Grace To You

Mr. MacArthur,

Thank you for standing in the gap and shining the light of Truth on these heretics. I am deputy sheriff and police chaplain and working in the the law enforcement realm and these are the types of false teachers that are always brought up and mocked by the lost officers. It is sad, these lost officers realize that these individuals for what they are. However those who call themselves "Christians" or have been told they are "Christians" by some "church" leader or whose "salvation" was verified by a denomination's standard or man's doctrine, not the Holy Spirit, they are deceived and buy into these snake oil salesmen. But there in is the problem, they don't have the Holy Spirit of God and without the Holy Spirit to steer them into all Truth they cannot try and test the false spirits that appear as angels of light.

God's speed in your recovery and "Preach the Word". Thank you!

Pastor MacArthur

Thank You for allowing God and our Lord speak through you for only the Holy Spirit speaks the truth on this matter. Anyone who reads the Word can agree with you on these hucksters.

The Lord warns us all in 2 Corinthians 2:17

"Only those who, like ourselves, are men of integrity, sent by God, speaking with Christ's power, with God's eye upon us. We are not like those hucksters---and there are many of them----who’s idea in getting out the Gospel is to make a good living out of it."

God is giving us the responsibility to be salt to the world in these matters as His Word plainly states to the ears who here. To allow these false teachers to teach others wrongly is sin. God gave us the truth to give to those who can't see or hear Him by His Word because they don't have the Holy Spirit by being born again. We as Disciples of Christ must try to reach out, without fear, to all those who are blind to the real Truth.

We must all answer to God for what He has given us.

May you John continue to bless our God and Lord Jesus Christ and you are always in my prayers to be a servant to the Lord,

Terry

May God give you a speedy recovery on your knee as I am a floor layer and am having surgery Dec 16 so I will be thinking of you and know God will give me strength also.

We were in CA at your church, your first time back to preach after surgery

You always inspire us to study more and know the Truth

Dear Dr. MacArthur,

Thank you for your stance for the truth and your willingness to stand-up to falsehoods in the name of Jesus Christ. Many times I see the effects of TBN and the other stations' message on my family and friends and I get frustrated by it and want to give up. But then you speak the truth and empower me to stand up and make my realize that I am not alone.

A lot of bible teachers may grab my attention but the message is not felt until I hear a message from you, R.C. Sproul, and John Piper. I pray that I may be half the men you guys are in Christ and stand for the truth no metter the rise in unpopularity.

Thanks for the inspiration. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2010! May God continue to bless the faithfullness of Grace to You and your other minitries!

In His Grace,

Ryan Rosene

I struggled with the error of this doctrine for two years. As a baby christian, I supported those ministries until I obtain a full understanding of the sovereignty of God. I felt like a total fool for beliveving such lies.I was so hurt and disappointed in myself that I stopped giving to the church for the last two years. I thank you Mr. McArthur for giving me a clear understanding through scripture. I've asked the Lord to forgive me and to give the spirit of discernment through the knowledge of his word. I am at full peace with myself and I promise that I will only support the ministries that are sensitive to right representation of the gospel and scriptures. I wish you well Mr. McArthur and I pray that the Lord blesses you with many more years on the pulpit.

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

EPHESIANS 4:

9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.[c] 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Dr. MacArthur,

It is a sad time we live in when people are willingly deceived. I know many so called "Christians" who are taken in by these false teachers on TBN. We seem to be in a time where people are more interested in hearing what makes them feel good instead of the truth of the Bible. These TV phonies pick and choose parts of the Bible to bend it to their liking. I am discusted by this blatent hypocracy. I am glad there are teachers such as you who are willing to stand in the truth and expose the lies of the enemy. I remember reading your sermons on the book of Jude which is an excelent teaching on how to spot these false teachers.

I hope you recover well, and thank you again for your courage.

Ken Haraughty

Mr. MacArthur,

This is one of the main issues I have written about in a book that will be released early 2010. I was unable to find representation for 3 years within the Christian publishing industry because of the content of my message, but finally, Yorkshire Publishing offered contract. I attended a couple of churches in Virginia and had the opportunity to meet many of the well known televangelists of today. Keneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin Sr, and junior, Charles Capps, Jesse Duplantis, Rodney Howard Brown, Mark Charona, T.D Jakes, Jerry Savelle, Leroy Thompson, just to name a few, and many more. For years I thought these men were God's generals, but by God's grace, I have come to realize just how misleading these men are and the damage being done to so many lives. I can only hope my book gives me the platform to educate the spiritually dumb, who think what these charlatans proclaim is the gospel, with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your stand and for your unwavering commitment to proclaim the truth. You are not alone.

William Simpson

Would like you to knopw that I came out of this movement through your first book or I should say the tape series on the charismatics. a friend of mine had them and gave them to me to listen to and just transformed my life in regards to God's truth. Unfortunatley my friend went head first into the movement and believes lies that I once believe. This movenment of satan is dangerous and bl;asphemous to the truth and of God's true grace in Christ jesus

Dear Pastor MacArthur,

I thank are heavenly Father for the clear no-nonsense voice that He has given us through his Word and those like you who still have the spiritual boldness to proclaim the truth without apology. It gives me great joy to be a Grace Partner. Love your books, share them with many.

Love in Christ Jesus our Wonderful Savior, Art

John,

Thanks for the time you have spent with me (EI '06) and the direction that you have given. I stand with you and with our Lord as a ready and willing soldier in this war against the truth.

Brent.

Dear Brother (in the faith) MacArthur,

Thank you, with all my heart, for your exposition of the Bible. Thank you for clearly and completely explaining what the Bible says without compromise. It is because of your teaching that I can drink deeply from God's Word. May God continue to bless you, your family, and the ministry with which God has entrusted you.

Gratefully yours in Christ Jesus,

Kathryn Reed

Dear Pastor John, Thank you for being valiant for truth. I was once deceived and undiscerning, I came out of catholicism only to land in a cult, then into charismatic /pentecostal teachings. But thanks to your sound bible teachings I saw the light. I know you will keep preaching the pure gospel and you can be trusted. I pray the Lord send more like you to glorify Him. I pray daily for you and your ministry. I LOVE your Study Bible and read it through last year and reread the NT three times. I will read and study it through again this coming year. I am more hungry for Gods Word than ever before. I love your books and listen to the sermon on Luke 16:19-31 The rich man and Lazarus many times (No one I've ever heard expounds on it as well as you have! ). God bless you exceeedingly. thank you for all you do for His glory! Agape, Ann

I lecture in theology at the African Bible College in Lilongwe, Malawi. I don’t watch much TV either but I have been grieved on more than one occasion when I have caught students glued to the tube in our student center watching Benny Hinn. Although we spend our time teaching what our schools motto calls ‘the treasures of God’s truth’ (and I do so from a Reformed perspective) the worldwide influence of the so called ‘health and wealth’ gospel is astonishing. Africans, who typically lack what we Americans usually take for granted (nutrition, education, healthcare), are typically spiritually hungry. Unfortunately what they are all too often being fed is a steady diet of ‘health and wealth’ via TBN and others. Christianity is often intermingled with African traditional religion so that ‘faith’ becomes the magic that wards off the evil unseen spiritual forces and twists the arm on the otherwise reluctant God in Jesus’ name. These teachings have even infiltrated the main line Protestant Churches. I brought a guest speaker to a local Presbyterian Church recently were an elder in his pastoral prayer proceeded to bind a host of spirits including the ‘spirit of headaches’. Unfortunately for my three year old daughter, he neglected to bind the ‘spirit of chicken pox’ who attacked my little princess later that same day and persisted for two weeks. We continue to ‘press on’...it would be great if more influential Bible teachers would oppose this ‘other gospel’ more openly and aggressively.

Zikomo (thanks)

Jay Stoms

Say ‘hi’ to Brian and Anita Biedebach if you see him.

Dear Pastor John,

GOD BLESS your intestinal fortitude in today's evil & hostile world to stand tall, "...being strong in the LORD and in the strength of HIS might." EPH 6:10

You show us, your flock, time and again, how to accurately "Put on the full armor of GOD, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." EPH 6:11

You have taken me from a newborn babe in CHRIST JESUS to the point of not desiring, but absolutely NEEDING & REQUIRING for my daily sustenance, "...solid food (the meat)...for the mature, who because of practice have theirs senses trained to discern good and evil." HEB 5:14

I truly thank our precious LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST for allowing our paths to cross at Grace Church back on April, 2006, when I had the wonderful & humbling privilege to shake your hand and meet you this side of heaven before we are Raptured!

GOD has truly indwelled HIS HOLY SPIRIT in you for the past 50+ years preaching the GOSPEL and being true to HIS WORD, carrying out HIS Great Commission of "making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT." MATT 28:19

We have both had to undergo surgery since we met back in April of 2006; for you, knee surgery, and myself, back surgery (Diskectomy) & another emergency exploratory Laporotomy just 15 days after the major back surgery (I felt like a hamburger patty getting flipped over)! :o)

Seriously, though, I want to wish you GOD SPEED on your Knee Surgery recovery. Also I want to wish you & your family a very blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And again, thanks so much for being such an outstanding witness and testimony for our LORD JESUS and not budging an inch in your BIBLE Expository Teaching and Preaching @ Grace Church for over 40 years now and being so genuine, faithful, caring, charitable giving to your GRACE to YOU Ministries!!

Your brother in CHRIST JESUS,

Bob Woods

San Tan Valley, AZ

JOHN 14:6

I am so happy that someone with voice like John MacArthur has spoken up and out about a matter which has infuriated me for so long. It seems as if people who are in a position of authority and prominence within the church community have fail to speak up about the bad teaching which has been taking place for long on TBN. What I have seen over past few years, from watching TBN until it began to sicken my stomach is that Pastor used TBN as the platform for tithing. From this you hear following "sow a seed, money that is",which is another way of getting money out of people. Pastors who support this station, really eats it up well, and you see this practice in church being perpetuated. If this is not enough, they will make outlandish statements, about how God is going to bless you. God will bless us, but you can't buy a blessing.

Where is the SALVATION in this programming. All you here is people being manipulated with their words, and twisted doctrine. The latest buzz word is the "Word of knowledge"which also make them sound like they have a right to say any and everything other than what is in Bible. (Now that is Bold). I often wonder, how bold and brazen can you be.

As a Christian, a Father, a Husband, a Minister, a Black man, and someone who would be considered fairly well educated, you are not welcome unless you also parrot what is being spewed out from TBN. My last thought about this matter, is that within the many African American communities the teaching on TBN is dominant. I believe many are sincerely following this teaching, but they believe what they are hearing is true. My burden is many of these so called christian leaders are taking advantage of people who are giving their all to these charlatan.

Keep Preaching and Writing John MacArthur

So tell me John MacArthur, are you really any different than those on TBN? I visited your website and was warmly greeted by your shopping cart as I signed up and noticed that two of your featured resources were looking for money, while the other ones were gently persuading me that you are a reputable charity. This website is full of products you are $elling and I see that almost every page has a donation link looking for money. I admit that you are not up to the antics like those on TBN, but you seem to be busy about the bu$ine$$ of the go$pel. If you are going to point out the flaws in others shouldn't you have your own house in order first? You seem to have totally forgotten the words of Jesus. Did Jesus not say that "...freely ye have received, freely give." Matt 10:8. Did God charge you? I suspect that like others who are in the business of the gospel you will find an alternative meaning for this passage to justify your cozy lifestyle from your profitable business. Now if you would like to see real Christianity in action, go visit your local Salvation Army. Those folks are genuine. As for all your expensive materials, you can keep them. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

It was a good blog on TBN, by the way, but your version of commericalized Christianity on this website spoiled the message for me.

Mr. John MacArthur

Im from Tulsa Ok. where there is a building that is supposed to represent a church on every corner, but the word of Jesus Christ, is not being preached. I have warned and warned and warned people about this stuff even my so-called close bretheren, and its almost as if im on an isalnd by myself. This stuff is killing people everyday in my town. Every picture you have posted are talked about more than Jesus Christ. Bishop so and so said this and pastor this, it makes me sick to my stomach and it makes me cry at the same time. Right now i go to a church where Dr. Myles Munroe is the big name and the heresy teaching we have about the kingdom is so false that an unbeliever would know its false. Tithing is a big compulsion mechanism also here in Tulsa, ok. Where you are cursed if you dont tithe, I have been free from that stuff, ever since studying what it really is a "Jewish Tax". When you broke it down for me in an sermon you had i was blessed and free. I get looked at wrong at times because of me only being saved since May 2005. I'm a puritan at heart, and I'm black "WOW a black puritan, but the love of God has changed my life and with people like you that will stand for Christ and His word and a community of believers on this blog it encourages me to continue to preach a the word of God in season and out of season. John MacArthur, thank you so much for being that guy that will Go hard IV Christ @ all times.

Pastor John,

Thank you for your committment to the TRUTH of God! Not only is TBN a wasteland of false doctrine, so are most churches, at least in So. CA. Your 40 years + of unleashing God's Word, one verse at a time, has provided real spiritual nourishment for those of us with a hunger to know God as He presents Himself in holy scripture. We have deep gratitude for your shepherding. May God bless your teaching for many years to come....or until He comes. I say you should teach through the whole OT after you finish the book of Mark.

Also, preach longer........1 hour isn't enough!!! You said you preached in Europe an hour and a half. We want that too.

Thanks for your faithful dedication to truth.

Dr. MacArthur,

Thank you for proclaiming the Truth!

Your faithfulness and dedication to God's Word is so needed in today's culture.

As a pastor myself over the years we have helped several who were greatly wounded from the hyper-faith, prosperity gospel. God led them to our church to minister to these couples who were so deceived by the lies of the charismatic teachings.

The first time we met at a evangelism conference many years ago, I was beginning my pastoral ministry, and you graciously signed my book with 2 Corinthians 4:5 "For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as bond-servants for Jesus' sake." (NASB) Anything different, anything more or less, is another gospel! ... and let him be accursed. (Gal. 1:8) God will judge these false teachers.

Again, God bless you, Dr. MacArthur. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Truth of God's Word, for we are sanctified by His Holy Spirit and the Truth!... for the Word is Truth! (John 17:17)

Dear Pastor (General) MacArthur~

I was a follower of the TBN movement for 20 years and a believer of all their false teaching. I was young, stupid and deceived by the lies. I believed with all my heart what they preached and supported them financially for most of those years. But, what they promised never came to pass. I gave a great amount of money to these so called ministries and never received anything in return except their lies.

12 years ago I met my current husband who used to attend Grace Church before moving to Oregon and he shared with me all your biblical teachings. My husband has hundreds of your tapes and CD's from the past 30 years. The Truth you teach has set me free. Your teaching is so clear and easy to follow and understand.

Thank you so much for taking a stand for the Truth. Keep up God's good work. We are in this war together for the Truth.

We are fellow soldiers in the battle for the Truth. Phil and Jackie Starling

ru forreal

the salvation army recently compromised their heritage by embracing all "faiths" and other religions for the sake of ...add'l income streams maybe ??? I do not know their motive BUT I do know when the Gospel has been modified and the end results are always tragic for us sinners. Maybe GTY needs to look at itself, maybe make a change or two so as not to provoke people like you or send a message they never intend to convey. Maybe, however, we need to look at the whole body of GTY ministry and see it w/ understanding and not such a critical eye. Suggestions may be considered more quickly than harsh criticisms, maybe. I have followed GTY for nearly 30 years and it is solid, sensitive, and sold out to JESUS. Sorry the offer of good Bible helps for charge offended you. I do know that GTY helps, gives away, supports those unable to pay ...it is ministry you know. GODS grace to you today and GOD bless GTY and Dr MacArthur for biblical truth uncompromised. One Q, are you for real? I hope so in JESUS alone. God bless.

John and GTY staff -

In response to RU Forreal I have been a listener to GTY since 1981 and it has been a wonderful tool that God has blessed me with to learn and grow in God's Word. Never have I been pressured or guilted into sending money. In fact for the past couple of years I have been able to listen to all of John's messages - from the oldies of 40 years ago - to the sermons of just a couple weeks ago - for FREE! Don't tell me that John and his staff are in it for the money. Thank you John and GTY staff - you have made a difference in my life that is incaluable. John - you have been a great role model in the faith for me and I know for my Pastor. If I don't have the opportunity to meet you in this life - I'll look you up in heaven. Thank you again! Maranatha!

Dear John,

Thank you for being faithful to God's calling on your life. I am a LONG time listener to GTY and am a partner. I was at Hume Lake Christian camp in the late 60's and you were the speaker for the week. So I'm so thankful to follow your lead in the scriptures via radio and GTY and have passed on GTY's link to many. John, it's been a long time coming for those on TBN to be exposed. But we've been forewarned by our Lord & Saviour that false teachers will come and have always been. Thank you for being and remaining on the 'straight and narrow' path. Soon and very soon we are going to see the King. It's a been such a blessing to know and trust that you continue to reveal the truth of God from the scriptures. Bless you & all at GTY...

Thank you Pastor MacArthur for your sound doctrine and your boldness in exposing these charlatans.

Sometimes I feel that I am stealing from your ministry because you had sent me cd's and books for free. Besides all the videos and audio messages that you provide free of charge in this web page.

I don't even know you personally but I consider you my pastor and mentor.

