NAMES IN THE NEWS : Bakker Says God Wants Him on TV

PINEVILLE, N.C. — Bakker told his new television audience today that God spoke to him Tuesday night, told him to ignore the devil and assured him he will return to the PTL religious retreat he founded.

“Last night the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘Jim, the devil is not God,’ ” Bakker said today. “God spoke to me and said, ‘Jim, I’m on my throne. Jim, I want you to go back on television. I want you to restore Heritage USA to the lifetime partners.’

“Remember, the devil isn’t God,” Bakker told his audience. “All the voices you hear aren’t God. Anyone who fools with Heritage USA will not prosper. Their lives already are falling apart.”