioned. Paul’s life of suffering in order to snatch people from the clutches of sin and hell is never mentioned. It’s all about men and women drawing the ignorant not to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom I was crucified to the world and the works to me…but to themselves. Galatians 1 and 2 are very clear about the consequences of preaching a false gospel and that true believers are supposed to publicly challenge those in error.
        Flee the wicked lies of greedy millionaires and turn to the scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation. The lies of Hillsongs will send you and millions of others to hell. Repent and turn to the Jesus Christ of the Bible, who loves you and paid for your sins with his blood.

        • Manny1962 March 30, 2017 at 11:11 am #

          That’s right SS, the antichrist spirit is moving in all these groups, a trend I see from the NAR/Emergent/Word of Faith/ movements is singular: back to Rome, ecumenism at its best. There’s the Great Apostasy unfolding before our eyes! They will all worship the antichrist.

    • Manny1962 March 29, 2017 at 8:29 pm #

      God bless you Christina, may He in His goodness light your path, and thank you for standing up for Jesus! It’s getting harder and harder as we draw nearer to The Lord’s return!

  5. Davin March 30, 2017 at 9:39 am #

    Hillsong is the world and music from goats and for goats. The music is emotion driven detached from the mind and soul. God tells us what true worship, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24. We are also told by God, “you shall love the Lord with all your heart, and all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

    Hillsong rests upon emotion and a god in mans image. It is a perversion yeast that must be cut out of any church that names the name of Christ. Their heretical portions are so vast that I question the salvation of any hold to their music. They preach a health and wealth doctrine that allows numerous sins. They even have a song in the demonic movie ‘the shack’

    To any of you who have loved ones that enjoy that demonic music point to them Gods word and ask them to test themselves to see if they really are in the faith.

    • Manny1962 March 30, 2017 at 11:06 am #

      Amen Davin, amen! A culture of heresy, artificial worship, and the worship of Mammon…….. It’s a business that swallows the gullible and the undiscerning, a clear sign of the times. They peddle the word for profit, and even that they twist to suit their lifestyles.

      • Ben March 30, 2017 at 12:34 pm #

        Yes, Correct Manny1962

        Artificial worship or Mantra worship service’s from Hindu & Buddhist methods.
        Chrislam 101

        Just look at Brian Houston’s, Rick Warren’s, Phil Pringle church plant system they all work together training up and educating pastors or they will ordain the right person to position of pastor and on how to run a church.

        These’s Pastors can hand-out “honorary doctorates” to anybody usually friends or family members

        Just like Oral Roberts did with Kenneth Copeland at ORU
        or like Kenneth Hagin giving his stamp of approval to Billye Brim, Keith Moore, Keith Butler and so on

        Classic NAR, Word of Faith

        But it come’s at a price$$$ they go on Rick Warren’s Pastor’s .com pay the money and get the church growth program on how to do it.

        Just like their churches here in Canada they are sex sin den’s
        complete with partner swapping going on

        Rock and Roll church worship service’s then head to the strip club and party

        The pastor’s and the leadership play pounding AC-DC, Micheal Jackson music in the service and in their automobiles as a draw tool to be relevant, cool, hip and say church should be exciting, fun and the people follow. Purposely done to increase church membership=$$

  6. Manny1962 March 30, 2017 at 2:12 pm #

    Well said Ben,
    Ironically, when the true church of Christ was being inaugurated by the apostles as described in Acts, did they throw parties? Did they hire local entertainers to wow the crowds? Did they go from town to town bringing circuses, dud they even bring any entertainment or worldly techniques to grow the church? Of course not! Its Jesus Christ’s church, it’s His bride! No charlatans needed! Only the truth was preached, Jesus Christ crucified, forgiveness of sin! Simple and humble as The Lord who bought her with His precious blood! These fakes will receive a greater condemnation for trampling on His word.

    • Ben March 30, 2017 at 3:46 pm #

      Yes correct again Manny1962
      The last long weekend in February the billboard sign set- up out side the church

      Reads – Come join us community on February 20- Games, clowns, Face painting, bouncing castle, rides, door prizes, car & Motorcycle show come have fun.
      Admission $3

  7. Manny1962 March 30, 2017 at 4:04 pm #

    “come have fun.”

    I wonder if when our Lord was being crucified the apostles were inviting would be followers to “come have fun?” Or when the apostles were finally killed off or banished to death, were they “having fun?” It isn’t only the disrespect for God’s word, but the utter lack of reverence toward a Holy God, the judge, jury and executioner of the universe that boggles the mind! These people are insane!

    • Sola Scriptura March 30, 2017 at 5:20 pm #

      Perfectly stated M. This is how Jesus reacted when he was crucified, and it exemplifies the character of God beautifully and powerfully:
      1 Peter 2
      22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

      23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

      24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

    • Ben March 30, 2017 at 6:19 pm #

      Yes, Correct Manny & SS

      1- Cor 15:1-4 is not mentioned

  8. Rachel March 30, 2017 at 10:04 pm #

    Nonsense. Hillsong United is a band of commited Christians. It is in no way

    • Manny1962 March 30, 2017 at 10:55 pm #

      Committed to what? Not the Gospels, not the Jesus of scripture……. Not the truth.

