This article discusses the Jimmy Swaggart scandal and how Christians should consider it from a biblical world view. Also covered are Donnie Swaggart marriages, the Jimmy Swaggart House, Jimmy Swaggart Net Worth and the case of the Jimmy Swaggart Prostitute, or prostitutes.
By Mark W. Swarbrick
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.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15)
Jimmy Swaggart’s Doctrine
The teaching of our Lord is that as part of examining a doctrine for its veracity we should include an examination of the life of the teacher. They may look like a sheep, talk like a sheep, and speak like a silver-tongued anointed preacher, but if they are a false prophet or false teacher there will be bad fruit continually evidenced in their life. We must examine the fruit as Jesus taught us. It has nothing to do with forgiveness. Its about discernment. This article is a sample of the information in my book Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, which covers the Jimmy Swaggart Scandal in depth. You may click the image below to buy Swaggartism.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: We see from the scripture quote above that Jesus adjured us to examine the fruit of a minister’s life to determine if he is a false prophet. For that reason it is imperative to have a knowledge of Jimmy Swaggart’s past. If he was just a normal Bible teacher or pastor of a church, teaching sound biblical doctrine, then this would not matter. His past, if repented of, is forgiven and forgotten and doesn’t need to be brought up.
But for someone who claims to be an end-time apostle with a special revelation greater than the Church has known before, and who condemns other churches as false, then it behooves us to take a close look at his life, both past and present.
His sins may have been in the sea of forgetfulness, but his own claims to special superior prominence have dredged them back up. Swaggarites bitterly complain and condemn anyone who examines Swaggart’s life but the fact is Jesus commanded us to examine the fruit in order to confirm someone as a false teacher and we must do so whether anyone likes it or not. It is a matter of obedience to scripture.
Incidentally, examining the fruit does not mean that we are to consider how much money he has or how successful he is or how big his following has grown. Swaggarites point to this as proof that Jimmy is a true apostle of God. If having riches, a large following, and great influence, is God’s stamp of approval, then we should all join the Mormon cult. No, examining the fruit means rather to reflect upon whether his life is abundant with the fruit of the Spirit, or if it exudes the deeds of the flesh.
The Hidden History: Jimmy married his 15-year-old girlfriend and entered into ministry as a singing evangelist. Unfortunately, as we shall see, his proclivity for underage girls would not end with his child bride. He eventually built a large multi-million-dollar real estate empire from donations to his television ministry.
At the height of his ministry, he was caught on camera coming out of a motel room with prostitute Debra Murphree. The prostitute said they had an ongoing sexual relationship, that Swaggart was “kinky” as he had tried to persuade her to bring her 9-year-old daughter to their sexual encounters.
According to court documents, Swaggart told the Assemblies of God that he had a “long standing sexual aberration and that he had consorted with prostitutes for many, many years.” In tears, Swaggart told Rev. Marvin Gorman, “I’ve been doing this for twenty-eight years. I have chased prostitutes in every city where I have conducted revivals or crusades.”
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Besides prostitutes, Jimmy also had an ongoing adulterous affair with Catherine Kampen, a housewife he picked up at a gas station. According to Kampen, he seduced her into believing, as a rich televangelist, he could not only give her free counseling for her emotional issues, but also help her with her dream of opening her own flower shop.
During their many sexcapades that took place at her home while her husband was away at work, he would often, as he had with the prostitute Murphree, albeit unsuccessfully, try to convince her to have her underage daughter participate.
After all this hit the news, Jimmy confessed on television to some unspecified sin, hoping that the extent of his philandering would not be uncovered. In the meantime, according to Mrs. Kampen’s sworn statement, she began to receive anonymous phone calls threatening her life. “If you say anything or do anything, you’ll regret it. If you say anything about Jimmy – because we’ll burn you in your house. We’ll burn your house down around you…better leave Jimmy alone or you’re dead.”
It would not be the first or last time that the taint of murder would be associated with Jimmy Swaggart. In 1983 Jacklyn Warren was hired by Jimmy Swaggart Ministries to care for an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Baugh, who had (according to their son) been pressured into willing $800,000 to JSM. The Swaggart team hired the caretaker on the same day she changed her will. Swaggart fund-raiser Gerald Johnson was involved in selecting Warren as a caretaker.
Warren beat Mrs. Baugh to death ten days after the change to her will, which bequeathed nearly one million dollars to Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. Mr. Baugh died five days later from heart issues, probably brought on by the trauma. Warren was convicted and went to prison.
Another damnatory fact is that Warren had previously served two years in prison for the beating death of another woman. How or why Jimmy Swaggart Ministries chose this murderous convict to care for Baugh is an open question.
Baugh’s son disputed the will, saying his parents were coerced and that he suspected the Swaggart’s complicity in the death. He said that Gerald Johnson, a Swaggart operative, had suggested that the Baugh’s hire caretaker Warren. Baugh’s son said that even a cursory background check would have revealed that Warren had spent two years in reform school for murder. He filed a law suit. The Swaggart’s quietly settled with the son out of court for an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for a public retraction of his statements.
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Five years later, in 1988, new information came to light resulting in a grand jury being convened to reopen the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and to see if any Swaggart employees were responsible. Since grand jury proceedings are secret, we don’t know what was revealed. No indictments were handed down. We will never know what was revealed in the secret grand jury testimony, nor will we ever know how much it cost the Swaggarts to buy Baugh’s silence.
When Jimmy’s daughter in law had an affair with Dwain Johnson, one of the band members, Jimmy flew into a rage and told Dwain’s wife, “Tell that no good husband of yours if he is in town tomorrow, I’ll kill him!” Jimmy’s outbursts of anger where legendary and everyone took the threat seriously.
The next day Dwain was packing to leave when Swaggart pulled up to the house. Dwain ran out the back door and hid in the bushes. Through the windows he could see Jimmy stomping through every room searching for him. The next day when Dwain answered the phone it was Jimmy, angrily threatening, “I want to tell you something. I want you out of that house. I’m going to give you till Monday morning. If you’re not out first thing Monday, I’ll have you taken out on a stretcher. I won’t do it personally but I’ll have it done.”
One of Swaggart’s alleged regular prostitutes went by the name of Sexy Suzi. At the time of the discovery of Swaggart’s peccadillos, another Swaggart prostitute by the name of Peggy Carrier expressed fear for her life, apparently in regard to Swaggart. Suzi, in fear also, was reported to have cried in anguish, “I’m in trouble, I’m in trouble. Both prostitutes then disappeared and have never been seen again. Friends of the prostitutes stated that they believe Swaggart may have had them killed.
As the news outlets exposed Swaggart’s sins to the world, he met with the Assemblies of God leadership. Mercifully they offered him one year of counseling and mentoring, and required him to step down from ministry during this time so he could devote time to restoring his marriage and his relationship with God. Swaggart defiantly went back on the air two weeks later.
Swaggart had several meetings with the church authorities eventually refusing the stipulations, telling them arrogantly that he heard directly from God and didn’t need or want their help. After only two months he returned to full time ministry. Consequently, the Assemblies of God had no choice but to revoke his ordination.
Three years later, in October of 1991, Jimmy was caught again with a prostitute. This was all over the news at the time. In happened in Indio, California. Swaggart, noticing a police car, tried to stuff his porn magazines under the seat. This caused him to swerve momentarily into the wrong lane. He was stopped by police for driving on the wrong side of the road.
