Testimonies about Swaggartism – Jimmy Swaggart False Teacher
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Jimmy Swaggart False Teacher
For the complete story on Jimmy Swaggart, get my book, Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, available now on Amazon for only $6.99. For information click HERE.
Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook – 266 pages of documented facts!
This website has many comments from people that testify of how Swaggartism (Testimonies about Swaggartism) has negatively affected them. The devastation that the Swaggart cult reaps upon families is horrific. I hear from people continually that Swaggartism has wrecked their family relationships. It’s heartbreaking. It is further evidence that there is something deeply wrong and sinful with the Swaggart movement.
It seems that what is happening is that the prideful denigrating arrogance that is exhibited by the Swaggarts is picked up by their followers and then they display the same narrow-minded intolerance towards their family members. It’s the opposite of the loving patient kindhearted attitude that Jesus wants us to have.
There is something terribly wrong when a supposed Christian ministry causes so much emotional and relational damage. Numerous Christians are hearing alarm bells from the Holy Spirit cautioning them to exercise discernment about Swaggart. It is a warning that should be heeded. As one reads this sampling of comments one can only make this conclusion concerning Swaggart’s teachings:
“This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15)
The goal of Swaggartism is not just to teach their Message of the Cross. Their object is to turn everyone into little Swaggarts – People who haughtily think they alone have the truth, a sect determined to make everyone think like them, to reverence Jimmy Swaggart, to hatefully and arrogantly denigrate all churches and ministers but their own and who browbeat family and friends into acquiescence.
In Matthew 23:15 Jesus describes such a pharisaical mindset: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.”
Let us now see the devastation that Swaggartism has brought to families. These are the Testimonies about Swaggartism that people have made on this website. When this many people testify (Testimonies about Swaggartism) to the problems caused by a ministry, you know that there must be something rotten about their teaching.
Shannon writes –
What great information!!! I grew up in the Assemblies of God church. Of course, growing up Pentecostal meant having to listen to Jimmy Swaggart every Sunday while getting ready for church. I even attended some of his gatherings with my parents.
I remember how his “Fall” affected people, including my parents. It was a huge black eye for believers everywhere I believe. After Swaggart did what he did I would have never believed he would make a comeback and boy has he!
My mother is a huge fan again. She has his books, his music and of course his bible. She is even a member of his “Media Church” and sends her tithes faithfully…My mother and I are now polar opposites.
I cannot tell you how many fights we have had over Jimmy Swaggart. I have been happy to just agree that we don’t agree, but that’s not what she wants. She wants to convince me she’s right and she wants my children to know Jimmy’s way, because according to her being exposed to this would not be harmful.
Of course, I disagree and have stood my ground. I know you said in the video this is not yet a cult, I think that’s the only thing I disagree with you on. I believe this is a cult. My mother has basically told me she knows I’ve made my decision and there is nothing she can do to change it. I think she truly believes I’m not a Christian.
I have to be honest; she is so deluded by JSM that I question whether she’s a true Christian. By their fruit you shall know them. When someone cannot wake up from spiritual deception, I have to seriously question. Any way thank-you for the information, hopefully this will open the eyes of some upon whom JSM has a powerful hold. I wouldn’t believe it, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It’s truly sad.
My mother has been convinced NOT to attend a local church. She is a “media member” and sends her tithes to them. When she first mentioned this was what she was going to do I tried, in a nice way, to remind her of scripture telling us not to forsake coming together but the Swaggarts are apparently very convincing, so I don’t bring it up. It would just cause a fight. It’s sad and disturbs me but there is nothing I can do.
T. Heim writes —
I started listening to some of their programming and frankly, I was stunned by the ignorance, anger, critical spirit and the virtual reverence or worship of Jimmy by everyone! His claim of being given a “revelation” of the cross, the crazy Expositor’s Study Bible, and his doctrine of “the cross” reminded me of what he was like in the past, and it is perfectly clear that he hasn’t changed a bit!
Jon Ciotti writes —
My comment is regarding Jimmy Swaggart and the KJV bible…A few months ago I started watching Jimmy Swaggart as well as the other shows he has on SBN, including, The Message of The Cross, Study in The Word and Francis & Friends. I even became a Media Member. But as I continued watching I became frustrated and concerned about what I was hearing. On all the shows I just mentioned I began to see some real problems.
The biggest one for me was how Jimmy, Donnie and all of the associate pastors would tear down all other ministers as well as all other denominations. Multiple times I heard that JSM was the only ones out there preaching the true word of God and how all these other ministers and denominations were stupid, asinine, demon possessed and a bunch of false teachers leading people to hell.
When I would watch The Message of The Cross or Study in The Word, Jimmy Swaggart and another associate pastor would read a couple of scriptures and then they would begin their verbal assault on whoever was chosen that day. I would find myself talking to my TV set saying, stop the attacks and please just teach and minister the word of God.
I stopped watching Donnie because he was the worst of the entire bunch. The last time I watched Donnie preaching, I found him to be extremely arrogant.
Mike writes —
Thank you for your insight. I was a fan of Swaggart and have his bible. I’m done with that and I’m going back to my NIV bible. I got sick of the arrogance, mainly from Donnie, and the stupid stuff they say on their shows and at the pulpit. Also, unlike other evangelists, they NEVER go out into the secular world to share the gospel. They hide behind the cozy comforts of their Baton Rouge empire and claim that their TV network reaches millions across the globe.
