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Joseph Prince

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deborah5769

Anyone who criticizes Joseph Prince has not really heard what he preaches. He preaches grace and there is only GRACE. no such thing as "humblyD" said he preaches one side of God's grace. there is no two sides. GRace is grace! if you will listen with an open heart you will find his messages bring freedom. dont criticize if you havent given time to listen and study what he preaches. every thing he preaches is from the Bible.
go to www.imeem.com/faeleia and listen to him and you will be transformed.

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sermonindex

But, he himself claims to be a word of faith preacher. That's a problem to all those who have come out of this false teaching, and those whom they rightly warn - even though Joseph Prince loves the word of God. He needs to ditch that theology, and to understand what is wrong with it, and although his congregation may shrink, he will be in even greater truth.

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LoveGodsWay2

From his church website:

Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour will not only save you from sin and hell, but also give to you health, joy, peace, love, hope, unconditional acceptance, favour, the power to get wealth, all good things you can think of and more.

[url=http://www.newcreation.org.sg/aboutus/we_believe/cross.htm]New Creation Church[/url]

H
hmmhmm


LoveGodsWay2 wrote:
From his church website:
Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour will not only save you from sin and hell, but also give to you health, joy, peace, love, hope, unconditional acceptance, favour, the power to get wealth, all good things you can think of and more.

[url=http://www.newcreation.org.sg/aboutus/we_believe/cross.htm]New Creation Church[/url]


some who accepts Jesus will be persecuted, murdered, sawn asunder, become homeless and much more, some will be filled with Gods spirit and be stoned to death very shortly after, It is true you will have wealth, in the heavenly, God has given us all riches in Jesus. so wealth spiritually yes, and joy and peace to, that even when we are persecuted, imprisoned, sawn asunder we have joy and peace in Him.

all these things are availible for someone who have faith, but the riches like money and welth on earth God gives to anyone, the condition for being a wealthy man is found in the NT Mat 5:45 that ye may be sons of your Father in the heavens, because His sun He doth cause to rise on evil and good, and He doth send rain on righteous and unrighteous.

so wealth and earthly joy and peace you either have to be righteous or unrighteous to enjoy, but to enjoy the heavenly riches, only a child of God can have those. Those are to be able to experience total freedom and joy in the midst of persecution, in prison, in poverty, when hungry, when homeless ect.

Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Heb 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Heb 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Heb 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

we see that through faith we can receive healing, even resurrection of dead people, but the same faith can also make us die horrible deaths and torture..... its the same faith.

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LoveGodsWay2

One of popular teachings, but with errors, is regarding the parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.

He believes repentance is NOT required because the father was looking for his son and he had compassion before he repented (Luke 15:20).

The truth is the son DID repent before and afterwards(see Luke 15:17-19, 21).

Another error of Joseph Prince is regarding Acts 13:13-41. He believes that is a word for word sermon of Paul and this was the only thing Paul preached. (See his book "Destined to Reign.") If this is true, then Paul's sermons were only about 5 minutes long.

Also, he states that Paul didn't preach repentance in this sermon, thus he never preached repentance and that it should not be preached today.

However, Paul did preach repentance. See Acts 17:29-31, Acts 20:20-22, Acts 26:19-21, 2 Cor. 7:2-12, Eph 4:17-24, 2 Tim 2:19-21, and Titus 2:11-15.

L
learn


deborah5769 wrote:
Anyone who criticizes Joseph Prince has not really heard what he preaches. ....

Reading this, reminds me of "If people bother to really read the bible and if their heart is in the right place, they will know where the error of Joseph Prince's preaching is.


I've been to his church before I was saved and one of the reason why I left was because of the 'prosperity gospel' that they were preaching. My life was difficult, I wanted to have enough $ etc but not at the expense of attending to hear something that may not be right no matter how much I wanted it to be true -and I wasn't even saved then but already felt there was something wrong. As if we come to Jesus for 'material blessings' and that after we come to Jesus, we will have material blessings.

After I was saved, I've heard his sermon and realised that people who do not really bother to read their bible and if their heart is bent on prosperity etc will not realise the error of his message. Hmmmmh has already given an example of what the bible says which is in conflict with what Joseph Prince is teaching.


Most religions teach kindness. Kindness is a good virtue but just because religions teach kindness doesn't mean they are the correct religion. On the surface,Joseph Prince may seem to preach the gospel as in the bible but listening to his sermon and checking with the bible will prove otherwise. And not just checking on the parts of the bible that one wants to hear.

BTW, Paul the apostle had a much more 'difficult live' after he was saved. Before, he was doing well, but after he was saved, he was poor, hungry, imprisoned, whipped etc. Why did Joseph Prince not mention Paul but mentioned cases like Joseph over and over again to get his point that we will be materially well off when we are a Christian. Also, Joseph Prince have stressed that we need only God etc, to feel the presence of God etc (maybe singing Christian songs etc) but yet fail to mention about us needing to really read the bible as the main way(or 1 of the main way) to really know God. Also, how he interprets what the bible say is not totally correct and for people who don't really bother to read the bible diligently and are really saved will be misled. Just some examples.


BTW, we don't believe in Joel Osteen also which is supported in the website that you have inserted in your post and who (Joel Osteen) is also endorsed by Joseph Prince

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humblyD

Hi Deborah,
My good friend got the book "destine to riegn". He started talking about how it liberated him too! He started talking about how we are fogiven for sins past,present and future.And how 1 john chapter 1 wasn't written to christians, but to the gnostics and how we don't have to confess and repent of our sins, we just have to realize we are forgiven. It scared me that my friend was being led astray. So i did my homework on this guy.God's Grace probably has 10,000 sides, like His Word Gods Grace is multifaceted and we will search it out for eternity if we truely belong to him.Most false teachers preach from the Bible so we have critical of strange teaching.

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learn

HumblyD,

Reading what you wrote remind me of this incident. A person was preaching the true gospel and how we needed to repent and turn to Jesus to be saved (outside Joel Osteen's church). People were either leaving or going to the church. Nobody (not a single person) that was shown in the youtube clip bothered to listen to the true gospel. 1 woman started shouting at him that there was no hell and that hell was a make-believe place. Makes me very sad. This is what happens when we follow a false gospel.

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humblyD

do any regulars on si think joseph prince is ok?

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LoveGodsWay2

humblyD: do any regulars on si think joseph prince is ok?

I also would like some imput from other SI regulars. His teaching has affected (or infected) some of leaders and now the body of Christ at my church. I will be meeting with the pastor in the few days concerning this.

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learn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5T_GjQy3jw&feature=channel

Brutal Persecution In Romania by Josef Tson

A good sermon to watch right from the beginning. However, around the 19th minute onwards, Josef Tson talked about what's wrong with American evangelism (eg the Santa Claus syndrome) which contradicts what the bible says and what the bible says which contradicts what Joseph Prince says.

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hulsey

I have to admit when I first heard him on TBN I was shocked and thought he was pretty good...that is until I listened to his whole message. He is the most talented and I would have to say dangerous prosperity preacher around today. If this guy was in America he would be a superstar right now.

His presentation of the scriptures are very articulate. His preaching style is expository. However, it's easy to get led astray because of all the correct things he says. You can always discover the heart of someone's theology by getting a glimpse of the destination they are leading you to. A man of God will lead you to God and God's glory. Joseph Prince's destination is to personal wealth and your glory. So all the good things that he does say, and he says a lot of things that are good, are made to be the servant of an overall message that is not good. That's why I say he is very dangerous.

I pray for Joseph Prince, because if the true Gospel ever gets a hold of his heart he would be an awesome preacher.

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LoveGodsWay2

Hulsey,

I think you have described him very well.

But I will add this: I think he is spiritually wounded. Throughout his book (Destined to Reign) he tells stories of when he was a teenager in the church. He says that he was told all kinds of things that were unbiblical. And if they really said those things, he is right. However, he has gone to the extreme in the other direction in what he preaches.

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sermonindex

hulsey said

If this guy was in America he would be a superstar right now.
But he is! His congregation, since he began to lead, has gone from less than 200 to over 17,000... or, so it is claimed for him.

Actually, the webpage has been changed to reflect 19,000.

[url=http://www.josephprince.org/index.asp]Joseph Prince Ministries[/url]


EDIT: Okay, maybe I'm wrong. The first time I looked him up, I found the USA address, and assumed that's where he was based, but maybe it's just a contact address. Certainly, he is being watched in America.

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hulsey

Yes he is. Several people at work who go to church have asked me what I thought of him.

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Lysa


LoveGodsWay2 wrote:
humblyD: do any regulars on si think joseph prince is ok?

I also would like some imput from other SI regulars. His teaching has affected (or infected) some of leaders and now the body of Christ at my church. I will be meeting with the pastor in the few days concerning this.

I don't know how regular I am but I will add my two bits. When he first came on in my area, I watched him a couple of times and that was it.

What got my attention to watch him in the first place was I heard "new covenant" and thought, "Cool!" thank God I had already been listening to Zac Poonen's teaching on the new covenant! I said, "Nope, they don't line up." And I haven't listened to him since. [Now, I say that because I haven't dug out all the scriptures on the new covenant in the Bible yet but hopefully by the end of this year; so right now I'm counting mostly on Zac Poonen. Just being honest!]

I know there are those on here who say he's of the devil. I don't know and I'm not going to be so presumptuous to say that I do. But I do know that God is in control. Joseph Prince or anyone else not preaching according to our standards of the Bible has not taken God by surprise!

**edit: I'm just going to worry about the preaching I need to be doing! I had an old high school friend call me the other day. We were big party'ers in h.s. but I was converted about 9 months after graduating and we stayed friends. Anyway, after about 20 years we get to talk and she told me (paraphased), "Do you know you were the first Bible I read? And you led me to the real Bible."

