Wednesday 3 February 2010

what do we believe?

Recently Colin and I have been flicking through the various 'religious' channels on Sky TV. We approach the programmes on these channels with discernment and do not blindly accept what they stand for. Some are better than others.

What I am confused about are the channels which show large crusades by people who claim be able to heal. Mr Hinn in particular springs to mind. I am not wanting anyone to think this is an attack on what they believe or specific individuals because I really do not know enough and that isn't the right thing to do.

It just doesn't add up to me. When I hear what these individuals speak of it certainly all sounds according to God's word. They acknowledge our Lord and do things in His worthy name. I just can't accept the falling down on a stage by a touch of a hand, the weird voices, the idolising of one individual who can apparently do this. It just doesn't make sense. Are these individuals really healed? Are they really feeling the Holy Spirit upon them? My understanding of the Bible was that this was exclusive to Pentecost?

Or are we being deceived in some way? Are people deceiving themselves? I just don't know. I would love for it to be all above board but the showmanship also worries me.

Why is such a huge spectacle made of it all? Why so many on stage? Why so lavish?

So what are you thoughts on this? Please feel free to share them with me.



8 comments:

  1. I agree with you, Collette!!!!!! So many people are deceived by certain teachings. I don't want to say that those things don't happen, BUT, is it from the Lord??? Is it lining up with Gods word? If it doesn't, then who is it from??? Only one thing, the enemy!!!

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  2. I am equally sceptical and concerned by it. I'm sure that God CAN heal, but when the glory is given to a particular HEALER, then I'm not at all comfortable with it. The dramatics, hysterics and hype of Healing services worry me.

    If you have faith that God can heal, then why do you need to go to a Faith Healer? That is surely put your faith in that person (or their faith) not in Your God.

    Does that make sense?

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  3. I agree with you. We must be very discerning and NOT accept just anything thrown in front of us in the name of JESUS.
    Blessings, andrea

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  4. Collette,

    I actually attended a church much like this when I became a new Christian. It didn't really feel right to me and caused me to find another church. Not sure just how to comment except to say that God requires us to test all things.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  5. Cilla said exactly how I feel.

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  6. some genuine emotion...healers certainly put a question mark in my head

    i think it's critical to be in a corporate worship environment if possible so you can study the Word and seek discernment from the Holy Spirit rather than from a specific person

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  7. I guess I tend to be more cynical and have more silent faith in my beliefs. The showmanship is to raise funds. Are they really healed? Probably not. Do they feel the Holy Spirit, probably so. Funds are needed to preach the message, some churches are good about using it for such, some take profit more than they should. There are miracles, no doubt, but I tend to believe the miracle workers are the ones who work silently, unobtrusively, without big lights and micropboes. I do not say those preaching in this method are false in their efforts, or even wrong in what they are doing, I just personally don't believe there is a much more to it than the need to raise funds for the work they are trying to do (or in those that are less honest, for their pockets).

    There's my opinion, for whatever it's worth.

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  8. Collette, thank you so much for signing up as a follower to my blog. I am always amazed and humbled that people would spend their precious time reading my writings. I appreciate it so much.

    Interesting that all last week I blogged about the return of my cancer, and today when I stop by your blog, you talk about faith healers. How I wish they worked! :) I have prayed for healing, with my second bout I counted over a thousand people praying for me in churches from DC to TX to ND to WA to CA. No healing. Help from the Lord, strength, and endurance, a beautiful opportunity to grow closer to the Lord, but no healing.

    I agree with your thoughts on showmanship. If I had the gift of healing, I wouldn't be spending money on diamond rings, I would be traveling to hospitals, hospices, children's hospitals. If they DO have the gift, they are very selfish with it.

    But, I do believe in healing. I do believe the Lord works that miracle in His time and in His way in the lives of people. I don't believe He bestows all His healing powers on a few people to distribute to the masses. Thanks for stirring up good conversation.

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