A 2018 Message & Response To Our Youth Pt. 1

Recently, after an all day high school, holiday basketball event, my wife and I were doing the "transport people home" thing, as somehow we occasionally get pegged to do this for some of the students that attend events, but who have no way home (for some reason), or whose home is just a little too far away to walk especially at night or during evening hours in the inner city. 

On this particular evening, I asked one of the young ladies, "What church do you go to?" 

She responded by saying, "I don't go to church"...

I said, "Really!?" 

Due to the apparent shock in my voice, she responded, "Why? Does that sound strange? There's a lot of us that don't go to church." 

She concluded by saying, "Plus, I don't have time for all that judgment anyway, I don't want to go to church and all them people judging me"..."So I read my bible and all, and believe in God, but I don't go to church"

Now, I wish I could say that my response was just so poignant that after dropping her off at home she quickly put on her church shoes and sat there waiting for our next service to begin, but that wasn't the case. 

My Initial Response

Immediately, I began to tell the young lady about the distinction between Jesus, the head of the church, and the human and flawed people within the church, explaining that Jesus is the object of faith, not the people, and that invariably humans will always fail.

I believe that is standard jargon from those of us who have been in the church for any length of time. 

I am sure that like her, you too can identify a bunch of folk that sometimes don't do right and that don't intend to do right and that even damage others either by misjudgments, the shoddy and raggedy lives that they live or by the fire of borderline hate and condemnation that they breath on others in the "name of the Lord". So in a sense, she was certainly right...too many times, it's the people IN the church that keep people on the outside, especially young people, away from the church. 

And the liberalism that the church adopts to "draw" the youth doesn't help either. Most young people I know consider the church greater hypocrites for mimicking the world while saying that they are different and unique from the world...Being and conducting ones self in the same manner as the world and attaching Jesus to those actions, as if that makes it OK, is NOT different, neither does it represent God's holiness. It seems that even the world doesn't want a fake! 

Thankfully, abandoning or staying away from church, is not my household issue and does not have to be the issue of others. As parents, even in modern time, you can live and love so until your kids being a part of the church is not a problem. It can be an expectation even as it is to my children. Church and church attendance can be a natural and normal way of life, and one that is comfortable to and with youth and young people, and knowing Jesus can be and should be something cherished by every generation of believer, from youth to aged. That is certainly in biblical order. 

In part 1 I will point our a few things that may be more of interest to adults who are in or a part of the church and in Pt. 2 I will deal more carefully with the young lady's retort and observation.  

Observance Of Topsy-Turvy Practices Within The Faith Community 

We are living in a society that may or may not be experiencing a decline in church attendance depending upon whom you talk to. Those statistical conflicts and information can be found HERE. No matter what you believe however, we should all be concerned about the current condition, welfare, and future of the church, because the past has revealed some serious flaws that may make the church as an institution fall in line with other irrelevant societal organizations if it is not careful.  

I believe that she (the student) speaks for a great number of young people. Those of us who are a part of the church readily see an absurd relationship of the church within society to some degree. 

Like you, I see excess, as some, claiming to be church leaders or otherwise church participants, live off the top, some apparently as kings, and on the backs of those who are involved with the daily struggle of life within the church.

Pastor Elvis Mbonye says
"Kiss my feet in honor of me"

Over the years, I've noticed for the truly "connected" (or at least so they appear to be) there is somehow always an excuse for their sins. Whether they be sins of lust, covetousness or something else, there is an excuse. There is a seeming demand that we (followers) don't look at the sins of these leaders or even talk about the fact that they, for example, abandoned wives and children for secretaries, destroyed churches and families trying to do the right thing by being faithful within their community of faith, by personal sins, molested children and sexually harassed church members and staff and the list goes on...

We observe a system turned completely on its head. In some cases very little accountability and even a smaller demand for integrity. A system in which those who are so called "servants" are being served and treating congregations and members as slaves. It is certainly a superiority complex or something to similar. 

For example, not too long ago, one charlatan basically said that people who didn't have a "major platform" couldn't call her into accountability. I suppose that she felt that her ability to appear on a cable network qualified as a "major platform" and only them on the "same level" could offer any pertinent information to her. This was as if she were some princess who could only be corrected by "kings" I suppose...WHAT A MESS!!!! That's certainly not being a servant, that just FLESH, STUPIDITY and superiority!

Sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes, it is the leaders who are living in and seeking excess that are the one's who get the "good seats" while you, who pay your money and volunteer exorbitant amounts of time to support it all, can't hardly get in the door or secure a seat. You are being told to help pay for Lear Jets and expensive cars, while begging for the church van to come get you on time for service "IF" a van is available for transportation at all. 

One can observe whole communities of faith that are disengaged and really don't understand the culture in which they are dealing because, in some cases, their membership has gotten older and detached from what is actually going on within society and within families related to the church and there is no energy to engage or do anything differently. 

The Changing Dynamic Of The Family

Profound community activist, Star Parker in an online article at Creators.com entitled "Marriage Collapse: White & Black" carefully outlines while people generally contend to be religious, especially within the Black community as a whole, the fact is that they are marrying less and less. She states:

Star Parker

"We get one hint in the new Pew report. Forty-eight percent of nonwhites, compared with 33 percent of whites, indicate they want to get married but say financial instability is the main reason that they have not. 

Why are blacks, on average, decidedly more financially unstable? One factor, which must be taken into account, is the disproportionate impact of the welfare state following the civil rights movement. Major welfare programs established in the late 1960s, which required recipients to be unmarried to qualify, followed shortly thereafter by the legalization of abortion in 1973, had a devastating effect on the black family. 

Data we have today should provoke a sense of urgency to focus policy on reversing the damage done by years of programs that have hurt the very low-income communities they were supposed to help. We need policies that protect life, and encourage marriage, ownership and individual responsibility."

With all of this said, is the church aware of the number of children in foster care? Although that number is down from its peek of over a half million children in 2002 to now just over 425,000 to 530,000 depending upon your resource, does anyone within the church care what that sort of detachment of children from their parents and history is actually doing to the spiritual integrity, morality and values of a generation of kids growing up within modern society? There are a wealth of foster children floating from home to home, experiencing sexual and physical abuse at the hands of individuals who are no better than the parents from whom the children were taken. 