Lisa Brown writes –
They stated on The Message of the Cross program that you lose your salvation if you listen to another minister who is not preaching the cross…My faith is in Jesus and Him alone. I get the feeling they are replacing Christ with the cross, which is wrong.
Will writes –
I was a Bible student at Swaggart’s college at the time of the first scandal…The final outrage for me was when Swaggart refused the discipline meted out by the AOG of a one-year suspension from preaching. I had an Evangelist magazine published by the ministry only a few months before. Swaggart himself wrote an article praising the AOG discipline policy as being Biblical, just, and nothing less than common sense.
Laura writes –
I have to agree with a lot of things that Pastor Mark has said. My parents are one of those people that started watching the live service online and stopped going to a physical church. They became online members and started to buy their books, receive their magazine, etc. They started talking to me and to my brother and sister-in-law about this church. My brother and sister-in-law got caught up in this “ministry” as well.
Fast forward about two years, and my brother and his wife decided to move their four children to Baton Rouge to attend the Swaggart church there and to have my nieces and nephews attend their school. At first, I didn’t think anything of it. I was glad that they had found a church where they felt that they were growing.
I watched many services with my parents and didn’t feel anything was amiss, until my parents bought us several copies of the Swaggart Bible and a devotional book that they also put out. It is as Pastor Mark says, they’re very careful with what they say on TV; it is in their literature where you start finding the errors.
The first thing that bothered us is the fact that Swaggart’s comments are written in red. We are used to reading JESUS’ words in red!!! Then there are the interpretations themselves. Some are right on and some are mind boggling. We know that not all Bible scholars agree on everything; however, Swaggart’s tone is always as if he is the final authority, as though he is always right, like some people have commented: arrogant.
I also started reading some of the magazines they print out, and it bothered me how every other church is supposedly influenced by demons. What’s the matter with them? Don’t they have enough trust in God to believe that God Himself protects His people???
It was because of these issues that my husband started researching this ministry and found this site. Now I am eagerly praying for my parents and my brother and his family so that the Lord give them discernment and they can see the light. And I am taking my son’s Swaggart Bible away before he becomes all confused. This is tough and sad. He has gotten into many people’s heads and it will be hard to convince those people of the truth. Thank God for the Holy Spirit. He will be the One doing the convicting.
Ron writes –
I was on strike from work so I was home when my phone rang. It was JSM calling, and to this day I have no idea how they got my number. Anyways, they were asking for money. It just so happened that when the phone rang a city utility truck pulled into my driveway and shut my water off.
I mentioned this to the lady from JSM and her response was to tell me she would be praying for me. That told me where the real heart of their “ministry” was. Nothing I’ve seen since has changed my mind. They are a reproach on the body of Christ.
Lynn Morris writes —
Pastor Mark, I just found your site. I have been watching SBN off and on for about 3 years. I became very suspicious of all the hand signs that Donnie & Gabe are always making including members in the choir. If you look at their magazine The Evangelist, you will see them everywhere. They are devil worship hand signs.
Tony Rozzini writes —
I am a retired pastor from Italy. I too remember the scandal and the hurt caused by Jimmy Swaggart and his visits to prostitutes…Then we heard about his other falls, and I learned of the 1995 fall today.
I was therefore amazed at discovering SBN a while back on satellite. He was still there preaching and teaching. Let me be frank; I love the music but I agree they are very arrogant.
There is little evidence of social work, hospitals, prisons, third world, etc. I may be wrong here, but surely helping the poor is one of the signs of a Christian community? Everything is Jimmy Swaggart – the books, the music – his name is everywhere.
Finally thank you for your graceful spirit. I usually shun critical sites as they are usually judgmental, self-righteous and totally lacking the Christian spirit. This was different. Good for you and keep up the good work.
May writes —
I had been watching France’s and friends…I see arrogance, quick temper, and harshness. I don’t know how the other men on the show can sit there and let them talk to people they way they do. My God teaches me patience, love, kindness and so on. Something just doesn’t feel right in my spirit. That’s my sign something is wrong.
Mathilde Fisher writes —
First, I appreciate you warning people about false teachers. My sister-in-law loves Jimmy Swaggart and thinks he is the most anointed man of God on TV. She buys his books, his bibles (she gives them to other people, even those who are unsaved) and gives money to his ministry.
Anyway, my sister-in-law was visiting me and started talking about Jimmy Swaggart…What upsets me about Swaggart is knowing Jimmy Swaggart’s past, that he had been with prostitutes and when the Assembly of God had asked Jimmy to step down, he refused.
When I mentioned this and said what a hypocrite he was, my sister-in-law got very angry, I had touched the apple of her eye. She told me that was years ago and I needed to forgive him. Then she stormed out of my house.
After she had gone, I prayed and a verse came in my head Revelation 2:2 “I know you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not and have found them false.” When I considered Jesus’ words, I knew that Jimmy Swaggart was a false teacher. My sister-in-law told me the next day that she had called the Jimmy Swaggart ministries so they could pray for me. The person she spoke to said that I had no understanding of the cross. What I say to that is they have NO understanding of Jesus and what He did on the cross. It is to Jesus and Him only that gets all my praise.
