FALSE PROPHET ALERT!Matt 24:23-26 Fulfilled in Your Hearing!
Previous failed prophecies of Benny Hinn, made on New Year's eve of 1989:
The Spirit tells Benny that Castro will die in the 90's. (© 1989 by Benny Hinn)
Orlando Christian Center, Dec. 31st, 1989.
"The Spirit tells me - Fidel Castro will die - in the 90's. Oooh my! Some will try to kill him and they will not succeed. But there will come a change in his physical health, and he will not stay in power, and Cuba will be visited of God."
- Benny Hinn.
The Lord tells Benny that homosexuals in America will be destroyed by fire by 1995. (© 1989 by Benny Hinn)
Orlando Christian Center, Dec. 31st, 1989.
"The Lord also tells me to tell you in the mid 90's, about '94-'95, no later than that, God will destroy the homosexual community of America. [audience applauds] But He will not destroy it - with what many minds have thought Him to be, He will destroy it with fire. And many will turn and be saved, and many will rebel and be destroyed."
- Benny Hinn.
Note that Benny Hinn claimed that God revealed the above prophecies to him. Now either God has erred, or Benny Hinn invented these prophecies and he never heard from God. The truth should be obvious - Benny Hinn does not hear from God, he is without doubt a false prophet.
Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Ezek 13:2 [NIV] "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: 'Hear the word of the LORD!Ezek 13:3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!Ezek 13:4 Your prophets, O Israel, are like jackals among ruins.Ezek 13:5 You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the LORD.Ezek 13:6 Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, "The LORD declares," when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.Ezek 13:7 Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, "The LORD declares," though I have not spoken?Ezek 13:8 "'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign LORD.Ezek 13:9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.
Now with that kind of record for Benny Hinn, Trinity Broadcasting Network began its Spring 2000 fundraising Praise-A-Thon with some rather astounding claims. On the April 2nd TBN program, Benny Hinn claimed that God is about to make a major move to anoint the people of God, as soon as Israel signs a treaty with the ailing Hafez Al-Assad* of Syria, which will likely be within the next year. This will signal the impending large scale shift of financial wealth from the wicked to those obedient to God. But, in order to benefit from this unprecedented supernatural anointing, you must be obedient to God and sow your financial seed (to TBN) now!
However, its not the money that really concerns God, its your total obedience. The greatest danger that Christians face now, according to Hinn, is disobedience against God by not contributing financially to the coming harvest of God with your seed money! You must be willing to give your all, in order to demonstrate your true obedience. In fact, Benny revealed that God is even now healing those who call in their contributions to TBN. But this is not selling healing for money, he says, it is God blessing those who are truly obedient and worthy to receive his coming unusual anointing! Indeed, God will even be saving people you know as you are calling in your pledge to TBN. Great signs and wonders are anticipated this coming year, and Benny even told Paul Crouch to expect that there will be dead people raised this year! (R. W. Schambach claimed to have raised a dead man on another later TBN program, in addition to healing the blind, deaf, mute, and lame.) The implication is that you will be bypassed by God and miss out on the supernatural anointing to come if you are not totally obedient to God and call in your pledge to TBN now!
* The death of Assad on June 10th 2000 shows that Benny Hinn did not know what he was talking about, and is further proof that he is a false prophet, if any more evidence was needed.
Benny Hinn's failed prophecy of a peace treaty with Syria's Hafez Al-Assad (© April 2nd, 2000 by TBN) Note: this clip has been edited for the sake of file size, and has several places where content has been edited out. A brief pause occurs at those points.
On the 25th of July, 2000 (© July 25th, 2000 by TBN) when peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in Washington, Benny Hinn again appeared on a TBN program and said, regarding the recent death of Hafez Al-Assad and his failure to make peace with Israel, - "...it was God's plan for it not to happen, really."
Perhaps God had not foreseen Assad's death, or neglected to tell Benny about it, and maybe God had also misinformed Benny about His alleged "coming move" that was merely weeks or a few months away. That, or God does not talk to Benny Hinn, and Benny invented the entire "move of God" thing in order to extract money from TBN viewers. Which is more likely?
JESUS WILL APPEAR PHYSICALLYBEFORE THE SECOND COMING!
Is there nothing that TBN or Benny Hinn will not stoop to in order to extract money from viewers? Well, to top everything, Benny Hinn claimed that Jesus is now physically appearing in Moslem countries, and he predicted on the April 2nd 2000 TBN broadcast that Jesus will appear physically very soon in many churches to signal the nearness of the second coming, and that Jesus would also appear physically on the stage at his crusade in Nairobi Kenya (29th -30th of April, 2000)! He told Paul Crouch he might very well have video of Jesus on the stage when he returned from his trip to Kenya!
Benny Hinn prophesying Jesus' soon appearance.Image © 2000 by TBN
Listen to these startling claims for yourself:
Jesus is appearing physically to Muslims: © 2000 by TBN.Real VideoWindows MediaWindows Media (Best Quality)Here is a transcript of this clip:
April 2nd, 2000 - TBN Praise-a-thon
"Ladies and gentleman, Jesus is shaking the world! Now something else is happening that is to me awesome! Absolutely awesome! The Lord is physically appearing in the Muslim world. I'm telling you, Paul, I am hearing it now more and more and more. Since we preachers cannot go there, Jesus is - just going there Himself. Since we preachers are not permitted to go in, He is just showing up - Himself. You know the Scriptures says clearly that the Lord did appear, did He not? Ah for forty days, isn't that right? And the, and the, and the Scriptures says he, he, he even, he even appeared to Paul. Now we are always thinking, well Jesus can't really preach, preach the Gospel. Who told you that? He was the first one to preach the Gospel. In fact He is the one who came to Paul and said, Paul, I am Jesus. He, He didn't send no angel to do that job. He did it Himself. If Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, why not reveal Himself to a lot more than just Paul? And He is doing it! The reason the Lord had to appear to Paul is because He knew Paul wouldn't listen to nobody else. Now in the case of Cornelius, the angel said send for Peter, 'cause, because Cornelius was, was ready, his heart was right, he'd been in prayer. But here's Paul killing everybody, causing 'em to blaspheme, Jesus said this man won't even listen to an angel, so I'll go do the job myself. So He went and knocked him right off his horse and preached the Gospel to him. He's doing the same thing today in the Muslim world. He's appearing, hear this, He is appearing to Muslims, saying I am Jesus of Nazareth! And they're coming to know the Lord! Why are those things happening? It's the last days! Saints, this is why we need to give to the Gospel now more than ever. You know naively say well I gave last year. Forget it! Last year it's gone! That cycle is over with! Seed time - harvest of last year is gone. Every season is a fresh season. We are in a fresh season. What, what you gave last year will not reap you anything this year. What you gave even a few months ago is gone, you got the harvest for that."
- Benny Hinn
The failed prophecy that Jesus would appear physically in Nairobi, Kenya: © 2000 by TBNReal VideoWindows MediaWindows Media (Best Quality)
Here is a transcript of this clip:
April 2nd, 2000 - TBN Praise-a-thon
"The hour is urgent. Many of you have known me for many years. But I am telling you right now, things I haven't said years 'n years 'n years ago. I believe - here this, hear this! I believe, that Jesus, God's Son, is about to appear physically, in meetings and to believers around the world, to wake us up! He appeared after His resurrection and He is about to appear before His second coming! You know a prophetess sent me a word through my wife, right here, and she said 'Tell your husband that Jesus is go'n to physically appear in his meetings.' I am expecting to see, I am telling you that - I feel it's going to happen. I, I, I'm, I'm careful in how I am saying it now, because I know the people in Kenya are listening. I know deep in my soul, something supernatural is going to happen in Nai - in Nairobi Kenya. I feel that. I may very well come back, and you and Jan are coming, to - Paul and Jan are coming to Nairobi with me, but Paul, we may very well come back with footage of Jesus on the platform! You know that the Lord appeared in Romania recently, and there's a video of it? Where the Lord appeared in the back of a church and you see him on video walking down the isle? Yeah! Paul do you remember when I came on TBN years ago and showed you a clip of the Lord appearing in our church in Orlando, on the balcony on the wall? Yeah. You, you remember that? [Paul Crouch] Very well, I saw it! [Benny Hinn] That was '80, 80 something, '86, what - whatever. You know I always wondered why the Lord, why did He do that? Do you know why, now I look back? That was the beginning of the greatest move of God in our church. Because '83, '84, and '85 were horrible years for me, horrible years. Eighty-six the blessings of God began, but they began with a - with this manifestation of the Lord's face on, on the balcony, that stayed for eight weeks. Eight solid weeks! The Lord has done this in the past, but He is about to do it again, now hear this, I am prophesying this! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is about to appear physically in some churches, and some meetings, and to many of His people, for one reason - to tell you He is about to show up! To Wake Up! Jesus is coming saints! You have held back from the Lord in the past, don't you dare do it now. The day will come you'll stand before Him and give an answer. How dare we not give to God. How dare we hold back."
- Benny Hinn.
Benny repeated his claim that Jesus will be appearing physically at his crusade(s) about 10 minutes into the 20 April, 2000 This is Your day program. © 2000 Benny Hinn Ministries.Real VideoWindows MediaWindows Media (Best Quality)
Here is a transcript of the relevant portions:
April 20th, 2000 - This Is Your Day
"Ruth Heflin: the Lord spoke to her recently, and she called my wife and told her to tell me, that Jesus said to her, that He will appear physically on the platform in one of our crusades. [Harald Bredesen] My! [Benny] She said, 'Tell Benny, that the Lord told me, that He is going to appear physically, on the platform, and the crowds will see Him, on the platform.' [Harald Bredesen] Jesus! [Benny] Dear God my hair is standing up! [Harald Bredesen] Praise God! [Benny] It may very well happen in Nashville!" ...
"... think about what's going to happen when the people, thousands, she said thousands will see the Lord on the, on the, on the platform! Lord may it happen in every crusade this year in Jesus mighty name."
- Benny Hinn.
At the beginning of the April 21st, 2000 This Is Your Day program, Benny again repeated his belief that Jesus would appear physically at the Nairobi Crusade: 21 April, 2000. © 2000 Benny Hinn Ministries.Real VideoWindows MediaWindows Media (Best Quality)
Here is a transcript of a portion of that program:
April 21st, 2000 - This Is Your Day
"You know, yesterday on the program I was telling you and the audience here that Ruth Heflin, the prophetess, had sent me a word from the Lord, where she said that the Lord had spoken to her clearly, that, a, for me to prepare myself, for the Lord is going to visibly appear, on the platform, in one of our crusades. I pray it'll happen in every crusade. But I have a feeling, I am just telling you honestly, I have even told some of our staff, when I go to Kenya, I am going to Kenya in just a few days from now, a million people will be in Kenya, Nairobi. I feel in my being it is going to happen there. So pray for us as we go to Kenya. I pray it will happen tonight, at the good Friday service in Nashville. I pray it will happen in every crusade."
