This is a direct and controversial word for those steeped in the "Faith Movement" but I bring it forth in obedience to God who is calling His church to repentance and who IS purifying His children. Our loving God DOES NOT mince words when He speaks to us (please remember that the bulk of this expose was written approximately 7 years ago. Updates preface the original article.
Update: 12/26/09 Is God using TBN? The answer is yes and no. Obviously, it is impossible to actually "use" God in any way. God may allow the illusion that He can be used (mocked really) but these individuals are actually creating their own reality (charismatic witchcraft) and sometimes empires. Papa and mama Crouch clearly represent a self-indulgent, decadent style of "prosperity" charismania on steroids, while Paul Crouch's sons mildly minister the Gospel fairly well on TBN. As I have watched them and many of their guests over recent months, I have been ministered to by their testimonies-depending whom they have on. All of the "prosperity/ new wave prophet" types come off like lunatics to most people. They of course blaspheme God by equating their strange and bizzare behavior on their part and on the part of their guests, as being the result of the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit upon them. (Reader: please know that I believe in the Full Gospel of Jesus and I am not cessationist concerning the spiritual gifts, I am thus considered to be a Pentecostal by many BUT I readily discern religious counterfeits and abuses- especially when they are so obvious. God is not a grandstander who would have His anointed servants perform miracles for the sake of ill-gotten gain and notariety or build powerful, eccentric, money-hungry, worldly empires.) Sex scandals and other kinds of vice, debauchery and criminal behavior have been on the upswing in formerly devout churches and ministries- some inspired by TBN and their prosperity preachers. All of that is due to an antichrist, permissive spirit that blinds spiritual headship and leaders to the unbiblical, LICENTIOUS, idolatrous beliefs and practices and the lack of solid biblical teaching and discipleship in their own churches. Another major reason for the blight and drought concerning the preaching and teaching of the meaning of God's Word in most churches, is that most formerly devout are now bowing to the 'Christianity light', New Age version of Christianity now made popular by the "Purpose Driven Church" ideology and the effect of Christianized "positivism" (as preached by Shuller and Peale, which directly inspired Hybels and Warren) and the "seeker" church model (based on marketing and image rather than on Jesus and His Word!). These cobbled mixtures have brainwashed (seduced, deluded, deceived) evangelical churches into watering down their messages so as to appeal and attract the least common denominator ("seekers") that needs to be coddled and entertained in order to come to church and remain there! The term 'McChristianity' comes to mind as well as 'Christianity lite' and 'designer Christianity'. The Bible tells us that this kind of militant falling away from the Truth of the Gospel (APOSTASIA) would become rampant just before the Antichrist would arise and THEN God's ready, faithful and Holy Ghost filled bride would be 'snatched'- RAPTURED from this earth! ARE YOU READY OR HAVE YOU BEEN DECEIVED?
A few programs that TBN now airs are wonderful Christian ministries but they are NOT Faith Movement ministries. David Barton's 'Wall Builders' ministry should be viewed by every Christian. Hal Lindsey is back and shares vital Bible prophecy, which is being fulfilled before our very eyes. As far as the rest of what I say later, I stand behind it. Unfortunately, the raucous, even fierce prosperity/ Faith Movement gospel, which predominates the other portions of their programming is still the major focus of ma and pa Crouch and friends.
The ma and pa Crouch power segments, smack of two major indulgences. They are extremely ECCENTRIC and strange. The other major 'word' that comes to mind is DECADENCE. They have lost all sense of reality as they created their own little 'prosperity' world at times seeming to be showing signs of insanity. Their whole TBN compound and major set (with the white French Montecarlo bordello look) is terribly indulgent and decadent- not the kind of expenses or "image" that God is pleased with in any way. It thoroughly reflects their personal brand of arrogance that self-entitles them to not only collect (pile up) riches upon this earth but to actually project and flaunt their decadent lifestyle to the whole world. Those Christians who have been seduced by this kind of ungodly hype, decadence and self-entitlement are selling their spiritual birth-right rather than obtaining it. Pure greed and pride drive people to this apostate brand of religion and to donate to it. Most people by nature, want to feel a "cut above" others and special. Many long to have "prominence among them." This reflects the absolute opposite of Christian selflessness and humility. They justify their carnality by warping and using Christianity for their own personal enrichment and power. Satan just loves to bless this kind of apostasy because it bastardizes Christianity, appalls most people- thus turning people off from authentic, born-again Christianity. Their "prosperity" disciples defend them tooth and nail and become intensely angered when their golden calf is "criticized."
