Some Preachers on Christian TV are causing confusion in the hearts and minds of God’s children and they also brings the Gospel into disrepute to those in the world. Especially when it comes to money – they air their shame for all to see.
Friends, some preachers are unrepentant sinners, Jesus spoke of before they ever preached a word and you need to be aware of these things. Because they preach over a platform does not mean God commissioned them. Please find out the difference.
Yes they unsett the minds of many well -meaning believers who watch them in innocence and think “that must be right because they’re preachers of the Gospel” so to speak. What gospel? It is written that “God hates mixture” …..and…..” He is not a God of confusion”. My brother and sister in Christ, if their words are causing confusion in your heart and unsettling your mind:
GOD DID NOT AUTHOR IT.
And sorry to say, the Jesus of the Bible had a name for this kind of preacher(no matter who they are) He called them “Hirelings”……in other words, they do not do God’s bidding, they do the enemy’s bidding because he comes to “kill your sensitivity to God’s voice and your faith, to steal money from your purse and bank account, and destroy your health, joy and peace” (paraphrased) but “Jesus did come to shepherd us and give us life abundantly, that is more fully, so we’re living in Joy, Health, Peace and Purpose” (paraphrased) so His Life is reflected in us and we are Light to those around us – they need to see what He is really like. That’s why the apostle Paul said that “we are living letters”.
Now how can others around us see Him clearly if we are confused and unsettled; if our vision of Him is dim; if we are mistaken about the type of “abundant life” Jesus came to give us? No, He does not want us to be burdened with the cares of this world; in debt or lacking any good thing. But some preachers (televangelists in particular) twist that and distort your impression of what it’s all about.
They appeal to our innocence and they appeal to our greed (whatever disposition you have). Mind you, they can even change your innocence to greed if you listen to them long enough – you will think “this is right because look what God has done for them and I’m tired of living in debt/lack, I will do this way. They know what they’re talking about”. And so they give you those shopping lists of what you will get from God if you give Him X amount of Dollars!
Yes unashamedly, they will tell you to give a certain figure……say 100s…..even a 1,000 or more……if you want this, that and that from God – they will tell you that the Spirit of God told them to tell you – and you feel compelled to give. Kind of like an investment where God’s Hand will be moved towards you because you did/paid this and this – because sometimes you are moved (in your senses) to respond to more than one appeal.
Some Televangelists give multi-appeals to suit your pocket and desires like “give this if you want this or that if you want that” and you try it like a lucky-dip to see if it works for you……and……if it does’nt, you can end up disappointed with God (because He did not perform, He did not back up their enticements). Sometimes you find yourself lacking more because you gave so much. Without shame, some of them will even say to give if you have debts to “get out of debt”. The classic of all time is
GIVE YOUR BEST GIFT.
And it does not stop there. Some will tell you to “bring it to the altar”.
You may have seen one of those programs where they are presenting Jewish Celebrations – certain Feast Days and that “The Lord is restoring them to His Church”. Some are quite genuine about this message like Larry Huch who will invite you, without pressure, to make an offering of a modest amount and he also sends you a lovely gift and set of DVDs explaining and describing the wonderful blessings of Healing, Protection and Bounty God promised Israel each Feast Day – and He always honored them.
It’s really quite enlightening, when you see all the things specifically that He promised Israel in His Covenant with them. You get a picture of how He wants us to live in JESUS……Hebrews states that “they were types and shadows of what was coming” in our day. YES, THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE. WE SHALL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
New Testament says that “he who keeps certain days does so to The Lord, and he who believes all days are the same does so to The Lord”. Now, some Christians feel that they can appropriate God’s Blessings better if they
keep those Feast Days: appropriating the blessings of The Lord. But there is no law or instruction in scripture to do this. Read Heb ____
But the thing is that some Televangelists and Pastors will compel you to keep these Feast Days……that “we must return to our Jewish Roots” that Jesus was Jewish and that is true. Some of His sayings – especially in parables – make more sense in the light of Jewish customs (when He spoke them) and when we know those customs we understand the words of The Lord in a clearer way……they become more meaningful. Sometimes it makes the content in scripture so much richer. So in that sense, it is good to “return to our Jewish Roots” as they call it.
