MANY years ago, I went to a church where they were teaching the prosperity gospel, and a woman came forward to get prayer for some physical healing. When the woman told the pastor her prayer request, he shamed her by saying she has been prayed for a number of times and it’s time she started developing her own “faith muscles”. He prayed for her and she said “praise the Lord, I have been healed”. She started crying. She was NOT healed but was too embarrassed to say that her “faith muscles” were too weak to heal her. “Faith muscles”? I have NEVER found that in Scripture. I felt so really sorry 😢 for that poor woman! I never went back and I don’t know what happened to that cult.
Melissa thank you. I left my pentecostal word-of-faith-esque church this weekend past, I feel kinda vulnerable after doing it, I know some spiritual gaslighting and other attacks will come but I also feel a profound sense of peace with the Lord, prayers are better, worship more heartfelt, conviction more clear. I pray for guidance to an expository-centered church. Anyway, thank you for calling this rubbish out.
@Magical Nails Penecostal/WoF churches are hyper-charismatic churches that generally twist & warp scripture to gain worldly material/powers. There is also often manipulation and spiritual abuse in this circle of denominations. Yes... that can exist everywhere, but more often than not in these churches.
This really helped me. I have been feeling that I don't have enough faith and that is why my life is the way it is. I am not getting the healing I have heard some pastors say I should have. What a load off of my back to know that I am okay with believing God says Yes, No, or Wait about my prayers. Thank you so much Melissa.
“Enough faith”? All it comes down to is whether you have any faith or not. And you do because you believe Christ died for you! Any faith in Jesus IS enough! And even if you don’t get what you want in this life (though I certainly pray you do), you have riches beyond measure in the age to come.
I sometimes feel that too, even though I know that's not how God deals with his people's prayers. God sometimes allows us to suffer and to wait for Him. No money and also no declaration can change that. Wait means wait.
Read about the disciples and how they struggled and met their end. They walked with Jesus and went around sharing their faith. If enough faith worked as a power, why would anyone die or ever get sick? Look at martyrs... I'm glad you watched this and have found it helpful. That way of teaching doesn't make sense and actually places us in a position to have control, thus making us Gods (not God's). Maybe watch the American Gospel documentaries and Voice of the Martyrs magazine. Blessings.
We couldn't have children...... it took me some time, to know that all is "for my best". Nevermind what...... and for the glory of God. And all ( every breath I am able ) comes from the grace and love of God. Not from my trying to believe, to love, to do and say this and that.
hey brother, I really encourage you to read 2 Cor 12:8-10,3 times Paul asked God to remove a "thorn in his flesh", and each time the answer was "no, I am enough". God was saying I am leaving it there so that you will depend on Me. I have my own "stuff" and now consider it pretty amazing that God is leaving them there, I doubt I would have the relationship I have with Jesus without them.
What my Youth Pastor (I am 60+ now) repeatedly said is, "The Power of Faith is that it brings you closer to God and improves your Trust in Him. That is your only reward...and it is all you will ever need."
Isten áldja meg. Örülök, hogy az Úrnak mindenütt vannak tanítványai, akik kincsként őrzik a megkülönböztetés ajándékát. Üdvözlet Arizonából. Olyan jó gyakorolni az anyanyelvemet.
"Sowing and reaping" is a perfectly biblical concept. Read 2 Corinthians 9. Paul was taking a collection for the church at Jerusalem, and in verse 6 he said, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." In other words, God does indeed bless those who give to His work. Unlike the prosperity preachers, though, I add a couple of caveats: (1) The blessings are not always material, and (2) we don't always reap the blessings in this life.
@@citizenken7069 agreed! It’s just when I hear that specifically in the context of giving so you get blessings back (rather than joyfully out of loving obedience, trusting the Lord to provide for our needs) I go into hyper vigilant mode.
Well...um...actually...the Spoken Gospel is supposed to be the Seed of God. When the preacher speaks, he spreads God's seed upon the Church, who is the Bride of Christ. And that's why we can't have female preachers. It messes up the analogy. 😄
@@tsm7964 If God is for this church, it will be financed. I was just thinking about why churches take up offerings at all. People know they're suppose to give, do they really need to be asked? And if we only give because man is watching, then what does that say about us? If we're truly sold out believers we know everything we have belongs to the Lord. Everything. Jesus has told us that if we want to be perfect, to sell all give to the poor, take up our cross and follow him. He will build his church.
You explained it perfectly, Melissa! I spent 15 years in this WoF/Prosperity false gospel. Worked for 2 huge ministries you'd know if I named them. Thank God for his mercy and grace to open my eyes. I pray for all my friends who are so deceived. It is insidious as one commenter said and destroyed my marriage of almost 25 years! Thank you for ALL you do! I love your videos!❤️📖🕊
You nailed it Melissa , God's sovereign ways and his power. ,should always be enough, Faith is never about getting your way, it is a yielding of our ways to God Almighty 🙏
I agree with you. I think it's teaching like that that makes people turn away from God when they experience a hardship that is not fixed. I have seen it happen. What got me through hardships was knowing that I had hope in however God decided to use the situation, not in thinking that he would send me a miracle.
Our family was in a WOF (Word of Faith Church) for 15 years. We saw people in the church refuse medical help because they believed that they had enough faith to be healed by just 'speaking' the Word. Sadly, they died. Everything that you said is what the Pastor taught - plant "seed", speak the Word, don't waver in faith, don't allow doubt...We are now in a sound expository preaching reformed church.
Thanks for sharing this story. You took a bullet for us, and lived to tell us that this assembly needs prayer to get back on track. Blessings from Alberta Canada. ✝️
Hi Melissa, i discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago. You have a new fan. Grateful for the opportunity to get your insightful comments and as for today's edition, very much agree with your call on the Prosperity Church movement. Very best wishes and John 3:16.
If we talk about faith( in my opinion) the book of Job is better to describe how faith should be . Of course God never change only our world change. Overall, thank you for your video and I like what you doing. I must said, currently not assisting any church because I want to read the Bible and understand the word of God “on my own” but I also watch from time to time videos like yours that make sense to me. Thank you! God bless you!