God bless you

Dear Sir, I am encouraged by the sound defense of God's Word that you have consistantly declared over the course of your service to our Savior. You are an inspiration to myself that God still has men who are unashamed of the True Gospel of Christ. Thank you for your resources that are available through your website. These tools are invalueable to the preachers of our day who desire to stand in the gap preserving Biblical Authority!! I stand firmly in support of exposing error and false truth that is ravaging our culture today, by lovingly preaching the truth with courage and firmness........Keep on Keeping on!!!

Great articles. John MacArthur has always been bold in Christ to speak the truth. To ru forreal who I don't think is for real, I have been listening to Grace To You on radio and now on the internet for the past few years. Any one who listens or reads on a more then sporadic basis would know that there is a universe of difference in this ministry and most others, especially TBN and the like. They do indeed supply thousands of cd's, dvd,s and books, not to mention all the free resources that are available for downloading from the website, for countless numbers of spiritually hungry believers around the world. I count it a privilege to support this ministry. They are a clear voice in a dark world, expounding the scriptures which are able to make us wise unto eternal life.

John, I wish you would write more on this subject & name names I watched the 700 club a few times & they cure headaches , backaches, and all kinds of phoney baloney plus if your down & out make a pledge and I guess you will get rich like the people they showcase on the show. I have only been saved 5 years, but Pat Robertson & the 700 club seem like a fraud to me. Am I the only christian who feels this way ?

For years now I have had limited fellowship with my brother and my sister because of their membership at The Potter's House with TD Jakes. I always wondered why my sister and I had no more than a superficial fellowhsip since she has professed to be a Christian longer than I. When I heard John teach on discernment I understood why. We do not serve the same Christ. When I confront my family with questions about why they support this nonsense I am poo pooed.

In my painful personal eperience, the truth of the scripture that says "they are drawn away by their own lusts" is very accurate. The false preachers are in big trouble but so are those who prefer the darkness just in case they too can get rich.

For years now I have had limited fellowship with my brother and my sister because of their membership at The Potter's House with TD Jakes. I always wondered why my sister and I had no more than a superficial fellowhsip since she has professed to be a Christian longer than I. When I heard John teach on discernment I understood why. We do not serve the same Christ. When I confront my family with questions about why they support this nonsense I am poo pooed.

In my painful personal eperience, the truth of the scripture that says "they are drawn away by their own lusts" is very accurate. The false preachers are in big trouble but so are those who prefer the darkness just in case they too can get rich.

I have been a Christian for about 13 years now. I can remember when I first became a Christian thinking how bizarre these people on TBN were. Since this time, I have grown in my love, faith, and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. The ministry of Grace To You has been invaluable to my spiritual growth. I support this ministry monthly not out of obligation but because I know that the real message of the Gospel changes hearts and lives. There are very few ministries that I give to. This is because I want to know that the money that I give will be used by God in a real way to help men and women grow spiritually. I stand behind Grace to You 100% with my monthly giving, my prayers, and my thankfulness for being a good steward of the gifts they are given. I have no problem with GTY charging, if they choose, for materials that help people grown spiritually. I am pretty certain that people like "R U FOR REAL," who didn't even have the courtesy to leave a real name, but one made up, expect a paycheck for the work that they do to provide for their families. The ministry of GTY provides "FREE Downloadable" sermons (over 3000) that date back 40 years. I will stand behind a ministry like this!! They are truly one of the few who deserve it. Thank you John for all that you do. I pray for God's continued blessing upon you and the ministry of Grace to You. Thank you for solid, unapologetic, truthful, bible teaching of God's word.

I would really like to know if Dr. MacArthur would endure having the other knee operated on, as opposed to sitting and listening to more of these false charlatans sermons. I think he would prefer to have surgery.

I am so glad so many people are encouraged by his close teachings to God's precious word. May our glorious Father in heaven raise up more men like him.

For me, TBN is only good for watching Biblical movies and Charles Stanley. I hope there is nothing wrong with Charles...

Pastor John, it is always refreshing and encouraging to hear you speak about topics such as these. Since 1982, I have had the privilege and honor to listen to you on just about every topic there is under the sun. I have been a soldier all my life. I was a soldier on the streets of Oakland. I have been a soldier for the United States Army. And I have been a soldier for Christ since 1982. I too get frustrated with these so-called men of God, that it makes me want to go out on the streets and round them up. But I do know that wouldn't be the way our Lord would want it...would He..?? But I don't mind going into battle for my Lord Jesus...call me if you need a soldier...thank you..!!

Pastor Macarthur, Thank you for standing up for truth and righteousness, I give God thanks for you and others like Allister Begg,R.C Sproul David, Jerimiah and others who are standing up for the Word of God , We here in Canada as been enlightend by the sound teaching of the Word of God through your ministry we have recently left the charismatic movement after spending my entire life in it, we are now in a sound bible believing church ............

Pastor Macarthur, Thank you for standing up for truth and righteousness, I give God thanks for you and others like Allister Begg,R.C Sproul David, Jerimiah and others who are standing up for the Word of God , We here in Canada as been enlightend by the sound teaching of the Word of God through your ministry we have recently left the charismatic movement after spending my entire life in it, we are now in a sound bible believing church ............

That is why we constantly include you in our prayers, Pastor John MacArthur. You're the best preacher/teacher for me in such a way that you do what you preach & teach. You are right, Christ did not confront the government of Rome but the so-called 'men of God' of His time - Pharisees and Scribes. And so, like our Lord Jesus Christ, you are more concern on exposing lies such as the TBN's. Preach on, Pastor John; preach on!!

Thanks to my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST for your ministry. GOD has given us his WORD and men like you to help us discern the TRUTH.

Dear Pastor Macarthur,

My family and I are so richly blessed to have you as our pastor in Grace. My wife and I were believers in these bunch of charlatans at one point in our life. Mostly, we were very fond of Greg Osteen and Rod Parsley. It was not until we came to Grace that we see the pack of lies and heresies that TBN is spewing out and hurting most of us, the poor people.

Thank you pastor for being so courageous and bold against all these people. It's easy for many pastors to go with "the Prosperity Gospel", especially in this economy: however, I'm proud to say that I belong to a church where the TRUTH is taught and where people are not "pampered" into believing that being a christian means to "have it all" as if God was our vending machine and we could buy a miracle.

God bless you so much for teaching the Word of God, the way it was meant to be taught. You are a true inspiration for all of us and the pride of God, our father...

Dear Mr. Macarthur:

Thank you for speaking against these false prophets and teachers. You are one of the few men who have the courage to speak the truth. Please continue what you are doing and preaching. It is so crucial, especially in these dark days in the Church to shed light to others. I believe that the Church has entered God's judgment because of her unfaithfulness and immorality. There will be purging to come. I pray many will come to see the truth. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!

Dr. MacArthur,

While I disagree with the Calvanist doctrine you often promote, I do especially appreciate this blog and exposing these false techers who are, "...making merchandise..." (2Pet2:3) of so many sincere but infant believer's and those who may never, "...come into the knowledge of the truth." (2Tim2:4) due to the false gospel promoted by these heretics. I have found sisters and brothers in the congregation I attend who give creedance to these charlatins - though the church I attend is a bible based, Christ center, expository teaching fellowship, there just appears to always be some who are looking to "experience" God in some subjective way instead of just taking HIM at HIS Word. Certainly we are in the time of Laodicea and for many Jesus stands at the door and knocks, because He is outside the body of some who, "...have a knowledge of God but do not glorify Him as God."(Rom1:21). Thank you for this message, please do not grow weary of standing against these false teachers.

First a note to the note posted by Ru Forreal . It would certainly be desirable for all people to find the truth before stating comments like these. In fact Dr McArthur’s Ministry is one of the best and contrary to your opinions is not looking for handouts like many other ministries. If you care to take a bit of time to find the truth, here are some links that provide almost endless resources that are free... all from John's Ministries. I don’t know of any other ministry that does this and preaches the biblical truths. I would think that if you listened to even 10% of these you would have a very different mindset.

https://www.tms.edu/Media.aspx

https://www.tms.edu/Media.aspx

https://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/Resources.aspx

http://www.gty.org/Resources/

Second, be realistic. All of these resources are put together and made available “free”… at a price. Any organization has overhead costs that can’t be avoided. After looking at these free resources you would do well by donating to maintain and extend these ministries.

Third, we live in a small community south of Mt. Rainier in Washington State. We have no direct [removed word]ion to FTY. These resources are our main source of learning God’s Word. Truth is hard to find in most of the main-line denominations. Dr. John MacArthur is a voice of truth is a culture that chooses to ignore truth. Look around a bit and compare the “normal” life style in this nation to a biblical life-style that John promotes.

And Fourth, this articles is “spot on.”

Dear Pastor John,

I pray that you have a speedy recovery from the surgery. I thank God, our wonderful Almighty, for your passion and zeal in preaching the Word of God. You have been and continue to be a major influence on my understanding the Bible, through the Holy Spirit.

I have always admired your boldness through Christ in standing for the truth. I agree with your blog about the "health and wealth doctrine" of many televangelists. They are going to stand before the Just Lord in judgement.

God bless and prosper your ministry which makes all your message free. I understand that your ministry needs finances to meet the costs it incurs.

May the peace and joy of our coming Christ be upon you, your family and your ministry.

Pastor MacArthur,

I too am a Police Officer and President of our local chapter of the FCPO (Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers). I can relate to Bro. Loos on the facts that many Police Officers develop a bias towards Christians due to the negative views they witness that contradict sound doctrine. I also want to thank you for your stance for the Gospel. Collectively and prayerfully we can make a difference for the true doctrine of the Bible! I have only been following your ministry for about six months now, but, wow, what a blessing it has been! During this time my faith has grown and my knowledge of the Bible has exploded! I as well will be praying for your recovery from surgery.

God bless,

David Montague

John,

Thank you for being faithful and true to God's Word. Thank you for being humble and realising that you are just a 'clay pot' carrying the message and not accepting all this thankful praise from people as 'your' thanks.

All we can be is obedient to God, humble and thankful for His grace.

God bless

Johan

I thank God for GTY and I'm thankful that all the sermons are free. Many local churches have failed to sanctify because unfortunately, they too love money (that’s why they preach tithe, they worry more about money than the people they are to shepherd, its probably why they compete against each other to gain “market share” and why they don't make disciples). Many local churches leave baby Christians to raise themselves, the only thing they will teach is tithe in order to afford a bigger building, they market themselves to get more giving units to expand or pay off the big building. It is sad that you have to go online to get solid preaching, but we can’t say we weren’t warned (2 Tim 4:3-4 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.)

This is why there is a lack of biblical discernment. This is why people are so susceptible to being lead away by false teaching.

Mr. MacArthur thank you so much for defending the truth,andnot keeping silint about all these false teachers, that all they do is mislead people from it.

I thank God every day for leading me and my wife to GTY, which is indeed a blessing in our lifes for its verse by versr bible teaching, and the preaching of the true gospel of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

P.S. Also thank you so much for your latest book " The Jesus you can't ignore , what a great book , which also exposes false teaching and all that sugar coating preaching that is going around today. Sir may the Lord bless you , your family and your ministry. thank you.

Rey and Daisy

Sometimes TBN should be called The Totally Blasphemous Network.

Pastor John,

Some 15 years ago and until recently, I would not touch anything written by you. In fact I hated it. That was when I was deep in the word faith teachings. But now I have discarded the teachings of that different gospel for the one that the apostles taught. While I still cannot comprehend Calvinism, I have nevertheless learnt enormously from your teachings.Thank you so much for making your resources available for free . I regularly forward your articles to many of my friends and informed them about your website.The best way to combat false teachings is to expose them and at the same time disseminate freely God's word as your website is doing. I will pray for the work of your ministry.

Pastor John,

Thank you so much for this article. I am a fairly new Christian and from the moment I came to the faith and started looking at those types of teaching on television, I knew deep inside that something was wrong with it. It wasn’t matching what the Bible teaches. By the grace of God I heard you speak on the radio one day and was so touched by your teaching (because it was a breath of fresh air from what I have been hearing) that I started going to your website and listening to your teachings. Your teachings have helped me develop SO MUCH as a Christian and understanding of the Bible. THANK YOU SO MUCH. You are God’s gift to people like me.

As testimony to my experience with GTY. I went to the Shepherd's Conference in 2008 and then on 2009. I was a bit skeptic about what I was going to encounter while at this conference. What impressed me the most was the company of Men Dr. MacArthur surrounds himself with. Not ONE time did any of the conference speakers EVER mention money in any of their presentations. Not only that, but the only expense I incurred was my flight and hotel trip to California. This was because the registration fee for the conference included 20 valuable books from various publising companies (For Free).

The words spoken at these conferences by these men "Burned My Heart" to yearn for truth. I have found myself now more than ever Reading, Studying and Searching God's word because I saw and heard for my own self what the truth of God's word does to a man! I have searched these men's websites and while, yes , there might be some instances where they ask for donations, I have found that their sincere and genuine reason for exisiting is to Proclaim the Gospel and Defend it from false religion and false gospels.

Dr. MacArthur, as long as you expound the truth of God, you will have an avid listener and fellow proclaimer of the Gospel of Christ our Lord. The Truth of his Word prevail.

P.S. your work on the "two sons" was life changing for me and a couple of my friends.....

Ru Forreal you ask if John is any different. If you would listen to his teaching you would see the light, providing your eyes have been open by Christ. John would be the first to tell you he was a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Bro. John kept preaching the good news!

This is in response to Greg Tegman and Elizabeth Anthony concerning Dr. Charles Stanley and his views on Lordship Salvation (a bit off topic). The following is from the Moderator of his forum (ITM), we had a discussion of this very topic. From what I can glean from all of this is that Dr. Stanley is willing to admit to faith encompassing repentance, but leaves out the third critical element of obedience as being an true outcome of a saving faith. I know John MacArthur believes in faith, which results in repentance and obedience. I do, too. My response to the Moderator is beneath his comment.

Moderators comments:

I believe that "Lordship Salvation" arose in reaction to what is called "easy believism"--a phenomenon in our culture where people get "Saved" to avoid hell but then don't truly place their faith in Christ and repent of their sins. Here's what First Baptist Atlanta's web site says about salvation and the Christian life. Lordship salvation proponents often blur the lines between salvation and discipleship, making discipleship (growing in maturity) a requirement for salvation.SalvationWe believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provides the sole basis for forgiveness of sins and salvation, which is the free gift of God’s grace. Salvation is affected by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and cannot be secured by man’s works or personal merit. Salvation is only appropriated by a person placing his faith in the finished work of Christ. Repentance is a turning toward God and away from sin and is a part of but not separate from believing faith. “The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” and those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are born again, have their sins forgiven, become children of God, are a new creation in Christ, and “are sealed by the Holy spirit unto the day of redemption” being kept by the power of God (Eph. 1:7:13-14; John 1:12-13, 3:1-7, 14-16; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:16, 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 8:14-17, 31-39; John 10:27-29, 14:6; Acts 26:20; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). The Christian LifeWe believe that every Christian should live for Christ and not for himself and should, by the power of the indwelling Spirit, allow Christ to manifest His life through him to God’s glory. By ever increasing obedience to the Word of God, each believer should mature and progressively become more like Jesus. In the power of the Spirit, each believer should live a holy life; not fulfill the lusts of the flesh; exercise his spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ; witness for Christ; be personally involved in making disciples to fulfill the great commission; perform good works and bear fruit to the glory of God (Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 2:11; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Rom. 6:11-13; Eph. 2:10, 4:11-12, 4:22-24; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 1:10; John 15:8, 16).

This was my response to this statement from the Moderator.

Here's what First Baptist Atlanta's web site says about salvation and the Christian life. Lordship salvation proponents often blur the lines between salvation and discipleship, making discipleship (growing in maturity) a requirement for salvation.**This is THE err held by many people who do not understand Dr. MacArthur’s position on Lordship Salvation, clearly. He places no requirements for salvation other than faith alone, in Christ alone, but INSISTS that there must be some measure of spiritual fruit to show for a true saving faith to be in the heart of a believer. This theology (Lordship Salvation) did in fact SPAWN in rebuttal to the miscreant theology of Easy Believism, proponents of EB tell us we can live a totally carnal life, and make a one-time profession of faith in Christ, but continue to live like the devil. Dr. Mac simply refutes this erroneous belief, which has taken churches by storm and is leading many to believe in cheap grace. Simply stated, John Mac is saying faith without works is dead (James 2:20, 2:26). Those who purport otherwise, that no fruit need follow a profession of faith, are promoting a false gospel. Please read his exceptional book “The Gospel According to Jesus.” This explains Lordship Salvation.**

I hope this helps. I posted there for several years and dearly love Dr. Stanley, but he does not preach word for word, line upon line like Dr. MacArthur.

