Periodically I have watched TBN over the years (Every now and then there is something a little worth watching, but in my experience it is rare). Tuesday night I was channel surfing and landed there for a few minutes. But this time what I heard so incensed me I have sworn the channel off for good. There are too many things being said that I can’t stomach. For example, this is what I heard last night from Anthony Murray and is a direct quote…
Don’t get stuck on what God SAID, listen for what He is SAYING. Don’t rely upon an OLD word, listen for a NEW word…
Really? What God has SAID… the Scripture… is not worth relying upon any longer? Forget what God gave by inspiration of the Spirit to men over hundreds of years is not worthy of being trusted anymore? I have a serious problem with what Mr. Murray was proclaiming.
But maybe he wasn’t talking about the Bible so much as things God supposedly “said” to him or others in the past. Maybe he is referring to things God spoke to others in the past and that now God has something different to say. If that is the case, I still have a couple of problems. First, God revelation of Himself was completed when the Cannon was closed (The 66 books of the Bible). Today God does His will and we join Him in whatever He is doing. Second… It is arrogant to even imply that God’s written word is no longer applicable or fresh… and that a “new word” from God is needed. That is the kind of thing that makes shipwreck of people’s faith.
After listening to Mr. Murray for about 20 minutes I’d had enough of him talking about all the “new things” God is doing and how the “old things” are passing away. I couldn’t stomach the number of times he said, “God gave me a word,” or “God told me,” or “God said to me.” I got tired of him saying God was going to bless his people financially in the midst of this economic recession. The “Prosperity Gospel” is unbliblical… it is heresy… it is not THE Gospel of Jesus Christ! Rather I suggest Mr. Murray falls under what is written in 2 Peter 2:1-3…
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them (Comment: Mr. Murray didn’t deny Jesus), bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality (Mr. Murray’s message is directed to the flesh), and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
As I’ve heard before: If a message preached in an American pulpit does not also apply in Ethiopia, then it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I agree.
Soon enough what is preached by these men will come to ruin. Those who put their hope in a message of prosperity in this life will be left wanting. History will look back on these charlatans as a cancer on the church who led many astray in their faith.
I feel you brother! I had to stop watching most of what comes on TV because it seems to be more about man and less about God and I know that is dangerous. It grieves me that so many are being led down a wrong road and are unaware of it. I keep praying for them.
Bless you Ron!
TBN is regularly referred to as “The Heresy Channel” . . . they have earned that designation and done nothing to change it. I have a general rule, that I think is not just a generalization . . . if it’s on TV and claims to be Christian, avoid it at all costs, it is dangerous to your Christian life!!! Too harsh??? I don’t think nearly harsh enough!!
While I agree whole heartedly with your views, I must admit there are a few TBN pastors that have taught me much. Two of these are Dr. Adrian Rogers, Dr. David Jeremiah. I feel these men, like you, have definitely been called by God to preach His word. Ron, maybe now you understand a “little bit” how I feel about the music. It breaks my heart that this generation will never know the hymns that have brought such joy, comfort and peace. (Enough said) You are special to me!!!
Thank you for your comment… however… Dr. Rogers and Dr. Jeremiah are in a different class from the TBN “preachers.” They bought time on TBN themselves (If I’m not mistaken). Neither of those men have ever been confused with the health, wealth, and prosperity “gospel” that the greatest majority of the Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and Kenneth Copeland types proclaim on TBN. In my book men like Dr. Rogers, Dr. Jeremiah, or Dr. John MacArthur have been some of the only credible voices on TBN.
As for the music part of your comment, I would respectfully suggest that might be comparing apples to oranges. From my perspective the great hymns of the faith have not been abandoned, they have been enhanced. They have been set to different tunes and musical presentations while keeping the theology. Then there are many great new anthems and hymns being sung today in churches that are a blessing. I think we agree that the Spirit brings peace to God’s children many different ways… through different styles of music… including different styles of preaching (But not through the heresy of the Prosperity “Gospel”).
Thank you for your comment and you are very special to me too!
ALL OF THIS WILL COME OUT IN THE WASH. (EXPRESSION). WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN, GOD WILL SORT OUT THE SHEEP FROM THE GOATS. IF YOU MALALIGN A GODLY PREACHER –LOOK OUT. GOD DOESN’T LIKE PEOPLE BAD MOUTHING HIS CHOSEN (REMEMBER DAVID AND SAUL). MY ADVISE {sic} QUIT BAD MOUTHING PEOPLE ,LET GOD TAKE CARE OF THEM. YOUR JOB IS TO LOVE PEOPLE, NOT JUDGE THEM,(BAD MOUTH THEM). IF THEIR PREACHING IS WRONG, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL DIVULGE THEM {sic}.
Dear Big… thank you for your comment. I will say though that there are a passage or two you might have overlooked. One is found in Eph 5:11, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” When anyone preaches a gospel other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they are to be exposed for their deception. The Gospel is NOT about having your best life now… nor about prosperity in this life. Those who preach those things (Like mentioned in this post) are NOT preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The Gospel is not motivational speaking to make people feel good… but you can fill up a former basketball arena doing that.
I don’t judge anyone in relation to their salvation… however I can and will expose those who present a false gospel. My goal and desire is to warn those I sheperd to watch out for those who distort the Gospel. I want God’s people to be discerning and not follow any of those whose preaching is doctrinally unsound. It is interesting to me that what you are doing in your reply to my post is the same thing you don’t want me to do.
For as long as God gives me breath, I will continue to oppose and confront those who peddle a false gospel… so that the TRUE Gospel shines in a dark land.
You are right on target with your comments. It appears TBN is moving the wrong direction. There is the looming question as to Jan Crouch’s mental health and Matthew Crouch’s true motives as related to guiding TBN into the future. We as Christians are faced with discerning a distorted gospel that is becoming overwhelming. I fear TBN has succumbed to an altered gospel and will lead many astray. God help us in these troubled days ahead to recognize and speak out against any other gospel but the gospel of Jesus Christ!