Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

False ideas of the Holy Spirit’s work are at the bottom of much that is to be regretted in the spiritual culture and movement of our times. This one-sided supernaturalism of Mr. Moody is the most conspicuous feature in his ministry, and the unquestionable source of the greater part of his remarkable power over man. This belief is none the less a source of power in his preaching, because it is only a fanaticism without a corresponding reality.”

The quote above was made over a century ago. In the early part of this century, the names of McPherson, Allen, Coe and Jenkins could have been inserted. Today, Swaggart, Falwell, Robertson, Roberts, Peale, Schuller, Humbard and Angley would fit as well. As you do not recognize the names of Moody or McPherson, so, years from now, a generation will not know Jerry Falwell, Jim Bakker or Oral Roberts. However, a later age will have its own corp and coterie of false prophets, priests and erring evangelists to add to the citation noted above. The names change, but the melody is the same. The beat goes on, but the word of the Lord endureth forever.

Falwell’s and Roberts’ revelations are too well known to require documentation. The Holy Spirit, we are told, leads believers to become basic Baptists under Falwell and Graham. He leads Roberts by visions, dreams and direct communication that supercede even that known to Moses or Paul, or so we are told. The Spirit leads Roberts into charismatic, tongue-speaking Pentecostalism, but he denies it to Falwell’s followers. He promises material riches through Bakker and Schuller’s power of positive thinking.

But why tire you with all the tedium and minutiae of the contradictory doctrines of men who presume Spirit guidance, assume Divine prerogatives and consume deluded souls? Let us simply set forth how the Holy Spirit leads us.

When we do that, we will (1) know the truth, (2) be truly led of the Spirit, (3) be “free from the law of sin and death,” and (4) avoid “being led away with the error of the wicked” (2 Pet. 3:17).

Misused Passages

(1) John 14.17,26, 15.26, 16:7-13: Modern TV evangelists base their claims of Divine guidance on the promises of Jesus in the gospel of John. These texts, even if applicable today, cannot include men like Roberts, Swaggart, Robertson and such like.

First, they preach conflicting doctrines. Did the Spirit lead John, Paul and Peter to contradict one another? No (1 Cor. 15:11). Second, they belong to churches unknown to the New Testament. Falwell and Graham are Baptists; Swaggart is of the Assemblies of God; Oral Roberts is a Methodist. The Spirit did not lead James and John into denominationalism. Third, these claimants cannot confirm their alleged revelations “with signs following” (Mk. 16:17-20; 2 Cor. 12:12; 1 Cor. 2:5). Fourth, Swaggart has recently expressed doubt that Oral Roberts has really received revelations from God. Did Peter and Paul question one another’s revelations from the Spirit? No (2 Pet. 3:15,16; Acts 15; Gal. 1; 2). Fifth, “He (the Spirit) shall glorify me (Jesus)” (Jn. 16:14). But the TV evangelists today use their “ministries” to glorify the Spirit (and themselves).

(1) The texts in John’s gospel were promises to “the twelve” apostles (Jn. 13:1; Matt. 26:20; Acts 1:2-8). (2a) The one’s promised the Spirit were to remember what the Lord had taught them while he was with them (Jn. 14:26). (2b) The witnesses of John’s gospel had “been with (Jesus) from the beginning” (John 15:27; cf. Acts 1:21,22). (2c) These were the witnesses “who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead” (Acts 2:32; 10:39-42; Lk. 24:48, 49). These three factors eliminate today’s TV pretenders. (3) The promise of John 16:13 was guidance into “all truth.” That truth was once for all delivered (Jude 3). It is not being fulfilled today (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Jas. 1:25).

(2) Ephesians.3:16. “That he (God) would grant You . . . to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” We are not in the business of answering or explaining away Scripture. The Holy Spirit does strengthen the inner man with might. That is not the issue, the question. How does the Spirit strengthen the inner man? That is the question. Hear the apostle Paul. (A) “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). The word of God builds up, strengthens with might. The Spirit’s sword is the word of God (Eph. 6:47). The word is the Spirit’s agent or instrument. By it, he strengthens the inner man – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). (B) Further, “the word of God . . . effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). The Spirit works (that is who) effectually in the believer, in the inner man (that is where), through the word (that is how). (C) The “inward man” is renewed by the “word of God,. . the truth . . . the gospel” (2 Cor. 4:1-16). (D) “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11). “The law of God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (Psa. 37:31).