Dear Pastor McArthur:

I too am one of those that started my Christian relationship with the Lord in the charismatic church being taught all the "mistruths" that they promulgate. I had an experience with one of the evangelist that went from church to church at the time and now I have seen him on TV as well. Too make a long story short, I am from Houston and was working and living in Connecticut at the time and was home for a vacation. I had gone back to my church the Sunday night before returning to Connnecticut when this evangelist was speaking. My friends in the church all knew that I was about to go back north and, as such, had all my traveling money with me. This evangelist asked if anyone present had a $100 bill on them and all my friends pointed at me as they knew I did. I was asked to come up on stage and then this evangelist tried to belittle me into giving the bill to him, but I rejected his plea as I only had enough to return back north. I was apalled that he would do such a thing. In latter years, the last time I saw this evangelist, he was on TV and was trying to convince the viewing audience to send him a "seed of faith" and encouraged those that could not afford to do so to put it on a credit card. To me, that took the cake so to speak. I believe as a general rule that the use of credit cards is a bad thing even for those that can afford to pay for them and cetainly think that he was leading people to outright sin so that he could take advantage of the poor as you have said. As for the Christian stations programming, I still like to watch In Touch Misistries and Dr. Stanley, but other than that I can not agree with what the others spit out as truth when I am sure it is a lie! Godspeed in your recovery and peace be to you and I want to thank you for the many blessings I have received from your preaching.

Alvin

i have a hard time understanding why God has allowed so many false prophets/teachers run rampant in this country (and sadly they are spewing this unholy gospel overseas) but just as God did for Israel in the O.T. He gave them what they wanted. People love to hear this stuff because they think it gives them "hope" but in reality besides being false it is sheer laziness and quick fixism. "Let somebody else tell us what God is saying and doing so i don't have to study." i had a co-worker who always said, "my pastor says..." but she could not form her own thoughts or opinions. Welcome to Gospel USA!! Our robes of righteousness has a made in usa tag and is made of 100% synthetic polyester.

Brother MacArthur, i hope your knee is healing speedily and thanks for staying constant in your believes. I can only do the same, no matter what. God bless you this Holyday season. (no, i meant to mispell Holiday.)

Randell

Pastor Macarthur, thank you for standing up for truth and righteousness. I give God thanks for you and others like Allister Begg and R.C Sproul. The truth of God "will never return void" and those who prayerfully consider any of these types of teachings, measure them up to the Scriptures, and then apply the Spirit's discernment will be able to notice the fallacy and the utter greed. I came from such a movement. Their purposes are not aimed at edifying the saints with God's Word but only in giving people a bunch of distortions, half truths, and Scriptures out of context all in the name of the "gospel". Unfortunately, due to the fact that many so called believers spend so little time in the Word adds to the numbers that are carried away with such deception. Let's continue to pray that the Lord will raise voices such as yours to denounce such nonsense. My prayers are with you always. Peter

Amen. I fell for some this stuff that we are seeing in the church. I am glad that J Mac is standing up for the whole truth of the Word. This article should be emailed and circulated to all of our brothers and sisters. Grace and Peace.

Monty Williams

Pastor John,

Thank you for your committment to truth, and for warning others of known false teachings. I thank GOD for your ministry, and support you all the way.

Dear Ru,

As others have commented, your opinion of the Salvation Army only suggests your ignorance of what is happening in the church today. And may I say that in love? I, too was a supporter of the Salvation Army because of the "good" it does. The only problem is that this is a man made "good" that will have to pass the fire of God's judgement. One day we'll know "what's done for Christ" and what's not. The truth has been kindled as their powers that be, have decided to become "politically correct", instead of doctrinely sound. You should really listen to John MacArthur. He knows better than most how accountable he is to God. His plan here on earth is to do God's will, not to milk money from his listeners. And by the way, should we believe that anyone making over $160,000 is not a Christian? Have you looked at the cost of living in California? I wish I could apologize for you.

Thank You, And May God Bless You!

Dear Pastor MacArthur,

I too am a Pastor and a Black American. I started listening to you abou six year ago. Just about that time I was really struggling with the false doctrine coming from some many pulpits. I was really getting discouraged and was questioning if I really was understanding Scripture correctly. I did not even know who you were at the time. However, what caught my attention was how solid you explained the Word of GOD. There were several times I thought you were in error. However, with further study I found you were correct. Needless to say I have obtained many of your books for free. I have obtained your sermons for free. I have attend that last two Shepherd's Conferences; for which $300.00 does not begin to address the actual cost to Grace Community Church. The teaching and fellowship at the conference were priceless for me. I left both conferences spiritually blessed. However, I must confess, when leaving the first conference I was disappointed at my lack of knowledge and wanted to quit the ministry. It really made me question my calling to the ministry. However, the conferences has challenged me so that I am constantly reading good Biblically based books. I have even learned the Greek alphabet (which I was previously terrified of) and am translating the Greek text to English. The conferences has laid the foundation for me to use proper hermeneutical tools for correct exegesis of Scripture.

In summary, there is so much more I could say. However, your ministry is truly a GOD send to me. I am learning Scripture and growing spiritually because of your work on radio, TV and the free material. Let no one question your salary at Grace Community Church. I have learned the much hard work it takes to rightly divide the Word of Truth; preparing for Sunday after Sunday, Wednesday after Wednesday to expound the Word of GOD. It is my judgment that you earn every dollar provided by your salary. I cannot put a price on the value your ministry has made in my undersatnding of the Word of GOD. Please continue to stand for the truth; for I too am standing with you. I pray for you often. GOD bless you as you continue to labor in the vineyard. Thank you for giving your life for our Great GOD, Master and Savior JESUS CHRIST.

Dear John, Thank you for this article, for standing boldly againsts the "giant" of the Christian broadcast. TBN was a spring board for me of my Christian life. Well, I guess you have to start 'em somewhere. I stopped watching the channel when I felt that I am not worthy of the Lord for I am poor. I am thankful that God re-directed me to you. Your teachings saved me from the condemnation and guilt.

To Ru Forreal, since you are on GTY website, you may want to start by reading or listening John's God's Plan for Giving. It's free.

I greatly appreciate the ministry of John MacArthur. I have read “Charismatic Chaos” from cover to cover and also listened to his corresponding CD series. Unfortunately, I was duped by a TV preacher for many years (although not any of those pictured with this article) and I am very happy, although sadder and wiser, to finally know the truth.

I certainly hope that John does a very lengthy series again on the false teachings which abound on many Christian TV programs. As for why people are still giving abundantly after so many sex scandals and why there are more preachers of greed and other false doctrines than ever, I believe it may be akin to the reason that the Catholic church didn’t suffer a huge decline in membership after the pedophile priest scandal came to light - it’s because people have faith in the institution, whether it be the Catholic Church or TV preachers, and the downfall of one or even many particular individuals does not cause people to lose faith in what they believe in - the institution of TV Evangelism.

As for why people who have nothing, unemployed and unable to buy food, would give money to TBN or any TV preacher, those preachers would use the example of Elijah and the woman who only had enough flour and oil to make one little cake for herself and her son before they would have to die. She obeyed Elijah and made him a cake first, and then she prospered until the famine was over. John needs to explain why all these twisted versions of Scripture are not applicable as these con men proclaim.

Thank you, John MacArthur, for the Grace to You website and radio outreach, plus all the products you make available for those of us who want to really know God’s Word.

Hey Johnny Mac, I have a question for you: why not start, along with other Godly men, a Biblical broadcasting network? There are so many Christians that watch TBN because it is the only supposed Christian programming (other than the catholic channel) on cable in our area and they get sucked into it until they finally realize how unBiblical the channel is, then they no longer watch it. Why not get a channel with Godly men accurately dividing the Word of Truth? TBN is united together by money, how much more should the children of God be united under Christ? Just imagine, you, Piper, Washer, Dever, Sproul, Zacharias, me : ), etc, preaching/teaching from the Scriptures for the edification of the church.

General MacArthur has returned.He is now leading the fight against false teachers and I'm ready to volunteer.I have been frustrated for years with the so called Christian broadcasting on TBN and other networks.Anyone who is involved in evangelism knows,it is a constant battle to try to refute the teachings of these false teachers.They do not represent true biblical Christianity.Thank you John MacArthur for making a stand against these heresies being pawned off on the public.

Thank you Martha Tyler for your response. Very good. As for me, I will get back on track in regard to this Charismatic "Unholy Trinity" article.

*** The Lord led me to the truth of the Gospel of Christ through John MacArthur. I am so thankful that men exist such as you. It has always been heartbreaking to know that many people turn from CHRIST because they see and hear these false, phony, cheesey teachers and think this is what authentic Christianity really is. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and now is the time for us all to stand against this atrocity....even if it means persecution! May the Lord give us the strength through His Holy Spirit to take this stand with John. I pray for your full recovery John. In my eyes God has given you to all of humanity as a Prophet in these last days.

Those who preach the Gospel have a right to make a living from it; John Macarthur certainly fits that criteria. (1 Cor 9)

They are also to receive double honor (1 Tim 5)

He also lives in Southern California and my guess a $160K salary is probably equivalent to an $80K to $90K salary elsewhere.

Many pastors make more than $160K in my area or close to it and we live in an economy where $160K = you are rich, well off. However, they don’t preach the Word; they appease the culture, etc.

Whatever John Macarthur earns, in my opinion he earns it.

Amen Robert Jones! Likewise John MacArthur was and is instrumental in my developing Christianity. I more times than not will quote an "MacArthurism" as a source in my research on scripture. I also know others who value his insights on God's word. I have to believe that there are hundreds if not thousands of small nondenominational congregations of Born Again Believers. A growing Body of Christ that sees the world with spiritual discernment, while not actually speaking out directly Face to Face to the Heath, Wellness & Prosperity crowd. Do (I feel) address the issue to it's members and in it's evangelizing in their prospective communities. It appears as though we are approaching the end time. I have yet to do any study in depth of this time but my understanding is that Satan will be quite busy during this time. Especially in his attacks on the church and his evil workings inside the church. Is it wise as a man to attack Satin Directly? Even the Angles are not so bold. We know Satin is in control! No wonder the "Organized Religions" are silent on this heresy. If any of their Elders began to speak out or PREACH THE WORD! they would no doubt find themselves being removed by their liberalized hierarchy. Reassigned to a lesser post and their dissenting voices effectively silenced. This in no way should prohibit speaking out. However, it is after all a very narrow gate and few there are that find it and once through the gate and on the path we join with the body of Christ and like John in our voice we do speak out on all unrighteous.

Hey Johnny Mac, I have a question for you: why not start, along with other Godly men, a Biblical broadcasting network? There are so many Christians that watch TBN because it is the only supposed Christian programming (other than the catholic channel) on cable in our area and they get sucked into it until they finally realize how unBiblical the channel is, then they no longer watch it. Why not get a channel with Godly men accurately dividing the Word of Truth? TBN is united together by money, how much more should the children of God be united under Christ? Just imagine, you, Piper, Washer, Dever, Sproul, Zacharias, me : ), etc, preaching/teaching from the Scriptures for the edification of the church.

I attended a event with one of the folks pictured here not long after I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. I use the word event because that's what it was a Los Vegas style side show at a local charismatic mega church the size of a in door arena. I was immediately put on guard by the Holy Spirit that something was not right with this guy. I had my Bible and kept reading it seeking and receiving God's protection. As the staged theatrics came to an end he asked about wanting to speak in tongues among other things. I was interested in this subject since almost every so called believer would ask me if I was speaking in tongues yet. Well what I heard and witnessed after responding to his alter call and being lead to a back room sounded like it was coming from Satan directly and I was ready to get out of there. By God's grace not a week after that I met a lady that gave me a copy of Charismatic Chaos and it had a profound effect on my life. Dr. Mac loves our Lord with all his heart and soul and I thank God for using His true believers to lead me to GTY. I am a member and supporter the best I can and love the on line messages one verse at a time. I even listen to Dr. Mac's message on the same book, chapter, verse that our pastor taught the Sunday prior just to expound on the message. Our pastor is a John Mac fan also. Dr. Mac please always stand up for God and the truth as you have done these many decades and know that what God gives you to give to us is having an life changing but more than that a spirit changing effect that He intended it to be. GOD BLESS!

I attended a event with one of the folks pictured here not long after I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. I use the word event because that's what it was a Los Vegas style side show at a local charismatic mega church the size of a in door arena. I was immediately put on guard by the Holy Spirit that something was not right with this guy. I had my Bible and kept reading it seeking and receiving God's protection. As the staged theatrics came to an end he asked about wanting to speak in tongues among other things. I was interested in this subject since almost every so called believer would ask me if I was speaking in tongues yet. Well what I heard and witnessed after responding to his alter call and being lead to a back room sounded like it was coming from Satan directly and I was ready to get out of there. By God's grace not a week after that I met a lady that gave me a copy of Charismatic Chaos and it had a profound effect on my life. Dr. Mac loves our Lord with all his heart and soul and I thank God for using His true believers to lead me to GTY. I am a member and supporter the best I can and love the on line messages one verse at a time. I even listen to Dr. Mac's message on the same book, chapter, verse that our pastor taught the Sunday prior just to expound on the message. Our pastor is a John Mac fan also. Dr. Mac please always stand up for God and the truth as you have done these many decades and know that what God gives you to give to us is having an life changing but more than that a spirit changing effect that He intended it to be. GOD BLESS!

Nick Asked,

I have a question for you: why not start, along with other Godly men, a Biblical broadcasting network?

Primarily, Nick, because starting such a broadcasting network takes tons of money to start and a ton of energy and creativity to maintain. For most of these men you listed, they don't have the money to start such a network, and though they may have creative energy to maintain it, that energy is better served studying God's Word and shepherding God's people, rather than worrying about the cost effectiveness of a TV network.

I will say that NRB has started something like a broadcast network, though it is currently only available on a limited cable basis. You can get that information from GTY's website under the resources page.

Fred Butler

www.hipandthigh.blogspot.com

Posted by Ru Forreal (In Part) In all fairness John isn't making the kind of money those on TBN are, but he is still definitely getting rich on the gospel. I am sorry if you don't agree, but I have a difficult time when I see these kinds of dollars being spent and paid out and I wonder if a Minister can truly be in it with this kind of wealth. In reply I would say that it would appear that Dr. MacArthur's Ministry is compromised of a large segment of Hilarious Givers. Amen. Turn it around and ask yourself, try to look into the heart of the man, and then decide if the wealth he gains is worth the wealth he looses. His fruits speak, we are all blessed by the wealth of John MacArthur.

Ru Forreal, How about a real name like the rest of us?. GTY is a member of the EFCA. In part, it is an accountability membership. Moral and finacial integrity are part of this membership. You are judging according to your own opinion.

The mission of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) is to glorify God by multiplying healthy churches among all people.

The mission of the EFCA national office is to glorify God by serving with excellence EFCA ministries, congregations, and constituents.

We take responsibility.

We take responsibility for performing our duties with excellence and for initiating ways to improve the service we provide.

We work together.

We practice mutual cooperation and communication both within and outside of our departments in order to accomplish our common mission.

We are trustworthy.

We are committed to honest practices, communication and relationships that honor Jesus Christ and one another.

We are committed to growth.

We view learning as an ongoing process and seek opportunities to improve ourselves both personally and professionally

Re: RU Forreal

The following is a Pastor MacArthur excerpt from:

"So...and I would never choo...in fact, in seven years, I've never preached on this; but it happens to be in 1 Corinthians chapter 9, so I'm gonna go ahead, since we were in chapter 8 last week; and you can rest assured that we'll be in chapter 10 sometime in the future, as soon as we finish with this subject. But I wanna say at the very beginning, just put a little preface in if I can, that what I say this morning does not have reference to me. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ has been extended abundantly to me through the gifts of the people at Grace Church. I receive far more than I am worthy of and far more than I would ever ask for and far more than I earn or far more than I deserve, so this is not an application to me;..."

Pastor MacArthur is very humble, but as he so very well exposits in this teaching "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the grain." RU Forreal, I would recommend you to check this teaching out in its entireity, as it is free.

Of note: I have never heard this taught the way Pastor MacArthur prefaced it.

"For every tree is known by its fruit" Luke 6:44

You go Pastor!

I John 4

[4:1] Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

I was raised in an environment of emotionalism,and a man centered primitive baptist church. I spent many years of my life seaching for the grand, and often bizzare experience that many in our church had when thay came to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:14

No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

I started listening to pastor John Macarthur about 3 years ago, and I don't have enough white space to tell you how much the Lord has used him to reveal the truth to me in my walk. I have read many of his books, and downloaded many of his sermons that I listen too on my two hour commute each day. Also, I have purchased his commentaries on the books I am studying.

I pray for this ministry, and I pray that the truth will always be proclaimed. Thank you pastor Macarthur for preaching the word one verse at a time, and not being stand-offish in proclaiming and defending the Word of God. May God richly bless you and your ministry, and I pray for your speedy recovery from your knee surgery.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor MacArthur,

Thank you for your faithfulness to the Word of the One True Living GOD~the GOD of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. Thank you for bringing It to life for someone like myself who would never be able to do so on my own. And thank you for making all your teachings available for free on the internet. Listening to your teachings strengthens my faith, reminds me of the Hope we have in Jesus Christ alone, disolves away any doubt that might raise its ugly head during these difficult times, & gives me peace through a greater understanding of the authority of Christ Jesus.

May GOD continue to bless you & your ministry & staff with the strength & courage to proclaim The Truth, in Christ Jesus' name.

scares of battle...Knee replacement, pray that you're back on them soon.

I have been watching tbn for a couple of months and reading this article has opened my eyes. Just today I tuned in to tbn and was watching Rod Parsley's program, and the whole program was him asking viewers to call in for donations because his ministry is in a financial crisis or as he worded it " unprecedented demonic attack". He went on saying how it is our responsibility and we are to obey god and give. As I was watching him he almost sounded desperate. He also commented on how he and his staff members have taken salary cuts and employees of his mininstry have been laid off. I was very shocked by all this and it confirms what Mr. Macarthur has written. Did anyone else see this program? Pastor MacArthur Thank you for being so bold and saying the truth.

