By the way, here is what the probably unsaved think about the Hilliard shenanigans.
Blessed is He Who Shops at Saks Fifth Avenue By RICK CASEY Houston Chronicle (Feb 14, 2006)
Houston is the fund-raising capital of the world.
Balls, luncheons, golf tournaments: A generous person of wealth could meet his or her nutritional and recreational needs almost entirely at charitable events.
But next month may mark a breakthrough in Houston fundraising for its innovative marketing, its creative packaging.
The fundraiser is for Bridget Hilliard, the energetic and articulate wife and co-minister of Pastor Ian V. Hilliard.
Their church and ministry, the New Light Christian Center, is one of Houston’s biggest and fastest growing.
A formal affair
It already has four locations, including campuses in South Houston, Beaumont and Austin. Its “world headquarters” is north of Beltway 8 near T.C. Jester. And it will soon open its east Houston facility, the former Lakewood Church. New Light bought it from Joel Osteen for $15 million last October after Osteen moved his church to the former Compaq Center.
New Light isn’t exactly marketing the event for Bridget Hilliard as an actual fundraiser.
It’s marketing it as a birthday party.
In the church hall?
No. At the Hyatt Regency.
The details are at the church’s Web site, www.newlight.org.
If you hurry you can get tickets ($100 each) for the March 12 celebration. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards are accepted.
It’s going to be quite an affair. Men are instructed to wear black tuxedos, and women cream or gold formals.
So why, you ask, am I calling it a fundraiser rather than a birthday party?
An upscale theology
Because of the link called “Gift Ideas.”
It’s a short list:
·Monetary gifts.
·Designer handbags: Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton.
·Gift certificates: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Escada.That’s it: cash, gift certificates to upscale shops or designer handbags in which to stash the loot.
The site says nobody is expected to bring gifts, but so many people have asked what Mrs. Hilliard likes that it will save staff time to post her desires on the Web site.
It also says, “If unable to attend, mail gifts to Dr. Bridget E. Hilliard,” and gives the address of the world headquarters.
(Mrs. Hilliard holds an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Friends International Christian University.)
Mrs. Hilliard’s gift list is well within the theology of the church, a segment of American protestantism known as “health and wealth” churches. It is expressed concisely by Ian Hilliard in an appeal to his flock for donations to a program called Vision Builders Campaign.
“Before making your pledge consider the spiritual law of sowing and reaping,” Hilliard writes in the church newsletter. “Jesus taught that ‘he who sows sparingly will only reap sparingly, but he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.’
“What kind of harvest do you really want to experience? Dr. Bridget and I have always purposed in our hearts and stretched our faith when it comes to kingdom giving, knowing that our return will be far greater.”
It’s a powerful message, and one that moves congregations to expect their pastors to display the material symbols of God’s favor, the Louis Vuitton handbags and the Saks Fifth Avenue wardrobes.
But it has a negative power as well, one that hit me more than 30 years ago when I was researching a Catholic charismatic church in Birmingham, Ala., where a priest was engaging in faith healing.
God wants you to be well, he told his parishioners, and if you have faith you will be.
In long conversation one evening I asked him how to interpret cases in which he prays over infants with incurable diseases when the infants are not then cured.
“We don’t really understand for sure,” he said. “But we think it may be because someone close to the child, a parent or other relative, may not have enough faith.”
If God wants us all to be healthy and wealthy, disease and poverty are likely due to the personal moral failings of the poor and sick or, in the case of children, of their parents.
So poor people of the world repent.
Blessed are they who shop at Saks.
I saw this yesterday and posted it on a forum that I am a member of. Naturally the thread was closed, but I wasnt upset. One that particular site they do not allow for theological discussion, so…. Anyhow, the people who did post something were all shocked. I can understand why this would be shocking to some, but it shouldnt be.
There are more “ministries” who do the exact same thing. We need to be watching the walks and fruits of our fellow brothers and sisters.
Im sure there are people who attend this church who dont agree with what their church is doing, (at least I hope so) but if no one speaks boldly, theres no change.
Melvin,
I know I am going to be disappointed by the results, but how can anyone defend this?? This is highway robbery, and its done in an “in your face” way. I believe the end result of these pimps will be the loss of tax exempt status for all ministries, once the government sees how good these guys are living, and figure its time to get their piece…
One reader said that though the site does some good stuff, it is a bit strident. But every time I look at these pimps and the way they use the “faith” of the foolish to spiritually rape and pillage, it makes me want to ratchet it up a notch or two.
By the way folks, I think I have first hand documentation for where the “Jesus suffered in hell for our sins” crapola. One of the readers pointed me to a site with a lot of books for sale. When I got there, I saw a book by a fellow named Kenyon. I ordered the book and have been reading through it. Don’t worry, I’ve had my shots. I’ll report back on it later.
