A Survey of the Old Testament Law----- "You Shall Not Steal" (part 2)

One excuse that some thieves make is this: that the victim either left their front door unlocked or they forget and left their keys in their car. In fact, in a stroke of “genius”, the Tennessee Court of Appeals just recently ruled that a woman was responsible for a car thief crashing her car and injuring other people. Knoxville News Sentinel, 12/10/10—

“The Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision to dismiss a lawsuit against the city of Murfreesboro and its police department over a wreck that involved a fleeing stolen vehicle that crashed with a car carrying three people. But the higher court reversed a decision by the circuit court of Rutherford County and said the suit against a man who left the keys in the car before it was stolen should continue.”

Uh, no. It is not the car owner’s fault if someone steals their car—whether they left the keys in it or not! The only fault lies with the thief. One person at the Knoxville New Sentinel website hit the nail on the head—

“Just because keys are left in a vehicle is not an open invitation to steal what does not belong to someone else. The thief still has to take what does not belong to them in order to possess the car long enough to do the damage this thief did, and the thief is solely responsible for their actions. The thief is the one that broke the law and crashed into an auto carrying three other people.”

Just like dropping that $20 bill on the sidewalk. It’s not yours—leave it alone!


As we talked about last week, tax collectors—or as the KJV says, “publicans”—tax collectors in Jesus’ day would make the IRS look like a charitable organization. They would collect not only the taxes that the Roman government ordered, but they would impose their own “taxes” on the people, and collect above and beyond what the Roman government demanded. So when John the Baptist was baptizing in the wilderness, it says in Luke 3:12-13—12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." John was not telling them to not collect taxes. He was telling them to only collect what the Roman government required. Now, while we’re talking about taxes, let’s talk about taxes. People who are required by law to pay taxes—if they do not pay their taxes, they are stealing. There is a famous incident where the Pharisees test Jesus about the issue of taxes. Mark 12:13-15—13 Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. 14 When they had come, they said to Him…“Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” That is what a lot of people ask these days. “I don’t think I should pay taxes, so I just don’t pay them.” Or they get paid in cash “under the table” so there’s no evidence. The tax that is in question was called the “Head Tax”—once a year, the head of the family was to pay one day’s waged to the Roman government. Now, think about the mindset of the Pharisees. There was a tiny speck of truth in their opposition to paying this tax. After all, this was one way that pagan Rome paid for the construction of temples to pagan gods, and it also supported the very Roman army that was oppressing them. So, they had kind of a good reason for not wanting to pay it.


BUT—this wasn’t the reason they posed this question to Christ. Look back at Mark 12:13—Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. They took this legitimate concern and used it as a way to try and trip Jesus up in His own words. But, Jesus let them know that we are to submit to all government, and says this about taxes, Mark 12:15-17—15 But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it." 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Depending on your translation it may say “denarius” or “penny” or “copper coin.” At any rate, what they brought him was a coin which was equivalent to one day’s wage at that time.


Look at that little phrase—“Render unto Caesar That which is Caesar’s.” Jesus is saying “That denarius belongs to Caesar—so give it to him.” Now, if Jesus commanded His people to pay what the government of a wicked government like Rome commanded, then we have no excuse for saying “Well, yeah but the taxes I pay go to programs I don’t agree with, so I'm not going to pay it.” It doesn’t matter whether you agree with what the government does with that money, we are obligated to pay your taxes. Christ teach this. The apostle Paul taught that within the context of the fact that all government is appointed by God. Romans 13:1-2—1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. And Romans 13:5-7—5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.


There is another area of theft I want to talk about. That is when we steal from our employers. I used to work at Pepsi, and there were a couple of fellows—OK, I was in the same boat with them—that would sneak out cases of drinks to take home, which we were not allowed to do. What do you think our excuse was? How do you think we justified what we did? “We’ve earned this.” Or, “They don’t pay us enough” or something along those lines. The problem with that line of thinking—other then the fact that what we did was stealing—is the fact that no one was forcing us to work there. If we were unhappy with our jobs, we were more than welcome to find employment elsewhere. But if we stayed voluntarily, we were, in effect, agreeing to work for the wage they were offering. Listen to Colossians 3:22-25—22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. The men that ran Enron and AIG and Goldman Sachs into the ground while they walked away with millions—will God punish them? Absolutely. But He will also punish the lowly servant that is an unrepentant thief stealing from his boss.


Jesus Christ Himself teaches us this same principle in Matthew 20:1-16 in the Parable of the Vinedressers. The greater point Jesus is making is that whether someone gets saved as a child or they call on Christ on their deathbed, everyone who is saved will receive an inheritance in the Kingdom of God. The smaller point is this—if you agree to work for a certain wage, for a certain job, then you can either work for that wage or go home. Just because you don’t like how much you're being paid does not give you a right to steal from your boss.


Another principle this parable brings out is part of the reason people steal: they think God hasn’t given them enough. Although they may not realize it, they are saying within themselves “God hasn’t given me all I want, but He has given it to someone else.” What that means, of course, is that, if I'm the thief, I feel like God needs a little help balancing the account between what I have and what that other person has. But listen to what the owner of the vineyard says. Matthew 20:14-15—“14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?” How much of the universe belongs to God? Psalm 24:1—The earth is the LORD’s and the fulness thereof. It all belongs to God. And if He wants to allow one person to have more than you, then that is His right. He owns it; He can do what He pleases with it. Wealth itself is not inherently evil. It’s our attitude toward wealth that can be evil. 1st Timothy 6:10—The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.


