November 12, 2007
An open letter to Charisma Magazine, J. Lee Grady and the body of Christ as a whole:
After finally getting over my shock at J. Lee Grady’s editorial from a few months ago titled, “Christian TV Needs an Extreme Makeover,” I see that Mr. Grady is once again heading into treacherous waters. His recent editorial about U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley’s call for an investigation of the finances of several prominent television ministries is something that could not only harm the church as we know it today, but the body of Christ as a whole.
On the surface, the Senate Finance Committee’s investigation (and let’s call it by its real intent: an inquisition) headed up by Senator Grassley might sound logical, and to some Christians maybe even a good idea. But the long term effects of this investigation could be devastating. Put aside your personal opinions about any of the six ministries being targeted, and forget how you feel about Christian television as a whole. The much bigger questions we should all be asking are: Do we want the government deciding anything when it comes to the faith we all hold dear? Should government be allowed to dictate what kind a car a minister can drive, or how large a house is permissible and even how much a minister may receive as a salary? Do we want to establish another Church of England, or was that why our forefathers came to this nation in the first place? Separation of church and state is a foundational principle guaranteed in our Constitution, and Mr. Grady’s editorial seems to be ignorant of that fact!
Also, let’s look at the “source” of Senator Grassley’s information. Ole Anthony, head of the Trinity Foundation, has been around for over twenty years as a self-proclaimed “reformer of the church” and “watchdog for the body of Christ.” Well, it doesn’t take more than one or two Google searches to find out that Ole Anthony’s claim to being the watchdog of Christian ministries is a little like the “fox guarding the chicken coop,” and brings to mind Matthew 7:3 where Christ said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Read a book by Wendy Duncan called, I Can’t Hear God Anymore. Enough said….) Why Ole mainly focuses in on “televangelism” is interesting to me, and obviously the senator is playing right into his hands. Why aren’t other faiths or, for that matter, other 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations being questioned? What about the Catholic church, Jewish organizations, or even the Muslims? You get my point.
Martin Luther brought reformation to the church in 1517 with his “95 Theses” nailed to the Wittenberg door, but his actions were directed at the church itself and not with the prevailing government of the day! The body of Christ and God himself will deal with anyone not doing the right thing or compromising any ministry. We don’t need the government to step in and regulate anything when it comes to our faith or the church.
Scripture gives us the criteria by which we may judge fellow Believers. The Bible says in Matthew 7:20, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Are none of these ministries “bearing fruit?” I submit that the true test of a ministry can be determined by asking these questions: Are people getting saved, lives being touched and faith restored? Is the Word being communicated? How many suicides have been prevented? How many people have been delivered from drugs or alcohol and how many children put up for adoption as opposed to abortion? Are other benevolent works taking place such as feeding programs, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless? How many people have been guided off of welfare rolls? Or how many people will not be returning to jail and, instead, become positive influences on society, because of their faith? Case in point: Just this past week, a viewer called our prayer lines to report that she was about to commit suicide, but then saw Bishop Eddie Long—one of the ministries targeted by Senator Grassley—preach a message that literally saved her life and brought her to faith in Jesus. Mr. Grady didn’t bother to mention any of the good works these ministries are doing. So how much is a soul worth? Maybe we should direct some of these questions back on Senator Grassley and demand his responses by December 6th!
When it comes to “accountability,” I also take issue with Mr. Grady. Whether you agree with the philosophy or theology of anyone in the pulpit or on Christian TV is not the point. It doesn’t matter if they preach the prosperity Gospel and live in mansions, or the poverty Gospel and are all beggars. We must keep the government OUT of the church, or everything our founding fathers fought for is lost! The concept that God would use a senator to “bring on a reformation,” as Mr. Grady proclaims, is scary and ignorant of the facts. We are dealing with spiritual warfare here, and we must fight back. None of these ministries are required by law to do anything in response to Senator Grassley’s investigation, and I hope they don’t. All of us in the ministry answer to the IRS, franchise tax boards, county taxing authorities, etc., and that is sufficient oversight. I don’t care if Benny Hinn flies in a private plane, or if Creflo Dollar drives a Bentley. That’s between them and God. We as Christians are required to give—it’s an intrinsic part of our faith. God gave his best to redeem our souls, his only Son, and we are to do the same.