Melvin
Yeah, E.W. Kenyon is the father of the WoF movement contrary to what they say about Daddy Hagin. Hagin copied(Literally) a lot of his work. Kenyon spent most of his time in New Age Metaphysics. That Name it, Claim it stuff came from this guy. People don’t know that their ever so faithful leaders got their ideas from New Age Metaphysics. It is so sad. No one wants to study their history anymore. (Sigh)
Sincere
And where did new age metaphysics get it from, possibly the bible which says “cALL THINGS THAT BE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE”, OR “WE CAN HAVE WHATSOEVER WE SAY”???????????
(MN: Big difference - the New Age people say my calling things makes it so. The Bible says that that which God says is to be will be. )
MJ, your insight to start this website is truly a blessing in disguise. I thank God in Heaven for the wisdom that he has imparted in me to see these “pimps” for what they are.
About three years ago I listened to one of these persons (for whom I will not name) but all he talked about basically in this so-called ministry to the people was money and how to increase and sowing into his ministry. The few scriptures that were given were used to confused and edify himself. It was just pathetic to watch the people (so many of them, sit and be mesmerized by this ’ssssnake’).
It was at that time that I said to myself that this person and people like him are “pimping the Word of God” in which turn I now refer to them as Word Pimps. Thanks again for this site and I pray that it (the website) does began to show in more e-mails around the world and that the people of the True and Living and Almighty God know that HE asks for nothing other than that we believe in His Son and accept that he was buried and Resurrected . That we sow into the Kingdom of God only that which is required of us. (Read/Study and ask God for the wisdom to interprete His Word) people and you will know for yourself what the Word of GOD says.
I live about 7 minutes from this pimp. If this birthday ripoff is not enough, you should see their home. I heard, ” Helicopter Hilliard”, bragging about it is the largest house in Texas and trust me there are some big homes here.
They have a huge sign out in front of the guard shack that say’s “Ministry Retreat”.
I can usually see him in their new Bentley on any given day if I choose to take the street that passes by their home on the way to the grocer.
Oh, some of us call him Helicopter Hilliard because this is how he travels between churches locally. He has a Learjet for out of state travel. It’s sad, because I know alot of people that attend New Light and you can’t tell them nothing about their pimp.
My barber, who I’ve known for a long time cut’s Hilliards hair, but he doesn’t come to the shop like the rest of us, he has a personal barber chair at the mansion.
Does J. Lo or Patty Labelle go to the beauty shop? No, for privacy, they can afford someone to come to them. Same difference!!!
Melvin,
I am happy for the Hillards and all of the Ministers that they roll with. They have read the Word of God and tapped into what God said. They worked the WORD and it manifeasted for them. God said in His Word that if you sown into the Kingdom of God FIRST then there is NOTHING that HE will withhold from you. GOD can not lie and WILL NOT LIE.
The Birthday Ball is WONDERFUL, she deserves it. $100 a plate is nothing, you will pay a $1000 a plate to hear the President or the Governor to hear a lying plotical speach, and what do they want in return…your vote. Dr. Hillard only tells you what she want. Just think, when you are asked what do you want for your birthday, do you not tell. So okay…instead of a pile of gifts that will not be used and only to have the problem of returning give her what she wants.
Stop trying to find fault in these Men and Women of God whom God has blessed. Sow a seed in their lives so GOD can bless you also.
Blessed and Highly Favored
(Melvin’s Note: Only one problem: We aren’t supposed to “work the Word.” The word is supposed to work us. You do remember Romans 12:1,2, right?)
My friend, where in Scripture is there a command to “work the word?” The psalmist describes the blessed man as one who delights himself in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). The apostle Paul commanded Timothy that we are to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Another psalmist wrote by the Spirit: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9). What these passages teach collectively as that a believer, one has received the gift of faith from the Sovereign God, submits and diligently studies the word in order to live holy in light of the word.
What I.V. Hilliard and others teach is actually sub-biblical. They wrench passages out of their original contexts and import meaning into them in order to hoodwink folk.
I pray that you have not been hoodwinked.
I feel sorry for you. Go back to the Bible and see what the Gospel really is. I worked for them and have seen the devastation. The Lord will resist the proud, but will give grace to the humble. Humble yourself and ask God to remove the deception from your eyes. Do your study on the “Word Faith Movement” and see how far away from the Lord these people have drawn you. I, too, was deceived by the Hilliards and the Word Faith Movement. Oh, no one is jealous but God. He will not have any other gods before him. Please go back to the Bible.
Amen
Shame on you!!!!!
Care to elaborate?? C’mon, give us a little hint. Shame on WHAT??
Drive-By commenters……….those too theologically weak to support their position, but too outraged that their pimp-idol has been exposed to keep from saying something, even if utterly useless.
