I don't think it was a accident that they found this archeological find in Nineveh. God was showing me something marvelous and then I received this information. digging in Nineveh, they found the library of a ruler. One tablet reveals that there was a eclipse on a specific date. That is translated June 15 753 BC. that was right at the time Jonah went preaching repentance to Nineveh.
A hard lesson to learn. fight the good fight of faith. All the good one can do while fighting with the devil, will be contested. In a person's own strength or luck, they may succeed but big battles will require faith. Compromise with the devil and he will pretend to be your friend but later you will pay big time. I am referring to America. Who would have ever thought that all the nations and leaders right here on our own soil were ripping us tax payers off. Get on social security and see how you will be double taxed. you paid tax on your social security and now pay tax when you get it now. Ask Trump. The devil has working full time to put you in poverty. Many true Christians are the elderly. How to win. true Christians claim Phil. 4:18-19. Our God supplies (all) our needs from his riches in glory (now). watch that confession (I don't have it.) faith has it. I say it right now out of a personal relationship with God. ( I love you Jesus). Thank you for your beautiful face looking on me.
When someone rules the world, under tyranny, he will be antichrist. it is a communist agenda. Whether socialism, communism, or any other dominate persons. The rule is to keep all good out and rule the people with no regard or care for the people. Slavery will end with 666. comply or die. No fear for the faithful Christians. Jesus Christ rules. He owns it all and that is what Satan hates. It is our own fault if we forget to give God glory and receive his blessings so our joy be full. The physical tabernacle may lay down but the eternal gift of life will forever stand. Guess that is why we stand on the promise of the covenant, eternal life. I can see no joy in not being blessed now instead of waiting for heaven. Why pray then if nothing to ask God for. People pray and sometimes get a blessing. That could be once in 5 years. faith receives from God daily.
a short time before yesterday, I was moved to watch for some rising situations. It is now confirmed to be truth about Islam. Here are a few findings by very knowledgeable resources. Mecca is a fraud. the millions of people that circle the Kaaba include over 300 religions. That also includes Baal. Remember Elijah and the circle of Baal believers? Now we have a Islam Mayor in NYC. The Muslim belief is that all people must die if not worship Allah. The thing to note is that all these religions go around in a circle and chant Allah and the name of their gods. In unity--like a one world religion. They found a rock inscription through archeology showing the original building of Mecca was a late date 6-7 years after the black stone. In 8-9 century B.C. also another find is that Allah had a wife found at Petra. the Quran says he had no wife. I will give a name for Islam and Mecca but only for learning and resources. not to promote the ministry. Dr. Jay Smith. I like his founding work but do not know him well. Use as a learning tool.
I'd like to repeat an issue mentioned above. That is the supposed links between Freeman and William Branham. I think they are grossly over-emphasized. I haven't listened to every single one of Freeman's sermons but I sure have listened to a lot. I can think of several times he mentioned the name but it was hardly a regular occurrence. There was a complete podcast involving the host (Collins) Chino Ross (the commentator) and another bro. who works closely with Collins on issues relating to Branham. A lot of hay was made of the fact that HEF's first church was only 5 miles away from the Branham tabernacle. And much talk about the links between them. HEF mentioned once in a sermon when he first got saved (early 1950's) he tried (once) a Pentecostal church and related he couldn't get away fast enough. Upon receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (mid 1960's) he began learning reading and attending seminars getting info everywhere he could. He said himself it was all brand new. With the kind of intelligence and attention to detail he exhibited as an academic he researched all the charismatic issues. Looked at all the teaching and its origins and beliefs and with characteristic thoroughness came to his own conclusions of biblical truth. It is regularly stated in various ways on the podcast that he was highly influenced by and got much of his material from Branham. He made the point himself that we are all products of those who went before us. If some of his teaching originated with some who turned out to be less than men of God is that a reflection on him? He took charismatic teaching studied for himself and stayed with what he believed was biblicly sound. A note on Branham. The Collins podcast has done a lot of research on Branham. Showing Branham to be a deceiver and a fraud. After reviewing it I had to agree with him. The question I had was where did Branham get all the supernatural? The podcast believes they have evidence showing it was mostly trickery. Was that true? I didn't take the time to go through it all. I've seen YouTube video of Branham operating in the word of knowledge. If it is real then it is probably a spirit of divination. Another issue on the general podcast in relation to Branham was his supposed influence on many of the healing evangelists and later well known charismatic teachers. ( Gordon Lindsay & Derek Prince for eg. ) Showing many of them to be involved in nefarious activities and possibly frauds and with definite links to him. I simply don't believe most of it. Flawed and clay footed like the rest of us for sure. I refuse to believe that so many of those who went before us were something less than men of God. Were some? Probably. But I have no interest in looking. One other issue (since I have the floor here) is the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) An organized group of Apostles and Prophets. There is a lot of material on his site concerning them which I have no interest in reviewing. I have had a loose awareness of them for many yrs. I disagree with much of who and what they are.
