The Irony of “Christian” Programming
Many of you have asked what kind of Christian programming I listen to via radio or watch on TV. My standard answer is that I only listen to the radio for about 10 minutes on Sunday morning while driving to church. I have found one program that is fairly straight in its teaching, but I won’t advertise it here because I only get a 10 minute snippet which is by no means a fair evaluation. As far as TV is concerned, I occasionally tune in to a “Christian” channel just to see what kind of ridiculous doctrines are the latest fad being touted as “Holy Ghost” inspired. When I really need a good laugh (cry?), I watch a little bit of Osteen because I am always impressed by Satan’s latest machinations. Little does Osteen know how much he really proves scripture is true. Paul wrote: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (1 Tim. 4:3-4). I suppose we should be grateful for Osteen because practically nobody has proved the validity of this statement like him! But, lest I give Osteen too much credit, there’s always Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Jessie Duplantis, Creflo Dollar (what an appropriate name!), T.D. Jakes, and on and on and on it goes. Maybe you should also be thankful for cable TV and satellite with its hundreds of channels with programming that proves the apostle’s point.
I stay away from “Christian” programming because you usually have to wade through mountains of trash to find something good. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been one to do much searching in garbage cans. Having said this, I know there is some good out there. If you have found it, God bless your efforts. I can only advise you to be very careful and check everything you hear by your own diligent study of the Word. I will also advise you that listening to the radio, watching TV, or ordering CD’s from somebody’s ministry is not a substitute for your church. The church is a body of believers that has covenanted together for fellowship and propagation of the gospel. It is a local assembly (Heb. 10:25) and has the unique love and favor of Christ upon it (Eph. 5:25). There is no such thing as a TV or radio pastor. Likewise, neither Billy Graham, Rick Warren, nor any other preacher is “America’s Pastor.”
So, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, thank God He has those out there who prove He knows what He is talking about. Now that you know, be careful where you step and reject these heretics!
Pastor V. Mark Smith