HG.org Legal Resources in an online article, "Sexual Abuse: An Epidemic in Foster care Settings?" referenced a John Hopkins study stating the following:

"A study by John Hopkins University found that children who are in foster care are four times more likely to be sexually abused than other children not in this setting. Additionally, children who are in group homes are 28 times more likely to be abused than children not living in these homes."

That observation alone is the simultaneous reason that the number of children being born into single parent families is near 67% among Black women. Contrary to the assertion of many critics of the Black community, it appears that public policy lends to many Black women and men either delaying marriage or not getting married at all as opposed to the "moral crisis" that we often hear that is the case. What we can note in nearly any inner city setting is that many of those mothers appear to be younger and younger. 

What i wonder, is has the church considered that children raising children is not an idea, concept or arrangement that facilitates church growth or a healthy community?

Communication

I wonder is the church aware, that out of some 3,800 text messages sent and received on average per month by teenagers (ages 13- 17) on their electronic devices, that many of those messages use profane language, are sexually explicit in nature and sometimes have pornographic depictions and content? 

While the so called "leaders" are demanding Jets to fly around the country, or an additional tax free, allowance to pay for houses and cars and an entourage complete with cloned protegees to follow them, has the church and its leadership seriously considered what the bombardment of that sort of perversion that has targeted our youth actually done to their young minds and brains from a pathological point of view and what it (the church) must do in order to counter the effects of such damaging displays and communication?

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle   

Then, how about the unreported "latch-key" children, who are not in foster care, but basically raise themselves, preparing their own food and prepping for school everyday? These children do this either because parents are at work (some of these parents are good parents, just over-stressed and overburdened because the cost of living is so extremely high), or on drugs, or seeking companionship dangling on the promises of lovers whether they be married or single, or who just simply don't otherwise take the time to raise a child, but yet takes advantage of tax benefits, SNAP (food stamps) and or other welfare benefits. Then there are some [DIRTY DOGS!] who, trade their children in exchange for cash for part-time sexual sale to family members and friends usually for drugs or drug money. 

The Mission Field Of The Church

YES, the culture within which the church has to operate in 2018, has changed. The people to whom the church has to minister have changed. The values to which the church has to speak, are values which the modern church has not encountered in like fashion, with the complexities that it has been given, since it has existed within America. 

One thing is for sure, the church cannot continue to do what it has done and expect to meet our communities at the point of its need. We must abandon methods based and rooted in bad tradition and adopt methods, yet distinct from the world, but methods which uphold righteousness and delineate the difference between what is holy and that which is unholy. Our focus and center must be done in an effective, God fearing, and God honoring manner. The message of holiness and the power of the Spirit of the Lord has never been in more demand within our communities than it is now. 

Conferences won't save us. Titles and positions mean nothing! Call yourself whatever title you wish. NONE of those things will enlighten or impress today's youth, or our communities nor will they restore our families. The ONLY thing that will do that is God through and by his WORD, the further proclamation of diligent truth, and the power of HIS Spirit!

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Mega Lottery ~ The Ultimate Give To Get Scheme

"When it gets as big as it is now, you'd be nuts not to play,"..."You have to take a chance on Lady Luck."

Mr. Willie Richards ~ Atl. Ga. 

At odds of 1 in 176 million, the Mega Millions lottery offered a world record pot of $640 Million. According to the computers, there were three winners one in each state, Kansas, Illinois and Maryland. Each winning ticket is worth $213 Million before taxes and will net  approximately more than $140 Million after taxes if the lump sum option is taken. Even second place will take $250,000 before taxes.  

A record in sales, raking in an estimated average of over $1 Million per hour, totaling over $1.5 Billion was made in the current Mega Millions lottery. Each state in which the lottery was paid also recorded record revenues. In 2011, $56 Billion in revenues were earned by the lottery. According to reports, more people play the lottery than attend church. In fact it is said that the average income earner of $30,000 spends approximately 9 % of their income purchasing lottery tickets hoping for the chance to win. Statistics say that on average 9 out of 10 winners go through their earning, and are right back where they started from in approximately 5 years. 

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"Happy Easter" or "Happy Resurrection"?

1 Cor. 15:55 ~ "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

The capstone of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. It was around that singular event that Jesus demonstrated his authority over life and death itself.

John 10:17-18 ~ "17-Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18-No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

The Life Changer

Why is this singular event in history shrouded with so much doubt and confusion? By his resurrection Jesus proved that he was more than a mere man and that he had power over all power as God in the flesh.  Without

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"Speak It In The Atmosphere"

The New Gnostic Thought

In 2007 I featured a post called "The Divination Of Detroit" in which I highlighted the efforts of Juanita Bynum II  (or whomever she is currently named) pointing to her practices during a prayer service at Greater Grace Temple, Detroit Michigan. Juanita was presenting a 3 pronged strategy as a key to receiving your blessing and seeing a "manifestation of the Spirit", "in the earth realm". 

Now, I want you to know that the terminology is suspect to begin with. There is no other "realm" whereby we can perceive a "miracle" from God. So cliches such as this aren't really worth their salt and certainly aren't inspired by the spirit...at least not the Holy Spirit! 

Back to the issues...Juanita's strategy was to :

1. Praise the Lord intensely
2. Wait for the anointing to come.
3. After the anointing "arrives" call out your name in the atmosphere to attract or draw what you need in the spirit.

As I pointed out then and still do now, Juanita's teaching in this regard was a repackaging of PAGAN ideas and teachings on the "Law Of Attraction". Her teaching was froth full of scripturally unsupportable assertions and dangerously ungodly implications.

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The Call For Bishop Eddie Long To Repent?

