The Religious Spirit: Is There A Spirit Of Religion In Your Church??? 

I love that you guys always consistently strive to stay in scripture. The word is seriously underrated. When I need peace ( daily) I listen to the Bible when I want to be closer to god the Bible is there for me. I can literally feel the love of God in his word. One king all glory to Christ Jesus.

I realize that you receive many requests for shows, but would you consider doing a show about theophostic ministry (and/or SOZO)? I know a few people who have gone through sessions of these ministries, and I have some unease about them but also don't want to dismiss something if it is biblical and helpful for God's people. I admire your evaluations of various charismatic teachings through both biblical and pastoral lenses.

“Religion is simply what man does with the presence of God.” Abraham Heschel Religion versus relationship is a false dichotomy. And narrowing Christianity into just a relationship I think it’s a mistake. Seeing it is just a relationship puts too much emphasis on hearing from God personally and I think it tends to exclude sacramental practice and the importance of the church body. In other words it seems like it’s a “both and” not ether or.

I really respect all of you, I appreciate the sensible, thoughtful way you all discuss heavy matters. I do take exception to Mr. Roundtrees comment, what I heard was that if I am not part of an organized church I am not a Christian, maybe I didn’t understand your heart. I have walked away from organized religion because of the harsh judgement, gossip and prideful attitudes that have been held over me and have hurt my heart. I have walked out of “Churches” feeling shamed and unworthy more than I have walked out of “Churches” feeling loved. This may it may not be a problem with a “Religious Spirit” all I know is Jesus the Christ didn’t leave broken hurting people who cashed out to Him in a worse condition than He found them. I met with many different people, we talk about The Lord, we worship The Lord, we support and encourage one another. Blessings and prayers 🙏🙏🙏

Love the episode. I’ve been hearing “religious spirit” frequently thrown around recently. Appreciate the insight on this. Side note: Miller talked about taking Communion and how some churches see it only as a symbol and practice it maybe once a month. Have y’all done an episode on the practice of taking Communion and some of the different beliefs surrounding it? Having been raised Lutheran, what I’ve been taught differs slightly than what I’m seeing taught in the circles I’m in today (similar to what I believe Miller was talking about). Anyways, always love hearing all three of your theological insights when it comes to these topics.

There are some early copies of Luke that have the woman caught in adultery, suggesting that it was known, valued and belongs somewhere in the NT.

Good to see Gavin Ortlund on again, I think he's great, his irenic approach is sorely needed and he has a really calming voice too!

Does Miller have that photo posted online somewhere? It would be interesting to see. Thx.

At 30 minutes: Amen, amen! Michael Rowntree, I couldn't agree more with what you said about the church vs the 18th golf hole. I can't count how many times I've heard this taught (and believed) as "true church," and it grieves me so much. Very well said!

I got saved at an altar call, but the Christian ensured that I truly understood what I was doing before praying Psalm 51, making sure I was "born not of the will of man, but of God". But generally, mass altar calls bring goats among the sheep, and what pastor (Pentecostal or cessationist) doesn't want huge numbers in their church?

I humbley request some prayers for my father Keith. He is having some severe issues with his prostate and his eyes. He is in a lot of pain so I am reaching out for prayers for healing and strength as he has a really hard time with doctors. He has been undergoing injections in his eyes due to macular degeneration and its about all he can handle. We've been praying like crazy for him and praise God we've seen some progress. The doctors at one point were even surprised at how well he was doing. But the process of enduring those treatments is hard for him. Now his prostate is acting up really bad. He lives In Florida and I live In Montana so we don't get to see each other alot. He brought me to the Lord so I'm trying to reach out and get some prayers and blessings going for him. It's the least I can do for the man that introduced me to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless you and thank you.

I remember the 70's and 80's there was a demon for everything. Never mind that our minds work in patterns.

The Law - Jennifer - is not religion in the disdainful way you are addressing it. The Law is good and right and true.

