Robster.
Its true that Osteen and Warren's lives are pristine and their ministries are thriving, but Benny Hinn's ministry is a multi-million dollar ministry as well and we all understand the issue with his. I just have a very difficult time with the "candy gospel" approach that they take time and time again.
Thank you Robster!!! It is their life, and fruit we look for. Not everyone is for us though, and people do not always need to hear about sin. These ministers have to spend millions on air time, and it has to be the message God wants in a certain time. These are edification ministries.
Using wealth to measure a persons correctness with God, can be difficult. One thing that is a measure is when things are not right. Normally finances are hit first. This is when someone misses God or are in error.
Pro 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Pro 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
If your doing what God told you to do, things get brighter and better. They grow, and prosper. (Being willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land.) When someone gets in sin and error problems happen, and they are off the path. Off God's path, there is darkness, and people stumble on things, and are confused as to why. Things get worse off God's Path.
Look at the PTL Club. All that money Jim Baker was bringing in, and it looked like God was blessing them. God was, but Jim started to do things that did not make God very happy. God sent people to warn Jim, but he ignored them. That great ministry fell, and Jim ended up in prison. Not only that but Jim had to battle cancer while in prison.
So, we judge by character, not what they preach. Lots preach goofy things, but do so because they get in areas that God never told them to. Still, God is full of Mercy, and because they do produce good fruit, and are honest, they are not taken down. It's God's mercy that keeps some bad ministry's around. Remember the gifts and callings are without repentance. What seems like a long time for judgment to us, is God trying to get them to use the calling and gift properly.
Binny Hinn...................................umph.......... I will just say I am not His Judge. This is where we have to discern Character. I don't mind what he does on stage, It bothers me though that when something is promised like medical reports before something is aired, and that promise is not followed though, among other things, I look at character. I can lay aside getting power from Katheryn's tomb as someone claimed, I can't overlook not keeping your word.
One thing I have learned. I don't always do things right. (Not that I mean to do wrong) I do teach and preach, and on a subject that many don't understand. (Faith) How I judge others, is the same measure I will be judged. I use to think it was my job to warn others of bad ministers......... Not only what I thought was bad, the Lord did not consider bad, but the Lord warned me that He said........"Take heed what YOU hear." The responsibility is on the person hearing. God will always lead someone into truth if they really want it, That is the Holy Ghost Job, not mine.
I think you will find those that follow error, they have deceived themselves into doing so. It's not the man speaking the error's fault. If that where the case, then no sin on the planet would be anyone's fault. Those that stay in error don't continue long.
A man called by God to be a prophet had a wonderful ministry. That was until he started to prophesies money out of peoples pockets. God sent people to warn him. He did not listen. He dropped dead and never reached 40.
Be blessed.
Jesus Is Lord.