In a stark contrast to Bishop T.D. Jakes who said that there is nothing that can be done regarding Eddie Long except prayer (and we know that prayer is always in order), and that he along with everyone else just needs "the blood of Jesus" while pointing to his "blood bucket" both for himself and others to cover all of our sins; Bishop Paul S. Morton, however has joined many of us in calling for Bishop Eddie Long to repent regarding the recent sex and ethical scandal that has enveloped and threatens to destroy his ministry. Here's a recent message regarding the issue:

Surprisingly, ministers such as Creflo Dollar have stated that Bishop Long simply had a "wreck" and that he should keep on moving and everybody should go home because in essence, like a Keystone cop, "there's nothing to see here". Bishop T.D. Jakes assesses the situation as a "recent tragedy" and that Bishop Long is under a great amount of "scruitiny". This is language that certainly softens the emphasis of what has really happened and doesn't really point toward repentance of any kind.

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Reup: Christmas 2009: Reflections On The Divinity Of Jesus

~ Re-Up From Christmas 2009 ~
Originally Published 12/15/2009

A personal message to every reader of this blog,

I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year!
~ Pastor Harvey Burnett~

Isaiah 9:6 ~ "For unto us A CHILD IS BORN, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

As we enter the 2009 (now 2010) celebration of Christmas, let us never forget that as Christians we celebrate the miraculous birth of an individual so unique, that his very person simply defies human understanding. Unlike any counterparts or parallels throughout history, Jesus, being God, and without divesting himself of his divine nature, came to Earth for a singular purpose; to redeem man back to God because of the damage that sin had done.

2 Corinthians 5:19 ~ "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of RECONCILIATION."

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Apostates, Heretics & False Doctrines

Is Creflo Dollar An Atheist?

In Can Christians Have Demons Pt. 2 I refrenced a message by Creflo Dollar in which he said that Jesus couldn't have been God because he slept while God neither slumbers nor sleeps. The exact reference is as follows:

"And somebody said, well, Jesus came as God! Well, how many of you know the Bible says God never sleeps nor slumbers? And yet in the book of Mark we see Jesus asleep in the back of the boat. Please listen to me. Please listen to me. This ain’t no heresy. I’m not some false prophet. I’m just reading this thing out to you of the Bible. I’m just telling you, you all these fantasy preacher have been preaching all of this stuff for all of these years and we bought the package!" ~(Creflo Dollar, "Jesus' Growth into Sonship," December 8, 15, 2002, Product Number: 3422093, 3132094)

As the title of his message indicates, Creflo was teaching, currently teaches and has taught that Jesus was not born into the world divine or born as God. He teaches that Jesus became God. Here's a quote from the same message:

• "If Jesus came as God, then why did God have to anoint him? If Jesus - See God’s already anointed. If Jesus came as God, then why did God have to anoint him? Jesus came as a man, that’s why it was legal to anoint Him. God doesn’t need anointing. He is anointed. Jesus came as a man and at age thirty, God is now getting ready to demonstrate to us and give us an example of what a man with the anointing can do."(Creflo Dollar, "Jesus' Growth into Sonship," December 8, 15, 2002, Product Number: 3422093, 3132094)

Just in case you can't fathom that this popular TV minister could teach such apostasy and heretical doctrine and yet stay on Christian TV, radio and maintain a large church, try this one on for size from the same message:

• "Somebody said, 'Well, Jesus knew all things.' Well, what happened to that fig tree situation? Seeing a fig tree far off, He saw leaves on the fig tree and thought if happily He might come to that fig tree and eat of that fig tree. But when He got there He saw that there were no figs on that tree. Well, wait a minute! Ha, ha, we better, we better hope God knows when figs are on a tree! [Amen's and laughs] But Jesus didn't come as God! He came as a man! Because, if Jesus came as God He would have known figs were on a fig tree without having to see the leaves on the fig tree!"(Creflo Dollar, "Jesus' Growth into Sonship," December 8, 15, 2002, Product Number: 3422093, 3132094)

As I read through many of these quotes and was thinking on these supposed biblical assertions I was thinking that they sounded familiar. I was right. Arguments and assertions like Creflo's come straight out of atheist dogma.

Here's what one atheist said about Jesus's cursing of the fig tree:

• "Jesus expects free food and gets mad and attacks a fig tree when he does not get his way" ~ Harry McCall "Jesus,The Anti-Establishment Lazy Bum" 1/3/2009 Debunking Christianity

He also said this in yet another of his posts:

• "In fact, as noted at the end of this post, Jesus was not an all knowing Christ who fabricated stories about Satan, but a superstitious Jew who believed in the oral and written lore of his people. Thus, based on a careful reading of the Gospel texts, we find a fallible Jewish man making mistakes about the end times and a man who was highly influenced by the myths and Jewish folklore of the day" ~ Harry Mccall, "Jesus, A Superstitious Man Living In a Eschatological Hotbed" Debunking Christianity.

Now these are statements by an individual who certainly doesn't believe in the divinity of Jesus whatsoever. In fact this man doesn't believe in God and would hold that if Jesus existed he was simply a man like all others. Why do his statements so closely parallel a Gospel Minister's sentiments? I'll tell you why...Because Creflo is a HERETICAL TEACHER and an APOSTATE. Just in case you didn't know the definitions or weren't aware of how important this really is, let's look at a few definitions:

• Apostate -"One who is guilty of desertion of one's faith, religion, party, or principles.
• Heresy - "unorthodoxy: any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position
• Heretic- "Heresy is an introduced change to some system of belief, especially a religion, that conflicts with the previously established canon of that belief"

That Creflo teaches false doctrine is an understatement. His sentiments and understanding of scripture in this case shows his lack of understanding of the relationship of Christ divinity with his humanity.

What Christians Gave Their Life For

That Jesus was born God is without question. John in his gospel establishes the preexistence of Jesus and spends a whole chapter to do it. He repeatedly asserts the concept and ends with the confession of the "doubter" (Thomas) calling Jesus "My Lord and My God". (Jn. 20:28) The disciples worship him (proskeneo), and when you look at the context of that worship you'll find that it occurs from his disciples to him after miracles of healing, deliverance, speaking to the wind etc, where you would expect one to worship God if they understand what's happening. In fact the devil in the temptation uses the same word when he asks Jesus to "worship" him in exchange for the riches of the world. Jesus was derrided by the Pharisees for the cliam that he existed before Abraham and that he had a special relationship with the father even using the Aramaic name "ABBA" win relationship to the father which indicates one who has a special sharing and place with the father. That type of sentiment hertofore had not been taught by any other Jewish teacher or rabbi when it came to God. It seems that everyone knew that Jesus was divine except for the devil, atheists and Creflo Dollar.