Pamela Zuckerman writes —
I had a longtime friend on Facebook for many years…a Swaggart follower. I sent her a message from Joyce Meyer about helping Syrian refugees. My so-called friend had a fit because I mentioned another minister. We are no longer friends. Do they think only followers of Swaggart are going to heaven?
Robert McDonald writes –
Pastor Mark, you are so spot on but I am sure you know that. My research tells me the absolute same. I can and will help many people with this information. You sir are God sent. Thank you very much. May God continue his blessings on your life, is my prayer.
T. Heim writes —
Pastor Mark, Thank you for your excellent work! I’ve been searching the web for an accurate and comprehensive analysis of JSM. Yours is the best, by far!
It seems to me that their programming is getting more bizarre. I don’t believe a day goes by that an un-Biblical statement is made. Just the other day, Jimmy stated that ANY sin that is not confessed (by a born-again believer), is not forgiven by God. I reran the tape several times to be sure I heard it right.
I will definitely refer those that I run across with concerns about JSM and SBN to your web page! It’s amazing how many Swaggart followers don’t know about Donnie’s divorces, or the details surrounding Jimmy’s problems. The secrecy, suspicion and paranoia around there is chilling.
Michael writes –
It is very sad what is taking place at JSM. They are truly convinced that if you preach under or attend a denominational church, then you are not right with God. In fact, I don’t think they believe those that attend independent churches are right with God unless those churches have ties into JSM in some way.
Anonymous writes –
I actually had a Jimmy Swaggart Bible College graduate tell me that during his time there, lewdness was RAMPANT, including spouse swapping & adultery with students, staff or otherwise and that is was well-known that JSM was a rendezvous point for what is called down-low, or concealed homosexual activity.
Julie Wagner writes –
Thanks for the information. My mother is a Swaggarite. I started looking into his ministry when she asked me to be the executor of her will and make sure Jimmy gets his share of her money. I refused. I told her to name her lawyer executor because I don’t want any part of enriching that man…She’s not happy with me. But the more I read of your writings, the happier I am that I took a stand.
Nyam writes —
I agree with you one hundred percent. I have had the Swaggart bible given to me. I got rid of it. I have family members that constantly quote them and their “ministry.”
They do not associate with anyone else other than those who preach “the message of the cross” As believers we are to sharpen each other up, all they do is put others down! I have heard them say I’m going to hell because the church I attend does not preach “the truth.”
They think they are the only “right ones.” They preach with hatred toward other denominations…they get confrontational and mean spirited if you talk or even have a question. They always say “you have to remember it’s what he did for us on the cross.” My focus is on Jesus, not the cross.
Karen writes –
Hi Pastor Mark. My husband used to be very involved with the Assembly of God church until he got into Son Life Broadcasting and watches it every day now. A few months ago, he believed God wanted us to start going to a church connected with JSM.
I began to feel very uncomfortable with the constant criticism of other churches, acting as though we are the one true church and there aren’t any real Christians in other churches…Reading your article opened my eyes to Jimmy’s false beliefs about receiving more revelation from God than given in the Bible, which is how many false religions and cults have started.
It truly breaks my heart and I’ll be praying for them. I’m Praying for God to open my husband’s eyes about this ministry and to come back to the Assemblies of God.
I noticed you’re still commenting on responses to this article a few years later which shows your servant’s heart for Christ to serve Him in all you do. Thank you, and God bless!
Collieen writes –
To me, one of the worst things Jimmy Swaggart teaches is that Paul couldn’t stop sinning. The Bible is plain when it says that the Bible was written by holy men of God, moved by the Holy Ghost. I really believe that he knows his book he calls The Expositor’s Bible is wrong. He has put this book together to cover his own sins. He says the devil can force a Christian to do what they don’t want to do. We know that the real Bible says that He will always make a way of escape over temptation. One is drawn away by his own lust. James chapter 1
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Michelle Barnes writes –
I am one of many who has a family member that is what I call “drinking the Jimmy Kool Aid.” My mother has left her church, turned her back on her family and friends and watches the Swaggarts 24/7.
She has excommunicated me several times for months at a time because I won’t follow the Swaggarts. I try very hard to keep in contact with her as she is alone and nearing 80. I pray for her to have her eyes opened to this cult. She talks so much against every church and how they are demonic, my heart is broken that she is living such a dark and lonely life. She is truly missing out on the joy and freedom which comes from Jesus’ cleansing blood.
The posts on here have given me some solace in that my experience with my mother is not unique. I try not to harbor unkind feelings toward The Swaggarts. I have yet to decide if they are truly evil in their intentions or in need of serious Christian counseling. In either case they are guilty of causing a lot of harm.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – TR writes —
Last Fall I was watching Swaggart’s Wednesday evening service. Jimmy was preaching. He said something so crazy. He said when the prophet Daniel was speaking of knowledge increasing in the end times, that he really believes that passage was referring to his Expositor’s Bible. I was like ‘what’! That’s a pretty arrogant thing to say.