(3) Ephesians 5:18.- “Be filled with the Spirit.” Being filled with the Spirit is contrasted with being drunk with wine. Note the comparisons of the context in the following chart:

Be Not . . . But Be (Eph. 5:18) Contracts of Context
(1) “Gentiles”	vs.	“Christians” – 4:17-21
(2) “Old Man”	vs.	“New Man” – 4:22-24
(3) “Darkness”	vs.	“Light” – 5:8
(4) “Unfruitful Works”	vs.	“Fruit of Spirit” – 5:9, 11
(5) “Asleep, Dead”	vs.	“Light (Life)” – 5:14
(6) “Fools”	vs.	“Wise” – 5:15
(7) “Drunkenness”	vs.	“Spirit Filled” – 5:18
Excess, Riot, Waste	vs.	Goodness, Truth, Righteousness

Ephesians 5:18 is but one of the numerous contrasts in its context as outlined above. The left side of the chart shows the sinful state of excess, riot, drunkenness. The right side reveals the righteous state of being filled with the Spirit. The Gentile, heathen, the old men, walks in darkness, produces unfruitful works, and is asleep, dead and drunk in riotous living. The new man, on the other hand, walks in the light, has life and produces the fruit of the Spirit in goodness, righteousness and truth. So, rather than be like the old man, be filled with the Spirit, i.e., live like the new man, the child of God.

Compare Titus 2:11, 12. God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously, godly. As such, the text in Titus is parallel with the text and context of Ephesians 5:18.

To be filled with the Spirit is to walk in truth, to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom (cf. Col. 3:16).

Old Testament Passages

Stephen said the Jews did “always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye” (Acts 7:51). First, let us see how the Jewish fathers resisted the Spirit. When we see how they did it, we shall know how those of the first century did so. Second, if they had not resisted the Spirit, they would have received the Spirit. To resist the Spirit is to refuse to be led by the Spirit. To receive the Spirit is to be led by the Spirit. Hence, by revealing the method of resistance, we shall see the means of reception, i.e., how the Spirit leads us.

“Thou gavest thy good spirit to instruct them” (Neh. 9:20). “Yet many years didst thou forbear them and testifiedst against them by thy Spirit in thy prophets, yet they would not give ear” (Neh. 9:30). Remember, Acts 7:5 1. The fathers resisted the Spirit by resisting, by refusing to hear, the words of the prophets. God said, “They refused to hear my words” (Jer. 11:10). “Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his prophets” (Dan. 9:10). “But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets” (2 Chron. 36:16).

God spoke unto the fathers by the prophets (Heb. 1:1). What God said, he said through the prophets. God “spake by the mouth of his holy prophets” (Lk. 1:70). Psalm 95:7 is quoted in both Hebrews 3:7 and 4:7. In Hebrews 3:7, the Psalm is what “the Holy Ghost saith. ” In Hebrews 4:7, the Psalm is what God said “in David.” God spoke “by the mouth of David” (Acts 1:16; 4:24, 25). David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). Jesus said, “David himself said by the Holy Ghost,” as he quoted from Psalm 110:1-4 (cf. Mk. 12:36; Acts 2:34). Joel 2:28-32 “was spoken by the prophet Joel,” yet when Peter cited the passage, he said, “saith God” (Acts 2:16,17). “The mouth of the Lord hath spoken” the words of Isaiah 40:1-5; yet, when John the Baptist quoted that text, he said, “as said the prophet Isaiah” (Jn. 1:23).

Separate and apart from the word of God, we could never know “whether there be any Holy Ghost.” However aware we may be of the leading of the Holy Spirit, that guidance is not independent of the word of God, but it is a product of it.

Again, remember Acts 7:51-53. They resisted the Holy Spirit “as” (in the same manner) did their fathers. How did the fathers resist the Holy Spirit? They did so by resisting the preaching of the prophets. So, when the people resisted Stephen’s preaching, they resisted the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, had they heard the prophets, they would have received the Holy Spirit, been led by the Holy Spirit. Thus, when we believe and obey the word of the apostles and prophets, we receive the Spirit and are led by Him.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17

If I had but one text on how the Spirit leads us, it would be this, “Ali scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

Is there something the Holy Spirit can lead us to, separate and apart from the word of God, that will complete, equip, or perfect the man of God? If so, the passage is false. “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar. ” Is there any teaching, any reproof of false doctrine, any correction (straightening up again), or any instruction to proper conduct, or any good work the Spirit can lead us to, separate and apart from the word of God? If so, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 is false.