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He had just picked up a prostitute by the name of Rosemary Garcia and he had her in the car with him. She told officers that Swaggart had solicited her for sex. But this time Jimmy didn’t cry and confess. He stood before his church and said, “God has told me it is flat none of your business.” He continued to pastor the church.
Four years later, in 1995, Jimmy was caught a third time. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in a red-light district known as The Strip, Jimmy was pulled over by police under suspicion of soliciting a prostitute. The officer found pornography underneath Jimmy’s car seat. He was released in this instance as there wasn’t sufficient evidence to convict in court.
When a public figure such as a television evangelist commits such egregious transgressions, a public statement of remorse is expected. No such repentance has ever been demonstrated for these last two escapades.
Presumably there were many more exploits than the several in which he was found out. In any event, “Its flat none of your business” is not repentance. Additionally, he has never expressed repentance for his defiance of the Assemblies of God and going back on his word that he had given to operate under the authority and guidelines of that denomination. Repentance is a prerequisite for forgiveness.
There are three YouTube videos that cover many of these scandals and anyone interested in the truth about Jimmy Swaggart should watch them. They are entitled as follows:
1. Part One – Christian Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Investigation – John Camp for CNN
2. Part Two – Jimmy Swaggart Investigation -John Camp for CNN
One can google those titles and watch these informative investigations into Swaggart’s past. Jesus’ words bear repeating: “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)
Financial Scandals
There has been one scandal after another at JSM. Money scandals particularly. Money would be solicited for children or medicine or to further the ministry, but then the money would be redirected into the pockets of Jimmy Swaggart and his family, to buy such things as a $30,000 Rolex watch, a fleet of new Mercedes, multi-million-dollar mansions, a private jet, and a 50,000 per year country club membership.
Books have been written about his extravagant lifestyle. Hard earned money given by struggling people who wanted to further the Kingdom of God has been used to build a real-estate empire for the grandiose extravagant luxurious lifestyle of the Swaggart family.
In comparison to Jimmy Swaggart’s rich lifestyle, Rev. Billy Graham’s home and lifestyle are quite modest. But according to Swaggart, Billy Graham is “of little worth to the Kingdom of God” because he doesn’t speak in tongues.
Swaggart Repeatedly Sued in Court
Dake Publishing successfully sued Jimmy Swaggart Ministries for copyright infringement and plagiarism. There have been fraudulent land deals and suspicious business dealings. Swaggart’s real-estate business partner went to prison. Swaggarites complain bitterly if anything bad is said about their beloved prophet, but Swaggart is constantly maligning others, and getting sued for it.
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Swaggart himself was found guilty of defamation of character against a fellow minister, Marvin Gorman, an Assemblies of God minister. In his book, Let us Prey, Gorman’s attorney, Hunter Lundy describes the sworn testimony at trial which reveals the dark side of Jimmy Swaggart. The testimony reveals Jimmy Swaggart as a man obsessed to the point of distraction over any minister who might become famous enough to rival his own popularity.
Swaggart was the instigator of a massive smear campaign to malign fellow Assembly of God minister Marvin Gorman simply because his TV network had the possibility of attracting more viewers than his own. In short, Swaggart ruined Gorman’s career and financial standing because he was jealous of him. That is what the evidence presented at trial revealed and the jury found Swaggart guilty. Of Swaggart’s defamation of Gorman, Lundy writes,
“It was a deliberate program of character assassination and defamation orchestrated and performed by the entire Swaggart establishment.”
As the testimony unfolded it became increasingly clear that Swaggart’s jealousy had prompted him to manufacture vicious lies about Gorman. At one point, while Swaggart was on the witness stand, he apparently believed that he could sway the jury with the same mesmerizing charisma in which he wowed his television audience. Turning to Gorman Swaggart sanctimoniously declared:
“Marvin, let me tell you something, partner. If you don’t straighten this thing out with God, when you die you are going to hell!”
Swaggart’s defense attorneys were aghast. The judge, in so many words, told Swaggart to shut up. Gorman’s attorneys were delighted. The jury was certainly impressed, but in the opposite way that Swaggart had hoped.
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Swaggart’s own testimony at the trial revealed his true character for the jurors and the world to see: Lundy writes:
“Jimmy Swaggart was basically a naïve and ignorant man, an ill-educated bumpkin who had somehow stumbled into greatness – into celebrity – by virtue of God-given talents and an imperfect understanding of human nature. He had instinctively mastered the powers that came from combining spectacular showmanship with faux eloquence to exploit the masses, to move millions to emotional expression to enrich himself and enhance his personal status.”
The jury convicted Swaggart and ordered him to pay ten million dollars restitution. Lundy concludes, “We proved what we set out to prove, that Jimmy Swaggart was a liar and a self-righteous hypocrite…”
Can a Leopard change his spots?
These evil things were done by Swaggart after he got saved and while he was portraying himself to the world as a holy righteous man of God. Swaggart would have us believe that now that he got his new revelation from God, that he is a changed man. But can a leopard change his spots?
Except for being born again, people don’t change that much. Whatever tendencies a person develops when young, whether good or bad, are ones that will tend to be evident later in life. “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” (Proverbs 20:11)
We see the same jealous attitude is still exhibited in Swaggart to this very day. Let us consider Swaggart’s vicious attacks against the book, A Purpose Driven Life.
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Billy Graham said that this book is one that would “guide you to greatness—through living the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus.” A May 2005 survey of American pastors showed that, except for the Bible, The Purpose Driven Life was considered the most influential book upon their lives and ministries. The book topped the Wall Street Journal best seller charts as well as Publishers Weekly charts, with over 30 million copies sold by 2007. It was also on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 90 weeks. By 2019, 32 million copies had been sold in more than 85 languages.
This is just the sort of thing that Jimmy Swaggart simply can’t tolerate. Swaggart has said that God has called him alone to reach the world with the Gospel. A book this popular that wasn’t written by him just doesn’t fit the narrative. Thus he must attack it, and attack it he does, over and over. Why? Jealousy. Simple unadulterated jealousy.
Another scandal concerns Baton Rouge’s charity hospital, which had a signed contract to purchase land from Swaggart Ministries. They wanted to relocate the hospital to better serve the community. But because land prices increased after the deal, the Swaggarts reneged on the contract, resulting in a law suit. In 2016 the court ordered Swaggart’s ministry to pay 4.4 million in damages to the hospital for breach of contract.
Scripture says that no man of God “in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him…” (2 Timothy 2:4). There is no question, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries is entangled in the affairs of the world.
Print Shop Scandal
Then there is the print shop scandal and its attempted cover-up, wherein the JSM ministries print shop, part of their non-profit corporation, made money by printing outlandish CD covers for secular Hip-Hop bands and posters for area night clubs.[7] The CD Covers depict drugs, violence and gangs. One of the CD covers features satanic symbols and human sacrifice. The music that the CDs contain are filled with profanity.
One CD Cover is emblazoned with, “Includes the hot single – U Nasty!” A night club poster they printed says, “Liquor! Party! Action!” Some posters feature scantily clad women, another poster is for a gay night club and advertises the gothic band Strap On Halo. Needless to say, using money donated to a non-profit Christian organization to generate a profit by promoting wickedness is both illegal and immoral. Scripture says that Jesus hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans. Can you image what he thinks of this?
