Prophets and Non-Prophets

At the time of this writing, most mainstream media outlets have declared Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 U. S. Presidential election. However, all the votes haven’t been accounted for yet. There have been reports of illegal voting on behalf of the dead and underaged. I’ve also heard of individuals voting more than once despite that being a federal crime. Nevertheless, there are Christians already labeling ministers “false prophets” who predicted a Trump victory. 

Jesus did warn in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” However, the term “false prophet” is used too loosely amongst the body of Christ. Critics often apply that to ministers they don’t like. One example is Joel Osteen, a pastor who (to the best of my knowledge) has never called himself a prophet.

So how can one identify a false prophet? It’s more than calling someone out for making a wrong prediction. Even a broken clock is correct twice a day. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” The next two verses tell us how to test the spirits... 

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 

3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

One sign of a false prophet is worldly popularity. Jesus said in Luke 6:26, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” True prophets in the Bible were often despised by the very people God sent them to. As Jesus lamented in Matthew 23:37, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” 

The Book of Revelation mentions a false prophet that will arise during the tribulation period. He will direct people to worship the Antichrist. In the end, the false prophet will join him in the lake of fire to be tormented forever and ever.

I’ve seen many so-called prophecies proclaiming the coming destruction of America. Yet 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” One characteristic of a prophet of God is a genuine desire to see sinners repent and escape judgment. He won’t have a rebellious spirit. 

Another sign of a true prophet (or any servant of the Lord) is he will deflect praises that belong to God alone. John wrote in Revelation 19:10, “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” 

Getting back to the election, there are two other things worth pointing out…

1) Prophecies are often conditional both individually as well as corporately. The morning after the 2012 election, a friend emailed me a prophecy given earlier that year declaring Mitt Romney would become the next U. S. president. One part of this prophecy stood out to me: “These next eight years will be full of joy if the Church steps into authority, and God's righteous people are elected.” I personally believe Romney was the candidate God wanted to win but all His people didn’t do their part in voting. I know professing Christians who bragged about not going to the polls that year.

2) Even if Donald Trump were to concede this year’s election, he’s still eligible to run again in 2024 and win a second non-consecutive term. That happened once before with Grover Cleveland who was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States.

Every believer can hear the voice of God and shouldn’t solely depend on prophecy for guidance. Still, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 says we to “not despise prophecies.” Therefore, we must not throw the baby out with the bathwater and be prepared to receive ministry from true prophets of God.

“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” - Amos 3:7

My Response to Copeland Critics

One of my favorite preachers is Kenneth Copeland. Every morning I read “From Faith to Faith”, a powerful devotional written by him and his wife Gloria. In addition to seeing them on TV, I’ve heard the Copelands many times at my home church in Minnesota plus attended some of their Victory Campaigns. This past January, I visited Eagle Mountain International Church near Fort Worth, Texas pastored by Kenneth’s daughter Terri and her husband George Pearsons. Kenneth often speaks there.

As a baby Christian, I wasn’t fond of Kenneth Copeland when first hearing him as well as a few other Charismatic preachers. Eventually, I learned to overlook a minister’s personality and focus more on the content of their messages. I’ve since grown to appreciate Brother Copeland’s boldness, skillful knowledge of Scripture and his sense of humor.

Kenneth Copeland is often lambasted by religious folk who don’t like his teachings and him owning an airplane. It should be mentioned that Brother Copeland was a licensed pilot before going into the ministry. Gloria often said she would never marry a preacher and later added “…and I didn’t. I married a commercial pilot.” 

Still, critics have targeted one comment made by Kenneth Copeland on his “Believer’s Voice of Victory” program. While talking with Jesse Duplantis about their private jets, Brother Copeland stated that one reason he doesn’t fly commercial is because it’s like being “in a long tube with a bunch of demons.” Recently a reporter from “Inside Edition” rushed up to Copeland asking about that comment. Copeland clarified that he loves people and “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Charisma magazine founder Stephen Strang pointed out it would be similar to using other forms of public transportation like a Greyhound bus. As a missionary who’s traveled on many of those, I say “Amen!” Long trips can be aggravating especially when dealing with other passengers who are disrespectful and use profanity.

Preachers need privacy to pray and study if they are to be effective vessels for the Lord. I heard Kenneth Copeland point out his mentor Oral Roberts initially rode on commercial flights but was constantly approached for autographs and prayer requests. Roberts needed time alone with God to prepare for the numerous meetings he held. During His earthly ministry, Jesus often had to get away from crowds so He could have quality time with the Father. Although I have witnessed to people while flying or riding the bus, I usually keep to myself by putting on earphones and listening to anointed music or sermons to stay in the presence of God.