As I said before I have mostly stopped listening to these podcasts. Its just more of the same. When one believes he is a cult leader interested in power and less than a man of God that will color everything you think hear and say. I do though take a quick look at the topic in case it is something I am interested in hearing. Like his comments on the HEF's view of the trinity. Usually I just take a quick look at the transcript. Anyway a couple thoughts. The comment was made that HEF was a "bag of bones" when he died. On hearing that I remembered Paul's comment in 11 Cor. 1/8. " . . .have you to be ignorant of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. . . . he delivered us . . . and will deliver us." Apparently Paul was in a severe trial. Probably from some kind of persecution. I think it was likely Paul was close to death because he didn't take care of himself. Or possibly just worn out. It was the same with Epaproditus. Phil. 2/25-30 If true that he was a "bag of bones" when he died is it beyond comprehension he wasn't taking care of himself? Not eating and sleeping properly. Or maybe like Paul just worn out! He was in manifold trails for many months. I had a related thought (not on the podcast) I read a book some yrs ago that had a chapter on Bro. HEF. The comment there was in the hour of his greatest need not one major christian leader stood up publicly on his behalf. I was reminded of Paul's comment in 11 Tim. 4/16-18 "At my first answer (before Caesar) no man stood with me,but all forsook me. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." Keeping in mind that he was an ordinary guy and not some kind of superman would be very helpful in looking at his life.
Just a note to add that I added some material to the post on the trinity several posts above.
Untreated diabetes, in the natural, damages everything in the body - brain included. Was HEF at all irrational near his death? To answer your question as best as I can. This is the last series he did. I actually disagreed with some of what he said but he sounds perfectly rational. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6dcZjBZtPA&list=PLFZ7lq Cs8NCYcMGqccibFV92yQCvdG9pM
Thanks for posting that. I wasn't sure whether to say anything or not. I stopped watching the podcasts a while ago as it was just the usual bashing of HEF. Although I generally have a look to see what his subject is as he has in the past had info I found interesting. Anyway to the subject. Several issues here. I actually found the coroners report myself online several months ago. I took a quick look this week but couldn't find it again. The autopsy report is not publicly available. That is the law in Indiana. It is only available to family members and insurance companies with a vested interest. So if he has a copy the family got it for him. He did not get it from the coroners office. The coroners report (available publicly and online) that I found said nothing about Diabetes. Nothing! I read that with my own eyes so I'm not relying on a second hand report. So what is the truth here? I read the coroners report with my own eyes. No diabetes! Joe Brennamen (see 1st post above) got the info directly from the office that holds the autopsy reports. They wouldn't give him a copy but read it to him. No diabetes. The info they gave him said HEF died because his heart stopped beating. There was nothing wrong with him. I got that info directly from Joe. If the info Chino Ross has on the autopsy and coroners report is as he reports it. Then someone changed it. As I said I have 2 first hand reports saying differently. If both the podcast report and mine are true then what other answer is possible? Are we really surprised someone would change it? The way he was slandered and persecuted from the media. Are we surprised that the devil would have his people in positions of responsibility capable of doing that. Was that done? No idea. I just know what I saw with my own eyes. As a result of the post above I listened to a little more of the podcast today. Particularly the email from the former member. I do agree that HEF became somewhat more autocratic toward the end. I think he was under tremendous pressure. A serious trial with his foot. The prosecuting authorities after him.(justified or not) The persecution from the media. Sorry no other word for it but persecution. I have long believed we need to see individuals like HEF as human beings. Not Gods prophet and hang onto every word nor the next thing to the devil himself. Clay footed and flawed like all the rest of us. That tremendous pressure had to have an effect on him. So what is the truth in all of this. What I know for sure is that the devil 40 yrs later is still trying to destroy this man and his message. In my opinion because it has continuing relevance to our generation today. There is a detailed account of my and the other bro's thoughts and opinions on the matter above. If some reading here are confused and wondering abut all these facts and back and forth. Was this man of the Lord? Was his message from the Lord? As I have said above there is a way to find out just between you and Jesus. You don't have to listen to anyone. You can hear directly from the Lord. Listen to some of his messages. The radio tapes are only 13 min long. If this man and his message were of the Lord you will be able to hear the voice of the shepherd through the message. John 10 To someone new to this and wondering there is an excellent explanation right there on the top of the radio tapes page. Radio tapes https://tinyurl.com/Radio-HEF
Greetings, I have been listening to the Chino podcast. At this link. .. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLPer80CZ-c in the first 6-7 minutes Chino says he has the Freeman coroner report (he held up his paper copy). He says the coroner report says HEF had diabetes really, really bad. He said the report was easy to get through Kosciusko county. Untreated diabetes, in the natural, damages everything in the body - brain included. Was HEF at all irrational near his death? In diabetics . . . because infection (bacteria) feasts upon the extra sugar in the blood/body then wounds sometimes do not heal. Normally simple wound healing, sometimes, would only be possible by God. Correction: diabetes comments begin at time 7:10
