The world has seen a emergence of churches that have adopted a teaching that has strayed from the basics of the gospel, which is the death burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the only gospel, and should be taught in addition to evangelism, grace, and hell. The emerging church seems to be going in this direction of prosperity now. The brethren want the feel good, get rich now, and ain’t no body going to hell sermons, that are filling the pews of the churches on Sunday. This may be good for attendance and the business of church, but very bad for the care entrusted for the Shepard to give his flock.
Who Pioneered This
There is one person who comes to mind that I will give an honorable mention. I know nothing about this man and his ministry because he was before my time, however he is credited with being the first televangelist to reveal and teach the prosperity now doctrine, and reach millions through his television and radio ministries. What is so amazingly hypocritical, is the same religious society that criticized his spin of church, have adopted it, and have taken it to a whole new level. We are now bombarded as church faithful, with many different vessels, with the same candy in a different wrapper. Let us reference scripture for the prophecy that was spoken long ago by the Apostle Paul to the young Pastor Timothy. 2nd Timothy 4:3 NIV states clearly, For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. It seems like there is a myriad of preachers talking about getting rich with faith, but God didn’t promise us we would have two houses, and five cars. It is reasonable to conclude that all will not receive such a blessing or temptation, depending on your view. This type of teaching is irrelevant in Africa, where people go hungry and eat dirt, and real mud pies. How can you convince them that 150 cows is in their grasp? The only doctrine that is relevant rather you are rich or poor is Holiness. Leviticus 11:44 NIV states, I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. I do not want to criticize any man of God and the message he was inspired to bring forth. However I must question if the message is pertinent to what the needs of the congregation is. With the decline of Christian attendance, I doubt if it is prosperity over evangelism and discipleship.
Is It Fair to Say
The question arises when I think about this topic. Is it fair to say that most people aren’t ready to be fed prosperity in a message on Sunday. 1 Corinthians 3:2 NIV states, 2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. It is obvious that the average parishioner is not ready for solid food. They have no true understanding of the basics like evangelism, grace, and hell and damnation. These are the areas that are neglected and forgotten. When was the last time you heard, T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar or any of your favorite T.V. preachers tackle these important subjects. Although I don’t believe it is anything wrong with having money, I just feel there are other things which are more important to address in your Christian walk. Matthew 16:26 states, 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? I seem to be over concerned with the Pastor leading the church folks into a position where this is exactly where they are headed. At this time in Christendom, no one is complaining about the popular doctrine, and everybody it seems is on board, what a shame.
Sound Doctrine
The atmosphere in this modern religious society has revealed time again that sound doctrine is not popular among believers. They pastors run the church like a business, and if the customers have a demand, a good business will meet it. We must take the time to ask ourselves, what is sound doctrine? It is the Greek word didaskaliva, which means teachings and precepts. The English definition is more vivid, a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government. Lets look at an example of scripture that give a clear reference to sound doctrine. Titus 2:1 NIV states, “1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” However we must look at verse two in order to get it into context, which is an example of what sound doctrine is. Titus 2:2 NIV states, ” 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” What an example the church would be setting for the unbelieving sheep. If the preacher taught these precepts, the church would be in a better position reputation wise, because of the fruit the saints would display.
Conclusion
This was not an opportunity to take shots at individual pastors, because God called them, I didn’t. This was my attempt to address and point out doctrinal issues that plague the mainstream protestant church. We have to be more responsible as ministers of the gospel, and followers of Christ. We must demand that our leaders spoon feed us until we are ready for solid milk. There are to many examples in the Bible of people who were misled with the wrong doctrine, like the Pharisees. I often wonder if I might make it to heaven and the majority of my flock go to hell because I didn’t teach them properly. 1 Timothy 6:3-4 states, 3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions. It is fair to say that strife, envy, malicious talk, and evil suspicions are all present in the church when some have got it and others have not. Come on people, wake up to what the Bible has revealed so that you might not become a part of this rogue pack of wolves. Everything that shines, we must remember ain’t gold.
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very good,article clafleur.
Interesting. Every article you write tells me something I don’t know. Good work.
Money is the root to all evil. Prosperity is good. It just needs not to be first in our lives. Everything I believe shall come in due season if it is his will.
I always enjoy your articles.
claflieur, This was a very good write…Still, one must subscribe to both forms of teaching. Wouldn’t it be acceptable to preach prosperity. I mean, can’t one live holy and still have life and have life more abundantly? And the pastors that preach on prosperity aren’t they too, also using “Biblical Scripture” to support their position. One thing for certain, your articles give the readers many thoughts to ponder, thanks for sharing.
A very interesting, well written article on a subject many do not like to touch on. As far as good business for the church, a church is not supposed to be a business but unfortunately now adays that is what many treat it like,some due to greed while others due to due to low funding.God may not make us rich but if you have true faith he will always give you and provide you with what you need so I certainly agree with your theories because as far as I know rich truly means going to heaven and living for eternity. Excellent work a very enjoyable read.
Your article is important in addressing what is missing in the Western church.
