Benny Hinn on Dateline Last Night

[Asaph]

There is a certain sociological dynamic at work here that has absolutely nothing to do with God. It is the exact same thing that keeps monarchies from being toppled and made a certain Robin Leech and his TV show famous.

It is human nature to want to see your leaders astoundingly prosperous. It validates you in your reasoning for following them. The only thing that can change that is for the leader to belittle or invalidate your worship of them and their lifestlyle.

The ostenasious display by these religious leaders is actually what keeps them justified in the minds of believers who have their minds set on the world.

The NBC report did nothing but solidify Benny Hinns support in the minds of those so inclined.

Asaph

 

[amorosi]

Bro amorosi,

I'm pretty aware of what Jesus said to that rich young ruler. The rich young ruler loved money more than God. Remember that verse about not having two masters? You can't serve both money and God... So, in that view, the rich young ruler was in fact serving his 'riches' and made it his master.

So, with that in mind, if we choose to serve God and when God blesses us with immense riches just because you follow Him intently; will you choose to reject all the blessings?

And btw, I have never heard him (benny hinn) speak nor read his books but I am approaching this thread objectively and as much as I can, Scripturally...

thanks inrsoul for raising a good point. If god blesses you with a zillion and one material possesions, that is actually okay !! by me

on the condition we can also walk away from those possesions if jesus should so demand it of us !!

the danger of wealth and materialism is they have a way of leading people astray, and corrupting many that have the wealth !!

hope you can also see the inherent dangers to riches ?? proverbs says prosperity will destroy a fool. So if we don't gaurd our heart's when and if we do become wealthy, or even as a result of god's divine favour upon our lives, we become an open target to the very thing's we are blessed by !!

this is indeed where the rubber meets the road, and seperates the men from the boys, meaning when jesus says sell all your goods, and give it all away to the poor, pick-up your cross daily and follow me !!

if we are unable to leave it all behind....then indeed the riches of this world have entered in and choked the word and caused us to be corrupted in the end !! that was and is the saga, of the rich young ruler who walked away grieved in his heart at the command to sell all, and come follow me ( jesus )

very sincerely,
amorosi

 

[inrsoul]

Bro amorosi,

True... I agree, if one cannot see the source of his blessings then he must be really foolish. There is a chinese saying that literally translates to "Know the source of the water you are drinking from"...

To add to what you wrote from Proverbs, allow me to quote this:
Proverbs 14:23-25
23In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty.
24The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is folly.
25A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.

I hope to walk in the wisdom first and then riches next. How do handle great wealth if I am going to be foolish with money? Surely God will equip the one with wisdom... Though he might choose to reject that wisdom and walk carnally minded. hmmm...

 

[amorosi]

First of all, Happy Birthday!

I agreed with all of your post, but this in particular. I have the same issues that you do about preachers trying to get the glory instead of God. But whenever I've watched Benny, which is only a few times, he does give the glory to God. Many don't, and that's when I stop watching. Humility is so important when you're preaching, healing, teaching, etc.

Thanks for that great post Sweetrevival! God bless you!!

thought provoking words by sweet revival...amen lord jesus !

but why stop at naming their ministries after there " own names" what about highlighting your latest book with this " over one million copies sold " and still counting !!

and what about the displaying of a "photo" of yourself on the back of your book...i could maybe understand to some degree, having one photo ( perhaps ) of yourself on the back of your book, but some christian authors do it with every book printed and published ! some go further and include photo albums of there latest work, or there families etc

i guess one could raise the question of why the need for people to see what you look like ??

do we want people to notice us ?? or do we want people to only focus on the content contained in the book ?? is there any vain glory associated in personal photos on your books.

jesus said if he is lifted up from the world ,he would draw all men unto himself

who are we lifting up ? ourselves and our photos, and our million copies sold headlines, or do we only seek ony to glorify the one above ?

do we even fear stealing any glory from god, which rightfully belongs to him only ??

i have thought along these lines a lot lately....so all praise to jesus, for sweet revival mentioning this issue in the first place !!!

now if camera and photo technology was available during the era of the early apostles....would they have taken the liberty to have included a photo of themselves with every epistle penned by there hands ??

my own opinion is they would have deferred to include personal photos, for fear of being lauded, or being exalted above measure, or drawing attention to themselves, rather than jesus !!

jesus spoke these all powerful words in john's gospel " he that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but he that seeks his glory ( father god's ) that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him john 7: 18

spiritual pride and vainglory is one of the main reasons we are not seeing a powerful wave of god's holy spirit in our lands today !!

minister's who dare to usurp the glory that only belongs to the great god above !!!

these are my thoughts
i treasure your contribution also
even if you dis-agree with me
sincerely
amorosi

 

[inrsoul]

Maybe it's just me, I'm quite tolerant and non-chalant when it comes to matters like this, that is, ministers putting up their photos in their books or big bold words that say "1 million copies sold", it does really matter. I alway believe that God deals with us individually and not a collective whole and so He will deal with them accordingly. But most importantly is not to flatly reject these things flatly and outright just because you don't feel it's right, but use our spiritual wisdom to pick out the useful golden nuggets of information found in those books that we may or may not already know about; or things that we need to be reminded of. We are not spiritually blind, remember that, just be sure to test the words with your Spirit and discern them accordingly.

