There is a solemn obligation for the minister of the Gospel to preach the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (2 Timothy 4:2), to preach all of the Scriptures (Acts 20:27), and to preach only the Scriptures (Galations 1:8). This should be a non-negotiable starting point for any type of ministry. After all, these Scriptures and these Scriptures only compose the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Every word is needed to produce and sustain life (Deuteronomy 8:3), and no other (word) is on a par with it or can claim to be without error in whatever it asserts. Neither, therefore, can any other such "word" have unquestionable authority in what it addresses. That is the prerogative of the Word of Scripture only (John 10:35).
The minister of the Gospel is under the equally solemn obligation to handle the Scriptures accurately (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16), and to proclaim its message clearly (Hebrews 4:12). In order to achieve this, the Christian church has insisted on developing a system or "science" of interpreting the Bible. This science is called "hermeneutics." It sets forth principles virtually agreed upon by orthodox Christians everywhere that form the necessary guidelines for all Biblical interpretations whether in personal devotions or in public speaking.
It is unrealistic to expect all Christians to be in agreement on the precise interpretation of every passage of Scripture. But they should agree on the fundamental approach to biblical interpretation...there is a difference between occasional misinterpretations and unacceptable methods of biblical interpretation. All have fallen victim to the former, but no one should be guilty of blatantly disregarding a responsible methodology.
This applies to every minister of the Gospel...whether he labours in relative obscurity or in the limelight. After all, no minister runs a free-lance operation. The person who proclaims the Scriptures is under strict orders from God and is fully accountable to Him. He is God's ambassador and, therefore, his Master's voice. Faith Movement televangelists are no exception. The often-reported immediate "conversations" with God seem to give the impression not only that they possess a source of truth beyond the Bible, but also that they are exempt from following acceptable methods of biblical interpretation. This should evoke a protest. Not only is the Bible sufficient but also the proper principles of interpretation are universal and, therefore, binding upon all.
The electronic and [Faith Movement] preacher stands in need of a special reminder in this regard, since possibly more than anyone else he has the potential of being a force for tremendous good or a source of incalculable harm. The man and his message may earn the respect of his audience and have a life-changing impact upon it. But by who he is and what he says, he may also leave cynicism and public ridicule in his wake, dealing a severe setback to the cause of Christ.
Also the televangelist [Faith Movement] preacher must face up to the necessity of a biblical hermeneutics that heralds the Scriptures as its only starting point and champions a responsible method of interpretation. In a word, he must honour Scripture as the only inerrant and binding Word of God, and present its meaning accurately and clearly. Only so can he set forth God's truth properly and bring out its significance appropriately...
For more information on Victory Churches and the Faith Movement, go to the Reference Library. Click on any book title to get a brief overview of the book. All books on the list are available through www.amazon.com.
2 comments:
What a true statement! Word of Faith "preachers" are always twisting the scriptures to suit their own agendas, especially when it comes to getting their poor deceived attendees to give more and more money! They are so deceived that they don't realize what is happening until they are broke and discouraged. God never said that we would be wealthy! He said He would provide for our needs if we trust and obey Him. That doesn't mean paid for houses and big cars! We found out this way too late.
I have been following your blog with some interest for the couple of years or so. I've never been one to comment because I've found everything to be well-researched and presented. The library list has allowed me to purchase some of the books and review them in conjunction with looking up the Scriptures that are referred to and I must say that there is no doubt that these Bible scholars know what they are talking about. It is clear that they know their Bible inside and out -- I hope that you continue writing so that all of the deceived people in these cultic churches will have their eyes opened.
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