Redefining the Prosperity Gospel

Recently a video went viral of evangelist Benny Hinn talking about how he’s changing his receiving offerings. He stated, “When they invite me to telethons I think they will not like me anymore...if I hear one more time, break the back of debt with $1,000, I’m gonna rebuke them. I think that’s buying the gospel. That’s buying the blessing. That’s grieving the Holy Spirit.” 

It’s encouraging to see Benny Hinn making these adjustments. I’ve attended a few of his meetings and strongly perceived God’s presence there. However, I asked to have my name removed from Benny’s mailing list because of receiving too many fundraising letters. I resist giving to ministers who apply pressure or use questionable gimmicks to receive money from me. We are not to handle the word of God deceitfully (2 Corinthians 4:2) and for personal gain (2 Peter 3:16).

Some have suggested Benny is reacting to a book written by his nephew. Costi Hinn’s “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel” talks about how his family supposedly exploited millions around the world by trading miracles for money. While glancing at a sample of his book on Amazon, I noticed Costi listed other books he recommends reading. Many of them are by John MacArthur, an outspoken cessationist who believes the gifts of the Holy Spirit stopped after the original apostles died. I won’t read materials scoffing at God doing supernatural things today.

Critics have also insisted Benny Hinn should return money to his donors. They compare that to what Zacchaeus did in Luke 19:8. There’s a big difference between a tax collector intimidating taxpayers and a minister receiving free will offerings. Benny’s revenue has taken the gospel to the nations and financed mission projects. His website states, “This ministry continues to reach out to thousands of children each day through hospital care, housing, food, clothing, medical supplies, and educational materials.”

If someone asks if I believe in the prosperity gospel, that depends on how it’s defined. Certainly, I don’t believe one must pay money to be saved. Nor do I believe in a poverty gospel. Psalm 35:27 says, “Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Some describe the prosperity gospel as the promise of one obtaining wealth through positive confessions plus giving tithes and offerings. Many Scriptures support these concepts. However, other factors can affect one’s financial status. (For additional study on this subject, please read my article “Wealth in the Word.”)

The gospel is free but it takes money to get the message out whether it’s through passing out Bibles and tracts on the streets or preaching to millions through the media and evangelistic crusades. Many so-called prosperity preachers are generous givers. Those that oversee megachurches often renounce their salaries since they receive income from other sources. I know one pastor whose church offers this challenge: “If you tithe for six months and you don’t see God’s response to His promise, we will refund 100% of your tithe.”

God desires His people to prosper so they can fulfill His plans and purposes on the earth. He doesn’t mind us having things as long as the things don’t have us. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Therefore, I choose to believe in a prosperity gospel.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” - 3 John 2

Believing vs. Begging

Back in 2008, my then-roommate and I took a road trip to attend revival meetings in Lakeland, Florida. When a friend found out about it, he sent me an irate email because I didn’t ask him to go with us. His anger was unwarranted for I had no idea he wanted to go to Lakeland. He also didn’t consider the possibility of there not being enough room in the car for him and his luggage. On top of that, this man was unemployed and probably lacked the money to cover his food and lodging. I pointed these things out to my friend and he apologized. But then he sent another email asking me to pray that someone would take him to Lakeland and pay all his expenses. 

Some Christians who know it’s God’s will for them to prosper still come across as beggars. I’ve had friends send me emails saying they are “believing God” for finances but then ask for money. One of them even accused me of being a moocher. Yet this same person has often solicited donations from me and other people.

Certainly, Christians should have compassion toward brethren who are struggling financially. Jesus exhorts us to have a generous spirit in Matthew 5:42, “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” On the other hand, Proverbs 3:27 in the New Living Translation says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 also says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” God may not want you enabling someone who is being lazy, mismanages their finances (which includes not tithing) or isn’t being truthful about their needs. I’ve seen Christians hit people up for money for particular purposes but then spend it on something else.

As a missionary, I know it’s tempting to let people know when you are facing a financial challenge. One rule I follow on the mission field is to avoid asking for money. Psalm 37:25 says, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” One of my spiritual heroes is George Müller. This 19th-century evangelist operated orphanages in England totally by faith. He only accepted unsolicited freewill offerings.  

I’m not saying it’s wrong for ministers to let people know how they can make a donation if they feel led of the Lord to do so (I do that at the end of my monthly newsletter and on my website). Then again, I know of ministries that prospered without making any financial appeals. Individuals who claim to “live by faith” should take their needs before the Lord and let Him decide whom He wants to use to bless them. Faith doesn’t put pressure on people.