Consider this poster that JSM made for a local nightclub. Is there any excuse for a tax-free Christian ministery to use money given by Christians – money intended to further the gospel – to be used to operate a print shop that is producing ungodly material such as this?
For further information on the Print Shop Scandal at Jimmy Swaggart Ministries I recommend the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUdvQT7Bg6U This video was made by Mishel McCumber. She worked at Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. She now has a website, www.DeceiptionBytes.com which has excellent inside information about the oppressive and scandalous work environment at Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.
Youth Ministry Scandal
Below are some of the ladies in leadership at JSM. Left to right: Grace Larson, Youth Worship Leader, Family Worship Center Team Singer. Jennifer Douglas, – Sister in law of Pastor Gabriel Swaggart, Worship Team member of Crossfire and staff member of Front Office of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. Jill Swaggart, Wife of Pastor Gabriel Swaggart, Family Worship Center Worship Team member, Crossfire Worship Team leader, Family Worship Center Camp Meeting singer. Alaina Simoneaux – Former worship leader for Crossfire Ministries and IYC.
Apparently they are in a bar. Note the wine bottle, the demonic signs. Whether they know it or not, one of those signs is the 666 signal used by musicians frequently, and the others are gang signs. Note the girl on the left with the short dress and her legs immodestly spread and the evil facial expressions, the dead demonic look in their eyes and the evil seductive poses of their bodies.
Gabriel Swaggart tried to dismiss it with, “They were just kidding around and having fun” but I guarantee you if any other church did this, the Swaggarts would be all over it, pointing out this as an example of how evil other churches are. Why isn’t Jimmy’s special revelation getting these girls to live godly lives and set a proper example? Why is the JSM magic formula not working?
What would the Apostle Paul say if he could see this picture? We don’t have to wonder. Look at his teaching. Study that picture and then ask yourself if these Swaggart Ministry leaders are obeying the spirit of these scriptures written by the Apostle Paul:
“I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” (1Timothy 2:9)
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” (Titus 2:3-5)
“There must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:4)
Are these girls acting “sensible,” as the scripture teaches? They are ministry leaders. Are they setting good examples for how mature Christian ladies should conduct themselves? Clearly not and evidently disobedience is contagious through the ministry from the top down.
Continued Sexual Scandals at JSM
Following Jimmy’s example, many sexual scandals have erupted in their church over the years. Donnie Swaggart (Jimmy’s son) divorced his wife to marry a lady in the church who was a 5-time divorcée. He then divorced her and remarried his first wife in 2015. He continued to minister during this time.
Many people have suffered the tragedy of divorce and those who endured the pain of that need the compassion, love and empathy of the Church.
However the scripture is clear that if things are falling apart in your family life you cannot take care of the Church of God. A minister should step down from ministry until his home life is stabilized. When we see the leaders themselves playing musical chairs with wives, and all the while pastoring the church, well, that is simply outrageous. Jesus said to examine the fruit. Not only does their doctrine fail the test of scripture but their lives show the kind of fruit that Jesus said would mark the life of a false prophet.
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Only comment is Judy Swaggart was Donnie’s 2nd wife: A much younger blonde haired lady, very sweet. There’s a picture of them together in 2006, with a yellow outfit on. The others are probably erased.
https://docplayer.net/docs-images/86/94916187/images/8-0.jpg
Hi Keisha, Thanks for the information and the link to the picture. That is very helpful. God bless!
…Pastor Mark
This is so hard to believe. Watching them is so amazing and blesses me greatly. God will be the judge and i seriously dont think they want Hell..
God bless them to be TRUE to God as they are immensely influencial.
Hi Mia, Thanks for your comment. Yes, they are immensely influential. Wait till the Antichrist comes – he will be amazingly influential. He will heal people and perform amazing miracles and will be a great orator. He will fool many. Jesus warned us about the false prophets in sheep’s clothing. It is true that the Swaggart’s have amazing Christian music. But remember that even Satan quotes Scripture and transforms himself into an angel of light in order to deceive. Jesus said to look at the fruit to discern false teachers. When we look at Jimmy Swaggart, we see years of adultery and a long line of prostitutes, even after his supposed repentance. His son, Donnie Swaggart had an adulterous affair with a 5-time divorcee who attended their church. He dumped his wife and married the woman. Add to that the multitudes of false doctrines being taught. Lots of bad fruit there. Yes, many people get blessed and saved through their ministry, but the Apostle Paul admitted that people can get saved from the preaching of pastors that have evil motives (Philippians 1:17). I suggest you get my book and read up on the dangers of Swaggartism. All the evidence is there. Here is more info on that: Thanks for commenting. God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Pastor Mark-
Thats truly heartbreaking. Id heard all this and am well aware of false teachers out there, having been a christian for 40 years.
What do you think of the Frances and Friends roundtable question and answers and the very sincere pastors who serve with them?
Jimmys a little old now to be womanizing and i believe Gods a God of second chances…
If youve watched Frances and Friends please tell me your thoughts. Thet do a marvelous job responding to callers.
I fear Hell and i cant imagine anyone, ESP in leadership taking a chance on going there and they will be held to higher standard if misled the flock.
God bless?
Hi Mia,
Yes, it is certainly heartbreaking. I have watched the Frances and Friends show. I don’t doubt the sincerity of those men. However, the ministers they have on their show tend to be yes men. Their paycheck depends on them agreeing with what the Swaggarts say. I have a short video of one of the Swaggart programs embedded in an article that shows this. You can see it here:
You are right; Jimmy is too old to womanize. A man at his age has little testosterone and, therefore no sex drive. However, his wife did, not long ago, fire a young lady musician who her husband was getting a bit too familiar with.
God indeed is a God of second chances. But it does take repentance, and when it is a case of a minister in the public eye, it requires a public expression of repentance. He did express repentance the first time he was caught in 1988, but he did not express any repentance the second time he was caught (1991) or the third time (1995). That last time, when it was all over the news that the police had pulled him over with a prostitute in his car and pornography under his seat, he told his church, “God told me it is flat none of your business.” That is not repentance. At some point, one has to admit to seeing the bad fruit Jesus warned that false teachers would exhibit.
Some people listen to him, and there is no harm. Some of what he teaches is alright. But many people undergrow personality changes and become devoted Swaggart followers, and they begin to exhibit the same arrogant attitude that the Swaggarts have. They become convinced that you are not saved unless you follow Swaggart. You might want to take a look at the testimony page on my website that outlines some of the damage done by their false teaching. It is here:
God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Wow! I will check it out.
Let me ask you which enangelists you would consider reputable? Im sure not Joel Osteen?? How come theyre all so rich. Billy Graham was the real day i believe. How do you feel about him and Franklin??
