Has the so-called prosperity gospel turned its followers into some of the most willing participants�and hence, victims�of the current financial crisis?
David Van Biema, "Maybe We Should Blame God for the Subprime Mess," Time magazine, October 3, 2008
It is not just those enamored with the prosperity gospel who have pursued health, wealth, and happiness as if they were divine rights and signs of God's blessing. Or who have avoided adversity and poverty as if they were curses. But God's ways are more mysterious than we perceive.
God so governs the universe by his secret providence that while nothing happens apart from God's decree, his hand remains largely hidden from us. What could be more natural than the changing seasons? Yet there remains such unevenness and diversity that every year, month, and day is seen to be governed by a new providence of God.
Church father Basil the Great said that fortune and chance are pagan terms, and ones the godly should not use. But even though all things are ordained by God's plan, for us they seem fortuitous�their order, reason, end, and necessity seem accidental. Yet in our hearts it nonetheless should remain fixed that nothing will take place that the Lord has not previously foreseen.
Nothing will more effectively preserve us in a straight and undeviating course in this economy than a firm persuasion that all events are in the hand of God, and that he is as merciful as he is mighty. This should lead us to gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity, and a wonderful security respecting the future.
Prone to blame God in adversity and praise ourselves in prosperity, we murmur against God if he does not grant us quiet nests. We imagine that adversity can only come from Satan�as if he were a second god�and thereby fail to recognize that nothing that happens, even when intended by Satan for evil, isn't turned by God to the wider purpose of our salvation. Nothing can thwart God's gracious purposes toward us in Christ. Paul does not say that all things are good, but he does say that God works all things together for good for his people (Rom. 8:28).
Therefore, it is wrong to infer from prosperity that God is favorable toward us, and from suffering that God is angry. For God does not consider in chastening the faithful what they deserve but rather what will be useful to them in the future. He fulfills the office of a physician rather than of a judge. Suffering often brings us to the end of our rope, so we will look to God in Christ for our safety.
We must never forget that there is no tribunal so magnificent, no throne so stately, no show of triumph so distinguished, no chariot so elevated, as is the cross on which Christ has subdued death and the Devil. His whole life was nothing but a kind of perpetual cross. The cross of Christ always contains in itself the victory. But like the disciples at Golgotha, we flee the cross�both Christ's and our own. We imagine that somehow we deserve prosperity. But prosperity often inebriates people, so that they take delight in their own vanities. Instead of leading to gratitude, God's indulgent liberality is abused; prosperity easily becomes its own kind of prison that deprives us of God's greatest gifts.
God's sovereign rule cannot be separated from his saving purpose. The providence of God watches for our salvation, even when it most seems to sleep. Just as we find God in the "low places" of this world�a dirty feeding trough in Bethlehem, weary on the road to Jerusalem, and crying out in dereliction on the cross�we trust that he is most present in our lives precisely where he seems most hidden. It makes a tremendous difference in our lives when we trust that the same God who wounds also heals.
Following our Savior, we endure the cross in this life in order to reign with Christ in glory. God does not call his people to triumph before he has exercised them in the warfare of suffering.
Our salvation and reconciliation to God in Christ is more important than any present happiness. It is far better for the children of God to be blessed, though mutilated and half-destroyed, than to desire that peace in which they shall fall asleep. Our ultimate security and prosperity is found only in Christ and will be fully realized only in glory.
Has the so-called prosperity gospel turned its followers into some of the most willing participants�and hence, victims�of the current financial crisis?
David Van Biema, "Maybe We Should Blame God for the Subprime Mess," Time magazine, October 3, 2008
It is not just those enamored with the prosperity gospel who have pursued health, wealth, and happiness as if they were divine rights and signs of God's blessing. Or who have avoided adversity and poverty as if they were curses. But God's ways are more mysterious than we perceive.
God so governs the universe by his secret providence that while nothing happens apart from God's decree, his hand remains largely hidden from us. What could be more natural than the changing seasons? Yet there remains such unevenness and diversity that every year, month, and day is seen to be governed by a new providence of God.
Church father Basil the Great said that fortune and chance are pagan terms, and ones the godly should not use. But even though all things are ordained by God's plan, for us they seem fortuitous�their order, reason, end, and necessity seem accidental. Yet in our hearts it nonetheless should remain fixed that nothing will take place that the Lord has not previously foreseen.
Nothing will more effectively preserve us in a straight and undeviating course in this economy than a firm persuasion that all events are in the hand of God, and that he is as merciful as he is mighty. This should lead us to gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity, and a wonderful security respecting the future.
Prone to blame God in adversity and praise ourselves in prosperity, we murmur against God if he does not grant us quiet nests. We imagine that adversity can only come from Satan�as if he were a second god�and thereby fail to recognize that nothing that happens, even when intended by Satan for evil, isn't turned by God to the wider purpose of our salvation. Nothing can thwart God's gracious purposes toward us in Christ. Paul does not say that all things are good, but he does say that God works all things together for good for his people (Rom. 8:28).