You know, that really touched me. I want to be the Bible to those who haven't read it and it's not all about getting upset over (majoring in) all these supposedly false teachers around us. It's about being Jesus to those we can touch and teaching them by our behavior what to major on as well. (It's not my intention to offend anyone by my words - I had to write from my heart.)

God bless you all,

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LoveGodsWay2

I want to be the Bible to those who haven't read it and it's not all about getting upset over (majoring in) all these supposedly false teachers around us.

I agree with you Lysa, but Joseph Prince's false teaching is going through my church like a wild fire. And it seems that I am the only leader in my church that recognizes it. It's so hard some days because I have the love of Christ for the people & leaders and they are being deceived. It's hard because some days it feel like my wife & I standing alone. But I have a appointment with my senior pastor this week. My prayer is that God will open his eyes.

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LoveGodsWay2

“Watch out for smooth talkers, who pastor large churches and write many books and lead big ministries, and do not manifestly prize, above their earthly good, the whole counsel of God.”

John Piper
Watch Out for Those Who Lead You Away from the Truth (11-05-06)

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Topazok

I'm not sure why this thread is so against The Word of Faith movement. This movement is only based on the Word...as Rhema.

I believe that everything that is taught must be researched against the Word...and that is what Rhema believes. I have never heard anything that is taught without scripture. As one that attends Rhema can testify.

So if it's scripture based, than you can't speak against it and if you can't back it up without a scripture than you don't live by it.

But to speak against the Word of Faith movement is speaking against the Bible. That is all it is...you back up what you say with scripture. Everything I have ever read has always been backed by scripture.

Just don't discount the scripture. I'm one that can speak from experience. I had leukemia when I was 15 and now 30+ years later I don't.


The thing with the speaking in tongues (as Acts sets forth) is power. And God wants us to work in power. Dosn't get you to heaven (only accepting Christ does that), but it does make life so much better. Faith is now, Hope is in the future. I pray that through prayer and the Bible you find your answer.

:-)

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Topazok

Wanted to clearify...you can speak out against anything....even if it's the Word of Faith ministry, but make sure what you are speaking out against is not backed up by the Bible.

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Rainy64

I am not a regular on this site---however...I carefully study the words from ANY pastor. I am not seduced by smooth talkers. Please DO NOT put Pastor Joseph Prince in the same category as Olsteen and some others. Joseph Prince Preaches on sin...how we have so much in the person of Jesus. He has made me appreciate and see just how many layers there are to the BIBLE! I listen to a sermon and pause it...check every quote and word. Sometimes I sit with it a long time before continuing the tape or sermon.
He reminds us of the HOPE we have in Jesus Christ. He is BIBLICAL.
What false teachings are you hearing?.... I have heard hours and spent hours, stopping, researching and then going on. I don't hear any contradictions...He is NOT like many preachers on TV....He is brave...preaching a CHRISTIAN message in between two Muslim countries! He has admitted to previous dealings in the occult before he was brought to Jesus.
I believe he is genuine.....Tell me please what is the false teachings you have found.
Rainy64

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JCGarc55

if you read the whole thread, there are a couple of quotes from Joseph Prince's website that are posted and critiqued.

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sermonindex

"do any regulars on si think joseph prince is ok?" humblyD

I don't know that answer but I appreciate the information. I received this book 'Destined to Reign' by Joseph as a gift from a family member. She also wanted me to see a certain faith healer (won't say who and start another rabbit trail) a few years ago when I had undiagnosed hernia's. She's given me books by Rick Joyner, Creflo Dollar and many more in the Prophetic/WoF contingent. So to say the least, I was a bit skeptical of this author from the beginning. I've read my share this stuff and thank God that I was spared from its deceptive and hollow theologies.

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LoveGodsWay2

Rainy64,

You said,

He has made me appreciate and see just how many layers there are to the BIBLE!

What "layers"? Please explain.

LoveGodsWay2

J
JCGarc55

from Joseph Prince website:
"Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour will not only save you from hell, but also give you health, joy, peace, love, hope, unconditional acceptance, favour, the power to get wealth — every good thing that you can think of and more!"

[url=http://www.newcreation.org.sg/about-us/we-believe/how-the-cross-applies-to-you]They moved the link[/url]

If you look on Joseph Prince's website you will also see that he has a "confession" link. Most of the verses quoted are the same ones the WoF uses in regards to their health wealth teaching. As for debunking WoF with the Word of God, sermonindex has Donnie Swaggart's teaching on 1 Timothy 6 which challenges the prosperity gospel.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp9oWZFDfAo]Teaching on the Love of Money (1 Timothy ch. 6)[/url]

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sermonindex

As for debunking WoF with the Word of God, sermonindex has
Carter Conlon regularly challenges WoF teaching, without specifically naming it.

He challenges prosperity teaching all the time!... by calling on believers to do the opposite - to give generously because Christ did, not expecting to receive anything more back, than God's provision for basic needs.

Again, he doesn't say that's all we might get, because it is clear he is calling the hearers to worship God anyway, even if they die in action. In more than one sermon, he points out that 'Not a hair of your head will be harmed' cannot possibly mean you won't suffer for Christ.

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menderofnets

Hmm... It seems to me that more and more we are hearing of Christians who are ignoring, rejecting or even re-inventing God's Word for some reason. The practice thrives in the UK, as the 'secular' agenda tightens its grip. We can't pick and choose, and it strikes me here ever more of the importance of continued repentance, keeping short accounts with God for our own sakes, as well as those who we come into contact with.

If we don't accept God's Word, what else do we have?

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sermonindex

If we don't accept God's Word, what else do we have?
[u]Extra[/u]-biblical doctrine? The tutelage of books by Christian leaders?

The seeking-for of Christ there, has been called 'witchcraft', by Phil Goble, in his 'Empty Tomb' sermon (not available on SI, but worth hearing).

1 Sam 15:23, Mark 7:7, Col 2:22.

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ginnyrose

Maybe I would qualify as a regular? I will let you decide -.

I have never heard of Joseph Prince. When I first saw the name I wondered what his connection is to the entertainer 'Prince'. Obviously, it is not obvious, or is it?

As I read through this thread and read the concerns expressed by several posters and the objections given I am reminded how any popular preacher will have his followers and distractors. It happens everywhere. (Just this week I talked with someone who is no fan of Keith Daniel.) So how is one to evaluate who is the wolf and who is the shepherd?

Irenaeus said it well when he said, "Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should be detected. But it is craftily decked out in attractive dress." (Taken from the "Glimpses of Christian History", issue 241)

Personally, I have learned to not put people on a pedestal because eventually God is going to knock that pedestal down and you will be devastated. You see when one puts anyone on a pedestal you are displacing God as the supreme authority in your life: becoming guilty of violating the first commandment, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me'. It takes on the form of "but Bro. says so and so thus it must be true", all done without doing an expositional study of the WORD. All are vulnerable to this in one sense or another, so we must guard ourselves lest be become an enabler of false teachers and woe on us if we do that!

To protect oneself against deception requires one to do a careful study of the WORD, being in prayer always that the LORD would speak to you and in so doing then being obedient to his voice. Once you become familiar with the genuine, the counterfeit will be easily detected.

Blessings,
ginnyrose

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Joyful_Heart

Amen! Well said Jinnyrose, well said.

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msg7007

I too just joined this site, looking for extra bits of information as well as trying to find more sermons preached by Pastor Prince. I support everything you said w.r.t. Pastor Prince. He is a Grace Preacher! Make no mistake, there is a difference. He said in one of his sermons that the WoF movement 'has taken faith and reduced it to a formula.' I too challenge our traditional understanding of christianity. If it is true that all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven, then why don't we hear more of this from the pulpit??? I'm telling you, I left church many a Sunday (and even Sabbath) feeling a deep seated guilt. You know, the kind that you have difficulty putting a finger on. The kind that makes you feel that something is wrong, but you don't know where to begin. Under Pastor Prince's preaching, I've learned that this is the consciousness of sin(he actually calls this the sin conscience, which really is our flesh) and it has no more authority in the christian life! We are free from condemnation, indeed! I wish I heard this published more often from the pulpit! Is it true that I'm the righteousness of God in Christ? Then what's wrong with believing it? There is a lot more wrong if fact, if I don't! Brother (or Sister) I think that the message he is preaching is a breath of fresh air!
I love Pastor John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, and Adrian Rogers. These could be considered your more conservative, middle of the road Baptist preachers. They expose the scriptures quite well. I myself am pentecostal in terms of denominational preference. I accept the gifts of the Spirit, without reservation. But I also believe in sound teaching of scripture. I am also aware that those who keep their eyes on the systematic teaching only, risk remaining pragmatic in their approach and service to God, while God doesn't fit our human 'box' of thinking. Yes, the scriptures alone lead us to know God, but we need His Spirit. He is God's power personified. The scriptures tell us what He does and expresses His omnipotent capabilities. Let God be the Sovereign that the scriptures say that He is! That means we should allow Him to work against the underpinnings of our christian culture.
Pastor Prince is basically telling us that if we truly believe what the scriptures say, then we can have it! And Brother (or Sister), I'm for that! I really believe that it is not God's will for us to be sick (although he may allow it and works through it). Although we may experience seasons of financial shortage, yet still I believe that it isn't God's will for us to be broke! I believe that God wants us to hold our heads high, knowing who we are in Christ and claiming everything that was given to Christ as our own (since as we are joint-heirs with Christ). If we simply accepted who we are in Christ, we will at some point experience the Supernatural (oops!). Is there anything wrong with that? Would I be considered a weird christian because of that? Maybe, but I would experience all of God's best because I would have significantly developed a conscience towards God's righteousness. Remember, a man becomes what he thinks! If we are continually conscious of our own sin, then we will be continually going to God about it (as is the present christian practices). For example, at the communion table, where we should be celebrating our justification, we'll continue to be asking God forgiveness for sins (as is the popular understanding)--that have already been forgiven, having accepted Christ. In everyday life, we will carry regrets, although Christ already bore them and took them away--for us. As a result, this constant self analysis of sin leads only to one result: sin consciousness. Yes, we understand that at this point we should become overwelmed by our need of the Saviour, and after this realization, we understand that when we accept God's Provision, that there is therefore no more condemnation. But is that the reality? Self analysis can easily become a self condemning process, which only stirs up more sin! We need to encourage ourselves that we are God's righteousness. We need to tell ourselves that we are God's purchased posession through Christ's blood! We ought to mutter to ourselves that we are His workmanship (trophies of His Grace). I think if we spent more time analysing what God graciously imputed to us, we would not have a lot of the problems that we have. And wherever there are problems, we would experience significant Divine intervention as a result of God's Wisdom. Why? Because we rely on His Grace.
I think we've spent more time relying on our own abilities, education, willpower, charisma, or faith to very little or no avail. God wants to manifest His kingdom in us. He wants us to experience all that his Grace has to offer. He isn't about seeing His children 'just get by.' I think we treat Grace like it is a healing balm that is to be used sparingly...because its too expensive. We fear that we will end up doing whatever we want and God won't take us up on our sin.
God has lavishly poured out his Grace on us. As his children, we are recipients of 'His lavish Grace.' Please, let's receive it!
Pastor Prince is teaching the church to celebrate her gift of righeousness that was given by God -- through Jesus! He is teaching us about the Superabundance of God's Grace! And it's all ours. It is in the celebrating of Christ's finished work that we truly reflect His character, and become all that the law really wants us to be to a lost and dying world. If we really believe this, then sin becomes grossly unattractive and is seen for what it is, a cheap way to temporary satisfaction and ultimately death! And guess what? We won't sin! Grace becomes more attractive and we become more like Christ. What wrong with preaching that leads us in that direction?
I want more of that kind of preaching!

