2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
In what is just the latest excess in the “name it and claim it” Prosperity Gospel movement, Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church, the biggest church in America (with approximately 40,000 people per service), held an event with a ticket site charging rock concert prices for his “Night of Hope” sermon in Key Arena in Seattle Washington (B&E – As the link to the January 2012 event is now down, the article has been edited to remove the pricing information). While church services regularly have offerings where members can volunteer to make a donation to support a ministry, there is no Biblical support for cover charges just to hear a church service or increasing pricing to ridiculous levels for “preferred seating.” How fortunate we are that Jesus Christ The Lord never charged any of his followers money to hear Him speak or had “preferred seating” for a select few who were rich and could really pay for a good seat to hear Him preach. And when Jesus sent out His disciples on their own to go to different towns to preach the Gospel He told them: “..freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
And what is Osteen actually preaching once you pay a cover charge for entering church? A false message. As he says in his book, ‘Live Your Best Life Now’: “It’s God’s will for you to live in prosperity instead of poverty. It’s God’s will for you to pay your bills and not be in debt. It’s God’s will for you to live in health and not in sickness all the days of your life.” This sums up Joel Osteen’s prosperity gospel message, also known as the Word of Faith Movement, which is based on the false idea that a Christian can use their faith to obtain material gain and wealth. Other nuances include “speaking wealth into being” by pronouncing the riches before they arrive. At the heart of it, it is commanding God to provide a material blessing as if it is the individual who has power over the universe, fate and even God.
The Bible says otherwise. Jesus Christ said: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 F or where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. As Christians, our focus should not be on gaining material wealth. Christians can work, make incomes and enjoy material success, if it is God’s will for us. But it is certainly not our goal or purpose on this Earth. In becoming a Christian, believers are to surrender their sinful desires and worldly lusts to let the desires of Jesus and His righteousness fill us up. It is about living for God’s will, not our own. And Jesus’ will is not focused on our being wealthy and prosperous. He explained this in a parable He spoke:
13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness [desiring material gain]: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. — Luke 12
In this parable, notice Jesus begins in verse 15 by stating “beware of covetousness.” Constant concern for material gain is not good, in fact it is a violation of the 10th Commandment which instructs us not to desire the things others possess. And in the parable Jesus speaks of a man who was rich and successful to the point that he could not even store everything he had. Now this was not the sin. Success in and of itself, when lawfully gained, is not a bad thing in the Bible. It was what followed afterwards that was at issue. He stated to his soul, that he was now set for years to come, so he could relax, “eat, drink and be merry.”
The wealthy man’s misplaced confidence in his wealth made the man so blind that he assumed he knew how long his life would be. He gave no credit to God for the crops growing so well and then showed he had no fear of God by his boastful attitude and ideas that he knew his own lifespan. This is what Jesus means by being “rich towards God.” What God wants is not our order and commands to Him. He wants our love, worship, respect and thanks. God is the one gives us life. Who blesses us. And the only one who can provide eternal life. The prosperity Gospel goes against this by making worldly prosperity guaranteed and just a matter of increasing faith to receive it.
This “me-centered” false theology has exploded in church across the world and led to great material gain for the pastors. Notice the passage at the opening of the article states: “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you..” The Prosperity Gospel preachers use human desire for wealth, health and success as their means to make millions upon millions of dollars. All the while they distort the Bible and even go so far as to deny Jesus Christ.
Here is Pastor Osteen on Larry King Live:
These are tell-tale signs of a false teacher. Not only did Osteen deny Jesus, a caller had to quote Scripture to Him to remind Him that Jesus unequivocally stated “..no man cometh unto the Father [God] but by me.” The Lord Jesus left no wiggle room. A basic concept of Christianity is Jesus Christ being the exclusive way to Heaven. Jesus went on to say: “…but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” So for Pastor Osteen to say “it’s not for me to judge” in the case of someone who clearly does not believe in Jesus he was denying “the Lord that brought them.” Osteen, supposedly, the ‘Number 1 pastor in America’ says “it’s not my business..” in reference to the eternal destiny of others. And he even indicates that people he has met in India who are not Christians are going to Heaven as well. This is a blatant denial of the Gospel, Jesus Christ and the Bible.
Again, we stress that it is not wrong for Christians or pastors to make an income. Joel Osteen has written many books and rightfully deserves the income from the millions of copies that he has sold. But it is the doctrine that is being preached that is at issue as it turns the focus from eternal life to the present life and emphasizes personal desire of following the desires of God. Jesus said: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
The essence of being a follower of Jesus is the willingness to forego the sinful pleasures of today or their own personal agenda for the greater glory of eternal life and membership in God’s Kingdom. What if it is God’s will that a well-to-do young woman, give up a great future in college, a successful career and lifestyle to go live in one of the poorest, war-torn regions of Africa and start a ministry? That is precisely what happened to once Christian woman. What if it is God’s will that a star professional football player, set to make millions in the prime of his career, retire early to start spreading the Gospel as a pastor? Or that a faithful Christian never makes any money? Would you still be interested in following Jesus? What would Joel Osteen say about this? A “me-centered” form of Christianity would say to always stick to whatever personal goals you have made and God will just give you what you want. But the bible says otherwise. Jesus has the answer already: “25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
In the end, material gain is meaningless. There is nothing we have in our short time on the Earth in this life that we can take with us to the grave. What ultimately matters is the fate of our soul. And having eternal life. And the willingness to forego what we think our “destiny” and “prosperity” should be if it conflicts with our love, faith and God’s plan for our lives.
In his best-selling book “Live Your Best Life Now”, Osteen writes: “If you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace, and happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you” (p. 5). Jesus never preached any guarantee of worldly riches. He and His disciples were not wealthy and lived mostly off of the hospitality of others. Jesus Himself said that He did not even have a place to rest His head. What Jesus did encourage instead of focusing on a financial “breakthrough” or “harvest” or “victory” was instead not worrying at all: 22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
God knows our material needs and will provide accordingly. Jesus preached that we should not even worry about these daily cares when we have our faith and trust in The Lord.
Destined for Victory…or A Promise of Suffering?
“You were born to win; you were born for greatness, you were created to be a champion in life” – Joel Osteen (p. 35).
Osteen repeatedly teaches that every human being has inborn “destiny” for immense wealth and success, given by God. Again, Osteen’s focus is always on the present world – the exact opposite of the message of Christ. What Osteen and other prosperity Gospel preachers miss out on is the fact that not only does the Bible guarantee suffering, that trials and tribulations actually help the relationship between a Christian and God. Let’s look at the example of the Apostle Paul.
As a Pharisee, living in 1st century Judea, the Apostle Paul (then known as Saul), was a well-respected leader in his community. A Roman Citizen, he enjoyed many benefits and a position of privilege among his Jewish brethren. He was living a good material life. In his zeal as an enemy of Christians, Paul persecuted the church, tracking down Christians and having them arrested and sometimes sentenced to death for their faith. But God had other plans for Him. Jesus Christ was preparing to speak to Paul directly to witness to Him that He was real and alive and give Paul a new mission: to become a Christian and spread the Gospel. In order to help Paul get started, Jesus called upon one of the early apostles to go meet Paul on his way to Damascus (where he would be converted to Christianity). Here is what Jesus said when He gave Ananias:
10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight…. Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. (Acts 9)
Now here was a divine assignment. Jesus Christ, from Heaven, handpicked Paul to serve Him as one of His greatest apostles. And how did Jesus describe Paul’s destiny? Did he promise Paul a “victory”? No, he said He was going to show Paul from the onset the great things that he would suffer in the name of Jesus. There was no guarantee of Earthly riches and achieving his big dreams. The Christian life is about surrendering the self to let Christ rule us. And in those sufferings and challenges, we grow closer to God because we call upon Him. It helps to test and strengthen our faith by which we become better children to The Lord.
Paul received divine revelation, performed supernatural miracles and spoke to Jesus directly during his ministry (things that Prosperity Preachers claim to do on a weekly basis). But rather than boast of these things, Paul sought to remain humble. And in order to keep him humble, Paul was experiencing a demonic pain he described as a “thorn in the flesh”:
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12)
Here Paul asked Jesus to remove the thorn and Jesus refused saying “my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God can display His power and strength not when we are boastful and giving out commands and making our own plans, but when we are weak, meek and humble. This is when Jesus Christ can work with us and “the power of Christ” can rest on us. Contrast this with Osteen: “It’s going to happen… Suddenly, your situation will change for the better…He will bring your dreams to pass” (pp. 196-198) ” Receiving blessings or “breakthroughs” in life is not about any special power within us, it’s about recognizing the power of the God of the universe. This is why Paul said he took “pleasure” in the infirmities and pains he endured for Jesus’ sake. Because when he was weak and crying out to God, he became strong through Jesus lifting him back up.
Comparing the perception of the Christian life as told by Osteen with the testimony of the Apostle Paul reveals two completely different worldviews:
Osteen: “You will often receive preferential treatment simply because your Father is the King of kings, and His glory and honor spill over onto you” (p. 40)
Apostle Paul: Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (2 Corinthians 11:25)
Osteen: “God wants us to have healthy, positive self-images, to see ourselves as priceless treasures. He wants us to feel good about ourselves… God sees you as a champion… He regards you as a strong, courageous, successful, overcoming person” (p. 57-58).
Apostle Paul: “..not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)
Time and time again, Osteen’s message, while very positive and uplifting to the human ego, is going against what the Bible instructs for Godly living. But Osteen is able to craft a message that appeals to millions because he is focused on the individual and their “success” and not The Lord and His Glory. And with no mention of sin or damnation, his preaching is even more inviting and friendly. This is dangerous teaching because it not only leads people away from repentance and truly living for God, it can also enter the world of the occult.
The Steps to “Success”
1 Timothy 4: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
Osteen then goes down another dangerous spiritual road by what he declares are his ‘steps to success’:
1. Mental Visualization: “The first step to living at your full potential is to enlarge your vision. To live your best life now, you must start looking at life through eyes of faith, seeing yourself rising to new levels. See your business taking off. See your marriage restored. See your family prospering. See your dreams coming to pass. You must conceive it and believe it is possible if you ever hope to experience it” (p. 4)
“You will produce what you’re continually seeing in your mind… If you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace, and happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you… Start anticipating promotions and supernatural increase. You must conceive it in your heart and mind before you can receive it… You must make room for increase in your own thinking, and then God will bring those things to pass” (pp. 5-6).
Nowhere is anything of the sort said in the Bible. What Osteen is promoting is known in the New Age as the “Law of Attraction” which is visualizing situations or desires in your mind to “make” them happen in the future. Compare Osteen’s words above and now see instructions from the a site that teaches New Age mysticism, witchcraft and wicca:
“Spiritually speaking, you can create anything you wish in your life. And the key to doing this is to first see it in your mind. Creating images in your mind can help facilitate their creation in the physical realm also. But it doesn’t happen instantly (usually)… When you are ready, I want you to visualize your “perfect” life. If you could create anything right now, what would you create? What kind of life would you be living? What would your home look like? What people and/or animals would share your life? What would you be doing for work? Would it fulfill you spiritually and emotionally? Would you be rich, or just comfortable? What would you look like physically? Would you be married, and to whom?”
2. Using Faith to “Unlock God”
Osteen: “God works by faith. You must believe first, and then you’ll receive” (p. 33). “We receive what we believe. Unfortunately, this principle works as strongly in the negative as it does in the positive” (p. 72). “Understand this: God will help you, but you cast the deciding vote… [we must] get into agreement with God” (p. 74). “It’s our faith that activates the power of God” (p. 306).
Witchcraft: “Now for the hard part. Why do you think you haven’t created this life for yourself yet? Lack of opportunity, lack of money, lack of motivation? Or is it something deeper?… Do you believe that you deserve this life you have imagined? Really? Do you believe that the Universe wants to bless you with the things you desire? It’s easy to utter, “sure I do”, but I want you to really examine this question before answering. Many of us really don’t believe that we are worthy of such blessings. Many of us are carrying guilt from years past, or a deep-seated feeling that we are not worthy of anything good. We can work our tails off, but it will never be “good enough”. If this describes you, it is very important to work on changing this belief.”
Not only is Osteen copying from New Age/witchcraft, he is also encouraging his followers to usurp God and form their own destiny. As he states “you cast the deciding vote” and that our faith “activates the power of God” so once again, God is at our beckoning, and cannot act until we choose to “activate him.” Meanwhile the Bible says that God: ” maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” God will bring blessings and permit hardships to come into the lives of both good and bad people. He is not subject to commands from humans.
The Book of Job: Refuting the Prosperity Gospel
We are not guaranteed any prosperity on this Earth and there is no “trick” to making sure you are blessed materially. The book of Job is the ultimate test of what the Bible states about the idea of material wealth, faith and whether or not we can “make” God bless us. The book gives the account of Job, a man of God, who had great material wealth and suffered loss. Notice how the Bible describes Job’s faithfulness to God:
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1).
God was so pleased with Job, He declared him the most faithful, God-fearing man on the planet! Clearly this is a man who should have been able to unlock all of the blessings from Heaven on command. By Joel Osteen’s standards, Job should be able to visualize every great thing life has to offer, and receive it all in constant abundance. Yet in the account, Job, who had great wealth, land and prosperity, lost it all. Satan was able to not only destroy Job’s wealth, but kill his children and give Job a horrible sickness. In fact, Satan was permitted to do this because Satan believed that Job only had faith in God because of the material wealth he was blessed with and that if he lost it, Job would then lose all faith in God. The entire spiritual contest in this book is showing the Prosperity Gospel faith, which is based on obtaining earthly things (which Satan was advocating), verses Godly, Biblical faith, that is based on the belief that God has saved your soul eternally and that is what really matters. And it’s clear that by God’s standards, our material wealth is not a measure of our faith in God. Our eternal life and eternal riches are. ‘Success’ in the Bible is going to Heaven when you die, not having a mansion on Earth today.
Job was a believer who happened to be wealthy. And when he lost his Earthly riches, his response is very telling: “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1)
Job’s response strikes at the foundation of any materially based message: “The Lord giveth and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Contrast this with Osteen who says that we must also ‘speak to our problems’: “Whatever your mountain is, you must do more than think about it, more than pray about it; you must speak to that obstacle… Start calling yourself healed, happy, whole, blessed, and prosperous. Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are, and start talking to your mountains about how big your God is” (p. 124). Job did not speak to his “problems” when he suffered, he worshiped God Almighty. And when he prayed to God, he did not command more blessings to fall on him. He merely praised the Lord’s Holy Name. Job did not know what plan God had for His life. So he submitted to circumstances knowing that God was going to see him through them. Thus he was humble before God, not acting as if his faith could “unlock” or “unleash” God. The notion that The Lord must respond to our requests for physical blessing and cannot act without our “vote” is complete heresy and an insult. Osteen’s message is not lining up with the Bible.
Additionally, nowhere is Jesus Christ or being saved from sin even being mentioned in Osteen’s message. And this is the running theme in the Prosperity Gospel. It takes faith, which the Bible teaches is needed to save our souls and using it to obtain the world’s goods and make ourselves prosperous and wealthy. Again, it is distorting Jesus Christ’s message and luring people in by covetousness. This is precisely what the Bible prophesied would happen in the years leading up to the end times. As the Apostasy, or falling away from the faith started, churchgoers would abandon Biblical Christianity for a false message that is more geared to their desires and is pleasing for them to listen to: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Prosperity Gospel Preachers become popular by appealing to lusts. Instead of preaching about the real issue facing humanity: sin and God’s plan to forgive us through Jesus Christ, they focus on the individual and their desires, goals and dreams. And people have been caught up as can be seen from Osteen’s massive success. He has made millions upon millions from his book deals, TV shows and of course, speaking appearances. And his millions of fans are so content that they see no issue with a Pastor charing as much as $147 per seat at a church service! Notice the accuracy of the Bible when it prophesied that false prophets like Osteen will: ” with feigned words make merchandise of you.”