Therefore, it is wrong to infer from prosperity that God is favorable toward us, and from suffering that God is angry. For God does not consider in chastening the faithful what they deserve but rather what will be useful to them in the future. He fulfills the office of a physician rather than of a judge. Suffering often brings us to the end of our rope, so we will look to God in Christ for our safety.
We must never forget that there is no tribunal so magnificent, no throne so stately, no show of triumph so distinguished, no chariot so elevated, as is the cross on which Christ has subdued death and the Devil. His whole life was nothing but a kind of perpetual cross. The cross of Christ always contains in itself the victory. But like the disciples at Golgotha, we flee the cross�both Christ's and our own. We imagine that somehow we deserve prosperity. But prosperity often inebriates people, so that they take delight in their own vanities. Instead of leading to gratitude, God's indulgent liberality is abused; prosperity easily becomes its own kind of prison that deprives us of God's greatest gifts.
God's sovereign rule cannot be separated from his saving purpose. The providence of God watches for our salvation, even when it most seems to sleep. Just as we find God in the "low places" of this world�a dirty feeding trough in Bethlehem, weary on the road to Jerusalem, and crying out in dereliction on the cross�we trust that he is most present in our lives precisely where he seems most hidden. It makes a tremendous difference in our lives when we trust that the same God who wounds also heals.
Following our Savior, we endure the cross in this life in order to reign with Christ in glory. God does not call his people to triumph before he has exercised them in the warfare of suffering.
Our salvation and reconciliation to God in Christ is more important than any present happiness. It is far better for the children of God to be blessed, though mutilated and half-destroyed, than to desire that peace in which they shall fall asleep. Our ultimate security and prosperity is found only in Christ and will be fully realized only in glory.
It just came to my mind, there are many on this forum who speak out against prosperity, but God doesn't speak out against anyone prospering, and He is the one who exhalt one and tear down another. He propsers His children when we delight in His word, it is a promise He has given to us, as He told Peter, anone who forsakes houses, land, wife, husband, childrn parents or whatever for His name sakes, He will restore it all back here on this earth and the person will receive eternal rewards.
Many do not even know the proper biblical meaning of prosperity, and think it mean getting rich, and it shas nothing to do with getting rich or being rich. As Third John say, I wish above all things that you propser, be in good health, and your soul also proserous. The total person is being spoke about here in this passage...
But how many on this forum wish and pray that God would help them find a better paying job, making more money to meet their financial obligation?... well, that's called wishing and praying for a blessing of prosperity.
I wonder how many on this forum pray and wish, if you do not have quality living conditions already... how many of you pray and wish God woiuld bless you to have enough money to live in better living conditions than what you now live in?... well, that's called wishing and praying for a blessings of prosperity!
How many on this forum pray and wish God would bless you with a better car, and money to keep up with the insurance each month or yearly, or money to get you present car repaired?... well, that's called wishing and praying for a blessing of prosperity!
How many on this forum who pray and wish you could have enough money to help pay for your kids or your own college education without taking out loans or browwing from others, or wish you COULD go back to college or even go to college but you cannot afford it??... well, that's called praying and wishing for a blessing of prosperity!
How many on this forum wish and pray that God would bless you with enough money so you will not have to worry about how the lights, gas , water, rent, or mortage bills will be paid each month?...well, that's called praying and wishing for a blessing of prosperity.
And he wish and prayer list goes on and on... and if anybody dare say they don't pray and wish for these things you are acontrolled by a lying spirit!
There are many of you who say you have spiritual prosperity in knowing Jesus Christ, and this is marvelous in His sight... but I'm sure God would ask you this question... if you say you have spiritual prosperity, then what are you doing with it for MY glory? How ME your works and I'll show you my blessings and rewards...
Therefore, one can assume the reason why many DO NOT have financial prosperity on their jobs or in their bank accounts,or homes is because God knows if you're not doing anything with what little you already have, you would do nothing if He decided to blessed you with more
God knows that you would not freely give to help others, because you are not freely giving of your SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY you say you have, to help others even now. He knows You would not freely give of your financial blessing, if he decided to bless you and prosper you to make more money on your job, or give you a better job to make more money, because many of you are not freely giving nor are you diligent on the job you have now, nor do you freely give of the little money you do have to the Lord, or to help others.
I also wonder if David the author of this article is prosperous? Where and what kind of home does he live in? How much does he have in his bank account? How much doe he give to others and his church and community projects for the poor and needy?
Wonder, Does he worry about robbing Peter to pay Paul when it comes to making a choice whether to pay the lights or the gas or water , or car insurance, or phone bill, or buy food for a few days and go without until he can find someone to loan him a couple of dollar? until pai day? I seriously doubt David is doing without anythings that he has need of when it comes to taking care of his immediate need s and prospering as a writer and whatever else he is engaged in. He makes his bill each month.... but do you???...
Prosperity isn't about getting rich, it is about God's promises He has made to His children when we delight in His word, and do what we can with what we've got. Its about knowing that God is able to do abundantly above all the youc an ask or think to meet your needs as He has promised.
God says when we dedicate our work to Him He will prosper us, and when we delight in His word he will prosper us. When we seek His kingdom, ALL THESE THINGS... all what thing?... All the things we have need of and desire He will bless us with... and this has not one thing to do with seeking to be rich... but to be prosperous in whatever we do and in our daily living... David said, I am not old, and I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed(children) begging for bread... why is this?
