In this article, our sole intention is to provide a critique of a number of statements that these preachers made in any of their works. And in doing this very thing, my goal is expose his lies and deception, even if he is unaware of such a thing taking place; nevertheless, it is abundantly clear in his works and sermons as we shall discover from here on out.
A listen of such teachers of these false teaching are as follows:
Ernest Angley, John Bevere, Marcus Bishop, Juanita Bynum, Kim Clement, Kenneth Copeland, Paul Crouch, Jesse Duplantis, Kenneth Hagin, Marilyn Hickey, Benny Hinn, Brian Houston, Rodney Howard Browne, Larry Huck, T D Jakes, Eddie L Long, Clarence McClendon, Joyce Meyer, Miles Monroe, Steve Munsey, Mike Murdock, Joel Osteen, Rodney Parsley, Peter Popoff, Fred Price, Joseph Prince, Oral Roberts, R W Shamback, Robert Shruller, Robert Tilton, Paula White, Ed Young.
The biblical mandate in me carrying out such work is overwhelmingly strong that would be unwise for me tread on already declared ground, (see chapter 2). But for the sake of brevity I will provide one of most central passages in my position:
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (Titus 1: 5-11)
We should take from this an instruction or command against certain kinds of person who will try to infiltrate the Church; and in fact, were beginning to in the first century specifically in the time that Jude was writing his letter. The first term, "insubordinate" which mean to have no authority or not obey the true authority left for the church by Christ. Such as the apostles, teacher/ pastors and so on; who are serving Christ on our behalf. The second term, "empty talker" this could be a term which holds the same meaning as the word "smooth talk" which is basic something that sounds like the real deal but is founded in the worldly ideals that are antithetical to the faith. The third term, "deceivers" unlike the last term this category points to a clear deception that is noticeable in all its manifestation ... such that it would emulate its master Satan (Genesis 3); whom is the father of lies (John 8:44).
All these things must be silenced, done way away with as it is leading people to the brinks of hell; granted many are deserving such as the people who teach it, but not all are of that path. For us to get a good understanding of the real issues of scripture; I will provide 2 things to expose the deceptions of their teachings. First, the context of all passages that are mentioned. Second, a true exegetical commentary.
Now let us consider the first set of statements from this what they all speak in public and in written form:
(1) Interestingly, when Jesus wanted to encourage his followers to enlarge their visions, he reminded them, ‘you can’t put new wine in old wineskins’ Jesus was saying that you cannot have a larger life with restricted attitudes. That lesson is still relevant today. We are set in our ways, bound by our perspectives and stuck in our thinking. God is trying to do something new, but unless we are willing to change, unless we are willing to expand and enlarge our vision, we all miss opportunities for us. The fact that you are reading this book, however, says that you are ready to go a level higher; you want to reach your full potential. The good news is, God wants to show you his incredible favour. He wants to fill your life your life with “new wine,” but are you willing to get rid of your old wineskins? Will you start thinking bigger? (Matthew 9: 14-17)
With the words still fresh, we must think this statement through as it reveals an important factor, the limited view of God; he can only do that which we have allowed him to do. There is nothing in the scripture about ‘but unless we are willing to change, unless we are willing to expand and enlarge our vision.’ Where they’re getting this line of thinking from? No one knows for sure, perhaps from the devil himself who is training these people to see God in a limited fashion. It makes this comment at the tail-end of this statement which quite troubling.
The fact that you are reading this book, however, says that you are ready to go a level higher; you want to reach your full potential. The good news is, God wants to show you his incredible favour. He wants to fill your life your life with “new wine,” but are you willing to get rid of your old wineskins? Will you start thinking bigger? Such a statement as this tells us more about these preachers than it does about God; they are egotistical, self-absorbed people who puts their own achievements as the central theme of what makes one Godly. How do they know that the person who reads their books will actually achieve the same level of satisfaction? Does he not recognise what he is selling his congregation is nothing short hell? It would also appear that he teaching them that we have to purify ourselves of sin and keep our selves pristine; in order for God to do anything.
