Todd Bentley exposed as a fraud

Unfortunately, I don't have a category here called "News of the Obvious." Because if I did, this would be at the top of the list. As if we needed any further proof that Todd Bentley was a liar, conniver, charlatan, false prophet, etc--in addition to the kicking, kneeing, motorcycle boots to the face, and all the other shenanigans that with the Bentley Brothers and Joyner and Branham Flying Circus™, here is a story about the list of those whom Todd Bentley Ministries claimed were MIRACULOUSLY HEALED!!

However, there's a problem with some of those who were supposedly "healed."

What's the problem, you ask?

They're dead.

I kid you not. From World Magazine (via A Little Leaven) [emphases mine]:

[W]hen [Christopher] Fogle got severe cancer, his relaxing fishing trips, which he sometimes took with his children, ended. It was a devastating blow for the active 45-year-old. But for Todd Bentley, television preacher and self-proclaimed healer, the cancer represented an opportunity to "proclaim the glory of God." [Or was it more to proclaim "The glory of Todd"?--Ed.] At the height of what many called a revival, WORLD asked Bentley to talk about the healings, like Fogle's, and asked for a list of people who had been healed at the services. His associates told me Bentley was out of the country and a list could not be produced. But six weeks and more than a dozen requests later, the ministry eventually sent a list of 13 names. Fogle was No. 12 on the list, along with this note: "Healed through the Outpouring and is back to fishing."

That was on Aug. 8, 2008. There was just one problem. Two weeks earlier, on July 22, Christopher A. Fogle—according to his obituary in the Keokuk (Iowa) Daily Gate City, "left this life . . . after a courageous battle with cancer."

Oops. But the fraud doesn't end there. Read on [emphases mine]:

A review of the list nearly one year later reveals that Fogle is not the only person "healed" who is now dead. When I called Phyllis Mills, of Trinity, N.C., on April 22, to hear the testimony of her healing, a polite family member said, "Phyllis passed away a few days ago. In fact, we're on our way to her funeral now."

Any more? Yep [emphases mine]:

Another problem with Bentley's list is that some of the healings, even if legitimate, didn't happen at Bentley's services. Gaila Smith, 53, of Yerington, Nev., was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago, at age 43, and had what she called a "total mastectomy" at that time. But the cancer had spread to her liver. Over the next decade she endured more rounds of chemotherapy, the latest one ending in December. She eventually attended a women's conference, where "God touched me," she said. She says she was healed at the women's conference, but when she attended Bentley's meetings in Lakeland, they asked, "If you had experienced a miraculous healing, come forward."Smith went forward and told her story, and she ended up on Bentley's list, with this note: "Healed of breast cancer that had spread to liver. Totally healed in Florida, all scans are now clear."

Not only did any healing take place elsewhere, Smith now admits that the scans are not now clear. "The doctors tell me that my numbers are going up," said Smith, who told me that she, too, had a healing ministry. "But we don't buy into that. That's a fact, but it's not the truth. The truth is that I've been healed."

It's a fact, but it's not the truth. So if I say my bald head "is a fact but not the truth," does that mean I have hair up there? But, he does have his supporters [emphases mine]:

"We don't regret our time there at all. We saw many miracle signs and wonders. The Lord knew what was going to happen, but he chose Todd anyway. And there are still fires burning all over the world. How can you argue with that?"

Still fires burning all over the world. Hmmm, I was starting to wonder why I keep smelling sulfur.

And the downward spiral that is Todd Bentley continues. All that "counseling" he was going through because he is such a "man of God?" Man of God, huh? What kind of "man of God" does this sound like [emphases mine]:

In November, the Fresh Fire board said that Bentley was "not submitting" to the counseling and restoration process and that he was guilty of adultery.....On March 9, 2009, [it was] announced that Todd had remarried—to the same "former employee" with whom he had had the inappropriate relationship.

In clear violation of the word of God that he was supposed to be so dedicated to. Except, he was NOT committed to the word of God. He was too busy being led around blindly by "angels." Of course, those weren't God's angels who were leading him through darkness. If only Fresh Fire had shown that kind of sense before this circus got out of hand. But, hey, since he's going to be restored to the charismatic circus, why not learn from the worst [emphases mine]:

Bentley relocated to Ft. Mill, S.C., where according to statements he is undergoing a "restoration process" under the direction of controversial charismatic ministry leader [and rank heretic--Ed.] Rick Joyner.....Joyner admitted that Bentley's remarriage was "wrong and premature," but he said that Bentley's restoration process would continue.

Expect the Bentley excuse train to start firing up the locomotive any time now.

Fake Translation of the Week--2nd Corinthians 6:4-10

(Real translation here).

In order for that which those who preach the "prosperity 'gospel'" to be true, this is how 2nd Corinthians 6:4-10 would have to read (altered text in bold italics).