Jimmy Swaggart made this claim that his Expositor’s Study Bible is the increase in knowledge prophesied in Daniel, during a sermon on March 19, 2017. I unfortunately cannot find video of it anywhere, but I heard it live with my own ears. During this same sermon, Swaggart also claimed more people have been saved through his network than any other network on television and God will transfer his headquarters from PLANET Heaven to planet Earth.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Chris writes —
Thank you, Pastor Mark. Very astute! This article totally defines a friend that I was unable to un-program. Swaggartism destroyed her marriage and then she turned on me for trying to help her.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – L.Odel writes —
Thank you! This is everything explained in a nutshell. Very well done. I pray people will listen, understand and not be blinded by Jimmy Swaggart or his ministry. I am sending this to my mom. I hope she sees the truth.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Margaret writes —
My husband has gone from a sweet Christian man, then after getting into Jimmy Swaggart’s Message of the Cross, he is hard to get along with. He never laughs, smiles or acts happy! Is there any way I can make him see the truth about Jimmy Swaggart before it’s too late? He bought the Swaggart bible and Swaggart’s interpretation of the words are in red. In the KJV only Jesus is illustrated in red! Has my husband been brain washed?
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Anom writes —
I thought I was the only one who thought it was a cult. I have family members who believe everything they and their ministry says. They think they are the only right ones and everyone else around them is wrong.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Melissa writes –
Hello, I have a real problem. My mom and stepdad are true Swaggart believers. I try to not let it divide us but they are trying to convert my family to their ways.
I keep telling them I don’t believe their way and we should agree to disagree, but me and my mom haven’t talked in eight months and today she sent my husband and me an Expository Bible by Jimmy Swaggart in the mail. I don’t know how to fix my relationship with my mom since she has started her Jimmy Swaggart movement. Please I need advice.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Neville Stumbles writes —
I too have watched the SBN telecasts here in Australia and am astounded at the lack of substance in the preaching, the shallow content of the songs, and the incessant criticism of other ministers and other denominations.
I have had a fair exposure to various churches in this country and I can assure you that ministers throughout Australia are preaching with Biblical integrity. Many churches in my home town are preaching the Gospel honestly and seeking to have Christ known and accepted in our communities. As a lay preacher and a Bible Study leader, I am confident that churches in our country are faithful to Scripture. How dare Swaggart cast aspersions on other ministers and churches.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Stan Burton writes –
I think I’ve read everything on your site about Jimmy Swaggart. I’ve been hanging around a Swaggart Facebook group…I couldn’t believe the things they were saying and how they would accept no instruction in the truth at all. Until I found your site, I didn’t realize what was going on. Everything you describe, I see in this group.
My question though is, how do you get people out of a group like that? Every quote you give them from the Bible, they already have a twisted way of understanding it. Even when you show them, they have made a factual provable-in-court misstatement, they just ignore it and move on.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Moira writes —
Why do people believe in Swaggart’s messages? I have a grandson who is dating a girl who attends a church that preaches Swaggart’s Message of the Cross. He was told he was no good because he doesn’t speak in tongues.
So much of what they state doesn’t even make sense. She uses Swaggart’s Expository Bible and they argue when he disagrees. I don’t get it.
Testimonies about Swaggartism – Matthew Fischer writes —
Pastor Mark, I was a Swaggarite until a friend sent me a link to your site. I’ve been, until yesterday, a member of Swaggart’s media church. I got saved watching SBN in 2014 and 3 months later received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues. You opened my eyes to what is going on there.
I proceeded to post your website address in three Swaggart groups on Facebook. Then an odd thing happened: Over 30 likes came and then around 6 PM the questions started. Then I got attacked and a war ensued, which ended at midnight when I got dropped from all 3 groups.
I stayed polite. I felt led by the Spirit the whole time. Everything you said about those people is 100 percent right. Thank you for waking me up. God used you in my life and when I renounced that ministry I felt at peace and I had love in my heart for the 1st time. Praise God!!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for reading. This has been an excerpt from my book Swaggartism.
For the complete story on Jimmy Swaggart, get my book, Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, available now on Amazon for only $6.99. For information click HERE.
Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook – 266 pages of documented facts!
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I am so thankful for your website. I had been listening to SBN for about 4 months and I was discouraged with their teaching and preaching. I tried to wrap my mind around their message of the cross and wasn’t able to. I could tell that something was wrong….they were against other churches…and they were filled with arrogance. Everyone seems to almost worship Jimmy Swaggart. I asked Google if Jimmy Swaggart was a false prophet and your web site came up. Thank you. The other day Jimmy said that when he was 8 years old the Lord told him he was a chosen vessel……blew my mind. Made me wonder if Jimmy thinks he is a prophet on par with the Apostle Paul! He already says that he was given a full revelation of the cross. I pray for all those he is leading astray. This is looking very cult like. I pray God will open peoples eyes and they will see all the demonic influence that is there. Instead of worshiping Jesus they are worshiping the cross.
Hi Margie, Thanks for your encouraging comment. I am gratified to know that my website has been a help to you. Yes, everything you noted about their ministry is a concern – the arrogance, false teaching, the hate for other churches and the way they elevate Jimmy Swaggart is all very cult-like.
You would probably like my book, Swaggartism. Here is the information on that…
https://christiananswerman.com/get-the-book-swaggartism-jimmy-swaggart-false-teaching/
Thanks again for your comment, God bless…
…Pastor Mark
I am so grateful for this website. I was a member of JSM church until a couple weeks ago. We live close to the Baton Rouge area, 20 miles.