Dr. MacArthur,

I profess my love for Christ openly at home, at work or with friends. When I care for a patient in our Critical Care Unit I usually offer to find something DECENT for them to watch or listen to on the T.V. When I see those who claim Christ on T.V. yet represent non-Christ-like qualities I am so discusted and somewhat embarrassed. I am perhaps the only born again Christian some of my co-workers will ever know in a close way, and when I am asked by a inquisitive co-worker or patient, things like "what is with that Liberace-like pianist or the grandma-like lady with pink hair or is that healing for real"? I just respond, "I think they are actors". And some of the "joy, prosperity & happiness" speakers never even mention the Gospel! There truely is a broad road sadly. I try to live a testimony that would be pleasing to God, and when I do have the opportunity to share the truth of the living God, I am thrilled. These people only confuse the hungry souls. I would not want to be in their shoes on judgement day.

Thank you John for being used by God to help me understand the truth and it was 9/12/2007 while I sat broken on my front porch while listening to Grace To You that the God of the universe saw my tears, read my heart and saved my soul. Wow!

Thanks for your unwavering commitment to the TRUTH over the years. Who will be the John MacArthur for the next generation?

Its funny that on Sunday I taught on the false teachings and claims of people such as Benny Hinn and Pat Robertson. I was teaching the adult Sunday school at our church and I wondered if I would get myself into hot water with my comments but truth be told this lie is from Satan and we need to tell the flock. Thanks John for doing this on a larger scale.

In Christ

-Michael Grant, Moores Corner Church

GTY is not cheap to run. It takes money to pay for the building, money for the employee wages, cost of living, health care, events, etc. etc. GTY has offered its entire library of messages for free, so its not for sordid gain that GTY still requests payment for items ordered. By the way, the cost for a book is heavily scrutinized so that the price is not improperly inflated, and no gouging takes place. Also consider that men and women in the BIble are oftentimes blessed for their faithfulnes by riches. Abraham was wealthy, and so was Job. King David, Solomon, and others were also very wealthy. That's not the point when discussing TBN. TBN errs by promising things that they cannot deliver on, thus lying and deceiving millions of people. So many ailing and suffering people pour in their last remaining paycheck in the hopes of being delivered from pain, and all Benny Hinn can do is take the money and buy a new suit. John MacArthur's financial wellbeing is more a matter of proper stewardship, while TBN's is more about stealing from poor people.

Dear Pastor McAuthur,

There aren't enough words or enough space for me to comment on the incredible power of your ministry. I already knew the truth about these "Falsifiers" of God's Word and have tried to share it with many of my friends. I've been laughed at, made fun of and talked about behind my back more times that I care to comment. I can only image the people out there that think and act like the "RU Forreal" commenter that you have had to deal with in your 40 some years at GTY. Thank you so much for all you do to spread the TRUTH! You keep preaching, teaching, writing, spreading the Gospel and standing firm on God's Word.

Hey Dan, Dittos to what you said. I only wish I knew about GTY as long as you have but I am nevertheless grateful for this ministry and found it when I did. Oh, just so everyone knows, anyone that has attended a Shepherd's Conference knows they come away with far more than what they spend to attend.

As far as TBN and everything that goes on there, it isn't surprising that it is successful. Afterall, it is sad that the majority of preachers today do not have the proper perspective on what they are called to do. They preach Christianity lite and teach what people want to hear. Therefore many people don't know what they are being hooked into when the false teachers come at them. In fact, Paul warned Timothy about this very thing, see 2 Tim. 4:1-4. So, what do we do? Read verse 5 of 2Tim. 4. All you at GTY I'm sure you know there are many of us out here in the peanut gallery teaching and discipling those whom the Lord leads to us. It is exciting times to be living in and may I dare say that it is the greatest challenge we face as the Church since the reformation. With all humility and giving God the glory, I glad I'm in this fight and on the winning side. Having John and GTY makes it easier... and fun. I say fun because when those whom I'm leading in Bible study light up with understanding of the Word, their worship of God is that much more purer.

Can anyone tell me if John Macarthur has ever written or preached on Joel Olsteen and his ministry?? Thanks.

To: RU Forreal

I'm 23 years old, and I'm Fanatic about Christ! My city is so spiritually depressed its sad. My neighbor just got shot today not far from me and my sibblings. The teens are sooo lost because they don't hear the truth, period. This summer me, my sisters & brothers, and some friends ran a two week camp to share the gospel everyday with the teens in my community. We did a realistic crucifixion drama in the park one night. The teens didn't have Bibles to read so we asked people for donations to raise money so we could give each teen their own Bible. God was good, people gave, and we raised more than enough so we could get good quality Bibles for them. The teens loved the understandable translations. Even parents and grandparents started wanting them.

Summer is coming again, I want to reach more teens. I want to have Bibles for them too. What's my point? Everything costs money. We had to raise money so we could serve in greater capacity. It costs to publish a bible, to duplicate it, to ship it....Somebody has to pay for it. It is not an evil thing to ask or need money. Especially if the money is used towards building the kingdom. I want so bad to take my teens from our local camp to this wonderful servant leadership bible camp in MO next summer. I can't do that unless I raise money. But the money is not for me, its for those in need because I live in a poverty stricken area. Bottom line: Ministries have to be funded.

McArthur's point was mainly geared towards flase doctrine from false teachers who get rich from taking advantage of people leaving them with nothing in the name of God. There's a big difference. The most deadly thing is perverting the Gospel. Money is a touchy matter but we must be objective and fair about it. That's all I'm sayin! Hope u understand.

HI. I just wanted to comment here that these materials arn't free. The publishers, etc. cost very real money. When I didn't have any money to invest in sermons, learning materials I was provided all of these free of charge from Grace To You and I know they still operate this way. When I contacted them to see if I could duplicate their messages and give them away (something most ministries would not do) they said absolutely, just be sure you don't charge for them. Every month I get a postcard asking if I would like to recieve books free of charge from GTY. John Macarthur doesn't charge for downloading his sermons if you would like to listen to them. You can ofcourse by the sets but if you call the office and tell them you don't have the money at this time, they will send them anyway. I know by personal experience that this ministry and the life of John Macarthur is free from the love of money. People support this ministry because this is true. When John was given a certain salary from the elders, he refused the amount and said he didn't need that much. Anyway, you can do your own resurch sir, but I guarantee you , money will not keep you from materials and help from GTY.org. They send out tens of thousands of free materials, tapes, books, etc. every month. There is a monetary price to the producation of these items. They will send things your way, money or not. The same is true of John Pipers ministry. Call TBN and ask them to send you books free of charge. I'm afraid your response will be very different. In addition to that and most importantly, John Macarthur sticks to what the Bible says. If he wanted more money he certainly wouldn't preach some of the very unpopular messages he does. They might not tickle the ears of everyone but they are God's truth. I for one am very thankful for his person and ministry. His church supports so many worthwhile ministries and literally floods the needy with help. Like I said, give them a call and humbly tell the staff that you don't have the money but you would like to read a certain book or listen to certain sermons. I know you won't be denied at GTY. Blessings.

Needless to say I was shocked and saddened when I was forwarded this article. Probably no different than if I had attacked Mr. MacArthur's parents or maybe one of his children. Having grown up behind the scenes of Christian television and working for dozens media ministries, I know what motivates most of them, and it certainly isn't money! The head of NBC made $17,800,000 last year including bonuses, and that was in a recession. My dad makes $350,000 a year and donates most of that back to the ministry anyway! If money was our motivation, we could all do much better in Hollywood, and not producing faith based programs, or preaching the Gospel.

Mr. MacArthur throws a lot of scripture around to reinforce the fact that he's a modern day Luther, but what happened to Galatians 6? At no time did anyone at "Grace for You" ever contact me, or my folks with any kind of concerns! In fact, Mr. MacArthur was on TBN with Kirk Cameron last year, and was also looking at purchasing airtime for his show. (I spoke to their media agency myself!!) Before this atom bomb was unleashed, we would have accepted the program with open arms.

Just when we thought our greatest enemy was the secular media, the most vicious attack in the 36 year history of TBN comes from a supposed "Christian Brother!" Very sad. All of this under the banner of "Grace to You?" Where is the Grace? Where is the Christian love? Is this how disputes are to be handled? Is this how Christ would have dealt with this issue? Hmmmmmmmm. I don't think so.

Just know that we love John MacArthur and respect what he's done for the kingdom. My father has said many times that he is one of the finest preachers alive. This could be easily written off as a "Fundamentalist/Charismatic" difference, but it's deeper than that.

TBN's whole purpose in being is to take the great commission literal. "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel." It takes money to do that and we spend way less time raising money than any other network out there. (PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC or any other Christian organization.) (Do you see us running 3 minute commercials slugs every 8 minutes, or trying to sell, Chevrolet, Kleenex and Bayer Aspirin? Trust me, we could flip TBN to a commercial operation tomorrow and make waaaay more money!)

We pray for each and everyone of you and hope you will return the favor. There is a dying world out there that needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, and TBN is simply trying to do its part. There's not enough time to be fighting each other, we should be unified in this battle, but unfortunately we're not, and articles like this certainly don't help!!

Be blessed, and Grace to one and all,Paul Crouch, Jr.

P.S. - I'm just hoping this doesn't get, "deleted by author" I guess we'll see!! :-)

To Tracey Beaumont - John MacArthur has a DVD called "Your Best Life Now, or Later" which would probably cover what you're wanting to know. I have it and it's excellent.

Respectfully Mr. Crouch,

An overwhelming amount of your programming presents messages that are geared towards human consumption, felt needs and "give to get". But I have read that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Not while we were yet low on cash or yet searching for my soul mate or yet looking for a job or yet needing a bigger house. Why, because in my own stregnth I can do all of these things but in my own stregnth I cannot bridge the chasm between myself and God.

Additioanally, in regards to if Mr. MacArthur was pursuing time on TBN, there is an objective truth that has been commissioned by our Lord to go into all the world, including Santa Ana, Ca.

All love in Christ,

Bro. Kelsie

Mr. Crouch,

I truly hope your father has pure intentions with TBN; however, if that is true he has been terrible at discernment. The vast amount of teachings presented on TBN is not Biblical and therefore should not be aired.

Dr. MacArthur,

Thank you for your ministry. I have greatly benefitted from everything I've had the privilege of reading or hearing from you. Your book and series on how to study the Bible has helped me gain a solid foundation in God's Word, and in turn discern properly when I hear false teachings. Thank you.

In Christ, Chad

Paul Crouch Jr.

Thanks for stopping by. I have no intention of deleting your comment—you didn’t violate the guidelines! I’m thankful people could see your response, and I even forwarded your comment to John MacArthur. He's considering an answer to your comment for the next installment in this series of articles. Stay tuned.

RE: Ru Forreal

I appreciate the many excellent responses you all have given to Ru Forreal's challenges and insinuations. There are a couple of issues that haven't yet been answered, mainly because most people can't see John's life as closely as some of us do.

First of all (and this is kind of a boring but necessary admin issue), using an alias to hide your identity when presenting an opposing view is one thing (many would call it cowardly); registering on our website with fake email addresses to duck accountability is another. You have, however, accomplished something I can sincerely thank you for—we've posted blog guideline #3 in your honor.

Secondly, GTY has never been about making money. We offer a ton of content for free (including John's major books in monthly mailings), and there is a behind-the-scenes production cost. One of our customer service supervisors had a great answer to charges like these; she used to say, "The gospel is free; books cost money." We do our best to keep the costs low and still keep the doors open, keep lights on, and pay the ministry laborers a salary that will keep them housed and fed in costly-California. But the vast amount of free resources, available through many mediums (e.g., radio programs, television programs, monthly mailings, free downloads, the Resources section, mobile technology), answer the Matthew 10:8 charge.

Thirdly, we provide donation links on the website so people can give to support the ministry. There are many people who want to be involved as a partner with John MacArthur, helping him spread faithful Bible teaching far and wide. What's wrong with providing Christians an opportunity to invest in eternity, storing up treasure in heaven and not on earth? We're not selling some lie about sowing a dollar and reaping manifold temporal, financial returns here on earth. That's been the stock in trade of the TBN/prosperity crowd, which is John's point in this series.

Fourthly and finally, in a comment Ru Forreal has since deleted, he posted some information that's a matter of public record about GTY's operating budget and John MacArthur's salary. GTY is a non-profit organization (not a multi-million dollar business), which means the government scrutinizes our financial records, partly to see that we’re not making money. We have a board to which we report regularly; we hire an independent, disinterested auditor to scour everything financial; and we are members of the ECFA. In fact, our commitment to financial integrity has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.  

With regard to John MacArthur’s salary, like Paul answering the charges of the false apostles in 2 Corinthians, I find it distasteful and embarrassing, but necessary to do this. John would never defend himself in this way—and he'd be mortified that I'm talking about it (hopefully he won't read this!)—but you all need to know something about him that's not a matter of public record. And you’ll just have to forgive me for defending his character.

John’s lifestyle is commensurate with the members of his congregation. He doesn’t live in a palace or own a private jet; he’s not ferried around in a limousine; he doesn’t take exotic vacations; and he doesn’t throw money around. Well, I take that back—he throws a lot of money (his salary and book royalties) at kingdom work. He supports faithful ministries, missionaries and missions work, translation work, men training for the ministry, people in need, etc. I don’t, of course, know the extent of his financial stewardship, but he has to be one of the most gracious, generous, and merciful men I’ve ever known. Many will attest to that, and his generosity is reflected in the mindset that governs GTY.

John is also one of the most grateful men I’ve ever known. He doesn’t take the blessing and favor of God for granted, at all. In fact, for the first 25 years of his ministry at GTY, he refused repeated attempts by the GTY board to pay him a salary. Out of their concern for the welfare of his family after he goes to heaven, the board continued to pressure him to accept a salary, and finally prevailed. He just gives it away.

John won’t talk about his giving because he endeavors to live according to Matthew 6:1-4. He doesn’t practice his righteousness (including his giving) before men; he doesn’t sound a trumpet on CNN; and he refuses the praise of men. He tries to keep his giving as secret as possible, but word leaks out sometimes (which is why I know about it). As Jesus said, “nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” The Lord will return one day and “bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” And on that day, my meager defense of John’s character will be absolutely eclipsed.

Well, thank you for indulging my long comment. I just didn’t want silence about some of Ru Forreal’s charges to give any impression that they contained a shred of truth.

Travis Allen
Director of Internet Ministry
Grace to You

One last thing and I promise I'm done. :-)

Just know that if you don't agree with anything you see on TBN, simply pray for us, or turn the channel! I don't agree with many things I see on Christian TV, but the last thing I would ever choose to do is lob a hand grenade into their camp via an internet posting!! The last time I checked, John MacArthur is not God, (even though many on this blog think he is) and He will judge us for our trespasses whatever they may be!! Thank the Lord for his mercy and grace, none of us are perfect, but when you sit in judgement of others, you set yourself up to be judged. Yikes!! Just know that despite all of TBN's failings, we have on file over 30,000,000 names that have phoned in and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. (And those are just the ones we know about.) I'm not trying to dazzle anyone with numbers, but I do see the letters and e-mails we receive daily. I promise you that lives are being touched, hearts changed for the good, and faith encouraged. If they weren't, none of us would be here dealing with the flaming arrows that are hurled daily. It simply wouldn't be worth it, if all we focused on was money.

OK, that's it, I've said my piece. Be well, pray for us and Grace to one and all!!

Sincerely,

Paul Crouch Jr.

TBN's VP of Administration and Chief Floor Scrubber.

If this is Dr. MacArtur's version of Luther's 95 thesis nailed on the door of the the Wittenberg church, I find it very sad. The easiest thing to do is criticize and rail against the machine. I wish he would get to know me, my folks or any of the individuals he is labeling a heretic. I promise you that would change his heart quickly. I saw very little compassion, love or discernment in this diatribe. And if this is what it takes to be a "Christian", I think I'll look elsewhere.... :-(

Like a Bi Lateral Knee Replacement recipient. You don't have a good leg to stand on. Been there myself, work your way through it! you might find the true Jesus your looking for. Come back when your ready and the true body of Christ will welcome you with open arms. GTY

Paul Jr.

You may say that it isn't money driven however the opulence speaks otherwise. I was standing outside the terminal at the airport and my jaw dropped as I witnessed the Crouches arrive in an entourage of Cadillac Escalade SUV's to board their Global Express private jet. For those who don't know, this is one of the largest business jets built, not something basic that most would not have a problem with, but a very large, ultra-long range 45 million dollar jet. (Yeah I know, you need it to spread the gospel right?) I only mention this because it made a statement not only to me, but to those standing around me, some who are not saved. From their comments about the opulence...well let's just say it wasn't a very good witness and In fact gave them a a rather sour taste toward the gospel. What's more, it outraged me. It certainly makes defending the faith more difficult. Without a doubt you are doing more harm than good for the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ! You may be sincere about many things including your post here. Many people are sincerely wrong. If you are sincere about Truth, then purge your broadcast ministry of the false gospel proclaimers. Live the life of Christ and the apostles, take up your cross daily!