The word of God, like the Spirit of God, is alive and powerful (Heb. 4:12). The Holy Spirit leads children of God by His instrument, the word of God (Eph. 6:17). The Spirit builds up, strengthens and guides the child of God by the word of God (1 Pet. 2:2; Acts 20:32; 1 Thess. 2:13; Jas. 1:25; Eph. 3:4; 5:17).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 12, pp. 359-360
June 18, 1987

By Stephen P. Willis

(TV Evangelist): “God loves you, He really does I ” – I had a strong temptation to end this article here, leaving an empty page. When I was young, I saw a 400-page book entitled, Scriptural Arguments in Favor of Instrumental Music. The title was on the book’s spine. AD of the pages were BLANK. (The point: no scriptural arguments.) Most TV ministries go to great lengths to stress God’s love, which is great indeed – but leave the viewer with a big BLANK when it comes to God’s way of saving people.

“Turn your radio on. . . ” used to be the anthem for people to get in touch with God. Now there is another medium, television. We have had more than one generation raised on television. To them it is just as “natural” to watch the television as to listen to the radio. TV is taking over when it comes to communication between people. The use of satellites has given a large number of stations from which to choose attracting many faithful, charitable viewers. Air time is not cheap so “religious networks” are becoming more and more popular. This great expense is also the reason for many, many appeals for money. But wait, those appeals are at the end of the show. Let’s start from the beginning. . .

(Tympani drum-roll, start theme music, roll great computer graphics). An announcer welcomes the viewers, tells of all the guests, news blurbs, and finally introduces the “stars” of the show (applause, end theme music).

At this point there are many formats that the “ministries” follow. Some are: televised worship services, teaching sessions, news and commentary, instrumental music (with or without singing), politics, economics, health, movie/record reviews, cooking and household hints, interviews with politicians, performers, and preachers, and audience participation. Somewhere in all this we’ll see the testimonials (“witnessing”) of events in peoples’ lives bringing them to believe that they were saved or healed at a particular point in their fives.

Some of this can be entertaining or educational. Herein lies the danger, for at this time in the show we are to have had an emotional “connection” to someone or some event. Since we share in the human condition, we might have had similar trials, or even sinned in a similar manner. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Sin is the problem. Sin is the question. At this point we are anxiously waiting for the answer. What shall we do? What do most TV ministries tell us to do in order to be saved?

It is at this point in the show that the “host” will remind us of God’s gracious love. Perhaps, with Bible in hand he will tell of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Son of God, and that there is no other way to be right before God except in Jesus’ name. With Bible in hand he would guide us to say the “Sinner’s Prayer.” With Bible in hand . . . wait a minute! The “Sinner’s Prayer”? With Bible in hand please show us where the “Sinner’s Prayer” is recited by an apostle or one wanting to be a Christian! Here we would find, a big BLANK.

As interesting as the problem might seem, as likable as the host might be, as right as his teaching might be in some areas, how to be saved is a BLANK that needs to be filled with Scripture.

Salvation is based on the love and grace of God the Father and Jesus the Savior (Jn. 3:16; Acts 15:11). The gospel is God’s power for salvation (Rom. 1:16), and after hearing, the gospel, we must believe if we are to be saved (Eph. 1:13). Repentance and turning from sin is necessary also (Acts 3:19). Romans 10:10 says that confession results in salvation. Most ministries claiming to be “Christian” will include these things as needful for one to be saved. Some even have telephone numbers on the TV screen so one can call in to be encouraged to do these things, or so one who thinks himself saved can confess it. (One could also use one of these numbers to pledge financial contributions.) Let me add some “ministries” tell the respondent to find a local church. Some will send literature (with tides like ‘Now that I’m Saved’), or further requests for donations. Perhaps these points begin to fill in the BLANK a little, but if a person has done all these things, what is his condition before God? Where do the TV ministries leave the sinner? The answer: lost in sin! A penitent Saul of Tarsus still needed to “Arise, and be baptized (4mersed in water sw), and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). The same Saul (Paul) would tell the Romans that baptism puts one “into Christ” and that after baptism one begins “newness of life” (6:3,4). Even with God’s grace and the love of Jesus, a believing, repenting, confessing person is in his sins and outside Christ until he washes away his sins and appeals to God for a clean conscience. Peter said baptism saves; it is our appeal (1 Pet. 3:21).

Often the TV preachers will quote Romans 10:13: “for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (NASB). I believe that this is probably their proof-text for the “Sinner’s Prayer,” prayer being our call to God. But let Scripture interpret Scripture. Paul was told that submitting to baptism was “calling on His name” and Peter said that baptism (which saves us) is our legal appeal to God. When the Ethiopian man in Acts 8 said, “Look! Water!. What prevents me from being baptized?”, he was asking, “What keeps me from calling on the name of the Lord?” The answer was based on his belief. Jesus said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mk. 16:16). Only the believer can call. Baptism is how we call.