Wake up and repent if you are a "prosperity" disciple. Jesus did not die for you so that you could be part of a prosperity ponzi scam. Your flesh is attracted to this heresy because it seems like a formula that allows you to legitimize lusting for riches and being greedy and superior to others who don't follow prosperity/ faith formula propaganda. In Jesus name I call you to come out of this now! The time is late. All of the network exposes, their hypocrisy, moral failures and scandals that have been revealed in this ministry and others, is God's judgment upon them. For judgment first comes to the church or those who pretend to be the church because God loves us so much that He is not willing that any should perish or be found wanting when we stand before Him on judgment day. The Crouch family and TBN have been dealing with the worst kind of homosexual sex scandal ever alleged concerning a Christian ministry, as was reported by the L.A. Times.Though they have denied everything, evidence exists that an on staff "lover" was paid a large sum of hush money- grounds for which can't be found in the Bible. The licentious, self-indulgent, decadent life-styles of the Crouch's and their Faith movement-prosperity preachin' compadres, lead to these kinds of moral failures and scandals, such as also happened at Oral Roberts University and their family. TBN Watch thoroughly documents the Paul Crouch/ TBN coverup of his homosexual sex scandal.
THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE WITH SOME UPDATES: DEADLY THREATS: In November 1997, TBN'S Paul Crouch hatefully condemned his critics and "prophesied" death over them. Paul Crouch's fruits reveal his disobedience and a Saulish spirit. God and His Word does not allow Christians to curse or condemn anyone or preach heresy, which Paul Crouch and TBN spew like so much vomit (many major clips of Paul Crouch and TBN heresy (download this [download realPlayer for free!] if you can, to show this to others as TBN's lawyers and deep pockets are able to snuff out most of the videos and website articles that tell the truth about them, even when it comes from their own heretical mouths) Benny Hinn opens this clip by stating that we should judge others by their fruits. Well guess what Benny, your false preaching is a major fruit that must be judged as we are COMMANDED IN THE WORD SO THAT WE DON'T FALL FOR LIES FROM SAVAGE WOLVES!
Paul Crouch declaring his "divinity":
Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you...."
I find it necessary to preface what I am about to say, by professing my love for Paul and Jan Crouch and my deep desire to see them and their friends, repent of their decadent, and self indulgent doctrines and lifestyles. I LOVE THEM ENOUGH TO TELL THEM THE TRUTH! It really grieves me, when I've tuned in to TBN, to see the opulent golden sets and furniture, reminiscent perhaps of King Louis' royal French bordello. It grieves me to have to say that I discern a Jezebel spirit of seduction is in operation upon them.
(Yes, different seducing spirits try to derail EVERY Christian! That's their "purpose". I'm NOT alleging that they are possessed. I believe that they are consummately self-deceived Christians.) Spiritual fornication is rampant within the ranks of the Faith Movement. The Crouch's repentance could spark a spiritual revival, as opposed to the counterfeit that they propagate. The counterfeit revival is the devil's preemptive strike... an attempt to preclude the ultimate endtime revival (the REAL 'Latter Rain' during the Tribulation) that is about to happen. Like Simon the magician, they covet God's true Anointing for their own selfish purposes. They are unwitting pawns in Satan's ploy to interfere and compete with the REAL 'Rain,' that has been poured out for the past two thousand years, upon anyone who truly receives Christ and desires His Baptism!
At the center of Paul Crouch’s beliefs, is apostate Dominionist theology. This is an antichrist theology, which causes Mr. Crouch and others to be driven to “take the airwaves and the world for Christ,” as well as the world. This might sound like a noble Christian motivation but it is not God’s will for us to dominate the world- let alone the “airwaves” for Jesus. Remember, the Lord’s kingdom is NOT of this world. Our mission IS NOT to take over the world for Jesus.