- Benny Hinn.
On the May 2nd, 2000 This Is Your Day, Benny again repeated that Jesus will physically appear at his crusades: (Programs are recorded 3 weeks in advance, so this program was recorded before the Nairobi Crusade.) © 2000 Benny Hinn MinistriesReal VideoWindows MediaWindows Media (Best Quality)
Here is a transcript of the relevant portion:
May 2nd, 2000 - This Is Your Day
"And I know, that I know, that I know, we are about to see the greatest manifestations of God's presence ever! A prophetess named Ruth Heflin sent me a word recently and told me to get ready, to see, physical manifestations of Christ on the platforms in our crusades, that people will have visions of the Lord in the meetings. Those things have happened in the past, I know. In a Thialagua (spelling?) meeting one time in Africa, the Lord appeared to a - to the whole crowd! It is about to begin happening, I know it too! Expect it, to happen also, in your own home!"
- Benny Hinn.
[NOTE: physical manifestations and visions are two different things. A physical manifestation of Christ would involve a literal in-the-flesh appearance, likely to be visible to everyone, while a vision would be a private dream, seen only in the mind of the beholder.]
Benny should have invited the world press to witness such a great event! Millions would surely have journeyed to Nairobi just to be present, but, can it be true? Will Jesus really appear physically at any of Benny's Crusades?
The Testimony of Scripture
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.Mat 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Rest assured that Jesus will not be visiting Benny Hinn's crusades in person, nor will he be physically appearing at any other meetings, secret chambers or churches, since Benny Hinn clearly contradicts scripture.
Here is an audio clip 29mar2000 (© 2000 by Benny Hinn Ministries) from the "This Is Your Day" program of March 29th, 2000, when Benny apparently first announced that Jesus would appear at his meetings. This occurred about 10 minutes into the program. Here is a transcript of the clip:
March 29th, 2000 - This Is Your Day
"Let me tell you something. The Holy Spirit has already told me He is about to show up. And you know, oh, I gotta tell you this quickly, just before we go. I had a word of prophecy from Ruth Heflin, you know who Ruth Heflin is? Ruth prophesied over me back in the seventies and everything she said has happened. She just sent me a word through my wife and said the Lord spoke to her audibly and said that He is going to appear physically in one of our crusades in the next few months. Yeah, she - I'm telling ya - she said, the Lord spoke to her audibly and said, 'Tell Benny I'm going to appear physically on the platform in his meetings'. Lord, do it in Phoenix Arizona in the name of Jesus! And in Kenya too, Lord, please, Lord, in fact, do it in every crusade. In Jesus' name."
- Benny Hinn
"FIRE ... FIRE ... FIRE"
Notably, Benny in the March 29th program showed a video clip of a Toronto Canada crusade where he was slaying young people in the spirit saying "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE, ... put FIRE on these kids ... He's being electrocuted by God's power ... Fire on you ... I never thought I would see this in Canada, ... FIRE, FIRE, FIRE." The stage was nearly full of young people who had fallen down and were incapacitated under the alleged imparting of the Holy Spirit. There is no scriptural precedent for "slaying in the spirit". In fact, it is contrary to the scriptural nature of the Holy Spirit to knock down or incapacitate people, even briefly. Acts chapter 2, which describes the great initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, doesn't have the slightest hint of anyone being "slain in the spirit." The baptism of fire (Matt 3:11, Luke 3:16) was a visible tongue of fire above the head (Acts 2:3) and not an incapacitating "electrocution." Slaying in the Spirit is simply unbiblical, and should be considered a counterfeit!
Signs and wonders may be happening at Benn Hinn crusades, but according to scripture, there can be false and misleading miracles, designed to deceive if possible even the very elect of God:
False Prophets Work Miracles That Deceive!
Jan Crouch shows the Sunday Standard newspaperreport on Benny Hinn's Nairobi Crusade on TBN's"Behind the Scenes" Image © 2000 by TBN
Rev 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, (See update below)Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
So by what means will the elect of God avoid being deceived by false signs, wonders, and miracles? When the government teaches people how to spot counterfeit money, it is not the fake that they study intently, it is the genuine article. When you know the genuine, the fake is then very easy to spot. The only way to spot the false prophets, false signs and wonders, and false miracles, is to be so familiar with the word of God, the Bible, that only the genuine will be accepted, and the counterfeit easily discerned.
Simony
Now, listen to this clip: 02apr2000-clip4 (© 2000 by TBN).
April 2nd, 2000 - TBN Praise-a-thon
"And Paul, while you were speaking, the Lord spoke to me, and I have to obey Him. He said, tell Paul - Thank you Lord for this. You know I have been praying about a, something I have asked the Lord for when it comes to the anointing. And the Lord said, you tell Paul, that in the - in the next few months, and I'll - I'll do this in - no more than six months, I will sow $150,000 dollars, into TBN - no I have to - I have to obey the Lord, because the Lord wants to bring something to me in our ministry. You see the ground here is very anointed right now. So Lord, I am doing it now. I am sowing Master, and I am expecting this miracle too Lord. But Lord I am proving myself worthy again of your trust. Lord we know its not the money. We know its our hearts and its our obedience to you when you speak to us. To you be praise Jesus [Benny briefly speaks in tongues] Now some of you, at home, need to do the same."
- Benny Hinn
Benny Hinn, desiring a gift from the Holy Spirit (the anointing), represents God as commanding him to give a large sum of money to TBN in order to receive his requested spiritual gift. This suggests that God sells spiritual gifts for a price. Scripture deals explicitly with this situation, and it has been called Simony ever since it was first attempted by Simon the sorcerer:
Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Necromancy
On the 4th and 5th of May 2000, Benny Hinn had as a guest, Dr. D. G. S. Dhinakaran of Jesus Calls ministry in India, who claims to have been to heaven and back multiple times. While in heaven, he claims to have spoken with Jesus, God the Father, and the apostles Peter and Paul. He described the apostle Paul as a short man, and his spirit soul in heaven still bears the marks of his trials and tribulations while on this earth. The soul in heaven, according to Dr. Dhinakaran, retains the outward appearance of the earthly physical body, which he says, is why Moses could be recognized by the apostles at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:3, Mark 9:4, Luke 9:30).
Again, knowing what scripture teaches about the state of the dead, it becomes clear that Dr. Dhinakaran's visits to heaven are either concocted, or delusional deceptions, because he could not possibly have spoken to the disembodied souls of Peter and Paul. In fact, he is basically repeating Satan's first lie in the garden of Eden to Eve, see What really happens when you Die? Moses was not at the transfiguration as a bodyless soul, he had been resurrected (Jude 9), and was as much present in the flesh at the transfiguration as Elijah and Jesus, but Peter and Paul are both still dead, asleep in the grave, awaiting their resurrection at the second coming. Claiming to have contacted the dead (Peter and Paul), is actually necromancy, and is forbidden as an abomination by God:
Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.Deu 18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
The state of the dead is a crucial point to understand as we near the end of time, because it allows one to discern the truth and exposes the deceptions of false prophets and deceiving spirits.
NEWS FROM NAIROBI
Benny Hinn - A False Prophet!
Four Die at Benny Hinn's Nairobi "Miracle Crusade"! (Reuters)
Hundreds Attend Historic Crusade (Nation Newspapers Limited)
Sick baby dies at Benny Hinn crusade (Nation Newspapers Limited)
"I have never seen so much money in my life"
"We counted the money for two days... I have never seen so much money in my life," says Charles Babbler, who hosted the Benny Hinn miracle crusade in April, attended by an estimated 1.2 million faithful. - Daily Mail & Guardian, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 7th, 2000.
2 Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 Pet 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.2 Pet 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Benny Hinn was the guest on the May 9th Behind the Scenes program of TBN with Jan Crouch, and video from his Nairobi Crusade was shown, but there was not even the slightest mention of Jesus physically appearing, and neither did Benny Hinn explain why the widely prophesied appearance had not happened.
The point needs to made that Benny Hinn is a false prophet, not just because Jesus failed to appear in Nairobi, but because scripture in advance warned us not to believe a word of what he was saying. Should some supernatural being appear at a future Benny Hinn crusade, it will not be Jesus, no matter how impressive, and no matter what "miracles" are done in the name of Jesus. Again, we have been warned by Jesus Himself in scripture:
Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.Mat 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
False Prophets call down false fire from Heaven.
A little over a minute and a half into the May 24th / June 8th, 2000, "This is your day" program, Benny Hinn claimed that "fire is falling down from heaven."
May 24th, 2000 - This Is Your Day
"You know what days these are? The days of Elijah. We are in the days of Elijah! Fire is falling down from heaven!"
- Benny Hinn
Rev 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, (See update below)Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
On his June 7th, 2000, "This is your day" program (© 2000 Benny Hinn Ministries), taped in Nairobi Kenya, Benny Hinn made the following pronouncement, beginning19 minutes into the program:
June 7th, 2000 - This Is Your Day
"Today, I do not say, as the old covenant prophets used to say, "Thus saith the Lord". For thousands of years prophets would say "Thus saith the Lord", and only when they'd say it, the power of God would fall. But this man [Jesus] didn't say "Thus saith the Lord", He just said "I say". He looked at the storm and said "Peace be still". It obeyed Him. He looked at death and said GO! and it fled. He looked at demons and said GO! and they fled. He looked at disease and said GO! and it fled. He never once said "Thus saith the Lord." He just said "I say". Now, here is the amazing thing. He came to the twelve and He went (blow, blow, blow, blow), on all of them, and said "Go in my name." Ladies and gentlemen, you haven't heard me say "Thus saith the Lord", have you? You haven't heard me say "I say", have you? No you know what we say? We don't say "Thus saith the Lord, we don't say "I say", we say I say in the name of Jesus! I say in the name of Jesus! In the name of Jesus! In the name of [crowd] Jesus! [Benny Hinn] The prophets of old said "Thus saith the Lord". Jesus, for thirty years said, "Verily I say unto you". Ever since the resurrection there's been men and women all over this earth, there's been prophets, there's been preachers, there's been evangelists, there's been believers like yourselves who simply stretch the hand and say "I say in the name of Jesus". "I say in the name of Jesus". "I say, in the name [crowd] of Lord Jesus". [Benny Hinn] My brother, when Jesus said "I say" disease fled, demons fled, darkness fled, bondage fled, death fled. And when we say "I say in His name", its the same, because when we say "in His name" He is saying it, when we say "in His name", He is doing it!"
