Discovering the apostasy: Prosperity Gospel

By Pastor David Cox

3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper

in all things and be in health, even as

your soul prospers.

"Poverty is the devil and God loves all

Christians prosperous. "Benny Hinn

The Prosperity Gospel - This is the teaching that God's will is that

every child of God to be prosperous.

A central teaching of the movement of the Word of Faith or Positive Confession is

this that God wants every Christian enjoys great economic prosperity. If a

believer lives in poverty, are living outside the will of God. This is even that

There are indications that many people of the Christian faith were poor, not ricos1. The Bible

presents another view of poverty and wealth. Poverty is not a reflection on his

spirituality or the strength or quality of their faith, but has to do with the will of God

for this individual. This line of thinking is totally rejected by the faith movement.

Copeland - "You have to realize that it is God's will that you prosper. This

is available for you, and honestly, you will not fool ello2 take. "

Robert Tilton - "Being poor is a sin, when God promises prosperity.

New home?? The New Car? This is nothing compared to what God wants to do for

you. "

Luke 12:15 And he said, Take heed, and beware of covetousness, for one's life

does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Luke 6:20 ... Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of

God.

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous ... shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness must not even be named among

you, as becometh saints, 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor

unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

1 Poverty of Believers - Paul spoke of his days of poverty in the work of God (Phil. 4:11-12), Paul's companions and also (1 Corinthians 4:9-13), the faithful of the Old Testament

(Hebrews 11:37), and even Jesus (Matthew 8:20, 2 Corinthians 8:9) were all poor.

2 Kenneth Copeland, "The Laws of Prosperity", page 51.

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Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,

Lord despises.

Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them unto the greatest, each

is given to covetousness, and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely.

Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity,

lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry;

Fred Price - "If you have faith in a dollar, and ask for some ten thousand dollars, not

work well. It will not work. Jesus said, 'According to your faith', not according to the will of God

for you, in His good time, if it is His will, or if God can get him while it has

do. God said, 'According to your faith, be it unto you "

The lives of teachers of the Faith Movement is marked by excessive luxury,

wealth, and boast of riches chase, and offer all fans can

(Up forcing others if they are to be obedient to Christ) enjoy the same.

There is little that one can use Scripture to support this because it is simple

materialism, but this does not stop them, because they use "new revelations" to support

statements but is directly contrary to the revelation that we have

given and established in the Bible.

3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and

good health, just as your soul prospers.

3 John 1:2 "may prosper and be in health ..." - This passage is widely used to

defend the two concepts of the gospel of prosperity and health. But this verse is

a simple desire for a Christian who has other health and prosperity. It's not that bad,

but it is a promise of God to Gaius, less for the entire Christian world.

This expression is just like ours, "Regards" or "Sincerely" or

Christians, "God bless you." It's a way of saying goodbye cordially. This was a

desire on the part of the Apostle John, and is not necessarily "a promise" that we

cry.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I am come

they may have life and have it more abundantly.

The idea here in the Gospel of John is that "life" is eternal life, and "that they might have

abundance "mean and enjoy eternal life abound in each. That is, the

believers enjoy this and enjoy eternal life all you can. The idea that the

Materialism is a form permitted herein, or much less, that materialism is

currently a measure of spirituality or commanded by God is totally out of

consideration. God intends materialism as the enemy of the Christian and struggle

against your soul and eternal life is never the mark of God's blessing.

Prosperity (for them) comes from baking Offering

As it is curious that always the way to prosperity tray passes by the

offering. We walk a few verses about false teachers (Appendix 1 What

are the marks of a false teacher?), because the Bible presents the threat of false

clear prophets or teachers, and they are identified as a false prophet exactly

or Bible teacher.

"It is according to your faith. If you have faith in a dollar, and ask for some ten thousand dollars, not going to

function. Jesus said, 'It is according to your faith', not 'according to His will, if God can do in your

busy schedule. ' He said, 'according to your faith will be for you.' Now I want a Rolls Royce

(Expensive car) but I have the faith of a bicycle, guess what I get? A

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bicycle. "- Frederick KC Price" Praise the Lord "on TBN, September 21, 1990,

Documents taken from Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff.

