Signs of a Controlling Church<<<

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Originalist

The first would be a teaching that there is actually a scriptural formula to always be ahead financially as a divine right and never face financial hardship.

The second is a man centered message that is designed to appeal to the masses.

I see where you're coming from here.......to play Devil's Advocate, is there any scripture that says a Christian SHOULD face financial hardship?

And, as far as a man-centered message, I don't see being purpose driven as man-centered.....Jesus was purpose driven......what makes the difference is what your purpose is.....

Again, just for discussion........

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I see where you're coming from here.......to play Devil's Advocate, is there any scripture that says a Christian SHOULD face financial hardship?

Of course not. Neither is there a verse that says we should get sick, But stuff happens to even the godliest of saints and there are plenty of verses that declare that we will face trials, and that God uses such things to build character in us.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Originalist

Nothing you said contradicts anything I wrote. And how dare you completely mischaracterize me with you "poverty minded Christians" comment? Again, you should be ashamed.

I never said or implied that MONEY is the root of all evil.

I never said or insinuated that the kingdom will belong to the MATERIALLY poor.

I never said rich people can't go to Heaven.

I am referring to a doctrinal mindset that says that as believers, we have a divine right and duty to be wealthy, and that God wants us to be wealthy. This unbalanced teaching declares that there is a scriptural formula for never having a financial set back, or times of want. The ones who seem to really prosper from this teaching are those who make a comfortable living selling books and recordings of their "prosperity" teachings. These false teachers are mentioned by Paul to Timothy, "supposing that gain is godliness, from such turn away."

Originally Posted by Originalist

Of course not. Neither is there a verse that says we should get sick, But stuff happens to even the godliest of saints and there are plenty of verses that declare that we will face trials, and that God uses such things to build character in us.

Yup!

[tv1a]

Mainstream prosperity supporters acknowledge there are health and financial trials. What separates them from their distractors is the expectation that those situations are temporary setbacks.

Originally Posted by Originalist

Of course not. Neither is there a verse that says we should get sick, But stuff happens to even the godliest of saints and there are plenty of verses that declare that we will face trials, and that God uses such things to build character in us.