Myles Munroe: $199 Pay-Per-View
Pastor Munroe recently charged $199 just to watch a pay-per-view showing of his church conference on the internet! Myles Munroe is a very sophisticated Prosperity Gospel Preacher. Rather than just stirring up the congregation to “sew a seed” of money and await their blessing, he has built an entire false doctrine centered on the Kingdom of God. Munroe’s doctrine (as will be seen in the video below) is the following:
1. God created the Earth for humanity to rule it.
2. Through sin in the Garden of Eden, the ‘ownership of the Kingdom’ on Earth was forfeited.
3. By seeking God and putting faith in God and Biblical living, we can re-enter the Kingdom and reclaim our Royal position.
4. Once we have re-entered the Kingdom, all material blessings are available to us because we now have full dominion over the Earth and everything in it. So whatever we want or need in life, we can will it to happen or be received.
As will be seen in the video below, not only is Munroe preaching unbiblical heresy, he is also preaching from an Antichrist spirit. From the onset, he denies Jesus Christ any glory by saying Jesus was merely a messenger to let us know about the Kingdom of God and the power we have to reclaim the Earth and all of its goods.
Munroe says: “the main reason for Jesus to come to the Earth was not to go to the cross.” The Bible taught otherwise:
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Hebrews 9:26: “He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
Mark 8:31: “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again”
Munroe then says: “Jesus came not because of the cross primarily but to share the message that we can “re-enter the Kingdom” (speaking of Earthly Kingdom, royalty and wealth).”
The Bible says the ultimate purpose of God’s love and plan for us is that: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. – John 3:17.
Jesus came into this world to provide eternal life, not to usher in a Kingdom on Earth for Christians to have “dominion” over today. Jesus died because that was the only way to satisfy the wrath of God against the sins of every human being who has ever lived. Jesus took on the punishment we were supposed to so that we could have a chance to live in Heaven and not go to Hell.
Munroe on the Kingdom
Munroe: “Jesus said ‘It is my Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom’…Jesus sent out His disciples two by two to preach the ‘Kingdom of Heaven has come unto you.'”
Like many false teachers, Munroe has to use Scriptures out of context. Here is the context of the first verse he quotes: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:32-34)
The clear point of Jesus’ words here is that the “Kingdom” is spiritual and Heavenly, not one on Earth. The passages states that we should value “treasure in heavens that faileth not” which cannot be corrupted. The focus of Christ’s message, in context, was on eternal life, not the short, present life. And our hearts follow what we treasure. Munroe completely takes this verse out of context to make it say the exact opposite of what Jesus meant.
Regarding Jesus sending out disciples to ‘preach the Kingdom’, Munroe says: “After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” (Luke 10)
So going by Bible Scripture, what does the phrase: “Kingdom of God” mean? It is salvation in Jesus Christ. The belief in Jesus Christ as your Savior, who died for your sins, and was raised three days later in glory, conquering death and the grave is the “Kingdom of God.” For this time being, for those who are on Earth and believe, Jesus reigns in our hearts and fills us with the Holy Spirit. We know this from Jesus’ own words: “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
Jesus’ point was that the Kingdom of God at present, arrives when someone puts their faith in Him. And that belief happens in the heart, hence it coming without “observation.” You cannot see the moment someone becomes a believer. It is a decision in the heart. Jesus further confirms this by saying the kingdom of God is “within you.” The world today in this fallen, sinful age is not Jesus’ Kingdom. He made this clear as well: “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36)
Jesus set up a Kingdom in the hearts of believers in His first coming. At His Second Coming, He will come to physically establish His Kingdom on Earth. That is when the saints will rule and reign and have “dominion.” Not in this present world. In fact, Jesus identifies who rules this present age and world we live in: ” Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” (John 12:31)
By his extensive quoting of scripture, Munroe very cleverly changes the gospel message by relegating Jesus and elevating the “Kingdom” which of course, allows us to have control, luxury, wealth and all the good things to satisfy our lusts. At 5:30 in the video, Munroe goes into complete blasphemy by saying that preaching about “calvary” or “the blood of Jesus”, the baptism of the Holy Spirit or “the Resurrection” was a strategy of Satan! This is an incredibly blasphemous statement. Once again, the Bible says the exact opposite: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 17 17-18)
This verse is explaining that the main purpose of a follower of Christ is to preach the gospel. And the Gospel is about Jesus saving humanity from our sins, not about taking dominion of the Earth today. The Apsotle Paul affirms this by saying that when we try to add our “wisdom of words” to the Gospel message, we make the cross Jesus died on have “none effect.” This is exactly what Munroe is doing. He is trying to preach a new revelation about the Kingdom, that he says most people have not even known about. And his Gospel of the Kingdom has nothing to do with the blood of Christ, which was shed as a payment to have the sins of humanity forgiven. He calls that type of preaching a plan of the devil. This again, is pure blasphemy and falsehood. (And we see more blasphemy and disrespect when Munroe mocks Jesus for calling Himself “the door”).
In the book of John, Jesus again explain what his exact purpose for coming to Earth was:
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:38-40).
The entire mission of Jesus was to give His life and resurrect so He could provide eternal life to those who believe and trust in Him. We never see Jesus telling his followers to take over or command an Earthly Kingdom. As we have demonstrated above, Jesus did not consider the world he lived in His Kingdom. What was most important was that Jesus save the souls of men, not their bodies. He did not come to ensure everyone dominate the finances of the world.
Like Osteen, Munroe is charging believers outrageous prices to watch him share his false Gospel. The Prosperity Gospel has become a global sensation in the church and it is rooted on all of the exact things that Jesus preached against. Christians are to base their truth on the Word of God, which is the Bible and not the ideas and feelings generated by these Pastors who seduce their flock with promises of wealth and success.
When Jesus presented Himself to Israel as their Messiah by entering Jerusalem on a donkey (in accordance with the Old Testament prophecies of how the Messiah would enter the Holy City in the precise year and day that the Messiah was prophesied to arrive), he immediately went to the Holy Temple. With much of the religious leadership of the day preaching man-made doctrine instead of the Bible, the religious practice had moved from Godliness. As a result, the outer parts of the temple were being used to buy and sell goods. The use of the temple as a money-making venue was the one of the few times Jesus is ever recorded displaying righteous indignation: “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
By using God’s House for money, they had perverted the purpose of it. And just as Jesus prophesied, in churches today that continue to see Pastors and their staff literally make millions off of their congregations while teaching heresy. Pray for these pastors to repent and for the truth of the Bible to shine in the hearts and minds of those who so willingly follow and support these corrupt ministries. The church is suffering today because Satan knows he cannot defeat it. Thus he has to infiltrate it with false prophets and false teaching to mislead churchgoers from focusing on God’s message and putting their minds and hearts on their own desires and way they want to live their lives.
Is It Ever Okay to Pray for Just Material, Earthly Success?
As Christians, we can pray for a new job, a raise, for a home, cars, money to support our families and material gain. There is no sin in that. In fact, the book of Job ends with Job being blessed by God with much more wealth than he originally had lost. As Jesus taught, God knows that we have physical needs that have to be met every day and will provide for us according to His Will. But we do not always know what God’s Will for our lives is. It may be God’s will to make you a multi-millionaire. Or maybe God knows with more money, you will forget about your commitment, faith and humility altogether. Our desires should not overtake our relationship with God, who knows what is best for us and will bless us according to His perfect plan for our lives that He may be glorified. We must acknowledge that He is King of the universe and we are beneath Him as His children. And this is the great danger of preachers like Osteen and Munroe. By putting so much emphasis on the cares of the world today they not only distort the message of the Bible they ultimately deny Jesus Christ Himself.
We do not “unlock” or “unleash” God. And any blessings we receive today come with the understanding that they can be literally gone tomorrow if God so sees fit. This kind of faith, in God’s eternal blessings and riches, is what helped Job stay so faithful during the worst times of his life when he lost everything. It is what kept him from cursing God even when his wife was finally fed up with the whole situation and encouraged him to. The blessed assurance Job relied on was that he had eternal life. Job’s faith was based on the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth..” (Job 19:25). Job had eternal prosperity which every Christian has and can never lose. And thus his life was guided by God’s perspective and not his own flawed, human outlook: And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 2) We do not know what life on Earth is going to bring. We do not know what abundance of blessings or trials may come. But letting Jesus Christ live in us, and believing upon His death on the cross and resurrection will 100% guarantee us eternal life of happiness, richness, joy and pleasures in the presence of the Savior:
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Beginning and End,
Great article! Munroe is definitely teaching Prosperity Gospel and It also seems like he’s teaching a type of Dominionism. Although Dominionism for the most part I think is more political in nature.
Thank you I agree this is all “political” rooted
Looks like preferredseat.com is trying to make extra money in this case.. The official website for the tickets directed from Joel Osteen website is TicketMaster.com where tickets are priced at $22.04 for all seating locations..
Hello franklin, Thank you for pointing that out. Though I agree with the Bible and B&E stance on doctrine, I think Joel Osteen is of God and the few clips of him are very minute pieces of his entire life’s ministry. He himself obviously preaches Jesus in his church and claims Jesus as Lord and the only way for himself. I think he was avoiding being roped into condemning someone’s soul at the behest of the talk show host; wrong spirit there anyone? Most of the article about Osteen is quotes from witches blogs that show similarity in the power of the spoken word. The devil is a copier. That is all he can do. The Bible does say that life and death are in the power of the tongue. I have not read every word Joel has printed and I will concede there may be a fine line between speaking faith from a heart full of the Holy Spirit according to the Bible promises and what is witchcraft. The two can look the same and only God is the judge of our hearts and we can judge the fruit. From my personal experiences with Joel Osteen’s ministry, I have had nothing but supernatural divine intervention and words from the Lord in miraculous timing and ways via the tv and internet on several occasions. God used his preaching to get me through chemo and radiation treatments. I had heard lots of negative preaching and have no problem with it. That wasn’t what I needed at that time. I was continually seeking the Lord for the root of my illness and hidden sin in my heart, but that didn’t give me strength to fight the daily pain and fatigue. The word preached by Joel on tv was supernaturally appropriate. He holds up the Bible. He mentions Jesus all the time. Perhaps he is trying to win souls for the kingdom by being all things to all men as the apostle Paul said. I would guess that in his book about declaring the promises he says the promises from the Bible and the scripture references. You know, I don’t mention the name of Jesus to my family all the time, but they are getting saved, anyway. I have clearly stood for Jesus over and over. They know my life is synonymous with believing in God of the Bible. I have heard attacks on Joel and I have listened with an open mind. All I can see for his particular case, myself, is that people are nit picking the way he is trying to reach the world. God has given him a ministry with emphasis on the positive. We have had a lot of mean spirited religious men in our country spouting the scriptures with hatred and anger. It is not for me to judge that Joel says God has given him a positive message. We need it. He has given other ministries negative messages and they are just as needed. Who are we to say they have to preach both styles? They are God’s servants and to Him they will stand or fall and He is able to make them stand. Where is the bad fruit from Joel’s ministry? Where is the sex scandal or the embezzling scandal? He didn’t ask for preferred seat prices; that was another entity. We must expose false preachers and wolves in sheep’s clothing, but we must also lift up our brothers and sisters in the Lord and use Biblical means to bring Godly correction in love. Why doesn’t someone, with the means to do so, investigate Marilyn Hickey? There seems to be a lot of witchcraft and murder surrounding the Denver area. How is her ministry influencing that region for good? What about Billy Graham? There are eye witness accounts of his using prostitutes and drugs; shunning spirit filled Christians at his meetings and embracing the catholic church while claiming to be charismatic. There is a man who may be saved, but how is he living and has he lost his salvation? These are serious important questions that should be investigated. Yes, there is a false prosperity gospel that leaves Jesus out of the whole speaking process and there are ministries with some mixture, but if all you have on Joel is that he didn’t say the name of Jesus on Oprah, you are gonna have to do better than that. The Holy Spirit used him mightily to minister to me on many random occasions. That is the fruit I see and the claims against him are flimsy.
Joel is of the devil. Wake up
Pink house,
Im sorry for your illness, and I’m glad Joel has helped you through some difficult times with his message of positivity, but don’t confuse that message with the message of the scriptures. “Be anxious for nothing but in all things let your requests known to God and his perfect peace will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.”
It doesn’t say you will have what you desire- maybe a miraculous healing- it says you will have Gods perfect peace. I know some people want more than that, but always remember- the things of this world are fleeting. Before you know it, this world system will be replaced with an eternal world system with Christ ruling and reigning. I guarantee you once you pass from this world system you will NEVER ever experience pain and suffering again. Today…..you might and you will. But ahhhhhh, tomorrow……
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
In Christ’s love,,
Brother TM
B&E, TM, who is not my brother, just threatened me. You allowing that? I break the power of those words in the name of Jesus.
B&E, TM, who is not my brother, threatened me. You allowing that? I break the power of those words in the name of Jesus.
Thank You beginningandend this wedsite is amazing! The most recognizable scripture concerning seeking God is Matt 6:25-34. Jesus teaches his disciples not to worry about the physical necessities of this life. Jesus say,but seek first the kingdom of God and his rightiousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Christian do not seek graitication of the flesh through esoteric religious practices and philosphies of men,we seek God and his rigtheousness. Therefore we are obedient to God through faith. Paul states the theme of Romans at the begining and end of the lettler is obedience to God through faith Rom 1:5,16.Those living by faith attain to rightiouseness Rom 9:30. Note that those who have faith in God Rom 5:1-2 enter into Christ through baptism Rom 6:3. Paul states, or do you know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death Rom 6:3. We have died to the law of sin and death to live according to the law of the spirit Rom 8:1-17. Therefore, we voluntarily make ourselves slaves of rightiousness no longer slaves of sin Rom 6:15-23.
Matthew 13 Is one of most Profound Chapters of Scripture that is not paid much attention to in these End Times. Yeshuah ha Mesiach introduced Parables for the 1st time, 7 in all, but only explains a few. In the 1st Parable He informs us that the Fowls of the Air are Satan’s agents who eat the seed that fell by the wayside. In the Parable of the Mustard seed its understanding is very much Hebraic. This is a smallest of all seeds and the plant /tree grows no more than 2 1/2 to 3 ft. But this tree not only fills the whole earth (like the 2nd Dream of Nebuchadnezzar – Dan 4;10), but it shows how the word of YHVH will fill the whole earth of course via different assemblies, but Satan’s agents will flock there to pervert Truth from the various pulpits.
This web site B & A has done an Excellent Job in highlighting many False (Fowls of the Air) as their god is Beelzebub the prince of the flies or air.
It is so important that we become Acts 17;11 believers just like the Bereans who searched the TORAH daily.
All who say Adonai, Adonai are not of Him as the Scriptures state. Don’t forget the last Assembly of Rev 3;20 is Laodicea, which translated means “The Choice of the People or peoples choice”. Sadly they were playing church, with the Adonai locked outside.