The podcast made the point several times that Bro. Freeman's definition of God's triune nature was wrong. I'm not interested in refuting everything he said but I thought this one was important. I also gave up watching a while ago. These days I usually just take a quick glance. I watched originally as I wanted some of the info that he had. Gods Triunity HEF"S teaching: God is one Divine Spirit eternally manifested as Father Son and Holy Spirit The pod casters definition is: God is one in one or more senses God is three in one or more senses Which one is right? HEF"S definition is one you can clearly understand. It simple and to the point. Although obviously there is much much more to know and understand. The pod casters definition is to my mind more philosophical. One for the highfalutin theological types to debate and discuss. The bible wasn't written for them. It wasn't written apart from them either. It was written so we all could understand basic truth. Teachers that can explain difficult issues should be highly valued. We're told on the podcast on this issue that his doctrine was unorthodox and very weird. He crossed paths with oneness doctrine and Jesus only doctrine. Meaning he picked up info there. He was heavily influenced by Branham's United Pentescostal Church (oneness) background. Well I think that is absolute unmitigated nonsense. Dr. Freemans doctrine on the trinity is simple easy to understand and perfectly orthodox. Meaning it lines up with mainstream Christian teaching everywhere. A couple of comments from the internets; The AI definition from google: The Christian doctrine of the Trinity, or Triunity, defines God as one being existing in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons share the same divine nature or essence, yet are distinct in their relationships and roles within the Godhead Walter Martins comment (Kingdom of the Cults): No man can fully explain the Trinity, though in every age scholars have propounded theories and advanced hypotheses to explore this mysterious Biblical teaching. But despite the worthy efforts of these scholars, the Trinity is still largely incomprehensible to the mind of man. Perhaps the chief reason for this is that the Trinity is a-logical, or beyond logic. It, therefore, cannot be made subject to human reason or logic. Because of this, opponents of the doctrine argue that the idea of the Trinity must be rejected as untenable. Such thinking, however, makes man's corrupted human reason the sole criterion for determining the truth of divine revelation For myself personally I have several comments. You can see all three personalities in one place in Acts 7/55-56 and again in Matt. 3/16-17 Another comment is I think the term "personality" much better describes God's nature rather than "person". Personality brings more of a spiritual corporeal intangible invisible aspect to it. Obviously that has limits as well but much less than person which to my mind brings more of a physical aspect to it. Some years ago I was arguing with a theological type on Christian Forums about this. He thought person was a better word. I never convinced him but more importantly he never convinced me. My other comment is Habakkuk 2/14. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord's glory, as the waters cover the sea. So there is a lot to know. We will for sure know a lot more. Although never all of it. What we have now is a very tiny bit. That is really reflected in our knowledge on this subject. A couple further comments: I think it is perfectly normal for a theologian to deepen their understanding on subjects like this. I also took a look on internet land to see what other well known theologians and teachers defined the trinity as: John MacArthur defines the Trinity as the Christian doctrine that God is one being eternally existing in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit Charles Stanley defines the Trinity as one God existing in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit Haddon Robinson He affirmed the traditional understanding of the Trinity as one God existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He acknowledged that while the Bible doesn't use the word "Trinity," it clearly presents God as a unified being with these three co-equal and co-eternal persons R.C. Sproul defined the Trinity as the Christian doctrine that God is one in essence but three in person: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Wayne Grudem defines the Trinity as one God existing in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. I guess we'll just have to make up our own minds as to whether his definition was orthodox or not. Edited to add: The word person is actually the proper word to use. But it really needs to be understood in its biblical sense. Christianity here in the western world is biblically illiterate. Which is why I think the word personality is a better fit.
It is highly ironic that it is mostly a series of very critical podcasts that God is using to call his people back. Acts 17/32-34 Paul preached some mocked . . . "howbeit" . . . some believed 11 Chron. 30/10-11 the revival under Hezekiah "nevertheless" . . . some came They came because they heard the voice of the shepherd. I think the voice of the shepherd is being heard today through the podcasts, the posts us brothers have put up, and bro. Freemans messages on youtube. Again it is highly highly ironic that it was a series of very critical podcasts that God used to initiate it Satan meant it for evil but God meant it for good.
To those of you who are coming here and reading. Wondering was this man of the Lord? Was his message of faith in God for everything from the Holy Spirit? Maybe you're angry or hurting because of something that happened many years ago. As I said above, there is a simple easy way to determine if this all was from the Lord. You don't have to listen to me or the other bros or even Bro. Chino on the podcasts. You can listen to your Lord for yourself. Just you and Jesus. John 10/3, 14-15, 27 really the whole chapter My sheep hear my voice. If you want to know the truth for yourself. Then listen to some of HEF's sermons. On any subject. If HEF was a man of God then you will be able to hear the voice of the shepherd through his teaching. Listen to more than 1 or 2. If long messages are an issue then listen to the radio tapes. They're only 10-13 min long. Jesus said my yoke is easy and my burden is light . . . Listen to some of the radio tapes. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFZ7lqCs8NCYqEwz7Yifo w81cnkFcpAbE
Amen William ! Psalm 71:17-18 KJV [17] O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. [18] Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; Until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. I just turned 75 years old, I am drug free, no meds needed, I minister 3 times a week at local nursing homes, I teach Bible studies monthly and fellowship and minister monthly at a drug recovery center. I've had trials a time or two ....and God has always been Faithful to deliver and heal me. Six years ago we purchased a home in a quiet neighborhood, Paid cash. We are going out this week to purchase a new vehicle for my wife.......cash in hand.......debt free ! How could this be ? A man named Hobart Freeman took the time to point me to Gods word and teach me by example....... Thank you Jesus !!!!
:: Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:15-23 Hobart Freeman would have been 104 years old if he hadn't died back in 1984. Just so you know, I wouldn't expect anyone to be alive at that age regardless of whether they believed the faith and divine healing message he taught. We have a gainsayer over on YouTube that seems to be quite proud of his own longevity in that they have outlived brother Freeman by 40 years. Not only that, this person was overjoyed to be able to report that one of the critics of HEF was still alive so many years later! It's as if God is obligated to prove His favor by letting us live longer than any of our critics! Of course this kind of thinking only shows me that he has woefully misunderstood the message that he has painstakingly attempted to discredit. Another safety net he uses is numbers. Over and over he tells us that he has documented case after case where victims have suffered tragedies and blames them all on HEF. Victim-hood always racks up reasons for their woes; none of them self-indicting, btw.. But pointing out the obvious is never allowed, it's too harsh, it's compassion-less, we're told. He boasts that he's listened to EVERY message brother Freeman taught. He was so preoccupied with HEF that he subscribed to every newspaper that might reference Faith Assembly and carefully clipped every mention. Then, it seems to me, sides with every governmental attempt directed against the message of Faith Assembly. Apparently this kind of devotion stemmed from a rebuff from the pulpit that still stings... of course he couldn't have been wrong, and he definitely wouldn't blame himself or anything he had done... (he does humbly tell us over and over that he's only human and has made many mistakes--just not about this!) Conclusion jumper is his game. I wish I knew a better name for it but we all know the type. They make a statement, deftly implicate the other party, even somewhat distancing the statement from the so-called perpetrator because of the outrageous nature of the statement and then jump over their own 'plausible deniability' by finally indicting the perp completely and conclusively with their opinion. (e.g. HEF preached for money. HEF didn't focus on money. HEF got rich on the backs of his poor congregation!) (e.g. The rich get richer. HEF was only moderately wealthy. HEF kept his congregation poor by preaching against education, acquiring skills, keeping them under his thumb so that he could have power over them. All of them were victims of his dictatorial methods!) (e.g. Legalism & Rules. HEF preached against legalism. That dictator kept everyone in line by his pronouncements from on high!) Well, I don't have numbers but I do have the advantage that I lived, breathed, and still eat at the table set by brother Freeman. I also think (uneducated as I am) that I garnered a pretty good understanding of those hundreds of messages that I listened to. There's something untoward about talking about, and even defending oneself concerning these things but I'm going to give it a shot because I loved Faith Assembly and HEF in particular, and even Paul does it in 2 Corinthians! Hobart Freeman (oh, I forgot, both of the hosts had a good laugh while pointing out that those who disagree always reference the "cult leader" over and over when defending their "cult"... perhaps it's due to my lack of education but frankly I can't figure out how to write about this subject without using the subject's name multiple times... I am willing to take suggestions though, I always feel embarrassment when others laugh at me.) Anyway, Hobart Freeman taught me how to trust in God. He (Hobart Freeman) took an eighteen year old boy with absolutely NO skills and taught me that by trusting God (seeking first the Kingdom) I could not only rely on Him for my salvation but trust Him for my health, my finances, and even for a family! Married to a fellow-believer at 20, 7 children and a lifetime later at 67 I find myself with a home paid for (even with that no-debt "rule"!) and fond memories of God's complete care, provided with every need met, every disease healed, every sin forgiven, without want or need! Were there trials? Of course, but God has never left or forsaken me! Even this last couple of months I had a physical trial that probably was the worst ever (I figure that somebody has got to show this younger generation how to walk through trials of their faith!) and He, as always has proven Himself Faithful! Credit of course to Jesus but via the wonderful teaching of Hobart Freeman! There's so much more to be thankful for, and I could only wish that I could spend the kind of time that our brother Mark did in dealing with this subject, but one thing is for sure there are those who have received the same kind of blessings and aren't falling for the exaggerations and innuendos swirling around those men intent on the destruction of the Faith, once delivered to the saints! Remember what Jesus said concerning numbers: that there were many widows in Israel but only one from Sarepta that experienced the miracle of provision at the word of Elijah. There were many lepers in Israel but only one, Naaman the Syrian, that was cleansed. Luke 4:24-28. :: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. Jude 1:3-5
For those who are watching the podcasts mentioned above be very careful not to let a spirit of fear come against you. The podcasts sound like a couple of friends talking over the issues. I think though they are very carefully thoughtfully and intelligently put together to further the one issue. That being it was a cult and Dr. Freeman was a cult leader. Also I have great difficulty with some of the info being presented. Were there 5/F ministers who . . . wouldn't take their wife (in childbirth) when requested to the hospital for help wouldn't allow a member who went to the hospital for help to rejoin the church. It took intercession from another member to allow them back in. and lots more besides I think both eg's were satellite groups. I'm not arguing with his facts. I am however going to give my general opinion. I cannot believe that either of those egs and lots more would have been condoned by any of the leadership. In or out of Faith Assembly. Senior leader or not. Both those issues and lots more flies directly in the face of everything I ever learned from the ministry there. My point here though is to be careful not to allow a spirit of fear to come in.