 

[amorosi]

Maybe it's just me, I'm quite tolerant and non-chalant when it comes to matters like this, that is, ministers putting up their photos in their books or big bold words that say "1 million copies sold", it does really matter. I alway believe that God deals with us individually and not a collective whole and so He will deal with them accordingly. But most importantly is not to flatly reject these things flatly and outright just because you don't feel it's right, but use our spiritual wisdom to pick out the useful golden nuggets of information found in those books that we may or may not already know about; or things that we need to be reminded of. We are not spiritually blind, remember that, just be sure to test the words with your Spirit and discern them accordingly.

i see we are playing forum board " tag" today lol that is okay, you are entitled to your opinion on those issues, pride is very spiritually blinding, sometimes you do not know it is in your life, till other's point it out.

we purge pride out of our life and remove blindspots along the way, by seeking to be humble, listening to other's, practising christ's humility, and by being fearful of ever stealing god's glory from him !

i question the vanity of photos, and self-seeking individuals, who want the promotion of there associations, and ministries and book sales more than the lifting up of christ in the world !

you may remain blazee are you call it...the i don't give a " attitude " is what led to lot almost perishing along with the cities of sodom and gommarah !

i do care and a lot of it, is nothing more than show and pomp, falcisious vain glory, and in some cases deceit, that is masked and covered up by pretense !

i don't have to however judge these ministries for their practises, i mean the lord is the one with whom we are all to confront with, one day, i merely observe some things, that take place under the banner of christendom, and make comments as i see fit, having said that no one, has to answer to me, or even what i preach or write in that sense !!

but let's on the other hand look at the one who does judge. And take a brief look at just 1 passage of well known scripture's ! whilst we on this subject

" some men's sins are open ( made known publicly ) beforehand, going to judgement: and some men they follow after. likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they are otherwise not hid.

apostle paul put it this way: there folly shall be made known ( publicly ) unto all men, and they shall proceed no further in there pursuits !!

 

[inrsoul]

I hope you're not suggesting that I'm prideful, heh... But nonetheless, I'm not for anyone who tries to steal glory from God when glory is due to Him and Him only. However, I've chosen to keep an open mind and an open eye to look deeper into these things before deciding for myself, whether these people are really after the money or after God's heart...

 

[amorosi]

I hope you're not suggesting that I'm prideful, heh... But nonetheless, I'm not for anyone who tries to steal glory from God when glory is due to Him and Him only. However, I've chosen to keep an open mind and an open eye to look deeper into these things before deciding for myself, whether these people are really after the money or after God's heart...

i don't believe my post had these words contained in it "inrsoul you are proud" and blind-sided by your proudness "

i spoke in general terms !!

i had no one individual in mind !

blessing's to you
amorosi
p.s i was thinking more along the lines of minister's who for all intent's, are wanting to bask in there own self-glory and self achievements !

remember the the pharisee who prayed " lord i thank god im not like other men" this is basking in your own achievements and self-congradulations, for not being like all the other sinner's and unbeliever's out there !

i pray twice a day
i fast every week
i pay tithes of all i possess
i thank god i am not as this filthy low-down publican here besides me etc

so self- congradulatory and self-praising, and so deflecting of criticism to other's also !!

 

[inrsoul]

Thank you... I was hoping you did not direct that at me because your punctuation was a little misleading. No offense taken and no offense meant

 

[amorosi]

Thank you... I was hoping you did not direct that at me because your punctuation was a little misleading. No offense taken and no offense meant

back at you dude....peace !!

 

[Asaph]

Just to clarify a little. There is something worldy about both sides in the discussion of Benny Hinn and especially as it pertains to his use or over-use of money. As somebody stated earlier, God deals with Benny Hinn's heart just like He does our own, in Grace, Mercy, and Peace. If that is true then Dateline has accomplished it's worldy task merely by getting us discussing these things.

IMO.

Asaph

 

[sweetrevival]

As somebody stated earlier, God deals with Benny Hinn's heart just like He does our own, in Grace, Mercy, and Peace. If that is true then Dateline has accomplished it's worldy task merely by getting us discussing these things.

IMO.

Asaph

You know, it occurred to me that each of us has 3 ways of approaching the threads that are posted.

1. the theme isn't one that we are led to be interested in, or to need to learn from or to need to comment on so we just read it and pass it by. Usually, deep down, we just leave that thread to God.

2. we have a particular point of view that we wish to share or we feel we could learn something by asking questions so we get involved. God gets us involved.

3. we have a problem with the theme that is reflecting something in our lives that God is stirring up - either to be sorted out or to bring a correction or something. God wants us to face up to a truth.

I have observed that the main themes that arouse great depth of passion are money and health.

And this theme touches very strongly on the money issues. If we look at Benny Hinn and his lifestyle, then look at the 3 ways we approach a thread - which one stands out?

