(MN: The following is an article posted by Neeci. She has graced the site with her insight on several other occasions.)
As I have delved into theology and its various aspects, I have heard many questions. One of these is, “How can Third World countries accept the health-and-wealth doctrine?” Well, if you didn’t know, it’s rather rampant in Third World countries. I was once part of the health-and-wealth band wagon when I was younger, but thanks to God, I was freed (and ended up being reformed. Didn’t see that coming. Wow.) This Christmas break, I had the chance to spend twelve days in Lagos, Nigeria with my mother. It was originally a month, and I couldn’t imagine going from church to convention, yelling and screaming. Well, God saw my anxiety, and after checking the family safe, I found my passports were expired. There was no Christmas with Mom, but there were also no anointed cloths either.
Nigeria is one of the most diverse, populated countries in the world. I often liken it to India, as it has over 1000 languages and various dialects. However, the Word of Faith doctrine has been ravenous there for over fifty years. It started with the Nigerian people wanting to worship God the way they wanted and there were also early influences like books by Wigglesworth and Hagin, and today there are thousands of WoF churches in each state. On December 29, I walked into Lagos, Nigeria, the place where I was raised. Due to jetlag, I was able to sleep one Sunday away, but I immersed myself in reading the Word, praying and indulging in R.C. Sproul’s Tabletalk Magazine. My mother and I talked a little about doctrine, and I offered her a book edited by Arthur Bennett - “The Valley of Vision”, a collection of Puritan prayers.
A few days later, my Tabletalk magazine ran out and it took me all the self-control in the world not to flip. I didn’t want any false doctrine devotionals! I finally found out I left it outside my box back in Texas, but I was still miserable.
Well, Friday soon rolled around and my mother took (or forced, depending on which way you looked at it) me to a vigil she went to once a month. It was titled “Holy Ghost Service”. I had been there many times while I was still in high school and the conditions there were horrible. The crowd was made up of thousands of people and the air was rank with body odor, sewage and clogged toilets.
These people were here to receive blessings of the material nature. As I sat down with my mom, seeing the stares of women thinking “Why isn’t her head covered? Worldly girl!” I bowed my head, praying “Lord, help me not to be judgmental and help me see things through Your eyes.” There was a praise section in the service that dragged on forever. When the General Overseer of the church came on the platform, he directed us to kneel. Here were a few of the prayers we were told to pray:
· “Lord, help me this year!” My thoughts: How? When you mean help, do you mean help in mortifying sin? Help in witnessing? Yes, God knows our innermost thoughts, but this irked me.
· “Lord, let this year be a year of favor and blessing!” My thoughts: Quoi? (What?) Please come again. Life doesn’t go as we please. It goes as God sees fit , He’s sovereign, not us.
· “Lord, strike down my enemies! I rebuke ___” My thoughts: I thought Jesus said we should pray for our enemies (He didn’t say anything about the spiritual kind). In Jude, when Michael fought with the devil, even he didn’t rebuke the snake. *Sigh*
· “Lord, let this year be a year of signs and wonders!” My thoughts: I believe in miracles. I’ve been healed quite a few times, but God heals as He pleases.
The pastor started making very vague prophecies like “Someone here will be very rich!” “Someone here will know no pain!” “Someone here will be so blessed he or she will have to look up to God and say ‘Ah, it’s too much!’” as well as some Nigerian political prophecies like “The corrupt leaders will not be in office”. I left for the car with my cousins, but I know he closed with a vague gospel message: “If you haven’t given your life to Christ, come out. Jesus promises heaven. Yes, fill out that form so that angels can visit you in your house.” Erk.
While I’m waiting to see how his political prophecies go, the rest were stating the obvious. It’s just like saying California would experience earthquakes. Duh. I mean, there were thousands there. The ironic thing is that these people come every first Friday of the month, claim their blessing and come back next month. The church holds a “convention” and “congress” as well, so even more people come there. The ministry hosts John Hagee, Benny Hinn and other TBN faces. Other mega-ministries host Mike Murdock and others.