“So when Paul Crouch preaches that we need to take dominion over the air waves so that we can take dominion over the world "for Jesus," he is advocating a poisoned message which is totally out of keeping with the true gospel, because Christ himself never advocated such a thing! He never advocated a "holy war" to take over the Middle East from the Arabs in the Crusades; He never told his disciples to take over the governments of the world...He only commissioned his Church to preach and teach the gospel, and he made it quite clear that He is the one who will establish HIS Kingdom IN men and women; not the church! So in maintaining otherwise, the Dominionists are really saying that they know better than Christ, while claiming to serve him (supreme arrogance)...Again, by extension, their claim is implicitly that Israel has been replaced. And that is Replacement "Theology"....the Dominionists want to "speed up the process" of the return of Christ by taking control of the world so that they can "prepare the way of the Lord". Rev. Joseph Chambers, Paw Creek Ministries>
Paul Crouch has "cursed" anyone who dares "come against them" but I pray God's blessing over them– not a curse and I’d rather obey God, than fear TBN's whole legal department! They seem so impressed with themselves and so relish the homage (flatteries and false glory) that is slathered on them by many of their guests when they are on the air, that one must ask oneself if they are truly working for Jesus, or just aggrandizing themselves?
I have no doubt that most of these Faith Movement ministries love Jesus (mostly a different "jesus") to some degree, but unfortunately, they are also in love with themselves, their money, their worldly goods and they wind up lusting for and glorifying God's gifts and manifestations, which rivals whatever love they have for Jesus. A strange self-entitlement pervades these type of "name it and claim it," "king's kids."
JESUS WILL NOT ALLOW US TO HAVE ANY OTHER GOD'S BEFORE HIM! YOU CANNOT WORSHIP GOD AND MAMMON! WE MUST WORSHIP GOD ALONE... NOT WHAT HE HAS CREATED OR CAN GIVE TO US! IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE AN IDOL OUT OF ALMOST ANYTHING!
Despite the fact that the major emphasis and type of ministry on the Trinity Broadcasting Network fixates on erroneous Faith Movement/ Prosperity "gospel" doctrines, and paying homage to Paul Crouch, God is still using TBN to circle the globe with several other true ministries, that do preach the uncompromised word of God. God is merely allowing TBN's Faith Movement ministries, to preach their style of decadent, compromised message. Some of the prosperity preachers are known to preach the real gospel from time to time and even win souls to Christ. God is using TBN, but not in the way that they think they're being used. God is using TBN in spite of the leadership, not because of the leadership.
Remember the story of Balaam and his ass? In an amazing confrontation with the Angel of the Lord, (whom I believe is the Preincarnate Christ) the Angel of the Lord warned Balaam and even caused Balaam's ass to question why Balaam abused him so much. The Angel of the Lord commanded Balaam to obey the Lord and to speak a strategic blessing over Israel instead of the curse, which Balaam had been hired by Balak, the King of Moab, to invoke over Israel. The message here is that God can sometimes use even the consummately deceived (Balaam), or even speak to us through a dumb animal and bring great blessings to God's people- and in so doing, God reveals to us exactly how powerful He is. In this case, he gave Balaam's ass the power to speak and God forced a witch to bless Israel!
What is that saying that prosperity preachers shout about receiving the "wealth of the wicked?" These prosperity preachers are amassing great wealth because of their wicked doctrines that usually translates into "send us money and God will bless you," and even though they are now controlling an increasingly disproportionate share of the Christian airwaves with their apostate prattlings, God is still using TBN to blanket the earth with some others who preach the real gospel. GOD IS IN CONTROL! HALELUUUUUUUUUUUUJAH!