@12:10 "That's not true" - words that need to be said way more often in many 'churches'. Discernment is not a 'gift' that is prevalent or appreciated these days. There are plenty of crowds that only want to hear what their itching ears want to hear - messages that feed into the self centered flesh - "what am I getting" hearts. Thanks for sharing your experience.
One of these churches even puts it this way: we want to give you the opportunity to give. It literally repels me, when I think of hungry and homeless people and even children.. but I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to give to that church...
My father was saved when he had cancer. We live in a sin filled world and death became part of that. While God can heal physically, He also uses illness (like with my father) to bring some people to salvation where they will be healthy and perfect for eternity. Praise God for the truth and your videos and others who teach the truth in love.
You were Spot on sister in identifying false teachings and the masterful use of scripture twisting to manipulate and mislead. It is easy to do because few believers have studied the word of God to find themselves approved. Thank you for your ministry of truth. God bless you 💕
Love this chicklet !!! Truthbombs abound !!! My understanding is that God will deliver us either by life or by death because heaven is the perfect rescue… I completely agree with yes, no or wait
The idea that if God does not come through for you in a situation means that you do not have enough faith, is debilitating. It can create an extremes where "if you go through trials" then you are lacking faith - this is how far I believed it before having come out of WOF. I did not know or hear James 1 ever, that trials are needed. Trials were always portrayed as a negative unchristian - like thing. Looking at my trials thinking my faithlessness has put me here caused me to start speaking things out wildly. Believing that my words have some super power that will move my mountain out of my life, but that never worked. I also believed in the little gods ideology so of course my words have power to create. It is an exhaust self effort type of faith that carried disappointment. Anyway what changed things in the end was simple prayer, standing firmly on scripture (once i read it for real) and repentance. Letting go and stop trying to do it myself, simply trusting His Promises as true and that He is faithful even when I am faithless. 2 Timothy 2:13
I continue to appreciate your very succinct, very understandable, and very true representation of those who perpetrate word of faith theology. I’m so glad you went to the church. Would like to know the man to avoid, especially if he is fluid from church to church. I very much enjoyed your notes, and your rightly dividing the word of truth ! Lora
This concerns me greatly, and I feel for all those being swayed by the snake oil Salesmen. I hope and pray they will break free of his hold on them, and they with find the true path to God again. 🙏
On point. Can't stress enough the truth that God is a sovereign. You cannot arm-twist God. You see it again and again in Jesus like when He almost walked by the disciples on water not even acknowledging them till they cried out to him. No it does not make Him uncaring. It stresses His sovereignty and the fact that He will have mercy, on whom He will have mercy. Very well explained. God bless.
Thank you so much for your videos. I learn so much from you. You are wise beyond your years with your gift of discernment. Sadly, so many of churches have become so diluted and don’t even begin to teach the true gospel.
I don't think Churches should take up a "public" offering. I don't think that is scriptural. Giving isn't supposed to be a public "show." There are other ways to give without making a show of it, and possibly exploiting the poor. I don't think God is pleased with that practice.
This sounds like my "home church" in America. I'm a global worker who has been on the field for four years now. The further I am away from that church, the more I've come to recognize it for what it is. That it isn't aligned with Scripture. As I've become a disciple, studying God's Word inductively for 3.5 years, I can't bring myself to agree with anything they teach anymore. I've heard testimonies of them growing since I've been away, and that honestly makes me sad, because it means that more and more people are receiving a false teaching. I don't know what I'll do when I visit the States next year, but videos like this are encouraging to know that what I am processing and my new perspective are truth.
Melissa is spot on. With 100% faith, God may not deliver you from illness or poverty. The message from the scriptures is to trust in God no matter what happens and use scripture as a weapon against evil.
Well spoken! You’ve got the faith aspect absolutely right. I wonder what the guest Pastor thinks of the examples of faith in Heb 11 Where, in the wisdom of God, people’s faith resulted in great suffering in this life with only the promise of reward in the next. Would that Pastor still trust God even through suffering without the required immediate deliverance.
I know of a pastor that, through him - God performed a very great miracle. I witnessed it with my own eyes. He does teach these things minus the "give us all your money" nonsense. I was shocked to hear him speak highly of Kenneth Copeland. He doesn't own a private jet but teaches to trust God, and freely you have been given, freely give and without doubt, I witnessed the greatest miracle I've ever even heard of, how much moreso saw. Soooo what am I to think, but that God will use the good man if he doesn't practice fleecing the congregation I guess. I have no explanation otherwise for the events that transpired.
I found this with the revised version of Alpha that the new church we attended offered. The episode on Healing was one especially concerning wager they discussed Jesus healing the blind man in 2 stages. The female actor stated that it took “Jesus 2 times to heal him so it may take God a while to heal you” paraphrased. There were other huge red flags in the series especially the fact that it was never discussed as to why we need Jesus regarding our sin and need of a Savior to reconcile us to a holy God. I read Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett’s books on NAR and conversed with Holly about Alpha. She said that Bill Johnson was invited to preach at Nicky Gumble’s church in the UK. I approached the leadership of this mega church we attended about this concern. We found this church after we had left one (after 20 years) that went the NAR route so were hypersensitive. The leadership (the senior pastor seldom gives an audience to a regular congregant) essentially told me that they did not see any problems with Alpha and needed it to introduce people to Christ. I couldn’t buy it so after much prayer we left. They had the resources and talent to make their own introductory to Christ. Others had brought other concerns to them as well. Preaching from the pulpit was sound but the periphery activities was disturbing. The deception can be so subtle.
New Covenant giving is that God loves a cheerful giver, not forgetting it is more blessed to give than to receive. What about preaching on choosing between God and Mammon, (money) and that you have to choose only One. Anyone heard sermons on these things lately?
The church we left just did this a few Sundays ago! We still follow them on social media and saw it. They literally had members plant seeds/pledge amounts in soil. Bizarre doesn't even cover it.
Thank you--I was surprised to see (when I went to subscribe) that I am already subscribed. I struggle with this theology because Jesus was clear that if we "give and it will be given to you." So we need help to see how these prosperity people have life the narrow path.