In fact, TBN has been watched so much in Africa, they have their own TBN Africa. It looks like TBN is moving along with MTV, since both of them have stations in the continent. The only books sold in Nigerian Christian bookstores are self-help and Word of Faith. The music selection is fairly O.K., but most of it reflects the doctrine of the people.
As I said earlier, there are so many churches it’s quite some craziness traveling down the roads. Some have bought billboards on the major highways advertising an incomplete gospel e.g., “Hell is real! Turn to Jesus now!” Others have resorted to banners like the picture below:
(MN: the picture has to be resized. Click here to see it. I will resize tonight.)
My photography skills are poor, so bear with me. However, it is a sample of what you see “under the bridge”. For most Nigerian Christians, the phrase “denial of self” doesn’t exist. The mentality is, “God will please self”. After reading some of the book that I gave her, my mom exclaimed, “Why do they keep on saying they will give up riches and blessings to serve God? I want to serve God and receive my blessings too.”
That second, I woke up. I needed to pray for my mother more often and pray for the church she attended. If it were God’s will that sound doctrine entered the church, so be it. If its 50-something years of history were destroyed, so be it. I started praying for my mother harder than I ever had , even more than I did for my unsaved father.
My last exposure to Word of Faith in Nigeria was the Sunday before I left. I felt like I was in an astrological summit or something kooky like that. It was January 7 and the pastor kept on going on about how “today is the third day of resurrection and the seventh day, when we rest and let God bless us.” I was stumped. He only gave reference to Genesis 2, and then continued preaching without giving the Word a second look. Since my mother was a minister, people kept on coming over to me asking “How is America?”, “Do you go to our church there?” and “Did you like the service?” The answers: “It’s OK”. “No”. “Yes” (Dishonesty sucks.) However, I was mentally done. I had taken my mental notes and I was ready to leave. I was grieved whenever I prayed.
The Christianity of my adopted home was not based on denial to Jesus, picking up crosses, witnessing or sound doctrine. These people had their ears tickled and wouldn’t listen to anyone else. I remember the blank look of my mother when I told her about John Piper, John MacArthur, my church pastor and a number of other expository teachers.
Nigerian Christianity is mainly Word of Faith and it is in its own bubble. It’s sad, but I question the salvation of the people. Did they all come to Christ for the wrong reasons? If their gospel is so great, why is there evangelistic lethargy? Why is self-help part of their doctrine , I thought it was God-help? These are all rhetorical questions. All I can say is, Nigerian churches need to be swept clean and built again. We need a Reformation.
Very well written. I have come to the conclusion that Christianity, to some, is the new welfare. People enter into Christianity expecting so much in return for so little. Sowing the Word of GOD to one’s spirit is sorely lacking. GOD promised us the Gift of Eternal Life. That, and that alone, is awesome. Praise GOD!!!I eat, I am clothed, and have a roof over my head. Praise GOD!!! The Word of GOD healed me from mental chaos. Praise GOD!!! I am glad that I am no longer frustrated with GOD because I know that I am blessed beyond measure. The false hope and false sense of security that is prevalent in WoF doctrine has created an entire generation of Saints that are slothful, greedy, and hell-bound. GOD is so easy to love. His Laws are so easy to follow. His word is so easy to understand. What’s the problem?
Hey Melvin and All,
I have a Sister in the Lord who lives in Ibadan Nigeria and she is a superb woman of God. From what I gathered, she told me that most, if not all, of the corruption in her country stems from American Gov’t leaders and corporations looting the people and their resources since the 1970’s. Now our televangelists are picking the crumbs that were left over.. What a shame that our fellow countrymen oppress the poor, uneducated folks in Third World countries. These men will give account for setting “stumbling blocks” for the well meaning people in Africa, I really do believe this because it’s in His Word. It just blows my mind that these “so called” men of God can take a commission such as “Go, and preach the Gospel to the world..” and use it to fleece these newby Christians???? For all of you out there, I have a great promise that I use in these instances where wicked people are oppressing my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. It comes from the Book of Job, chapter 5 verses 12 and 13. I simply ask my Heavenly Father to disarm, defeat a frustrate the wicked devices of my(or their)enemies so their hands cannot perform their enterprise. I am not asking the Lord to harm these wicked people, only asking Him to deal with their WICKED DEVICES. It works every time for me, I have seen the Lord intervene in every circumstance that I have asked Him to help. It may not be the way I figured Him to resolve it, but in His sovereignty He does give relief to the victim(s). Another great scripture is Psalm 107:20, “He sent His Word, healed them and delivered them from destruction”. A pretty inclusive promise.. Anyway, I hope this helps some or all of you in some way???