2nd Corinthians 6:4-10--4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much wealth, in ease of life, in felt needs met, in Mercedes-Benzes, 5 in cash, in jewelry, in big fancy wigs, in Rolex® watches, in big comfy beds, in luxurious dining; 6 by mansions, by people's lack of knowledge, by not having to wait for things, by false prophecies, by the Spirit of Python, by sincere love of money, 7 by the word of faith doctrine, by the power of mass appeal, by the pistol-packin' armor-bearers on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor among thieves and dishonor among those who know the truth, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, because we lie; 9 as unknown by the IRS, and yet well known by our acolytes; as dying, and behold we lead others to death; as chastened by Charles Grassley, and yet not bankrupt (yet); 10 as sorrowful when we get caught, yet always rejoicing in people's ignorance; as rich, yet making many poor; as having everything, and yet possessing nothing of God.

Bezel333 PWNS "Pastor" Paula

The ever-vigilant Bezel333 has posted a video on YouTube where he single-handedly slices, dices, and juliennes the heretical screechings of "Pastor" Paula White while she tells us to beat up our neighbor and confess that our "Palm Sunday Praise is about to pay offff-fuh!!"

Now, it may be quite uncomfortable to sit through "Pastor" Paula's ridiculous charade, but the clear teaching that Bezel shares will make up for it. The video is about 10:00 long.

Benny's false prophecies (part 1)

You may have read some of Benny Hinn's "prophecies" here, about how Fidel Castro was going to die, and the homosexual community was going to be wiped out, and Jesus was going to physically appear on stage with the Hinnster. All of these things were supposed to happen in the 90's. Um, they didn't happen, did they? And yet there are still people who will claim this schlomo is a "prophet of God."

Well, here is a video with audio of B-B-B-Benny and the Hinn's "prophecies." Don't just take my word for it. Listen for yourself.

How does pimping the pulpit affect the pimps' children?

If you wonder why people like me get so disgusted with pulpit pimps like Ken Copeland, Benny Hinn, Creflo "Worshippin' the Almighty Dollar" and the rest of them, I found a video over at Pulpit Pimps that will give you a good idea of why. Or, you can follow the link below to watch the video of a Cleveland, OH area pimp whose daughter's 16th birthday party was featured on MTV. Yes, MTV.

Watch and be disgusted.

The day Rodney Howard Browne almost sold out Madison Square Garden

He only came up about 18,000 seats short of that goal. The article is from 1999, but it gives you a good idea what kind of a "prophet" this jamoke is. (From Cross+Word). If you click the link and read the article, make sure you read all the way down. I shows you waht kind of a miscreant RHB really is, and what he considers to be his "true calling"--

“This man has a vision, and God is going to honor it!” So says Rick Shelton, pastor of Life Christian Center in St. Louis, of one Rodney Howard-Browne, self-proclaimed “Holy Spirit bartender” and the man who brought ‘holy laughter’ to America.

I wonder amid thunderous applause and cheering when it was, exactly, that God started honoring the visions of men. Who reversed the roles? And by what authority?

But this audience seemed quite convinced of the truth of this statement. And Howard-Browne himself certainly must have been, to rent out Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan with a seating capacity of 20,000 for a full month’s time, ‘believing God’ for the three million dollars needed to pay for it.

A down-payment of $500,000 was apparently made, with the rest due to come in with the ‘masses of people’ who’d be brought into the Kingdom through his outreach and of course would immediately have the means and willingness to give generously to his offerings.

He’s not looking quite so confident now, however. On the first Friday night of this crusade, perhaps 2,000 people ‘flocked’ to hear the message. Ironically, the number of volunteers for this outreach is about 2100.

More bad news for Oral Roberts University

Two of its biggest names have resigned as regents. Benny Hinn, president of the School of Lying Signs and Satanic Wonders (motto: "How to rip people off for fun and profit") and I.V. Hilliard (motto: "I gave Juanita Bynum $30,000 to pay off her back taxes and all I got was this lousy t-shirt") have distanced themselves from the university named after one of the most successful shysters in the business of separating people from their money--the one who "mentored" renowned heretic Carlton "I don't want to believe there's a Hell and you can't make me!" Pearson (from Associated Press):

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Two televangelists have resigned their posts as regents at Oral Roberts University, as the debt-ridden school tries to regroup following a spending scandal involving its former president. The university on Thursday also settled with one of three professors who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the school.

Benny Hinn and I.V. Hilliard resigned as regents, where they were involved in making major school decisions, university spokesman Jeremy Burton said Thursday. Burton declined to say why the two resigned, but said both wrote the board to express their support for the school's mission.

The resignations come a month after the resignations from the board of regents of two other televangelists, Jesse Duplantis and Creflo [worshippin' the Almighty Dollar].

Hinn and Dollar are among six televangelists being investigated by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley to determine if the high-profile preachers violated their organizations' tax-exempt status by living lavishly on the backs of small donors. They have denied wrongdoing.

A phone message left after-hours Thursday at Hilliard's ministry, The New Light Christian Center, was not immediately returned. Ronn Torossian, a spokesman for Hinn, did not immediately respond to an e-mail message sent after-hours Thursday seeking comment.

The resignations follow that of Richard Roberts, who stepped down as university president in November amid allegations he misspent school funds to bankroll a lavish lifestyle. Roberts, the son of school founder Oral Roberts, held the position at the 5,700-student school since 1993.