I used to go to different churches too, never a member. I once visited a similar service, I was a young newly wed, recent survivor of ovarian cancer, had a full hysterectomy, and still grieving my loss of ability to have a baby. The pastor reprimanded me for my lack of faith when he asked why we didn’t have children. my husband and I explained why. He reprimanded me for my lack of faith, if I had true faith I could grow back my reproductive organs
This is how bad it can get in the word faith deception. I was leading worship (I used to be charismatic) and was doing the song “Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord” in one part it repeats “You give and take away” which is almost directly from the book of Job. Well my pastor told me to either change the lyrics there or don’t do that song!! I explained that it was simply quoting scripture from Job and after some convincing (and frankly threatening to not do any songs if I couldn’t do that one) the pastor consented and we added the song to the repertoire. The pastor actually ended up having to do a mini sermon for the congregation as to why we were doing that song and singing those lyrics! Yes! Actually had to get the Bible out and show the congregation and explain to them that it’s ok to sing those lyrics because they are literally scripture. Even then, many people protested and exclaimed they would never sing such a negative confession as that and were literally offended by it and mad that I would sing it. Looney tooney!
Thank you for sharing! I was wondering, how do you keep your heart from becoming cynical? I find that as I learn more about the word of faith movement I notice my pastor slips into it sometimes, as well as the church some of my family attends. I want to have a heart that remains open to the Lord and I know the Lord will use anything to reach the lost but I find myself becoming almost closed off to everything. How do you maintain a tender heart while still standing for the truth of God's word?
I heard a sermon where the minister said (and this is a direct quote), “God only wants 3 things from you. You heart, your tithes and your offering.” His entire message was about how much he has given and how much he has been blessed financially. He also spoke to certain members in the congregation congratulating them on how giving they are and saying he knows God will make them even more blessed. The problem….some of those same members have become wealthy and now believe this hook, line and sinker. It’s disheartening!
Melissa, thank you for your description of your experience in the prosperity focused church. You illuminated yet again, how deceivers use some truth to lure people in and lull them to sleep. And we wonder why our world is such a mess.
Thank you for sharing your experience in that church. I can see how the congregation will be misled by the speaker. Half the people in that congregation probably never open the Bible to find out for themselves what the Bible says. That is why we need to study the Bible more often and study both the new and the Old testament together. Thank you for being so bold. God bless you have a wonderful day
Lady, God has given you an amazing gift of discernmen and gift of teach/preaching to share His Truth in an easy to understand way. Keep us this blessed ministry!
I appreciate your ministry and I look forward to the things you cover. Your videos confirm for me that we need to think more and seek truth as followers of Christ and people who enter authentic relationship with Jesus. The only complaint that I have for this video is the pronunciation of the last “Hebrew boy.” I wonder sometimes if there are translations out there that have his name as Abendego instead of what I see Abednego. Even though this is an alternate name, I hear people say Abendego all the time and, if given the chance, I usually say something about it the mispronunciation. Still love the content!
Back in the 90s, when the prosperity gospel was gaining a foothold in the north west I attended a chuch where the pastor slowly and gradually went down that path. I distinctly remember standing there one day and hearing him say that the reason the chronically ill children and others of the church weren't getting healed was because all of us weren't paying our tithes and offerings. We weren't giving enough money to the church. That did not sit well with me. I am so thankful I have been out of that church for decades now. It is a horrible, spiritually damaging message they teach.
Also the reason they’re always bringing Jesus down to their level is because _THEY_ want to be God. They’re obsessed with their own supposed power because they actually worship themselves.
Great critical thinking. Sometimes it can be confusing. But you were able to articulate why it is not accurate. Since studying apologetics (4yrs) I analize everything that is said in church and with christian circles. I can spot things that are off. I went to a women’s retreat. The speaker used the Passion translation. Reg flag. The theme was about God’s love. Easy enough. Read about the prodigal son. She stated that God does not want anything from us. We just have to show up for his love. She also had us write our own Psalms. I completely freaked out. I had to go pray in the car halfway through. Sound’s funny that I would be upset about God’s love. It wasn’t that she said anything wrong perse but I felt it was not a full picture. God does want something from us…our soul, mind, and strength…everything. I see this a lot in christian circles. It is the gospel that God loves us. Nothing about that we are sinners that need to repent. Nothing about Jesus sacrifice. We also spent time praying for each other. I left the retreat feeling completely yucky. It was simply a day focused on ourselves. We demoted God into being a servant for our littles lives. I think sometimes when we focus on how much God loves us (which is true) we can believe that we are valuable. And really God’s role in our lives is to continue to show his love for us. We become God. The reality is we are wicked. No one is good. God loves us because he is gracious and good. It is all about Him. It can be so subtle but so dangerous.
I had a similar experience, I was looking for a church and visiting all the ones in my area. Walked in, it all seemed nice but when the preacher started talking I felt a mounting sense of horror at what he was saying. Prosperity lies, I couldn't run screaming away from that place fast enough.
thanks for sharing. I came out from thus after 30+ yrs after truly wanting to know the truth of God's Word within the last 2yrs. Comparing with John McArthur And RC Spraul I believe the Holy Spirit gave me discernment that really became clear the so called prosperity gospel was false allong with many other of their teachings. Thank God for getting me out and hearing the Truth.
His reply to them is found in verse 20: “because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”
It is interesting that I have been a faithful tither and givier of offering and I sit here very sick with bronchitis and lower back pain. Is God not good NO. God is always good truthful and just.
How very sad it is when people begin to see God as a tool to get things for their lives here on Earth rather than the Great and Mighty Being that He is that we are supposed to serve during this time.
I just heard a pastor who says that every Christian should be a millionaire. "If we have faith we will be"... I don´t see such a promise in the Bible!?
I’ve been shocked to find out how many churches are preaching a works based gospel. When Paul made the gospel message crystal clear in 1Cor. 15:1-4 i. e. Jesus died for our sins, according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day for our justification, according to the scriptures AND then even told us anything else is heresy, how has the church gotten so far off track???
