Quote:
Originally Posted by deacon blues
He preached a lot at my home church when I was a kid back in the 70s. He was instrumental in leading my uncle to salvation which was nothing short of a miracle. I was baptized with the HG at the age of 8 when he was preaching a revival and praying with me in the altar. Bonifide miracles transpired in many of those meetings. I love LS. He made an indelible impactbin my life and in the lives of many that I love and cherish.
In the 80s he preached a sermon on angels at camp meeting and it was the first time I thought his preaching was somewhat odd. Then he came to our church in 1988 and preached this message on hair. We ate with him after church and asked questions because many of us on staff disagreed with it, but out of respect for him, wanted him to expound. It was apparent we didn't agree by the end of the conversation. After that meeting he never came back to our church after preaching there for more than a dozen years, literally hundreds of messages.
I began to hear how he began to cut different churches out, refusing to preach fornthem, and kept his circuit of revivals to only a select number of churches he had a relationship with (I suppose those churches that wouldn't question anything he preached). He even had a falling out with POA and the Manguns. Over what I do not know, but he used to be the final preacher at BOTT for many years and then suddenly he stopped preaching that meeting. Years later I think he preached there again, apparently the differences were ironed out. I don't know if he still preaches there anymore.
Last time I heard him preach was at Bethel Springs, TN at an annual conference held there. The message wasn't anything outlandish in my recollection. I approached him after service, he recognized me, smiled profusely and hugged my neck and showered me with kind words and love. He asked about my family and relatives. It was a nice reunion. I do love him. But I love Jesus and His Word more, and it saddens me to watch what this ministry has become and its emphasis on anecdotes and sensationalism.
Back in the 70s he preached a message I remember he said was, "Simply entitled, 'Jesus'". Those were the good ole days. Now it's hair, witchcraft, angels, manifestations, Bin Laden's wives, etc. It seems "Simply Jesus" isn't good enough anymore. It makes me sad.
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My Lord, this also saddens me. It’s a dangerous when a leader begins to build a reputation among the church world, and get lifted up. God is not calling for leadership reputation, but leadership accountability and godly character. I heard of Stoneking a few months ago, and listened to his teaching on hair, and was amazed at its foolishness; very outlandish in my estimation. Time will either solidify and anchor you in Christ on the authenticity of the Word of God, or it will sway you away with reputation, and popularity that can off set, and shipwreck your ministry, and credibility. Thanks for sharing.
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