When I was a new believer, I thought Joel Osteen was teaching truth. When people called him a false teacher, I defended him saying that he used Scripture, but then I was curious and looked it up if he did teach falsely, and I'm so thankful for the people who called him out as a wolf!!! Praise God for His faithful ones!
I haven't heard Joel say anything that isn't biblical. He just kinda does it in a way as to no convict anyone. The Bible does say my plans are for you to prosper. The thing is prosperity isn't only about money. That's where they kinda mess up.
I understand what you’re saying, but I disagree that Joel’s teachings are not Biblical. Nothing he teaches is UN Biblical. I grew up in a conservative non denominational Born Again church and went to a traditional seminary. I’ve attended Lakewood probably a hundred times, met Joel a few times. His ministry, to me, serves 2 purposes. 1, for Christians already converted and 2, to spark interest for non believers to seek more. His ministry is that of “encouragement “, which Paul writes is one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit. Now, if someone needs hellfire and salvation preaching every week, Lakewood probably isn’t for them....There are many different approaches to ministry and teaching. Personally I like, and need, solid Bible teaching that’s practical, like Pastor Charles Stanley. But I also like the “kick your butt” style of Bishop TD Jakes. I like the practical living application of David Hocking and Greg Laurie...Joel is what I think of as someone with the gift of encouragement and does it very well. And, if you study the Bible, it does frequently teach about blessings and prosperous living, but always with the pretext of “seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be given to you”. .which Joel makes very clear in every single message. Putting God Firstplace in your life. ....Have a Great Day. Thanks for reading.
I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but many famous "Preachers" just don't "look right" to me. Joel Osteen looks like the sleazy car salesman in The Simpsons and I can't unsee that no matter how hard I try. If you watch the documentary "American Gospel: Christ Alone", you'll learn more about why prosperity gospel is a false gospel.
Thank you, Allie, for this presentation. Thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Lord woke me up. I had been attending a Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel church. I contacted Justin Peters and asked him about a good church here in San Antonio, TX. Sure enough he recommended one. On May 24, we were able to attend church again so I went to the church he recommended and I love it. By God’s grace, I walked away from the Word of Faith church and the whole movement altogether.
San Antonio? Avoid John Hagee. He used to be my pastor many many years ago, and even though he lays low, he is also a “prosperity gospel” preacher. SAME THING.
Hey Allie thank you for sharing this interview. I was swept up in not only word of faith churches but also Bethel and NAR. I was curious to watch because I have followed Beni Hinn before. I wanted to refute what was being said because I thought you were judgemental. But I felt Holy Spirit nudge me to watch. This interview led me to watch American Gospel. Which took me about 3 weeks to work up the nerve. And yes after watching that my eyes were wide open. I hardy read my Bible before and was swept up into all of the feelings and the me me me about it. I have lost a lot in the last 12 years following these heresies. It is sad and frustrating. But I’m so hungry for the Word now! And so thankful for Jesus love and forgiveness. Thanks again for being bold and sharing Truth. I so appreciate that!
This is a great interview. Costi is correct about waking up Christians from the “Faith” movement. I was watching Todd White, heard him reference the movie and watched American Gospel. Wow, my eyes are wide open!
So crazy I have always felt weird with Joel Osteen… my mom used to listen to him and buy his books and idk something about him just told me no 🥺 Now that I’m saved I understand god have me the gift of discernment and very strongly. Praise God. 😭🙏🏼✝️
Allie, I watched American Gospel a year ago because of your recommendation of it on Twitter, and THANK GOD I did, because my eyes were finally opened to the truth and I left my charismatic church. Justin Peters and Costi’s testimonies were profound.
This is such a beautiful interview. Praise God for those who are a willing vessel for the Lord like Costi to tend to the flock in TRUTH versus the feel good junk.
Wow, God has always kept me aware at such a young age to never fall prey to the false teaching of the prosperity gospel. So sad for so many leaving the church because of these idol ministries.
What a wonderful interview. Costi nailed so many great points here pertaining to false doctrine and the need for the modern church to focus on apologetics and Truth first.
Thank you. Always love to listen to Costi. It’s so wonderful to see real Christians in a world where things don’t make sense anymore. Glory be to God alone.
Great show, Allie! One thing that Costi said that I question is that he assumes that the "deconvert" asked questions but never got answers. I find it hard to believe that in this day of information overload that the one truly seeking answers can't find them. I know people who asked questions, got really good answers, but the answers landed on a hard heart. They don't really want the answers.
Hard heartedness is a good argument, but also don't discount that after knowing they'd been lied to for so long that said person was very concerned with believing anything else. God's grace, as understood in the simplicity of it, sounds too good to be true. Jesus died to pay for my sins and I can't do anything to deserve it, nor to earn it. No works, no words to recite. Human tendency is to make it much harder than it is.
Actually I am in the process of deconversion right now, and it is a nightmare. I hope at the end of it I will feel a lot better. But it's interesting when you say that some that want answers to their questions do get them, that's not necessarily true. The questions I asked various pastors, the response I heard again and again was 'these are good questions that you ask'. But they would just go into 'let's pray about it'. No further discussion followed. I do want answers and never received them even though I tend to embrace the maxim - 'I prefer questions that cannot be answered than answers that cannot be questioned'. Anyway, I'm on the way out and feel relief about it. Everyone needs to follow what will eventually work for the unique situations in their lives, and faith of any kind is not a 'one-size-fits-all' proposition for everyone.
@@goldscepter4861 I appreciate what you're saying, but my contention is that we have the internet where you can find answers. You don't have to rely only on a few pastors you know. Btw, what questions do you have?