Former regent Harry McNevin, who resigned 20 years ago over what he says was excessive spending by Oral and Richard Roberts, said Thursday's resignations couldn't have come soon enough.

"The whole board needs to go," McNevin said. "I see (the university) as a corporation belonging to the Robertses."

Now if only these two would quit their jobs as professional con men.

We have a "Christian" television station here, part of the "Christian" Television Network (CTN). They have the Hinnster on in the morning, and Richard "I can fleece people just like my dear old daddy" Roberts' "Hour of Healing" at night. Maybe now this station will grow a brain and stop having these charlatans on their network. Maybe now people will realize that these people are not true ministers of the gospel of grace. Perhaps now people will realize they've been lied to, cheated, swindled, embezzled...

Or not.

Senate to investigate pimps

In a long-overdue move, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee is calling "Bull!" on several pulpit pimps who serve on the board of Oral Roberts University. From FOXNews:

Acting on tips about preachers who ride in Rolls Royces and have purportedly paid $30,000 for a conference table, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday he's investigating the finances of six well-known TV ministers.

Grassley sent letters to the half-dozen Christian media ministries earlier this week requesting answers by Dec. 6 about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities, including use of fancy cars and private jets.

In a statement, Grassley said he was acting on complaints from the public and news coverage of the organizations.

"The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces," Grassley said.

"I don't want to conclude that there's a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more. People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code."

Who is under investigation? Several of the top preachers of the prosperity "gospel."

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas, a $20 million organization and prosperity gospel pioneer. Questions were raised about the transfer of church assets to a for-profit company, Security Patrol Inc., a $1 million loan from Gloria Copeland to the group, and a "personal gift" of more than $2 million given to Kenneth Copeland to mark the ministry's 40th anniversary.

Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Ga. Grassley's letter asks for records on private planes, board makeup, compensation and donations and "love offerings" to visiting ministers. In a statement, Dollar called his ministry an "open book" and said he would cooperate. He also questioned whether the investigation could "affect the privacy of every community church in America."

Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas, is asked about use of a private jet, a home in Dana Point, Calif. and "layover trips" while traveling on ministry business. Hinn did not respond to requests for comment.

Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia, Ga., was questioned about his salary, a $1.4 million real estate transaction and whether he, and not the board, holds sole authority over the organization. Long plans to fully comply with the Senate's request, and his church has "several safeguards" to ensure transactions comply with laws governing churches, according to a statement from Long's spokesman.

Joyce and David Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., who were quizzed about receiving donations of money and jewelry and the handling of cash from overseas crusades. They also were asked about expenditures at ministry headquarters, including a $30,000 conference table and a $23,000 "commode with marble top."

Randy and Paula White of the multiracial Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla. are asked about home purchases in San Antonio, Texas, Malibu, Calif., and New York, credit card charges for clothing and cosmetic surgery and the reported purchase of a Bentley convertible as a gift for Bishop T.D. Jakes, a prominent Texas preacher and televangelist. An e-mail to a spokeswoman for Jakes was not immediately returned.

Ya know, it was just a matter of time. God is "slow to anger, slow to wrath" (Psalm 103:8), but the US Government is a whole different story.

I know there will be some who will say that this opens the door for the government to swoop down and force every church to open its books. That is not what is going on here. This is a case where it is obvious that these pimps are robbing people under the guise of (and appropriating the title of) "mimistry". These people DO NOT RUN MINISTRIES! These people are running rackets! They are running get-rich-quick schemes. (Of course, the only ones getting rich are the pimps!)

These people are pimps, they are charlatans, they have no knowledge of anything biblical, and they trick people--usually the most desperate and the most gullible--out of their money, and leave those they fleece high and dry. But someone--finally--is calling them on it.

And if these pimps think the weight of the United States Government is a heavy load, wait until they stand before God and are forced to account for why they blasphemed His name, and took advantage of His Christ. And they have. After all, Jesus said in Matthew chapter 25, that whatever you do to "the least of these," you have done to Him.

Good news from Mike Murdock!!

Now you too can sow an Uncommon Seed into his wallet ministry, and he will reap the rewards of your hard work!

Just for grins, I signed up to get e-mail updates from him. This is his latest sham flim-flammery deal:

Dear Partner,

An Instruction Decides a Season!
In Chicago, I received an instruction from a man of God...obeyed it...and my house was debt-free within eight months. In Columbus, OH, I received an instruction to sow a specific Seed and created a Life-Time Blessing on my life. In Washington, CD, I received an instruction to sow a seed according to the number of blessings listed in the Bible. It has unleashed waves of supernatural events ever since. I watched a man of God explain passionately on television about the power of the number seven. Seven dips in Jordan...completed the healing of Naaman's leprosy. Seven times around Jericho...seven days in a row...completed the destruction of the walls of Jericho. In Seven days God completed the creation of The Universe and rested on the Seventh Day.

It is the seventh year of this century, 2007. I have been personally inpacted with the surging stirring in my spirit to sow an Uncommon Seed of $777.00 into the work of God. I have felt impressed to ask The Holy Spirit to select the Harvest of His own choosing...wherever He feels that I need it the most. The miraculous has already started.

