Gimmick Blessings...feedback wanted

[TygressWriter]

Hello, I would like to ask what people here think about T.V. evangelism and those pastors who use gimmicks promising healing or wealth to viewers who call and give "seed" money...Then, when the viewer receives the item, they are told in order for it to work they must now send money to the ministry?

Several come to mind, one offering miracle spring water. The water is of course free. You just call and request it along with asking prayer for a specific area of your life. Saints, I don't know about you, but this really reminds me a lot of how some occults work. Card reading, astrology and such. I've looked for Bible scriptures to lead me in the right way of viewing this type of preaching/ministry but have not been successful.

I really would love to know what others think on this! Has anyone had experience with ministries such as this? Did it work? I've always felt when we give we should be giving because it is the right thing to do and it is Biblical. Not because we expect something in return. Please, share your thoughts on this! Thank you and God Bless you.

 

[ladylovesJesus]

Hi there sister. I found this link for you on prosperity teaching.

http://www.talkjesus.com/scriptural-answers/11571-prosperity-gospel.html?highlight=prosperity

Some of these so called evangelists are just after your money. Sad.


The emphasis of the New Testament is God's riches in us: “that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians1:18b) God actually wants to show off His riches in us in heaven: and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6,7)

The riches that God wants for us is: “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” (Ephesians 3:16). The greatest verse that applies for New Testament believers concerning riches is found in Philippians 4:19: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This statement was given from Paul because the Philippians had sent sacrificial gifts to take care of Paul's needs.

for more information on wealth look here:

from.gotquestions.org

God bless :rainbow: :rose:

 

[TygressWriter]

feedback

Thank you for your feed back. It confirms what I felt and knew from my reading in the Bible. Forgive me for not knowing where this is found...however, I do know the Bible says not to take thought of tomorrow what we shall eat, or drink or wear. That God clothes the lily of the fields and feeds even the smallest sparrow, so how much more will our Father care for us. Matt.6.25-28

Jesus preached and taught the masses freely. He never charged and never had a gimmick. As I keep learning my biggest desire is that however the ministry God puts on my heart grows and developed...it always reflects Jesus. Not the world. I hope to hear from more folks on this!

 

[Chad]

2 Peter 2:1-3

False Prophets and Teachers

1But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

 

[monkeys]

Hello, I would like to ask what people here think about T.V. evangelism and those pastors who use gimmicks promising healing or wealth to viewers who call and give "seed" money...Then, when the viewer receives the item, they are told in order for it to work they must now send money to the ministry?

Several come to mind, one offering miracle spring water. The water is of course free. You just call and request it along with asking prayer for a specific area of your life. Saints, I don't know about you, but this really reminds me a lot of how some occults work. Card reading, astrology and such. I've looked for Bible scriptures to lead me in the right way of viewing this type of preaching/ministry but have not been successful.

I really would love to know what others think on this! Has anyone had experience with ministries such as this? Did it work? I've always felt when we give we should be giving because it is the right thing to do and it is Biblical. Not because we expect something in return. Please, share your thoughts on this! Thank you and God Bless you.

Sister --

I completely agree with you. One broadcast network comes to mind specifically, it's called TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network). My boyfriend found some thing online that pin-point some scary things that the "leaders" have said on TBN.

The actually get angry with people point out that they are always asking for money.

One day I was watching, and after that point I was completely turned off. That particular day they were having fund-raising for I don't know what. Well, the pastor was saying something to this extent:

"I see the lines a free. You know that you want to call. God is tugging on your heart. Pick up the phone right now, right now. Don't ignore God. Do it today, don't wait..."

It was so disgusting. If someone who didn't know Christ at all saw that program, the would really be turned off. They are saying that they are apostles of Jesus, but their behavior doesn't comply. It was so scary.

It's exactly what Chad had quoted...the false prophets. We sometimes think that it will be so obvious. But remember, satan and his fallen angels can disguise themselves any way that they want. We shouldn't only be expecting dark, evil things; but even things that we would consider good.

For example the movie Happy Feet. There are so many subliminal messages in that film. It's so scary. Think about it -- all those little children that watch those films are subconsciously getting brained washed.

It's sad what has become of the world. We must continue to pray because it will only get worse. We have to continue to read the word, so when the end-times come we will know what to look for!

Blessings,
monkeys

 

[Mouse]

I'm glad this is being discussed here and that most of us know the wicked ways of these people. These are false prophets and are very dangerous. If you question something always refer to the bible and you will find that Jesus nor his disciples nor anyone in the bible preached in that manner.
The devil is constantly trying to turn people away from God. And he's so decieving that he will even use the holy bible, God's holy words to do so. By using maybe 60% bible and 40% poison, enough to kill.

