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True and False Prophets: Confronting Immorality in Ministry
Exactly what title implies.
191 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 13, 2017
Very helpful and insightful, read in the early 80s.
March 23, 2013
Ever wonder why successful ministers do well while living in sin? Don Basham gives the answer in this book.
January 27, 2023
A PROMINENT TEACHER LOOKS AT CONTROVERSIES
Don Wilson Basham (1926-1989) was a Bible teacher and author who was influential in the Charismatic renewal movement.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1986 book, “In light of crucial matters we will be discussing later, it is essential to point out that Scripture clearly states that Balaam---even though he is a greedy and immoral rebel---is a prophet of god… And while his greed, his immorality, and his rebellion do not prevent him from prophesying blessings for Israel, eventually they lead to his own death and terrible tragedy for the Israelites, who later gave heed to his false counsel and join themselves to the worshippers of Baal… So what is the final portrait of Balaam? He was a false prophet, a man who spoke the true and exalted messages of God, even prophesying the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, but whose life was governed by deceit, rebellion, lust, and greed. Many of you “ may ask, ‘But how can a rebellious, greedy, and lustful man be an instrument for the ministry and message of God/” Well, Balaam was such a man. What’s more, there are such men in ministry today, preying upon Christians and the church. I touched upon this subject of unethical behavior in [my previous] book. Now, for the second tie we are making a determined effort to expose and deal with that very problem.” (Pg. 12-13)
He observes, “Two kind of speech---blessing and cursing---in the believer’s mouth; two kinds of wisdom---one devilish, one heavenly---in the believer’s mind Good and evil flourishing in the same place. Let us say it again, in this present age, the Kingdom of God is still partially occupied by the enemy.” (Pg. 22)
He notes, “the moral problems of ministers include more than sexual immorality. Some years ago, a controversial evangelist … was fond dead in a hotel room with thousands of dollars in his pockets… he had died of acute alcoholism… newspapers across the country had a field day with articles exposing his weakness for alcohol, his questionable handling of finances, and questioning the validity of his controversial ministry. Many believers were deeply puzzled and hurt about the reports since authenticated miracles of healing followed his ministry up until the time of his death… when the tie to preach arrived, he suddenly sobered up…and ministered with powerful results...” (Pg. 27)
He points out, “the false prophet’s success in ministry will not excuse his immoral life. Every believer should be sobered by the realization that one may preach, prophesy, heal the sick, and cast out demons in Jesus’ name, yet still not be doing the will of the Father! [Mt 7:21-23]” (Pg. 49)
He records, “As my friend Derek Prince has often bluntly stated: ‘If you want to know if a man is a truly godly minister, don’t look at the success of his ministry; see if he pays his bill at hoe and if the woman he travels with is his wife.’” (Pg. 64)
He suggests, “Concerning placement of women in the Body of Christ, it’s not that they CANNOT function in offices and ministries scripturally designated for men, but they face a greater risk of spiritual injury or difficulty if they do. However, we should point out that many times when a faithful Christian woman finds herself laboring in a ministry scripturally reserved for men, it may be more the result of male abdication than female ambition. The late Kathryn Kuhlman stated that God called her to a ministry a man had refused to accept.” (Pg. 89-90)
He acknowledges, “On those occasions when I’m asked about a minister whose personal life I know to be riddled with deceit, dishonesty, or immorality, if the question is from someone in responsible leadership and not just someone looking for the latest gossip, I tell him I can neither accept the ministry nor endorse it for anyone else. I also urge the enquired not to take my word alone, but to check with other Christians who can verify the facts.” (Pg. 96)
He asks, “Is it ethical for a ministry to bombard its constituency with desperate monthly---even weekly---appeals for large contributions?... How about the evangelist who sends ‘blessed billfolds’ to those making contributions of $50 or more, billfolds that he suggest will assure the donor of continuing financial abundance?... it should be obvious that such techniques harbor a potential for abuse, which could quickly topple an honest work onto the growing heal of discredited ministries.” (Pg. 108-109)
He recounts, “eighteen years ago, I was led by the Lord… into the ministry of casting our evil spirits... it was Christian friends who said I was dividing the body of Christ with dangerous teaching… Then twelve years ago, several of us who had been teaching biblical principles of obedience to delegated spiritual authority … pledged ourselves to walk together in a covenantal way. All kinds of unsubstantiated accusations were leveled against us. We were accused … of becoming rich from the tithes of thousand of people… and of deliberately sowing discord in the body of Christ.” (Pg. 170-171)
This book will interest Christians with questions about some leaders.
