An interview with Rick Joyner

June 10, 10:41 PMSioux Falls Christian ExaminerDonald James Parker

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Rick Joyner- author of many wonderful books dealing with the kingdom of God was kind enough to consent to answer a few questions for me. I posted a review of one of them here a few days ago.  You can visit Rick's website at  www.morningstarministries.org/   He has several videos with Todd Bently regarding a restoration process Todd is going through along with some other topics.

Rick Joyner bio:

Rick and Julie Joyner founded MorningStar Publications & Ministries in 1985, which has grown to have significant international influence almost across the spectrum of the body of Christ. Rick has spoken at conferences and churches around the world, and has authored over 30 books, many of which have become bestsellers, and several of which have remained bestsellers for nearly 20 years. His main theme for his ministry has been the centrality of Christ, helping the church to become all that she is called to be, for all Christians to receive all of the benefits of their citizenship in the kingdom, and our mandate to preach the good news of the coming kingdom throughout the world.

DJP: No doubt you are aware that some people who love Jesus and try their best to serve Him say your writing comes from the devil. That has to hurt and frustrate you to a degree. How do you deal with that?

Rick: This is probably true of every Christian leader with significant influence, but because these are serious charges, so I do take them seriously, often using them to examine my message to be sure that it is soundly based on Scripture. Many of these charges have been based on false reports of what I said, or wrote, and therefore I do not pay attention to those, except to pray for those who used to spread falsehood, because that is also a very serious matter in Scripture.

DJP: How do you explain the fact that these people seem to seek the Lord diligently yet the Lord never seems to reveal to them that supernatural gifts are from God and that things from the occult are not?

Rick: I'm not convinced that everyone who seems to diligently seek the Lord really do, just as we have the case with the Pharisees in Jesus' day, who seemed to be those who had the greatest devotion to the Lord, yet were His biggest persecutors when He came. There is a form of religion that was the greatest enemy of the Lord when He walked the earth, and continues to be the greatest enemy of those who truly follow Him.

DJP: Jesus taught using parables. What is your take on the role of fiction in conveying truth and getting important lessons across to believers and seekers?

Rick: Fiction has been a very powerful means for conveying important truths and principles, though we need to keep in mind that these are made up stories that are used to illuminate a truth, and/or its impact on people.


DJP: Jesus said that it was an evil and adulterous generation that seeks a sign. How do you reconcile that statement with the supposed signs and wonders that cause people to flock to meetings like those held in Lakeland Florida and in Toronto a few years ago?

Rick: A sign may not be the same as a miracle. Desperate and sick people are often seeking a miracle because that is what they need. That is in fact why many people flocked to Jesus. He did occasionally teach them that there were higher and better reasons for seeking Him, but He still healed them. There will always be some who come with wrong motives, and some who come with sincerity seeking a touch from God because they need one. Was it wrong for all of the people to lay in the streets of Jerusalem and hope that Peter's shadow would touch them. If so, why did the Lord heal so many this way?

Others are just hungry for a real touch from God that transforms what they may know biblically or doctrinally, that He is powerful and He loves them, but when He does something for them that only He can do, it transfers this from being a doctrine to a deep heart knowledge. Its not by believing in our minds that it results in righteousness, but in our hearts. Many people are filled with knowledge, but just need a touch from Him, and He seems very willing to given them one. I am the same with my kids. There are times when they need more than words from me, but they need a hug, or tangible affection.


DJP: The church is referred to as the body of Christ. There are different body parts and functions. A brain or a heart is vital to life, but the toes, fingers, etcetera are very important. So as First Corinthians says, the eye can't say to the hand, I have no need of thee. We can interpret that as different functions within the church such as teacher, pastor, evangelist, etcetera. Is it possible that the denominations themselves have a different role to play and thus Pentecostals should not say, we have no need of the Baptists or Methodists and vice-versa?

Rick: I agree with this totally.

DJP: Jesus said he wished we were all one as He and the Father were one. One faith, one Lord, one Baptism seems to be a prominent desire of the Lord as well. Instead of growing in unity however, the Christian sects seem to be on the verge of a holy war. Even within the Pentecostal realm, there is a chasm dividing those who believe the gifts of the spirit are for believers today. Do you see any promise for a unification of God's people and how such a blending could it play out?

Rick: I believe that all things are possible with God, and have witnessed many radical changes in the positions leaders of even large denominations have taken in this, so I am confident in our ultimate unity. Even though I think only God can do this, I for my part will do all that I can to receive what He is doing, and grow in my appreciation for all members of His body.


DJP: You've been involved with miracles, including healings and words of knowledge and prophecy. How would you respond to a request from scientific people to follow you and document the things that happen in your life? Would you be comfortable in trying to provide scientific evidence that the Godly supernatural events are not the result of wishful thinking or deluded minds?

Rick: I would be happy for anyone seeking such scientific evidence to follow me, and check out anything. However, I would not spend too much of my time or efforts trying to placate them because I have witnessed many deny a mountain of evidence if it verifies the works of God, and accept a molehill of evidence that challenges a belief in God. Though I would welcome anyone to check out anything, it would be refreshing to have sincere seekers of truth do this.

DJP: The focus of this column in the past has been entertainment. I've felt very ambivalent as I write about such things. If we are truly in the last days, would it be reasonable to suggest that God is ushering in a time when his people must don their armor and go to battle instead of seeking the next source of pleasure in their own life?

Rick: YES!

DJP: David Wilkerson delivered a sermon about Satan's plan of attack in these latter days. His contention is that Satan is focusing on the leadership within the body of Christ. Do you see the same thing and if so, what is the role of the laity in deflecting that attack?

Rick: I have not seen or heard this sermon so I don't think I should comment on it. I do recognize leadership in the body of Christ, but not a laity, but hold to the Reformation truth of the priesthood of all believers.