- Benny Hinn
Well, Benny Hinn has prophesied the imminent physical appearance of Jesus (before the actual second coming) in Jesus name, but this clearly contradicts scripture. Merely invoking the name of Jesus does not mean that Jesus will respond to the will of Benny Hinn, or that Jesus is working miracles through Benny Hinn. Featured in the May 24th / June 8th, 2000 program is a clip from the Nairobi Crusade where Benny claims to cast out 13 devils from a Hindu woman. Does this prove Benny Hinn is a man of God? No, it does not!
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Benny Hinn in Nairobi allegedly casting out 13 devils.Image © 2000 by Benny Hinn Ministries
On the June 5th / 9th, 2000, "This is your day" program, is a tape of a Nashville crusade where Benny fills the stage with incapacitated young people "slain in the spirit", an unbiblical and false manifestation of the "fire" of the Holy Spirit being called from heaven.
Benny Hinn in Nashville with a stage full of incapacitatedyoung people that have been "slain in the spirit".Image © 2000 by Benny Hinn Ministries
The August 10th, 2000 "This is your day" featured an extraordinary clip from the recent Chicago crusade where Benny Hinn casts the fire of the Spirit on portions of the audience, and many are "slain", falling in large groups.
False Prophet Goes Forth to the Kings of the Earth!
Benny Hinn gave a crusade in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on April 30-May 1st, 1999 at the invitation of Prime Minister Bill Skate. - Religion Today News Summary of Thursday, May 6, 1999
On the April 21st, 2000 "This is your day" program, Benny Hinn stated that the President of Kenya "would be on the platform", and that "his government was backing up the whole crusade." (See 24 1/2 minutes into the program.)
On the June 12th, 2000 "This is your day" program, Benny Hinn announces that the government of China has given its approval for the "This is your day" program to be aired daily in China, without restrictions, beginning as soon as July 3rd, 2000. China's government has also approved a crusade to be held there by October, and a personal meeting with the Premier of China will be arranged!
Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Benny Hinn gives every appearance of being a False Prophet by scriptural standards, and not a man of God!
Is The Second Coming Imminent?TBN's LAST Tel-A-Thon?
Benny Hinn was the guest preacher on Trinity Broadcasting's fall 2000 Praise-A-Thon on the evening of Tuesday, November 7th. He claimed that God clearly and audibly spoke to him in a vision on the previous Saturday, while under a "fearful anointing" at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania:
The Last Tel-A-Thon (© 2000 by TBN)
November 7th - TBN's Fall 2000 Praise-A-Thon
STOP what you are doing and hear this! The Lord said to me last Saturday, I heard His voice in that church, and He said, "Tell them, time is running out", and His voice was coming in waves in into my heart. "Time is running" and then there was a second voice. Now hear this one. ...
"Tell the people, I am passing by many" Hear this - "I am passing by many and if I pass by it would be as though I never knew them. I am passing by many and if I pass by it would be as though I never knew them." My friend we're all being tested right now on whether we are gonna stick with this or walk away from it. Tonight is decision night. It is not only decision night for America, for the next four years, this is decision night for eternity. What you do for God tonight, you do it with your soul, you do it with your life. This is not, my friend, just another Tel-A-Thon. This is - this may very well be the last one. Time is so short people, I'm tellin' ya, never have I sensed it - I am telling you I am speaking to you prophetically.
- Benny Hinn
A little later in the same program, Benny said the following:
God Is Passing By Many (© 2000 by TBN)
November 7th - TBN's Fall 2000 Praise-A-Thon
The Lord said to me audibly, I heard it. People I don't often hear the Lord's voice audibly, but I heard the Lord's voice audibly. He said "Tell them - time is running out". Then I heard another voice, that I believe is the voice of the Holy Spirit. He said "Tell the people", and the atmosphere changed when that happened, He said "Tell the people, I am passing by many, and once I pass by it would be as though I never knew them." In other words, there's, its, its the last call. Do you remember what He said in the scripture, when, when he said, the young virgins, that some had the oil and some didn't have any? The five wise, the five foolish. It, we are in it. We are in it. People, He is passing by many. Thank God He is not passing you by.
- Benny Hinn
The message is clear. Give to TBN now or God will pass you by, and you will be forever lost! It will be as if God never knew you! Benny also claimed, on the same program, that the Lord told him that December 12th will be a historic day in the Kingdom of God!
Could it be true? Well, just as true as Castro dying in the 90's. Just as true as the homosexuals in America being destroyed by fire by 1995! Just as true as Assad signing a peace treaty with Israel. Just as true as Jesus Christ appearing physically on the stage at Benny's Nairobi Crusade in April of 2000! Which is to say, TBN will have more Tel-A-Thons, and Benny Hinn will again beg for even more donations. But, you can be saved without giving a single nickel to TBN. What we don't know, is what gimmick Benny will use at the next TBN Tel-A-Thon, what alleged word from God he will claim to have, in order to coerce money from the viewing audience.
Benny Hinn curses all those who speak against his ministry (Windows media video- 350k).
Yes, Lord, I 'll do it. I place a curse on every man and every woman that will stretch his hand against this anointing. I curse that man who dares to speak a word against this ministry.
- Benny Hinn
Related Links:
Benny Hinn Prophesies That God's Glory Will Visibly Appear as Fire in the Sky!
Is Benny Hinn Teaching The Real Presence Of The Catholic Mass?
Benny Hinn's Prophesies For 2003 Fail!
The Dead Resurrected By TVs Tuned To TBN!
Benny Hinn Threatens Lawsuit
Benny Hinn Ministries
Trinity Broadcasting Network
http://www.biblelight.net
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Price, Frederick K. C.
Price, Frederick K. C. (1932-) One of the more brazen proponents of *PROSPERITY THEOLOGY, the notion that God will bless believers with affluence, Frederick K. C. Price was born in Santa Monica, California, and reared as a Jehovah’s Witness. He was converted to evangelical Christianity in 1953 and entered the ministry two years later, affiliating with a succession of denominations: Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, and *CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE. Price’s Spirit *BAPTISM in 1970, however, set him on a denominationally independent course. He founded Crenshaw Christian Center in 1973, which now occupies the former campus of Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. The congregation is multiracial and numbers well above ten thousand. Price, an African-American, broadcasts his *PROSPERITY THEOLOGY nationwide with a television program called Ever Increasing Faith, begun in 1978. He is unabashed about the pursuit of wealth as a sign of God’s blessing and does not shy away from ostentatious displays himself.- Source: Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism, Randall Balmer, Baylor University Press, Waco, TX. 2004. Page 557
Fred Price is the most notable of a growing number of black prosperity preachers. His church in Los Angeles now claims some 16,000 members. He is seen nationally on television and has referred to himself as the “chief exponent of Name It and Claim It.”33 Price has added his own unique twists to Faith theology by asserting that Jesus took on the nature of Satan prior to the crucifixion34 and by claiming that the Lord’s Prayer is not for Christians today.35 Despite telling his followers that he doesn’t allow sickness in his home, Price’s wife has been treated for cancer in her pelvic area.36 Referring to his wealth, Price says the reason he drives a Rolls Royce is that he is following in Jesus’ steps.37- Source: What’s wrong with the faith movement, Hank Hanegraaff, Christian Research Journal, volume 15, number 3 (1993)Footnotes:33) Frederick K. C. Price, “Name It and Claim It! What Saith the WORD? . . ,” Ever Increasing Faith Messenger, Summer 1989, 2.34) Frederick K. C. Price, “Identification #3″ (Inglewood, CA: Ever Increasing Faith Ministries, 1980), audio tape #FP545, side 1.35) Frederick K. C. Price, personal correspondence, 14 October 1992.36) Pat Hays, “Betty Price Speaks at 1991 ‘Wisdom from Above’ Luncheon,” Ever Increasing Faith Messenger, Winter 1992,12-13.37) Frederick K. C. Price, Ever Increasing Faith (television program), TBN, 9 December 1990, available from Crenshaw Christian Center, Inglewood, CA (audio tape #CR-A2).
Fred Price is the most notable of a growing number of black prosperity preachers. His church in Los Angeles now claims some 16,000 members. He is seen nationally on television and has referred to himself as the “chief exponent of Name It and Claim It.”33 Price has added his own unique twists to Faith theology by asserting that Jesus took on the nature of Satan prior to the crucifixion34 and by claiming that the Lord’s Prayer is not for Christians today.35 Despite telling his followers that he doesn’t allow sickness in his home, Price’s wife has been treated for cancer in her pelvic area.36 Referring to his wealth, Price says the reason he drives a Rolls Royce is that he is following in Jesus’ steps.37- Source: What’s wrong with the faith movement, Hank Hanegraaff, Christian Research Journal, volume 15, number 3 (1993)Footnotes:33) Frederick K. C. Price, “Name It and Claim It! What Saith the WORD? . . ,” Ever Increasing Faith Messenger, Summer 1989, 2.34) Frederick K. C. Price, “Identification #3″ (Inglewood, CA: Ever Increasing Faith Ministries, 1980), audio tape #FP545, side 1.35) Frederick K. C. Price, personal correspondence, 14 October 1992.36) Pat Hays, “Betty Price Speaks at 1991 ‘Wisdom from Above’ Luncheon,” Ever Increasing Faith Messenger, Winter 1992,12-13.37) Frederick K. C. Price, Ever Increasing Faith (television program), TBN, 9 December 1990, available from Crenshaw Christian Center, Inglewood, CA (audio tape #CR-A2).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Infant Baptism -FAQs
FAQ’s on Infant Baptism
What does the child know?
Luke 1:15 he (John the Baptist) will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
I Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
I Corinthians 1:14-17 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
I Corinthians 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
Acts 16:15 When she (Lydia) and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.
Repent and be baptized?
Acts 19:3-5 So Paul asked the disciples at Ephesus , "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Mathew 3:11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Jesus also was baptized?
Luke 2:21-22 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
Luke 4:2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days,
Obedience ? obeying the Lord ……
Mathew 5:38-48 You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[g] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Noah’s Ark a type – All the family was saved
1 Peter 3:20,21 God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
What does the child know?
Luke 1:15 he (John the Baptist) will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
I Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
I Corinthians 1:14-17 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
I Corinthians 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
Acts 16:15 When she (Lydia) and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.
Repent and be baptized?
Acts 19:3-5 So Paul asked the disciples at Ephesus , "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Mathew 3:11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Jesus also was baptized?
