Name It and Claim It a.k.a. Prosperity Gospel

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

02 Apr 2007 02:35 AM

The faith movement can be seen throughout some of the Pentecostal denominations. Followers adhere to a belief that God wants all His children to be prosperous and things like sickness and poverty are curses. Granted, sickness and poverty may be curses for some, it is so important not to confuse a lack with a "curse" rather than lowliness which is justified biblically.

• "For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth, But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:6-10)

I do not believe God intends for His children to become demanding spoiled brats where we tell God what we want, get it, and squander it. That is nothing short of manipulating God. I believe that which God blesses us with is to be used, not just for us, but for the purpose of His glory and to be a blessing. While it is true the Bible says:

• "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

The Bible also says:

• "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

I know the importance of faith. Faith is truly very powerful because it allows us to let God be God. I have been in a position where all I could do was put faith in God. In doing so I was able to see Him come through for me in amazing ways. He is faithful toward us. There are promises in the Bible that are ours to claim as believers, but for some to suggest God wills us to be rich or not have troubles is just not biblically accurate.

While I believe sickness is a curse having begun at the fall of man, I believe God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts spiritually speaking. God is able and often more than willing to heal our bodies. He has in fact designed our bodies in such a way to heal divinely on their own.

I have seen people blessed in big ways while stepping out in faith, but I have a hard time with a church "believing" (pleading) for a determined amount of money while pulling the "faith" card on its congregation. I've seen churches blessed in huge ways financially without pleading for one penny from its church body. That is faith! There is nothing wrong with asking, there is a lot to be gained by faith, but let us not forget our purpose here on earth isn't to outdo or outshine; it should be to serve.

• "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Please check out these related topics:

False Teachers

Finding Moderation

What Do Pentecostals Believe?

Vanity

Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.

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Valorie Delp (49083) 02 Apr 2007 04:24 PM

I have a dear friend who is critically ill. . .she will struggle with her sickness for the rest of her life and will continue to deteriorate physically. She has chosen to believe in the 'prosperity gospel' and decided that if she truly has faith she would choose to give up her walking cane (which she needed to walk) as well as refuse normal medical treatment (or even alternative treatments). Sadly, as a result of her decisions, she has caused her own deterioration to speed up. This is not Biblical faith. This was a great blog MJ!

Melissa J (13710) 02 Apr 2007 05:10 PM

Thanks Valorie. I was told if I just believed enough I would concieve a biological baby. Little did some realize that perhaps God's plan for us was to allow us to remain infertile (I do not believe He "made" us this way rather we live in a fallen world and this is a result) so we would be available for the children we have. I can't imagine my life without them. I don't believe God willed their birth parents to make the poor choices they did which brought our boys into care, but He was gracious to have us available for a "plan B" which has brought tremendous blessing to all of us. I think we have to be careful in regard to prosperity gospel teachings so we don't miss out on blessing by sticking God in a box.

Valorie Delp (49083) 04 Apr 2007 03:51 PM

That is an excellent way to put it. You know, in general, I have really come to appreciate your perspective on how God puts families together. While we have always wanted a large family and have always felt like having lots of kids was right for us. . .you have really helped me put into words some of my thoughts when I'm answering both sides of the birth control debate. ;-)