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tbsounde2

- Hi msg7007, so i am just a concerned brother in Christ that has heard and read some alarming things regarding pastor prince and i have been honestly trying to get to the truth in this matter. i just have some questions/points to some of the things you mentioned here so that we can dialogue and reason together, but just to introduce myself a bit, i am currently a 2nd year graduate student at ucla studying toward my ph.d in cellular and molecular pathology. i grew up in a church going family, but didn't come to truly meet the Lord Jesus Christ until about four years ago. since then, i have been striving to seek the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and thus have been trying to correctly discern everything that comes my way no matter how convincing it may be. for example, i currently attend a fairly charismatic church, but no matter who comes to speak, even if it is my own pastor, i measure to the Word of God. i've seen some pretty crazy supernatural stuff happen enough to realize that not all of it is from God and how easy it is to get caught up in it and lose focus of Christ. and although i firmly believe in the gifts of the Spirit (prophesy, healing, etc) and try to use them for the edification of the Body every day, i put a bigger emphasis (over gifts, etc) on the Word of God. and thus, no matter how gifted someone is (naturally or supernaturally), i care more about what comes out of their mouth than what they can do with their natural/supernatural giftings. now that i've somewhat introduced myself, let's move onto our discussion:

quoted by msg7007: "I too just joined this site, looking for extra bits of information as well as trying to find more sermons preached by Pastor Prince. I support everything you said w.r.t. Pastor Prince. He is a Grace Preacher! Make no mistake, there is a difference. He said in one of his sermons that the WoF movement 'has taken faith and reduced it to a formula.' I too challenge our traditional understanding of christianity. If it is true that all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven, then why don't we hear more of this from the pulpit??? I'm telling you, I left church many a Sunday (and even Sabbath) feeling a deep seated guilt. You know, the kind that you have difficulty putting a finger on. The kind that makes you feel that something is wrong, but you don't know where to begin. Under Pastor Prince's preaching, I've learned that this is the consciousness of sin(he actually calls this the sin conscience, which really is our flesh) and it has no more authority in the christian life! We are free from condemnation, indeed! I wish I heard this published more often from the pulpit! Is it true that I'm the righteousness of God in Christ? Then what's wrong with believing it? There is a lot more wrong if fact, if I don't! Brother (or Sister) I think that the message he is preaching is a breath of fresh air!"

- this is something i noticed in pastor prince's message, a mixing up of the words "guilt" and "condemnation." these are actually two completely separate things. merriam webster dictionary defines guilt as: a feeling of culpability for offenses - in other words, an understanding that you did something wrong. the word condemnation is defined as passing of a sentence, doom. by using reason, one can come to agree that all condemnation stems from guilt, but that doesn't mean that all guilt leads to condemnation. guilt is just an awareness of sin, whereas condemnation is the just result of sin. so then the question comes to: did Jesus' death and resurrection remove guilt or condemnation? i would say that it is condemnation that was removed whereas guilt is necessary for every believer. i actually wrote a note on my blog about this a while back that i'll share with you here:

- "have you heard this saying before, that (for christians) feelings of guilt and condemnation are from satan. personally, i hear this all the time from people around me, and i totally ate it up without even thinking about it. this saying, that guilt and condemnation are from the devil is only a half truth (which makes it a lie). in actuality (for a genuine christian), condemnation is from satan, but guilt is from God and we as christians should feel guilty for our sins. now you may be thinking that i am out of my mind for saying this, but reason with me for a second. can you show me a verse from the bible that says that guilt comes from the devil? because i can't seem to find it. lets look at the definitions of the words to get a better idea. guilt is defined as: a feeling of culpability for offenses. condemnation is defined as: to pronounce guilty (sentence, doom). in other words, guilt is the realization of sin, whereas condemnation is the just result of the sin. see the difference? if you look at examples from the Word, time and time again you see people genuinely troubled (feelings of guilt) for their sins to the point of putting on sackcloth and ash! a prime example can be found in the writings of king david in the book of psalms. over half of his psalms are of him crying out to God because he is troubled by his sins and his transgressions before the Lord. the guy that was known as the man after God's own heart, was continually filled with guilt and troubled when he sinned against the Lord. but regardless of his lowly estate, he continued to seek the Lord with all his might. it is what you do with the guilt that defines where you stand before God. now, if you don't feel any guilt at all for your sins, i would have to say that you need to really question the genuineness of your salvation, because one of the primary workings of the Holy Spirit is to convict men of their sins (convict: to convince of error or sinfulness) to lead them to repentance. now, regarding what you do with your guilt, you can go down one of two ways: you can either fall into condemnation (depravity) and fall further away from the Lord or you can repent and cry out to the One who can pardon you. for as it says in the Word: a broken heart and a contrite spirit He will not despise. it is impossible to obtain salvation without genuine repentance. and there can be no repentance without a realization of sin (guilt), which is done by the work of the Holy Spirit (conviction of sin). and if the Holy Spirit is in you, you will continue to live a lifestyle of repentance, which is the process of sanctification and in accordance with bearing fruit in your life (matthew 3:8 - bear fruit in keeping with repentance). in essence, you should feel guilty for your sins, because in that guilt, you come to a place of genuine repentance before the Lord. but, it also allows you to understand and appreciate His grace that much more, because there is no understanding of grace without an understanding of sin"


quoted by msg7007: "I love Pastor John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, and Adrian Rogers. These could be considered your more conservative, middle of the road Baptist preachers. They expose the scriptures quite well. I myself am pentecostal in terms of denominational preference. I accept the gifts of the Spirit, without reservation. But I also believe in sound teaching of scripture."

- it is difficult for me to believe that you love the teachings of pastor john macarthur, because the things that he preaches are quite the opposite to what pastor prince is preaching. how do you reconcile this in your mind and your heart?

quoted by msg7007: "I am also aware that those who keep their eyes on the systematic teaching only, risk remaining pragmatic in their approach and service to God, while God doesn't fit our human 'box' of thinking. Yes, the scriptures alone lead us to know God, but we need His Spirit. He is God's power personified. The scriptures tell us what He does and expresses His omnipotent capabilities. Let God be the Sovereign that the scriptures say that He is! That means we should allow Him to work against the underpinnings of our christian culture."

- i think we many times misuse the phrase "putting God in a human box" to almost indirectly minimize the importance of scripture. paul even charged timothy with great urgency in 2 timothy 3:16-17 that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." and 2 timothy 4:1-2 "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
and although i absolutely agree with you that it is the Holy Spirit that has to lead you through your study of scripture, many times we use the "Holy Spirit card" to indirectly say that we should not depend on doctrine and theology, which leads to the danger of putting too much emphasis on extrabiblical manifestations and experiences to mold our core theology and that is why we see many charismatics going a bit too far out there twisting scripture and taking things way out of context to fit their teachings. when i read verses like:

- deuteronomy 13:1-4 - 1"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' 3you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.

