The Prosperity Doctrine

[bloodbought09]

And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. I see many strong Christian personalities cave at the end of their lives, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. What of Caleb? He was strong at 80 and ready to fight as he was 40 years old. We go from glory to glory, faith to faith. If this be true, we will be stronger in the later years to endure till the end, that is the day we are taken to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Want good preaching? Look at the early years of a minister's life when he was fully in the word of God, not when he went apostate. Why should we consult the dead on behalf of the living? If you have seen what I have seen, you will know what is being said.

 

[Laura Phillips]

there is that dark temptation to see it proven on the unsuspecting world but god told me that nobody ever opens that door, much less mee

no desire, really!!!!!

And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. I see many strong Christian personalities cave at the end of their lives, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. What of Caleb? He was strong at 80 and ready to fight as he was 40 years old. We go from glory to glory, faith to faith. If this be true, we will be stronger in the later years to endure till the end, that is the day we are taken to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Want good preaching? Look at the early years of a minister's life when he was fully in the word of God, not when he went apostate. Why should we consult the dead on behalf of the living? If you have seen what I have seen, you will know what is being said.

 

[TasManOfGod]

Many who go further than their study of the Word tip over the edge

 

[someguy14]

The Prosperity Doctrine
The Prosperity doctrine teaches that those who have faith in God will become wealthy

God is the only thing worth investing in.

 

[TasManOfGod]

God is the only thing worth investing in.

And we are the only thing God has got to invest in.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Thing is this Brother Oscarr. I have no choice but to believe that God has given us all things that pertain to life and Godliness and that all the promises of God have been made yes and amen in Jesus Christ. I am quite at the mercy of the word of God here. I cannot deny what He said. What I am to do? I am sorry if you and others think I am "worshipping Baal" because I believe God regarding health, healing, and prosperity. I am forced to either endure your displeasure because I believe God, or deny His word, and not only His word but the sacrifice He endured to make these provisions available to all who will believe.
But I am sorry you think I am worshipping Baal.

The Prosperity doctrine teaches that those who have faith in God will become wealthy, have the best of material things and life will be sweet and comfortable.

Note that Baal was and still is the pagan god of fertility and prosperity. This is was the sin of Israel. They had a faith in God, but they also worshipped Baal to ensure that they were able to have good harvests and healthy families. They put material wealth before daily trust in the providence and care of God, as they did in the desert before they reached the Promised Land.

So, it can be argued that the present day Prosperity Doctrine is merely a modern form of Baal worship, and the same judgment that happened to the Baal worshippers of Israel, may very well happen to those who subscribe to the Prosperity doctrine.

 

[Alive_Again]

The Prosperity doctrine teaches that those who have faith in God will become wealthy, have the best of material things and life will be sweet and comfortable.

No one has published this "prosperity doctrine" as a generally accepted set of beliefs. As far as "Word of Faith" adherents, the strict following of the Word of God is preached, so if you read enough of the scripture, you'll know of the character and nature of God.

They had a faith in God, but they also worshipped Baal to ensure that they were able to have good harvests and healthy families. They put material wealth before daily trust in the providence and care of God, as they did in the desert before they reached the Promised Land.

It's pretty obvious in Deut. 28, that God wants to bless His people in every possible way. It's hard to get around the mindset that He still wants to do this with His sons and daughters. The big catch for the Israelites was that they adhered to what He said. All of His statutes, etc. had to be followed. That's a big catch, but He blesses His people as far as He can. The same goes for today.

Importantly, a so-called prosperity doctrine would mean that God wants to bless you as far as He can. The catch is walking in the Spirit. The Word promises a lot of trials and persecution for the Word's sake is a guarantee. We had better be clear what God's intent is in order for us to believe it. Otherwise, the enemy can come in and steal it, and leave the little sheep thinking that it was God's will for this to happen. God is in the business of meeting needs and we have to be able to stand in the midst of these trials and declare what He said.

We cannot be covetous and we must be content. If you can pass God's test, He can trust you with wealth. How is wealth defined? It's not in the Word, but looking at passages like Deut 28, we have a pretty good idea. It says "blessed" in the basket and store, etc. Is blessed good? I would imagine! The scripture about Him giving you the power to get wealth, is that His covenant can be established in the earth (to Abraham).