@Gold Scepter My heart goes out to you. Although there are wise believers out there who can answer questions with grace and genuine honesty, there will always be things we don't understand or cannot accept. My best piece of advice is to go to the island. Just you and God. Take 30 days, your truest of intentions, and study the scriptures (the Gospel of John is a great place to start). He knows who you are, and He knows what you've been through. And He knows your frustrations. My prayerful and earnest belief is that He will meet you where you are.
I grew up Mormon. I recently went through a faith crisis, I was questioning. I wasn't finding the answers I was looking for either. I wanted the truth to be that God exists, but I couldn't get there. My tool of praying was broken. I wasn't sure what was coming from me and what was coming from God. I felt like when I had prayers answered it was just me confirming what I already wanted to be true. There are a lot of things I don't know. I feel much more honest saying I don't know now. There is so much confidence in religion. I began feeling dishonest with the amount of confidence I was expected to have. I'm still searching. I'm willing to follow truth where it leads. I wanted to keep my belief in Christ, but it seems that the Christian faith has the same problem that the Mormons do. The same questions are not being answered. Here is a basic questions I have. How do Christians know they have it right? How do you know your specific sect of Christianity is correct? I believe Christianity is the largest religion, but how many if those Christians would grant that all the other Christians are believing the "right way"? How do I find out God's truth? The Bible is compiled by men. How do I know it is the exact way that God wanted it? Growing up Mormon, I just accepted that there were errors and the only way to find truth was through the spirit. But that just breaks down to being flawed by my own confirmation bias.
I think it’s important to highlight where he says prosperity is not a sin, it’s a responsibility. If you are wealthy or become wealthy it’s is a great blessing! People can be blessed in many ways, however, money can be a huge blessing to people who are stuck or in need.
The prosperity gospel made give up taking care of my needs and my family until I broke down to why I wasn't breakthrough yet am giving faithful tithing on every pin not only income not until I got to know the truth and it really breaks my heart to see my other family and friends still in it yet they can't meet their needs but with alot of debts and relying on false hopes from false doctrines. Praying Lord to show them light and to follow the truth, I remember when I used to defend those prosperity preachers but am now hurting while writing this thinking of how I was deceived and so I deceived others without knowing the truth.
The prosperity Gospel is gross. It's a twisting of the word of God. Healings are possible. But you can't buy them. A experience with the Holy Ghost is possible but you can't buy it. Gross gross twisting of the word of God for the gain of man. No information about salvation, just seeking after the gifts and miracles of the Holy Ghost. Nasty!
Benny Hinn specifically was one of the examples that led me away from faith. As I began to question my faith 20 years ago, I took a deeper look at prosperity gospel preachers and realized they were frauds. It bolstered the position of the enemy, who was drawing me away from God. So glad to see some of the Hinn family has been delivered.
@@snoxolongqokoma4161 thank you, i went on his webby and he did clarify his stance on the sonship of Christ. I don't know however if he shifted the goal post and minimized his mistake.
Costi is right about TW “breaking the rules”. He pretty much told his audience NOT to look at the movie. What is human nature?? When you tell someone NOT to do something, what do they ordinarily do?? They do exactly what they were told not to do! God can use that!! I am praying for TW’s repentance and for those blinded by the false gospel to have their eyes opened!
Definitely! As we look (study by ourselves) regularly in the Bible, we can see somethings wrong from pastors' sermons and teachings. Thank you for your sharing, now I know that I am not alone.
Funny thing I was told not to watch it after I’d watched it probably 3 times, ultimately left a church that I had many positions in. He is correct, people will look for the truth one way or another
We have a RELATIONSHIP with God through the Blood of Jesus Christ. We do not have to buy favours from God nor do we have to follow certain rituals when praying or approaching him. Simply go to God and ask him for his Holy Spirit to reveal the relationship that you have as a son/daughter with him.
When I see Benny Hinn waving his jacket, I think of that song: _Let the bodies hit the floor_ _Let the bodies hit the floor_ _Let the bodies hit the..._ *_FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRR_*
I watched a clip the other day of Todd White talking about someone giving him a copy of American Gospel and a letter. He said he shredded both and called the DVD and the letter DEMONIC.
I liked what he said about Todd White's reactions to his letter with the DVD American Gospel, how that Todd came out and made a big thing about Costi on the air and how God would use that to get people to look into the Word of God. It reminds me of Philippians 1:12-18, "But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have resulted in advancing the gospel, so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout the entire palace guard and to all the rest. And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear. Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife, and some also from good will. The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, intending to add trouble to my circumstance. But the latter preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Indeed, I will rejoice." Costi Hinn, like Paul, realizes it isn't about him. It's about Jesus. More importantly, it's about getting this Good News out to as many people as possible, regardless of what it cost us.
That was really good.im thankful u got out of that.im sure it was hard since u lived the great life an it being family.i would rather have nothing in this world an have everything in christ.my question would be..what will they do when they face the lord.how will they answer for what there doing.i watched American gospel an cryed the whole time.im so thankful that i question what i was hearing from these Prosperity Gospel preachers.blessed be to God for u getten away from all that.i would rather live in a small apt then burn through eternity.
My advice to all the people they want to be a Christian is read the Holy Bible only, but not other people’s books. And pray the Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus to help us to understand His massage.
I believe that hearts can change. I believe we can find those seeds in the bad soil or amongst the thorns and replanted in good soil. Maybe most of them won't be found, but is it wrong to hope that a few can be salvaged?
I just recently left The Father’s House here in the Bay Area. They are just going and blowing! Full steam ahead! They steamroller any opposition and talk just the way Costi described. If you come against them you’re off the wall you don’t “Get it” “Yeah we hear this all the time” …. They pooh pooh it. Well, I think they’re about to hear about it again! Because God is not going to let up. The Prosperity Gospel is not THE gospel ~and you’ll notice which word comes first of course! Let’s just face it-in actuality it’s the Greedy Grubby Not-The-Gospel. Our job is to pray for them, and to be thankful that we got out in time! “If any man come to you preaching another gospel, let him be anathema to you” Worse yet~ “If you so much as remove one comma or one period of this Gospel, your name will be removed from the Book of Life.” Yikes!!!
