Prophecy

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There is a proverb that speaks of a discussion resulting in one party either, “…rages or laughs, and there is no rest.” (Proverbs 29:9, New American Standard Bible)

Unfortunately, that is the reaction I have noticed in response to some postings of questions about megachurch pastors or the comments of their wives. When a person either laughs or rages, that indicates they are defensive or unaware regarding the topic being discussed. People either say, “Ha! They are so phony! Who buys into that stuff?” or “You shouldn’t be so critical and judgmental. He has the gift of encouragement. Some people benefit from his teaching.”

It seems, when discussing Biblical truths, a person should not rage or laugh, finding no middle ground. The only valid example might be if the person is an unbeliever who is experiencing conviction. Discussing Biblical truths among mature Christians should not result in rage or defensiveness. People should not defend megachurch preaching against sound doctrine and get mad at other Christians over the argument. The test should be whether the teaching is scriptural.

Truthfully, I had not paid much attention to the megachurches until recently when a pastor’s wife made a statement that went viral on the social media networks. I remember my grandmother used to listen to Norman Vincent Peale and read his book, the Power of Positive Thinking. As a young Christian I thought, “That seems innocent enough. I mean, why not think positively?”

Along came Robert Schuler and his Crystal Cathedral (10,664 windows). He sold individual plaques for $2,500 so people could memorialize a loved one (An estimated 1,800 stones would net $4,500,000). He died, his son tried to sustain the organization for a while. Recently the building has been purchased, out of bankruptcy by a Catholic diocese. I used to say, “It’s common for man to build a memorial to himself and pass along the organization to his son.”

We also heard of the “prosperity preachers” in the 70’s and 80’s with their famous four step formula: 1) Name it – Speak it into being; 2) Frame it – Visualize and do it; 3) Claim it – Receive it; and, 4) Proclaim it – Tell it so others may believe. I always felt uncomfortable with people following a spiritual formula to reach prosperity or accomplish any task. To me, it seemed the practice was a form of idolatry, witchcraft and satanic ritual, even if the practitioner thought it was safe and not spiritual, kind of a “white magic.”

We heard of the sex scandals of some of the famous televangelist ministries and the death of Kenneth Hagen and Tammy Baker. I and thought these fads would pass. I used to be amused when people would mention a certain “smiling preacher with a southern drawl asking for your money.” I thought, “Surely, people can see through that.” Then, with the statement, by his wife, that worshipping in church is for you, to make you happy; I became concerned and began to do some research. I learned that about 45,000 people attend that church each week with millions watching at home. A megachurch is one in which you watch on TV or spend more time getting into and out of the stadium than listening to the concise 30 minute talk you go to hear.

Over time, we should come to the realization that there is one method and motive for Christian worship and service: He is God and we are not. That said, what are the concerns or dangers resulting from megachurches? The dangers range from distracting entertainment to outright heresy, leading to the apostasy – the great falling away from the faith.

Paul warns Timothy, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron…” (I Timothy 4:1-3, NASB)

Paul also said, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to fables.” (II Timothy 4:3&4)

Here is an example. Just this week the preacher said, “”God said in Numbers 11:23, ‘Moses, is there any limit to My power?” He was saying, ‘Moses, you saw Me part the Red Sea, stop the sun for Joshua, keep three Hebrew teenagers safe in a fiery furnace, don’t you realize that I can bring water without rain?’ There is no limit to God’s power.”

What is wrong with teaching about the power of God? Are we talking about Jehovah, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? Or are we speaking of just a “gawd?” The inaccuracy: Joshua was appointed to be the successor of Moses when Moses died. The described incident did not occur until Moses was dead. Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego had not been born yet. It reveals the lack of disciplined Bible study on the part of the pastor. Did anybody from the congregations hold the pastor accountable?

Does a verse exist in the Bible where man is allowed to speak anything into being? That role is reserved for God. There is a place where positive confession has results. James instructs, “Therefore, confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16, NASB)

The power is from God, not the confession or the person doing the praying. How would people confess their sins and pray for one another in a church of 45,000 “members” or watching with a couple of million people on television? Believers are told to use discernment. Paul says, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (I Thessalonians 5:21&22, NASB)

John warned, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone into the world.” (I John 4:1, NASB)

So, if what you hear and see does not match the scriptures and attempts to draw people away from God for personal gain, point it out. Do not suffer such people. You are not being critical and judgmental. Ask, “Does the Bible support this practice?”

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Find all of Jerry Slauter’s FaithWriters articles.

About the Author:

Jerry is a retired school teacher who loves to spend time with his family, including children and grandchildren. He published Woodcutter’s Revival in 2012 and plans to release the sequel, Fine Line, in 2014. He likes to travel and speak about writing and the topics of his writing and research. He works in his wood, leather and metal shops at home. Writing aligns well with his passion of reading and research. Jerry is available to speak in schools and churches or conferences and seminars.

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