So the question arises, would he still belief if God did not “respond” to his faith, by delivering him out of whatever the situation is he described? I belief like Job did “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Difficult and easier said than done but I recognise that God is autonomous and can do whatever He wishes and wills
Ok help me then understand the verse prior (17) where they say “ & He will rescue us from your hand, O king”. Did they believe they were going to be rescued?
Melissa, thank you for sharing your firsthand experience. I learned so much from your video. Off topic… Are you pronouncing Abednego as uh-bend-nee-go vs. uh-bed-nee-go? Couldn’t quite tell.
All of Hebrews 11🤷🏼♀️? 11:6 in particular. No, not just verse 6, all of ch. 11, actually. In part, I'm with you and agree...but maybe we should consider that God does reward faith. (V. 6) I agree with you in that "faith" doesn't always produce the most "favorable" outcome. Because if we read and interpret Hebrews 11:23-29, in particular v. 26, Moses' faith is described wherein his faith caused reproach, rather than riches. Which "riches" nowadays, is what many would consider "favor" with God. But that's not always truth. Favor, of God, by faith, CAN mean riches, but not ALWAYS.
Little god identity, prosperity teaching and whatnot is so dangerous. I agree with your assessment. These are false teachers, wolves in sheeps clothing, playing with strange fire and we know what happened to the priests sons when they offered strange fire! False doctrine is not Jesus and only The True Jesus leads to salvation. I fear for those people who believe this doctrine of devils🥺
My pastor tells us how we’re going to hell for not paying tithes because we’re robbing God. That was God talking to the priest, not the people giving. I think its sinful for pastors to change the Word of God from food tithes to money. He would quote Malachi 3 verses and of course say how God will open the windows of heaven. That verse was talking about rain because they were giving food to a storehouse. We don’t do seed offerings in our church. We’ve had constant remodeling to our old church and fellowship hall for 2 years so they constantly need money. We don’t help people in need outside or inside the door though. It feels more like a social club to me.
God is in us, God lives in a Kingdom flowing with milk and honey. God blessed many people to be wealthy to help others. He did so with Joseph. God says to feed the poor, how are we going to feed the poor if we only able to feed ourselves and I don’t know where people get that God hates wealth. Not saying that’s what you’re saying but God doesn’t want us struggling or barely making it, long as we keep Him first and foremost.
What should we think about ministries that ask for money? Thinking back to my days as an Anglican, the collection plate or pouch was passed round. “All that we have is yours and of your own so we give you. “ But it was voluntary for all that. Now I’ve been listening to a certain charismatic preacher who sounds ok, but now he’s started saying we should give to support his ministry, that it’s biblical for him to ask and we should. Yes it’s biblical to give, and Paul spoke about giving, but I so much prefer having the chance to give unasked. And I would. Somehow it’s coercive otherwise. Paying for a product. Not a gift or a blessing to the ministry but a guilt trip. What do you think? This guy is not talking about seed money, but straight up just asking for payment for his videos. Not muzzling the ox? The ox needs feeding, but it doesn’t charge at me and menace me for food, I feed it because I have a responsibility to feed it and look after it. It’s quite put me off giving to this guy! What do you think? I already give to the church I attend etc Some just put part of their teaching behind a patreon paywall, while leaving crumbs out for the non payers, and that’s one way of doing it , and there’s dear Mike Winger who does it all for free and I’ve even known him discourage giving him a gift, when he’s not in need. Isn’t that amazing. “if you’ve been helped by this ministry, it would really help me if you’d subscribe” no brainier - happy to and more. But not “you should”.
Preachers tend to draw like minded people. Some of them learn the hard way when they see the word "sucker" written on their mirror one day while others still believe in modern day indulgences. I'm not sure what I'd say to the widow who is giving her last mite.
I have a question, how would we understand and explain the times Jesus healed people and then He tells them " it is by your faith that you are healed" one example would be the woman bleeding for 12yrs..i think this story is used mostly on the concept of faith.
You know, one thing you probably should consider doing a video on is in interfaith marriages. When one of our other sister of ours marries an unbeliever.
MANY years ago, I went to a church where they were teaching the prosperity gospel, and a woman came forward to get prayer for some physical healing. When the woman told the pastor her prayer request, he shamed her by saying she has been prayed for a number of times and it’s time she started developing her own “faith muscles”. He prayed for her and she said “praise the Lord, I have been healed”. She started crying. She was NOT healed but was too embarrassed to say that her “faith muscles” were too weak to heal her. “Faith muscles”? I have NEVER found that in Scripture. I felt so really sorry 😢 for that poor woman! I never went back and I don’t know what happened to that cult.
So sad😢
It isn't in the scriptures
@@michaelmerck7576 But praying for one another is in Scripture so the pastor needs to flex his “faith muscles”.
Melissa thank you. I left my pentecostal word-of-faith-esque church this weekend past, I feel kinda vulnerable after doing it, I know some spiritual gaslighting and other attacks will come but I also feel a profound sense of peace with the Lord, prayers are better, worship more heartfelt, conviction more clear. I pray for guidance to an expository-centered church. Anyway, thank you for calling this rubbish out.
God bless you. I went through that too, and sensed the same things afterward. It's so liberating and stablizing. God will guide you to a good church.
I don’t really understand why you left your church. Like, what was wrong with it. Could you explain? O:
@Magical Nails Penecostal/WoF churches are hyper-charismatic churches that generally twist & warp scripture to gain worldly material/powers. There is also often manipulation and spiritual abuse in this circle of denominations. Yes... that can exist everywhere, but more often than not in these churches.
Good for you. I have been thinking about leaving my church of 11 yrs for more expository teaching.
I am a pentecostal, what's word of faith esque?
This really helped me. I have been feeling that I don't have enough faith and that is why my life is the way it is. I am not getting the healing I have heard some pastors say I should have. What a load off of my back to know that I am okay with believing God says Yes, No, or Wait about my prayers. Thank you so much Melissa.
“Enough faith”? All it comes down to is whether you have any faith or not. And you do because you believe Christ died for you! Any faith in Jesus IS enough! And even if you don’t get what you want in this life (though I certainly pray you do), you have riches beyond measure in the age to come.
I sometimes feel that too, even though I know that's not how God deals with his people's prayers. God sometimes allows us to suffer and to wait for Him. No money and also no declaration can change that. Wait means wait.
