Silencio...
Perhaps some of you are thinking that after starting the ball rolling on a rather loud debate on the prosperity gospel, judging, discernment, motives, etc, I’m really ’smart’ to keep away and just let things roll while not saying a word.
The fact of the matter is that I didn’t want to respond to every comment because there’s no point in doing so — the final message gets fragmented into so many comments so much so that the crux of the matter is lost somewhere along the reply to a reply to a reply…
The other fact is that I’ve been doing quite a good amount of thinking, following several comments to the post and personal emails to me addressing the issue.
And I think I’ve come to the point where I think I’m ready to take this issue of why I am doing what I am doing forward to its next level. Initially, I had thought of closing the comments on the last post on the false teachers with a last comment from me (since its my prerogative as its my blog after all, right?), but I thought a post would be better.
Let me therefore lay it all out for you as to my position. Just a disclaimer before we continue: if I quote you on your comment in a negative light, it is NOT an attack on you.
The Who, The Why, and The Reasons Behind
Some assume wrongly that this Christian blog reaches out also to unbelievers.
Let me state categorically now that it does not.
It is written for Christians by a fellow Christian, the sole purpose of which is to share my thoughts on our faith, and lessons that I’ve learned from reading God’s Word.
That includes my thoughts on what I think fellow Christians should be aware of in this day and age, i.e. wrong teachings from the pulpits, false teachers and their ilk, etc.
Sure, I know some of you do not like to read those because you think that (1) they are divisive and cause fellow Christians to argue which is a big no-no today, and (2) we should all be loving, non-judgmental and oh yes, not perceivers of others’ motives in their hearts.
Today’s Math Lesson: Division
To the first point, let me say that I’m not naturally comfortable when people start arguing. Neither am I much of a argumentative person; as much as possible, I make peace.
However, when it comes to the Word of God and how it is wrongly interpreted and taught in some churches, I am not about to keep silent. And if this means I will have to go head-to-head with some of you, I will.
The objective of this is not so that I can be proven right in my interpretation of the Word of God, or to feel any satisfaction in ‘winning’ a debate (may the LORD continually search my heart on that).
My objective is simple: that those who read it might examine what they are feeding on from the many messages from so many teachers and pastors that flood us today, especially those who teach on the prosperity gospel. The Word of God is not a motivational piece on earthly prosperity! It is for our salvation first and foremost, and solely for that alone.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Notice that it is written that ALL Scripture is for teaching, reproof, correction, training in righteousness so that we might be competent and equipped for every good work. Good work for God’s glory, not our own!
Where, then, do people find in the Scripture motivational messages for being prosperous and so on?
The prosperity gospel is so frightening that there are some trapped in it who don’t know what evil they are spouting! When I read this comment from a fellow Christian brother, it sent shivers down my spine.
If you are still living in poverty, then there must be something really wrong in you, either you are just lazy or God is dealing with you something.
– Aaron LJX
What?!
How, then, do you explain the poor Christians in other countries or even in our midst? Does it mean that if they are poor then they are not true Christians? And those who live in US$10-million houses at the expense of poor people giving and giving to their ministries are?!
I feel sad when I hear of poor people giving their last bit of wealth so that these false teachers can prosper at their expense. When I read of a couple who gave their last bit of ‘worthy’ material possession — their wedding rings — to Benny Hinn so that he can pray for them, it broke my heart. How DARE you say that you have love when all you do is defend these false teachers who are just robbers in daylight, and NOT feel a pinch of sadness for the poor and destitute who are being fleeced?!
If prosperity is what defines a Christian, then man, am I headed for hell! How do you then explain non-Christians who are richer than Christians? If we worship the true and living God, shouldn’t we be generally financially better off in that aspect by your reasoning?
Christianity is not concerned with wealth! It is ALL about your salvation! It is all about your state in eternity! Ask any man or woman if they’d rather be rich now and suffer for eternity and I can tell you quite assuredly that most will say ‘no’.