Jesus said, “if you want to follow me, take up your cross.” I never hear the “cross” preached in these teleministries. Would Jesus wear a Rolex watch if He was here today?
Denise,
I knew there would be someone on here to defend these practices! Thank you for not letting me down…When the government finally decides to crack down on these wealthy pimps, I am predicting (I didn’t even call “prophet Jordan”) they will see they are letting multi-million dollar BUSINESSES get through the cracks as tax-exempt, and will start taxing ALL ministries. When that happens, all the “little guys” out there will pay a heavy price, and many churches will close. By the way, if you are not living on the same income level as the Hilliards, are you saying that God has more “favor” on them than you? (remember, God is no respecter of persons)
James 2:1-8
1)My brethren,do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude ofpersonal favoritism.
2)For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,
3)and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”
4)have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?
5)Listen, my beloved brethren: did notGod choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
6)But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?
7)Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?
8 ) If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well
Thanks for the comment. Let the truth be told. I am saddened by the brainwashing which goes on at this church. So much will come out about the Hilliards. The schools they have attended; their true lives; everything. Why must we always defend corruption and deceit?
In order to get what they have you must go through what they have been through. And do what they do. It is not fair to ask how come God has more favor on them. And then you contradict yourself with the whole “God is no respecter of person” WE KNOW THAT! If you arent doing what they are doing you cant expect to get what they have.
You all act as though they are rich and untouchable or unapproachable. They are some of the most down to earth people I know. They dont care how you are dressed or how much money you give. They dont know who gives what.
Denise,
A $1000 a plate dinner that politians have are usually fund raisers. So since you put it that way can we inSINuate that this ball is nothing but a fund raiser for their ministry. If it is that’s a cleaver scheme….and while you’re at it throw in a few free expensive gifts too. I wonder if a modest $3.00 card along with a small $30 gift would be gladly accepted by the honoree.
It’s funny how most of these pimps and their wives have this honorary Doctorate thingy. They all must buy that, because it would be sad for them to have an actual Doctorate Degree in something, yet lack the ability to read or discern which is something that the Spirit gives to all of us by the way….Christ sheep hear his voice…
Many of these charlatans purchase their “Doctorates” from something called Friends International Christian University (FICU).This is a sham school that is unaccredited and is actually a Church doing business as (FICU) Both Hilliards are distinguished alums of this fake seminary. Disgraceful.
(MN: See - Who Woulda Thunk It (just click on the link) for more information.
How ironic that you mentioned this pimp Melvin. I’m at my company’s annual sales convention at the Hyatt downtown Houston and guess who I see the first day(Tuesday) Pimp Hilliard himself, his daughter, armor bearer/butler and a whole slew of folks meeting with the banquet manager.
This place is grand to say the least and since I’m here working with our Director of Event planning directly supporting the technology side, I inquired of what it cost to host our conference here. It is astonomical!!
I guess the pimps have it like that also. It’s understandable for a corporate company to spend the money for their employees, but for a “minister” to use the money from the people for his wife is another.
This is comment is response to Alando. I didn’t have anything to say, I just wanted to show the new capability.
I made the mistake of trying to join New Light Christian Center Church. There were a few things I found issue with, but one major issue that made me pack my soul, spirit, body, and leave before I was brain washed into a mindless drone that could not read and comprehend the Word without the I.V./Bridgette twist on it. I stood up one Sunday walked to the front when the doors of Hell……….Oppps I mean, the church (New Light) were opened and the invitation to Hell………opps once again I mean, to join was given. I was escorted to a class room to speak with a spiritual coach. This person proceeded to ask the usual questions,”do you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior?” “Have you been baptised?” Both of which I answered inthe affirmative. Then this spiritual coach proceed to coach me into speaking tounges as a sign that I had been saved. Now I’m no Bishop, Doctor, or Profit but I do know that speaking in tounges is a gift of the Holy Spirit, so how can someone by coached to speak in tongues?  At this point I realized I was in the nucleus of a cancer cell and it would take a healthy does of Jesus to cure me which I did receive. Lord I thank You clarity.
Signed,
Lookin East
That’s a lie from the pit of Hell! I went through the joining process and that DOES NOT happen! You didn’t have to lie.
actually it does happen, I attended (past tense) a church in California where the pastor was a copy cat of the Hilliards, he called him his father in the gospel, and we took those practices from them….. I started to train to be a “coach” but glory to God I did not.
I’m understanding why you don’t understand. You are not filled with the Holy Spirit, so how can you understand spiritual things. I pray you ask God for understanding and wisdom. First by keeping your mouth off of Pastors. Even if you don’t agree with what they do, it is best for you that you refrain from “touching God’s anointed”.