Blessings
Blessings to you my friend. Thank you for the information you provided. This was another well done article put together by you through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I praise the LORD Jesus Christ for His faithful saints. The church of Laodecia is alive and kicking. God said by their fruits we would know them. And boy are they bearing corrupt fruit. The day of the LORD is almost at hand. Major prophecies are about to be fulfilled. And it will start with the fall of Mystery Babylon. The day of sudden destruction! And those who trusted in lies will not escape. May the Lord keep guiding you into all truth my friend. Amen.
Great article! I thank God for removing me from the prosperity teaching/church and opening my eyes to the truth. After reading this article I had to give praise and thanks to God all over again. I grew up w/this teaching all my life before God opened my eyes. Continue w/great teaching as this and I pray others will also see the truth of Gods word.
After reading the first few paragraphs of this ridiculously long winded rant I began skimming thru the rest to come to this point. It seems to me that someone is a little on the jealous side because no one is wiling to pay up to $147 to hear them speak.. As with most decisions in life there are choices here I see that yes while there is (preferred seating) there is also cheaper and even cheaper options and the higher priced are “IF”you would like to pay that not that you must. Get off your soap box. I watch Joel Osteen and see no problem with him not using God in every other word, I love that he makes you feel that he is talking to you and not over you. The fact that he makes a sold out arena more personal than your what 75-100+ congregation is remarkable I would always choose someone who actually admits that his life isn’t perfect because of who he is as most of you do making it seem as you never sin our make a wrong decision and you are the first one who does wrong and then sit there and judge maybe you should actually take some lesions from Joel on to be positive and quit being jealous. So I’m assuming that these arena’s, stadium’s, etc aren’t allowing Lakewood, Joel and Victoria Osteen to use these places for free so how are they supposed to pay for that? Ticket sales perhaps?…what about attendants to help during this and security? I guess all that’s just given to them right? would you pay for all of your churches bills etc.out of your personal bank account? Thinking no you wouldn’t so stop judging him because he is a successful pastor millions of people would rather spend $147 to see him then come to a free sermon from you. I’ll keep you in my prayers asking that you be pulled out of this jealousy and love thy neighbor no matter who they are or how successful. God Bless…
Faithful to Him or him?
I’m not sure if you’re serious with this post, but first of all, the author of this website is not a pastor, so your argument that he is jealous is completely irrelevant. Second of all, if you read the article instead of skimming through it, you would find quotes BY JOEL OSTEEN himself that go against the Bible’s teachings and the gospel.
Here’s a verse from the Bible, the only words we should adhere to, that I believe you should consider:
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Accept Jesus christ as your lord and saviour. You never know how soon is too late. Trancend the world illusion on enslavement. The world denounces truth. Accepting Jesus will result in something like seeng a new colour. You will see it but will not beable to clealy explain it to anyone else. Its meant to be that way to transend any selfism within you. Currently your constructing your own path that suits your sin lifestyle. Look closely at the economy, Lust , greed , envy, sloth, pride of life, desire for knowledge, desire for power, desire for revencge,gluttony with food . Just think if you can find a truth you can take with you in any of these things. When you die your riches go to someone who will spend away your life. You will be forgotten history will repeat iteslf, the greates minds knowledge fates or is eventually plagerzed, your gooddeeds are forgotten. your teachings are forgotten or mutated, your gold is transfered back to the rullers that rule you through deception. Your grave will grow over . Trancend you ego and free yourself from the dominion of satan. Evidence follows faith. Faith does not follow evidence. Faith above reason in Jesus Christ. Read Ecclesiastes. Read corinthians.You cant trancend your own egoism by adapting a world philosophy to suit your needs. Seek the truth. Sell your cleverness and purchase bewilderment. You don’t get what you want you get what you are in christ. I promise this has been the truth for me. In Jesus christ .
Think of what you really have to lose. …your ego?
Down is up. Break the Matrix of illusion that holds your senses captive.
Please notify me of new posts by email
I shared the link for this article on FB but upon searching the NIGHT OF HOPE ticket sales, I did not see ANY tickets for over $15.00. Who researched this and can you give a link to the PROOF??? Now I feel i have mislead people about Joel Osteen.
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for your comment! I can assure you that for months, the link to the site where you could buy the tickets and see the seating chart for Key Arena was up in this article. However, just a few weeks ago I took it down because the link was no longer active (the event was held in January). So I apologize if it appears that the article never had any links or support to it. When it was first published it received heavy, heavy traffic and there was no question because any reader could just click the link see the prices and buy the tickets themselves if they so chose.
But such is the case with an article about an event that is in the past. I will definitely update and edit the article . I should have done a screen capture as I did for Myles Munore’s pay-per view so I will be sure to update the article to reflect your advisement. Thank you once again and I apologize for the confusion that was caused. God bless.
Thank you for responding to my question. God bless you.
If you want to pay to go to church, I want you to have that right. but i would never waste my money that way
This is the second article that I have read all the way through (the other was about the new movie Prometheus’ deceptive, false premises and implications.). I’ve got to say, whoever is behind these posts has their spiritual heresy/apostasy radar tuned properly.
Thank you for the very insightful article. Surely opened my eyes.
You’re very welcome. And Praise Jesus for the power of His Word.
God bless you abundantly.
I am saving this article, and I appreciate your posting it. Thank you!!!
You’re welcome. God bless.
I watched the Larry King joel Osteen video a few times just to make sure that I was clear and he wasnt sidestepping the question at all. He directly stated he believed and preached on the bible and having a relationship with Christ,but that it’s also God’s place to judge not ours. He actually said only God knows what is in others’ hearts but I believe in teaching the Bible and the relationship with Christ. It more seemed like Larry was trying to get him to alienate anothers religion… The whole thing seemed entrapping and redundant. If I say, “I believe in the Bible and it’s teachings”and you say” what about when it says this or this or this” well I already said I believed in the Bible so… Next question?
Hey A30,
You are right about Larry King. He was absolutely trying to get Joel to alienate other religions. Why? Because that is what Jesus Christ did:
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. – John 14:6.
With this statement Jesus stated that no other religion in the world can get a person to Heaven. This is why the caller read this verse to Joel Osteen. Because she wanted Joel to stand on the Word of God.
So just so I’m clear, are you saying that you think Osteen answer the question adequately? Thanks very much for your comments. God bless.
Yes I do. I think your verse is a correct quote and people should definitely hear Gods word but to offend countless people, I believe Jesus Christ himself wouldn’t think that would be a great start to the Christian journey in India and would do more damage than good. I do believe he stood on the Bible though. Thanks for your quick reply God bless
I’m sorry but all I see is a WHOLE bunch of haters. You don’t like Joel Osteen because He is successful. You Hate Myles Munroe because he is EFFECTIVE. Instead of worrying about people who are actually influencing nations and helping others come out of poverty why don’t you do something for Christ. The law of Attraction is actually nothing new. Guess why?? Because it is copying the Bible PERIOD.
The bible tells you:
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”,
“You are snared with the words of your mouth, you are taken with the words of your mouth”,
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”,
“Calleth those things that be not as though they are”
Is this new age stuff??? No this is Gods word. WHY because God spoke and it happened and we are made in God’s Image. We are Kings..
You blaZAY no hope having Christians are the ones who have to hate on these people because you refuse to use your faith. It takes action, your usage of your mental power daily meditating on the word of God and standing against Satan trying to take you down.. You have to want it. But you don’t!! God said ONLY FAITH Pleases HIM.
So THANK YOU for calling them the “WORD OF FAITH” movement because that is excatly what pleases God.
You who faith lackers will continue to ride on the coat tales of Great people because your doing nothing in your life but degrading them. Is this the call God has given us?? To run around degrading Gods people? WOW!! What a mission? Your gonna do better just doing what God has Called you to do. IF they are wrong..God will make them fall. God said let the Flowers and weeds grow together. But what makes you better?? NOTHING. Your no better you have just became a hypocrite by joining what your accusing them of doing.
Maybe if you would actually believe Gods word you might do good yourself.
Myles Munroe is An ambassador who is effectively converting the impoverished to leaders in 3rd world countries. He is in places you will prob. never see or visit. Yet here you are degrading someone doing such great work?? Your so sad it’s seriously obvious.
Greetings,
Thanks for your comment. I am not degrading anyone’s work, I am pointing out the heretical, unBiblial doctrines of both these men. You say the Law of Attraction is in the Bible: how is it working for the Christians in Eritrea who are locked in metal canisters that reach 135 degrees? Or the ones in North Korea who are in concentration camps being forced into slave labor for their faith? How is it helping Christians in Sudan who have had their entire homes burned down and their families slaughtered? See, this is where these false doctrines become exposed. Thinking that you can command any outcome you want with just your words, irrespective of God’s Will is not Christianity. It’s witchcraft. And these false doctrines are not teaching the true Biblical Gospel. They’re teaching false doctrine that leads to damnation.
As for Miles Munroe, if there is something in his sermon that was mischaracterized, please point it out. If you are a Christian and you have found a brother in fault, please use the scriptures to show me my error. I am always, always, always, open to Biblical correction. These are matters that are of the utmost importance. There are souls at stake, so please know that we take these articles extremely seriously. So again, by all means, please feel free to share the errors based on the Bible that were written about Mr. Munroe’s sermon. Thanks very much for your comments once again and God bless.
Dr Miles Munroe, is a very good speaker and done much for his Nation, the Bahamas.
But I do agree with B & A in the fact that immaterial of who presents Scripture, from Savile Row suits to bare footed Kohanim, all must preach the Words of our Master, not for personal profit, but to edify the Assembly.
Dr Munroe once said “Prayer is earthly licence, for heavenly intervention”. Not so! YHVH can intervene at any time He wants, as by the way He alone happens to be Elohim, Creator and does not bow to creation. Rev 6 clearly reflects this very situation. Prayer is our communication with a Creator of Agape. Rev 5;8. The only Licence is Faith and that is a free will gift of the Rauch Elohim.
So yes, Dr Munroe did make a mistake, but that does not make him a False Prophet. Romans 8;1
Your are wrong, Sir. Keep the Man of God alone, for you couldn’t do what he has done. Let God scan him. For you, just read the bible for yourself and stop preaching nonsense and confusing humanity here, because after all you will be scanned by the Holy One Himself.
Greetings! What a refreshing web ministry Beginning and End is! I am so grateful to have our gracious Holy Helper guide me here (usually I call the Holy Spirit Ruach HaKodesh, with an understanding of a beginner’s Hebrew). I am saddened to read ‘You’re A Hater’s” confused comments. The sad fact is that people develop loyalty to even heretics. For example, I found your website because my dear elderly aunt was concerned about hearing of a Pastor Jakes, whom I had never heard of, had gone to join forces with Ophir Winfrey. She does not use any computers, so I explained sadly that Jakes did compromise. She reacted very defensively and felt betrayed. Sadly, our faith struggles and growth are not a pleasure cruise, and it hurts to learn you are loyal to a pastor who is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But, our Blessed Yeshua sent His Spirit of truth to allow us that greatest richest gift, to cry out to our Beloved Heavenly Abba, who does hear that Name above all Names in all voices of His children who Yeshua called and Ruach HaKodesh sealed. Surely He is rich beyond measure and promises me rewards that never fail. As for this life, I pray the Scripture that He keep me, and not make me too rich lest I forget Him. Again, thanks so much for this ministry.
Hi Holly,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks for your comment! Praise God that this site has been a blessing to you. And I hope you and your aunt can come to more agreement on this issue and let the Bible be the final authority over our feelings or opinions.
“As for this life, I pray the Scripture that He keep me, and not make me too rich lest I forget Him.”
It’s very rare to hear anyone make a prayer like that. You have a true heart to serve The Lord. God bless you and I hope you continue to come visit the website.
Thank you for such solid encouragement. As I am blest to be led to your ministry, I have found three others to treasure: Bibleframeworks, with C. Clough; Ariel ministries, with Dr. Fruchtenbaum; and recently, Leading the Way with Dr. Yousef. Here is his teaching on prosperity, focusing on our loyalty and patient trust in our Great Father who is faithful. One very important point is that this life can only be rich to the degree that we glorify His Sinless Son. Enjoy: http://www.leadingtheway.org/web/guest/listen?p_auth=plrhxb4S&p_p_id=currentMedia_WAR_LTWWeb_INSTANCE_UkzEJgungYr1&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-3&p_p_col_count=4&_currentMedia_WAR_LTWWeb_INSTANCE_UkzEJgungYr1_episodeId=1114&_currentMedia_WAR_LTWWeb_INSTANCE_UkzEJgungYr1_javax.portlet.action=playEpisode
Proverbs 30:9 has the wisdom prayer about excessive riches.
” Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” – Proverbs 30:8-9.
Awesome chapter. Thanks and God bless.
Dear Beginning and End, I wanted to add a few comments on the whole story of the prosperity gospel. I have been negatively influenced by the prosperity preachers and I’m very glad to have been freed from the falsity of such preachers. One passage that helped me a lot in seeing the error of the prosperity preachers was “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” (Romans 15:25, 26 KJV)
So, with this in mind I hope you see my position.
But, in regard to Myles Munroe, I must say that personally I have listened and watched many of his messages and have been greatly blessed. I found his teaching on the absolute necessity of the believer to live holy and walk righteously before God as central. I have heard him in many of his sermons very openly criticizing the “name it and claim it” movement. The way he presents God to people is not like the many so called charismatic preachers. He presents God as a holy and righteous ruler of the universe and His Word as the constitution of heaven. He reminds us many times that God cannot and will not be manipulated by our mere sawing $$$ and then expecting more $$$ back. Dr. Munroe says that without holy lifestyle, no one has a right to expect any blessing from the Father. He is quick to point out that if you live in sin then you’re in big trouble. Dr. Munroe always teaches about our faithfulness to The Lord in all of our areas of life, especially in the family arena. His teaching on the purpose of men and women has helped me a lot to see God’s idea behind of my responsibility as a man. I never heard speak more seriously about a man’s duty toward God and wife with kids. His teaching from the Bible on male/female relationship is very serious and is based on a man’s holy life. Very few preachers have challenged me so much in the area of being a responsible man for all the areas in my life.
I wanted to point out that his teaching on the Kingdom of God here and now isn’t in my view false. I believe that looking at the 1st two chapters of the book of Genesis we can see the original plan of The Lord for mankind: “let them have dominion over the earth” but not over people. I heard Dr. Munroe saying that Jesus’ main purpose was to use the cross as “means to a bigger end”. Here is what Munroe means by saying that Jesus’ sacrifice was only a means to purify the sinful people in order to allow the Holy Spirit to indwel them and thus make their bodies into a holy temple, which wasn’t possible without the Calvary. I never heard him play down the great importance of repentance from sin and using the blood of Jesus to wash the sins away. I have not heard many more preachers speak so highly of Jesus as the God in the flesh. I think what many people miss, and perhaps you may have missed also, is that once a person has been washed by the blood of the Lamb, then he/she must go out and live out the truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom out in the society. I see his teaching as a very practical tool for Christians.
I do have to mention that I don’t always understand his charging such high prices for this seminar or that. Also, I never quite understood his association with other famous prosperity preachers. But I do remember very clearly that he stated in a seminar his position on Benny Hinn’s divorce. Munroe said that be would have no relationship with him unless he gets his act together. I also heard him many times criticizing many “big” preachers for the looseness and lustful lifestyles.
I could say a lot more here and give more details but for now I feel that I opened the line of communication. With you and others.
Hi Alex,
Thanks very much for your thoughtful comment. I agree that Munroe does indeed teaching practical tools for Christians. But that is not what Christianity is about. It’s 100% about the Gospel.
