......founder of TBN Broadcasting, this week Saturday. May prayers go to his immediate and extended family, as mine will also. My hope is that the work he did in this earth, will be accounted to his reward in Heaven! May his eternal rest be in the bosom of The Lord!
He probably provided the largest vehicle for the proliferation of a FALSE gospel and countless other heresies that the world has ever known. It still amazes me that so many people remain totally blind to the gross and unblblical teachings of these prosperity pimps and prostitutes.
May the righteous God reward him according to his deeds.
IWA....have you heard the story of the man when entering heaven, how he was shocked to see so many there who he truly believed would not make it in. He was even doubly surprised that these same people were staring quietly at him!
When commenting to someone there, he said, "to be honest I would have never expected to see certain individuals here in heaven, but I have to ask, why do you think so many are staring at me"? The individual he spoke to responded, " well their really very, very surprised to see you here too!!!
Object of the story......be very, very careful who you judge in this earth! Despite whatever YOU think, God still is the author and the finisher of our faith! Crouch's decisions and choices in this earth are now between him The Lord! Focusing, while still in this earth, on our PERSONAL relationships with The Lord and who we can be a blessing to and help point in His direction, could probably be more constructive of the time He's given us! Be blessed!
TBN has been spewing the doctrines of devils for 40 years. It's leaders have bilked billions of dollars $$ from their unsuspecting dupes while feeding them teaching that ranges anywhere from totally heretical to patently absurd.
It's now estimated that there are some 500 million worldwide adherents to the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements. The majority of which subscribe to the heretical "Word of Faith" teachings. These same teachings have been and and still are advanced and promoted by the charlatans at TBN.
Now, I don't know about anyone else but I wouldn't want to account for leading hundreds of millions of people astray while conning them out of billions of dollars.
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.�
40 For he that is not against us is on our part.�
41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.�
Luke 9:49�And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.�
50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Teach, are you here to call evil good and good evil, yet again?? Woe unto you Teach_ib!! :devil:
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isa 5:20 )
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What does the Bible say about false prophets and false teachers?
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be acursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ (Gal. 1:6-10)
Vs. 8. says: Let him be "accursed" The Greek word is "anathema"
Anathema--
1. A formal ecclesiastical ban, curse, or excommunication.
2. A vehement denunciation; a curse:
3. One that is cursed or damned.
4. One that is greatly reviled, loathed, or shunned:
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Rom 16:17)
This verse clearly illustrates the following principles:
1. A person who teaches/preaches contrary to Biblical doctrines is one who causes division and offenses.
2. We are to mark them and avoid them.
I would like to assert that the following additional principle can also be validly deduced from this passage:
3. We should also mark and avoid any person who would promote or defend a person who is guilty of teaching/preaching contrary to Biblical doctrines. Why? because in doing so, they are also guilty of causing divisions and offenses.
A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:10-11
Why does this seem to be such a sore subject among so many "believers" today? Is it perhaps because they have succumb to a perverse understanding of what "love" looks like? Is it because they are submitting to their own flesh rather than the pure Word of God?
I am choosing to quote from Calvin's commentary here with respect to this passage for those who might desire a more detailed explanation. I, however, would maintain that this passage speaks very clearly all by itself.
John Calvin:
Avoid an heretical man This is properly added; because there will be no end of quarrels and dispute, if we wish to conquer obstinate men by argument; for they will never want words, and they will derive fresh courage from impudence, so that they will never grow weary of fighting. Thus, after having given orders to Titus as to the form of doctrine which he should lay down, he now forbids him to waste much time in debating with heretics, because battle would lead to battle and dispute to dispute. Such is the cunning of Satan, that, by the impudent talkativeness of such men, he entangles good and faithful men, so as to draw them away from diligence in teaching. We must therefore beware lest we become engaged in quarrelsome disputes; for we shall never have leisure to devote our labors to the Lord�s flock, and contentious men will never cease to annoy us. When he commands him to avoid such persons, it is as if he said that he must not toil hard to satisfy them, and even that there is nothing better than to cut off the handle for fighting which they are eager to find. This is a highly necessary admonition; for even they who would willingly take no part in strifes of words are sometimes drawn by shame into controversy, because they think that it would be shameful cowardice to quit the field. Besides, there is no temper, however mild, that is not liable to be provoked by the fierce taunts of enemies, because they look upon it as intolerable that those men should attack the truth, (as they are accustomed to do,) and that none should reply. Nor are there wanting men who are either of a combative disposition, or excessively hot-tempered, who are eager for battle. On the contrary, Paul does not wish that the servant of Christ should be much and long employed in debating with heretics.