Whether they believe it or not, the denominational TV evangelists are like Job’s friends: “Sorry comforters are you all” (16:2); “You are all worthless physicians” (13:4). They are saying, “Peace, peace” when there is no peace (cf. Jer. 6:14). Oft times they bring sinners to understand the danger of sin, but teach a different gospel about the forgiveness of sins, leaving many comforted while still lost in their sins. The Bible says that if these preachers continue to teach and practice this “other” gospel they are “accursed” or “cut off” – “anathema” (Gal. 1:8,9); so are those who believe the false gospel. Remember, when the blind 4ead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch!

“Get in touch with God. . .” turn your television off. Open your Bible.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 12, pp. 372-373
June 18, 1987

By Daniel W. Petty

Bakker was born in 1940, the son of a poor Muskegon, Michigan factory worker. In his autobiography, Move That Mountain (1976, 1985), Bakker tells of suffering from an inferiority complex as a child. He attributes his conversion to a tragic experience in high school at the age of eighteen. While playing hooky from school, he accidentally ran over a three-year old boy. The child lived, but because of the experience, Bakker made a commitment and began to take seriously his parents’ Pentecostal Assemblies of God religion.

Bakker entered the Pentecostal North Central Bible College to prepare for the ministry but dropped out during the second year to marry Tammy Fay LaValley. Bakker was ordained in his denomination, and the couple travelled as evangelists for several years. With a successful puppet show for children, they soon caught the attention of Pat Robertson, who asked them to join the staff of the fledgling Christian Broadcasting Network. While at CBN they stared in the “Jim and Tammy Show” and pioneered the 700 Club. After a short stay with the Trinity Broadcasting Company, they went to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1972 and founded the PTL Television Network, beginning in a furniture store building. The “PTL Club” began in 1974, and by 1980 commanded an audience of over 600,000, and was broadcast over more than 300 affiliate stations in 50 nations. Staged in Johnny Carson fashion, the talk show often had the Holy Spirit as its main topic. The show has witnessed tongue-speaking and emotional pleas for financial support.

Jim and Tammy Bakker’s career was often stormy. In 1979 the FCC began an investigation into the Bakker’s use of solicited funds. In March 1987, Jim Bakker stepped down from PTL leadership and withdrew from the denomination, admitting to sexual misconduct and payment of hush money. The fate of PTL and of TV evangelists generally as a result of the scandal have not yet been determined.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 12, p. 363
June 18, 1987

By Daniel W. Petty

Alpha Rex Humbard, born in 1919 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised mostly in Hot Springs, grew up in a family of itinerant Pentecostal evangelists. As a child, Rex traveled regularly with the family, singing and playing the guitar in the family’s evangelistic performances. After graduation from high school, Rex joined his father’s team, promoting their tent meetings from radio stations along the revival circuit. When his son Rex, Jr. was apparently healed in an early Oral Roberts campaign in Mobile, Alabama, Humbard bought an old Roberts tent to launch his own ministry. According to his autobiography, Miracles in My Life (Revell, 197 1), he had experienced a conversion experience at age fourteen, and one day shortly thereafter had watched the “big top” of a Ringling Brothers’ circus go up in Hot Springs, thus receiving his inspiration some day to get a big tent like that for preaching the gospel.

In 1952 Humbard decided to base his ministry in Akron, Ohio, establishing the Calvary Temple in a former theater. While televising Sunday services, Humbard worked toward a larger ministry. The Cathedral of Tomorrow, completed in 1958, is a futuristic edifice with glass and marble walls and domed roof, designed with TV in mind. By 1970, Sunday services were carried on 225 stations nationwide. By 1980, his show commanded an audience of over 2.4 million. The program has been broadcast in at least seven languages in 18 foreign countries, through some 400 TV and shortwave radio stations. In 1973, the Humbard ministry faced extreme financial difficulties, but by the end of the 70’s had weathered the storm.

Humbard was raised Pentecostal, but his ministry has consistently been nondenominational. Lacking any formal education, Rex was ordained by his father and licensed by the International Ministerial Federation. He believes in the regeneration of the Holy Spirit and divine healing. His program includes testimony to the healing powers of Humbard, given through the reading of letters from viewers. Humbard’s appeal is to the common man, and he is not one given to deep theology or controversy.

In addition to Humbard’s autobiography, information on Humbard can be found in Prime Time Preachers, by Jeffrey K. Hadden and Charles E. Swann (1981); and David Edwin Harrell, All Things Are Possible (1975).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 12, p. 366
June 18, 1987