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One of the highest selling products in the world is HOPE! Every body is selling hope. You hope the new TV you bought provides a better watching experience. You hope that the new car will last longer than your prior car. And you hope that the new job you have brings you the social status you crave.
Unfortunately, some pastors are not EXCEMPT from leveraging this strategy of selling hope. Some have taken the theme of prosperity and created a movement that is turning pure Christians away from the faith and attracting secular Christians looking for status and wealth.
I am talking about the Prosperity Gospel!
What is the Prosperity Gospel?
The prosperity gospel is a term to teach a theology to Christians that if you just pray, follow God's commandments, pay tithes, and think positively, your life will be filled with happiness, health, and wealth.
And if you are not, it isn't because of God, but because of your lack of faith.
This is just not true. Over and over God shares with us the stories of prophets, apostles, and believers that had to go through the most horrific torments for their faith.
In today's age, we may not be crucified physically, but as Christians are beliefs are being crucified socially. We are being criticized and persecuted for our values.
And instead of empowering Christians to fight the good fight. We are being sold hope that it will all go aways if we just get rich.
How do you recognize the Prosperity Gospel?
Harvard Divinity school has created a formal definition of this phenomenon which can help identify some of the pillars of the prosperity gospel to better identify when you see it:
"The Prosperity Gospel (PG) is a fast-growing theologically conservative movement frequently associated with Pentecostalism, evangelicalism, and charismatic Christianity that emphasizes believers' abilities to transcend poverty and/or illness through devotion and positive confession. (Harvard Divinity School)
This narrative seems to fit into the American culture stimulated by capitalism. In America, we rarely take into consideration circumstances and probability. We believe you can will yourself to power.
Whenever a pastor is not providing biblically based answers or practical solutions, then this is a sign of a prosperity gospel. When there is no accountability on your part and you are told to 100% rely on God to do the work, this is another sign.
The prosperity gospel is the path of least resistance and Jesus has told us many times as in Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
What does God say about Prosperity?
Here are a few verses where God discusses what true prosperity is:
Philippians 4:19- And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 8:18- You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
2 Corinthians 9:8 -And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work
These scriptures are the true promises of God about prosperity. Look at Deuteronomy where it says that God will give you the POWER to get wealth. There is work that is involved. As believers, we cannot just sit around and believe that our thoughts are going to bring us prosperity. Our thoughts and prayers are reinforcements. They are only a few of many tools in our heavenly tool box to manifest the things that are aligned with the Will of God.
That is why it is important to choose an advisor that is going to help you gain wealth in ways that are aligned with biblical principles.
In this podcast, we delve into the nuanced differences between the prosperity gospel and the concept of stewardship within Christianity. I aim to clarify misconceptions and provide insights into how Christians can lead a life aligned with the biblical principles of stewardship.
Key Takeaways:
The Meaning of Stewardship In The Bible: Stewardship, as defined by the Idol Wild Foundation, acknowledges that God owns everything, and humans are mere stewards entrusted with managing His resources. It's a commitment to dedicating all aspects of life to God's service, recognizing that everything belongs to Him ultimately.
What Is The Controversy with the Prosperity Gospel: The prosperity gospel, associated with charismatic Christianity, often promises believers material wealth and health through positive confessions and devotion. However, it blurs the line between God's abundance and the human desire for accumulation, potentially leading to a skewed understanding of faith and wealth.
The Difference Between Stewardship and Prosperity Gospel: The fundamental difference between stewardship and the prosperity gospel lies in intentionality. Stewardship focuses on managing resources in alignment with God's will, using wealth not for personal gain but for the betterment of others and the advancement of God's kingdom.
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil: While biblical scriptures acknowledge God's provision and the potential for prosperity, they also caution against the love of money and emphasize the importance of generosity and contentment as explained in 1 Timothy 6:10. Christians are encouraged to discern their intentions behind financial pursuits and prioritize the principles of stewardship over personal wealth accumulation.
What Does The Bible Say About Prosperity?: True prosperity, as understood through stewardship, transcends material abundance and encompasses spiritual fulfillment and obedience to God's purpose. It involves responsibly managing resources, investing in eternal treasures, and leaving a legacy of generosity and faithfulness.
Quotes:
"The accumulation of wealth is not for self-satisfaction; it's for others in the kingdom of God."
"Money's not good, and money's not bad; it's the coveting of money that makes it a sin."
"We are all just renting this stuff. We're only delegates of God's blessing, and we're all going to lose it."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the distinction between stewardship and the prosperity gospel is vital for Christians seeking to align their financial practices with their faith. By prioritizing intentions rooted in stewardship principles, believers can navigate wealth responsibly, honoring God with their resources and contributing to the flourishing of His kingdom.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts open to your guidance on stewardship and prosperity. Teach us to be faithful stewards of the blessings you've entrusted to us, recognizing that all we have belongs to you. Help us discern our intentions and align them with your will, using our resources to glorify your name and serve others with love and generosity. Grant us wisdom to navigate the complexities of wealth and faith, always seeking true prosperity found in obedience to your word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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As Christians, we were taught to be good stewards over our tithing and giving to the less fortunate. But when it came to our personal finances and investing we were left clueless on what the Bible says. What does the Bible say about managing debt, leaving a legacy, investing, and planning for your retirement? Mr. Christian Finance answers these and many other questions because we want to teach you how to become rich and righteous!
Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.
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