We must now see what he means by the word heretic. There is a common and well-known distinction between a heretic and a schismatic. But here, in my opinion, Paul disregards that distinction: for, by the term �heretic� he describes not only those who cherish and defend an erroneous or perverse doctrine, but in general all who do not yield assent to the sound doctrine which he laid down a little before. Thus under this name he includes all ambitious, unruly, contentious persons, who, led away by sinful passions, disturb the peace of the Church, and raise disputings. In short, every person who, by his overweening pride, breaks up the unity of the Church, is pronounced by Paul to be �heretic.�
But we must exercise moderation, so as not instantly to declare every man to be a �heretic� who does not agree with our opinion. There are some matters on which Christians may differ from each other, without being divided into sects. Paul himself commands that they shall not be so divided, when he bids them keep their harmony unbroken, and wait for the revelation of God. (Phi_3:16.) But whenever the obstinacy of any person grows to such an extent, that, led by selfish motives, he either separates from the body, or draws away some of the flock, or interrupts the course of sound doctrine, in such a case we must boldly resist.
In a word, a heresy or sect and the unity of the Church � are things totally opposite to each other. Since the unity of the Church is dear to God, and ought to be held by us in the highest estimation, we ought to entertain the strongest abhorrence of heresy. Accordingly, the name of sect or heresy, though philosophers and statesmen reckon it to be honorable, is justly accounted infamous among Christians. We now understand who are meant by Paul, when he bids us dismiss and avoid heretics. But at the same time we ought to observe what immediately follows,
After the first and second admonition; for neither shall we have a right to pronounce a man to be a heretic, nor shall we be at liberty to reject him, till we have first endeavored to bring him back to sound views. (266) He does not mean any �admonition,� whatever, or that of a private individual, but an �admonition� given by a minister, with the public authority of the Church; for the meaning of the Apostle�s words is as if he had said, that heretics must be rebuked with solemn and severe censure.
They who infer from this passage, that the supporters of wicked doctrines must be restrained by excommunication alone, and that no rigorous measures beyond this must be used against them, do not argue conclusively. There is a difference between the duties of a bishop and those of a magistrate. Writing to Titus, Paul does not treat of the office of a magistrate, but points out what belongs to a bishop. Yet moderation is always best, that, instead of being restrained by force and violence, they may be corrected by the discipline of the Church, if there be any ground to believe that they can be cured.
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Some more passages on false prophets and false teachers:
BUT there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2: 1-3)
BELOVED, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1John 4:1 )
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matt 7: 15-23)
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Cor 11:13-15)
I'm not judging. Did he do some wrong, yes as has all of us. Was there some truth presented over the airways he opened up. Yes.
When God's Word goes out there are always the possibility of good.
As HJMP pointed out it is between him and God. There are people in his family and others that may be reached through his death. Don't limit God or be too quick to throw out judgment. Only God knows the heart of man.
That was one of the most ridiculous rationalizations that I have ever heard. "Hey, the punch was only 50% arsenic and cyanide but it also had some juice, ice, and fruit in it. Drink up!! "
Lot's of hollow "moral" platitudes:
"Don't be so quick to judge" blah blah blah.......
"Don't limit God" yada yada yada.........
"It's between him and God" blah blah blah.........
"Only God knows the heart of man." yada yada yada......
How about we follow the Word of God instead, Teach?
Eph 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
Did you conveniently skip over all of the other verses that I already posted? Did you take the time to read any of the article links that I posted? (a small fraction of what's out there) Do you know anything about the destructive heresies that have been taught on that network?
.........or do you just revel in trying to undermine me?