I have Covid 19, the bad version, going into my lungs. During this time I was too sick to watch SBN as usual, all day long. While praying and asking the Lord to heal me I tried to watch the tv again and as SBN came on it made me sick inside. I have absolutely no doubt the Lord was opening my eyes. The station was repulsive to me. Before I became sick I was having some issues already. Sundays schedule starts with the singing, which I really love, then announcements, more singing, then news of the new remodeling the interior, and this they announce every Sunday. Then they announce their are new media members going into reading every name and the state they reside in. Then they do the “get out and vote” message. My point in this is I concluded their was no time left for the sermon I expected to hear. When they would have time to preach they would then say we’ll continue this next week because all the time was used up. One Sunday Donnie got cranked up about the Swaggart family name and we never heard any sermon that day. So I was having issues even before becoming sick, but the Lord showed me how wrong this ministry is, and also has healed me. Praise the Lord. Another sticking point was this cross thing. I have never subscribed to that. He says to put all your faith in the cross. That is wrong. I am a new born again christian and realized that right away. The cross is the beginning and the end. Again, wrong. The Lord said “I am the alpha and the omega”. So as I learn the Bible, not reading his version anymore, I have become aware this ministry is seriously wrong, maybe leaning towards evil. Money rules them for sure. Thank you pastor for providing this website. I am enjoying the readings. Giving my Lord and Savior all the glory. Jesse Knapp
Hi Jesse, I was so happy to read your comment. Praise God! Sometimes God uses suffering to bring us closer to Him and to the truth and it certainly seems God has done that in your case! I am very glad that you are enjoying the articles. You would really like my book, Swaggartism. You can order that from this page if you like: You are in my prayers. May God continue to guide you and totally heal of you of the Covid-19. You can respond here in comments, or feel free to email me at pastor-mark@ChristianAnswerMan.com God bless!
…Pastor Mark
Hi Pastor Mark
Your book is excellent, the best non-fiction book I’ve read in ages. It informs the reader in a very straightforward way, but without simplifying the issues. No matter who would be reading it, you tell it like it is, with a sense of purpose in putting things right for people.
I had thought the Message of the Cross was just the name of the TV Program and that the needle had just got stuck on the record. I didn’t realise Jimmy had made up a different gospel altogether. I have never seen one of his Bibles and thought the red bits were Jimmy trying to explain the text to those who don’t understand. I didn’t know he was re-writing the Bible. Red is the colour of anger in UK and I have never seen it used in a Bible. I’ve never read anything Jimmy has written, so did not know about his corruptive claims. Got sent the Evangelist free for a year after ordering music, but I’ve never read it. As for demoting Jesus, barely mentioning the resurrection and virtually ignoring the Nativity, I had begun observing this.
As for God living on Planet Heaven in the North and not being everywhere at once, its just daft. I cannot understand why anyone would believe such a thing. I had thought Jimmy’s revelation was his claim that God allegedly spoke to him when he was 8 years old and told him to go out and preach to the world. I didn’t know about the secret revelation which came much later (is some of it still secret?). Seems Jimmy takes away and adds to the Bible as he pleases. Your example of Jimmy’s writing on page 248 and Chapter 19 are hilarious. But underneath the humour, you present a very serious and powerful message in a logical and understandable way.
I love the way you end the book with positive statements about Jimmy, which are the very ones that keep me watching: his music, voice, songs, eloquence and animation when speaking. Oh and his accent. We don’t have anything like it here: most churches would not accept the congregation running around, jumping up and down, dancing, quivering, shouting out, crying and Jimmy waving the Bible about. Is that just him or do others do something similar in USA? If they do, I’m not knocking it. Its just that I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It is very addictive watching. Also, jimmy has a way of making an individual feel he is talking only to them and that he cares about their situation. Very dangerous when he is preaching the wrong thing. Even more so when he mixes his views in with the real theology. A clever technique.
I think your comment on page 164, linking Jimmy’s “gospel” to his inability to acknowledge his wrong doings and therefore refuse help, is spot-on. There are many similar instabilities in Jimmy’s family.
I am not a Swaggerite and I can’t really understand it when people send money and prayer requests as I see on Share-a-Thon. We don’t have to pay for prayers in the UK or make a donation to get blessed with something. I don’t object to Jimmy getting money for his music, but getting blessings from buying merchandise with JSM logos in a religious setting doesn’t look right, especially if he is evading tax. We are all free to spend our money as we like, but I worry about vulnerable people being exploited when they should be protected. I think that your book could protect them, if they are able to accept what you are saying.
Jimmy has been very successful at what he does over a long period of time and I am now torn between deciding whether JSM are an incredibly successful scam or whether Jimmy believes what he is claiming and thinks he is saving the world, which seems quite dangerous, even if unintentional. Jury is out on that one just now.
I don’t believe Jimmy is a paedophile. I have profesional experience in this area and he does not fit the profile, far too interested in women. I would stop watching him altogether if I thought this was the case. I also have sympathy with him for coming from such an impoverished background, with no real chance of an education. Part of the problem may be that such a clever man had no opportunities to direct and employ his level of intelligence.