- matthew 7:21-23 - 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

- 2 thessalonians 2:8-12 - 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

- 2 timothy 4:3-4 - 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

- i realize that the best, most solid, foundation we have is the Word of God. a thought that came to me recently pertaining to this is: signs and wonders and even a feeling of joy and peace can be the work of the devil, but the Word of God, spoken through man, woman, child, beast, or object remains the Word of God. and lastly on this point, the way you mentioned "That means we should allow Him to work against the underpinnings of our christian culture" is somewhat misleading because you are either directly or indirectly attributing "christian culture" with those who keep God in a box and rely "too much on scripture" (if that is even possible or a bad thing). although i agree with you that there are some who merely look to the surface of the Word and not into the heart of the Word, scripture is THE ESSENTIAL (over experiential) component to mold and dictate true and godly christian culture and theology.

quoted by msg7007: "Pastor Prince is basically telling us that if we truly believe what the scriptures say, then we can have it! And Brother (or Sister), I'm for that! I really believe that it is not God's will for us to be sick (although he may allow it and works through it). Although we may experience seasons of financial shortage, yet still I believe that it isn't God's will for us to be broke! I believe that God wants us to hold our heads high, knowing who we are in Christ and claiming everything that was given to Christ as our own (since as we are joint-heirs with Christ). If we simply accepted who we are in Christ, we will at some point experience the Supernatural (oops!). Is there anything wrong with that? Would I be considered a weird christian because of that?"

- i would have to disagree because faith is not blindly believing that something you want is something God wants to give you, or to give you at the moment. true faith is being content through whatever circumstance and having the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ be at the forefront of your heart. i come to this conclusion based on these verses:

- 2 corinthians 4:16-18 - 16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

- philippians 3:7-11 - 7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

- philippians 4:11-13 - 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

- hebrews 12:1-11 - 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

- also, to truly take everything that was given to Christ means that we must suffer as He suffered:

- matthew 16:24 - 24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

- romans 8:16-18 - 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

- philippians 1:29-30 - 29For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

- a thought that comes to mind regarding this: Jesus and the disciples did not have earthly prosperity, they suffered and endured hardship during their time on earth, and they rejoiced in it, so if Jesus meant earthly prosperity when He said "my peace i leave with you," then He was lying because not every believer, particularly the disciples and many many other believers had quite the opposite; but one thing they all had was a spiritual prosperity that is only available to those who truly believe.

quoted by msg7007: "Maybe, but I would experience all of God's best because I would have significantly developed a conscience towards God's righteousness. Remember, a man becomes what he thinks! If we are continually conscious of our own sin, then we will be continually going to God about it (as is the present christian practices). For example, at the communion table, where we should be celebrating our justification, we'll continue to be asking God forgiveness for sins (as is the popular understanding)--that have already been forgiven, having accepted Christ. In everyday life, we will carry regrets, although Christ already bore them and took them away--for us."

- actually, this is exactly the heart that king david showed to the Lord which is clearly evident in the book of psalms, which is one of the reasons he was called a man after God's own heart. he was continually crying out to God to search his heart and to bring to light all hidden sins: he was literally hungering and thirsting for righteousness, just like we should too as christians on this side of eternity (until perfection comes and we see face to face). paul even mentions that he himself has not fully attained to perfection yet, but strives toward perfection, philippians 3:12-14 - 12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

- you might say that david was part of the "old covenant," but i would have to disagree, there is no difference between us as believers post Jesus and people like kind david and abraham. righteousness was credited to abraham way before the covenant and he is called by paul in romans 4:11 to be the father of all who believe. because the faith that saved them is the same faith that saves us, namely faith in God.

- i actually heard one of pastor princes sermon where he said that "Jesus' death is so powerful that there is not one speck of sin left in our lives." but this is not completely true. there is a difference between having no sin and being forgiven of all sins. it makes no sense to say that we are without sin, because it is clearly evident that every christian still sins. just because God forgives us of all our sins, doesn't mean that we don't sin anymore.

- romans 7:14-25 - 14For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

- romans 8:10, 13 - 10But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 13for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

- 2 corinthians 7:8-11 - 8For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

- philippians 3:12-14 - 12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

- the main difference between a saved person and a person who is not saved can be found in their awareness of sin and the desire of their heart regarding sin. although every person, whether saved or unsaved has a conscience, a saved person has a growing awareness of sin, which stems from a growing knowledge of God's desires. this is most clearly shown in 2 peter 1:5-6 where he says "for this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness" in other words, that your faith which God has given you (from a glimpse of His love for lack of a better way to describe) should automatically cause you to desire virtue (goodness). that desire for goodness, which is to seek out what is pleasing to the Lord, leads you to study His Word which clearly shows what is and isn't pleasing to the Lord, which is the adding of knowledge to virtue. as that knowledge grows in you, you begin to deny your flesh and it's desires for the desires of the Lord which requires self-control. a lifestyle of self-control can be described as steadfastness in righteousness which can be summed up as godliness (hating the things that God hates and loving the things that God loves).

- i think people (even christians) have the wrong idea toward repentance. for some reason, people take it in a very negative light. God's grace is that you can repent, that every time you mess up, you still have a chance to turn back to the Lord, that is grace. and for some reason people automatically associate repentance with an angry God or something to that effect, but it shows the most beautiful and loving side of God. you see, the heart of repentance for a true believer, does not stem from the fear that God is going to reject you and cast you into hell for your sins, but stems from an understanding of His love for you that causes sorrow in your heart to grieve such a wonderful and loving and good God...let me give you an example: say that there is someone who really really loves you to the extent that no matter what you do, the person will continue to love you and you know this. and say that you happen to do something to hurt them. although you know that they aren't going to reject you, the fact that you know that they love you should automatically cause you to feel hurt and shame because you hurt the one that loves you...this is the same for us and our heart in repentance toward God.

- regarding communion, paul writes in 1 corinthians 11:27-32 that "whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But when we judge ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we many not be condemned along with the world."

quoted by msg7007: "As a result, this constant self analysis of sin leads only to one result: sin consciousness. Yes, we understand that at this point we should become overwhelmed by our need of the Saviour, and after this realization, we understand that when we accept God's Provision, that there is therefore no more condemnation. But is that the reality? Self analysis can easily become a self condemning process, which only stirs up more sin! We need to encourage ourselves that we are God's righteousness."

- although it is true that self analysis can easily become a self condemning process, it doesn't mean it always does or has to (as i mentioned earlier on guilt vs condemnation). paul even writes in 2 corinthians 13:5 to "examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! and Jesus also said in john 16:8-11 "and when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because i go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged." There is also a huge difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow 2 corinthians 7:10

quoted by msg7007: "We need to tell ourselves that we are God's purchased posession through Christ's blood! We ought to mutter to ourselves that we are His workmanship (trophies of His Grace). I think if we spent more time analysing what God graciously imputed to us, we would not have a lot of the problems that we have. And wherever there are problems, we would experience significant Divine intervention as a result of God's Wisdom. Why? Because we rely on His Grace.
I think we've spent more time relying on our own abilities, education, willpower, charisma, or faith to very little or no avail. God wants to manifest His kingdom in us. He wants us to experience all that his Grace has to offer. He isn't about seeing His children 'just get by."

- i don't consider paul and the other apostles as "just getting by" even though they were poor and suffered tremendously so you might need to clarify this point. just because someone is poor or sick or whatever does not mean that they are "just getting by." quite the contrary, they are being molded and refined by God himself! that God is dealing with them personally for His glory because He disciplines the ones He love! an example that comes to mind is jacob and esau. the bible says that God loved jacob but hated esau. but when you read about them, they both had material blessings: wives, children, livestock, etc. so that leads to the question of how God showed love toward jacob and hatred toward esau? it was discipline...God let esau do whatever he wanted, but He dealt with jacob personally through discipline. in regards to health and worldly prosperity, scripture says that God causes the sun to shine on both the righteous and the wicked...so wealth and prosperity should never be used as a measure of one's right standing with God

quoted by msg7007: "I think we treat Grace like it is a healing balm that is to be used sparingly...because its too expensive. We fear that we will end up doing whatever we want and God won't take us up on our sin."

- not sure where you are coming from but i am assuming that you are saying that God's grace automatically entails health and worldly prosperity and that those who don't believe this are using His grace sparingly...and i would have to disagree...the real power of His grace is to take a rebellious and depraved heart and to turn it into one that abides in Him and our pilgrimage through this life is the beginning of the refining process to sanctify us and make us ready for eternity...themes which are clearly evident from the various different verses i mentioned earlier...also, just wondering, how do you reconcile persecution, trials, suffering, and tribulation with health and prosperity?

quoted by msg7007: "God has lavishly poured out his Grace on us. As his children, we are recipients of 'His lavish Grace.' Please, let's receive it!
Pastor Prince is teaching the church to celebrate her gift of righeousness that was given by God -- through Jesus! He is teaching us about the Superabundance of God's Grace! And it's all ours. It is in the celebrating of Christ's finished work that we truly reflect His character, and become all that the law really wants us to be to a lost and dying world. If we really believe this, then sin becomes grossly unattractive and is seen for what it is, a cheap way to temporary satisfaction and ultimately death! And guess what? We won't sin! Grace becomes more attractive and we become more like Christ. What wrong with preaching that leads us in that direction?
I want more of that kind of preaching!"