Mr MacArthur is dead on as usual. We are blessed and fortunate to have one who unashamedly proclaims the truth. Thank you John! God bless you and the ministry.

Mr Crouch can claim to take credit for the 30,000,000 people who have "phoned in and accepted Jesus..." BUT, the Gospel message gets any credit IF true conversion has occurred and not his gang. Besides has he heard of the "narrow way"? You see being a experienced fence sitter and a religious yet unsaved sinner for 49 of my 51 years, I can identify with fakes. And now that I see the light and the more I read the Word, the quicker I know when to run from misleaders like these. God blesses with discernment.

You couchers, are a disgrace to the faith. you guys are anything but humble.when Jesus was walking on this planet he was not traveling, on top of the line arabian horses.eventhough there were all kinds of fancy horses and camels, he chose to be humble unlike you people of tbn should be called. The Banity Netwok. thats a good name for you people, most of your preachers have privete planes i heard duplantis and benni they always brag about their wealth shame shame!!

So I read the article and I scrolled down and read a bunch (not all) the comments because a friend asked for my opinion. I figured that I might as well share.I have come to the conclusion that Christians are still a bunch of sinners and need Jesus just as much as they did before they were saved. The difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians are saved by the grace of Jesus and non-Christians have refused Him. That being said, there are a lot of Christians who are being changed from their old selves to their new selves and are still a bit rough around the edges... but about the article...I haven't seen these televangelists so I can't make a proper judgment of whether they are or are not properly proclaiming God's Word. Not that I wouldn't believe John MacArther, but to just believe him without looking into it would be rumor, even if the rumor was true. I do not proclaim to be a smart man, but I know the following:1. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life and no one goes to the Father except through Him. See John 14:62. His Salvation is one of Mercy and Grace, and not one of works, lest any of us shall boast. See Ephesians 2:8-93. The best way to expose a lie is with the Truth. Teach the truth, and those who have been believing lies will see the lies are what they are. Whether or not they keep believing lies once they know they are lies is not up to us. See Ephesians 5:6-214. God does not need to be defended or fought for or protected. He is the big God. I am the little man. He defends, fights for, and protects me. If He calls me to speak out against something, then I will be obedient to that charge, but it would be foolish for me to rush into a battle to which I wasn't called. See 2 Kings 23:295. Finally, we are to love one another, pray for one another, and lift each other up. If I were to truly believe that the people talking on TBN are saved, then I would do what I can to build them up in the Lord and in Truth. If I believed that they are not saved, then I would give them the Gospel. The Apostle Paul was concerned with judging people within the church, not outside. If someone wasn't repentant, he "delivered" them to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:20) If TBN preachers are doing what John MacArthur accuses them of, see 1 Timothy 6... just read the whole chapter, it's a short one. From what I know of Jesus, I believe we should love one another. We are called brothers not because we are supposed to fight like brothers, but because we are supposed to love like brothers. read 1 Corinthians 13. Read 1 John 4. Read anywhere in the Bible and you will see, by the Holy Spirit (the same one that dwells in me dwells in you) that we are supposed to love. God will convict. He will condemn. He will judge. Our job is to love. See the whole Bible for this one. I can't narrow it down to a single verse.

I will pray for you all, not by name or face... I'm not God either, but He knows who you are. I will pray that the people preaching God's Word do it in Truth and Love, whether they do it from a pulpit, a televison studio, or on the street. I will pray, asking the Lord to open up the hearts of all to the Truth, that we would not be deceived by the lies of men. I will pray for conviction and discernment on the hearts of those in charge of TBN, that they would rightly divide the Word of God and act responsible to the convictions that God puts on their hearts. I will pray for us all to listen quickly and speak and anger slowly knowing that a kind word turns away wrath. I will pray that the Holy Spirit guide us, and that we would submit to Him and to one another, in love and humility, bringing the grace of God before men that they may see and taste the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord and know that He is good.

I'm a sinner like you. I try not to, but I end up hating or lusting or coveting even when I know I shouldn't. It is only the Grace of God that keeps me from being consumed. Be blessed by the name of Jesus.

Your brother in Christ,

Jonathan

I will be most pleased to see John MacArthur's reply to this post by Paul Crouch Jr. I think Crouch's post was courteous enough, and so now it would be essential for John to really get specific. Crouch claims that he/they/TBN are totally ignorant of the charges against them, which might be hard to believe. Nevertheless, Paul Crouch Jr. now is aware that John MacArthur has some serious criticisms of the TBN, and it would be most helpful if John would reply in the next installment, and then if the same person who forwarded this message to Crouch Jr. would do the same for the next installment.

Paul Jr

You asked what Jesus would do and where is the grace? Jesus didn't hesitate to speak the Truth boldly to the Pharisees and false teachers. He called them exactly what they were Hypocrites and Vipers! Matt 15:8 "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me." God is warning His people - His sheep, through John MacArthur, about heretics and false teachers. We are the heed God's warnings.

I would like to respond to Jonathon. God may not need us to defend the gospel but He does ask us to. So you dont have to wait for God to commission you to defend the gospel He already has.

Jude 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

The titus 1 verses in this article is very plain.

Listen to the Apostle Pauls concerns

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

We do seem to take heresy lightly but the bible does not support this stance.

Also in your comments, you dont take into account the countless people who are led astray? prayer is good but we must speak against any and all false teaching!

Thank you Pastor John for your incisive biblically based comments concerning these purveyors of lies and unscriptualriy based approaches to representing Christ. I have long been suspicious of TBN, Daystar and their pastoral repressntatives who continue to sell religion instead of representing and, more importantly, teaching and instructing Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, when I have criticized these opportunists among some of those who aupport them I have been castagated. T.D. Jakes and Dollar Cresto have been selling opportunity gospel for years and continue to do so. In my oppinion, their misleading of sincere followers of the Lord should be more exposed from the pupits of bible believing pastors.

Galatians 1:9 is appropriate in this discussion, "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."

The predominant gospel proclaimed on TBN is a distinctly different gospel with a distinctly different Jesus. Yes, there may be a true gospel here and there represented by Kirk Cameron or others, but that is by far the minority.

If the predominant gospel preached on TBN is in fact not the true gospel, that causes one to question the aforementioned 30 million conversions. Thirty million decisions for Christ may well have been made; the question is which Christ and which gospel were those 30 million people believing?

Furthermore, parading decisions for Christ is the wrong way to measure success. We should measure success by faithfulness to the gospel, not by the results. In this article John has called into question faithfulness to the biblical gospel on the part of most TBN preachers. If in fact that Prosperity Gospel is a false gospel, it is a cult and we should treat them not as brothers, but as unbelievers who need to repent of sin and put their faith in the true Christ through whom all sin is forgiven, even blasphamies against Himself (Matthew 12:31-32).

TBN is caught between broadcasting a false religion with a little truth mixed in. It is emphatically not a Christian broadcaster. It is worse than a secular station because it pretends to speak truth when in fact is does not.

This is just a curious question. Has Pastor John been away from the pulpit for awhile because of his knee?. If so, can someone get him a wheel chair and a shorter pulpit or something?. I was disabled at the knees for six months. I know how it feels to even get up to use my crutches. Very painful. I thank the Lord for men whom Christ has chosen for this ministry. At first, I didn't like John MacArthur. That is because I was not ready to hear the things I needed to hear. The ear tickling and weak,user freindly teaching I was exposed to for 30 years did nothing for me. Pastor MacArthur, I thank the Lord for His guiding you to speak the truth. I am gradually becoming more able to toss my spiritual crutches even though it hurts. Get well soon Sir.

Greg, he was gone for a few months, but he is now back and should be in the pulpit pretty consistently for a while. When he first came back he sat on a stool for two or three weeks until he could get the strength to stand.

If you look at the Recent Messages page you can see when he has been in or out of the pulpit.

Okay,Thanks Gabriel. That is good to know.

This is for Jonathan Dow. Should you be interested. If anybody above has already suggested this,please forgive me for repeating what someone else in this blog thread may have already suggested. I am one of those that bought into the nonsense preached by the TBN folk for 30 years. One of them was my own Cousin who directly had me under his wing. He,Vince Schott,was often a host on the local branch of TBN here in Seattle. He is now Senior Pastor of All Nations Christian Church in Spokane Washington. I checked my brains out at the door. He was my older sibling since birth and his influence overpowered me up to the end of those wasted years. It was hard for me to unlearn the nonsense. There are still some emotional and theological challenges to overcome. If you would like a presentation on the topic of this blog, go to the GTY website main page. Scroll down to the "Study" box. You will see the 5 part video series on these people called "Does Truth Matter?", John MacArthur is the host. One could laugh,but,when I think of the damage, it is far from funny. I am embarrased that I believed that stuff.

Greetings GTY

After seeing the title of this post -I just had to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the ministry of Grace to You and Dr.John MacArthur.May God spare you many more years to expound the thruths of God's word.May your life,your ministry and your faithfulness to The Word of God be an example for many.May God's blessing rest on especially all your staff for their oustanding service.

God Bless

i used to get up at 4 in the morning to watch TBN...just to see the next T.D Jakes programme.But after a personal reformation these days i'm far more content with a copy of John's book "How to study the bible"...and i tell you Sir, it is infinitly more valuable :)

I'm really more of an agnostic, but I happen to agree with most posters here about the insanity of the "word-faith" movement. We have a charlatan in Columbus, Ohio named Rod Parsley who is now begging for $3,000,000 lest the ministry be shut down. Why doesn't he just follow his own advice and "sow a seed" in another ministry? Ah, right ... because it doesn't work!

However, I might remind the anti-TBN folks here that their claims of knowledge about what the Bible "really means" sound just as curious to us "outsiders" as the claims of the TBN folks do to you.

The existence of the numerous factions within Christianity seem to indicate that the truth about what God really meant in His word is not readily attainable.

If it is, what interpreation is correct? The dispensationalists, the cessationists, the Pentecostals, Catholics, the amils, the Calvinists or Arminians, the Anabaptists?

John M himself wrote a book called The Gospel According to Jesus, in which he condemned the "easy-believism" of fundamentalism, asserting instead that you must accept Jesus as Lord, not just savior.

For decades fundamentalist evangelistic lingo had it that you must "receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior." But there was a tension implied that seemingly no one noticed until recently. Might one accept him as savior only? The two aren't precisely the same. MacArthur argued that it is cheap grace to try to get away with seeing Jesus simply as a ticket to heaven, which one does if one accepts him only as savior. What about his demands for discipleship?

A battery of fundamentalist theologians stepped into the fray. Zane Hodges, Robert Lightner, and Charles Ryrie all wrote their own tomes arguing that belief in Jesus as savior is sufficient, and to demand any more is to revert to salvation by works.

Can it be then that belief in the inerrancy of the Bible, which all these authors share, cannot even guarantee a common gospel of salvation? Many have shouldered the burden of believing the impossibilities of inerrancy as long as they thought they had to in order to guarantee a true theology. But we can see it guarantees nothing.

Dear Ptr. John:

Many of my own countrymen avidly follow Hinn, Hagin and Blake.What is sad but understandably true is that what follows is when they are believers of these people, the real preachers of true gospel are rejected. It is truly difficult, if not close to impossible, to convince people through God's chosen way in the gospels and Paul's teachings. People here cannot stand declarations of the scripture and being faithful to that which the Lord Jesus mandated. We minister to our church (my husband is the pastor-teacher) which is composed of members coming from almost a lifetime of teachings from the seed-faith, prosperity gospel background. The "fight" is so immense that there were some who gave up, and some of those who remained had a hard time taking off those teachings from their mindset. It is true also that the result of these teachings is that it is even more difficult with those who had been deeply affected by the evident greed and downfall of many pastors who succumbed, to fully commit themselves to the Lord Jesus and His true church. I am copying your two blogs (Oral Roberts' legacy/influence and Unholy trinity) and print them and distribute to members for them to read and share to others. I personally pray for you, as I know my husband does too; that you continue to be strong and uncompromising. May God richly bless you and your family.

Thanks John Macarthur for taking a bold stand for the truth against these false teachers. May Christ bless you and GTY.

Anita,

Thank you for commenting here! Since I don't know your background the only thing I would say is that having read material from all the different theological positions you listed, it is often not too difficult to determine the truth when one compares a writer's position with the Bible. People most often believe what they do because that is what they hear, and they don't care to study the (or even read) the Bible themselves.

A lot of people who get baptized at Grace Community Church state that they were part of <name any religion/cult> until they started reading the Bible for themselves. John himself would never want you to trust what he says just because he said it. He would want you to compare it with the Bible and believe what the Bible says.

Because we believe the Bible is the ultimate authority, we should do what the Apostle Paul said and "test everything, hold fast to what is good" (1 Thess 5:21). I encourage you to do the same! But do not make the mistake that so many do and discard what they do not understand.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Pastor MacArthur

Thanks for your article on the charismatics.I very recently had contacted sky angel broadcasting of "faith" programming and discovered that the majority of scheduled "faith" programs are charismatic, Women preachers and many of the networks and preachers you mentioned. It is very difficult to find a Gospel Expository Bible church in this area,(s.w.ohio)and most others only have 1 service period per week. My mom is 82yrs. and stays home from the task of finding a Good church and watchs all these hodge podge of programs,along with a few good Bible programs. The confusion and disagreements that arise are very painful and distracting for us all and not helpful for christian growth and fellowship. Please pray for us. Thank you for teaching and preaching the truth.I have lisened to you since the 80s.Thank you

Pastor John, as a charismatic christian, I want you to know that I completely agree with you regarding TBN and other christian TV channels. The programming on these stations disgusts me. If their owners had an ounce of integrity, they would not broadcast the heresy that they do. Thank you for speaking out against this abomination, and please continue to do so in the future.

I do not speak english bery well but one thing I know and I do andestend that you are right about this felse theacher and preachers. Their point its about money not people to get saved. I give thanks to God for you and those who are working together with you. Keep doing it. This is one of the bigest WAR on the earth, THE TRUTH GOSPEL , wich is not about money but Salvation. God bless you all.

Great comment Deputy Loos,

I'll be going into LE this coming spring as a true follower of Christ......I wish I had a moment to talk with you to get some Godly wisdom in where I'm going (if you know what I mean), from a christian perspective.

Thanks Pastor John for "standing for the truth".

thank you pastor john for your commitment to the Word of God.

in my own reading i have realized that you are inline with what the Holy Spirit would teach me in the Word of God. i have grown closer to and have become more in love with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through your teachings. the confusions that i accumulated from watching preachers on tv and from reading other "christian" books have been expunged through your expositional preachings.

i appreciate your life and ministries. you inspire me to be a faithful servant of Christ. Ephesians 4:12-13.

God bless you, your health, your family, your church - which i always pass by on the way to my church :), and your ministries!

in Christ, cyril florita

First of all. I think Mr. MacArthur is right, and it is not a personal attack on your parents as your parents. Meaning of course you are gonna be defensive of your parents. I would be too, but if they were sincerely doing something wrong. I would stand up for that, I would say I still love you Mom and Dad and whether you are doing something intentional or not, it is still wrong.

Second, Mr. Crouch, Jr. I would rather see commercials on your station than having people begging poor people for money. I mean the poorest of the poor. I have seen it myself over and over, people asked basically to send their last dime to your station. At least commercials you know what you are getting for it, not more of people who beg for more of your money. It would be different if it was a few major times. And also in those times like they do on the "Praise-A-Thons," promise you will get something from God just for giving to the network.

Third, many of your ministries do silly things just to get money, if you don't see that you are very blind. I have seen Marilyn Hickey say they prayed and mixed a special oil with some other people together and they send you a pack of oil and it's cooking oil! Even my Mom knew that, she's and unbeliever and she knew I had been tricked. She said that's cooking oil and I'm like your right. How can you say you are sending some special mixed (supposedly something like olive oil and send some one a packet of cooking oil).

Also your mother has been talking about a place in Haiti for children for years about it being built, but when I see the specials about it, it is never finished. After like 5 years it's gonna have enough money to get built.

And if some one like T.D. Jakes is going around and not supporting the Trinity, that is heresy. Heresy is to be pointed out, the bible is pretty clear about that. Also false preachers are to be exposed, too. If you don't think your parents are, I can understand that, that's Mommy and Daddy, even though I think you are blind to it. At least look around and see everybody else such as Benny Hinn when it has been proven on news specials that He has a lavish life style.

Mr. MacArthur would not just be willy nilly and just point a finger for no good reason. just as he said before he has researched and done a book on this and he was giving you all the benefit of the doubt and see if anything has changed and all he is saying is it has not. Also what about the past scandels, you think if it happened once, it can not happen again?

Another thing is I have seen your live hour on TBN where you have your Father on and he's asking what are they saying (on Twitter) and you shield him of the truth that people are despising the falsehood of the way the bible is being twisted and anything else they think is bad and you don't even mention it. I think you are doing him a diservice. He has a chance on live TV to defend himself and you don't even tell him what people are saying.

Also you have more advantage of all them at TBN, you know technology and traditional broadcasting. You have seen the bad and good and falsehood and truth and you still chose to act like you haven't seen the truth. Mr. Paul Crouch, Jr. You say that your father gets 350,000, but then you said it gets given back to the ministries. Could this possibly to each fellow TBN preachers, you scratch my back I'll scratch yours and then it looks like he is simply giving to God.

