Steven furtick?

[returntosender]

I find his sermons really hit home but in googling him they rake him over the coals. Anyone know something that is the truth. I've noticed most reviews of christian leaders are usually awful. I usually go with my own instincts but they really have it out for this guy.

 

[Skye1300]

I've never heard of him, but I just googled him. Here's what it says on one website:

"One example of a serious doctrinal error came in a sermon titled “It Works Both Ways” (delivered July 26, 2015) in which Furtick claimed that “God broke the law for love. I say it to every sinner: God broke the law for love.” The “law” to which Furtick alludes is the Old Testament law of God, his point being that God loved us so much that, in order to save us, He broke His own law. Not only is this illogical (how could God become a lawbreaker to save lawbreakers?), but it is unbiblical. For God to break the law, which is perfect, would be for Him to become a sinner. Scripture says that Christ came to save us by fulfilling the law, not by breaking it. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets,” Jesus said; “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17; cf. Luke 24:44; Romans 3:31).

Furtick also strays dangerously near the false prosperity gospel. He has shared the stage with Joel Osteen (August 29, 2012); Bishop T.D. Jakes (October 26, 2017); Brian and Bobbie Houston (September 4, 2011); Joyce Meyer, whom Furtick called “the greatest Bible teacher alive today” (January 15, 2012); and others. Furtick’s own Bible teaching relies heavily on pop psychology, motivational platitudes, and feel-good directions for building one’s self-esteem."

A lot of people mix up Christianity with self help type speeches. Nothing wrong with self help type speeches, but some people think that's what Christianity is about. And then of course the doctrine issue is a big problem too.

 

[returntosender]

Thank you for all the research. The problem is that was so many years ago.
Jake's is one of my favorites. I've never seen him hint at a prosperity. I can't watch Joel because of that. he is totally not the usual minister different from any other which I like. They crucified Charles Stanley and he is such a Godly man. I just can't trust them to give a factual account. So I will count on my discernment. I do appreciate your input, I was hoping someone has watched him and their opinion. That was so many years ago and one would hope. What I read was worse then what you posted, lol. Most of his sermons lately are lifting ones self image. Not letting yourself speak badly about yourself inside, etc.
Happy Easter!

 

[tturt]

Sometimes those against someome don't have a clue.

We all should follow this example "Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message [of salvation through faith in the Christ] with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." Acts 17:11

If you gain from listening to him, go for it.

 

[Freth]

You asked, so here's my opinion.

I just watched highlights from one of his sermons posted 5 days ago.

My observations:

• He uses minimal scripture for his sermons, and speaks to worldly things more than heavenly ones.
• His attire, a gold necklace and a leisure suit with a t-shirt, speaks to the casual nature of his worship service.
• His church name is "Elevation Church" (prosperity gospel?).
• The overall atmosphere of the worship service is one of applause and hooting and hollering, led by himself.
• He has a band backing him that seem to be in perfect sync with his delivery, to maximize emotional effect (and it works, as seen in the video).

It's a well put together presentation, I'll give it that, but it is watered down and it's not the type of worship service I would attend, nor would I watch. All of the above are warning signs to me that he preaches a lukewarm (some would say borderline prosperity) gospel. The flashiness of his service has an alluring appeal for people seeking affirmation of casual Christianity.

I've found an article that goes into detail about Steven Furtick's teachings. You can read it here: The False Teaching of Steven Furtick

A couple verses to consider:

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.​

Revelation 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.​

 

[Greengardener]

A few weeks ago a new believer mentioned Steven Furtick so I did a quick search and came to much the same opinion as Freth. Taking this thought a step further, for what it's worth, here is what comes to mind. Having observed "religion" for about 5 decades now, I haven't changed my mind that it's not a good idea to put much credence in any speaker/minister/preacher but to constantly be on guard when taking in any words to assure that they line up with the strong basis we can find in the Bible. And as to the Bible, the New Testament depends on the Old, as Jesus showed us. If you reverse that, making the Old Testament dependent on the New Testament, you get an interesting Greek flavor instead of what was supposed to be a Godly one. If you put too much emphasis on the Jewish tradition, you get a nice Matzoh/gefilte fish/lamb flavor, but I question whether the Godly flavor is sacrificed there also. I'm not speaking against others here since God didn't appoint me as the Decider; but for myself, it's been important to look for those filters and blinders and cut them away: there is no mediator between God and man but Jesus Christ. As the old song says, "Nothing between my soul and the Savior." For me that "Nothing" means (1) not sin (we can repent) and (2) not prejudice (from the filters of religion). The entrance of His words bring light. Let that light shine in!

 

[returntosender]

Sometimes those against don't have a clue.

We all should follow this example "Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message [of salvation through faith in the Christ] with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." Actsc17:11

If you gain from listening to him, go for it.

That's the way I feel but when it comes to God's money it takes extra thought and research.
Thank you for your input

 

[returntosender]

Since starting late in life to learn the bible well it is a lot late for me I am sorry to say. Comprehension is tough so I do my best. I so appreciate everyone's input.
Have a wonderful resurrection day!!

 

[returntosender]

You asked, so here's my opinion.

I just watched highlights from one of his sermons posted 5 days ago.

My observations:

• He uses minimal scripture for his sermons, and speaks to worldly things more than heavenly ones.
• His attire, a gold necklace and a leisure suit with a t-shirt, speaks to the casual nature of his worship service.
• His church name is "Elevation Church" (prosperity gospel?).
• The overall atmosphere of the worship service is one of applause and hooting and hollering, led by himself.
• He has a band backing him that seem to be in perfect sync with his delivery, to maximize emotional effect (and it works, as seen in the video).

It's a well put together presentation, I'll give it that, but it is watered down and it's not the type of worship service I would attend, nor would I watch. All of the above are warning signs to me that he preaches a lukewarm (some would say borderline prosperity) gospel. The flashiness of his service has an alluring appeal for people seeking affirmation of casual Christianity.

I've found an article that goes into detail about Steven Furtick's teachings. You can read it here: The False Teaching of Steven Furtick

A couple verses to consider:

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.​

Revelation 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.​

I appreciate the link and all that you have said. I haven't seen any thing on modalism and much of the other things said so I will listen more intently to him. I agree about joice but not t d Jakes. I have spent much time with him and enjoy his sermons although I don't see him much these days. Many televangelists have cut back with less donations due to covid. Sad part is there seems to be far more charletons then there used be. Sorry, I am rambling.
Thank you so much for your research