If anyone would like to hear for themselves Bro Freeman standing in the pulpit a day after suffering that massive heart attack you can click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIZiZSqnALM I'm also including the following Sundays message so we can see he is completely back to normal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wep-v6JYB8
Thanks Mark, Amen ! I ran across that YouTube site a couple weeks ago, after a few minutes into the video I decided,it would be more edifying to read my Bible and lesson to Dr Freeman teachings that have been posted on the other site. I know Faith Assembly/Glory Barn/Hobart and all the 5 Fold ministers weren't perfect and they and We have are Flaws, and they and We made mistakes.......lots of them ! But Brother Freemans teaching are still some of the best out there and they are free. Blessing
Thank you Mark. I think you've stated this very well! You've given us so much to comment on, and I'm sure that will be forthcoming but I certainly appreciate your work! Blessings, William
Dr. Freeman and Faith Assembly There are a series of podcasts going on right now on youtube concerning Dr. Freeman,(HEF) and Faith Assembly, (FA) As well as some of the other ministry and satellite churches. First there needs to be something of a explanation of the site that is hosting the podcasts. The site is called "Leaving the Message" "Leaving the message is a podcast intended to help people who have been influenced by the ministries of William Branham, his successors, or destructive religious groups that formed as a result of William Branham's ministry and revival meetings" He has put together a great deal of info showing Branham to be a liar, fraud and deceiver. After reviewing it I have to reluctantly agree with him. For myself I am not sure where the supernatural element comes into on issues relating to Branham. The site also has much info on his connections to and influence on the men that surrounded him. I haven't really looked so I'm not sure if his conclusions are entirely accurate. The site also has a lot of info on much of the modern charismatic scene. Just to clarify the paragraphs above concern the host of the podcasts John Collins. Everything below here other than one comment is in response to Chino Ross. The bro. doing the podcasts was part of the faith message in his teens and later walked away. He has spent the last 40 yrs or so documenting issues with FA. He has amassed a great deal of info. His starting point is FA was a cult and HEF the cult leader. That colors everything he says. Right from the start I wondered if he was listening to the same Hobart Freeman I was. There are constant allusions in both the podcast and the comments to HEF taking material from other men and presenting it as his own. That some of his books were copied from others. And much more of that nature. My only response is that if you see him as a cult leader that will color everything you see. To the pure all things are pure. The opposite is true as well. This is a quote in response to one of the comments . . . . . . the forked-tongue, isolationist, authoritarian, low-level scholarship that Hobart did This is a paraphrase . . . HEF wasn't overly interested in money and we never heard about sexual issues so his interest as a cult leader had to have been the power. This was a statement made many times paraphrasing . . . He was an ego maniac interested only in power The statements above really sum up his opinion of HEF and his ministry. He says that one way or another all through his podcasts. Let me state my bias right off the bat. I think Dr. Freeman was a man of God who in spite of his faults stood head and shoulders above his generation of christian leaders. I am so thankful for the foundation of truth laid by the Holy Spirit in my life through his ministry. This post is intended as something of a defence of HEF and the message he preached. As well as to provide some context. I'm going to give my thoughts on his ministry good and bad as well as what I see were problems that were evident in FA and the satellite groups. I also have a conclusion you might find interesting. The podcaster is entitled to his facts and opinions. Not all of which are wrong. Other than a few egs I do not intend to do much in the way of response. I am going to post my opinions and the facts as I know them and my sources. This is a very very long post. I apologize in advance. I tried to keep it only to issues that I thought were important and relevant. It was difficult to do as there is much talked about on the podcasts. HEF was a first rate academic. An earned PHD. A book that over 50 yrs later is still in use by seminaries all over the world. If his academic credentials weren't solid it would have been noticed by now. He carried those study and research skills into his role as pastor and teacher. Upon receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit he began learning reading and attending seminars. With the kind of intelligence and attention to detail he exhibited as an academic he researched all the charismatic issues. Looked at all the teaching and its origins and beliefs and with characteristic thoroughness came to his own conclusions of biblical truth. He made the point himself that we are all products of those who went before us. If some of his teaching originated with some who turned out to be less than men of God is that a reflection on him? He took charismatic teaching studied for himself and stayed with what he believed was biblicaly sound. It is stated in the podcasts that HEF in his sermons referred to Branham often and that he was strongly influenced by him. A good eg of that is the allegation that HEF's view of God's triunity is not only theologically wrong but was influenced by Branham's oneness beliefs. (see podcast # 125) Another point made I think by the host (John Collins) was that HEF was firmly in the latter rain orbit. Meaning he was strongly influenced by their teachings. You can read my opinion of both those inferences in the paragraph above this one. There were allegations in the comments he plagiarized material for his Masters and PHD thesis. That he plagiarized material for some of his books? A point the podcaster more or less agreed with. We're told his teaching in the charismatic school was one sided and sloppy. That some of his material was taken from other academics and presented as his own research. And on and on and on . . . I'm not going to comment on