In 1997, I read 'Sword of the Lord' maginaze. There was an advertisment about Hyles-Anderson College. There were reports with the numbers from the result of year 1996, that church - First Baptst Church boasted claim there were over 53,000 souls saved a year, and more than 10,000 baptisms a year. It claims, over 15,000 souls saved during single Sunday service, and 5,400 baptized follow the same service.
I don't buy it. I went to First Baptist Church during Dr. Hyles' funereal. I looked at the auditorium of that church. It looks to me, the seats fit about 3,500 to 4000 seats.
I am not alone. 2 years ago, a deaf evangelist told me, he went to that church sereval times. He said, the seats at FBC is about 2,500 to 3,000. I agree with him. His brother-in-law graduated from HAC, he is now pastor. His brother-in-law says, he's disappoint to see many people who graduated from HAC, they still worship Hyles, and copy his way.
I do not believe there was over 15,000 soul saved during single day service. I think that churh had the purpose of number is pride. I think Late Dr. Jack Hyles has his own pride of his church for bein boast on the numbers of souls saved, think his church is the best church in the world.
I remember about 12 years ago, when I was a student at MIdwestern Baptist College. My old friend as student at MBC, he told me, when he was 9 years old. He lived in Gary, Indiana. He was brought to First Baptist Church. He was baptized there. But, he does not understand the salvation, because he told me, the man witness the gospel to him TOO FAST. He just said, "Yes" to the man, just accepted Christ then baptized same day. But he was not actually understand salvation at the first place. Many years later, he was military at Philippine Islands. A guy witnesed to him, it took more time for him to understand salvation. Finally to understand it, then believed in Jesus Christ and repented to be saved. Then few weeks later he baptized.
Do I believe whole of 15,000 souls saved during single servce in 1996 or 1997? I afraid not. I doubt so. I fear of it, because of 'Easy Believism' in wrong method of soul winning. I do not think many of 15,000 were actaully saved, becaus they do not actual understand the salvation complete and not really repent of their sins.
I looked at Hyles' book in the back. That church boasts and claim, over 100,000 memberships.
My question is, WHERE are the rest of 95,000 people go????
That church have the problem is their lack of discipleship. Sorry to saying it. That is the fact.
If suppose I am pastor, a person come to me, ask me would a person attends HAC? I could saying to a person, NO.
I am not God or Holy Spirit. I already felt when I was there. I was not comfortable there, because it was cold spirit.
I cannot tell to a person, where Bible college, person will attend. Only Holy Spirit will guide person where to attend Bible College.
In Christ
Rev. 22:20 - Amen!