You have demonstrated very prolific research and Bible-based evidence throughout your book. I don’t have to check most of it, as I believe you.
Your book has another very important aspect in that you explain parts of the Bible that I have never understood. I know Jesus better now for reading your book. I am still struggling with some things and have the following questions:
You mention wolves in sheep’s clothing. With so many cults about, how will people know when Jesus comes again, that he is Jesus and not one of these wolves?
There is a page in your book where you state God disciplines people and uses pain. Bit spooked by this and wonder how this happens and what it is that happens?
If someone treats a person really badly and is not sorry, do you still have to forgive them?
You talk about self-control, does that include losing one’s temper?
When discussing people being saved through Jesus, Gabe stated recently that even when people have never heard of Jesus, they will not be saved because they don’t know Jesus. That can’t be right surely? Its not their fault.
When you say that God punished a whole geographical place, I don’t understand why innocent people get punished along with the guilty people. Why is this?
Are we in end times now? I told a friend I did not understand “Revelations” and she said that nobody does. Is that true? I have just bought your book, “End of Days”. Will that help?
I know you are very busy just now and I respect your time. But I also respect your views and Biblical knowledge and would not be asking you questions if that were not the case.
I close by stating I hope God restores peace, safety and health to America soon.
Hi Frances,
Thanks for your wonderful comment on my book, Swaggartism. I appreciate your words very much. If you could put a review on Amazon.com where you bought the book, that would help it get more visibility. I really do appreciate the things you said. Thanks! You have asked some excellent questions and I will try to answer them:
You asked: How will people know when Jesus comes again, that he is Jesus and not one of these wolves?
When Jesus returns again, he is coming down from the sky, mounted on a white horse, The Bible says that every eye on earth will somehow see this happen. Jesus will be followed by all the Raptured Christians also mounted on white horses. Jesus will touch down on the Mount of Olives, which will split in two, creating a valley. Jesus will deal out retribution to those who do not know God. The wicked will be gathered up by God’s angels and killed. This event will be unmistakable. If anyone else comes and claims to be Jesus but does not appear in this way, then they are an impostor.
You asked: There is a page in your book where you state God disciplines people and uses pain. Bit spooked by this and wonder how this happens and what it is that happens?
The Bible says that God disciplines those whom He loves. This is why we have to have a healthy fear of the Lord, so that we are careful not to sin. If we walk in disobedience to God’s word in the Bible, bad things may happen to us. We might get sick or any number of troubles may come our way. God’s purpose is to use such trials to wake us up and bring us to repentance.
If someone treats a person really badly and is not sorry, do you still have to forgive them?
Yes we do. Jesus taught, “if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” He also said, “with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” There is nothing in the contents that has an exception that requires them to be sorry. In the Lord’s prayer we are taught to say, “forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” So God is going to forgive us IN THE SAME WAY that we forgive others. Do we all have things in our life that we have done, that we thought were right, perhaps still think were right, but from God’s point of view, were wrong? Of course. Do we want God to forgive us for those things that we don’t know we have to be sorry for? Of course. So we must then do the same for others, forgive them, even though they don’t think they did wrong.
Remember what Jesus said on the cross about those who were killing Him, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” These people had not repented, yet Jesus wanted them forgiven. Also remember Stephen, a deacon full of the Holy Spirit, as they were stoning him to death, he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Those people were not sorry either, yet not only did Stephen forgive them while they were killing him, he asked God to forgive them also. Jesus and Stephen both give us godly examples to follow. These things are not easy to do. They can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit, by letting God change us so that we love even our enemies.
You asked: You talk about self-control, does that include losing one’s temper?
Yes it does. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. We should not allow ourselves to lose our temper. If and when that happens, we should repent, regain control and ask the Lord’s forgiveness. There is such a thing as righteous anger. Jesus was angry at the people turning the temple into a supermarket. He even chased them out with a whip. But he did not lose control of himself. However, he was God. We ourselves must be more cautious. The Bible says, “The anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.” We know in our spirit if we are losing control or if, on the other hand, we are expressing righteous indignation motivated by love. There is a difference. One is inspired by our fallen spirit, the other is inspired by the Spirit of God.
You asked: When discussing people being saved through Jesus, Gabe stated recently that even when people have never heard of Jesus, they will not be saved because they don’t know Jesus. That can’t be right surely? Its not their fault.
Gabriel Swaggart is flat-out wrong about that.
Jesus taught that people are judged in accordance with the light they have received. In the Old Testament God says:
“But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live.” (Ezekiel 18:21-22)
This principle – that those who do right shall be forgiven – is not done away by the New Testament. Gabriel believes the way he does because he misunderstands what Jesus said in John 14:6:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Gabe, and many other ministers, teach incorrectly that this means all those who do not come to Jesus in this life go to hell. I will demonstrate that such is not the case. It is true that those who have heard the Gospel and refuse to come to Jesus, these are not saved. But the situation is different for someone who does not know about Jesus.
The Old Testament saints did not ask Jesus into their hearts. But since they lived right, when they died and met Jesus, they automatically loved Him and accepted him. The Old Testament saints came to the Father through Jesus, even though they never knew of Him in this life. Remember the story Jesus told of Lazarus and the rich man – The Lazarus in that story never met Jesus, yet he was taken to heaven by the angels.
