Nov. 2010
These are things that through the years I feel God has revealed some truths on. I have learned through watching the abuse of such teachings imprison people, putting them under a yoke of bondage. Such things aren't too popular to speak against but really after experiencing some of these things first hand I have openly spoke against them, not to cause problems but instead to not compromise what the Word of God says. I have witnessed people in authority twisting and manipulating the Word of God, bringing confusion to the flock. I will stand against such things.
The first "hot" topic is the ever increasing in popularity among teachings in churches is the Prosperity message. This is one of the most dangerous messages out there, I know this challenges many Christians who by their loving pastors have been taught this but I beg of you to please search out the scriptures and ask the Lord to give you ears to hear what the Spirit is saying.
The prosperity message has swept through our nation and other "prosperous nations". This to me is one of the most dangerous teachings out there. First let me start by saying a message that is taught should be Biblical and the Bible itself will testify for itself; meaning you can't just pull one verse out and base an enitre doctrine on it without it lining up with the rest of scriptures. Jesus is our example of how to live, the disciples lives were examples for us too. Where do you see in scripture these disciples of Jesus seeking after riches and prosperity? You don't. You don't hear sermons on the Mount about prosperity and you don't see commandments to love your neighbor's money. The verses in the Bble that deal with "prosperity" aren't speaking about riches and wealth. They are speaking of being prosperous in mind and body and spiritual things. There are WAY too many verses to back up what I am saying but to keep it shorter I will include these:
I Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The prosperity message is NOT a universal message. It is a message that comes out of a propserous nation...America. It cannot be taught in Zimbabwae where people are dying by the thousands because of cholera. It can't be taught in North Korea and China where there is so much persecution on the christians, and they are dying for their faith. It can't be taught in Ethiopia where children are dying from starvation. It's not universal.
These teachers are seeking the hand of God and not God Himself. Can you imagine Jesus in our churches today speaking on prosperity? If God so chooses to propser a christian then He has entrusted also to give as He directs..not simply your 10%. To teach an entire congregation that EVERY christian should prosper is false. It puts people in condemnation.
I have gone to local churches and they have literally had the congregation repeat after them this prayer:
"As we receive today's offering we are believing the Lord for:
Jobs and better jobs,
Raises and bonuses
Benefits Sales and commissions
Favorable settlements
Estates and inheritances
Interests and income
Rebates and returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts and surprises
Finding money
Debts paid off
Expenses decrease
Blessing and increase
Thank You, Lord, for meeting all of my financial needs that I may have more than enough to give into the Kingdom of God and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah!!!!!! "
My question is what about the perosn who lost their money that you are praying to find? What about the person who died from the inheritance you are seeking after? Why are churches praying for more money, what about souls? Are they teaching that the only way to further the kingdom is to have the money first to do so? The Kingodm of God is righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Seek ye first the Kingodm of God and all these things shall be added (Matthew 6:33). Jesus did not teach to seek after riches, He spoke just the opposite! Why then is it ok for the teachers of today put the sheep into condemnation. They make them believe that if they aren't prospering then they either lack faith, aren't paying enough tithes, or are in sin. This literally causes me anguish. This also teaches the people that if you are going through a rough time financially that you cannot be joyful, instead something is wrong. Wouldn't other countries already see anyone of us as more prosperous than them; if we have a shelter, a car, health insurance, food every night? Just the opposite why can we see people that are dying in a 3rd world country be joyful and grateful for everything that they have, even if its a grass hut and a potato to share with the whole family...all while undergoing great Christian persecution?
In closing, I am not saying God does not bless with material goods but to teach people to seek after those things is wrong.
