Dear friends:

No doubt you have heard of the current Richard Roberts controversy, which naturally has received wide coverage in the secular, mainstream, Christian-hating media, always eager to seize upon a potential scandal with Christians while ignoring those of their favorite politicians.  The controversy stems from a lawsuit against Roberts by former ORU professors.

I have had nothing against Richard Roberts one way or another, and I have never been a big fan, although I do appreciate how he proclaims Christ, the Bible, and the modern-day power and availability of the Holy Spirit.  I do not know the truth of the present situation, but I always try to apply the following principles and I urge you to do the same:

1.  Avoid premature judgments.
2.  In trying to discern truth, I prefer to err on the side of mercy and grace.  Before the judgment seat of Christ, I had rather be guilty of too much grace and naivete than condemnation of others.

Some further thoughts:

1.  The secular media are just the opposite -- they always jump to judgments and prefer immediately to declare or imply guilt.  I do not trust them.
2.  Many people who never liked Oral or Richard in the first place have gleefully jumped on the "guilty" bandwagon.
3.  Many of these are the typical anti-Pentecostal, anti-charismatic, and anti-TV ministry folks who always consider their views vindicated by such scandals.
4.  At this time I cannot say there is no merit to the lawsuits, but valid or not, I smell sour grapes.

A friend forwarded me a reasoned view of the situation and I commend it to you.  It is by Rev. Mel Montgomery of Mel Montgomery Ministries International, and can be found at http://brothermel.com/mythoughtsrichardroberts.aspx .  He has some interesting insights.

Mel's overall Web site is fascinating and I suggest you check it out.  Among many interesting and insightful articles, under a section called "Rare Recordings" he has actual recordings of many old-time evangelists, such as Rev. J. R. Goodwin (who taught Kenneth Hagin), Howard Carter (friend of Smith Wigglesworth). Rev. F. F. Bosworth (author of the classic book, "Christ the Healer"), David Du Plessis, T.L. Osborn, and others.  It is an unusual collection of history.  Plus, Mel has well-researched historical articles on Pentecost and related subjects, explaining a lot about Pentecost the average non-Pentecostal may not understand. 

Mel's Web site home page is at http://brothermel.com/default.aspx. On this website, Mel offers:

    1.  Teaching articles on the Holy Spirit and His gifts.
    2.  Examples of genuine prophetic ministry.
    3.  Rare recordings available by download, for free.
    4.  The Goodwin books and biographical materials.
    5.  Links to other balanced ministries.

Let us pray for the Roberts family.

God bless you,

Jim