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Lifestyles of the Wealthy and Most Famous of all Evangelist's - Benny Hinns emergency letter: Recently I received this letter “A few days ago I came out of a powerful, anointed time of prayer, feeling the presence of the Lord all over me, with peace flooding my soul and God's joy in my being. But when I turned on my BlackBerry cell phone shortly after I was finished with my prayer time, I read an urgent report sent by my Chief Financial Officer informing me that we have vendors to whom we owe money who are threatening to cancel some of our vital services because of the financial struggles that we as a ministry are facing right now due to the hard-hit economy. Immediately I called my CFO. He told me that we are facing very serious financial circumstances—one of the worst in years—and unless we have a major influx of money right now, we will face a situation where our vendors will discontinue services that are absolutely essential for our survival as a ministry….” Please sow your seed now. Benny Hinn Ministries is one of the six ministries still being investigated in using their tax-exempt status to further God's work — or to fund luxuries like mansions, expensive cars and private jets by the Senate Finance Committee, headed by Sen. Charles Grassley. Hinn’s Ministry is one of only two that have cooperated with the Finance Committee's requests. (more on this in a future article called Sinister ministers that is being developed)Everyone is feeling the financial crunch, especially those who have less money. Most have eliminated anything they could and trimmed down their expenses. Many ministries are self supported and sell books and DVD’s, and other products, but there is a difference of offering something useful to equip the church and selling “stuff,” to keep support coming in for a lavish lifestyle. (my comments in blue) Benny Hinn Ministries doesn’t publish its finances, but one report estimated it takes in $100 million a year. Hinn says only that the ministry pays him more than half a million dollars a year — but that income doesn’t include money from the sales of his books and his other private business ventures.http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,563103,00.html Benny Hinn’s ministry has taken in approximately 100 million dollars year after year (which is a pre 2000 estimate -that means he has probably exceeded in the least a billion dollars). He has used the money to live extravagantly at home and wherever he travels thanks to the generous naiveté of his supporters that believe he has a special anointing to to heal and pass on the spirit as an experience to whomever he wills. (see learning to receive an oferring) “The Lord wants us to follow His righteous life, but yet we have to exist in the 21st century. You can’t be going about riding a bicycle and to travel the world … that is not smart” Hinn says “the plane is a necessity, not a luxury” because of his extensive travel. http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,563103,00.html This may be so but it is his tactics in raising funds that become questionable. He flies in a G4 Jet he pitched for his partners to help him buy in 2006. We were able to attend his partners Convention meeting in 2006 and watched firsthand how he solicited funds from the partners (Sept. 9, 2006 Blaisedell convention room) for a jet he already purchased. He ingeniously taught people the Lord wants them to bring the gospel, but before they do this they were told the Lord wants them to support the gospel. He had already bought this jet for 9 million dollars from Morris Cerullo (who was getting another jet), and was given 2 months to raise the other half of the money (nearly 4.8 million more) to pay it off. His fund raising pitch: “We have to get the gospel to the world while there is time.” “So before I teach you how to get the gospel out, help me get the gospel out.” He then handed out envelopes he said those who were going to give $1,000 he was going to put their name in the prayer room on the plane. Hinn starts with “Those who can give $500 or over lift your hand up now” to put it in the envelope. All of you that are sowing a thousand dollars” “stand right where you are and I’m going to pray for you.” Those that “give a hundred or more come down quickly,” he prayed for them. When it came to anything under $100 he told them to stay in their seats and said nothing. This is living example of James 2:2-4: “For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” This money raising card Hinn has used over and over again to bring in the funds he needs for his ministry lifestyle which includes staying in luxury hotel rooms, with the best accommodations. I would think that Hinn should look at what he is doing before he continues to take money by coercion and continue his luxurious lifestyle, which he calls ministry. Hinn’s ministry has always had a superstitious side (promoting Marian miracles) and it is also apparent in his line of overpriced trinkets he sells. Some of the items and products are neutral and are fair exchange for the price, others are not. The Passion Medallion Necklace From the new Benny Hinn Signature Line of Inspired Jewelry—the 14K medallion carries this promise of Scripture: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Wear The Passion Medallion Necklace as a reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Passion Medallion Necklace is designed by Pastor Benny Hinn and exquisitely crafted to reflect what each partner and ministry friend means to him and to this ministry! This one-of-a-kind piece was exclusively crafted by one of America’s most prestigious jewelers, Leon’s on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The circular medallion is approximately 1 ounce of gold and is a durable, beautiful witness to all. Price: $2,500.00 This must be for those elite partners regardless of our recession. I hope this is pure gold so it is actually worth half of its selling value in weight. Though, you might be better off getting God’s gold so you can see and not be part of the Laodiciean church that is rich in money and bankrupt in Spirit to be able to see so you are not those who are being manipulated and abused. Resurrection Sculpture We serve a risen Savior, our wonderful Lord Jesus! This beautiful golden-toned sculpture, designed exclusively for Benny Hinn Ministry partners and ministry friends, celebrates the miraculous moment when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, fulfilling the Scripture, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). …Order your sculpture today. $200.00 This is something that should be alive in every believers heart and a stature is far from necessary. The Prayer of Jabez Necklace: The 1 Chronicles 4:10 passage, often called the Prayer of Jabez, contains four vital requests—blessings, enlarged territories, safety from harm, and protection from evil to avoid grieving the Lord—which continue to remind and inspire today’s believers of God’s promises. This elegant, timeless, and beautiful gold- and silver-toned necklace features a distinctive 17-inch chain and the beautiful pendant engraved with the prayer written in Hebrew. What a faith-building fashion heirloom! Order several necklaces for upcoming holidays and gift-giving celebrations. Price: $25.00 This certainly supports a false premise that was promoted in the book “the Prayer of Jabez.” To call it a faith building heirloom is far from the truth. Sword of the Word Letter Opener From beginning to end, the Bible reveals how effective and supernatural God’s Word is. In Genesis 1, God spoke and the world was created. Ephesians 6:17 refers to the Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit. Likewise, we know from Hebrews 4:12 of the amazing power in His Word. .. serves as a useful reminder in so many ways—the Scriptures can enter where no other sword can, piercing through all barriers to penetrate with our Lord’s life-giving Word…. Hebrews 4:12, comparing the Word of God to a double-edged sword, provides stunning visual imagery for this practical 8-inch gold metallic and black-handle letter opener. Perfect for your home office or workplace, the Sword of the Spirit Letter Opener also makes a wonderful and meaningful gift for any occasion. Order several today for yourself and your loved ones Price: $25.00 Would it not be better to study the word and show you’re approved by God by rejecting these gimmicks of Hinn to raise money? Second Coming Everlasting Love Medallion and Necklace: This very specially-designed gold-plated medallion and necklace depicts the Second Coming of Jesus Christ with the verse, “Behold I come quickly”. It has been crafted with exacting standards by one of the world’s leading jewelry-makers. Pastor Benny has signed the jewelry himself, as the “signature” word in the name implies…. Wear this as a reminder to pray for the ministry as we seek to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations through crusades, broadcasts, and mission outreaches. Get this medallion and necklace for your gift of $150. Mezuzah Set: In Deuteronomy 6 and 11, God directed His people to write selected sentences of the law upon their walls. A mezuzah—a small parchment scroll with special scriptures and fastened inside a case—is attached on righthand doorposts above eye level in homes, synagogues, and businesses as a sign and reminder of their faith. Mezuzahs continue to be used today among devout Jews and many faithful Christians. Benny Hinn Ministries commissioned this specially crafted mezuzah to display God's eternal Word in your home, church, or office. To honor your heritage and remind all who enter your home of God’s protection and blessings…. Set of 2 with order. $25.00 Hinn’s Mezuzah has all kinds of symbols on it that no Mezuzah would have. Again, where in the New Testament did the apostles teach to put a Mezuzah at the door of your house? Hinn is mixing the Old Testament with the new covenant and with superstition. Power of God Prayer Shawl: Both the Old and New Testaments show examples of deepening prayer and worship with a prayer shawl (also called a tallit), most prominently in Numbers 15:38. Blessings were sewn into the garment, then they were uttered before donning the prayer shawl. The wearer literally wrapped himself in the Word of God. Now you can order an exclusively designed tallit, lovingly and painstakingly crafted in Israel by the finest Jewish master tailors and dyers… Order yours for a seed-gift of $30. Where did the apostles teach the church to wear a prayer shawl? This is mixing the Old Testament with the new covenant. Did Jesus wear a shawl when he was crucified? Did he not open the way into the holy place by his death. Wrap yourself in the real word of God so you do not become deceived. What benefit would this have to a believer, another gimmick. 