Benny Hinn: “Me Thinks Thou Protest Too Loudly”
By Mike Oppenheimer
Let Us Reason
Who is willing to follow the blind leading the blind?
Benny Hinn has a reputation to some as a miracle man, a man who moves in the supernatural, who sees miracles on a regular basis. But to others, he is a reputed false teacher.
Until the middle of this year, he was the focus of the supernatural for the ideologues that follow signs and wonders, that is until the Lakeland fire spread. The attention then shifted to a new kid on the block, an unheard of, named Todd Bentley.
Now Benny Hinn has momentarily become what he has always criticized others of–a “heresy hunter,” and has attacked “God’s anointed,” according ‚ to the Bentley camp of signs and wonders.
Many will see this tactic as one wolf calling out another wolf from feeding on their sheep and interpret it ‚ as a move of self-preservation, because of the diminishing donations. A number of us discussed this months ago, wondering when this very event would take place.
Where was Benny Hinn during the Lakeland revival? Where was Hinn when the controversies reached a fever pitch? Maybe he thought it would not affect his ministry and thought it best to remain silent.
Nevertheless, Hinn’s decision to speak out against the Florida revival, after the ‚ damage was done, ‚ puts him in a quandary in a number of ways. True prophets do not hesitate to warn when the body of Christ of impending danger; false prophets warn after the damage is done. Hinn’s allowing the Lakeland revival to run its course and ruin thousands of lives demonstrates he is not a man called to action by God. A ‚ true prophet or teacher would not allow this on their watch.
Benny Hinn has reached a sophisticated level of deception that can be undetected by the majority of church goers, even some who are Bereans. He has learned well from his critics and has, for the most part, kept his mouth from uttering the normal heresies he has been known for in the past. But he is still not divorced from the money he solicits from his followers everywhere he goes, and ‚ Benny Hinn Ministries ‚ needs mega-bucks to continue operating.
Hinn’s ministry was moribund because of Bentleys success, and he chose not to speak out when the bar was being raised to become the new wave, as did ‚ the Toronto and Brownsville revivals ‚ of the past. So why did he wait so long to speak out on the Lakeland revival? Only when it becomes necessary and advantageous for him to speak. Because Bentley is no longer operating, it is an opportune time for Hinn to draw the people back to him.
Yet, ‚ as one who claims to be a prophet of God, ‚ Benny Hinn is surrounded by an ocean of contradictions on what he says, not just what he does. Here is an example:
There is no such thing as a laughing revival. There is no such thing as a laughing – it is not in the Bible. I do not see it in the Bible. Much of what happens is pure emotionalism – contagious laughter. What does it do except make you look stupid? I am not interested in some emotional up” (“Praise The Lord,” July 4, 1997).
A few months later, Rodney Howard-Browne–the very man who started the laughing revival–was a guest on Hinn’s program. In fact, it was Hinn who launched Rodney Howard-Browne into ministry, when he allowed it all to happen at his own meeting, as he endorsed the laughter in 1991 ‚ (seen on the video Benny Hinn: Spirit of truth or Spirit of Error). Laughter broke out among the children at Hinn’s meeting, and Rodney Howard-Browne, who was already on stage ready to go, was called forward by Hinn, who said: “Rodney, God has given you a great anointing for this. Let the holy laughter hit them in Jesus’ mighty name.”
Hinn passed “it” on to Rodney Howard-Browne and Randy Clark received it and brought it to the Vineyard churches. The Todd Bentley revival is a continuation of Pensacola that came from Toronto that came from Rodney Howard-Browne that came from Benny Hinn, etc, etc.
We now hear that a number of churches that have adopted the Fresh Fire- type ministry of Bentley and accepted the Lakeland revival are hiding it from their people what really happened to Todd Bentley. So, this mystic movement has continued to have a life of its own.
What is ironic is that Todd Bentley attributes his Christianity to the influence of Benny Hinn, particularly his book Good Morning Holy Spirit.
After spending years listening to Benny Hinn, ‚ I cannot recall Hinn ‚ reading from Matthew chapter 24 and teaching about false prophets. ‚ ‚ But he did during his October 30-31, 2008 Freedom From Deception message ‚ at the Kentucky International Convention Center “Fire Conference” in Louisville, Kentucky. The irony is that by ‚ Hinn calling Todd Bentley a false prophet (who has run a false revival), ‚ Hinn has now become a heresy hunter, according to his own standards.