Now, we’re gonna take a side road here for a moment. The heresy that is the prosperity “gospel” is rooted in the love of money. It is rooted in the belief that You deserve to be wealthy and that you can command God to give you wealth. One of Kenneth Copeland’s most famous quotes is when he said, "As a believer, you have a right to make commands in the name of Jesus. Each time you stand on the Word, you are commanding God to a certain extent, because it is His Word." And what are these people commanding God to do? Give them more stuff. We’ll talk more about that when we get to covetousness.


Now, let’s finish up by looking back at the provisions in the Law for the poor and the traveler to glean from the corners of fields. We looked at two of those provisions last week, Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 23:24-25. There is also the passage found in Deuteronomy 24:19-21—“19 When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. 21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.” I tend to believe that all these commands had more than one purpose. One, of course, they provided for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. BUT it also allowed for two of Jesus great-great-great-great-grandparents to meet.


Long time ago there was a farmer in Bethlehem, and his name was Boaz. A young woman named Ruth came to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, and they came to Boaz, who was a distant relative. Ruth 2:8-9—8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them.” And then he goes and tells his servants to leave a little something for her when they reap. Ruth 2:15-16—15 And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her." Eventually Ruth and Boaz get married, they have a son named Obed; Obed has a son named Jesse; and Jesse begets 8 sons, the youngest being a boy named David. Mary and Joseph were descended from David, and that Jesus was born of Mary. So God used this command to leave gleanings for the poor to bring together two of Jesus’ ancestors.


Ruth 4:13-17 (KJV)—13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. I want to stop right here and briefly introduce a principle from the Law known as the provision of a “kinsman redeemer”, and we’ll skim a little more about that next week. Well, Boaz was Ruth’s “kinsman redeemer”, while our “kinsman redeemer” is Christ, as we see in Hebrews 2:11-12—11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying, "I will proclaim Your name to My brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise." Any way, Ruth 4:15-17 (KJV)—15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him…17 and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. Of course, this is King David, of whom both Mary and Joseph were direct descendants. Their genealogies are recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Matthew traces Joseph’s ancestry and Luke describes Mary’s. All because a poor widow and her daughter-in-law were allowed to glean stubble in a wheat field. See now how this Law is pointing to Christ? It was because of the many provisions for the poor that two of His ancestors came together. But all this OT stuff is so boring, isn't it!


Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.

A Survey of the Old Testament Law--The Myth of the "Generational Curse"

“For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the 3rd and 4th generations of those who hate Me...” People like Paula White and Benny Hinn and so many others on TBN make a whole lot of money by twisting this particular statement and showing you how to break “generational curses.” They teach that if your father was an alcoholic, then you'll be an alcoholic, and your kids will be alcoholics and their kids will be alcoholics, and so on and so forth—and there is nothing you can do about it, unless you learn the prayer that will “break that curse”--and send them a few dollars in the process. WRONG!! WRONG!! WRONG!! Just because our parents may have been notorious for some sin, that does not mean that God will say, “Well, that’s it! You were a thief and an idolater, so I will curse your entire bloodline for the next 4 generations!” What God is saying is that as long as the children are walking in their father’s footsteps, God will inflict punishment on those offspring—even if it is 3 or 4 generations. Now, will an alcoholic father probably wind up with children who will also be alcoholics? Probably. BUT, that is not a “curse from God.” That is simply children doing what they see their father doing. Deuteronomy 24:16—“Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.” Now, it is quite common to see three or four generations of alcoholism or adultery or any other kind of sin—but that is not some "curse from God", that’s just sinful human beings doing what sinful human beings do. Dogs bark, ducks quack, sinners sin. And God will punish the children for their own sins—not for the sins of their father.


BUT—if those children walk according to the Law of God, He will be merciful to those offspring, even to the 1000th generation. As I said before, His anger is not like human anger. We get upset because somebody looks at us cross-eyed, and we can't control ourselves. But God’s anger is not like that. When someone stirs Him to wrath, He doesn’t usually just ZZAPP them. There are times in Scripture where He does that, but that is because those people were so severely disobedient and regarded God’s holiness and His commands so lightly. But, 14 times the Bible says that God is slow to anger, and ready to show mercy. Psalm 103:8—The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Joel 2:13—“Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.”


Nahum 1:2-3—God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; the LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies; the LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. He will not acquit the wicked, but He will give them a chance to repent from their sins. Those who do not repent, God will destroy. Those who do repent, and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ, He will spare, and reward them for the things they do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 2:18-26—“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write…‘I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds…Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say…hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations.” And that is exactly what we see here in Exodus. God “visits the iniquity of the fathers” to 3 or 4 generations. That is, God says that those who commit idolatry hate Him. And He will punish as many generations of those children that continue to hate Him—up to 3 or 4 generations. But He shows mercy to how many generations of those who do His commandments? A thousand! The contrast couldn’t be much more striking!


In fact, we see in Ezekiel 18 that God will not punish children for their fathers’ sins. Ezekiel 18:2-4—“What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge’?” This was an old proverb, and it’s one that we hear even today in this country—“It’s my parents’ fault that I'm the way I am.” In other words, “Nothing is my fault.” It’s the same old story—we want to blame someone else for our trouble, when most of the time the blame lays at our own feet. “As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die.” That’s pretty self-explanatory. If a person sins, that person will die. If you run a red light, you get a ticket. KPD will not send you a ticket because your mother or father ran a red light. You ran the light—you get the ticket.