Luke 2:21-22 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
Luke 4:2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days,
Obedience ? obeying the Lord ……
Mathew 5:38-48 You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[g] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Noah’s Ark a type – All the family was saved
1 Peter 3:20,21 God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
CHILD BAPTISM - MARTIN LUTHER
PROJECT WITTENBERG
__________
The Large Catechism
by Martin Luther
Translated by F. Bente and W.H.T. Dau
Published in:
Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books
of the Ev. Lutheran Church
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921)
pp. 565-773
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Previous Page - Book of Concord - Martin Luther - Project Wittenberg
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XIIIA.
Part Fourth
Of Infant Baptism.
__________
Here a question occurs by which the devil through his sects, confuses the world, namely, Of Infant Baptism, whether children also believe, and are justly baptized. Concerning this we say briefly: Let the simple dismiss this question from their minds, and refer it to the learned. But if you wish to answer then answer thus: --
That the Baptism of infants is pleasing to Christ is sufficiently proved from His own work, namely, that God sanctifies many of them who have been thus baptized, and has given them the Holy Ghost; and that there are yet many even to-day in whom we perceive that they have the Holy Ghost both because of their doctrine and life; as it is also given to us by the grace of God that we can explain the Scriptures and come to the knowledge of Christ, which is impossible without the Holy Ghost. But if God did not accept the baptism of infants, He would not give the Holy Ghost nor any of His gifts to any of them; in short, during this long time unto this day no man upon earth could have been a Christian. Now, since God confirms Baptism by the gifts of His Holy Ghost as is plainly perceptible in some of the church fathers, as St. Bernard, Gerson, John Hus, and others, who were baptized in infancy, and since the holy Christian Church cannot perish until the end of the world, they must acknowledge that such infant baptism is pleasing to God. For He can never be opposed to Himself, or support falsehood and wickedness, or for its promotion impart His grace and Spirit. This is indeed the best and strongest proof for the simple-minded and unlearned. For they shall not take from us or overthrow this article: I believe a holy Christian Church, the communion of saints.
Further, we say that we are not so much concerned to know whether the person baptized believes or not; for on that account Baptism does not become invalid; but everything depends upon the Word and command of God. This now is perhaps somewhat acute but it rests entirely upon what I have said, that Baptism is nothing else than water and the Word of God in and with each other, that is when the Word is added to the water, Baptism is valid, even though faith be wanting. For my faith does not make Baptism, but receives it. Now, Baptism does not become invalid even though it be wrongly received or employed; since it is not bound (as stated) to our faith, but to the Word.
For even though a Jew should to-day come dishonestly and with evil purpose, and we should baptize him in all good faith, we must say that his baptism is nevertheless genuine. For here is the water together with the Word of God. even though he does not receive it as he should, just as those who unworthily go to the Sacrament receive the true Sacrament even though they do not believe.
Thus you see that the objection of the sectarians is vain. For (as we have said) even though infants did not believe, which however, is not the case, yet their baptism as now shown would be valid, and no one should rebaptize them; just as nothing is detracted from the Sacrament though some one approach it with evil purpose, and he could not be allowed on account of his abuse to take it a second time the selfsame hour, as though he had not received the true Sacrament at first; for that would mean to blaspheme and profane the Sacrament in the worst manner. How dare we think that God's Word and ordinance should be wrong and invalid because we make a wrong use of it?
Therefore I say, if you did not believe then believe now and say thus: The baptism indeed was right, but I, alas! did not receive it aright. For I myself also, and all who are baptized, must speak thus before God: I come hither in my faith and in that of others, yet I cannot rest in this, that I believe, and that many people pray for me; but in this I rest, that it is Thy Word and command. Just as I go to the Sacrament trusting not in my faith, but in the Word of Christ; whether I am strong or weak, that I commit to God. But this I know, that He bids me go, eat and drink, etc., and gives me His body and blood; that will not deceive me or prove false to me.
Thus we do also in infant baptism. We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith; but we do not baptize it upon that, but solely upon the command of God. Why so? Because we know that God does not lie. I and my neighbor and, in short, all men, may err and deceive, but the Word of God cannot err.
Therefore they are presumptuous, clumsy minds that draw such inferences and conclusions as these: Where there is not the true faith, there also can be no true Baptism. Just as if I would infer: If I do not believe, then Christ is nothing; or thus: If I am not obedient, then father, mother, and government are nothing. Is that a correct conclusion, that whenever any one does not do what he ought, the thing in itself shall be nothing and of no value? My dear, just invert the argument and rather draw this inference: For this very reason Baptism is something and is right, because it has been wrongly received. For if it were not right and true in itself, it could not be misused nor sinned against. The saying is: Abusus non tollit, sed confirmat substantiam, Abuse does not destroy the essence but confirms it. For gold is not the less gold though a harlot wear it in sin and shame.
Therefore let it be decided that Baptism always remains true, retains its full essence, even though a single person should be baptized, and he, in addition, should not believe truly. For God's ordinance and Word cannot be made variable or be altered by men. But these people, the fanatics, are so blinded that they do not see the Word and command of God, and regard Baptism and the magistrates only as they regard water in the brook or in pots, or as any other man; and because they do not see faith nor obedience, they conclude that they are to be regarded as invalid. Here lurks a concealed seditious devil, who would like to tear the crown from the head of authority and then trample it under foot, and, in addition, pervert and bring to naught all the works and ordinances of God. Therefore we must be watchful and well armed, and not allow ourselves to be directed nor turned away from the Word, in order that we may not regard Baptism as a mere empty sign, as the fanatics dream.
Lastly, we must also know what Baptism signifies, and why God has ordained just such external sign and ceremony for the Sacrament by which we are first received into the Christian Church. But the act or ceremony is this, that we are sunk under the water, which passes over us, and afterwards are drawn out again. These two parts, to be sunk under the water and drawn out again, signify the power and operation of Baptism, which is nothing else than putting to death the old Adam, and after that the resurrection of the new man, both of which must take place in us all our lives, so that a truly Christian life is nothing else than a daily baptism, once begun and ever to be continued. For this must be practised without ceasing, that we ever keep purging away whatever is of the old Adam, and that that which belongs to the new man come forth. But what is the old man? It is that which is born in us from Adam, angry, hateful, envious, unchaste, stingy, lazy, haughty, yea, unbelieving, infected with all vices, and having by nature nothing good in it. Now, when we are come into the kingdom of Christ, these things must daily decrease, that the longer we live we become more gentle, more patient more meek, and ever withdraw more and more from unbelief, avarice, hatred, envy, haughtiness.
This is the true use of Baptism among Christians, as signified by baptizing with water. Where this, therefore, is not practised but the old man is left unbridled, so as to continually become stronger, that is not using Baptism, but striving against Baptism. For those who are without Christ cannot but daily become worse, according to the proverb which expresses the truth, "Worse and worse -- the longer, the worse." If a year ago one was proud and avaricious, then he is much prouder and more avaricious this year, so that the vice grows and increases with him from his youth up. A young child has no special vice; but when it grows up, it becomes unchaste and impure, and when it reaches maturity real vices begin to prevail the longer, the more.
Therefore the old man goes unrestrained in his nature if he is not checked and suppressed by the power of Baptism. On the other hand where men have become Christians, he daily decreases until he finally perishes. That is truly to be buried in Baptism, and daily to come forth again. Therefore the external sign is appointed not only for a powerful effect, but also for a signification. Where, therefore, faith flourishes with its fruits, there it has no empty signification, but the work [of mortifying the flesh] accompanies it; but where faith is wanting, it remains a mere unfruitful sign.
And here you see that Baptism, both in its power and signification, comprehends also the third Sacrament, which has been called repentance, as it is really nothing else than Baptism. For what else is repentance but an earnest attack upon the old man [that his lusts be restrained] and entering upon a new life? Therefore, if you live in repentance, you walk in Baptism, which not only signifies such a new life, but also produces, begins, and exercises it. For therein are given grace, the Spirit, and power to suppress the old man, so that the new man may come forth and become strong.
Therefore our Baptism abides forever; and even though some one should fall from it and sin, nevertheless we always have access thereto, that we may again subdue the old man. But we need not again be sprinkled with water; for though we were put under the water a hundred times, it would nevertheless be only one Baptism, although the operation and signification continue and remain. Repentance, therefore, is nothing else than a return and approach to Baptism, that we repeat and practise what we began before, but abandoned.
This I say lest we fall into the opinion in which we were for a long time, imagining that our Baptism is something past, which we can no longer use after we have fallen again into sin. The reason is, that it is regarded only according to the external act once performed [and completed]. And this arose from the fact that St. Jerome wrote that repentance is the second plank by which we must swim forth and cross over after the ship is broken, on which we step and are carried across when we come into the Christian Church. Thereby the use of Baptism has been abolished so that it can profit us no longer. Therefore the statement is not correct, or at any rate not rightly understood. For the ship never breaks because (as we have said) it is the ordinance of God, and not a work of ours; but it happens, indeed, that we slip and fall out of the ship. Yet if any one fall out, let him see to it that he swim up and cling to it till he again come into it and live in it, as he had formerly begun.
Thus it appears what a great, excellent thing Baptism is, which delivers us from the jaws of the devil and makes us God's own, suppresses and takes away sin, and then daily strengthens the new man, and is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this estate of misery to eternal glory.
For this reason let every one esteem his Baptism as a daily dress in which he is to walk constantly, that he may ever be found in the faith and its fruits, that he suppress the old man and grow up in the new. For if we would be Christians, we must practise the work whereby we are Christians. But if any one fall away from it, let him again come into it. For just as Christ, the Mercy-seat does not recede from us or forbid us to come to Him again, even though we sin, so all His treasure and gifts also remain. If, therefore we have once in Baptism obtained forgiveness of sin, it will remain every day, as long as we live, that is, as long as we carry the old man about our neck.
__________
The Large Catechism
by Martin Luther
Translated by F. Bente and W.H.T. Dau
Published in:
Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books
of the Ev. Lutheran Church
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921)
pp. 565-773
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Previous Page - Book of Concord - Martin Luther - Project Wittenberg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XIIIA.
Part Fourth
Of Infant Baptism.