So what’s with the nonsense about being rich now, and taking verses out of context like another who commented
Since you don’t agree with the proseperity (sic) gospel because you have no desire to face the temptation of being “wordly (sic) rich” that mean you believe in the poverty gospel?
– Michael
I am concerned about Michael, I truly am. For he seems to have blindly followed the teachings of some prosperity teacher without examining the Word for himself.
If you are reading this, my good brother Michael, please ask God for wisdom to guide you in reading His Word for yourself and not to rely on verses taken out of context.
Loving Me, Loving You
Next comes the very common accusation that I am not loving and being judgmental.
A good brother opened the salvo by asking
Who gave you the right to judge someone else’s motives, Isaiah?
– Sidharth
I love Sidharth as a brother-in-Christ, but if you ask me to go with him to a bank, I’d hesitate.
Because if I see a man wearing a ski mask and carrying some automatic weapon which he fires into the air upon entering the bank, I’ll be accused by him of judging someone else’s motive if I told Sidharth that that man is there to rob the bank, and to get down and take cover.
Right, who am I to judge a man, or his motive for that matter, eh?
I did not judge their motives — their fruit is there, plain for all to see as I explained. Their million-dollar houses, luxury cars, expensive ‘lay-overs’ at resorts, private jets, etc. Are these necessary for a teacher preaching the Word of God?
We are called to be servants, NOT to live like kings! We are called to SERVE, not to BE served!
At one point, I got quite hurt and puzzled by Sidharth’s statements, because of a certain email he once forwarded to me regarding testing these prosperity teachers. That email was sent to me 20 January this year, and titled “Crazy Money”.
At the end of the document were these questions:
- Are the people who are asking for money modeling Christlikeness and servanthood or salesmanship and self-promotion?
- Are they exalting Jesus Christ or exalting people and ministries?
- Do they model prayerful dependency on God, or do they use pressure and manipulation to incite others to give?
- Do they give people an opportunity to quietly and patiently hear from God, or do they insist that the giving must be done “now” or “instantly”?
- Is there evidence of humility, purity and integrity in their demeanor and presentation, or do they use insincere hype, pushiness and striving?
- Do they offer a sincere, faith-building presentation of Scriptures and testimonies or misleading promises and fear-inducing suggestions?
- Does this ministry have a record of spiritual fruit that honors God, or is their reputation marred by unsubstantiated claims and exaggerated reports?
- Do the people asking for money have godly lifestyles of humility and servanthood, or do they live as pampered people who require egotistical titles and lavish living?
- Is the ministry financially accountable, or are false assurances used to gain credibility?
- Do they ever imply that giving in an offering will increase a person’s spiritual gifts or level of anointing?
So, there, I believe Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn and their respective ministries fail miserably on all counts. I’d like to draw your attention especially to the big ‘no’ we can all give to question 8.
My good brother, do you forward emails that you don’t read or believe in yourself or do exceptions apply to perhaps some of your favorite teachers?
You also asked me to write a piece on what the Bible teaches about finances. Unfortunately, I have to politely decline that invitation because I can’t find much to substantiate that position. Perhaps my Bible isn’t a good translation as I only read of working for my salvation, living a godly life and being sanctified (separate) from the world.
Sadly, not many fellow Christians believe that I do what I do telling you about the dangers of these teachings is because of my concern and love for the body of Christ. We live in a world today where unity is a catchphrase, so much so that there’s so much heresy and unrighteousness creeping into churches and people prefer to keep quiet instead of shouting it out and be at risk of being ostracized.
Many fallaciously think that we can spot false teachers a mile away, that they reek of sulphur, look ugly and their heresy is plain for all to hear. No, my good brother and sister, the exact opposite is true! They make you look like social ogres while they are the nicest people to be around.
I’m not as eloquent as John Piper, so I’ll let him do the explanation in this video.
