Is Kent Hovind preaching from a biblical perspective in your opinion?
In short, we must look at the character of someone proclaiming Christ to the public and calling himself a teacher of God's word. In our research we found many red flags that should lead one to move away from Mr. Hovind's teachings. Although we agree the earth is young, there is a proper way to teach this topic, which should never be from an arrogant or prideful position, but in humility. You may find the following teaching on our website helpful in addressing your question: Evolution Exposed
Furthermore, upon research we found numerous arrests, felonies, and misdemeanors for Mr. Hovind, as well as numerous marriages. This should cause any believer to question the validity of this man's heart. We are taught throughout the New Testament scriptures to look at the fruit of ones walk in order to determine true motives or false motives (False Teachers). In the Bible, the word fruit is often used to describe a person’s outward actions that result from the condition of the heart. The Bible explicitly teaches that a man who has any type of authority concerning the word of God must reflect "good fruit" in his life through submission and obedience to the Word:
Fruit of the Spirit:
GAL. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
GAL. 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
GAL. 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Warning against bad Fruit:
MATT. 7:15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
MATT. 7:16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
MATT. 7:17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
MATT. 7:18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
MATT. 7:19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
MATT. 7:20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Additionally, should someone take on a teaching role, they are held to a greater judgement as James concludes, something not to be taken lightly.
JAMES 3:1 Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.
Moreover, the New Testament includes two large potions of Scripture letting us know God's standard for anyone who steps into an authoritative role (Elder, Decons, Pastor/Teacher) in the Church Body in 1 Timothy and Titus:
1TIM 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
1TIM 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,
1TIM 3:3 not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.
1TIM 3:4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity
1TIM 3:5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
1TIM 3:6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.
1TIM 3:7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.
1TIM 3:8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money,
1TIM3:9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1TIM 3:10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
1TIM 3:11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
1TIM 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
1TIM 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1TIM 3:14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;
1TIM 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
TITUS 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
TITUS 1:6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion.
TITUS 1:7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money,
TITUS 1:8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined,
TITUS 1:9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
TITUS 1:10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
TITUS 1:11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain.
TITUS 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
TITUS 1:13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,
TITUS 1:14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
TITUS 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
TITUS 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
When looking for a sound Biblical teacher today, we must keep in mind that their life is a reflection of what they believe and teach. The Spirit of God is responsible for the growth in our lives and through the power of the Spirit there will always be evidence of fruit over time, even if it's small. This process of the Spirit changing us is called sanctification.
2TIM. 2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
PHIL. 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.
You may also find our 2 Timothy and Titus teachings helpful in addressing your question in-depth.
