There's a lot of overlap. What distinguishes the WOF is the idea that God wants every believer to materially prosper and be healthy with no suffering of any kind, and you can have it if your faith is strong enough. They might disagree or get angry at the "name it and claim it" idea, but it is essentially that. Some of them teach that words of faith are a force, and by that force you can create your own reality. Some go as far as saying that we are "little gods" or "little christs." It takes the "positive thinking" idea to its extreme. They try to negate these assessments with many persuasive words. IMO they base their ideas on scripture taken out of context, but this is the MO of many Christians in error.
TD
I was Charismatic for 20 years and rubbed shoulders with WoF people many times, and heard hundreds of WoF sermons from many Wof leaders. Even one of my brothers was a WoF pastor for 18 years. I believe my assessment is qualified.
I disagree considering your prompt answer to a curious person.I was Charismatic for 20 years and rubbed shoulders with WoF people many times, and heard hundreds of WoF sermons from many Wof leaders. Even one of my brothers was a WoF pastor for 18 years. I believe my assessment is qualified.
TD
There's a lot of overlap. What distinguishes the WOF is the idea that God wants every believer to materially prosper and be healthy with no suffering of any kind, and you can have it if your faith is strong enough. They might disagree or get angry at the "name it and claim it" idea, but it is essentially that. Some of them teach that words of faith are a force, and by that force you can create your own reality. Some go as far as saying that we are "little gods" or "little christs." It takes the "positive thinking" idea to its extreme. They try to negate these assessments with many persuasive words. IMO they base their ideas on scripture taken out of context, but this is the MO of many Christians in error.
TD
There's a lot of overlap. What distinguishes the WOF is the idea that God wants every believer to materially prosper and be healthy with no suffering of any kind, and you can have it if your faith is strong enough. They might disagree or get angry at the "name it and claim it" idea, but it is essentially that. Some of them teach that words of faith are a force, and by that force you can create your own reality. Some go as far as saying that we are "little gods" or "little christs." It takes the "positive thinking" idea to its extreme. They try to negate these assessments with many persuasive words. IMO they base their ideas on scripture taken out of context, but this is the MO of many Christians in error.
TD
I've never seen much of a difference. For me.. if one like you asks.. its the word.. faith.. believing that GOD can't lie. If He said it He will do it. The words should tell all "WORD OF FAITH". Things by man have been added to it. But same can be said to almost every group. But.. we should always remember Christ sees no groups. MAN does. He sees on body and He along is the head! We are so divided. Well point of fact is.. where are you posting? yeah.. stay in your group. Jesus came in the flesh born form the virgin Mary died on the cross for the worlds sins.. was buried and rose the 3rd day is the only way to the Father <---this alone is not enough..any more. Oh it use to be
Your right about that as far as the "lot of overlap." You could put 20 of us at the same table and it's (possible) there could be 20 differences in our Word of Faith beliefs. One could also find several disagreements between each other in all denominations. But what's unique about that is they could all be good friends and just agree to disagree in some of their areas of disagreements. Rarely, (if any)... in Word of Faith would you see one badmouth the other and that's absolutely a mericle within itself. As to our critics, If one were to do some of that research (on their articles) they could eventually find that many of the Word of Faith names they list and come up with are NOT even Word of Faith at all.
Yes, we do (strongly) teach that God wants ALL of us to "prosper and be in good health... as our soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). We can all be prospered in every area of our lives with exceedingly abundently more in meeting, (yes) our needs... AND the needs of others. That can be done without using the term "prosperity gospel." If you were to do some online research and find 50 of our critics (and there out there), one of the first things revealed would be that Word of Faith teaches a prosperity gospel. That analogy came from the critics, not us. There is NO such thing as a prosperity gospel, and sad to say, that many of them, (actually) do know that... but yet, it's usually the first thing brought up in their articles, and other writings anyway. They may, or may not know it but they will be held accountable.
You brought up "faith as a force." I see no problem with that as it is. Our critics use that and say we are forcing God to do something for us which is ridiculous. The force of faith (IMO)... is the applied faith to believe and receive anything, and everything God has (already) done for us. Faith doesn't move God, it moves us. We just need to receive what He's already done and apply our faith.
I don't know anyone except (Benny Hinn) that may have taught that at one time that we're little gods, etc. Btw, Hinn is not Word of Faith. However, I have no problem in that we ARE sons and daughters of God. (2 Corinthians 6:18) And "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
As for now, I'll address the "name it and claim it" thing. I don't know how you got born-again but I got saved by using His "name" (Jesus Christ) then accepted, and "claimed" Him as my Lord and Savour. Where's the problem?
One other thing is, It's not the amount of faith, it's just applying what you have. Remember the mustard seed?
That's enough from me tdidymas. There's a whole lot more in what Word of Faith beliefs that "we believe" that's much different than what our critics say we teach (Romans 10:8) "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;"
Welcome (all) to the Word/Faith forum.
Harry...
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