God Bless You All!!
buckstah
Dear Neeci,
My dear sister in Christ. I know of your concern and desparation in reference to your family and your country’s lack of zeal for the truth of God. When I visit my family which is not quite so far away but far away enough to where Yehovah can grow me……I relate so well to your observations of people who don’t seem to be growing up.
Since you do believe that God is Soveriegn and distrubutes weath and knowlegde as he pleases, then why don’t you trust Him for the understanding that your people needs. It is all a part of His plan……… to show Himself like he did to the children (slaves) of Isreal and Pharoh.
I personally can not blame the Nigerians or many other African persons for wanting wealth or at least desiring to come out of the pit of poverty, if their meetings are as desperate as you and destitute as you say they are.
Can you blame them really?
Is it there fault that they are not being taught the
Word of God. Hirelings are running rampate and snaring every person who owns an extra dollar in their pockets. I don’t blame the people for wanting material wealth when on average a native African (in most cases) do not have meager needs like food, decent clothing and fresh water. Even if this is not the norm in Nigeria, which I am sure it is, can you really blame them. You must have come to America for a good reason yourself. Perhaps you wanted to improve your quaility of life. Why do you live to America and do you plan to stay?
Yes, God is soveriegn and he sent His only Son that we may be saved. Salvation by the greek definition and in context of entire scripture does not simply mean just going to heaven and missing hell. In every aspect of our lives we are to experiece salvation. Provision, Health, understanding etc. Yes,He wants your dear people to grow in grace not be as rich as the President. But I tend to think it is a little different for a Native Nigerian to want their quality of life to improve as oppossed to an average American citizen. They are being exploited and used by the One World and local governments for oil. Witchcraft is also very prevalant there…..is it not?
With all of the lack of understanding that you have wittnessed in Nigeria can you compare it to the unwilligness of American’s to learn. American Christians
have chosen to be ignorant willingly. And because of that God has chosen their delusions.
The scripture teaches us to be content with whatsoever state we are in. Paul learned how do all things through Christ…he learned how to have AND to suffer lack.
However, I do tend to disagree that we should want others to not want to improve their quaility of life when our own is so much more priviledged.
We the people of God have greater tools than they that are of the world. For the Word says Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the World. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God…..we are able to pull down the strong holds of ignorance,division and greed. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO WIN OUR PEOPLE OR TO WIN THIS RACE. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!
Does any one know how?
Does anyone know the way?
Please respond.
“Is it there fault that they are not being taught the
Word of God. Hirelings are running rampate and snaring every person who owns an extra dollar in their pockets. I don’t blame the people for wanting material wealth when on average a native African (in most cases) do not have meager needs like food, decent clothing and fresh water. Even if this is not the norm in Nigeria, which I am sure it is, can you really blame them. You must have come to America for a good reason yourself. Perhaps you wanted to improve your quaility of life. Why do you live to America and do you plan to stay?”
Lynn, i don’t think that is what Neece is saying. No matter what excuses you make, the situation is still that her family and those that are close to her are caught under the trap of false doctrine. Therfore she will be, and should be, concerned like anyone of us would be. Though you can’t blame them entirely, when God judges them they will still be held accountable. And to be perfectly honest the same case you are making about the Nigerians is the same case here in America. Sure, we may be more advaced in technology, but many people are ignorant because they were taught incorrectly. Then you have those who are willingly ignorant, as you have stated. The same condition in Africa is he same condition here in America, Europe, China and abroad. The issue is that there are false prophets that prey on the needs of the people and use that anxiety and or covetousness, to their advantage for financial gain.