__________
Here a question occurs by which the devil through his sects, confuses the world, namely, Of Infant Baptism, whether children also believe, and are justly baptized. Concerning this we say briefly: Let the simple dismiss this question from their minds, and refer it to the learned. But if you wish to answer then answer thus: --
That the Baptism of infants is pleasing to Christ is sufficiently proved from His own work, namely, that God sanctifies many of them who have been thus baptized, and has given them the Holy Ghost; and that there are yet many even to-day in whom we perceive that they have the Holy Ghost both because of their doctrine and life; as it is also given to us by the grace of God that we can explain the Scriptures and come to the knowledge of Christ, which is impossible without the Holy Ghost. But if God did not accept the baptism of infants, He would not give the Holy Ghost nor any of His gifts to any of them; in short, during this long time unto this day no man upon earth could have been a Christian. Now, since God confirms Baptism by the gifts of His Holy Ghost as is plainly perceptible in some of the church fathers, as St. Bernard, Gerson, John Hus, and others, who were baptized in infancy, and since the holy Christian Church cannot perish until the end of the world, they must acknowledge that such infant baptism is pleasing to God. For He can never be opposed to Himself, or support falsehood and wickedness, or for its promotion impart His grace and Spirit. This is indeed the best and strongest proof for the simple-minded and unlearned. For they shall not take from us or overthrow this article: I believe a holy Christian Church, the communion of saints.
Further, we say that we are not so much concerned to know whether the person baptized believes or not; for on that account Baptism does not become invalid; but everything depends upon the Word and command of God. This now is perhaps somewhat acute but it rests entirely upon what I have said, that Baptism is nothing else than water and the Word of God in and with each other, that is when the Word is added to the water, Baptism is valid, even though faith be wanting. For my faith does not make Baptism, but receives it. Now, Baptism does not become invalid even though it be wrongly received or employed; since it is not bound (as stated) to our faith, but to the Word.
For even though a Jew should to-day come dishonestly and with evil purpose, and we should baptize him in all good faith, we must say that his baptism is nevertheless genuine. For here is the water together with the Word of God. even though he does not receive it as he should, just as those who unworthily go to the Sacrament receive the true Sacrament even though they do not believe.
Thus you see that the objection of the sectarians is vain. For (as we have said) even though infants did not believe, which however, is not the case, yet their baptism as now shown would be valid, and no one should rebaptize them; just as nothing is detracted from the Sacrament though some one approach it with evil purpose, and he could not be allowed on account of his abuse to take it a second time the selfsame hour, as though he had not received the true Sacrament at first; for that would mean to blaspheme and profane the Sacrament in the worst manner. How dare we think that God's Word and ordinance should be wrong and invalid because we make a wrong use of it?
Therefore I say, if you did not believe then believe now and say thus: The baptism indeed was right, but I, alas! did not receive it aright. For I myself also, and all who are baptized, must speak thus before God: I come hither in my faith and in that of others, yet I cannot rest in this, that I believe, and that many people pray for me; but in this I rest, that it is Thy Word and command. Just as I go to the Sacrament trusting not in my faith, but in the Word of Christ; whether I am strong or weak, that I commit to God. But this I know, that He bids me go, eat and drink, etc., and gives me His body and blood; that will not deceive me or prove false to me.
Thus we do also in infant baptism. We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith; but we do not baptize it upon that, but solely upon the command of God. Why so? Because we know that God does not lie. I and my neighbor and, in short, all men, may err and deceive, but the Word of God cannot err.
Therefore they are presumptuous, clumsy minds that draw such inferences and conclusions as these: Where there is not the true faith, there also can be no true Baptism. Just as if I would infer: If I do not believe, then Christ is nothing; or thus: If I am not obedient, then father, mother, and government are nothing. Is that a correct conclusion, that whenever any one does not do what he ought, the thing in itself shall be nothing and of no value? My dear, just invert the argument and rather draw this inference: For this very reason Baptism is something and is right, because it has been wrongly received. For if it were not right and true in itself, it could not be misused nor sinned against. The saying is: Abusus non tollit, sed confirmat substantiam, Abuse does not destroy the essence but confirms it. For gold is not the less gold though a harlot wear it in sin and shame.
Therefore let it be decided that Baptism always remains true, retains its full essence, even though a single person should be baptized, and he, in addition, should not believe truly. For God's ordinance and Word cannot be made variable or be altered by men. But these people, the fanatics, are so blinded that they do not see the Word and command of God, and regard Baptism and the magistrates only as they regard water in the brook or in pots, or as any other man; and because they do not see faith nor obedience, they conclude that they are to be regarded as invalid. Here lurks a concealed seditious devil, who would like to tear the crown from the head of authority and then trample it under foot, and, in addition, pervert and bring to naught all the works and ordinances of God. Therefore we must be watchful and well armed, and not allow ourselves to be directed nor turned away from the Word, in order that we may not regard Baptism as a mere empty sign, as the fanatics dream.
Lastly, we must also know what Baptism signifies, and why God has ordained just such external sign and ceremony for the Sacrament by which we are first received into the Christian Church. But the act or ceremony is this, that we are sunk under the water, which passes over us, and afterwards are drawn out again. These two parts, to be sunk under the water and drawn out again, signify the power and operation of Baptism, which is nothing else than putting to death the old Adam, and after that the resurrection of the new man, both of which must take place in us all our lives, so that a truly Christian life is nothing else than a daily baptism, once begun and ever to be continued. For this must be practised without ceasing, that we ever keep purging away whatever is of the old Adam, and that that which belongs to the new man come forth. But what is the old man? It is that which is born in us from Adam, angry, hateful, envious, unchaste, stingy, lazy, haughty, yea, unbelieving, infected with all vices, and having by nature nothing good in it. Now, when we are come into the kingdom of Christ, these things must daily decrease, that the longer we live we become more gentle, more patient more meek, and ever withdraw more and more from unbelief, avarice, hatred, envy, haughtiness.
This is the true use of Baptism among Christians, as signified by baptizing with water. Where this, therefore, is not practised but the old man is left unbridled, so as to continually become stronger, that is not using Baptism, but striving against Baptism. For those who are without Christ cannot but daily become worse, according to the proverb which expresses the truth, "Worse and worse -- the longer, the worse." If a year ago one was proud and avaricious, then he is much prouder and more avaricious this year, so that the vice grows and increases with him from his youth up. A young child has no special vice; but when it grows up, it becomes unchaste and impure, and when it reaches maturity real vices begin to prevail the longer, the more.
Therefore the old man goes unrestrained in his nature if he is not checked and suppressed by the power of Baptism. On the other hand where men have become Christians, he daily decreases until he finally perishes. That is truly to be buried in Baptism, and daily to come forth again. Therefore the external sign is appointed not only for a powerful effect, but also for a signification. Where, therefore, faith flourishes with its fruits, there it has no empty signification, but the work [of mortifying the flesh] accompanies it; but where faith is wanting, it remains a mere unfruitful sign.
And here you see that Baptism, both in its power and signification, comprehends also the third Sacrament, which has been called repentance, as it is really nothing else than Baptism. For what else is repentance but an earnest attack upon the old man [that his lusts be restrained] and entering upon a new life? Therefore, if you live in repentance, you walk in Baptism, which not only signifies such a new life, but also produces, begins, and exercises it. For therein are given grace, the Spirit, and power to suppress the old man, so that the new man may come forth and become strong.
Therefore our Baptism abides forever; and even though some one should fall from it and sin, nevertheless we always have access thereto, that we may again subdue the old man. But we need not again be sprinkled with water; for though we were put under the water a hundred times, it would nevertheless be only one Baptism, although the operation and signification continue and remain. Repentance, therefore, is nothing else than a return and approach to Baptism, that we repeat and practise what we began before, but abandoned.
This I say lest we fall into the opinion in which we were for a long time, imagining that our Baptism is something past, which we can no longer use after we have fallen again into sin. The reason is, that it is regarded only according to the external act once performed [and completed]. And this arose from the fact that St. Jerome wrote that repentance is the second plank by which we must swim forth and cross over after the ship is broken, on which we step and are carried across when we come into the Christian Church. Thereby the use of Baptism has been abolished so that it can profit us no longer. Therefore the statement is not correct, or at any rate not rightly understood. For the ship never breaks because (as we have said) it is the ordinance of God, and not a work of ours; but it happens, indeed, that we slip and fall out of the ship. Yet if any one fall out, let him see to it that he swim up and cling to it till he again come into it and live in it, as he had formerly begun.
Thus it appears what a great, excellent thing Baptism is, which delivers us from the jaws of the devil and makes us God's own, suppresses and takes away sin, and then daily strengthens the new man, and is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this estate of misery to eternal glory.
For this reason let every one esteem his Baptism as a daily dress in which he is to walk constantly, that he may ever be found in the faith and its fruits, that he suppress the old man and grow up in the new. For if we would be Christians, we must practise the work whereby we are Christians. But if any one fall away from it, let him again come into it. For just as Christ, the Mercy-seat does not recede from us or forbid us to come to Him again, even though we sin, so all His treasure and gifts also remain. If, therefore we have once in Baptism obtained forgiveness of sin, it will remain every day, as long as we live, that is, as long as we carry the old man about our neck.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Charisma Magazine: October 1999
In a sermon preached six months ago and circulated widely on cassette tapes, New York pastor David Wilkerson blasts prosperity doctrines, "holy laughter", and the flamboyance of Evangelist Benny Hinn.
In Wilkerson's April 11 sermon titled "Reproach of the Solemn Assembly", Wilkerson warned his 7,000 member Times Square Church to burn books written by any propagators of these doctrines. He also told his parishioners to stay away from Evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne's Good News New York crusades that ran from July 7 to August 14...
In his sermon, Wilkerson leveled blasphemy charges at the prosperity doctrine of Bible Teacher Kenneth Copeland with one mention of Word-Faith preacher Kenneth Hagin Sr. “It's an American Gospel invented and spread by rich, American evangelists and pastors,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson described how one of the speakers at a Copeland conference bragged about owning a $15,000 dog, a $32,000 ring and was selling his 8,000-square-foot house to buy a larger home. Wilkerson says he takes issue with the notion that "the Holy Spirit cannot be poured out until you first are in the money flow."
Wilkerson also attacked manifestations common to modern revivals: "I weep when I see these videos that are sent to me from all over the country. Whole groups of bodies jerking out of control, falling on the floor, laughing hysterically, staggering around like drunkards ... Anything that cannot be found in Scripture has to be rejected outright -- totally rejected," Wilkerson said.
He (Wilkerson) listed Benny Hinn and Rodney Howard-Browne as examples of those who have perpetrated misrepresentations of the Holy Spirit's manifestations..."
In Wilkerson's April 11 sermon titled "Reproach of the Solemn Assembly", Wilkerson warned his 7,000 member Times Square Church to burn books written by any propagators of these doctrines. He also told his parishioners to stay away from Evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne's Good News New York crusades that ran from July 7 to August 14...
In his sermon, Wilkerson leveled blasphemy charges at the prosperity doctrine of Bible Teacher Kenneth Copeland with one mention of Word-Faith preacher Kenneth Hagin Sr. “It's an American Gospel invented and spread by rich, American evangelists and pastors,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson described how one of the speakers at a Copeland conference bragged about owning a $15,000 dog, a $32,000 ring and was selling his 8,000-square-foot house to buy a larger home. Wilkerson says he takes issue with the notion that "the Holy Spirit cannot be poured out until you first are in the money flow."