Is there a way I could get you and Costi Hinn to come to my church and teach my congregation about this? It would be such a blessing to us. Might we arrange something?
Here's the funny part about this at a "meta" level. One always thinks they're sitting under the "true gospel" until they realize they are not... How do you know you are under the true gospel? Who's telling you you've got it right (when everyone claims "the Bible tells me so"? This is one of many reasons why I am currently convinced that all all faith traditions are more about cultural practices and wrapping morality and fear management into a narrative than speaking "truth" about how reality works.
@@ardbegthequestion doubting the Bible ability to give clear answers would seem to leave you without a firm foundation for your beliefs which might be unsettling?
A cup of suffering can also be blessing from the Lord, also a thorn in the flesh God gives people to increase there capacity for God to use them as it humbles us.
I'd love some clarification on what Todd White has said/done that is false teaching? I've watched several of his videos and he seems so genuinely in love with Christ and passionate for the Word. Can you do a video or give some resources for looking more closely at this?
Look closely at his theology. He teaches the Jesus went to Hell for the 3 days after his crucifixion. He teaches that we are “little gods”. He is also a charlatan. He uses an old magic truck/illusion to “grow legs”. There’s a lot. He lies and lies and lies. He’s also being groomed by Kenneth Copeland to take over his ministry. If you look up Fighting for the Faith here on RUclips, you can go through his videos and find segments on Todd White (and many others).
I'd like to hear Costi's take on what was going on when Benny waves his jacket over a crowd of people & they all fall out supposedly slain in the Spirit. Was that real or staged? What about pushing people down with great force & they are supposedly healed?
There were a lot of things he said that reminded me of Mormon teachings. Especially the persecution thing. I no longer believe in Mormonism. It's interesting to me that he still believes in God at all. I tried, but couldn't make that work either.
I really struggling with it too. I'm doing better and better now and my life is starting to take shape and my relationship with God have improves little by little and day by day. Hope you are doing fine now and God bless you.
God wants us to prosper, financially and spiritually. Preaching about prosperity isn't wrong. When you make it all you peach that's when it becomes wrong
Agreed you know the sad part about Christianity is that people don't realize how the devil is tearing us apart. People are saying this preacher is false teacher and that's guys is too but I'd they are not saying anything outside of what the Bible says are they false? Ive heard Joel preach and he's not my favorite but he does talk about doing the right thing. He talks about living how Jesus lived and not sinning. He goes a little too heavy with teaching of money but I don't think he even takes a salary from preaching. I think he makes money off of his books. he's not my favorite in terms of doctrine but I don't see anything he says that is not biblical
Yes, but God's ways of prospering us are through suffering most of the time. Read about Stephen being stoned to death, most prophets in the Bible were brutally murdered and that was God's way of prospering them. Jesus is better than wealth and health. god's glory is more important than being comfortable. God looks most great in the world when a person is suffering and still loves Him and is faithful to Him. Wouldn't you agree?
@@davidlawrence8051 Joel says that we are little gods, that we should call in favors from good deeds we have done for God in the past, and other flat out heresies. I love you brother, I used to be involved in the prosperity gospel and God opened my eyes. Please repent and turn from that garbage. In the gospel of Mark, chapter 8, verse 36, Jesus said; “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” In Matthew, chapter 8, verse 20; “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” In Luke, chapter 18, verse 25, Jesus said; “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Wealth/health is no indication of Gods approval, otherwise why would Jesus have been homeless and been brutally persecuted.
@@masonskaggs1711 this is true but he also lets us prosper through blessings. I don't believe in this Christians are supposed to have rough lives all the time gospel. That just the opposite of the prosperity gospel. The Bible talks about both blessings and suffering. It's not one or the other like some preachers like to do. The Bible doesn't say money is evil but the love of it leads to all types of evil. Some people are blessed with money and use it to help people.
There are so many Christian denominations today, and they all view each other as the apostate churches. How do we know we aren't living in the end times when "MANY will come in My Name, and deceive MANY?"
Benni Hinn repented and admitted that he took the prosperity thing too far. So if he repented and asked for forgiveness from this who are we to still dwell on it.
He went back into..unless you haven't checked on him, after repenting he went to Nigeria to minister there and started where he had repented from in America. Its so sad that he's one of the man who introduced in Africa where almost every preacher is into it as they make their own Africans so poor with relying on false hopes
He went back into it, have you not seen him, he now has a joint venture with Chris Oyakhilome the Nigerian who got charged for money laundering in the UK.
I've been a defender of Benny Hinn for years, largely because those who speak against him do so for all the wrong reasons--"he's a false prophet" (might be true but that's a conclusion, not a reason), "God doesn't heal like that" (if just one person was healed and the rest are fakes, He does), etc. However, this has been eye-opening, and the testimony gives credibility to doubts against Benny Hinn for all the right reasons. First-hand account of "money and wealth motivations," for example. "God changes lives through the transformation of the heart, not through health and natural-world abundance as we were telling attendees." (approximate quote, not literal) ".. What about theology of living through suffering? .." Thank you so much for this interview.
Thank you for this insightful comment! If you haven't watched "American Gospel: Christ Crucified" on RUclips, Amazon Prime or Netflix, I highly recommend it.
I would say that not all Word of Faith preachers are greedy. To put them all in the same box is untrue and unfair. Certainly some have manipulated and propitiate corruption, but that’s true in many arenas of Christianity. I’m sorry about your experience Costi. Integrity and humility are what I’ve seen in contrast to your experience in my Word of Faith pastors and preachers.