Lynn, it’s okay. I’m human, young (going on 17 - let’s just say naive) and I’m definitely flawed. I do not blame the Nigerians or any citizens of Third World countries, but I do blame the pastors who wake up everyday saying they have a vision from God, pushing TBN and heretical books.
I live in America because I was born here. I’m a New York resident, currently going to school in Texas. My parents also urged me to school here because the universities in Nigeria are corrupt. My future career is forensics, and if it is God’s will, then I stay in America. If not, then back to my adopted hometown of Lagos.
About Nigeria’s quality of life…it is better than, say, that in Rwanda. The only problem is the corrupt government there, which uses the money for gold toilet seats in jet planes or the late First Lady’s plastic surgery exploits. Before I was born, in the 60’s and 70’s, 1 naira was the equivalent of a dollar. Now, it’s 135 naira to a dollar. The Nigerian economy is 135 times worse than it used to be. I should have addressed this in my article, and I apologize for that.
I agree with your view on contentment. But Third World countries cannot become developed overnight. It took the States about 231 years to become what it is today - it took the U.K. centuries more. I agree with improving quality of life, but until the Nigerian church’s view of God is no longer distorted, then the country will remain how it is. What separates Nigeria from other Third World countries is the corruption. The Nigerians in power wanted to be as rich as the British, so they used whatever means. And look at us now.
Well, I have been praying for Nigeria, and will continue. Action has to come, though. I don’t know when, but I’ll seek God’s will. He knows best.
“You must have come to America for a good reason yourself. Perhaps you wanted to improve your quaility of life. Why do you live to America and do you plan to stay?”
Let me interject for my sister here in saying that Neec is in school. Her Father is/was an African diplomat. Despite what we see on discovery channel, not all Africans live in filth with orange hair and large stomachs.
Let me also say that if in fact Neec were deathly poor, false doctrine is false doctrine. Everyone is responsible for learning the truth and whether you have a lot or a little, mixing witchcraft, ‘god’ the genie, and feel-good self-help messages are damnable.
please forgive me neeci for saying that you were desperate ……i just reviewed my post and that was a typo. you do not sound desparate ….except for truth.~~
MN: Again, the right-hand side bar is off (?) and does not begin until well past “Seeker Friendly or Jesus, the Carney Man.” Could it be my server or cookies, or somthin’ else? Have a great day! B
(MN: Either change your font size or dump MS Internet Explorer and go to Firefox )
hi beryle, the same thing has happened to mine also. the page was off centered and the side bar started waaay at the bottom- but i just downloaded firefox and everything looks normal. i was using internet explorer but it happened on aol as well.
MN and Mrs. Maverick: Thanks for the tip!
Lynn, it seems to me that the Nigerians can read the Word for themselves as well. The doctrine of WOF isn’t that difficult to reject if one reads the Word for themself. They can do so in Nigeria.
As for the “quality of life” issue……..nothing wrong with wanting improvement. Which, of course, would come sooner were they not supporting these pimps with money they can’t spare.
The Nigerians are as willingly ignorant as the Americans……they just lack the American arrogance.
GaryV,
Very well said! It is all in the Word. We must study God’s Word…..period, no mattter who you are. The problem is the pimps know that the saints are not studying God’s Word and they do not want you to. Because then your eyes will be open to the Truth. God’s Word is Truth (Jesus). Studying means spending quailty quiet time with the Lord in prayer and His Word. Really it is something you do when you want to get to know someone you love. You spend time with them in conversation and outings, and then things are revealed about the person and you get to know them a little better. In God’s case He knows all about us and He wants to reveal Himself to us as well. If we love God we should want to spend time getting to know Him. It is all in the WORD! Our lives literally depends on it.
Blessings,
BK
Excellent post Neec! I remember you calling me after you went to that church. I hope that change does come for Nigeria or at least your mom. Maybe when she comes here you can take her to Plumbline with you.
God bless sis!
Truth of God,
I am not sure that it sounds like i am making excuses for people who perhaps live in huts and do not have running water in their homes. people who do not have (from my first hand knowledge,,,,not including t.v.)enough food and who’s family are constantly exploited. It is hard to understand or symphathize with these conditions and I know why they desire more even though they should be thinking along other lines like getting closer to God through His Son Yehowshua Christ the Messiah.