And when it comes to love, which we Christians are supposed to have an abundance of for one another, boy is it an irony sometimes!
Many will agree with me that a true friend who loves you is one who tells you the truth no matter how it hurts because they want the best for you. Translate that into a Christian setting, and watch the floodgates of accusations of “you have no love”, “you aren’t that perfect yourself, mister” and even “you are soooo judgmental” open really wide!
Love? Where?! Oh, the irony of it!
That idea of love is seriously slanted. It is as bad as you not warning a friend that a huge truck is heading towards him on the road just because you know he doesn’t like the word “truck”. Yes, you can ask the other party to say it in a more gentle manner which is a reasonable request, but to accuse the person of not being loving or having no love is preposterous!
The Cards Are On The Table
Finally, I have no qualms if I be ostracized by some because of this. I’m writing this with that already in mind. A good sister asked me a series of good questions that really made me think and to pray over. I’ve got a clear direction now, and this post says just what I believe.
I stand for God’s Word, not man’s.
Though my flesh seeks it, I shall endeavor to not seek the applause of men, but the pat on the back by my Heavenly Father from whom I long to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” when my time on earth is done.
Shabbat Shalom.
Photo ‘Words Like Violence’ by Confused Vision.
Similar Posts:
- Short Takes — False Teachers
- A Christian Who Is Strongly Deluded By The Prosperity “Gospel”
- Read, Weep And Pray
- Oh, That I Be A Man Of God For His Glory Alone, Not Mine!
- Where Does The Bible Teach That?
Tags: Christian Living, False Teachings, Judgment, Learn to Discern, Prosperity gospel
29 Comments
I just want to say, that God once told me “It is not judgment if it is a fact.”
Basically, what I am trying to say that, it is never God’s good intention for you to be in poverty, you see being poor and in poverty is two different things. I am not saying that we are saved so we can be rich. No, I am not putting up this point at all. If God were to ask me to give up all my earthly wealth to follow Him, I have to admit, of the flesh I cant do it but if He is with me, I am very sure one thing is that God will give me the faith to do so and by no means I will give it all up and follow Christ. I did there before to all my clothes (wild channel), not that I am gnostic that I have direct access from God but those clothes were like God to me, I don’t know how to put it in words, but basically, what I am trying to say over here is, God Whom is the Jehovah Jireh will definitely supply all your needs, and it is clearly stated even in Matthew 6, that if God is able to feed the birds in the sky and clothe the lilies in the fields, wont He able to supply all your needs?
So my point is here, the bible clearly states that, God will provide for our needs and we will never live in poverty if really we have God in our lives. Get what I mean? If we do live in poverty when we follow God wholeheartedly then there must be something really wrong within us or God is just merely testing us. The apostles in book of Acts might be poor but they aren’t living in poverty. Even Paul had more than enough constantly to give to those in need and to support himself.
And of course we don’t judge a person whether they are ‘true’ Christians by their wealth rather than their relationship with God.
I think you just totally got me wrong, that is not what I am trying to say.
The preacher preaches and the congregation hear what they hear, not what is said.
Be yourself Isaiah and tell it as you believe it.
Any mistakes I will be sure to point out!
And if you don’t mind, can you add me in your MSN or so. You know there are somethings about the Bible I wanna ask you. Thanks.
First of Isaiah this is a great way to answer to us all, of which I say thank you for taking time to clear things up… boy was it hot yesterday?! glad things have calmed down now.
As for the tone some of us used in making our points yesterday if possible I would like to ask that you please forgive us all and not take umbrage ok. Godbless and Love You.
