Are We Being Misled?
I have been researching some stuff related to the Brownsville Revival lately. (If you don’t know what the Brownsville Revival is, click here to read up on it.)
I used to really believe this revival was an authentic move of the Lord. Now I’m not so sure anymore.
The Pensacola News Journal had a series of reports in 1997 documenting what many of their reporters had seen happen at Brownsville revival meetings. They write of people being pressed and prodded into giving money during the offertory, Steve Hill breaking his promise to stay until everyone had been prayed for, ministers failing to pay their taxes, and more questionable activities.
While no one is perfect, I seriously question this and other events widely regarded as moves of the Lord, such as Benny Hinn’s “This Is Your Day,” Kenneth Hagin and the RHEMA ministry, and other ministries in which the leadership does not have FULL ACCOUNTABILITY to its members/patrons/whatever you want to call them. Not only this, but these ministries have serious ties to the Word of Faith doctrine, which is not Biblical and misleads thousands of Christians each day (Why is it not Biblical? Put Jesus in the shoes of one who would follow the “prosperity doctrine,” and you’ll quickly find the WOF teaching completely negates each of his messages he preached in the four Gospels).
Don’t get me wrong. I am sure there were people healed left and right at these revivals, and there were many saved. Praise God for that. But all the wrongdoing that has been exposed needs to be repented of by the leadership and organizers.
I simply ask, where is the accountability when it comes to big-name ministries? Are we being misled by a feel-good gospel?
I wish to see the day when we as Christians stop being manipulated, and seek for greater discernment that the Holy Spirit gives to us.
2 Comments, Comment or Ping
Sybil
I think it’s so sad when things of this sort happen. I remember years ago watching a news show report on the Brownsville revival. I remember at the time shaking my head and wondering what on earth! God does fill His people with His Spirit, things happen such as healing, speaking in tongues, when we come in contact with God. However, this is to draw us closer to Him, not to pad our pocket books. Also God doesn’t always heal, nor does serving Him mean we will be rich. Our richness comes in our walk with the Lord. He en”riches” our lives beyond measure.
Jun 21st, 2006
Larry
If we don’t want to be misled, stay away from the misleaders. Before going study them. Take the time to research. The bible tells us we are to be wise in following. We must use discernment. I have never felt comfortable with televangelism. Money fuels a ministry and thats a fact. I know of lots that do just fine and they don’t ask for a dime. Thank you for you post…
Larry
Jun 22nd, 2006
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