I’ve also taken a similar approach regarding places to stay. Many times people invited me into their homes without me requesting lodging. Occasionally, I felt led to ask for accommodations but usually at places I stayed at before or was referred to them by somebody else. Jesus even invited Himself to stay at Zacchaeus’ house for He knew the tax collector would receive Him joyfully (Luke 19:5-6). At the same time, it’s best to avoid extended stays in another person’s home unless the Lord gives you favor at a particular place. Proverbs 25:17 says, "Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.”

One time the Lord led me to fly to Charlotte, North Carolina for a series of meetings at MorningStar Ministries. I arrived in town with enough money to stay one night at a Motel 6. The next day, a minister I produced an album for offered an advance on royalties, allowing me to stay at Motel 6 for another night. This minister also arranged for me to spend the following night at the Heritage Grand Hotel on the MorningStar grounds. The morning after, I had to check out at that hotel since I didn’t have enough money to continue staying there. I hung around the lobby working on my laptop and later went to the evening service while trusting God for a place to stay. I was determined to let Him provide without asking anyone for help. 

The hotel staff graciously kept my luggage behind their counter until something opened up for me. By 12:00 midnight, almost everyone had left the sanctuary area and I still didn’t have a place to stay. I felt a need to inform the hotel staff of my situation. They thanked me for doing so and said I could continue hanging around the lobby area but wasn’t allowed to sleep. So I resumed work on my laptop. 

Finally, at 2 a.m., a woman struck up a conversation with me. She soon recognized me as one of her Facebook friends. I didn’t say anything about a need for lodging until she asked where I was staying. My friend then called a friend of hers who let me stay in one of the cabins right across the street from MorningStar! To my surprise, my host later gave me $25 for food. My Facebook friend also bought two CDs from me.

Are you facing a need in your life? I encourage you not to be a beggar but a believer in Jehovah Jireh.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19

Discernment For Donations

Often I receive Facebook friend requests from ministers (mostly from Africa and Asia) who eventually ask for money. This is despite a notice on my wall clearly stating I do not send donations in response to unsolicited emails. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (KJV) tells us “…to know them which labour among you.” While some of the appeals I receive may be for legitimate purposes, many others are fraudulent. I’ve seen Christians hit people up for money for particular purposes but then spend it on something else.

I prefer giving to preachers whose teachings have impacted my life. As Galatians 6:6 says, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” However, we must watch out for scammers setting up Facebook pages pretending to be well-known ministers. A fellow evangelist told me about a time he exchanged messages with someone claiming to be Joyce Meyer. He knew it wasn’t real when “Joyce” started asking for money.

One article I found online listed these excellent suggestions for giving…

1) Let the world take care of worldly charities.

2) Support your local church with tithes and offerings.

3) Decide which Christian ministries to support.

4) Give generously but with discernment.

Jesus commended the unjust steward in Luke 16:8 “…because he had dealt shrewdly.” He went on to say, “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” Believers shouldn’t be gullible and haphazardly give money to anyone approaching them for a donation. One can discern who to give to by reading the Word of God consistently, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and using common sense.   

God wants us to be cheerful givers…but also smart ones.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16

Does God Want Economic Equality?

The topic of money often stirs up debates among Christians. Part of the problem is so-called “prosperity preachers” who are misrepresented by critics playing or quoting selected portions of their sermons to where it distorts their original message. God wants His people to prosper but that doesn’t mean they won’t face tests and challenges along the way.

In response to a sermonette about prosperity that I posted on Facebook, a couple of friends made critical remarks about ministers owning an airplane. I unfriended one of them because he persisted in attacking a particular preacher who I happen to be a partner of. Another friend claimed God wants economic equality amongst His people citing 2 Corinthians 8:14 as her proof text…

“but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.”

You cannot build a doctrine on one verse. It must be read in context and compared with other Scriptures. Nevertheless, I looked up 2 Corinthians 8:14 in different versions. The New Living Translation renders it as Paul saying, “there should be SOME equality.” I agree the rich should help the poor but it’s not up to any man or organization to dictate how much each Christian should keep or give of their finances. That’s between them and the Lord. 

Just as I don’t like ministers using manipulative methods to extract offerings from people, I don’t like self-appointed watchdogs claiming certain preachers have too much money. One reason some Christians prosper is because they are generous givers (see Luke 6:38). I’ve heard of some who practice “reverse tithing”…giving 90% of their income and living off the remaining 10%. Their critics don’t even come close to doing that. 

My Facebook friend went on to say, “I agree with Paul about equality because he was a like a father. I am a mother of 4 children and never rewarded them for what they did. I just freely gave them all I had whether they did what I felt they should or not. They were always good in my eyes and are good today and successful and givers.”

I’ve never raised children and so I’m certainly no expert on the subject. However, common sense would tell me not to give everything a kid asks for. You wouldn’t let your three-year-old play with a loaded gun, would you? If I had a teenaged son, I wouldn’t let him have the keys to the family car if he constantly disrespected my authority by getting drunk on alcohol and staying out late.