Hi Mia, Yes, Billy Graham and his son Franklin are the real deal. Jimmy Swaggart says that Billy Graham and others like him who do not speak in tongues “are of little worth in the Kingdom of God.” I love listening to Billy Graham’s sermons. Joel Osteen is a great orator and is quite entertaining, but unfortunately he is a false teacher. I am sure he means well, but his message is not biblically balanced. There are so many false teachers on TV. I haven’t watched any for years so I can’t recommend who is good. Just listen with discernment with Bible in hand. There are many good preachers on the Internet. I highly recommend Pastor Bobby Davis of Live Life Church that is located in Cookeville, Tennessee. You can watch his sermons on their website at http://www.livelife.church They are also on Youtube. We attended that church when we lived in Tennessee and we still watch him. Good solid balanced Bible teaching. There is no substitute for being part of a local church. I hope that you are. God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Actually the Graham’s teach everyone can go to Heaven even if they do not know Jesus. Billy Graham said as much in Robert Schullers church. https://youtu.be/4MZWug3QAvs
Hi Flo, thanks for commenting. I watched the video. It is quite deceptive. It takes a very brief statement by Billy Graham, plays only a few seconds of it, out of context, and then twists that into trying to say that Graham taught that everyone goes to heaven. That is not what he taught. When I expose Jimmy Swaggart’s teachings, I use what he wrote and when I use video I show him speaking for several minutes so people can see the context. This video about Graham does not do that. It uses nothing from any of his many books. In the video it only shows Graham speaking for a few seconds on that delicate subject. It is a deliberate attempt to twist the truth.
Now, concerning what Graham was saying: The Christian Church believes that babies and children before the age of accountability go to heaven upon death. It matters not what the parents were. If a baby dies in India or Africa or America – no matter where – that baby’s spirit goes to heaven, even if the parents were Hindu or what have you. That is the Christian faith. Our loving Heavenly Father does not send innocent babies to Hell. The Bible tells us that no one comes to the Father but through Jesus. These babies automatically love and accept Jesus when they meet him in the afterlife.
As a child grows and reaches an age of accountability, he begins to make choices for right or wrong. That age is different for everybody, depending on mental ability and the spiritual environment. Jesus said, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:20-21) If a child grows up in a far away land and does not hear the Gospel, but responds to the light he does have and does his best to do right, then Acts 10:35 applies: “In every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
If they die before hearing the Gospel they will automatically love Jesus when they see him, and will accept him, for they had already been responding to the light they had received within their own conscience. This is the situation that Billy Graham was responding to. Some uninformed preachers have incorrectly said that all children in foreign countries go to hell because their parents are not Christians. In response to such error, Rev. Graham was simply trying to explain the love of God and the proper perspective that Christianity maintains in this regard. The Gospel does not condemn those who don’t yet know the light, it condemns those who reject the light: “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.” (John 3:19) I hope this clarifies things for you. God bless,
…Pastor Mark
jimmy swagart should have been put in jail he ios a sick person no signs of remorse
Thank you Pastor Mark!
I will pray for discernment and measure it against Gods word as you say.
Yes- we are in local church here in Somerset CA. Its bible based but wish it was more charasmatic. Thats what i love about Swaggarts church- so lively!
God bless you!
Hello!
I have to agree with what you wrote about the Swaggarts. I have a hard time listening to any of their teaching. I do not support their ministry, but do pray for them.
What bothers me is how the Swaggart’s became rich. It bothers me because if it were not for the supporters of their ministry, they would not have achieved their riches. Yes, the selling of their music does/did bring in money, but I believe that most of their cash came from the supporters. Of course, Donnie gives all the credit to his father and never once appreciates the fact that it was the faithful giving of the people who help launch the ministry.
Now, as you stated in your article, the ministry has land etc.. worth millions, which I believe is the main reason the Swaggarts are still relevant.
I don’t think having money is sinful, but I just feel “funny” about the Swaggarts. Of course, they will be judged by God and I certainly will never say that they belong in hell, I just pray for them.
Just a note: I made a comment to Donnie, many years ago,in a letter. I asked him why he never talked about his divorce. I felt that since he knew what it felt like to go through that situation then he would be of great help to those in his congregation and television audience going through the pain of a divorce. His response was to say that since he was a celebrity, in the eyes of the public, that it was no one’s business and that he would not talk about his personal life. I found his answer very telling about him. I also find him VERY arrogant and a bit narcissistic. You only need to watch him on Francis and Friends to understand my thoughts about him.
Thank you for sharing your information regarding Jimmy Swaggart Ministry.
God Bless!!?
Hi Patricia, Thanks for your comment. That is interesting about your comment to Donnie about his divorce. I can see why he doesn’t want to talk about it, and it is not the reason he gave. The reason is that his situation was a flat-out adulterous affair with a 5-time divorcee who attended their church. As the secret affair continued, Donnie decided to dump his wife in order to marry the woman. After some time the relationship soured so Donnie divorced his new wife and remarried his first wife. All the while he was a minister at JSM, supposedly living a victorious Christian life because of his father’s “Message of the Cross” revelation, which is supposed to stop one from sinning. This proves that Jimmy’s “new revelation” doesn’t work and is nothing but a hoax. But since their message of the cross revelation is their claim to fame and is there biggest money maker, they can’t admit that. That is why he doesn’t want to talk about his divorce. Thanks again for commenting. God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Right now on Frances & Friends, they are discussing divorce. No mention of Donnie’s divorce. I sent an email & stated that Jimmy really liked himself; that although he wasn’t playing Honky Tonk as cousin Jerry Lee, the band was too much for a Christian church. That Jimmy, Donnie & Gabe needed to read scripture for preaching & explain how it teaches us to be Christians; not to be fake crying, hopping about on platform; that I felt certain a male running around the church was paid as well as the interrupter.
I like Josh & John Rosenstern; I do hope they tell the truth. I’d only heard a dab of what you’ve stated. Your statements have given me a lot to digest.
My maternal grandmother took me to Pentecostal church when I was ages 2-4. I’m so glad as I believe Jesus was in me then. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 9. I’ve not been perfect. I’m glad my God loves and forgives me. 10 years ago after a major surgery which the surgeon said I’d not live, Jesus had other plans. I’m a miracle. Praise the Lord.
God is their judge.
Hi Vera, Thanks for commenting. You make good points. You would probably like my book on the Swaggarts. You can read about that and order it from this link:
https://christiananswerman.com/get-the-book-swaggartism-jimmy-swaggart-false-teaching/
God bless,
…Pastor Mark
I have attempted several times to get on the air with Francis and friends; concerning proverbs 31: 6-7.
It says give strong drink to him who is perishing and wine to those who are bitter of heart.
But when they screen my question, they never get back to me and let me ask the question on air
One day you will answer for all the accusations and falsehoods when you face God May he have mercy on your soul.. MY MY the jealousy.. shame on you
Hi JL, My prayers are with you brother, that God will richly bless you and help you walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. I sincerely believe that my book, Swaggartism would be a help to you. You can get it here: https://christiananswerman.com/get-the-book-swaggartism-jimmy-swaggart-false-teaching/
Below is an excerpt from the final chapter of that book. In it I share my heart and my love for Jimmy Swaggart, a brother in Christ who has wondered a bit off the path.
A Prayer for Jimmy Swaggart
“Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 1:23)
I have a confession to make. I like Jimmy Swaggart. I don’t like what he does and teaches, but I do like the person God intended him to be. Jimmy’s early days of preaching are fun to watch. He could preach like nobody’s business! Truly a silver-tongued orator and a dramatic actor, both intelligent and talented. He could put on a show and move people for God like no one I’ve ever seen, except for perhaps Billy Graham.
In his younger years Jimmy appeared to be a happy and likeable fellow. Many people who have worked for him say that it was really hard not to like him. He was affable and smiled a lot. But when you see him today, he has a permanent scowl on his face. He appears bitter and unhappy. His sins have had their effect. Jerking his head with a nervous tic, he rails against all the churches. He calls his former denomination a cult, still seething with anger over being defrocked. Any ministries of any consequence are liable to be found in his crosshairs. He has gone from rags to riches to rebellion.