As stated in the article, Munroe is not a typical, word of faith, name it and claim it pastor. He teaches a much more sophisticated and subtle heresy. I think since I posted a full teaching of his, why don’t you let me know your thoughts on it. My interpretation of his teaching is that he is denying the Gospel, mocking the preaching of the cross and clearly stating that Jesus mission was not the atoning work on Calvary. As someone who seems to be a follower of Munroe, I would really love to hear your thoughts on it and my comments therein. I am happy to exchange our thoughts and go into the Biblical text for guidance. Thanks and God bless.
Great discussion Gentlemen,
I too enjoy pastor munroe a few things he has stated that has stuck with me: “You can preach the gospel of Jesus Christ but never preach the Gospel that Jesus Christ preached…I find it interesting when bible scholars pic and choose when a word should be defined or borken down to its hebrew/greek meanings but if a quote unquote false prophete does it he is comitting blashphemy. Dr. Myles defines the term King-dom, and its raises the question as why Christ preached the kingdom to the mulitudes but taught the secrets to the disciples. But anyways dr myles says: the bible is not a difficult book to understand, it has never been the plan of God to establish a religion. As a matter of fact religion is man – made, the word religion comes from a root which means to search. So religion is really only necessary if you are lost. Before man fell there was no need for religion, so every activity of man in his attempt to try and find God whether it be Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, or whether it is Hinduism, shintoism, or baha ‘I faith, or whether it is rastafarianism or scientology or Unitarianism or Atheism they are all religions because they are all mans attempt to search to find something they believe they lost.
Religion is like an organized club created by man to satisfy his hunger to find God and we give it different names. I used to be religious I am not a religious man because I am not searching anymore. Religious people haven’t found what they are looking for yet. What I have is a relationship now with the one who I walked away from and who I abandoned it was never God’s plan to have subjects but sons.
2 Corinthians 6:18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”
1 John 3:1 – Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
John 1:12 – But to all who did receive him, swho believed in his name, the gave the right uto become vchildren of God
Galatians 3:25-26 26 For you are all children[a] of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
What we have done is become something that we’ve created as a matter of fact we have basically been tagged by pagans the word Christian was first introduced in the book of Corinthians by pagans. Pagans named the believers “Christians”, and now we’ve accepted the pagan label and we’re playing there game. The bible says we are ambassadors of Christ and Heaven the bible names us that but the bible never named us Christians John 1:12 but as many as received him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, the bible names us sons but never Christians. The bible says our citizenship is in Heaven the bible never calls us Christians but it does call us citizens. To be a Christian you have live up to pagan expectations. To be a son you have to live up to the Fathers expectations, to be a citizen you have to live up to the expectations of your country to be an ambassador you have to live up to the expectations of governement.
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Jesus was very specific about what we should be preaching to the nations.
Directly from Pastor Myles Teachings: When we study our constitution (The Bible) as citizens of Heaven it’s easy to see that our kingdom concepts have been lost especially to us in the United States, because there aren’t and haven’t been any kingdoms in our culture. The bible is about a Kingdom and where the concepts don’t exist in our culture then the application of a historical document like the bible is always distorted. I believe it is very dangerous to pick the bible up as a people who’ve been cultured in a democracy, attempt to read and to properly in context and in historical concepts interpret the word of God (The Bible).
In a kingdom you cannot touch, re-arrange, or vote against the words of a king because His words become decrees, laws. In religion and (Christianity) is a religion, it is flexible, there’s room to move which is why you have so much acceptance of homosexuality in RELIGION. In a Kingdom which we belong to Colossians 1:13 for he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son…. there is no flexibility. For example in a democracy the word obedience does not exist, you never obey the president you cooperate with the president but in a kingdom you obey the king, the word cooperate doesn’t exist in a kingdom. So if we are claiming to be in the Kingdom of God we cannot discuss with Him what He has decreed, we must obey it. Jesus said in Luke 6:46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Jesus said again in Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. ‘But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws
So what we have are people in (religion) claiming what they want and being as flexible as they want, but please understand there maybe gays professing Christ, but, believe that they have no part in the (Kingdom of Heaven). Jesus Said again in Matthew 7:13-14 you can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[f] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Jesus Christ is a King You must obey Him…….
Thoughts?????
Hi Johnas,
Myles Munroe in his own sermon mocks the Gospel and the preaching of it. He mocks the blood of The Lord Jesus Christ, which provides remission of sins. He preaches that this is the Kingdom of God when Jesus Christ said “my Kingdom is NOT of this world.” So much of what he says flies directly in contradiction to the clear word of God.
My question to you is what is your response to the sermon in the video? I posted the entire sermon and provided the timestamps of where I quoted him so there would be no issue of taking things from context. What are your thoughts on the challenges to his sermon posted in the article? How do you square his words with the word of God?
I watched your video and I’ve already the video’s of Pastor Myles and I strongly believe everything you’re accusing him of you are doing in your own way well. He doesn’t denounce Christ at all, he doesn’t mock the gospel either. He is saying that in a summary we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ but never actually preaching the gospel Jesus Christ preached. Who would you say is more important Paul or Christ? Christians should be called Paulians instead, because most follow Paul not Jesus…Or even we tend to follow the disciples more than we do Christ. From what I have gathered and study, Jesus never PREACHED the blood, calvary, the ressurrection, He only PREACHED the Kingdom to the multitudes and when He did He taught in parables to the multidtudes but to the disciples He gave them the truth and secrets of the Kingdom. Paul preached the kingdom
“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.” (Acts 20:25 AV)
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” (Acts 28:30-31 AV)
The Lord plainly stated that the kingdom of God, preached first by John the Baptist, and lastly by our apostle Paul, cometh not with observation, but is within us. We enter this kingdom by the hearing of faith: that he suffered and died on a cross, then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, to make this possible for us.
The kingdom within us is a foretaste of God’s eternal heavenly kingdom, which is not on other planets out in space, but is more like another dimension, outside of space and time. This is the kingdom of God and the angels, and the resurrected saints will became “as the angels in heaven” when they enter this kingdom. This realm is not exclusive to the Gentile saints of this age because Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets are already in it.
Christ will return in a cloud with power and great glory to restore Israel’s kingdom on earth after great tribulation. This is a temporary, earthly kingdom, and is in effect God’s ‘mopping up’ operation on earth. He is fulfilling his promises to Israel, bringing about the “fulness of Israel” by resurrecting and saving them, and giving billions more people of this world the opportunity to be saved. Israel’s apostles will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. The saints will “judge the world”. This arrangement will be like a combination of the Judges period of Israel with the reign of King David. Only the king will be King Jesus and the judges will be the Jewish and Gentile saints.
Believe and argue what you will the truth is simple and plain and myles munroe is no false teacher. Paul said it best: Philippians 1:15-18
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
Hi Johnas,
Thanks for you comments. Since you’re not directly quoting Munroe or providing a time stamp of what point of his you are talking about, this discussion is getting circular. I will try to make it more direct.
Munro said: “the main reason for Jesus to come to Earth was not to go to the cross.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Munro said: “the main reason for Jesus to come to Earth was not to go to the cross.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
I agree with the statement. But because you are simply holding him to the very letter of his words and not understanding the context then you call his statement heresy. Jesus never said He came to the earth to go to the cross in those literal words. So I agree with Pastor Myles statement. I will list an abundance of scriptures of Jesus saying why he came, not in any did He say I came to die on a cross, He came for many other reasons including to die but that wasn’t his sole purpose and this is what myles is teaching:
Why did Jesus come to earth? There are nearly a dozen reasons why the Lord Jesus left heaven and came to earth. Most only know one—to die on the cross for our sins. Of course that is true, but for a much broader understanding, please ponder the following Scriptures. Your understanding of what the precious Lord Jesus has wonderfully done for us should increase.
1. Jesus came to earth to cause family divisions:
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Mat 10:34-38)
I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. (Luke 12:49-53)
Comment: That amazing truth has brought comfort to many Christians who have experienced serious family divisions and persecutions over the gospel. Such division is a test and the norm, not the exception. That is especially important to pass on to new Christians. To love Jesus more than our natural family members so we can be worthy of him means you will obey him and do his will rather than theirs if it is not the same. That is a very important early test, which we must face. Many buckle under that pressure, go back and become a backslider.
2. Jesus came to earth to save lost mankind and call them to repentance:
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (Luke 19:10)
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. (1 Tim 1:13-15)
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14)
Comment: Though the Lord Jesus wants everyone saved, man has free will to repent or not. It is man’s choice to follow Jesus or the devil. NOTE: Many in our day misuse 1 Tim. 1:15. That verse is not saying Paul, as a Christian, was the worst of sinners! To believe he was the worst of sinners, as a Christian, is both a shocking display of Scriptural ignorance and an attack on the holy image of a Christian at the same time. The eternal security crowd, who say he was, is guilty of both as they spread their poison and mere form of godliness.
3. Jesus came to earth to testify to the truth:
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)
Comment: God’s truth is always exalted in the Bible. It is vital to know. For example, salvation begins with man knowing God’s truth. Such reflects why false teachers are so dangerous and why the devil (our enemy) is always trying to deceive. To believe lies, as though they were truth, will damn SOULS.
4. Jesus came to earth to destroy the devil’s work, the devil and to free people held in the fear of death:
He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (1 John 3:8)
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Heb 2:14,15)
Comment: The humanity of Christ is taught there plus much more. Just because the devil’s work has already been destroyed doesn’t mean he is not a formidable foe anymore! If he wasn’t so good at what he does, sin and false doctrine wouldn’t be so prevalent as they are. The devil is still an excellent deceiver. Paul wrote that Christians need the full armor of God:
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Eph 6:11)
5. Jesus came to earth to taste death for everyone:
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Heb 2:9)
Comment: What Jesus is shown there to have done for us is an aspect of grace, which few in our day seem to have ever noticed. Like other truths, we don’t have to understand how Jesus did that. All we need to do is just do what he says.
6. Jesus came to earth so that mankind could have life to the full:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
Comment: To have life to the full doesn’t mean anything beyond what is exemplified through the Christian lives as shown in the New Testament. For example, the Apostle Paul had life to the full, yet at times was dressed in rags (1 Cor. 4:11). Paul was a man of great faith and lived a holy life, but was hungry and thirsty sometimes as he faithfully served God—often risking his life to do that. If someone cites John 10:10 to mean material prosperity (as the gospel of greed people do) and since Paul didn’t have that, then that teaching is obviously false. Do not be deceived.
7. Jesus came to earth to preach in various places:
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (Mark 1:38)
Comment: Jesus traveled about teaching and healing people. That was an important part of his mission too. He wanted to take himself and his message directly to the crippled, diseased, poor, aged, oppressed, etc. people of that day, as well as all others. If Jesus didn’t go to some, they could never have come to him and therefore wouldn’t have been blessed as they were.
8. Jesus came to earth to fulfil the Law and Prophets:
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. (Mat 5:17)
Comment: Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father and lived a sinless life. He was perfect in every way including fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.
9. Jesus came to earth to serve and give his life as a ransom:
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mat 20:28)
Comment: Among many other things, the Lord Jesus was also a servant! When he washed the feet of the disciples we see the humble Lord, God in the flesh, doing something no earthly king would ever think about doing. Yet servant Jesus is also the king of kings (Rev. 17:14; 19:16). He died so we could live.
10. Jesus came to earth as a light and not to judge the world:
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. (John 12:46, 47)
Comment: Jesus is the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). (Mary, the mother of Jesus, is not a mediator, according to Scripture.) Jesus didn’t have to come to condemn the world, it was already condemned. He came to save it and was even willing to die in such a horrible way to do it and was successful. He did it for us.
11. Jesus shed his blood on the cross for us:
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility (Eph 2:13,14)
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col 1:20)
He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Heb 9:12)
And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Heb 13:12)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Pet 1:18,19)
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Rev 12:11)
The Lord Jesus did many important things before he ever got to the cross where he shed his holy cleansing blood. That blood is spiritually contacted at the point of a trusting and submitting faith in Jesus. It is then, that the repentant one is set free from his sin addictions and made into a new creation in Christ. Such a blessed person becomes the immediate recipient of eternal life. He will then have to sow to please the Spirit of God to reap eternal life and not destruction (Gal. 6:8,9), according to the real gospel. Furthermore, he must endure and hold firmly to the end to be saved (Mt 10:22; Heb 3:14; Rev 2:10,11). He must hold firmly to the gospel. Otherwise, he has believed in vain (1 Cor 15:2). If what he heard from the beginning remains in him, he too will remain in the Son and in the Father. (1 John 2:24,25)
1.To reveal the Father (Matt. 11:27)
A.”All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
2.To be a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28)
A.”just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
3.To serve (Matt. 20:28)
A.”just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
4.To save the world (John 3:17; Luke 19:10)
A.”For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
5.To preach the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43)
A.”But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
6.To bring division (Luke 12:51)
A.”Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
7.To do the will of the Father (John 6:38)
A.”For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”
8.To give the Father’s words (John 17:8)
A.”For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.”
9.To testify to the truth (John 18:37)
A.”You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
10.To die and destroy Satan’s power (Heb. 2:14)
A.”Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil.”
11.To destroy the devil’s works (1 John 3:8)
A.”He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
12.To fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17)
A.”Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
13.To give life (John 10:10,28)
A.”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full… I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”
14.To taste death for everyone (Heb. 2:9)
A.”But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
15.To become a high priest (Heb. 2:17)
A.”For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
16.To atone for sin (Heb. 2:17)
A.”For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
17.To proclaim freedom for believers (Luke 4:18)
A.”The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.”
18.To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:19)
A.”to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
19.To bring judgment (John 9:39)
A.”Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
20.To take away sin (1 John 3:5)
A.”But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.”
21.To preach (Mark 1:38)
A.”Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else — to the nearby villages — so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.'”
22.To call sinners (Mark 2:17)
A.”On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'”
23.To know who is true (1 John 5:20)
A.”We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
Hi Johnas,
Thanks for your response. I notice that with each answer you keep providing your own thoughts and not to what Munroe says in the sermon. You say I am taking his words out of context but do not provide the context from his words that you feel is proper. So we can just respectfully agree to disagree because we are not really talking about Munroe at this point.
But for the record, I absolutely believe the main reason Jesus Christ came to Earth was to go to the cross. There are many other things He did while on earth, and they are all very important. But dying on the cross was the absolute main mission of The Lord Jesus Christ from the foundation of the world. God bless.
Beginning and End,
I usually don’t like to get involved in commenting on articles but, I see you have put a lot of time on your website and are very passionate about the truth. It is important that we know the truth especially in a time where there is so much false teaching and deception going around. After reading several comments and studying lots of scripture and praying! I was encouraged to write to you first letting you know that we must be careful who and why we pass judgement because with that measure we also will be judged and I know nobody lives a perfect Holy life! I also must remind you to be careful because scripture also teaches us that: No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you in judgement you shall condemn. So if indeed these men are called by the Lord and have received a anointing and the righteousness that Jesus imputes us we must be careful how we speak about them. I am sharing this with a sincere heart and prompted by the Holy Spirit so don’t take it on the defense. With that said I believe that many of the topics discussed in the video are Truth and need to be understood with prayer and discernment.
1. God created the Earth for humanity to rule it.
Scripture tells us then in several place:Psalms 115:16
The Highest heavens belong to the Lord but the Earth he has given to mankind!