- celebrating Christ's finished work does not mean that we shouldn't wrestle against our flesh...it is because of Christ's finished work that we find hope even in the moments our flesh prevails over us...and although the work is finished, it doesn't mean that we have fully obtained to it on this side of eternity or else we would have already received our perfect angel like bodies now...but this is obviously not the case...trying to ignore sin will inadvertently blind you to hidden sins and although you may "feel" right, you will go on sinning without even realizing...which would be contrary to scripture which instructs us to examine our hearts in the light of His Word. although we know the outcome of the war, the fight is not over yet, not until we die and meet our Maker. salvation on this side of eternity pertains to our spirit whereas our flesh is still dead in sin and thus the fighting rages on in the battleground of our hearts and minds. once we die, we are completely free from sin and then on the day of resurrection and judgment, salvation in regards to our flesh is brought forth and the entire process of salvation is completed. (reasoning from romans 7 and verses pertaining to the final judgment in revelation)

- also, how do you reconcile pastor prince's teaching vs 1 john 1:8-10 - 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

- but yah, i sincerely hope that none of what i wrote is coming off in the wrong way to you, i am just writing honestly from what i truly feel that the Lord has been teaching me recently regarding these things. i look forward to your response so that we may reason together toward the truth. God bless =)

- your fellow brother in Christ,

- will

S
sermonindex


Greetings brethren,

I don't have much time online so I hope there will be other replies to the last two posts in this thread.

msg7007 wrote:

'If it is true that all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven, then why don't we hear more of this from the pulpit??? I'm telling you, I left church many a Sunday (and even Sabbath) feeling a deep seated guilt. You know, the kind that you have difficulty putting a finger on. The kind that makes you feel that something is wrong, but you don't know where to begin. Under Pastor Prince's preaching, I've learned that this is the consciousness of sin(he actually calls this the sin conscience, which really is our flesh) and it has no more authority in the christian life! We are free from condemnation, indeed! I wish I heard this published more often from the pulpit! Is it true that I'm the righteousness of God in Christ? Then what's wrong with believing it? There is a lot more wrong if fact, if I don't! Brother (or Sister) I think that the message he is preaching is a breath of fresh air!'


Personally, I think 'the consciousness of sin' is precisely that. Our sins, as yet uncommitted, have indeed been paid for by Christ, but we as believers do not FEEL our sins forgiven, unless we properly confess and repent of them, such that we consciously receive forgiveness.

Romans 3:25 '... to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;'

There is also a continuous cleansing from sin as we 'walk in the light as He is in the light' (1 John 1:7), which is to do with abiding in Him; living in the Spirit; walking in the Spirit. As we reckon ourselves dead in Him, and therefore dead to sin (Rom 6), we experience 'no condemnation' - Rom 8:1.

'Is it true that I'm the righteousness of God in Christ?'

1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:


Does this verse say 'I am the righteousness of God in Christ'?

I don't think so.

It says: (my) being in Christ, (by faith being grafted into His death and resurrection) God makes Him ... 'righteousness' ... to me.

There is a world of difference. The emphasis is all on Christ and God. Nothing applies, unless 'I' am crucified with HIM.

Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Gal 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are ... 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.


Dear msg7007, it's possible your deepest concerns are because you would do well to compare the ministry of Pastor Prince VERY closely with scripture, and with biblical expository writers of earlier centuries.

I love that Pastor Prince knows, and quotes, much scripture in his preaching, but I believe he does not use it in a way wholly compatible with the teachings of historic Christianity.

L
learn

Tbsounde2, thank you for your lovely post. You have blessed the forum by rightly dividing the word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The bible is full of words on straining to achieve the goal, persevering etc--ie showing great effort.

Reading Msg7007's interpretation, reminds me of sugar ie easy way, every good things for us. But the bible does not say that. In fact, the bible talks about dying to oneself, carrying one's cross, that we are to be the salt of the earth. When we are nailed to the cross, it means we die to self, we lose all our rights--completely opposite to what Joseph Prince talks about.

Matthew 13;44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it,he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Notice the verses here. When you really receive God, you are willing/will give up everything to follow God. It does not say when you receive God, you will have all the material riches and health.


Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You CANNOT SERVE BOTH GOD AND MONEY

O
openairboy

I've only seen him a couple of times, but isn't there a worldliness to his disposition? I don't care too much what Christians wear, how they cut their hair, etc., but there seems to be a little to much "look at me" when he is on stage.

That, right there, just makes me hesitant in seeing him on TV.

Doesn't mean he has horrendous doctrine, a heretic, or anything like that, but I just find it strange.

Also, again, kind of lame, but aside from an autobiography, I find it odd when preachers put big pictures of themselves on the cover of one of their books.

S
sermonindex

2Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

J
Josef83

I love too listen to Poonen
he is one of the strongest Holiness preachers out there.
And I always get convicted strongly about sins when I listen To poonen.
Poonen is humble thats the character of a true godly man.
to quote poonen.
anybody who askes for money is a false prophet

Prince though I dont like.
its another gospel

C
castling

How do we know whether someone is (i) a false teacher, or (ii) a true disciple of Christ but genuinely wrong?

We should not be too hasty in applying the "false" label. I have learnt this the hard way.

Some of these mega-churches and their respective preachers have imported dubious ideas and methods from other churches (especially from North America). This includes "theology" - e.g. word-of-faith, prosperity gospel... however, this does not mean that the real Christ is not preached, or that these preachers are apostate.

I have met people whom I have no doubt have a real and solid relationship with Jesus, but have adopted a few word-of-faith ideas which could have been gleaned from books or other preachers.

The reality is that all of us start off with "false" ideas about God, yet in John 7:17 the promise is - "If any man wills to do His will, he shall concerning the doctrine...". So as we grow in our relationship with God, our idea of Him will increasingly conform to the reality of Him. It will become increasingly clear which doctrines are of Him, and which are not of Him.

I have had some funny ideas in the past, some of which I generated in my flesh and others adopted from elsewhere. This included a lack of understanding of the reality of sin, my need for salvation, and what it means to fully surrender to Him. Yet I have no doubt that my commitment to Him was real from the onset of my Christian journey. And through His grace, He has corrected - and is still correcting - false ideas, and have enabled me to *experience* the *reality* of true doctrine.

Perhaps Joseph Prince's theological understanding could be "off" at some points - but dare we say that he does not have a real relationship with the living God?

May God teach us all things!

S
sermonindex


Hi Castling,

You made all excellent points, which I agree. My own impression of Joseph Prince is that he does love the word of God, and understands it is alive.

However, some of the additional promises he makes to people, such as material(istic) blessing (for God does promise us food and clothes and He does indeed provide these in His own various ways, using not only Christians, for instance), may draw people into his churches who are attracted by the materialistic side of his ministry.

Hopefully, God has His hand on Joseph Prince to bring him to a deeper understanding of His ways and of the cutting edge of Truth, which truly is able to bring real Life to the inner man, according to all His promises.

The currently-running thread on the New Covenant (started by philologos), attempts to show what belongs to the Old Covenant, (such as abundant material blessing), and what belongs to the 'better' (New) Covenant which Christ established, by which we may receive the Holy Spirit.

The worldwide church seems to be plagued with an Old Covenant mentality, which mainly goes to show how most Christians either don't expect to have victory over sin in their own lives, and don't care to allow God to apply the cross to it. In other words, they have not really accepted the claims of Christ over their whole life, to live it in agreement with Him alone, and not with the world. Arriving at Christ is one thing. Following is another.

C
castling

I think the problem arises because we've lived in a relatively long period of peace and prosperity - we haven't had a major global conflict for 70 years now. The church has tried to accommodate this, believing that such good times will continue to endure.

So it goes something like: live a God-centric life, but at the same time you can also 'enjoy life' i.e. all the wonderful things the world offers - latest gadgets, hip fashion, big cars, travelling, nice job...

And you're right - it is not that the enjoyment of such things is wrong, but the truth is that Jesus is life, and without Him there is none! To think otherwise is to miss out on experiencing the fullness of Christ... Jesus is all we need, only He can fully satisfy.

May God open our eyes to see this truth - in its fullness!

J
Josef83

I just heard prince saying in his latest message
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky79sfYWuIw
95% of what he is saying is true.
then comes the poison at the end.
that if you get angry god stil sees you good.
that is opposit to the words of jesus
that if you get angry you risk hell.

if you get angry and dont overcome it you will go to hell
is the teaching of poonen.
both preach new covernant yet both gospels are against each
other.
who is right??

I belive in poonen.

J
jtohyh

Hi Josef83,

My brother in Christ, Josef83. Just have to make a reply cause what you written is in error and as a brother, I love the Body too much to let you go off thinking our God is such a 'hard taskmaster'.. who weighs every little thing we do, every emotion we feel and makes 'heaven and hell' decisions by the second on the billions of Christians on earth. I hope you are seeing the folly in your statements.

Rightly divide the Word. Not all of what Jesus says is New Covenant... He hasn't been crucified yet. Jesus had to deal with Israel before His Death and while Israel was still under OT (Law). Recall all His statements about removing your body parts if they sin (eyes, limbs etc); the rich young ruler when he asked how he can inherit eternal life... He did not say 'believe on me'. Jesus replied using the commandmants. God is a JUST (Judicial) God so everything must be done to "fullfill all righteousness".

So why did Jesus use the commandmants back at the people? Is it to lay a heavier burden on his 'little flock'? To mock them? Of course not. Jesus is lifting the Law to it's pristine standard and for the purpose it was given. He is telling Israel all their Law-adiding cannot meet God's standards. You need a SAVIOR.

Later, it was Paul who was Graced to receive the Gospel message, being called to the third heaven.

So, in love bro, think of your God as Abba (Father). That is the most important nature of God that Jesus came to reveal. All the OT nature are there but above all, since we are in new covenant, Gos is your Father.

If you have children, do you treat them the way you may think God treats us (if you get angry, you risk hell!)