Even though you are an intelligent person I can see that, I think you are very naive. Wake up and smell the heresy and false prophets, it only takes one time for a prophet to be false, case in point Kim Clement, has not bee right 100 percent of the time.

I think Mr. MacArthur again is not doing something as a personal attack, to be mean at people you probably consider your family, it is what any one would do when they see something as "money grubbing" and scripture twisting. He is just saying what many of us other Christians have seen through out the years of watching TBN.

A Simple THANK YOU John for speaking the TRUTH!

We love you and pray for your speedy Recovery.

Be Strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might!

Thank you pastor for helping us to know the truth. I have been very blessed to have learned of your teachings thru a member of my church. I listen to you every day on my drive to work and study the Bible and listen to your sermon archives in the evening. I cannot thank you enough for being a voice for the truth.

RU Forreal

Nice post you coward. Maybe if you knew the Word a little better you wouldnt be so bothered by the fact that GTY charges for their materials (sometimes). You arent so naive as to think they are free to produce do you? Have you ever read the first 14 verses of 1 Cor 9? Maybe if you knew this you wouldnt be so bothered by the exchange of material things for spiritual ones. BTW do you work for free? Dont be a hypocrite. Johnnie Mac is the most faithful preacher of truth that I know anything about, he is an absolute GIFT to the Church. He is the most insightful, anointed, Spirit-filled, couragous, amazing, wonderful, preacher of the Gospel I know. So instead of being on the Devil's side and trying to discredit this wonderful man of God why dont you switch sides and help him spread the true Gospel as far and wide as God allows? Just a thought. Yours, S

ps. just for clarification I am not that Steve Stricker, I cant golf and I dont know Tiger Woods.

Pastor McArthur,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I had been in 'so-called' Christian churches and supported these same ministries since 1982 because I was taught that this was right. I never got the blessings or the healings, even though I prayed in Jesus' name and gave 'til I had nothing to live on. I finally left the 'so-called' church last year. I heard a sermon on the radio that you gave. It was "Who is This Jesus?". Something woke up in my spirit. I went to your website and I listened to "What To Look For in a Pastor","Are Just a Few Being Saved?" Because of love your have to spread the Word, you opened the archives (for FREE). For the last 8 months I have listened to 5-6 sermons a day. You have taught me so very much and I now know the truth. Thank you very very much. I care not for the world but only want to serve the One who made us, my Father, my Redeemer, my Lord! I spend hour a day and am so hungry for the Word, to know it well so I can share with others. I want to learn to live it. YOU have given me this opportunity. I thank the Lord for you everyday, sometimes many times a day. I may get a crown, one day, but I believe that you're going to a a room full of crowns and I know that (as you stated in one of your sermons) you'll give them back to Him in complete humility because there will be no pride in Heaven. I hope that Grace Church realizes what a great and humble servant of the Lord they have. Please keep it up. There are so many like me. If I never get to meet you and the Grace Church body, I'll see you in Heaven. Nothing will get in my way of seeing my Father, one day. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Very Sincerely and Thankfully,

Neda Hall

Cleveland, Ohio

Hi Gabriel, thanks for the comments.

You write: "[John] would want you to compare it with the Bible and believe what the Bible says"

I think that's part of the issue. Various people over the years have backed their positions over the years with the very same Bible John uses, but have simply come to very different conclusions as to what it (and therefore God) is saying.

For example, the Bible has used both for and against the following (which is only a partial list)

a) limited atonement

b) infant baptism

c) slavery (see http://docsouth.unc.edu/church/string/string.html)

d) polygamy

e) speaking in tongues

f) the necessity of participating in the sacraments

g) women serving as teachers in the church

h) amillennialism

i) the existence of free will in fallen men

j) the ability of Christ's believers to heal the sick (alongside other gifts of the spirit)

On both sides, Scripture has been used eloquently to defend the position in question. Are we saying that John is "more accurate" than every other theologian in history in terms of the Bible's true intent? If not, what exactly are we saying?

I can only speak for myself But I am CONFIDENT THAT THE MINUSTRY AT GTY dose not add to or take away from scripture. Making their instruction on scripture no more superior to any other person who rightfully intreprets scripture in this age or in any previous ages. The inerrant words in scripture presented by John follow exactly what I believe and 99.9 posters on this blog site (Unless I'm mistaken ? )

Having been born-again by the Spirit of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ according to the provisions of the abounding grace of God, and being justified on the grounds of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and acknowledging our willingness to confess Him as our Saviour before men; we do now in the presence of God, the Holy Angels, and this Assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body of Christ. We engage therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this local assembly within the body of Christ in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, disciplines, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully, scripturally, and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations by means of our missionaries and fundamental faith missions.( Ephesians 1:15; 2:6; 5:5-27 / Galatians 5:16-23 / Romans 6:1-14 / Hebrews 4:12; 10:13-14 / I Corinthians 6:19-20 / II Corinthians 3:18; 6:14-17; 7:1 / II Peter 3:18 )

We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, His revelation to man, inerrant in the original writings; and that it is therefore the supreme and final authority in all matters of doctrine, faith, and life.( II Timothy 3:16-17 )

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.( Matthew 28:19 )

We believe that Jesus Christ eternally existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit; that in His incarnation was begotten by the Holy Spirit; born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.( John 1:1-19 / I Tim. 3:16 )

We believe that man was created in the image of God; that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God; that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and are totally depraved; that those who reach moral responsibility become sinners in thought, word and deed, and must be born-again to be accepted of God.( Romans 5:12; 3:10 & 23 /John 3:1-21 )

We believe that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and a substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. We believe that He arose bodily from the dead on the third day in the same body in which He suffered and died. We also believe that our Lord ascended into Heaven; that He is now seated on the right hand of the Father, and is our High Priest and divine Advocate with the Father. We believe that by His finished work on the Cross and His unceasing ministry of intercession in glory, Jesus Christ has procured for every believer Eternal Redemption, Eternal Salvation, and Everlasting Life.( Romans 5:9 / I Corinthians 15:3 & 4 / John 3:16; 20:27 / Mark 16:19 / Hebrews 5:9; 7:25; 8:1;9:12 / I John 2:1 )

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person; that He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that He regenerates the sinner by the Word of God; that He permanently indwells the Church and the body of each believer. He seals, enlightens, instructs, and guides every born-again person, and is the efficient power for godly living, Christian service, and spiritual worship.( John 3:5-7; 14:16,17, 26; 16:7-15 / I Peter 1:23 / Ephesians 4:30 )

We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ was begun at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven and came into the Church; that it is composed solely of born-again people who have been called out from among the Jews and Gentiles to become the body and bride of our Lord. Christ glorified in Heaven is its Head; and the Holy Spirit on earth is the active agent of the God-Head, who ever seeks within its ranks, to bring about conformity and obedience to the Word of God and the will of God. Beingone body unites believers to each other and all to Christ; and its chief purpose of existence is to evangelize the world and complete itself through the winning of lost souls to Christ.( Mark 16:15 / Acts 1:8; Acts 2; 15:14 / Romans 1:16 / Ephesians 5:23-24 / I Corinthians 12:12-13 )

We believe the two ordinances that Christians are commanded to observe are water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. While recognizing that water baptism has no saving merit, it is our conviction that after one is saved, water baptism is the next step in order to portray to the world the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is our conviction that the scriptural method of water baptism is immersion. We believe that water baptism by immersion is to be observed but once and is a sign of identification and testimony to newness of life. We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death until He comes. The Lord’s Supper is to be observed often as a memorial of the sacrificed body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.( Romans 6:4 / Colossians 2:9-13 / I Corinthians 11:23-33 )

We believe in the Blessed Hope, the personal, pre-millennial, pre-tribulational and imminent return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which is know as the Rapture of the Church. We also believe in the personal, visible, and glorious return of Christ to the earth with His saints at the end of the Great Tribulation. This phase of His coming is known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. When He returns to the earth with His saints, we believe that Jesus Christ will then establish His millennial Kingdom and will reign for one thousand years.( Titus 2:13 / I Thessalonians 4:13-17 / John 14:3 / Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-6 )

We believe that “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” and therefore His covenant people, Israel, now blind and scattered, shall be redeemed and re-gathered to the land of promise, which is Palestine, and under the personal and millennial reign of Christ upon David’s throne in Jerusalem, shall become the head of nations; and “the Gentiles shall come to their light and kings to the brightness of their rising.”( Romans 11:25-29 / Psalm 72 / Isaiah 60:3 )

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just at the Rapture; and of the unjust at the end of time.( John 5:28:29 / I Thessalonians 4:16 / I Corinthians 15:51-57 / Revelation 20:11-15 )

We believe in Heaven and Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal conscious joy for all who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Hell is the place of eternal conscious punishment in the Lake of Fire for all who reject Jesus Christ and those dying in their sin.( John 8:24; 14:1-6 / Psalm 9:17; 16:11 / Philippians 1:21-23 / II Thessalonians 1:7-9 / Revelation 20:10-15 )

We believe that Satan is a personal being, a fallen angel, prince of demons, the god of this age, the great enticer and deceiver, the adversary of Christ and His people, the accuser of the brethren, whose end is in the Lake of Fire.( Isaiah 14:12-15 / Ezekiel 28:12-19 / Matthew 25:41 / II Corinthians 4:3-4 / I Peter 5:8 / Revelation 12:9-10; 20:10 )

We believe that the Scriptures clearly teach non-conformity to the world for every believer; that born-again people should be separated from the world unto Christ; that it is clearly commanded of God that all believers should live lives of separation from all worldly and sinful practices; and to be holy as He is holy. We believe that positional sanctification occurs at the moment of regeneration; and that practical sanctification is to be progressive throughout the entire life span of a believer on earth. God’s provision for holy living is in the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, resurrection and ascension, the indwelling person and power of the Holy Spirit, and the believer’s yieldedness to Him, and by the powerful Word of God. ( John 17:17 / Colossians 1:13; 3:1 )- We also engage to maintain family and private devotion; to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to seek the salvation of our kindred, our acquaintances, our enemies, and all children and adults within and beyond this Assembly.

Through the provision that God has made for victorious Christian living, it shall be our desire to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, and to live a life of separation from sinful and worldly practices, with a desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through the love of Christ, we will put away from us all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking - and be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. We recognize that the outstanding evidence of the Christian life is love, according to the words of our blessed Lord when He said, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one for another.” ( John 13:35 )

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the commands of our Saviour, to secure it without delay. And this we do depending entirely upon the aid of our Heavenly Father, who so loved the world that He gave His only Son for our salvation, and Jesus Christ our Saviour, who has redeemed us with His own precious blood, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Teacher, and Guide.

To Paul Crouch Jr:

This is not a "charismatic/fundamentalist" issue. I am a charismatic myself, I don't share John MacArthur's cessationist views (and neither am I a calvinist), I don't often listen to him, and I certainly don't think he's god. But I agree completely with him that TBN is responsible for disseminating heresy of the worst kind.

I just checked the schedules for the next two days on the TBN website. I noted that the following people are featured: Kenneth Hagin, Rod Parsley, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, TD Jakes, Marilyn Hickey. These are all false teachers who preach a different gospel. Why do you promote them? If your family had an ounce of integrity and concern for the truth, you would not broadcast their programs.

You may sincerely believe that what you are doing is the right way to spread the gospel, but, with the greatest of respect, you are sincerely wrong.

The one thing I noted from your comments is that you offer no response to MacArthur's specific doctrinal concerns about TBN and the material it broadcasts. This says to me that you have no answer.

Anita,

Yes, I definitely know that the Bible is used (or rather, abused) to support many different and contradictory things. But that doesn't mean the Bible condones or teaches those things, only that it is used in that way. We should not fault the Bible for how people use it.

Many of those things you brought up are easily rejected if one interprets the Bible like any other book, namely, in its historical, grammatical, and literary context. Take slavery for example; the Bible never commands or condones slavery. Neither does it condemn it. It simply acknowledges its existence in the world and culture of that time and often uses that reality as an analogy for spiritual truth (see John's message "Slaves for Christ").

The Bible is in one sense just like any book and should be interpreted with the same principles of interpretation as any other book. This is where people get whacky ideas because they spiritualize or allegorize the Bible and literally make up things claiming the Bible teaches it when it does it.

Therefore what you should do in evaluating any teaching is see if it jives with a literal, historical, grammatical and literary understanding of the text. A passage cannot mean today what it has never meant. Often descriptive (narrative) passages are taken as commands (e.g. healing the sick). Sometimes prescriptive passages are taken as descriptive (women pastors). Most often a wrong interpretation stems from 1) lack of understanding of the historical context, 2) lack of understanding of the language, 3) misunderstanding the literary type, or 4) not considering the context.

If you understand the very simple principles of literary interpretion, which really apply to any written document, modern or ancient, you can pick out if someone is teaching the truth or a lie.

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If anyone knows Hank Hanegraffe's ministry - www.equip.org - all these will not be new to you! But coming from a godly, highly respected truly man of God's own heart - Brother John MacArthur, gives that added weight to these observations.

These false prophets are dangerously growing in number via media like “God” Channel (sky), TBN, KICC TV, and radio stations in particular in the UK - Premier "Christian" radio on AM and DAB - who continues to give airtime to the likes of Ashimolowo, Joel Olston, Creflo Dollar, Witness Nee, Joyce Myer, TD Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn et al, despite many warnings flagged to the management of this radio station!

There are also a new group of unqualified, money-centred, false-healing, African bandits of so called "Pastors" e.g. Matthew Ashimolowo of KICC - leading the bandits - and many that are looking to him to propagate the deadly doctrines of The American Word-of-Faith (Blab-It-And-Grab-It) "mega-church" movement of wealth - please see for yourselves on various - Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 http://www.christiansat.org.uk/channels.html! You don't have to be a diligent student of the Word to see the red-alert dangers of their vitriol, they boldly pride themselves in the fact that they believe, and God gives to the them! Unfortunately, the crowd that believes these scriptural and doctrinal cyanide are usually individuals of depleted knowledge of theology and of limited understanding of the indigenous languages of the bible including English!

Not only is it our duty to protect the sheep but as Apostles Peter, Paul and John showed us that we must not be afraid to confront and expose the truth-benders - 2Pet2-, 2Pet3:16; 2Cor11:13, 1Tim6:20; 1John4 respectively to name a few....

Thank you Pastor MacArthur for your long-awaited voice on this unsavourily growing cancer in the body of Christianity, it solidifies the already strong group of formidable Christian men – Hank H, Greg Koukl, Norman Geisler, Chuck Colson et al - that are openly confronting this issue and more.

Your freely available daily half-hour sermons on the internet are effectively emboldening and changing lives, bringing them both young and old - to the true knowledge and respect of God and His unchanging word to mankind. I may not get the opportunity to meet you here on this side of eternity but certainly looking forward to meeting you and many other Truth-propagators and God-fearing men, on the other side of eternity!

May God almighty continue to strengthen you, your staff, your ministry, and your family. Please continue ministering to us by unleashing God's truth... one verse at a time! Merry Christmas!

Er, am I missing something here?

John's and many other true ministries does not say pay to try God for healing, for wealth, for illegal immigrant to suddenly have a permanent entitlement to the country they cunningly invade, to stealthily covet 'things' that does not belong to them.

You do not hear dodgy extra-biblical doctrines from Grace To You - which are the doctrines of demons - from the pulpit of these Word of Faith "managers"....

With the issue of money and selling resources....I don't think there is a government aid (in any country) to make media free to true Christian ministries like Grace To You, Bible Answer man, Stand To Reason... to name a few especially when they are bringing back the truth of God and challenging bodies..forcefully to counter the dangerous cultic teachings that is so readily available from these people due to insurmountable number of luke-warmers who likes their ears to be tickled (2Tim4:3-4) with imaginary luxuries and buys the trash resources that these guys mass-produce. In turn, they grow richer, can maintain the hefty bills of radio and TV stations while making their followers poorer.

So Mr Wise-guy, how then can true ministries like this remain on air to counter-balance these very dangerous teachings which are not teachings at all, without asking for support of the few that love truth and most importantly make their resources available freely rather than charge? And when they do charge it is really to give generously for the support. I can’t put a price on Truth and those ministries that stands for Truth of God. So not only must the likes of GTY or BAM charge but ALL listeners should see it as a responsibility to support both financially and prayerfully for the attcks on these ministries are not light! You obviously, represent part of these attacks.

Another interesting thing is that there are always people like yourselves - presumably already in the fold of Christianity that only come to make accusations of people that stand up to, as one person would describe - sacred cows - of one's theological preference.

You need to research how much it costs to remain on the air-space, so truth-propagators MUST legitimately find a way of funding to remain able to counteract with these people that are regularly bringing the name of Christ through the mud - every time! Therefore, they rely on believers to buy their many resources used to maintain the media presence (taking the gospel of Truth into the corners of the world).

On the contrary, these TBN stars dupe live on screen, requesting monetary pledges for healing, for wealth using made-up doctrines and in a mega-fashion rake the money in, this is double fold:

1. destruction of the soul with doctrines which is not of God

2. emotional & financial destruction of the followers ...just review the now run-down Todd Bentley who was a mega-sold-out "minister" but was also a mega fraud – where is he now?

We must always check our motives, as we will account for all that we have uttered in defence or against.

You must wake-up, and be honest with yourself.