Read about the disciples and how they struggled and met their end. They walked with Jesus and went around sharing their faith. If enough faith worked as a power, why would anyone die or ever get sick? Look at martyrs... I'm glad you watched this and have found it helpful. That way of teaching doesn't make sense and actually places us in a position to have control, thus making us Gods (not God's). Maybe watch the American Gospel documentaries and Voice of the Martyrs magazine. Blessings.
We couldn't have children...... it took me some time, to know that all is "for my best". Nevermind what...... and for the glory of God. And all ( every breath I am able ) comes from the grace and love of God.
Not from my trying to believe, to love, to do and say this and that.
hey brother, I really encourage you to read 2 Cor 12:8-10,3 times Paul asked God to remove a "thorn in his flesh", and each time the answer was "no, I am enough". God was saying I am leaving it there so that you will depend on Me. I have my own "stuff" and now consider it pretty amazing that God is leaving them there, I doubt I would have the relationship I have with Jesus without them.
What my Youth Pastor (I am 60+ now) repeatedly said is, "The Power of Faith is that it brings you closer to God and improves your Trust in Him. That is your only reward...and it is all you will ever need."
Blessings from Hungary,
I learned so much from you, Melissa!
About the Enneagram, about WOF...
Very needed topics!
Hello from South Carolina.
Isten áldja meg. Örülök, hogy az Úrnak mindenütt vannak tanítványai, akik kincsként őrzik a megkülönböztetés ajándékát. Üdvözlet Arizonából. Olyan jó gyakorolni az anyanyelvemet.
I also always get crazy red flags the moment I hear “sow your seed.”🚩🚩🚩
Totally! That expression makes me cringe 😬.
"Sowing and reaping" is a perfectly biblical concept. Read 2 Corinthians 9. Paul was taking a collection for the church at Jerusalem, and in verse 6 he said, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." In other words, God does indeed bless those who give to His work. Unlike the prosperity preachers, though, I add a couple of caveats: (1) The blessings are not always material, and (2) we don't always reap the blessings in this life.
@@citizenken7069 agreed! It’s just when I hear that specifically in the context of giving so you get blessings back (rather than joyfully out of loving obedience, trusting the Lord to provide for our needs) I go into hyper vigilant mode.
Well...um...actually...the Spoken Gospel is supposed to be the Seed of God. When the preacher speaks, he spreads God's seed upon the Church, who is the Bride of Christ.
And that's why we can't have female preachers. It messes up the analogy. 😄
@@ailius1520 Lol in the farming sense though, not the birds and the bees! 🤣 I’m with you though as far as female pastors.
Thank you, praise God my church does not ask for offerings but once a month for missions. We are a mission minded group of Jesus Christ 🙏
How does your church survive? No church can sustain itself without money for the church building/rent, pastor's salary, etc.
@@tsm7964 If God is for this church, it will be financed. I was just thinking about why churches take up offerings at all. People know they're suppose to give, do they really need to be asked? And if we only give because man is watching, then what does that say about us?
If we're truly sold out believers we know everything we have belongs to the Lord. Everything. Jesus has told us that if we want to be perfect, to sell all give to the poor, take up our cross and follow him.
He will build his church.
You explained it perfectly, Melissa! I spent 15 years in this WoF/Prosperity false gospel. Worked for 2 huge ministries you'd know if I named them. Thank God for his mercy and grace to open my eyes. I pray for all my friends who are so deceived. It is insidious as one commenter said and destroyed my marriage of almost 25 years! Thank you for ALL you do! I love your videos!❤️📖🕊
You nailed it Melissa , God's sovereign ways and his power. ,should always be enough, Faith is never about getting your way, it is a yielding of our ways to God Almighty 🙏
Amen!!!!🙏🏻📖✝️❤️
Faith in God is not trusting Him to do my will. It's trusting Him whatever the outcome.
I agree with you. I think it's teaching like that that makes people turn away from God when they experience a hardship that is not fixed. I have seen it happen. What got me through hardships was knowing that I had hope in however God decided to use the situation, not in thinking that he would send me a miracle.
Our family was in a WOF (Word of Faith Church) for 15 years. We saw people in the church refuse medical help because they believed that they had enough faith to be healed by just 'speaking' the Word. Sadly, they died. Everything that you said is what the Pastor taught - plant "seed", speak the Word, don't waver in faith, don't allow doubt...We are now in a sound expository preaching reformed church.
Thanks for sharing this story.
You took a bullet for us, and lived to tell us that this assembly needs prayer to get back on track.
Blessings from Alberta Canada. ✝️
Hi Melissa, i discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago. You have a new fan. Grateful for the opportunity to get your insightful comments and as for today's edition, very much agree with your call on the Prosperity Church movement. Very best wishes and John 3:16.
If we talk about faith( in my opinion) the book of Job is better to describe how faith should be . Of course God never change only our world change. Overall, thank you for your video and I like what you doing. I must said, currently not assisting any church because I want to read the Bible and understand the word of God “on my own” but I also watch from time to time videos like yours that make sense to me.
Thank you!
God bless you!
@12:10 "That's not true" - words that need to be said way more often in many 'churches'. Discernment is not a 'gift' that is prevalent or appreciated these days. There are plenty of crowds that only want to hear what their itching ears want to hear - messages that feed into the self centered flesh - "what am I getting" hearts. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you so very much for sharing, people NEED to hear this!!👍🎉😊
My prosperity message... "I am saved and will meet my Saviour one day"
One of these churches even puts it this way: we want to give you the opportunity to give. It literally repels me, when I think of hungry and homeless people and even children.. but I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to give to that church...
My home church says that too 🤦🏻♀️
Melissa, really enjoy listening to your Podcast. God Bless You! 🏜️☝️😎❤️📖✝️🛐 The Word of God is a C🧭MPASS to direct us to the right direction.
My father was saved when he had cancer. We live in a sin filled world and death became part of that. While God can heal physically, He also uses illness (like with my father) to bring some people to salvation where they will be healthy and perfect for eternity. Praise God for the truth and your videos and others who teach the truth in love.