Simply, God is LOVE

J
Josef83

Dear jtohyh

John the baptist said, repent for the kingdom of heaven is almost here.
Then when jesus came he said Repent for the kingdom of God is now here.
kingdom of God is the new covernant
then later in matthew in matthew chapter 5-7.
What Jesus does in matthew 5-7
is that he intrudces the new covernant.
you have heard it being said...
then he refers to the old covernant.
you shall not murder.
but now i say to you...
he who even call his brother an idiot is a murderer.
so what Jesus does is that he sharpens the law and intrudeces the new covernant.
you have heard it´s being said..
he who divorce his wife commit adultry.
but i say to you now..
he who even lust in his heart after a women has already commit adultry with her.
at the end of the sermon he is telling this is the law:
do for others what you want others to do for you.
and that even paul, peter and john and james speaks about in their epistles.
Jesus also intrudeces true blessing in the new covernant
in matthew 5. blessed are you that are meek,
persecuted etc.
in the old covernant a blessing was wealth, health a long life, many children etc.
But in the new covernant a blessing is spiritual (eph 1:3)

the new covernant is about (matt 1:21) jesus will save his people from their sins.
therefore romans 6:11,14) sin shall not rule over you.
it means we can get victory over sins, if we are honest and belive it.
it doesnt means in 1 day we get 100% total victory.
but we can get victory over sins.
therefore jesus is saying if you dont get victory over anger you will go to hell.
if you watch a women and dont overcome it you will go to hell.
but thoose that are in christ and under grace under the new covernant, will get victory over sins!
Hebrews is explaining that the old covernant is old.
it means if you work at Nokia 2005-2009
then you change 2009 to ericson.
then it means your contract at Nokia is over and you are no longer a Nokia worker But a Ericson worker.
same with the old covernant and the new.
the old is expired, we have a new covernant where anger is the same as murder, lusting after women same as adultry.
love of money same as idoltry.
and the law is: do for other what you want them to do for you.


But Prince is preaching something else.
he mixes old with the new covernant (old covernant blessings and bring it into the new covernant).
therefore I do not belive in his gospel.

why is his book expensive?
he would charge only printing cost and post if he want to bless others.
also on his website you have to pay for downloading his mp3.
where in the new covernant or in the old did jesus, paul, peter, john, samuel, jeremia or any other behave like this?
No you cannot serve God and Mamon, you have to choose.
and in mika 3:11 mika deals with the teachers and prophets
because they preach for money.
joh 2:13 ff
jesus went into the temple driving out thoose making money in Gods name.
When Elisa healed nama, he would not receive money for healing.
Today you cant find many like that, thoose preachers and teachers are mostly found here on sermonindex.

thats what i Belive :-)

You can have victory over sins!


Josef Löwdin, Göteborg, Sweden.

L
lilmstexas

Some will be persecuted, but nowhere in the bible does it say they are poor, or homeless. Rather, it specifically states that the disciples CHOSE to leave their homes to follow Jesus. This to me means that they had the means to do so. I believe that those who are so 'against' prosperity teachings are limiting our God, or have not tapped into his overwhelming wealth. WE are to lead the way and be the salt of the earth in this WORLD; note that to do so, we cannot be poor souls so taken with our own thoughts of how we are going to meet next month's bills, that we cannot do HIS work. That is a devilish mentality and it is the enemy that raises the anti-prosperity doubts. Simply, believe. It is that simple. Do you think God punishes with poverty? That he punishes period? If so, what of free will? If we have free will, why would he punish us? No, he WANTS to give us good things and it is only us who limit him.

S
sermonindex

How sad.

S
sermonindex

I take your point about choosing to leave all. But what is there in scripture to suggest that those who do, receive more - except with persecution? The disciples had left all before Jesus went to the cross. Later, they and many more died for the sake of Jesus' Name.

When Jesus was saying 'Woe' to certain people, one of their woes was to have received their reward here on earth.

Paul said: 2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory,


Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw [he was] a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, [in] dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

R
RainMan

N/a

R
RainMan

i haven't read the entire post but i would like to contribute a few things.

1.Jesus teaches us that "by their fruit we shall no them"(He would say "shall" if we are incapable of doing so). We are not allowed to judge peoples motivation or heart as we are not God. But discernment of a false teacher is based on fruit and doctrine. according to Matthew 7 good trees cannot have bad fruit and bad trees likewise cannot have good fruit. By scrutinizing fruit we should be able to discern as this is what Jesus said we should do. People make mistakes but the true people of God do not continue making the same mistakes. There simply is no biblical presidence for genuine preachers preaching lies for years wihtout repenting and these people being genuine. The minor arguments we have we are told to not quarrel about. But damnable teachings are different, we are told not to condemn but did peter not say these false teachers were going to hell? If we cant condemn and peter said they were going to hell then maybe he was simply stating scriptural fact which has nothing to do with him knowing their hearts

2. The apostles have clearly expounded upon the motivation and intent of false teachers as well as their doctrine. Paul says to timothy when listing criteria for ministry that bishops should be pure/blameless then he goes on to say "that to the pure all things are pure" when a man of God is dead to the world and pure and holy he may make mistakes here and there but ultimately his doctrine will be pure because he has no doctrine in himself and teaches what Christ and the apostles taught.

3 Sola scritora

4 The inability to discern false prophets is not of God it is a spiritual blindness that we need to pray for to be removed so we can see clearly. I myself was a chief supporter of people like prince but had i died when i was in error for believing and even spreading venom would i have been spared? We all want to believe that...

God is a nice bloke in the sky and its really not his word that counts but because he is incompetent we have to tell him about his word as we subjectively understand it.

how my heart cries as we have so blasphemed his name and rendered his word of no effect because of our subjectivity.

5. Jesus and the apostles all taught us how to identify and avoid false prophets by discernment of fruit and doctrine, to say we should judge as we dont know peoples hearts is a satanic persuasion designed to deceive and allow demonic operatives to function without contention from the true people of faith.

Judging (will provide scriptures if needed)

What does the bible teach about judging

1. Only God can see the heart so no man should morally condemn his brother but rather look to restore in love


2. the spiritual man(indwelling spirit enabled) discerns all spiritual things. Is the doctrine of demons a spiritual thing? If it is it must be spiritually discerned shouldn't it?

3. We are told to judge amongst one another. Simply put we should be able to resolve disputes and civil disagreements without dragging each other to the courts of men.

there are about three contexts of judging in the bible one we cant do and the other two we are supposed to. This is where rightly dividing comes in we cant simply take Jesus out of context and say people should not spiritually discern(its not what the scripture says)

I was onced Deceived myself by false doctrine. Then i heard his voice calling me away from the venom of vipers and like carter colon said i "ran" as fast as i legs could carry me. Let us stop deifying man and let God be God.

RAT POISON IS 98% NUTRITIOUS BUT I WILL STILL KILL YOU
God bless

S
sermonindex

Good post, RainMan.

Philippians 1:9-10

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;

B
BludBaut

I have a lengthy comment for the above Scriptures by "Anonymous" but for the time being, I'll just say that those Scriptures, while clearly true and from the Word of God, seem to be most often wielded by people who don't know the voice of God, don't know sound doctrine and have no concept of what walking with God is.

They're usually hard nosed, hard-hearted, mean-spirited, unkind, ungracious, unloving, unmerciful and the people who seem most like them are the Pharisees.

Oh, and I did read Matthew 12:36, James 1:26, and Colossians 4:6 and still thought it appropriate to make my comment.

When we discover the Church is full of tares, should our response be other than, "An enemy has done this"?

IMO, Joseph Prince is in the top of the top 5% of preachers in the world today.

Another absolutely excellent preacher is Dan Mohler, who led Todd White to the Lord. Searching those names together will get the right guys and watching and listening to anything you can find by them will be a blessing to all who know the fellowship of the Lord.

Jesus is so wonderful!

S
sermonindex

Where do people keep digging this up from?

G
ginnyrose

Everest, one can go to SI's home page and there on the top are links you can click onto. On the far right is a 'search' feature that uses Google to find whatever you are looking for.

I also noticed the initiator of this thread posted only once. Strange.

S
sonsigns

"The thing with the speaking in tongues (as Acts sets forth) is power. And God wants us to work in power. Dosn't get you to heaven (only accepting Christ does that), but it does make life so much better. Faith is now, Hope is in the future. I pray that through prayer and the Bible you find your answer".

Hmmm, Doesn't get you into Heaven?

Actually, God would not allow you to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with out being saved.

B
beatenpath

if anyone is for Christ then they are not against Christ!

end thread and lock/

J
jsjs

>>if anyone is for Christ then they are not against Christ!

Q
Questor

From listening to him for twenty or so hours, I have found that Prince has stepped away from the word of faith doctrine that teaches speaking those things that are not to gain what you believe for. He has said so specifically, that he is no longer a word of faith preacher in that sense in the last few weeks of sermons I have heard, and insists that all that he says is to be verified by checking the truth in the Bible, as any true Berean.

Since I have not heard any error in his teaching, I cannot judge Prince to be bad at his work. Indeed, his sense of humor is I think what leads many with no sense of perspective to take his spoken word more literally than is meant, and to the Western ear, Prince's heavily accented speech takes getting use to to hear all that he says clearly.

The man enjoys his job, and shows it, and greatly loves Yeshua, and shows that as well. He is unique in his presentation, but he preaches only grace by faith, not sowing and reaping prosperity!!! He believes in healing and regeneration to the point of joking about growing younger and stronger, that Adonai is more than able to do renew us to the point of a fully usable life, which is true
enough, though it takes great faith.

With Joseph Prince, it requires some effort to hear the man's sermons. I DVR'd some sixty days worth of his broadcast, and then watched the ten or twelve minute sermon segments together, which gives a lot clearer picture of what Prince believes and teaches.

Please, do your homework before judging anyone's walk or ministry.

J
Josef83

Deborah5769 >

I know a grace preacher here in my country.
He is very influenced by Joseph Prince.
This Guy is a world evangelist and hold big campaigns in Pakistan etc. (Im not saying his name)
He attacked that I posted videos with Tim Conway and Leonard Ravenhill.
His comment was that the wrath of God is not upon the sinner but already taken on the cross.
I see a error in that and a very dangerous doctrine.
The bible is clear that the wrath of God rests upon all the wicked sinner and thoose who do not belive in christ.
He also commented that the olden day revival preachers scared people to salvation by preaching hell fire and brimstone preachings.
And that I try to scare people into salvation.
Thats the fruit coming out from thoose follwing Jospeh Prince and his false gospel.

this is the video this guy attacked : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZdbsaYbjOg


S
sermonindex

Someone who has only ever made 2 comments on SI said some things a couple pages back about Rhema. I can only assume they mean Rhema Bible College. Kenneth Hagin's school.