This is not biblical or try to reason so as and excuse it as biblical. This is

exactly the concept of materialism, which is a strong enemy of the soul

believer. The Bible puts it like this, making clear that for Christians, their true

riches await you in heaven, not on earth.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the root of all evil is the love of money, which

some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves with many

pains.

But even the lives of the masters of Faith Movement are marked by luxuries

excessive wealth, and supply all fans can enjoy the same.

Kenneth Copeland - "The will of God touching and economic prosperity

abundance is clearly revealed in the Scriptures "3

Robert Tilton - "Being poor is a sin, when God promises prosperity.

New home?? The New Car? This is nothing compared to what God wants to do for

you. "

But it is curious that in these ministries of the Word of Faith, always the way to

prosperity always pass the offering tray.

"Give $ 10 and receive $ 1,000, $ 1,000 and receive gives $ 100,000. Give a home and

receive one hundred houses or a house worth a hundred. Give a plane and receive the value of 100

aircraft. Mark 10:30 is very good business. "- Gloria Copeland (wife of Kenneth

Copeland) in his book "The will of God is to Prosperity"

BIBLE TEACHING AGAINST

THE Materialism

Luke 12:15 And he said, Take heed, and beware of covetousness, for one's life

does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

This movement causes materialism as a highly desired goal for

believer. Copeland for example proposes that the Christian life is the preferred

"Live the good life," one will be a "fool" for not taking advantage of it, and he says

that riches are a sign of spiritual maturity and spirituality. This presentation

of things like meat only (greed) of one. Compare this with Romans

8:19-24.4

For example, let's think a little. What if you win the lottery (and a sin of

bet then or should play)? Why God will not let you win 100 million

weights? The answer, if we're honest here, is because this money we will pull

God totally. What happens after you win? started to think how to spend

3 God's Will is Prosperity, article downloaded from the KCM website.

http://www.kcm.org/studycenter/finances/pdf/gods_will_prosperity.pdf

4 Present tribulation, relief future - Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the

manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but by

because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage

corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and

the pains of childbirth together until now 23 and not only they, but ourselves also, which have

the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption,

redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope;

for what a man seeth, why wait?

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clear money. But now earn $ 2,000 pesos a fortnight, and tithe $ 200

as we should, then We gave it up maybe another $ 100 pesos, 30%, or

$ 300 pesos. But if we enter 100 million pesos, the tithe is 10 million pesos, and

an offering up of this, maybe another five million pesos. That a person is both loose

incredible. Also according to the Bible, God always provides our needs, but

God gives us above our needs to help those in need (Ephesians 4:28).

The principle is that we are always working with our hands (honest work)

to provide for our own needs, and God gives us something extra sometimes to

help others in need. But do you really think you're going to keep working

Normal work, and maybe use 1 or 2 million for home or basic needs,

and then give the rest to your poor brothers? No. The typical reaction, even a

Christian, is to go to the store immediately and buy household appliances

TVs and radios, saunas and Jacuzzis, and look for a car of the year. Why God does not

can entrust with such money? Because we are not faithful.

The Bible exhorts Christians in contrast to this (which is materialism, greed, and

greed) that neither should love the world or anything in the world (1 John 2:15) and

Jesus warned us again and again that prosperity can be dangerous and deadly enemy

our souls (Luke 8:14, 12:15, Matthew 19:21-24). The true Christian must

deny himself, take up his cross and follow Christ, because "you can not serve God and

to riches "(Matthew 6:24). Christ did not get rich by carrying the cross, but lost

all I had in this world, even their clothes.

POSITION OF JESUS ON THE WEALTH AND POVERTY

Although Jesus never condemned money itself (is the love of money that corrupts

1 Timothy 6:9-10), warned us that we should not put our hope, our energy,

our trust and faith, our eyes on earthly treasure (Matthew 6:19), and preached that

they serve God (especially who preach, teach, lead, or governing)

as examples to the flock of God should be people who despise the desire

money and wealth, or exaltation of money (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:15) and to be

makes people greedy for their lack of material things in their lives. Christians,

especially leaders must have their eyes (and their effort and heart) on their

treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:21) to be useful to God and the work of

God. In Hebrews 13:7 instructs all Christians to submit to her pastor, and "consider

what has been the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. "Clearly not exalted

economic position as something to imitate, but his faith, his life, and his conduct. In

1 Peter 5:3, God repeats the idea ("being examples to the flock") that the requirements and

God raises standard for the ministry is mandatory for every Christian, is the

God's standard for all their children, and everyone should follow this rule. Leaders

Church must be exemplary of this standard.

Jesus said it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). This means that the idea

retention is not riches, but to use any money you have for the glory of

God, to do God's work.

Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth

kept for the owners to their hurt;

While preaching the gospel of good use to raise money for prosperity

its people for themselves, they want to retain the richness of their lives

luxury. But God shows that God sometimes gives the believer more than we need

"So you have something to share with those in need" (Ephesians 4:28). The

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core of this movement gather in need, but rather

I picked sparsely distributed to the poor, and these leaders greatly complicate

problems by pin the stalking of materialism.

Jesus warned us that riches are deceptive and can drown our faith fully

to not get to heaven (Matthew 13:5,22, Luke 8:14), and we should be

vigilant against personally enjoy luxuries or greed in all its forms

(Matthew 23:25, Mark 7:21-23, Luke 12:15). Predicted problems and mourning for the rich

(Luke 6:24) and went so far as to say it is almost impossible for a rich man

enters heaven (Matthew 19:21-24). Jesus commanded all believers to give their lives

into the hands of God, deny himself (Matthew 16:24), and told a rich man

seeking salvation was best that he sold all his possessions (Matthew

19:21-24) and would give the money to the poor (or preachers, or your church, or

Jesus and his disciples). Jesus did not tell this to Jesus himself gripping his riches,

but to get rid of their wealth. The problem of the rich young man was leaving that "

wealth (that) choke the word and it becomes unfruitful "(Matthew 13:22). Jesus said

He was so poor he had nowhere to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).

"The man that grabs poverty rejects the establishment of the covenant (with God). The

man grabs the covenant rejects poverty. Faith pleases God's covenant. Without faith, it is

impossible to please. "5 - Kenneth Copeland

"Poverty is an evil spirit." 6 - Kenneth Copeland

The position of the disciples of Jesus about wealth and poverty - Paul

once described as "poor" and "having nothing" (2 Corinthians 6:10). Wrote

that the believer has to flee the desire (greed) of rich (1 Timothy 6:10 -

11, Hebrews 13:5) and if it finds any lust or inordinate desire in his heart,

have to kill him (Col. 3:5). There should be neither a little bit of greed in their lives (Ephesians

5:3), because greed is a form of idolatry (Ephesians 5:5, Col 3:5) and the desire to

rich is a trap that brings ruin, destruction, and all other types of

evil (1 Timothy 6:9-11). As Christians we should not try, or business, or

friendship with greedy people (Ephesians 5:7), we must separate them entirely

because it can contaminate their idolatry, making us too greedy.

A Christian leader (as an example to others) should not be a person who loves

money (1 Timothy 3:2-3) and Peter mentions that a greedy teacher will take

advantage of the flock of God (2 Peter 2:3). People who believe or think that being

pious will get wealth or economic gain have been corrupted and

having false doctrine (1 Timothy 6:5). The Christian should not focus your mind on the

earthly things (Colossians 3:2) or love anything in this earthly world

(1 John 2:15-16). Do not pray for money to spend on its pleasures (James 4:3)

but be content with the little they have (Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6). Being poor

is a position of exaltation while being rich is a low position, unwanted

Eye of God (James 1:9-10).

Matthew 6:28 And the dress, why do you worry? Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his

glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 And if the grass of the field, which today is, and

tomorrow is thrown into the oven, God clothes, will he not much more clothe you,

men of little faith? 31 Do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat, or what

drink, or what wear? 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, but

your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But

5 God's Will is Prosperity, http://www.kcm.org/studycenter/finances/pdf/gods_will_prosperity.pdf

6 Kenneth Copeland, Prosperity: The Choice is Yours, p.4.

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Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be

added. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow

will worry. Sufficient unto the day is the evil.

• God wants us to recognize that most of our efforts and

daily concern is simply baseless. It's lack of faith and lack of

understanding of how God works in things. God has His plan for our

lives and annoyed and worry is foolish.

• God has never failed to take care of our lives. God sees time by

now what we need, and God knows everything.