Genesis !:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, with our likeness, so that they may rule. >>>> Fill the earth and Subdue it.(overcome to bring under control)
Here it is clear that Gods intention for planet earth was to be ruled through his offspring with the influence of his Holy Spirit. With the understanding that at this time Adam was still in the presence of the Lord and had full communion with him.
2.Through sin in the Garden of Eden, the ‘ownership of the Kingdom’ on Earth was forfeited.
Sin has many consequences and Unfortunately because of the rebellion that started in the Garden of Eden. The earth and all of creation was cursed and Gods Holy spirit could no longer dwell in man.
If the Kingdom as stated in Romans 14:17 is Righteousness,peace and Joy in the Holy spirit. I would have to agree with this point that we did loose the Kingdom this as we see the effects of sin beginning to manifest with Adam first blaming Eve and the following with the murder of Abel. Evil is began its reign over the planet. Also stated in many other scriptures throughout the bible.
3. By seeking God and putting faith in God and Biblical living, we can re-enter the Kingdom and reclaim our Royal position.
This one i don’t know if you disagree or have a misunderstanding of what Myles is speaking about. Jesus clearly states as a priority being first seek the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness! Jesus preached Repent for the Kingdom of God is here. We must change the way we think and return back to God for the influence of Heaven is back on the earth.
That in the same way that God gave the Holy Spirit to man in Genesis. Jesus gave it to the disciples in John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit.” Also giving them power to forgive sins and not forgive therefore, they received heavenly influence under the power and Authority of God himself.
As far as royal family that is simple what do you call a Son of a King? The bible teaches us that we Kings and priest ( re presenters of God) Also God is known as the King of Kings thus giving us a different position than any earthly kingdom because never are citizens considered to be royal family as well.
Myles defines a Kingdom as territory ruled by a king impacting it with his will, purpose and intentions, Creating a citizenship of people who reflect the Kings morals, values, and nature.
This I can understand because God never will violate are will so we must surrender are will and then allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and conform us into the image of Jesus thus making children who reflect God and his lifestyle. Thus making us Royal Family!
4. Once we have re-entered the Kingdom, all material blessings are available to us because we now have full dominion over the Earth and everything in it. So whatever we want or need in life, we can will it to happen or be received.
This one might be taken out of context I have never heard him state as mentioned above. He has taught that seeking Gods Kingdom is first and all the things that we worry about will be added such as are needs and not all of our wants. The bible does teach us that we receive from God according to our faith. As far as material blessings are concerned the bible is full of our rights as citizens of the Kingdom and if you are walking according to Gods purpose he will provide for his children not for our selfish ambitions but for his name sake.
A example of this in Myles case is the fact that God called him to share these truths and also gives him the ability to generate wealth! I don’ t believe he is a prosperity teacher at all. The problem with this article is that if he was not a preacher and Ceo of a company and wanted to run a leadership conference that charged people to attend you would have no problem as many other do all the time such as John Maxwell and other known leaders. The fact is that he is a preacher we have this cultured mentality that they need to be broke and if they have money it comes from the church! i have heard him state that he doesn’t receive a salary from BFM and all of his wealth is generated form books and Conferences around the world which people seek after him.
In conclusion i saw that you stated the main reason Jesus came to the Earth is to go to the cross! This comes from simple minded religion the work that Jesus did was far more powerful and above our thoughts. We have been given revelation of the mystery of God through Jesus. When we look at the bible as a whole we see that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. Please dont think I am downplaying the cross or the blood but speaking about the purpose of Jesus’ s actions. The bible teaches us that he was a mediator ( One that mediates, especially one that reconciles differences between disputants.) of the a new covenant that could not take place while the one who made it is still living! The bible teaches us that we have an inheritance in Gods Kingdom before the foundations of the world. Problem was we had this thing called sin and death preventing us from receiving our inheritance and needed to be purchased back or reconciled to God and he set the price as death in the beginning so Jesus offered his life in our place so that we may be restored back to God to Receive our inheritance. This is all biblical teaching and the word of God.
I pray that you are able to receive this in good consciousness and not as a attack but we as humans in the flesh always remember there is no perfect men just the perfect word of God sent to renew our minds and hearts. Always check your motive and try not to be quick to judge others.
Love you brother and will be praying for you. Peace
Thanks for the quick reply Beginning and End. I wanted to clarify something if I could. You said in your reply “I think since I posted a full teaching of his, why don’t you let me know your thoughts on it.” Now, is this post separate from the one which also discusses Joel Osteen or is it part of it? Thanks.
I read the first line and felt like vomiting, a post so full of vitriol and bitterness. Im surprised you bothered wasting your time.
Beginning and End, I have not replied in a while to your statements. In the mean time I did read some other posts and I’m saddened by the fact that some writers simply use rude language. I hope we can get to the point where we can seek to honor one another and speak the TRUTH in love, even if it hurts the other’s feelings.
I am personally doing some research and i am so saddened to see all these liers – my heart was broken to see the revelation by the HOLY SPIRIT of what they are trying to do to us. Please email me so that I can share some of my research with you. The enemy is so subtle – he mixes the bad with the GOOD. But people who lack knowledge will perish as the word of GOD never lies. My email address is ;- [email protected] – anyone can email me – as it makes me sick how it is so easy to be blinded by these falsy.
HEY Beginning and End – it is even deeper than we think – never trust a speaker too easily that makes so many hand movements some of those hand movements are coming straight from the pit of hell – so as to hynotize the listeners or viewers or so as to win them over. I need to some some stufff with you -THANKS though
Regards
MK
– Your Mortgage or Rent If you work from home, your mortgage or rent is tax deductible.
The web allows you to bring all of the various vendors to your computer screen and review the products they are offering.
The year has ended and every loose end is
about to be tied-down by proving the equality of
the general ledger balances one last time.
And they wonder why people are not going to church.
It appears that Myles Munroe has a lot of Jehovah Witness influence in his teaching. I wonder if he or his family comes from a JW background.
The bottom line is that Joel Osteen and Myles Munroe have sold their souls to the devil for money, lust, and the illusion of power., They have gotten their “reward” on earth. Thieve like this should go to the lowest form of Dante’s hell and suffer the most. They give the cause of Christ a bad name and deceive the people the most.
I have really been touched and lifted, enlightened also through this teaching by B n A. God bless and give you more of His Holy Spirit for more enlightenment. Amen
Great discussion,
I’m not sure about Pastor Joel because I don’t follow him. But I do follow Dr. Myles and I wouldn’t call him false prophet. These labor in the word in order have so much information to share with the body it is our Job and duty to study and test what they teach against the word of God. But some times we are so busy searching for inconsistancys in there messages that we miss what the lord is giving to us I maybe wrong. I too enjoy pastor munroe a few things he has stated that has stuck with me: “You can preach the gospel of Jesus Christ but never preach the Gospel that Jesus Christ preached…I find it interesting when bible scholars pic and choose when a word should be defined or borken down to its hebrew/greek meanings but if a quote unquote false prophete does it he is comitting blashphemy. Dr. Myles defines the term King-dom, and its raises the question as why Christ preached the kingdom to the mulitudes but taught the secrets to the disciples. But anyways dr myles says: the bible is not a difficult book to understand, it has never been the plan of God to establish a religion. As a matter of fact religion is man – made, the word religion comes from a root which means to search. So religion is really only necessary if you are lost. Before man fell there was no need for religion, so every activity of man in his attempt to try and find God whether it be Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, or whether it is Hinduism, shintoism, or baha ‘I faith, or whether it is rastafarianism or scientology or Unitarianism or Atheism they are all religions because they are all mans attempt to search to find something they believe they lost.
Religion is like an organized club created by man to satisfy his hunger to find God and we give it different names. I used to be religious I am not a religious man because I am not searching anymore. Religious people haven’t found what they are looking for yet. What I have is a relationship now with the one who I walked away from and who I abandoned it was never God’s plan to have subjects but sons.
2 Corinthians 6:18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”
1 John 3:1 – Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
John 1:12 – But to all who did receive him, swho believed in his name, the gave the right uto become vchildren of God
Galatians 3:25-26 26 For you are all children[a] of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
What we have done is become something that we’ve created as a matter of fact we have basically been tagged by pagans the word Christian was first introduced in the book of Corinthians by pagans. Pagans named the believers “Christians”, and now we’ve accepted the pagan label and we’re playing there game. The bible says we are ambassadors of Christ and Heaven the bible names us that but the bible never named us Christians John 1:12 but as many as received him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, the bible names us sons but never Christians. The bible says our citizenship is in Heaven the bible never calls us Christians but it does call us citizens. To be a Christian you have live up to pagan expectations. To be a son you have to live up to the Fathers expectations, to be a citizen you have to live up to the expectations of your country to be an ambassador you have to live up to the expectations of governement.
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Jesus was very specific about what we should be preaching to the nations.
Directly from Pastor Myles Teachings: When we study our constitution (The Bible) as citizens of Heaven it’s easy to see that our kingdom concepts have been lost especially to us in the United States, because there aren’t and haven’t been any kingdoms in our culture. The bible is about a Kingdom and where the concepts don’t exist in our culture then the application of a historical document like the bible is always distorted. I believe it is very dangerous to pick the bible up as a people who’ve been cultured in a democracy, attempt to read and to properly in context and in historical concepts interpret the word of God (The Bible).
In a kingdom you cannot touch, re-arrange, or vote against the words of a king because His words become decrees, laws. In religion and (Christianity) is a religion, it is flexible, there’s room to move which is why you have so much acceptance of homosexuality in RELIGION. In a Kingdom which we belong to Colossians 1:13 for he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son…. there is no flexibility. For example in a democracy the word obedience does not exist, you never obey the president you cooperate with the president but in a kingdom you obey the king, the word cooperate doesn’t exist in a kingdom. So if we are claiming to be in the Kingdom of God we cannot discuss with Him what He has decreed, we must obey it. Jesus said in Luke 6:46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Jesus said again in Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. ‘But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws
So what we have are people in (religion) claiming what they want and being as flexible as they want, but please understand there maybe gays professing Christ, but, believe that they have no part in the (Kingdom of Heaven). Jesus Said again in Matthew 7:13-14 you can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[f] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Jesus Christ is a King You must obey Him…….
Thoughts?????
johnas i like your thinking be blessed please link with me for more teachings from you [email protected]
Hey BeginningandEnd,
Thank you for that article. I understand your criticism of Olsteen, in that
an understanding of Christianity as a means to an end is wrong. We don’t
believe in Jesus because that faith will lead to material gain, but because
he promises us eternal life and he is the Way, the Truth and the Light.
However, I do think Olsteen contributions is valuable in that there are
many people out there who are Seriously Struggling. They are fighting drug
addictions, they are coping with feelings of inferiority ingrained in them since
childhood, they are hardly able to feed their children…etc, and are slowly losing
their faith in the process. In so much as they are living a life of misery that is NOT
IN LINE with god’s destiny for them, I think Joell gives us an encouraging reminder
that God is with us, and to keep pushing to get out of that bad place.
Sure, he preaches this in a simplistic, un-nuanced way, but I think he has a
specific demographic in mind, and is simply trying to give them encouragement.
Now if this is the ONLY message he is preaching, and never talks about the Gospel
or adds any caveats to his message then that is wrong. But he has a lot of Material
out, I’m sure he does brings it up somewhere. ( though admittedly, I haven’t verified this)
This article is good for academic purposes because it highlight the need for biblical education. passively listening to these preachers thus more harm than we think.
We need to read the bible ourselves, the problem with us we are too lazy, which makes it easy for any preacher to convince us, no matter what our beliefs are we must have questionable mind-set, “truth is self discovery” (Myles Munroe)
These preachers are human beings, yes they make mistakes all the time so criticising them without seeking their take on the subject is not fair in my opinion. However, if they are deliberately omitting or misinterpreting the bible then God will deal with them.
Myles Munroe on one of his videos on YouTube admits of previously misinterpreting the bible, this to me shows we should never read or listen to anybody passively because we can never learn anything if we do. About the prices, yes some are too much but we must be careful in our criticism because some media companies are charging huge amount of money for air time. the problem is bible believers are so distant from the world, you hardly see any proper Christ believer owning these media companies (%100). I think there shouldn’t be any charge for sharing Wisdom God have given us.
It is my hope that we start by owning this industries so we can allow some good preachers to preach freely. I hope reading this article we will start reading the bible ourselves and I believe God will give us revelation truth to enhance our relationship with Him. Please listen to these preachers but cross check everything you hear. When we were in school our teachers constantly tells us to cross check when we go home, we call it “homework” we must do the same with every thing we watch and listen or read. “please read the bible for yourself” (Myles Munroe)
Another thing I will like to add is, when we listen or read anything we will have questions so please before you criticise any preacher please, please seek CLARIFICATION and if they don’t respond then you are morally justify to publish your concerns. Therefore, we must be careful of Technological interpretation because it may misguide our judgements. Thank you.
NOTE: read the bible yourself and I believe The Holy Spirit will bring to your minds clarity of The Word of God. Please do not be arrogance or naïve thinking you don’t need any Wisdom from anyone, for example typical religious person will not read this article for obvious reasons, which is a shame because it challenges our thinking and that is good. “passive preacher followers” will never learn anything.
I have recently started listening To Dr Munroe and i must say he blessed me. I fail To understand why most christians want To Be depresses and carry heavy loads. Jesus Said be of good cheer i have overcome the World. Then why are religious christians choosing To walk in defeat claiming that This World is the devils so if You are a true Christian You cant Be seeking To Be Too happy on This earth. Im tired of living a sad Life. Christ Said i must Be of good cheer
also if we go back To the beginning of God’s plan he wanted human kind To reign, take dominion, subdue the earth and multiply, God made us into His own image. When sin came we were separated from God, bcos of His live he gave us His son so we could Be reconciled To Him, now i fail To understand that God Will forget about His Original plan after Christ reconciled us. What religious Christian choose To believe is God’s Original plan failed and i choose To believe God’s Original plan for human kind was restored on the cross! Yes things May have changed bcos the devil here with Us but because we are now reconciled with God we are more Than conquerors. We can do All tbings Through Christ. I Love Dr Munroe. I Got a revelation of the Kingdom when You are in Christ and because of the cross we now live in the Kingdom God originally planned. Jesus Said he Will come for his Kingdom if the Kingdom was in heaven and he is already in heaven why must he then come. I choose To believe if the spirit of God that raised Christ from the dead is in me on This earth the devil had no way over me, circumstances have no way over me, the fig tree had no way over me, the Mountain must move, i have the Kingdom of God in me!! SiCkness cant stay, disease cant stay. God’s plan was for man kind To have sufficiency i cant Be lacking in a Kingdom im well taken care of, if trouble and trials come i have overcome them, i cant cry and sob and deel sorry for myself….get out of religion. Christ called Us To reign, You are defeated christians, sad baggage carrying christians
repent. CHRIST brought You To the Love God had when he created man and Said It was good.
Before you slander someone you should do your homework. Jesus told us to pray for the kingdom on earth to be as it is in heaven. Jesus preached almost exclusively about the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven exists on earth as the church. Myles Munroe is a great man. Just because he charges to attend his conference doesn’t keen he’s corrupt. How much does it cost him to broadcast? How much are the people paying who come in person? This wasn’t an hour service. The flyer said it was a 4 day event…stop being superficial and post an apology to that man for slandering him. You don’t have all the facts. Yeah it would be great if everything were free but we live in the real world where we have to pay facility rental, pay staff, etc. let me tell you, he’s worth every penny and more.
I couldnt have said it any better Dr. Munroe has changed my entire thinking as not only a child of God but as a man and it didnt cost me anything and Ive applied these principles and seen them work in my life and in the lives of others.
