How Much is Made Up?

I recently listed to a conversative talk show host talk about the National Apostolic Reformation. (NAR) Previously to this broadcast I had no idea of the organization, but I was familiar with many of the suspects who were discussed on the program.  My personal religious background was Catholic and that provided me with a good sense of fearing God, but I never had a clear understanding of a relationship with God.  I was indoctrinated into the traditions of the Catholic faith, but it wasn't until I was desperately strung out on drugs did someone witness to me about accepting a personal invitation to knowing God did He become a reality to me. That invitation came at the hands of an elderly woman who taught Sunday School at an Assembly of God church, so I went to church with her. There God became personal to me, and the Bible became the foundation for my life. The charismatic/pentecostal experience is not foreign to me, but I always have had some questions about some of the practices and teachings.  Brannon Howse happened to be the broadcaster that I listened to this weekend where many of my questions were once again brought to the surface. I have provided a link to the hour long broadcast, and I think it is worth your time to listen. There is a sense that the NAR have used the freedom of the Holy Spirit for purposes that are not outlined by the scripture. I have heard Benny Hinn over the years talk about the nine spirits of God, and cursing people who come against him.  YOU have to totally follow another book other than the Bible to follow such a guy, who uses his freedom to build a name, and fool people into giving him money. My biggest issue with many of the faith teachers is, "if it is so good, and so true, then do it for free."  Don't take a dime. If your faith is so powerful, then let's see it work miracles in raising money to run the ministry and pay the bills.  You know that won't happen and they would come up with a lame excuse why that wouldn't work.  Okay, so how about revealing to the general public how the contributions are spent, and is there anyone who is profiting from these contributions?  Now, I know these folks do more than just raise money, but money is a big factor with all of them, even to the point an Iowa Senator is investigating them. 

My main point for raising this issue today is how much liberty do we have in speaking for God?  Can we say God told me, or God is leading me, without really knowing that He is?  Does a successfull ministry, or church mean God is anointing that ministry or are they just good salespeople?  The prophets of the Bible were in constant conflict with the so called prophets in the land.  Many of the prophets in Jeremiah's day sold their prophecies for money, and the prophet Jeremiah summerized it for us this way:

Jeremiah 14:14 14And the LORD said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds. I believe we have to be careful who we allow to speak into our lives.  Not all Christians have the Spirit of Christ, and many ministries are leading people away and not to the cross of Jesus Christ.  Here is that link I promised you.  This link will take you to a website site and the program I am referring to with Brannon Howse.  Click on the  July 30, first hour.  http://www.olivetreeviews.org/radio/mp3/ Keeping it honest and truthful....K