Hinn’s ‚ message is transcribed by Bud Press, Director of Christian Research Service [“Benny Hinn Speaks Out Against the Florida Revival, http://www.christianresearchservice.com/BHinn39.htm compiled from videos posted on YouTube. (arranged in ‚ 6 parts, the transcript covers parts 1-3 only.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHIUX2THGa8&feature=related
Let’s turn to Matthew chapter 24. I want to read verse ‚ 4 and 5. Now, we all are hungry for the anointing of God. We all want to see the Lord use us mightily in these last days, and that is going to happen.
But precious people, there’s something that, that is, uh, worrying some of us ministers and believers, and that is, uh, false revivals; false, so-called, revivals. There are pastors here today that know what I’m talking about.
A few days ago, I heard about some thing happening in a city that people just go for because they really think it’s God; that they think it’s God, and God has nothing to do with it. Let’s understand that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is precious and priceless. It is not cheap. It is not to be displayed with foolishness. You want the real anointing don’t you?
Now, Matthew 24 verse 4 declares: And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you. Again, verse 5: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ‚ Look at verse 11; the Scriptures go on to say, And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. ‚ Look at verse 24. The word of God declares this warning: ‚ And there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
It’s amazing to me that the Lord mentions deception four times in one chapter. He warns us against deception. Now, if any one of us shrugs-off this warning, or treats these warnings lightly, we do so at the risk of our own souls. This is coming from the Son of the ‚ living God, Who says: I warn you, in the last days, they will arise false prophets with signs and wonders that will deceive many.
These are words that have been stated many times and in many ways over the years–not by Hinn, but by those who understand prophecy, and by those who have exercised discernment and have applied this to Hinn. I have listened to Hinn teach for over 20 years, and I have not once heard him speak like this on Matthew chapter 24, much less speak on another popular ministry as false. Hinn has falsely prophesied way too many times to give himself any credibility (refer to “Benny Hinn’s False Prophecies for the 1990’s” at http://www.christianresearchservice.com/BHinn1.htm.
Hinn’s hearing of what took place during the Florida revival wasn’t sudden, there is a reason he is taking this position and speaking on this, which makes ‚ it an act of sophistry (a tricky method of reasoning; a false argument).
But before we move into ‚ Benny Hinn’s ‚ ” apologetic” of deception in the last days, let us first examine his point on the anointing: “It is not to be displayed with foolishness.” Over the years, Hinn’s whole miracle ministry has displayed foolishness. It was identified by people being slain in the spirit (which ‚ was never taught to or practiced by the church).
Hinn took ‚ ” slain in the spirit” ‚ to the nth degree, ‚ by having people picked up and then touched by his magic hand, only to go down again and again and again. This stage show of the “miraculous” included swinging his jacket and blowing on people, which ‚ was pure entertainment on the stage for his own self-aggrandizement.
Hinn has also had his share of controversy outside the Bible (like Bentley), by holding to the doctrine of continuing revelation. This is why his latest lapse into temporary correct teaching is comical and like a stand up comedian. But he is out of his element teaching on what is false at the same time doing what is false.
“I’m gonna be very bold with you. There was a so-called revival recently in Florida that was ‚ NOT a true revival; that was NOT a move of God, and THOUSANDS of people flew from all over the world believing God is in it! And I’m glad, thank God for the Assemblies of God who stood against it, and said it’s not a real move. Somebody had to say something about it.
Now precious people I think it’s time you understand–not every evangelist is a true servant of God! And not everyone who mentions the name “Jesus” is a servant of God!
Signs and wonders happen in the demonic realm also. Just because people fall under the power, it doesn’t mean it’s God. In Israel, there is a sect. In Judaism, mystical Judaism, where people fall under so-called power. It’s nothing to do with God! People do even in certain religions–taken over by some power. Be careful.”