Why don’t you watch for yourself. He’s teaching the bible
leave the preachers alone and you find a job to do then people will say that you are evil too and you will understand what it is to lead.
Great article Beginningandend!
Although you have correctly unmasked the prosperity gospel preachers, I have to disagree that Dr. Myles Munroe is a prosperity preacher by the fact that He even said that preaching prosperity is unnecessary when living in a Kingdom because Kingdom influence automatically leads one into a prosperous life.
I couldn’t agree more with Thinker. Not once has Dr Munroe denied Christ and everything that Ive heard from him is backed up with scripture. He is definitely not a prosperity preacher
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s content all the time along with a
cup of coffee.
I have listened extensively to both Joel and Myles. Joel is not a true prosperity preacher, he is more of a “feel good, everything is going to be alright” preacher. He clearly is not too well versed in scriptures but he appears to truly believe in Jesus Christ. I liken him to being a good bait to lure the fish into the area, but a more seasoned preacher/teacher is needed to get them hooked up to the true teachings of Jesus properly.
Dr. Monroe is obviously more adept in matters of scripture and he has a unique way of understanding them. I have watched his progress over a long period of time and found his earlier more radical approach has now been tempered with time. I think he charges what he does because it is understood that those things that we get free of charge are not often taken seriously. Does he promote prosperity? Yes he does, and he should do it, a God who cannot provide for his people is a God of limits and restrictions. Though one must not allow your possessions to replace your God.
Both Joel and Munroe are filling needs that otherwise would not be addressed, time will determine their true contributions to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/faraigundan/2014/11/09/internationally-renowned-preacher-and-transformational-leader-dr-myles-munroe-killed-in-bahamas-plane-crash/
I am a preacher, pastor, & teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You must repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit. I have been critical of “big money ministries” because of the danger of New Age philosopy teachings. God is not revealing all of these new teachings that so many churches are proclaiming today & embracing. Such is the work of the enemy. Get out of the flesh and come into a relationship with God thru Jesus Christ. Read John 14, Romans thru 10, Acts 1- 3 AND many other passages that can be listed. When Jesus endured his 40 day fast, satan quotes scripture, Jesus simply says “it is written”. Satan will use whatever means to dissuade, conflut, twist and deceive because he does not belive God, only in God. Your writtings indeed opens the eye of the true believer and we must always be on guard against the activities of the enemy. There are indeed false prophets, preachers & teachers in all churches, dominations movements, etc. We do not need to always call them by name but simply expose their false teachings thru the Word of God. Keep up the Good work!
I would submit that as a Body of Christ, under the Lordship and the Head of the church, Jesus Christ Himself, as much as we possibly can, we should refrain from personal attacks and antagonizing each other, but rather debate in love and gentleness as was characteristic of Him, to avoid sowing divisions in the Body of Christ. The enemy capitalizes on this and those of other faiths judge the Body of Christ against these hostilities amongst ourselves. Lets pray for guidance and revelation from the Holy Spirit to discern these doctrinal issues for He ALONE can truly minister the truth to us. Relating to the debate above can I please request us to go to this link written in the 18th century by some of our patriarchs who were anointed in doctrinal issues. http://gracegems-org.secure15.hostek.net/03/preaching_christ.htm May the good Lord bless us all as we extend His Great Commission in Love!
You are mentally damaged. The Lord says Re-pent for the Kingdom of God is near. But you, you are still thinking in a democratic mindset. Learn the concept of the Kingdom and you will understand Myles Munroe. The man is a man of God. God will strike you with your slander if you will not repent. You stupid fool Kingdom is a form of government so learn what is the kingdom structure of ROME and you would understand the concept of the Kindom of God. Once you understand the kingdom you woud understand that the main teaching of Jesus is not the Salvation or His blood but the KINGDOM of GOD which is His government. But the blood of Christ is the vital thing inorder for to Enter. Preach first the GOVERNMENT OF GOD and once they understand teach them how to enter. You stupid fool Jesus is the door and you need to go through Him before you can enter. But the door is not the main thing but the one inside it. So before you advertise the door tell them first what is inside and then that is the time to tell them how to enter. You did lose the salvation but the dominion in the setting of the garden of eden wherein where in the adam and eve enjoyed in the presence of God because the HOLY SPIRIT is with them coaching them what to do that is why in everything they do they prosper according to God’s standard of living. I consider Myles Munroe as a prosperity teacher but he is different because he is teaching the people to prosper righteously. So understand the Godly prosperity is different form evil prosperity. Is money evil? If it is why do you work to get things money is innocent. You mismanaged it is the one evil because you don’t know the Kingdom economy of God. I tell you learn from Myles and you will be a good and faithful servant of God. Do not stay broke with the damaged condition of your mind. Do not be slander be good.
If you are my son I will hit you with the rod of correction even if it cost me to go to jail rather than the angel of God strike you dead. RE-PENT, beginning and end. I am telling you. Or maybe you are an agent of darkness that is why you don’t understand Myles Munroe.
You fool. You are claiming the your are Abraham seed but you are broke. You are a prodigal Son who does not manage well your wealth that is why you are broke and mentally damaged. Because the sytem of this world damaged your mind. So I am right that you are a fool because you mind is damaged.
Understand and read. Abraham is exceedingly ric, Isaac, JACOB, Joseph, david, solomon, daniel and the rest you can read in the Bible who are exceedingly rich because God blessed them. These people in the OLD testament until JOHN the baptist are inferior compared to the new testament church because they haven’t live in the KINGDOM OF GOD they just prophesied about it but did not get in to it. That is why Jesus said who ever least in the KINGDOM OF GOD is greater than JOHN THE BAPTIST.
So if those people in the old testament were exceedingly rich, how much more are we that we are in the age after Jesus Christ death. We should be more than them. Do you think Jesus is poor? No He is not because one the Maggai gave him gold and I don’t know if is plenty or not what I know if you will give to a king it should be best and vast in quantity. My God you don’t understand you have the mind of Christ so meaning your thinking is superior and everything you do will prosper.
If you are poor and came to know Christ and entered into His kingdom you should not be poor again in every aspect of life because you have the mind of the KING. Do you think you KING is poor he owns the universe. Ponder upon Mathew 6.33.
Wow. You are a violent, angry, uneducated individual. I’m glad you do not live near me. The preacher you are speaking of is a scoundrel. A multi-millionaire scoundrel. He became a millionaire because he told people to send him money. They did.
Who will educate me, you. What will you teach me to be broke. No way. You are also mentally damaged. You die broke alone. Not me.
Your education damaged your brain. You think your smart? Your education makes you dwell in darkness. I don’t care if I sound uneducated according to your standard. I wont follow a blind person like you. I rather follow a dead man who died a purpose of his life. Who died rich but never compromised, who died with integrity. I don’t know who you follow. But one thing is for sure your following a blind person. Not just blind but a blind fool.
Joe, unfortunately you have exposed yourself again. No one asked you to follow them. I wouldn’t ask you to follow me … ever. I’m a wretched sinner, only saved by God’s grace and love. His money and filthy lucre compromised him long ago. Do not follow any man except the One who died and rose again for your many sins.
I’m sorry if I use words that offended you. I just don’t want to see slanderous comments about Myles Munroe because my two brothers finally looked for a job and find one. Before they were lazy and no matter I told them before to help me for the rent of the house and for our food. They wont help but remained sluggard until I downloaded the sermons of Myles Munroe online for free from you tube. There were enlightened that they needed to work to be successful because God designed them to be successful. The birds success is when they fly, the fish success is when they swim. How much more the human being given a lot of God given talent. What is the purpose of God why he put us here on earth? He wants us to be His steward of His creation that we will manage this according to His Wisdom and He enables us through our gifts and by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
I listened to a lot of Myles Munroe free videos from Youtube he always emphasize that in order for us to enter into the Kingdom of God shoud enter to the Door who is Jesus through His blood. There is no problem with his basic doctrine. Myles Munroe believe on the Trinity of God and Jesus as God. He also believe that inorder for you to be saved you needed the blood of Jesus. Man, there is nothing wrong with Myles Munroe. I believe on Jesus when He said freely you receive freely you give. So I watch and listened to the wisdom of God through Myles Munroe on you tube its for free. Now if he demands for payment for his conferences it is just right he did because the working man is worth his labour and mind as well how much he is paying to the cable company to air his shows and also the venue of the conferrence these are not for free. If you want everything for free just wait for the right time all his shows will be eventually uploaded to you tube and you can have it for free.
A good man leaves inheritance to his childrens children I think you can find that on the of Provebs. And thats what he do. He leaves inheritance to his childrens children. And what he is doing is not against the law. He died with integrity and impacted millions of people specially in Africa. Those people needed the wisdom of the Kingdom of God so that they rise up from economic slavery and will be free mentally through the power of the message of the Kingdom of God.
You can measure the persons interest if He is willing to pay. Before I like everything for free.But now when I realize this wisdom, I like now to pay something of interest. Because the moment you pay you will really take care of what you purchase because buy it throough your sweat and blood. The thing become valuable.
I hope you understand me. God changed my Life through him. Before I hate myself because I don’t know the purpose of my life. But now it is so clear and I am sharing God’s Kingdom to other people and taught them the way to enter it through Jesus Christ and His blood.
Man don’t mind the money posted listen to the content of the wisdom God revealed to Myles Munroe you will become more overcomer and you will know your position in the Kingdom of God.
I really apologize if I said offensive words because I’m just hurt of what people said against him. This person helped me a lot and now my brothers helped me now to pay rent, bills, food. My mother who is a widow and hopeless before now she is so excited about the Kingdom of God and she is so now bold in sharing the Gospel. And not only that she is not lonely now because she finds out her purpose for living and she is having her small business nowl. We are poor and broke 3 months ago before the death of Myles Munroe. But now we applied the principles he taught. Now my brothers lead effectively in there cell groups and they have money now to treat their members for food. Before they only rely on me.
If you question his fruit, we are his fruit. From broke to an abundant life through the light of God’s wisdom revealed through Myles Munroe. Do not be offended with the money. Be offended if he tells you that Jesus is not God and God is not a triune God and the blood wont wash your sins.
Joe,
It’s so good to hear that your family is doing better than in the past and that the millionaire’s words have inspired them and you to boldly speak the Gospel. I have found over the past few years that a few of the people who inspired me were wealthy false teachers and it was hard to pull away from them; simply because they inspired me and others so much to good things, good works, and steadfastness in the faith. Tell me what you think. My address is purdygood3 at the big company yahoo.com. I’d like to hear what you think of the actual assertions that Mr Munroe makes. As I read the article, I find many of the things said about him are certainly wrong compared to the Bible, regardless of how inspirational he may be. One of my big disappointments was the genre of “Christian Rock” that inspired me and made me a seemingly more steadfast Christian. I later found many bad things about Christian rock which made me very disappointed & sad. I’m curious where you are in the world also.
Hello david good afternoon. I hope ur in good shape but if ur sick God will heal u not because He wants u to feel good but He wants to heal u for His name sake. He wants u well because He will use u without the interruption of any sickness. God bless u brother.
Joe,
With all due respect, that means I will never die and shuffle off this mortal coil. I look forward to leaving this life and entering eternity. What you are saying is contrary to the Word and to reality.
David, what is the matter with u. i am just greeting you that’s all and wants you well. Of course nobody wants to be sick. i know you are God’s child and i am God’s child, i don’t want to know my brother is sick. are still thinking i’m attacking you?
Joe,
No, I considered your last greeting, in spite of the language barrier, to be warm and cordial. However, if you believe what you said to me, you have to believe humans will live forever in these bodies if they obey Jesus. This is not the case and the Bible does not teach this.
PREACHING IS LIKE ADVERTISING to the PUBLIC.
To all american people who are starving and depressed because of this world wide recession caused by our corrupt and greedy leaders.
We from Wall MART GROCERY SECTION FOOD SECTION announces that there is a good news. Come to our grocery store and look for our wonderful DOOR. This DOOR is made of fiber glass and bullet proof that would protect your from any harm and danger if somebody pull a trigger and break your skull.
And wait there’s more!!!! Our doorknob is made of Gold and it really feels good when you touch and open the door. So, please, come all you who are starving American people and hold on to our wonderful and beautiful door.
HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! WAIT A MINUTE! There is something wrong with the advertisement these endorser is preaching.
This is a mistake people are starving and your good news is hold on to the DOOR.
I think this should be revised and put it this way.
To all American people who are starving and depressed because of this world wide recession casued by our corrupt and greedy leaders.
We from Wall MART GROCERRY SECTION FOOD SECTION announces that there is a good new. Today would be the happiest moment of your life in the recession time because all our food and other goods in the grocery are free. Bring with you your biggest basket and bring your family and all your loved ones to bring also their largest basket and take everything you want and enjoy it as long as the supply lasts.
By the way there is only one entrance to the Food Store. I am the DOOR. My name is JESUS. Nobody can enter in if you will not go through me. I am Way and the only DOOR. You will recognize me because my white suit is filled with my blood and hands have scars of nails and you also notice me because I wear a crown of thorn. Once you enter to the store through me your life is secured because my blood is a bullet proof from the attack of your enemies. Once you enter do go out back to life outside anymore. Live in the store and joy your benefits. Your gifts makes room for you inside. Do not worry the store is rapidly expanding and can accommodate all the american people and they will have everything for free if they will just come and believe on me.
And once you are inside someone will accommodate you and teach you every good thing you must do to manage your goods and multiply them as a good steward. His name is HOLY SPIRIT. Listen to HIM and follow HIM carefully because in everything you do inside, the owner of the store will account everything you have. Be a good steward and enjoy all your benefits
I am the WAY, the TRUTH, LIFE to the store, no one comes in to the free goods except through passing to the DOOR who is me.
By the way the owner of the grocery store is my FATHER you will see Him inside because He is the source of everything.
COME QUICKLY AND LEAVE EVERYTHING VALUABLE YOU HAVE AND TAKE THIS THING OF GREATER VALUE.
Friends listen carefully. let us not be unfair to the dead man. please watch the full video on youtube and carefully observe how myles munroe positioned his statement.
When i carefully listen to the video he did not actually eradicated or humbled the message of the calvary and and the blood of CHRIST. But what he did taught the people the proper process of what the people should hear first and after being understood the first message you should go to the next level which is second the lesson.
We should not mess in educating our children but they should undergo the process following the level of education they should get.
Do not teach first the grade 1 student the lesson of grade 2.
And do not teach first the the grade 2 the lesson of grade 3.
The grade 1 students should first conceptualize and fully understand the grade 1 lesson before they go to the next level of lesson which is grade 2 lessons.
Now if we teachers will mess up with the lesson and interchanged every thing, the students will be confused and their foundation of learning will become weak and this will create chaos in the life of the student. Therefore proper process of education to student determines the success of the students.
Carefully observe JESUS before he died on the cross. He gave us the example of the proper process in educating the people. He never interchange because this will create confusion.
Do you know the first lesson HE preached to the people before anything else?
HE preached first what adam lost when he sinned which is the dominion or the KINGDOM.
That is why JESUS said REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD has arrived. And He conceptualized the KINGDOM OF GOD through parables like the parable of the most fine pearl of great value and hidden treasure. Now the time came when the people understood or had now idea about the KINDOM Of GOD now Jesus thought that they are now prepared for the next lesson which is very vital for the entrance to the KINGDOM of GOD.
Do you know what HIS next lesson is after teaching them about the KINDOM OF GOD?
