Prosperity gospel
Benny Hinn and Joyce Meyer... two proponents of the "prosperity gospel."
I believe that Christians should be wise and shrewd with their money. I don't believe it is wrong to make money honestly, provided that money never becomes an object of worship or the driving force in your life. Likewise, I also believe that in many instances, God, who knows our hearts and our temptations, chooses not to supply us with an abundance of money because it may ultimately lead us away from Him.
Money is like fire. It has many practical uses and can be used to do very good things. It can also be a destructive force if it isn't treated with great caution and care.
We live in a day where there are many so-called "pastors" who love to teach that God wants all men to be financially wealthy. And to become financially wealthy, they suggest that you and I send financial support to their "ministries," (as if that should be our driving motive for giving).
I was very happy to read the following news piece on Yahoo just a few hours ago. I'm thankful that some of the best known preachers of the "prosperity gospel" are being looked at a little closer. This is a very healthy thing and I hope it catches on.
'Gospel of wealth' facing scrutiny
posted by Pastor John @ 1:11 AM
4 Comments:
Ah, yes I am very pleased to see that bit of information in the news recently as well. Sometimes it makes me not so pleasent when I see Benny Hinn on television hitting people with his coat, dancing across the stage pointing at people as they fall down in response.
I hope this sheds light to the world that Christianity is not about those things, the message is not messed up, some of the people who claim to deliver that message are messed up.
Well, now we have a pastor taking pot shots and casting shame on other peoples ministry. I don't know if Benny or Joyce is right or wrong, but I think attacking them publically is not. It has to be God to be the judge, and in His hands, not ours. We are to be united as one church to reach the lost, not tearing one another down. You are a pastor, you set a standard for many.
Hello Christine,
If Benny & Joyce have been above board, they have nothing to worry about. I simply stated that I'm glad they are receiving a closer look.
Beyond that, even an elementary understanding of the Bible and theology could cause one to question the strange teachings these individuals advocate.
And for the record, this isn't the first time their financial activity has aroused suspicion. Many Christian ministries go above and beyond to make certain that their financial dealings are transparent to the public. They do this so others won't have reason to question their integrity. Maybe Benny & Joyce could take a lesson from others when it comes to ministry finances.
Pastor John,
I said, before, I don't know if they are wrong or right, I have to say, I get angry when Christains and especially Pastors, as you set the standard for many, take punches at the church, even if it is Benny or Joyce or whoever. I don't think it right. I think it only hurts the cause. What good does it accomplish, to point your finger at them and say things like you did? When they get a black eye, unfortunately, many see it as the CHURCH getting a black eye. We should not point fingers, as three are always pointing back. By the way, interesting picture you have in your blog. Christine
Post a Comment
<< Home