Using the statement: “The Bible says to speak of things that aren’t as though they were” is often used to inspire others to speak into existence things they may or may not need, but something they want. This is the kind of jargon that delivers nothing but disappointment and ridicule.
Romans 4:17 NIV reads; As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
I have no problem with God making something from nothing. That is who He is; that is what He does! He speaks into existence anything He desires.
But I do have a problem with those using that statement that have ulterior motives, such as getting rich, gaining power over others and such things that are self-serving. No real man of God would make claims and also urge others to make claims that bring self-gratification using Romans 4:17 as basis for their claims.
As you can read for yourself, this text is talking about God’s actions, not actions of every person who enters the pulpit area. While some do live in a close relationship with the Lord and are privileged to share a portion of His power at different times in their life, most do not. Certainly not those who are seeking solely to benefit themselves.
We often hear claims like we are taking this city, county, country or the world for Jesus. Those claims are noble and perhaps worthy of notice, yet is something that seldom takes place. Of course there is no way to substantiate the facts but it would be rare indeed if these claims ever come to fruition. Common logic tells me if all the claims made were true, the world would be a totally Kingdom of God world. Everyone would be “saved”.
I was involved with a particular church for more years than I now like to admit. This pastor kept telling us God wanted him to build assisted-living quarters for the elderly. He went into great detail of what is should be like. I and others of like mind and spirit bought into this and waited. We waited, we waited, we worked, we prayed, we gave, we waited and we prayed. Nothing ever materialized because there was no money.
He spoke a word that wasn’t as though it were. (Ro. 4:17) Two years, three, four turned into seven and still nothing. I was even willing to borrow money to help out. It was when I went to visit my banker it hit me. As I sat there trying to explain why I needed the loan, and he laughed at me, I finally saw how ridiculous I sounded. I don’t know what would have happened if I had secured that loan and we had gotten that senior center, but I do know that pastor went off the deep end and took many others with him. I was spared that burden because my banker laughed at me. Thank You Lord.
It was not long after that I studied this scripture and came to the conclusion; just because I say it does not always mean God agrees with me. He may but it is His decision, not mine. I cannot construct a formula that causes God to act at my discretion. If my will is His will; then things may happen.
When you stop to think seriously about it, what a blessing it is when we don’t get all we ask for. If we got everything we wanted or asked for, what kind of person would we be? I think we would be arrogant spoiled brats.
If only we could put a stop to such useless claims coming from pulpits around the country the Kingdom and God’s people would not be ridiculed at every turn.
August 25, 2009 at 6:07 pm |
So what am I supposed to do with my prayer hanky?
I love the sermons that imply, if you give you will be blessed. This is very true but the problem is most Pastors and T.V. evangelists have tarnished the message. I recently heard of one who even claims the Lords prayer is really a prayer that has a deeper meaning; it really means he wants us to be rich. The pastor even wrote a book about it, how shameful.
Have you ever notice that most Churches spend over half of the sermon time talking about giving. What’s wrong with that? Most people will say nothing is wrong with that. However the problem is all the giving they want is to be given to their church.
Have you ever been around Church people who swear by tithing? They will give to the church but wouldn’t give a plug nickel to the bum on the street. They proclaim that they are being good stewards with the money that God has blessed them with as they turn their back on a person in need. The word from Jesus himself says, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Fat chance this would happen with most Christians today. Instead they will offer up advice along the lines of; if you would only pray more or if you only were more faithful God would bless you or you have chosen this life so don’t expect me to help you out.
To me this is just as shameful as any prayer hankie or TV scheme. Remember though we are not to judge others but when it comes to money somehow the character of one without it comes up or the prophetic spirit of the one who has it shows up in the form of; well he is going to buy beer with that or maybe drugs. I don’t remember reading that in the bible. Jesus says give and we give and if more people would grasp what He really meant when He ask us to give then pastors could spend more time on an real message and I might even begin to believe what they preach. Amen