Now to the post, I don’t think any Spirit filled Christian will agree that all who profess Christ are true servants of God or even agree that any body that calls themself a pastor or preacher of the word of God is called of God… for the Bible clearly states in Matthew 7:21-23 NLT
21 “Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. 22 On judgment day many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.* ’
with this we must be careful how we approach these things for in my Country we have so many false prophets whom we all know, even Children know that what they are doing is not of God, the anointing the profess to have and the manifestations of what they call the Holy Spirit we know that these are lies and deceit but when you speak and ask such questions like ,Oh God ,why let these ravenous wolves destroy your sheep ? you are taken to a parable the Bible where in Matthew 13:24-30 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 But that night as everyone slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat. 26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. 27 The farmer’s servants came and told him, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds!’
28 “ ‘An enemy has done it!’ the farmer exclaimed.
“ ‘Shall we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.
29 “He replied, ‘No, you’ll hurt the wheat if you do. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds and burn them and to put the wheat in the barn.’ ”
That is why I believe that in all God will weed all the false prophets and evil messengers in the end… for when you take a look around you they are waxing stronger daily.
Next to the prosperity gospel message that is causing all the raucous now I believe that God wants us to prosper and move forward our God is not a failure neither is he a poor God why do I say so the Bible says in Psalms 24:1-2
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
and we all know that we serve an all sufficient God for the Bible also says in Philipians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
what this passage is telling us is that if we can trust in God and not man he will meet our “needs” Not “wants”.
then as for those preaching the “prosperity Gospel” that you must give to God for God to bless you, I think some over do it by making that their only message and, some of these pastors just believe that they have been blessed by so doing therefore trying to show others the way they receive from God. “I think”. so to make matters easy God asked to to go into the world and preach the Gospel , God never asked us to go out and make Kingdom Millionaires- He asked us to make Kingdom Heirs!
Isaiah will stop this post here as for Daniel Chew will reply him later
Two words, Isaiah: A-men.
Oh, sorry. That’s just one word.
Sicarii,
If you have a moment, please read my latest post.
Keep on trooping solider!
Your sister in Christ….
Matthew 6 was cited to show that God will provide all of our needs “if we really have God in our lives”. The implication is that if we live in poverty, that we do NOT really have God in our lives. So in a nutshell..
God’s provision = good (we have Christ)
poverty = bad (we don’t have Christ)
And Matthew 6 is given as proof of this. So are we to build a theology based on this book alone or do we take into consideration the whole Bible?
If we are to share in God’s glory, then we must also share in Christ’s suffering and this may mean that we will not have certain provisions as stated in Matt 6. Suffering for Christ does not contradict Matt 6 - God can prosper whomever He pleases and allow suffering as well. The problem is we think suffering (or poverty or doing without something ) is a bad thing or is evidence of something lacking in the believer. But this is the type of faulty teaching taught today. The truth is, it is an honor to suffer as Christ did but this type of thinking is ludicrous today.
Being co-heirs with Christ requires that we share in His sufferings:
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you…”
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.
2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
After suffering with Christ, the believer will share in the glory of Christ:
2 Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, insamuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
2 Corin 4:17-18 for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Suffering us used of God to purify the believer. Some suffering comes to us from the hand of our loving God to produce holiness and spiritual growth in us. God uses suffering to perfect us in the likeness of Christ. God purifies us until He can see the face of Jesus Christ in our lives. Suffering for Christ also enhances our testimony. When we are suffering, lost people will watch us carefully and listen to what we say.
2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
So whether we’re being persecuted or suffering or in poverty or anything that is perceived as “bad”, it is all for God’s glory and we should be honored to suffer as Christ did. The world will turn this around and make you believe that it’s bad but it’s not so. This is just another way in which the world is trying to take glory AWAY from God. They try to distort the picture in front of you. They don’t want you to be purified, holy, grow spiritually, or have a good testimony.
God can provide for us as Matt 6 states, but He can also choose to provide for us by giving us the honor of suffering as Christ did. Either way, He loves us and we are provided for.