any of that and much more like it. Except to say if you see him as a cult leader it will colour everything you think. There is a very good explanation posted about HEF and his ministry on Youtube. The bro there is posting all HEF's sermons. If you haven't seen it read the introduction right below the message. It is a very good explanation of where we all came from. https://tinyurl.com/radio-tapes Some of the info I have on HEF came directly from Joe Brennamen. Joe took over running Faith Ministries for Mrs Freeman after the other bro left. He also took over as pastor of FA when Steve Hill left and started a new church. Joe saw a lot of Mrs. Freeman and received a lot of info from her. According to Joe there was a lot going on in the background between Joe, Mrs. Freeman and Steve prior to the starting of the new church. Issues relating to Dr. Freeman's Death I have posted some of the info I have before on O/O. In the interest of completeness and as I'm not sure who is going to be reading this I'm posting it again. Some of what I have to say here about the whys and wherefores of Freeman's life and death are my opinion. Where I have facts I state them. To say there were rumours gossip misinformation and some outright lying after his death would be understating the matter by orders of magnitude. Rumours and more would of course be expected. The media articles on his death had info that could only have come from an insider. Someone that had and probably has an obvious agenda. Where it concerns Dr. Freeman the media is incapable of telling the truth. Lies misrepresentations falsifies exaggerations. No facts? That's fine; we'll just make some up. They poured it out for years. Why would they change just because he died? They are motivated by the father of lies who hated both him and his message. All can believe what you want but if it came from the media one ought to be a little more discerning. Here are what I know to be the facts of HEF's death. I received this info directly from Joe Brenneman. He went to the office that kept the records and asked for a copy of HEF's autopsy. He was told only family is allowed a copy. The women behind the counter read the info off for him. She said HEF died because his heart stopped beating. There was no other cause of death and there was nothing physically wrong with him. Why did he die then if nothing wrong with him? Here is where you get my opinions. From HEF's side he died because he wanted to go. Lying there on his bed thinking over his life looking at the road ahead and didn't like what he saw. He had everything he wanted in the material realm. More or less the same in the spiritual realm. Thousands worldwide hanging on and looking up to him. Legal authorities (rightly or wrongly) out to get him. Media persecution. (sorry no other word for it) No one in the christian world standing with him. Looking down his road ahead and seeing nothing but more of the same and getting worse. I believe from deep in his heart he bypassed his own stubborn personality and cried out to the Lord. The Lord for his own reasons accommodated that and took him home. So why did God take him home? Again here is my opinion. I believe it was because his work here on earth was done. I think HEF's life from birth to death, his personality, the trials of his life forming his character, his ministry (from Gods side) were all for one single purpose. That being to lay the foundation for the preparing of the overcomers. A work not even started yet. Please don't bog down on overcomers as I have a note on that further down. A deathbed confession. This was said by the bro on his podcast. That there was a deathbed confession by HEF. Nothing was said beyond that statement. We're told there is more info to follow. That had to have come from an insider. Someone who had and probably has an agenda. I find it very difficult to believe. Character in a person is formed through the trails and difficulties and hard decisions in ones life. HEF detailed the trials he had growing up. The years in college where he stood alone. The serious trials he walked out as a charismatic minister. And more. I find it hard to believe that at the end of his life with the stubborn personality he had and the kind of character formed within him he just walked away from it. If he had died a broken man then I could see a deathbed confession. But he didn't. He died the same man he was all through the ministry years. The last very serious heart attack The very serious heart attack he suffered near the end of his life. I believe it was witchcraft sent against him by Satanists probably out of Kentucky. They called up something very big out of the pit on the basis of a serious occult ritual. They must have been absolutely astounded when he completely overcame it. From Gods side he allowed it because the result was a deepening of his faith and spiritual life. From their side of course it was the deep hatred they had for him. There were several thousand people who were there the night he had to be helped into the pulpit following that massive heart attack. The same several thousand must have seen him get better in the weeks following. Yet we're told he died of heart disease among other issues. That defies common sense. If he had enough faith to overcome and recover from the heart attack then why would he be dying with heart disease and more the media told us he died of. He said himself following that trial that it had pushed him into a much deeper realm of faith. The trial he went through with the hole in his foot. This info came to me directly from Joe Brenneman who got it from Mrs. Freeman. Over the course of his ministry HEF accumulated a lot of material on occult and psychic matters. Books magazines etc. It was all kept in a locked room in his house. He was eventually convicted by the Holy Spirit about it and removed them. Deut. 7/26 Here is where you get my opinion I think the entire trial with his foot was the result of not taking heed to God's word. Deut. 7/26 God is no respecter of persons. When he removed that material his leg was healed. As I said earlier there was nothing wrong with him when he died. He died the same way he lived trusting the Lord and walking by faith. This is also an issue I have experience with. I sometimes read material of that nature and I am very careful not to keep it in my house. I keep it out bring it in to read then back out again. I had to learn the hard way just like HEF did. Thoughts concerning the