For those who decide to do this, be careful not to be bound to the Law. New Testament Scripture is very clear on this. The writer of Hebrews says: and do be careful as to what source of teaching you have on this – whose ministry you are influenced by, because there is the pure-stream and the polluted-stream of reckless televangelists with endless appeals where your pain is their gain.
If the Bible was written in this day and age they would be called charlatans!Because they actually use God’s name in Vain to fleece the sheep and build their mansions etc however much they accumulate.
And scripture speaks clearly about this. It says: Children ought not to lay up (provide for) their parents. A true shepherd in Christ would not encourage it. And it also distinctly says “not to lay up riches for yourselves on earth”
“If you are a friend of money, you are an enemy with God”. Make no mistake about it, there are a number of rebukes in His Word that ought to be heard about this kind of preachers. Jesus also called them wolves amongst the flock. Unfortunately it is necessary to tell you these things.
“Why are there so many televangelist scandals?”
An excerpt from GotQuestions.Org
Answer: The term “televangelist” has almost universally negative overtones. Typical responses from people who are asked what they think about televangelists include the following: dishonest, greedy, materialistic, wasteful, and scandalous. The sight of televangelists wearing overly expensive clothing and jewelry, living in ridiculously expensive homes, and driving the most luxurious of cars, has caused many people to turn away from faith in Christ. Even non-Christians can discern that the teachings and lifestyles of most televangelists are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The core cause of many televangelist scandals is the belief commonly known as the health-wealth gospel. Televangelists are the primary propagators of the idea that it is always God’s will for all Christians to be perfectly healthy and financially wealthy. The essential message of the health-wealth gospel is that if you give money, God is obligated to bless you with health and wealth. If you give money, but are not blessed with health and wealth, you either did not give enough money, or do not have enough faith to truly receive the blessing. In this, health-wealth televangelists encourage people to give large sums of money, while preemptively explaining why the people are not blessed with health and wealth as they were promised.
http://www.gotquestions.org/televangelist-scandals.html
The Problem With Infomercials, Televangelists and Mechanics
From Luke1428.Com
“For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers…whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.” – Titus 1:10-11
“Just five minutes a day and you can have rock solid abs like this. All it takes is three easy payments of $29.99!” blared the infomercial, waking me from my late-night, post-baseball dozing…….
Maybe it worked for you. It did nothing for me except hurt my back.
We’ve all been taken or at least felt taken by someone. Like the mechanic who expertly claims the car repair will require a new Johnson rod. Or the televangelist who promises your $100 donation will go to feed orphan children in Romania (when in reality it pays his six-figure salary). And the aforementioned infomercial, promising instant results with so little effort.
Like what was happening to Titus, a leader in the early church. His mentor, the missionary Paul, warned him about people – within the church no less – who were teaching incorrect doctrine for their own personal gain. We might expect something like that from a crooked financial adviser. But can you believe that was actually happening in a spiritual setting?
There’s an old Russian proverb “Trust but Verify”. We need to start Testing. Even though the words being spoken into our ear seem accurate and reliable, it remains our responsibility to verify their precision and trustworthiness. Failing in this regard leaves us vulnerable to deception, openly naïve and far too trusting.
The message today should be clear…be guarded (even and maybe especially with your money).
Just don’t give your complete trust away so easily. Make others earn it through their consistent actions.
TELEVANGELISM: A POWERFUL ADDICTION:
Recovering from Abusive Religion
By Kenneth D. Johns
Consider some of the methods employed in recent years by some Televangelists to create Cash-Flow.
They say something like: “Two thousand years ago, God sowed a seed at Calvary that produced a Supernatural Harvest. Ever since, people have been Sowing Seeds with God for their own Supernatural Harvest. If you sow your seed today, your most generous seed, God will give you a supernatural harvest. Your harvest will be everything you have ever wanted: Salvation for loved ones, Financial success, Perfect health, miraculous success in business and career. Sow your very Best Seed today. Join God and you can have it all. God has a miracle for you now – a Supernatural Harvest!”