If a righteous man begets a wicked son, then the father’s righteousness will not shield that son. Ezekiel 18:10-13--"If he begets a son who is a robber or a shedder of blood, who does any of these things and does none of those duties, but has eaten on the mountains or defiled his neighbor’s wife; if he has oppressed the poor and needy, robbed by violence, not restored the pledge, lifted his eyes to the idols, or committed abomination; if he has exacted usury or taken increase—shall he then live? He shall not live! If he has done any of these abominations, he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him." If a wicked father begets a righteous son, then the wickedness of the father will not be counted against that son. Ezekiel 18:14-18--"If, however, he begets a son who sees all the sins which his father has done, and considers but does not do likewise; who has not eaten on the mountains, nor lifted his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, nor defiled his neighbor’s wife; has not oppressed anyone, nor withheld a pledge, nor robbed by violence, but has given his bread to the hungry and covered the naked with clothing; who has withdrawn his hand from the poor and not received usury or increase, but has executed My judgments and walked in My statutes—he shall not die for the iniquity of his father; he shall surely live! As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, robbed his brother by violence, and did what is not good among his people, behold, he shall die for his iniquity."


Now, God has set up these contrasts, and we see the conclusions we are to draw from these statements when we get to Ezekiel 18:19-23—“Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?’ Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?” A person is not punished for their parents’ sins—they are punished if they continue to walk in the ways of their sinful parents. Likewise, a wicked child is not protected by their parents’ righteousness—if they turn away from that righteousness and live in sin, they are punished for their sins.


In fact, we see this again in Jeremiah 31:29-30—“In those days they shall say no more: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.’ But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.” So, this whole nonsense about “generational curses” is a bunch of hogwash, and is simply a way that TBN—The Blasphemy Network—fools a whole lot of people into sending them their money…for nothing.


Jesus Christ is Lord.
Amen.

What is wrong with the prosperity “gospel”.

If you notice, at the end of the title there is a period–not a question mark. It is not great secret that the prosperity “gospel” is heresy. But, how do we explain just how many levels of heresy are involved in the TBN crowd’s twisting and perverting of God’s word for their own financial gain? Well, I made these videos for just that purpose. To tear the prosperity “gospel” apart, and show, piece by piece, why this is such a perversion and blasphemy. I apologize for the little places where the audio is kinda choppy. I guess I should have “sown” into a video production ministry, eh?

Weak preachers are God's Judgment

Sometimes I forget things. Like the fact that when a snake in the pulpit rises to fame and prominence, the people who follow that man (or woman) are not "victims." They are merely reaping what they have been seeking. They do not want the truth, they want the Mercedes. And so, God says, "Fine--you won't get either one!" And He sends a Joel Osteen or a Paula White or a Benny Hinn or some other serpent to fill a pulpit and give those people over to the one they are really serving.

Here, Paul Washer, speaking truth, shows us why people like Creflo and Kenny and Jesse and Junie-B are truly God's Judgment upon a lost and wicked people.

Fake Translation of the Week--1st Timothy 6:6-10

(Real translation here)

I gotta share a little something with ya first. This past Sunday morning, my wife was flipping through the channels, when she came across Cashflow Creflo's weekly pimpfest. What I am about to share is exactly what he taught, not taken out of context, this is the fullness of his teaching. He said that in 2nd Timothy 3:16, when it says "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable..." I think you can guess where he was going with that. Focus on the word "profitable."

Yeah, that.

If what these heretical prosperity preachers were true, then this is how 1st Timothy 6:6-10 would have to read (altered text in bold italics):

1st Timothy 6:6-10 (Creflo Dollar Translation)--Now godliness with great financial gain is contentment. For we brought nothing into this world, but we can certainly carry a bunch out in our gold-plated coffins. And having food and clothing, with these we shall never be content. Because if that's all you have, then your faith ain't strong enough, you're under a curse, or you have some unconfessed sin in your life. But those who desire to be rich are the only ones worthy of the kingdom of God, and many foolish and harmful people want y'all to be broke. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of blessin', for which some have strayed from the faith by not confessin' it, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows because they ain't sowin' a seed into the ministry.

Fake Translation of the Week--2nd Corinthians 6:4-10

(Real translation here).

In order for that which those who preach the "prosperity 'gospel'" to be true, this is how 2nd Corinthians 6:4-10 would have to read (altered text in bold italics).

2nd Corinthians 6:4-10--4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much wealth, in ease of life, in felt needs met, in Mercedes-Benzes, 5 in cash, in jewelry, in big fancy wigs, in Rolex® watches, in big comfy beds, in luxurious dining; 6 by mansions, by people's lack of knowledge, by not having to wait for things, by false prophecies, by the Spirit of Python, by sincere love of money, 7 by the word of faith doctrine, by the power of mass appeal, by the pistol-packin' armor-bearers on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor among thieves and dishonor among those who know the truth, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, because we lie; 9 as unknown by the IRS, and yet well known by our acolytes; as dying, and behold we lead others to death; as chastened by Charles Grassley, and yet not bankrupt (yet); 10 as sorrowful when we get caught, yet always rejoicing in people's ignorance; as rich, yet making many poor; as having everything, and yet possessing nothing of God.

"Smells Like TBN Spirit"

A ripoff of the Nirvana song, inspired by the jackals featured every hour on TBN.