Is this not what the discernment ministries have been warning people about for years, especially about Benny Hinn?! It is not Todd Bentley’s ministry that is identified with people falling under the power, but Hinn’s?! Benny Hinn has convinced himself he’s the real McCoy, and this is why he thinks he is able to rebuke Bentley and speak out on this while doing the same thing far longer than his distant disciple in the supernatural.
The Assemblies of God as a denomination did not speak out on the Florida revival. They kept quiet until the fire ran its course. George Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, issued a general statement and guidelines concerning this ‘revival’ (and others) which amounted to only giving platitudes, and omitting any mention of Todd Bentley and Lakeland ‘Revival.’ So, this did not show leadership nor clarify what is wrong but only affirmed what they believe. http://ag.org/top/General_Superintendent/Statement_on_Revival.cfm
Again, Hinn stated that “Signs and wonders happen in the demonic realm also.” What and where is the demonic realm? Is this different than the invisible realm where both demons and angels live? There is no demonic realm, but there are demonic manifestations. Signs and wonders happen on earth by demonic forces as well as by God. The only way to tell is to test it by God’s word, which Hinn has taught and trained his people NOT to do.
Hinn’s castigating the Lakeland revival has opened everything he has said in the past to be re-examined.
The body of Christ should not be fooled by Benny Hinn’s temporary lapse into Biblical truth. We should think that we agree with Hinn as he speaks correctly this time but understand this as Hinn finally agreeing with the Bible. Hinn is a mendacious storyteller and was known as “Mr. Supernatural” until Bentley came along. My personal opinion is that Bentley took ‚ his storytelling beyond where Hinn dared to go and Hinn was upstaged. Todd Bentley stole Benny Hinn’s thunder. Todd Bentley was able to push the envelope further than Hinn ever could, and the people began to listen and follow Bentley over Hinn, thus the reaction we now see.
Benny Hinn clearly stated that, “It was ‚ NOT a true revival; that was NOT a move of God.” And speaking of false revivals and meetings, Hinn advertises Fire conferences (there is no such thing) and miracle conferences, something Jesus or the apostles never held. ‚ The apostleshad miracles accompany them as they taught but did not have the people specifically congregate to get a miracle, nor did they tell them in advance what would happen.
Hinn tells us what the future will be by the names of his conferences in 2009. Here are just a few planned.
‚ · Fire Conference and Miracle Service Raleigh, NC
‚ · Fire Conference and Miracle Service Mobile, AL
‚ · Fire Conference and ‚ Miracle Service, Orlando, FL
‚ · Fire Conference Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Fire conferences! Talk about false revivals! Where is this mentioned or done in the Bible? A false revival is a false revival, regardless of the source or who promotes it. Does Benny Hinn think his revivals are true while Bentleys are false?
Hinn says the Church is deficient because of the absence of a “fire” anointing. He explains: “the reason the Church has had partial liberty, is because we have not known the fullness of fire. The anointing as fire is coming to your life.” Hinn tells us that this new “fire” anointing will burn away bondage and sin, which a teaching from Latter Rain promoter Franklin Hall.
Benny Hinn often promises fire on people: “Many of you feel a tremendous anointing on you, like fire.” He repeats “fire” about a dozen times. They all go down when he says “fire on you. Many of you feel the power like that of fire. ‚ ” ¦ “You begin to feel a mighty fire when we’re holding the service. ‚ Some began to feel fire and warmth come on you only in the service” (Benny Hinn Honolulu Blaisdell Jan.21 1999).
Is this found in God’s word? Is this true revival? NO!
Mysticism is all about supernatural experiences of which Hinn is the grand master of. The difference is that Hinn tells others about his mystical experiences and occasionally has them experience the same through him. Bentley was teaching others to experience what he experienced
I thought, after all the false and heretical teachings, and experiences Hinn has spread of himself over 20 years, you can’t be serious? Nearly everything spoken by Hinn about Bentley can be pointed back to him. Of course his ardent followers don’t remember what he said in the past and apparently neither does he. So some reminders are in order” ¦
Starting at age 11, Hinn claims visitations ‚ from “Jesus,” as well as dreams and visions and visitations by angels, of which Hinn says continues all the time. Hinn claims that angels appeared in his bedroom at night and stare at him, and describe ‚ them as little boys that almost looked like girls with beautiful white robes. In fact, Hinn stated “I feel the presence of angels in this room, I never felt the presence of angels as strong today in a crusade as I do now.”