They are all greedy just lying on God people to give you money that's alone greedy and most of them show kindness to those outside their ministries to showcase it yet those within are suffering yet they keep sowing in lies
Ritah Kiziito not the ones I personally know. And by personally know, I’m talking about their life away from the pulpit, out of the spotlight, and behind closed doors who walk in the highest level of integrity, and love for others. I know of others that have abused and manipulated people out of money, and obviously that should be exposed. We know fo catholic priest who molest kids, we know of others that do not. Essentially just if one is bad, doesn’t mean they all are. There’s much more to Word of Faith doctrine than money and healing. That always gets the most attention, however there is so much more depth and true gospel teaching.
The point is that the word of faith movement is unbiblical. If you truly seek God for who he actually is in his word you would see there’s a big difference in theology.
I remember Oral Roberts holding “healing” tent meetings back in the 60’s. Fake healings him lots of money. Preaching for money is called priestcraft and is the same mechanism that caused Christ to be crucified. “The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” “.... and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.”
He wasnt preaching for money. He was doing God's work. Do you think God doesn't want people to be healed? Don't forget "by His stripes, we were healed"
Friars in the 1500's sold the popes' indulgences, and prosperity pawns sell the devil's indulgences. Both take no pity, or mercy on the poor, and make sure they stay destitute! I saw it personally all my life, spiritual 'wickedness' operating their scams. 'Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith The LORD...' (Heb.10:30,31). Money, is not a 'seed', and the love of it, is the root 'of all evil'.
I believe that what we experience makes a difference to what we learn and know about faith in general this is how a previously assertive mindset can be changed and transformed into something new. The basis of Jesus message was to transform the mindset, its also what every evangelist and missionary wants to do, open the mind and transform interpretation. A pastors job is to work on that change and keep them heading in a new reformed perspective. Its also true with an atheist like Richard dawkins. The only problem for atheists is they have unproven discoveries that are totally legit and all encompassing. Meaning that they are easily understandable and answer alot of life's questions. Jesus Christ did something, He created a world within Himself which people spread throughout the nations and caused people who either accept and totally rely on Him or reject Him. That being said the function of the church is to confirm a message which brings unity, its possible to not agree with everything someone preaches but to be unified in Christ. Everyone has different opinions but the focus of Jesus Himself is the message and key to a successful spiritual life.
Amen he did. He went from being a wretched sinner to a righteous born again Christian by God's grace through faith in Christ . One minute condemned by God, the next, declared a child of God. One extreme to the other.
@@Xandy2dandY He went from being a part of the Benny Hinn movement to being a 5-point calvinist who believes in limited atonement and doesn't believe in the gifts of the Spirit which is an extreme position. The balance is somewhere between the two.
Jew and Greek wring, he does not believe the apostolic gifts are in use today. I believe he is correct as the canon is closed and those gifts were only used to point to and evidence WHO God is. Costi is not a full on cessationist. He absolutely believes God performs miracles and healings but when it is His will to do so.
Hey Allie. I just ran across this article while researching a topic in the bible. Without Natural Affection. Could you consider doing a video on the topic. I remember the stories in the article when they had happened. Mabey you remember them too. If you could read it and give a response I would appreciate it. Thank You! Sincerely: David B. - A Nation Without Natural Affection PHOTODISC Raymond Zach and a warning to America. BY ROBERT MORLEY • JUNE 7, 2011 P icture this horror story. A man suffering from depression decides to die and wades into the bay to wait for the tide to drown him. The water rises, and he begins to lose his balance. His pupils dilate with fear. As his feet touch the bottom for the last time, he turns to stare at a crowd that has gathered on the beach. Onlookers do nothing. One alarmed person calls 911. When rescuers arrive, they don’t help the man either. Instead, they just watch the man begin to flail, then suffocate, then bob face-down in the water. Not one person lifts a finger to help: multiple firefighters, policemen, dozens of spectators-not a single human being makes any effort at all. They choose to watch him die. A dark Hollywood horror film? No. Real-life San Francisco last week. Last Monday, 52-year-old Raymond Zack walked into San Francisco Bay in order to commit suicide. And San Franciscans watched it happen-for an hour. And did nothing. When firefighters arrived, they refused to act-even later as the man began to drown. The Coast Guard did nothing because the water was too shallow for its boat. Reporters did nothing because they were too busy getting the story. Hikers, dog walkers, cyclists-turned-spectators did nothing. The police did nothing because it wasn’t their jurisdiction. Other bystanders did nothing because the police wouldn’t let them. Zack’s horrified, wheelchair-bound stepmother was understandably outraged that she was forced to watch her son die-while “rescue” officials stood idly by. According to San Francisco Fire Chief Mike D’Orazi, his firefighters did not intervene because budget cuts had deprived his crew of the proper training and cold-water gear. They were “handcuffed by policy” he said. Without the proper certifications, intervention could have opened up the city to lawsuits. “They said they could not go into the water,” said one witness. Didn’t have the proper training? When Zack was in water shallow enough for him to stand in? Lacking cold-water gear? Really? In California at the end of May? Raymond Zack was in the water for an hour before he died. How cold could have the water been? And no one even went out to him to talk to him. Want to hear the revolting resolution? Even after Zack was obviously unconscious-even then-no firefighter, police officer or guardsman went into the water to retrieve his limp body. That task was taken on by a disgusted young woman who probably couldn’t stand the shame of doing nothing any longer. She swam out and pulled Zack in. Once the body was on shore, then the firefighters sprang into action. Liability wasn’t an issue anymore. By then, the man was already dead. What a reprehensible story. Now consider a totally