I leave you with a quote from Martin Niemoeller who was a prominent German pastor put in a concentration camp by the Nazis in 1937: “In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”
Need I say more?
Paul F. Crouch, Jr.
Chief of Staff
Trinity Broadcasting Network
Let me say a couple of things.
First, I believe that there is a special place in hell for these modern day Tetzels.
I really don't care if some find that impolite.
Those who prey on the people of God, especially the poorest and most vulnerable are the scum of the earth.
Second, in my opinion, these organizations are nothing but ineptly coiffured religious Mafioso.
They prosper through creating and hiding layers of sub corporations protected under the legal blanket of the "church".
They are liars, thieves, and common criminals who use and despise the people of God.
The only worldly organization that can stop these bonded leather hoods is now the government.
Only the government can stand up to the threats and retaliation as well as access the information that rightly belongs to anyone who gives.
My prayer is that everyone who reads this blog will send a note of support to Senator Grassley here.
Send in the Philistines!
Crouch’s misuse of history is just as fast-n-free as his abuse of scripture. To compare Senator Grassley’s investigation with the Nazi annihilation of millions of Jews and other ‘undesireables’ under Hitler is outrageous. Further, his so-called point that Luther posted the 95 ‘in house’ is ridiculous in view of the fact that no civil authority existed that was near in power to Rome at the time. The treacherous waters he worries of are, in reality, inhabited by sharks like himself who prey on those they supposedly minister to. Shame on him and his ilk. To ignore repeated calls from within the ‘family’ to reform is utter folly. To ignore Grassley is arrogant stupidity.
Wowsers! I wondered when you’d get around to posting that letter. I agree it’s so sad
Paul Crouch v Lee Grady?
Jumpin’ tongues of confusion…that is an interesting debate…
Some say don’t rock the boat,
I say let’s turn it over and see who will float.
Unfortunately the appeal of Paul Crouch did not sound like moral high ground. Whoredom in the ministry must end…
Babylon’s Dread
ScottH,
I had to stop hyperventilating first…
Go get ‘em, Senator!
What a major load of dog crap.
I don’t know where to start…
This guy couldn’t find his theological a*s with both his hands.
To invoke Luther…totally out of context.
And Martin Niemoller…good grief. Cut the histrionics.
“Need I say more”?
No, you’ve said far too much already.
One thing I can tell you from personal experience in the so called charismatic circles….they do not take kindly to being called on the carpet… It is the most unaccountable bunch on planet earth.
If you rebuke them or call them into account…YOU become the target.
So when you make it your business to call them out, leave your head at the door…they intend to hand it to you before it is over.
Headless Dread
sounds like a great hockey game…between the Senators and the Sharks.
BD,
It’s not just the charismatics…
Or the Senators and the Predators.
Well, I predicted several weeks ago, when this “broke,” that the charismaniacs would play the “big bad government” card.
So, when do I get to start my own prophetic ministry? How much should I make a year?
I think you guys should say what you mean instead of trying to be so polite and not hurt Paul’s feelings.
fil,
Is it too late to change my headline ?
Lutheran:
Do you mean prophetic ministry or profitic?
I don’t know why TBN would want to squash an investigation - their books are open. Of course their income is obscene. It makes you wonder how they put on their “Beg-A-Thon” with a straight face!
http://www.guidestar.org/pqShowGsReport.do?partner=justgive&npoId=565060
There are times late at night I turn on these shows and watch the worship channel etc. They do have a place in a very lonely nation. I do not condone what they do but there is Gold in the weeds so to speak. It just goes to show the grace of God. I do support the senators investigation though I do not think it will change anything. I hope I am wrong.
