re: hate videos
I just want to say that I disagree with Jim Bramlett. (Sorry Jim.) Prosperity theology, in my opinion, promotes greed and materialism and the love of money, something the Word of God is unequivocally clear against.So, I checked out these "expose" videos on YouTube. I must say I was "shocked" at some of things I heard coming from the mouths of these "preachers". Since I believe prosperity preachers have fallen off course, I haven't watched them in many years. I must say, I had no idea how FAR they had slid off course. I feel sorry for their followers.Jesus had no home.....nor did Paul. Where do these TV preachers get off "justifying" their massive multi-million dollar homes and jets?So, I am GLAD someone has exposed these abuses. Its called "accountability" among the body of Christ. Jesus called us to be "fruit-inspectors"....you will know true prophets of God from false ones by their fruit. Unbridled greed is most definitely a "fruit".Having said, that, I must also say, that Jim is right about that video of Pastor Manning saying everyone who believes in the gifts of the Holy Spirit are hell-bound because of it. That too, I believe is error.I got saved in a tiny little Assemblies of God church of true believers and I thank God for them and all the hours they spent teaching and discipling me. But over the years I began to notice something: I've had more false prophecies spoken over me than I care to remember. If you act on them, it can ruin your life! I came to learn the hard way, that a lot of people "claim a word" is from the Lord, when in fact they are just prophesying in the flesh.......just expressing their own ....often unenlightened opinion about something or someone. There were the people in meetings who would bark like dogs and roll around on the floor.....supposedly "under the anointing", but in my humble opinion, it was just demonic activity manifesting itself.....and left when I saw this being promoted.A little confused about it all......I sought the Lord for discernment continuously, not wanting to be deceived myself. I just wanted to know the truth.....the whole truth......but ONLY the truth! My answer came from my latest (and most favorite) pastor Chuck Smith.....someone who also has seen a lot of nonsense being passed off as "holy". Chuck says if a TV or Radio preacher tells you if you don't send in money they will go off the air, he says whatever you do, DON'T send them any money........let God take him off the air! God supports ministries that He is behind without BEGGING. Chuck has written an excellent book on the subject.....an answer to prayer for me. Here it is:
Amazon.com: Charisma Vs. Charismania: Books: Chuck Smith
It does a great job of separating truth from error......don't throw the baby out with the bathwater! Just because some people have perverted and abused the truth......doesn't mean the truth isn't still there.Personally, I think Pastor Manning has thrown the baby out with the bathwater.....but just because he doesn't believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, doesn't mean he is going hell either.Personally, I've never met another Christian that I agree with 100%. I know A LOT of Christians where we agree on most Christian doctrines.