Category Archives: Ability

Is Prosperity Gospel Real

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The concept of the “prosperity gospel” is a controversial and often divisive topic within Christian circles.
It is a theological belief that God rewards faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes with financial and material wealth.
Costi Hinn’s book, “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel,” offers a compelling insider account that critiques this doctrine from a personal and theological perspective.

Costi Hinn’s Account

Costi Hinn, the nephew of the well-known televangelist Benny Hinn, grew up deeply entrenched in the world of prosperity preaching.
His book provides an insider’s look at how prosperity preachers operate, emphasizing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals who are often promised divine blessings in exchange for monetary contributions.
Costi recounts his own experiences and the lavish lifestyle afforded by this ministry model, which led him to question the ethical and theological foundations of the prosperity gospel.

Hinn’s journey away from prosperity theology began as he started to see the stark contrast between the teachings of his family and the message of the New Testament.
He highlights the danger of reducing God to a transactional figure, where blessings are bought and sold.
This shift in understanding eventually led Costi to embrace a more orthodox Christian faith that prioritizes spiritual growth and service over material gain.

Key Themes in “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel”

  1. Exploitation of the Poor and Needy: Costi Hinn underscores how prosperity preachers often exploit those in desperate situations, promising miracles in exchange for financial contributions.
    This practice not only misleads but also harms individuals who are seeking genuine spiritual guidance and support.
  2. The True Gospel vs. Prosperity Theology: The book contrasts the prosperity gospel with what Costi identifies as the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which emphasizes selflessness, sacrifice, and service rather than personal wealth and success.
  3. Personal Transformation: Costi’s narrative is also a story of personal transformation and repentance.
    His shift from a life of opulence and greed to one of humility and genuine faith serves as a powerful testimony against the prosperity gospel.

Broader Perspectives on Christianity and Capitalism

While Costi Hinn’s book provides a critical view of the prosperity gospel, other works explore the intersection of Christianity and economics from different angles:

  • “Money, Guilt, and God”: This book challenges common misconceptions about capitalism among Christians and argues that capitalism, when properly understood and practiced, can be compatible with Christian principles.
    It suggests that capitalism can be a means to alleviate poverty and care for the environment, provided it is guided by ethical and theological considerations.
  • “God and Money”: This book offers practical advice on how to manage finances in a way that aligns with Christian values.
    It emphasizes stewardship, generosity, and contentment, aiming to help believers navigate the complexities of wealth without falling into the traps of greed or materialism.

Conclusion

The prosperity gospel, as critiqued by Costi Hinn, represents a significant theological and ethical deviation from traditional Christian teachings.
His book, “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel,” provides a poignant and personal critique of this movement, highlighting its dangers and calling believers back to a more authentic expression of their faith.

At the same time, discussions around Christianity and economics are nuanced, with various scholars and authors offering different perspectives on how faith can and should intersect with financial practices.
Whether through critique, as in Hinn’s account, or through seeking a balanced approach to capitalism and faith, as in “Money, Guilt, and God” and “God and Money,” these works contribute to an ongoing dialogue about how to live out Christian principles in a complex, material world.

 

http://www.tonyegar.com

 

Does Seed Faith Work

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In the tumultuous landscape of post-war America, a young preacher named Oral Roberts stood at a crossroads.
Barely making ends meet, Roberts was grappling with the challenges of a burgeoning ministry and the relentless demands of daily survival.
It was during this trying period that he stumbled upon three key principles in God’s Word that would change his life forever: Seed-Faith.

Reflecting on his discovery, Roberts would later share, “They have never failed me.
When I had no earthly source or person to turn to, when I was alone with nothing but big problems and challenges facing me, these principles showed me God is my Source.
They showed me how to use my giving as a seed I was planting, and to expect God to multiply it even if it took a miracle.”

The Miracle of Seed-Faith, as he would come to call it, has since revolutionized the lives of millions of people around the world.
It is a divine plan of seedtime and harvest, sowing and reaping, giving and receiving.
“Man’s economic systems may fail, but God’s plan never does,” Roberts preached with zeal.
By embracing Seed-Faith living, believers were promised access to God’s more-than-enough resources.

One of the most remarkable moments in Roberts’s early ministry occurred in 1946 when, struggling to keep his family afloat and his ministry alive, he felt a divine nudge to believe for a miracle.
It was then that God provided him with a new Buick, a tangible testament to the power of Seed-Faith.
This miracle was just one of many that would come to define his ministry and life.

Oral Roberts’s life is a tale of incredible highs and devastating lows.
From the depths of poverty during the Great Depression in Oklahoma to the heights of building an evangelistic empire worth millions, Roberts’s journey was marked by both rampant consumerist excess and sincere devotion to the gospel.
His teachings on prosperity gospel, which asserted that God intended His followers to be both spiritually and physically fulfilled, resonated deeply with a post-war American audience eager for hope and prosperity.

Roberts’s ministry saw explosive growth, propelled by the new media of radio and television.
His healing crusades, which drew thousands seeking divine intervention, became a cornerstone of his outreach.
The miracles that followed—countless testimonies of healing and provision—cemented his reputation as a man of faith and power.