Now what of the scripture that is twisted, “‘you can’t put new wine in old wineskins.’ Jesus was saying that you cannot have a larger life with restricted attitudes’. Here is his first scripture to which we must consider that has been misrepresented the point that the lord was raising in his teaching. Let us consider it in full:
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” (Matthew 9: 14-17).
The issue that Jesus is discussing is the appropriate time for his believers to fast; in which he says that it is preferable to do so only when he is no longer around, telling us that after he has ascended to the Father. In other words, Jesus was saying that the method of worship that he wanted his believer abide by; in that we are not to be carbon copies of the Jewish leaders, rather we are to have a unique devotion in worship.
(2) There is a seed inside of you trying to take root. That God trying to get you to conceive. He is trying to fill you with much hope and expectancy that seed will grow and bring forth a tremendous harvest. It’s your time. You may have been ill for the longest time, but this is your time to get well. You may be bound by all kinds of addictions, all kinds of bad habits, but this is your time to be set free. You may be struggling financially, in all kinds of debt, but this is your time for promotion. This is your time for increase, friend. If you are willing to get in agreement with God, this can be the great time of your life. This can be the time when God pours out his immeasurable, far and beyond favour.God says, ‘behold I am doing a new thing. Do you perceive it?’ Notice, God is always ready to do new things in our lives. His trying to promote us, to increase us, to give us more. Yet, it’s interesting that he asks ‘do you perceive it?’ in other words, are you making room for it in your own thinking. ( Isaiah 43:19)
This statement does not make a lick of sense, as it is making a claim that we have ‘a seed’ on the inside trying be conceived. What is this seed, it is one of ‘greatness’ but how does they know this is the case? This is clearly an incorrect assumption, perhaps a misguided understanding of several things. First, the bible tells the only thing we have inside is a sinful and depraved nature. Second, the bible tells us that it is God who through regeneration brings us out of that state of existence into a new life of glory.
Beyond this fact, it is a thought that is not developed clearly ‘There is a seed inside of you trying to take root.’ Just what do they think this seed is, and how does he know that all his adherents have this seed. It is clear that not every single person he gives his words of ‘encouragement’ to, are in fact saved, redeemed saints of the most high, it is just his assumption that they are. One must consider the fact that every week of their lives in his presence they are not being taught the Word of God correctly; in an exegetical, expositional fashion. They are getting man-handled misapplied verses with no context for clarification.
Having just said this, let’s consider the single verse that quoted:
God says, ‘behold I am doing a new thing. Do you perceive it?’ Notice, God is always ready to do new things in our lives. His trying to promote us, to increase us, to give us more. Yet, it’s interesting that he asks ‘do you perceive it?’ in other words, are you making room for it in your own thinking.
Once again, the verse has misrepresented in a shocking fashion; there is nothing in it about us. Notice what is actually stated:
You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God. Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?” Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.
This chapter is found in a section of scripture which called the trial of false gods; whereby the one true God is cross examining all the false gods and challenging them to defend themselves. It is important to note this goes from Isaiah chapter 40-48 and is rather intensive and extensive in nature. Therefore, when one comes to this passage and others that fit in its structure; there is nothing even remotely pointing to it being about us
So it is vital for us to see that the words that they rip from their overall context are in fact pointing to the fact these pagan worshippers are being condemned for their idolatrous lifestyles. The challenge that God communicate by Isaiah “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” is in fact, a challenge to these people’s gods to declare what will happen.
(3) God is saying something to you similar to what he told the Virgin Mary and other throughout the scriptures. It’s going to be by your might. It’s not going to be by your power. It’s going to be by his Holy Spirit. With God on your side, you cannot possibly lose. He can make a way when it looks like there is no way. He can open doors that no man can shut. He can cause you to be in the right place at the right time. He supernaturally turn your life around Jesus said, "With God all things are possible"My question to you is: will you believe, will you allow that seed to take root. The angel told Mary that she will conceive without knowing a man. In other words, God is saying it could happen through supernatural mean. It could happen without a bank lending the money. It could happen without have the right education.... With God, all things are possible. (Matthew 1:18-25/ Matthew 9:23)
Here is one of the most deadly and egregious errors that one could ever make; not only are they teaching heretical ideas, but now he has read himself into a text of scripture where there is no warrant even to do such a thing. That being, one the most beautiful demonstrations of who God is and what he has promised to do; the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s consider what the context of Matthew 1 is speaking of:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (Which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1: 18-25)
We should note straight off that this does not in any manner teach about what we have to do to have our ‘life’ there is only one theme being discussed. And that is the saviour’s birth; nothing more, nothing less. The only time mankind is mentioned is in passing; for we are not the subject of this text nor are we the direct object. Notice what is said, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This is a clear text on the Incarnation, virginal birth, we are not involved in any of it.