Critics continue fussing about the money some ministries generate. One Facebook friend posted a meme listing the alleged net worth of Kenneth Copeland and other well-known preachers with the caption, “The gospel is to be told, not sold.” The gospel is free but it takes finances to get the message out through media and the printed page plus sending ministers to various places. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus said if we're faithful over little, He will make us ruler over much. The Copelands have faithfully preached the Word of God for over 50 years.

The idea that ministers aren't supposed to have much money is out of the pit of hell. God doesn’t mind His people having things as long as the things don't have us. One thing I respect about the Copelands is their generosity. Kenneth Copeland Ministries has a disaster relief team that helps partners affected by wildfires and hurricanes. Back in the 1990s, they rebuilt numerous churches that were destroyed by arsonists. So-called prosperity preachers probably give away more of their revenue than all of their critics combined.

So if you don’t like Brother Copeland, then don’t listen to him. What I don’t like is seeing edited versions of sermons and interviews that make preachers appear to say things they didn’t really mean. That’s why we need discernment when reading or watching stuff posted by secular media outlets and religious watchdogs.

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” - Luke 8:18

The Gospel Against Cars

Over the years I’ve heard some strange ideas promoted in the name of Christianity. Yesterday I saw what would have to be one of the most ludicrous. A Facebook friend who considers herself “an advocate for the homeless” made several posts preaching against cars. 

Yes, you read that right…cars! Here was one of her posts… 

Teach to RESIST AGAINST WICKEDNESS...CARS ARE WICKEDNESS. COME OUT OF BABYLON. W A L K.

Rather than ridicule this woman’s misguided theology, I tried reasoning with her. First, I wrote: “Satan built demonic kingdoms before cars existed” (such as Sodom and Gomorrah). 

Her response? “CARS EXCULATED [sic] things.. Christians do not RESIST.”

Then I pointed out most things are not evil in themselves but how they are used. A gun can be used to break the law or uphold the law. Money can be used to finance the spread of pornographic filth or print Bibles and gospel tracts plus send missionaries to foreign fields. Likewise, a car can be used by a terrorist to run over people or rush somebody to the hospital. What if this woman had a loved one who needed to go to the emergency room? Would she oppose using an ambulance or some other vehicle for that purpose? What about fire trucks? Her house could burn to the ground by maintaining this weird theology.

This woman replied with a paragraph that began, “I have heard that ignorant argument before.”

My “ignorant argument” was using common sense. The Internet has spread ungodly ideas faster and more widely than any invention in history. Yet she is using this technology to promote her beliefs. It’s also worth mentioning this woman preaches strongly against money. Yet the day before, she posted a financial appeal and previously sent me a private message that included a PayPal link. Isn't that being hypocritical?

While doing additional research, I came across a Facebook page representing “People Against Cars” (from which I copied the above photo). Although this group endorses public transportation as an alternative, they accuse car owners of being baby killers. I'm curious if these anti-car crusaders feel the same way about abortion.

The bottom line is modern technology will be used somehow…for good or for evil. Christians who refuse to embrace it allow the devil to gain greater influence in society. When television first came out, some religious folk called TV sets “one-eyed demons.” The programs then didn’t promote sin like they do today. Thankfully, multitudes have gotten saved through the gospel being preached over the airwaves.

Until the Lord returns, we will see more incredible inventions. I choose to utilize them in helping me fulfill the Great Commission.

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” - John 1:3

Armchair Pastors

A new NFL regular season begins in a few days. Armchair quarterbacks are already discussing how their favorite teams and players should do things differently this year. These self-appointed experts seem to think they know more about football than the coaches. 

Sadly, this sort of thing happens in the Body of Christ. “Armchair pastors” criticize ministers for doing or not doing certain things. This past week, the Internet has been (pardon the pun) flooded with unChristlike remarks regarding a well-known pastor in Houston, Texas. Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church receives enough flak from heresy hunters who disapprove of his ministry. Now Joel has been lambasted for his response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Lakewood Church was criticized for not having services last weekend. Their website stated that was done due to “…concern for the safety of our members.” Many streets in Houston were impassible by flood waters. In the Upper Midwest where I’ve lived most of my life, churches of various sizes often cancel services because of inclement weather. 

Joel was also criticized for his church not immediately offering shelter to hurricane victims. Watchdogs make judgments without knowing all the facts and logistics involved. Lakewood Church’s website stated early on they are working with Samaritan’s Purse to provide disaster relief. Until a public announcement was made offering shelter, the church itself experienced flooding despite false reports stating otherwise. There are shelters in Houston better equipped to take in displaced residents. As Joel pointed out in a Fox News interview, “When the big shelter filled up, people started coming here [Lakewood].”