I believe a religious spirit is the opposite of the freedom that Christ came when he said it is for freedom I set you free! Anyway, that's what I've encountered. It shows up especially in places at church when you're worshiping with a tiny bit of freedom i.e. raising hands, moving a little bit. Standing up , speaking praises when appropriate...etc

There’s a spirit of religion and of legalistic it’s causes self righteousness in people 😬

When it comes to the idea of a religious spirit the first question we need to ask is does the Bible say anything about this? If not than it’s clearly something that God didn’t feel was necessary to reveal to us or is even a real thing. There’s two kind of people in the world. Ones that are dead to sin and those that are dead in sin which includes the religious Pharisee types. They need to be born again. God made it clear to us we don’t need to go beyond the text of scripture.

Some people call the charismatic religious or that they have a religious spirit because of how we are into miracles and the supernatural. So it goes both ways. I agree that we cannot say that people have a religious spirit and not have unity in Christ as brothers and sisters.

Can you share the video of Isaiah please. I’d like to listen to the whole thing.

I love that you guys take Scripture and theology seriously...but don't take yourselves too seriously.

'You don't know what spirit you're of' in Luke 9:55 isn't actually there in the Greek. ESV, ASV, NIV, NLT, Berean Bible all omit this due to the lack of it in the manuscript tradition.

The irony of Jennifer LeClaire teaching against "religious spirits" when she clearly manifests the spirit (or better, the "Secret Power" or "Mystery") of Lawlessness is rather telling. And quite sad.

Mr. Miller you can't talk about a picture of a evil sprint and not share with the rest of us.

I have observed that many extra biblical worldviews find a place among Charismatic ideas and communities. Ideas that the Bible never talks about or are a degree off from something that might be biblical. Either way, there is clearly a wrong heart behind these views that manifest in certain practices among charismatics. To speak against these things is interpreted as "putting God in a box" or "the religious spirit." To offer correction, even to a church leader, is seen as demonic. Your show that mentioned a pastor who believes the Bible teaches he can time travel, if you speak against this then you have the Spirit of religion by this twisted definition. That is since the Bible never affirms nor disputes the idea. This is truly sad! Charismatic communities are both exhausting and, in my observation, void of the real heart that these Jesus communities are ment to have. It is a Christian subculture that is built around one thing, the neglected gifts. History has shown that when a subculture is born from the neglect of an idea or a people, nothing good can come from it. As it is with all movements, it must mature and grow into adulthood. To get there is very costly it seems. Very sad.

Listening to isaiah Salvador, makes me anxious. He needs to lighten up on the caffeine.

I certainly have not read that term in Scripture, but maybe the religious spirit is along the same lines as the evil spirit that plagued King Saul. We can't build a doctrine on the terms "religious spirit" or "injurious spirit" but some may be oppressed by a spirit of religion or violence.

Wish you could share that picture!

What would you guys say about self-made religion mentioned in Colossians 2:23?

I believe that you all are wonderful brothers! Thanks for you amazing ministry. However, may I disagree with your 3rd Wave biases? I served the Lord for a while without the Power of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Later on when I was Baptized with the Holy Spirit I spoke in Tongues like Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19 and my Boldness to Witness became a Thousand Fold!! Why? I believe that one can believe in Jesus and not receive the Power to Witness. Look at Acts 8, they believed and were even Water Baptized but the Holy Spirit did not fall upon them until later. Also in Acts 11, and 15, when Peter spoke about Cornelius, he said, that God put no difference between us and them, and gave them the same gift the Apostles received in Acts 2. How did they know? Their only evidence was they heard them speak in Tongues! Also, in Acts 19, Paul asked certain disciples if they received the Holy Spirit since, or when they believed? Why even ask that question if people receive the Spirit at belief?? If I believed like the 3rd Wave I would have never received the fullness of the Power to witness. Why? Because, the only normative pattern in the Book of Acts is receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit, is repentance, water Baptism, Spirit Baptism with the evidence of Tongues. I’m not saying there are no exceptions but the normative pattern is different!! Should we preach the exception or the normal New Testament pattern? Why do so many non-Charismatic people and even Pastors, completely change and become bold witnesses after they receive the Power of the Spirit with the evidence of other tongues??