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1. My last blog was for Ru Forreal, a true convert to Word of Faith movement. Check-out www.equip.org and diligently follow www.gty.org and see the difference that of TBN's and the elites of the word of Faith leaders.

2. Regarding Paul Crouch Jnr:

I thought it was a joke to see the name Crouch on the blog, a big welcome!

Paul Crouch JUNIOR reminds me of a child that has always got everything he wants from his father including very dodgy ("dodgy" by the way is the Brit's definition of shady, questionable, out-of-thin air :)) projects on so called TBN and Christian TV.

Paul is expected to defend his father all the way to the bank, just listen to him and know what is at stake if he doesn't, the name brand - "Paul Crouch" after his father’s name, multi-million dollar communication estate, cosy lifestyle, $350k wage ....with Benny Hinn (this is the one that said he ‘….would shoot anyone who messes with his friends - Crouches on the list - with a holy ghost machine gun’) on the list of supporters? Ha ha ha...what do we expect him to say in defence of Paul Crouch Snr?

Somebody has already mentioned here that you should check your father's diluted messages and legacies to the Bible. I was also surprised that the next heir to the TBN throne, sees massive number of audiences - some 30 million - as a test of successful godly ministry? When majority are made up of:

1. The uneducated illiterates in usually developing countries

2. The educated but biblical illiterates that finds the depth of true biblical exposition too uncomfortable, tedious and UNPROFITABLE and finally

3. The Gullibles - who just believe anything that the All-White-Attired "anointed man of god" aka Benny Hinn spews out from the Crouches studio?

Have you conveniently forgotten that, according to Jesus – the Author and Finisher of our faith, the road to hell is wide and MANY will go here???? (Matt 7:13)

Junior Crouch essentially says '...if you don't like what my father's empire is doing in the world, then listen up......switch off your set, we don't need ya all! We've got our devotees!' The attitude just as expected.

So then, the big question is:

****Should Pastor MacArthur really respond to Crouch JUNIOR? ****

I don't think so! There will not be any benefit in responding to his allegations, as it seems as if he has no regard for upholders of truth, (he was quick to easily and cheaply compare Pastor MacArthur's article as modern-day "John Calvin's thesis" ) obviously well-trained, heeding to the legacies of Word of Faith movement. They have no regards towards even the great reformers that gave protestants the voice to challenge some authorities in Rome and its church leaders, placing Christianity where we got to!

Paul, by the way, the ministry is "Grace To You" and not "Grace For You" another subtle difference but important.

To Pastor MacArthur & GTY:

Your ministry, Pastor MacArthur, is unique and second-to-none. You are a living example of a true leader. THAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNK YOU!!!!

Sincerely,

Mike Koleosho (Kent, United Kingdom)

--------------------------------

Disclaimer: I DON’T WORSHIP PASTOR MACARTHUR, NEVER MET HIM BEFORE NOR RESPOND ON HIS BEHALF BUT LIKE HE AND MANY HERE, I AM A DEFENDER OF THE WORD OF GOD ACCORDING TO JUDE 3 - 4! AND SOUL-DESTROYING OUTLETS LIKE TBN MUST BE EXPOSED EVERYTIME!!!

Thank you for truth! I listen to you on the radio and get the meat of the word with no bones to spit out. Love you in the Lord

To Paul Crouch Jr,

What makes you think that Pastor John is being treated like God? You must be annoyed that many have written in to support him. Do not think that all those who wrote in are in agreement with his beliefs. I am not a word of faith believer but I am also not a Calvinist or a cessationist. Pastor John is no God. He is not even near being a prophet. Have you ever heard him make any reckless prophecy or make claims of raising the dead. No he did not do any of these. So why do you conclude that the commentators here see him as God or some divine being. But you can be sure that many have high respect for him because he consistently stood up for the Word of God and the gospel even if he is alone. They respect him for standing above the rest in contending and defending the faith. He boldly speaks up when others chose to remain silent when the gospel is trampled on.

I suppose Oral Roberts couldn't come up with the 80 million this time around.

In all seriousness, the real tragedy with all these false teachers is that they are taking thousands of people with them to the gates of destruction.

To which I would ask, which Jesus did they accept?

Was it the biblical Jesus, or the Jesus that lost his deity when he came to earth, died with the sin nature on the cross and had to buy our redemption in hell-- like many of your " teachers" have taught over and over again?

You all should be highly ashamed at the false teachings you have spread in the name of Jesus!

Is what I'm saying done in love? It is. I hope you all repent and come to the real Jesus, so that not only do you escape destruction, you will renounce your unbiblical teachings so that those whom would follow you may be saved as well.

This message is for Paul Crouch Jr.

Is it ok for your mother to ask from little people for their saved grocery money? I would love to know what was she thinking? Maybe you can answer that question for her. We dont hate you, we hate your teachings, and if you know the Gospel correctly your dad should stop all the false teachigs that is going on on tbn.

Anita B,

Your comments are quite understandable.The confusion is not with the Bible,but with the fallible humans interpreting it.Many like to pull verses out of context in order to make a point,or sometimes read things into the scriptures that aren't actually there.We all have a responsiblity to be very careful in our study of the Bible.However I can tell you that I have been reading John MacArthur's works for over 20 years and he is very dependable.He is very careful with his expositon of the Bible and always gives very thorough explanations for his interpretations.Though some things in scripture are more difficult to understand,the gospel itself is very clear.God is holy,we are sinners in need of a savior and Jesus Christ is that Savior,and you can't divide Christ.He is both Lord and Savior.

my brother is still heavily involved in similer movement a so-called prophetic movment like

rick joyner from morning star mini. his theology way out there he says people are healed all

the time they prophesy to each other eschatology is twisted this trobles me very much

the bad part is that this teaching has hardened him to any other forms of doctrine mainly

the truth it seems once these so-called teachers get you hooked only the truth with grace

will lead you out God bless gty for speaking the truth.................

thank you Pastor John, its good to see I’m not the only one who feel this way, many people who i know love tbn, i cant look @ the channel either, my father who wasn’t even saved would make comments to me about the channel, he ask me once "HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK THOSE GOLD CHAIRS OUR WORTH" ..... THANK AGAIN DEE_norwalk ca

I'd love to respond to all those who have posted but even when I post something that contains only factual information that doesn't contain any foul language and from what I could tell didn't break any of the rules for this board, the moderators removed my post. So for those who have called me a coward and the moderators left that posting, then I would have to say that the moderators are unjust on this site. Why encourage dialog if even when I do obey the rules my posting gets removed? To the moderators, why do you remove my postings when I only put in the financial data about this ministry that this site provides a link to? What are you so scared of? You are only confirming to me that John and this multimillion dollar ministry is in it for the bucks, as I suspected. When are we going to see some real Christianity?

Ru Forreal:

The administrators did not remove your post that included financial data--you did. By using a fake email address and hiding behind an alias you've continued to act irresponsibly. Your comments haven't been helpful--several people (including me) have responded to your comments; you refuse to acknowledge them or interact. Your drive-by sniping doesn't show respect for John MacArthur or anyone else who particpates on this blog.

I'm blocking you from posting here any further using ruforreal@mouse.com. If you'd like to register again with a real email address, and then contribute to the discussion in a respectful way, you're welcome to return.

Travis Allen
Director of Internet Ministry

Thank You Pastor John MacArthur for standing up for truth. I wish there were other outlets on FiOS TV besides TBN and its affiliates. With the exception of Charles Stanley and a few other sound Pastors, there is no real quality preaching on TV. Is there a chance Grace To You could be considered for future consideration in being added to FamilyNet channel?

It's very true that Pentecostal and Charismatic churches have openly embraced the Prosperity Gospel. The Lord is watching and observing everything so all these false teachers will have to give an account when Jesus returns. I'm glad to hear the ministry is doing very well in these tough economic times and i pray the Lord will continue to bless this ministry. God Bless You! :)

Here's some thoughts as to why the prosperity gospel is false:

1. It's unbiblical. I'll leave it to pastor John to explain why.

2. It doesn't work. There's no evidence that people who give generously or donate their grocery money become rich.

3. Those who preach it don't practice it. How much do they give away? Very little. There's several documented cases where donors to a ministry have fallen on hard times and requested financial help, only to be turned down. And look at the recent appeal from Rod Parsley. Surely his response to a financial crisis in his ministry should be to increase his giving, not make a desperate plea for cash.

4. Those who preach it are corrupt. For example, they claim that thousands are saved or healed through their ministries, but there's no evidence of this. And look at all the sex scandals etc.

5. The money donated isn't just used for Christian work. It is siphoned off to give the preachers a lavish lifestyle. Even if their salaries are reasonable, they receive considerable fringe benefits such as cars, houses, even private jets. It seems that they see building luxury offices as more important than actual christian work.

To Ru Forreal:

I knew there was something shady about you and your positional (i.e financial status of GTY) attack, I sensed and now confirmed that you do indeed wear mask to present falsehood. I fyou honestly and sincerely provide these "facts" to this forum, why then can't you reveal your true identity via your id and FAKE email? It sounds as if you work for the enemy - satan transfomrs into angel of light, duplicates God's things and it sounds as if you are doing the same. There is no light in what you said you presented. And boy do I love this ministry, just like brother MacArthur, they readily have "sentinels" to sniff dodgy-dealers (British colloq = fakes) like you out and immediately cut off one bad egg from the good bunch. I love GTY and all because of who the leader is.

Thank you Travis and Gabriel (GTY internet sniffers) for the scrutiny that you are giving to people and comments that violates rules (so similar to the Word of God - violators or those that do not conform to Christ's Words, will not inherit the kingdom but will be cast into outer darkness...) of this forum and swiftly rid of the likes of fake "Ru Forreal" ....into outer darkness! And Jesus then concludes, in that day, there will gnashing of teeth...!

Teachers like JM are not easy to come by, many ducks and dives from hot, rocking-the-boat type issues...in the name of noth splitting the body?!?!? Even when Jesus says, He has not come to bring peace to world (Matt.10:34).

Thank you, Pastor JM, for being you!

18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Which means that.....

When the child of looks INTO the word of God and sees the Son of God, He is changed by the Spirit of God into the Image of God for the Glory of God - Warren Wiersbe -

All I do I do for the Glory Of God. Others would do well in trying this approach.

re: Paul Crouch

some thoughts ...

- galatians 6 is talking to brethren - yes - gentleness and grace.

but how did john the baptist and Jesus address the false teachers of

their day?

- can't we all just get along? no - not at the expense of the truth.

tbn programming presents a false 'health wealth' gospel

that deceives people and leads them away from Christ.

your response misses the point - don't try and defend your ministry -

try and defend your message, does it line up with Scripture?

did Jesus say 'in this world you will have health and wealth?'

- 30,000,000. what exactly is that?

is that people crying out 'Father, have mercy on me a sinner', forsaking

and repenting of sin and turning to Christ for forgiveness?

or is that people saying 'Jesus come into my life and save me from hell and

give me a cadillac too'?

there's a big difference.

i was willing to say a prayer when i was in 2nd grade, but i wasn't

willing to repent (and be converted) until God granted that to me

when I was much older.

some really good books on this:

'today's gospel - authentic or synthetic' by Walter J. Chantry

'the invitation system' by Iain H. Murray

respectfully,

paul ripley

Benny Hinn has given an interview explaining his "miracles" and teachings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wioTQQw0edw&feature=player_embedded

Thank you Pastor MacArthur for exposing false teachers.

God bless you

I grew up in Sothern California believing that TBN was an honest Christian Network. For many, many years I saw a great many False teachers dominate their broadcast programs. Most of the main churches not only silent, but accept the lies and false doctrine. The problem is with the so-called Christians. Disernment has disappeared and the teaching is false in the Charismatic churches. As long as the main line churches continue to feed Believers (spiritual Junk Food) they will fall for anything. After 30 years in a Non-Denominational church.....I had to unlearn almost everything I learned. Thanks be to God, He has provided a good church to grow in Grace.

im so thankfull that paul crouch jr read this artical i believe the truth of Gods word will make progress into the family of TBN judgement must begin in Gods household wake up christians like jesus drove out the money changers may he purge christian tv of this smut and the leaders of TBN learn true biblical teachings if paul crouch sr likes john macathurs teaching then please please please.... sit under his teaching and judge for yourself and not just john go to desiringgod.org john piper and R.C sproul get trained in the truth dont let pride stand in your way God will honor it PAUL CROUCH PLEASE PRAY no one is judgeing you its the teaching its GOT TO GO GOD BLESS YOU PAUL CROUCH with love in christ..................

TBN TBN TBN WAAAAAAAAAAAKE UUUUUUUUUUUUUP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In regard to the subject of the persons mentioned in Charismatic Chaos, TBN and others like them. I want to include The International and Boston Churches of Christ as well as the Assemblies of God I was a member of as well. I started at the works based Church Of Christ at age 19. There may be some charismatics that abhor most of the teachings,antics and practices of the above folk.I am a now a52 year old man who first came to believe that there was more to this life while sitting on my couch and pondering the idea at age 19. I was raised by atheists.

These churches have much in common. They believe that tounges, demon delivery, prophesy, words from the lord (proclamation of condemnation etc) to the crowds as well as individuals like me who was condemned and warned that I may have lost my salvation. I had sin problems and much guilt that followed. After some years I left church all together, fell into grave debauchery and them came back uncountable times. Since I was a toddler, I was always full of fear and doom. My atheist mother was a harsh and neurotic person as well as her parents. I was told that I may have lost my salvation, but not worry about it. In my 40's after years of fear of reading those disturbing verses, and remembering the warnings and condemnation from these charismatic female prophets. I gave up and began cursing Gods name and sinking into even worse gross sins. Taking His name in vain and blaming God for allowing me to be exposed to these teachers. I would soon feel horror for doing that and seek to come back. This being so, I still carry the fear that I either lost my salvation or never had it and thus lost my chance to be saved. Three years ago, I started listening to John MacArthur. A totally different tone and presentation. Something told me this is good and right. I checked my brains out at the door to the charismatic

teachers and yet,still torment that I lost my opportunity to be saved. This being after all the years of habitual fear and brainwashing. It is like I committed the unpardonable sin of rejecting Him too long or something. These teachers don't just focus on prosperity. They manipulate with so called threats that God will curse people if they don't comply with what God told them to say to persons like me. I have a sister in law who is near death because of this very fear she has as well. My current sin is anger towards these false teachers and myself for listening. This is hell. The habit of thought still grasps me. I pray God does love me and accepts me,yet, I don't doubt he is forgiving of these things just not me. Like I went too far too long. I know MacArthur is teaching truth. What mess.

To all my brothers and sisters in Christ,

After 20 years involved in Charismatic church, recently I've been truly "born again" to understand the real meaning of "Faith" according to Bible. i live in an Asian country where Christianity is minority and Charismatic doctrine or theology is dominating most of the church. I've seen in my life all the attraction (circus) of Charismatic ritual such as holy laughter, slain in spirit, casting out demon, etc. and all this only to satisfy "sign and wonder" phenomena, however I never grow in the real "Faith". I understand most of people involved this movement are really sincere, however sincerity will never bring us to salvation. Now I understand this movement can be considered as "cult" and bring more harm than good. For most Charismatic church in my country, it's hardly to find real biblical sound doctrine being preached. Personal experience, hearing God's voice, prophesy, etc. is the main doctrine. I can watch the TBN program as well and to my surprise they are begging for donation money for their survival. Last month, Benny Hinn was invited to come to my country and to attend the seminar, people has to pay a big amount of money. in the church where I've been involved for 20 years, on Sunday the sermon mostly talk about motivation, psychology theology, "sign and wonder" theology, etc. It seems the preachers like blind people leading the blind people. The testimony being shared on the pulpit mostly talk about material blessing, personal experience, physical healing, etc.

It's only by God's grace, I have been revealed the real biblical truth through GTY's ministry. Although I've never attend pastor John's preaching directly but I can freely download most of his sermons and I've learned so much the real Christianity. The GTY's ministry and several others biblical ministry can be accessed through Internet and I've been blessed so much. Gradually all my 20 years doctrine is being restored and I share the real truth to other people. We really need to expose "bad theology" and I think for most of the time, church has lost it's discernment and it should establish a ministry by itself. This ministry is to "contend the faith" because from time to time Christianity is always exposed to deception. It's the duty of pastor to feed, protect and guard the sheep. On the other hand, we should pray to God so we can find our pastor that can bring us to Jesus as our real shepherd.

I pray for pastor John's health according to God's will so he can be fully restored to his ministry. I'm trying not to idolize someone in order he can be used as an instrument for God's glory but at this moment I want to appreciate all the efforts that has been done to make GTY's ministry can survive in the midst of financial difficulty. All the glory belongs to God and let the Truth can be preached all the time and all over the world. Amen.

I have been saved for over 20 years due to John's ministry and Grace to You. I first received the Believer's Armor tapes before I got saved. It was 3 years later that I fully gave my life to Christ. My ministry is to copy messages and pass them out to whoever I can. I started with the cassetts and now the CD'S and DVD'S. God has really used this ministry to reach others. I defend John and his ministry every chance I can and am totally commited to The Lord and Grace to You. John is not infallible but he is as close as you can get. We all need to grow but some of us are a little bit further along than others. I hold John up in the highest esteem but not on the level of the Trinity. He is a sinner just like all of us yet he is Justified like all believers. Let's give John the recognition he deserves and will never ask for. He is really the only one that I can see that is speaking out on these matters so let's give him our 100 percent support! It is not a money issue with John so please don't make it sound like it is. John's success is attributed to his total commitment to saying what needs to be said no matter what goes on or what will happen to him. So please acknowledge John as our man for this hour and quit criticizing him. I don't want to sound harsh but we need to wake up and get serious about this battle!

