Did Jesus die for all men everywhere?

The view that when Christ died he died for all men everywhere is a very popular view in many denominations in America namely; the Foursquare Church, Methodists, Assemblies of God, All Pentecostals, and the Calvary Chapel. Because of the amount of churches who believe this, there may be a tendency to base your view on tradition rather then what the Word of God says on the matter. Additionally the reason this view is so popular is the idea that God will save all men everywhere is soothing to men’s conscience, and to prove anything to the contrary, would have severe ramifications, culturally, in biblical interpretation and in some cases financially. Nonetheless, we are not called to soothe men’s consciences, but to rightly divide the Word of God (2Tim 2:15) and to be truthful to the message that has been passed down to us (Jude 3). In spite of the popular view, I affirm that Christ died for a particular people and those people will not fail to be saved.In the debates that I have seen, and the few that I have participated in; I see a trend. Whenever someone wants to defend the idea that Christ died for all men, they will gravitate to verse that contain the word “all” or “world” in it. I will address two of these verses.

1) John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This is a verse most commonly used by those that hold the “Christ died for all view”. They will emphasize “Christ so loved the world” and use that as a proof text that Jesus died for all men everywhere. Let’s explore this issue: if Christ died for all men past, present, and future, does that mean he saved those who came under his wrath? So he died for the three thousand men he commanded that Moses killed after the Golden Calf incident? (Exodus 22:27) He died for Achan? (Joshua 7), He died for the Amalakites that he sent Saul to kill? (1st Samuel 15). John 3:16 does not say that Christ died for all men everywhere; it says that whoever believes will be saved. And of course we know that not everyone believes. What does world mean in this context? One of the main questions that you ask in biblical interpretation is “to whom was Jesus speaking to in this passage?” The Jews. Concerning who? The Gentile nations. The Lord up until that time was exclusively the God of Israel but according to the Old Testament Prophets there would come a time when The Lord would extend his hand of Grace to Gentiles as well Isaiah 2:3 says It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it,. And 56:4 says-8 The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.” And we can see this happen with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-42). The Syrophonician woman in (Mark 8:25-30), The Roman Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10) and the entire book of Acts. In light of that Christ loved the world in the sense of all people groups not just Jews as it had been believed for centuries.2)

1st Timothy 4:10-For to this end we toil and strive,2 because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. This passage has also been interpreted by some to mean all men everywhere; in this case they would be partly correct in the sense that the coming, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus have benefited all men. Here is how. In Romans 3:25 it says God put Christ forward as propitiation by his blood. According to the definition of propitiation (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propitiation). Christ dying on the Cross was a primarily focused on satisfying the Father’s justice so that he could forgive us. It would have been impossible for God to forgive us without the atoning sacrifice of His Son. So Christ’s death in the most literal sense saved us by satisfying God justice by being the once for all sufficient sacrifice for all men and in so doing becoming the only Savior for mankind like Acts 4:16 says: And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." One commentator says it this way:” By his providences he protects the persons, and prolongs the lives, of the children of men. (2.) He has a general good-will to the eternal salvation of all men thus far that he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He desires not the death of sinners; he is thus far the Savior of all men that none are left in the same desperate condition that fallen angels are in. The Major question is: Is the saving Grace of God extended to all men? Or are there a particular people that will be saved? There is a verse in Matthew 1 that may help us a little.

Matthew 1:20-21 But as he considered these things, behold, yan angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The last sentence of this verse is key. Jesus will save his people from their sins. The point is there are people that are his and Jesus knew who they were already and he came to save those people from their sins. Evidence of this is found in John 10:25-28- Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do ln my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of tthe Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” and John 10:14-15- 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and omy own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. Matthew 1:20-21 doesn’t say he will save people based on their choosing of him because Ephesians 1:4 says that he chose us in him before the foundations of the world. We did not choose him he chose us. This does not mean that he looked through time to see who would chose him and them predestinate to choose them because Romans 9:10-11 says that God’s calling is not based upon what we have don or who we are because Romans 2:11 says that God does not show favoritism, but it’s totally because of His own purpose and election.Do we not see this in the Old Testament? Out of the whole world he chose Abraham to bless (Genesis 15) From him was Isaac, not Ishmael although he was Abraham’s first born that got God’s blessing neither did any other of Abraham’s children (Genesis 25) get the blessing but Isaac only. Isaac had two sons Jacob and Esau. Although Esau was the oldest the blessing went to Jacob. This was not based on Esau’s behavior But God’s election (Romans 9:10-11). From Jacob came the children of Israel who were not chosen because of their faithfulness but because God if faithful Deuteronomy 7:7-9.