In view of such a debacle as Christian Broadcasting is fast becoming, the open sores of graft, and worse, we are seeing at the top leadership levels of several churches and paras, and the continual fractioning of revelation amongst an ever-growing field of competing “isms” it looks like the one “out” we might hope for is open persecution. What are we willing to sacrifice to see God’s holy love and truth established in the Body? The early Christians told us which books belonged in the Canon by risking their lives to protect them. What are we willing to lay down our lives for?
(It’s late- if I wrote this too vaguely, click over to my blog for a broader & brighter view of the picture!)
I have never for the life of me understood why anyone would take TBN or any Christian television seriously. I listen to the pastors and 99% of them are talking out of their butts. Most of them aren’t even good speakers let alone competent Bible teachers.
I know that many people come to Christ through it and that is Philippians 1:15-18 applied in a contemporary context.
“Christian” television has been a joke for decades…I hope it blows up and that someone with integrity and true Godly vision can start something that will actually minister to people instead of fleece them.
Here is my initial response to Paul Jr. on the Charisma Forum:
“Paul Jr — I really wish that Dr. Eugene Scott was alive to see this!! I’m sure you know that I’m a long-time Christian television observer — and I don’t have to go back too far in my memory to the day when KHOF television — you know, the place where your dad had his start (& I won’t go into the details of that terrible split) — and I recall the long struggle Dr. Scott had with the FCC. Remember that one — the FCC monkey band and Scott hitting them on the head as the government demanded his donor list? Dr. Scott reached out to your parents and other Christian telecasters for their backing and you all turned a deaf ear to his pleas.”
“Oh yeah, Dr. Scott lost KHOF — both his television & radio stations — because he wouldn’t cooperate with the FCC’s intrusion into the church. Scott warned TBN on the air that if you didn’t stand with him you would wind up falling too. He was fond of saying that the price of freedom was the association with nuts — and TBN still ignored his distress calls. He said — on the air — that you would face the very same tiger — and now you are. I guess Gene Scott was a prophet.”
And you know you are being looked at, don’t you? Just because you didn’t get your letter yet, doesn’t mean you’re not next. All the political campaign contributions TBN has made to buy favor won’t get you out of this one!”
I responded before someone leaked a letter to me written by Gene Scott’s widow, former porno star Melissa Scott, aka Barbie Bridges [groups.google.com/.../thread/a2098f05dfbbb09a] - I am sure that her late husband would agree with my reaction more than hers. Keep in mind that Melissa’s letter predated Paul Jr.s’ and Jr sent hers out to the ministries along with his own letter you’ve already quoted. Here’s a copy of her letter defending TBN and other religious con-men:
Wescott Christian Center
1615 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
November 7, 2007
Open letter to ministries having received a Letter of Inquiry from the Senate Finance Committee:
Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself: my name is Pastor Melissa Scott and I am the widow of the late Dr. Gene Scott, Ph.D. I write to you in an earnest and sincere plea to consider this letter as something imperative for all ministers to apprehend – the depth of this inquisition reaches far beyond your ministries. Although we certainly have different theological perspectives, we come from different backgrounds, i.e. denominations, etc; we do have a common denominator that binds us all together: the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Many ministers will simply not be familiar enough with the fight the late Dr. Gene Scott fought in the fall of 1980. To the onlookers and to those who did not know the full spectrum of what he fought for, he was seen as a hostile voice in the body of Christ. But he was a lone voice crying in the wilderness. The battle that he fought was for the churches, not for himself. Most of you will recall the 1980’s era of “televangelist” scandals. When the Attorney General came asking essentially the same questions that have been asked of you at this time – questions like “Where’s the money going?” or “Who’s giving the money?”, etc., it became apparent to Dr. Scott that certain Constitutional rights were being grossly violated.