Such works as these will be burned up at the judgment seat of Christ. That alone is sad enough, but what of his soul? Is he in danger of hellfire? We must have compassion. Who is to say what sort of temptations we ourselves might have fallen into if we had been given his talent, popularity and riches? It is heartbreaking what has become of him. But nothing is too hard for God. Please join me in a sincere prayer for Jimmy.
Oh God, we know that you love Jimmy Swaggart. We pray that he would turn from his false teaching. His riches have deceived him and his popularity has fooled him. Nothing is too hard for you, Lord. We pray you would open his eyes. Free him from his spiritual pride that he may humble himself.
May he repent of his stubborn, deceitful ways and come back to the simple word of God and abandon his heretical imaginings. Jesus, your shed blood is sufficient to wash away his sins. Help him see that he doesn’t need to make up doctrines to excuse himself. Your blood alone will cleanse him.
Let him know that the Church will accept him as a brother in Christ if he will only let go of his deceptions. Help him see that he needs the Church to help him reform. May he abandon his need to be someone special, someone important.
May he find joy in being a simple child of God, no longer striving to be preeminent. May he see that his way of hate for the Church is not your way, Lord. May he be touched by your love and repent of his animosity towards others in the Church. We pray that he would turn to elders in the Church that can give him counseling and the accountability he needs. We pray for him and his entire family that the Holy Spirit would enlighten them to the waywardness of their path.
We pray also for all those whom his teachings have deceived. May the eyes of their hearts be enlightened and set free by the truth of Thy Word. We pray for each of them, that every individual deceived by Jimmy Swaggart will join a Bible-preaching local church, where they can grow in grace in the company of other believers.
Amen
What is confusing to me is, Swaggart states when we pray, we do as the Lord teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer….”OUR FATHER,”
who art in heaven…..request whatever, then end in JESUS NAME.”
I have not been praying as shown in the Bible. I pray …’JESUS,’ and end the same way.
Thank you,
Hi Sharon, There is no particular set proper pattern for prayer. What matters is that what we pray comes from the heart and is sincere. We can pray to our Heavenly Father, To Jesus, to the Holy Spirit, they are all one God. The Lord’s prayer is an example of how to pray. It is not a set way we are required to pray every time. Prayers is not a matter of legalistic structure. It is to be our honest heartfelt communication with God, who loves us and cherishes our communication with Him. We can talk to him as we would talk to a friend or as we talk to a father who we respect and who we know loves us very much.
God Bless,
Pastor Mark
Pastor Mark,
I’m just now reading all of what was posted. I was actually researching for a sermon on being caught in ones own snare (Psalm 9) and ran across this. I’m shocked to learn all of this about Jimmy and his folks. I stopped watching him because of his “indiscretions”, or better said adultery, greed, and arrogance. And Yes, it’s very appropriate to call these matters out publicly and I think you’ve showed great compassion and empathy. Thank you for that. I’ve rarely commented on any internet page, but for some reason, wanted to just now. Like so many who commented, its very hurtful to see what all Jimmy and his people have done under the banner of Christ and all the while doing it as active ministers. They all need to close up shop and get into a good bible church. They have disqualified themselves as ministers according to the scriptures. That would be the best show of repentance in my estimation. I believe that I fully agree with everything you said with one exception and that’s one that I struggle with when speaking to people. (And forgive me as I’m not rebuking or anything like that, but if you have scripture based answers, I would be excited to hear). That is praying to the Father, or Son, or Holy Spirit. I read scripture as teaching that Jesus gave us the model prayer, and that was praying to the Father. I’ve always been uncomfortable praying to the Holy Spirt, but I guess I do in fact pray to Jesus (addressing my prayer to him). I’m trinitarian in belief, so… maybe I’m a little hypocritical, I’m not sure. It’s one of those things that I can’t seem to find a scripture on…
I hope that God richly blesses you for your work and also for taking the time to comment.
I would like to point out to the readers that 26 of the 27 new testament books call out false teachers and Romans 16 instructs ministers to call them out and mark them which cause offenses to the cross. Pastor Mark is doing just that and in a very sincere and kind way. Unlike so many I’ve seen. God bless you Pastor!
In Christ,
Pastor Alan
Hi Pastor Alan, Thank you for your comment and your encouraging and kind words. All that you said is right on target. I really do appreciate your input.
Your point about who our prayers should be addressed to is an interesting one. There is some disagreement amongst Christians on this matter. I will just give you my take on it.
You are correct that there is no command to pray to the Holy Spirit. However, neither is there a prohibition against it. We are told to pray to God, who we understand to consist of the persons of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Typically, we find that the pattern of prayer in the New Testament was to pray to the Father in the name of the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, prayer was not always limited to that pattern. For example, we find a prayer of Stephen wherein he directly addressed Jesus:
“And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ And having said this, he fell asleep.” (NASB) Acts 7:59-60
While the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are distinct personages of the Triune God, the persons of the Trinity are so in union that, at least to our limited understanding, their distinction sometimes appears blurred by their intense unity. For example, The Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Christ. Note the following verse where “Spirit of God” and “Spirit of Christ” are used synonymously and interchangeably:
“But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:9-10)
How is the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ distinct and yet the same? This is where the mystery of the Trinity comes in. It is something beyond our comprehension, but not beyond our ability to believe.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to glorify Jesus and take what He hears from Jesus and convey it to us. They are so in unity that they are sometimes spoken of in Scripture as one and the same, yet they are not. How grand are God’s mysteries!
So back to the original subject – prayer to the Holy Spirit. I see articles on the Internet where some people say it is wrong to pray to the Holy Spirt. I believe that is going beyond what the Bible says. I think it is good not to be too dogmatic and legalistic on the matter. (I am not saying you are. I am referring to some on the Internet who are quite vehement about the matter)
Yes, prayer is usually addressed to the Father, yet on one occasion Stephen prayed to Jesus. Again, in Revelation 22:20 John prays, “Come Lord Jesus!” So, there is a precedent for prayer to another member of the Trinity. Since the Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity, I do not think that singing, “Sweep over my soul, sweet Spirit, sweep over my soul” is sinful nor do I think that “Come Holy Spirit” is an evil prayer.
The Holy Spirit, glorifies Jesus. and leads us to Christ. The Spirit reveals Jesus’ heart and thoughts to us, and Jesus by his shed blood brings us into the very presence of the Father, who in turn, gives all glory back to the Son. By this wonderful unity we are swept into the presence of God himself. How glorious! Prayer most certainly involves all aspects of the Trinity.
In Acts, we see prayers were directed “to God.” (Acts 12:5) or to “the Lord” (Acts 9:13). And of course the Lord’s prayer is an example of addressing our Heavenly Father. That said, I would certainly agree that praying to the Holy Spirit all the time, or to Jesus exclusively, would put one out of sync with the pattern of the New Testament.
I hope my musings on the matter are a help to you. I want to reiterate my appreciation for you taking the time to comment. I hope to hear from you again. May God richly bless your ministry.
Pastor Mark
It is so sad that some christians act like this but then there is David and what he did. —I cannot judge the Swaggarts, but I do choose to stay far away from his teachings and know that I myself am a sinner saved by grace. btw, swaggart, swagger, braggart, is there a connection?
