Friday, October 25, 2013

Using Good to Promote Evil

USING GOOD TO PROMOTE EVIL

Eph.5: 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

A minister named James Robison has a television show where he interviews guests and sometimes has people like Beth Moore to preach. His guests include Joyce Myers, Creflo Dollar, and T. D. jakes. There have been many others of the Word of Faith variety. So by their appearance he lends his support to their ministries and is quite adept at taking their teachings and smoothing out the rough doctrinal edges. He seeks unity regardless of how diabolical the teachings and lifestyles of these men and women are. He suggests that he used to be harsh and judgmental many years ago until he had an epiphany which changed him and has now allowed him to promote heretics. He also is an avid patriot and shares event stages with men and women, some of the unregenerate, calling America back to God. Yes, sheer nonsense.

But he also has an ingenuous way to raise funds. Yes he offers books and CDs from his guests for a donation, but he takes it a step further. His ministry helps poor Africans. I have no doubt his ministry does provide food and water to many underprivileged Africans and especially children. And yes he shows much footage of that help being offered in spite of Jesus’ own words about not trumpeting your giving of alms and not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing. That is a teaching which warns about making public your good deeds and especially as it pertains to the poor.

But television time is expensive since it is the conduit to people’s pocketbooks, and an above average American lifestyle also needs monetary fuel. So helping the poor is also helping the preacher and it is quite the effective system. Leave it to the Americans to create an evangelical system which raises money while also presenting itself as philanthropists. It is very creative even though it is remarkably unscriptural. I can live in luxury and still pat myself on the back for being so mindful of the poor. Of course raising money in an air conditioned television studio and taking a short excursion once in a while along with much television equipment is not exactly what Jesus had in mind. And James Robison is hardly the only offender in that kind of system. In the movie "The Godfather" the owner of a casino asks Michael Corleone if he thinks he is skimming off the top. That is exactly what many preachers are doing. In fact if it were not for Africa and Haiti where would many preachers get their Mercedes payment?

But in the case of James Robison his method of ministry goes further than just lining his own pockets which probably also has a touch of nepotism as well. But because he helps the poor and provides pictorial evidence of that help with some very effective and emotional appeals, that also provides a platform for many heretics to come and seem very nice and doctrinally normal. It is quite the spectacle to watch as Joyce Meyers and Gloria Copeland and Creflo Dollar smooth over their prosperity message while on his stage in order to reach his audience and assure them that they are not all about money. And the reverse is true as well. Robison gets to dip into their followers as well. And Robison himself is very adept at looking into the camera and smoothing everything over and suggesting that what these people really mean is something other than we all know is a reality.

So in essence he is using good deeds, which I am sure they do to some extent, to not only support his lifestyle, but also to bring in damnable heresies.

There can be no doubt that God does not approve of such spiritual manipulation and doctrinal skullduggery. And to use poor children as a platform for false teachers and damnable heresies and out in out lies is unconscionable. The Word clearly tells us that after a few admonitions we are to reject heretics. That means we still speak out against their heretical teachings but also have no fellowship with them or even worse present them to the flock as profitable teachers. This kind of Trojan Horse is diabolical and works against the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is little doubt that all of us could and should do more to help the poor, but to use the poor to advance the ministries of heretics is a monstrous sin. Has truth been sacrificed upon the altar of fund raising? In fact, is there such a thing as absolute redemptive truth and if so does it really matter anymore? Has feeding a stomach become much more important than saving a soul?

And therein lies the question which seems to be fading away as quickly as cotton candy in our mouths. I have often spoken out against arrogance and doctrinal hubris. I have heard men whose doctrine seems impeccable but who show little personal humility and little pathos for the plight of lost sinners. In fact by their own admission they only witness because God said to do it. But still the issue of absolute truth, especially as it pertains to Christ and the gospel of redemption, must never fade from being a foundational commitment.

And that is exactly what has happened through men like Robison. His ministry has done good works to the poor, and he has publicly documented them for all to see, and he has raised much money through those videos and his persuasive personality, and then with the platform he has paid for he has invited heretics to come on his show and be on their best doctrinal behavior. And he himself uses his linguistic skills to present them in the best light by putting words in their mouths which do not possibly accurately represent what the teach and live. And in that he is a partaker of their evil deeds.

That, my friends, is another way in which the church continues to walk in apostasy.

15 comments:

Cherie c. said...

Hi Pastor Rick,

Glad my eyes cleared up enough to read your post. You are spot on when it comes to Mr. Robison. I have watched his shows from time to time and with great despair. But he is no different than any other false ministry. I don't care how you spin it, mixing good with heresy does not equal good or God.

It is unfortunate that this man makes merchandise out of those poor children. But as God's Word says, he will have to face Jesus one day. May God have mercy on him.

Thank you to all who prayed for me regarding my eyes. They certainly have lost compassion in the medical field. No matter, we have traded compassion and kindness for skill. I guess under the circumstances, I will take the skill since it is the only thing offered.

