TV Evangelists

[All4Christ]

Okay, Question

My grandma likes to watch tv evangelists but certain people have told me that it's not good to watch them because they misquote the Bible and all they want is our money and yet they have really fancy studios and furniature.

Maybe they do ask for a lot of money but I've never heard them misquote the Bible so I don't know what to think. Just asking because I'm kind of confused:confused .

[anotherbrother]

It seems to me that if the Spirit is working through these programs to minister to your Grandma, you'll see the fruits of that. I would keep in touch with her and ask her what she has been learning through these programs. That is perhaps the best way to learn how they are influencing her directly.

[Chrystalwuzhere]

Not all tv evangelists misquote scripture. There are some good ones out there like Charles Stanley.

However, there are many, many more who are preaching heretical doctrine, and giving false prophecies.... who not only misquote scripture, but teach and promote heresy in order to bilk folks out of their money. The folks being fleeced are folks like widows, the sick, dying, and financially struggling folks are. These types of ministers can be found in the Word of Faith/Seed Faith movement. Folks such as Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, Juanita Bynum, Paula White, and so on.

Study, and rightly divide the word of truth while listening to their doctrine. Let the word of God be your authority...and if it doesn't line up with the Word of God, get away from it.

[coffeehubby]

They misquote scripture means it is taken out of context in such a way that....although the words themselves are not changed....the meaning of the text as a whole is.

The teaching on prosperity is one example. I've often heard them use verses claiming promises, but I don't hear too many claiming Jesus promise of hardship or suffering, taking up His Cross to follow Him.

Paul would be considered a failure, shipwrecked, stoned, left for dead, had a illness that was NOT healed, was homeless, naked and cold....ect, ect.

" Paul, you should have just claimed...." Benny Hinn would say.

It doesn't work that way, no matter how much "seed faith" we use. God can not be bribed to change His will, or the knowledge He has that He knows BEST.:)

If Jesus had claimed his way out of the Cross, we'd all be DEAD MEAT...

[onelamb]

Your right-there is a lot of false teaching on TV-but there is also a lot of good solid Bible-so for the one who wants more than they get at church or someone who can't get out, it is great that they are there. Many people who never set foot in a church can hear the gospel message from the comfort of their home. I sure like:
Jack Hayford
Joyce Meyer
John Hagee
David Jeremiah
and a few others. Blessings to you and your grandma!

[coffeehubby]

I agree with you 100%

I guess the way to know if someones a fake, if they say you can have everything, IN THIS LIFE... including all your wants....check your wallet. That's where there heart seems to be...there own wants.

[billiefan2000]

bump

[Singlesis]

there are good ones and bad ones, as with any "group" (doctors, lawyers, evangelists, etc.). Can't group them all together that way.
My dad was saved watching a TV preacher in 1973. Bob Harrington, the Chaplain of Bourbon Street, preaching from a bar. (gasp) :tape
Really, he was.

[KrispyKritter]

Sorry... I have an issue with legitimate teachers who join w/false teachers on the same network (TBN) which is owned and operated by false teachers. We are called to mark and avoid false teachers... not join with them. To me it does no good to watch Greg Laurie and then watch Benny Hinn immediately following. It mixes truth w/ error and causes confusion.

[Teresa]

I first want to say that I totally agree with KrispyKritters post. He is right that it is not okay to watch one doctrinal sound preacher then watch someone that is completely false in their doctrine.

All4Christ I would really urge you to do a little bit of research on who your grandma is watching. The Word of Faith movement prays on the elderly and the uninformed. I was uninformed and bought into their teachings as truth.

So find out who grandma listens to and go check them out. If she is listening to false teachers she needs to know. I had to break the painful truth to my own mother about her favorites Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. Here are some excellent sites that will tell you about todays T.V evangelist.

www.letusreason.org
www.deceptioninthechurch.com
www.equip.org

[Jany]

Originally posted by KrispyKritter
Sorry... I have an issue with legitimate teachers who join w/false teachers on the same network (TBN) which is owned and operated by false teachers. We are called to mark and avoid false teachers... not join with them. To me it does no good to watch Greg Laurie and then watch Benny Hinn immediately following. It mixes truth w/ error and causes confusion.

Then don't watch Hinn next.

I believe there are some, not many, good, legitmate Bible teachers on TBN. That doesn't mean I have to watch the others. Many legit teachers are on that station, I believe, because this is the only station that many Christians can get. For me this is true, but I surely don't agree with the majority that are on that station.

I suppose if TBN doesn't like their message, they could always take them off. But from what little I know about TBN, they want the revenue http://www.maverickreport.com/images/smilies/goldfish.gif <><

[KrispyKritter]

Originally posted by Jany
Then don't watch Hinn next.

I believe there are some, not many, good, legitmate Bible teachers on TBN. That doesn't mean I have to watch the others. Many legit teachers are on that station, I believe, because this is the only station that many Christians can get. For me this is true, but I surely don't agree with the majority that are on that station.