Glory be to God alone for that Lookin East…Praise Yahweh for his Word…
Grace and Peace
seal
Well…as expected, people have flocked to be a part of this “celebration.” The party is SOLD OUT, ya’ll!
http://www.newlight.org/ministry/wotw/index.html
Ya’ll are haters. A lot of times, it is the members of the congregation who decide to throw events like this, not the pastors themselves. I go to a church, non-denominational, and we decided to buy a new car for my pastor. It wasn’t mandatory that you contribute, it was free will. But he didn’t know anything about it. We’ve thrown birthday parties for him at fancy hotels, because WE wanted to. When you have a good pastor, you want to bless him. It isn’t your money that’s being spent, so stop trippin.
JAZ,
Shut up with that spirit. Didnt you read the earlier post about the pastor, daughter, and other members there?
You: “It isnt your money that’s being spent, so stop trippin.”
Jesus: “No one ever bought me a Benz…. I must be doing something wrong…..”
In what mind do you think its okay to defend someone whos in the wrong? Too many in the ministry for the money. Its wrong, plain and simple.
Before you reply, if you in fact do, try not to make yourself seem like you support these kind of ministries. Grab some olive leaves, your ignorance is showing.
I’m not on the Hilliard bandwangon. However, I think it may be a bit obscence to call him a vulgar, seductive , worldly name such as a “pimp.” Was it not written in the bible in the book of Acts words coming from Gamaliel a Pharisee and doctor of the law told the counsel who were accusing Peter and other apostles, “Refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men , it will come to nought: but if it be of God,ye can not overthrow it; lest you be found fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38)
So, let God be the judge and let the believers, build up and not tear down the body of Christ.
Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should only use the same words Jesus, John the Baptist and Paul and some others used. Here, how about these instead.
Dr. I. V. Hilliard and those like him:
· are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15-16)
· are practicers of lawlessness (Matthew 7:22-23)
· are hypocrites ( Matt 15:7-9)
· are thieves (John 10:1)
· are slaves of their own appetites (Romans 16:18)
· are men of flesh (1 Cor 3:1-4)
· are peddlers of the word of Christ(2 Thessalonians 3:14)
· are accursed (Galatians 1:6-8)
· are tricksters and schemers (Ephesians 4:14)
· are deluders (Ephesians 4:14)
· are deceivers (Colossians 2:8)
· are defrauders (Colossians 2:18-19)
· are teachers of strange doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)
· are blasphemers, and have been handed over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:19-20)
· are teachers of myth (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
· are paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
· are liars (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
· are conceited and understand nothing (1 Timothy 6:3-4)
· have gone astray (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
· are evil men, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13)
· are empty talkers, after sordid gain (Titus 1:10-11)
· turn away from the truth (Titus 1:13-14)
· are false prophets, false teachers, greedy exploiters (2 Peter 2:1-4)
· are stains and blemishes, greedy, loving of wages of unrighteuosness (2 Peter 2:13-15)
· are slaves of corruption (2 Peter 2:19-20)
· are ungodly (Jude 4)
· are rebellious people (Isaiah 30:9)
Nah. I’ll just cut to the chase and stay with pimp.
Yea, Without Sin, Cast The First Stone.
I guess we need to shut down the courts and never prosecute child molesters. After all, we all have sin in our lives to one degree or another so none of us can judge. Right!?!?
That is correct Melvin. The “lack” of a voice in these matters equates to what I heard a pretty prominent pastor speak on this morning as I drove to work. He used the illustration of God instructing the lawless and disobedient (i.e. - 1 Sam 15:3, Jer 25:9) being destroyed as equated to a sickly dog roaming around unaware children. People have a hard time understanding God wiping an entire people off of the face of the earth. Of course, this was to prevent the detestable practices of the lawless people to continue and spread and infect others.
The example was of kindergartners being out at play, and (as a teacher or supervisor of the kids) you see a mangy dog roaming around foaming at the mouth, obviously sickly with rabies and detestable. Would you just wach the dog as he walked around and passed his deathly disease unto innocent children? No, we would be justified in defending the children (which is the duty) from the dog which is near death. What would you do? You have been trained to recognize what is and isn’t proper, so do your reject the training and take a chance that the dog will “go away”? No. The more the dog is welcome by unawares, the more apparently acceptable the practices are.
In fact we would be held MORE responsible by our superior for the fact that we stood idly by, saw what we saw (though the children could not recognize it) and said nothing, nor took any action. The end results of this type of reckless abandon results in our own chastisement or demise, as we are ultimately held accounatble for what we discerned yet did nothing to protect others. Trust that we will be held accountable by remaining idle. We do not have to have a voice of disrespect, (as many think because of TRUE conflict of personal interest and not God) but a warning of the danger to come is just that. A WARNING. They have a choice at that point, accept it or reject it and thereby the blood is off of your hand and they will be held accountable for rebelling against the instruction given by God through you.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son [heareth] his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
UH OH………..The brother used the anointed “YEA”.
