An Inconsistent Obituary

by Craig Meyer
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 3, September 1995

In the July 1993 issue of Reflections On Truth, David Padfield reports an obituary in the Chicago Tribune of May 22, 1993. It seems that William Bentley, a Pentecostal preacher, died while conducting Sunday services at the Progressive Beulah Pentecostal Church. Bentley had served as the national president of the United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc. (1981-1989). Bro. Padfield correctly observes, "Aren’t these the folks who claim to have miraculous powers today? Don’t they claim to be able to raise the dead? Did anyone try to bring Mr. Bentley back to life?"

So-called “faith healers" often blame their failures on the inadequate faith of those they are trying to help. Who should be blamed on this occasion? Didn’t the membership of the Progressive Beulah Pentecostal Church have enough faith to resurrect this man? The truth of the matter is that these gullible people have embraced a doctrine that is rotten to the core. And their failure to show a true, modern-day miracle speaks volumes!

Paul said spiritual gifts would pass away after the completion of God’s revelation (I Corinthians 13:8-10). Miracles were designed by God to confirm His word (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4). Today, we have that confirmed word, the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25).

I have also wondered why the Pentecostals send their missionaries to special schools to learn foreign languages. If the Pentecostals could truly speak in tongues just like the apostles and certain, select Christians appointed by God during the infancy of the church (Acts 2:1-12; I Corinthians 12:27-31), they would not need a single language class!

"A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!" (Proverbs 26:3 NIV).