The gospel birth accounts correspond to Is. 7:14 which states that God would be born and dwell among us. (Also reference Is. 9:6-7) These scriptures don't say that the savior would evolve into God or become God over time...Further, in nearly every Epistle Jesus is given "Doxa" or "glory" which is the worship and praise of God. We're told that even the angels worship him, and revelation is filled with adulation to the "Lamb" or Jesus himself.

These are things that one who seeks God will surely find and come into the understanding of with sound teachers and council. Creflo's teachings have too much in common with atheism. That's why I ask, "Is Creflo Dollar an Atheist"? Christians don't teach or receive garbage like this! This is a mess.

What happened Creflo? I'll tell ya...Too much sensationalism and ungodliness in our pulpits...WHY do the members stay under this atheistic doctrine and teaching that has continued for years and certainly since he spoke in in 2002? Afraid to break with buildings, silver and gold?

All I can say is this. When I leave this world I don't want any of my works associated with the promotion or theological agreement with God haters and anti-Christ advocates. Members of World Changers and its supporters...What does the BIBLICAL CHRIST, who was BORN GOD, think about your support of ungodly, ATHEISTIC and UNBIBLICAL teaching and teachers? Sad shame!

Blessed!

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Can Christians Have Demons? Pt. 2

Item 3: “The Devil Made Me Do It!”

The late Flip Wilson on his 1970’s ‘The Flip Wilson Show’ pretended to be a particular character named “Geraldine” who often uttered, “The devil made me do it!” That was comedy. Unfortunately, in real life many individuals continue the same theme.

We will have to acknowledge some individuals are controlled by demons and do what demons tell them to do, and even are possibly possessed of demons for real. Need I mention Jim Jones, who saw to it that he would kill hundreds in Guyana, and did so happily until the end. Then there’s David Koresh, who claimed to be Jesus leading the people of God to a new apocalypse and a bright new future. Then there are others such as Sherman Allen, and and Terry Hornbuckle who thought that the women of the congreagations were there for pastoral freak purposes instead of the salvation of their souls.

Then there are the more moderate individuals who, if they don’t have a demon, certainly spend their time listening to them such as Creflo Dollar who has recently said that Jesus was not God because Jesus “slept” and the scriptures says that God neither “slumbers nor sleeps”. Now, if that that doesn’t sound like a demon then I don’t know what does.

Many of us would all like to rationalize the actions of these individuals as the result of demonic infestations, because we really can’t fathom someone doing those acts or saying those things without being possessed by demons. We can agree that there is and was some demonic activity in all of what I just mentioned, but we must ask…Is all of that a result of a demon or just the defiled hearts of these individuals who love themselves more than they love God?

There is another class of demons such as Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy, killers that kill for fun or that cut off people’s heads, mutilate their bodies. Then there are individuals who perform certain sins such as drugs and sexual activities to the point where they damage themselves or others uncontrollably. Certainly demons are real and manifest themselves through people in many different ways.

Is There Any Personal Responsibility?

On the other hand human nature without Christ is just so atrocious that it has the ability to be demon like if lives are not yielded or rendered to God. It all begins in the heart of man:

Jer. 17:9-10 ~ “9-The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10-I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings”

Partially because of how we were born into sin and its effects:

Ps. 51:5 ~ “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me”

You see out of the “heart” flows the issues of life...Jesus stated that all these behaviors that are manifest are because of the wickedness of the heart, the "deliverance ministry" claims that it’s because of some external force of demons. Jesus claims it’s because of our dark hearts:

Mk. 7:20-23 ~ “20-And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21-For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22-Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23-All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

And due to our condition of what the Calvinists have coined as “total depravity”,we have no self ability to make our hearts clean or righteous.

Ephes. 2:1-5 ~ “1-And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2-Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3-Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4-But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5-Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

It is here that Paul in Ephesians says something interesting,(as always)He says in v.2:

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”

We were not only dead in our trespasses and sins but we walked according to the “prince of the power of the air” ie: the devil himself and the demonic realm. Some of us were nice, had outstanding moral values, were even assets to our communities but yet still walked according to demons. However, notice what Paul also says. He says:

“Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;”

What we did in times past, was according to OUR minds and OUR flesh. In other words the devil didn’t make me do it as much as I wanted to do it and had the capacity and ability to do it.

Herein is the problem, when the Christian shifts the responsibility of their actions to simply a “demon”; they also relinquish any personal responsibility for their actions, decisions and ultimate carrying out of their thoughts. This is the deceit of “Pigs In The Parlor” and deliverance ministry in general. The devil can’t make us do anything that we don’t already either want to do or have a predisposition to do.

James confirms this thought out when he says:

James 1:13-15 ~ “13-Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14-But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15-Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

The best effort of the world is to minimize what is called “original sin” In an interview with CNN discussing the recent demise of Michael Jackson, mystic and universal consciousness guru Deepak Chopra expressed that there was no one who was born bad or that was born a sinner. He explained that these things happen to people (they become bad) but that everyone is basically good. Now that could be a lie of a demon, certainly it’s deceitful and untrue, but his sentiments exemplify the desire of the sinful nature to feel that it has no problems, that it is perfectly fine without God and that bad influences only exist outside of it, not from within it. Deliverance ministry denies that our nature is sometimes messed up without the assistance of demons and ultimately, that we need a savior, not because of demons (which are already defeated) but because we’re messed up and are sinners!

Whatever we are “drawn away” with belongs to us in the end. As with anything there are exceptions but this is the norm. We are first reminded that we are culpable for our own actions. Even if we have predisposition’s for certain behaviors, this is why we must be born again (John, 3:3) in order to do away with the old nature and order of things. What does the scripture say:

2 Cor. 5:17-18 ~ “17-Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18-And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

“All things” include and pertain to the spiritual wellbeing, welfare, life and godliness of the individual. Through Christ all things are accessible.