Paul Crouch and Benny Hinn have both openly cursed their "enemies" (those of us who dare to call them to repentance) right on the air. Benny Hinn cursed his critics with this word: "I wish I had a Holy Ghost machine gun to blow their heads off." Paul Crouch has openly cursed his "critics" as well. This type of curse is called WITCHCRAFT (which of course CANNOT HURT real Christians). God's true servants could NEVER curse their "enemies" nor desire their deaths! (We are supposed to LOVE OUR ENEMIES and those who speak evil of us...remember Mr. Crouch?) Seems as though the truth is starting to heat up their backsides a bit! If Benny, Paul and others don't repent soon, they may find themselves standing before an angry God and NO, I wouldn't wish that upon ANYONE! I want everyone to be ready to stand in God's awesome presence. Jesus may come at any moment!
While there are numerous errant and bizarre doctrines being taught by most of the Faith Movement ministries on their network (to varying degrees), there are also fundamentally sound and even powerful ministries like, (first four are deceased but their recordings and writings still minister) David Wilkerson, Chuck Smith, Adrian Rogers, Jerry Falwell, Dr. James Kennedy, Zola Levitt, Pastor Chambers of Paw Creek, Dave Hunt, Dr.David Jeremiah, James Robison, Hal Lindsey (once again) John Ankerberg, Franklin Graham, and others, who preach the real Jesus and at least the fundamentals of the word of God. Several of these ministries are powerfully anointed and don't need to brag that they are (like Benny Hinn & company).
So, God is using TBN and it's many satellites, in spite of Paul and Jan Crouch, not because of them.
What I sense prophetically is that at some point, if they continue to resist the Holy Spirit, the very things that they have prophesied and proclaimed over their critics and their families, (Benny Hinn prophesied the demise of his critic's children!) may begin to happen to THEMSELVES and THEIR families. I don't wish this upon them, they have put themselves under a curse in the EXACT same way that Pharaoh put his own family under a curse. This is meant as a LOVING warning and call to repentance. I DO NOT wish any kind of harm to ANYONE. IN LOVE, I openly warn them as to the curse that they have put upon themselves and their dire need to repent of what they have prophesied wrongly over other ministries and peoples.
What does an independent watchdog ministry have to report about TBN:
Storm clouds from: Ministrywatch.org While broadcast horizons have been bright, TBN has been dogged by an increasing storm of controversy in recent years. Paul and Jan Crouch’s charismatic Pentecostalism made the network an early natural for charismatic standard bearers Oral Roberts, Kenneth “Dad” Hagin, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and more recently such rising stars as Rod Parsley, Mark Chironna, Clarence McClendon, and the cross-culturally popular T. D. Jakes. In the days of wide-ranging independent and denominationally affiliated small ministry broadcasts, such a Pentecostal presence would have simply prompted non-supporters to change the station in search of their favorites. With competing market influences forcing closure of smaller broadcast ministries, many have grudgingly turned to network programming, of which TBN carries the lion’s share. Resulting interdenominational associations, while increasing TBN’s program lineup, have brought heightened scrutiny to the teaching and methods of many of TBN’s marquee ministries, such as Benny Hinn and his center-stage cavalcade of healings, as well as the Crouch’s themselves. Charges of ecumenism, even apostasy, have ushered in an unbroken chorus from more evangelically conservative quarters, among them independent Baptist groups and other denominationally unaffiliated advocates of ecclesiastical, and even “secondary” separation, i.e. separation from those who, though doctrinally sound, don’t separate ecclesiastically. The harshest theological criticisms target the seminal ideas of Pentecostal patron saint, E. W. Kenyon, particularly those dealing with sin, the nature and humanity of Christ, and His saving work, developed and expounded by Word of Faith proponent and TBN supporter Kenneth Copeland and graduates of Copeland’s Rhema Bible School.
“Show me the money” Additional criticisms deal with the brand of prosperity thinking so evident in TBN’s regular appeals for financial support, virtually promising categorical financial increase as God’s blessing for having supported the work, not only of spreading the Gospel, but apparently also of ministering to the diverse habits and tastes of popular Christianity. Financial inquiry has not been limited to Christian constituents, as government and regulatory agencies at both local and federal levels have shown investigative interest in what has become, to some, the power elite of religious broadcasting. To all of this, the Crouch’s respond with resoluteness and a fiery posture of high moral purpose, declaring that persecution has been the lot of God’s “anointed” leaders from earliest times, and that detractors are merely heresy hunters looking to impede the work of God. Most would agree amidst accolades and criticism that the TBN vision to span the globe with religious broadcasting has become virtual reality.