Anyone can be obedience is way u are to ppl u get wat u give n if u know person is fucken mentally from everything a a person been through and hold in so obviously their mind is going be what they know n are n how they been acting

The Pharisees and the Sadducee’s had a religious spirit

I think binding people's conscience to an extra biblical standard or personal preference is the dangerous type of religion. It can destroy someones faith and confuse them. I agree the law is binding and we still use it to show the need for Jesus but some organizations have "laws" that aren't biblical. Theres a RU-vid video called "Beards aren't Apostolic" yall should look up and critique

At least you'll always be able to look back and know you owe me money

That's how I understood that yes'they box the Holy Spirit. In other words God gave Isaiah Salvador Revelation of the word

If you receive the Holy Ghost at salvation why did Paul asked in acts 19 :2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

What DO you say Women preachers or pastors. Can women be called to preach or teach and not be called to be a pastor? Note I believe women are called to preach. I am quetioning pastor?

Without yet watching the video I have seen a form of godliness in church that denies the power and upholds traditions of men over room for the gifts of the Holy Spirit - that could be described as a religious spirit but is not necessarily a demonic spirit dedicated to that job of holding people into a powerless religion. I have also seen the term 'religious spirit' used as an accusation against anybody who would dare to call out false teachers, false apostles and false prophets. The term is commonly used in that context to paint a person as a Pharisee and a heresy hunter who denies the power of God. Now to watch the video and have my observations destroyed due to lack of straight Biblical evidence...

It would also "make sense" that the demonic realm would want to convince Christians that gifts and power of the Spirit "aren't for today"... I get what Josh is saying.. were all wrong.. maybe I'm wrong saying this... but we should look at what would motivate the demonic to want us to believe that.

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; ..... ? Matthew 23:1‭-‬2 NASB

Can we see Millers picture of the demonic spirit in the church please?

I would associate religious spirit with legalism

“I have a wife” 😂

Is Jennifer LeClaire recording in Miller's basement, too?

This environment is bad shit everyone left then I did well try to because I haven't slept comfortable so I try do my hair n shit but least I try I'm tired a.f n head is hurting but I got fight it cus my family weird

Grow in the grace of the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, rather than in the knowledge of doctrine, apologetics and theology.. not to say don't gleen understanding from the scriptures but by allowing the Holy Spirit to interpret it for us and not by the need to know, to be seen by man to be intelligent and even reasonable. Isaiah's salvation was radical and beautiful.. the people he's helped, the work for the kingdom of heaven undeniable.. he's just getting on and doing the works if God rather than discussing everything at length, ad- nausium. I appreciate you guys and your clean minds and understanding though, just a little exhortation as this is your speciality and should therefore be likewise received and considered.. God bless 🙏

Hey basement boy... I like ur hat! :)

I wish Michael Roundtree was my Pastor😊

I asked once before but Noone answered. What spirit is that beast in the back with the tats. He looks a bit off. 😳

You can't find "religious spirit" in the Bible.

I keep seeing RU-vid videos on this being the year of Kingdom Marriages. People are "prophesying" this. Have you heard of this?

There is no “Spirit of religion.” Jesus was never against the Pharisees and sadducees because they were religious. Every time they were rebuked by Jesus it was for “hypocrisy”. In fact Jesus was known for following the Jewish customs and traditions of that day!

Then stop bullying so ppl don't do things that they don't wanna feel pain is called 12 steps of na and aa relapse sobriety

Good luck getting a lot ppl sober lol cus we lost hahaha

Oooh. That whole "women are victims; poor us" vibe of the LeClair clip is cringe.