Will you be one of the 777 partners who will sow an Uncommon Seed of $777.00 during 2007? Listen to the inner promptings of The Holy Spirit. You will know His Voice. Allow Him to choose the supernatural Harvest...as you will see Him complete a miracle you have been desiring!

You will love the three significant gifts I have prepared for you (The Wisdom Bible...The Millionaire 300 Conference CD Set and The School of the Bible CD Set.)

Your new season is just a Seed away.

Your prayer partner
Mike

OK, there is just so much wrong with this, let's start at the top, shall we?

• Well, just like all the best prosperity hucksters, it starts with a "word from a man of God," (Notice, no name given) and how following this advice, he was MIRACULOUSLY delivered from (insert burden here).
• Then, we get the emotional pitch about the number 7. Hmm. That's odd. "Dr." Murdock says that "In Seven days God completed the creation of The Universe and rested on the Seventh Day." I must be using the wrong Bible, because in mine, it says that God finished the work of creation on the sixth day, then rested on the 7th. Maybe I just need to get me one of them-thar "Wisss-dom Bibles."
• Then we see the apex of the emotion-driven "surging in the spirit" about the number 7. Yes, the year is 2007. According to the calendar we have now. But, when you keep in mind that calendars have been changed so many times over the years, it may very well be 2050. Besides, the number 2007 is based on how many years it is estimated have elapsed since the birth of Christ. Many scholars believe it may be in what we now call 4 BC. So, in all actuality, this may be 2003 2011.
• Question about this "surging of the spirit." 2007 is almost over. It's November already. The eleventh month of the year. If the number 7 is so important, why didn't the Holy Spirit impress upon "Dr." Murdock to sow his "Uncommon Seed" in July--the seventh month of the year?
• Now, we get to the real point of this message: "Will you be one of the 777 partners who will sow an Uncommon Seed..." Yep, if you're gonna make the money, ya gotta make the money pitch!

You know, of all the prosperity hucksters, "Dr." Murdock is about the most transparent, other than Rod "I want your money, I deserve it" Parsley. At leats the Kenny-Benny-Creflo Show twist a little bit of Scripture to try and make their point. "Dr." Murdock just uses a bunch of flim-flammery to deceive his sheeple.

If you want to watch a video (about 7 minutes long--hah, I just realized the irony of that!) of this nonsense, click here.

Estranged, with an emphasis on "strange"

Well, "Bishop" Weeks is seeking alimony from his estranged meal ticket, Profitess "Prophetess" Juanita Bynum. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

The estranged husband of national evangelist Juanita Bynum on Wednesday denied that his wife was a victim of cruel treatment in a response to her divorce filing.

Lawyers for Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III also said their client is denying that he and Bynum have been separated, with no contact since June. The response was filed Wednesday in Gwinnett County Superior Court. Like Bynum, Weeks is seeking "relief" in the divorce--alimony or other support granted by the court.

What's he so worried about? If his "ah-NOIN-t'n'" is truly from God, then He will cause the wealth to start falling like latter rain on the "Bishop." Of course, when your meal ticket makes twice what you do, and you all of a sudden lose her income...

Cheer up, "Bishop." Just claim your seed, sow it into the ministry of one of your charlatan buddies, and you'll be singing "Money Comin'" once again!

Benny Hinn catches "Day of Atonement" Fever

First, it was Paula White trying to jack your money out of your wallet by telling you we are supposed to keep the Day of Atonement, and that you should "Honor God with your 'Atonement Offering'". That's right, bribe God by giving Paula your money.

Benny Hinn, not to be outdone in the pulpit pimpery department, has tapped into that same sentiment, and is fleecing his people the same way (From Benny Hinn Ministries):

“But I’m not Jewish,” you may be saying. "What’s the point of observing an Old Testament feast like the Day of Atonement?"

From the Mount of Olives Pastor Steve Munsey teaches that there were three feasts in which God says, "These are My days":

• Passover
• Pentecost
• Atonement

They aren’t Jewish feast days. They aren’t the church’s days. They are God’s days.

These are days when He makes an appointment to meet with us. And we are to honor these feast days forever.

God has marked these three important days. Yes, God’s covenant has changed to a better covenant, but He did not demolish the Old Testament covenant:

• To the children of Israel, the feasts were observed.
• In Christ, the feasts were fulfilled.
• In the church, the feasts are applied.

We must learn to apply each, and we must apply them in order to have victory in every area of life.

[All emphases mine.]

Hey Benny, pick up a Bible once in a while. Look in the table of contents for a book called "Romans." Then go to chapter 14, verses 5-6, where it says, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God."

Or maybe you could find Galatians 3:2-3--"This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" In other words, when Christ dies on the cross, and purchased our freedom from the law, we were released from having to keep the feasts.

Still not convinced? Then look up Colossians 2:16-17--"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

But, towards the end, Benny shows you what this "Atonement Offering" stuff is all about:

On This Is Your Day! this Thursday and Friday, Steve Munsey urges people to give at least a $207 gift.

During this season, he teaches, the gift should be significant. Some are being led to give gifts of $2,007 or more.

