Prosperity Preaching

[undone]

I watch alot of Christian television and see many programs emphasizing a message that Christians should expect prosperity. Sometimes I see the point these preachers are making. At other times I wonder if they aren't simply trying to justify their own lust for money.

Some of the lifestyles some of these guys lives are agrediously excessive. I mean private jets, first class hotels and such. And their on the TV begging for donations so that they can jet around the world spreading the gospel. It doesn't always appear to me that they really need my money. Sure I want to see the gospel spread around the world, but why does it have to be these particular guys all the time?

Couldn't some of these funds be spent on feeding starving people in Africa?

I understand the need to support ministries and the fact pastors/evangelists need to support their families too.

Am I wrong?

[Guest man]

Am I wrong?

No.

[ramar]

Egregiously...

(edited by moderator)

No you are not wrong at all about this. I too believe in having the funding made for these guys and their ministry, but I agree that it has gone WAY overboard.

Truly I admire those who go around the world spreading the gospel, but not at the expense of requiring such luxurious lifestyles. One doesn't need a private jet to do such ministry. One doesn't need a five-star hotel each night, or $200 meals in the finest restaurants.

If Jesus were with these guys, he would overturn their tables in anger.

I'm all for them asking for donations to help fund their cause, but I feel as though that money should be put to use for them ONLY SO FAR AS REQUIRED. They should be spending that money for their cause as minimally as needed (a simple flight rather than their own jet; worthy meals and accomodations rather than the finest of both...). Then they should be funded themselves (yes, they need to earn a living for their families); but nothing extravagant. Excess funds beyond the NEEDS of their ministry should go towards a good cause (starving people as you mentioned...).

It kind of defeats the whole purpose of spreading the gospel (where the whole thing revolves around Jesus Christ) when those who are doing it live as they do. They could take a lesson from the one they are preaching about, and the way He lived.

[Rebmilc]

I watch alot of Christian television and see many programs emphasizing a message that Christians should expect prosperity. Sometimes I see the point these preachers are making. At other times I wonder if they aren't simply trying to justify their own lust for money.

Some of the lifestyles some of these guys lives are agrediously excessive. I mean private jets, first class hotels and such. And their on the TV begging for donations so that they can jet around the world spreading the gospel. It doesn't always appear to me that they really need my money. Sure I want to see the gospel spread around the world, but why does it have to be these particular guys all the time?

Couldn't some of these funds be spent on feeding starving people in Africa?

I understand the need to support ministries and the fact pastors/evangelists need to support their families too.

Am I wrong?

No Undone I don't think your wrong at all. In fact I think you are absolutely spot on. I visited a website recently to see how much these people really earn and to be quite honest it made me feel Physically sick. How on earth they can justify these lifestyles is a total mystery to me. It's not only wrong it's obscene. Click on it yourself and see, but be prepared for a shock. Especially when you consider that this is what the faithfull are giving for.

But remember leave the judgment to God.

lifestyles

Edited October 27, 2006 by Rebmilc

[Floatingaxe]

If the Church and the churches were doing a good job, and being fully obedient to God's Word, we wouldn't need these "specialists". It leaves so much room for exploitation, doesn't it? I don't watch TV preachers much at all. My time and money goes to my own church which spreads the wealth around, doing its part, along with countless others who make up the glorious Church worldwide.

[undone]

Egregiously....

Hey, I used the spell check and it didn't object. Anyway, thanks for your reply.

[Arthur Durnan]

"The Son of Man hath nowhere to lay His Head" surely sounds the precise opposite of a top-line Mercede Benz pulling into a gated compound involving beautiful residences for each of the preacher's kids and families, does it not? "Prosperity" Christianity as fostered today by (mainly) Penecostal charismatics usually means powerful prosperity for us; pitiful poverty for you. Simply watch the man from Arizona with his green handkerchiefs who asks for your tithe to go to him! Or watch the Gal from Tampa who turns each message into a continuing plea for a part of your financial resources. Or the gentleman who said he'd pray over your prayer needs, then the authorities discovered unopened envelopes in the trashcan! In the area of religious enterprise, people can be most gullible especially when it comes to any individual not associated with the Evangelical Financial Accountability organization.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[undone]

I've always interpreted the NT message of prosperity and riches to mean spiritual prosperity and riches.

I've heard the argument that God wants to bless His children so that they are seen by others as being blessed and that God takes care of His own. That our message shouldn't be, "come, be a poor destitute Christians like us."

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've never been without a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back (Praise the Lord!). But what does that say to the believers out there who are suffering terrible financial difficulties? I'm sure it has something to do with our free will and the choices we make.

[Floatingaxe]

I've always interpreted the NT message of prosperity and riches to mean spiritual prosperity and riches.

I've heard the argument that God wants to bless His children so that they are seen by others as being blessed and that God takes care of His own. That our message shouldn't be, "come, be a poor destitute Christians like us."

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've never been without a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back (Praise the Lord!). But what does that say to the believers out there who are suffering terrible financial difficulties? I'm sure it has something to do with our free will and the choices we make.

Well, it is true. God surely does want to bless us! As we are faithful and obedient, He blesses us! Spiritually, with divine health, with material prosperity, with family and friends, with shelter, with sustenance...so many areas. It comes as a natural outcome of obedience and faith. God owns it all, and we are joint-heirs with Christ! King's Kids!

[gypc]

(NIV)1 Tim 6:3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For 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.

(KJV)1 Tim 6:3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.