Where does the bible teach that we can feel the presence of angels? Bentley’s emphasis was also on angels and had grandiose stories that Hinn could not compete with.
Hinn ‚ has stated, ‚ “I’ve had individuals appear to me in my room. ‚ Not only angels” ¦. I have not just seen angels, I’ve seen saints.” Elijah came to him and gave him a double anointing of the Holy Spirit. (Honolulu Hawaii, Feb. 28, 1997, evening service).
William Branham also worked signs and wonders and thought of himself as Elijah. Both Bentley and Hinn have something in common, they both promote Branham.
Hinn speaks consistently of long dialogues with the “Holy Spirit” who, according to Hinn, delivers new revelation. But it since it ends in heresy, it isn’t from the Biblical Holy Spirit. Hinn speaks of the “Holy Spirit” longing for ‚ his fellowship, as if ‚ the Holy Spirit ‚ is lonely for his companionship. I see all this in Bentley’s ministry, so excuse me if I fail to see the difference. The supernatural magical mystery tour came from both these men.
And let’s not forget Hinn prophesying that every year would be the greatest year for the body of Christ, economically and spiritually.
Again, during his ‚ outspokenness against the Florida revival, Hinn stated that,
The greatest danger in this end-time is not poverty; it’s not sickness; it’s not even persecution; it’s deception. ‚ And if anyone here says, “It cannot happen to me. I am immune from deception.” Anyone here will, will, will say “Well, well, it’ll just never happen to me,” then you’re deceived already. Jesus warns of deception to His own people. Four times in one chapter He says, I warn you against deception.
Now, signs and wonders do not determine truth. I, I’m gonna say it again. Signs and wonders do not prove what is being preached is truth. They don’t determine truth. We need signs and wonders, but we need signs and wonders based upon the truth of the word of God. Signs and wonders given by the Holy Spirit are based and founded upon the truth of the word of God!
Never forget, truth is already established. We do not need to establish truth by signs and wonders. Truth is already established. Did you hear what I said? Say, “Truth is established.” [audience repeats] The truth is the word of God. It’s already established. It’s written. It is ‚ permanent! And signs and wonders do not establish truth. Truth is established already.
For years, numerous discernment ministries have maintained the same thing on their websites. If the truth is the word, as Hinn so resourcefully proclaims, then why doesn’t he practice what he preaches and abide by it? Overall, people do not come to Hinn’s crusades to hear him teach, but to participate directly in the experience of getting “slain in the spirit” and be “healed.” People come in great numbers to ‚ hear him say, “TOUCH!” and fall under the power. But this activity that is not found in the Bible.
Yet he has this to say: “I’ve tried to understand it, why people fall, I honestly don’t know” (“Impact,” CNN, 1997). During a 1998 Larry King Live broadcast, King asked Hinn, “Benny, why do they fall?” Hinn stated that, “Well, I’ll tell ya. I have a, I have an idea why they fall. ‚ I don’t fully understand but the power of God is so great.” ‚ Hinn explained that it happened to him ‚ at ‚ a Kathryn Kuhlman meeting, and that he used to fall in ‚ his room by ‚ himself for a whole year. “Somebody says why do you blow on people I don’t know. Now when I lay hands on people they do fall. Why they do fall I don’t know.”
Hinn never cites a Scripture to back his claims because there are none. Yet his reason is: ” If I don’t release it I’ll blow up. If I don’t release that anointing I’ll blow up. I got to release it on somebody.” However Hinn has said, “But there is one thing I cannot do for you. I can’t wave a spiritual wand over your head and place an anointing on you. That only comes with a personal, deeply private encounter with the Spirit.” (Good Morning, Holy Spirit, p.132)
Why does he do what he says he can’t do? ‚ His whole service is about his transferring the anointing onto people by saying touch or take it.
During a September 13, 1999 TBN “Praise the Lord” broadcast, Paul Crouch and Benny Hinn discuss signs and wonders of the unusual kind:
Paul Crouch: ‚ ” We all saw it. There’s no question about it. Now the Lord said that in the latter days there would be signs and wonders and miracles.”