Dr. Scott’s plea was for the ‘then’ church world to band together and tell the government that we are not going to be controlled by them like the church and state of England. He sat down and, with the help of two attorneys, penned the Petris Bill in Senator Petris’ office, the conclusion of which was a victory etched in time for the churches in the state of California and perhaps at this time, instrumental to getting the victory on a larger scale.
I have taken the liberty to enclose a copy of the Petris Bill. I am well aware that each ministry would want to conduct itself in the least hostile and most diplomatic manner. However, this inquisition is not being conducted in the name of Christ. Let me share this quote from Martin Niemoeller: “First they came for the communists but I was not a communist, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the socialists and trade unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.”
You will most likely be the first six ministries. (Does it not seem strange that six ministries are picked – not five or seven, but six – and that you’re being asked to respond by December 6th?) I am not one to see the devil in everything but I certainly see the spirit of antichrist! Your decision to stand together unified in this matter will certainly dictate the outcome. I am certain that after this there will be another six, and then another six.
I have looked at most of the questions being asked and at this point it is very clear that speculations and/or complaints that have been made with regard to money and monies received, or with regard to your boards or travel are an interesting witch hunt. While we’re all discussing a table or a car purchased, it seems like no one is arguing about the splendor and abundance in which the Pope lives.
If this investigation and “questionnaire” is answered, what is the outcome? Will legislation be passed that says a minister of the Gospel must live in conditions outlined by the state and government? The image that society appreciates is one of the preacher who drives a broken down Chevy, lives in the dilapidated parsonage attached to the church, and keeps the air conditioning and heating off to save money. The questions on the table is not what type of car you drive or the square footage of your house or how much cosmetic surgery you’ve had. The truth is that if your tax-exempt status can be taken away, the government will be sharing in the monies received to your ministry.
The real dilemma is “Will anybody stand up for the rights of the church?” There are so many questions being asked but they are not being asked for public good or benefit. If so, questions in the questionnaire would have included – How many suicides have you prevented? Or, how many marriages have you saved? And how many people have been restored back into society? We may disagree amongst ourselves with regard to what each perceives as right or true doctrinally, however, we can all agree that the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment cover all of us. The ramifications to compliance and response will be detrimental to the body of Christ.
I am praying that your consideration in taking a unified stance against responding or cooperating will be seen and understood as a stand for all churches and ministers in America: protecting our rights and more importantly, insuring the Church of Jesus Christ is protected until He comes.
Respectfully,
Pastor Melissa Scott
Sorry for the length of the last - but I thought the documentation would be important for your discussion. And, BTW, Paul Crouch Jr.’s divorce from his wife Tawny was granted this year. There is talk he has another significant other who will remain nameless:
The Superior Court of California case number is 06D004503, Paul Crouch, Jr. Petitioner and Tawny Crouch, Respondent. The original filing date was May 18, 2006 and the category was dissolution (divorce) with children. It appears to have been resolved by uncontested dissolution (divorce) or default on May 13, 2007 (this year). The motions below are in reverse order.
