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Ken van Zyl
Although I was greatly influenced by Jimmy Swaggart early ministry, like many others, I was rather upset to hear about his 'association' with the hooker. After his rather tearful public confession, I continued listening to his sermons and music believing that he had made right with our Lord, and was forgiven. The second time around, the Lord revealed to me that even the strong stumble, and that I was not to judge. Instead of throwing stones, we should rather lift him up before the Lord in prayer; after all, he is mere man that is also in a constant battle with our enemy. Satan knows our weaknesses and will play upon them.
Minnie Murray-Blackwell
Judge not, lest ye be judged. If we deal with the plank in our own eyes, we wont have time to deal with the speck in our neighbors eyes. Just as God used the converted Paul, a murderer, and David an adulterer, God knows mere man is imperfect and He will use whom He chooses to equip the saints. Lastly, let us not forget the "sins of the heart" (envy, jealousy, pride, etc. Secret sins unseen by man but seen by God) which man commits. As believers we should pray for each other, including Jimmy Swaggert, and FORGETTING the things of the PAST, press towards the mark of the prize of the high calling. Minnie Blackwell
Deborah Bullock
Jimmy Swaggart is a powerful Evangelist who fully answered and repented for his trangressions that occured over 20 years ago. Really, Christians this should not be brought up anymore. He and his wife, Frances have rebuilt their ministry and have their own broadcast network which is the Sonlife Broadcasting Network. Their son, Donnie and one grandson, Gabriel also minister. I watch two of their daily programs faithfully and often watch their Sunday Service. Jimmy and Frances are powerhouses for the LORD'S work and it's pretty obvious, God is blessing their ministries. Jimmy has written many books on Biblical topics and studies. He has written commentary for the entire King James Bible. There is so much that's good to say about the Swaggarts. Where some might differ with them is they believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Vincent Mercado
Supporter
Jesus said, "Practise and observe whatever they tell you — but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practise." It is a challenge for us to distinguish what a preacher preaches and what he practices. No preacher is perfect, in fact, they have all been imperfect because they are not God. So with regards to his preaching, I would say it is generally acceptable for a Christian audience. (I am Catholic, we have differences in theology.) As for his involvement in scandals, we condemn those.
Michael Harris
Many many years ago when I first saw a video of Minister Jimmy Swaggart I felt, 'in my Spirit/Soul', 'repulsed' by the man. I 'couldn't stand him'. I thought to myself 'It must be me'. Years later, when his personal 'scandal' broke I thought 'Oh that is interesting, he repulsed me long ago, long before this 'scandal' '. Now days if I try to watch him on TV I do not like him at all. Not because of the 'scandal' - WOW I sure am no 'nun'/'monk', hey. I have a 'past' too, hey. (I even have a 'present' that is far from 'perfect'). GOD tells us to forgive; not to judge; to see the plank and not to focus on the speck etc. This man sure knows the Word, hey. That's for sure. But then we know that Satan knows it better. To me Jimmy Swaggart is like a man who has to have the lime-light and the center-stage. So he sings to us like a 'Frank Sinatra' or a 'Sammy Davis Junior' did. Then too, the words 'snake-oil-salesman' spring to mind. Especially when I watch some of his Brothers speak on his TV Programme. But then, I must admit, these same words come to me when I watch/listen in on quite a few other Ministers/Evangelists who speak on TV these days. It is probably me, but I still, to this day, do not like this man at all. I sense it in my Spirit, in my Soul. Lord Bless, Michael.
Bob Johnson
I believe the man is a charlatan. Galatians 1:9 doesn't mince words. Those that preach another gospel should "be accursed." People say that we should judge. They say we should be forgiving. Generally that is true, but the Bible also says we ought to judge those within our midst. (1 Cor 5:12). And the Bible says (Matthew 7:16, 20) that we will know them by their fruit. Just because he's getting rich doesn't mean God is blessing Him. He was rich before his fall as well It appears that Jimmy "repented". It's easy to cry and repent when you are caught. We should look at his ministry. Is it Biblical? Again, there are differences in theology, but does he teach "health and wealth"? That is not Biblical. Same with all his teaching. When I see him and his guests preach and teach I get a real sour feeling in my soul. Is that the Spirit prompting me? I'd say stay away. Many wolves come in sheeps clothing.
Susan Dwyer
I agree with Michael Harris. I am partially disabled and not always able to get to my Christian church so I turn to the T.V. and have been greatly disappointed in a certain, so-called preacher by the name of Joel Osteen. He may say the right words (as Satan knows the same) but he does not live them. Jesus was born poor and lived that way throughout his life and enriched all who listened to him. When I see someone Like Joel Osteen living in a mansion and all the accoutrements that go with it, I have to wonder if (as I believe his blasphemy is all show to get where he is). Jesus gave so much to the poor as to what he could and yet we are assaulted by someone like Joel Osteen (and I am sure others like him) who use God's word to attain their riches.
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