Benny Hinn: “Now Paul, how about why the gold? Honestly, I’m really asking this?”
Paul Crouch: “I think heaven’s door opened a crack and a little of the street dirt came down on ya. Are heaven’s streets falling apart?”
No , gold isn’t falling, but someone’s theology has.
Hinn goes on: Jesus said in John 17 verse 17 these words, Mr. Brock.
Steve Brock: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Benny Hinn: That’s it! Thy word is truth. In other words, truth is already established. You don’t need signs and wonders to prove you’re telling the truth. The truth is already established. Thy word, He said, is truth. ‚ Psalm 119 verse 89, Jim.
Jim Cernero: For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Benny Hinn: Thy word is settled! You don’t need to show signs and wonders to prove the word of God is the word of God! The word of God is already established!
“Now, signs and wonders can be dangerous when people believe a lie. See, I believe that true signs and wonders are about to be released. I believe that we’re gonna see manifestations of the Holy Spirit we’ve never seen before. BUT WE MUST GET BACK TO THE BIBLE!
Now, in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 9 through 11, Mr. Brock, please, if you will. 2 Thessalonians chapter 2: 9-10-11, the Bible tells us that signs and wonders can be dangerous when people believe a lie. When they dismiss the truth of God’s word, and believe things they hear just because somebody says, “I have a mis–I, I ‚ have a ‚ healing ministry–I, I, I, I, I have a ministry of the signs and wonders or the miraculous.”
The supernatural does not prove or determine truth. It’s the other way around. What is that man preaching? What kind of truth does he know?!
If I ever stood on a platform and said, “I have been to heaven and seen Jesus,” leave my meeting. If I have ever said that “Angels talk to me on a daily basis,” leave the service. If I ever tell you that “I have known the name of angels in glory,” leave the service. If I ever tell you “I can take you to heaven with me to visit Jesus,” leave the service. Yet some, please forgive me, simple-minded people have sat in meetings and listened to such nonsense of people telling them they have visited heaven, and gone and talked to Abraham and have coffee with him. WHERE IS IT IN THE BIBLE?! Paul, the Apostle, went to heaven and ‚ wouldn’t dare talk about it.”
WHAT DID HE JUST SAY? ‚ Hinn has entertained these people on his program, they are his friends. What of Hinn claiming that He has seen Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I fail to see the difference. Where is that in the Bible?
Hinn describes the Holy Ghost: “God the father and the Holy Spirit look just like Jesus did on earth” (Good Morning, Holy Spirit, 1st ed.. pp. 87, 140).
“What was the appearance of God the Father? Like that of a man… To my amazement I found that God has the likeness of fingers and hands and a face” (Good Morning Holy Spirit, (Benny Hinn, Word, 1991) p. 82)
Hinn, “I could almost visibly see the Lord, and I could tell you what He was wearing.” Jan Crouch, asks, “Was that the Holy Spirit?” Hinn answers “yes.” (Benny Hinn and Jan Crouch, Praise the Lord program on TBN ( October 3, 1991 ).
You say, `I had a vision of Jesus.’… You say, `I’ve seen Jesus.’ Oh, have you? John saw Him and fell like a dead man. Whom have you seen? You say, `Really?’ Don’t you know? He is His Spirit. Jesus hasn’t left heaven to meet you anytime yet. But He has sent His Spirit into the earth. He’ll come and sup with you through the Holy Ghost. He’ll speak to you through the Holy Ghost. He’ll manifest His presence through the Holy Ghost. And the Holy Ghost will always testify, and magnify, and glorify Jesus. You say, `But it looked just like Jesus.’ Well, what do you think the Holy Ghost looks like? The Holy Spirit is His Spirit. How often have we closed our eyes and seen a figure in white. You say, `Who is that?’ The Holy Ghost” ¦.He is the manifestation of Jesus to your mind. He’s the manifestation of Jesus to your spirit.” (Benny Hinn, “Great Miracle Service,” Church on the Rock, Rockwall, Texas, June 21, 1990 Cited from the Confusing World of Benny Hinn)..