Kenneth has years of Pentecostal background and has seen the good and the not so good. He was brought up with the fear of The Lord and has seen a lot of changes through the years. He shares his genuine concerns with us and shares words of wisdom.
I have given you mine. Please be advised, and test those who say they are prophets. There is much attraction to the prophetic. I love the Voice and Heart of God……when “prophets” don’t carry them, it can be a dangerous thing, spiritually and sometimes financially – they can have ALL MANNER OF ENTICEMENTS –
Sometimes you can find out their agendas when it is too late!
Some observations through the years
JESUS encourages us to give Generously
MINISTERS make us give Painfully
NEW TESTAMENT encourages Giving to the Poor
MINISTERS attempt to Make you Poor
PAUL counsels us to give wisely as we are able
MINISTERS empty your pockets, even if you have debts
PAUL said to decide in your heart how much to give
MINISTERS tell you how much you must give
PAUL says not to give grudgingly
MINISTERS enforce and encourage it
PAUL says not to give out of compulsion
TELEVANGELISTS have all manner of enticements
SCRIPTURE says not to give out of covetousness
MINISTERS do the very things they preach against
PAUL said as we have purposed in our hearts
MINISTERS tell you to pray first so your hearts are disturbed
and you give more!
Not all preachers are like the above.
THERE ARE MANY GENUINE MINISTERS WHO SINCERELY BELIEVE IN TITHES
AND OFFERINGS. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THESE, THINK AGAIN.
For the most part. Ministers apply Pressure Paul did Not – Jesus did Not – They both give you a Choice!
I SAY TO YOU, TAKE CARE THAT YOU DON’T FIND YOURSELF AT CROSS PURPOSES
WITH THE COUNSEL OF GOD IN SCRIPTURE IF YOU PREACH TITHES.
AND TO THOSE TELEVANGELISTS WITH RICHES AND MANSIONS I SAY
“FORSAKE ALL THAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE IT TO THE POOR……
NOT NEGLECTING TO DO A DECENT DAY’S WORK” THIS WOULD BE
TRUE REPENTANCE. HOW DARE YOU MISREPRESENT GOD’S WISHES
AND BRING SHAME ON HIS NAME…..YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO SAY
THE LORD DID IT ALL. YOUR RICHES PERISH WITH YOU.
Yes their Money is their God and they dare to lay guilt trips on you. Jesus says they can’t serve two Masters…..if the Love of Money has become their God, Jesus is no more their Master (the One we set our affections on).
Don’t follow after their example, it will lead you astray. Money is not evil, it’s when it gets out of hand that offends God.
Yes, they serve themselves and help themselves. Such men do not serve Jesus. If they did, your heart
would be so full of Jesus after they preach. You would not be catching them out with Limos and Rolex watches.
Keep to the pure-stream when you hear ministry.
“LET ME SEE JESUS”
Notice: I discovered yet again this week that a preacher who is noted for bringing God’s blessings and Freedom to many has placed money before his love for God and people. Someone I had considerable respect for. Does it never end? I tell you, no. Not this side of Heaven.
I feel it wise to tell you_ Never mind what the preachers say to you about money, what does JESUS say about all this? “You cannot serve God and Money” Time for you to choke on your words…..time you practiced the Fear of The Lord….you hinder saints and sinners alike….and although you preach a thousand sermons a year, do many great works or move mountains in faith….Heaven’s doors will open to repentant sinners but not unrepentant preachers. (10th Dec 2014)
In a sense of speaking, rich and wealthy preachers are in effect, keeping funds from the poor, the desperate and needy (physically and spiritually). Yes, they are keeping physical comforts and the Good News from those who are still waiting. Think of the many thousands who can be blessed by those of us who see the Truth about Giving.
Together with helping each other, like they do in house churches – when they pool together to meet a genuine need – this is the New Testament way, The Lord has clearly ordained.
Remember the words of the apostle Paul:
“Beloved, I wish that you prosper and be in health even as your souls prosper“
Grace be with your spirit. God Loves YOU.
True Emphasis on Prayer – by Juan Carlos Ortiz
What is Payer about? What is Provision about? What makes us truly Prosperous?
How does God see your Prayers? Find out these things today.