I encourage you to seek the Lord on what you should give. Above all else, be sure to be part of this special Atonement offering and step into the overflow.

[All emphases mine.]

Steve Munsey is another huckster that Benny Hinn and Paula White are in league with. You can see a video of what he is all about here. Now, you sure you want to keep sending your money to these people?

"Signs and Wonders School" now online!

(sarcasm on) That's right folks! Now you too can learn how to distort the word of God and pervert the gospel of Christ for fun and profit! Just sign up for Benny Hinn's "Signs and Wonders Bible School!" (/sarcasm)

Uhh, Benny. You know how you quote 2nd Timothy 2:15? About rightly handling the Word of Truth? You fail to do that.

Now, more than ever, God is calling each of us to a higher level, “also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4, NKJV).

This verse in Hebrews is not talking about us doing "signs and wonders." This is the whole passage, in context. Hebrews 2:1-4--

"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?"

This passage talks about Christ showing that He was the Son of God, and that the signs and wonders He performed bore witness of who He was. John 10:25--"Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.'"

So go ahead, throw your money away on a worthless piece of paper from this charlatan. Or, you could study the Bible yourself, find a good, Bible-preaching church, and let the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth. Don't buy into this Benny Hinn nonsense.

Update: Bynum to divorce Weeks

According to FOX5 Atlanta, Profitess "Prophetess" Juanita Bynum has indeed given her attorney the go-ahead to file divorce papers on her husband, "Bishop" Thomas Weeks III. Video from Independent Conservative:



You gotta admit: the violin music in the background, the dabbing of the eyes, all very emotionally touchy-feely. Very...dramatic.

This goes to show that all the nonsense these two "preached" about love, marriage, etc., was a sham. Because they didn't even live it! And if you watch the video, she says that this divorce is about her "destiny." She does mention--briefly--something about God being glorified through this. And I don't doubt that He could be. But that won't happen until (a) these two repent, reconcile, and renounce the heretical things they preach, and (b) Ms. Bynum admits that she is no "prophetess".

Besides, what does it say about "Bishop" Weeks that he has over $100K in outstanding judgments against him? Shouldn't the "man of Gawd" pay his bills when they come? He better hope he don't lose his ah-NOIN-t'n'

If Satan is in charge...

...then Kenneth Copeland has some 'splainin' to do. Via Christian Witness Ministries:

• “God’s reason for creating Adam was His desire to reproduce Himself. I mean a reproduction of Himself, and in the Garden of Eden He did just that. He was not a little like God. He was not almost like God. He was not subordinate to God even. Adam is as much like God as you could get, just the same as Jesus. Adam, in the Garden of Eden, was God manifested in the flesh.” (“Following the Faith of Abraham I,” side 1)


• “He [Adam] was not subordinate to God ... [but] was walking as a god with the authority of a god. ... What he said went. What he did, counted. [And when he] bowed his knee to Satan and put Satan up above him, then there wasn’t anything God could do about it, because a god had placed [Satan] there.” (“The Force of Love,” tape #02-0028)


• “God had no avenue of lasting faith or moving in the earth. He had to have covenant with somebody...He had to be invited in, in other words, or He couldn’t come.” (“God’s Covenant with Man II”, 1985, tape #01-4404, side 1)

So, God was shut out of the Garden after the fall. He couldn't do ANYTHING. Well, as the folks over at CWM point out:

• What right did God have to make clothing out of animal skins for Adam and Eve?
• What right did God have to expel Adam and Eve from the Garden?
• What right did God have to place a Cherubim and Flaming Sword, in the garden, to guard the way to the tree of life?
• What right did God have to curse and mark Cain?
• What right did God have to take Enoch - one of Satan’s possessions?
• What right did God have to flood the Earth?
• What right did God have to talk to Abram — one of Satan’s possessions?
• What right did God have to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
• By what right did God kill the first born of Egypt?

I also noticed something else in reading this article. They reprint the "Statement of Faith" at Kenneth Copeland Ministries. I won't reproduce it here, but here's the link. I notice that in the statement of faith, KCM mentions that they believe Jesus was crucified, and they believe that salvation comes by faith in the shed blood of Jesus. But nowhere do they put the two together. This shows you that KCM still does not believe that the blood Jesus shed ON THE CROSS was what purchases our freedom, our redemotion, and our salvation. Obviously, they still believe Jesus had to suffer in Hell for three days. So, I guess when Jesus said, "It is finished," He was what, lying to us? This is one reason I do not hesitate to call Kenneth Copeland a heretic.

More from the sick, twisted Paula White

(Image hat tip: Spiritual Pathways Ministries Library)

That's right, folks!! Even though Christ did away with the curse of the Law, we are still supposed to keep it. And don't forget to send in your "Atonement Offering!!" From Paula White Ministries.

As Christians, we are called to follow the New Covenant of Christ -- but as Christ himself honored the laws and covenants of his forefathers, as modern-day children of God we should also remember and honor God’s biblically established laws, covenants, and decrees. [Even though it tells us in James 1:10--"...whoever will keep the whole law, and stumble in one part, he is guilty of all."--Ed.]