I suppose if TBN doesn't like their message, they could always take them off. But from what little I know about TBN, they want the revenue http://www.maverickreport.com/images/smilies/goldfish.gif <><

For an obviously discerning person like you... yes, we can switch the channel. But lets face it... the VAST majority of Christians today are not very discerning. If they were then the false teachers on TBN would not be as wildly popular today as they are. It's not people like you who I am concerned about... its the people who swallow everything hook line & sinker that I am concerned for.

Undiscerning and Biblically illiterate (I think ignorant would be a more appropriate word) believers abound in the church today. Take a look at Barna's research and you will be appalled by the lack of Biblical understanding that pervades the church today. We have the Word of God in front of us... most folks have more than 5 Bibles in their homes... yet they never read them, or they listen to false teachers and filter the true Word of God thru these false teachings. That is a danger. And now political correctness has entered the church and it is considered "hateful" or "judgemental" to call these false teachers what they are... so no one says anything about them for fear of being labeled "hateful" or "judgemental".

However... we shouldnt be surprised because we are living in the end times, and scripture says these things will happen. False teachers will abound, and there will be a great falling away.

Yet another prophecy fulfilled before our very eyes.

[Teresa]

You are dead on as usual Krispy. Thats say you are a new Christian with no Bible training. Everyone on the T.V. sounds so wise and spiritual. So many of them know each other so you think they are even more credible.

Not to mention that they are very careful in what they say on the T.V. It was not until I read actual transcripts from their books and audio tapes that I came to fully understand what these so called preachers really believe.

Jany is right that there are some fine and good preachers on Christian T.V. But I know Christian Television very well. It was my church for five years.The facts are that WoF is the predominate teaching on these station today. Its also a fact that it was Benny Hinn and many of the WoF that brought me back to the Lord. Its also a fact that they filled my head with a lot of false teachings and led me down a path that could have been disastrous.

All I want is for people to be discerning in a way that I was not and to please just educate themselves. Its not like the information is hiding, its right there and very easy to find.

[cameron222]

I believe God will furnish "discernment" if we seek it. One problem I see with some TV "celebrity" preachers is that people follow them.....rather than Jesus.

Many of the TV preachers shows are little more than fund raisers. There are some legitimate programs around, but as someone said previously, mixing them with the guys that are hucksters seems a little strange.

Why not just find a Bible believing local church body with flesh and blood people you can touch and fellowship with and forget these guys??

I heard one of these guys years ago say that if you watch his program and that becomes your church then you should send you tithes to them. I quit watching that one.

Be careful out there!! There are wolves among the sheep!!

[Singlesis]

Sadly there are many who are physically unable to find and attend a local church, so TBN may be the only "church" they have. If they (TV) are leading people to Christ, which they have, then that's great. (Again, my Dad was saved watching a TV preacher). False doctrine? Well, they'll have to answer to God for all the people they have led astray.

More mature Christians? Be discerning, be very discerning.

[Russ]

Originally posted by onelamb
Your right-there is a lot of false teaching on TV-but there is also a lot of good solid Bible-so for the one who wants more than they get at church or someone who can't get out, it is great that they are there. Many people who never set foot in a church can hear the gospel message from the comfort of their home. I sure like:
Jack Hayford
Joyce Meyer
John Hagee
David Jeremiah
and a few others. Blessings to you and your grandma!


Joyce Meyer?

She was on tbn last night preaching the prosperity gospel.

[BarbT]

I've heard too many people right here on this board angrily defend some of the false TBN preachers when the question arises. The reason always comes down to how *they* were blessed by their ministries in some way.

It's a bit like buying a stolen car from some guy on the corner. As long as it benefits *Numero Uno* who cares about the source?

Sad to say that some folks refuse to examine the deeper teachings of their favorite TV preachers. I've seen this stubborness time and time again. When proof is given of some of the heresies, these *fans* always cry "judge not!" or they accuse us of "bashing" the preacher in question.

Per God's instructions, WE ARE TO JUDGE those inside the church -- especially teachers who are supposed to be representing Christ! When they cross the line into apostacy, that is our cue to exit their presence and fast.

[Teresa]

BarbT that was excellently said. I and others who have been directly influenced by the WoF movement and other wrong teaching have given testimony and web sites to go to.

I found everything I needed to know as soon as I read their own words. Like Hank Hanegraaff's book "Christianity in Crisis" that documents everything he says about these false teachers and the many many web sites I have been on. Not to mention the direct testimony of people here, on other sites, my own sister, and myself.

Just go see who you listen to and see what they believe in. Many do teach and believe in a different gospel and a different Jesus. You need to know you they are.

[holyspiritvesse]

Imagine a communist country... or something anti-Christian like that... and imagine they would allow solid preachers some airtime between their propaganda shows...