Amen 1:00

Stop yelling I can't listen no more my ears feel like is going burst

You guys are not even close to what Isaiah Saldivar believes. It's pretty sad that you can cut and paste what clearly he is not preaching with your opinions. Get to know his preaching. He does not teach the second blessing. That is the Nazarene doctrine. He does not preach you must have the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues to be saved! You are so far off its embarrassing and I'm supposed to trust you guys come prepared to opine on a man of God or any other doctrine when you are so off base today? I doubt you'll see me back in the comments. Good bye.

I used to love these hyped of sermons, but now they irritate me. hahahahaha My hubby love Isaiah, and I don't know why....hahahaha

Is u ppl that doing this not us u ppl cus u know what going on

God god god and yet ya talk bout spirits devil and entity's

Why u hide urself

There is absolutely a demonic spirit of religion.

I didn't watch the video but you guys are stating to go down some bad roads. For one the apostolic signs have ceased. There are no tongues or healing gifts. The modern church have the rock concerts and these certain drum beats and music that make them think it's the holy spirit and start head banging and raising their hand and it's all BS. There is not any baptism of the holy spirit except when you accept the gospel you are baptized by the holy spirit into the body of Christ. You guys are really falling away it's sad bro.

Are people perhaps redefining religion as legalism?

Religion is always WHAT we do. It should never be WHY we do it. Peeling back the layers of legalism and superstition off of our religion is necessary as we mature in Christ.

Yes, the pejorative use of "religion" is a serious problem. I find it is often used against people who appreciate a proper exegesis of scripture. We need both a relationship and a sound exegesis.

Thank you 3 for saying what I have been thinking on this ‘religious spirit’ for so long and on ‘religion’ as well! Im glad there are fellow Charismatics as your selves because so many blindly just malign the idea of religion even tho the religious elements are obviously key to our faith or else we would be something else

I would still like to see you guys comprise a show dealing with freemasonry

The Pharisees, in Scripture, use the law to promote their own will. The law was good and right and true. And from God himself. But the Pharisees, did not look at their own sin and possibly didn't even think they had sin. I believe the religious spirit is a form of hypocrisy. We promote a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. Also, we are willing to judge and look in other people's closets without looking in our own, first.

Sorry I just want to correct myself and acknowledge the evident weighing of things in love and through a lense of calm consideration. Especially the comment about not judging ppls inward intentions or state of heart towards God, based on outward expression of Zeal, I often think this and meditate much on outward sin and the inward conditions of man, the beatitudes and how ppl can develop a sort of brutish viewpoint and or judgement toward others walks.

John bevere states, that a religious spirit, is when someone uses the word of God, to promote their own will

Just a thought on lawlessness. Have you ever done anything on Hebrew roots? I tend to see a return to the law by that group (pork … etc).

Soooo appreciative of you guys and your thoughtful critique of things! Pluses and minuses of different styles of Christianity and still maintaining and seeking some balance or 'in the radical middle' kind of thing. And I think you understand what I am referring to:) It feels like such a breath of fresh air to me. Grew up classically Pentecostal and became loaded with questions as I went to my churches Bible College and eventually learned and spent a LOT of time in some of the earlier Vineyard expressions of the mid 80s to the early 2000s. Dating myself a bit! Know of any friends or churches in the N Seattle, WA areas that you know that I could possibly connect with? And any listeners know of somewhere? Love the podcast BTW! Greatly encouraged often...thx and God Bless you guys!

Also, an important new revelation and question, how did they know the Holy Spirit was not yet given in Acts 8? Please answer this for me?

Amazing how many "spirits" afflict the Ekklesia. If you can't see/sense the spirits, just disagree with someone's view point and you will be accused of having some negative spirit active in your life. Maybe it would be better to have some actual discipleship in the "Body" and a lot less of teaching people on how to come up with a labels/boxes to cast everyone into. Are we not supposed to become more like Yeshua/Jesus? Or are we supposed to be of Calvin, Arminius, of the Reformed, of the Charismatics, of the Messianics, etc. No wonder the "Church" is such a mess. Too many labels and not enough doing what Jesus us told us to do.

