God Isn't There, Doesn't Answer My Prayers!

[Kurieuo]

I see, there is a false expectation amongst many Christians via the prosperity Gospel message proliferated around the world, in the pulpit, on our tele-evangelists and the like.

My own Mum, 10 or so years ago, dissatisfied in her marriage, turned a little elsewhere to New Age stuff. Exploring crystals and the like on a "Catholic" retreat for women. When I questioned, I received a strong reaction, "Why shouldn't I? What has God ever f*@%#^ done for me?" I could have answered that with many things, but clearly there was no point given her emotional response.

It revealed to me, the prosperity message that'd be sold to her, to me, in the Pentecostal Evangelical form of Christianity with which I was familiar. It isn't just a flaw often found within Pentecostalism though. Nonetheless such sets up a false expectation and hope for God to meet us where we at at. To give us this or that in life, make us happy, fulfill our every desire. Such also often includes spiritual desires, such asking God to reveal Himself to us in supernatural ways. People even get angry at God when they don't get the response, don't get that healing, that divine hug or kiss if you will, especially when they see other "spiritual" Christians appearing to have a very intimate relationship with God, receiving divine messages, perhaps healings and the like.

You know, listening to the many worship songs sung, many I was familiar with were all about asking God to reveal Himself personally, touch us, come Holy Spirit, touch me, refreshen me, show me your splendor, show me your glory, bring about a revival in the land. Sorry, but worship isn't about making requests of God, but rather us going to Him, rightfully worshipping Him as Lord rather than trying to be His Lord, being thankful...

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with requesting and making supplication to God, understand He knows what we really need even before we open our mouths, even before we know. (Matt 6:8) However, it's when we worship our needs, make our needs Lord over God, indeed expect God to fulfill our beckons "if He truly loves us". This all leaves us with one question, does our heart really lay at our own feet or at God's?

And the video I watched which sparked this post (although it is by no means just an American thing):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQz3HBZEUEQ

[Philip]

Um, K, you aren't somehow suggesting I should return my JO coffee mug???!!!












Go here (http://www.vividseats.com/theatre/joel- ... 06017.html), and for a mere $79, you can get floor seats to see Joel avoid preaching the Gospel!

[Kurieuo]

Your best life now, eh? It is sad, that in many churches, pastors preach sermons about "Christian living" and more motivational speaking, rather than substantial Christian theology. Compare sermons of the early-mid 20th century from those like Martin Lloyd-Jones with your modern day sermons, and there substantial differences.

Many Christians today are left to teach themselves via the Internet, books, YouTube and the like. Theology has been relegated to something you do if you want to be a pastor or the like rather than something for all Christians.

[Philip]

Interesting, from Wikipedia, on Osteen:

Osteen says that he chooses to focus more on the goodness of God and on living an obedient life rather than on sin. He says that he tries to teach Biblical principles in a simple way, emphasizing the power of love and a positive attitude.

When asked why he does not focus more on sin, the devil and hell in detail, Osteen stated in an interview with CBN News:

"When I grew up, the devil was a reason why I had a headache or the devil was the reason I got mad today. We always blamed the devil. I think today when I say the enemy, I like to make it broader. Sometimes the enemy can be our own thoughts. We've trained ourselves the wrong way. Or the enemy can be our own lack of discipline. Some people preach about hell like you're already going there, and to me the Gospel means 'Good News.' I'd rather say God is a God of mercy. So I think the people already know what they're doing wrong, and I certainly believe in hell. But to me, when I see thousands of people before me, it just doesn't come out of me to say, 'You guys are terrible, and you're going to hell.' I'd rather say that God is a God of mercy. You've got to live an obedient life, but for every mistake you’ve made, there's mercy there, and I believe we can do better."

In an interview on Fox News in 2008 during the U.S. presidential primary race, when discussing whether he thought that Mormons were Christians, Osteen indicated that he believed that they were.

In an interview with The Christian Post on April 21, 2013, Osteen expressed his sentiments on being perceived as being part of the prosperity gospel: "I get grouped into the prosperity gospel and I never think it's fair, but it's just what it is. I think prosperity, and I've said it 1,000 times, it's being healthy, it's having great children, it's having peace of mind. Money is part of it; and yes, I believe God wants us to excel ... to be blessed so we can be a bigger blessing to others. I feel very rewarded. I wrote a book and sold millions of copies; and Victoria and I were able to help more people than we ever dreamed of."

[Danieltwotwenty]

[Kurieuo]

Or the Clinton Foundation.

[RickD]

For you Daniel220:

http://youtu.be/7wAQ5ftiEqE

[Kurieuo]

Damn, you could actually hear Satan in his voice.

[RickD]

Damn, you could actually hear Satan in his voice.

You joke, but it really does sound that way.

[Kurieuo]

Damn, you could actually hear Satan in his voice.

You joke, but it really does sound that way.

Benny Hinn and other televangelists though, lend support to the thought that a great many Christians are gullible.

[RickD]

Damn, you could actually hear Satan in his voice.

You joke, but it really does sound that way.

Benny Hinn and other televangelists though, lend support to the thought that a great many Christians are gullible.

Not just Christians. Many non-believers fall prey to these shysters, because they're looking for hope in something.

[Kurieuo]

Damn, you could actually hear Satan in his voice.

You joke, but it really does sound that way.

Benny Hinn and other televangelists though, lend support to the thought that a great many Christians are gullible.

Not just Christians. Many non-believers fall prey to these shysters, because they're looking for hope in something.

True, especially those in desperation. One reason Hinn probably likes targeting third worlds.

[RickD]

Damn, you could actually hear Satan in his voice.

You joke, but it really does sound that way.

Benny Hinn and other televangelists though, lend support to the thought that a great many Christians are gullible.

Not just Christians. Many non-believers fall prey to these shysters, because they're looking for hope in something.

True, especially those in desperation. One reason Hinn probably likes targeting third worlds.

I know I joke about these Christians who fleece the flock, but it's an issue that hits close to home with me, and I have no tolerance for this kind of stuff. It makes me sick.

[crochet1949]

We, as individuals, need to spend More time getting more familiar with God's Word -- God's authority. Cause Then we'll know / recognize False information when we see or hear it. We'll be less likely To fall prey to the shysters who are trying to lead us Away.

[Danieltwotwenty]

As deplorable as it is, it does provide plenty of material for funny YouTube videos.



Matthew. 7:20-23 comes to mind as the correct scenario interpretation of this passage, not as others have used it. People who claim to have done great things in Christ's name but really were out for their own benefit and glory.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’