2 Peter 1:3-4 ~ “3-According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4-Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Christians that feel that they have demons are not walking in full biblical council or the freedom of Christ. If one persists with that idea, one should make sure that they are first IN CHRIST because Christ will not live with a demon. Leaders that teach that Christians have and can be possessed by demons, or that attempt to cast demons out of already saved individuals, are leading followers astray and into false doctrine, heretical teachings and “strange fire” for which there is a penalty. (Lev.10:1-2)

Item 4: The Power Of Demons Are Defeated In The Believers Life

One thing we know, Christ has come to destroy the works of demons in the believer’s life. Contrary doctrines flourish where there is a lack of exposition of God’s word or mere misinterpretations of what Jesus actually came to do. Yes, we are all in a growing pattern but it should be a primacy for the gospel minister to both communicate the understanding of the true gospel. Contrary to Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen who believe that salvation was completed in hell, the bible tells us that it was ON THE CROSS that our enemy and his mignons were defeated.

Col. 2:13-15 ~ “13-And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14-Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15-And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The enemy is already defeated because of the victory of the cross. The problem is that we have split service issues. Jesus said “no man can serve two masters” (Mt. 6:24, Lk.16:13) and the body cannot house both God and the devil simultaneously unless one is subdued and brought under control or cast out (Mt. 12:29, Mk. 3:27, Lk. 11:21). As stated the powers that were opposing the believer were defeated, broken and destroyed on the cross. This includes demons whether known or unknown. They have been “triumphed over” and this was done “openly” The “enemy” or evil one and his agents, both natural and spiritual, has been cut down when Jesus came in:

Ps. 44:7-8 ~ “7-But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. 8-In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.”

In addition we have experienced the freedom that has been “made” within us.

John 8:36 ~ “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

And given power over the powers of the enemy:

Lk. 10:18-19 ~ “18-And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19-Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

It is our ability as believers to continue to be made free from the enemy and not be entangled with his yoke and this especially includes his demonic infestations:

Gal. 1:1 ~ “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Item 5: Are There Demons In Music?

We know from both observation and current science that music has an ability to effect the innermost part of an individual. However there is yet not a “wicked” C or a “evil” A on the music scale. So why does music have an effect the way it does?

Remember that when God created man he created him a living soul. (Gen. 2:7) This is a physical or material (body) and spirit (breath or life) union, which God calls “living soul”. Man is a physical and spirit mixture with limitations and extensions in both physical and spiritual dimensions. God gave man certain attributes which extend from himself. These attributes are called God’s communicable attributes. This is partially how we are in “his likeness” and “his image”. One of those attributes is the ability to communicate with feeling or expression. The ability to communicate goes beyond the material world and includes the spiritual realm or world also.

In other words we live in an open continuum that includes both the material and immaterial realities. Prayer is spiritual communication with God, who is a Spirit, (Jn. 4:24) from a material being with spirit ability, called a “living soul”. If we were not spiritual beings with the ability to communicate spiritually we could not communicate with God at all. We would be stuck and confined to the materialistic and naturalistic realm. One should be encouraged to come to or develop this understanding otherwise prayer would make no sense.

The “soulish” part of us is where the nonmaterial aspects of our being comes. (I won’t deal with tripartism which is a questionable teaching anyway, I’ll save that for a later writing) The atheist supposes that this is the brain or some mere meta-natural process. The naturalist denies the “soulishness” of our being and assumes that science will one day provide the answer to immaterial parts of our beings such as love, dreams and the ability to hope etc. Please study our post Antisupernaturalism & Miracles Pt.1 and Pt.2 for more indepth information on this dichotomy.

I propose that music to a great extent, is developed from the immaterial part of man and because it originates from a spiritual part has an effect upon not only the physical body but also upon a person’s spirit or immaterial nature. Music, though containing natural notes which don’t change on the scale, is directed and effective by what it intends to do.

Biblical example: King Saul had an “evil spirit from the Lord” that could only be eased with skillful harp and music playing (1 Sam 16:16). David however played skillfully upon his instrument and it drove the “evil spirit” away (1 Sam. 16:23) However a second time the music didn’t stop Saul from remaining in that “evil spirit” and trying to kill David (1 Sam. 19:9-10) Music does not either possess or relieve one of demons, but music can be directed to accomplish a function and is an effective nonmaterial communication tool.

Music can incite inner emotions for the better. This is what we call “happy music”. Music can make us feel sexy. This is what we call “mood or love” music. Music can make us sad. This is what we call “blues”. Music can make us feel like dancing and be sad and sexy at the same time. This is what we call “rhythm and blues” music. Music can also present demons to us and influence negative behaviors. This is what we call “holy hip hop” and “gangsta rap”- LOL. )(OK holy hiphoppas, I’ll cut you some slack. Some of your messages are good, methods questionable and debateable but that’s why we’re here right?)

Remember, Saints are not the only ones who communicate spiritually or by immaterial means. Sinners do also. If what I’m saying is correct, there are many individuals that create music who are controlled and certainly influenced by the devil himself. (Remember Ehesians 2:1-5) If communication can occur through immaterial processes through immaterial means, then the stage is set. Demons can communicate, subdue and seduce using music as a medium.

The fact yet remains that the Christian cannot be possessed by the devil no matter what’s on the radio, but the challenge to those who haven’t yielded and surrendered their musical tastes and appetites fully to God is that there should be an awareness that one could be entertaining demons and allowing them to influence you spiritually whether you are possessed by them or not. One cannot take fire into your chest without being burned. (Prov. 6:27)

Steps Of Musical Freedom

Sometimes escaping influences of devils take steps of faith similar to taking a journey. At times tearing up a poster, relinquishing a CD may be what it takes to make a psychological escape from the influence of devils that await and exploit weakness. However, one must be careful because it’s not the outside of the cup that makes one clean, it’s the inside where the change takes place. (Mk. 7:20-23) One could very well burn up all their CD’s as promoted by a popular minister and yet not be free of the influence of that music in their souls. One who found that out was Kirk Franklin who claimed to be addicted to pornography on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He claimed to have thrown all his tapes and DVD’s away only to drive back hours later to the same dumpster, get in and retrieve all his material. What does this say? Deliverance doesn’t begin on the outside, it begins in the heart.