Anyway, thank you. Just a bit down because I have to go back. The aging process of my eyes is being less than cooperative, but so far so good. And I thought I'd go into the office, get a few drops and be on my way. I was on my way alright, to a retina specialist. More challenges ahead I am sure. But I have to say it was you, brothers and sisters in the Lord that got me through. While waiting, and I did a lot of waiting, I could still read with my one good eye all the comments. I was also able to communicate which brought comfort. It wasn't until the doctor insisted he dilate my other eye to compare it to the damaged one that I was no longer able to see your posts or communicate. I probably don't have to tell you what a lonely time that was. But I covert your prayers and your fellowship. May God bless you all. I am humbled and blessed to know you even though we have not met face to face. We have the same heart. The love of our Lord and our Father. Thank you all again.

Pastor Rick,

My heart is heavy for these precious children that Robison exploits for his gain. But do we still support them? If so how? Is his ministry the only one with this particular set of children, or are others there as well?

Robison exploits African children and Benny Hinn exploits people with illness. Those who are clearly disabled are usually put in the way back of his shows (that is what I call his evangelistic activities)where you cannot see them and they never get called up to the stage for healing. Only those with illnesses unseen are allowed up on stage for the false healing. People really believe this stuff only to die anyway. So sad, so very sad.

Going to get some rest now. I thank God for you my brothers and sisters. Even though we respectfully disagree on some things, I cannot imagine not being in your company, even though it is virtual in nature. Do any of you remember the Disney cartoon movie with the chip monk. The song from that movie I still remember and it is so true.

Somewhere out there beneath the pale moon sky, someone is thinking of me, and loving me tonight.
Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

I would change some of the words, but I hope you know what I mean.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Anonymous said...

We used to watch Robison many years ago when our eyes were blinded to the truth. We noticed a change in his fund raising techniques many years ago. He used to use varying methods which changed often UNTIL he started using the pictures of poor African children. Since using that method it has continued now for many years. My assumption is that he found something that worked to get the needed funds for his ministry and lifestyle so that is the method that he uses now all the time simply becuase it works. Doing good for the poor? Yes. The sole reason to use that method? I would highly question. That will be revealed in the end, the thoughts and intents of the heart. We watch NO christian television as it seems most is corrupt and misleading and have not for years. Every once in awhile I like to watch Jim Bakker to see the latest in fundraising techniques that he uses as he slowly builds another empire. Thanks for your insight and website Rick.
Randy

Cherie c said...

I just proved you don't have to be on tv to be a fake. I thought I was saved, was almost sure until today. My response towards my husband's evil heart was not that of a born again believer. I was just fooling myself that I was. yesterday I asked for prayers for my eye which I didn't deserve, today I'm asking for your prayers for salvation. Not only did I destroy my testimony, but I shamed the Lord.
He cannot forgive me this time, my words were too hurtful. Besides, I do Not deserve His forgiveness. And if I apologize to my husband he will not accept it and it will only reenforce his evil ways towards me. I wish I could just get in the car and drive and never return.

Anonymous said...


Cherie c said... I just proved you don't have to be on tv to be a fake. I thought I was saved, was almost sure until today. My response towards my husband's evil heart was not that of a born again believer.

Josef says:
We don't always behave in keeping with who we are!

Cherie wrote:
I was just fooling myself that I was. yesterday I asked for prayers for my eye which I didn't deserve, today I'm asking for your prayers for salvation.

Josef says:

A saved person knows that they are saved. God blesses man with the gift of salvation, so we should turn to Him.

Cherie wrote:
Not only did I destroy my testimony, but I shamed the Lord. He cannot forgive me this time, my words were too hurtful.

Josef says:
I can assure you that He can. I can tell from your respectful consciousness of the LORD that no major change has occured.

Cherie wrote:

Besides, I do Not deserve His forgiveness.

Josef says:
It's up to the LORD to decide these matters.
He forgives graciously. Look to the cross!

Cherie wrote:
And if I apologize to my husband he will not accept it and it will only reenforce his evil ways towards me.

Josef says:
Even if that is true God's will is for you to desire to live peacefully with your husband.

Cherie wrote:
I wish I could just get in the car and drive and never return.

Josef says:
Life isn't about wishing wishes that lack wisdom. I would encourage you not to do that and not only as petrol is very expensive!

Cherie, dig deep to reconcile with your husband. Remind yourself of Jesus' name, Immanuel, and praise Him for being the God who is with us.

Josef Sefton

michael said...

Randy writes: "... My assumption is that he found something that worked to get the needed funds for his ministry and lifestyle so that is the method that he uses now all the time simply becuase it works. ...".

I read about a study done using pigeons. They put them in a cage, one per cage, and set up a lever system so that when the pigeon would feed at various piles of food when the "right" pile got low the weight of the food being decreased sufficiently it activated the lever which released more bird feed to that pile and nowhere else in the cage. Once the pigeon figured out which pile kept replenishing the pile of bird feed that's the pile they went to thereafter when put in the cage ignoring other piles of feed!

Seems to me, Randy, that may be what Robinson discovered? That is, he discovered his audiences were moved by seeing those poor African children and sent him more consistently money than when his other filthy lucre appeals did not! Might this be an apropos saying about him then: "what a bird brain"! he has become?