Why is it wrong to say that Christ died for everyone? Firstly, Christ’s own words contradict that view. For example, John 17:9 I am praying for them. jI am not praying for the world but for those kwhom you have given me, for lthey are yours. Here Christ is referring to certain body of people given to him from God the Father, he did not pray for the world in general. Secondly, If Christ represented the whole human race then the whole human race would be saved, but the bible teaches that only a part of the human race will be saved (Matthew 7:14). If we say that Christ represented everyone then we will have to say that Christ doesn’t save anyone, but only gives people a chance to be saved and that it is up to them to take it or leave it. This is the common view today but the Bible is against it. Christ did not die to give everyone or anyone a chance to be saved, but he suffered and died to accomplish salvation for his elect people.What do we say to this? Is God unjust for saving some people and not all? Absolutely not. He isn’t because we are all sinners. God throughout history was continually calling out to his people the same way he calls out to all people in Jesus but they always rejected him Jeremiah 6:16-17 thus says the LORD: “ Stand by the roads, and look, And ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘ Pay attention to jthe sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’ Isaiah 65:2- I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; And Acts 7:51- You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. fAs your fathers did, so do you. God offers all men salvation but no one takes God up on his offer. Because of this all men justly stand condemned under the Lord’s righteous anger, and if God sent all men to hell and didn’t save anyone he would still is just because as sinners that is what we deserve. But, although we were enemies of God (Romans 1:30) in love he sent Jesus for men who were not looking for him and because of His sacrifice he purchased salvation for his people. How should we react to this? Do we spend our lives trying to figure out whether we are elect or not? No! The question you should ask yourself is do I love Jesus? Do I enjoy his word, and look to it so that I may be like Jesus. Am I growing in Holiness and repentance? If not? Repent and believe the Gospel and cry out to God until he changes you. Do not concern yourself with an issue that belongs to God alone. Repent, believe, and throw yourself completely on Jesus because he is abounding in mercy.

If I don't Tithe am I under a curse?

In my early days of going to church, I attended a Pentecostal church who taught the principle of tithing. My question is: Does this apply to people who are under grace? Is there a penalty for those who do not give 10 percent of their income to the local church? I say no Tithing is under Old Testament law and is no longer applicable, although the bible does teach about giving offering which is totally different. The Original Law says this: 30 " 'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. (Lev: 27:30) (There were actually three tithes prescribed during that time, but for the sake of my argument I’ll keep it general.) Now, those who are for tithing will say this:1) Since Tithing predates Law, it exists after Jesus completed the Law Genesis 14:18-20 18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor[a] of heaven and earth;20and blessed be God Most High,who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.2)God proclaims a blessing for compliance and a curse for disobeyingMalachi 3:8-12 8 “ Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘ In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.11 “ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; 12 And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts.For those who believe this consider that although tithing predates the law, doesn’t circumcision also predate the law? (Genesis 17:11) that is not a law that we follow today. No man on earth will be justified through circumcision Or Tithing. Lets move to Leviticus. This passage of scripture begs and important question: is someone acceptable to God because of the offering he gives? In other words someone who gives to God because of rule of law is that offering acceptable? No. We have an example of this earlier in the book of Malachi 1:6-10 where Israel is giving the Lord blemished sacrifices, and grieving God so much that he wishes that the temple doors would be shut so that no one could give anymore offerings. But Israel was following the Lord’s commands they were giving offerings weren’t they? They were giving offerings but they were defiled because that was the condition of their hearts. Is that different from today? What is tithing based on? The law! What does that mean? It’s means that if I do this God will then in response bless me. There is a problem with that. If there was a way to merit the blessing of God by our works, the Gospel would lack power. The Gospel is this: There is no way that we can merit God’s favor by what we do, the only reason that we have God’s favor is solely based on the merit and work of Christ. Meaning that the entire system of tithing (along with the rest of Levitical law) has been completed in Christ. Israel’s sacrifice was unacceptable because although they followed the law, their hearts where far from God like the Lord says in Isaiah 29:13 13 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.So what does this mean? 1) Because of Christ’s sacrifice God has solved our heart problem2 Corinthians 3:3 - 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.2)Because of Christ the curse of the written code is broken and by extension the reward is no longer neededColossians 2:14 13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.3)We have been given all spiritual blessings in Christ which is higher than the material.Ephesians 1:3- 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly placesThis means that every blessing that we can think of has been given to us already in Christ. Meaning that Christ is our reward, and because we have been given Christ we have been blessed beyond all patriarchs and kings of the Old Testament. Those of you who believe in Christ, we no longer need to fear the curse because that law was completed in him. Tithing the way that is used today only fuels more idolatry. You will hear phrases such as “If I give to God he will make sure I get that promotion, or He will make sure I get the things I am praying for, or Christians living in fear of the devourer. Christ did not die so that we can live in fear of law any longer, but the joy of his resurrection. There are some churches that do not know truth because they have been indoctrinated themselves (this is a longstanding belief) and there are some who will never tell you this because they are more concerned for their lifestyle then Christ and wish to make merchandise of you.To this some will say, “Dwayne, are you saying to stop giving to the church?” No! God Forbid. What I’m saying is those that have a new heart given to them by the Holy Sprit want to give and do not need to be told. Neither do they need to fear the curse. Just be watchful of churches, If you find your church is more into fanfare, or listing 10 ways to be a better whatever, and not Christ then I wouldn’t give there. Those who do not give but horde money are guilty of idolatry they love money more than God and chances are, are not saved. I do not give because of the curse (Christ cancelled that), I do not give because of the blessing (Christ has already given me that), I do not give because “I’m claiming a blessing from God that God cannot give them unless they give to him” (because I cannot give God anything because I do not own anything even the breath I breathe belongs to him.) But because I love Jesus and want to see his Gospel Proclaimed to all people everywhere.