I have a suggestion for your next book. If you would look into patriarchy and those who promote it as God’s will (biblicalgenderroles.com)and how it has morphed into the dangerous sect of christian domestic discipline.
I am a 61-year-old Agnostic (so please don’t shun or discount my thoughts). Before I start, may I say that I have the utmost in respect for you, and your office of Pastor. Even though I am not a religious man, I do respect the men and women who genuinely have answered to their call in life, and who do so with humble means. I was always led to believe that a true pastor or minister should not have or live an extravagant lifestyle, but that they should live comfortably and well, and that anything above and beyond should go to their “call of the Gospel.” Am I correct in this? They should hold themselves up to a higher standard, but doing this is something that seems to me a bit foreign to the Swaggart proclivity. I have read several of your articles concerning the Swaggart dynasty (yes, dynasty – if the shoe fits…), and I fully appreciate the insight that you give, delving into the deep, dark chambers and chasms of what is known as JSM. Well, I have to listen to SBN’s musical and sermon propaganda for many hours a day, as I am the sole caregiver for my soon to be 93-year-old mother, so anything that I say here is from many hours of exposure to their network. Unfortunately, she has completely bought into and has fully drunk the Swaggart cool aid. Sadly, the man and his “ministry” becomes a major area of contention between us, as she believes that every word the man spews out is 100% from God, and that anyone who speaks ill of him is guilty of the highest orders of blasphemy. Well, I’ll take my chances on that one, but, even as an Agnostic, I feel like the man has a “Christ-Complex” concerning himself, and I do not think that anyone should be bull-headed enough to say that only he speaks the whole and entire truth, and that everyone else is to be condemned a heretic and a liar, as he and his pastoral staff does time and time again. One thing I cannot stand coming from anybody, and that is double standards. Jimmy, Donnie, and Gabbie always putting down the rock and roll, and yet their publishing company prints up materials for hip-hop and rap groups, not to mention the young women in the organization being “bar-flys,” holding a bottle of wine in their hands. Now, I drink the occasional beer and such, but I am not telling people that they will go to hell over it. He has created for himself and his family the perfect storm. He has set up the supreme patriarchy, both financial and “spiritual,” and in time, all the little baby Swaggarts will have their “heavenly mansions” right here on earth (if they do not already). The man may have started off all right back in the early 1950’s (underage marriages, I suppose, were somewhat common place in the south during that time period), however as he grew in age, in stature, and in fame, he became an absolutely perfect and living example of the statement: “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” And you are absolutely right when it comes to his looking extremely bitter and mad, and in a great deal of pain (like a dog passing razor blades). As I was growing up my father taught me to “beware of men who talk through their bottom teeth!” Whenever you watch him speak, he only does so through his bottom teeth, like a crook. He boldly brandishes his Rolex watch every time he’s on camera, and, answer me this question…WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES A “OUTREACH” CHURCH NEED WITH A $175,000 STEINWAY GRAND PIANO? For 99.9% of his viewers and supporters, Rolex watches, Mercedes sedans, and Steinway Grand Pianos so far out of their reach, they might as well be on another planet. Are these items part of the reason that SBN “requires” nearly $5,000,000 a MONTH to “survive?” Another thing I cannot figure about the man is the fact that every time he gets a chance to speak for more than 60 seconds, he relates these boring stories about the long conversations that he has with people that come up to him “willy-nilly,” whether it be in a restaurant, airport, gas station, or perhaps even a restroom for all I know. For a man who had bodyguards around him for a good part of his adult life, I cannot imagine anyone walking up to him unless it is someone that he is closely associated with. And since he owns private jets, I cannot imagine him “slumming” at the gates with the rest of us when it comes to traveling by air. He reminds me of an uncle I had many years ago – I wouldn’t call him a liar, but, he loved to “shuck and jive,” and he who did tend to stretch the truth a bit. One last thing about JSM that I do not understand – what they call their “Bible-thon.” Talk about a pure money-making effort every month. Instead of doing the financially responsible thing, and printing the bibles up cheaply, in order to pass more of them out, his bibles have to be printed on special paper, gilt-edged, and leather bound, then, asking his donators to give anywhere between $15 and $50 for each copy (depending what type of book they want to sponsor). As JSM has its own in-house publishing company, the difference between the cost and printing the book and what they charge for it is mostly pure profit. Yes, I’ll admit that the books have to be sent to the different locations, but even so that cost should not offset the profit on the initial sale. Pretty good racket to be in, huh? To sum it all up, I totally agree with you, Pastor Mark, in that, what a person has done in the past, belongs in the past; however, when an individual with such a checkered past comes back around and holds such power and sway over great masses of people throughout the world (especially to the tune of millions of dollars per month), then he should be watched, very, very carefully.
Hi Steven, Thanks for your comment. I read it carefully. You are right-on in your observations. I feel for you, having to endure hearing Swaggart hours at a time. Perhaps you should buy my book Swaggartism and read that while she is watching, and when your mother asks what you are reading you can hand it to her. Just kidding! (sort of) She might throw it at you! Anyway, thanks for commenting. By the way, I recommend to you Lee Strobel’s books, The Case for Faith, and also The Case for Christ. There is a movie based on the book also. It is the true story of an investigative journalist – and avowed atheist – who applies his skills to disprove the Christian faith of his wife…with life-altering results. Here is a link
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B074N96F1J/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
God bless,
Pastor Mark
I used to support Jimmy Swaggart back in the 1980s. I stopped as I could sense arrogance and pride. it was few years later that his first moral scandal was exposed. I was devastated. I had lost track of him lo these many years and reading the accusations am saddened to see how far he has sunk. I cast judge his heart but its clear all of his family is complicit in all of this. very sad thank you for writing this book. as an aside most of the church has gone down hill these past decades. I refer to it as the market driven gospel. its hard to find a church that’s worth going to. god bless you in your ministry
Hi Jock, Thanks for your comment. Yes, I noticed the arrogance way back in the 80s as well. “Market-driven-Gospel.” Yep, that fits. Its not a church, its a business. God bless,
…Pastor Mark
Hi my family has been watching the Swaggarts for a few years but I’ve never felt drawn to it. Of course in our house, it’s a must for church and I haven’t really found a church in my area that I feel hasn’t gone astray, so Swaggarts for the time being. I’ve brought up my concerns with my mother especially the verse in your article where in the “ Swaggarts Bible” he says anyone who doesn’t speak in tongues is of little worth. She basically dismissed it as she knows where she stands even though she may not agree with everything. I don’t think she has ever spoken in tongues. I stated it’s a pretty bold claim to say because neither one of us has never spoken in tongues, so are we of little worth? She advised me if I have questions to call in to the show. ? I read in another comment about the stories Jimmy tells and I remember last year bringing this to my mothers attention and she basically told me to get off my high horse. I told her if I’m a new Christian, I would prefer to learn about the Bible and not a history lesson on Sunday mornings. She became upset with me and claimed those stories are good because it’s relatable. I get that but save that for Wednesday service or something. Then this whole message of the cross just burns my ears. I definitely don’t get it. To be honest I barely pay attention when Jimmy, Gabe or Donnie starts preaching. I think the only person that had my attention was I believe a visiting pastor that is a veteran or something that had recently lost his wife. Loved that guy! Anyway thanks for your articles!