• In all this worry, toil, and annoyed by things, never

grasp we must leave these things in the hands of God, and all this

energy, attention, and force must be channeled to obey the will of God.

By doing this, God will take care of you.

Matthew 6:28-33 teaches us that strive for wealth, even as it needs

a great evil, which hinders us life, and is against the faith (trust) we have in

God that God will take care either way what happens. Simply, all the travail that

Movement of the Word of Faith, those who preach the Prosperity Gospel

produces is against God's will.

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if

necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that under

your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes though it is

tried with fire, might be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation

Jesus Christ,

The evidence of our faith (that cultivate our spirit and soul) are always

precious than gold. With this in mind, we understand why God commands us

"Evidence" that cause hard pattern to our lives, crisis, need, until disease

or death.

1 Timothy 6:6 But great gain in godliness with contentment, 7

For we brought nothing into this world, and certainly can take nothing out. 8 So,

having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But those who want

rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that

drown men in destruction and perdition 10 because the root of all evil is

the love of money, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and were

pierced themselves with many pains. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things,

and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

• Simply, the idea that economic prosperity is equal to the

Czech spirituality. It is a false conclusion. The things of this world

have spiritual value.

• God tells us that instead of seeking economic prosperity, we must

search godliness with contentment. This means that in the state that we

found, we must be content. This is an attitude of mind and

spirit, is a spiritual disposition that God commands us to walk in it.

• Contentment is the most important health or prosperity. Without

have a relationship to God and to other humans, and prosperity

health to be ineffective.

• Greed is wandering of the Christian faith, and in no way can be part

integral to the Christian life as these preachers proposed. Greed

produces "great pain" while contentment and mercy gives us peace,

joy, and a quiet life.

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• Ministers who promote these things (greed, the pursuit of prosperity and

health before the most important of God) are false ministries we

outrun them.

• God warns us of the kind of minister who wants to get rich and has many

foolish and harmful. This plunge them and their followers in destruction and

perdition.

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of

God, but as of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

• "Medran" - is to sell something by deceit, falsehood, or forge. Has the idea of

Discount or adulterate something (like putting water into wine) easier to sell

when it should not by a moral law. For example, parents who do prostitute

his daughter. To ignore the moral law and the obligations of parents to gain

what it is. This movement has changed the gospel and God's message

to "sell" easiest.

Deuteronomy 31:20 For I have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, that floweth

milk and honey, and eat and be satisfied, and grown fat, they will turn to other gods and they

serve, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

• Note that God warned the Israelites that prosperity becomes the enemy

God and spirituality. The Christian must always fight against

get wealth to be an idol in your life, taking priority over things

God.

Proverbs 30:7 Two things have I asked you, do not refuse me before I die: 8 Vanity

and lies far from me, not give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food

necessary; 9 Not Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or that being

poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.

• What to look for the Christian is neither, nor wealth or poverty.

This is directly opposed to the teaching of the Word Movement

Faith No seek prosperity but to be happy, an average path between

wealth and poverty. Both are stressful for the spiritual life.

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has not

can not be my disciple.

• To be a Christian indeed, one has to leave possessions aside and not

idols or let them take priority in the spiritual life. The Christian

has to follow Christ before his personal life, his personal wealth, his

economic welfare. Otherwise, it is not safe. Is deluding himself.

1 Corinthians 4:1 So téngannos as servants of Christ and stewards

of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is required in stewards, that a man be

found faithful.

• Part of a good understanding of the economy for a Christian is

first understand that he does not own what you own. This is a

common but misguided concept. The Christian understands that he is properly

just a steward of what God has commissioned. His possessions, money,

riches are provided, and in death, loses everything he possessed. Although he

handles things, the opportunities, you can still take advantage, it saves and spends,

but the gain is not for him but for the Lord, the true owner of what

Christians have. It's what God wants with these things, not what you want

do with it.

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Mark 10:30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, brothers,

sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

• The context is important in understanding this teaching of Jesus. The rich young man

Jesus came to thinking that it was just for his many good works. Jesus

showed that it was not fair, and to prove it, Jesus wanted realizes

I was greedy of riches. Jesus instructed him to leave all his

wealth (by selling and giving away to the poor).

• This is exactly the approach of God, forget the material, focus on what

spiritual. Contentment is key to the spiritual, and the material does not really

brings peace, happiness, and true joy, but go well with your God.

• The promise of Jesus was to be more faithful Christians who had

lost much or all of the name of Christ, like Job. There is a promise

open for any Christian to use to get rich. Having lost

However, the promise is that God will restore you lost it more extra. Namely

exactly the story of Job. Although he lost all for the glory of God, so

God gave accounts twice around. Always comes before losing to win, and

this is to be stripped by the world, Satan, etc., and not because donuts

things (which is good) to others or lose by mishandling.

• The teaching is clear here, many stop riches enter heaven. The

Most people can not be saved and have wealth that the

Human nature is to put the wealth BC. The idea of giving

God in order to earn more is simply greed, and God does not have to

respond with nothing to do, not even you back your capital.

• If this positive confession movement believe that God will

bless forces for their faith better, why not give away all his money

poor personal and why take money from the poor (as many false

Prophets in the New Testament)? If you have grasped the principles of wealth,

Why not use them, and then give away all his money to the poor brothers?

• The main point here is for the person who is greedy, always thinking

another way to earn more money (as a magic formula), and God does

or any promise of more, but God commands to remove all

wealth to cure greed and idolatry.

• Matthew 13:22 What was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the

worries of this life and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes

unsuccessful.

• Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your

heart.

2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, we encourage all ministers of God, in much

patience, in tribulations, in needs ... 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;

as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing

everything.

• Paul mentions here that he was an exemplary minister. In this, Paul had

needs that had to suffer. Paul was poor personally, but Paul did

Many rich. What does this mean? What money was Paul could collect

dispersed to the poor? Or maybe Paul mentioned that he was poor but his

poor ministry, Paul made many rich spiritual things of God. By

Anyway, the view is that Paul was not rich and properties

money in this world, and would not be, and this is God's best. The view must

be on the spiritual and not earthly.

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Revelation 3:14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful witness and

true, the principle of the creation of God, says this: 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and I

have prospered, and I have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art

wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

• God condemned the church in Laodicea because they have been enriched, and this was

its goal "I want to be rich" (equal to Positive Confession movement). The

wealth in general are the enemy of the soul. Sometimes (very occasionally)

God is a man who can be trusted with riches (eg Job or

Abraham). This type of man is one who takes his wealth as a

stewardship through the Lord, and this person invests the funds in the work

humbly living God, not seeking or not seeking luxury living standards

very high (rich), and God can trust this person (Luke 16:10) that can

have even more wealth. This person thinks nothing of risking all

when God says, "Move" or "Do this or that." Abraham left everything in a

moment when God told him to move, and lived in tents as the tramp

rest of his life. But this person does not have such riches as their goal, but the

be a good steward of what God has entrusted and charged. With this,

see the faithfulness of the person not to leave wealth to corrupt his mind.

Always understand that everything you have is from God, and is always available in the

of God, and always looking to use what you have for God.

"Prosperity is a greater requirement in establishing the will of God ...

God's will for His people today is full "7 - Copeland

We note that Copeland as most leaders Word Movement

Faith does not really "live" by faith alone. They live lives of luxury high through the

donations from his followers (many are poor Christians) trying to practice

Copeland what they teach, "sowing seeds of promise" seeking "

crop a hundred times over. "Is it not correct if the Copelands have the faith to

produce all (including more money) they give away their earthly treasures, their

luxuries and riches to the poor among them instead of these poor live?

Proverbs 10:4 slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent

enriched.

We should note that if God gives us a clue to be more prosperous, and this is not to be

negligent in our business or work, but be diligent.

Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish

as branches.

Confidence in wealth is just something to cause the person to fall, but the

confidence in justice is something that will bless the person for the rest of his life in

earth and eternity.

The solution for the greed of Materialism

God curses the greedy with the Curse of the need. It is always best

first seek the things of God apart from the rich. With the rich young man,

Jesus commanded until the end to get rid of all their wealth to put an

approach their lives, their priorities, and their true god.