One more thing. In response to Paul Crouch Jr. I have never heard an Exposition of scripture on TBN at all or at any given time. If we are supposed to bring the love of Christ to the world then we need to explain Christ to the world so they can have an understanding about Him to get to know Him. If TBN doesn't explain scripture about Christ then the world will never know Christ. You cant just talk about the bible, you have to talk from the bible. This is not unloving but totally true and most people on this blog won't argue this point. I'm sorry for my aggitation but this needs to be said and it is not at all unloving to express this viewpoint. I hope Christ Himself will open up Paul Crouch's eyes to the deception of TBN.

My parents raised me up attending an Assembly of God Church and I got use to the atmosphere of the lively worship service and the movement of the Holy Spirit. I also grew up in Minnesota so I think we were a little more conservative than the southern A/G churches which I am attending now in Oklahoma. I have been listening to Grace to You with Pastor MacArthur and it has caused me to question a lot of things I have been taught over the years but I have still remained faithful to a lot of my Pentecostal roots. I feel there are a lot of people making a lot of money from their ministries unduly earned but reserve judgment, the Lord will pass that judgment. As far as people getting healed, I believe in a healing God and we are all given the right to go to God for his healing power, to send in Cash for a preacher to pray for me sounds crazy, but some people are desperate for anything and don’t wait on the Lord and His will for their life. I pray for the wisdom and the understanding of God’s word as He has given Pastor MacArthur.

ive been checking tbn out a little to see whats going on and i was glad to see charles stanley and david jeremiah on there. but then here came the mixture ken hagin jr talking about faith and our power to control God and satan this heresy is false teaching when will they learn? john macathur has a recent message from hebrews 11 will someone from tbn go there and listen? true christians are not going to let this stuff go on any longer and not say nothing. if tbn will get some holy boldness no matter what the cost get rid of these chalitans well its not for me to determine who should go on tbn [but the message should] wheres the disernment? as the commander and chief paul crouch sr its on you wheres the disernment? do you care?????

Hi John, Thanks for the series you have done on Charasmatic Chaos. Although you preached it a number of years ago, I (33) and my Dad (63) have now moved out of the Charasmatic Movement this year 2009. I listened to your prayes that you say at the end of each topic ie; for God to send some-one to people like us to deliver us from that incorrect teaching and I must say that God is still answering that prayer as my Dad who was a Charasmatic for 20 years has now heard the truth and is so free! I spoke to my dad about speaking in tounges in a restuarant and offered him the series that I have on disk to listen to, the next week he called me back and was so gratefull and could not believe that for 20 years he had been decieved. We are from South Africa and where we live there are loads of Charasmaic Churches, we want people to know the truth, so if possible may we burn copies of your series to hand out to people in that movement that we know? May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

Paul

I know this is off the subject somewhat. "Converge Worldwide" has renamed a baptist organization in which a so called Baptist Church I attended is a member of. It is an emergent church organization. Now, we have here a charismatic chaos blog. Are there any plans for an updated version of Charismatic Chaos?. How about a non charismatic chaos blog in regard to the entertainment/easy believism/wordly emergent movement. I was just as disturbed after leaving Northshore Baptist Church in Kirkland WA.

After reading this article I know that God will lead me from here. Just last week I saw a similar article on face book. When I saw it I thought to myself they must be wrong. Last night I feel asleep listening to TBN. Now I know that Creflo Dollar who I have been listening to for the last few weeks has no salary from his church. He also has free downloads and that is why I started listening to GTY. Now when I stopped listening I started back with Creflo. So I am just wondering about the doctrine he teaches and is it twisted. I listened to him this morning and he incorporated scriptures in his preaching. After reading this I have downloaded about 6 of John’s messages to see if I can understand the difference. Today I decided to search around GTY's website for the first time and I found this article. Where are all the true pastors?

I would research each Pastor. Check his background, listen to his words, Request a copy of the DOCTRINE he believes and teaches. If one will not or can not be obtained stay away! I'll help you with some facts on Mr. DOLLAR. I just Googled his name and:

Dollar is known for his controversial teachings of Prosperity theology. He has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle as he owns two Rolls-Royces, a private jet, a million dollar home in Atlanta, and a 2.5million dollar home in Manhattan. Dollar has refused to disclose his salary and Creflo Dollar Ministries received a grade of "F" for financial transparency by the MinistryWatch organization.

On 6 November 2007, United States Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa announced an investigation of several ministries by the United States Senate Committee on Finance. Grassley asked for financial information (Grassley's letter) to the committee to determine whether Dollar made any personal profit from financial donations and requested that Dollar's ministry make the information available by December 6, 2007. The investigation also asked for information from five other televangelists: Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Eddie L. Long, Joyce Meyer, and Paula White.

On Mar 16, 2009, Grassley, now only an individual Senator on the committee, stated "My staff and I continue to review the information we’ve received from the ministries that cooperated, and we continue to weigh our options for the ministries that have not cooperated," noting that two of the ministries gave full financial disclosure. Dollar has contested the probe, arguing that the proper governmental entity to examine religious groups is the IRS, not the Committee on Finance.

Michelle,

In response to your question, “Where are all the true pastors?”, the sad but true answer is that the vast majority of the high-profile figures that you see on Christian TV are false teachers.

You mentioned Creflo Dollar having no salary from his church. I would treat statements like this with great suspicion. They may be strictly true but the chances are they are also deliberately misleading. For instance, he probably makes millions from the donations he solicits on TV, which isn’t a salary from his church. Money from merchandise sales (books/CDs etc) may go straight to him. The church may not pay him any money, but it may have bought him his luxury homes and cars. And it’s very likely that the church is controlled (and effectively owned) by him and his close relatives and he is not accountable to his congregation or a denominational body. So they can do whatever they want with the money. If they want to spend 90% of it on themselves and just 10% on spreading the gospel, they can do that with impunity.

The model adopted by TBN, Creflo Dollar, and many others is to turn Christian ministry into a family business. The message they preach is a corruption of the gospel that is designed specifically to make them rich (give to me and God will bless you). Everything they do is designed to bring in the maximum amount of money. They may sincerely believe that this is an acceptable and appropriate way of serving Jesus, but they are sincerely wrong.

Yes, Creflo Dollar will quote scripture in his teaching. But he will misinterpret it to support his false gospel. You need to ask yourself if what he’s saying is consistent with the message of the whole bible, and don’t be afraid to question it and check it out.

I thank God that he seems to be opening your eyes to the deception that exists in today’s church and I pray that he will give you discernment as you continue to seek him.

I was thinking a bit more about Christian TV, and I do wonder if it is an efficient use of money. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us, and I have doubts that TV is compatible with this.

The running costs involved are huge, both to make programs and to buy the satellite time to broadcast them. And how many unsaved people actually tune in? Very few, I suspect. Every unbeliever I know would be embarrassed to watch it.

I am sure that, if the budgets of Christians TV stations were used to train and employ missionaries to go into the nations and evangelise people face to face, it would result in far more fruit for the gospel.

well i turned on TBN today maybe i shouldnt do that but i did. heres some guy named carter i think anyway there he was walking back and forth on stage with the mic in his hand saying God wants to bring us out of the wilderness to the promise land of prosperity sounding like Rod parsley talking to people with such shallow words like a babe in christ useing emotion trying to stimulate the untrained. everybody seems to be jumping on this banwagon Creflo Dollor is the all time worst at this minipulation. this stuff is fraud to take advantage of the poor and possibley even new born christians fall for this seduction. well it would be better that a roap was put around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than to offened one of these little ones or lead them astray. teacher after teacher more and more keep jumping on this banwagon. i fear for you when you have to answer to God for this.........thank you for letting me vent GTY and for the truth......

it seems that teacher after so-called teacher are jumping on this money making banwagon its big buisness its turning nobodys into millionairs simple bible manipulation can get YOU RICH TODAY you dont have to be bible student or even a high school grad all you need is a suit and a microphone slick haircut its easy you can join the thousands allready RICH just follow there exsample say what they say do what they do. you can read two scriptures and tell nice stories and just watch your MONEY GROW everyone will call you great they will put you on national tv you'll be a star TBN WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE UUUUUUUUP.........

Scott, I agree with you. I had another though today (I don't get many!). The commercialisation of Christianity that Christian TV has brought about is, in my view, the greatest possible betrayal of the gospel. Those people who've turned christian ministry into a get-rich scheme (eg Creflo Dollar) will have to stand before God one day and give an account of themselves, as well those who provide the means for them to do it (eg Paul Crouch). I wouldn't like to be in their shoes!

Pastor MacArthur

When I was a babe in Christ I attended then a Bible Teaching Church I heard the Gospel and believed it whole heartedly. I was and still am drawn to Christ commandments, I was never drawn to Christian TV even when I did'nt know much of the Word. There was for me too much arrogance and no humility for me, but I did'nt except what was being taught, not because I knew any better but my inner man did'nt connect (Holy Spirit doing it thing) but I would become more and more knowledgable and really see the errors and tradgedy of this false doctrine.

I started to become an outcast when I would question my sisters and brothers in Christ for their views. I would sometimes began to think that maybe I am getting a bit carried away, so many people been in Church much longer than myself that maybe I'm making a rookie misstake. But the more I kept feading on God's Word the more right I felt, then The Spirit lead me to Grace to You and you became my on-air Pastor. You called it the way God meant it and I knew I had not only Jesus but also an earthly friend that saw thing the way I saw it through the Spiritual eyes of God. One of the biggest questions that i had is that I know that you are not the only man of God out there so why is there no Holy indignation from more leaders of the true faith opposing this cancer, what are they afraid of, haven't they been called to the faith as all leaders have throuhout the Old and New Testament. Yes I know its hard and all but those leaders face death and as believers we all may face death but at present all we may face now is a negative label. I picked a wrong time to comment because I could say more but I have to get dress and get to the Lord's House. Be bless and I'll be back!

I have been exposed to the Word of Faith movement on an ongoing basis for at least 16 years, but it has been growing around me a lot in the last 2 years.

2 years ago my company hired a co-worker who is 100% into this cult and it has been a challenge, but here is what I do not hear from the messages posted on this blog, the focus is limited to the big names on TV but it goes much deeper, they now have curches all over the world under many names who are under this same faith, Pastors who follow these leaders and are now training their flocks with classes teaching this heresy.

My co-worker is taking a class now with Bill Johnson's ministry on the Supernatural and he has been trying to pass his knowledge on to me, I constantly pray for discernment as he keeps trying to prove that I am wrong and said I will be missing on God's new things He is doing right now and he doesn't want to miss any of it. I said God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow but he laughs.

He keeps telling me he hears God's voice and one day I asked him if he ever asked God what He thought of Kenneth Copland and he said God told him there was nothing wrong with Mr. Copland, that really scared me, after that anytime he would tell me God or the Holt Spirit was telling him something, I could not listen.

He challenged me to meet his pastor and attend his church, his pastor gave him a book from Benny Hinn on the Holy Spirit, now why would I want to go to that church?

I have been reading a lot about this movement, I have a lot of material and I do know what they are about, but my concern is the growth of this cult and how little is done about it. My wife is Filipina and we have met some Filipino friends who wanted to start a bible study in our home, turns out they too are in the WOF movement even though they deny it, they teach the same thing, he even had a bible from Morris Cerullo and they are planting churches all over the world right now, they are growing at an alarming pace under the banner of JA1, Jesus the annointing one and their main focus is Healing and deliverance and my wife who was a new believer has now given up her faith because of this mass confusion. The came to my house trying to get me to join their cult, I have told them about the lies of the WOF and their claim to be God but they defended them, they asked me personal financial questions trying to find how much I owed on my house and other material posession etc. They also told me they had joined the 700 Club as if this was suppose to excite me.

My point is TBN is only a drop in the bucket, this cancer has spread way out of the TV screen, it is all around us and Satan has been trying to lure me into this lie for years and so far he only managed to lure my wife away from the truth but not into his lie and I pray that our Lord will bring her back, He has been faithful and just to me and has given me a Spirit of Discernment and I can only pray that He will change my wife's heart and use me to bring her back to Him.

I don't know if anyone will even read this but I pray that Dr. MacArthur will go deeper in his teaching in order to help us see what is beneath the surface of those televangelists and point out these churches as he finds them, I also encourage everybody to bring all the links to these churches into the open, this cancer is growing and had spread a lot more then we think.

I can go on for hours but I will stop now, this is only a small fraction of what I have been exposed to.

Alain Rondeau

Brother Alain,

Hang in there and keep contending for the faith. It's really tragic what has transpired with your wife, but just keep her in prayer and the Lord is faithful to His Word and will save your household. My family is predominantly Roman Catholic so when I converted I was immediately branded a heretic and have faced opposition these last three years. I feel lonely, but I know the Lord is with me. At work I am surrounded by some Word of Faith people and it's just amazing that when you point out the heresy they are just indifferent. I got saved in a Pentecostal church, but saw some really wierd stuff so I knew it was time to move on. I bounced around a few churches until I finally settled in to a solid Baptist Church. I am learning so much and growing spiritually so I know this is where the Lord wants me right now. Like you I thank the Lord that He has been merciful to grant me discernment to know what is true and false teaching. Today, I look forward to engaging the heretics that come to my door proclaiming a different Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. I don't consider myself very knowledgeable, but He gives me the words to confound these heretics and I hope they leave questioning the teachings of their faith. God Bless you Alain! Pray for me and my family. I will pray for you and add you to my prayer list. :)

Brother Steve,

Thank you for your support and for adding me to your prayer list, I am shocked to see how much we have in common, I too was raised Catholic and face the same opposition from my family and I too feel lonely there are times where I feel the world around me is made of Catholics or WOF believers, you also pointed out you had been saved in a Pentecostal church and saw some weird stuff, I started that same way also and moved on, the Lord led me to a solid Baptist church in 1994 and I have learned so much there, I believe that God led me to where I am today and that He gave me a Spirit of discernment and a passion for the truth, right now I feel I am at the point of a cross road and He wants to use me to teach and correct those involved in false teaching and why He also led me to this site but I feel the need to have my marriage in order first while on the other hand I feel like He wants me to move and let Him deal with my wife's faith, for some reason he just brought to my mind as I'm typing this, the passage about Moses who said he was no good with words; Ex 4:10 (I had to look it up) and also Mat 16:24 got my attention as I turned to the New Testament. Maybe it's time I start moving and let Him do His work through me, no more excuses.

As far as JW and Mormons I have been there too, I only used scriptures to speak with them but I had to prepare between their visits using material from Walter Martin from CRI at the time, that was 15 years ago but all it did was to drive them away, they never came back, at least I have learned a lot about them as I am learning a lot more about the WOF movement lately, I had no idea it had spread that much even in churches where they speak against them, they actually teach similarities.

I even heard Joyce Meyer once speaking against the Word of Faith but yet she says "There is no hope of anyone going to heaven unless they believe this truth I am presenting. You can not go to heaven unless you believe with all your heart that Jesus took your place in hell." That is in her book and I know a lot of people who think she is a good preacher but this is enough for me to say no, she is not.

I have a passion for finding and learning about the flaws of false teachers, I feel like I want to know as much as I can in order to help those who are confused by them lovingly but I find it very difficult and pray that God will use me instead of me trying to do it my way, I do believe that God wants to use me because I do want to be led by the Holy Spirit and I pray that He will put words in my mouth and that I will not speak my words but His words only when confronted.

I have "Christianity in Crisis 21st Century" on my desk at work and use it when I hear someone telling me something about a false teacher and see what they have claimed in the past.

The biggest problem with WOF is if you only watch them once in a while, you may only hear them when they are telling the truth about scriptures while they can be true as much as 80% of the time, you may never find them telling lies, that is why they are refered to as wolf in sheep's clothing but you need to know and search the basis of their faith and why sometimes we need to rely on sources like John MacArthur or others in order to shed the light.

I will add you to my prayer list Steve and again thank you.

Alain Rondeau

Brother Alain,

It really is amazing how much we share in common. :) My wife is a staunch Catholic by name and not by practice and opposes me every chance she gets. When I try to preach the Word to her she just shuts me out. The truth is painful and I understand her as I was once a non-practicing Catholic, but stubborn none the less. When the Holy Spirit got a hold of me it was instant submission. This is just my belief, but I truly believe we are living in the Last Days and that the Lord is calling His people. Unfortunately not everyone is going to respond. We just have to leave our Wives to the Lord and let Him work in them the way He worked in us. :)

Thanks for the prayer because we all need it. We are living in tough times and we have to strengthen the brethren through fellowship. All the false teaching out there is turning people away and those who are guilty are going to have to give an account. Sound doctrine in church is being corrupted as Paul tells Timothy, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires." 2 Timothy 4:3 NASB. Everyone wants to be rich despite our sputtering economy so people are just jumping on the bandwagon.

Christianity in Crisis is an awesome book. I still haven't finished it, but Frank Hanegraaph. Have you read John MacArthur's Charismatic Chaos? I'm hoping he will write an updated edition. :) God Bless You and I will pray for you and look forward to your future posts. :)