Sunday, February 2, 2014

"Preachers of L.A."

This is not a critique of faith but a simple observation. I see shows like The Preachers of L.A. and hear preachers on the television proclaiming the Prosperity Gospel all the time. True, the fame of the Prosperity Gospel has lost it's luster in years past and is not as popular as it was years ago (probably due to the troubles in our economy) but it still being preached and taught today. The idea that God wants me to get wealth by claiming it or to name the things I want and seal the deal in Jesus name, just does not seem biblical to me. 

For instance people have made millions off the letters written by the Apostle Paul. Excerpts from his letters is found on clothing, tattooed on our bodies, tweeted, made into inspirational cards, made into songs, etc. Because of the letters Paul wrote some have been able to buy mansions, nice clothes, cars, and sell books. But the irony to all of this is we have profited of the writings of a man who died with no real monetary wealth. We profit off a man who would not accept payment for teaching God's Word because He did not want to hinder the message of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:9-12).

I just find it funny that the message of Prosperity seems to overtake the purpose of the Gospel. Christians not here to get great wealth but reconcile people to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). When we focus on our personal prosperity we truly being "the spoiled brat" who is selfish as opposed to being "the grateful child" who is thankful.

The Prosperity Gospel distorts our view of giving. Giving is an act of obedience that we should do with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). But the Prosperity Gospel has taught us to give like greedy investors expecting 60 or 100 fold return. Honestly if you are giving to God just get back a sizable amount do you truly expect Him to bless a heart like this? Because you are giving with a greedy heart not a cheerful one. Greedy givers are no better than the wealthy man who gave out of his wealth as opposed to the widow who gave out of obedience (Luke 21:1-4). If God rejected the wealthy man's offering what do you think he will do with our greedy offering. Those who give out of obedience and love for the Lord want to give more so God will receive glory (2 Corinthians 9:11-13), those who give out of greed will reap the greedy man's reward (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Though I caution us all not to demonize The Preachers of L.A.. I say this because I rejoice that people are receiving Jesus (Philippians 1:18) but I detest that the method of disciplining believers. Disciplining others through prosperity does not teach others how to serve the Lord, it teaches them how to manipulate scriptures and creates investors not disciples. But disciple believers by correctly teaching God's Word multiplies disciples.

So my prayer is that The Preachers of L.A. will reëxamine the scriptures for truth and not search them for personal gain. Stay focused, you can do this.

"In His JOY!"

Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be accountable.

http://consumedbyjoy.blogspot.com/

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