Isaiah:
may our Lord be with you and strengthen you as you continue on in His strength
As for the others, it seems that when you refuse to play along and ask them for proof from Scripture, all the accusations about being “unloving”, being “argumentative”, “arrogant” and being “full of himself” are thrown. Whatever happened to the authority of Scripture? And of course Sidharth play the victim and accuse me of being “foolish and “near-sighted”. So it seems that Sidharth can attack me and my motives but the Word-faith teachers are immune from criticism? I can be judged but the Word-faith teachers cannot be judged?
And Sidharth, I will address your post on healing later. It will just suffice to say that you have violated the third commandment by saying that God told you that for those who reject your view “They don’t see the greatness of Me, they see the greatness of sickness”. You are taking the name of God in vain, and furthermore such a statement is only confirmation that this voice you heard is NOT God, for God cannot contradict Himself. In fact, it is to YOU that this statement is applicable, for the simple fact that the your god cannot heal people even if He wants to, and according to your will He will always want to heal them.
Sidharth:
Btw, I am not troubled by your attacks on me. I have faced various heretics and schismatics before who have condemned me to eternal hellfire. However, my conscience is clear before God, before the 2000-year historical continuity of the Christian Church and practically speaking ultimately before the Scriptures which is the Word and Voice of God. I am slowly learning not to take such attacks to heart, as I have learnt from the examples of godly Christians such as Dr. James R. White and Pastor Ken Silva who face criticism on a regular basis. I will end with this quote from Luther, the founder of the Great Protestant Reformation:
Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen
My conscience is held to the absolute and final authority of the Word of God, and on this solid rock I will not depart, God willing. SOLA SCRIPTURA. Amen.
Isaiah:
good verse here:
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. (2 Cor. 11: 13-15).
Only in popular media (ie Hollywood) is the devil all decked with bright red horns, a tail, and a glowing red pitchfork…
Sicarii, my brother in Christ, I’m sorry to learn as I perused your site today that you have been under attack. I, for one, am glad of your boldness to call attention and put correct labellings on the profuse false teaching of our day and time.
As for those who would disagree and purport that our prosperity is somehow an indication of the quality of relationship we have with God, I would have to declare that you are worshiping an imaginary god . . . not Yahweh, the God of the Bible.
Paul was a wealthy, highly educated and highly respected man prior to his meeting with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. He was absolutely impoverished during many seasons of his ministry. Would you say his service and association with God was lacking? What about Jesus? He had no place to rest His head. What about Elisha? What about John the Baptist? and on, and on and on.
And what about the missionary called by God to reach an unengaged people group who sell every possession to be free to go to a land where they can not afford to ship their belongings? Is this person just delusional? Would God actually call one of His blessed children to a life of living IN poverty so that they may be used by Him to share Christ with other impoverished people?
God does provide for all our needs . . . but who is it that defines “needs”?
God is a gracious God who does bestow undeserved blessing on those who love Him. There’s no doubt of that. But nowhere does it say these blessings are external, tangible devices. A bank account, car, clothes, house, vacations, etc. are NOT eternal indicators of His blessing. A god who is driven to satisfy us with temporal things here on earth is indeed a false god. And those who employ their skills to lead others into belief in this false god are, in fact, false teachers who will one day stand before the Lord and face a greater accountability.
It’s truly sad that many have been sucked in to this deception. It is a deception that is very appealing to the human nature.
Carry on my good brother!
Interesting…=)
I was not attacking you, Daniel. You can write long comments and even articles to get back at me, you can waste your time defending your views and “thumping” others because they won’t agree with you….But in the end, the Word will stand. You analyze yourself, brother, if you’re open to the Word when you say your conscience is clear. You analyze yourself when you speak with so much hatred, if it’s God backing you up…
I’ve been in the Word more than you have. I’ve seen more things in the ministry than you probably have ever seen. Both from experience and from the Word I know where you’re heading, not because I’m “superior”, but because I’ve been where you are right now. Not that my advise would mean anything to you in the “heat” you are in now. But the sooner you yield to Him, and let go. The better it will be.