faith message I'm not going to say a lot here. If the scriptures don't move you then nothing I say will. 1 Tim.1/5 The end (or goal) of the commandment (or teaching) is love out of a pure heart of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned. If these three things are not the bedrock teaching of the church you're a part of you might want to ask why. I Thess.3/1-7 Paul was so concerned about their faith he sent Timothy to find out if they were standing in it or if they had been seduced out. Heb. 11/5 Enock was raptured by faith! Do you see the rapture coming? Expect to be a part of it? You can read my view on the bible issues page here on O/O The message he taught of total trust in and faith toward God is what God has given to enable to get us through all that is coming. Matt. 24 and end time events are being held back right now. We are in the time "the bridegroom has delayed his coming" Matt 25/5 For an extensive detailed look at that see the eschatology page here on O/O HEF was a flawed man with clay feet just like everyone else. Doing the best he could with what he had and who he was. Almost from the beginning FA and Freeman had a steep learning curve to navigate. On the faith questions he/they more or less stood alone in the christian world and had to learn much for themselves. For all practical purposes there was no one to ask advice from. He had a strong faith in his own abilities and his own understanding. Perhaps from having to stand alone so much in his life. I think he would have benefited greatly from regular meetings with all or most of the FA ministers. People could speak their minds, hash out issues, discuss problems. In some respects he was unaware of what was going on in his own church. HEF being a pastor. He never should have been a pastor as he didn't have the personality for it. To be a pastor one has to be in and among the people. In the early years when starting his ministry he preached at home and out 8 times a week. Then came home to return phone calls church issues books to write. When would he have time to pastor the church? Spend time with his family or even himself. Pastor under pastors Pastors don't have pastors under them. I have thought for a long time that the meetings that were overseen by ministers out of FA were really robbed of having a pastor. What they had was a teacher. Its not the same. The haste to get ready. I think this was one of the big causes for some of the problems in the assembly. HEF had a deep belief that time was short and we all needed to get ready. That showed up in almost everything he taught. The fact that 40 yrs have gone since his passing shows that not only was he wrong but also God doesn't do things on our timetable. His teaching of endtime ministry came out of a very strong vision God gave him. We would be caught up to the clouds and changed. Then come back and minister to this groaning creation. After the faith message it was probably the strongest teaching in his ministry. It really coloured much of what he believed. My opinion? I'm focused on the rapture, If there is more then great but I'm not overly concerned about it. Issues in relation to deliverance. HEF had a worldwide reputation on the issues of deliverance and occult oppression. Tracts on the subject by the millions. His book widely read. The Billy Graham Association (hardly a group of wild eyed charismatics) on coming across serious deliverance issues would send the person to Hobart Freeman. He was a recognized expert on occult deliverance. HEF's ministerial office? He didn't have the office to do the job so many expected him to do. Meaning for all practical purposes overseeing pastors/teachers and churches. As well as his own. He said in a letter to my father that he didn't have the office to oversee other churches. Bruce Kinsey. There were two podcasts concerning Bruce Kinsey as well as more info later on. He was held in high regard as the tremendous outpouring of love and affection showed when we heard he was dying. His first child was born less than normal (deformed) and died shortly after. According to Dr. Freeman because of that he let a spirit of fear into his life. I think the issues over the ban on hunting and clothing (jeans) played a part in his leaving as well. Bruce walked away from the Lord after he left FA. That tells me there was more going on in his heart then simple objections to some of the teaching. No one walks away from the Lord over night. That was a long downward slide in Bruce's life. It was good to hear he came back to the Lord and was in fellowship with the Lord when he died. Bruce breaking with FA and HEF for principled reasons is simply not correct. There was further info given on Bruce in a later podcast. Peer Pressure There was a serious problem with peer pressure. Why should people who aren't ready or able to believe for healing have to sneak around just to get help? What does someone do with a child in a serious trial and they can't overcome the fear? Why do they have to sneak around to get help when they aren't spiritually where others are. There wasn't really any place for some to admit they needed help. Nor really any place to fail. Women with strong postpartum depression for eg. There was strong pressure to always be positive. Everything isn't deliverance or healing. Some are just natural. In many respects I think the church was just too big. Even with a plurality of elders in the assembly and associate pastors. Hind sight is obviously 2020. But small churches overseen by pastors can keep an eye on their people. A church that size it would be easy for some to fall through the cracks. As I said earlier no real pastors just teachers. Some of FA's ministers simply didn't have a supernatural gift or calling to be a 5F minister. Education knowledge and even seminary education simply isn't enough. To do the job one has to have the 5F gift of the Holy Spirit. I know of 3 men at FA including one senior minister. A prophet who could do no wrong To some HEF was a cult leader to others a prophet who can do no wrong. I think he was just a flawed man like all the rest of us raised up for a particular purpose. It became a major problem though with the way he was lifted up. People hanging on every word. There are many who believe he was taken because of the way he was looked up to. I would disagree but idol worship sure was a problem. The closed in nature of the movement. Much of the reason for that was the opposition from outside. The