IS BENNY HINN A FALSE PROPHET? Is his ministry a hoax? While it is not my intention to answer these questions at this time, I do seek permission to respond to an edited version of a letter written to the people of Trinidad and Tobago by the director of Christian Research Service condemning Hinn's ministry, as he was preparing to visit our sister island recently. I am not responding on behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, for they are able to do so better than I. Nor do I write as a Barbadian; but rather as a Caribbean man! The reason I take upon myself to do so is because I am quite tired of some of these folk up North who travel this way, or seek to stay in their "ivory towers" and dabble in our affairs in their condescending manner. We would be much happier if Bud Press had invited us (T & amp;T people in particular) into his drawing room rather than use his back-door approach. Is it any wonder then that his letter, to the people of Trinidad and Tobago is laced with arrogance, hypocrisy and misrepresentation of The Bible? For instance, and I quote him from the WEEKEND NATION of Friday, May 28, pages 13 and 14: "It stands to reason, if Benny Hinn had the true Biblical gift of healing, as ordained in 1 Corinthians:12, he would immediately go to the hospitals and emergency rooms here in America and in every country he visits. . . . "After Hinn's plane lands in Trinidad and Tobago, Christian Research Service suggests that the Trinidad officials immediately drive him and his entourage to the nearest hospital to visit the sick and dying. "If Hinn has a true, New Testament gift of healing (as outlined in 1 Corinthians:12), then the bedridden and lame will walk; the diseased will be healed; the dead will be raised to life. But if he fails the Biblical test, put him back on the plane!" For the benefit of those who are not familiar with 1 Corinthians:12, and may not be prepared to look it up, let me quote the only verse in the chapter (out of 31 verses) that draws attention to the subject on healing. "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:9). Why should he expect Mr Hinn as he puts it: "as ordained in 1 Corinthians: 12, immediately go to the hospitals and emergency rooms in America . . . ."? when the Scriptures have ordained no one to do such! As a matter of fact, The Bible does not command or even suggest such an arrogant approach to the healing ministry as Mr Press is demanding of the evangelist. Our great example concerning the healing ministry is no other than our Lord Jesus Himself. Throughout the Gospels it is reported that He healed all who came to Him. - WILLIAM H. CUKE
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