Now I am not saying that we should all just accept Benny's 'extravangances' - if they are so. And i am not saying that if they prove to be so, we should 'lynch' him with our words and thoughts, because that would be cursing him and we are not in the business of giving curses to any brother, whether right or wrong.

But, can we all look deep in our hearts and really ask God to identify why this theme may be a No 3 for us - if it is - because maybe God is trying to tell us something about our issues with money itself, and the impressions of another having more than we have. Maybe the real issue isn't Benny but our perceptions of Benny and wealth. Ask God, eh?

 

[CelineDion]

*sigh* All authors put thier pics on the back of the book. * note sarcacism is coming * OF course that is a hooooorrrible sin that will definetly condemn them to hell. LOL that is the most ignorant thing ever. The reason they do that is so you know who the person is and if there is a family album minstrie pics etc its so you feel a "personal" connection. Its not a big deal really its not.

 

[amorosi]

*sigh* All authors put thier pics on the back of the book. * note sarcacism is coming * OF course that is a hooooorrrible sin that will definetly condemn them to hell. LOL that is the most ignorant thing ever. The reason they do that is so you know who the person is and if there is a family album minstrie pics etc its so you feel a "personal" connection. Its not a big deal really its not.

thanks celine for your gracious words, your kindness is overwhelming !! is this sarcasm to on my part ??

wanting people to know and admire what you look like...is indeed vanity of vanities !!

it has nothing to do with outreach, soul-winning, taking up the cross, has no bearing or effect, or is of any importance to those who read the book !!

we put our photo on it...so people can see us, and this, draw attention to ourselves, and strokes and feeds human egos !!!

and yes spiritual pride if allowed, and vainglory, and the drawing away of glory, which only belongs to god.....is potentially a very great danger indeed

and not you or i, and others should be scoffing at, nor taking lightly !!

the early apostles would never have allowed such things, they feared god way to much to be self-seeking, and attention getting tactics of the flesh !!

 

[CelineDion]

amorosi im sorry i didnt mean to make you upset. I love you. *hugs* All im saying is when one of our preacher friends published a book he put his pic on the inside cover. Not because he wanted attention but just so there would be a personal connection. Its nice to see a smiling friendly face. Thats all i meant. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[JimB]

*sigh* All authors put thier pics on the back of the book. * note sarcacism is coming * OF course that is a hooooorrrible sin that will definetly condemn them to hell. LOL that is the most ignorant thing ever. The reason they do that is so you know who the person is and if there is a family album minstrie pics etc its so you feel a "personal" connection. Its not a big deal really its not.

Actually, Celine, I believe the publishers often require the photo and bio of the author and probably for the reasons you mention, although if the author is a well-known personality - like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, the Reverend Horatio Q. Smedley (just kidding) – with a big television audience (they say ‘market’) then the picture on the cover serves a more, um!, mercenary purpose.

However, to be honest, publishers need to leave some author’s pictures OFF the covers (if you know what I mean).

I know, I know, before you pick up that first stone, I’m being cynical … again!

~Jim

 

[CelineDion]

LOL Jim i actually thought it was kind of funny * looks around and makes sure dad isnt reading this LOL* True if they are super well known they shouldnt be required to put their pic but really i dont think it hurts anything ...well except some ( if you know what i mean ) LOL I love you Jim *Big hugs* I think we're more alike than we think

 

[~RENEE~]

Actually, Celine, I believe the publishers often require the photo and bio of the author and probably for the reasons you mention, although if the author is a well-known personality - like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, the Reverend Horatio Q. Smedley (just kidding) – with a big television audience (they say ‘market’) then the picture on the cover serves a more, um!, mercenary purpose.

However, to be honest, publishers need to leave some author’s pictures OFF the covers (if you know what I mean).

I know, I know, before you pick up that first stone, I’m being cynical … again!

~Jim

Ya know Jim I'm sitting here thinking 'I actually agree with Jim on something' Oh Lord have mercy

 

[mickd7]

I am sorry but I do not see anything scriptural about anything that Benny Hinn does . I do not know if he is saved or not for only God knows that but no where in scripture that I know of even hints about people flipping every which of ways and where the offerings are to be used for personal gain like 10,000 dollar suites while working. Now if he wants to spend his own money for a lavish lifestyle that is up to him but no ministry money should be used for anything other than spreading the Word. And in my book no minister should be paid millions of dollars to preach the Gospel, but only enough to live a comfortable life. If they use their money to invest and then makes money then that is ok. Fat Eagle.


Also when someone is healed by Jesus or his deciples it is readily seen and verified and I mean a complete healing. But it seems quite evident that Hinn and people like him cannot bring forth real evidence of a real healing such as a known quadraplegic completely healed and normal.

 

[mickd7]

And Jim is right in that even if u do have it dont flaunt it for the Bible says to abstain from all appearances of evil or wrongdoing. That is why a minister of the Gospel has to pay attention to everything he does in order that the world will not even have a chance to accuse. When a minister councils a woman he should not be alone with her etc etc. Even if you see a minister of yours browsing in a Video store it might cause someone to get the wrong idea, so ministers have to be on guard at all times because the world is always watching just as they do Hinn to show they are worldly and corrupt. Fat Eagle.