“Will a man rob God?” TBN’s fundraising efforts have been the subject of critical scrutiny as long as they have been effective in raising what is today estimated to be easily in excess of 9 figures annually. Strong proponents of O. T. storehouse tithing, ministerial staff and friends regularly cite Malachi 3:10 to motivate donor support of TBN’s techno-church efforts ranging from providing toy “gifts from Jesus,” to the acquisition of additional “devil busting” satellite broadcasts. From telethon-like studio sets, Pentecostal senior statesmen R. W. Schambach, Oral Roberts and others invoke the well oiled Bible analogy of implanted seed producing fruit as they “rebuke the devourer” and demons of want and need, “declaring blessings” – invariably financial – upon the lives of prospective donors, directly equating not only material success but good health, physical healing and daily comforts, with sacrificial giving. Unwilling to leave the financial pitch to others, Crouch is on record boldly declaring that Christians dare not stand before God without a gift, that anyone failing to give financial support after enjoying a benefit from TBN is “robbing God,” and will lose heavenly reward.
Inquiries have issued regularly into TBN ministry salaries, collection and use of designated contributions, and dubious business practices apparently aimed at minimizing competition. In a ruling released in April, 1999, TBN was chastised by the FCC and denied renewal of licensure for Station WHFT TV in Miami, Fla., for committing “serious misconduct,” for having “deliberately concealed material facts” concerning TBN’s apparent effort to circumvent FCC regulations regarding station ownership. While it is frequently expected that legitimately differing viewpoints in business will be resolved in the courts, many evangelicals find matters of this kind to fall short of a Scriptural standard for leadership, especially when coupled with a determined financial policy emphasis which many Christians and non-Christians alike find unseemly, all of it glibly excused with marginal Biblical interpretations unacceptable to all but a few. Far exceeding debate over the relevance of sign gifts, tongues and healing, or varying interpretations concerning the security of the believer, Crouch and TBN’s most vocal supporters seem to have espoused a theological construct wherein every blessing of God has a materially prosperous manifestation, wherein Christ Himself was materially wealthy, leaving us an example thatwe should follow in His steps. Crouch’s use of numerous O. T. illustrations of God’s conditional blessing in response to the obedience of O. T. saints becomes a carte blanche assurance to TBN listeners and supporters that God will materially enrich them if they give to the network. Crouch illustrates further with an assertion that God Himself met His own “need” for redeemed children with the gift of His Son, an interpretation of the Sovereign sufficiency and Saving Grace of God unknown outside the scope of prosperity theology.
Legitimate fundraisers of every stripe have born the burden of persuading that theirs is a worthy cause, and Christians have long understood that ministry has legitimate costs, that those who serve in the ministry are entitled to be supported by it, and that sacrificial giving to God is a Christian joy and duty. It is beyond dispute that TBN offers much needed communication media for a broad range of legitimate evangelical ministry. It is the litany of endlessly urgent appeals for support of a ministry that appears to be already well supplied that is hard to understand, the defiance of its officers that is hard to accept. Paul Crouch’s vitriol in response to his critics, many of whom are Christians of renown, is summarized as follows:
* " ... they're damned and on their way to hell and I don't think there's any redemption for them ...” * "I say, `To hell with you! Get out of my life! Get out of the way! Quit blockin' God's bridges!” * "I don't care about your doctrines as long as you name the name of Jesus, as long as you believe He died... and was buried but came out of the tomb on Sunday morning and ascended to the Father ... I don't care about anything else! Let's join hands ... to get this gospel preached in all the world.“
With the prospect of millions grasping for a gospel that plainly seems to equate salvation with material prosperity, the idea of anyone spanning the world with such a televised message will continue to raise questions within the Christian community and beyond."Ministrywatch.org
