 Did Apostles Preach Like TV Evangelists?
Dear Sir:
I have not been to church in many years, but I do read my Bible and watch religious broadcasts on TV. I have a hard time believing that the apostles preached like Benny Hinn and others like him. Can you help me? - Billie G.
Dear Billie:
Thanks for your letter. Concerning your observations about TV evangelists, we must admit that they range across the spectrum from meaningful and respectable to the absurd and shameful. The most flamboyant and sometime outrageous are usually those associated with some of the "charismatic or Pentecostal type of churches." Their extravagant claims and their incessant appeals for money should raise flags in the minds of thinking people. God's true church is not in the begging business. Neither is it extravagant in its outward affairs and needs. The strange response of their followers to preachers like Benny Hinn is the result of mass-hysteria. We see similar behavior and response among the excitable young groupies at rock concerts with screaming, crying and passing out. Such conduct is observed in highly emotional religious services of Moslems, Hindus, African animists and certain religious observances of the some Native Americans. We do not read of such behavior among those who heard Christ and the apostles preach. Such bizarre practices as their "anointing" and "slaying of the Spirit" are not Biblical. I continue to be amazed at how many people are drawn to and enthralled by such spectacles, never checking to see if such is of God and found in Scripture. If you have ever observed a skilled hypnotists at work, you could see the same type of control over people.
Your conclusions are exactly right. No wonder God says to us, "Let no man deceive you" (II Thessalonians 2:3). Warnings against false prophets abound in Scripture (I John 4:1).
There is nothing more pleasing and rewarding than to hear a man of God open and explain for us the wonderful treasure of God's Holy Book. Such lessons provide us, enlightenment, inspiration, encouragement and hope. Churches of Christ are quite different from the Pentecostal types discussed above. Our worship is reverent, respectful and uplifting. Our preaching is thoroughly Biblical, as are our classes. We are not in the entertainment business. Our preachers are not showmen or comedians. We find great joy in our worship and take that joy with us into our daily lives, but we do not make a spectacle of the Lord's message, His church and His holy name. God bless you, John Waddey. |