Likewise, our Heavenly Father will bless His children who are faithful and follow His commandments. God’s love is unconditional but that doesn’t mean He rewards us equally. After being freed from Egyptian slavery, the children of Israel had a promised land set aside for them. All but two died in the wilderness because of disobedience.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus said in Matthew 25:28-29 regarding the unprofitable servant, “Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” This doesn’t sound like economic equality to me.

The Lord spoke similar things in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Rewards are available “to him who overcomes.” Some Christians aren’t prosperous simply because they are lazy and won’t work (see Ephesians 4:28 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

I heard one minister point out if all the wealth of the world was evenly distributed, everyone would be millionaires. However, there are people who cannot handle large sums of money. Proverbs 1:32 (KJV) says, “…the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” Many lottery winners squander their sudden wealth and fall back into poverty.

God is not into socialism. All believers can prosper if they mature and remain obedient to Him. Then when they get to heaven, they can hear the Lord say to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

“‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” - Isaiah 1:19-20

Truths About Tithing

Some Christians don’t like to talk about money even though there are numerous Scriptures on the subject. One area in particular that has split a few hairs amongst believers is tithing. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, a tithe is defined as, “The tenth part of any thing; but appropriately, the tenth part of the increase annually arising from the profits of land and stock, allotted to the clergy for their support.”

 

Whenever I meet Christians who complain of financial problems, I often ask if they have been tithing. Many times their answer is “no.” I don’t believe this is a mere coincidence. Malachi 3:8-9 says, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.”

The next two verses in Malachi talk about the blessings that result from tithing…

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field.”

Some pastors teach the “storehouse” is your home church. This may be true if that’s your only source of spiritual nourishment. But if God uses other ministries to bless you, He will likely lead you to give to them as well. Galatians 6:6 says, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” On rare occasions, I’ve received tithes (as well as offerings) from people even though I don’t pastor a church.

Even ministers are not exempt from tithing. Nehemiah 10:38 says, “And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms of the storehouse.” In his autobiography “He Touched Me”, Benny Hinn wrote about how his ministry struggled financially until he started tithing from the revenue he received.

Nevertheless, there are Christians who claim tithing is “under the law” and not applicable for us today. But tithing existed hundreds of years before the Mosaic Law. In Genesis 14:20, Abraham gave tithes to the priest Melchizadek (referred to again in Hebrews 7:1-6). In Genesis 28:22, Jacob vowed a tenth of all his property to God.

Not once did Jesus tell His disciples they no longer have to tithe. He even acknowledged the Pharisees for tithing. Luke 11:42 says, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Religious people can do good things but for the wrong motive. One Pharisee bragged in Luke 18:12, “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” Yet the Lord was more pleased with a tax collector who humbled himself by asking for mercy.

Rather than look at tithing as a duty, Christians should have the mindset that they get to tithe. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Once a person is settled in his heart about tithing, he’d be wise to gradually increase his giving. “The generous soul will be made rich,” says Proverbs 11:25.

I want to ask a question to every Christian reading this who still insists you don’t have to tithe. How much of your income goes to the work of the Lord? If you regularly give over 10% of your pre-tax income, then I commend you for going beyond the standard set by God’s Word. But if your total giving is less than 10%, then that would explain why you might feel uncomfortable hearing sermons on prosperity and despise believers who are generous with their finances. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” As I heard another preacher say, “What you hoard is your lord.”

Recently I read a testimony of a minister who had suffered heart trouble. One morning at 2:00 A.M., he whispered to his wife to pray for him. She sat up in bed, laid both hands on her husband’s chest, and boldly prayed, “Father, You promised us that if we would pay our tithes, You would rebuke the devourer for our sakes. Our tithe is paid. This attack is nothing but the devil, and if You don't heal my husband, You are a liar.” Shortly after that, the minister was completely healed!

Now it should be clarified that tithing is not a cure-all to resolving every financial challenge. Other areas of disobedience will stop the blessings of God from manifesting in a person’s life. One of them is negative talking. Hebrews 3:1 says, “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” (Hebrews 6:20 also points out that Jesus became our High Priest “…according to the order of Melchizedek.”) A person can give many offerings but still remain in lack if he constantly complains about adverse circumstances he’s facing.

According to one Barna Group survey, only 9% of all born-again adults contributed one-tenth or more of their income. If every Christian gave in faith and out of a heart of love, our churches would have more than enough funds to get the gospel out plus help the poor and needy. So let’s not look at tithing as some legalistic command but as the first step towards good financial stewardship. God wants to bless us so we can be a blessing to others.

“Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” - Proverbs 3:9-10