Don Wilson Basham (1926-1989) was a Bible teacher and author who was influential in the Charismatic renewal movement.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1986 book, “In light of crucial matters we will be discussing later, it is essential to point out that Scripture clearly states that Balaam---even though he is a greedy and immoral rebel---is a prophet of god… And while his greed, his immorality, and his rebellion do not prevent him from prophesying blessings for Israel, eventually they lead to his own death and terrible tragedy for the Israelites, who later gave heed to his false counsel and join themselves to the worshippers of Baal… So what is the final portrait of Balaam? He was a false prophet, a man who spoke the true and exalted messages of God, even prophesying the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, but whose life was governed by deceit, rebellion, lust, and greed. Many of you “ may ask, ‘But how can a rebellious, greedy, and lustful man be an instrument for the ministry and message of God/” Well, Balaam was such a man. What’s more, there are such men in ministry today, preying upon Christians and the church. I touched upon this subject of unethical behavior in [my previous] book. Now, for the second tie we are making a determined effort to expose and deal with that very problem.” (Pg. 12-13)
He observes, “Two kind of speech---blessing and cursing---in the believer’s mouth; two kinds of wisdom---one devilish, one heavenly---in the believer’s mind Good and evil flourishing in the same place. Let us say it again, in this present age, the Kingdom of God is still partially occupied by the enemy.” (Pg. 22)
He notes, “the moral problems of ministers include more than sexual immorality. Some years ago, a controversial evangelist … was fond dead in a hotel room with thousands of dollars in his pockets… he had died of acute alcoholism… newspapers across the country had a field day with articles exposing his weakness for alcohol, his questionable handling of finances, and questioning the validity of his controversial ministry. Many believers were deeply puzzled and hurt about the reports since authenticated miracles of healing followed his ministry up until the time of his death… when the tie to preach arrived, he suddenly sobered up…and ministered with powerful results...” (Pg. 27)
He points out, “the false prophet’s success in ministry will not excuse his immoral life. Every believer should be sobered by the realization that one may preach, prophesy, heal the sick, and cast out demons in Jesus’ name, yet still not be doing the will of the Father! [Mt 7:21-23]” (Pg. 49)
He records, “As my friend Derek Prince has often bluntly stated: ‘If you want to know if a man is a truly godly minister, don’t look at the success of his ministry; see if he pays his bill at hoe and if the woman he travels with is his wife.’” (Pg. 64)
He suggests, “Concerning placement of women in the Body of Christ, it’s not that they CANNOT function in offices and ministries scripturally designated for men, but they face a greater risk of spiritual injury or difficulty if they do. However, we should point out that many times when a faithful Christian woman finds herself laboring in a ministry scripturally reserved for men, it may be more the result of male abdication than female ambition. The late Kathryn Kuhlman stated that God called her to a ministry a man had refused to accept.” (Pg. 89-90)
He acknowledges, “On those occasions when I’m asked about a minister whose personal life I know to be riddled with deceit, dishonesty, or immorality, if the question is from someone in responsible leadership and not just someone looking for the latest gossip, I tell him I can neither accept the ministry nor endorse it for anyone else. I also urge the enquired not to take my word alone, but to check with other Christians who can verify the facts.” (Pg. 96)
He asks, “Is it ethical for a ministry to bombard its constituency with desperate monthly---even weekly---appeals for large contributions?... How about the evangelist who sends ‘blessed billfolds’ to those making contributions of $50 or more, billfolds that he suggest will assure the donor of continuing financial abundance?... it should be obvious that such techniques harbor a potential for abuse, which could quickly topple an honest work onto the growing heal of discredited ministries.” (Pg. 108-109)
He recounts, “eighteen years ago, I was led by the Lord… into the ministry of casting our evil spirits... it was Christian friends who said I was dividing the body of Christ with dangerous teaching… Then twelve years ago, several of us who had been teaching biblical principles of obedience to delegated spiritual authority … pledged ourselves to walk together in a covenantal way. All kinds of unsubstantiated accusations were leveled against us. We were accused … of becoming rich from the tithes of thousand of people… and of deliberately sowing discord in the body of Christ.” (Pg. 170-171)
This book will interest Christians with questions about some leaders.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews