Televangelism has been a double-edged sword. It preaches the Gospel worldwide, but often in distorted forms, as in the “prosperity” gospel (Osteen, et al). Also, there is too much emphasis on end-times speculation and the rapture.
The #1 problem with the charismatic movement is that everything falls on the believer. If you are not wealthy or healthy it is because you lack faith. God wants to bless you but your doubt is what prevents him from doing so.
Typically, when Christianity has periods of growth, the opposition is usually in direct proportion. Unfortunately, that also includes the money grubbers who take advantage of the gullible.
Amen!
Oh, yeah, people have so much control over God.
Your opinion?
Yes, the “Prosperity Gospel” is one of the errors among some “evangelicals”, but I have news for those reporting this. It occurs in other denominations, and independent churches as well as even among some “new age” churches. Its a “universal” false spiritual “sales tactic” and anyone wanting the label of “preacher” and wanting to themselves prosper from that label, is capable of selling the “prosperity ‘gospel’ “ to their sheeple.
It is based on first, and continually, TELLING (not “showing” just telling) the sheeple that the particular ministry is absolutely doing “G-d’s work”, and that “G-d wants you to help “HIS ministry”, and if you do “You will be rewarded”. It’s what I call religious snake oil and no more authentically about “G-d” than chain letters are about your “good fate” if you keep the chain alive.
Ping
Yes.
But that’s what the enemy does.
The problem is that almost everyone is looking for something other than Christ.
They want the Holy spirit, the gifts, the experience, the prophecy, the word of knowledge, the healing, etc, but very few pursue growing in Godliness and Christlikeness.
HIMSELF
by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once ‘twas painful trying, Now ‘tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once ‘twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once ‘twas constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.
Once ‘twas busy planning, Now ‘tis trustful prayer;
Once ‘twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once ‘twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once ‘twas constant asking, Now ‘tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.
Wasn't this very same thing written about 1600 AD?
About Catholicism??
Ecumenism is so enticing ... and demonic.
I strongly believe in the gifts of The Holy Spirit for today, but long ago left the Charismatic-Pentecostal movement. First of all, I believe in eternal security. Without understanding that you are eternally secured by Jesus blood shed for you, you have to run on emotion and your own do goodness. You haven’t an anchor.
Emotionalism and lack of grounding leads to a big gap, which becomes filled in with all kinds of hyped up and emotionally driven false spirituality, demons. It’s just the way it is.
I am waiting for a good, decent Church that isn’t full of false spirituality, the false spirit of entertainment and yet believes in eternal security and the gifts of The Holy Spirit for today. God’s people need to wait on Him for what is true and real.
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Then yes, a mess was made.
The self policing in the Charismatic-Pentecostal movement was addressed by theologian and book author JP Moreland in Kingdom Triangle. He is not a sensationalist. He too looked at the great evangelism of the movement but pointed out the same issues in this article. If you all have not read the book I highly recommend it. He addresses more than Pentecostal issues as he takes aim at our western culture, how to evangelize in a post modern society without watering down the Gospel and how our churches have become bubbles unto themselves. He also points out the great things going on and the brave souls of missionaries here in the US and overseas.