[...]

As Christians, we are encouraged to observe the Day of Atonement also in remembrance of Christ [I guess this is found in the book of......--Ed.] – our own High Priest, who became the ultimate “sin offering” for us – guaranteeing our eternal “atonement” and salvation. Observance of the Day of Atonement might include prayer and fasting, sacrificial offerings, and studying God’s Word.

Hat Tip: A Little Leaven)

So, if we send in an "Atonement Offering" to appease the wrath of God (because Christ's blood just wasn't enough), we get even more crap from this heretic. Basically, what she's saying is, "Honor the Day of Atonement by sending me money!!"

Now, if you've read this blog, you know how often I rail against the so-called "prosperity" preachers. Most of them claim that what Christ did on the Cross--taking our sins upon His shoulders, and BY THIS ACT taking upon Himself the wrath of God for our sins--wasn't enough. He had to go into Hell, and suffer torture from demons for three days. And--according to Kenneth Copeland--Jesus had to be "born again".

Well, along comes Paula White. She and her husband Randy have (unsuccessfully) attempted to expand THEIR kingdom here on earth at the cost of (a) their marriage, and (b) bringing shame to the name of Christ. Well, she has done gone and ripped the Gospels out of her Bible, and spit in the face of Christ. Now, she says we need to go back to keeping the law of Moses. And by doing so, she has officially moved from the ranks of merely being a "heretic", to being a full-blown blasphemer.

Hey, hey Paula! I got an idea for ya. I'm sealing my Bible in an envelope, putting it in the mailbox, and sending it to you. Because appreantly, you don't have one. Or maybe you do, and you just haven't ever bothered to read it. Because if you did--well, not only would you find that as a woman, you are not allowed to be a pastor at your church (see here and here)--but you would also find the Bible says--

• Colossians 1:19-20--For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.


• Galatians 3:3, 10-13--Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?...For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)


• Hebrews 9--Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary...Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance...It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience...But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ...cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance...
  

But the passage that condemns Paula White as a blasphemer is Hebrews 10:28-29

Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

She has indeed trampled the Son underfoot, and counted His Cross as what, something He felt like doing because He didn't have anything better to do? Christ came to do away with the Law. His Cross IS our atonement where He made propitiation for our sins, reconciled us to God, took our sins upon Himself, and imputed His righteousness to our account. Paula White, by trying to weasel some "Atonement Offering" out of her deceived followers, is the true "God-robber", and blasphemer.

The "Wisdom" of Mike Murdock

The man never met a $58 seed he didn't like. Of course, if ya start sowin' those $1000 seeds, he'll love ya even more. And don't act like you ain't got it! Just sell everything you own and give it all to this rich guy! ministry! Yeah, that's it!

Here are some juicy tidbits from "Mr. Wisdom" himself (All quotes from Forgotten Word Ministries):

"I broke the back of poverty with the $1,000 seed. I broke the back of poverty with the $1,000 seed. Listen carefully, this is, this is, possibly, possibly the most critical seed that you have ever planted in your lifetime. [Or at least since the last "most critical seed ever."] Because there is an anointing. I heard double portion. Did I hear double portion yesterday [Steve Munsey]? There is going to be a doubling of your wisdom in six months. We're going to come in agreement, this is not for everybody. Every harvest requires a seed. God never opens His hand, opens His windows until we open our hands. But listen carefully, I don't know where you are going to get it. But if you can't even faith in a $1,000 seed to sow, how can you ever be debt free? If you can't even call in seed, how could you call in a harvest? You have to work with your faith for the seed before you can call in the harvest. But the Holy Spirit is giving me faith for 1189 miracles in the next 30 minutes or so. 1189, now that's not all. But there is a strong anointing for 1189 miracles. I'm going to tell you the three that I believe you will feel a special faith to focus the $1,000 seed for."

(Mike Murdock, Daystar Fall, "Share-A-Thon," September 14, 2004)

However, things didn't always turn out so rosy for those who "sowed into the kingdom" of Mike Murdock Gaaaaawd-uh

In December 2003, more than 60 checks written for $58 were returned to the ministry because the donors' checking accounts had too little money to cover them. Other months reviewed showed similar returned checks.

'We can't help it when someone writes us a check for insufficient funds,' [Wisdom Center finance director Craig] Prus said. 'Every person has their own talents and abilities, and if it's not accounting and keeping up with their own checkbook balances, I can't help that. But I do pray for them, obviously, to be blessed financially.'"

("Televangelist Mike Murdock moves financial books behind closed doors," Forth Worth Star-Telegram, USA, December 15, 2004)

That's right! Send in your $58 seed, even if you don't have the funds! And if the bank levies those overdraft fees on you, just remember that Gawd will bless those fees and double them every day! Er, I mean, He'll send you a double portion harvest!! You's just gots ta have faaaaaith!

Let's see some of the other whacky teachings of "The Wisdom Man":

"There is one of the 300 people that can give the $600 all at once. that kind of faith releases a swift response from God. When you let go of what's in your hand God let's go of what's in his."