The other text that is being abused in this statement is the following, "With God all things are possible." Although his work relays Matthew 9:29 but it is in fact, 19:26. Let’s consider the context briefly. What we have is a young man speaking to Jesus about gaining eternal life, Jesus points to the law as a corrector on man’s blindness to his own sin, and in that manner it points forth to the only one who could redeem man, Jesus Christ. One should note the down cast attitude of the man after this encounter he was unhappy with Jesus demands about him and his riches (His idol). Upon this matter we have this discussion between Jesus and his disciples:
And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:23-26)
This passage in its full context is very simple; it is not teaching a self-righteous path to attaining some best life now. It is speak on a gift of eternal life and how man cannot do anything to gain it; for it is free. Those who are saved will only be saved through God’s mercy and grace, which brings true repentance and faith in Christ. It is amazing this passage states what is very clearly a divine act much in the same context that John and Paul both teaches on in John 1:11-13, romans 9: 13-16.
(4) It’s important that your programme for success. That won’t happen automatically. Every day, you must choose to live with an attitude that expects good things to happen to you. The bible says, ‘Set your mind and keep it on higher things.’ When you get up in the morning, the first thing you should do is set your mind in the right direction. Say, something such as ‘this is going to be a great day- God is guiding and directing my steps his favour is surrounding me. Goodness and mercy following me. I’m excited about today!’ start your day with faith and expectancy, and then go out anticipating good things. Expect circumstances to change in your favour. Expect people to go out there way for you. Expect to be at the right place at the right place. (Colossians 3:2).
It is vital for us to a hold of what is being said in these words, ‘It’s important that your programme for success. That won’t happen automatically. Every day, you must choose to live with an attitude that expects good things to happen to you.’ What we need to see is that this is a double edged attack on the sanctifying work of the Spirit: first, it is making the work of sanctification a work of man; in that it is redefining what it is to be Godly. Second, it is attributing the unique work to a demonic force called the word of faith, which is nothing more than blasphemy.
The next issue we need to wrestle with are these words, the bible says, ‘Set your mind and keep it on higher things.’ When you get up in the morning, the first thing you should do is set your mind in the right direction. Say, something such as ‘this is going to be a great day- God is guiding and directing my steps his favour is surrounding me. Goodness and mercy following me. I’m excited about today!’ We should take note of the idea that this concept of ‘set your mind in the right direction’ is completely foreign to the bible, it is not correctly handling the Word; we are to set our minds on Christ and his way through the work of the Spirit of God. and this point is bared out by the context,
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after theimage of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:1-11)
Here we have the greater context of this passage and what we learn is this; Paul is addressing a matter that is commonly understood between the believers. The work of sanctification. The other issue that needs to be understood is this: When the Spirit issues a command such as, ‘Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.’ We are not given enough detail in one verse to see how this command is carried out; hence it is important to consult the context as seen above.
And when you also consider other biblically related passages such as: Ephesians chapters 4-5, Galatians 5, Romans chapters 8, 12-14. And Philippians 2: 12-16. These passages give us much more in depth understanding of the role of sanctification in a believer’s life. It is not simply an issue of changing their direction because no matter what a sinful rebellious person does he cannot change his sinful and depraved nature. Only God can.
