2 Timothy 3:1-5: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Carryduff Elim will next week welcome the heretic US based South African preacher Rodney Howard-Browne (pictured, top), a man who has blasphemously described himself as the ‘Holy Ghost bartender’.
Rodney Howard-Browne claims to have led almost 18 million people to God through his ministry, which is certainly quite a claim.
However, in this age of easy-believism and shallow pseudo-Christianity, such a figure must be treated with caution.
When you see recordings of some of the services he has led, that caution turns into grave doubt.
Videos of people writhing on the ground, convulsing in their seat, laughing uncontrollably and barking like wild animals can be easily accessed online. Just one such repugnant and indeed frightening video can be seen by clicking here.
These people are supposedly filled with the Holy Spirit, passed to them by Rodney Howard-Browne.
There is certainly a spirit at work in such events, but it is far from holy.
In the article we recently posted about Nicky Gumbel, the leader of the Alpha Course, and his deep involvement with the false charismatic teachings associated with what is called the ‘Toronto Blessing’, we highlighted what is actually symptomatic of being filled with the Holy Ghost.
These characteristics most certainly did not include convulsions, hysterical laughter and dog impressions, and we gave examples of Paul, Barnabas and Bezaleel, which you can read about by clicking here.
Given how recently we did so, we don’t intend to dwell on that point again, but the term Rodney Howard-Browne used of himself, the ‘Holy Ghost bartender’, needs examination in the light of Scripture.
Unsurprisingly, he is found to have fallen well short of that which ought to be expected, nay demanded, of a so-called preacher.
Using the term bartender, an Americanism, is ill-advised at best, given the very worldly connotation this brings with it.
Bars, or pubs, are most unChristian venues, despite what so many alleged Christians might like to think today.
What next, a Holy Ghost brothel keeper? Or perhaps a Holy Ghost drug dealer? The very term is repugnant, offensive and blasphemous.
This is what Rodney Howard-Browne said: “I’m just the Holy Ghost bartender, I just serve the new wine and tell them to come drink.”
In an article which appeared in the Christian Research Journal in 1995, we get an indication of Rodney Howard-Browne’s character.
It says: “Laughter, he explained, ‘bubbles up’ from the same place the gift of tongues comes from. It was all in some deep spiritual reservoir that needed to be tapped the same way.
“Howard-Browne then began pumping us up to do just that. He led us in a song with these words: ‘I am drunk, I am drunk. Every day of my life I am drunk. I’ve been drinking down at Joel’s place every night and every day. I am drunk on the new wine.’”
“Then he asked us all to lift our hands and “’let that river of joy come out of your belly.'”
Rodney Howard-Browne claims to be “drunk” on the Holy Spirit and, of course, being a ‘bartender’, he is an enabler of other people becoming drunk.
It may sound in some way impressive to the undiscerning, to claim to be so full of the Holy Spirit it is pouring out of you, but spiritual drunkenness is the furthest thing from an indication of God’s blessing. In fact, it is directly linked to God’s curse.
When Moses was recapping the law to the people shortly before his death, he spoke of spiritual drunkenness which would come upon those who turn away from God.
Deuteronomy 29:18-21 says: “Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven. And the Lord shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law”.
Is not Rodney Howard-Browne blessing himself, and others, saying he shall have peace, and those near 18 million whom he claims have been saved through his ministry?
Does he not walk in the imagination of his own heart? After all, the outrageous behaviour he displays and causes others to exhibit is certainly not found in the Bible.
And such characters, we are told, add drunkenness to thirst and such characters the “Lord shall not spare” and God’s curse “shall lie upon him”.
What a fearful destiny lies before any who are drunken spiritually.
The prophet Isaiah also spoke of the same drunkenness.
Isaiah 29:9-14 says: “Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.”
This is clearly not drunkenness brought about by alcohol, but a strong delusion sent by God on those who are disobedient so they cannot see the truth.
And this is the same spirit which will be seen when the ‘Holy Ghost bartender’ invites people to drink his ‘new wine’ in Carryduff Elim.
On the Carryduff Elim website they have posted a video of people laughing hysterically and dropping under the influence of Rodney Howard-Browne, which means the church is under no illusions as to the nature of this heretic’s ministry.
Those in leadership at Carryduff Elim are guilty of helping to cause spiritual drunkenness in their congregation in the poor members of the church who attend the circus that is a meeting held by Rodney Howard-Browne.
