Upon observing the content of various perspectives regarding the Word-Faith Movement, it pleases my spirit to acknowledge those who are exercising personal spiritual discernment. Conversely, it grieves my spirit to encounter those who do not understand my concerns and warnings to the Body of Christ.
Unfortunately, many people today believe it is unfitting to expose error and publicly rebuke those who have deviated from the veracity of God's Word. This belief is highly advocated by charismatic Word-Faith teachers and many of their loyal supporters. Those who dare venture into the arena of public refutation are often accused of being judgmental, unloving, and divisive. Moreover, threats are relentlessly utilized in the form of inappropriate and antagonistic scriptural interpretations ("Touch not the Lord's anointed", "Judge not", for example). For the record, those who subscribe to this reprehensible line of thinking are either wicked or immature.
Quite naturally, false teachers fear exposure. Thus, they will endeavor any plan of defense to cloak their real motives. Typically, the strategy is to cleverly manipulate their supporters and silence the opposition so that they can peddle their perverted gospel and remain enabled to fleece the flock. If we are cognizant of this fact, the following question must be asked: "Who will protect the sheep from the wolves?"
Contingent upon the Word-Faith teachers' specific agenda (usually money), their theology does not embrace total doctrinal deviations. They profess salvation by Christ alone, instill sound business policies, family values, and many solid ethical principles. Moreover, they have accomplished great works and implemented rewarding programs for their communities. Thus, I praise God for every salutary and commendatory attribute in them and rejoice for every soul saved under their ministries (Phillipians 1:18).
Let's bear in mind, however, that Satan's ministers do not emerge in their authentic form. They are characterized as "wolves in sheep's clothing"; "false apostles masquerading as apostles of Christ and servants of righteousness" (Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). They assert to come in the name of Christ, purportedly confessing Jesus as their Savior while concurrently alleging divine revelations from God (Matthew 7:21-22). Thus, it is these individuals who may not be so transparent to theological infractions. It is this genus of pretense coupled with alluring entertainment and the human-potential, self-esteem, "feel good" psychological philosophies that has promoted a significant accrual of allegiance to Word-Faith teachers. That said, souls saved are "in spite of", not "because of" many of their messages.
On account it is my responsibility to test all teachings (Acts 17:11, 1 Thess. 5:21), I will not adopt a policy of appeasement and disregard the erroneous canon of Word-Faith doctrine that is being dispersed through television, radio, books and within our churches. No Christian should stand by in a state of indolence and allow fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord to be deceived by false teachers. Such undiscerning and negligent behavior is a betrayal to Christ and to His body of believers. I wrote the article, "The Word-Faith Movement: Wolves In Sheep's Clothing", to publicly confront, refute, and expose (Romans 16:17-18, Ephesians 5:11), the camp of Word-Faith heretics. The Apostle John said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4)."
What is truth? I reject the relativist's perspective ... which ignores the existence of absolute truth. Truth is not relative to one's personal interpretation. The Word of God is absolute truth. Unlocking His truth is contingent upon the power of the Holy Spirit and appropriate hermeneutics: When was the passage written (dispensational periods)? Who is the audience? What is the intended meaning of specific words as it relates to the surrounding passages, the subject at hand, and the culture/customs of the people involved?
To the discerning eye, it is evident that Word-Faith advocates have faltered in their use of proper biblical exegesis ... leading to a miscarriage of doctrinal purity. Their established position on faith, their perspective of our heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ; their atonement theology, and their health and wealth doctrine greatly digresses from the veracity of Scripture. Sadly, to the undiscerning eye and the personality worshipper, these aberrant doctrines will be sanctioned without objection. Such mindsets are found in prophesy.
Idolaters of personalities do not take cordially to an impugning of their "man of God" or perhaps their "god". Thus, their resentment asserts that I'm being confrontational, judgmental, jealous, arrogant, unloving, and divisive. In the words of Charles S. Graves, he states:
"Clearly, when you stand for nothing - you'll fall for anything. The biggest sin you can commit in the Church today is to insist on an adherence to scriptural truth. Truth divides, love unifies! I'm afraid that the "love" being promoted in the name of unity today is not love at all. God's agape love "rejoices in the truth". The love that is being proclaimed today is not love at all -- it is simply tolerance mistaken for love. It is a counterfeit love, a perfect complement to the counterfeit Spirit that is taking control of the Church today. It is leading to an unscriptural unity -- a unity that will finally be realized when the Anti-Christ and his false prophet rise up with "all power and signs, and lying wonders" (Charles S. Graves, "Anointing or Apostasy: The Latter Rain Legacy," p. 34).
That said, to those who are mad at the truth, so be it as it may seem.
Victor T. Stephens
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."
"Do not let your peace depend on the hearts of men; whatever they say about you, good or bad, you are not because of it another man, for as you are, you are." --Thomas a'Kempis
Visitors Since March 30, 2006
Welcome to my website. Thanks for stopping by. Your visit is greatly appreciated. I hope you will take a few moments to examine some of my topics.
As a writer and website designer, I decided to create this website to share some of my beliefs and passionate concerns. This site has been produced to serve as a personal website and discernment ministry. Here, you will find heartfelt poetry, thought provoking quotations, several challenging articles I've written, and most importantly, information pertaining to salvation.
The primary goal of my expositions is to express biblical truth, expose false teachers in the church, and encourage others to develop discernment skills through sound biblical doctrine. Take note that these works are not for those who subscribe to tolerance, compromise, and doctrinal indifference; but for those who are motivated and studious in seeking God's truth.
Since launching this website in March 2006, numerous responses have been received regarding the articles I've written. Overwhelmingly, the article entitled, "The Word-Faith Movement: Wolves In Sheep's Clothing", has gained prominent consideration. If this is your first visit, I highly recommend that you read this comprehensive study and critique. I also encourage you to visit my associate ministry website, Truth & Discernment Ministry (www.truth-discernmentministry.com).
I'm interested in your continual feedback; therefore please feel free to sign my guestbook and/or send your comments, questions, or critiques via e-mail. Additionally, if you experience any problems with this website such as navigation, text, images, spelling, grammer errors, or broken links, please bring it to my attention.
I wish to offer a few words of thanks and gratitude to those who have sent notes expressing compliments and encouragement. Let it be known that your prayers and support are personally appreciated.
I hope you enjoy your visit. May the peace of God be with you and yours.