(5) Don’t be surprised if you hear a little voice in your mind, you don’t stand a chance. This is going to be a lousy day for you. Nothing good even happens to you. You might as well not even get my hopes up. That way when you don’t get that great contract, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t listen to such lies! God wants you to set your hopes up. We can’t even have faith without hope. The bible says, ‘faith is the substance of things hoped for.’ And one definition of that sort of hope is ‘confident expectancy’ we should get up in the morning expecting the favour of God. Start expecting doors of opportunity to open up for you. Expect to excel in your career. Expect to rise above life’s challenges. ( Hebrews 11:1)
In this example we have some rather peculiar idea coming through, notice the words “Don’t be surprised if you hear a little voice in your mind, you don’t stand a chance. This is going to be a lousy day for you. Nothing good even happens to you. You might as well not even get my hopes up. That way when you don’t get that great contract, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t listen to such lies! God wants you to set your hopes up.” Instead of considering whether or not something is actually right for you to go for. Here this is practically telling us that such a thing as our conscience is lying to us and promoting the idea of God’s wanting us to have whatever is in our hearts desire. So this may not fit his idea but if a well-meaning person decides that it is God’s will that they should commit a gross sin against God such as adultery.
There is no way for these people to even object against it since he has not been clear on what he is instructing his people to do; and it also comes down to the point of fact, that this false teaches has never read the bible in context to see such a thought is a million miles from what God is saying. It is not a straight forth command that they gives but it can be drawn from the whole premise of what he is saying: when you think that God is only out to give you the best in life rather than what the bible tells us; in that he is in control of all things, working it all his own ultimate glory. His command represents his wholesome and pure nature, his decrees ultimately flow from that which he has determined to take place.
We can’t even have faith without hope. The bible says, ‘faith is the substance of things hoped for.’ And one definition of that sort of hope is ‘confident expectancy’ we should get up in the morning expecting the favour of God. Start expecting doors of opportunity to open up for you. Expect to excel in your career. Expect to rise above life’s challenges.
Here is a classic twisting of scripture to take “faith is the substance of things hoped for” and to read into it some false view such as “we should get up in the morning expecting the favour of God.” This is a class one distortion of what the Hebrews writer is communicating to us. There is no place in the text that suggest that is saying that we should expect anything, if you’re a true believer. God has already given you the most important thing to him his son, by uniting us to Christ he has declared us righteous.
Now let’s consider the passage that is offered,
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11; verses 1-3)
Here are the first 3 verses to what is known as the hall of faith. Where each person mention in the history of man is given word of the promise of a future deliverer (a saviour) of mankind, granted to each it was not a fully explained promise but as we go through the Old Testament accounts this promise grows in its content until that promise is fulfilled in the Christ.
And as Peter also tells us in his 1 letter, that the saints of old were trying to gleam an insight as to when this would be taking place. Notice his words, Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. Here Peter gives us a useful piece of information about the eagerness of the men of old to inquire of the person or time of redemption.
Back to Hebrews, let’s consider what the writer states at the opening of chapter 12,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
There is nothing in this passage about how we are to ‘Start expecting doors of opportunity to open up for you. Expect to excel in your career. Expect to rise above life’s challenges.’ This is sheer nonsense; it is a motivational technique that is being passing off as Christianity. The only problem is that it is not leading them to life of peace and security rather it is leading them a life of eternal damnation. That is what ‘your belief now’ is.
(6) Here’s the key point: you will never go beyond the barriers in your mind. If you think you can’t do something, then you never will. The battle is in the mind, you’ve already lost the battle. If you don’t ever think your dreams will come to pass, they never will. If you don’t think you have what it takes to rise up and set new standards, it’s not going to happen. The barrier is in your mind.That’s what the scripture calls a ‘strong hold’ it’s a wrong thinking pattern that keeps us imprisoned in defeat. And that’s why it’s so important that we think positive thoughts of hope, faith and victory. ( 2 Corinthians 10:5)
This statement from these people has left us quite puzzled at just what the point behind this thought is, this is very similar to Rick Warrens ‘desiring God’ speech. Whereby sinful affliction is turned from an actual reality in what humans do to what they purely think. Sin is not just the wrong thinking pattern, it encapsulates the whole of man; every part of him is therefore depraved as result.