Of one thing we can be certain, there’s no way one can say that artists such as David Banner as referenced in Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 8 is not either led, plagued or guided by demons based on the content placed within his works. We must realize that he is at least entertaining demons as he performs and develops ideas. This is similar to many groups and individuals such as the found innocent but still "Horny" R. Kelley and others that we have examined in our Hip-Hop Idolatry & The Church series on this site. However, the dilemma still remains, that many of these individuals are not claiming to be saved and those that are certainly don’t produce the fruit of that salvation. So that should tell us something.

So music can be a demonic tool for a number of reasons not to minimize the fact that the devil because of how he was created, has always used music as a tool of expression even in heaven before his being cast down.

If a Christian rejects sound council in this area, he or she will usually display that they have a greater problem than just music. Music is similar to alcohol and tobacco. They are simply doorway drugs that lead to greater destruction if one is not careful. Music can be a doorway and a pathway to immorality and immoral behavior. A better question would be, does the devil use music? The obvious answer to that is yes.

What About What We Can’t Reasonably Explain?

As stated, the reality of demons in no way empowers individuals to shirk or relive themselves from any personal responsibility, however we are in a very spiritual warfare and there is a spiritual reality that we face whether we know of it or not. The scripture clearly says that there is a spiritual dimension to our fight and struggle:

Ephes. 6:12 ~ “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

But what about experiences that are not found within the bible and that are sometimes difficult to reconcile? Some examples include:

• The feeling of “presences” that enter a room and you feel or may even see it.
• There are some who suffer from a sudden inability to move while they are asleep. Some have even been attacked in their sleep by beings that had extension in time and space. Many report that they feel that they were helpless to defend themselves and felt as if they were being pressed upon as they lay there and are unable to call a spouse or loved one for assistance.
• Other instances include sudden, strange and unusual pressure and urges to engage in certain ungodly activities.
• For some there are sudden blackouts and losses of time. Some associate these type of episodes with addictions, but could this also be because of a demon(s)?

Because we are in a dimension that is spiritually open, the unseen spiritual world can be revealed at any time. One thing is for sure. There is no safety in that world without Jesus. He has claimed to be the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 14:6) and that no man can get to the father except it be by and through him. There are entries into the spiritual realm that open the world of demons to us. No TRUE Christian follows those paths as they would be led by the voices of “strangers”. God leads the Christian and directs us into better relationship, fellowship with him and into protection from spiritual enemies.

A Word Of Caution:

In providing a writing such as this, I hope not to give the impression that the Christian can behave themselves in such a manner that they can enter into ungodly situations and be exempt from the results of demonic activity. Example: Ouija Boards are ungodly doorways and pathways to the supernatural and that will expose individuals to demonic activity and possibly even demon possession. The same goes for WICCA, Witchcraft, tarot reading, palm readings, seances and Voodoo and tattoos. All of those are demonic in nature and are ungodly practices that Christians need not be involved with in any manner. One of the seeming more innocuous items is the horoscope…Though it seems innocent, the horoscope can be used as a tool of the devil to bind and direct individual’s lives exposing believers to the leading and character traits of the devil himself.

In all of these things it takes submitting to God and resisting the devil and self-discipline. You have the ability to win that battle because Jesus fought it on the cross and won on our behalf.

Conclusion & Summary

In heaven judgement for reward is made based on what a person has done.

Rev. 14:13 ~ “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Our works will follow us and judgement will not based on what a demon made or caused a person to do. All illnesses are not necessarily demonic, but we know that some illnesses cause persons to act abnormally. Some actions are chemical and even biological in nature and regardless of all that all actions can be made subject to the Cross of Christ.

1 Cor. 10:13 ~ “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

The saint has not been placed in a situation that they cannot bear. The Lord leads us besides still and peaceful waters. (Ps. 23) The Lord does not lead or expose the Saints to demons, neither is his power so ineffective that he cannot prevent a demon from taking over the physical body or spirit of the believer.

There is a solid case and evidence that demons, at times, possess individuals, but at no instance within scripture do we see believers either possessed or being possessed with devils or engaged in casting demons out of other believers. I believe that these articles have demonstrated the following facts:

1. The parallel between the “Temple” and the “body” is ineffectual and out of context, and therefore found to be unscripturally based.
2. Moneychangers were a part of the temple processes by need and were not why Jesus cast them out.
3. The animals that were being sold in the temple were there by necessity and the instruction of God and did not defile the temple.
4. The temple was defiled only because of the usurious practices of men. (Special Note: Be careful of individuals who condemn others in the gospel for their website, DVD and promotional item sales while they themselves simultaneously and selfishly promote the sale of their OWN DVD's and promotional items as if they are somehow doing something different than those they condemn ~ Those type of things are defiling to the body of Christ in general. If it's not demonic, it's certainly ungodly.)
5. What Christ has done on the Cross has broken the power of the devil and demons in the life of the believer who accepts Christ’s atonement by faith. In the life of the believer demonic power is broken at the time that saving faith is exercised and received.
6. The power of demons are destroyed by the work of Christ whether one denounces specific activities or not.
7. Spirits are not necessarily responsible for many personal behaviors. When demons are in the process it will be revealed plainly.
8. Man is a living soul with an immaterial spiritual dimension that must be subject to Jesus for personal safety and wellbeing.
9. Music can be a spiritual tool in the physical realm and can be used by demons to incite behaviors in humanity.
10. Games such as Ouija, and activities such as horoscope, tarot, seances, palm reading, tattooing etc. should be avoided at all costs by believers as those games and activities assist in opening spiritual dimensions without the protection of Christ.
11. A Christian or Saint CANNOT be possessed by a demon and therefore does not need to have one cast out.

This has been submitted for the edification of the Saints. I hope that it was as much of a blessing to you as it was to me going over these concepts once again. I’d love to hear your feedback on both articles.

Blessed!