different story out of the animal world-and it should put us to shame. On RUclips you can watch a video of a herd of water buffalo being chased by several lions. (It is one of the most astounding videos I have ever watched.) The lions sprint after a calf and chase it into the water, then begin to pull it out. You can hear the desperate bleating of the terrified calf as it calls for help. Then, to make its situation even more desperate, a crocodile emerges and grabs the calf; a tug-of-war ensues. Eventually the lions pull the trembling calf up on the bank and get ready to put an end to the bleating. Then the unexpected happens. The other buffalo hear the calf’s calls of distress. They turn, virtually forming ranks, and come to its rescue. They rally, and some of the bigger bulls begin to challenge the pride of lions, the prey putting itself at a huge risk-defying the teeth and claws of one of the world’s most lethal killing machines-to save one of their own. In the showdown that ensues, these buffalo risk their lives for a small member of the herd that could and often does get easily dismissed as dead. But a member of their species was in trouble, and these animals ignored their fear and went to help. Unbelievably, their self-sacrifice against Africa’s most deadly hunters worked. The buffalo managed to drive off the lions one by one. Near the end of the video, you can actually see the calf-which somehow survived the jaws of the crocodile and the claws and teeth of six or so lions-managing to get back on its feet and get away from the water and the lions and back to the herd. What you could call a natural affection of the buffalo drove them to take incredible risks to save one of their own. These animals exhibited a natural impulse to help one in need. Back in San Francisco: “We expected to see at some point that there would be a concern for him,” said one witness. Well yes, you would think that at some point during that entire hour, at least one person out of the 75 on scene would have shown some “concern” for a fellow human being! He was there in the water for all to see. No shark-or crocodile-was attacking him. No lion had him in his teeth. It is a sad reality, but had a dog been drowning instead of a human being that day in San Francisco, someone would have done something. Raymond Zack’s death is not about insufficient training or a city saving money and avoiding lawsuits. The death of Raymond Zack is about a disturbing, shocking, repulsive lack of even natural compassion for human life. It is a condemning sign of how morally bankrupt we have become. No one cared enough to even try to save him. This is the second widely-publicized story in recent months where Californians watched and did nothing to help someone in danger. Following the San Francisco Giants’ opening game in Los Angeles, paramedic Bryan Stow was brutally beaten and kicked in the head by two men until he suffered massive brain damage, while a crowd of around 100 people watched on. The assailants simply got into a car and casually drove away. But San Francisco-despite its proud liberal repute-is becoming known for its callousness. It was in this city that two years ago a 15-year-old girl was gang-raped multiple times on school property after a homecoming dance. Police say she was violently raped for at least two hours while more than a dozen witnesses saw the assault, but failed to call police despite her cries. Some stopped to watch. Others stopped to take pictures. People came and went. No one cared enough to do anything. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be taken to hospital by helicopter. But this disinterest is not just a San Francisco or California problem. Who can forget the two paramedics in New York City who refused to help a pregnant mother who collapsed in a coffee shop? Their cold response: “Call 911”-as they ate their bagels and the woman died of a heart attack. Then there were the three big Seattle security guards last year who refused to intervene when three girls brutally beat, punched and stomped another girl. Apparently their employment manual says they are not allowed to get involved in altercations. What a poor excuse not to help someone in distress. How can a nation lacking so much natural affection ever survive, let alone prosper? The sad answer is it can’t. When human life ceases to have value, when bagels are worth more than babies, and grown men won’t stand up to teenage girls, society can’t be far from social disintegration. When humans have lost the natural affection that even animals exhibit, it means that we are not far from the end. Oh how America is changing. America was a nation that was founded by people who were willing to sacrifice themselves for others. Throughout its history, people in this nation willingly risked and even sacrificed their lives to save others. Yes, people back then had the same human nature. Yes, they still made errors in judgment. But today something is different. People are so caught up in their own selfishness they ignore those who need them most. Our nation has never been this callous-but it was prophesied to happen. Read what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3. “But understand this, that in the last days will come perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered …. [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman) … loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good” (verses 1-3, Amplified Bible). The term “last days” refers to human society just prior to the return of Jesus Christ. This is a sign of where we are in Bible prophecy. Consider the terms Paul uses to describe the way people would be in our time: lovers of self, self-centered, lacking natural affection, callous, inhuman, uncontrolled and fierce. Sadly, you could hardly find better terms to describe society today. People are steadily degenerating to the point where they are becoming almost totally void of natural affection-the kind of affection that even animals can show toward each other-just as the Apostle Paul said. If you watch the news, if you have not become desensitized, you know it to be true. This lack of natural affection isn’t just something relegated to the news. This is reality. And someday soon you might be the one needing the help. As Raymond Zack took his last look at those people standing on the beach, one wonders if what he saw justified in his mind, his actions. Did he think: This world is just as cold and horrible as I thought it was? "Abortion is about as Without Natural Affection as it gets!" David Bellino.
Actually the Bible says if you love those who love you, how are you different than other people. Love those that hate you even. I mean he was speaking directly to the believers, but I don't think natural affection is real or God would not have addressed it so directly. It is the falling away from God and the lack of knowledge of His word, that we even used to teach in schools, that is the beginning of the lack of care people have, one for the other.