His lesson was, is for the people to eat HIM.
Do you know what I MEAN?
He taught the people to His flesh and drink His blood.
That is why JESUS did not preached it first because if HE did nobody will listen to Him anymore because the people were thinking that HE was crazy making them canibals.
NOW after the preaching of HIS flesh and blood and the resurrection,
DO YOU KNOW THE NEXT TEACHING? — (GRADE 3 LESSON) – now this is the level up. Wow.
His next lesson was the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT because the HOLY SPIRIT is the power of God to empower GOD’S KINGDOM and to be fully operational.
I Recommend to watch the video of MYLES MUNROE regarding the HOLY SPIRIT. Watch his video in youtube. My God you would understand what is the role of the HOLY SPIRIT in our present age and you will be empowered and appreciate more the HOLY SPIRT in your life.
Look watch his videos first and open your minds and you would understand that Myles Munroe is the TEACHER in the five fold ministry, teaching us proper process of teaching the people depend upon the level of their understanding.
The GOSPEL is good news. And the good news is that we will regain what we had lost when we sinned. So before sin entered the garden what is the good thing that GOD gave Adam. Genisis 1:26 (LET THEM HAVE DOMINION – which is in HEBREW it is translated KINGDOM.)
So the KINGDOM is the good thing that Adam had and it was taken away and was lost when he sinned. So what is the good thing or good news that JESUS preached?
Of course JESUS preached about the good thing we had before which is the KINGDOM OR DOMINION POWER.
So is the blood and cross good news? Of course it is who told it’s not.
BUT THE GOSPEL is the KINDOM of GOD not cross and the blood, because Adam did not knew blood and cross before he sinned. What he knew is his dominion or the KINDOM OF GOD.
So what is blood and cross then if it is not the GOSPEL OF JESUS?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THESE ARE?
THE BLOOD AND CROSS is not the gospel of JESUS but these two are the most important elements in order for you to take hold of the GOSPEL and enjoy it forever.
Therefore the GOSPEL is the KINGDOM OF GOD and the BLOOD and CROSS is the only way we can inherit the good news which is the KINGDOM OF GOD.
Understand JOHN 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave HIS only Son, and whosoever believes on the cross and blood of JESUS will have everlasting life.
The KINGDOM Of GOD will have no end but will last for eternity and that is the promise of God. So believe the way (JESUS – the cross and His blood) and you will inherit the everlasting KINGDOM OF GOD by the infilling power of God who is the HOLY SPIRIT.
PREACHING IS LIKE ADVERTISING to the PUBLIC.
Children of God
I will confess that I was once a follower of Myles Munroe, I still listen to some of his messages because they are powerful. After a couple of years I started questioning christianity as a whole. Today I can simple say God is wonderful and his mercies are renewed every morning. I owned a christian social site for nearly 4 years and spent more than £10 in cost, that was the time I decided to look into christianity and the messages we shared.
My vedict
Its based on the bible. I noticed that the bible has been twisted so much that we now believe other man over the word of God.
Let me simplify;
From Genesis to revelation the information is written to us but not for us, let me explain.
From Abram/Abraham
God chose Abraham, this is how Israel came to being. We were all one people. Iscrael was born of Abraham. Until Malachai, we call it the old testament but the truth is that the gospels as well are the old testament. The new testament is when Paul A.K.A Saul got saved, thats when the grace of God was brought to the world, meaning Israel and us became one’ thats where gentiles comes from. Christians and Israel are called gentiles.
So from Abraham God was speaking to the Jews, Jesus came to the Jews, miracles was to convince Jews that he was the Messiah. Jesus’s earthly ministry was for the Jews not Christains. Christians did not exist. Jesus said it to his desciples not to go the samaritans only to the Jews.
Our relationship with Christ is heavenly, keep in mind that God had us in his plans. He saved Paul and sent him to us. Romans to Philemon is written to the Gentiles, which is us and the jews. There is no difference between us and them. Even Paul himself explains how to rightly devide the word of God to be able to understand.
Most of our pastors are not there to preach but to decieve us. If you atke someone from some village and gave them the bible to read it for you, you will be shocked because they will tell you what the bible says. It is because they have never been told or raised in religious homes. The church have diverted the word of God to fit their agenda or their denomination.
The desciples never taught Grace of God except Peter when he went to Conelius house, thats all. The bible is written to us but not everything is to you. Becareful of these pastors who are making their careers in the church.
The bible is simple and when you know the truth’ the truth will set you free. If you have never had dilemmas then your not reading your bible.
Compare the teachings of Paul and the desciples, remeber the bible says Paul got saved. But Paul was already a Pharisee, he believed in the law of Moses and persecuted christians those who did not keep the law. But the bible says he got saved from what?
Pastor Myles Munroe teachings were so educating and misleading, dont get me wrong he does have a little of preaching that I can relate to christianity. The kingdom message sounds good but not helpful for belivers. I loved him and his wife so is Joel Osteen and the rest. May God help us.
Oh mybe I can give you some home work, here is someone who might be able to break it down for you.
Am not a hater but sometimes it does makes me angry when I see my sister in the Lord getting ripped off but non believing Pastors.
The links I have provided have more videos in the youtube channel, warning this is not a celebrate pastor but a normal person who has found the light. I hope you find it too. God is love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59GZKN8hzqc
Questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py6jR_CEjlM
Dispel Confusion of the Bible in only one hour – Guaranteed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHtCmgBpxtU
Paul Separated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SinE-dBHC4
Hebrews to Revelation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAXOs-stjuA
9/2/12 Their Gospel, Our Gospel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrjz5mZAKrg
Good work.
These teachings are seductive, I don’t know what else to call them. They appeal to the basest instincts of man towards self-anggradizment and egotistical advancement. Like what Revanchists teach their children, sowing subtle thoughts of hate and racial supremacy knowing fully well that it will give birth to war and murder. The teaching of “ye are gods” often leads the student to seek esoteric knowledge (in the name of “wisdom”) to enable such student enter into his dominion, kingdom, or godhood, thus, magic is born. I forsee this teachers making of the general population in no distant time, sharmans, diviners, practitioners of magic and next-door-neigbour occultists, all disquised as prophet(e)s’, “Evangelists”, and all what no christian titles. If the anti-christ did not first give the people false teachers, he will be easily spotted for who he is when he comes but as it is, his agents of disinformation are preparing the ground. My advice to everyone here is this: if you have ever read a novel from cover to cover before, then please read the Holy Bible from cover to cover as well. I find it difficult to believe that anyone can misinterprete said book unless out of greed or outright malice, both of which are of the devil.
Why aren’t ministers, pastoral professors, Churches teaching us what we, as Christians, need to know about Persecution, Tribulation, Troubles, Trials: What does the Bible Says? Why are we teaching a feel good religious ideology instead of the truth?
How to Prepare for Tribulation — Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom’s letter below, written in 1974, contains solid advice to Christians about preparing for the Great Tribulation. Corrie knew great tribulation firsthand, as she and her family were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp for sheltering Jews during the Holocaust. Learn more about her here.
Corrie ten Boom’s Letter
The world is deathly ill. It is dying. The Great Physician has already signed the death certificate. Yet there is still a great work for Christians to do. They are to be streams of living water, channels of mercy to those who are still in the world. It is possible for them to do this because they are over comers.
Christians are ambassadors for Christ. They are representatives from Heaven to this dying world. And because of our presence here, things will change.
My sister, Betsy, and I were in the Nazi concentration camp at Ravensbruck because we committed the crime of loving Jews. Seven hundred of us from Holland, France, Russia, Poland and Belgium were herded into a room built for two hundred. As far as I knew, Betsy and I were the only two representatives of Heaven in that room.
We may have been the Lord’s only representatives in that place of hatred, yet because of our presence there, things changed. Jesus said, “In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We too, are to be over comers—bringing the light of Jesus into a world filled with darkness and hate.
Sometimes I get frightened as I read the Bible, and as I look in this world and see all of the tribulation and persecution promised by the Bible coming true. Now I can tell you, though, if you too are afraid, that I have just read the last pages. I can now come to shouting “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” for I have found where it is written that Jesus said, “He that over cometh shall inherit all things: and I will be His God, and he shall be My son.” This is the future and hope of this world. Not that the world will survive – but that we shall be over comers in the midst of a dying world.
Betsy and I, in the concentration camp, prayed that God would heal Betsy who was so weak and sick. “Yes, the Lord will heal me,” Betsy said with confidence. She died the next day and I could not understand it. They laid her thin body on the concrete floor along with all the other corpses of the women who died that day.
It was hard for me to understand, to believe that God had a purpose for all that. Yet because of Betsy’s death, today I am traveling all over the world telling people about Jesus.
There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution. In China, the Christians were told, “Don’t worry, before the tribulation comes you will be translated – raptured.” Then came a terrible persecution. Millions of Christians were tortured to death. Later I heard a Bishop from China say, sadly, “We have failed. We should have made the people strong for persecution rather than telling them Jesus would come first. Tell the people how to be strong in times of persecution, how to stand when the tribulation comes – to stand and not faint.”
I feel I have a divine mandate to go and tell the people of this world that it is possible to be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We (should be) are in training for the tribulation, but more than sixty percent of the Body of Christ across the world has already entered into the tribulation. There is no way to escape it. We are next.
Since I have already gone through prison for Jesus’ sake, and since I met the Bishop in China, now every time I read a good Bible text I think, “Hey, I can use that in the time of tribulation.” Then I write it down and learn it by heart.
When I was in the concentration camp, a camp where only twenty percent of the women came out alive, we tried to cheer each other up by saying, “Nothing could be any worse than today.” But we would find the next day was even worse. During this time a Bible verse that I had committed to memory gave me great hope and joy. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part evil is spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” (I Peter 3:14) I found myself saying, “Hallelujah! Because I am suffering, Jesus is glorified!”
In America, the churches sing, “Let the congregation escape tribulation,” but in China and Africa the tribulation has already arrived. This last year alone more than two hundred thousand Christians were martyred in Africa. Now things like that never get into the newspapers because they cause bad political relations. But I know. I have been there. We need to think about that when we sit down in our nice houses with our nice clothes to eat our steak dinners. Many, many members of the Body of Christ are being tortured to death at this very moment, yet we continue right on as though we are all going to escape the tribulation.
Several years ago I was in Africa in a nation where a new government had come into power. The first night I was there some of the Christians were commanded to come to the police station to register. When they arrived they were arrested and that same night they were executed. The next day the same thing happened with other Christians. The third day it was the same. All the Christians in the district were being systematically murdered.
The fourth day I was to speak in a little church. The people came, but they were filled with fear and tension. All during the service they were looking at each other, their eyes asking, “Will this one I am sitting beside be the next one killed? Will I be the next one?”
The room was hot and stuffy with insects that came through the screenless windows and swirled around the naked bulbs over the bare wooden benches. I told them a story out of my childhood.
“When I was a little girl, “ I said, “I went to my father and said, “Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.” “Tell me,” said Father, “When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?” “No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train.” “That is right,” my father said, “and so it is with God’s strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need—just in time…”
My African friends were nodding and smiling. Suddenly a spirit of joy descended upon that church and the people began singing, “ In the sweet, by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” Later that week, half the congregation of that church was executed. I heard later that the other half was killed some months ago.
But I must tell you something. I was so happy that the Lord used me to encourage these people, for unlike many of their leaders, I had the word of God. I had been to the Bible and discovered that Jesus said He had not only overcome the world, but to all those who remained faithful to the end, He would give a crown of life.
How can we get ready for the persecution? First we need to feed on the word of God, digest it, make it a part of our being. This will mean disciplined Bible study each day as we not only memorize long passages of scripture, but put the principles to work in our lives.
Next we need to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just the Jesus of yesterday, the Jesus of History, but the life-changing Jesus of today who is still alive and sitting at the right hand of God.
We must be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is no optional command of the Bible, it is absolutely necessary. Those earthly disciples could never have stood up under the persecution of the Jews and Romans had they not waited for Pentecost. Each of us needs our own personal Pentecost, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We will never be able to stand in the tribulation without it.
In the coming persecution we must be ready to help each other and encourage each other. But we must not wait until the tribulation comes before starting. The fruit of the Spirit should be the dominant force of every Christian’s life.
Many are fearful of the coming tribulation, they want to run. I, too, am a little bit afraid when I think that after all my eighty years, including the horrible Nazi concentration camp, that I might have to go through the tribulation also. But then I read the Bible and I am glad.
When I am weak, then I shall be strong, the Bible says. Betsy and I were prisoners for the Lord; we were so weak, but we got power because the Holy Spirit was on us. That mighty inner strengthening of the Holy Spirit helped us through. No, you will not be strong in yourself when the tribulation comes. Rather, you will be strong in the power of Him who will not forsake you. For seventy-six years I have known the Lord Jesus and not once has He ever left me, or let me down. Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him, for I know that to all who overcome, He shall give the crown of life. Hallelujah!
____________________________________________
Persecution, Tribulation, Troubles, Trials: What the Bible Says to Christians
45 Bible Verses on Persecution, Tribulation, Trials, Troubles and Afflictions
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”
–James 1:2
William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) – The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1880) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
–Tertullian, 1st century AD
Christians in 21st century America have had it drilled into their heads–most, for their entire lives–that they are special; that they will escape persecution.
That they will live lives in Christ Jesus that are different from all other Christians who came before them.
And so, many American Christians, due to popular false teachings, are not prepared for what is soon coming upon the earth.
Worse than being unprepared, many American Christians will not even entertain the idea that they may have to suffer for the name of Christ. If a Christian gets angry–when times are good– at the mere suggestion they may suffer persecution, will that same Christian “endure to the end?”
In Revelation, especially in chapters 2 and 3, Jesus makes wonderful promises to all who will overcome. Will that pampered 21st century American Christian be an “overcomer” when hard times appear?
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
–Revelation 2:7
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
–Revelation 2:11
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
–Revelation 2:17
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.”
–Revelation 2:26-28
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
–Revelation 3:5
“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”
–Revelation 3:12
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
–Revelation 3:21
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
–Revelation 21:7
To whom did Jesus make these promises?
Many are deceived that they won’t have to ever face persecution; but if for some unknown reason they do face trials and tribulations–as the Bible declares they must–then suddenly, somehow they will be ready for that which they have not mentally or spiritually prepared.
It’s likely those who imagine such things are deceived twice over.
Trusting the Doctrines of Man, not the Bible
Christians in America have been lulled to spiritual sleep by the constant drone of the Christian Mass Media; assuring them that, unlike Christians of every other nation, tongue and tribe–in every other century–American Christians will escape tribulation, trials, troubles, afflictions and persecution.
But what does the Bible have to say?
The Bible paints a much different picture. Most often, unlike modern teachings, it equates persecution with joy, rejoicing and honor.
“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
–Acts 5:40-42
The Bible speaks of joy–instead of “losers’ being “left behind.”
The Bible plainly states, time and time again, that “all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Not some, “all.” Not perhaps or maybe, “shall.”
How did the end times Christians of America get it so wrong? Well, the Bible also has that answer.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
–2 Timothy 4:3
“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”
–Isaiah 30:9-10
American Christians have gotten not only what they have asked for, but in the case of many who support the Modern American Prophecy Industry, what they have paid for.