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Propserity: The Gospel Of Excess

"I get so mad when I see these pimpin' preachers driving Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, flying around in their private jets, and making it seem like prosperity and money is the way of God when 90 percent of your congregation is on Section 8 or can't figure out how they are going to keep their lights on or feed their kids." ~Donnie McClurkin by Kenya N. Byrd Essence Magazine 3/26/2009

Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous

In a recent interview with Essence Magazine Donnie McClurkin posed that lifestyles of leaders of churches were out of control and out of hand. He further stated that individuals sometimes preach and place monetary burdens on their congregations while they themselves live a life of luxury. There was and is much commentary on both sides of the issue as to just how a preacher should live and conduct themselves among the congregation.

Now the backdrop is this, for a number of years the church has been under attack for its excess social and moral practices. It would seem that the current financial recession is also bringing much of this to the surface, and I say thankfully.

The lifestyles of the minister and church have caught the attention of everyone both favorable and unfavorable, church and secular. Rod 2.0 Beta reports that not only is attendance at mega church New Birth MB Lithonia, GA. down but tithes are down over 20% since 1993. They also reported this about Bishop Eddie Long and his 2009 Easter Service which normally was held annually at the Georgia Dome:

• "Bishop Long, who routinely preaches his sermons dressed in expensive tailored suits and dripping in diamonds, acknowledges that his members are no longer receptive to his "prosperity" message since many of them have lost their jobs and homes."

The first observation that we must agree with is that there ARE excesses and immoralities that have occurred that have not represented Christ nor his church. There are individuals who "fleece the sheep" for selfish gain and accolades. Secondly, there are yet a growing number of instances in which individuals within the church have caused the church to continue to be seen and regarded in a negative light.

Improper Biblical Insights:

Much of this sort of thing can be raced back to E.W. Kenyon but the whole Word Of Faith prosperity type teachings got it's start, in modern times, from individuals like the late Kenneth Hagin who taught that you can "write your own ticket" with God. Affectionately called Dad Hagin, in his book entitled "How To Write Your Own Ticket With God" which is a expose all fast rack to the throne room of heaven, Dr. Hagin said that the Lord said this to him:

• "If anybody anywhere, will take these four steps or put these four principles into operation, he will always receive whatever he wants from me or from God the father"..."That includes whatever you want financially." The formula is simply, "1- say it, 2- do it, 3- receive it, and 4- tell it" As recorded in Exceedingly Growing Faith 2ed (Tulsa, OK: Kenneth Hagin Ministries 1988 pg. 73-74 (Numbers added)

In Hagin's teaching there was no acknowledgement of faith or believing prayer or even the will of God. Another part of the problem that we face within the church today stems from how many individuals misinterpret or just plain lie about their place and position within the kingdom of God. Some tend to think they are Kings, while others claim that they are "special preachers to the nation" (ala: Juanita Bynum) . For a long time now the late, defunct preacher, Bishop Earl Paulk, taught what was deemed as the "Doctrine Of The Kings Meat" which was wrapped in his "Kingdom Now Theology". These teachings allowed him to have congregational excesses such as money and sexual favors over a period of about 40 years, while restricting others to the pews and demanding that they not questioning the "anointing". By the way Bishop Paulk's most recent lawsuit was dropped in 2007. I don't know but I haven't heard that he repented along the way. If he did (before he passed)please let us know by referencing the article.

Some of these individuals proudly proclaim who they are and what they want and do. For instance, there's Dr. Bill Winston who confesses that he is a "prosperity preacher". Many of his supporters go on to contrast by saying what else should a preacher be? A "poverty preacher"?

Although that may be a trite response, the real danger is in his theology. Not only does he fall in the line of faith teachers and the Word Of Faith movement by teaching that faith is a force, he also teaches that believers (members of his church) are kings and he is a priest.

Dr. Winston, a former highly successful IBM Sales Director, has said that the congregation is to go out and get the money and to come in and give the money to him because he is the priest. In reward for this they can then have that new Mercedes, mansion or even an airplane. In other words the promise of God has a material one to one equivalency. Still, there are additional problems. In his book, "The Kingdom Of God In You" Dr. Winston sets forth the notions that even sincerely saved persons can unwittingly live under satan's rule, and that the promises of God rarely come from the outside sovereign work of God, but from the internal kingdom already within an individual. It's evidence that Dr. Winston doesn't recognize the total sovereignty of God both internally and externally and relinquishes and ultimately restricts God's sovereignty to external circumstances only. These are disturbing teachings and suggestions to say the least, and have very serious biblical and theological implications. Dr Winston has a new book coming out called the Law Of Confession which I plan to also review on this site.

For some individuals, giving the benefit of the doubt of spiritual correctness is all based on what ability they have or accomplishments they have amassed. For instance in the recent address the General Assembly of the Church Of God In Christ Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake set forth the following notion and response in defending his action of endorsing and signing the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights (UDHR):

• I’ve got too much work to do for the Lord, to be obsessed with somebody else’s faults or pursuits. One hundred and fifty eight people got saved at West Angeles on Sunday. I pastor your largest church, and it gives more to missions that any other church in our denomination. Each year for the last twenty four years my jurisdiction has given more than any other jurisdiction in financial reports. Wisdom is justified by her children. Before you believe a person’s allegations, check to see what kind of children that person has produced. What kind of work have they done?

In other words, from the Bishop's statements the gauge that the church should use in discerning right from wrong and truth from error is material success. Whether that be in the ability to create large churches or in the ability to wield massive amounts of money. (I'll do another post regarding The Bishop's misstatements on the UDHR in another post) So in essence, wielding money and drawing crowds is a validate of success when Jesus name is attached. This is not the gospel of the Kingdom, this is the gospel of self and self kingdom pursuit and validation. Neither John the Baptist nor Jesus had churches, buildings or large treasuries, but both were more highly successful than any now walking. Then there are a list of Apostles that follow the same route.

Naturally, we understand that the Kingdom requires material blessing and financial arrangements. The problem is the obtuse rendering of these things and the seeming pyramid structures, schemes and psycho-manipulation that these ministers use to amass money and increase their wealth.

