Tufick "Benny" Hinn...The Gospel, Miracles & Prosperity Is "Not For Sale"

It what is a startling turn of events, it seems that long time televangelist, Tufick Hinn, better known as "Benny Hinn" has had a turnabout of his own encouragements of wealth enhancement or prosperity preaching and teaching. In a segment blazing on the internet Tufick declares his own personal disdain with doctrines and teaching that imply that monetary gifts can buy or purchase god's favor.

"The Gospel is not for sale. Miracles are not for sale. Prosperity is not for sale"

Already, Benny's commentary is garnering all kinds of critique, from those who declare his insincerity. From televangelists rising to "rebuke" Benny because they are afraid that their shoddy house of "prosperity manipulation" will be effected, to people just suspicious of Benny's motives, thoughts are all across the board.

Hear Tufick for yourself in this video:

Of course, one would know that the televangelism and media elite, who nearly solely make their livings off of "fleecing" the TV faithful, have plenty to say about Tufick's "repentance" and turning from the prosperity trap of the "give to get" scheme...

Hear Bishop George Bloomer's response. Remember, this is the same George Bloomer that recovered the "blood money" of his former illegal drug trade to begin his church. (That is according to his own testimony, not mine)



A Dunamis Word On The Issue

One thing is for sure, the words of Tufick Hinn and anything else he says regarding his former misguided teachings (and the teachings are misguided, no matter how much Bloomer or anyone else trues to string scriptures together to support his practice) are bound to set the televangelist and money abuse church crowd on their ears.

The problem is simple. There is NO SCRIPTURE that teaches either explicitly or implicitly, that any person should have to PAY for a miracle or a blessing.

Please understand this, a person may act in faith. One may "consecrate" an amount of money or anything else, as a petition for the blessing of the Lord. Some do this through "fasting and prayer", to specifically seek the Lord for purpose or clarity on an issue or multiple issues. We must admit that money cannot be excluded from that purpose as well, however, to manipulate the circumstance, by asserting that an amount of money, manipulates or constrains God to "do something" is and has always been no more than slight of hand.

Now, Bishop Bloomer, asserts that people have been healed as a result of committing a certain amount of money in certain circumstances. However, can we consider that the money had nothing to do with the healing, and that faith, trust and belief in God did? Some say, in that case, use money as a "point of contact" as Oral Roberts and Sr. Kenneth Hagan so abundantly taught in the hay day of their heresy...But what if money, or anything material, had nothing to do with it? What if it were simply God doing what he does in response to prayer and petition?

Recreation Of Idols

"Just as the nation of ancient Israel, this generation has followed idols and quickly makes idols out of nearly any and everything within its reach."

Some of the same one's claiming to Love God and claiming to have a ministry (at least on TV) to call all men to repentance, are breathing condemnation on Tifick for turning from his false doctrine and teaching of associating monetary and material wealth and wealth transfer with the blessings of God. One would think that these would be happy when anyone repents from their sin, and especially sins such as this which has damaged so many and promoted some of the worst and most spurious teachings in the name of "God" on earth. I would ask is there no room for Tufick to change? Can God not deliver him from sin and false doctrine?

I no more hold my breath for him than I do for anyone that says they want change and are willing to repent.

Hopefully,  ALL of the rest of the televangelists and "entertainment" preachers will follow suit. Instead of trying to string together a theology, to keep themselves on the air, to attain popularity and make people believe that they are special, I pray that they too will repent from "fleecing the flock" and causing shame within the body of Christ.

From Gulf Stream airplanes, to Bentleys; from fashioned, tailored suits, red bottom shoes and all kinds of excess...I ti my prayer that those that hold any of those things as signs of the "arrival" of ministry and God's favor, would have a shaking in their souls and open themselves up to experience the true nature and power of God that is present upon men and women in the deepest impoverishment and in the deepest chasm of the soul and spirit.

The anointing is not birthed in luxury. It is always birthed in difficulty and adversity. i would hope that all of these multi-millionaire so called "preachers" and "teachers" would remember the words of Jesus regarding HIS house...

Mt. 21:13 ~ And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (from Is. 56:7)

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110th COGIC Holy Convocation or Apostasy? You Decide...

Go HERE for an indepth look at what Pastor Osteen calls the "little differences" between Mormonism and Christianity and decide if there are really "little differences" and whether Mormonism is of the Christian faith. 

The lineup of speakers for the 2017 Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ has been announced. Of course, the announcement has not only left many with questions, but has also stirred emotions especially with the Wed. evening choice of speakers.

The controversy seems to center around the selection of the pastor of the largest Christian church in the United States, Pastor Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Church in Houston, TX.