If I were to see you when I was in the hindu faith, I’d run away from Christ!
I will not be part of any discussion with you. This is my last comment
God be honored.
Sidharth
My dear bro Isaiah!……….I love you in Him, Isaiah! =) Don’t ever think I am attacking you. You’re close to my heart. I may disagree with you in making your site solely to criticize others. I wish you’d post less of this criticism and give us more teaching =).
I personally don’t see the “fruit” that you see, nor do I consider the fruit that you mentioned as the criteria for discernment. =) It may seem obvious to you, but in my eyes it doesn’t. I do not consider Joyce Meyer as being heretic. I see the good fruit in her….the number of free books shes sent my friend….and all her teachings are packed with the Word. People do misunderstand what she says, like how you misunderstood the thing about “gods”
I fear the Lord to be quick in judging others….Look at what Isaiah spoke of Christ:
And shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears [Isaiah 11:3]
I think you’re pointing at an innocent man and saying, “There’s the theif!” haha. How many times I’ve done that and then when I was more mature, I’d think, “Oh I didnt know thats what they meant!”
Much love!
Sid
Oh no, Isaiah, I agree perfectly with all that said in that mail =)
I do not know about Joyce’s personal life, and I know you don’t either. But I know what her ministry has done in India among the poor. She has spent millions on the poor. I am amazed that only her lifestyle comes into play, and not the immense work she does for the Lord. I see the fruit of love in her ministry…but what I’m against is………your judgment of calling her a “wolf i sheep clothing”. That is way too extreme.
Sidhu
Some verses to ruminate upon:
2 Corinthians 12:9
Matthew 19:24
Matthew 6:19-22
1 Timothy 6:10
Well, there is no indication in the Bible that God will bless us with health and wealth just because we’re Christians, right? His main purpose is to save us from our sins that are going to condemn us. If He does bless us with h&w, it’s only a secondary blessing.
Having lived in America and Singapore, I can understand why it is difficult for many people in Singapore to recognize these wolves in sheep’s clothing or false doctrine. These preachers tend to be slightly more reserved when preaching the prosperity gospel in Singapore, although you can recognize it if you diligently compare their words to the Bible.
If you want to see their true colours, please visit America (or you can search the Internet for videos) and watch TBN, the largest “Christian” broadcasting network in the world, for a day or two and you will understand what Isaiah has been saying all this time. The big names : Joyce “Oscar” Meyer, Benny “Hill” Hinn, Osteen, Dollar, Crouch, Roberts, etc. will blatantly preach positive confession and financial seed-sowing, and perform counterfeit miracles. I think it impossible for a true Christian not to eventually recognize these teachings as unbiblical and feel angry, and not to weep when he/she sees the thousands of people in the pews seeking the counsel of these false teachers.
Isaiah, just a few words of encouragment. I too have been attacked by fellow Christians for pointing out false doctrine and teachers, and I know how it feels — these words can pierce the heart with grief. But do be patient and labour for the Lord — some of the people who once accused me, now agree with me, and they too are contending for the faith. Let us pray that God will open their eyes.
Incidentally, I’ll be attending a seminar later today, regarding New Age influences on modern Christianity. It should be interesting. =)
Aaron LJX:
You said “If we do live in poverty when we follow God wholeheartedly then there must be something really wrong within us or God is just merely testing us.”
As it can be seen, we are not misrepresenting you. You haven’t a clue what believers in countries like China, the Middle East ie Iraq and Iran, and in Africa are facing right? Perhaps you may want to subscribe to the Voice of the Martyrs email updates to know the type of persecutions true Christians are facing today. Then you can come back and try to tell me that Christians do not live in poverty.
Sidharth:
“But in the end, the Word will stand”
Amen, but your unbiblical and even heretical views will not. Charismatism has been a blight on the soul of the visible Church for about 50 years +, and I think it is time that the true Christians rally around the Cross of Christ and eradicate this deadly virus.