Wilkerson also attacked manifestations common to modern revivals: "I weep when I see these videos that are sent to me from all over the country. Whole groups of bodies jerking out of control, falling on the floor, laughing hysterically, staggering around like drunkards ... Anything that cannot be found in Scripture has to be rejected outright -- totally rejected," Wilkerson said.
He (Wilkerson) listed Benny Hinn and Rodney Howard-Browne as examples of those who have perpetrated misrepresentations of the Holy Spirit's manifestations..."
Friday, October 9, 2009
Word of Faith Preachers - By Gary E. Gilley
The Word-Faith Movement*
By Gary E. Gilley
The fastest growing segment of professing Christianity today is the Word-Faith Movement, also known as the Positive Confession or simply "Faith" movement. Its growth is at least partially due to the massive amounts of money the leaders are able to extract from the faithful. This influx of cash allows for huge buildings and extensive ministries, and more importantly, wide exposure on television, which translates into numerical growth. Not only do many Word-Faith preachers broadcast their services and campaigns, but Word-Faith adherents, Paul and Jan Crouch, own the largest Christian-based television network in the world. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), founded by the Crouches, with an estimated net worth of approximately $600 million dollars, is capable of televising the Faith message (as well as many other errant messages) all over the world.
Well-known personalities within the movement include Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Robert Tilton (who is staging a come-back), Paul Yonggi Cho, Benny Hinn, Marilyn Hickey, Frederick K.C. Price, John Avanzini, Charles Capps, Jerry Savelle, Morris Cerullo and of course, Paul and Jan Crouch.
Beliefs
Faith Is a Force
As is implied by the title "Word-Faith," the supporters of this movement believe that faith works like a mighty power or force. Through faith, we can obtain anything we want -- health, wealth, success, whatever. However, this force is only released through the spoken word. As we speak the words of faith, power is discharged to accomplish our desires. Hagin's theme, as found in his booklet How to Write Your Own Ticket with God, can be summarized as follows (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 74-75):
In the opening chapter, titled "Jesus Appears to Me," Hagin claims that while he "was in the Spirit" -- just like the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos -- a white cloud enveloped him and he began to speak in tongues. "Then the Lord Jesus Himself appeared to me," says Hagin. "He stood within three feet of me." After what sounded like a casual conversation about such things as finances, ministry, and even current affairs, Jesus told Hagin to get a pencil and a piece of paper. He then instructed him to "Write down: 1,2,3,4." Jesus then allegedly told Hagin "if anybody, anywhere, will take these four steps or put these four principles into operation, he will always receive whatever he wants from Me or from God the Father." That includes whatever you want financially. The formula is simply: "Say it, Do it, Receive it, and Tell it."
1. Step number one is "Say it." "Positive or negative, it is up to the individual. According to what the individual says, that shall he receive."2. Step number two is "Do it." "Your action defeats you or puts you over. According to your action, you receive or you are kept from receiving."3. Step number three is "Receive it." We are to plug into the "powerhouse of heaven." "Faith is the plug, praise God! Just plug in."4. Step number four is "Tell it so others may believe." This final step might be considered the Faith movement's outreach program.
Kenneth Copeland states the faith formula this way: "All it takes is 1) Seeing or visualizing whatever you need, whether physical or financial; 2) Staking your claim on Scripture; and 3) Speaking it into existence" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 80).
Paul Yonggi Cho, borrowing from the occult, has developed what he calls the "Law of Incubation." Here is how it works: "First make a clear-cut goal, then draw a mental picture, vivid and graphic, to visualize success. Then incubate it into reality, and finally speak it into existence through the creative power of the spoken word" (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 83-84).
If a positive confession of faith releases power, then according to Word-Faith, a negative confession can actually backfire. Capps says the tongue "can kill you, or it can release the life of God within you." This is so because, "Faith is a seed … you plant it by speaking it." There is power in "the evil fourth dimension" says Cho. Hagin informs us that if you confess sickness you get sickness, if you confess health you get health, whatever you say you get. "This spoken word … releases power -- power for good or power for evil," is the commonly held view of the movement. It is easy to see why the title "Positive Confession" is often applied to this group.
As one might guess, the teachings of the Faith movement are very attractive to some. If we can produce whatever our hearts desire by simply demanding what we want by faith, if we can manipulate the universe and perhaps even God, then we have our own personal genie just waiting to fulfill our wishes. Frederick K.C. Price wastes no words when he writes:
"Now this is a shocker! But God has to be given permission to work in this earth realm on behalf of man. … Yes! You are in control! So if man has control, who no longer has it? God. ... When God gave Adam dominion, that meant God no longer had dominion. So, God cannot do anything on this earth unless we let Him or give Him permission through prayer" (Prayer: Do You Know What Prayer Is. ... and How to Pray? The Word Study Bible, p. 1178).
This is certainly a theology that would appeal to the masses, and thus accounts for the Faith movement's popularity.
The Deification of Man
Faith teachers like to teach, based upon serious mishandling of passages such as John 10:31-39 and II Peter 1:4, that Christians are "little gods." Copeland says, "Now Peter said by exceeding great and precious promises you become partakers of the divine nature. All right, are we gods? We are a class of gods!" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 116). Benny Hinn declares, "God came from heaven, became a man, made man into little gods, went back to heaven as a man" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 382 n. 43). Earl Paulk wrote, "Until we comprehend that we are little gods and we begin to act like little gods, we cannot manifest the kingdom of God" (Satan Unmasked, p. 97).
The Humanization of God
While man is glorified, God is humiliated in the Faith system. Copeland claims that God is a being who stands about 6'2"-6'3", weighing somewhere in the neighborhood of a couple of hundred pounds, and has a hand span of 9" across (Christianity in Crisis, p. 121). Copeland also declares "Adam was the copy, looked just like (God). If you stood Adam beside God, they looked just exactly alike. If you stood Jesus and Adam side-by-side, they would look and sound exactly alike" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 137).
Many of the Word-Faith teachers also embrace a heresy known as Tritheism, which in essence teaches that there are really three separate Gods. Hinn, under supposed inspiration, explains:
"Man, I feel revelation knowledge already coming on me here. Holy Spirit, take over in the name of Jesus. ... God the Father, ladies and gentlemen, is a person; and He is a triune being by Himself separate from the Son and the Holy Ghost. Say, what did you say? Hear it, hear it, hear it. See, God the Father is a person, God the Son is a person, God the Holy Ghost is a person. But each one of them is a triune being by Himself. If I can shock you -- and maybe I should -- there's nine of them. Huh, what did you say? Let me explain: God the Father, ladies and gentlemen, is a person with his own personal spirit, with his own personal soul, and his own personal spirit-body. You say, Huh, I never heard that. Well you think you're in this church to hear things you've heard for the last 50 years? You can't argue with the Word, can you? It's all in the Word (Christianity in Crisis, p. 123-124).
Hinn, under fire, later retracted his remarks, only to reaffirm them two years later.
Jesus supposedly told Copeland, "They crucified me for claiming that I was God. But I didn't claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with Him and that he was in me" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 137-138). Many of the Faith heresies concerning God can be traced to the notes found in Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.
The Distortion of the Cross
Four atonement-related errors on the part of the Faith teachers can be documented:
1) Christ was re-created on the cross from divine to demonic. To put it in Faith vernacular, Jesus took on the very nature of Satan himself.2) Your redemption was not secured on the cross, but in hell. In fact, many Faith teachers claim that Christ's torture by all the demons of hell was a "ransom" God paid to Satan so that He could get back into a universe from which He had been banished. 3) Jesus was reborn (or born again) in the very pit of hell.4) Christ was reincarnated through His rebirth in hell and that those who (like Christ) are born again can become "incarnated" as well.
Thus, Faith teachers take Christ, the spotless Lamb, and pervert Him into an unholy sacrifice on the cross (Christianity In Crisis, p.153).
Practices
While many, even within the Word-Faith churches, are unaware of some of the doctrinal heresies of the movement, none can plead ignorant of the strange and bizarre practices and emphasis of its leaders. The following things are standard occurrences in virtually every one of their television broadcasts, evangelistic campaigns, and church services.
A Prosperity Gospel
Nothing will create more euphoria in the average person than the promise to make them wealthy, and this the Word-Faith leadership knows very well. The Word-Faith teacher's lifestyle is clearly identified by opulence, luxury, riches, and the assurance that all of this can be his followers as well -- if only they apply certain principles.
Robert Tilton is normative. On a Trinity Broadcasting Network program in 1990 he said:
"Being poor is a sin, when God promises prosperity. New house? New car? That's chicken feed. That's nothing compared to what God wants to do for you" (Charismatic Chaos, p. 285).
Fred Price on a similar broadcast explains how it works:
"If you've got one dollar faith and you ask for a ten-thousand dollar item, it ain't going to work. It won't work. Jesus said, 'According to your [faith],' not according to God's will for you, in His own good time, if it's according to His will, if He can work it into his busy schedule. He said, 'According to your faith, be it unto you'" (Charismatic Chaos, p. 286).
Of course, the road to prosperity somehow always leads to the offering plate of the Word-Faith Movement. Gloria Copeland (Kenneth's wife) pulls no punches in her book God's Will Is Prosperity:
"Give $10 and receive $1000; Give $1000 and receive $100,000 … give one house and receive one hundred houses or a house worth one hundred times as much. Give one airplane and receive one hundred times the value of the airplane. … In short, Mark 10:30 is a very good deal" (p. 54).
A Health Gospel
The "name-it-and-claim-it" pundits are not content with mere wealth; they want to feel well enough to enjoy their prosperity. So do most of their listeners. So while you are giving away wealth, why not dispense health as well?
The Word-Faith teachers, as is true of many other charismatics, believe that Christ provided for physical healing at the cross. As a result, not only are Christians saved from sin, they are promised a life of health. Kenneth Copeland writes in Healed … to Be or Not to Be:
"The first step to spiritual maturity is to realize your position before God. You are a child of God and a joint-heir with Jesus. Consequently, you are entitled to all the rights and privileges in the kingdom of God, and one of their rights is health and healing" (p. 25).
But, if healing is part of the atonement, why do Christians get sick? Lack of faith, as Benny Hinn explains:
"The Bible declares that the work was done 2,000 years ago. God is not going to heal you now -- he healed you 2,000 years ago. All you have to do today is receive your healing by faith" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 44).