To be fair, COGIC has embraced speakers that are not a part of the organization for many years. So the fact that Pastor Osteen is controversial because he is not a part of COGIC can hardly be supported by any evidence. 

For example, Bishop TD Jakes, Bishop Noel Jones, & Pastor Dewey E Smith to name a few, have all spoken at recent Holy Convocations to greater or lesser approval or disdain of rank and file COGIC members. 

Every year there is an "ecumenical" night in which a speaker that is not COGIC is asked to speak. This appears to be in line with a standing tradition of the church to be hospitable and inviting to those who are not of the organization in effort to extend the "right hand of fellowship" which countervienes what happened to our founding Bishop, Bishop CH Mason, when he was dis-fellowshiped from the Baptist church for preaching and teaching the message of holiness and eventually pentecostalism.

While the effort of inclusion is commendable, it seems that the mission of presenting a sound and uncompromising message of Holiness is getting lost in the shuffle and is the source of any controversy or dissension on the issue. 

What Do I Mean?

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"Preachers" Of LA

Don't Worry, More Governmental Hearings On The Way!

OK, I don't mean to advertise this show, but I must say that I am in anticipation of just how much MESS can come on TV in the name of the Lord. I'll be short with this one but look:

The Sisterhood...CANCELLED! Preacher's Wives...CANCELLED!

But that doesn't disturb or sway the preachers from doing what they do. At probably more than $5,000 to $10,000 per episode, the preacher's gladly say It's MY TURN NOW!

Yes, it's their turn to set the record straight. Pastor Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Cheney, Bishop Ron Gibson and Pastor Jay Haizlip...It's their turn to tell the world why they can be expected to live lavishly while anything from mega to average sized churches sport and support their mega-lifestyles.

In this trailer alone, there is more than enough information for anyone who loves the Lord to be disturbed about. from a Bishop claiming that he should be able to obtain worldly possessions similar to demonic entertainers; to another claiming that he believes in the part of the bible that declares that we should "prosper and be in good health" which was simply a 1st century greeting, salutation and doxology; to another that claims that he is a "prize" that should be "won"...

HOUSTON, We have a PROBLEM! And the problem is not God...it's those who want to make God be and approve all the devilment that they like to do...This "expose" could be just what is necessary for the rest of the world to see these gentleman as they really are. I don't know, but I will certainly be watching...and the COMMENTS will be ON!!!!!

Blessed! 

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Mega Lottery ~ The Ultimate Give To Get Scheme

"When it gets as big as it is now, you'd be nuts not to play,"..."You have to take a chance on Lady Luck."

Mr. Willie Richards ~ Atl. Ga. 

At odds of 1 in 176 million, the Mega Millions lottery offered a world record pot of $640 Million. According to the computers, there were three winners one in each state, Kansas, Illinois and Maryland. Each winning ticket is worth $213 Million before taxes and will net  approximately more than $140 Million after taxes if the lump sum option is taken. Even second place will take $250,000 before taxes.  

A record in sales, raking in an estimated average of over $1 Million per hour, totaling over $1.5 Billion was made in the current Mega Millions lottery. Each state in which the lottery was paid also recorded record revenues. In 2011, $56 Billion in revenues were earned by the lottery. According to reports, more people play the lottery than attend church. In fact it is said that the average income earner of $30,000 spends approximately 9 % of their income purchasing lottery tickets hoping for the chance to win. Statistics say that on average 9 out of 10 winners go through their earning, and are right back where they started from in approximately 5 years. 

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Falling Towers Coming Down Pt. 2

As Continued From Falling Towers Coming Down Pt. 1

Gulfstream G650 $58.5 Million in 2012
Necessary For Preacher Luxury and Ministerial Performance 

In modern times, Pastors and leaders are commended, praised and held in high esteem because they have personal and private jets and expensive cars as opposed to having personal and public commitments to the well being of the body of believers. The member, overwhelmingly of low to moderate income, is pumped and primed to give so that they can be blessed. Then certain expenditures present themselves so that the giving can be seen and made known. For the extremely opulent "ministries" on the other hand, spending what is given is sometimes directed toward the acquisition of private jets, Bahama vacations, luxury automobiles or some other personal cause, which is almost expected by and from some in leadership. For some it's the equivalent of executive privilege because mistakenly, some think that they "are" the church or that they are "the ministry". Only where is that outlined within the bible? What is the biblical mandate, endorsement or approval for such status.