I saw this guy
On my TV
And he was staring
Straight at me
He said he'd heal
My disease
If I would send
Him money please

Don't know don't know
Don't know don't know
Don't know don't know don't know

Well he's yellin!
And he's screamin!
Could it be that
He's blasphemin?
Send him money
I don't wanna!
But he told me
That I gotta!
If I do and
God is willing
I'll find gold in
All my fillings!
Yeah!

As I wait for
My miracle
And migraines still
Pound in my skull
I must admit
The waiting's tough
Oh is my faith
Not strong enough?

Don't know don't know
Don't know don't know
Don't know don't know don't know

Dontcha dis the
Path I've chosen!
Even though the
Bank's foreclosin!
And my mortgage
I can't pay now!
"Money Comin!"
Any day now!
Though by sight you'd
Never guess it!
It'll come if
I confess it!
Yeah!

I pawned my watch
And sold my car
And I maxed out
My credit cards
But I know I'll
Get what I need
With one more
Thousand-dollar seed

Don't know don't know
Don't know don't know
Don't know don't know don't know

Brother Benny
Wants to help me!
If my checkbook
I will empty!
Send it in now!
No delayin!
In the Spirit
He's a-slayin!
Slingin' jackets!
Quotin' verses!
Calling down all
Kinds of curses!

Avanzini!
Pastor TD!
Creflo Taffy!
Stevie Munsey!
Kenny Benny!
Joyce and Jesse!
Drivin' Bentleys!
Charley Grassley!
Penitentiary!

Benny's false prophecies (part 1)

You may have read some of Benny Hinn's "prophecies" here, about how Fidel Castro was going to die, and the homosexual community was going to be wiped out, and Jesus was going to physically appear on stage with the Hinnster. All of these things were supposed to happen in the 90's. Um, they didn't happen, did they? And yet there are still people who will claim this schlomo is a "prophet of God."

Well, here is a video with audio of B-B-B-Benny and the Hinn's "prophecies." Don't just take my word for it. Listen for yourself.

Short video on moneychangers

Are you bribing God?

This is the kind of thing that makes me sick. And it should make everyone who is a child of God sick as well. Another video from ReformationNation (Pilgrim, you're on a roll, friend!) Randy and Paula White, the "pastors" of Without Shame Without Walls "Ministries" telling their crowd that you will be rich in material junk if you bribe God enough, and send the Whites all of your money.

The world was not worthy of these

Domain For Truth has the story of a family of missionaries in India. The husband and their two sons were burned alive by militant Hindus. The wife and daughter, rather than leave and go someplace safe, have decided to remain in India. Their life, and their Christian witness has inspired many to follow Christ.

Read this post. Read the whole thing, slowly, taking in every word. Then turn on your TV and try to watch Ken Copeland, or Joel Osteen, or Fred Price, or Mike Murdock, or any of those other goofballs that try and tell you that if you're saved, you won't suffer anything.

Prosperity "gospel" under scrutiny

Another article on the hope-it-happens-'cause-it-couldn't-come-soon-enough demise of the prosperity "gospel" (Via Associated Press. The comments [in blue within the brackets] are my $.02):

The teachings took on various names — "Name It and Claim It," "Word of Faith," the prosperity gospel [Also: Blab-it-and-Grab-it Nonsense, Heresy, Blasphemy...]

Prosperity preachers say that it isn't all about money — that God's blessings extend to health [Aren't Ken Hagin and Oral Roberts dead? Does that mean they didn't have enough faith?], relationships [I guess that's why two of the biggest-name couple are divorcing. Hmmm?] and being well-off enough to help others. [Just so long as you help yourself first]

They have Bible verses at the ready to make their case. One oft-cited verse, in Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, reads: "Yet for your sakes he became poor, that you by his poverty might become rich." [They also never mention that the apostle Paul--one of the most faithful (if not THE MOST faithful man of God who has ever lived) was beaten, stoned, jailed...oh yeah--he lost all his money, too. But, let's not tell anybody that, M'K?]

Critics acknowledge the idea that God wants to bless his followers has a Biblical basis, but say prosperity preachers take verses out of context [Yuh think?]. The prosperity crowd also fails to acknowledge Biblical accounts that show God doesn't always reward faithful believers, Palmer said. [Isaiah--sawn in two. Paul--beheaded. Peter--crucified upside down. Jeremiah--thrown into a well. James--behaded. If only they had that ah-NOIN-t'n'!...]

The Book of Job is a case study in piety unrewarded, and a chapter in the Book of Hebrews includes a litany of believers who were tortured and martyred, Palmer said. [I guess their torture was that they could only afford a three-horse chariot, instead of the four-horse model.]

Yet the prosperity gospel continues to draw crowds, particularly lower- and middle-income people who, critics say, have the greatest motivation and the most to lose. [Yuh think?] The prosperity message is spreading to black churches, attracting elderly people with disposable incomes, and reaching huge churches in Africa and other developing parts of the world. [Leading many of these people to destruction. But I digress.]

One of the teaching's attractions is that it doesn't dwell on traditional Christian themes of heaven and hell [Or that old, worn-out, useless old Bible thingy. We's gots to have some new revelations!!] but on answering pressing concerns of the here and now, said Brian McLaren, a liberal evangelical author and pastor.

But the prosperity gospel, McLaren said, not only preys on the hope of the vulnerable, [Again: Yuh think? I stand amazed. Brian McLaren actually said something that makes sense!] it puts too much emphasis on individual success and happiness [And not enough emphasis on things like, oh, I don't know. Sin. Repentance. The Cross.]

"We've pretty much ignored what the Bible says about systemic injustice," he said.