Hi Youo, Thanks for your interesting comment. I’m glad the articles are of benefit to you. Although my website has lots of interesting information on the Swaggarts, to really get the full picture you need to read my book Swaggartism, available in both Kindle Ebook and in paperback. Here is a link: https://www.amzn.com/B087SGSR8H
God Bless,
Pastor Mark
As Jock H. Shields stated in his comment, ” It’s hard to find a church that’s worth going to”. In today’s society with it’s preponderance of massive mega-rich “churches” that seem more concerned about their membership roles and bottom lines than they are the salvation of their followers, is it any wonder that many people, especially the young, are totally turning away from the established churches and at the same time are turning their backs on God? One comment mentioned a charlatan named Joel Osteen. Any supposed man of God that can go on a televised program like the one he was on with Larry King and make Jesus out to be a liar by stating that there are many ways to reach God has to be out of his mind! John 14:15 clearly defines this when it says “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Does Osteen feel he has a newer revelation from God that would make Jesus out to be a liar? Then there is his equally ludicrous wife that says that the biggest thing that makes God happy is for his children to be happy. HUH? Unless my many years of hearing God’s word are all wasted, the ONLY thing that really makes God happy is when people come to Jesus, repenting of their sins, and accepting Him as their Savior and Lord. As for Donnie Swaggart’s first wife, Debbie, I understand that she also had an affair with the late Dwaine Johnson, one of the JSM band members that was often featured on early Swaggart recordings. That almost got Dwaine killed by Jimmie Swaggart himself as I understand. Was this affair the reason for the divorce? Nothing really available about that so far. Then Donnie did a little “fox hunting” of his own and married the five-time divorcee. That went south and he and Debbie remarried. I understand she is held on a tight leash by the Swaggarts so she can’t divulge family secrets and is rarely sen without Donnie or a family member close by. Why is Jimmie always seen to be scowling? Well, the back story is that after his third time of “chasing rabbits” and getting caught, Francis read him the riot act, took over complete control of JSM and keeps Jimmie, Donnie and the rest under her unyielding thumb. Nothing is done without Francis’ complete approval. I guess that would make any man, especially one as evil as Jimmie Swaggart, scowl.
It is obvious that JSMinistry is not much more then a Business – just like any other Church nowadays. I have come to listen with care and discernment – when I listen.
The Holy Spirit is an Entity not bound to certain imperfect human beings.
I still find messages from God that reach Me through their program. It is my individual & close relationship with God that keeps me saved. I have been around the world and I learned that each one of us sins and has come short of the Glory of God. Therefore I exercise caution, use the commonsense God gives me, sort out, stay away, switch off the sinfull and thank God for bits of His Holy Guidance that He is able to give us by using any vessel. Each one of us is responsible for his behaviour, choices and Soul. In the End each one will have to answer to God for him/herself. If you make out ungodly, unhealthy, destructive information – turn it off and do not dwell on it, do not support it. No one forces us to listen to SBN. It is wise to stick to God the Father, Jesus his Son & our Saviour & the Holy Spirit for Comfort & Guidance.
Hi CeCe, Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. While many churches have gone liberal and departed from God’s word, there are also many that are faithful to the word. Here is a good one to listen to. Pastor Bobby Davis’ teaching is right on.
https://www.youtube.com/c/LIVELIFECHURCH/videos
God bless,
Pastor Mark
The Bible says to touch not his anointed, let he who is without sin cast the first stone, judge not that ye be not judged. The greatest commandment is to Love one another as Christ loves us.
From reading your article I believe that you have forgotten all of these. What purpose did this serve other than to stroke your ego or perhaps get you a bigger audience? Shame on you.
If you are like many Christians I am
Sure you have to go back to the altar daily to get the forgiveness you need to make it to heaven. Swaggart is no different he is just a man – saved by Gods grace. We all
Should be thankful that we don’t have to depend on mere mortals thoughts and beliefs to get us to heaven.
Hi K. Blair, I appreciate your comment. However you are very mistaken concerning “touch not his anointed” and “judge not.” I have several articles on these matters that will help you with a biblical understanding on these passages. Here they are:
https://christiananswerman.com/touch-not-gods-anointed
https://christiananswerman.com/thou-shalt-not-judge/
This next one is not my article, but it has excellent teaching on this matter as well…
https://www.av1611.org/crock/judbynum.html
God bless you friend,
…Pastor Mark
I read through this article as part of my research into a book that I am writing called ‘Identifying false prophets and teachers ‘. It made me feel a deeper urgency to continue writing. It reminded of the importance of helping people know how to discern the difference between a true and a false servant of God.
Thank you for sharing Pastor Mark.
Lungile Ncube
Hi Lungile,
I am pleased that my article was helpful to you in your research. This article I have entitled “How To Recognize a False Prophet” may be helpful to you as well. It is here:
https://christiananswerman.com/how-to-recognize-a-false-prophet/
God bless and good luck with your book!
…Pastor Mark
Hello,
I am a nursing home volunteer, and by favorite 83 year old resident is about to lose her place in her self-pay facility and be shipped to a subpar Medicaid home because of Swaggart. This is because I found that she was giving over 100,000 a year for over 3 years to that criminal Swaggart. She has zero family in the world, and is wheelchair-bound.
My question to you is do I have any chance or resources to recoup any of her money from the Swaggart machine? Would hiring a lawyer help us? Any ideas appreciated.
Hi Kristen, That is just terrible. So many elderly people have been bilked out of their money. Swaggart has a technique of powerful persuasion that has enrichened himself while leaving people poor. In my book Swaggartism I tell several stories of how Swaggart has drained the finances of wealthy elderly people and defrauded the children of their inheritance. He even sent his henchmen to an elderly ladies house to talk her into signing over her estate – worth millions – over to Swaggart when she died. The Swaggarts then hired a caretaker for her after she signed the papers. Within days the caretaker murdered the lady and the Swaggart’s got their money. A grand jury was convened to see if Swaggart was culpable in her death. The story is in my book and information on that is here: Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries
If the lady you are caring for has children, they might have standing to bring a lawsuit. I would also recommend reporting the situation to Adult Protective Services.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
I AM A SUPPORTER OF JSM. MY FAITH IS IN JESUS,NOT ANY MAN. DO YOU KNOW THAT THESE ISSUES STILL EXIST? THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIGILANCE.PLEASE IDENTIFY THE OFFENDERS AND THEIR OFFENSES. MY LOVE OF MY HEAVENLY FATHER,MY LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS, AND MY PRECIOUS COMFORTING HOLY SPIRIT COMPELS ME TO SEEK TRUTH. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR COURAGE AND COMMITMENT. HARRYMEEKS@AOL.COM OR 4074219800
Hi Harry, Thanks for your comment and question. Yes, many issues still exist as far as doctrine is concerned. I doubt that Jimmy Swaggart still sees prostitutes at his age, so that issue is probably past. Of course his son’s affair and adultery with a church member and his two divorces, all while pastoring, is more recent and problematic. The main issue is doctrinal and there a number of false doctrines that the Swaggarts are teaching. These are in their books and in the Expositor’s Bible. I have numerous articles on this website that point these out, along with quotes, references, and videos that prove they are teaching doctrinal errors. I encourage you to look at those articles. I also recommend my book, Swaggartism, which you purchase HERE.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
PLEASE INFORM ME ABOUT KENNETH COPELAND AS WELL.I AM HOPEFUL TO GROW IN MY FAITH AND WALK. THANK YOU. SINCERELY HARRY MEEKS
Hi Harry, Kenneth Copeland is a false teacher. He has said that we are all “little gods,” which is a Mormon heresy. He is of the “name it and claim it” group, which denies the sovereignty of God and believes that Christians can get anything they want by the power of magic – by saying the right words and doing the mental gymnastics to believe you can get whatever you want. Instead of trusting God, they order God around and imagine they can use Him like a genie in a bottle.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
Not sure how much of this is true, considering it’s cnn, and the first line is a lie.
