mike, I know that the title I put might have put you off a little.  I promise you I don’t see myself as above you or as someone worthy to instruct you.  I only know I was given freedom through the gospel of Jesus Christ and I have to try to share that.

 

listen brother, I was taught the SAME THINGS you presented in your last message by the church I grew up in.  you ARE correct on one item—those who preach prosperity gospel are false doctrine teachers.  instead the gospel of Jesus is about love.

 

true doctrine consists of things like taking care of orphans and widows (james 1:27), preaching Christ crucified and resurrected, denying self/crucified self, and becoming the very love of God in Christ.  there is indeed REAL power there.  and whether or not you believe it, people are healed when believers lay hands on the sick.  I’ve seen it and I’ve seen God do it through me too. 

 

consider these points my friend:

                                                        --just because I haven’t seen something doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

                                                        --what were the apostles most often criticized by Christ for?—unbelief/lack of faith

                                                        --do we have the same struggles and spiritual enemies as the apostles? (satan and his demons)

                                                        --has the dynamite power of God’s Holy Spirit really diminished over time?

                                                        --is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?

                                                        --has knowledge ceased?

                                                        --has the perfect come?  don’t we still need the power of the Holy Spirit today?

 

this man, Dan Mohler preaches the truth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPIWiDoQwSM&lc=nZSN4uUkA8FIzVDUQbHzxVvxUGBONK705Nt-suf-uUw&lch=email&feature=em-comment_received&  I’m not a disciple of this man.  I’m a disciple of Christ Jesus.  this man just presents the good news so well.  the gospel is supposed to have power and not be of words only.  he also believes God heals people today.  please, I could spend much time debating the issue, but if you will ask God about these things, He will reveal the truth to you.  it’s a promise from God, not from me.  I believe the Holy Spirit who lives in you will personally reveal it to you if you will ask Him to show the truth to you.  Why not ask Him today?  this has nothing to do with your salvation in Christ, but has everything to do with equipping you fully to serve.

 

blessings to you my friend as you run your race...

 

jb sikes