What is it and should we be concerned with it?
Introduction
One of the doctrines prevalent in Orthodox Christianity today is The Prosperity Gospel as it is called.
This doctrine is also known as Name it and Claim it or Word of Faith.
It is a belief among most that God rewards those who live faithful lives with material wealth.
The Almighty, and our observance of His Ways, are not some amulet or talisman to be used for our benefit.
Sadly, I have seen it make some inroads into our
fellowships in general.
Main Discussion
What is the basis of this doctrine?
The Main Tenets of this Doctrine
“Jesus” died so that we can live prosperously and in good health
Isaiah 53:5--But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that
brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. (WEB)
John 10:10--The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly. (WEB)
2 Cor. 8:9--For you know the grace of our Master Yeshua HaMoshiach, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might
become rich.
1 Peter 2:24--who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. (WEB)
Material poverty is seen as a sin
The Covenant The Almighty made with Abraham
promises blessings to those who are under it.
Genesis 12:1-3--Now The Almighty said to Abram, “Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great.
You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you.” (WEB)
Galatians 3:13, 14--Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (WEB) Since we are Abraham’s descendants, we inherit these blessings
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Main Discussion 3
Believers must give in order to be blessed
Mark 10:29-30--Yehoshua said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. (WEB)
Faith is the Key that opens the door of prosperity and health in your life
If your mind can conceive it, and your heart/mind can believe it, then you will receive it
Prayer causes The Almighty to give us what we desire Matthew 7:7-8--“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. (WEB)
James 4:2--You lust, and don’t have. You kill, covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. (WEB)
It has been traced back through history to Bilaam and into the origins of the assemblies.
Jude 11--Woe to them! For they went in the way of Cain and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire and perished in Korah’s rebellion. (WEB)
Main Discussion 4
Acts 8:9-24--But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” …Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!...
(WEB)
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Main Discussion 6
The modern-day form of this doctrine can be traced to the ministry of Oral Roberts in the 1950’s
Its roots can be traced back even further to the 19th century occultic teaching, “New Thought”
Kenneth Hagin was even more successful in promoting this teaching through Kenneth Hagin Ministries which was steeped in the Word of Faith doctrine.
Hagin taught that there was a distinction between the logos (the written word of The Almighty) and the rhema (the spoken and revealed word of The Almighty).
It became very prominent in charismatic groups.
Some of its most influential teachers are:
Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, John Hagee, Creflo Dollar, Paula White, Joyce Meyer, and Juanita Bynum
…if you have a need, sow a seed!
Roberts and the promoters of the Prosperity Gospel take several scriptures out of context to build this doctrine.
Isaiah 53:5
John 10:10
What are some dangers of this doctrine?
Those who are not financially secure are easily guilted into giving to their detriment and the detriment of their families.
Those who are not healthy are guilted into a life of shame Main Discussion 7
Main Discussion 8
What do the scriptures say about our prosperity and health?
Whether we are healthy or not, whether we are wealthy or not, does not depend on our relationship with The Almighty.
Yoseiph and Miryam, the parents of Yehoshua were not wealthy. She had to bring a dove as her sacrifice after her days of purification were finished.
Sometimes our poverty or illness can be a witness to those outside of The Kingdom of The Almighty.
People see us holding on to our faith regardless of our outward circumstances and our station in life.
Paul prayed OFTEN to have the thorn in his flesh removed.
Apparently to no avail.
Yehoshua said we would always have the poor among us.
Sometimes our wealth and health can be a hindrance in our walk with The Almighty.
Main Discussion 9
What should our response be to this doctrine?
Test the spirits against Torah
RUN FORREST, RUN!
Conclusion
While this doctrine seems Bible based, we
must be very careful of it.
It is NOT a doctrine that we should follow!