Kenneth Hagin was the father of the Word of Faith movement. It is an unBiblical false movement, and Hagin was a deceived and deceiving false teacher.

It does not surprise me to see people defend Joseph Prince. This hit and run poster claims JP isnt anything like Osteen... yep, thats right. Osteen is easy to spot and his error is blatant. He really does not deceive true believers.

JP on the other hand, he is a new one in the devil's arsenal. Slick and very close to the truth, but far enough away to lead millions to hell.

To the hit and run poster; holding up your association with Rhema Bible College as proof that you are theologically and doctrinally sound and can therefore vouch for Joseph Prince is kind of laughable. I'm not trying to be mean at all... but that dog don't hunt.

Krispy

S
sermonindex

One more thing... the hit and run poster also claimed that Joseph Prince was not a false teacher because he uses the Bible to back up his preaching.

So?

...so do the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Joseph Prince does not use scripture, he misuses scripture. So does your beloved Rhema school.

Krispy

U
Unburdened

Dear brethren,

It is one thing to "discuss" about certain doctrine of one preacher, it is another to say he is going to hell and leading his congregation to hell. If you are not mature, at least be spiritually mature before you speak out against anyone appointed and/or anointed by God.

Don't judge to hell a pastor because he interprets the bible differently. I say this only once, we (including you) are all saved by the skin of our teeth, and not even by our own obedience. Don't be so proud and confident. Only faith in Christ's finished work saves. Other doctrines the Church(body of Christ) is still fighting it out. Tongues, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, immersion or sprinkle baptism, translations of the bible, style of worship, etc. We can all ask God one day which is right.

There is only one Gospel. It is that because of Jesus finished work, we are saved by grace through faith. And I believe that Jesus did a perfect work taking ALL our sins on Himself. If He did not, He would not be sitting at the right hand of God the Father. (Read Heb 10:2 & 12, and the whole chapter)

Also remember to rightly divide the Word using the cross as the reference point. Every wondered why the Church don't practice cutting off hands or plucking out eyes? Jesus said it. He said it to make the Jews of that day realize that without a Savior they were doomed. Don't quote verses out of there without understanding to whom, when, and what it is saying.

Finally, I attend New Creation Church and I have no idea what prosperity gospel or another gospel many here are saying? There is no such thing as a prosperity gospel, but where the Gospel goes, there it prospers. I further request all of you who post here to pray about it before posting. Pastor Joseph Prince has never mislead people into seeking God for wealth for lustful and selfish living. This is a link to a prayer during a sermon
http://www.4shared.com/audio/ZBb1jm-3/prayer_ncc.html
He says we are blessed not to be materialistic or greedy but to be a blessing to others. Any one who maintains their prejudice against this pastor obviously has not listened to more than 5 full sermons.

Many people who slam are amazing. I've heard and seen many youtubes excerpts that take him out of context. It's like quoting Jesus and telling non-believers to pluck out their eye if they lust coz Jesus commands it. and we all know that is out of context.

I say all this because many don't know what they are saying and are accusing without full facts or knowledge. Thank God He doesn't look at you with partial facts and knowledge. God knows all about you and still loves you.

S
sermonindex

Don't judge to hell a pastor because he interprets the bible differently. I say this only once, we (including you) are all saved by the skin of our teeth, and not even by our own obedience. Don't be so proud and confident. Only faith in Christ's finished work saves. Other doctrines the Church(body of Christ) is still fighting it out. Tongues, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, immersion or sprinkle baptism, translations of the bible, style of worship, etc. We can all ask God one day which is right.

Good point, however Prince and other WOF'ers do not teach Biblical salvation. They do not teach Jesus and nothing else... they teach Jesus and everything else. And when you get right down to it they teach works righteouness, and thats a fact. They teach "do do do... and God will give you favor".

It's works based salvation lite... but it's still works based salvation. Just extremely subtle.

Works based salvation is no salvation at all.

And thats a fact. I used to be caught up in that garbage. At that time I would have denied it too, so I fully expect you to tell me I am wrong.

Krispy

J
jimp

hi, half of you think i am nuts anyway and might be right but i see no fault in him.in countrys with an open bible you will see great prosperity (south korea) as opposed to closed bibles (north korea) are broke look at israel and how green it is and how it has prospered and the us and south africa and australia. look at china since revival has broken out in the homes of thousands, look at the revival in south america where the areas of revival hit the produce of the farmers became so large that it could only be the work of God as they prospered and stopped dying from alcoholism.i agree that some have profited with a lot of bad doctrine missusing the word but do not throw the kids out with the wash.jimp

J
jimp

dear carter,i could not agree with you more.even though i have been blest many times financially by God. i live to give and live in one room w/o a kitchen. len ravenhill was the one who showed me that the open bible brings a blessing on a nation.we in the us have been blessed so much that it has become our curse.jimp

S
sermonindex

jimp... I think there is some truth in what you say as it pertains to nations. In individual lives tho it is quite different. Generally speaking, in nations where there is much prosperity the church is fat and lazy and whorish.

Thats where America is right now.

If prosperity will do that to me... I dont want it. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?

Krispy

C
ccfreud2002

It's a great church where Gospel of Jesus Christ is taught and expounded well but I agree with most comments that the messages are received well because it emphasizes on wealth and health as easily obtainable through no dead works. While Pastor Joseph Prince may be correct, the many who listen and read his sermons may take the easy way out and he has no qualms about wrong belief because he emphasises that your belief should be scripturally correct. So one point, he says his messages are all of grace, the next says that you when listening to him must seek out your own "salvation" in understanding what he means and he's not responsible for your own folly! That's what he is! Hence I add that many of his leaders and followers are very shallow ! Why do I say that because I am led by some of the most arrogant and flamboyant leaders who think that they are right so long as they follow Pastor Prince's sermons and messages and DISREGARD any other pastors messages as being not right and not relevant! When I share on an issue like deliverance, the leaders run it down as being from pit of hell and that deliverance should never be practised in New Creation! So much for a church! Lest I commit more sin and I confess my limited knowledge of his good intentions and I ask God for forgiveness of my ignorance and not like others who ask Pastor Prince and his leaders for forgiveness less you get condemned by the church and by the leaders there! I seek the Wisdom of God and His Righteousness as from Jesus will I be led and not by any man, whether of God or otherwise because all man of God do one time or the other fall in the sin of Pride and Prejudice. Amen.

C
ccfreud2002

There is really nothing wrong with prosperity and health and other good things that Jesus Christ wants us to have! However to believe in them without really working for it, means you rest on shallow foundations of faith! Not On Jesus' faith! You look to the things NOT to Jesus! You look to Jesus for these things and not to JeSUS per se! How can you have what it says in Matthew 6:33

C
ccfreud2002

Every thing that a Pastor says "is it gospel truth?"
Tell me if you attend New Creation Church, why are rich tithers [NOT LEADERS] given special rows in front and always there without queue and without reservation but yet they are snobbish and arrogant towards other members in church! If you dont know that, see the fourth row (D) where there are so many people there that are NOT leaders but rich men and wives and their children and even third row : especially during first service! Why such a privilege to the rich tithers? Or are they relatives of church leaders that they are given those seats? These people come in late and they dont queue! Why are people given special audience to lunch and dine with Pastor Prince while many others dont even get to 1 foot from him?

B
BludBaut

Re: One more thing... the hit and run poster also claimed that Joseph Prince was not a false teacher because he uses the Bible to back up his preaching.

So?

...so do the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Joseph Prince does not use scripture, he misuses scripture. So does your beloved Rhema school.

(I apologize for not being sharp enough to know how to use the "Quote" feature.)

This is not true, friend. Though they falsely claim they believe the Scriptures, anyone who knows the Scriptures know they lie and deceive just like the Mormons. The one claim Jesus is the archangel, Michael and the other that Jesus and satan are brothers.

The Word, rightly divided, exposes all false doctrine, but we all "know in part," so we're ALL in the place of having and believing error. We should therefore be merciful in our judgment because we want mercy shown to us.

And taking a slap at Rhema without soundly and thoroughly presenting Biblical evidence will also be addressed below.

-------------------------

Unfortunately, what I rarely see recognized in a thread goes unnoticed in this one also. This is that all men of God "know in part" and err in their messages. I've been a Believer for 40 years and haven't seen an exception, though some men of God are very circumspect in their preaching and quite a bit must be heard by them before their errors are noticed. This circumspection is a good thing and under-appreciated.

Criticism is EASY. Every man of God and every denomination can be justifiably criticized and condemned if their errors only and short-comings are considered. Is that what we're supposed to do? Not according to Scripture.

That we all "know in part" is far weightier than is supposed. The humility it should inspire is dismissed for the pride of praising our favorite preachers and condemning those with whom we don't agree rather than giving due consideration to the Divine tension in contrary doctrines that is clearly and evidently God-ordained. God could have written His Word with ample support of the dogmatism that so appeals to most Christians, but He chose instead to tell us there is such a thing as wisdom and encourage us to get it, along with humility, discretion, moderation and meditation. Yet, where are the voices that recognize and exalt humility, prudence, discretion and love towards those with whom we disagree?