You were Spot on sister in identifying false teachings and the masterful use of scripture twisting to manipulate and mislead. It is easy to do because few believers have studied the word of God to find themselves approved. Thank you for your ministry of truth. God bless you 💕
I agree with your interpretation and concerns.
Love this chicklet !!! Truthbombs abound !!! My understanding is that God will deliver us either by life or by death because heaven is the perfect rescue… I completely agree with yes, no or wait
Good, the POWER of discernment gave you a shock ;)
The idea that if God does not come through for you in a situation means that you do not have enough faith, is debilitating. It can create an extremes where "if you go through trials" then you are lacking faith - this is how far I believed it before having come out of WOF. I did not know or hear James 1 ever, that trials are needed. Trials were always portrayed as a negative unchristian - like thing.
Looking at my trials thinking my faithlessness has put me here caused me to start speaking things out wildly. Believing that my words have some super power that will move my mountain out of my life, but that never worked. I also believed in the little gods ideology so of course my words have power to create.
It is an exhaust self effort type of faith that carried disappointment.
Anyway what changed things in the end was simple prayer, standing firmly on scripture (once i read it for real) and repentance. Letting go and stop trying to do it myself, simply trusting His Promises as true and that He is faithful even when I am faithless. 2 Timothy 2:13
I continue to appreciate your very succinct, very understandable, and very true representation of those who perpetrate word of faith theology. I’m so glad you went to the church.
Would like to know the man to avoid, especially if he is fluid from church to church.
I very much enjoyed your notes, and your rightly dividing the word of truth !
Lora
This concerns me greatly, and I feel for all those being swayed by the snake oil Salesmen. I hope and pray they will break free of his hold on them, and they with find the true path to God again. 🙏
On point. Can't stress enough the truth that God is a sovereign. You cannot arm-twist God. You see it again and again in Jesus like when He almost walked by the disciples on water not even acknowledging them till they cried out to him. No it does not make Him uncaring. It stresses His sovereignty and the fact that He will have mercy, on whom He will have mercy. Very well explained. God bless.
Thank you so much for your videos. I learn so much from you. You are wise beyond your years with your gift of discernment. Sadly, so many of churches have become so diluted and don’t even begin to teach the true gospel.
I don't think Churches should take up a "public" offering. I don't think that is scriptural. Giving isn't supposed to be a public "show." There are other ways to give without making a show of it, and possibly exploiting the poor. I don't think God is pleased with that practice.
Bless you, Melissa, I love your messages, and I also love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and AbeDnego... Keep up the great work. Blessings.
Look forward to hearing how the conversation/s went with your friends who attend this church.
Magnificent video Melissa! I love this topic. Keep going to those false churches and expose them.
OMG!!! "Pay tithing and you will be blessed with all you need." "Pay tithing and God will heal you." I heard this all the time as a Mormon!
She said, Tubes of You...I cant😂😂😂😂
This sounds like my "home church" in America. I'm a global worker who has been on the field for four years now. The further I am away from that church, the more I've come to recognize it for what it is. That it isn't aligned with Scripture. As I've become a disciple, studying God's Word inductively for 3.5 years, I can't bring myself to agree with anything they teach anymore. I've heard testimonies of them growing since I've been away, and that honestly makes me sad, because it means that more and more people are receiving a false teaching. I don't know what I'll do when I visit the States next year, but videos like this are encouraging to know that what I am processing and my new perspective are truth.
Melissa is spot on. With 100% faith, God may not deliver you from illness or poverty. The message from the scriptures is to trust in God no matter what happens and use scripture as a weapon against evil.
I totally agree with you Melissa. I just wondered if you had a talk with the speaker to discuss your issues which are 100% Biblical?
Well spoken! You’ve got the faith aspect absolutely right.
I wonder what the guest Pastor thinks of the examples of faith in Heb 11 Where, in the wisdom of God, people’s faith resulted in great suffering in this life with only the promise of reward in the next. Would that Pastor still trust God even through suffering without the required immediate deliverance.
I know of a pastor that, through him - God performed a very great miracle. I witnessed it with my own eyes. He does teach these things minus the "give us all your money" nonsense. I was shocked to hear him speak highly of Kenneth Copeland. He doesn't own a private jet but teaches to trust God, and freely you have been given, freely give and without doubt, I witnessed the greatest miracle I've ever even heard of, how much moreso saw. Soooo what am I to think, but that God will use the good man if he doesn't practice fleecing the congregation I guess. I have no explanation otherwise for the events that transpired.
I found this with the revised version of Alpha that the new church we attended offered. The episode on Healing was one especially concerning wager they discussed Jesus healing the blind man in 2 stages. The female actor stated that it took “Jesus 2 times to heal him so it may take God a while to heal you” paraphrased. There were other huge red flags in the series especially the fact that it was never discussed as to why we need Jesus regarding our sin and need of a Savior to reconcile us to a holy God. I read Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett’s books on NAR and conversed with Holly about Alpha. She said that Bill Johnson was invited to preach at Nicky Gumble’s church in the UK. I approached the leadership of this mega church we attended about this concern. We found this church after we had left one (after 20 years) that went the NAR route so were hypersensitive.
The leadership (the senior pastor seldom gives an audience to a regular congregant) essentially told me that they did not see any problems with Alpha and needed it to introduce people to Christ. I couldn’t buy it so after much prayer we left. They had the resources and talent to make their own introductory to Christ. Others had brought other concerns to them as well. Preaching from the pulpit was sound but the periphery activities was disturbing. The deception can be so subtle.
New Covenant giving is that God loves a cheerful giver, not forgetting it is more blessed to give than to receive. What about preaching on choosing between God and Mammon, (money) and that you have to choose only One. Anyone heard sermons on these things lately?
The church we left just did this a few Sundays ago! We still follow them on social media and saw it. They literally had members plant seeds/pledge amounts in soil. Bizarre doesn't even cover it.
♡ Greatly appreciate this!
Thank you--I was surprised to see (when I went to subscribe) that I am already subscribed. I struggle with this theology because Jesus was clear that if we "give and it will be given to you." So we need help to see how these prosperity people have life the narrow path.