I’ma skeered…………
MJ,
I have a question. I was told the other day by one of my Assembly of God friends that the real reason I left that denomination was that I have a problem with “spiritual authority.” This phrase is mentioned nowhere in the bible, but I suppose it has roots in the belief that a mere mortal could be the “Vicar of Christ.” These pimps (and heretics) use the myth of spiritual authority to impose their will on blinded believers. It even causes people to criticize the mild-mannered Damagoh for calling them out on their “obedience.” They really think that God has exalted a man (and his “first lady”) over them and given him a “Dominion” (see Parsley) over their followers. The question: have you or any of our wonderful readers ever done a study that validates/refutes the idea that we are to “submit to preachers (and/or Assembly of God superintendent)??
Easiest way to resolve this is to look at what Paul, a real-live, capital-A apostle, is talking about when he says: “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Notice he doesn’t even say “you have to follow me…my vision…yadda, yadda, yadda.” Rather, we are to measure our pastor against Christ and follow accordingly. And don’t forget, we are also to behave accordingly (not rudely, arrogantly, or other such behavior).
Big car, bossy First Lady wife, CEOship, and armor bearers don’t seem to be examples of following Christ. I could be wrong though.
You need to look at these WOF ministries diffrent from what you do. My church is in Bowie and we are under Sprit of Faith Christian Center in Temple Hills, MD who both are under Dr. Hilliard and Dr. Fred K.C. Price Ministries. Come visit us in Bowie, MD and hear a great teacher.
Great a carbon copy, I sat under Pastor Mike Freeman for 7 years. One question how can giving to someone rich propser you it cant :
Prov 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself
Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
you know in WOF churches this verse is never mentioned
Excellent point you brought out in is scripture. What was it like sitting under Pastor Freeman?
A first it wasnt too bad, but as the time went on it turned into worshiping of him, instead of Jesus. One sunday a question was asked do you need Jesus to get to heaven ? I was flabbergasted when people were saying no to the question. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the light no one commeth unto the but by me.
AMEN! Brother Joe Hardee. This Word should be The Deliverer for all blind, deaf, and dumb, and poor sheep who continue to feed the fat, greedy, wiley, and filthy rich “shepherds” and their falsely appointed spouses. The NASB records: “HE WHO OPPRESSES THE POOR TO MAKE MUCH FOR HIMSELF OR WHO GIVES TO THE RICH, WILL ONLY COME TO POVERTY.”
I remember watching Mike Freeman. He is indeed, a Price wannabe. His wife is also a pastor as well. He dresses very sharp. Every time I used to watch him, he would talk about his shopping sprees with his wife, which averages about $100,000 and paying tithes. This woman in his congregation got up one day and said she is from New Jersey and would drive three hours every Sunday to attend his church. Sad.
Dee Dee better watch that one!
Been there done that!
The birthday party was not a fundraiser…fundraiser for what??? New Light is hardly broke. Nor are they anywhere near bieng in debt. We don’t have “fundraisers”. We simply give. And are not ashamed to do so.
You people…it is biblical to give (for lack of a better term)-”financial tribute” to a man of God who dosen’t need it. Read YOUR bibles and learn something. Every man of God who had a priest to give to, had a priest who was well off. I read many of these posts and it makes me wonder if you are reading bibles or Batman comic books.
Back to the subject… New light just finished with its Firstfruits giving Sunday. Not long after DR. B’s birthday. In which we gave $2.3 million IN ONE DAY! This DOES NOT INCLUDE REGULAR TITHES AND OFFERINGS. So what does a couple hundred people at a $100 plate dinner party compare to that?
I know Im doing nothing but giving you ammo but I don’t care. New Light has absolutely nothing to hide. As for the guy who “Cant wait for the Gov’t to come down on the HIlliards…” They have already tried NUMEROUS times. Not just on the Hilliards, but on some of the churches biggest contributers. They can’t find ANYTHING. We have NOTHING to hide. We voluntarily invite an independent accounting firm to do MONTHLY Audits of the church books just so every penny is accounted for.
Lets look at how they get paid. We can all agree that the church must support the pastor right? First consider the minister of a small church (about 50-75 members) if his members supported him with $1 a week he would be a poor man, however in your eyes hes a “Godly” man. Now if his teachings were relevant and meaningful he should experience church growth… now he has 200 members. At a dollar a week thats not even minimum wage. Yet he’s still “Godly” right. More Growth… now hes at 1000+ members at the same pay rate. Has his “Godliness” faded yet? What about now that hes a 20000+ members. So now that he has become blessed with a big minsitry, and is now living proof that Gods word works, he’s a pimp right? Is that how you all break it down?