Benny Hinn says, “Instantly, His presence filled my room, enveloping me in a heavenly warmth once again. For the next eight hours my Bible was open as the Holy Spirit taught me about Himself from God’s Word.” (“Welcome Holy Spirit” p.29)
How can the Holy Spirit teach about himself when Jesus said He will teach you of me (Jn.14:26, 16:13 -14), according to Hinn’s revelation the Holy Spirit IS Jesus.
“Whenever I talk to Him, I see Him. ‚ I can tell you what He – what He wears all the time. ‚ I can tell you what – what color He – He has on. ‚ I’ve seen that so many times. ‚ I – I’m talking about regular. ‚ When I talk to the Lord, He comes, I say “What – what uh, uh.” Often, most times, I see Him wearing a blue, beautiful, almost like a – like a silkish looking garment. ‚ And under it would be a white garment. ‚ Sometimes I’d see Him wear white and a – a scarlet garment. ‚ I’ve seen Him at times when just pure white altogether. ‚ You say, “Where do you see Him?” I don’t know. ‚ I just see Him” ‚ ‚ ‚ (Blaisdell center Honolulu 2-28-97)
I fail to see the difference between Hinn and Bentley.
Hinn also has appearances of saints from heaven in his room “I was in prayer one day and a man appeared in front of me. It happened for two – for two days in a row. Ev – twice one day and the next day. The same man appeared.. … This is recently, I’m not talking about a long time ago. He was about six feet two. Old man. Had a beard. … Glistening white beard. His face was somewhat thin, but very bold! Eyes – crystal blue. He had on a white garment, whiter than my shirt could ever get. On his head was a – like a shawl, like a – like a – like a covering. He looked like a priest. But every part of him glistened like crystal. And I spoke out and I said, `Lord, who is this man I see?’ Now, I know you may think I’ve lost my mind, but the Lord said, ‘Elijah, the prophet (Benny Hinn, Honolulu Crusade, February 28, 1997.)
Hinn says: “Someone asked me, ‘Benny Hinn, do you still have those mountain tops when you see angels and God visits you still? Is it still happening?’ My answer is, `It’s been greater!” ‚ ‚ (Benny Hinn, “Personal Testimony Benny Hinn,” Orlando Christian Center , Orlando , Fla. , July 19, 1987 . Tape #A071987)
Hinn speaking of a vision of heaven: And I’m preaching to a great crowd that I saw. ‚ I saw an angel of the Lord in that dream. ‚ Now, I won’t say any more about that because I don’t feel at liberty what that angel was doing, not on television. ‚ ” ¦. ‚ But now as I’m done preaching I walk into what looked like the temple of God. ‚ I’m in the throne room. ‚ I see God’s throne, I see the seats of the elders, but its empty. ‚ God was not in there” (Benny Hinn “Praise The Lord” TBN 12/29/02, Response to Dateline ‘sNBC program, 12/27/02 )
I can only wonder where he slipped out to at the time Hinn had his vision. Hinn was in heaven in his vision, while Bentley sees God and saints Hinn does not, both are in error.
While Hinn does not visit heaven, he has people from heaven appear to him on earth; even Jesus.
“You may have a problem with this, but I honestly don’t really care. I’ve walked in that [supernatural] world. I’ve seen things you will never be able to understand, unless you’ve been in it. I’ve had individuals appear to me in my room. Not only angels. I’ve seen sights in prayer, incredible sights!” (Benny Hinn, Honolulu Crusade, Blaisdell, February 28, 1997.)
“When I talk to the Lord, He comes, ” ¦ most times, I see Him wearing a blue, beautiful, almost like a – like a silkish looking garment. ‚ And under it would be a white garment. ‚ Sometimes I’d see Him wear white and a scarlet garment” ¦ You say, “Where do you see Him?” I don’t know. ‚ I just see Him.”