I was however offended by your statement and I quote,”This type of teaching is irrelevant in Africa, where people go hungry and eat dirt, and real mud pies”. With all due respect to you when was the last time you visited Africa and actually witnessed what you have just stated? I have written an article about how Africa is presented to the world by the Western media and your statement just confirms my contention.
Africa has become the thing that everyone uses when they want to show their “concern” for humanity. Are there no poor people in America or other areas of the world? Africa is a continent and yes Africa has poor people, but that is not what defines Africa. We are not stuck into what you imagine because we serve a God who has enriched us with faith and grace which makes us strong even when we are maligned and treated like the wretched of the earth. Please respect my people.
My experience in the Western church is that sin is never preached about. Few people understand what faith really is. There is even a part of believers who say that the Holy Spirit is no longer relevant. Have you asked yourself why there are so many addicts? if it is not about sex, it is alcohol or drugs, or food etc. What about families, why is there so much break up? This is in the church not the world. What is wrong with the picture?
There is too much ephasis on the love of God but nothing about the wrath of God. The two need to be balanced because they are both the attributes of God.
Good article though, with provocative thoughts to those who care.
As always, very well written. Nice
Good article! God’s word does say if we tithe, He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings on us, but it also says seek first the kingdom of God and everything you need will be added to you. I don’t believe that “riches” is what prosperity means by biblical standards. Prosperity means having what you need, not the great riches some of these pastors are talking about. Personally I have learned that living in luxury means having milk and bread for my babies. Prosperity is having daily bread, not a feast in the lap of luxury.
Wonderfully written. Very compelling article.
I always question my own faith. Thanks for clearing that up for me =]
A well written article with a message that everyone needs to hear. No where in the Scriptures does God promise that we will always be healthy, wealthy, and happy. He only promises to give us what we need.
Clafleur, I believe your heart is in the right place. This, like other articles you have written, show a solid understanding of God’s word and heart for teaching it to others. Keep up the good work.
I do wonder why you don’t spell check your work, though. It is a simple process that will correct a great many small flaws that sometimes detract from the meaning of your words.
I am compelled to answer Inuni’s question, for it is a common one. He wrote, “Still, one must subscribe to both forms of teaching. Wouldn’t it be acceptable to preach prosperity. I mean, can’t one live holy and still have life and have life more abundantly? And the pastors that preach on prosperity aren’t they too, also using “Biblical Scripture” to support their position. ”
No, Inuni, it is not acceptable to preach prosperity, ever, because that is exactly what causes the problem. Prosperity in the Bible does not mean monetary riches. To be rich in Biblical terms means to have a clear understanding of who the Lord is and what he has done, and is doing, for each of us; to have an individual relationship with Him that is built upon love, trust, and faith. To be rich, this is where your focus must be. If your focus is on money, it becomes your god. Yes, pastors do use biblical scripture to support their positions. They twist specific scripture, take it out of context, and use it to support whatever flawed theory they are pushing. This is precisely why they are so dangerous.
One thing I have noted in Clafleur’s work is that he generally includes enough scripture around his primary one to make the context clear. His work is worth reading and digesting.
As with all of the other articles you have written,this one was interesting to read as well .I do enjoy reading what you write
at times learning something.
Pastor Clafleur, this article is another example of the powerful message you articulate so well with the accurate and flawless interprtations of the scrptures. The primary message I received was the hypocrisy connected to the many televangelists that skew the truth of the scriptures for their own monetary gain. Unfortunately in todays society people flock towards the flashy jewelry, the Gucci suits and a Meecedes Benz. When Jesus walks among us again will he decide to cruise the planet in a Ferrari or Porche, I think not. People choose to hear what they want to hear and if that truth conflicts with their lifestyle that’s when selective morality kicks in.The biggest injustice is that it’s pervasive in the nature of pop culture to invade the minds of the young and inexperienced and mislead them down the road to hypocrisy. Do you blame the televangelist or the people who decide to be selective when embracing the scriptures and the messages from the bible. Great article of thought provoking morals and questions where these pastors get the gawl to do this. Is the power of greed that controlling?
Nice article and informative!
Interesting!
Evangelism is a Christian movement for emphasizing personal conversion and the authority of the Bible or, by extension, any other form of preaching or proselytizing (converting someone from one religion to another). No comment Clafleur.
As always,a very interesting article to read and gives you something to think about.Great job!
Tony
September 7th, 2009
Yes, quite in line with feelings I have had for some time. Only the other month I had a pastor say, “Tony, if you don’t have money, how can you bless people”? Wrong question and wrong focus to my mind. For I know I can bless with a smile and words of encouragement. MATTHEW 6:19 is very clear for those who want to check it out. The wealth we will have in heaven will never rust just as that which we have on earth will never last.
It’s sad to say that a lot of so-called preachers in the Philippines are doing these things as well. How can we propagate the word of God if we do it outside of His will? We are called to holiness not to worldly wealth. Great article, clafleur.
Healthy, wealthy and everything will be great! Look the at biblical examples of Jesus, Paul, Peter and the other apostles (owned little or nothing, beaten, jailed, martyred, ship wrecked, persecuted, etc.) and it is easy to see this is a false teaching. I agree the “prosperity” we are promised are spiritual and in the life to come.
I enjoyed reading this piece very much.