And those who are responsible for the care of the flock are Pastor George Ritchie (pictured, above) and Pastor Gavin Allen (pictured, below).
What a dreadful disservice they are doing to the people who attend Carryduff Elim and to the people in the surrounding area who they should be seeking to reach with the truth, rather than bringing a propagator of deceit and delusion into the area.
It is most concerning that such a character should be coming to these shores and we would strongly encourage everyone reading this to please share this article widely so as to warn people of this false prophet coming into our land.
Let us call “time, gentlemen” on the ‘Holy Ghost bartender’ and make it very clear to him and to Carryduff Elim that we are wise to the deceits both he and they are propagating and the evil delusion they are helping to create in our land.
protestantrevival.wordpress.com 
Jesus warned 4 times about being decieved as a sign of the end of the age. The church is not slumbering or sleeping BUT in a coma! RHB is a charlatan! (Beware of dogs, beware of evil dogs)
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Re Rodney Howard Browne
I would like to thank the anonymous writer (although if you had a genuine fact or biblical issue to go public about I’m sure you would have had the courage to put your name to the article)of the above article on the poor lost people of carryduff elim and thank him or her for being so caring and concerned about us being led astray. We are doing well and had a great night. Nothing like what you described. Your are very welcome to come visit anytime and I will listen and try and help with whatever is troubling you. I know from my own past experiences when I am lashing out at others it is because of my own inner pain. To personally attack and put photos up of the pastors tells me you are suffering. We actually have healing rooms on a Thursday night at 745pm. You might find what you’re looking for there. Albeit the Holy Spirit mite be knocking about.
Hopefully see you soon
Tommy Mcvarnock
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Tommy,
It’s hard to know where to start with this.
If you don’t think there are facts in the article then we would be concerned for you.
Does the video we link to not exist? Is that an elaborate impersonation of Rodney Howard-Browne in that video? If you believe the Holy Spirit is at work in the people in that video then our concern for you can only increase.
We also put forward clear Biblical arguments against this man’s practices, linking to another article which provided more information to that end.
We fear the words of Jesus in Matthew 13 are, certainly in some measure, at play here.
Matthew 13:13-15: “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”
We didn’t say he was necessarily going to have the poor folk in Carryduff barking like dogs or laughing like hyenas, but the video we linked to, and there are many more like it, shows clearly that he has regularly done such.
Such behaviours are so clearly not a manifestation of God working that it really shouldn’t require any discussion.
For that to be part of his repertoire should be enough to put any discerning professing Christians off, but alas it appears not in this case.
It is also an incontrovertible fact that a video was uploaded on the Carryduff Elim website showing Rodney Howard-Browne at many of the wretched tricks evidenced in the YouTube video we linked to.
We will repeat what we said in the article – this clearly demonstrates Carryduff Elim knows exactly the type of character Rodney Howard-Browne is and the type of blasphemous hijinks, to phrase it exceedingly generously, he gets up to. The fact Carryduff Elim’s pastors allowed such blasphemy, nay encouraged, promoted and facilitated such blasphemy, is an utter shame.
We can also assure you we are not lashing out, this is about earnest contention for the faith (Jude v 3) and reproving the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
We know such is unpopular and, ironically, prone to be lashed out against by those who are smarting from being confronted with the truth.
The hurt caused by Rodney Howard-Browne’s Carryduff carry on is done to the cause of Christ in this land and to the hearts of any true believer that such nonsense could be carried out in God’s name.
Finally, thanks for getting in touch. We are pleased to hear the message has been received loud and clear in Carryduff. It is only a tremendous shame that you, at least, have hardened your neck to it.
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I was sceptical as I’m a relatively new Christian from the catholic faith.( I’m sure you will have something to say about that also). And I did see the videos on YouTube. But as I said in the previous comment Rodney Howard Browne on Thursday nite was nothing like what I seen previously. Also do you ever think to look at the positive things people do as fruit of their faith. You have been very critical of the pastor from east Belfast mission. Can I ask do you do what he does? Do you walk streets of Belfast during the small hours? As a street pastor ?etc etc.
Come on tell us who you are and what you do. And if not why not. Are you just an internet troll. Whatever faith you have I have yet to see it in action. So again I will invite you to our healing rooms and maybe you could get help for your jealousy and critical spirit. You will find peace only in looking at yourself. It cannot be found in looking at others. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
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Tommy,
We are delighted to hear you have shunned the Roman Catholic faith, as it is a false religion.