Anonymous said...

HaHa. I think you're right Michael. I guess they all use this sort of technique in fund raising, they use what works. Being a "tent maker" in today's church is pretty outdated, instead they heap condemnation and fear upon their congregants or "TV watchers" to move them to give them your money. Jim Bakker uses the fear of bad times coming to get you to donate to give a "free will offering" to obtain emergency food supplies, solar generator, etc to prepare for hard times. I really don't know how selling things can not get these TV preachers in trouble because how can they be called "offerings" as you are buying a product. Randy

Annette said...

Dear Cheri,

You have been in my prayers since I read of your impending eye difficulties and please know that Jesus is with you at all times, in every situation, for He Himself promises us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. You are still a precious child of our Father and He is always waiting and wanting for you to come to Him with all that you are and all that you have, for our LORD Jesus Christ is our One and Only Redemptive Mediator between our Father and man. He tells us to cast all our sins upon Him in humility and repentance for He cares for us. Precious Cheri, Jesus has not left you alone to your own devices, He is there with you and He cares for you always in spite of your circumstances.

I had only a brief moment of eye discomfort recently losing my eyesight for a day. It was extremely painful and the day was spent resting and waiting on our LORD in prayer. Long story short, I learned that He is always near to thee and loves on thee like no other human ever could. His love for thee is so much greater than any man or social institution could ever truly express, for His love is freely offered in spirit and truth.

As the Psalms sing to our hearts, please cherish and ponder these precious words Cheri....

"Be merciful to me O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me, He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth."
Psalm 57:1-3

God, our Father loves you like no other, and we love you too, as best as we humanly can.

Michelle said...

Yet we are not to judge another man's servant. Love them. Just love them. God is capable of convicting them. Also, you never know what good might come of their ministry. Trust God to work through our imperfect human attempts to serve Him.

Rick Frueh said...

So you do not believe in Scriptural discernment? And the warnings about false teachers and heretics are "judging another man's servant"? A man who promotes heretics must be corrected. Elders that sin must be "rebuked before all".

Anonymous said...

Why do men (and women) do great deeds and claim to honor Jesus and His teachings, yet boast and brag of the wonders of themselves.

Have you ever heard people stand in front of the church and give praise to themselves with how wonderful it was they could help this one and that one and at the end of their personal soliloquy, God's Holy Name is added as a sidebar so as to appear spiritual.

TBN and God TV has been a powerful catalyst in furthering the kingdom of man's self, and in the process, uses and abuses the Names of our Father in Heaven and our LORD Jesus Christ.

We will all have to stand before our LORD Jesus Christ one day and give an answer. And these popular priests and scribes of our day are not exempt.

Anonymous said...

Rick, I think you you are living in a dream world. Most of the people you point your finger at dismissively have no interest in being singled out by someone who should himself be learning how to focus on becoming more loving.

It's irresponsible to point the finger at outstanding Bible teachers like the late Adrian Rogers.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 8:16
Where is your evidence? Is your life spotless?

Cherie c. said...

Dear Josef and Annette,

Thank you for your brotherly and sisterly love. I covert your prayers. But I do not deserve them. I went to see my sister today and she thinks I am not saved. She told me I need to obey the commandments. She said if I repent everyday I am not saved. That the saved do not sin. She didn't come right out and say as much, but she spoke in general.

I knew she was referring to me, she always does. And she uses Scripture to press her point. I am told I have understood it incorrectly. I try to obey, and do as I am supposed to but sometimes I get ahead of myself.

I don't want to sin. How do we stop. She uses the Scripture:

2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

If I cannot do this, I am not saved. How do I do this everyday? How does she do it?

I am so terrified and in great despair I cannot stop crying. I went to the Lord in prayer and I don't know if he hears me now.

Thank you for your kind words. I have to go, sorry.

Anonymous said...


LORD God, thank You for Jesus' victory over Satan, sin and death. Kind-hearted heavenly Father, thank You for blessing my life, so that in your power and in Your powerful name I can cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous 10:12

Thank-You for your input. We must ask ourselves in this post modern religious nation, "Who do you believe we are making disciples of, man or our LORD Jesus Christ?"

How often have we "name dropped" this religious leader or that religious group lifting their names higher than our LORD Jesus Christ?

And what happens to a true believers and follower of our LORD Jesus Christ when the individual chooses not to follow the popular religious men and women whose names roll off the tongue making them into the Constantine's of our day, many of whom combine a form of Christianity with paganism?"

Whom then shall we follow? The glory of man as he professes himself to be great?

Or the Glory of our LORD Jesus Christ?

Rare, so very rare, is that man, woman, or child, that exhibits true Biblical humility in what we call "the church system created by man" for when we pray only for the pastors and leadership, and never the loser laity, then, the idolatry of self has permeated the system.

Jesus Christ came to save us sinners from eternal death and damnation in the pit of hell, so how then did He approach the Pharisees, priests, and scribes (the religious) people of His day?

The proof is in the pages of our Holy Scriptures.

May the Name of Jesus be praised above all Names.