On a related note, I’ve seen a photo gone viral showing the Lakewood Church sanctuary with the caption: “Instead of building mega-churches, how about building mega-homeless shelters?” How about these critics put their money where their mouths are? Few of them probably do anything to help homeless people get off the streets. Romans 2:1 says,“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Among those in the fivefold ministry, pastors in particular have a time-consuming job that pays very little if their congregations don’t give in the offering like they should. Immature Christians expect pastors to be at their beck and call whenever they have a problem. This includes individuals who aren’t even committed members of a church. Then they often get offended if their problem isn’t addressed right away. 

If you don’t agree with how a pastor conducts his ministry, pray for that brother (or sister). If you believe he’s not doing something that should be done in his church, maybe God is calling you to help him out in that area. To put it bluntly, armchair pastors should either put up or shut up.

“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:4

Kundalini Chaos

Some Christians are quick to demonize Holy Spirit manifestations unfamiliar to them such as people shaking. A few of these watchdogs accuse certain ministers of allowing a Kundalini spirit at their meetings. Kundalini is a yoga term whose origin is the Sanskrit word for snake. One dictionary defines Kundalini as “latent female energy believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine” and “a system of meditation directed toward the release of kundalini energy.”

In response to a YouTube video posted to “expose” one well-known evangelist/pastor, I pointed out these Kundalini hunters don’t know how to test the spirits. 1 John 4:2 says, “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” The minister in question has altar calls for salvation that include leading newborn believers to say, “I confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.”

One critic responded, “So did Jim Jones. What does that prove?” I replied by asking him to provide proof of that but he refused (possibly because he didn’t have any and simply repeated what somebody else said). Would a minister supposedly under the influence of a demonic spirit preach that Jesus is the only way to the Father? Would he encourage newborn believers to attend a Bible-believing church, read the Word of God for themselves, and go out to win souls?

It’s true demons tremble in the presence of God (James 2:19) but that doesn’t mean all supernatural shaking is of demonic origin. In Matthew 28:4 following the resurrection, “…the guards shook for fear of him [the angel of the Lord], and became like dead men.” Hosea 11:10 says, “They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall come trembling from the west.”

People respond differently when God’s power manifests. During my early years as a street evangelist, I had returned from one outing when my fellow soul winners gathered in the church lobby to pray. Someone laid hands on me and I fell to the floor shaking uncontrollably. Despite forgiving those who had hurt me in the past, deep wounds still festered in my soul. God needed to perform “spiritual surgery” on me so I would be a more effective minister.

All the Kundalini warnings against certain preachers is reminiscent of how the Pharisees often accused Jesus of having a demon. Instead of focusing on outward manifestations like shaking or falling, one should look at the results of those manifestations. Often you'll find people healed and more at peace.

“You will know them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:16

Crying “Wolf”

A story you might have heard growing up was “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” In this Aesop's Fable, a shepherd boy repeatedly tricks nearby villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock. When a wolf actually appears, the villagers ignore the boy’s cries believing it’s another false alarm. As a result, the boy’s sheep gets eaten by the wolf. Variations of this story have been told including a Sesame Street parody called “The Boy Who Cried Monster.”

The Oxford English Dictionary defines cry wolf as a “call for help when it is not needed, with the effect that one is not believed when one really does need help.” Sadly this sort of thing happens within the Body of Christ. Self-appointed watchdogs believe their calling in life is fault-finding preachers they don’t agree with. They flood the Internet with web sites attacking various ministries without mentioning those they actually approve of.

A popular Scripture used by Christian critics is Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Recently I received an email from a man who labeled one TV pastor “a proven false prophet” without citing any examples of false prophecies made. To the best of my knowledge, this pastor has never claimed to be a prophet.

Another wolf warning can be found in Acts 20…

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 

30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

According to this passage of Scripture, wolves are not pastors. Pastors are spiritual shepherds looking out for the welfare of the sheep within their fold. In the natural, it’s normal for wolves to attack sheep. What’s not normal is for sheep attacking wolves.

