Buyer Beware of false Advertising

Welcome, friends, to another week. I had one blog prepared for today. However, God changed it at the last minute. I love the way he works. His ways are certainly not our ways. When we think we have something figured out, it changes. However, this morning, as I looked at the constant drizzle of snow, God directed me to another topic- deception. To this end, buyer, beware! Many pastors make their truth sound authentic; however, they create a false sense of eternal security underneath smooth-talking sermons. To this end, they profit from half-truths and false doctrines. For instance, TD Jakes, Benny Hinn, Joyce Myers, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, and Kenneth Copeland have become millionaires by selling religion. It is called the prosperity gospel, I was once in this movement. 1 Timothy 6:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leWioCpGZRw

The Lord talks about these wolves in the Bible. He is adamant about false apostles; there are four references in the Bible about them. These verses are: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15 Behold, I send you forth as sheep amid wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Luke 10:3 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts 20:29 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:13. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

It is all about money. Jesus was never rich. He healed many, preached, and died for the gospel. Jesus did not have a fleet of aircraft, private runways, million-dollar mansions, or notoriety. He was a humble, poor man who loved and cared about everyone- past, present, and future. He cared about our souls so much; he died for us on the cross.

These preachers cleverly twist the truth with lies to confuse those who do not know their Bible. I should know, I was one who listened and sent money to a prosperity gospel preacher years ago. They also deny what they say, like Satan did Eve. “You will not surely die.” Genesis 3:4. False teachers turn God’s words into wonderful-sounding doctrine, thus twisting his words so many believe them and not the Bible. As a result, millions do not check to see if what they say is true. Acts 17:11 These preachers may act as Satan did when talking with Eve. He deceived Eve by twisting God’s words and making her doubt God. She, in turn, convinced Adam to go along with her deception. Genesis 3:17. Many do not test the spirits. 1 John 4:1

For the pastors listed above, it has become about money, not the gospel. I am sure if we asked them if they knew the gospel, they would not able to identify it. Sadly, these preachers have betrayed the gospel and Christ by greed- fame, and riches. As of 2022, the net worth of each of these famous pastors is this. “Bishop” TD Jakes-154 million; Benny Hinn - 52 million; Joyce Myers- 8 million; Creflo Dollar -27 million; Joel Osteen- 100 million; Kenneth Copeland- 27 million, which does not include private aircraft- twenty-six million and a mansion-six million. Our local pastors combined do not make the amount of money these pastors make. Many of them live in humble homes or apartments and drive ordinary vehicles. They do not employ bodyguards, drivers, maids, or security. Some even clean their churches and perform what many consider menial tasks.

God does not care about education or money. He cares about godliness. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

God is not a commodity for sale. Therefore, buyers beware of false advertising and deception. What sounds good may not be edifying or true. Many come in Jesus’s name; however, only a few are true believers and pastors. That said, no one knows the heart except Christ. Therefore, always read the fine print. However, be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7

I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ. His love is unmatched and will always continue. He offers salvation- (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), no questions asked. I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.com I hope you have a great week. Please remember to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for visiting with me this week.