False Gospels in the American Church session 2
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are
ravenous wolves.” (Mt 7:15)
What and Who
Outline:
1) What are the most prevalent false gospels today
Prosperity gospel/ word of faith/rhema..
Therapeutic gospel
Moralistic gospel
Social gospel
Seeker -sensitive/Social club gospel
Mystic gospel/ Strange fire/ signs and wonders gospel (NAR, Pensacola revival
etc)
Emergent Gospel
2) Biblical refutation
3) Who are the well-known purveyors of false gospels today
4) Q&A
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine
which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom
16:17-18)
Discernment and caution may require us to be specific regarding false teachers!
- In 1 Timothy 1:19 and 2 Timothy 2:17 Paul pointed out specific individuals for
rebuke
- There is no obligation to go first to a person who has a public ministry; it is
appropriate to respond publicly – when Peter sinned publicly, Paul rebuked him
publicly (Galatians 2:11)
2 Pet 2, Jude – Destructive doctrines are to be expected.
Prosperity gospel/ word of faith/rhema/ health & wealth gospel
Definition:
Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the gospel of success, prosperity
gospel or the health and wealth gospel) is a heretical doctrine which teaches that
financial blessings is the will of God for Christians, and that faith, positive speech,
and donations to Christian ministries will always increase one's material wealth.
Other heretical teachings the prosperity gospel may include:
1) That we are little gods
2) That God operates by a spiritual law and is obliged to obey the faith-filled
commands and desires of believers
3) That Christ took on the nature of Satan
4) That Christ suffered in hell at the mercy of demons
5) That our words have the power to create physical reality
6) God Himself has faith and used it to create this earth
7) That God has a physical body
Biblical answer:
Christians are to be rich in spiritual things. James 2:5 “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not
chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to
those who love Him?”
Scripture nowhere indicates that Jesus was wealthy.
Arguments for Jesus’ wealth (donkey=Cadillac; Judas stealing from money purse = great wealth
in money purse; ) are examples of reading into the Scripture
There is no promise of monetary riches for all believers. On the contrary, we are to seek
heavenly treasures:
Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and
where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21).
The Bible names countless individuals who, although they were righteous before God, were
poor: Paul the apostle (Philippians 4:11–12); his companions (1 Corinthians 4:9–13); the Old
Testament faithful (Hebrews 11:37).
2 Co 1:7 health is not a promise (Isa 53:5 misapplication)
Peter writes to encourage suffering Christians reminding them that suffering is often God’s will
(1 Peter)
Teachers of the prosperity heresy: Kenneth Hagin Jr, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Morris Cerullo, Kenneth
and Gloria Copeland, Paul and Jan Crouch, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, Rod Parsley, John Avanzini, Jesse
DuPlantis, Rick Joyner, T.D. Jakes, Paula White, Eddie Long, Joseph Prince
For further reading on the Word of Faith movement:
The Facts on the Faith Movement, by John Ankerberg & John Weldon
Charismatic Chaos, by John MacArthur
The Word-Faith Controversy, by Robert M. Bowman
Will the Real Pharisee Please Stand Up? by Robert Liichow
Christianity in Crisis, by Hank Hanegraaff
The Confusing World of Benny Hinn, by G. Richard Fisher and M. Kurt Goedelman
Therapeutic gospel
Definition:
Sin robs us of reaching our full potential. Christ’s death proves our worth as
humans and gives us the power to reach our full potential. The church helps us find
happiness, purpose and significance in my life and career. The central goal of life
is to be happy and to feel good about myself.
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I want to feel loved, understood, affirmed, entertained etc.
I want to gain self-esteem
I want adventure, excitement, action, and passion so that I experience life to
the fullest
Biblical answer:
Jer 17:9; Rom 3; James 1:14; 1 Jn 1:7-9
Teachers: Joel Olsteen, Rick Warren, John Eldridge, Many seeker-sensitive teachers
Moralistic gospel
Definition:
Our big problem is sins of humanity and not our individual sin nature. The purpose
for Christ’s death is to give us a second chance and make us better people.
Through God’s help and our willpower, we can find redemption by becoming good
citizens of the earth.
Biblical answer:
Rom 3:9-12, 21-25
Teachers: Joel Olsteen, Veggie Tales (Phil Visher repented in 2011), Many seeker-friendly pastors, Rick
Warren,
Social gospel
Definition:
We make an effort to create a better society and thus advance the kingdom. The
gospel’s power is demonstrated through cultural transformation, and the church is
united around social projects.
Biblical answer:
Acts 26:17-18, Mt 28:19-20
Good works are not a substitute for Gospel proclamation
Teachers: Tony Campolo, Rick Warren, David Platt, many emergent leaders as well
Seeker-sensitive/Social club gospel
Definition:
Salvation is all about finding fellowship and friendship at church. Meaningful
Christian relationships help us enjoy life. Christians need to make their churches so
appealing that the whole world will want to be part of it. After all, Christianity
promises a life filled with purpose for everyone.
More often than not these churches are centered on a celebrity or “rockstar” pastor.
Other errors: Bible is replaced with personal stories; Biblical narratives are
allegorized to become “relevant”. The central focus of the Bible becomes me.
Stories of redemption become stories about leadership (example: the Bible series
on History channel). Vision-casting, unquestionable authority of head pastor,
entertainment and activities take precedence over teaching God’s Word. The role
of the church is confused with providing a comfortable place for unbelievers.
Biblical answer:
1 Cor 1:18, 1 Pet 2:8
Teachers: Perry Noble, Rick Warren, Steven Furtick, Ed Young Jr, Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels
Mystic gospel/ Strange fire/ signs and wonders gospel (NAR, Pensacola revival
etc)
Definition:
Salvation comes through an emotional experience with God. The church is there to
help me feel close to God by helping me along in my pursuit of mystical union.
Experiencing God in new ways is the ultimate goal and evidence of godliness.
Other errors: Personal revelation trumps the Biblical revelation. Subjective
experience is equal or greater to the clear teachings of the Bible. The Bible is not
sufficient, super apostles and prophets enlighten us. Kingdom Now Theology and
other nonbiblical teachings.
Biblical answer:
2 Tim 3:16, Heb 4:12
Teachers: Patricia King, Todd Bentley, Rick Joyner, Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs, C Peter Wagner, Judah
Smith, Bill Johnson, Rodney Howard Brown