The checks and balances central to Christian denominations are largely lacking in prosperity churches. [No kiddin'!!] One of the pastors in the Grassley probe, Bishop [Fast] Eddie Long of suburban Atlanta, has written that God told him to get rid of the "ungodly governmental structure" of a deacon board. [That's right. Can't have nobody stickin' they nose into how da good passuh got hisself that stretch Bentley now! Gots to make 'em think it's from Da Lawd!!]

Some ministers hold up their own wealth as evidence that the teaching works. [Yeah, it works for the Passuhs. For the people they fleece? Eh, not so much.] Atlanta-area pastor Creflo [Worshippin' the Almighty Dollar], who is fighting Grassley's inquiry, owns a Rolls Royce and multimillion-dollar homes and travels in a church-owned Learjet. [While the people he fleeces watch one check after another go boingy, boingy, boingy.]

Juanita Bynum--the poor little rich girl

Posting will be light this week. My wife and I are out of town visiting her family. So I'll probably just be lifting stuff from other sites and pasting it here. (Oh, wait a minute. I do that already. Nevermind.)

Well, well. It seems as though poor little Juanita can't pay her bills. At least that's what the county taxman where she lives is saying. IndyCon has more:

I’ll start by saying that I.V. Hilliard is a no good pulpit pimp! A viper just like Juanita Bynum. Read a good post Melvin has up about one of I.V. Hilliard’s scams!

With that out of the way. Many already know pimp I.V. gave pimpstress Bynum money to pay her tax bill. Why? Because I.V.’s wife does pimpstress shows on occasion with Juanita Bynum, that’s why. Pimps have to look out for each other, to ensure future deals where they will try and fleece you for all you’re worth!

Anyway, people have been checking the Ware County, Georgia tax commissioners’ web site and noticing that it continues to show Juanita Bynum still owes money. What’s up with that you ask? Well, ever since the old news broke, the Ware County web site has shown Bynum as owing money, but I.V. Hillard’s check cleared the bank. The folks down in Ware County probably are just a little slow at times getting things updated online. But, the site shows she owes now, because she just recently got behind in her taxes on the $4.5 million property again!

So, according to Pimpstress Prophetess Juanita's theology, shouldn't she just go ahead and sow $1000 into the kingdom of Jesse of Creflo of TBN? See, that way, she'll get her 100 fold return, pay her bills, and have a little jingle left over.

Did he almost say what I think he almost said?

Pay real close attention to Jesse at about the 0:30 mark (timer counts down toward 0:00.) When he starts talking about "hatchet head." Does he almost say what I think he almost says? That he don't want his grandbabies to come out looking like...

Good news from Mike Murdock!!

Now you too can sow an Uncommon Seed into his wallet ministry, and he will reap the rewards of your hard work!

Just for grins, I signed up to get e-mail updates from him. This is his latest sham flim-flammery deal:

Dear Partner,

An Instruction Decides a Season!
In Chicago, I received an instruction from a man of God...obeyed it...and my house was debt-free within eight months. In Columbus, OH, I received an instruction to sow a specific Seed and created a Life-Time Blessing on my life. In Washington, CD, I received an instruction to sow a seed according to the number of blessings listed in the Bible. It has unleashed waves of supernatural events ever since. I watched a man of God explain passionately on television about the power of the number seven. Seven dips in Jordan...completed the healing of Naaman's leprosy. Seven times around Jericho...seven days in a row...completed the destruction of the walls of Jericho. In Seven days God completed the creation of The Universe and rested on the Seventh Day.

It is the seventh year of this century, 2007. I have been personally inpacted with the surging stirring in my spirit to sow an Uncommon Seed of $777.00 into the work of God. I have felt impressed to ask The Holy Spirit to select the Harvest of His own choosing...wherever He feels that I need it the most. The miraculous has already started.

Will you be one of the 777 partners who will sow an Uncommon Seed of $777.00 during 2007? Listen to the inner promptings of The Holy Spirit. You will know His Voice. Allow Him to choose the supernatural Harvest...as you will see Him complete a miracle you have been desiring!

You will love the three significant gifts I have prepared for you (The Wisdom Bible...The Millionaire 300 Conference CD Set and The School of the Bible CD Set.)

Your new season is just a Seed away.

Your prayer partner
Mike

OK, there is just so much wrong with this, let's start at the top, shall we?

• Well, just like all the best prosperity hucksters, it starts with a "word from a man of God," (Notice, no name given) and how following this advice, he was MIRACULOUSLY delivered from (insert burden here).
• Then, we get the emotional pitch about the number 7. Hmm. That's odd. "Dr." Murdock says that "In Seven days God completed the creation of The Universe and rested on the Seventh Day." I must be using the wrong Bible, because in mine, it says that God finished the work of creation on the sixth day, then rested on the 7th. Maybe I just need to get me one of them-thar "Wisss-dom Bibles."
• Then we see the apex of the emotion-driven "surging in the spirit" about the number 7. Yes, the year is 2007. According to the calendar we have now. But, when you keep in mind that calendars have been changed so many times over the years, it may very well be 2050. Besides, the number 2007 is based on how many years it is estimated have elapsed since the birth of Christ. Many scholars believe it may be in what we now call 4 BC. So, in all actuality, this may be 2003 2011.
• Question about this "surging of the spirit." 2007 is almost over. It's November already. The eleventh month of the year. If the number 7 is so important, why didn't the Holy Spirit impress upon "Dr." Murdock to sow his "Uncommon Seed" in July--the seventh month of the year?
• Now, we get to the real point of this message: "Will you be one of the 777 partners who will sow an Uncommon Seed..." Yep, if you're gonna make the money, ya gotta make the money pitch!