I used to go to different churches too, never a member. I once visited a similar service, I was a young newly wed, recent survivor of ovarian cancer, had a full hysterectomy, and still grieving my loss of ability to have a baby. The pastor reprimanded me for my lack of faith when he asked why we didn’t have children. my husband and I explained why. He reprimanded me for my lack of faith, if I had true faith I could grow back my reproductive organs
That is so cruel!
This is how bad it can get in the word faith deception.
I was leading worship (I used to be charismatic) and was doing the song “Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord” in one part it repeats “You give and take away” which is almost directly from the book of Job. Well my pastor told me to either change the lyrics there or don’t do that song!! I explained that it was simply quoting scripture from Job and after some convincing (and frankly threatening to not do any songs if I couldn’t do that one) the pastor consented and we added the song to the repertoire. The pastor actually ended up having to do a mini sermon for the congregation as to why we were doing that song and singing those lyrics! Yes! Actually had to get the Bible out and show the congregation and explain to them that it’s ok to sing those lyrics because they are literally scripture. Even then, many people protested and exclaimed they would never sing such a negative confession as that and were literally offended by it and mad that I would sing it. Looney tooney!
Thank you for sharing! I was wondering, how do you keep your heart from becoming cynical? I find that as I learn more about the word of faith movement I notice my pastor slips into it sometimes, as well as the church some of my family attends. I want to have a heart that remains open to the Lord and I know the Lord will use anything to reach the lost but I find myself becoming almost closed off to everything. How do you maintain a tender heart while still standing for the truth of God's word?
I heard a sermon where the minister said (and this is a direct quote), “God only wants 3 things from you. You heart, your tithes and your offering.” His entire message was about how much he has given and how much he has been blessed financially. He also spoke to certain members in the congregation congratulating them on how giving they are and saying he knows God will make them even more blessed. The problem….some of those same members have become wealthy and now believe this hook, line and sinker. It’s disheartening!
Abraham waited 25 years; Habakkuk 3:17f; etc-- these are faith!
Melissa, thank you for your description of your experience in the prosperity focused church. You illuminated yet again, how deceivers use some truth to lure people in and lull them to sleep. And we wonder why our world is such a mess.
Thank you for sharing your experience in that church. I can see how the congregation will be misled by the speaker. Half the people in that congregation probably never open the Bible to find out for themselves what the Bible says. That is why we need to study the Bible more often and study both the new and the Old testament together. Thank you for being so bold. God bless you have a wonderful day
In Pentecostalism, they want to determine what God must do, not his will
Lady, God has given you an amazing gift of discernmen and gift of teach/preaching to share His Truth in an easy to understand way. Keep us this blessed ministry!
Being in the Word will train you in wisdom and give you discernment. Jesus's sheep hear His voice and won't listen to another. ❤✝️🐏🐑
I appreciate your ministry and I look forward to the things you cover. Your videos confirm for me that we need to think more and seek truth as followers of Christ and people who enter authentic relationship with Jesus. The only complaint that I have for this video is the pronunciation of the last “Hebrew boy.” I wonder sometimes if there are translations out there that have his name as Abendego instead of what I see Abednego. Even though this is an alternate name, I hear people say Abendego all the time and, if given the chance, I usually say something about it the mispronunciation. Still love the content!
Great teaching sister!
Back in the 90s, when the prosperity gospel was gaining a foothold in the north west I attended a chuch where the pastor slowly and gradually went down that path. I distinctly remember standing there one day and hearing him say that the reason the chronically ill children and others of the church weren't getting healed was because all of us weren't paying our tithes and offerings. We weren't giving enough money to the church. That did not sit well with me. I am so thankful I have been out of that church for decades now. It is a horrible, spiritually damaging message they teach.
Great work
Also the reason they’re always bringing Jesus down to their level is because _THEY_ want to be God. They’re obsessed with their own supposed power because they actually worship themselves.
Melissa what do you think of inner healing that’s going on especially in women’s groups nowadays?? Please make a video about it ❤love you
It’s never wise to underestimate your enemy.
Great video
Great critical thinking. Sometimes it can be confusing. But you were able to articulate why it is not accurate.
Since studying apologetics (4yrs) I analize everything that is said in church and with christian circles. I can spot things that are off.
I went to a women’s retreat. The speaker used the Passion translation. Reg flag. The theme was about God’s love. Easy enough. Read about the prodigal son. She stated that God does not want anything from us. We just have to show up for his love. She also had us write our own Psalms. I completely freaked out. I had to go pray in the car halfway through. Sound’s funny that I would be upset about God’s love. It wasn’t that she said anything wrong perse but I felt it was not a full picture. God does want something from us…our soul, mind, and strength…everything. I see this a lot in christian circles. It is the gospel that God loves us. Nothing about that we are sinners that need to repent. Nothing about Jesus sacrifice. We also spent time praying for each other. I left the retreat feeling completely yucky. It was simply a day focused on ourselves. We demoted God into being a servant for our littles lives. I think sometimes when we focus on how much God loves us (which is true) we can believe that we are valuable. And really God’s role in our lives is to continue to show his love for us. We become God. The reality is we are wicked. No one is good. God loves us because he is gracious and good. It is all about Him. It can be so subtle but so dangerous.
Like Jesus said house of my father is like a den of thieves and not fellowship and worship. KC Comanche tx
I had a similar experience, I was looking for a church and visiting all the ones in my area. Walked in, it all seemed nice but when the preacher started talking I felt a mounting sense of horror at what he was saying. Prosperity lies, I couldn't run screaming away from that place fast enough.
Amen!! I am very cautious and weary concerning false doctrine. If you get Jesus wrong the first time, you will get Him wrong all the time.
Prosperity gospel is true as long as you accept that the seed you plant is for others to harvest the fruit.
thanks for sharing.
I came out from thus after 30+ yrs after truly wanting to know the truth of God's Word within the last 2yrs. Comparing with John McArthur And RC Spraul I believe the Holy Spirit gave me discernment that really became clear the so called prosperity gospel was false allong with many other of their teachings.
Thank God for getting me out and hearing the Truth.
I had to laugh when you said the David and Goliath example was used. Gotta get that David and Goliath example used often!
