Signs & Wonders Blog

Among the things I avoid looking at online are videos and articles that attempt to “expose” ministers. Some are by critics who simply disagree with a particular preacher’s theology. Then there are so-called watchdogs who believe their calling in life is to warn of clergy who have stumbled into sin. I question the motives of these watchdogs, especially when they bring up offenses committed decades ago. Are they seeking to restore or want someone they don’t like removed from the pulpit? Those who fit the latter category would benefit from reading this story I’ve seen circulating online: An old man sitting on a park bench was approached by a young man who asked, “Do you remember me?” The old man replied. “No.” “I was your student.” “What do you do now in life?” The young man answered: “Well, I became a teacher.” “Ah, like me” said the old man. “Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.” “What did I do that made you decide to become a tea...

During the 1990s, I attended a Word of Faith church and grew to appreciate many preachers associated with that stream of ministry. Atlanta-based pastor Creflo Dollar wasn’t among my favorites, but I listened to him occasionally through various media platforms. Once I visited another church where he was the guest speaker and enjoyed his message. Creflo talked about how the use of certain words has changed. He pointed out that calling someone a dog used to be an insult. Now homies greet their buddies, “What’s up, dog?” I was shocked when learning of Pastor Dollar’s recent recantation of tithing. My Facebook newsfeed has been full of reactions to that, both positive and negative. Previously, Creflo received flak for an aborted fundraising campaign to buy a better jet . Instead of prejudging him, I took the time to listen to his message, “The Great Misunderstanding.” One part I agreed with is that our giving should come from the heart and not out of fear of being cursed. However, Crefl...

Standing outside a building at Moorhead State University By this Tuesday, most learning institutions will be back in session. While in elementary school, I was considered one of the smartest students in my class. Later in my teens, my grades went down because I hated doing homework (although much time was spent reading encyclopedia articles). Still, I managed to graduate from high school. Then I took several college courses but never got a degree. Often the classes I liked best provided hands-on training as opposed to listening to lectures all hour long. Before answering the call to full-time ministry, a few people suggested I go to Bible school. The Lord told me it wasn’t necessary. Many of the early apostles didn't attend the Rhemas and ORUs of their day. Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” As an alternative, I put ...

As a young Christian, I listened to numerous sermon tapes. Among the ministers I gleaned from the most were Mac Hammond , Jerry Savelle , Jesse Duplantis , Kenneth Copeland , Mike Murdock , and Joyce Meyer . God used them at different seasons in my life to build a solid foundation on His word. In recent years, I’ve probably listened to Perry Stone more than any other preacher. Perry estimates he's studied the Bible for more than 100,000 hours in his lifetime. His “Manna-Fest” programs often filmed in Israel help illustrate his points. Besides their pastor, most believers have a favorite preacher they like listening to. However, one must avoid seeking out ministers who proclaim only what they want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 warns, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers” Wrong doctrines have been built based on one Bible verse alone. Look at...

As a young Christian, I devoured numerous teaching tapes and books that God used to help me grow in my knowledge of Him and prepare for ministry. One Bible teacher from who I’ve gleaned a lot is Joyce Meyer. Her “Battlefield of the Mind” is one of the most powerful books I ever read. Joyce’s testimony of overcoming abuse and rejection has inspired millions of hurting people. I appreciate her candor and sense of humor (especially her “What About Me?” robot imitation). It grieves me when I hear fellow Christians criticizing Joyce Meyer. She is often labeled a “prosperity preacher.” Her website  clarifies: “A ‘prosperity gospel’ that solely equates blessing with financial gain is out of balance and could damage a person’s walk with God.” Another reason Joyce receives flak from religious folk is being a woman behind the pulpit. Yet the Bible has numerous examples of women ministering to God’s people. These five prophetesses are mentioned by name: Miriam (Exodus 15:20) De...

I have a friend who for a long time was a “pre-trib” rapture believer and talked of debating an outspoken “post-trib” minister he allows to have meetings in his home. Having been to one of those meetings, I kept discouraging my friend from trying to correct this minister who wasn’t apologetic after I pointed out the inaccuracy of one of his claims . Then last month following a church service, my friend announced he now believes the church will be raptured “mid-trib.” When I gave a reason why I cannot agree with him on that, he got out his cell phone and was about to call someone to help defend his newly-embraced doctrine. Fortunately that got interrupted when my friend was called forward by two altar workers to receive prayer. I then quietly slipped out of the church. It’s one thing for Christians to reason together so we can all grow in knowledge of the Scriptures. Unfortunately, some focus on promoting doctrines that have no effect on people’s eternal destinies. Occasional...