On Benny Hinn
Yesterday, I attended a healing service conducted by Benny Hinn. I went there with a doubtful heart, not because I do not believe in miracles, but because of the controversial reports with regards to his ministry.
The few days leading up to the meeting, I was led by the Spirit to this portion of the Scripture:
"1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 1 John 4:1-3
And so, I went there with a very simple purpose: to test the spirits. As noted in verse 2, a spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ as God in the flesh is from Him. To my relief, Hinn started the meeting with a altar call for salvation, which, in my then-simplistic understanding of the passage, seemed to suggest that he was of the same Spirit. Seeing the number of people responding to the altar call was also very encouraging, despite the simple nature of his message. It seemed as if God was really working through him powerfully. Also, his preaching with regards to healing was also a huge revelation to myself. I was convinced, then that Hinn was a true servant of God.
When I got home, however, I read the passage again, this time with some more Bible commentary. It seems that the word "acknowledge" brings with it an element of the words as well as deeds, i.e. we have to examine the deeds of the person as well. (In fact, what I did in the first place was to consider his deeds, which seemed to be unbiblical according to reports) Therein lies a dilemma: on the one hand, he did bring many people to Christ; on the other, his reportedly extravagant lifestyle seems to contradict Biblical principles, especially with regards to the call for offerings to support that very lifestyle. There are also reports of him actually cursing people who oppose his ministry (surely cursing is wrong???!!!). At the same time, we have to remember that the enemy's plots include obstructing God's work, by smearing the reputation of His servants.
So what exactly am I to think? I really do not know. What I do know is that God is faithful, and that He will not allow us to be deceived long. I reserve the right to judge for our Lord Jesus Christ, and for Him alone. I shall not engage in speculating.
May the Lord help us all, to see clearly His aims, His purposes, and to recognise His Spirit and those who truly come in His Name.
The few days leading up to the meeting, I was led by the Spirit to this portion of the Scripture:
"1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 1 John 4:1-3
And so, I went there with a very simple purpose: to test the spirits. As noted in verse 2, a spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ as God in the flesh is from Him. To my relief, Hinn started the meeting with a altar call for salvation, which, in my then-simplistic understanding of the passage, seemed to suggest that he was of the same Spirit. Seeing the number of people responding to the altar call was also very encouraging, despite the simple nature of his message. It seemed as if God was really working through him powerfully. Also, his preaching with regards to healing was also a huge revelation to myself. I was convinced, then that Hinn was a true servant of God.
When I got home, however, I read the passage again, this time with some more Bible commentary. It seems that the word "acknowledge" brings with it an element of the words as well as deeds, i.e. we have to examine the deeds of the person as well. (In fact, what I did in the first place was to consider his deeds, which seemed to be unbiblical according to reports) Therein lies a dilemma: on the one hand, he did bring many people to Christ; on the other, his reportedly extravagant lifestyle seems to contradict Biblical principles, especially with regards to the call for offerings to support that very lifestyle. There are also reports of him actually cursing people who oppose his ministry (surely cursing is wrong???!!!). At the same time, we have to remember that the enemy's plots include obstructing God's work, by smearing the reputation of His servants.
So what exactly am I to think? I really do not know. What I do know is that God is faithful, and that He will not allow us to be deceived long. I reserve the right to judge for our Lord Jesus Christ, and for Him alone. I shall not engage in speculating.
May the Lord help us all, to see clearly His aims, His purposes, and to recognise His Spirit and those who truly come in His Name.
posted by Cyrus at 8:30 PM
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