Rest

I’ve come.
To my place of rest on the east side of the sun.
I’ve come.
Where willows cease their weeping and healing begins.
I’ve come.
To sit under the tree where freedom lives.
I’ve come
To rest my body and war no longer.

1st Timothy Series: The Call (1Timothy 1:1)

A little background before we get in to application. Paul was an Apostle, so his main ministry was to plant and establish churches and once that church was established he would leave it in the hands of a Pastor that was raised up and go to another region to start the process all over again. In this case, he left Timothy. Timothy was a young man from Lystra who probably got converted in Paul’s first journey there in Acts Chapter 14, and joined his ministry in Chapter 16. Timothy was the son of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father (unbelieving), and was spoken of highly of by the brothers (the other Christians) in the area. Timothy submitted to Paul’s ministry and allowed him to circumcise him to validate his ministry to the Jews (ouch! That is some internship requirement; personally I’d rather get the Pastor some coffee and call it a day!). After many years of traveling with Paul (15 years according to commentary) Paul decided to place Timothy in the church he planted in Ephesus. 1Timothy is a Pastoral letter like Titus but because of Paul’s deep history with Timothy (he considered him his true son in the faith 1tim v.2) the letter reads more like a Father’s letter to a son rather then an Apostle to a Pastor. Paul charges Timothy with refuting error and to supervise the affairs of the growing church in Ephesus. 1st Timothy 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope Here Paul is giving a greeting to Timothy but let’s note how he gives it because it is important. Paul is not only giving his title (an Apostle) but he is also qualifying his office by stating by whose command gave him that title. This will be a crucial idea in later verses. Now why is he doing this? Timothy is familiar with Paul and has been with him for 15 years, I’m sure he is aware of Paul’s resume. It is evident that this letter is not just for Timothy and the church at Ephesus, but leaders in other churches as well (another important idea when looking into other verses. Paul says something very interesting here he says that he is “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior.” It is important to note that whenever some one is ordained it is because of the command of God alone, and it is by that command that church leaders know who to ordain and that those who are ordained are prepared for the work set before them. Why is it important to stress that? There are some in this world who would imply that some credit belongs to them for ordaining leaders. Such language is not found anywhere in the scriptures. God is the one who gives charge (Acts 13:2), and the one who installs. For example, the Prophet Samuel and David in 1st Samuel 16 In Samuel’s Anointing of David The Lord said to Samuel in the first verse “Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king." Now jump down to the end of verse 2 The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate." Now jump down to verse six and seven “When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab (Jesse’s oldest son) and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." More of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel all of them were probably of great stature and if Samuel had his way he would have anointed any one of them but the Lord had said that he would indicate who he wanted. The big question is this: What credit could Samuel have received, other then he did what God told him to do? If some of you believe that credit is due when we have followed a charge of God; consider what Jesus says in Luke 17:7-10 7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' " Here is the big idea: in this age of countless church leaders who would seek to promote themselves and their agendas one cannot stress enough the fact not only are we ordained because of God’s command, but our good works which garner so much praise from men were prepared by God in advance for us to carry out (Eph 2:10). If that is true, then all praise and thanks belong to the Father alone; and as slaves of the One who made us, our greatest joy is found in glorifying him. Our relationship with the Father is connected in this sense: he uses us to accomplish his purposes, we in return render praises to Him and He in return lavishes us with Joy unspeakable. Even if we could take credit, why would we want to? Why settle for the praise of men when the praise of God is so much sweeter? Why forfeit your reward for something as small as saying that you have ordained men? What’s wrong with Paul? Why didn’t he say “an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the laying on of Ananias’s hands (Acts 9:10), because Paul understood that the only reason that he was an Apostle was by the Grace of God (1st Corinthians 15:9) some will say “I know that already.” But I fear like Cretans they claim to know but by their actions deny Him” (Titus 1:16). It is evident from the first verse that Paul understood this fact: We are not noble or great men but servants of The Only God. This is not just something we proclaim with our mouths but also with our lives, placing all of our hope in the risen Christ, which doesn’t imply that we have a mere wish like a child in a fictitious Santa Claus, but we have absolute certainty in Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, Lordship, and eventual return. Grace to all of you who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.