If a spiritual shepherd is living in sin, God will expose him if he doesn’t repent. Heresy hunters tread on dangerous ground if they knowingly slander ministers doing the Lord’s work. Twice the Bible tells us, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15)

So the next time you hear a preacher saying things you disagree with, don’t cry wolf. Pray for that brother or sister but also pray for yourself. It’s possible you’re the one that could be in error.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27

In Defense of Joel Osteen

One of the most well-known and controversial ministers today is Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Pastor Joel oversees the largest congregation in the United States plus reaches millions through television, satellite radio, and has written several best-selling books. Some Christians criticize Osteen’s motivational messages because they think he needs to preach more about repentance. Others disapprove of Joel’s lack of theological training. Then again, some of the early apostles were considered “unlearned and ignorant men.” (Acts 4:13)

Eight years ago in Washington, DC, I attended one of Joel Osteen’s outreach events called “A Night of Hope.” Joel ministered that night on detoxifying our thought life. The service concluded with an invitation for salvation that was much longer than what Joel does on TV. That gave me a greater respect for him.

A Facebook friend once posted the above photo of Joel Osteen’s first book “Your Best Life Now” side-by-side with a parody featuring another minister named Paul Washer who preaches very confrontational sermons. Certainly, I agree heaven will be a better place for believers. However, it’s not a sin to enjoy life on earth as long as the kingdom of God is our top priority (Matthew 6:33).

I also agree there’s a place for “fire and brimstone” preaching (see Jude 23) but not everyone will respond to messages like that. Romans 2:4 says it’s the goodness of God that leads one to repentance. Non-believers need to hear about a God who can deliver them from their drug addictions, health issues, financial problems, and other bondages. I got saved 25 years ago not because someone told me I was a rotten sinner but that God loves me and wants me to have a fulfilling life on earth as well as eternal life in heaven.  

Here’s a challenge for all the critics who accuse Joel Osteen of being a false teacher: Take a minute to log onto Lakewood Church’s website and review the page “What We Believe.” I couldn’t find anything contrary to Scripture. Since my Facebook friend thinks Osteen’s messages lack biblical content, I exhorted him to do better himself. My friend responded by sharing a YouTube video in which Joel supposedly “denies Jesus.” Joel has stated that Jesus is the only way to God but there are many ways to get to Jesus.

One thing I would like to see is Joel Osteen demonstrate more boldness when challenged with questions by the secular media. Nevertheless, self-appointed watchdogs should stop bringing division within the Body of Christ and pray for Brother Joel. He is reaching multitudes that normally wouldn’t attend a church service. Just at Lakewood Church alone, Pastor Osteen ministers to over 40,000 people weekly. How many people do you reach for Christ each week?

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” - 1 Peter 2:15

Excellence Vs. Perfection

Apple cofounder Steve Jobs once said, “Be the person you want to be. Be the best you can be.” I wouldn’t agree with the first part of that statement. Many individuals try to become someone God never intended them to be. I do agree we should be people of excellence. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...” 

Before I committed my life to the Lord, I was turned off by things such as “Christian music” that sounded inferior to songs released in the secular market. Anything done in God’s name should be of high quality. One Old Testament prophet certainly demonstrated excellence. “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3)

On the other hand, one can go the other extreme by being a perfectionist, which is defined as “a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.” As a kid I had many perfectionistic tendencies. My mother usually set the clocks in our house a few minutes ahead and hated it when I adjusted them to the correct time. I also corrected people if they called a zero “O” (“oh”) when giving out phone numbers and addresses.

While I’ve since learned to lighten up more, it still bugs me to see certain imperfections like bad spelling on the Internet. Why don’t some people use spellcheck? Even Facebook underlines misspelled words when you type them. Proverbs 18:9 from the Message Bible says, “Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.”

Believers should exhort each other to excellence. However, we cannot be someone else’s Holy Ghost. Relationships become strained when we demand friends and loved ones to follow our own self-imposed standards. One time I stayed with a man who set strict rules to keep his place clean and orderly. I tried my best to comply but still did things that irritated him. On the day I left this man’s house, I was harshly criticized because my bed wasn’t made to his satisfaction. It was like being in the army.

Some Christians believe sports, movies and other forms of entertainment are a waste of time. I respect those who desire to live more consecrated lives but they are not to enforce their convictions upon others. Romans 14:22 (NIV) says, “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” True holiness doesn’t come so much from eliminating worldly things but by drawing closer to God.

If we grow in character and become more Christlike, then there won’t be a need to impose our standards upon others. While we still need to proclaim the gospel, certain individuals like unsaved husbands can be won over to the Lord by the chaste conduct of their wives (1 Peter 3:1-2). People who are serious about improving their lives may eventually approach us and say, “I want what you have!”