Why is love of the brethren valued far behind pointing out their errors? Because we're comparatively full of pride and empty of love. It is that simple. Imagine walking up to a gathering of friends to have one say, "Well, it's _____, whose errors include but are not limited to ______"? This is nowhere considered appropriate, yet to do it from a distance is a source of pride for us. "Joseph Prince has an audience of millions but I'm smarter and know correct doctrine better than he." Then tell us why God hasn't exalted you to the place of him. Or do you not believe Ps 75:6-7 belongs in your Bible?

We refuse to value Paul's admonition in 1Cor3, and fail to even grasp its full significance. For men to say, "I am of ..." acknowledges that they see a difference in the messages of different men. Any thoughtful consideration of the men of God in Scripture shows us they are all unique, even as they are also all alike.

Serious and holy meditation on these things shows that the criticism of MOST preachers is nothing more than a similar manifestation of the carnality which Paul addresses. The reality, attested by Scripture, is that EVERY man errs with his tongue, i.e. (for this example), every preacher preaches things wrong, out of balance, with the wrong focus or simply fails to teach and preach things that are important and valuable -- every one I've ever heard. So, should we criticize EVERYONE? Where would we get the time and how would we then obey Phil 4:8?

As Believers who believe in the New Covenant of *TWO* Commandments, love dictates that we bear with the preacher who errs (all of them), examine ourselves and our own doctrine, ask God for wisdom how to pray for them and recognize the unerring truth of Romans 2.

The body of Christ is greatly divided, not because of false preachers, as is claimed by so many, but by the carnality and lack of love, grace, wisdom and obedience to the Spirit and Word of God by those who falsely think they are "protecting the body" with their vile, unbelieving and unloving remarks towards the preachers and Believers with whom they personally disagree.

We should all be growing. If you believe the same thing in five years that you believe now, you are not growing. If you say you believe exactly the same thing now you believed five years ago, you have a hard heart and a deaf ear to God.

Jesus said the world would know us by our love for one another yet there is no more contention and strife to be found than in Christian forums (of course, my reference is "friendly" forums). There's something seriously wrong with this picture and it doesn't take a genius to figure it out yet the criticism of preachers and Christians "we don't like" (under they false charge of "they're teaching false doctrine" -- which is a charge that could honestly be leveled against our favorite teachers and preachers also) is, in truth, pride, lack of love, lack of wisdom and lack of the true knowledge of God.

Blessings to you and may you recognize the wisdom of God when you hear it.

J
joliboy11

I recommend these sermons on Grace:

Spirit of Grace and Power - Zac Poonen
http://media.sermonindex.net/4/SID4076.mp3


The Riches of His Grace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlv-SdYNRyc&feature=player_embedded

J
jimp

dear bb, wonderful post that full of grace and wisdom.jimp

B
becky74

Well I listen to pastor Prince.. guess what.. my life would be far from perfect,had an abusive husband, who got me into serious debt,functioning now kinda like an single parent. Suprising to hear all this comments about Pastor Joseph Prince being a prosperity preacher when all he taught me was that Jesus LOVES me.. wow was that enough!! Been a born again christian for years, prayed for the sick and demon posessed but ever since i know God loves me unconditionally, i just view him in a totally diffrent light.. i constantly get shivers and tingles down my body just hearing bout Him. I am not minting money but have NEVER lacked, the simple fact that He would give his son, his only son, the son he loved, and give him up GLADLY for ME. Wow! there right there is the answer to your every doubt and every question! I know Who holds the future and Who is holding my hand now.. like I said im not minting money, but even ppl are baffled as to how Im able to pay all my bills and have extra to give away and I also tithe my 10%, I even have live in help, my salary is among the highest in its bracket, I never prayed to be prosperous, I just learnt HE loves me. If my believing is wrong, then my life should somehow reflect this. But i love my life and I LOVE Jesus.. and each time i listen to Pastor Prince all i hear is HOW MUCH JESUS LOVES ME and i know that i can life without a lot of things but I CANT LIVE WITHOUT HIS LOVE. Its amazing how some people listen to him and all they hear is MONEY when all i hear is LOVE.

D
David01-72

well JP is kind of tricky, he does sound like he is preaching the Word but he does bring destructive doctrines secretly

2 Peter 2:1–3 "\tBut there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

God Bless

C
ccfreud2002

While he has preached Jesus and His Word that Joseph Prince is now famous. Many in USA, Europe, Australia do not know the workings of New Creation Church inside. I know because I have served in various ministries there.

Yes, The Senior Pastor, JP, preached Grace. Yet the administration personnel practise legalistic grace. What do you mean? If you serve, it must be because you serve out of love for Jesus. Hence if you serve, you must not question how the administrators insist of you {notice that they insist on you a lot - and no excuses}. If you make mistakes, they have no grace to forgive but to kick you out even if it's a simple mistake. The administrators shout and demands a lot. Here Joseph Prince preached before: Grace supplies and Law demands. See: the Administrators of NCC demands and you being servers Supplies out of Grace.

Then about care groups situation is not too rosy. Certain Pastor insists on certain place be removed because that certain pastor did not like the leader or the leader's family but he used a family situation saying that the child of the family will cause disruptions but no such thing ever happened. Is this grace? Yet when this was finally reported to Joseph Prince, he did not interfere but allowed the Administrators and that certain Pastor to have his say. Thus many care group members of that location were without any place until now; why? Because that certain pastor brought in Joseph Prince long time ago and somehow, respect was accorded to that pastor.

From the above incidents, do you think what Joseph Prince preaches have assimilated into the culture of New Creation Church, Singapore? Dont think so because now other pastors view the care group leader and family as traitors for airing complaints. So much for grace! Then again, to be fair, Joseph PRince is indeed anointed to preach the message of grace but do we account practice as important as the theory?

The rest of the pastors are not as anointed as Joseph Prince and the point is that when a man of God is so anointed, does it mean that such a man can make no mistakes? No! He's still in the flesh and I forgive him. Will the rest forgive him>? In our church, the rich and the powerful occupy 2nd front, 3rd front and 4th front rows in the main auditorium.
All other ordinary members who tithe less than a certain amount must queue for the entry tickets while these rich tithers can come in just before service because they have been alloted seats. That - is it grace?

C
ccfreud2002

Thank you for the messages.

C
ccfreud2002

I agree with you that one does not judge a preacher according to what he preaches. I would say, what he or his family practise is more important. I would say, what his other pastors and admin staff practise is equally important.
He wants everyone to be rich! For their own sake? or for the church's sake so that they could support the building of the S$500 million church in One North?
Those rich tithers get good seats, and given special audience with the pastors but other members? ..you guess. Joseph Prince actually said in the pulpit that he cannot be expected to fellowship with everyone and anyone in church. Those words mean a lot to a lot.

C
ccfreud2002

Do not borrow from another's testimony! Good to be inspired by good testimonies and good preaching like Joseph Prince. However, one has to read the bible herself to understand and get the revelations directly from God. It's an Open Heaven for all believers and you can download Revelations from Heaven and from Jesus as you call upon HIM JESUS to guide you as you read the Words of the Bible. They become alive when you get it directly from JESUS and you get miracles. You dont get miracles just copying another person or another preacher. You copy directly from JESUS through HIS ANOINTED WORD. Amen

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ccfreud2002

http://www.ibethel.tv/

C
ccfreud2002

http://www.ibethel.tv/products/index/free

J
JoshG

There is a difference between a deceiver, and someone who has been deceived. There is a difference between a wolf, and a sheep who has some wrong teachings... I don't know which one Prince is but I am choosing to interceded for him in prayer. He needs our prayers! Lets uphold him before God and believe that God will clean up his theology :)

E
endlessjoe

Thanks JoshG for resurrecting ds 4yr old thread. I find it very interesting. Never knew there was once such a discussion forum. Some years ago, I was deeply in love wt this our brother's teaching. Wouldn't ever miss his 30mins on Daystar wch always came either b4 or after Sister Meyer's. Surprizingly I wouldn't listen to Sis Meyer bcoz I couldn't connect wt her (may be due to her loquacity). I'd take time to go thru d comments over d years to learn more.

My initial interest in this brother's teachings were sparked off by something Derek Prince once said which I also heard d younger Prince say and that is "the law cannot put a man to death twice." I still believe this as a pure statement of fact. I'm not sure how to apply ds fact in terms but I exercise restraint when its interpreted to mean that as christians, our future sins are already taken care of, so we need not confess our shortcomings anymore. That sounds more like "once saved; forever saved." A teaching I dread more than malaria.

Bible said "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." And these two "sisters" must not be separated. I fear that the "grace" some brothers preached these days comes without her sister Truth. I think its her sister Truth that reminds us not to remain in sin that grace might abound. Her sister Truth told me that despite d extravagant grace of God, if my eye, hand or leg will stop me from entering into Eternal life, i must cut it off, since its better to enter into Life maimed than for my whole body to be complete and be cast into hell.

Truth also told me that "if God spared not d angels dat sinned, but cast them down to hell...", then that should as an ensample to me if I ever chose to live ungodly. Truth also told me that strait is d gate and narrow d way that leads to life.

Truth also told me that the "grace of God " which brings salvation which has appeared unto all men actually teaches them to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts and then to live soberly, righteously and godly in ds present world."

So I view with suspicion any teaching on grace that never teaches me to "deny ungodliness and worldly pleasure."

Having said that, I still love our dear brother though I find it an uphill task to sit down and give him half an hour. Moreover the position he and others like Joel Osteen shares relative to d present s piritual outlook makes it almost unnecessary to desire, pray and expect a Revival since "we can get it all made with a better understanding of God's love and grace."

God's richest blessings!

P
Peterfc

I think Hebrew 10:26-28 tells it clearly. Watch this documentary, which clearly tells, what the Spirit talks in you. Grace is power to perform. Not a hug; forgiveness for futural sins is not preaching of the Bible.

https://youtu.be/dtRVWeoNuvw

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