I see the Lord, I can even tell you what he was wearing ( 10/22/96). ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ He also told the Kansas City audience that while he was praying the previous day in his hotel room Jesus appeared to him.(p.88 The Confusing World of Benny Hinn)
“In a service somewhere I don’t remember where now, please forgive me but people were worshipping the Lord and the lord appeared right in the service and the cameras caught it we have it on tape, we have it on tape. ‚ For 8 weeks the Lords face appeared on the wall right below our balcony (TBN 10/22/96 )
He tells us that Jesus is appearing to Muslims: ‚ ‚ “Ladies and gentleman, Jesus is shaking the world ” ¦ He’s appearing, hear this, He is appearing to Muslims, saying I am Jesus of Nazareth! ‚ ‚ (Praise the Lord Mar.29, 2000, TBN)
Hinn has had visions and heard those in heaven speak to him:
“Suddenly in front of me I saw a group of people. I couldn’t even tell you who they were. 1 recognized only one of them. ‚ It was Miss Kuhlman. ‚ And every one of them seemed to be urging me to pray.
“At least, fifty to seventy of them sitting in a group, and they were saying to me, ‘Pray! ‚ Ask God to ‚ give you a healing ministry that will touch the world I’ And suddenly I heard Kathryn’s voice, and suddenly there she was – it’s crystal clear. ‚ And she in her beautiful smile, she said, ‘Ask! ‚ We’re waiting for you to ask! ‚ We’re praying with you to ask!’ And the vision disappeared.” (Benny Hinn, Honolulu Crusade, February 28, 1997.)
“Well, anyway, in this one, in this vision that – that I saw -saw Miss Kuhlman. And she said, `Follow me” ¦. I followed her to a second room. In that second room stood the Lord. When the Lord, uh – when – when I saw the Lord, Kathryn disappeared. ” ¦ now the Lord looked at me and said, `Follow me.’ And I followed him to a third room. In the third room sat a gentleman ” ¦the man sat in this wheelchair in that third room. There was a big hole in his neck. A tube down his throat. He was crippled on that wheelchair. And he had tubes down his body. Totally crippled, totally para – totally, of course. Now I’m standing watching the Lord in this vision heal this man. And now as the man was healed, the Lord looked at me with piercing eyes – I’ll not forget that one, I’ll tell you. Looked at me with piercing eyes and said, `Do it!’ And the [Hinn snaps fingers] – and the dream and the vision came to an end.” (Benny Hinn, This Is Your Day, Trinity Broadcasting Network, June 11, 1997 p.177
In true Hinn style (confusion) he states this story a year later as a dream and not a vision.
“In the dream I saw Kathryn Kuhlman and Kathryn said to me follow me and I followed her she took me into another room and there stood the Lord, and now the Lord said follow me, and he took me to a third room and there in that room was a man. And when I saw the Lord Kathryn disappeared. I saw her first and now the second room I saw the Lord and now in the third room was this man sitting on a wheel chair crippled. This man was completely crippled he had a hole in his neck and a long tube down his neck. The man was paralyzed and I saw the Lord lay his hands on this man and heal him completely, not only heal him – the tube disappeared. The hole closed up the man got up he was perfectly healed and whole. And now the Lord looked at me with piercing eyes and said DO IT. DO IT. I am talking about a command from heaven, a order from the throne of heaven, it said “DO IT”. “I woke up I was trembling. (The Christian Channel Europe “Praise The Lord” (TBN) 22/2/98)
While Hinn has not claimed that he can take you to heaven he has had guests on his program that have visited Heaven, Hinn has entertained ‚ numerous people with this story. So there is no difference between them and Bentley. Stories of visiting heaven have come by a number of individuals, in particular Jesse Duplantis and Indian evangelist D. G. S. Dhinakaran of Jesus Calls ministry who claims he constantly travels into the spirit world and to heaven. While in heaven, he claims to have spoken with Jesus, the Father, and the apostles Peter and Paul. On Hinn’s program he asked him, “who have you spoken to?” Dhinakaran: “Paul and Peter.” Hinn: “You have spoken to Paul and Peter? “Yes” Hinn: “In heaven? Dhinakaran: “In heaven.” Hinn: “What do they look like?”
Hinn then called it awesome, stating: “something we don’t hear every day and most people have difficulty believing. That any human being can go to heaven and talk about it.” Dhinakaran: “Yes, that is true.”
Hinn states, “I must say I have a number of experiences myself that I cannot really explain or talk about, I have no difficulty believing.”
Hinn implies he has had the same. He then asks Dhinakaran what word did God give you for America, the lord Jesus told me the next president of the Unites States of America shall be a God fearing person.” And there shall be a cleansing process, and he will clean up the whole country (This is your Day, May 4- 5, 2,000).