The idea of a ‘battle in the mind’ is one that seems to be common to all these preachers; in fact, all of these ‘word of faith’ teachers teach the same things recycled. The bible does not teach such a concept; it is more like a battle of the flesh and the Spirit. Let’s at this point consider what Paul says on this issue:
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5; Verse 16-17)
Paul telling us that the manner of the redeemed life will be of two fundamental out-looks, (1) will be the Spirit who will lead us into the spiritual aspects of the fact and living in Christ, (2) we are still in the flesh; whereby every evil thought is still trying to win us over to the darkness. These two fundamental states are continually warring in us, it is important to note that in Christ we can have true victory; a victory that is his alone.
Now let’s consider the abuse that is thrown at the bible passage, it is strange that he has only taken one single phrase, rather than cutting up a verse as he usually does. But never the less we need to see the passage in full:
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! — I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
Here is the whole section that is being eluding too, though they miss the vital element of the passage; truly, I see no reason to even assume he has read the passage (or the bible). For if he had just read even verses 4-6, he would have seen that this is not speaking about ordinary human beings but the job of a redeemed believer who engages in apologetical issues. And even more importantly it is actually the work of the Spirit of Christ who subdues all argument and brings them into captivity of Christ. An important element missing in such speeches by these preachers of the word of faith.
Let’s consider one other passage which speaks on the same issue:
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2: 6-8)
In both contexts Paul is giving us a manner in which we are to defend the faith; it is in line with the passages of scripture that directly speak to the issue such as 1 Peter 3:13-17 and Jude 1: 3-4. Which also deal with holding Christ in a high esteem. Therefore, it is only fair that we have the opportunity to allow the bible to speak and correct this flawed approach. The bible, the Christian life is not about our best life now; it is about glorifying the lord that redeemed us.
(7) No matter what you’ve gone through in the past, no matter how many setbacks you’ve suffered or who or what has tried to thwart your progress, today is a new day and God wants to do a new thing in your life. He has great things in store for you. Don’t let your past determine your future. May be you’ve lived in an abusive situation where somebody mistreated you; somebody did you a great wrong. Please don’t inhabit the great future God has for you on the pains of the past. The bible promises that God will give ‘a twofold recompense for our former shame’ that means if you’ll keep the right attitude. God will pay you back double the trouble. (Isaiah 61:7)
This statement makes several unsupported claims; mere assertions. Let’s unpack them,
No matter what you’ve gone through in the past, no matter how many setbacks you’ve suffered or who or what has tried to thwart your progress, today is a new day and God wants to do a new thing in your life. He has great things in store for you. Don’t let your past determine your future.
I do not recall ever reading such a set of scenarios in the bible; while it is true that Gospel brings freedom, it is not freedom from setbacks, suffering, past experiences. In fact, much of these things will ultimately be a part of God’s decree for his people.
To this end, we only need to consider the following passage in full:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4)
According to these words, from Apostle Peter: the Christian should expect persecution just for the fact that we identify ourselves with Jesus. It is inevitable pattern which will take place in some measure, perhaps in a full on scale. It is likewise important to handle this idea that he is passing along; “He has great things in store for you. Don’t let your past determine your future.” Just on what basis is he asserting this, it is hard to tell. But one thing is for sure my past is mark up by the fact that I am a sinner. And this reality pushed me to Christ who has redeemed me, a worthless sinner.
Next, we have this statement,
May be you’ve lived in an abusive situation where somebody mistreated you; somebody did you a great wrong. Please don’t inhabit the great future God has for you on the pains of the past.
Without so much as a clarification as what this great future ‘God has in store’ for such people; what is the sole basis of this gift, who had to be the substitute for the price they should pay. No mention of Christ and his atoning sacrifice for man’s sin as the guarantee of a different measure of living: eternal life. Instead, what we have is some cheap knock of a promise of a better life here and now.
Finally we have the misapplied verse from Isaiah 61,
The bible promises that God will give ‘a twofold recompense for our former shame’ that means if you’ll keep the right attitude. God will pay you back double the trouble.