Jerry lee lewis, swaggart’s cousin, is actually the one who married his 15 year old cousin, not jimmy.
But this is typical cnn, twisting everything to fit their narritive.
So I would say about 5% of this article is accurate.
Hi Shimar, Thanks for your comment. I do believe I remember reading or seeing in a documentary that Jerry Lee Lewis (Jimmy’s cousin) did marry a cousin who was 15. It caused quite a stir at the time. However, Jimmy’s wife was also 15 when they married, though she was not his cousin.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
Pastor Mark, I picked up what you put down, however, I notice Frances’ name didn’t show up, anywhere. In my opinion, she is just as guilty on all charges.
Hi Brenda, I appreciate your comment. You make a valid point. Frances is culpable as well. I do detail her bizarre antics in my book. It has more comprehensive information than the articles on my website. Here’s a link:
Get The Book – Swaggartism
God bless,
Pastor Mark
I remember seeing Jimmy Swaggart on TV when I was in my early 20’s and living above a bar. I was drinking a lot at the time. While I didn’t get saved then, his was probably the only Christian input into my life at that time. I later heard of his fall, but was unaware of all the details you shared.
I got saved at age 24, and shortly thereafter was offered and accepted a position on the founding board of directors of a church. Unfortunately, due to ongoing exposure to porn and sexual immorality beginning about age 12 and continuing all through my teen years, I was not able to stay pure as a single person after I accepted Jesus, though I struggled mightily to do so. Eventually I fell into sin with a prostitute. When this happened, I went to the pastor of the church and confessed my sin. He didn’t really seem to know what to say or do. He asked me if she was attractive, and I answered yes. He didn’t pray with me, but at the end of the year rotated me quietly of the board of directors.
What I wanted to share, in telling you this, is that I’m glad I never became the minister I used to imagine myself being, preaching to crowds of people. I would rather not be known by anyone, than be known and bring shame on Jesus and God’s Kingdom. I struggled most of my life with sexual immorality, One pastor told me, If we can’t help you, nobody can. But I finally married for the first (and only) time in my 50s and am thankful to God I have remained faithful to my wife since we were married, and I no longer really struggle with temptation. When others write you off, God can still change you. Praise Jesus!
Hi Daniel, Thanks for you candid post. Yes, you are right – When others write you off, God can still change you. One of the wonderful things about being a Christian is that if we blow it, we can repent, ask forgiveness, and continue on. God bless,
Pastor Mark
Sure , Jimmy’s just down on his luck. A brand new wing built directly onto his residence. A school for wayward teenage girls could be the answer to his convoluted moral spirals. Poor Soul.
What is your honest feelings about Water if Life Church based out of Fontana Ca
Hi Walty, Based upon their statement of faith on their website – https://wateroflifecc.org/about/#ourbeliefs – This is a good church with sound doctrine. If they have specific doctrines you question, you may let me know what they are. A sound statement of faith does not always guarantee that other aberrational doctrines are not taught.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
Glad I came across this. My mom is 86 and of that mentality if the church doesn’t speak in tongues then they aren’t a good church. She listens to the Swaggerts and always has. I cringe anytime she mentions them. I just don’t want to hear his name because I was forced to listen to him when I was a teenager and bought into all the garbage he was spewing.
I don’t get what the draw he has on so many including my mother and the whole “pentecostal speaking in tongues” as the only real church or spirit filled church. My dad died in 2020 and I’ve told my mom many times to find a church where she lives and get to know people but she judges all of them based on the Swaggert cult.
Thank you for this article and unclothing the wold in sheep’s clothing.
Hi Tamara, I am glad the article was helpful to you. Yes, those caught up in the Swaggart cult tend to absorb Swaggart’s judgmental elitist attitude.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
Can’t remember how i came across this site tonight but yeah. i attended Jimmy Swaggart’s Church off and on Dec 24th 2023–Mid February 2024. i saw the truth the first day i was there but i thought Satan was tricking me. Trying to keep me out of Church. Nope. They were ALL gatekeepers. i LEFT home, Detroit. To attend Jimmy Swaggart Bible College. i am currently stuck in Louisiana and can’t get out. i get disability from serving in the Army in my early-mid 20’s. Any-way. Thank you SO much for this website. Going to watch the CNN expose’ now. i’ve been Christian since June 25th 2022. Got saved by watching CrossFire on SBN. Satan SURE does come disguised as an angel of Light. Seriously. Oh, i just turned 46 in February.
Hi Selena, I’m glad my articles are helpful to you. There is enough truth in Swaggartism to lead one to Christ, but there is so much bad doctrine mixed in that it confuses a lot of people. Glad you see the light. Thanks for commenting.
God bless,
Pastor Mark
i’m currently in a group home in Baton Rouge after staying in a hospital for 2 weeks…still not sure what to do. The only “guidance” i’ve had being Christian IS from JSM. i went in the hospital a few hours after i made my March 9th post. So…i CAN be Christian and NOT speak in tongues? i was wondering about that. Jimmy Swaggart’s just seems SO convincing. i hope he DOES make it to heaven. i hope they ALL do. The Bible DOES say though, -Many will follow, few will remain- and i add to that (i know i shouldn’t) “even fewer will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Some of them there seemed like general, literal, surface Christians. No substance. Not sure but i’m glad i’m out. Thank you for This website Pastor Mark.
Hi Selena, Yes, you can certainly be a Christian and not ever speak in tongues. I was a Christian for some time before I received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. While it is a blessing, it has nothing to do with being saved. You are saved by your faith and submission to Christ. Belief in Him is what saves you, not any works you can do yourself. Salvation is a free gift from God, given by faith, not by works.
You need to be in a good Bible based Church. There are many. Two that I am familiar with would be Calvary Chapel and the Assemblies of God. There are many other good ones. Those just happen to be two that I am familiar with so that is why I recommend them. I will help you in any way I can. You can email me at Pastor-Mark@ChristianAnswerMan.com
God bless,
Pastor Mark
This has been so enlightening to me. Now I’m not sure who to believe without extensive research. Which, I am sure like others I do not have time for. I am currently watching Andrew Womack. Do u have any recommendations? Thank you.
Hi Janice, I am glad my article was enlightening to you. You asked about Andrew Womack. This person is a proponent of the Word of Faith Movement whose distinctive doctrines include dangerous false teachings. I have an article on that movement here:
https://christiananswerman.com/word-of-faith/
If you are looking for a good Bible teacher online, I recommend you subscribe to the LiveLife.Church YouTube Channel. Here is a link to one of Pastor Bobby Davis’ sermons…
https://youtu.be/-WScBxgZ9nw?si=cHWvBfa8NI9c2C4G
Hopefully you can find a good local church to attend as well.
God bless,
Pastor Mark