Consider also, babies that die. All Christians believe that babies and young children who die go to heaven. Even the Swaggarts believe this, as far as I know. These children have not had the opportunity to know Jesus in this life, yet they go to heaven.
It is the same for those who have never heard of Jesus. They are much like a baby that has not heard about Jesus.
Hear what the Apostle Peter says to Gentiles:
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34-35)
Romans Chapter 2 speaks of those who have not heard God’s word:
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (Romans 2:6-16)
This says that everyone has a moral compass. They have a conscience. If they do their best to do right, but have not had opportunity to come to Jesus, they get that opportunity after death. The Bible says, “There will be…glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good…”
Jesus said:
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:20-21.)
So a native living in the deep dark recesses of the Amazon jungle, if he lives right and tries to do good, when he dies and he will meet Jesus and automatically accept Him then. But if he has done evil, He will shrink from the Lord and not accept Him. Thus, what Jesus says is still true: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
These two passages hint at these things:
“For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:6)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25)
That said, for us living in the civilized world, in a country where there are numerous Christian churches, there is no excuse for not coming to Christ. In this case John 3:19 applies, “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
You asked: When you say that God punished a whole geographical place, I don’t understand why innocent people get punished along with the guilty people. Why is this?
When God told Abraham that he was going to destroy Sodom for its homosexuality, Abraham asked God, “Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25)
God’s answer was that if even ten righteous were found in the city he would not destroy it. Only Lot, his wife and his two daughters were righteous, so God sent two angels to bring them out of the city. So God certainly does have concern over the righteous when his judgment is coming.
In many cases it is not so much a case of God directly bringing judgment upon a place for the sins, but it is a case of sin bringing its own reward. Unfortunately, when people sin it affects those around them negatively. We see this throughout history. For example, Germany was bombed back to the stone age by the allies. Many innocents suffered because of what Hitler did. This is an example of how sin hurts an entire nation. Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
You asked: Are we in end times now? I told a friend I did not understand “Revelations” and she said that nobody does. Is that true? I have just bought your book, “End of Days”. Will that help?
To understand Revelation you must have your heart surrendered to Jesus and you must study the entire Bible thoroughly, especially the book of Daniel. Revelation is one of the hardest books to understand. I don’t understand it all. That said, many people understand most of Revelation. So to say that nobody understands it is not correct.
Thanks for buying End of Days. It is some advanced teaching. It is written for those who know their Bible well and have been taught the basics of end-time prophecy (eschatology). You will learn from my book. It will also probably answer some questions for you as well as give you a whole new set of questions!
Thanks again for your comment. God bless!
…Pastor Mark
Hi Pastor Mark
Thankyou very much for your full and informative reply. I understand when you explain things on here and in your books, which is not always the case elsewhere.
I bought your book on amazon. co.uk and will put my review on there and then try to put a copy on the American site. I will continue buying and reading your books and your website and come back to you later, if that’s okay with you. I’ve also got the Purpose-Driven Life Book and Journal that you recommended.
Plenty of time for me just now to start learning, as we are back in a semi-lockdown again in Glasgow and looks like we might be going to the highest level next week, so here we go again. I will also follow your advice about self-control issues.
Thankyou. God be with you.
Frances
Hi Frances, I am glad you find my explanations clear. I appreciate that you will put a review on Amazon. Thanks. That is good that you are getting The Purpose Driven Life. That is a great book. Glad to hear you will get more of my books. The following link will list all my books for you. Amazon.com/author/markswarbrick
God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Thanks Pastor Mark
Hi Pastor Mark
Don’t quite know if there is something wrong, but I have contacted you on here and by email several times, but have not heard from you. I have also sent emails, with no response.
If you are busy, that’s fine. But I want to comment on another of your books and ask questions. No point me doing that unless I can get through.
I put something like this on yesterday, but now its gone.
I realize its Thanksgiving. I just need to know whether I can get posted on here. If I’ve done something, please would you let me know so I can put it right.
Thankyou
Frances
Hi Pastor Mark
I wonder if I could just clarify a couple of things from what you have told me. Please ignore above paragraph as that is fixed now.
Firstly, you have told me to forgive people even if they are not sorry. Also that people have to repent before God forgives them. So why this difference?
Secondly, people have accidents and mishaps all the time. So how am I supposed to tell whether these events are accidents or God’s discipline, especially if I don’t know what I’ve done?
I know you are super-busy right now, so there is no hurry. I know my questions are a bit basic, but I don’t have the same baseline as the people on here. I have about 8 different religions/denominations among my friends and associates and a whole bunch of Atheist cousins. No one has ever taught me scripture and few ever talk about faith. Thanks for your help.
Frances
Hi Frances,
You asked: “Firstly, you have told me to forgive people even if they are not sorry. Also that people have to repent before God forgives them. So why this difference?”
The difference is that he is God and we are not. We are fallen sinful humans. He is the righteous perfect judge. Also, God extends his forgiveness toward everyone and does not propose to judge them until the end of their life.
You also asked, “Secondly, people have accidents and mishaps all the time. So how am I supposed to tell whether these events are accidents or God’s discipline, especially if I don’t know what I’ve done?”