Certainly salvation is not earned or bought by people (Ephesians 2:8). It is a gift of God, lest any man should boast. Yet, there are financial rewards and a level of prosperity that will not come to a person unless he/she engages work and endeavors that provides worthwhile products and services to other people. Abraham, Jacob, David, Esther, the wealthy woman who provided for Elisha, Joseph of Arimathea, and the rich identified in 1Timothy 6 are not ungodly, unrighteous prosperity seekers. It is never wrong for people or preachers to speak of the fact that it is the LORD who gives you the power to get wealth to establish His covenant in the Earth or that He wishes you to prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers. However, it is wrong for them to describe those with high incomes or wealth as better than other people and to treat them better and it is wrong to get their eyes and life focused on getting money (and a particular net-worth) as priority and of focusing on living opulently (especially when it would be based on living on the giving of the LORD's people). If one does not think money and prosperity obtained according to the LORD's will and way is important (via the adherence to biblical principles (understanding the LORD owns everything, operating by a giving-saving-spending plan including abundant giving for gospel ministry, having emergency funds, eliminating debt, refusing to cosign, saving, investing, and diversifying), then give up working, don't save, don't invest, and don't start businesses that can be profitable. I trust that one who operates in this way will find (even though he may be saved) that he cannot properly care for himself, his family, the Church of God and its bible-directed evangelism and disciple-making ministry, and thus will suffer in ways the LORD does not intend, especially in latter years of their lives. I'm okay that some people don't want to prosper, I just won't listen to their thoughts that I should not prosper either and that I should never listen to a preacher who identifies bible-based keys for prospering as a walk along the path of life with the LORD Jesus Christ. I certainly don't listen to those preachers who seek to take advantage of me for greedy gain.
One of the main desires of any mature Christian would be/should be to “read the Bible with comprehension”; in other words, what does it really say? What is it TRULY MEAN? If we were to leave the statement “God wants us to prosper“ at that I think we would find ourselves in trouble. Would that mean we’re all supposed to be striving to be rich? God forbid. Jesus ALSO SAID not to take “two of anything with you“. Paul said that he would preach the gospel for free; he worked as a tent maker. PLUS we want to live as Jesus lived. He did not drive around in the Bentley of His day nor did He have everybody serving Him like the hired help dusting off His gold bars, etc. etc. What they have done is take His words and TWIST them. They are clearly very very arrogant and greedy people. They have caused us to lose the culture war here in America, because even the pagans see right through them. Furthermore, they have ruined Christianity worldwide. We are a laughing stock and the butt of jokes. Not only that, but this disgusting name it and claim it “prosperity gospel” has caused more damage to the Kingdom than any of us understands or realizes yet.
How about paying the bills of his family that consists of five children and a wife? That’s like asking “what are you going to do with the money for the extra hours you’ve put in on saturdays during the last year?”
Costi does not receive a dime from the sales of his books. He does not believe it’s right to profit off of discrediting the prosperity gospel. All proceeds are donated to help pay for seminary for soon to be pastors. Research... it’s a wonderful tool.
That's how Joyce Meyer said that she's blessed because she's giving alot by the time she was done preaching poor Ugandans had already given her 10,000$ minus what was given to her and all expenses paid to her and that was like 20yrs back when poverty was high in Africa now imagine if she could come today because after she received 10,000$ she said God had told her she will get money from Uganda...so sad.
Now I understand , but healings and displays of the Holy Spirit still occur , was at a Benny Hinn meeting in Australia and he waved his hand and the whole auditorium fell over including me , there was nothing wrong with that . T
@@dfischer1709 do you have evidence it wasn't? I mean some of the apostles had healing in their shadows, so I'm sure a wave of the hand could push the glory of God over people.
Why do Christians gotta bash each other, refute truth, expose, mark false teachers ect? There's over 2,000 denominations...and you follow the 1 true way??? Why couldn't he just say, Benny, this aint for me. No love loss brother, I just need to follow the path God has for me. Why can't we do that instead of invalidating every version of Christianity that doesn't match ours?
@@RSY873 I do keep my mouth shut. Why? Because the fruit of what you're saying. Arguing that your version out of 2,000 different point of views will net you an enemy. But finding common ground with each will net you a friend. Ive been down this road, and not once made a friend for doing it. We all, and I mean every version, have 1 common Jesus. Focus on that, and you'll make a friend for life.
I'm no longer a believer, and this is why. I can't figure out which one is "right". I feel quite confident that Mormonism isn't exactly right, but the same things that lead me away from Mormonism is keeping me from accepting that there is any "true" denomination out there.
Thank you👍 The True Gospel → Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He was raised on the third day. He appeared to the apostles. １ Corinthians １５：１－５ Isaiah ５３ Anyone is saved just by believing in the gospel. Romans １：１６ Ephesians ２：８－９
When I was a new believer, I thought Joel Osteen was teaching truth. When people called him a false teacher, I defended him saying that he used Scripture, but then I was curious and looked it up if he did teach falsely, and I'm so thankful for the people who called him out as a wolf!!! Praise God for His faithful ones!
What exactly does Joel Osteen teach?
I haven't heard Joel say anything that isn't biblical. He just kinda does it in a way as to no convict anyone. The Bible does say my plans are for you to prosper. The thing is prosperity isn't only about money. That's where they kinda mess up.
I understand what you’re saying, but I disagree that Joel’s teachings are not Biblical. Nothing he teaches is UN Biblical. I grew up in a conservative non denominational Born Again church and went to a traditional seminary. I’ve attended Lakewood probably a hundred times, met Joel a few times. His ministry, to me, serves 2 purposes. 1, for Christians already converted and 2, to spark interest for non believers to seek more. His ministry is that of “encouragement “, which Paul writes is one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit. Now, if someone needs hellfire and salvation preaching every week, Lakewood probably isn’t for them....There are many different approaches to ministry and teaching. Personally I like, and need, solid Bible teaching that’s practical, like Pastor Charles Stanley. But I also like the “kick your butt” style of Bishop TD Jakes. I like the practical living application of David Hocking and Greg Laurie...Joel is what I think of as someone with the gift of encouragement and does it very well. And, if you study the Bible, it does frequently teach about blessings and prosperous living, but always with the pretext of “seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be given to you”. .which Joel makes very clear in every single message. Putting God Firstplace in your life. ....Have a Great Day. Thanks for reading.
I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but many famous "Preachers" just don't "look right" to me. Joel Osteen looks like the sleazy car salesman in The Simpsons and I can't unsee that no matter how hard I try. If you watch the documentary "American Gospel: Christ Alone", you'll learn more about why prosperity gospel is a false gospel.