stronger it got the more closed in we became. The lies and slander from the media were also a big part of that. Love and Wisdom I didn't find there was a lot of love. Especially towards the end. The attitude often was; its your trial brother. Then people would walk away. I saw it happen. I heard about it and maybe my fault as well. In some respects there wasn't a lot of wisdom either. The death of Carl Seitz would be a good eg. Going into a coma means it has gone beyond your faith. In a small church with a pastor that would have been noticed. Some further thoughts. In light of the size of FA and adding in all the satellite churches would we be surprised to find there were problems. That mistakes were made? That some died? Some tried faith. Maybe because of peer pressure. There was a constant admonition from the pulpit to be sure of the ground you're standing on. To be sure it is faith. Some obviously didn't take heed. Or didn't understand. Some were tares. They would be trouble of all kinds right from the start. Some just jumped in without understanding what they were getting into and then getting into trouble. Parable of the sower. Here are some of the issues brought up by the bro on some of the podcasts. I'm not giving a response to everything he said. Besides as I said earlier he's not wrong about everything. I'm highlighting these few as HEF's positions here were greatly misrepresented. HEF was not qualified and did not have the training to give some of his teaching. Particularly on family issues. My response? Some of that teaching was done in the charismatic school as part of an ethics course. The bible also speaks to family issues and ministers should as well. Deeper deliverance was psychobabble and he didn't have the training for that either. My response? The subject was not psychology. The subject was deliverance and he was well qualified to speak on that. A prohibition on dating. My response? The teaching actually was young people should go out in groups. Those of marriageable age upon settling on a mate should engage in a period of courtship to get to know one another. A prohibition on foreplay. That was the word he used. My response? The teaching he is referring to was that married couples should not engage in oral sex, anal sex (yuck) and mutual masturbation as an end in itself. Those are homosexual practices. To slightly expand on foreplay anyone with half a brain and a tiny bit of knowledge would understand that "wham bam thank you ma'am" only goes so far in a marriage relationship. Sorry for the worldly phrase. HEF was a normal man with normal desires. In all likelihood a normal marriage relationship. Sex was to be for procreative purposes only and only at those times and for that purpose. My response? I really don't know where this came from. I think it is rather silly. The teaching was that married couples should trust the Lord for the size of their family. Intimacy in marriage is the very expression of the marriage. It deepens commitment and love. Besides all that it is enjoyable. Many other benefits as well. The bible speaks to that issue in a number of places. HEF at times made comments to that effect including some very oblique personal comments. So I'm sure HEF understood that clearly. A prohibition on birth control My response? Again the teaching was families should put their trust in God. One main point here is HEF pointing out the studies showing the deleterious side effects of the pill. Overcomers? What are they? Are they an elite group like army rangers or green berets? Super humans that will rule the heavens and earth? Well here is my opinion. I think endtime events and persecution will greatly increase in the near future. The Holy Spirit will then begin a purifying work in his people. No one will be raptured who isn't walking in faith like Elijah and pleasing to God like Enoch. Those who are ready at the beginning of the trib. will be raptured. HEF called them overcomers. The rest of the church hidden away while the Holy Spirit continues to do a purifying work in them. Then raptured as the work is done. My conclusions. Like Bro. Freeman I believe we are in the endtimes. Specifically "the time the bridegroom has delayed his coming. Matt 25 especially vs 5. Endtime events are being held back right now but are going to start moving ahead. The faith message is what God has given to enable us to get through all that is coming. For an extensive detailed look at my thoughts on the subject look at the eschatology page here on O/O. Are you wondering about the faith message? Was it from the Lord? Was Bro Freeman a true man of God? Was his teaching and the faith message from the Lord? I can give you a surefire guaranteed never known to fail way to find out for yourself. You don't have to look to anything except your own heart. John 10/3, 14-15, 27 really the whole chapter My sheep hear my voice. If you want to know the truth for yourself. Then listen to some of HEF's sermons. On any subject. If HEF was a man of God then you will be able to hear the voice of the shepherd through his teaching. Listen to more than 1 or 2. If long messages are an issue then listen to the radio tapes. They're only 10-13 min long. Jesus said my yoke is easy and my burden is light . . . Listen to some of the radio tapes. Finally I think it is passing strange that someone has circled HEF and FA for the last 40 plus years. Has all the info and knows everyone. Listened to all the teaching. Dated and in some cases time stamped parts of messages. Has heard the good and the bad. Talked to many of the 5F. His attention was directed to HEF and FA on occasion. Has detailed information on stuff most of us knew very little about. Information just seemed to fall into his lap. To my mind it is obvious there is something or someone standing behind the man seeing to it he has all the info necessary for these podcasts. Was it the Lord exposing a cult? Or the devil trying to destroy the teaching we need to enable the church to get through the dark days that are coming. We'll simply all have to make up our own minds. All HEF's messages are being posted on Youtube. If you haven't done so read the introduction as it is very clear and well written. https://tinyurl.com/Radio-HEF As stated above If you're interested in my view of the rapture check out the post on the Bible issues page If you're interested in my extensive detailed thoughts on "The bridegroom delaying his coming Matt. 25/5 see the eschatology page here on O/O.