If there is such a thing as a “religious spirit,” it is summed up by Paul in his second letter to the church as Corinth: _“Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech - unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. _*_For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away._*_ Now the Lord is the Spirit; and _*_where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty._*_ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, _*_are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord_*_ (II Corinthians 3:12-18)._ The “religious spirit” exists wherever people live pursuant to the old covenant rather than the new (see Jeremiah 31:31-34 in conjunction with I Corinthian 3:3, John 3:3, Psalms 103:12 and Luke 22:20). One cannot put new wine (new covenant) into old wineskins (old covenant). _”Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:17)._ Maranatha

It’s clear that the “religious spirit” that is falsely spoken of is a dig against people who don’t accept the charismatic gifts. There are true/strong believers in this category, yet Jesus wouldn’t be against them…he was against the Pharisee who did not know God, because they sought to follow their own man-made religion. Saldivar has a warped understanding of the scripture and therefore wrongly mischaracterizes this religious spirit.

Why would you bring up a photo, discuss it, and then never show the audience what you're talking about? Especially when it can help expose the enemy?

Ah yes the spirit of religion. That one dies last. Along with the intellectual spirit. Ask me how I know.

Codey is a stupid code internal revenue the stupid code u use to login to ur account of investment or some shit

Why does that religious spirit looks like Michael Miller?

I would call it more a Pharisees spirit

Beloved brothers of the Lord, when is Mr. Miller/Basement boy's book coming out on Revelation? How can I order it?

good example josh

Music ritual hahah

Omg lol

*1. Why did the women go to the tomb?* *2. Who/what did they encounter there?* *3. How did the tomb become opened?* *4. What did the women see in the tomb?* *5. What are the women instructed to do?* *6. What did they do upon leaving there?* *7. Does Jesus appear to these women?*

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭36‬-‭37‬

John 8 never specified whether the woman was caught in adultery at that time, or if she had been caught at a previous time. Perhaps she was waiting to stand trial for her crimes? Perhaps the man’s sentence had already been carried out? There’s also no mention of them actually picking up stones to stone her on the spot. This would have been mob violence, and a total violation of the law. There’s just so much that the passage doesn’t specify, and so we make our assumptions. They were asking Jesus if she should be stoned. Not necessarily if they should stone her on the spot. Jesus upheld the law. He didn’t break it. Also, Under the Roman military occupation, it would have been lawless to execute someone by stoning. This would have violated the law of the land command.

Please I need prayers for someone 🙏 she's about to undergo surgery. Please. Pray for every Karen name in the world 🙏

Awesome episode. I would like to hear you go over the “spirit of religion” again. It doesn’t sit well with me to refer this spirit, as religion spirit. The word religion can be a positive word. Religion to me means, relationship with God. I am soo sick of people using the religion word as a negative term. I sure would like to see a part 2. Thank you gentlemen.

12:35 Guys like this have no theological nuance, historical insight, or biblical accuracy. Maybe it’s because they have to preach every time they speak and speak so intensely like they are on the pot trying to squeeze one out.

Maybe it be best instead of naming spirit of xyz to say Im sensing that the enemy is using xyz verbal adjective in this way etc etc

Forgive me but I lost confidence in Religion ... But have Faith in spirituality still

I've grown up in church...in this one particular sanctuary I used to play hide & seek as a child. I would feel so scared in there...even as an adult when I go into this same sanctuary I feel cold & scared. I would 100% believe a " spirit" is in there.

Nice to hear AM radio style wingnut preaching that's actually anointed!

Well done Rowntree on your view of religion. Nailed it.

Can I see the pic mentioned at 8:45?

I want to see the picture … 😁

39:27 can you say straw-man?

Alexander Pagani was in the live chat. He's connected to Isaiah Saldivar. Responding to some of Pagani's content would be helpful as well.