I think that the only words for you is read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14-But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we EAT ANYONE’S BREAD FREE OF CHARGE, BUT WORKED WITH LABOR AND TOIL NIGHT AND DAY, THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE A BURDEN TO ANY OF YOU, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU SHOULD FOLLOW US. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:IF ANYONE WILL NOT WORK NEITHER SHALL HE EAT. For we hear tht there are some who walk among you in a DISORDERLY MANNER, NOT WORKING AT ALL, BUT ARE BUSYBODIES. Now thoses who are such WE COMMAND AND EXHORT THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT THEY WORK IN QUIETNESS AND EAT THEIR OWN BREAD. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. AND IF ANYONE DOES NOT OBEY OUR WORDS IN THIS EPISTLE, NOTE THAT PERSON AND DO NOT KEEP COMPANY WITH HIM, THAT HE MAY BE ASHAMED.
All I know is, this is God’s word and is truth.
Demetria
You sound like the average brainwashed New Light Member who have been warned repeatively over the pulpit that people are jealous of the Hilliard’s success.
I know how you feel, I was once where you are. I spent seven years there as a member, pastoral care team member, personal ministry worker, MDI Instructor and staff employee. Until you ask the Lord to reveal and rid you of that pride, boastful (The Church, Like No Other), arrogant spirit that Hilliard has passed on to you, you will NOT be able to see truth.
In other words, King Uzziah (Hilliard - Idol) has to die in your life before you will be able to see the Lord High and Lifted Up.
I will pray for you because the Hilliards have lots to hide….remember, I said, I worked there.
Tell me if it is biblical to “naturally and spiritually disown a child” Bridget Hilliard believes so and the sad part about it is you’ll justify her lying. Confront them about her denying her oldest daughter and grandchildren.
Please wake up, before it is too late.
hey I also worked there and was also close to examine the behavior and etc.
If New Light is “hardly broke”, then why did I see Hilliard on local TV this morning (July 5th, around 7:30 on WB39 Houston) begging for $800K to finish the construction on the new drug treatment center? In fact, he made a special appeal to pastors who had previously sent members to New Light’s center to give generously towards the building fund.
I thought y’all would have that little $800K handled, seeing that you “simply give” and “are not ashamed to do so.” Especially when your church has 5 locations and rakes in several million dollars a month in offering (and by your own admission, raked in $2.3 million in “ONE DAY!!”)
Ah yes….he begged huh?!?! He got down on his knees and sobbed and cried about how we couldnt afford it huh?!?! New Light was in over its head huh?!?! Why do you people get on here and bend the truth or hold back all of the details of the truth just to defane the charachter of a person? I don’t know if its silly or sad. $2.3 million went to pay for the east location (old lakewood building). The $800 thousand you speak of will be raised during the 5k run that new light holds for the drug treatment center EVERY YEAR!! You know very well that you saw and advertisement for sponsors to that run! NOt a pastor begging!
The oldest daughter was caught stealing from the church. And refused to accept the punishment for her thievery. (Which included standing in front of the church and telling what she did). And Since she refused to do so she was disowned.
Yes it is biblical to disown a child who dishonors, I could give three examples from the bible, but hey you guys “know” it better than I do right? You should be able to tell me!
Did we just read the same comment? Where did TJM say he got down on his knees, etc., etc?
I was watching the program the other day and he did beg. But neither TJM nor I have said he got down on his knees. The fact is, if they are so flush with cash, why do the money raising?
According to the “Breaking News” they are building a new building, not simply raising money for the operation of the center. And the ad I saw was not an appeal to the sponsors of the run. It was an appeal to members, people who listen to the program, and pastors.
Please don’t try to avoid the discussion by arguing against things that weren’t said. It’s not particularly useful.
By the way, according to Moses it’s biblical to stone a child who disrespects you. Should we expect that? The Christian (a little teaching fromthe New Testament I know) says we are to forgive even as Christ has forgiven us. Where in this forgiveness is the idea of disowning?
But then again, most of the teaching these pimp use to take adbantage of people like you tends to come out of the Old Testament. SO I guess I’m not surprised.
Yes they are building a new building for the mens center. About two years ago they finished the womens center. The old mens center is just that. Old. Its run down and located in an area of Houston rampant with drugs and crime. Hardly a place for a person with a problem to rehabilitate. Is he wrong for wanting to put the men in a new building?
I dont know why we dont just foot the bill ourselves. So I wont speculate that. However, I will ponder my own thoughts…How come when Katrina hit, a bunch of celebrities got on TV to hold a telethon( Kanye West- “George Bush hates black people” -remember?) anyway how come those celebrites begged us to give, why didnt they just foot the bill themselves? Why didnt they just sell thier Bently’s and Bling-Bling and give to the effort?
Why do you seek to slaughter a man who has given untold thousands to the drug relief effort, why condemn a man who comes up with ways for the community to get involved?