If you are walking with Jesus, praying and reading your Bible daily, and involved in a local church that preaches the word, then the Holy Spirit is going to be very active in your life. You will know when you have done wrong and need to repent and change. The Spirit of God will bear witness with your spirit. You will know. It is as simple as praying, “God if I am doing wrong, please show me.” He will. Much of the difficulties we go through are just part of living in a fallen world.
God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Thankyou Pastor Mark. I have no experience of any of this. But I will try. I am learning things on your website.
Frances
Hi Frances, If you don’t already have it, you might want to get my book Heavenly Miracles. It opens the door to the understanding of how real God can be in our lives.
You can get it here:
…Pastor Mark
Hi Pastor Mark
Thankyou. I have got Heavenly Miracles, Life after Death and Theistic Evolution. I’m reading Life after Death at the moment. Plenty time to read and think just now, I’ve been shielding, isolating (don’t know what you call it in USA) March till August, then September till December.
I’ve also got End of Days, but I can’t manage it just now. I like all your books.
I’ve still to do a review for Hidden Truths of Catholicism like I said. I haven’t forgotten. I’ve also left some questions there for you.
Thankyou
Frances
My mom has completely changed for the worse once she started watching Swaggart. All the beliefs she had for years as a Christian are out the window. These examples are just a few of the many ways she has changed… She doesn’t believe she has to attend church anymore. She believes there is no other “right” church. She also bought his Bible. She has completely shut everyone out because we are to much of sinners. She is very critical and judgemental. She’s like the pharisee plus more! She doesn’t show any Love of Christ in her. It’s very upsetting.
Hi Jesus Lover – Thanks for your comment – I feel your pain. Your testimony of how Swaggartism has negatively impacted your mother is very typical of what happens to many people that start listening to that ministry. I hear it all the time. There is a bad spirit at work there. All you can do is pray for her. You might consider sending her a copy of my book – https://christiananswerman.com/get-the-book-swaggartism-jimmy-swaggart-false-teaching/
God bless,
Pastor Mark
Strangely since having my eyes opened to this shyster I still watch him alot just to hear the crazy things he says. This week was a classic – he said that those who disagree with him about the Holy Spirit (and the nonsense fictional language he mumbles at times claiming that this ridiculous babble comes from God) can disagree with him, BUT they better not say it out loud (disagreeing) for it is blasphemy. He is a crafty old fox. He was alluding to (would not spell it out exactly but the meaning for those who know their bible was clear) the verse in the gospel about the unforgivable sin. Incredible – so now if you speak against him you will not be forgiven by God and have committed the unforgivable sin!
Another worrying thing about ‘Silly Swaggart’ is that if his doctrine is so false (almost every word he says is in error) and he claims to be in communion with the spirit world all the time, telling us almost everyday about a mystical experience he has had – what spirits is he talking to, and them talking to him? Can only be one kind and its not holy. The Swaggarts condemn mystics all the time but he tells us about his mystical experiences (supernatural) every day. Some great testimonies on this page by the way. Great website.
Hi Henry, Yes, I have commented on this before, what you also notice, is that Swaggart tries to bolster his authority by claiming revelations and mystical words from God. He combines that with his pronouncements of judgment upon any who dare to hold his revelations up to comparison with the word of God. We must remember the words of our Lord Jesus to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:2, “You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.”
…Pastor Mark
I have to agree with your revelations about the Swaggert ministries. I have watched some of their programming from time to time and was especially troubled by their belief that if you don’t speak in tongues you are not saved and not filled with the Holy Spirit. That alone was enough for me to be enlightened. I suppose they also think they can swallow poison and not die. Seriously I know that I was born again in 1975 just a few months after losing my 6 yr old daughter to leukemia. I was broken and when I asked Jesus into my heart as my Savior and Lord, I have no doubt that I was immediately given the gift of the Holy Spirit, yet I have never spoken in tongues. I do believe I have some of the other gifts and fruits as revealed in KJV scripture.
When I emailed Frances and Friends about this doctrine of not being filled with HS unless you speak in tongues, she never addressed my email. In fact I wrote her twice with no consideration or reply. My belief is that unless you donate to their empire and drink their kool aid , you don’t exist.
Swaggert’s Expositors Bible is the only one they reference. Who in their right mind would embrace the interpretations of a man who makes millions of dollars building his own empire, while leading people astray. He will have to meet God face to face one day and receive his just judgement. The sad thing is I feel he is so disillusioned about his own fame and wealth that he thinks he is chosen by God to evangelize his misleading cultish message to the world. I have noticed that he only gets emotional when he is talking about himself.
Thank You for your insight.
Peggy
Hi Peggy, Thanks for your comment and what you say is right on. I saw the episode where the Swaggarts claimed one’s salvation is in question if one does not speak in tongues. That is way off-base! They took some heat for it and tried to walk it back in subsequent shows. You absolutely don’t need to speak in tongues to be saved. When you come to Christ your are indwelt by the Holy Spirit immediately when you are born again, and you are saved at that moment. Other things follow that are helpful, such as water baptism, church attendance and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, which is a subsequent and separate operation of the Spirit. None of these other things that come after salvation are required for salvation, though they are certainly helpful in one’s daily walk with the Lord.
…Pastor Mark