Where is it that he seeks to make an application for a ‘right attitude’ bid? Let’s consider the passage,
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them abeautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; but you shall be called the priests of the Lord; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonour they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. (Isaiah 61)
As we read this passage, one must see that there is only one person in view that is being spoken of. On who has been commissioned to do great things such as bring ‘good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives’ In other words, he is the one who brings salvation and hope to the down cast. It is important to consider the fact that the gospels all attest to this matter; in a matter of fact, the New Testament records for us the fulfilment of this chapter.
Here are the words of the Lord as recorded by the Luke the Physician in the 4th chapter,
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.”And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Therefore, it wise for us not read ourselves into the passages of scripture and make ourselves the centre of God’s word, when we are not even the matter at hand. It is Christ and him crucified that is the centre of the bible.
(8) If you see yourself unqualified, insignificant, unattractive, inferior or inadequate, you will probably act in accordance with your thoughts. If you’re self-worth is low, you will imagine yourself as a born loser, a washout, unworthy of being lived and accepted. ‘I can never do anything right,’ ‘why me,’ ‘I’ll never amount to anything.’ These are just a few of the phrases that dominate the conversations of a person with poor self-esteem. On the other hand, individuals who view themselves as God sees them usually are happy about who they are. They know that they have been created in God’s image and crowned with tremendous honour. (Genesis 1:26-27/Psalms 8:4-5)
When people hold these kind of thoughts like the following, “‘I can never do anything right,’ ‘why me,’ ‘I’ll never amount to anything.’” It is most likely because 9 out 10 times that is exactly correct, such as I will never become a famous person for one a number of reasons; God never gave me such an ability and therefore, it is not in my interest. What is being giving rise to self-delusional aspirations: believe anything long enough and it will become a reality for you?
There is a limit as to what people can actually achieve in their lifetime; just as it is true that we are capable of doing many things, and we are also do not have the ability to do other things. What we are dealing with here is a con man who fools people into believe the bible actually supports his deluded points of view; what is more interesting is that many people actually sell their soul to the devil in doing this? One scripture that sums this behaviour up is the following:
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 timothy 4: 3-4)
It is inevitably the situation that such people do not care for hearing the real gospel of Christ; they are so far deluded by these false teachers that it is impossible for them to see the difference between the true Gospel and a false one. As their continual claim in the mantra “today I will be taught the word of God,” and they cannot see through such deception.
Now let’s deal with his other claim in this statement:
On the other hand, individuals who view themselves as God sees them usually are happy about who they are. They know that they have been created in God’s image and crowned with tremendous honour.
It is interesting on how he begin this claim, ‘individuals who view themselves as God sees them usually are happy about who they are’ there is an unspoken assumption behind such words, which is that Just because he speaks of God favour for a people, he assumes that those in his church are the one that God favours. On top of this it also would assume that these people are being taught the word of God each week to know how man is viewed in Gods eyes, which means that it would be a necessity for him actually preach the word of God for them to actually know what God thinks.
While it is true that every man regardless of who they are is created in God’s image (which in their case, this concept is not a biblical view for he mixes the term ‘created in God image with being a child of God) it does not follow that those before him are going to be crown with tremendous honour.
Let us consider that Psalm to see it in full context:
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalms 8: 1-9)
This should be alarming abuse to the scriptures to make this psalm about the generic mankind is to miss the whole point that is being sung about and taught of. If verse 2-3 does not ring a bell, just go to the 4 gospel and read the triumphant entry. This whole psalm is messianic: meaning it only has one true fulfilment in Christ himself. He is the one being glorified in this passage. When Christ used this psalm to silence his enemies he was good as claiming his divinity.
(9) (Speaking on Matthew 9 and the 2 blind men): notice it was their faith that turned the situation around. It was their belief that brought healing. Nobody can have faith for you. Certainly, other people can have prey for you, but you must exercise faith for you. ----- The modern day biblical paraphrase ‘the message’ relates the story of the blind men with an interesting twist. (Jesus) touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe!” What are you believing? Are you believing to go higher in life? To rise above your obstacles, to live in health, abundance, healing and victory? You will become what you believe. I am what I am today because of what I believed about myself yesterday. And I will be tomorrow what I believe about myself. (Matthew 9: 29)
Here we have an interesting of this story from the Gospel of Matthew; it is vital for us to note that when you cannot find a direct statement for your false believe, ‘Become what you believe!’ in any reputable translation, that is okay, we can go to a heretical version, it is not even a true translation. As it does not rely on the original languages; that being the paraphrase called the message bible.