Case Summary
Case Number Title Filing Date Category Type
06D004503 CROUCH JR V CROUCH 05/18/2006 DISSO WITH CHILDREN DISSO WITH CHILD
Participants
Results 1 - 4 of 4000000000000
No Name Type Assoc Start Date
1 PAUL F. CROUCH JR PETITIONER 05/18/2006
2 TAWNY C. CROUCH RESPONDENT 05/18/2006
3 DAVERT & LOE ATTORNEY FOR PLTF/PET 1 05/18/2006
5 PARSONS & PIETRO ATTORNEY FOR RESP/DEFT 2 07/07/2006
Hearings
Date Time Description Judge Dept
Register of Actions
Results 1 - 14 of 140000000000
Docket Code Filing Date Filing Party
DECL-DEF OR UNCONTESTED DISSO 05/31/2007 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
WAIVER OF FINAL DECLARATION OF DISCLOSURE 05/31/2007 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
DECL-SERVICE OF FINAL DISCL 05/31/2007 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
APPEARANCE/STIP & WAIVERS 05/31/2007 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
NOTICE OF ENTRY OF JUDGMENT 05/31/2007 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
JUDGMENT 05/31/2007 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
DECL-SERVICE OF FINAL DISCL 07/07/2006 TAWNY C. CROUCH
DECLARATION-UNIFORM CUSTODY 07/07/2006 TAWNY C. CROUCH
RESPONSE-FAMILY LAW 07/07/2006 TAWNY C. CROUCH
PROOF OF SERVICE/SUMMONS 06/09/2006 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
NTC & ACKNOWLEDGMNT OF RECEIPT 06/09/2006 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
DECLARATION-UNIFORM CUSTODY 05/18/2006 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
SUMMONS- 30 DAY 05/18/2006 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
PETITION-DISSOLUTION 05/18/2006 PAUL F. CROUCH JR
Mr Potato head said
“I have never for the life of me understood why anyone would take TBN or any Christian television seriously”
I do not offer this as an excuse etc. There are times when it is late, usually very late that many I have known have needed just a simple word of hope. I grant you folks maybe should not need this or it really seems that way, shut ins for instance are often, nope rarely visited on a regular basis, granted they should just lean on the Lord etc. But this is why Christian TV and radio is so powerful, and in a way so easily taken advantage of. I dont take much of it seriously, as I have a built in BS meter which pings most of the time when I watch tv, actually it pings most of the time period.
But when you are in a hospital, nursing home etc I can tell you from personal experience Christian Radio, and tv to a lessor degree really comes in handy. Because calling any local groups cant be an option, that is also something I can personally attest to, no negatively meant it is just a plain fact. There are times folks need to hear a word or a kind prayer. I know we should only need God and nothing else but in the real world it does not work that way.
There have been many times I have turned to Christian TV and radio internet because the local options were not options. I know for a fact I am not the only one, I have even called prayer lines a few times, twice in the past three years. It did help, much like this blog helps, in a way it is the same medium, it is safe, there is a bit of anonymity and for me the most important, people can not retaliate as easily. I offer that just for an explanation again not as an excuse.
Thanks all again for all the kind help I want it very clear I do very much appriciate the ability to post here, I do not do it in vain or an casually. I am deeply thankful for the kindness I am shown here, I do hope my perspective offers an insight to some of the outsiders, which I think we all can relate to in some way. I try to be extremely careful what I say, and I know I sound like a broken record at times. Again my deepest thanks I truly mean that and it has truly helped me, I hope in some very small way I have helped others. To be honest that is the highest honor I have ever had, helping others.
When it comes to ‘teachers’ using the words of Scripture for their own profit, surely some people are blessed by the teaching - not because of the person, but because of the truth of the Word of God. Thus some folks like Brian are blessed.
That said, I have a hard time restraining the detestation I have for these so-called ‘ministers’ who remind me more of Simon the sorcerer (Acts
than simply a wayward teacher. I’m sure folks might have been blessed by Simon’s occasional hit on truth as well, but Peter didn’t have anything to do with him. These folks are just like those Paul warned us against in 1 Tim 6:5, “useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”
I’d comment on the letter personally, but I’m starting to lose my cool the more I read it.
TBN will always remain credible as long as people like Charles Stanley, The Billy Graham people, Harvest Crusades, Jack Hayford etc support them. I think these guys are jerks for being on the network.
Oh, I’ve heard people say “well that’s the only time people will hear the true gospel.” Geez, give me a break. (tell those people to get their butts into a bible believing church and turn off the damn TV!) What their time on the network does is elevate people like Rod Parsley etc to their level.
I think that the guys I mentioned I are the biggest contributors to rip off Christian TV. They should vacate the air waves so that TBN can implode on itself.