And speaking of hatred, I don’t see the difference between you and the apostate pro-homosexual Jonathan Koh in judging motives? You two sure share a lot in common. Hypocrites! Always taking the liberty to judge others but denying them to your opponents!
Thank you for visiting my blog, given55.
You are spot on. For me, there’s no need to make a judgment because their bad fruit is there for all to see.
Shalom!
Dear Adullamite, ChannelofHealing, Casey, Carol, Hannah, Kerri, Daniel, Q:
Thank you all for the encouragement! You have no idea how much your kind words mean to me.
Shalom!
Hannah:
Great post! I can’t thank you enough for posting that.
For those who haven’t read it, please head over to Hannah’s blog and do just that.
Shalom!
Kerri:
Thank you for giving us the perspective from those who are in the mission field!
For those who aren’t aware, Kerri, her husband, and their children are selling all they have to go into the mission field. How’s that for the prosperity gospel, eh?
Her blog’s a great read too. Please give them your encouragement and prayers.
Shalom!
Q:
Interesting seminar. I’d love to find out what you learned there! I’m quite a regular at your blog already. :-)
Keep serving the LORD!
Shalom!
Aaron:
I enjoyed our conversation over MSN last night. Please continue to search your heart and pray for wisdom and guidance from God. I’m praying for you, brother.
Get well soon!
Shalom!
Isaiah:
Yeah, it was awesome too, I learned a lot from you. Thanks again (:
Anyway, you guys are pretty right, I kinda received my breakthrough from God already, I will share more with you later if your msn is on. Yeah, thanks for your prayer too, I’m a lot better now, lesson learned: never be greedy and eat too many satays but I have to say it tasted real good. Haha.
Anyway, to ‘prosperity’ gospel supporters, don’t put too much focus on your prosperity, the Cross is suppose to draw us from ourselves and focus on God, not prosperity. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, famous or humble, it really doesn’t matter, if you really want to reach out, our God is able to do it through you regardless of your status. Do not measure a person success based on the world’s standard: assets, cash, looks, dressings, numbers; all these are of the world. While definitely it is not wrong to be successful in your career, family, relationships, education but where your focus is more important, God or self (mammon).
Aaron:
I didn’t do much. :-) It is God who opened your eyes and ears to the Truth. Would love to hear from you on the breakthrough.
Shalom!
p.s. Good thing I am reading your comment after dinner, else I’d be tempted to go for satay too! I simply love satay, lol!
Haha. Satay rocks. Actually if you don’t overeat, it shouldn’t be a problem though. I am currently at my home town and the satays here taste real good, mutton satay.
Anyway yeah you are right, will share with you the next time I am on. Currently my focus is to do a thorough study on Rev. Kong Hee’s teaching and to decide whether to leave the church. I am still praying and waiting on God for it though. Continue to keep me in prayers. Thanks.
Dear Isaiah,
I have been following the comments of the previous post and I thank you my Brother for standing firmly on the the Word of God, no matter what the masses say. “Let God be true and every man a liar”.
Please allow me the to introduce an immediate warning to all the prosperity “preachers”
Isaiah 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
People had better WAKE UP! Life more abundantly is NOT about material wealth–is is about life ETERNAL in the Father’s Kingdom.
“…..think that we can spot false teachers a mile away, that they reek of sulphur, look ugly and their heresy is plain for all to hear.”
Isaiah, the Word of God concurs: 2 Cor. 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Continue to stand on God’s Word, it will never let you down.
Peace
Remember the Spirit of God says:
“…….WHOSE END SHALL BE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.
Peace
Dear King’s Kid,
Thank you for the encouragement, sister. I believe it is always important to warn one another of false teachers and their false teachings because we sure don’t want to see many led astray. It also pains me to see so many tricked by the flowery words and suffer the dire consequences.
Shalom!