Taking Out the Garbage before Marriage (Sexual Sin)

Judges 2:1-3: 1 The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I swore to give to your forefathers. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you, 2 and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.' Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? 3 Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you."The scripture can be applied to marriage in this way, Many go into marriage with the misconception that marriage will save them from sinful habits (lust, addiction to porn, masturbation). But, entering a marriage with those habits (thorns) in no way will ever resolve those issues especially when the trials of marriage arise. When you sin (Especially sexually, which because of our inward sexual desire can be the hardest sin to break), you in similarity to Israel enter into a covenant of slavery with that sin (John 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.) When you bring sinful habits into your marriage they become snares and thorns to you. In Judges, the children of Israel failed to drive out all the previous inhabitants of the land, and because of that Israel began to worship other gods and eventually eat their own children(2 Kings 6:28-29).Likewise; lust, porn, masturbation and the like that all seem like secret and harmless habits can grow into a serious problem if not stopped. They are the seeds of greater sin. From their seeds grow dissatisfaction with your spouse, to adultery, and finally, open judgment resulting in open shame for the body of Christ (ex: many high profile pastors that have fallen to various sins and in so doing wound the flock under there care and the body as a whole). No one knows how far unchecked sin will go until it is too late. Some of you reading this may say, “Well it’s no big deal! I’m in control.” Please consider this humble warning. 1st Peter 5:8 says “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” A lion does not attack its prey when it is aware but when it is relaxed. So brothers (and sisters) I urge you in light of all that Christ has done for us to put to an end these destructive sins in our lives. If you are mastered by these sins now, look for the struggle to get worse not better when you marry. If any of you struggle ask God for the answer, pray, search scripture and after you have done so, apply. I ask for your prayers as well.