However, God Himself had to teach me.
For example.I went to prophets and got words of knoweledge and wisdom when I did not know how to trust God to feed me and my family and to pay my bills.
Then when he blessed me to get the things that were prophecied to me, I almost immediately stopped doing what it took to get the blessings that He gave me. I stopped praying. I read the bilble listened to Christian music and fellowshiped but I stopped praying.
Well God had to teach me a lesson about how easy it really is to thrive outside of the vine. My blessing withered away.
Many years later, I have learned through growing in grace that nothing is more important than seeking the Kingdom of God. All these things will be added unto you.Only when God is ready for one to enjoy “these things”.
Now though, My God knows that I want Him more than I want the things. He knows those that are His and will not loose one of them. He will teach everyone of His own, even those people who are in Nigeria and even here in America……Although you may have noticed there isn’t much time left.
I have to admit that even I had itching ears at one time in my life. Thanks be to God, He brought me out of apostasy now live by faith…….. and not try to manipulate God into operating according to my faith.
There is nothing wrong with “Word of Faith” teachings. However, the question should be….. what is it really.
Does not the blble say the just shall live by faith and that without faith it is impossible to please Him.
I believe like most of you that faith is trusting God for one’s life ……..not demanding that God provides one with a lifestyle.
I would however, appreciate it if someone would answer my question.
How do we will win this race set before us?
With all of the wars and rumors of wars and threats of total annialation against our land , who will stand?
Am I asking the wrong question for this blog?
If the pimps and the victims alike are going to face these adversities and the scripture says that if the righteous barely escape where shall the sinner and ungodly appear(?) then can we really afford so much time anymore doing anything else, except to cry out before an Almighty God or should we just continue to concern ourselves with the condition of the church.
“I believe like most of you that faith is trusting God for one’s life ……..not demanding that God provides one with a lifestyle.
I would however, appreciate it if someone would answer my question.
How do we will win this race set before us?”–Lynn
Matthew 6: 25-34 (TNIV):
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I focus on constantly building up my spirit through prayer, studying the Word of GOD, and being brutally honest with regard to my shortfalls. Christianity has truly built my self-esteem through the application of GOD’s Law in my life. The Word of GOD strengthens and nurtures my spirit. I give no thought to food, clothing, or shelter because those needs are met. Being materially wealthy is not my goal in life. The more I sow to my spirit, the closer my relationship with GOD. That is the reward I reap. I trust Him in every area of my life. When I fail to put in the time and effort to further my knowledge of GOD, I become anxious and I worry. The “welfare mentality” and “get-rich-quick” pitches are running amuck in houses of worship. I hear all kinds of heresy in houses of worship nowadays. Recently, the most absurd one was when a preacher told a yong man that GOD has given him a “job anointing.” The “Pastor” (a female) told the young man that GOD had given him a “job anointing” in human resources to help people get jobs. Anyone ever heard of such an anointing? I don’t want to speak against something without having all of the information. I just have never heard of such an “anointing.”
Lynn, i haven’t been to Nigeria but i’ve met alot of Nigerians here in America and they all appear to be very intelligent and aware of the current events. Thats what i meant when i said that Nigerians are in the same condition as anyone else in the world. From my understanding not all Nigerians or Africans, for that matter, live in huts or live in the forest. Therefore they have access to a Bible and they have the mental capacity to understand it just like us in the States.
Though i am sympathetic to the situation in that region, specifically the corrupt government, and the conditions in certain areas. Those that are exposed to the gospel are held responsible to seek truth no matter what condition you are in. Its just unfortunate that you have these “men of God” with no conscience, that are willing to distort the Gospel and divine prophecy at the expense of these people.
We have to be Berean about anything that anyone teaches concerning the word of God . Acts 17:11
You ever wonder why none these teachers are ever attacked or anything of that nature because Pagans see them as not a threat………..
