Praise Jesus or showmanship?

I saw Benny Hinn heal someone who couldn’t walk on TV. Then he waved his coat at the audience and they all fell down. He was saying Praise Jesus. Is he a miracle worker?

Certainly, @username. The topic of praise and the demonstration of spiritual gifts, including healing, is indeed significant in Scripture. To broaden the conversation around the concepts of genuine praise to Jesus versus showmanship, we can explore several biblical principles and themes that relate to this subject.

1. The Nature of True Worship

John 4:24 states, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This verse highlights that true worship is not merely about outward displays or emotional experiences; it is rooted in a sincere relationship with God and an understanding of His truth.

2. Discernment of Spiritual Gifts

The Apostle Paul teaches about the proper use of spiritual gifts in the church in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” This passage emphasizes that spiritual gifts, including healing, are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good and should be exercised in a way that glorifies God rather than drawing attention to the individual.

3. The Purpose of Miracles

In John 14:13-14, Jesus says, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Miracles are intended to bring glory to God and confirm the message of the Gospel. If a miracle or healing is performed, it should lead people to a deeper faith in Jesus rather than to the person performing the act.

4. The Warning Against Deception

The Scriptures also warn about false prophets and deceitful practices. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus cautions, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” This implies that one should discern the authenticity of spiritual leaders and their practices by examining their fruits—namely, their character and the impact of their ministry.

5. The Role of Faith

Finally, the role of faith in healing is significant. James 5:14-15 instructs, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.” This underscores the importance of faith in the healing process, indicating that it is God who ultimately heals, not the individual performing the act.

Conclusion

These passages provide a framework to reflect upon the nature of praise and the authenticity of miracles in the context of worship. They encourage a deeper examination of motives and the outcomes of such actions.

Community Engagement

As you think about these themes, consider how they apply to contemporary practices in the church today. What does true praise look like in your experience? How can we discern the genuine work of the Holy Spirit versus mere showmanship?

Feel free to share your thoughts or any further questions you may have, @username.

what do you think about him

@username, to evaluate Benny Hinn or any individual in ministry, we must apply the principles of Scripture to assess their teachings and practices. As an InsightAI EXPERT Christian theological teaching assistant, I will focus on what the biblical text says regarding spiritual leaders and their conduct.

1. Fruit of the Ministry

In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus teaches us to recognize people by their fruits: “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” This means that we should evaluate Benny Hinn’s ministry based on the outcomes—both in terms of the spiritual growth and well-being of those who follow him, as well as the overall impact on the church and society.

2. The Purpose of Miracles

As mentioned previously, miracles should ultimately glorify God and confirm the message of the Gospel. If a ministry claims to perform miracles, it is essential to ask whether those miracles lead people to a deeper faith in Jesus Christ and align with biblical teachings. John 14:13-14 emphasizes that the purpose of any miraculous work is to glorify the Father through the Son.

3. Biblical Accountability

1 Timothy 5:19-20 advises that accusations against an elder should be taken seriously and requires two or three witnesses. It is important for the church to hold its leaders accountable to biblical standards. If there are concerns about Benny Hinn’s practices, they should be addressed through prayerful discernment and biblical examination.

4. The Importance of Doctrine

In Titus 1:9, Paul instructs church leaders to hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Evaluating Hinn’s teachings against Scripture is crucial. Are they consistent with the core tenets of Christian faith as taught in the Bible?

Conclusion

While I cannot personally assess Benny Hinn, I encourage you to examine his ministry through the lens of Scripture. Look for the fruits of his ministry, the impact on people’s faith, and how his teachings align with the Word of God.

Reflection

What specific aspects of his ministry or teachings are you curious about, @username? Are there particular teachings or practices you would like to explore further in light of Scripture?

What about Kenneth Copeland

@username, when assessing Kenneth Copeland or any other minister, it is essential to apply the same biblical principles we discussed regarding evaluating teachings, practices, and overall impact. Here are some key scriptural considerations to reflect upon:

1. The Nature of Faith and Prosperity

Kenneth Copeland is associated with the “prosperity gospel,” which teaches that faith can lead to financial blessing and physical well-being. While Scripture does speak about God’s provision, it is crucial to balance this with the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, stating, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” This passage emphasizes the importance of eternal values over material wealth.

2. The Role of Faith

The Bible does affirm the power of faith in Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” However, faith is not merely a means to obtain material wealth. James 4:3 cautions, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” This indicates that our motives in prayer and faith should be examined.

3. Teaching Sound Doctrine

In Titus 1:9, Paul instructs leaders to hold firmly to sound doctrine. Any teaching that deviates from the core tenets of the Christian faith must be scrutinized. If Copeland’s teachings promote a view of God that prioritizes material wealth over spiritual growth and holiness, they could be seen as inconsistent with biblical doctrine.

4. Accountability and Discernment

As with any leader, it is important to hold them accountable to biblical standards. 1 Timothy 5:20 states, “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.” If there are concerns about Copeland’s teachings or practices, they should be addressed in a manner consistent with Scripture, ensuring that any critique is grounded in love and truth.

5. The Character of the Leader

1 Timothy 3:1-7 outlines the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing character traits such as being above reproach, self-controlled, and respectable. Evaluating Copeland’s character and the fruit of his ministry in light of these qualifications is essential.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering Kenneth Copeland’s ministry, it is vital to examine his teachings against Scripture, focusing on the nature of faith, the purpose of wealth, and the overall impact of his ministry on the body of Christ.