  9. SusanJ March 31, 2017 at 6:35 am #

    Please don’t get me wrong or jump on me from the first phrase:-)

    I admit I like some of the songs on face value and I am one who is very picky about words. For example “Oh praise the name” (anastasis) has lovely words. Then I look at the lyrics to the song “Open Heaven” on the same album and do not want to sing that AT ALL. We can just maybe pick and choose (and that would be true of older song writers too) but their doctrine is clear in Open Heaven. And a wrong understanding of the prophecy of Joel. So we sang the first song in church. Young people could get the whole album and are introduced to other doctrines that their church does not hold to. You buy in to one song or play it in church using a multiple copyright deal then you are financially helping something you do not agree with in doctrine and practice and maybe even abhor! Better to avoid.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhDWnOicXDM

    And this above will be described as ‘worship’!! I find little example of singing anyway in the NT church, let along dancing and getting in the ‘God zone’ and jumping etc. Where is there biblical evidence we shall be dancing in heaven? Yes there is mention of dancing in the OT linked with worship but also in wrong situations such as the worship of the golden calf.

    People – what about the ‘worship’ Paul exhorts us to in Romans ch 12:1-2?!?

    For those who condemn us for being negative and critical – yes I have watched plenty of Hillsong and hillsong type productions and ‘worship’. The London production with the London guards prancing about. The cabaret style act from Christmas of Silent Night. Austin Powers at the womens conference. The Naked Cowboy. Another production that was Sci Fi related and hundreds of people walking around with white globes on their heads.

    I have watched them all and it makes me want to cry! Millions put in to productions like this which are feeding a lust for entertainment and nothing else. And millions and millions of people around the world still waiting to hear the name of Jesus or to have one verse of the Bible in their own language. Sad.

    • Manny1962 March 31, 2017 at 8:29 am #

      It’s a dog and pony show with a sprinkle of artificial churchianity thrown in to appease the “churched.” They’re more related to an Off-Broadway production. My question always is: did the apostles ever lowered themselves to provide entertainment so the masses would join the ranks? If there’s one thing Christianity is, it’s exclusive, unlike the inclusive false gospel. Narrow gate, narrow road, only through Jesus Christ. These are the blind leading and entertaining the blind. Pathetic.

      • Ben March 31, 2017 at 9:46 am #

        The false converts list is so long

        Justin Bieber sends out nude photos of himself on boat after hillsong conference

        Esther Houston Instagrams photo showing her parts

        The pastors party back at the hosting pastors house after the money raising convention. complete with Porn movies and alcohol being served.

        And the drugs at the Friday night youth smoke & light meetings at the church

  10. Manny1962 March 31, 2017 at 2:20 pm #

    These people have no shame! And what’s disgusting is how many that call themselves Christians follow and support these wolves.

  11. Teresa May 13, 2017 at 10:57 am #

    I read this enture article because I know there is heresy in “Christian” music, like one particular “grace” song by MercyMe that says “grace says it(sin) doesn’t matter” which implies no repentance is needed; and a song by Francesca B that says “perfection is my enemy”, which is contrary to Jesus’ own words in Matt 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”; and many many other “Christian” songs.

    But what Im reading in this article are accusations without substance. If there’s substance, like actual heresy in the music, then give us the details, which song and which lyrics. You cannot justify giving a carte blanche accusation with no supporting details!
    I want the details! Don’t accuse Hillsong without giving specifics of how, when, where, what song, & which lyrics are heretical! If you want to be believable and trustworthy yourself, then you have to give supporting documentation.

    If you know so much that concerns you enough that you will write an article like this online for millions to read, then surely you can take the time to give real evidence, actual substance, in support of your accusations. Otherwise you are just more noise!

    I would not be surprised to find heresy in most of popular “Christian” songs. But please, it does no one any good to simply hear accusations without evidence. You could be just as accused of false accusations. I don’t have time to sit and listen to every single song these “Christian” artists priduce and scrutinize their lyrics, but evidently you do, and have already done, which is wonderful, but it’s only legitimate and helpful if you share the evidence with the rest of us. You can’t just give general accusations! That completely discredits your accusations and reduces it to just another round of grumbling, “Christian” fueding, and just more noise!

    • Nellie October 1, 2021 at 4:05 pm #

      Your response is the main reason many refuse to gather some information on why some are blowing the trumpet.
      I have been spending much time (as much in my free time as I can) to research why the modern American Church no longer looks like the First Century Church. First argument that will come is times and cultures change. Of course, they do, God doesn’t.
      Second is worship music is as it is today is because WE like it. The lyrics produce more and more of how we feel about God and literally EVERY ONE OF THEM is produced by the Big 3 (Elevation, Hillsong, and Bethel). The money they make is well into the tens to hundreds of MILLIONS of dollars. There is much to profit from selling music that the young generation enjoys more than God does. How can I say that?
      Jesus told the disciples “freely you have received, freely give.”
      Second, many churches spend much money to make their place of worship like the secular model. Many even brag about it on YouTube. The apostles had money placed at their feet to help the poor, not put on a show. And that is what we are doing. Come to our church, where we are cool and relevant.
      Lyrics are getting shallow and repetitive. Music is becoming more adaptive to the world with its drums and playing it loud. Lastly, many just sit and watch. Why bother worship when you have a band doing it so well.
      Many hymns were rich in worship and giving honor to God. Now it is all about what God can do for us. We have no fear of the Lord in churches anymore. Just enjoy the music, get our theology from that and drink our lattes and eat our ice cream while the sermon is preached. Don’t forget the one-minute snippet of evangelism. It is getting weaker – our gospel, our preaching, our worship, our prayers.
      Many are too selfish to even care. Many like church as it is.

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