First, let’s consider the actual passage from Matthew 9:
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.It should be noted that in Jesus response we find these all important words, “Do you believe that I am able to do this”
Christ is not selling the idea that man needs to believe and have faith in order for him to do his work, rather the real emphasis is upon Christ’s person and his ability to work in people to heal them. As there is no parallel passages for us to be able to get more information from in the other Gospel accounts of Mark and Luke. Therefore, we must also consider the text a little more at hand. The statement, “According to your faith be it done to you.” It also seen in Matthew 8:13 as well. One thing that needs to be mentioned is that it is not a result some human will and faith, the faith may have been something that was granted to them for this, but it is ultimately for the glory of God and truthfulness.
Now let’s consider the following statement:
What are you believing? Are you believing to go higher in life? To rise above your obstacles, to live in health, abundance, healing and victory? You will become what you believe. I am what I am today because of what I believed about myself yesterday. And I will be tomorrow what I believe about myself.
This is not the gospel according to Christ but is in fact the prosperity Gospel. What is more important to note here. Is the single fact that the number of steps which they promoted in their multiple books, can only work for the one who actually is selling it; those who are foolishly believe it are being conned into a system of doom, it is nothing more than worldly falsehood.
(10) God wants the latter part of your life to be better than the first part of your life. You are never far gone with God. The bible says about God: ‘be confident of this: he that begins a good thing in you will continue to perform it until it’s perfectly complete.’ This means that God wants to finish the course with you. … Your future is intact with God. You will not go under, you will go through. The scriptures say, ‘many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.’ …. The bible says, ‘when you’ve done all you know how to do, just keep on standing strong.’ … Remember also the scripture, ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Philippians 1:6, Psalms 34:19, Ephesians 6:13 and Hebrews 11:1)
This is one of the most misdirected statements that I have come across in the entire book; for it is not clarified by any real manner of content. The first issue that needs to be considers is found in these words,
‘God wants the latter part of your life to be better than the first part of your life. You are never far gone with God.’ Can we have just one scriptural reference for this claim? Even though there is a sense in which it could be viewed as being correct. In that our past lives are full of sinful living and our lives now are transformed into a redeemed living (though in this life we are not yet total perfected, in other words we still sin). But I do not see any evidence that this is even the point that they are trying to hit upon.
It is almost like he is speaking of stages of personal glory and attainment; whereby the mount you throw into your supposed life you will get a great reward in return. In other words, ‘you may have had some good break in the first part of your journey but now God want something bigger for your life’ this seems to be the kind of thought.
The bible says about God: ‘be confident of this: he that begins a good thing in you will continue to perform it until it’s perfectly complete.’ This means that God wants to finish the course with you.
Here we have a claim about a particular passage which supposedly teaches this from of thinking, but what is the truth of this matter. Let us consider the passage:
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you; always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1: 3-11)
Here is the section from the book of Philippians 1 which when we read it in context; we learn two things: (1) It is not about personal achievements and goals, it is not what Christianity teaches or preaches. (2) What is the focus on this passage? Well it is quite simple, there is a twofold view (a) the fact that we will suffer as Christians for Christ’s sake (as we seen in Paul’s case: his imprisonment).
And (b) the final glorification when Jesus returns ‘And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ’ it is vital to note the cutting up the cited text, missing out the words “at the day of Jesus.”