I swear, I dont know why I, or any other light member even try to reason with people like you. Its people like you that would have crucified Jesus. But I guess those people were needed too.
As for those former members and those who feel new light is a cult…Dr. Hilliard says this, a cult is an organization you cant leave. No one forces you to stay at New Light. If you don’t like New Light then leave…Bye!! We have enough problems to worry about besides making you happy. There are a lot of good churches in Houston go give them your problems. New Light is not perfect we never said we were. But we care about our members.
Just as a sidebar, I give very little (by comparison to some of the more prosperous members) but even with as little as I give, when I landed in the hospital a few weeks ago, I recieved flowers with a card signed PERSONALLY by Dr. Hilliard. Two days out of the hospital Dr. Hilliard CALLED ME, to see how I was doing. Now they have over 20,000 members and yet someone who gives about $15 a week got that kind of attention. Screw what you all say about them.
I read the bible for myself. I go far beyond what Dr. Hilliard teaches. I know for myself that what he teaches is right. You can believe God wants you to suffer and be in poverty, sickness, lack, with marital issues if you so choose. If you have made Jesus your Lord and Savior you will be saved. I choose to serve a God who wants me to have money, a nice car, good health, and a fantastic marrige. I have made Jesus my LOrd and Savior. So I am saved. We can argue back and forth about whos right but what good will that do? Im not gonna change you and you wont change me. We will just see who was right on judgement day.
I doubt any of you Hilliard haters go to any church, because If you found fault in a man such as Dr. Hilliard. Surely by know you know your pastor has several skeletons in his closet. No church is perfect.
And if you find a “Perfect” church, please dont join it…YOU will just mess it up.
(MN: There nothing like watching someone build a good straw man (definition #2) and then watch them cheer gleefully as they knock it down. And if God WANTS you to have a good marriage, a nice car, etc, why don’t you? Is He so impotent that He can’t bring His will about in your life?
Though I would agree with you. Rather than begging for money, West and the rest should have put up their own money. But then, they don’t purport to represent Jesus Christ. The pimps do. )
Hipocrates! You say Dr. Hilliard should have forgiven his daughter. You hate him for “Pimping his flock” and yet when he catches and removes his daughter for doing the very thing you accuse him of, he is wrong. So he can do no right huh?
He wanted to forgive her be she wronged him and the church. She wouldnt make ammends, so no forgiveness.
There is no pleasing you!!!
Sorry, I don’t hate the pimp. He is as he is. I do however, dislike the fact that he takes advantage of you.
You still haven’t told me why he shouldn’t have stoned his daughter since that’s Old Testament too.
By the way, there are no requirements for amends in order to be forgiven. Jesus forgave the soldiers even as they were nailing Him to the cross. She should perhaps have been prosecuted by the law, but he and his wife, in the spirit of Christ, that they claim to be so powerfully anointed with, should have forgiven her, not disowned her. If you can’t see that, then how can you imagine that God can or has forgiven you?
I never said he should have stoned his daughter. You did. I said there are three examples in the bible of disowning a child. You havent pointed out either one of them. Jesus was able to forgive those who did not ask, because:
1. they didn’t know any better(for lack of a better term)
2. He had to die brutally, someone had to slaughter him.
Hilliards daughter was then and is now not repenting for what she did. You can forgive a child (or not) and disown them at the same time. There are guidelines at the church that all are governed by. Including the Hilliards.
There are a lot of misguided people who attend New Light thinking “any second now, God is going to give me all of the desires of my heart!” Then they leave feeling disgruntled and cheated when that dosen’t happen. If I never have a lot of money or a big house or a nicer car (Just bought a brand new one). I’ll still live a happy life knowing that the God I serve does not want me to live in lack.
However like I said I read the bible for myself. I don’t just sit and eat what HIlliard feeds me (even though it does taste good). I know the principles and laws involved when living in faith.
Faith is not a magic act, nor is it a wishing well. It is a principle that takes a lot of work. Not just sitting and praying, fasting and wishing. It takes physical work. A lot of people dont understand that. So they leave New Light pissed off and blaming the Hilliards because they didn’t get what they want.
If I never have a lot of money or a big house or a nicer car (Just bought a brand new one). I’ll still live a happy life knowing that the God I serve does not want me to live in lack.
Then the god you serve is a lie. Can’t you see that?
Also, where in scripture does it say that you ask the Lord to be your Saviour and you are saved? If you show not the fruit of salvation, you are not saved; whether you think you are or not.
Jesus himself said “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” Matt 7:21
I have no clue where that eisegesis came from.
Can’t you see that I don’t live in lack? (MN: No. I have no idea who you are and don’t know how you live.)I’m happy with these material possessions I have. I know that if I keep living a Godly life they will just get better. I also know I can’t take anything with me when I die. But I don’t know when I’m going to die. I may never see the inside of a Bentley but I’m happy knowing that my God kept me off the bus because I knew his word.
