The History of the Prosperity Gospel: Questions of Discussion

The average member who attend a "Word of Faith" church are ignorant of the history of the prosperity gospel. You may be saying, "Why is it important to know the history of the prosperity gospel?" All we need is God's Word to know that the Bible does teach prosperity. I am not into history, philosophy, and theology. By the way that's man-made doctrine taught by the tradition of men by which it makes the Word of God of no affect.  What I know about prosperity is that the Bible does teach prosperity. It is in God's Word. It is not something that we are taught to be of the senses, but it is of the spirit. The letter kills, but the spirit gives life.  That's what is wrong with religiously minded people. They got all this head knowledge but it does not lead anyone to the truth. This is the typical questions and statement of people who attend many Charismatic and Pentecostal churches today who have been influenced by the "Word of Faith" movement which promotes that of the prosperity gospel. Many Faith leaders will come up with a few scriptures to prove that the Bible teach prosperity. As they attempt to interpret the Bible they do so by proof-texting scripture. (2 Pet. 3:16) In so many words looking at isolated passages of the Bible at the exclusion of other passages to "build" a doctrine around that particular verse like that of 3 John 2. This is the favorite verse of many Faith leaders quote to teach the prosperity gospel or "total" life prosperity. 

   It is important for the Church to know that of church history and doctrine. Before I would license any young minister in the gospel ministry is that it is a required course in knowing church history and doctrine. That is the basics of, "The Fundamentals of Church History and Doctrine." The reason for the proliferation of cults and heresies is that people are in the church today are ignorance of church history and doctrine. For many Charismatics to say that there is no need for all of that in studying church history and doctrine; what is most important is what the Spirit says.  Well that is what is called functional and biblical illiteracy by which the Church is paying a price for its own ignorance (2 Pet. 3:16). 

   Within this short article I will begin to present a series of questions for people to see if they really know about the history of the prosperity gospel from which it originated? (1 Tim. 6:20) Just quoting a "few" Bible passages or verse is not going to cut it. If anything it is a spiritual "cop out." If in fact you find out that you are not knowledgeable as you say you are let's see if you can answer the most basic questions about where the prosperity gospel really came from. Are you ready? Let's go.

Questions of Discussion

1. What is the history of the prosperity gospel according to 1 Timothy 6:20?

2. How is it that many Faith leaders can claim that the message of the prosperity gospel is via Revelation Knowledge?

3. What are "ways" by which many Faith leaders interpret the Bible? Does the prosperity gospel fit within the allegorical school of thought in regards to Valentinism and Marcion? (2 Tim. 2:17-18)

4. How is it that many Faith leaders pervert the biblical passage of 3 John 2? What are the "key" words and phrase by which many prosperity teachers distort the biblical meaning of the word "prosper," and "be in health" according to 3 John 2? 

5. What is the prosperity gospel understanding of the Bible? How does many Faith leaders view that of the doctrine of revelation, inspiration, and illumination?

Once you have answer many of these questions please submit by email your findings @ www.contendingforthefaithinfo@yahoo.com. I will respond to you as soon as I receive your email. Thanks. Have a great day.

Rev. Darryl Miller is the president & Chairman of Darryl Miller International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia and travels extensively throughout the United States and continents. Darryl is the bestselling author of his book, "The Prosperity Gospel: Where Did It Come From: Gnostic Source? Or Spiritual Revelation?" He is the Podcast Host of, "ASK DARRYL" which airs 24/7 @ www.spreaker.com/user/bishopoflyons. As a apologist, conference speaker, and lecturer he is in great demand both in the United States and around the world. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian outside metro Atlanta with their puppy "Little Baby."