Yet, Roberts’s life was not without controversy and struggle.
Critics often accused him of exploiting the vulnerable, while supporters saw him as a beacon of God’s miraculous power.
His empire, which included a medical complex and a university, eventually faced financial difficulties and accusations of mismanagement.

Despite these challenges, Roberts’s faith remained unshaken.
He emphasized the power of prayer, particularly the prayer of petition—a powerful tool against the adversaries of God’s people.
This prayer, rooted in humility and alignment with God’s will, was seen as a way to battle the forces of addiction, abuse, poverty, and spiritual bondage.

Roberts’s teachings on the prayer of petition became a cornerstone of his ministry.
Drawing from biblical examples and personal experiences of miraculous interventions, he taught believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He would prevail.
This assurance brought peace and a sense of divine partnership in the face of life’s challenges.

In “Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel,” Jonathan Root weaves together these accounts in a balanced and engaging narrative.
The biography offers a comprehensive look at Roberts’s early life, his family’s financial struggles, the growth of his healing ministry, and the eventual collapse of his empire.
Root’s exploration is meticulous, drawing on primary sources and the mythologized stories Roberts told in his later years.

The Oral Roberts that emerges from these pages is a complex figure—deeply flawed, yet wholly earnest in his devotion to Christ.
His legacy, particularly the introduction of the prosperity gospel to American Protestants, continues to provoke discussion and debate.

For those interested in American religious history, Oral Roberts’s story is an absorbing and essential read. His life, marked by extraordinary faith and human frailty, offers a profound reflection on the intersection of faith, wealth, and the relentless pursuit of God’s promises.

 

http://www.tonyegar.com

 

Inspiration from the Heavens

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In the heart of the Argonne Forest, amidst the whispers of trees that have stood witness to centuries of history, a young woman named Emily found herself at a crossroads. She wrote articles for a magazine, fervently advocating for sobriety, yet she faced scepticism from her friend Bill.

“But Bill,” she pleaded, her words tinged with earnestness, “this guy is really good!”

Bill, considered her plea. “Sometimes it’s the only way to the next level,” he mused, his thoughts echoing the doubts that lingered in Emily’s mind.

“Yes, it is unfair,” Emily conceded, her conviction unwavering despite the uncertainty that danced in her eyes.

Bill’s scepticism melted under the weight of Emily’s unwavering belief.
He admitted, a newfound respect blooming within him.

In the depths of the forest, where time seemed to stand still, Emily felt a surge of compassion coursing through her veins, a gift she attributed to a higher power. “I felt great compassion for him from the Lord,” she confided in Bill, her voice a whisper in the sacred silence of the woods.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, their conversation turned to matters of faith and discipline. “Discipline in the Greek word is actually to give ‘boundaries,'” Emily shared, her words carrying the weight of wisdom gleaned from years of contemplation.

Their journey through the Argonne Forest led them to a clearing where two warring tribes once stood on the brink of destruction. But through an act of forgiveness, peace had been restored. “This act of forgiveness led to a time of peace between the warring tribes,” Emily recounted, her voice filled with reverence for the power of reconciliation.

In the quiet moments that followed, Emily and Bill found themselves drawing inspiration from the heavens above, their hearts attuned to the divine guidance that flowed through the whispering leaves of the forest. “As you draw on heaven,” Emily reflected, her words a solemn promise, “you will find yourselves putting these blueprints into practice as fast as you set them in motion; more will be released from heaven.”

In the shadow of Bonier, a mountain that stood as a silent sentinel over the forest, Emily and Bill discovered the true meaning of friendship and faith. Together, they faced the challenges that lay ahead, their bond strengthened by the trials they had overcome and the victories they had yet to achieve.

They heard about a young lady’s effort to bring peace into her nation.

Tribes had been locked in a bitter struggle for generations. Hatred festered, lives were lost, and peace seemed like a distant dream. Then, a young weaver named Elara emerged, bearing a gift unlike any other – forgiveness.

Elara, known for her ingenious ideas (we are, after all, keepers of such things), understood that boundaries (discipline in the Greek) were needed, but so was grace. She felt a deep compassion for both sides, a gift from the Lord nurtured by her constant prayers. God’s words echoed in her heart – love must be shown not just with words, but with deeds.

Taking a deep breath, Elara presented her woven tapestry – a vibrant image depicting not battles, but shared prosperity. It was a pledge for a brighter future, a confirmation of the blessings they’d all received during the past hardships. She believed, as she drew on her faith, that blueprints for peace could be set in motion, and with each act of forgiveness, more blessings would be released.

The path wouldn’t be easy. There would be injuries, moments of doubt, and perhaps even fiery arguments. It would be unfair, some would say. But Elara, believed in the power of good deeds, and pressed on.

Slowly, hearts began to soften. The tapestry, a constant reminder of Elara’s vision, became a beacon of hope. News of their efforts spread like wildfire (there would be a thunderous roar of support, Elara was sure) and without realizing it, the tribes had voted for peace.

The journey to true harmony would be long, but with Elara, the weaver of ingenious ideas, and of unwavering faith, as their guides, the future looked bright. The warring tribes were on their way to becoming a nation, bound not by conflict, but by the powerful threads of forgiveness.

Tony Egar.

http://www.tonyegar.com