The next text that is abused in these comments are from psalms 34 and Ephesians 6,
Your future is intact with God. You will not go under, you will go through. The scriptures say, ‘many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.’ The bible says, ‘when you’ve done all you know how to do, just keep on standing strong’
Here we have the very assertion that they assume that those reading these works or listening to his sermon are actually saved and are righteous. But it is vital to realise that these people have been deluded into thinking what they are taught is Christianity; and at that, it is in the bible; they are unwilling to do the work of discernment which going back to the previous passage that he quoted from. We see these insightful words in the midst of everything:
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent (Phil 1:8-9)
With this said, let us now see what the Psalm has to actually say:
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalms 34:15-22)
This is Just a fantastic testament to the love God has for his elect believers (the righteous) who had been redeemed by the faith they had in the coming saviour (Hebrews 11). And it is ever troubling that such people who follow these people; for they have no clue as to the real application of such a passage.
Finally, we shall look at Ephesians 6 to see how he handles this text:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, andthe sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6: 10-20)
Here we have Paul’s treatise on the Christian life and how the Word of God is the central factor. It is vital for us to see this about every aspect of the life in Christ; we should ask why they would take one verse and ignore the context that states this important truth, ‘and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.’ In other words, the Christian must be thoroughly taught the word of God in order to keep themselves away from the evil one.
(11) Stop focusing on what you can’t do, and start focusing on what God can do. The bible says, ‘the things which are impossible with man are possible with God.’ Let that seed take root in you, you don’t have to have to know how he is going to solve your problems. You don’t have to know how he is going bring it to pass. That’s his responsibility, that’s not your job. Your job is to be a believer. You job is to live with faith and expectancy, just turn that situation over to God and trust him to take care of it. God is a supernatural God. The bible says, ‘God’s ways are not your way. They are higher and better than ours.’ God can do what human beings cannot and will not do. He is not limited to the laws of nature and if you let that take root so it can grow, put your trust and confidence in the lord, God will surely bring it to pass. If you can see the invisible, God will do the impossible. Don’t restrict your vision; instead, begin seeing yourself as the Child of God. See yourself receiving good things from your heavenly father. (Matthew 19:26. Isaiah 55:8-9)
This is one of the most bizarre mishandling of a passage that I have come across; let us consider part by part. The first,
Stop focusing on what you can’t do, and start focusing on what God can do. The bible says, ‘the things which are impossible with man are possible with God.’ Let that seed take root in you, you don’t have to have to know how he is going to solve your problems.
Here we have the usual idea that God can fix our problem if we just let him do so, and the text used to support it is twist to the point of no return. God has not promised to sort out the debts, make you famous and rich, and give you that flash house and car. There is not one single time that God has said that this is his will for man. This is the selfish heart of an unregenerate fool who has placed his trust in the world. There is this amazing passage in Luke 12 that combats such a view:
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (13-21)
The vital point for us to take on board in this passage is that this man in the parable only had one thing that he wanted to be known for his riches, and it is his riches that brought him to his final Judgement. As God said this, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” And it is this reason I believe when we consider Matthew 19 and the rich young ruler who had the same mind-set that his riches were his only comfort. But it was what was keeping him from gaining salvation, it was his idol.
The other important thing to note is that the verse he twists is saying that salvation is a full work of God; man has no application in it. (Ephesians 2:8-10); it is not saying that your problem will be fixed by God, just that the believer has assurance that through all the tribulations we will face, we have assurance that we will be rescued as a means of salvation.
Now I believe this is also perfectly in line with Isaiah 55:8-9 as well, let us see this interpretation of that scripture,
Your job is to live with faith and expectancy, just turn that situation over to God and trust him to take care of it. God is a supernatural God. The bible says, ‘God’s ways are not your way. They are higher and better than ours.’ God can do what human beings cannot and will not do. He is not limited to the laws of nature and if you let that take root so it can grow, put your trust and confidence in the lord, God will surely bring it to pass.
Since we have already dealt with the false application of “helping in difficult times” above, so what remains in this is to consider Isaiah 55 in context,
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come; buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways myways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55)
From the context we can gleam something that is central in both the Old and New Testaments: God is the one who provides salvation to man on his own basis; which is based on the sole work of Christ, our Lord and Saviour. And this is why in both of these great passages from Matthew and Isaiah say one thing which is directly connected God’s way is not like ours, ours is work based, his is a gift.