Thursday night may well have been very different, but those previous events he has held are not demonstrating the fruits of the spirit. Has Rodney Howard-Browne repudiated his previous actions and repented of them? We certainly see no evidence of that and encourage anyone who has to show us.
Everyone involved in this page takes a very active role in serving God in a variety of different ways.
The promotion of “Christian unity” with Rome, as endorsed by Rev Andrew Irvine of the East Belfast Mission, is indisputably wrong.
You testify to having converted to Christianity from the Roman Catholic Church, thus admitting Roman Catholicism is not Christianity. This means so-called “unity” is a sham.
You clearly believed it was necessary to leave the Roman Catholic faith behind, so why defend someone looking to entangle Protestant (in the sense of protesting against Romanism, not the cultural Protestantism norms in our land) churches back up with it?
As Paul warned the Galatians in Galatians 5:1: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
We are striving, as God helps us, to fight for true Biblical Christianity and warn against error.
We can assure you there is no jealousy of any of the individuals involved. We feel pity for many of them and their followers and supporters.
As for the critical spirit, it is only right to be critical of those who are abusing the name of Christ.
Were the likes of Jeremiah or Isaiah guilty of possessing a critical spirit?
One of the first things Isaiah said in his prophecy was this in Isaiah 1:10: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.”
Perhaps this was too critical? Given the wretched reputation associated with those places, this was quite the comment. Many today would consider that comment outrageous and probably “unChristian”. But God clearly didn’t consider it to be such.
And we can find peace only in looking to Christ and His Word, not to the latest celebrity chancer preacher or compromiser or perverter of God’s Word.
We trust God will convince you of this and persuade you that a church which hosts heretics like Rodney Howard-Browne is not the appropriate spiritual home for any Christian, let alone a recent convert.
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“ Protestant revival” why not Christian revival. Or bible or scripture revival?Do you have to come from a Protestant part of Belfast to be a proper Christian?
How do all the poor Christians in England manage where the word catholic or Protestant isn’t mentioned. How can Jesus be in the same place as bigotry. You have a lot of attacks on Rome and the pope in your blogs. Why? Why be concerned about anything other than your own faith? I’m glad I have The experience of both sides. Bigotry is a heavy weight to carry. Once again I ask who are you.?What’s your experience ? why do you hurt so much and attack that which you don’t understand. You talk in your blog about “we”. Who is we. Willy Frazer comes to mind. This is where I unsubscribe from this site and will no longer read anything you publish. If you want to share the gospel share it. But I see nothing of it in your actions sir. If there was anything in what you say surely you would have followers on your FB page and more comments on this. No need to reply I won’t be reading it tommy McVarnock
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Tommy,
We will reply to you regardless and question why you would ask so many questions before saying you don’t want a reply.
It doesn’t matter where anyone comes from, what we are doing is highlighting the evils of Rome and pointing out where Protestant church leaders are corrupting the gospel by mingling with it.
There is, sadly, very few true Christians left in England but you certainly show you don’t understand when you say Christians there wouldn’t consider themselves Protestant.
Any true Christian should recognise the importance of the Protestant Reformation as it was this which led us out of the darkness of Romanism and its many lies and blasphemies.
Your attitude is somewhat concerning and mystifying. If, as you claim, you have been converted from Popery, then why oh why are you against its errors being highlighted?
Any Roman Catholics who were then truly converted whom we have encountered are among the most strident opposers of Romanism. That you don’t share that attitude is concerning.
We are not in the least surprised that you bring accusations of bigotry, but this is simply about earnest contention for the faith (Jude v 3) and reproving the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
Such efforts have always been foolishly condemned as such.
1 Peter 2:7-8 speaks of this: “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”
We can assure you we do understand what we are talking about – you don’t have to have been a Roman Catholic to understand it. Why have you still got a loyalty to Rome? This is most troubling.
We’re also not sure if you have actually been looking at our facebook page as we have in the region of 500 followers.
However, we are not interested in simple numbers, though the level of interest in our page has amazed us and caused us to praise the Lord for His goodness.
You may choose to shut up your ears but we believe you are very foolish to do so.
Zechariah 7:11-13: “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts”.
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