THE MOST ACCEPTED SIN IN THE CHURCH
Too many Christians are getting their theology off the side of the barn instead of from God’s Book.
The Book (Bible) says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” Adverts on the side of a barn say “Treat yourself to the best,” “I take care of myself,” “I’m worth it,” “I can afford it,” or “I deserve it.” The barn produces books like, How to Get What You Want, Winning Through Intimidation, Looking Out For Number One, Pulling All the Strings. But the Book stands firm…and says, “If any man would be My disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
We live in a culture that tells us it is okay to crave more! The dominant value of our culture is, “What will
I get out of it?” We are being told that true meaning in life will come through the acquisition of more things.
Our income must rise each year. Our net worth should go up. Television delivers a nightly diet of hard-core materialistic porn……blatantly promoting lust for possessions.
It is a lie. The Book describes the true believer as one who is able to swim upstream against his culture… especially.
In this matter of money and possessions. In his book Disciple, Juan Carlos Ortiz says we have invented the Fifth Gospel. We know of the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But we’ve invented a Fifth Gospel…..the “Gospel according to St. Evangelical.”
“We take all the verses we like — all those offering something, promising a benefit, focusing on what we get — and we make a systematic theology of these verses.” We wind up with the theology of the Money Changers. The gospel of the big offer. The gospel of the hot sale. We like this gospel of Aladdin’s Lamp… we think we can rub the Lord with little bit of prayer and get anything we want.
Sure we should be concerned about Secular Humanism in our schools. But we should be more concerned about Secular Materialism in the Church. Whole movements are springing up based on this Fifth Gospel. We are being taught that if our faith is strong enough, we can have anything we want from God. They teach us that as children of the King of Kings, we should expect to be prosperous. And some of the Evangelical Movement has adopted this theology, or at least part of it. It sounds good to us. It soothes our consciences. It’s clever to make God the great errand boy in the sky. Like the medieval people who thought the earth was the center of the universe, we have come to act as if man is the center of the universe, and God and Jesus Christ and all the angels revolve around us just waiting to relieve our latest headache, get us lucrative work, or find us a convenient parking space.
We are wrong. God is at the center of all. And He has more important things to do that make your life more convenient. He says, “If any man would be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and Follow Me.”
Naturally, this Prosperity Gospel appeals to many. People like to be told “God wants you to prosper” etc.
http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/2popsin.htm
Some Televangelists Were Once Servants Of God, Now Serving The Enemy.
How else do you explain one of them saying to “give this sum of money (they tell you how much) and The Lord will give you those things you want the most (they list a few for you that will bring the best results to their pockets)” Yes, that is the most common and one was repeated to me from Jamaica in 2018 “if you give this amount, you can ask for your neighbor’s house and He will give it to you.” Talk about coveting! And we know what Scripture has to say about that kind of thing, don’t we? The Lord rebuke them, and He will when He Comes if not sooner.
All these false promises are actually very seductive in nature
just like in the Garden of Eden – and are serving to disillusion many of God’s children across the world. Mostly in USA but not limited to there. JESUS calls these preachers HIRELINGS. Many have left the Faith because of them. I’m talking about good living Christians (lots of them) because they placed their trust in God through words like those at a time when they were vulnerable in some way and could have had better results trusting in Scriptures (not twisted) in the simplicity of seeking The Lord themselves.
The Enemy works at discrediting God’s Nature, like he did in the Garden of Eden.
He hates God and His Children.
I think the main ploy of the Enemy is still to ‘Question our Trust in God’ like he did with Adam and Eve and we should ALL Press In to Know Our God more at this time, not less, when so many are making comments like things have never been so bad, so challenging etc
Friends, take time – and invest time – to soak yourselves in Scripture and “build yourselves up in your most Holy Faith” STAY CLOSE TO JESUS.
Jesus Said “FOLLOW ME” Not The Preachers.
“He/She Who Hears MY WORDS and DOES THEM shall be FREE Indeed”
“He/She Who Keeps My Words (untainted) He/She Is The One Who LOVES ME!”
Is He Speaking To You Today?
(By Janet)
COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
A very Strict Copyright applies to ALL the Content on this webpage by the Author of this Website. No exceptions made. Protective measures have been taken.