You would learn so much from David Wilkerson past teachings. I hope you flourish in your relationship with Christ dear Sister...
Thank you, Allie, for this presentation. Thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Lord woke me up. I had been attending a Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel church. I contacted Justin Peters and asked him about a good church here in San Antonio, TX. Sure enough he recommended one. On May 24, we were able to attend church again so I went to the church he recommended and I love it. By God’s grace, I walked away from the Word of Faith church and the whole movement altogether.
Amazing to hear. Praise God.
I am also looking for a good church in San Antonio- could you share where you found a new church home? Thank you.
San Antonio? Avoid John Hagee. He used to be my pastor many many years ago, and even though he lays low, he is also a “prosperity gospel” preacher. SAME THING.
Hey Allie thank you for sharing this interview. I was swept up in not only word of faith churches but also Bethel and NAR. I was curious to watch because I have followed Beni Hinn before. I wanted to refute what was being said because I thought you were judgemental. But I felt Holy Spirit nudge me to watch. This interview led me to watch American Gospel. Which took me about 3 weeks to work up the nerve. And yes after watching that my eyes were wide open. I hardy read my Bible before and was swept up into all of the feelings and the me me me about it. I have lost a lot in the last 12 years following these heresies. It is sad and frustrating. But I’m so hungry for the Word now! And so thankful for Jesus love and forgiveness. Thanks again for being bold and sharing Truth. I so appreciate that!
This is a great interview. Costi is correct about waking up Christians from the “Faith” movement. I was watching Todd White, heard him reference the movie and watched American Gospel. Wow, my eyes are wide open!
So crazy I have always felt weird with Joel Osteen… my mom used to listen to him and buy his books and idk something about him just told me no 🥺 Now that I’m saved I understand god have me the gift of discernment and very strongly. Praise God. 😭🙏🏼✝️
Allie, I watched American Gospel a year ago because of your recommendation of it on Twitter, and THANK GOD I did, because my eyes were finally opened to the truth and I left my charismatic church. Justin Peters and Costi’s testimonies were profound.
This is such a beautiful interview. Praise God for those who are a willing vessel for the Lord like Costi to tend to the flock in TRUTH versus the feel good junk.
I don’t need a legacy... I don’t care if they remember me... REMEMBER JESUS all glory to God!
Wow, God has always kept me aware at such a young age to never fall prey to the false teaching of the prosperity gospel. So sad for so many leaving the church because of these idol ministries.
What a wonderful interview. Costi nailed so many great points here pertaining to false doctrine and the need for the modern church to focus on apologetics and Truth first.
Thank you. Always love to listen to Costi. It’s so wonderful to see real Christians in a world where things don’t make sense anymore. Glory be to God alone.
We thank God for your life Pastor Hinn!God led you to the Truth of the Gospel!
Great show, Allie! One thing that Costi said that I question is that he assumes that the "deconvert" asked questions but never got answers. I find it hard to believe that in this day of information overload that the one truly seeking answers can't find them. I know people who asked questions, got really good answers, but the answers landed on a hard heart. They don't really want the answers.
Hard heartedness is a good argument, but also don't discount that after knowing they'd been lied to for so long that said person was very concerned with believing anything else. God's grace, as understood in the simplicity of it, sounds too good to be true. Jesus died to pay for my sins and I can't do anything to deserve it, nor to earn it. No works, no words to recite. Human tendency is to make it much harder than it is.
Actually I am in the process of deconversion right now, and it is a nightmare. I hope at the end of it I will feel a lot better. But it's interesting when you say that some that want answers to their questions do get them, that's not necessarily true. The questions I asked various pastors, the response I heard again and again was 'these are good questions that you ask'. But they would just go into 'let's pray about it'. No further discussion followed. I do want answers and never received them even though I tend to embrace the maxim - 'I prefer questions that cannot be answered than answers that cannot be questioned'. Anyway, I'm on the way out and feel relief about it. Everyone needs to follow what will eventually work for the unique situations in their lives, and faith of any kind is not a 'one-size-fits-all' proposition for everyone.
@@goldscepter4861 I appreciate what you're saying, but my contention is that we have the internet where you can find answers. You don't have to rely only on a few pastors you know. Btw, what questions do you have?
@Gold Scepter My heart goes out to you. Although there are wise believers out there who can answer questions with grace and genuine honesty, there will always be things we don't understand or cannot accept. My best piece of advice is to go to the island. Just you and God. Take 30 days, your truest of intentions, and study the scriptures (the Gospel of John is a great place to start). He knows who you are, and He knows what you've been through. And He knows your frustrations. My prayerful and earnest belief is that He will meet you where you are.
I grew up Mormon. I recently went through a faith crisis, I was questioning. I wasn't finding the answers I was looking for either. I wanted the truth to be that God exists, but I couldn't get there. My tool of praying was broken. I wasn't sure what was coming from me and what was coming from God. I felt like when I had prayers answered it was just me confirming what I already wanted to be true.
There are a lot of things I don't know. I feel much more honest saying I don't know now. There is so much confidence in religion. I began feeling dishonest with the amount of confidence I was expected to have.
I'm still searching. I'm willing to follow truth where it leads. I wanted to keep my belief in Christ, but it seems that the Christian faith has the same problem that the Mormons do. The same questions are not being answered.
Here is a basic questions I have. How do Christians know they have it right? How do you know your specific sect of Christianity is correct? I believe Christianity is the largest religion, but how many if those Christians would grant that all the other Christians are believing the "right way"?
How do I find out God's truth?
The Bible is compiled by men. How do I know it is the exact way that God wanted it? Growing up Mormon, I just accepted that there were errors and the only way to find truth was through the spirit. But that just breaks down to being flawed by my own confirmation bias.
May God continue to expose the deception of word of faith to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear!!!