(Mike Murdock, LeSea Television, Miracle Telethon, May 6, 2004)

------------------

"If you take that into your spirit you will reach millionaire status in three years."

(Mike Murdock, LeSea Television, Miracle Telethon, May 6, 2004)

That's right, folks! Just send in the right bribe seed to Gawd!

But then, "Wisdom Guy" lets loose with the most heretical of his teachings--that no matter what religion you follow, that's just hunky-dory with him, because, well, they're all the same:

"I have no arguments with people in other religions. Because they are living their persuasions."

(Mike Murdock, LeSea Television, Miracle Telethon, May 6, 2004)

Well, hey, as long as we're turning God into a Divine Bellhop and a Celestial Step-N-Fetchit, why not do away with all that old, "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" stuff, and just open up the doors of heaven to every Muslim, Buddhist, Mormon and Hindu.

And as long as "Doctor" Murdock is shredding his Bible, let's just go ahead and throw it out altogether, and just go by our feeeeeelings. OK folks, time to ring that bell!! "Ding ding! Excuse me, heaven? Yes, I need God to come down here and give me what I want right away! And tell Him to step lively if He will! Mm'k?"

Randy White--divorcing, but still preaching

Typical of his lack of knowledge of ANYTHING biblical, Randy White returned to the pulpit at Without Walls Church in Tampa (via Tampa Bay Online):

After a rare joint appearance Thursday night, when the co-founders delivered the news to a stunned congregation, Randy White returned to the pulpit alone, as expected. White told the Tribune last week that his wife had returned to New York Friday morning, after they made their announcement.

That wasn't unusual. In the past year, as her own ministry has evolved, Paula White's appearances at the North Grady Avenue church have become sporadic.

So, rather than say to the congregation, "I need to take some time away from my position so Paula and I can work on our marriage"--something Charles Stanley should have done when he was going through his divorce--Randy decides that the money is just too good, and he's gonna stay entrenched in his position. And before you say, "They just announced their divorce last Thursday," you don't just wake up one morning and say, "Hey, ya know, I think we oughta divorce." This is a situation that has been developing for some time.

Well, towards the end of the Sunday service, just to play on people's emotions a little more,

...White made his way to the podium, as his congregation cheered, buried his face in a black cloth and appeared to sob. Shortly after receiving a supportive hug from Messer, White appeared to crumble completely. His shoulders sagged, and he laid his head on his arm at the podium and gave way to even deeper sobbing. Eventually, Messer and a host of black-suited ministers gathered, laid their hands on White and formed a tight prayer circle around him.

On the video monitor behind White, the words "international church" appeared to hover over White's prostrate body, as though he were carrying them on his back.

Intended or not, the symbolism may prove prophetic.

In his interview with the Tribune last week, White said he plans to resume his role as the church's senior pastor and that he has put on hold plans to start another church in Malibu, Calif.

Maybe Randy should have thought a little more before he even started the California project. Because obviously this was NOT something of God. Unless you think that God starts things and doesn't finish them. But we know that's not true.

Independent Conservative has an in-depth analysis of the factors behind the Whites divorce--and its connection to the Bynum/Weeks mess (can you say "TD Jakes"?)--over at his blog. I found this interesting--

Without Walls Founders Divorcing - A longer article about the divorce announcement.

In the article, Paula White seems to defy all her statements of how giving her money or other deeds will grant earthly success when she says:

‘I wish there was a magic formula that gave you guarantees in life,’ she said.

She never mentions no guarantee when she’s asking for money and claiming it will cause an “angel” to stand watch over you. I’m sure even the angels turn up their noses when she runs such scams!

Spreading the "gospel" without using the Bible

That's what you do if you're a "prosperity" preacher. You take the Bible, you find a few verses with words like "prosper", or "riches", or "wealth", and you just kinda YANK it out, and slap it across people's heads, taking it so far out of context as to be unrecognizable, then command them to never question anything you teach. You brainwash them into repeating phrases like "Touch not mine anointed", or "Do my prophet no harm", or "Do not put your mouth on the man/woman of God." That way, when someone shows them where you are wrong, they can just belch out one of those responses without actually having to study the Bible, and what it means.

Oh, and make sure you have plenty of funny stories to keep them amused during your little speech. And, once in a while, use at least some part of a verse in between your stories. And yell a lot. See, that way, your followers won't realize that you're telling them that certain parts of the Bible--you know, the parts about God wanting them to be rich and healthy--apply to them today, while there are other parts that don't apply today--little things, unimportant things like women not being allowed to preach, laying up treasures in heaven instead of on earth, life being more than the abundance of goods, etc. That way, you can increase your numbers among women, creating more subsidiaries, more avenues of marketing, and--most importantly--MO' MONEY, MO' MONEY, MO' MONEY!!!

But the most important thing you need to do is teach your people how to exalt themselves to the position of being able to throw God's word in His face, and demand the He GIVE them EVERYTHING they ask for, while bringing God Himself down to the position of being nothing more than a Divine Bellboy. That's EMPOWERMENT, baby!