Of course reality, in the form of sickness, has to be faced even by the Word-Faith leaders. Fred Price may proclaim "we don't allow sickness in our home," but his wife still has cancer. Kenneth Hagin brags that he has not had a headache, the flu, or even "one sick day" in nearly 60 years, but he has had four cardiovascular crises. Paul Crouch may have healed Oral Roberts of chest pains on a TBN Broadcast, but it didn't stop Oral from having a heart attack a few hours later (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 237-238). How are these things explained away? Predictably, by blaming them on the devil. Sickness in the Word-Faith camp is usually seen as satanic attacks that must be repelled by words of faith (i.e., "positive confession").
Experiences
The faith leaders make some amazing claims. Hagin, for example, has visited (so he says) both heaven and hell as well as had out-of-body experiences (Christianity in Crisis, p. 334). He has had many visits from Jesus and angels. He boasts of the ability to heal, cast our demons, and levitate people (p. 336). Hinn opens his best selling book with these words:
"It was three days before Christmas 1973. The sun was still rising on that cold, misty Toronto morning. Suddenly He was there. The Holy Spirit entered my room. He was as real to me that morning as the book you are holding in your hand is to you. For the next eight hours I had an incredible experience with the Holy Spirit. It changed the course of my life (Rise and Be Healed, p. 1).
Hinn speaks of frequent personal visits from the Lord, the first being at age eleven:
"I saw Jesus walk into my bedroom. He was wearing a robe that was whiter than white and a deep red mantle was draped over the robe. I saw his hair. I looked into His eyes. I saw the nailprints in His hands. I saw everything. ... When it happened, I was asleep, but suddenly my little body was caught up in an incredible sensation that can only be described as 'electric.' It felt as if someone had plugged me into a wired socket. There was a numbness that felt like needles -- a million of them -- rushing through my body. And then the Lord stood before me while I was in a deep, deep sleep. He looked straight at me with the most beautiful eyes. He smiled, and His arms were open wide. I could feel His presence. It was marvelous and I'll never forget it" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 22).
When Hinn describes his conversion, he does not mention the cross, repentance, or faith; rather, it is all couched in terms of experience:
"What I really felt, though, was that this surge of power was cleansing me -- instantly, from the inside out. I felt absolutely clean, immaculate, and pure. Suddenly I saw Jesus with my own eyes. It happened in a moment of time. There he was. Jesus" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 31).
Hinn claims power of a supernatural nature often emanates from his body:
"Once, my mother was cleaning the hallway while I was in my room talking with the Holy Spirit. When I came out, she was thrown right back. Something had knocked her against the wall. I said, 'What's wrong with you, Mama?' She answered, 'I don't know?' Well, the presence of the Lord almost knocked her down" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 42).
Both the appeal of the book and its dangers are evident in this quote:
"Are you ready to meet the Holy Spirit intimately and personally? Do you want to hear His voice? Are you prepared to know him as a person? That's exactly what happened to me, and it drastically transformed my life. It was an intensely personal experience, and it was based on God's Word. You may ask, 'Was it the result of a systematic Bible study?' No, it happened when I invited the Holy Spirit to be my personal friend. To be my constant guide. To take me by the hand and lead me 'into all truth.' What He will uncover and reveal to you in Scripture will make your study of the Bible come alive" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 48).
Both the Word-Faith leaders and their followers make the same mistake of basing their lives on experiences and feelings rather than upon the inspired Word of God.
Luminaries within the Movement
Kenneth Hagin is considered the father of Word-Faith. He has a syndicated radio show carried by about 250 radio stations; a Bible School (Rhema Bible Training Center) with 12,000 graduates from 1974-1992; a magazine with 400,000 subscribers; and has sold millions of books and other publications.
Kenneth Copeland is the heir-apparent to the Faith throne (although Benny Hinn has moved in to challenge). Copeland's empire spans the globe with similar ministries as Hagin.
Benny Hinn was pastor of Orlando Christian Center in Orlando, Florida. (He recently moved his ministry to Dallas.) Hinn reaches the world through evangelistic campaigns, television, and literature. His book Good Morning Holy Spirit was the best selling Christian book in 1991, selling a quarter of a million copies in only three months. He is perhaps best known as a "Faith-Healer" in the traditions of Kathryn Kuhlman (his idol) and Oral Roberts. His "ability" to "slay in the Spirit" large groups of people at once (by blowing on them or waving his arm their direction) has brought him considerable notoriety.
Frederick K.C. Price, the most prominent of black Word-Faith preachers, pastors the 16,000-member Crenshaw Christian Center, and has his own television show.
John Avanzini, best-known fundraiser among the Word-Faith leaders. He has said, "A greater than a lottery has come. His name is Jesus!"
Robert Tilton perfected the Christian infomercial through his "Success-N-Life" television program.
Marilyn Hickey is (except for Gloria Copeland and perhaps Jan Crouch) the best-known woman in the movement. She teaches people to speak to their wallets and checkbooks in order that their wealth may increase.
David Yonggi Cho is the pastor of the 700,000 Full Gospel Yoido Church in South Korea. Cho, who often speaks at Robert Schuller Conferences on church growth (along with Bill Hybels), is perhaps the closest link to the occult. He teaches a concept called the "Fourth Dimension." The first three dimensions are physical and are controlled by the fourth, which is the spiritual. Cho teaches that Christians can get anything they want by calling upon the spirit world in the Fourth Dimension and visualizing what they want. When a person (Christian or unsaved) follows the proper formula of positive thinking, speaking and visualizing, they "incubate" and eventually give birth to their desires. These techniques are the same used in his occult-infested country. Cho is aware of this fact, but believes what works for "them" will work for "us" -- so use it.
* This report has been excerpted and or adapted from an article ("The Word of Faith Movement") in the April 1999, Think on These Things, Southern View Chapel, Springfield, IL, Gary Gilley, Pastor.
Biblical Discernment Ministries - 8/00
By Gary E. Gilley
The fastest growing segment of professing Christianity today is the Word-Faith Movement, also known as the Positive Confession or simply "Faith" movement. Its growth is at least partially due to the massive amounts of money the leaders are able to extract from the faithful. This influx of cash allows for huge buildings and extensive ministries, and more importantly, wide exposure on television, which translates into numerical growth. Not only do many Word-Faith preachers broadcast their services and campaigns, but Word-Faith adherents, Paul and Jan Crouch, own the largest Christian-based television network in the world. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), founded by the Crouches, with an estimated net worth of approximately $600 million dollars, is capable of televising the Faith message (as well as many other errant messages) all over the world.
Well-known personalities within the movement include Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Robert Tilton (who is staging a come-back), Paul Yonggi Cho, Benny Hinn, Marilyn Hickey, Frederick K.C. Price, John Avanzini, Charles Capps, Jerry Savelle, Morris Cerullo and of course, Paul and Jan Crouch.
Beliefs
Faith Is a Force
As is implied by the title "Word-Faith," the supporters of this movement believe that faith works like a mighty power or force. Through faith, we can obtain anything we want -- health, wealth, success, whatever. However, this force is only released through the spoken word. As we speak the words of faith, power is discharged to accomplish our desires. Hagin's theme, as found in his booklet How to Write Your Own Ticket with God, can be summarized as follows (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 74-75):
In the opening chapter, titled "Jesus Appears to Me," Hagin claims that while he "was in the Spirit" -- just like the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos -- a white cloud enveloped him and he began to speak in tongues. "Then the Lord Jesus Himself appeared to me," says Hagin. "He stood within three feet of me." After what sounded like a casual conversation about such things as finances, ministry, and even current affairs, Jesus told Hagin to get a pencil and a piece of paper. He then instructed him to "Write down: 1,2,3,4." Jesus then allegedly told Hagin "if anybody, anywhere, will take these four steps or put these four principles into operation, he will always receive whatever he wants from Me or from God the Father." That includes whatever you want financially. The formula is simply: "Say it, Do it, Receive it, and Tell it."
1. Step number one is "Say it." "Positive or negative, it is up to the individual. According to what the individual says, that shall he receive."2. Step number two is "Do it." "Your action defeats you or puts you over. According to your action, you receive or you are kept from receiving."3. Step number three is "Receive it." We are to plug into the "powerhouse of heaven." "Faith is the plug, praise God! Just plug in."4. Step number four is "Tell it so others may believe." This final step might be considered the Faith movement's outreach program.
Kenneth Copeland states the faith formula this way: "All it takes is 1) Seeing or visualizing whatever you need, whether physical or financial; 2) Staking your claim on Scripture; and 3) Speaking it into existence" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 80).
Paul Yonggi Cho, borrowing from the occult, has developed what he calls the "Law of Incubation." Here is how it works: "First make a clear-cut goal, then draw a mental picture, vivid and graphic, to visualize success. Then incubate it into reality, and finally speak it into existence through the creative power of the spoken word" (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 83-84).
If a positive confession of faith releases power, then according to Word-Faith, a negative confession can actually backfire. Capps says the tongue "can kill you, or it can release the life of God within you." This is so because, "Faith is a seed … you plant it by speaking it." There is power in "the evil fourth dimension" says Cho. Hagin informs us that if you confess sickness you get sickness, if you confess health you get health, whatever you say you get. "This spoken word … releases power -- power for good or power for evil," is the commonly held view of the movement. It is easy to see why the title "Positive Confession" is often applied to this group.
As one might guess, the teachings of the Faith movement are very attractive to some. If we can produce whatever our hearts desire by simply demanding what we want by faith, if we can manipulate the universe and perhaps even God, then we have our own personal genie just waiting to fulfill our wishes. Frederick K.C. Price wastes no words when he writes:
"Now this is a shocker! But God has to be given permission to work in this earth realm on behalf of man. … Yes! You are in control! So if man has control, who no longer has it? God. ... When God gave Adam dominion, that meant God no longer had dominion. So, God cannot do anything on this earth unless we let Him or give Him permission through prayer" (Prayer: Do You Know What Prayer Is. ... and How to Pray? The Word Study Bible, p. 1178).
This is certainly a theology that would appeal to the masses, and thus accounts for the Faith movement's popularity.
The Deification of Man
Faith teachers like to teach, based upon serious mishandling of passages such as John 10:31-39 and II Peter 1:4, that Christians are "little gods." Copeland says, "Now Peter said by exceeding great and precious promises you become partakers of the divine nature. All right, are we gods? We are a class of gods!" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 116). Benny Hinn declares, "God came from heaven, became a man, made man into little gods, went back to heaven as a man" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 382 n. 43). Earl Paulk wrote, "Until we comprehend that we are little gods and we begin to act like little gods, we cannot manifest the kingdom of God" (Satan Unmasked, p. 97).