You know, of all the prosperity hucksters, "Dr." Murdock is about the most transparent, other than Rod "I want your money, I deserve it" Parsley. At leats the Kenny-Benny-Creflo Show twist a little bit of Scripture to try and make their point. "Dr." Murdock just uses a bunch of flim-flammery to deceive his sheeple.

If you want to watch a video (about 7 minutes long--hah, I just realized the irony of that!) of this nonsense, click here.

"Test Every Spirit"--the prosperity "gospel" part 1

Let me ask you this: What would you think of someone who called themselves a “prophet of God”, who made this claim in 1989, that

“The Spirit of God tells me, an earthquake will hit the East Coast of America and destroy much in the 90's. Not one place will be safe from earthquakes in the 90's.” (1)

Or this:

“The Lord also tells me to tell you, in mid 90s, about '94 or '95…God will destroy the homosexual community of America…He will destroy it with fire.” (1)

Or, what would you think if the “prophet of God” made this claim:

“I'm prophesying this. Jesus Christ the Son of God is about to appear physically in some Churches, some meetings and to many of His people”, and that Jesus Christ would appear with him, physically, on stage, in Nairobi, Kenya? (1)

You’re probably guessing that I’m talking about some crackpot lunatic living in a run-down trailer somewhere in the desert, and nobody in the world would ever listen to this guy. Well, guess again. This man has a large audience, many people believe him to be a prophet of God, and many people believe him more than they do their own Bibles. The man is seen on TV stations around the country, and around the world. His name is Benny Hinn.

And he isn't the only false prophet of the “prosperity gospel” movement. Kenneth Copeland said that God is “being that stands somewhere around 6-2, 6-3, that weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of a couple hundred pounds, little better.” If you haven’t guessed already, we’re going to be looking at the prosperity "gospel" today. This prosperity "gospel" is more than just teaching a person how to twist the scriptures in order to demand God gives us everything we want. There is a whole system to it, and we’re going to look deeper at it today.

The cover of the September 6, 2006 issue of Time Magazine carried this headline: “Does God want you to be rich?” The cover story that week was about one of the most damaging movements to ever find its way into the church. It’s been around for years, but in the 1990’s a new crop of preachers gave it a much wider audience. People like Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn, Rod Parsley and Jesse Duplantis. These and others who followed the teachings of Oral Roberts and Ken Hagin began to spread this “gospel”—called the “prosperity” gospel—on the cable TV network TBN.

Not only do those who preach the prosperity “gospel” preach a different God, they preach a different Christ, and they pervert the Word of God for their own financial gain. But ya know what’s really weird? The “prosperity” part isn't the worst part of this teaching. I’m going to show you today how the prosperity gospel is built on lies, deceit, blasphemy, and a teaching that we are gods.

We’re going to see how this prosperity “gospel” is—and I do not use this word lightly, but I say this in all seriousness—this prosperity “gospel” is a heresy. The word “heresy” is used to describe a teaching about God, or Jesus, or salvation that is unbiblical, and can actually lead a person down a path that leads to them not being saved. For example, the Mormon teaching that God had a beginning, that He began by being born as person like you or me. That is a heresy. It is teaching a false God, and anyone who believes it is not saved. The Jehovah’s Witnesses who claim that Jesus was really Michael the archangel—these people teach a false Christ, they commit heresy, and anyone who believes them is not saved. Most people who follow the prosperity "gospel" are, indeed, lost. And if I would dare to say that ALL those who PREACH it ARE lost and without God. And I'll show you why.

It all starts with a lack of understanding of what the Bible says. Here is a quote from the latest issue of “Victory” magazine, from Kenneth Copeland Ministries:

…God is a being with authority. So, when He made man in His image, He gave him authority too… (2)

This is where “Brother” Copeland’s misunderstanding of Scripture begins. The verse he is referring to is Genesis 1:28—And God blessed them, and God said unto them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." First of all, Adam had DOMINION over the earth, not AUTHORITY. Authority and dominion are two different things. The word “authority” means, “the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed.” Dominion simply means, “To dominate.” In other words, God made man to be greater in rank than any other thing that He created. But authority over the Earth was NEVER given to man.

Think about it this way: If I am going out of town on a business trip, and I ask you, “Hey, can you watch my kid for a week?” I'll probably leave you with a list of things the child can and can't do; what he likes to eat, how late he can stay up, what shows he’s allowed to watch. I am giving you dominion over that child. I am placing that child in your care, and you are responsible for carrying out my desires for that child while I’m gone. Now, suppose you're driving the child to school. A car pulls out of Kroger’s and BAM!! Broadsides you. You take the child to the hospital, but in order for the doctors to do anything, they need to get permission from an adult—not just any adult—they need to get permission from someone who is legally able to give that permission. someone who can authorize treatment. That child’s parent or guardian. Someone with the proper authority.

God placed the care and nurture of Earth in Adam’s hands. But God has the final authority over it. We cannot do anything unless God lets it happen.

• Psalm 24:1—The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
• Isaiah 66:1—“Heaven is My throne, the Earth is My footstool.”
• Exodus 19:5--"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine."
• Deuteronomy 10:14--"Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it."

Well, next they say that when Adam sinned, he gave authority over to Satan.