Some people are like the servant who was given talents, and instead of making a profit off of what he was given, he hid the money, and what he did have was taken from him. God was not please with this, because the servant was afraid to do as the other and prosper.Matthew chapter 25... for everyone who has more shall be given, and he shall have abundance, but from the person who has nothing what he does have shall be taken from him, says the Lord. ... why is this?...because he did not make good use of what he did have wisely.
The greatest picture of prosperity is in Genesis to me The father created it all then gave it over to Adam and Eve and he blessed them saying be fruitful and multiply.
You will also see the enemy to prosperity in the Garden he knew what man had and he wanted it all.
In the New Covenant it was all redeemed back and it belongs to man in Christ Jesus.
There is nothing more Satanic and evil than the Satanic New Age Prosperity Gospel as taught by Joel Osteen, ET and PJ who teach us to love the world and the things in the world.
2 Corinthians 4:18: � We fix our eyes:rolleyes: not on what is seen, but on what is *UNSEEN*. For what is seen is temporary, but what is *UNSEEN is eternal.
James 4:3: �When you ask you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures:devil:!"
I John 5:14: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything **ACCORDING TO HIS WILL**, He hears us!�
I John 2:15: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world:devil: the love of the Father is not in him."
Matthew 4:8,9: The Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he:devil: said," if you will bow down and worship me. Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only!"
Osteen teaches us to love the world and the things in the world and the god of this world ..Satan
In the old covenant God's commandments were only preached to Jews but in the New Covenant Jesus commands us to preach to every nation in the world teaching them to obey *EVERYTHING* He commanded and everything would also include all of the approximately 400 NT commandments also taught in Acts to Revelation {See 2 Timothy 3-16 to 4:2.}
Jesus also eliminated the earthly rewards for faithful service and commanded us to sell our possessions and give to the poor and get *TREASURES IN HEAVEN* and **THEN** come follow Him.
Luke 12:33,34: Jesus says, �Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted....For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.�
Matthew 20:20-24: �All these {Commandments} I have kept, the young man said. �What do I still lack?� Jesus answered, �If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. **THEN** come, follow Me.� When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus says, �It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.�
Luke 6:20: Jesus says �Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.�:applause:
Matthew 19:27-30: Peter said to Jesus, �We have left **EVERYTHING** to follow you! What then will there be for us?� Jesus says, �I tell you the Truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me {Including Paul}will also sit on 12 thrones...And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first {like Osteen & his followers} will be last, and many who are last {In this life}will be first.� And there will be plenty of room for 100 houses and 100 fields in the New Jerusalem since it will be over 1377 miles long and wide and high.
I John 2:3-5: �We know that we have come to know Him if we *OBEY HIS COMMANDS*. The man who says, �I know him,� but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His Word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him.�
2 Corinthians 6:4-10: As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses, in beatings, imprisonments; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love, in truthful speech and in the power of God; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; dying, and yet we live on; beaten and yet not killed; *POOR*, yet making many rich; *HAVING NOTHING*; and yet possessing everything.�
I Timothy 6:5-10: There are men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain....If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.�
I Timothy 2:9,10: �I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.�
The early saints followed these commands of Jesus and the NT Covenant:
Acts 2:44,45: "*ALL* the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:32: "*ALL* the believers were one in heart and mind. No one :rolleyes:claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.":angel:
Revelation 22:12: Jesus says, "Behold, I am coming soon! My *REWARD* is *WITH ME*, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!" {When He comes, not now}
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: "So we make it our goal to please Him..For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him {Not NOW} for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad!"
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, For the Son of Man is going to come in His **FATHER'S GLORY WITH HIS ANGELS**{See Matt 24:30-31;25:31-40}, and **THEN** {Not with earthly rewards now} He will *REWARD* each person according to what he has done.":applause::angel::peace:
I Peter 1:13: �Therefore, prepare your minds for *ACTION*, and set your hope *FULLY* on the {UNSEEN}grace to be given *YOU* when Jesus Christ is *REVEALED*.:applause::angel::peace:
Certainly we agree that Joel Osteen has the gift of EXHORTATION and that he EXHORTS his Satanic followers to follow all the commands and principles of Satan which are the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. Osteen's :devil:Satanic prosperity Gospel is only popular in rich countries like the USA where about 80% of the poor have TV's, cell phones cars, welfare checks and food stamps.
PJ: You and ET would make great missionaries to the 2 Billion very poor people in the world who make less than a dollar a day who would probably eat you for lunch.:eat::eat::buddies:
There were these 2 very poor Cannibals eating dinner and one cannibal said, "You know I really do hate ET:devil: and PJ:devil: who teach that ridiculous Prosperity Gospel!!" ........So the other cannibal said...."Well then... Just **EAT THE NOODLES!!"**:eat::eat::buddies::dancingp::dancingp::yay:
Jesus loves you Richard, it is obvious in that blasphemy him is forgivable. So I join with him in asking forgiveness for you in your actions against him and his children.
