Tag Archives: prosperity gospel

My Help and Wealth Come from the Lord

Posted on February 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Before you wonder if this is one of those prosperity gospel appeals, today’s blog was inspired by a vision Abram receives from God in Genesis 15:1. Like a steady whisper that doesn’t go away as you’re trying to sleep, God compares Himself to abundant compensation. The book definition of compensation is something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering. The context of Genesis 15 appears to be in the form of a blessing, rewarding obedience to God.

And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons and keep the goods for yourself. 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand and sworn to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth, 23 That I would not take a thread or a shoelace or anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich, Genesis 14:21-23.

Prior to this vision, Abram organizes an army of 318 men, likely trained servants to go into battle to rescue Lot who was a prisoner of war after Sodom his home was defeated. Moses details this battle in Genesis 14 which leads me to the passage above. Abram’s army successfully rescues Lot and returns all the people and possessions removed from Sodom. The victory by Abram’s men is recognized by Sodom’s king. However, Abram doesn’t feel comfortable accepting what the King of Sodom offered.

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides, Matthew 6:31-33.

Abram was filled with conviction which explained why he did not accept this king’s generous offer. Perhaps. Abram received the foresight from God to see the dangers of accepting this financial gift. Abram’s main concern was feeling some sort of obligation, like a politician has to their donors. Abram made it clear to any future king with a similar bribe, “my wealth come from the Lord.” During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a similar truth is unveiled. Anyone who hungers nad thirsts after God’s righteousness will be provided with everything they will need in life, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Subsequently, my help and wealth come from the Lord as well.

by Jay Mankus

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The Source of Wealth

Posted on January 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” – Deuteronomy 8:17

Upon their arrival and occupation of the promised land, Israel may have forgotten who provided for their needs.  Sensing a  spirit of pride among the ranks, Moses devotes an entire chapter to guard against forgetting the Lord.  After years of failure, the taste of success may have gone to some of their heads.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. – Deuteronomy 8:18

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Moses sets the record straight, giving God the credit for Israel’s newly gained wealth.  Remembering the promise made to Abraham, Moses confirms the origin of their recent success, God’s covenant.  Perhaps the suffering Moses experienced in Egypt produced a grateful heart, thankful for the answered prayers.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. – Malachi 3:10

In modern times, an Old Testament prophet suggests an untapped potential of wealth can be found in tithing.  As current believers begin to practice giving a minimum of ten percent of their gross income to the church and needy causes, God unleashes financial blessings.  Although a prosperity gospel preached in numerous churches perverts this biblical principle, the more you trust in the Lord to provide for your needs, you will begin to believe God is the ultimate source of wealth.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Polar Opposites

Posted on December 28, 2012 by expressyourself4him

When you travel the country like I did during the 1990’s, you become exposed to various cultures, expressions and traditions.  As I pursued my dreams by following my heart, God led me to nearly one hundred different churches that I attended here and there.  One met in a house, another in a barn, some met in gymnasiums and schools and the most impressive had its own little city.  However, what I soon discovered, their biblical messages were polar opposites.

On one extreme, I heard remnants from the Fire and Brimstone sermons of the 1970’s.  These churches still believed that all dancing and music was from the devil.  Pastor’s preached about burning any idol from your past, severing relationships with all non-Christians and do everything humanly possible to escape the gates of hell.  This view of the Bible eliminates personality and the ability an outgoing person can have on reaching out to lost souls like the apostle Paul in the book of Acts.  Meanwhile, this perspective emphasizes the Old Testament nature of God’s judgment by diminishing the love of Jesus in the New Testament.  In a sense, this is just one side of the story.

On the other side of the aisle, I was introduced to the prosperity gospel.  This theological position merely stresses the positives of God, neglecting any reference to failure, setback or trial.  I quickly found that this rosey picture of life professed by pastors from their pulpits did not exist in my world.  When I gave money in the offering plate, I didn’t receive back one hundred or one thousand fold like a few television evangelist promised.  In addition, their altar call message, “just come to Jesus and everything will go well for you” was hallow.  It’s no wonder that when Ghandi was alive he once said, “I like your Christ, but I don’t like your Christians.”

Unfortunately, these 2 polar opposites miss the mark of properly explaining the message of the gospel.  This good news or good tidings, depending upon your translation of the Bible, can be condensed by a few verses like Romans 5:8.  The baby Jesus fulfilled His purpose by dying for sinners.  John 3:16 provides the answer to how people should respond to Jesus’ sacrifice.  Finally, Galatians 5:6 narrows down life to own thing, “faith expressing itself through the love of Jesus.”  As you travel down the bumpy road called life, test everything you hear in church with the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 so that you can stay along the Equator, in the center of God’s will!

by Jay Mankus

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