The choice is yours whether or not you qualify (being willing and obedient to the will of God). He rewards those who do His will willingly. If you just agree to do it, you have a stewardship.

The Prosperity doctrine teaches that those who have faith in God will become wealthy, have the best of material things and life will be sweet and comfortable.

I've yet to hear one person say that life will be sweet and comfortable! Who is this person?

 

[HolySpiritWOF2]

here is the original prosperity doctrine.... it sounds like every type of wealth and prosperity imaginable.... for those who love GOD....

Deuteronomy 28 NKJV
28 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.
5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

 

[now faith]

Where are the but, and ifs and endure in misery ,poverty till the end? And in the word you posted there is no mention of Baal! Amen

 

[now faith]

Any ministry today that has only $16,000 in funds and employs at least 13 men full time (with dependants) is barely afloat.
That's a pittance.


peace,
Simon

Oh now then having money is good as long as you determine how much.

 

[dkbwarrior]

<edit>
There is a tendency to legalism and control in some branches of WOF, just as there has been in some branches of all Protestant Christianity since its inception. Legalism and control may well border on witchcraft, no matter what denomination or group it manifests itself in. However, WOF in general does not, and the things that you are describing do not represent the WOF I know or have experienced, (in multiple churches and from multiple ministries) nor does your description encompass any WOF doctrine that I am aware of. All that to say, what you are describing may be true for that place, and if it is, I would stay away from it. But I think that you are lumping all WOF into one category based on your experience, and I am telling you that your experience isnt representative of what my experience has been, nor of the group overall.

The only exception to that is the law of sowing and reaping. The law of sowing and reaping is a biblical doctrine, and is not WOF specific. I have heard it preached in a myriad of different denominations, many not even Charismatic, or Pentecostal, let alone WOF. In fact, when I helped to develop the WOF statement of faith, we didn't even adress the issue of sowing and reaping, because of that reason. We were trying to address only those areas that were unique to our group. The law of sowing and reaping comes directly from the Bible:

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
-Galatians 6:6-7

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
-2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Now, that is not to say that some don't use this to make merchandise of people. Certainly that happens. Use a little discernment, and give where God leads. I personally never give if I feel manipulated or compelled. I give as I purpose in my heart to give, and do it cheerfully, as the scripture commands. But judging people makes one a judge, not a doer of the law:

11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
-James 4:11-12

Peace...

 

[dkbwarrior]

You don't get the blessings by speaking them,

You are right, you don't get them from speaking them. You do however, get them from believing AND speaking them:

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
-Mark 11:22-24

you get them by doing His will!

The will of God is to believe:

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
-John 6:29, 39-10

The reward goes to the overcomers of the error within their church.

We overcome by faith:

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
-1 John 5:4

Also, a saved individual that rebells against Yah's instructions will earn the curses associated with his action. We reap what we sow. Paul clearly stated that believers get sick and die as a result of sin.

This is true. However, it is not God killing them:

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
-1 Corinthians 5:3-5

It sounds to me that you are a bit legalistic yourself. We are not qualified for any blessing based upon our behavior. We are qualified for the blessings based upon the sacrifice of Christ on the cross in our behalf.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
-Galatians 3:10-14

Peace...

 

[Yahu]

You are right, you don't get them from speaking them. You do however, get them from believing AND speaking them:

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
-Mark 11:22-24

You get them by faith and meeting the prerequisites. Now as for commanding the mountain, a mountain is a mighty spirit hindering your path. Yes we are given authority over spiritual forces of the enemy but that doesn't give us they right to ask for anything you desire. You must first prosper your soul, seek the kingdom, obey the commandments and then you have the holy spirit within you will speak through you in faith. You speak the will of Yah, not your own will.

Just look at the Lord's Prayer. Did he pray for his own will be done or the Father's will? He only asked for his basic needs to be met, not for wealth. Yah measures prosperity differently then we do. It is the treasures we store up in heaven that is our true wealth, our robes of righteousness, our overcomers crowns, our eternal position within the kingdom.

Speaking blessing over yourself is the error of the Laodician church. They say 'I am rich' but they are really poor, blind and naked.

 

[now faith]

what you say sounds "righteous".... but consider what.... the WORD says.....

if you break one commandment you break them all.... can you imagine the consequences for breaking them ALL?.... big whopper trouble there....