“that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” - Philippians 1:10

Don't Jump to Conclusions

Many times before publishing a new article in my blog or newsletter, I’ll share it with a friend to get their feedback. I always want to be sure my writings are accurate and don’t mislead people. It annoys me when someone starts making suggestions before reading the whole thing. Often their concerns are addressed later in my article.

Ministers constantly face scrutiny like this. Religious watchdogs habitually take sound bites of well-known preachers they don't like and attempt to expose them. Sometimes it's made to appear these preachers said things they really didn’t mean. A recent example of this involved Victoria Osteen, who co-pastors Lakewood Church in Houston along with her husband Joel. A few of my Facebook friends posted a short video clip of Victoria making comments about worship that upset many Christians (some versions of this include an added "rebuke" by Bill Cosby)...

.

Eventually, Victoria issued a response saying, "I did not mean to imply that we don't worship God."

1 Corinthians 13:7 in the Amplified Bible says, “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person.” While I don’t agree with everything said by the Osteens, I'm glad to see Victoria clarified her remarks. Regardless of whether a minister issues a retraction, heresy hunters should focus more on managing their own lives instead of trying to manage those who are doing something with their calling.

Someone once said, “In the absence of information, we jump to the worst conclusions.” Before we are quick to pass judgment on others, let’s take time to listen and give them the benefit of the doubt. 

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” - Proverbs 18:13 

The Whole Truth

In a recent interview on HuffPost Live, host Josh Zepps read the following passage from Joel Osteen’s latest book “Break Out”: “It doesn't matter who likes you or doesn't like you, all that matters is that God likes you. He accepts you. He approves of you.” Zepps then asked Joel if that’s true for homosexuals. Joel replied,  “Absolutely…I believe every person is made in the image of God…and you got to accept them as they are on their journey. I’m not here preaching hate, pushing people down, or telling everybody what they’re doing wrong.”

2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Every minister may specialize in a particular topic such as finances, healing, or end-time prophecy. Still, we are responsible for preaching the whole truth of God’s word and bringing correction when the situation arises.

This past Tuesday night while street evangelizing with a friend, we got into a lengthy discussion with a young couple. Although both of them were believers, the man admitted to struggling with alcohol and nicotine addictions. I encouraged him to feed on God’s word and pray in the Spirit more. Soon it was revealed the two were cohabiting. The Lord instructed me to quote Hebrews 13:4 to them, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” The woman said her pastor had already told them that. God confirms His word by the mouths of two or three witnesses.

My intent here is not to be critical or "touch God's anointed" but to bring up a genuine concern. James 3:1 says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Every preacher must boldly speak the truth in love even if it’s not popular. People’s eternal destinies are at stake!

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” - Acts 20:27

A Response to Billy Bashers

During the late 1990s, I worked for World Wide Pictures, the film ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. My job there was calling pastors throughout the United States scheduling evangelistic films to be shown in their churches as part of an outreach event. Although telemarketing work can get tedious, my job at World Wide Pictures was quite enjoyable. Most of the time, I talked with pastors and church secretaries who treated me courteously even if they weren’t interested in booking a film.

Occasionally I spoke with individuals who were critical of Dr. Graham (some of my co-workers labeled them “Billy bashers”). One objection that regularly came up was that Billy is “too ecumenical.” The New Oxford American Dictionary defines ecumenical as “promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches.” One can aim to unify the body of Christ without compromising the integrity of the gospel. Jesus Himself prayed in John 17 that we all “become one.”

A few days ago I exchanged emails with a Facebook friend who initially criticized Billy Graham because of a 2006 Newsweek article claiming the evangelist no longer believed in the inerrancy of the Bible. Since I never read that article for myself, I decided to investigate this matter. (Keep in mind the secular news media these days usually write biased reports concerning evangelical Christians.) I couldn’t locate the original Newsweek article online but did find this blog entry that mentioned a clarifying response from Billy himself…

http://www.russellmoore.com/2006/08/28/billy-graham-still-believes-the-bible

Recently the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removed “Mormonism” from their website's list of cults after Billy and his son Franklin met with (and offered support for) Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. At first, I was troubled when hearing about this for it appeared to be condoning false doctrine. Later I read this prepared statement by Ken Barun, the BGEA chief of staff: “Our primary focus has always been promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ…we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign.”

Although I don’t agree with every decision made by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, I’m honored to have worked for a ministry that’s probably led more people to Christ than any other. Billy Graham has retired from doing crusades but continues to speak out and stand for Biblical truth (note the above newspaper ad). So until he goes home to be with the Lord, let’s keep Billy in our prayers. Scripture commands us to honor our fathers in the faith, not pass judgment on them.

“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.” - 1 Timothy 5:1 (NLT)