I took some time last Friday night, October 12, 2007, to watch T. D. Jakes being hosted by John Hagee at Cornerstone Church. While introducing the well-known preacher, Hagee went to great lengths to boast about how Jakes was the author of several books and had recently signed a moviemaking deal with Sony Pictures. Upon stating these facts, I thought to myself, “is all of this really important? So what? He got a movie contract. Big deal!” Why waste time on earthly stuff that doesn’t matter when all we need to know is whether or not he preaches the gospel and what church he is from?
Then when Jakes took the podium to speak, he opened up with how blessed the people would be if they bought his latest book on sale in the church lobby. He went on to explain that they really needed to get his life-changing book before leaving the church that night. I thought to myself “Why does he think he should promote himself or his book when his focus should be on his message?” A lot of us church folk have libraries full of the latest Christian titles and our lives are still messed up because we read everything except God’s word. If we get around to reading God’s word, sometimes our hearts are so hardened that we fail to put it into practice. “…of making many books there is no end;” (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
He finally got around to his sermon, which had a very good message. Titled “Peter’s last night on the boat,” Jakes’ message basically dealt with how when hard times and setbacks come into our lives in the midst of our ministry, we have a tendency to revert back to habits that are familiar and comfortable to us. Peter went back to fishing after Christ was crucified. Instead of going back to what we used to do we should wait for God’s direction and continue moving forward. Jakes gave some real world examples making his sermon all the more relevant.
At the end came the altar call. Of course, by this time emotions were high. The underlying statement for the altar call was “You need to get up to this altar right now so God can change your life!” Last time I checked, God can work on a person’s heart no matter where their body is. The Lord is not confined to the altar since he’s omnipresent and omnipotent. He can change a person right in their seat if they cry out to him. “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)
Not only that, but anyone who is right with God can pray with a person who needs it. They don’t necessarily need the person standing at the altar to do it. An usher standing nearby can do it! As if emotions weren’t high enough, he manipulated them even more after people flooded to the front. Jakes said something like “If you still haven’t come and God is telling you to come down, you have 60 seconds to get out of your seat and come down this aisle!” Then he proceeded to count down the seconds as if God’s mercy and grace were going to run out if they didn’t hightail it down the aisle in time.
Such manipulations are completely unnecessary. The Holy Spirit can do what he needs to do without anyone trying to control another person’s emotions. I guess I’m somewhat jaded because I’ve fallen prey to these types of routines so many times in the past.
–posted by Harry A. Gaylord–
CovenantBride
/ October 16, 2007i guess we all been touched by it at some point…they do it cuz it works and we all the same kinda human…but the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, so tho we cast down we dont be destroyed…as always — good post…be bless… -g-
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
BoycottTBN
/ October 17, 2007Great post Harry, and you stayed objective throughout. I too came out of the Prosperity Gospel Church (Hagee’s to be specific) where I was told that I had lost my salvation and cursed my children b/c I learned that tithing was Old Testament and not for today’s New TEstament Church. I read and read the New Testament about everything Jesus did and he mostly gave of himself, healed the sick, etc. but did not take or ask for money for doing it. He could have lived a lot better than he did if he would have charged people for their healings and blessings. I never saw once where Jesus made anyone rich except in faith and truth.
These scam artists have twisted scripture and manipulated people to no end. I believe that God is fed up and that is why we see so many of these money hungry ministries coming down.
Lowen
/ December 31, 2007“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 corupt 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.” (Matthew 7: 15-20 KJV)
It seems that in today’s society, we hear more and more about TV preachers who seem to always manage to mention buying their books or other items they make during their sermons. I must admit that I don’t believe they should promote theirselves in this manner or any other way. However, people do need to realize just how expensive it is to be on TV. There have been many times that TBN almost went off the air due to financial issues, but it was thanks to their supporters that they were able to continue. Most people would probably want them to go off the air to be honest (I hear all kinds of local preachers put them down all the time). But before we judge them so quickly, lets consider what “good fruits” they are producing. There are literally thousands of viewers who became saved by listening to one of the many preachers and pastors aired on TBN (And other Christian networks). They are reaching countries that this website (no offense Harry), local churches, or even missionaries aren’t reaching.
Also, keep in mind that TBN and other christian network stations should be viewed as “support”, not to replace the fellowship and spiritual food you get from local church services. Of course, some countries don’t allow churches to be built… so they watch these christian networks in the secrecy of their homes… hmmmmmm… Anyways. Lets say I flip on the Television during the weekdays that I normally don’t have church. Hmmm, I have a choice between watching T.D. Jakes, John Hagee, and a variety of other TV preachers… vs. watching mindless cartoons, soap operas, rated R movies dealing with sex, cursing, murders, etc. Well, based on the choices, I think I’d prefer to watch TBN. Sure, you have to tune out certain pastors that are money crazy (keep in mind that they don’t point a gun at your head and make you send in money), but overall they are producing -ok- fruit… it may not be the best fruit… but it has value (souls ARE getting saved).
There are very few Christian networks on TV… most of the other channels are used for the Devil’s advantage. I think Paul Crouch had a good dream when he thought of using the TV to build a Christian network that aired only Christian material.
God Bless you guys. Keep up the good work on your posts Harry.
harryagaylord
/ February 29, 2008Yes, gospel television stations have some good benefits and it takes money to run them and yes they receive voluntary funds from their viewers, but this doesn’t excuse some of their behavior. They beg and plead for money claiming that lost souls won’t hear the gospel unless you give, then you find out about how many luxury cars they own, or their private jets, or their fancy mansions, or their designer tailor-made suits and it makes you wonder what the money is really being used for. Especially when a lot of their contributors live paycheck-to-paycheck.
Some of them may claim they’ll have to go off the air if you don’t give, but sometimes it’s just a marketing ploy to get your money. When I look at some of the television preachers, I see covetousness (greed), false prophecies, and extortion (i.e. using compelling arguments with trickery to get something from someone). To me it’s no different than the sinfulness displayed on secular TV. And don’t get me started on the ones who are so overweight that you wonder if they really fast as much as they say they do.
keith
/ March 1, 2008“I have a choice between watching T.D. Jakes, John Hagee, and a variety of other TV preachers… vs. watching mindless cartoons, soap operas, rated R movies dealing with sex, cursing, murders, etc. Well, based on the choices, I think I’d prefer to watch TBN. ”
The other choice might be don’t turn on the “devilvision”. Open the bible and read.