2 Peter 2
False Teachers and Their Destruction
1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
I knew an ex-colleague who attended (not sure if she still does ‘cos I lost touch with her) New Creation Church and she would sometimes tell me during lunch that if a Christian is truly faithful, that Christian will be blessed by God and will enjoy material riches. I found that extremely disturbing ‘cos that is a totally distorted view of the bible. It’s like Gold 90.5FM’s commercial – hearing only the good things. The bible talks about God having plans to prosper us… but the bible also talks about standing firm when our faith is tested.
I could go on about how skewed the prosperity gospel is but this post isn’t about that. This post is about an alarming thing a friend showed me just now. The pastor of New Creation Church has a website… and in it, you can donate money to his ministry and get this – YOU GET A PARTNERSHIP CARD!! Even more astounding is that your partnership is ranked based on the amount of money you donate. Ranging from USD10 to USD500 per month, you get to be anything from a "Destined to Reign Partner" to a "Joseph’s Inner Circle Partner". Pardon my language but WHAT THE $*@&^#?
Firstly, since when does a ministry belong to a person? Shouldn’t it be Jesus’ ministry that we focus on? Secondly, how could someone be ranked based on the amount he donates? Thirdly, why on earth would any God-fearing believer want to be part of "Joseph’s Inner Circle"?!?!?!? I think we all want to hear the Lord say that we’ve been a good and faithful servant and not, "Congrats, you were part of Joseph’s Inner Circle".
I think what bugs me most about the website is that focuses strongly on Joseph Prince instead of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. I have to say that I’m totally disgusted and repulsed.
John 15:4-5
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
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