SUCCESS AND VICTORY FOR THE BELIEVER

7 God's Will is Prosperity, http://www.kcm.org/studycenter/finances/pdf/gods_will_prosperity.pdf

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"The prosperity of God is not only financial blessings. Includes health,

protection, favor, wisdom, success, well-being and every good thing that you may need

possibly - all the good things that Jesus paid for the tengas.8 "- Gloria

Copeland

"It becomes so simple, we must live by faith and trust in God. In God,

We have been redeemed from the curse. We are protected from danger, disease,

missing or anything else evil that is a result of the curse. God has

promised in Psalm 91, "For he hath set his love, I will rescue him; I

put on high, because he hath known my name "(verse 14)." 9 - Gloria Copeland

For example the Copeland teach that the Christian is free from any problems in the

salvation of Jesus. But this is what the Bible presents?

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to

continue in the faith, and saying: We must go through many

tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ

Jesus shall suffer persecution;

Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to

believe in Him, but also to suffer for him,

1 Thessalonians 3:3 so that no one be moved by these afflictions;

for yourselves know that we are appointed.

The Bible clearly shows that every Christian has a road ahead of him

suffering, persecution, hardship, and loss. Paul and the disciples of Christ

taught this to all new converts. His message was not one of success (in the

worldly concept), prosperity, and health. Failure was, to be despised and robbed

the world, to lose everything including your health (like Job, Paul, Timothy), and

persecution. The world hates us, brothers and mistreat us. Do not be surprised

therefore!

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of me.

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were

counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

1 Thessalonians 3:4 For when we were with you, we told you before that

we would suffer tribulation, such as has happened and know.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may

counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with

Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that with Him

be glorified.

2 Timothy 2:11 The saying is trustworthy: If we died with Him, we shall also live with

him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also us

denied.

The glory for the Christian in heaven is about to suffer in this life, not

money, luxuries, fame, privileges, and so on. However Copeland says, the Bible says

that following Christ is not an easy road but it is a very hard road with many

difficulties. God tells us this clearly. The road that marks God for the believer

is one of mourning, persecution, abuse, poverty, famine, mourn, hatred, and rejection (Matthew

5:3-12, Luke 6:20-23, John 15:18-20). Jesus instructs us that those who follow Christ

can see to their own families become their enemies (Matthew 10:34-36, Luke

8 Gloria Copeland, True Prosperity, http://kcm.org/studycenter/articles/self_improvement/true_prosperity.php

9 Gloria Copeland, God's Got You Covered, http://kcm.org/studycenter/articles/protection/gods_got_you_covered.php

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13:25-26) and the wider world will hate them (John 15:18, 1 John 3:3). All that

want to follow Christ must give everything they have (Luke 14:33) and refuse to

himself, and take a "cross" (Matthew 16:24-25, Mark 8:34-35, Luke 9:23). The cross

was an instrument of torture and death, was not smooth.

Throughout the book of Acts we see the disciples suffered persecution, accusations

cuts, threatened, jailed, beaten, stoned and put to death under the

sword. Faced demonstrations against him. False witnesses were raised

against them. They were evicted from their houses and homes (Acts 8:2) and even some of the

believers lost all their possessions in this world (Hebrews 10:34). At one point Paul

was jailed for two years (Acts 24:27). Paul and his companions were hungry

and thirsty, their clothing was made rags, were brutalized, were tramps

home maldichos, persecuted, slandered, and were compared to trash and manure

(1 Corinthians 4:9-13). They fell on hard times unlucky (2 Corinthians 4:8-11).

They had problems, hardness, stress, shock, hard work, sleepless nights, and poverty

(2 Corinthians 6:4-10). Sometimes they were naked and cold, without food, water, or power

sleep (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

What table presents God in Christ on our lives drastically opposite

what we have preachers of the Gospel of Prosperity! There were people who

deserted him (2 Timothy 4:16-17), and Paul himself came to the point that he himself

despaired of life wanting death (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Are we better than

Christ, the Apostles, or Paul? Do we think that we as disciples of Christ

we will walk better than our Master?

We know that Peter was imprisoned more than once (Acts 4, 5, 12), Santiago

had his head cut off (Acts 12:2) equally as John the Baptist (Matthew 14:8),

Paul was hungry, was shipwrecked, was stoned, almost drowned, and was finally martyred

(2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Stephen was also martyred (Acts 7). Paul, before

converted, persecuted Christians and threw them in prison (Acts 8:3: 9:2), and

many were driven out (Acts 8:1-4). There are many Christians who

experienced total loss financially to follow Christ (Hebrews 10:34).