Czarina,Sloooow down. I am well aware that Nigereans and many other Africans are not in third world conditions with orange hair and swollen bellies. It is offensive if not blantant hatred to continue to poor these images of the people of this continent even though they should not be victims of this such. My dear brother, (who preached the Word with authority) from college was Liberian. Many,many miles away……..Another man here from Nigeria who has delivered the Word to me and my family and has shown us things that would have been impossible to learn in ‘church’ and is my families best friend is again from Nigeria. We have been friends for 16 years now and he is a chemical engineer who makes more money than most people in his peer group. In fact he just blessed my family with three top line vacations free of charge and he frequently blessed us this way.
However, maybe there are some things that I need to learn about Africa. I am especially intriqued when I hear topics concerning what many blacks view as “the mother country”. (I do not neccessarily hold these views. My citizenship and loyalty is in heaven). My brother in Christ…. from Nigeria shared information with me over the holidays as we had dinner with his family. He basically shares the same sentiments as you all state about the people of his country. They have to take resposiblity for themselves and their lack like anyone else. However, I am deeply concerned….. I stated before……remember…..not all Africans live in poverty and “Africa was not always the way it is now” How can the richest country in resources and oil become the poorest on the globe! How can powerful kingdoms and governments be overunned by British, German, and Americans and never seem to recover but only get worse.
Yes, there are many prosperupous people there. My own sister in law also blessed my family with many gifts over the holiday season. . Thanks to her (an Ethiopian Woman) my children were able to go “christmas”shopping”……even though we do not formally celebrate christmas. Mind you I have never met her face to face and she did this. She owns her own business . She is from a well to do family in Ethiopia….and I am aware that Ethiopia is and industrialized country.
Maybe it sounds like I am generalizing here like all of Africa is one place when it is not but someone need to wake up and ask questions like “why do major oil companys not pay African citizen substantial livings as they do American citizens”. “Why is there so much gold, diamonds and many other underground minerals that are producing vast wealth for American but not being distrubuted properly.
I don’t think it is fair to make assumptions that one is saying something when they are not. I know that we do not know each other and have no clear idea of who we are talking to so we cannot possibly know everything point that a person is trying to relay by internet.
However, I can only talk about what I know and have heard. If indeed the crusade mentioned in Nigeria wreak
with body oder and untreated sewers than Nigeria Americans just may be a little more desparate than American “christians” therefore it would be ubsurd for them to be arrogant. When was the last time any of you attended a crusade or anything with such conditions.
The pimps are doing there job. Decieving and being decieved. The scriptures said they would do these things in the last days. What is our job. The bible says that if you have the good of this world and say unto your brothers be warm and fed then the love of God does not dwell in you. I am trying to evoke an awarness that so many Americans don’t have. Compassion. This coming from me says allot. I have never been the mushy qushy type to pour out love and affection and use “love” as a matyr type thing. But if any one can truly think that it is just that easy for anyone living under such oppression to just pick up a bible and learn then at least we should include them in our prayers daily and if possible offer a hand if possible. People perish for a lack of knowledge. Knoweledge is out there but in the Acts the Eunich told Phillip that he did not understand what he was reading and he could not hear without a preacher. It is my prayer that God will someone will teach His sheep that they may grow in grace
Neeci for someone who is 17 you are quite intelligent and many and I am very impressed with your insight at such a young age. I wish that I had been where you are at 17.
You are right it took about 231 years for America to build. It also took about that much time for native African’s (not all….again, not all) to be stripped of there wealth.
How many Americans can say that?
I will give this a rest now.
Thanks Julia for your response on taking no thought for our lives. It was beautiful.
the past”Anoynomous” post is me lynn.
If I make any more future comments, I will take the time to view them more carefully.
“than Nigerian Americans must be more desparate than Americans” is a typgrphical error. Please disregard this statement.
Native Nigerians attending a crusade in such conditions are more desparate than Americans. I and most of you have never been through anything like that.
However………let’s not forget about the Katrina victims in the Super Dome. I am told it was Hell on earth.
Now that I am thinking about it.
Desparation is much closer than I realized.
God save your people.
Your right Lyyn,
When you look at the dark cloud that is over our churches and the tunnel of darkness in which leadership is operating in and as a result how powerless the church has become we are in a state of desparation. The judgement of God is upon the church and it’s blinded (by choice) leadership as never before.