God’s on the outside looking in. He doesn’t have any legal entree into the earth. The thing don’t belong to Him. You see how sassy the Devil was in the presence of God in the book of Job? God said, “Where have you been?”… He [Satan] didn’t even have to answer if he didn’t want to … God didn’t argue with him a bit! You see, this is the position that God’s been in … Might say, “Well, if God’s running things He’s doing a lousy job of it.” He hadn’t been running ‘em, except when He’s just got, you know, a little bit of a chance. (3)

This is of course wrong, because God has always had authority over everything. Adam never had authority to begin with. And guess what? Even Satan has to obey God! Think about what it says in the book of Job. Satan was wandering around the Earth, stirring up trouble. When Satan wanted to test Job, he had to get permission from God! And he could not do more than God allowed him to do. Job 1:12—“Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” A little later on in chapter 2, Satan still isn't convinced, so God gives Satan a little more latitude, but says in Job 2:6, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” That’s because everything in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, is under God’s control and authority! Even Satan! Even Satan is under God’s authority! Always has been, always will!

Well, according to the prosperity "gospel", why did Jesus come to Earth? Jesse Duplantis says that

“The very first thing on Jesus` agenda was to get rid of poverty…” (4)

“Brother” Copeland says the same thing. That when Jesus said, “Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God…” that Jesus was telling them they weren’t gonna be broke no more. 1st Timothy 1:15 says, This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came to— get rid of poverty? Deal with social issues? Wipe out disease? No. Christ Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus came, made Himself of no reputation, and humbled Himself and was obedient unto death even the death of the cross because we humans are sinful creatures who were destined for an eternity in Hell but He loved us enough to take the penalty for our sins on His own body on the cross! Speaking of the cross, what does “Brother Copeland” think about it?

“Don’t sit around begging God to do something about the curse of sickness or poverty or sin in your life. He’s already done all that needs to be done. He sent Jesus to the cross…He’s stripped Satan of his authority, and He’s given it back to you in the name of Jesus.” (5)

Jesus did not go to the Cross to die a hideous, brutal, shameful, humiliating death so we could drive a Bentley! Nowhere—NOWHERE—does it ever say that Jesus died on the Cross so you could have a pain-free life!!! He died on the Cross because we humans are selfish, with no desire to follow after God! And in order to redeem us from an eternity in torment and anguish and wailing and gnashing of teeth, He took our sins upon His own shoulders upon the Cross.

Jesus went to the Cross so God could, “… [strip] Satan of his authority, and [give] it back to you in the name of Jesus.” Hogwash! Matthew 28:18—And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Did ya hear what I said my friends? We don’t have authority over ANYTHING!! Jesus has authority over EVERYTHING!!! We don’t have it in His name!!! He has it in His own name!!! To claim HIS authority for ourselves is nothing short of spiritual embezzlement!!

What would happen if I went around wearing a policeman uniform? And I tried arresting people because I though they were breaking the law? I’d get arrested, wouldn’t I? I would be breaking the law, and I would be punished. The same thing happens when we try claiming the authority that God the Father gave to our Lord Jesus Christ! WE would be in danger of judgment!

We’re just getting’ started here, folks!

Here’s a little something extra for ya. This past September 22nd was Yom Kippur, or the Old Testament “Day of Atonement.” It was the one day out of the year when the high priest would go into the Holy of Holies, with the blood of a lamb having no spot or blemish, to seek forgiveness of the people’s sins against God. But now, Paula White says that,

“…as modern-day children of God we should also remember and honor God’s biblically established laws, covenants, and decrees…As Christians, we are encouraged to observe the Day of Atonement also in remembrance of Christ.” (6)

THAT IS UNBIBLICAL!! The gospel according to Paula White says that as atonement for our sins, we need to send HER our money. At her website it says, “Honor God with your ‘Atonement Offering!’” Thing is,

• James 2:10--…whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
• Colossians 2:16-17--Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.
• Galatians 3:24—Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Even "Pastor" Benny is getting in on the act. “Pastor” Paula is committing a sin by telling us we are to keep the OT law, and by perverting the Word of God. Not to mention the fact that she is a woman and calling herself a “pastor.” She is doing is what the writer of Hebrews warns us about in Hebrews 10:29—Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

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

Part 2 tomorrow.
---------------------------

References:

(1) Orlando Christian Center, December 31, 1989.

(2) Kenneth Copeland. Victory! Magazine. 9/07. p. 25.

(3) Copeland, "Image of God in You III," audiotape #01-1403, Kenneth Copeland Ministries, 1989.

(4) Nov. 1997 Voice of the Covenant magazine p.5.

(5) Kenneth Copeland. Victory! Magazine. 9/07. p. 5.

(6) From Paula White Ministries. See this link.

Benny Hinn catches "Day of Atonement" Fever

First, it was Paula White trying to jack your money out of your wallet by telling you we are supposed to keep the Day of Atonement, and that you should "Honor God with your 'Atonement Offering'". That's right, bribe God by giving Paula your money.

Benny Hinn, not to be outdone in the pulpit pimpery department, has tapped into that same sentiment, and is fleecing his people the same way (From Benny Hinn Ministries):

“But I’m not Jewish,” you may be saying. "What’s the point of observing an Old Testament feast like the Day of Atonement?"

From the Mount of Olives Pastor Steve Munsey teaches that there were three feasts in which God says, "These are My days":

• Passover
• Pentecost
• Atonement

They aren’t Jewish feast days. They aren’t the church’s days. They are God’s days.

These are days when He makes an appointment to meet with us. And we are to honor these feast days forever.