Get where I'm going?

IF TBN is the only way the solid preachers can get on the airwaves and be heard, they don't have a choice but to be sandwiched in between the propaganda.

They/we can only pray that the Truth and Wisdom gets out and is accepted by some. :angel

[Geoff274544]

I've been confused lately as I use to watch GOD TV non-stop. But tomight I've studied about wof movement. No more Kennth Hagin,Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland 4 me.

To be honest I felt strange watching Kenneth Hagin and thought Benny Hinn was fake from day1. First show of his I watched was with Steve Munsey in August.

Though I liked Jesse's shows maybe because of it's humour.

There is one Evangelist who I really admire and that is Derek Prince. He is no longer with us on earth, but his legacy will continue until the return of are Mighty Prince of Peace returns to this earth.

[Geoff274544]

Originally posted by All4Christ
Okay, Question

My grandma likes to watch tv evangelists but certain people have told me that it's not good to watch them because they misquote the Bible and all they want is our money and yet they have really fancy studios and furniature.

Maybe they do ask for a lot of money but I've never heard them misquote the Bible so I don't know what to think. Just asking because I'm kind of confused:confused .

If your grandma enjoys tv evangelists it's likely she watches alot of the wof programming. Cause it's showing on all networks 3 or 4 times a day. Like early morning mid afternoon and then primetime. So it's likely she gets her daily does of Benny.

[jenniofYahushua]

well this is an interesting discussion!


I cannot say I have ever ever heard a legitate tv evangelist. All I have seen( i will say besides two) have misquoted scripture, taught heretical things, justified all manner of sin, usurped authority etc... And i agree " most" are out for money and it is clear from there teachings that they are ministering to mens flesh and mens idols not at all to the spirit and in the Spirit. and i agree with what was said above- i take issue with any man who would align himself with the people at a channel like TBN and i would contend that any man who knows better would stay far away from those types. there are two however that i have agreed with in " some" issues that do align themselves with TBN and those two are perry stone and zola levitt- although i completely disagree that they are on TBN- i completely disagree with there rapture postions- and i cannot say that the money issue doesnt seem prominent in one of their cases. But i cannot say i am suprised that TBN is so off base and so popular at the same time as the Lord said the road is narrow and few find it.

the sad truth is, if those preachers got on tv and stood up for the word, preached holiness in love for the Lord, condemned sin, walked rightly, stopped talking about money, clothes, jewelry, boats, jesus being a rich man, jesus wanting u to be rich in money on earth , if they stopped preaching that this or that scripture in the NT was only about there times and doesnt apply now ( usually appealing to femanists) if they stopped telling christians they will never die for there faith, persecution will never come to us, you will fly away before tribulation etc.... then they would make no money, they would have no jets, no $2000.oo suits, no handful of houses, no men worshipping there words instead of the lords, no more popularity and tbn wouldnt have the money to be on air.


if they did those things, they would be persecuted and hated for his name sake, they would have riches stored up in heaven and the few that listened to them would be convicted of sin in there lives, they would truly repent of it and walk worthy of the calling, they would not store up such things on earth that rust and are eaten by moths but they would use what they do have for the kingdom and for the poor and needy in great love of giving, they would be hated by most, loved preciously by few, upheld of the Lord and great would be their reward in heaven..

[Teresa]

That was an excellent post jenniofYahushua :thumb

I do wonder about Perry Stone. I like what he has to say about End Times, but he is on TBN and he comes here to Orlando to be on with the owner Claud Bowers of our Christian television station. Claud Bower is completely wof and I have seen Perry Stone on many times during a telethon with other wof preachers and have seen him agreeing.

What do you know or think of Perry Stone believing that we should do communion everyday and that he has a lovely communion set he sells on the telethons? I have seen him come on and sell other things as well. Not there is nothing wrong with making money but I do wonder at his motives.

[jenniofYahushua]

ooo Good question about the communion. Well i cannot say i know of any scripture saying we should do it daily or should not maybe that is for the leading of the Spirit in our lives. for me we usually do it once a week on sabbath when we all join together for fellowship. for me also i keep passover and the feast of unleavened bread so during that week this year i did it everyday by myself , not that i needed to as a commad but i felt led to. i have seen perry's little communion kit and i have to admit it is cute and i wouldnt mind having one. i think the best way it would be helpful is visiting sick brethern etc who may want to do it in that time. what gets me about perry is i agree with some of what he says but it bothers me that he says he studied so much and has revelation by wisdom but then he doesnt give that for free but sells huge packets of books and tapes etc..... i have no problem with books being written or videos made but i dont think one should have to buy it to get the info. i appreciate it when brethern who have books and videos also make these materials available for free, online of however. if they do this, then truly those who do buy them and give are moved of the Lord to do so and not because they are trying to buy some truth. ... it saddens me that he agrees with wof :cry