- Jul 26, 2004
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I was without an anchor as a Christian during the 70's when the Jesus Movement came rushing into my life in the form, initially, of loving, God-fearing young people who loved to gather, sing simple three chord Scripture songs, and worship. It really wasn't about doctrine in those days; but then, as always, in came a prevailing doctrine: the prosperity gospel.
The message was all about entitlement and how to cause God to move in accordance to one's will and perceived need. Scriptures that were to bring about these miracles were hung on refrigerator doors and mirrors, reminding us to speak into existence what we wanted; after all, our Father owned the cattle on a thousand hills and He was well able and willing to give us above all we could ask or think.
If one didn't see a manifestation of their request, it was ALWAYS told to him/her that the cause was a lack of faith, seldomly because they had asked outside of God's will or to consume that thing upon their lust, but because they had too little faith to move the mountain.
Because I have been dealing with health issues from the time I was born, having barely survived as an incubator baby, health issues were always at the top of my prayer list. All the many messages that I read and heard by everyone from visiting and local ministers to Bosworth's and Osborne's books, I tried applying, but to no avail. For me, it took the finding of a good paying job with excellent health benefits to gain the needed healthcare.
So, I see where economics is by far the biggest hindrance to a person's needs being met. But then, that is the big hook, isn't it? The more you give monetarily, the more money you'll get in return, right? The way, I recall being taught, to gain economic stability one should give money, rather than seek an education, earn a degree, and build with common sense. The answer to everything was to pray and thank, quote Scripture, give, and to attend as often as the doors were open.
The smartest ones in the ministry took the WOF messages and used them to manipulate the thoughts of believers to give to them, and when the small group they were a part of was not offering enough to them, they moved onward and upward, to greater heights, larger crowds and larger donations. That method of gaining wealth has worked for several old friends, a couple of whom are now millionaires.
For me, I find the home church movement to be the start of an answer to the nonsense around what we once fellowshipped. It is there you will find small groups, no overhead, and a chance to learn what it is to seek the Lord in order to bring something to add to a gathering, rather than to merely warm a seat. It makes much more sense. All the other stuff can be done away with; since, as I see it now, none of it is described in Scripture as the format of the early church.
The message was all about entitlement and how to cause God to move in accordance to one's will and perceived need. Scriptures that were to bring about these miracles were hung on refrigerator doors and mirrors, reminding us to speak into existence what we wanted; after all, our Father owned the cattle on a thousand hills and He was well able and willing to give us above all we could ask or think.
If one didn't see a manifestation of their request, it was ALWAYS told to him/her that the cause was a lack of faith, seldomly because they had asked outside of God's will or to consume that thing upon their lust, but because they had too little faith to move the mountain.
Because I have been dealing with health issues from the time I was born, having barely survived as an incubator baby, health issues were always at the top of my prayer list. All the many messages that I read and heard by everyone from visiting and local ministers to Bosworth's and Osborne's books, I tried applying, but to no avail. For me, it took the finding of a good paying job with excellent health benefits to gain the needed healthcare.
So, I see where economics is by far the biggest hindrance to a person's needs being met. But then, that is the big hook, isn't it? The more you give monetarily, the more money you'll get in return, right? The way, I recall being taught, to gain economic stability one should give money, rather than seek an education, earn a degree, and build with common sense. The answer to everything was to pray and thank, quote Scripture, give, and to attend as often as the doors were open.
The smartest ones in the ministry took the WOF messages and used them to manipulate the thoughts of believers to give to them, and when the small group they were a part of was not offering enough to them, they moved onward and upward, to greater heights, larger crowds and larger donations. That method of gaining wealth has worked for several old friends, a couple of whom are now millionaires.
For me, I find the home church movement to be the start of an answer to the nonsense around what we once fellowshipped. It is there you will find small groups, no overhead, and a chance to learn what it is to seek the Lord in order to bring something to add to a gathering, rather than to merely warm a seat. It makes much more sense. All the other stuff can be done away with; since, as I see it now, none of it is described in Scripture as the format of the early church.