His reply to them is found in verse 20: “because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”
It is interesting that I have been a faithful tither and givier of offering and I sit here very sick with bronchitis and lower back pain. Is God not good NO. God is always good truthful and just.
Cool coffee mugs in your online store but they're all 11oz mugs. Would definitely buy a 15oz mug.
I know a Lot of Christians that love the book Jesus calling my pastor told me it's ok to read it as long as you use the bible with it.
Also using scripture as magical words to scare away Satan for funsies is strange. 😂 I'm glad you took notes.
How very sad it is when people begin to see God as a tool to get things for their lives here on Earth rather than the Great and Mighty Being that He is that we are supposed to serve during this time.
I often try to figure out which is worst. Prosperity, or Affirmation or Hyper-Spiritualism or Calvinism.
"kinda extra with the greet team" LOLLL 😂 that really annoys me too, so much of the time it's on the cusp of being fake
I just heard a pastor who says that every Christian should be a millionaire. "If we have faith we will be"... I don´t see such a promise in the Bible!?
Oh yea, I remember that chapter & vs. 🤦🏾♂️
When you think about FLDS, Jim Jones, Branch Davidian: people will follow anything and anyone 😮
You can use Scripture to battle Satan, but Faith is not a weapon.
I’ve been shocked to find out how many churches are preaching a works based gospel. When Paul made the gospel message crystal clear in 1Cor. 15:1-4 i. e. Jesus died for our sins, according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day for our justification, according to the scriptures AND then even told us anything else is heresy, how has the church gotten so far off track???
So the question arises, would he still belief if God did not “respond” to his faith, by delivering him out of whatever the situation is he described? I belief like Job did “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Difficult and easier said than done but I recognise that God is autonomous and can do whatever He wishes and wills
Ok help me then understand the verse prior (17) where they say “ & He will rescue us from your hand, O king”. Did they believe they were going to be rescued?
Melissa, thank you for sharing your firsthand experience. I learned so much from your video.
Off topic… Are you pronouncing Abednego as uh-bend-nee-go vs. uh-bed-nee-go? Couldn’t quite tell.
Why does it matter?
Bad hermeneutics usually start off as slight, but grow with time into heresy.
Good job kid
All those martyred had faith, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles ... yet they were martyred.
Yep, many of these peoples have strange ideas.
All of Hebrews 11🤷🏼♀️?
11:6 in particular. No, not just verse 6, all of ch. 11, actually.
In part, I'm with you and agree...but maybe we should consider that God does reward faith. (V. 6)
I agree with you in that "faith" doesn't always produce the most "favorable" outcome. Because if we read and interpret Hebrews 11:23-29, in particular v. 26, Moses' faith is described wherein his faith caused reproach, rather than riches. Which "riches" nowadays, is what many would consider "favor" with God. But that's not always truth. Favor, of God, by faith, CAN mean riches, but not ALWAYS.
Little god identity, prosperity teaching and whatnot is so dangerous. I agree with your assessment. These are false teachers, wolves in sheeps clothing, playing with strange fire and we know what happened to the priests sons when they offered strange fire! False doctrine is not Jesus and only The True Jesus leads to salvation. I fear for those people who believe this doctrine of devils🥺
My pastor tells us how we’re going to hell for not paying tithes because we’re robbing God. That was God talking to the priest, not the people giving. I think its sinful for pastors to change the Word of God from food tithes to money. He would quote Malachi 3 verses and of course say how God will open the windows of heaven. That verse was talking about rain because they were giving food to a storehouse. We don’t do seed offerings in our church. We’ve had constant remodeling to our old church and fellowship hall for 2 years so they constantly need money. We don’t help people in need outside or inside the door though. It feels more like a social club to me.
A priest in a Catholic Church said this to his parishioners?
@@joannabruns529 priest in the bible.
God is in us, God lives in a Kingdom flowing with milk and honey. God blessed many people to be wealthy to help others. He did so with Joseph. God says to feed the poor, how are we going to feed the poor if we only able to feed ourselves and I don’t know where people get that God hates wealth. Not saying that’s what you’re saying but God doesn’t want us struggling or barely making it, long as we keep Him first and foremost.
What should we think about ministries that ask for money? Thinking back to my days as an Anglican, the collection plate or pouch was passed round. “All that we have is yours and of your own so we give you. “ But it was voluntary for all that.
Now I’ve been listening to a certain charismatic preacher who sounds ok, but now he’s started saying we should give to support his ministry, that it’s biblical for him to ask and we should. Yes it’s biblical to give, and Paul spoke about giving, but I so much prefer having the chance to give unasked. And I would. Somehow it’s coercive otherwise. Paying for a product. Not a gift or a blessing to the ministry but a guilt trip. What do you think? This guy is not talking about seed money, but straight up just asking for payment for his videos.
Not muzzling the ox? The ox needs feeding, but it doesn’t charge at me and menace me for food, I feed it because I have a responsibility to feed it and look after it.
It’s quite put me off giving to this guy! What do you think?
I already give to the church I attend etc
Some just put part of their teaching behind a patreon paywall, while leaving crumbs out for the non payers, and that’s one way of doing it , and there’s dear Mike Winger who does it all for free and I’ve even known him discourage giving him a gift, when he’s not in need. Isn’t that amazing.
“if you’ve been helped by this ministry, it would really help me if you’d subscribe” no brainier - happy to and more. But not “you should”.
Preachers tend to draw like minded people. Some of them learn the hard way when they see the word "sucker" written on their mirror one day while others still believe in modern day indulgences. I'm not sure what I'd say to the widow who is giving her last mite.
Spend some time in Ecclesiastes Habakkuk. God is God, regardless of our situation; honor Him with your obedience.
I have a question, how would we understand and explain the times Jesus healed people and then He tells them " it is by your faith that you are healed" one example would be the woman bleeding for 12yrs..i think this story is used mostly on the concept of faith.
Without divulging anything to put you ask risk, city of this church? Arizona or Phoenix area?
Shalom
Could also be any number of churches in SoCal by the description.
You know, one thing you probably should consider doing a video on is in interfaith marriages. When one of our other sister of ours marries an unbeliever.