A Quick Look At Prosperity Gospel In Christianity
In our 21 century, many Christians have been indoctrinated to believe in wealth and money but not the true gospel of Jesus that gives salvation.
Anytime a topic about prosperity gospel rises in our world —then Joel Osteen and his service at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas come along. He is one famous prosperity gospel preacher. A lot of criticism has been leveled against him for years.
Faith movement preachers will stand behind the pulpit and make unbiblical demands from their members.
The root of this kind of preaching is rooted in America and has cut across Africa and other nations.
This faith movement deals with materialism, particularly financial, success. Osteen is not alone in this money evangelism business but with people like Faye Bakker.
The long history eats into the 19th century. A spiritual movement became popular with unorthodox thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and William James.
Christianity has now become a big business venture for some of these preachers we see on our televisions, hear them on podcasts and our radios.
So the American prosperity gospel has at least a history from the 19th century to our 21st century. The root has become too deep in our various Christian churches around the entire globe.
Historically, American Baptist preacher Russell H. Conwell, once told his congregation in 1915:
“I say you ought to be rich; you have no right to be poor.”
If you are a Christian and you hear these kinds of teachings be very vigilant. Christianity isn’t about living a rich life with money and wealth but living to please God in all respect. It is about acknowledging your weaknesses and allowing the grace and power of God to strengthen you.
Have they forgotten that God answers our prayers according to His will? You can’t put God into a compulsion to answer your prayers or make you rich. The most important gift made available to us through faith and grace is “salvation.” But not earthly wealth.
It is about living a faithful life in Jesus Christ and allowing his grace to grant you eternal life. We are not chasing the Mammon, the god of money.
Jesus says:
“Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Africa has now become a remarkable place of prosperity Gospel making people feel ashamed of living in difficulties. Is there any shame in being a poor Christian? It’s happening in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa Uganda, Kenya, and many other African countries.
In Nigeria, for instance, one questionable preaching from Benson Idahosa in the ’90s says:
“My God is not a poor God”; “Your attitude determines your altitude”; “It is riskier not to take risks”; “I am a possibilitarian” and “If your faith says yes, God cannot say no.”
Some popular Ghanaian faith movement preachers have also adopted this type of preaching from Idahosa.
These preachers will blame their members for lack of faith saying: that is why the job has taken a downward curve, that is why the business has collapsed, that is why your sickness has not gone, and blah blah blah…
Adversity is part of the Christian life. Paul and the early apostles in all their richness in spiritual gifts suffered a lot. Hunger, imprisonment, beatings, and all forms of persecutions.
The deal here is to endure hardships through faith in Jesus Christ. Your reward will come from above by fighting the good fight unto the end. Dare not cut corners by compromising your Christian faith and values.
Faith movement preachers are influencing thousands to millions of people into destructive situations that might make them lose salvation.
Let me frankly tell you this: God loves you. He has a better plan for your future. But being rich is not a by force thing in the Bible. He takes care of the elephant, birds and never forgets the ants. You are not forgotten —my fellow believer.
If God favors you with money and wealth, be grateful. Pray for his grace to abound in your life. Pray for spiritual strength to overcome your fears, battles and stay faithful to the lord.
He will never let your enemies triumph over you in whatever way. Trust God’s timing and believe that at the right time he will help you with what you have been waiting for. It happens not according to your will —but that of God.
Don’t make the mistake of loving money and wealth. That is adultery against our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prosperity Gospel preachers are crafty enough to use Bible verses to support their money and wealth teachings. Ah ah, do they even preach about salvation? Huh! Rarely.
Paul says, “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5)
Never feel ashamed for following Jesus and going through pains and sufferings. His grace is sufficient for you. His power also works best in your weaknesses.