The Humanization of God
While man is glorified, God is humiliated in the Faith system. Copeland claims that God is a being who stands about 6'2"-6'3", weighing somewhere in the neighborhood of a couple of hundred pounds, and has a hand span of 9" across (Christianity in Crisis, p. 121). Copeland also declares "Adam was the copy, looked just like (God). If you stood Adam beside God, they looked just exactly alike. If you stood Jesus and Adam side-by-side, they would look and sound exactly alike" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 137).
Many of the Word-Faith teachers also embrace a heresy known as Tritheism, which in essence teaches that there are really three separate Gods. Hinn, under supposed inspiration, explains:
"Man, I feel revelation knowledge already coming on me here. Holy Spirit, take over in the name of Jesus. ... God the Father, ladies and gentlemen, is a person; and He is a triune being by Himself separate from the Son and the Holy Ghost. Say, what did you say? Hear it, hear it, hear it. See, God the Father is a person, God the Son is a person, God the Holy Ghost is a person. But each one of them is a triune being by Himself. If I can shock you -- and maybe I should -- there's nine of them. Huh, what did you say? Let me explain: God the Father, ladies and gentlemen, is a person with his own personal spirit, with his own personal soul, and his own personal spirit-body. You say, Huh, I never heard that. Well you think you're in this church to hear things you've heard for the last 50 years? You can't argue with the Word, can you? It's all in the Word (Christianity in Crisis, p. 123-124).
Hinn, under fire, later retracted his remarks, only to reaffirm them two years later.
Jesus supposedly told Copeland, "They crucified me for claiming that I was God. But I didn't claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with Him and that he was in me" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 137-138). Many of the Faith heresies concerning God can be traced to the notes found in Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.
The Distortion of the Cross
Four atonement-related errors on the part of the Faith teachers can be documented:
1) Christ was re-created on the cross from divine to demonic. To put it in Faith vernacular, Jesus took on the very nature of Satan himself.2) Your redemption was not secured on the cross, but in hell. In fact, many Faith teachers claim that Christ's torture by all the demons of hell was a "ransom" God paid to Satan so that He could get back into a universe from which He had been banished. 3) Jesus was reborn (or born again) in the very pit of hell.4) Christ was reincarnated through His rebirth in hell and that those who (like Christ) are born again can become "incarnated" as well.
Thus, Faith teachers take Christ, the spotless Lamb, and pervert Him into an unholy sacrifice on the cross (Christianity In Crisis, p.153).
Practices
While many, even within the Word-Faith churches, are unaware of some of the doctrinal heresies of the movement, none can plead ignorant of the strange and bizarre practices and emphasis of its leaders. The following things are standard occurrences in virtually every one of their television broadcasts, evangelistic campaigns, and church services.
A Prosperity Gospel
Nothing will create more euphoria in the average person than the promise to make them wealthy, and this the Word-Faith leadership knows very well. The Word-Faith teacher's lifestyle is clearly identified by opulence, luxury, riches, and the assurance that all of this can be his followers as well -- if only they apply certain principles.
Robert Tilton is normative. On a Trinity Broadcasting Network program in 1990 he said:
"Being poor is a sin, when God promises prosperity. New house? New car? That's chicken feed. That's nothing compared to what God wants to do for you" (Charismatic Chaos, p. 285).
Fred Price on a similar broadcast explains how it works:
"If you've got one dollar faith and you ask for a ten-thousand dollar item, it ain't going to work. It won't work. Jesus said, 'According to your [faith],' not according to God's will for you, in His own good time, if it's according to His will, if He can work it into his busy schedule. He said, 'According to your faith, be it unto you'" (Charismatic Chaos, p. 286).
Of course, the road to prosperity somehow always leads to the offering plate of the Word-Faith Movement. Gloria Copeland (Kenneth's wife) pulls no punches in her book God's Will Is Prosperity:
"Give $10 and receive $1000; Give $1000 and receive $100,000 … give one house and receive one hundred houses or a house worth one hundred times as much. Give one airplane and receive one hundred times the value of the airplane. … In short, Mark 10:30 is a very good deal" (p. 54).
A Health Gospel
The "name-it-and-claim-it" pundits are not content with mere wealth; they want to feel well enough to enjoy their prosperity. So do most of their listeners. So while you are giving away wealth, why not dispense health as well?
The Word-Faith teachers, as is true of many other charismatics, believe that Christ provided for physical healing at the cross. As a result, not only are Christians saved from sin, they are promised a life of health. Kenneth Copeland writes in Healed … to Be or Not to Be:
"The first step to spiritual maturity is to realize your position before God. You are a child of God and a joint-heir with Jesus. Consequently, you are entitled to all the rights and privileges in the kingdom of God, and one of their rights is health and healing" (p. 25).
But, if healing is part of the atonement, why do Christians get sick? Lack of faith, as Benny Hinn explains:
"The Bible declares that the work was done 2,000 years ago. God is not going to heal you now -- he healed you 2,000 years ago. All you have to do today is receive your healing by faith" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 44).
Of course reality, in the form of sickness, has to be faced even by the Word-Faith leaders. Fred Price may proclaim "we don't allow sickness in our home," but his wife still has cancer. Kenneth Hagin brags that he has not had a headache, the flu, or even "one sick day" in nearly 60 years, but he has had four cardiovascular crises. Paul Crouch may have healed Oral Roberts of chest pains on a TBN Broadcast, but it didn't stop Oral from having a heart attack a few hours later (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 237-238). How are these things explained away? Predictably, by blaming them on the devil. Sickness in the Word-Faith camp is usually seen as satanic attacks that must be repelled by words of faith (i.e., "positive confession").
Experiences
The faith leaders make some amazing claims. Hagin, for example, has visited (so he says) both heaven and hell as well as had out-of-body experiences (Christianity in Crisis, p. 334). He has had many visits from Jesus and angels. He boasts of the ability to heal, cast our demons, and levitate people (p. 336). Hinn opens his best selling book with these words:
"It was three days before Christmas 1973. The sun was still rising on that cold, misty Toronto morning. Suddenly He was there. The Holy Spirit entered my room. He was as real to me that morning as the book you are holding in your hand is to you. For the next eight hours I had an incredible experience with the Holy Spirit. It changed the course of my life (Rise and Be Healed, p. 1).
Hinn speaks of frequent personal visits from the Lord, the first being at age eleven:
"I saw Jesus walk into my bedroom. He was wearing a robe that was whiter than white and a deep red mantle was draped over the robe. I saw his hair. I looked into His eyes. I saw the nailprints in His hands. I saw everything. ... When it happened, I was asleep, but suddenly my little body was caught up in an incredible sensation that can only be described as 'electric.' It felt as if someone had plugged me into a wired socket. There was a numbness that felt like needles -- a million of them -- rushing through my body. And then the Lord stood before me while I was in a deep, deep sleep. He looked straight at me with the most beautiful eyes. He smiled, and His arms were open wide. I could feel His presence. It was marvelous and I'll never forget it" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 22).
When Hinn describes his conversion, he does not mention the cross, repentance, or faith; rather, it is all couched in terms of experience:
"What I really felt, though, was that this surge of power was cleansing me -- instantly, from the inside out. I felt absolutely clean, immaculate, and pure. Suddenly I saw Jesus with my own eyes. It happened in a moment of time. There he was. Jesus" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 31).
Hinn claims power of a supernatural nature often emanates from his body:
"Once, my mother was cleaning the hallway while I was in my room talking with the Holy Spirit. When I came out, she was thrown right back. Something had knocked her against the wall. I said, 'What's wrong with you, Mama?' She answered, 'I don't know?' Well, the presence of the Lord almost knocked her down" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 42).
Both the appeal of the book and its dangers are evident in this quote:
"Are you ready to meet the Holy Spirit intimately and personally? Do you want to hear His voice? Are you prepared to know him as a person? That's exactly what happened to me, and it drastically transformed my life. It was an intensely personal experience, and it was based on God's Word. You may ask, 'Was it the result of a systematic Bible study?' No, it happened when I invited the Holy Spirit to be my personal friend. To be my constant guide. To take me by the hand and lead me 'into all truth.' What He will uncover and reveal to you in Scripture will make your study of the Bible come alive" (Rise and Be Healed, p. 48).
Both the Word-Faith leaders and their followers make the same mistake of basing their lives on experiences and feelings rather than upon the inspired Word of God.
Luminaries within the Movement
Kenneth Hagin is considered the father of Word-Faith. He has a syndicated radio show carried by about 250 radio stations; a Bible School (Rhema Bible Training Center) with 12,000 graduates from 1974-1992; a magazine with 400,000 subscribers; and has sold millions of books and other publications.
Kenneth Copeland is the heir-apparent to the Faith throne (although Benny Hinn has moved in to challenge). Copeland's empire spans the globe with similar ministries as Hagin.
Benny Hinn was pastor of Orlando Christian Center in Orlando, Florida. (He recently moved his ministry to Dallas.) Hinn reaches the world through evangelistic campaigns, television, and literature. His book Good Morning Holy Spirit was the best selling Christian book in 1991, selling a quarter of a million copies in only three months. He is perhaps best known as a "Faith-Healer" in the traditions of Kathryn Kuhlman (his idol) and Oral Roberts. His "ability" to "slay in the Spirit" large groups of people at once (by blowing on them or waving his arm their direction) has brought him considerable notoriety.
Frederick K.C. Price, the most prominent of black Word-Faith preachers, pastors the 16,000-member Crenshaw Christian Center, and has his own television show.
John Avanzini, best-known fundraiser among the Word-Faith leaders. He has said, "A greater than a lottery has come. His name is Jesus!"
Robert Tilton perfected the Christian infomercial through his "Success-N-Life" television program.
Marilyn Hickey is (except for Gloria Copeland and perhaps Jan Crouch) the best-known woman in the movement. She teaches people to speak to their wallets and checkbooks in order that their wealth may increase.
David Yonggi Cho is the pastor of the 700,000 Full Gospel Yoido Church in South Korea. Cho, who often speaks at Robert Schuller Conferences on church growth (along with Bill Hybels), is perhaps the closest link to the occult. He teaches a concept called the "Fourth Dimension." The first three dimensions are physical and are controlled by the fourth, which is the spiritual. Cho teaches that Christians can get anything they want by calling upon the spirit world in the Fourth Dimension and visualizing what they want. When a person (Christian or unsaved) follows the proper formula of positive thinking, speaking and visualizing, they "incubate" and eventually give birth to their desires. These techniques are the same used in his occult-infested country. Cho is aware of this fact, but believes what works for "them" will work for "us" -- so use it.
* This report has been excerpted and or adapted from an article ("The Word of Faith Movement") in the April 1999, Think on These Things, Southern View Chapel, Springfield, IL, Gary Gilley, Pastor.
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