Trust in Jesus, not in man
“First, evangelicals all want to trust their “experts” – those leaders who appear in the public eye and state things authoritatively. But many trusted leaders are engaging in this very crisis-solution strategy! They claim to have elite information, intelligence secrets, hidden knowledge, scientific-sounding secrets, or even the ability to be able to decode supernatural things. Some are deemed to have such superior spiritual insights that they are called modern-day prophets!”–Prophecy Mongering
Here is what the Bible has to say about persecution, afflictions, trials and tribulations.
44 Bible Verses on Persecution, Tribulation, Trials and Afflictions
PERSECUTION – PERSECUTIONS
“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.”
–Mark 4:17
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
–Romans 8:35
“That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” (thereunto = to sufferings; to persecution.)”
–1 Timothy 3:3
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
–2 Timothy 3:12
“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”
–2 Timothy 1:4
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
–2 Corinthians 12:10
“Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”
–2 Timothy 3:11
(VIDEO) Persecution is Coming – Michael Boldea
PERSECUTE
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
–Matthew 5:11
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
–Matthew 5:44
“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.”
–Matthew 10:23
“Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:”
–Matthew 23:34
“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.”
–Luke 21:12
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”
–John 15:20
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
–Romans 12:14
AFFLICTION – AFFLICTIONS
“For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.”
–Mark 13:19
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
–2 Corinthians 4:17
“How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”
–2 Corinthians 8:4
“And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:”
–1 Timothy 1:6
“Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:”
–1 Timothy 3:7
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”
–Hebrews 11:25
“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”
–James 5:10
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,”
–2 Corinthians 6:4
“Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:”
–Colossians 1:24
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”
–2 Timothy 1:8
“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
–2 Timothy 4:5
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;”
–Hebrews 10:32
“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
–1 Peter 5:9
TRIBULATION – TRIBULATIONS
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
–Matthew 24:21
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:”
–Matthew 24:29
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,”
–Mark 13:24
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
–John 16:33
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
–Acts 14:22
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”
–Romans 5:3
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
–Romans 12:12
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
–2 Corinthians 1:4
“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.”
–2 Corinthians 7:4
“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”
–Ephesians 3:13
“For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.”
–1 Timothy 3:4
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
–Revelation 1:9
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
–Revelation 2:10
“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
–Revelation 7:14
TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
–James 1:2
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
–1 Peter 1:7
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”
–1 Peter 4:12
ALSO – Quotes: ETPR Quote Collections
Not saved?
The gospel of Christ has the power to save!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
–Romans 1:16
THE GOSPEL
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – (h/t:B)
Related articles
o Through Much Tribulation (evangelize4life.org)
o Will Hate Crimes Legislation Usher in Persecution in the USA?(endtimesprophecyreport.wordpress.com)
o End Time Trials, Tribulation, Trouble and Disasters: Put Your Trust in Jesus (endtimesprophecyreport.wordpress.com)
o Left Below (vovatia.wordpress.com)
o What You Need To Know About Israel: They Killed Their Own Prophets and They Killed Jesus Christ Too! (soulrefuge.org)
o Consolation in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)(ymmusings.wordpress.com)
o End Times Deception: The Modern American Prophecy Industry (endtimesprophecyreport.wordpress.com)
o Extreme Persecution Coming to America (vineoflife.net)
by Jeremiah J. Jameson
© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-13. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thank you B&E,
I know some people will not give you an “Amen” to you exposing Joel or Munroe, but their words speak for themselves.
In Joel’s case, the interview with Larry King was pretty convincing to me- Joel did not want to EXCLUDE anyone from Heaven, so he said that is up to God. In other words, it is not my place to teach that Christ is the ONLY way to God. I think Joel knows that to preach that message he will not be packing in 45,000 people in his church, he will not be getting money from Satellite offers, or for his “concerts.” So, like he says, “I don’t want to exclude anyone….” He has a chance to reach more people to support his ministry.
Now the question you need to ask is simply this- are these people supporting his ministry or Gods ministry? Who are they following? Joel or God?
I would advise everyone reading this to stop now, read 2 Timothy 4 slowly and ponder the Word of God. For this one thing I know- the Bible is inspired by God. I’m not sure all of Joel’s words are.
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when people 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. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Paul is telling Timothy to CORRECT AND REBUKE wrong thinkers! So why can’t Joel do that? Is he beyond this message? Was that only for Timothy, but not him? Hmmm. I do agree with this though- if you tell Larry King that “Yes, Muslims,Jews, Hindus have it all wrong because they reject Gods only acceptable gift- the atonement of His son at Calvary- I guarantee you we probably would never be talking about Joel Osteen right now. He would not be rich and famous and someone Larry King would have wanted to seek out for an interview. Oh, and did you notice at the end of the interview, Joel couldn’t even say ATHEISTS are doomed without Christ ruling their life!!!!!! Oh yeah, I forgot……that’s not for him to correct, it is only for God. (Nice teeth though, Joel.)
Shalom,
TM
Here are some quick lists that have helped me over the years. I thought these lists may help people who may have trouble in Spiritual Warfare and understanding their identity in Christ, as I did. I thought I would pass them on, that may help others, as they pray for guidance in Christ! May God richly bless!
_________________________________________________________________
“When Satan and his demons are all up in your face-and you need help immediately, remember this one thing: remember Jesus”!
REMEMBER JESUS
The belt of truth
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Remember Jesus
The Breastplate of righteousness
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our
behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of
God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Remember Jesus
The shoes of the gospel of peace
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have
peace with God throughout Lord Jesus Christ”
(Romans 5:1)
Remember Jesus
The shield of faith
“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Remember Jesus
The helmet of salvation
“There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other
name under heaven that has been given among men by
which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Remember Jesus
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. He was in the
beginning with God…And the Word became flesh,
and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as
of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and
truth…No one has seen God at any time; the only
begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He
has explained Him” (John 1:1-2,14,18).
Remember Jesus.
“In other words, if you can’t remember anything else about the armor,
remember Jesus.”
From Dr. Tony Evans’s book: “Victory in Spiritual Warfare”, pages 154-155.
______________________________________________________________
Who I Am in Christ
If you are a Christian, then the statements below are true of you. If you are not a follower of Christ and would like to know more, click here…
I am accepted…
John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure…
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant…
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Website: http://www.ficm.org, Dr. Neil T. Anderson about our position in Christ!
Your ministry is a great ministry for Christ, and I pray that many more souls will continue to be saved through your Bible teaching and sermons. May God richly bless.
_________________________________________________________________
Here is a short piece from Randy Alcorn’s book: “Heaven” ( from his Introduction-and his reference is from the Barner Group). He states: “As human beings, we have a terminal disease called mortality. The current death rate is 100 percent. Unless Christ returns soon, we’re all going to die. We don’t like to think about death; yet, worldwide, 3 people die every second, 180 every minute, and nearly 11,000 every hour. If the Bible is right about what happens to us after death, it means that more than 250,000 people every day go either to Heaven or Hell.” This was an eye opener for me and yes it does boggle the mind.
_________________________________________________________________
And helping people in their prayer life!
My decision in prayer is as follows:
Dear Hevenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I acknowledge that I have sinned and that I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus came to give me life, and by faith I now choose to receive You into my life as my Lord and Savior. By the power of Your indwelling presence enable me to be the person You created me to be. I pray that You would grant me repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth sop that I can experience my freedom in Christ and be transformed by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, You are present in this room and in my life. You alone are all-knowing, all-powerful and everywhere present, and I worship You alone. I declare my dependence on You, for apart from You I can do nothing. I choose to believe Your Word which teaches that all authority in heaven and on Earth belongs to the resurrected Christ, and being alive in Christ I have the authority to resist the devil as I submit to You (claiming James 4:7). I ask that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me into all truth. I ask for Your complete protection and guidence as I seek to know You and Your will. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DECLARATION
In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command Satan and all evil spirits to release their hold on me in order that I can be free to know and choose to do the will of God. As a child of God who is seated with Christ in the heavenly places, I declare that every enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ in my presence be bound. Satan and all his demons cannot inflict any pain or in any way prevent God’s will from being done in my life today because I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
EVEN A BEDTIME PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, that You have brought me into Your family and have blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I accept it as one of Your blessings for Your children, and I trust You to guard my mind and my body during sleep.
As I have thought about You and Your truth during the day, I choose to let those good thoughts continue in my mind while I am asleep. I commit myself to You for Your protection against every attempt of Satan and his demons to attack me during sleep. Guard my mind from nightmares. I renounce all fear and cast every anxiety upon You, Lord. I commit myself to You as my rock, my fortress and my strong tower. May Your peace be upon this place of rest. In the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Please pass these lists and prayers to others, for as they have issues, to bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ as I have on a daily bases. May God bless.
Surely you have no job mister! That is why you can spend all the time you spent here publishing all your rant about these men of God. That any man of God should charge for preaching the gospel is wrong, hence those who did so are wrong IF that is what they actually did. But the rest of your argument itself is based on your own false doctrine none of which has any basis in the bible.
You mentioned where Jesus talked about laying up treasures in heaven. That in itself implies that one must first have acquired the treasures here on earth before laying anything in heaven. The bible portrayed Jesus as a wealthy man in every sense of the world. When he had 5000 hungry people the first question he asked is ‘where can we find bread to buy so that all these will eat’ meaning he has got the means to pay should there ever was a place to buy the bread. He never lied or joked, so he couldn’t have been lying or joking. I can’t imagine any of his disciples saying ‘Lord there is a place somewhere nearby and Jesus then started to look stupid for what he has said. No way. Even when he was teaching his disciples about commitment and dedication and the need to forsake all to follow him, Peter asked him ‘but master we have forsaken all, now what shall we get?’ Jesus didn’t say ‘get away, Peter you earthly minded or money conscious man.’ Instead the bible says ‘And Jesus replied, Truly I tell you,” no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or land for my sake and the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive a hundred times as much in THIS WORLD, and in the world to come eternal life.”
When the same Jesus some people wanted us to believe lived a poor and austere life died, the bible reported that even the soldiers began to fight over his dress. That’s how poor he is! Have you ever seen anyone fighting over the dress of a poor man? Actually he was so poor that he has a whole person appointed as his treasurer.
First of all I would like to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts
prior to writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Kudos!
This war is far different from all other wars not because of its size and scope but because this war is fought in a place we have never seen. We are fighting Spiritual Warfare which is this cosmic conflict waged in the invisible, spiritual realm but simultaneously fleshed out in the visible, physical realm. Another way to look at it is that the root of the war is something you cannot see, but the effects of the war are clearly seen and felt in the physical realm. This is because everything physical is either influenced or caused by something spiritual.
Look at Daniel chapter 10, Daniel’s prayer was heard on the first day of a three-week period, but the answer was delayed because of angelic warfare. It was a supernatural creature who tried to direct the human rulers of Persia to oppose God’s plan. Evil angels seek to influence the affairs of nations, and it is still going on today!
These elements of deceit that you speak of above are merely conduits or vehicles used by demonic spirits to thwart God’s plans. As Christians, we are to be set apart from the physical world (Hebrews 10:10-12).
Also, view on Youtube John Piper’s message on Prosperity gospel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLRue4nwJaA) why he says it is an abomination to the real gospel of Christ.
We were all over the country, V2 buy v2 cigs atlantas deliver the best
throat-hit of any brand in the US: its performance and quality.
Pro hodnocení produktu slouží samostatná záložka recenze,
nikoli tato diskuze. Well I didn’t like it. The M65 not only offers superior power performance
but appeal. This has been carefully designed and is an ESSENTIAL component of the atomizer without spilling any.
That’s not the case then, it could work for anyone. Their relative value has helped a lot
of health effects.
Myles Munroe is indeed another false teacher, more focused on man’s dominion, pleasures, health and wealth, rather than the reason for Christ coming to earth – do die for wicked sinners like us as our only hope of redemption. He came to reveal God, redeem mankind, and rule over God’s Kingdom (Ps. 2 7-0, Is 9:6, Jn. 1:29, Php 2 vv. 9-11, Heb. 7 vv 25, 26, 1 Peter 8 vv. 18, 19). After the closing of the Millenium, Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father. Christ also taught that we must take up our cross daily. This is not the teaching of Myles Munroe or the false prosperity preachers. Christ walked this earth with few possessions other than the clothes on his back, and as He said, “The Son of God has nowhere to lay his head.” So many people follow and idolize these false preachers rather than believing that the Bible is enough. It is not about us, but about God and His glory.
Clearly you have never listened to any messages by Dr. Munroe because you have no idea what your talking about. RIP Dr. Myles Munroe
Here is what GotQuestions.org has to say about the Prosperity Gospel.
Also, one thing I do not hear much about anymore is the term bondservant, as the apostles, even the apostle Paul was a bondservent.
http://www.GotQuestions.org
Print
Question: “What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?”
Answer: In the prosperity gospel, also known as the “Word of Faith,” the believer is told to use God, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite”God uses the believer. Word of Faith or prosperity theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be put to use for whatever the believer wills. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do God’s will. The prosperity gospel movement closely resembles some of the destructive greed sects that infiltrated the early church. Paul and the other apostles were not accommodating to or conciliatory with the false teachers who propagated such heresy. They identified them as dangerous false teachers and urged Christians to avoid them.
Paul warned Timothy about such men in 1 Timothy 6:5, 9-11. These men of “corrupt mind” supposed godliness was a means of gain and their desire for riches was a trap that brought about them “into ruin and destruction” (v. 9). The pursuit of wealth is a dangerous path for Christians and one which God warns about: “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” (v. 10). If riches were a reasonable goal for the godly, Jesus would have pursued it. But He did not, preferring instead to have no place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20) and teaching His disciples to do the same. It should also be remembered that the only disciple concerned with wealth was Judas.
Paul said covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5) and instructed the Ephesians to avoid anyone who brought a message of immorality or covetousness (Ephesians 5:6-7). Prosperity teaching prohibits God from working on His own, meaning that God is not Lord of all because He cannot work until we release Him to do so. Faith, according to the Word of Faith doctrine, is not submissive trust in God; faith is a formula by which we manipulate the spiritual laws that prosperity teachers believe govern the universe. As the name “Word of Faith” implies, this movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than who we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm in our hearts.
A favorite term in the Word of Faith movement is “positive confession.” This refers to the teaching that words themselves have creative power. What you say, Word of Faith teachers claim, determines everything that happens to you. Your confessions, especially the favors you demand of God, must all be stated positively and without wavering. Then God is required to answer (as though man could require anything of God!). Thus, God’s ability to bless us supposedly hangs on our faith. James 4:13-16 clearly contradicts this teaching: “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Far from speaking things into existence in the future, we do not even know what tomorrow will bring or even whether we will be alive.
Instead of stressing the importance of wealth, the Bible warns against pursuing it. Believers, especially leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3), are to be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). The love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). In sharp contrast to the Word of Faith emphasis on gaining money and possessions in this life, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The irreconcilable contradictions between prosperity teaching and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is best summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money.”
© Copyright 2002-2016 Got Questions Ministries
Here’s more proof of this heretic. https://youtu.be/wP4buPmOcNM
All those of you are commenting here about (against) the Men of God, leave all your views to nobody. They are the great men of God. You could not do what they did and are doing so let thank God for raising such men of God to be the voice in this time. Leave them alone. God honours them. Don’t touch the anointed of God. Stop promoting witchcraft here. Who are you guys? Bigger than God who chose these men? What are shame.
Just because your a man of God doesn’t mean you can’t be or become corrupt. Who shame ?
Olsteen also said there is more than one way to Heaven, I believe on the Oprah show. He even touted her at one of his for-profit seminars. He is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. It just sad that many people have fallen for Olsteen instead of rising for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.