James 2:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
Galatians 3:10 it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”

and worse yet.... we have ALL broken the law at least once.... or at one point.... so therefore EVERYONE of us is guilty.... of breaking ALL the law.... and therefore by your reckoning... we should all bear the consequences.....

but the truth is.... that is why we NEEDED a SAVIOR.... HE took ALL the consequences ONCE and for ALL of us.... if we RECEIVE by FAITH.... HIS COMPLETE work of SALVATION....

and notice in galatians 3 how.... righteousness by faith.... and receiving blessings by faith.... are inseparable.... if you are a new creation in CHRIST.... you ARE UNCONDITIONALLY righteous... and UNCONDITIONALLY blessed.... that is why it is called the GOOD NEWS (gospel)....

posted all of galatians 3.... if you study it... you will be amazed at the MAGNIFICENT INHERITANCE JESUS bought for us.... we who could NEVER earn/deserve/obtain it on our own merits/righteousness.... PRAISE GOD....




Galatians 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Great post amen , considered by many as the freedom epistle.

 

[now faith]

I can't stand when people use abbreviations when they reference, God the Father, and use his Hebrew translation for his personal name he told to Moses. Its like calling someone who's name is Robert,hey bob without their consent, it to me is wrong.

 

[HolySpiritWOF2]

i found this link on the names of GOD.....
Sacred Name of God YHVH YHWH Tetragrammaton Yahveh Yahweh Yeshuah Yashuah Yahushuah

there is controversy on this subject.... but according to this link YAH and YAHU are proper names for GOD....
but YHVH is considered proper/full.... and YAH and YAHU are often used in conjunctions.... eg....

EliYahu ('Elijah')
'YahuAdah' (YAH unveils) 1 Chron. 8:36
'YahuYadah' (YAH knows) 2 Samuel 8:18, etc

JEWS and MJ's would know better on this subject though....

 

[dkbwarrior]

You get them by faith and meeting the prerequisites.

Jesus already made me meet to be a partaker of the inheritance:

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
-Colossians 1:12-13

The inheritance being the blessing of Abraham:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
-Galatians 3:14

Which is all the promises of God:

20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
-2 Corinthians 1:20

By which we can partake of the divine nature:

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
-2 Peter 1:3-4

Peace...

 

[Bob Carabbio]

"Secondly, whether something "works" or not, really has no bearing on whether it is "true" or not."

So obviously it doesn't "work" for you either, and you're no "better off" (in an "Overt fashion") than the majority of folks around you. I don't know a LOT of dedicated WoF adherents, but it's been pretty obvious to ME over the years that I'm not "Missing anything".

On the other hand, by simply committing my life to HIM 50 years ago, and trusting also in HIM - I'm well provided for (filthy rich by "world standards" - like most "U.S." residents), and He's had me in the RIGHT PLACE at the RIGHT TIME consistently ever since 1962.

And all that without bothering with popular "Wof" practices, or beliefs.

 

[TasManOfGod]

"Secondly, whether something "works" or not, really has no bearing on whether it is "true" or not."

So obviously it doesn't "work" for you either, and you're no "better off" (in an "Overt fashion") than the majority of folks around you. I don't know a LOT of dedicated WoF adherents, but it's been pretty obvious to ME over the years that I'm not "Missing anything".

On the other hand, by simply committing my life to HIM 50 years ago, and trusting also in HIM - I'm well provided for (filthy rich by "world standards" - like most "U.S." residents), and He's had me in the RIGHT PLACE at the RIGHT TIME consistently ever since 1962.

And all that without bothering with popular "Wof" practices, or beliefs.

Bob, Do you ever tell the poor how to get "filthy rich" like you or do you leave it to woffers to do that so that they can get "condemned" for it?

 

[Bob Carabbio]

"JEWS and MJ's would know better on this subject though..."

Except that they really DON'T, although they do have "Opinions" (like everybody else). They're even generally hesitant to even spell "God", and substitute G-d instead.

But HEY!!! All God's Chilluns gots "Opinions".

Bottom line: WE DON'T REALLY KNOW "God's name", and every "Guess" we make about it is simply that - A Guess. That's where "Jehovah" came from.

My personal favorites (if I was gonna bother with "Sacred names" at all) are "Yaohu-Ul" for Father God, and "Yaohushua" for Jesus.

But "God", and "Jesus" work just fine, don'cha know.