"I need To Take This Trip To Win Souls"

One other thing, then I'll move on because many of my preacher friends get uncomfortable talking about these sort of things: I've heard of more and more pastors and leaders who supposedly go on "missions trips" without their spouses and families. These trips are almost never to places like Bosnia, Croatia or Antartica. They are almost always to places like the Bahamas and Jamaica. What makes it even worse is that many times these pastors only take certain selected members from the church along with them. (Does that remind you of anyone in the news recently?) Nonetheless, in most of these cases all expenses are paid by the church without question. Under normal circumstances that wouldn't be a bad thing, however what we are witnessing is flat out usury and pimpery among some of the leaders facilitated by the natural entity or the physical church itself.

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The Contemporary Movement aka: The New Prosperity Movement?

This is from 2009, but I think the message the confusion, is very curious and applicable to today. Are we any better 2 years later? Please chime in on the issue.

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Falling Towers Coming Down Pt. 1

Matthew 16:15-19 ~"15-He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16-And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17-And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18-And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19-And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven"

Frank Viola, in his response to Dr. Ben Witherington over Ben's review of his book, "Reimagining Church", stated the following on pg. 4 pt. 9 of his rebuttal:

"The main point of all of this, of course, is my contention that the church is a spiritual organism and not a human organization." 

While Frank's books are certainly on my personal wish list, I couldn't help but conclude that although the gates of hell will not prevail against it, the "spiritual organism" known as the church, in it's modern form and under its modern composition,  is sick, afflicted, in pain and in serious trouble. If I were a Doctor I would send it home for a permanent vacation and bed rest. My reasoning is because what is currently transpiring in the body of Christ is nothing less than an epidemic.

First, as Frank states, the modern church is being built inversely of scripture. No matter the organizational affilliation, it has become a top-down or hierarchical entity. At the local level there is a considerable amount of  pressure placed on a single leader, usually the Pastor, to perform in an almost a superhuman manner. Balancing business acumen with social skills, all while finding time to give himself to God, and seek and deliver a word. Unfortunately even that word has been reduced to more of a motivational speech as many modern pastors do not preach against sin and have even reverted to calling themselves "Life Coaches".

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Inside Edition: Prosperity Preacher Opulence!

Can you believe this? I had seen this before when it originally aired, but forgot to post it then. It aired again Saturday and I couldn't resist.


K. Copeland: "My lifestyle follows the scripture..."
K. Copeland: "We give, we believe...we're open?"

IE: You have a fleet of private jets. Why is that necessary, you're a minister. How many private jets do you have?"

K. Copeland: "That...is none of your business."



Well, in response they say what should preachers preach..."Poverty"

I simply say how about preaching THE GOSPEL,  and how about exemplifying that with a holy life and a lifestyle given to serving the people instead of being served and having attitudes like Rock Stars.

Strategy: How about either getting paid a percentage of annual church revenues, or an average percentage of income of congregants? You'll still receive expense allowances too, but that may keep you from looking silly and saying ..."We're Open?" like you're a McDonalds or a Walmart. Please!

Blessed!

Special Bonus:

The Bundle:

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"Pray For Me And Leave Me Be!"

The ministry of Joyce Meyer has been filled with controversy for a number of years. Many claim that she is simply bilking the flock of God in a womanly way. After 80 books, national and international television and radio broadcasts, annual conferences and a host of other ministry marketing schemes, she has got to be hailed as one of the most prolific sellers of the gospel of our time. 

Remember this, out of $100 Million raised annually by her organization, only $14 million is spent on humanitarian aid and relief efforts. Although Joyce receives less than .5% of ministry proceeds in salary, the question is raised is the ministry "right sized" in proportion to what it is supposed to do?

The following is an interview recently completed by ABC News's Nightline. Please note the answers to the questions asked and judge biblically whether her expectations are biblically centered. I've enclosed a few excerpts that I thought were interesting:

The Jet 

Q: So if Jesus were here he's have a coorporate jet?

Meyer: He might today, maybe they weren't available then so...y'u-know it's like, why can't you look at the good I'm doin'?"..."She is helpin' so many people, y'u-know, we can, we can just allow her that one luxury, because man, she's worked hard for 32 years, she's helped a lot of people, she's given up her privacy...So, it's like; is there no reward for anybody that's doin' what I'm doin? y'u-know do we only have to just suffer and never have anything so people will be happy?"

The Money

Meyer: You see giving, is a major part of the whole Christian dogma...

Q: But do you believe that is someone gives money to the ministries that more will come back to them?

Meyer: Yes. Absolutely.

Conclusion

Aside from the doctrinal errors of Joyce Meyer, which I haven't discussed here, I would like to pose  additional questions:

• 
  
  Can a ministry be so commercialized until ministry becomes secondary?
• 
  
  Has God called ministry to be commercialized in this sort of fashion?
• 
  
  Should ministers seek to accomplish and do what Joyce Meyer and other mega-ministry preachers are doing? 

Blessed!

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