Those schemes never seem to exist greater than when mixed with vacations disguised as spiritual retreats to places such as Las Vegas. Yes, as confirmed by Melvin Jones at Pulpit Pimps, Sin City is where Bishop I.V. "Money Man" Hilliard plans to retreat for spiritual empowerment in July 2009. Now, we know that there is no city that is so called more spiritual than another, however there are some more conducive to sin than others. By it's nickname (Sin City) Las vegas has been labeled as "Whatever Happens Here, Stays Here" and this is quite telling. Last I knew the only thing I wanted kept secret was SIN. On the other hand, we don't minimize that there are good people in Las Vegas. Thank God for Christians trying to win their community by their example, what we point to is the thought that material doctrine usually lead to materialistically based decisions and excesses with materialism and social status at heart.

Then there's the Leroy Thompsons of the world. Dr. Thompson's book, "Money Thou Art Loosed" set forth the notion that "prosperity is a mark of covenant. God desires for His children to live the abundant life financially, and there are things we can do to cooperate with God in faith to cause money to be loosed into our life."

These principles and "things" we can do usually have no regard or preferential treatment for them that are saved. In other words, if the unrighteous do the things that are outlined in most of these books and teaching messages, even they too will receive and overabundance.

One of the more popular ones of them all is Creflo "Crank Dem Dollars" Dollar In his book "8 steps To Create The Life You Want: The Anatomy Of A Successful Life" Regarding the books basic premise he says this:

"For instance, your words produce your thinking, your thinking drives your emotions, your emotions dictate your decisions, your decisions determine your actions, your actions shape your habits, your habits form your character, and your character determines your destiny. Today, I ask, is there anything missing in your life? If so, commit to walking out the eight steps in this book, and you will understand how to position yourself to experience change. What are you waiting for? You’re only eight steps away!"

Heretical Teachings & Metaphysical Beliefs

Another part to this teaching is the flat out heresy that exists among some of the more popular prosperity teachers. As if obtuse materialistic teaching weren't enough, Kenneth Copeland for instance has no idea about the deity of Christ from scripture or otherwise. He levied a long prophetic utterance in his "Believers Voice Of Victory" some years ago in which he claimed that the Spirit Of The Lord had spoken to him and told him the following:

"...The more you get to be like me, the more they're going to think that way of you. They crucified me for claiming that I was God. But I didn't claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with him and that he was in me. Hallelujah. ["Take Time To Pray" Believers Voice Of Victory 15,2 Feb. 1987:9]

The next month he would followup on questions he received by saying that he didn't say that Jesus wasn't God only that Jesus never made that claim here on Earth. [See "Christianity In Crisis", Hanegraaff (Harvest House 1993) pg. 138]

Obviously one can see either the total spiritual deception or total lack of biblical knowledge. Jesus made the claim to be God clearly in John 8:58 for instance

"58-Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59-Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by."

Jesus' declaration was the reason they (the pious Jews) wanted to crucify him. They considered that Jesus had committed blasphemy by equating himself with God. Not to mention John 1:1-18, Mt. 1:23, Jn. 20:28 and the entire usage of the word Lord (kurios) in Gk. which was the Septuagint (Greek New Testament) rendering of the Tetragram (the 4 sacred letters YHWH) from the Old Testament. Careful examination of this opens a whole new world of Jesus both declaring himself as God and openly receiving from others the same declaration. In fact John the Baptist declares Jesus to be the Lord (ie: God) for whom he is preparing the way according to Is. 40:3. This is confirmed in all gospels (Mt. 3:3, Mk. 1:3, Lk. 3:4, Lk. 1:16, and Jn. 1:23) The disciples ask the "Lord" (kurie, soson) to save them (Mt. 8:25) Peter later cries out the same, "Lord save me" (kurie soson me) when he began to sink after walking on water (Mt. 14:30). Jesus uses the double wording of Lord, Lord (Kurie, Kurie) to to emphasize his title of deity or control in the destiny of souls. (Mt. 7:21-22, Lk. 6:46 and Mt. 25:11) There are a host of other instances but the point is made clear, Kenneth DIDN'T get that word from the Lord Jesus or any heavenly angel at all. What Kenneth did was preach another gospel and we know the penalty for that. (Gal. 1:8-9)

Finally in this segment, there's Mark Chironna leveling prophecies based on one's ability to give, never mind who's receiving...just give. I've documented his false doctrine in "Not My Chironna" This gentleman has a broadcast called "Creating Your World" during which he affirms the metaphysical nature of words, teaches that believers have a "field of attraction" around them, and reduces the move of God to the ability to "make connections". Not to mention the fact that he teaches that everyone has the ability to use words to both shape and create circumstances in their lifves either favorable or non favorable. This goes beyond mere positive confession. It enters into the realm of mind altering creative abilities.

Materialistic Declaration

As Creflo suggests it is because of great character there is great prosperity. Wealth is because some have better abilities than others, playing heavily offf of the scripture of the steward that received talent according to their several ability (Mt. 25:15) one would naturally ask what accounts for the wealth of the atheist, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett? In every prosperity preachers arsenal there is a variation of this exact same premise to some degree along with a host of false prophecies.

Speaking of Creflo, I have a friend that was once a member of World Changers in Atl. Pastor Dollar PERSONALLY and SPECIFICALLY prophesied a son over her pregnant womb by the "spirit" and "inspiration" of the Holy Ghost. Several months later when A GIRL was born, pastor was shown to have added at least one more false prophecy to his arsenal.

We Must Stand For Truth At All Costs

Galations 5:1 ~ "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Christ has come to deliver us from the materialistic declaration of the prosperity crowd. These type of thoughts were the thoughts of Jesus day. He condemned those practices now along with his Apostles following suit after him. The scripture said this:

Mt. 6:33 ~ "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"

Do either of these scriptures restrict us from material gain? NO. Do either of these scriptures require that we use poverty as a sign of righteousness? NO. Do either of these scriptures outline materialism as an indicator of spiritual success? NO. What these scriptures teach is that we, you and I, must prioritize our lives so that Jesus is at the top or the center of the plan. It can't be "me and Jesus" It must be Jesus alone.

Mt. 17: 1-8 ~ "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2-And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3-And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4-Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5-While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6-And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7-And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8-And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only"

Blessed!

(Please excuse an earlier version full of spelling errors. Thank you.)
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