Remember we are saved to serve God and God alone
Be Blessed
Neeci, great insights! I just got back from Nigeria I had a similar experience with my family members especially my younger brother. I couldn’t get myself to attend any church while I was there since I didn’t want to be too bitter and critical. I listened to quiet a few messages while I was there; I couldn’t but thank God enough for opening my eyes to understand his words. I could’ve been in the same position had God not brought me to the states. I am not any special or different than those guys I thought. I also said to my self why did God make it possible for me to be living here in the states? You see I did not deserve it at all….I do not believe it is because of any good that I’ve done but only God’s absolute Grace.
Anyways, my main aim of writing is that the WOF Gospel has taken deep roots in Nigeria….I could remember on about four occasion sharing the word with a couple of people for the two and half weeks I was there. One of the guys I reached out to spoke in tongues….I took him straight to the bible and showed him what scriptures had to say. He seemed to understand every word I said, he even agreed with what the bible said to that effect but would not let go of his prior understanding….. So what am I trying to get at? We need many more Reformed minded expository preachers/missionaries in Nigeria. I’m sure there are some out there but it just seems all they are bombarded with is TBN type shallow gospel which is no Gospel at all!
Once again Neeci thanks for your
Super Pimp Benny Hinn Exposed, Again….
When it comes to pimping from the pulpit Benny Hinn is a king. He claims the King of Glory, while actually siphoning people’s pockets.
Someone has taken the time to upload one of the many documentaries exposing this false prophet, lying charla…
I FEEL A SERMON COMING ON:
Where my Dawgs at?
Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
The word dawg is derived from the rap song entitled, “Where my dawgs at?” written by the rap artist DMX. Dawg is used to characterize close
associates, homies, or those group/clicks that run in packs and support one another in pursuit of their greed. The rappers are promoting its filthy lyrics, degrading women, glorifying materialism, and calling on another dawgs and the N word at the expense of destroying our communities.
The 21st century church, consisting of the Word of Faith movement, self promotion, motivational speaking, mega churches, prosperity teachings, “name it and
claim it”, Rev Ike, Jim Jones; even our local ministries, we are breeding new dogs (ie. TV evangelists, BET late night/early morning) running in packs preaching and teaching the prosperity doctrine out of context simply to “make merchandise of the people.” Jesus said, “upon this Rock I will build my church…” He did not say, I will build my church on a jet, Benz, and
mansions of the world. Leadership must discern that our communities and churches are being destroyed because we are blindly chasing the “filthy lucre” and compromising with the world by using the word dawg in and around our churches.
The Body of Christ must REPENT because this materialism and covetousness gospel is dangerous and leading folks to hell. The prophet Isaiah, in the
text, prophesied that the leaders of Israel were blind to every danger. Apathetic about their people’s needs, they were more concerned about satisfying their own greed. Leadership’s special privileges can cause the
leader either to sacrifice for the good of his people or to sacrifice his people for his own greed. If you are in leadership position, use it for the good of your people. Teach the sheep by example. Teach them how to live
right instead of how to become a consumer. Living right consists of each one teach one, discipleship, evangelizing, encouraging education, faithfully
going to work, give of your time, talent, and treasure, saving for retirement, and spending within your means. Attend bible study and prayer meetings (fast/pray) regularly so God can use you to rebuke the dogs and disciple the sheep.
Heavenly Father, we repent of our sins as well as the modern day spiritual leaders sins of greed and covetousness. We thank you for being our Lord and
Savior. Your word says, “be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing our minds…” In the name of Jesus, we ask that
you renew our minds and give us POWER to pray daily, obey your word, worship you in spirit and truth, evangelize the world, and rebuke anything not like
God. Amen.
BE A LEADER- “Rebuke the dogs and disciple the sheep”
Brother Duke
Only in Africa???
Latin America is FULL of this doctrine, and now we export much to North America, Asia and Europe.
Well you’re right about that. The man who has claimed he is THE AntiChrist and then claimed he is Jesus Christ came from Latin America and has worked his way up.
When a Univision network in South America aired just one of his broadcast, it was their highest rated slot on record.