Yes…yes… for every comment that someone makes backed by scripture there is the next person who feels compelled to shoot that scripture down with another. And after that, someone else retorts with yet even ANOTHER scripture to shoot down the previous.
This is why there are so many Atheists in the world.
This is why the world will never be at peace. This is why Jews and Muslims have been fighting for thousands of years. Not realizing that if they sat down with their Qurans and Torahs (I probably misspelled that but hey B…I…B…L…E…as long as I can spell that) anyway if they sat down and read both “Sacred Books” they would see it’s virtually the same book!
My point is this. None of you KNOW 100% what is going to happen to you when you die. All you can do is hope that your belief is correct. All you can do is hope that you wind up in this place called “Heaven”. Or at the very least you are hoping that you don’t wind up burning for all eternity.
I know a man who has read the Bible cover to cover in 7 Languages!!! No Lie!!! He has shown me all seven of his Bibles in English, Spanish, Russian, Greek, German, Chinese, and Portuguese.
I say that to say this, after all of his studies in so many different languages, he is convinced that a damned soul will not be in hell forever. It’s more of a prison sentence with time off for good behavior. Now I have spent days if not weeks arguing with this man that he is wrong. Yet he can back his belief up with scripture, and for some reason I cannot back up the belief that hell is forever.
Satan is an evil creature who is here to use every scheme he can imagine to separate us from our beliefs. Satan knows the scriptures better than ANY of us EVER will. I mean if God showed himself and his powers to Adam and Eve regularly, why did Satan STILL have enough room to cast doubt in their minds?
All of us have one thing in common whether you support the “Pastors/pimps” or not. We all believe in God. Rather that come together to spread the word to non-believers, what do we do? Argue and bicker amongst ourselves. Score one more for Satan.
Actually, we don’t argue and bicker among ourselves. The saved who come to this site understand what is being said and we learn from each other. The unsaved (and perhaps the very badly taught) try to defend their untenable position by twisting the scriptures (Paul was Godly but he definitely was not rich, neither were Peter or John - Godliness does not automatically equal physical prosperity no matter how much scripture you choose to ignore).
The places where we “bicker” is with stuff like predestination. And that’s more “fun” than real argument. Remember, when preaching things like Jesus suffering in Hell, and not being God here on Earth, Creflo and the rest of the pimps are not spreading the Word. They are not spreading the truth There is nothing to to unite around. They have a different Jesus. Anyone care to back up the idea that Hell is forever?
Finally, Satan doesn’t separate us from our beliefs. He convinces us to disobey the truth even when we know the truth. Adam did not stop believing God told him to not eat of the fruit. He just did it anyway. The basic definition of sin. Eve actually added to God’s word.
And isn’t it interesting that Satan told Adam and Eve that they could be gods? That’s the same thing the WoF heretics say.
Comment by Czarina
“Also, where in scripture does it say that you ask the Lord to be your Saviour and you are saved?”
Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Mathew 7:21 is not speaking of physical heaven. But the KINGDOM of Heaven. A kingdom is defined in websters dictionary (3rd definition) as the realm in which Gods will is fufilled.
Great Message. It is just jealousy.
Yeah………you’re right. I’m jealous.
I sure wish I could find some gullible, Biblically illiterate sheeple to throw money at me too.
When can you start??
You are wrong for that! LOL!
they are hardly broke because people like you keep giving them your money.
Anybody else REALLY like deb d.???
I, too was in a profit for the prophet church, fashioned after the Hilliards and Fred Price and its SAD…I thank God for revealing the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, we have to pray for the folks under those ministries, cause it’s like a strong cult they are in…
I noticed that none of these comments are positive. You people must thrive on negative spirits or something. It is not for you to judge but God only!!! New Light is a church like no other. We have a 90 day free drug rehabilition program that is free to anybody. Why haven’t you mentioned that. Why is when a man or women of God is doing well and teaching their members that same teachings as some white preachers you have to find fault. Oh, I just rememberd the battle is not mine but it is the Lord’s.
It is very disappointing to see this website on the internet. How do you sleep at night? Why are you hating. New Light has a proven record of integrity. We do not have to sale fish dinner or raffle tickets to do kindgom business. We are a church ” Like No Other”.
Why is it when Donald Trump or any other business man buys a expensive car, jet, or house you do not comment. God bless you!!! Nobody hold a knife to your neck and tell you to come to the Light. The Hilliard’s are not going anywhere!!!!
Ryche(Rich) Franklin(Big Ben),
What does race have to do with anything?
And if the “Battle was the Lord’s” then why didn’t you just erase everything you wrote? But no, you came with some very delightful knee-je