12 Names of God” Prayer Shawl, Prayer Journal & Anointing Oil Combo: The twelve names of God provide a glimpse into the unfathomable facets of God’s personality, for with perfection they define the nature of an awesome God. … this collection which includes the inspiring Twelve Names of God Prayer Shawl to remind you of the awesome God we serve as you pray, the Twelve Names of God One-Year Journal to help you approach God’s presence with love and reverence day by day, and a beautiful gold bottle of Anointing Oil to use as you pray for God’s power in your life. … for your ministry gift of $100. A Prosperity Prayer Shawl Price: $50.00 (posted 7/22/10) In his prophecy section he has books by false prophets in the new apostolic government of Peter Wagner (that have appeared on his program). Future War of the Church & Worship Warriors by Chuck Pierce Price: $30.00 The Day of the Saints by Dr. Bill Hamon Price: $25.00 The price of seed money has gotten quite steep through Benny Hinn. “plant an Uncommon Seed of $365 and receive "365 Wisdom Keys of Mike Murdock" What's the cost? Price: $365.00 http://www.bennyhinn.org/television (7/22/10) There's a Miracle in Your House, by Todd Coontz Bestselling author, pastor, and broadcaster Todd Coontz shares the keys to unlocking the power of biblical finances in…With a backdrop of the dramatic story found in 2 Kings 4, Coontz points not to the widow’s bleak situation and what she did not have, but focuses on what Elisha said about she did have—a pot of oil! The prophet told her to do something that made absolutely no sense in the natural, yet the results continue to resound through history. Learn how you can be financially free. This book is yours for your special debt-cancellation seed-gift of $200. Breaking the Spirit of Debt - Special Offer - by Todd Coontz Price: $100.00 All of Coontzs’ books are expensive. What bewilders me is that these books are sold to people so they can learn to increase their money but Hinn does not use it to increase the money he needs. The Miracle of the Chili Pepper Seed Book by Todd Coontz: powerful book, you are literally a walking warehouse of seed. Learn how to inventory your seed today, then sow with expectation. This popular This Is Your Day! guest answers the tough questions about biblical finances and shares why, when, how, and where you should plant your precious seed. Learn the single greatest success secret, the three required ingredients for good seed, how to become a good receiver of seed, the divine law of expectation, and so much more. Order your copy today! Price: $1,000.00 Or you can get for a more reasonable price but with unbiblical teaching Morris Cerullo's Financial Breakthrough Bible and Book Combo Price: $100.00 If getting healed supernaturally from Benny fails you can order the book All Your Health Questions Answered Naturally by Maureen Salaman All Your Health Questions Answered Naturally is THE masterpiece of manuals. Now you can put the knowledge into your hands to heal yourself, restore your body's ability to heal through nutrition, and reverse the cause of illness and disease. Each page reflects Maureen's 30 years of close work with researchers and physicians versed in nutrition. At last this vital information is available to expose the myths and reveal the life changing truths about natural health. Your body will never be the same again!$60.00This may be the more practical and beneficial offer of all the sordid items. PATH Wellness Manual $100.00 Younger (Thinner) You by Eric Braverman, MD for $35 Unlock the hidden power of your brain to look and feel 15 years younger! Dr. Braverman, a leading expert in anti-aging medicine, What got my attention is the cheapest item on sale -- You Are a Soul Winner – by Benny Hinn, a book that is supposed to equip you to help new believers take their first steps toward a new life. No doubt Hinn’s ardent followers are willing to shell out more money for these items than they normally would because of the stigma of the anointing from Hinn. Hinn will not move from his 10 million dollar home or sell his luxury cars to raise his funds, he does not downgrade. In 2007, the CBC’s Fifth Estate reported that Hinn’s ministry took in roughly $250 million a year in donations and sales of such items as these ( this more than double of what his ministry took in the late 90’s). People like Hinn never give to the poor but are more willing to take from them. The young ruler who came to Jesus and had a conversation on keeping the law Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matt 19:21-24). Mark 10:21-22 adds, “come, take up the cross, and follow Me." The rich young ruler was unable to take up the cross of denying self and could not sell his goods and give anything to the poor out of his abundance. Legitimate needs in ministry are necessary to give the accurate gospel for people to be saved from their sin is what Jesus called people to preach. This is not what Hinn’s message is. If Hinn put his own teaching of giving to be blessed into action he would give away what he had to those in need. Considering his ministry takes in millions and millions of dollars. But it appears that it is better to receive than it is to give, especially when you are on the receiving end.
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