But they stay because of their own personal egos and the need for mug time on the tube. Oh yay -(IMHO)
Marie Natha,
Melissa Scott was a p*rn star? wow! I didn’t know that…
I’ve watched her and her dad’s show a few times…she is about as as boring as they come. Constantly writing on a chalkboard pontificating about incoherent minutiae.
brian,
yeah I can see your point…and it is for those types of people (shut in’s, mentality handicaped, elderly, etc) that my heart breaks. That they are being absolutely ripped off by these charlatans.
mld,
good point…I guess it’s like CSN. Many guys look at it like if it’s there we might as well use it. But your point is well taken…if the “good” guys would get off maybe the thing would fold. Although with TBN and the others there aren’t enough “good” guys to even make a dent in things if they departed.
For every Charles Stanley there are about 20 Rod Parsley’s.
what a joke…
I agree with MLD. Ministries with integrity should flee big time from TBN! Stop making lame excuses.
word of caution from an outsider of sorts
one of the conservative Christian hoi poloi best describes me
I always thot that TBN and Calvary Chapel were part of the same movement - not the same organization, but somehow connected. My point is that the Body of Christ is in jeopardy at a time like this as the outside world can’t distinguish the true from the false. So, in that respect, we could get tossed out in the same bath water.
Seems from here like it’s time to pray more than a time to gloat - sorry for sounding like I’m smarter than I am - just the way it seems from here
MLD,
I agree with you totally. I’m so sick of Christian ministries where pragmatism is the only measure of whether they do something or not. “Oh, we can preach the Gospel on TBN.” Right. As if context and truth don’t matter.
How you do something speaks just as loudly — and is just as important — as what you’re doing. The means do not justify the ends. You’re right MLD, being on TBN just justifies the idiocy you find on there. I guess it’s all about bigness and empire building.
Get thee to a local church!
Lutheran,
As far as I am concerned, the situation is no different than Charles Stanley inviting Benny Hinn to share his pulpit. I hold him just as responsible.
gotta question…
Is there another international venue for the likes of Charles Stanley? Is he there because God wants somebody teaching and preaching where the wandering lambs and sheep are.Paul preached on Mars Hill.
BTW…Whatever happened to the Lutheran Hour? Is it time to start a TV LHN? Got any Lutheran TV execs around anywhere?
or another Donald Grey Barnhouse would be good…
God seems to have settled on J Vernon McGee reruns - simple teaching in the 90th percentile for accuracy (whatever that means)
Pilgrim,
Here’s a link to the Lutheran Hour. I don’t think they do TV.
http://www.lutheranhour.org/
I know the local Xn radio station pulled the show several years ago after a sermon on infant baptism. So much for a diversity of opinion!
just a pilgrim,
The Lutheran Hour is still chugging along
http://www.lhm.org/
Charles Stanley etc can buy time on local TV throughout the US (with the Ginzu knife people).
As to Paul, he taught on Mars Hill with people he knew were not Christians - not with a bunch of fake Christians. If Paul had taught on Mars Hill and Benny Hinn showed up, Paul would have turned from the crowd and directed his message AT Benny Hinn - Charles Stanley (and I don’t mean to single him out - I want to single them all out) does not call out the Benny Hinns (wouldn’t that be cool.) Didn’t Walter Martin do that once and was not invited back to TBN?
I mean Paul the Apostle, not Paul and Paul Jr. Crouch -
This is an example of the pot calling the kettle black. Senators who worship the god of special interests, while their pockets are full of money provided by lobbyists, investigating religious scoundrels. All Hinn and the rest need to do is hire their own lobbyists!
Bob,
Hey buddy - how ya doin’?
I am sure that the lobbyists are already lining up at their doorstep. It will be interesting to see where Dobson and his group line up.
My ideal TV program. A weekly 1hr - 2hr presentation by pastors of the ilk who post here, covering the same material. All seated in a semi-circle in comfortable chairs with their Bibles on the laps. Oh Lord Jesus. If I were a rich man or even semi-so…
Of course all would be paid, no pleas for donations, so let er rip and look out Benny. God could do that…
And, oh I love the picture of Benny and the apostle Paul going one on one…thank you for that thot. Do you think Benny would try to blow on him?
justapilgrim: Wow, what a format that would be!