Well here is a confirmation of a false prophesy by a man who tells the story of visiting heaven that Hinn entertained as true. Endorsing this mans visit to heaven is no different than what Bentley taught. I fail to see the difference.
This is an palter act on Hinn’s part, since Hinn has nothing to say about Jesse Duplantis going to heaven, and endorsed Dhinakaran’s visits, nor does he have anything to say about Jesus visiting people like Kenneth Hagin, Roberts Lairdon, Sung Myung Moon or himself.
Hinn’s angelic encounters are frequent and regular.”Angels would appear in my bedroom at night and just stand and look at me. I would wake up to see angels in my bedroom. All sizes. Call me crazy but I would even see little boys in my bedroom with beautiful white robes. Like, little, they almost looked like girls but they were male. You say, `Do you mean there are little angels?’ I believe that ’cause I saw them. … (“A New Spirit,” Orlando Christian Center broadcast, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Oct. 13, 1990).
Yet Hinn has promised others “The angels of heaven are about to appear in visible form” (Blaisdell, Honolulu 1999)
“For a whole year I saw angels in my bedroom (1/13/97 TBN)
While Bentley bluntly spoke of visitations on earth and offered trips to heaven to others, Hinn has always maintained his experiences as unique encounters for himself.
Hinn in his book War in the Heavenlies:
“…the most unusual thing happened. In an instant, I was out of my body. I assure you I was out of my body . … ‚ I came out of my body in a split moment. I know exactly what it feels like when you die. Believe me, you will feel. nothing. … Michael now looks at this angel and asks him to take care of me, and leaves the room. As he said that, I was straight back in my body. The Lord gave me that mighty experience. I was now back in my body, … I had this experience, please believe me. I did not see the angels nor hear the angels until I was out of the body. (Cited from p.169 The Confusing world of Benny Hinn.)
I assume this is the archangel Michael. ‚ Hinn is seeing and hearing people in heaven speak to him, angels and people from heaven appear in his room he has promoted those who have gone to heaven and we are to take seriously this discernment speech he gaverOctober 30-31, 2008.
We should consider his warning “.leave my meeting.” This becomes an oxymoron; Hinn taking the position of the word only, telling people to test signs and wonders and experiences, something he has never suggested for himself.
Hinn asks: “WHERE IS IT IN THE BIBLE?” Yes- Where? What he asks of Bentley we should ask of him!
” you know why some have accepted such nonsense? Because they’re not grounded. They are not grounded. Don’t you dare experiment with anything. If it’s not in the Bible, don’t do it! If it’s not in the Word, don’t accept it. Even if it looks good, smells good, feels good. If it’s not in the Bible, don’t touch it. It must be backed up with the Word of the living God, or otherwise you are on dangerous grounds. Such things do nothing but bring confusion and division. They bring confusion – it’s not in the Bible. (“PTL” telecast, Trinity Broadcasting Network, July 4, 1997).
10 years later he is saying –If I ever stood on a platform and said, “I have been to heaven and seen Jesus,” leave my meeting. If I have ever said that “Angels talk to me on a daily basis,” leave the service. If I ever tell you that “I have known the name of angels in glory,” leave the service. If I ever tell you “I can take you to heaven with me to visit Jesus,” leave the service.
Maybe you should leave his ministry and go seek someone who teaches the truth more consistently, than once in a while.
His ardent followers would not be aware of many of these statements that have been brought up over the years by those who practice discernment on a daily basis. They would be those who have admonished Hinn toward sound doctrine because Hinn has made sure his listeners do not test him by the Bible .
He has avoided many scriptures that would make his followers think about what he is teaching them and now he jumps over the fence to side with those who have discernment to regain lost ground. Hinn obfuscates the true intent of his crossing over into the camp of discerning error.
If Hinn would live by his own words that he speaks accurately years apart (out of necessity) he may have avoided the controversy that has surrounded him all these years.But these are not words he keeps but only words he occasionally speaks.
Pt. 2 Hinn’s word versus Bentley versus the Bible
http://www.letusreason.org/b.hinn30.htm