God has marked these three important days. Yes, God’s covenant has changed to a better covenant, but He did not demolish the Old Testament covenant:

• To the children of Israel, the feasts were observed.
• In Christ, the feasts were fulfilled.
• In the church, the feasts are applied.

We must learn to apply each, and we must apply them in order to have victory in every area of life.

[All emphases mine.]

Hey Benny, pick up a Bible once in a while. Look in the table of contents for a book called "Romans." Then go to chapter 14, verses 5-6, where it says, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God."

Or maybe you could find Galatians 3:2-3--"This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" In other words, when Christ dies on the cross, and purchased our freedom from the law, we were released from having to keep the feasts.

Still not convinced? Then look up Colossians 2:16-17--"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

But, towards the end, Benny shows you what this "Atonement Offering" stuff is all about:

On This Is Your Day! this Thursday and Friday, Steve Munsey urges people to give at least a $207 gift.

During this season, he teaches, the gift should be significant. Some are being led to give gifts of $2,007 or more.

I encourage you to seek the Lord on what you should give. Above all else, be sure to be part of this special Atonement offering and step into the overflow.

[All emphases mine.]

Steve Munsey is another huckster that Benny Hinn and Paula White are in league with. You can see a video of what he is all about here. Now, you sure you want to keep sending your money to these people?

"Signs and Wonders School" now online!

(sarcasm on) That's right folks! Now you too can learn how to distort the word of God and pervert the gospel of Christ for fun and profit! Just sign up for Benny Hinn's "Signs and Wonders Bible School!" (/sarcasm)

Uhh, Benny. You know how you quote 2nd Timothy 2:15? About rightly handling the Word of Truth? You fail to do that.

Now, more than ever, God is calling each of us to a higher level, “also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4, NKJV).

This verse in Hebrews is not talking about us doing "signs and wonders." This is the whole passage, in context. Hebrews 2:1-4--

"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?"

This passage talks about Christ showing that He was the Son of God, and that the signs and wonders He performed bore witness of who He was. John 10:25--"Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.'"

So go ahead, throw your money away on a worthless piece of paper from this charlatan. Or, you could study the Bible yourself, find a good, Bible-preaching church, and let the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth. Don't buy into this Benny Hinn nonsense.

Update: Bynum to divorce Weeks

According to FOX5 Atlanta, Profitess "Prophetess" Juanita Bynum has indeed given her attorney the go-ahead to file divorce papers on her husband, "Bishop" Thomas Weeks III. Video from Independent Conservative:



You gotta admit: the violin music in the background, the dabbing of the eyes, all very emotionally touchy-feely. Very...dramatic.

This goes to show that all the nonsense these two "preached" about love, marriage, etc., was a sham. Because they didn't even live it! And if you watch the video, she says that this divorce is about her "destiny." She does mention--briefly--something about God being glorified through this. And I don't doubt that He could be. But that won't happen until (a) these two repent, reconcile, and renounce the heretical things they preach, and (b) Ms. Bynum admits that she is no "prophetess".

Besides, what does it say about "Bishop" Weeks that he has over $100K in outstanding judgments against him? Shouldn't the "man of Gawd" pay his bills when they come? He better hope he don't lose his ah-NOIN-t'n'

If Satan is in charge...

...then Kenneth Copeland has some 'splainin' to do. Via Christian Witness Ministries:

• “God’s reason for creating Adam was His desire to reproduce Himself. I mean a reproduction of Himself, and in the Garden of Eden He did just that. He was not a little like God. He was not almost like God. He was not subordinate to God even. Adam is as much like God as you could get, just the same as Jesus. Adam, in the Garden of Eden, was God manifested in the flesh.” (“Following the Faith of Abraham I,” side 1)


• “He [Adam] was not subordinate to God ... [but] was walking as a god with the authority of a god. ... What he said went. What he did, counted. [And when he] bowed his knee to Satan and put Satan up above him, then there wasn’t anything God could do about it, because a god had placed [Satan] there.” (“The Force of Love,” tape #02-0028)


• “God had no avenue of lasting faith or moving in the earth. He had to have covenant with somebody...He had to be invited in, in other words, or He couldn’t come.” (“God’s Covenant with Man II”, 1985, tape #01-4404, side 1)

So, God was shut out of the Garden after the fall. He couldn't do ANYTHING. Well, as the folks over at CWM point out:

• What right did God have to make clothing out of animal skins for Adam and Eve?
• What right did God have to expel Adam and Eve from the Garden?
• What right did God have to place a Cherubim and Flaming Sword, in the garden, to guard the way to the tree of life?
• What right did God have to curse and mark Cain?
• What right did God have to take Enoch - one of Satan’s possessions?
• What right did God have to flood the Earth?
• What right did God have to talk to Abram — one of Satan’s possessions?
• What right did God have to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
• By what right did God kill the first born of Egypt?

I also noticed something else in reading this article. They reprint the "Statement of Faith" at Kenneth Copeland Ministries. I won't reproduce it here, but here's the link. I notice that in the statement of faith, KCM mentions that they believe Jesus was crucified, and they believe that salvation comes by faith in the shed blood of Jesus. But nowhere do they put the two together. This shows you that KCM still does not believe that the blood Jesus shed ON THE CROSS was what purchases our freedom, our redemotion, and our salvation. Obviously, they still believe Jesus had to suffer in Hell for three days. So, I guess when Jesus said, "It is finished," He was what, lying to us? This is one reason I do not hesitate to call Kenneth Copeland a heretic.