Our local christian radio station offers 1 hour of time for $250.00. What say I set up a pilot with them! (Don’t know how to make a smiley)
Christian broadcasting seems to be heading from community to ghetto status, to be sure. On the other hand, one of the best gospel stations I have heard is a Public Radio affiliate, WJSU
(Sorry- stray touchpad!)
WJSU out of Jackson State Univ. in Jackson, MS. After living in another country where the public is “protected” from Christian broadcasting I can say it is a blessing to be able to hear edifying music and even some teaching on occasion. The question we seem to be raising, though, is what choices are really there? Is Chuck or Jack wrong to use TBN airtime, or is it a better idea to try and reach their “faithful” with a sound message than leave them with a solid diet of Parsley, Crouch, and Hinn? Can we get airtime on the local hip-hop and c/w stations, or will they point out that our programs would run off their core listenership? (True enough, TWFT would need some kind of ramp to segue into a slot behind four hours of Urban Dance!) Any ideas?
MLD
at 0734 today tou said “Oh, I’ve heard people say “well that’s the only time people will hear the true gospel.” Geez, give me a break. (tell those people to get their butts into a bible believing church and turn off the damn TV!)
Better yet read your bible and stop being dependent upon a church or pastor for your weekly “feeding. Jesus in John 7 said, “If any one thirsts let come to ME and drink”…In today’s vernacular we read that scripture “If any one thirsts let go to church and drink”
I heard some guy this weekend say he left his church because he “wasn’t being fed” We need to teach the word, and there is a place for weekly meetings but putting that kind of responsibility on a pastor was not the intent of the church i the first place
Sola,
Awesome! Finally someone has come out and exposed the lie of “I’m not being fed” for the puke that it really is. At some point we must rise up and take out our own chopsticks and stop expecting people who populate pulpits to “feed us”! Of course, that means we have to also try a little solid food and that can be upsetting to the unchallenged digestive tract but, dang, there comes a point that a little risk is a good thing.
(the following link shows an artistic rendering which might get one thrown off conservative christian media, but it illustrates the point) http://asbojesus.wordpress.com/2007/11/25/277/
Good for you!
-g
p.s. (Will know more about connecting between christmas and new year. We’re not sure if we’re traveling yet. If we’re local you and I MUST connect in Laguna Beach, bring a couple guitars and sit outside Starbucks!)
Grendal
asbo jesus–too funny…but true
Gotta love the Crouches.
WHEN HILLBILLIES GET RELIGION
I will never understand why people give money to those things.
… except utter stupidity.
I often underestimate how much that accounts for much of what we’re talking about when it comes to televangelism.
Dr. Gene Scott… what a guy. I went to his funeral. Say what you will about Dr. Gene… but he wasn’t hiding it. You knew he was carrying on. But I’ll tell you. His theology was sound as sound can be. I never heard him say anything I disagreed with (… when he was talking Bible, that is. When he started talking Atlantis, that was another can of worms).
As for Melissa… what can you say about a porn star turned Bible teacher wannabe? That joke writes its own ending.
dd
dd, I’m wondering how many hillbillies you have known in your life, that you would hang that tag on the Crouches? I have known a few, and two things I can tell you. God loves them, and it is really cool when He saves them. In fact, no matter what we used to be, what matters is what we’re going to be, and that we all have to deal with our own carnalities before God. To call someone a “joke:” How is that different, down in the heart where God looks, from calling them a fool, or something worthless (”Raca”)?
“Oral Roberts University Gets a Lifeline” (?)
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/oral-roberts-university-gets-a-lifeline/20071128081209990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
To Paul F. Crouch, Jr. regaurding your Letter above…..I agree with you 100%……Also I am sorry to hear about you and your wife I know this might be a little late However My prayers are with you all………..
Many Blessing
The Best is Yet to Come!