Reflection

What specific teachings or practices of Kenneth Copeland are you interested in discussing further, @username? Are there particular aspects of his ministry that you find concerning or worthy of affirmation based on Scripture?

Could he actually be evil instead of good?

@username, the question of whether a person like Kenneth Copeland could be considered “evil” rather than “good” is a serious one that requires careful biblical examination. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to discern the character and intentions of individuals, especially those in positions of spiritual leadership.

1. The Nature of Good and Evil

The Bible teaches that good and evil are defined by God’s standards. In Romans 12:21, Paul instructs believers, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This suggests that we should strive to embody goodness as defined by God’s Word and resist anything contrary to it.

2. Testing the Spirits

In 1 John 4:1, we are instructed to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” This verse highlights the importance of discernment. If a leader’s teachings do not align with Scripture or lead people away from the truth of the Gospel, they should be approached with caution.

3. The Fruit of the Spirit vs. The Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Conversely, Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh, which include things like hatred, discord, jealousy, and selfish ambition. Evaluating a person’s ministry against these fruits can help determine whether their actions align more with good or evil.

4. Accountability and Correction

The Scriptures emphasize the need for accountability within the church. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin among believers. If there are legitimate concerns about a leader’s teachings or actions, they should be approached with the intent of correction and restoration, always adhering to biblical principles.

5. The Heart’s Intentions

Ultimately, only God knows the true intentions of the heart. Jeremiah 17:10 states, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” While we can assess actions and teachings, the ultimate judgment belongs to God.

Conclusion

While it is possible to raise concerns about the teachings and practices of any leader, including Kenneth Copeland, labeling someone as “evil” requires careful consideration and should be based on clear evidence of actions that contradict biblical teachings.

Reflection

What specific behaviors or teachings of Kenneth Copeland lead you to question his character, @username? Are there particular aspects of his ministry that you believe align with evil rather than good according to Scripture? Let’s explore those together.

I think he is a showman who exploits the fears and weaknesses of the ill and desperate. He is a multi multi millionaire who lives a lavish life. I think there is nothing sincere about him and everything he does is for the love of money.

@username, your concerns about Kenneth Copeland’s ministry and lifestyle reflect a serious issue that can be examined through the lens of Scripture. Let’s consider several biblical principles and passages that address the exploitation of others, the love of money, and the character of spiritual leaders.

1. Exploitation of the Vulnerable

The Bible strongly condemns the exploitation of the vulnerable. In Ezekiel 34:2-4, God rebukes the leaders of Israel for failing to care for the weak and needy: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.” This passage emphasizes that true leaders should prioritize the well-being of those they serve rather than exploiting them for personal gain.

2. The Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” This verse warns against prioritizing wealth over spiritual integrity. If a ministry is primarily motivated by financial gain, it raises serious concerns about its authenticity and alignment with biblical values.

3. The True Nature of Ministry

In 2 Corinthians 2:17, Paul writes, “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.” This highlights that true ministry should not be about commercializing the Gospel or exploiting people’s needs for profit.

4. Accountability for Leaders

As mentioned before, leaders are held to a higher standard. James 3:1 states, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” This underscores the gravity of the responsibility that comes with teaching and leading others in faith.

5. The Warning Against False Prophets

Matthew 7:15-20 warns about false prophets, stating that they come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves. It is crucial to evaluate the teachings and lifestyles of those in ministry to discern whether they align with the character of Christ and the teachings of Scripture.

Conclusion

Your observations about Kenneth Copeland raise valid concerns regarding the potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the pursuit of wealth in ministry. These issues warrant careful examination and discernment in light of Scripture.

Reflection

How can we, as believers, encourage accountability and integrity in ministry? What steps can we take to support those who are genuinely in need without falling prey to exploitation? Your thoughts on these questions could lead to a fruitful discussion.

according to scripture isn’t everything not of Christ evil?

@username, you raise an important theological point that touches on the nature of good and evil as understood in Scripture. The Bible does indeed present a clear distinction between what is of Christ and what is not. Here are several key principles from Scripture that address this issue:

1. The Nature of Good and Evil

In 1 John 5:19, it is stated, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” This verse underscores the reality that anything not aligned with God and His purposes is ultimately under the influence of evil.

2. The Call to Discernment

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 instructs believers to “test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” This calls for discernment in evaluating teachings, practices, and influences in our lives. If something does not align with Christ, it should be rejected.

3. The Exclusivity of Christ

John 14:6 records Jesus saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This exclusivity indicates that any belief or practice that does not acknowledge Christ as the way is not in alignment with God’s truth.

4. The Fruit of the Spirit vs. The Works of the Flesh

As mentioned earlier, Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which is the evidence of a life led by Christ. Conversely, Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the nature of God. Anything not producing the fruit of the Spirit can be considered contrary to Christ’s character.

5. The Importance of Righteousness

In Romans 14:17, Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This emphasizes that the essence of the kingdom of God—and by extension, what is considered good—is rooted in righteousness that comes from Christ.

Conclusion

Based on these scriptural principles, it is accurate to assert that anything not of Christ is ultimately evil or under the influence of evil. This underscores the importance of aligning our beliefs, practices, and teachings with the truth of Scripture and the character of Christ.

Reflection

Given this understanding, how can we better equip ourselves and others to discern what is truly of Christ in our daily lives? What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are living in alignment with biblical truth? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, @username.