If you notice, there are no "sarcasm" tags in this post. That's because this post does not contain any sarcasm. This post accurately sums up the teachings of the "prosperity" preachers. I have never met a follower of this heresy that has been able to back up what their preacher told them. But they do get agitated!

I was over at Independent Conservative the other day. IndyCon, GaryV and myself were trying to reason with a woman about why the "prosperity gospel" was wrong, and all she could come back with was her " 'sperrince". Even after IC asked her to turn off her CAPS button she kept "yelling" and he had to ban her. This was not an exception, that is how these people are.

And while the financial aspect is bad enough, the fact that these "preachers" paint a false picture of God, and distort His word and bring shame to the name of Christ is even worse. They are teaching people of a false God, and are leading them to perdition and destruction.

You want to call me a "heresy hunter", go right ahead. That is a badge I will gladly wear.

"Bishop" Weeks turns himself in

"Bishop" Thomas weeks III has turned himself in to the Fulton County jail in Atlanta on charges he attacked his estrenaged wife, "prophetess" Juanita Bynum (via Newsday):

Officer Ronald Campbell said earlier this week that Weeks choked Bynum, then "pushed her down to the ground and started to kick her and also stomp on her."

Police said Weeks was pummeling Bynum outside the Rennaisance Concourse Hotel when a hotel employee intervened.

Weeks left the scene and police issued warrants for his arrest on charges of aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. Bynum was treated for her injuries at Piedmont Hospital.

Weeks was arraigned Friday at the Fulton County jail on those charges, Polite said.

Weeks, accompanied by an attorney, John Garland, posted $40,000 bail and was released. He is due back in court Sept. 7.

It is truly a shame that so many people who don't know Christ look at these people as being what Christianity is about: getting all you can in this life, and all that nonsense about "GOD wants you to be rich." Now, these who have elevated themselves to such a prominent position in the public eye have given the world another reason to blaspheme His name.

Question: Since these "prosperity" preachers say that by following Christ, you won't have any problems in your health/finances/marriage unless you have some sin to repent from or you are under a curse, which is it for Bynum and Weeks?

Oh, and get this--Who does Weeks hire for an attorney, but a guy who has made his name defending murderers and their accomplices (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution):

Weeks has retained two lawyers: the well-known [Edward] Garland, who in the past has represented NFL star Ray Lewis in his murder trial and millionaire James Sullivan, who ordered the murder of his socialite wife...

Of course, that may have something to do with the people the good "bishop" has listed under his "friends" section of his MySpace page:

Sean P. Puffy Puff Diddy Daddy Combs
Halle Barry Fan Club
Rihanna
Joss Stone
T.I (from Outkast)
Toni Braxton
Beyonce
Black Eyed Peas
Joss Stone
Common
Jay-Z
...and the list goes on

With the influence of people like this around him, it appears that "Bishop" Weeks is trying to walk with one foot in the World, and one foot in the Kingdom. Trying, that is. Because this is impossible. You are either in the World, or you are in the Kingdom. Luke 16:13--"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." And "Bishop" Weeks is finding this out the hard way.

First Bynum and Weeks, now the Whites

It appears the "prosperity" crowd is reaping the harvest of trying to be bigger than their ministry. At the risk of sounding like I am shaking my fingers at these people--I realize that divorces are taking place more commonly than marriages these days--but these are the people that go around saying theat if you are a Christian, you should have no problems in your life, and that if you do you're cursed.

I posted yesterday about Juanita Bynum was beaten by her estranged husband Thomas Weeks. They are divorcing, and it appears they will go through with it. Now, Randy and Paula White--who have had their own share of legal troubles for reneging on promises--are divorcing as well. From the St. Pete Times' website:

TAMPA - Megachurch pastors Randy and Paula White stood before their congregation Thursday night and made the announcement that many in their flock feared had been coming for months.

They are divorcing.

"It is the most difficult decision that I have had to make in my entire life," said the Rev. Randy White, 49. "I take full responsibility for a failed marriage -100 percent. I don't blame Paula, and I don't blame other parties. But as the man of the house, I take full responsibility for that."

He praised his wife, calling her an exceptional woman and a great preacher and wife.

Standing by his side and appearing to fight back tears, the Rev. Paula White called the decision to divorce "one of the most painful of our lives."

[...]

Word about trouble in the couple's marriage has circulated for months. The Whites' disparate ministry paths have fueled much of the concern. Randy White, a bishop at Without Walls International Church, has been spending time in Malibu, Calif., in hopes of establishing a ministry on the West Coast. Paula White, the church's senior pastor [even though the Bible speaks clearly against women being pastors--Ed.] and a sought-after televangelist, keeps an apartment in New York City, where she recently opened a new ministry and self-help center in July.

Notice that part about Randy "...spending time in Malibu, Calif., in hopes of establishing a ministry on the West Coast..." and that Paula "...keeps an apartment in New York City, where she recently opened a new ministry and self-help center in July." So, instead of staying near to each other, and concentrating on their own church in their own community, they have been trying to spread themselves to wide, and who has benefitted from it? NO ONE.

Perhaps now people will see that this "health, wealth, and hypocrisy prosperity" doctrine is a bunch of hooey. These people can't even live what they preach.