"The only suffering we find in sharing His victory is spiritual. This is

speaking the word when he says that we are partakers of Christ's sufferings. In

other words, the only suffering for the believer is the spiritual uncomfortable drawn

resist the pressures of the flesh, not a physical or mental suffering. Jesus has already

led all suffering for us in the natural kingdoms and mental ... That's why

for the glory of God when we are healed or redeemed physically or mentally,

that we only have to fight in the spiritual realm. "10 - Kenneth Copeland

Hebrews 11:35-39 describes men of God who were tortured, mocked,

beaten, chained, imprisoned, stoned, cut in two, and killed by the

sword. They wandered in animal skins, walking in deserts and mountains, living in

caves and wells. They were destitute, persecuted and mistreated. But if this is the picture

of a people of God praising God (11:39 is where God recommended to them by their

great faith), then this does not check with what this Movement of the Word of Faith teaches.

If "good faith" in God and the Bible, is to achieve anything you want as stated

Movement of Faith who preach the prosperity gospel, or even good faith

always give you prosperity, health, and success, then why Hebrews 11 praises these

poor unfortunates who had such great faith? Does faith of the men of God in

Hebrews 11 was a weak faith? Or was it a strong faith?

10 Kenneth Copeland, What About Suffering With Christ?,

http://kcm.org/studycenter/articles/faith_hope/suffering_with_christ.php.

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SERMON ON THE GOSPEL OF PROSPERITY

Introduction: This false doctrine proposes that all Christians have in the

salvation the promise of great economic prosperity and success in all you do in the

life. Copeland says, "You have to realize that it is God's will that you prosper. Namely

available to you, and honestly, you will be silly not to take it. "They say that verses like

3 John 1:2 "may prosper and be in health ..." are promises for all Christians.

Is this is included in salvation? Or Is this a disguise for materialism and

Christians in greed?

1 Samuel 2:7 Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich; Abate, and exalts.

Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet Both were made

Lord.

I. Prohibitions against greed and materialism

A. Greed (the love of money) is misplaced faith.

Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: ... covetousness, which is

idolatry;

• We must fight against the flesh, greed is meat.

1 Timothy 6:9 But 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 10 because root of all evil is the love of money, this craving

some have strayed from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth

kept for the owners to their hurt;

• The love of money or the desire to get rich is the same for

covet. Is misplaced faith. It is a false religion that

Christianity is. One can not love Christ, be safe, and be

greedy miser once.

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous ... shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness must not even be named among

you, as becometh saints, 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor

unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

B. Presumably wealth and success is to despise the Lord.

Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,

Lord despises.

• There is always the will of God that we are rich, successful,

famous, powerful, and so on. As in the case of Job is

God's will that we suffer loss, faults, and we have

problems. Job never knew why, but had to rely

in God.

James 4:13 Come now! who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and

spend a year there, buy and sell, and get gain; 14 when you do not know what

be tomorrow. For what is your life? You are a mist that appears

for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, If

the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in

your arrogance. All such boasting is evil;

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• This verse teaches us all about the will to condition

of God, and this means that sometimes it is the will of God

not prosper in a way, and we should not presume

Unlike God. On the contrary to the Gospel of

Prosperity can not manipulate God and strive to what your

want.

C. Materialism does not focus on the spiritual value.

Luke 12:15 And he said, Take heed, and beware of covetousness, for one's life

does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Materialism - is a way of seeing life in a high value or importance or

Priority is placed on getting and retaining possessions and money. This means that

much energy, attention, thought, and so is concentrated on goods and money

one wants to get and keep. This course also despises concepts

as love, loyalty, service, nobility, and so they are not tangible.

• Our lives are not worth before God, only for the

amount of possessions, money, and things we have. There is a

spiritual value that is not reflected in how we.

Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye

the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

• God loves the poor as they are poor. They exercise faith

more than anyone else. With poor, God can see

YOUR dispensations your money to the needy (Matt. 25:31-46).

D. The Striving for the material is the opposite of being

Spiritual.

Definition of "Striving" - Synonymous with worry. The idea here is to make

activity, spend energy, time, or attention to something. Normally the "white"

toil or worry that there is something spiritual, and usually what one spends on

toil or worry can not change or improve the matter, but worse.