Scandal brewing at Oral Roberts UniversityPDFPrintE-mail
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Written by Chris Perver  
Friday, 05 October 2007 16:33

The son of Pentecostal televangelist Oral Roberts is facing litigation after a string of political and financial irregularities at the Oral Roberts University were made public. A lawsuit is being brought against Richard Roberts by three former professors of the university, who allege that they were wrongfully dismissed after whistle-blowing on the university's participation in a local government election. The ORU is listed as a non-profit organization, and is forbidden by law from participating in party politics. Other allegations have surfaced concerning Richard Robert's wife, of whom it is said misused ministry funds to purchase expensive cars, dresses, horses and holidays for their children. Richard Roberts has vehemently denied the allegations. The university is carrying out a full investigation into the accusations.

Quote: "At a chapel service this week on the 5,300-student campus known for its 60-foot-tall bronze sculpture of praying hands, Roberts said God told him: "We live in a litigious society. Anyone can get mad and file a lawsuit against another person whether they have a legitimate case or not. This lawsuit ... is about intimidation, blackmail and extortion." San Antonio televangelist John Hagee, a member of the ORU board of regents, said the university's executive board "is conducting a full and thorough investigation." 

I picked this news, not because I want to tear down Oral Roberts or his ministry. I would never seek to tear down any person's ministry, for when it comes to service we are taught by Scripture that we should judge nothing before the time (1st Corinthians 4:5). But while we shouldn't judge people's character or motives, we are commanded by Scripture to judge what they teach from the Word of God...

Romans 16:17 
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1st Corinthians 5:3-5 
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Paul warned the Church at Ephesus that after his departing, grievous wolves would enter in among them, not sparing the flock. And of their own assembly, there would arise false teachers who would seek to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29-30). Peter also warned that just as there were false prophets among the people of Israel, so there would be false teachers among Christians (2nd Peter 2:1). The Apostle John says false teachers went out from us because they were not of us (1st John 2:19), while Jude states that they crept in unawares (Jude 1:4). Throughout the New Testament, the apostles mentioned by name those who opposed the truth delivered unto the saints. Clearly if we are not judging what we are being taught, we are deceiving ourselves.

I have satellite television at home, and some of the programming on it is very good. But sadly a majority is not. A majority of it seems to be controlled by a group of Christians that have deviated from the truth of Scripture, and are preaching a false gospel. Discernment ministry is not my "gift", and there many sites that deal with this topic. But I just wanted to make a few comments in relation to this prosperity gospel. I commented recently on Pastor Joel Osteen, known by some here under the name of the "Colgate kid" (Colgate is a toothpaste in my country). He preaches a feel-good gospel... no blood shed, no repentance necessary. I mentioned Pastor John Hagee, who believes that the Jews can get to heaven without coming to Christ for salvation. Rory and Wendy Alec... they seem so sincere and perhaps the God channel is being used of God in some ways, but they dupe millions of people out of their living in making false promises of blessing and prosperity. They would do well to study the life of George Muller, who raised millions of pounds for God's work without asking anyone for a penny. Since when does God need to compel people to go to their phones? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I could mention many more, who teach things completely foreign to the Scriptures. Things which sound very, very good. Believe me, I have been deceived by some of the stuff these men have come out with. The Lord said that in the last days, false prophets would arise and shall show great signs and wonders, which if it were possible they would deceive even the genuine believers (Matthew 24:24). The Bible states that the Antichrist will deceive the world through all manner of lying wonders (2nd Thessalonians 2:9). One name that immediately springs to mind in relation to this verse is Benny Hinn, who claims to work great miracles in God's name, some of which have been found to be fraudulent after thorough investigation. But he talks about Jesus Christ... Didn't the Lord say, not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matthew 7:22). Through the signs and wonders movement, I believe apostate Christendom is being prepared for the coming of the Antichrist and false prophet.

So where is all this leading? I believe that we are living in the age of the Laodicean church, mentioned in Revelation 3. This church received absolutely no commendation from Christ. The Lord says the church believed it was rich, increased with goods and had need of nothing. Spiritually the Lord said they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:17). I can't think of more adequate words to describe this church generation. The Lord also stated that in relation to Laodicea, He was outside the door (Revelation 3:20). As we have seen, many churches today aren't interested in preaching the Gospel. All they are interested in is church growth and how much money they are bringing in. I add the names in these verses, not to tear these people down but to emphasize the days that we are now living in...

2nd Peter 2:1-3 
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (Kenneth Copeland who claims we are gods), even denying the Lord that bought them (Joel Osteen who claims Jesus is not the only way), and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of (scandals such as Richard Roberts). And through covetousness shall they with feigned words (promising material blessings in return for money) make merchandise of you (God channel telethon): whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 

Source BreitBart

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