Doctrine vs. Theistic Existentialism

There is a movement in the modern church that has been around for many years but has recently (Through the unholy marriage of New Age Teachings and Christianity. . .thank you Oprah) had a surge in popularity called Theistic Existentialism (TE). Now the basis of TE is the same as classical theism (biblical Doctrine) as far as the universe being created by God, and man being created in his image and likeness. but unlike classical theism TE focuses on the subjective, personal human experience. So in short, and I believe that this is a logical conclusion based on the afore mentioned definition and the state of churches today; TE is focusing on experiencing God with little to no regard of knowing him through his word. I hold to this idea; as Christians we must seek to know God first through his word, and then use that knowledge to guide our experience. Why is that important? Because those who do not know God are easily deceived. If you notice Hosea 4:6 does not say "my people are destroyed from lack of experience", it is knowledge that is lacking. There are some that don't even have a remedial knowledge of the person and glory of God, and they can be easily spotted. They are the ones who sin habitually and comfortably and presume that God will overlook their transgression ( Deuter 29:19-21, Heb 10:26-29). We must first Glorify God before we can truly enjoy him.Now how did this happen? In my opinion, firstly with the subduing of the gospel message. We have allowed pop culture and church growth strategies stop us from proclaiming the one message God promised to bless (Rom 1:16) and replace with a soft "seeker-friendly" message. In the words of Paul Washer "If we want to be seeker friendly we should realize that the only seeker is God and if we want to be friendly to someone we should be friendly to him." We have taken the offense of the cross which takes away all boasting and self-reliance in a man and replaced it with "God loves you, and has a wonderful plan for your life" If we are bent on telling people about God's love tell them this "God loves you but because you are steeped in sin you CANNOT love God and for that you will be judged, but God so loved the world he sent his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. . .see the difference? The Gospel call must always point to Christ Crucified never to man, because men will always look to himself and that is the problem.Because of the change in the Gospel, the offense that would usually drive the sinful non-repentant man away now makes him feel comfortable. He becomes part of the flock, not as a sheep, but as a goat in sheep's clothing (I use he as a general term, I mean women as well). And they ravage the sheep with their libertarian views (oh we are married in the eyes of God, or God will forgive us if we repent) and lead Gods flock Astray. Because they know how to play church and look the part they can fool non-discerning Pastors and ascend to church leadership. Now you have a church full of Goats, and the sheep (Those devoted to God) starve. Why do they starve? because the Pastor is not able to teach about the attribute of God or other deep doctrinal points because they are offensive to Goats The man without the Spirit cannot accept the things that come from the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him and he cannot understand it because they are spiritually discerned. (1st cor 2:14) or have you not read the sinful mind is hostile to God's law It does not submit to God's law nor can it do so. Those who are controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. (Rom 8:7-8) Because of this rejection of biblical preaching we now have turned to the experience of God, and many manifestations occur but because people don't know God, they cannot know what spirit is manifesting. There have been manifestations of people acting like animals, or God telling Pastors to kick an old lady in the face so that they may be healed (Todd Bently) and this type of ministry deceives millions.I want all of us that are Christians not to be ignorant of the devils devices we must put the true Gospel back into our churches. This may split churches but in the words of John the apostle "they went out from us because they were not of us.To be fair: I'm not saying that we should totally swing the scale from Existentialism to cold doctrine that would be the other extreme. what I am saying is we must let our doctrine define our experience so that we are not deceived (1st John 4:1) God Bless!

Final thoughts on the Prosperity Gospel/ What Prosperity is.

At the suggestion of my Beautiful Wife Shakia, I will finish my thoughts on the Prosperity Gospel and add thoughts on what prosperity is. Thanks Kia. The fact of the matter is the Word of Faith/Prosperity movement when compared to the bible is a very new movement (Started by EW Kenyon, and elaborated upon by Kenneth Hagin) Was started in 1949, was after the bible was already established and believed upon for centuries. The Word of Faith movement does come into opposition with key historical doctrines of the Christian Faith(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_theology#Belief_and_critique) which brings to mind Paul letter to the Galatians I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. v.1:6-7 The Prosperity Gospel (As it is preached by Dollar,Olsteen, Meyer) was not preached by Jesus, The Apostles or other notable men of the faith like Spurgeon, Wesley, Calvin, Luther. But they preached another Prosperity, that those that take up the Lord Jesus Christ will not see their Prosperity on earth (not because we have taken some stupid religious vow of poverty, but because the name of Jesus is such a scandal to this world that we will lose opportunities when we exalt Jesus in this world instead of trying to be politically correct, not in a condemnatory way but with love(but we live in a time that even when we speak the truth in love it is perceived as condemning because we testify that what the world does is wrong. {I'm sure you would agree that the American church has lost much of it's bite for the sake of political Correctness} so that they will see our works and praise Jesus for it.) but our prosperity will come in the next life where it will not fade or rot or burn in the fire, because if you consume yourself with the riches of this world (by that I mean excess, not necessity. May God show us all what is truly necessary) then you have your reward. The world is not enough, I pray that I can live as the Apostles lived; not with attendants and fan fare, but bearing the suffering of Christ in my physical body so that all praise may go to him, and that my reward may be full. Although the Prosperity movement has been very philanthropic in it's doings, setting up programs to help the poor and to assist Children in school, and setting up a computer labs and all of these great things that they do that in God's eyes are as bloody tampons Isaiah 64:6 or dung Phil.3:8. Unfortunately they are not preaching the one thing that Christ charged us to preach. instead of preaching the true biblical Gospel that strips away all of man's self reliance causing them to depend on Christ for everything. They give us a truncated gospel where Jesus becomes Santa Claus instead of Lord, and he only becomes Lord when we accept him as such. That is no Gospel.