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(Notice the word "many").

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

[Dreamer]

These t.v. ministries discussed are dangerous, and they take advantage of vulnerable people who are searching for answers.

I like Charles Stanley. He preaches the Word and does not ask for money. We watch him on t.v. before we leave for Sunday School on Sundays. He's about the only one on t.v. that I feel that God has anoited his ministry.

I also enjoyed Billy Graham Crusades when they were televised, but I believe Billy Graham has retired.

Some "ministers" I won't mention from TBN, give the impression that following Christ is a walk in the park. Not!

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
Romans 1:25

 

[ladylovesJesus]

I have given up listening to other preachers on TV. I used to like being able to watch the christian channel when I first was able to see the different speakers on there and was pleased to get something decent to watch.

I am now considering getting rid of my television as I am no longer watching it.

The only truth is found in the Bible which we can listen to on the internet. and lets face it much better to hear the Word being preached as this is where faith grows.

Also going to the Salvation Army to hear the Word as they have a sound doctrine too.

Nothing more is needed really.

We need to put into action what we hear and not just listen.

God bless :rainbow: :rose:

 

[Chad]

These t.v. ministries discussed are dangerous, and they take advantage of vulnerable people who are searching for answers.

I like Charles Stanley. He preaches the Word and does not ask for money. We watch him on t.v. before we leave for Sunday School on Sundays. He's about the only one on t.v. that I feel that God has anoited his ministry.

I also enjoyed Billy Graham Crusades when they were televised, but I believe Billy Graham has retired.

Some "ministers" I won't mention from TBN, give the impression that following Christ is a walk in the park. Not!

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
Romans 1:25

I'm with you on these two preachers/evangelists. I love and wholly respect Charles Stanley and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They are both genuine and cut to the truth without cutting corners. You will not find any obvious fault in them (aside our common human sinful nature that is). Basically, they are both in the right motive. To glorify GOD in Christ Jesus.

We need to be careful in what we claim about others. Its easy to be fooled into and easy to judge. Its difficult to discern as well, sometimes.

Here is something that *may* be asked about by such vulnerable people:

Mark 5:27-29
27When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

The above is quite obvious why the young girl with her sickness was healed when she simply touched Jesus' cloth. It is because, it is Jesus!

Here is one a little more complicated however:

Acts 19:11
[ Witches Came out of the Woodwork ] God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing—handkerchiefs and scarves and the like—that had touched Paul's skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it—they were healed and whole.

Matthew Henry's Commentary
19:8-12 When arguments and persuasions only harden men in unbelief and blasphemy, we must separate ourselves and others from such unholy company. God was pleased to confirm the teaching of these holy men of old, that if their hearers believed them not, they might believe the works.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Years ago, there was a preacher named Rex Humbard out of Akron, Ohio who sold miracle prayer cloths on TV. My mother-in-law fell for that scam. She didn't lose a lot of money but, she didn't get her miracles either.

SLE

 

[jmh137]

About 5 or 6 years ago. I stopped going to a regular local church. I can't explain what happened, but don't judge me please, because if the same thing happened to 95% of you, you would have stopped going, too. Anyway my husband was not a Christian and did not believe in a god at all. However through it all, the Lord was at work and now he is saved. Since we did not attend a local church, and he was a new Christian and all, we watch TBN regularly. It was my church. So, you can imagine that I gave and was involved with many of the ministries on there. I truly don't know what happened, but now I cannot even turn it on. I will watch anything but that. I'm not talking about Charles Stanley or Billy Graham. They are true. I can watch Jack Van Impee, but not on TBN. I truly don't know what happened, or if the Lord just wanted me to stop. I have a lot of hurt, and even bitter feelings about it. They say "do this, or that," like it's a formula that you go by to be blessed by God. God used certain things in my life to show me the message to prosper in earthly riches, was not for me. I struggle, as I'm sure most people do, just to pay my bills. One of the things that used to upset me the most, was that some of them would say that Jesus had plenty of money when he was with his disciples, and during His earthly ministry. I just don't believe that. Maybe I'm wrong. But I do know that the Word of God, says not to store up your riches here on earth, but in Heaven where it really counts.

I started to judge these individuals. And, I don't like to do that, so I figure that it is just better for me to leave it alone. I will not say that they are not God's servants, because only He can know their hearts for sure. "Earthly riches," is not the message that my soul needs to hear. Give me the Cross, the Cross, forevermore. .......jmh137