I think it’s important to highlight where he says prosperity is not a sin, it’s a responsibility. If you are wealthy or become wealthy it’s is a great blessing! People can be blessed in many ways, however, money can be a huge blessing to people who are stuck or in need.
That was great, thank you! Your right the description of what prosperity gospel teaching is was very helpful
this interview covered everything, really good. Excellent work and thank you for sharing this and giving this eye opener.
Beautiful interview! Loved every minute of it! Both interview and interviewee!
The prosperity gospel made give up taking care of my needs and my family until I broke down to why I wasn't breakthrough yet am giving faithful tithing on every pin not only income not until I got to know the truth and it really breaks my heart to see my other family and friends still in it yet they can't meet their needs but with alot of debts and relying on false hopes from false doctrines. Praying Lord to show them light and to follow the truth, I remember when I used to defend those prosperity preachers but am now hurting while writing this thinking of how I was deceived and so I deceived others without knowing the truth.
The prosperity Gospel is gross. It's a twisting of the word of God. Healings are possible. But you can't buy them. A experience with the Holy Ghost is possible but you can't buy it. Gross gross twisting of the word of God for the gain of man. No information about salvation, just seeking after the gifts and miracles of the Holy Ghost. Nasty!
Perfectly said
we need more poverty preachers , that should solve our problems
Praising God that Costi got out of that heresy and is calling it out.
May God bless you for telling the truth brother. 🙏
This was really special. Thanks to both of you.💗💙
Great video, the prosperity gospel has shipwrecked many people, those who preach it and those who follow it.
God wants us to prosper. But only teaching about prosperity is the wrong part.
Benny Hinn specifically was one of the examples that led me away from faith. As I began to question my faith 20 years ago, I took a deeper look at prosperity gospel preachers and realized they were frauds. It bolstered the position of the enemy, who was drawing me away from God. So glad to see some of the Hinn family has been delivered.
Love the complete set of MacArthur commentaries behind Costi on the left
I ALWAYS check out the book shelves on videos with pastors like Costi. It's a good way to get new study material! 🕵🏻👀🙏🏻❤💭✝
Hey Dan , did MacArthur teach that Jesus was adopted as the son of God only at baptism ?
@@flearhcp no he didn't.
@@snoxolongqokoma4161 thank you, i went on his webby and he did clarify his stance on the sonship of Christ. I don't know however if he shifted the goal post and minimized his mistake.
@@flearhcp I listen to John MacArthur everyday I don't think he ever had a stance like that. Why is that important to you?
Good for him for leaving that luxury lifestyle, I can imagine how easy it is to justify living that way. Especially if that’s how you were raised.
Loved this episode! Thank you Allie and Costi.
Always love your work Allie. Pastor Costi, May God continue to bless you. This is a mark of humility.
Costi is right about TW “breaking the rules”. He pretty much told his audience NOT to look at the movie. What is human nature?? When you tell someone NOT to do something, what do they ordinarily do?? They do exactly what they were told not to do! God can use that!! I am praying for TW’s repentance and for those blinded by the false gospel to have their eyes opened!
TW?
Marlon Moncrieffe Todd White
Definitely! As we look (study by ourselves) regularly in the Bible, we can see somethings wrong from pastors' sermons and teachings. Thank you for your sharing, now I know that I am not alone.
Wow you left and I'm checking IN. PRAISE ELUYAH!
When the messenger becomes more famous than the message or twists the message to suit their own needs, you know there's a big problem.
Funny thing I was told not to watch it after I’d watched it probably 3 times, ultimately left a church that I had many positions in. He is correct, people will look for the truth one way or another
Thanks!
We have a RELATIONSHIP with God through the Blood of Jesus Christ. We do not have to buy favours from God nor do we have to follow certain rituals when praying or approaching him. Simply go to God and ask him for his Holy Spirit to reveal the relationship that you have as a son/daughter with him.
When I see Benny Hinn waving his jacket, I think of that song:
_Let the bodies hit the floor_
_Let the bodies hit the floor_
_Let the bodies hit the..._
*_FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRR_*
Hahaha, too good :)
I was in a Benny Hinn meeting in Brisbane and the whole auditorium hit the floor , why do you think that happened .
It's probably because that is the top hit for that song - a mashup of his video and that audio
I watched a clip the other day of Todd White talking about someone giving him a copy of American Gospel and a letter. He said he shredded both and called the DVD and the letter DEMONIC.
I liked what he said about Todd White's reactions to his letter with the DVD American Gospel, how that Todd came out and made a big thing about Costi on the air and how God would use that to get people to look into the Word of God. It reminds me of Philippians 1:12-18, "But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have resulted in advancing the gospel, so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout the entire palace guard and to all the rest. And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife, and some also from good will. The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, intending to add trouble to my circumstance. But the latter preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Indeed, I will rejoice." Costi Hinn, like Paul, realizes it isn't about him. It's about Jesus. More importantly, it's about getting this Good News out to as many people as possible, regardless of what it cost us.
Thank you so much Allie. Awesome episode!!
Good interview, guy knows his stuff.
“The problem with preachers today is that nobody wants to kill them anymore”. !!! 💜🙏🏼😊
Preacher Chocking is back: ruclips.net/video/wiwG9Gmlzms/видео.html
Costi, Would love a virtual tour of that library you are sitting in!!
Awesome interview. I will definitely be sharing with my readers!
This was a great episode! So much truth.
The prosperity gospel caused me a ton of pain
Yes, yes, and yes.....Good word.
That was really good.im thankful u got out of that.im sure it was hard since u lived the great life an it being family.i would rather have nothing in this world an have everything in christ.my question would be..what will they do when they face the lord.how will they answer for what there doing.i watched American gospel an cryed the whole time.im so thankful that i question what i was hearing from these Prosperity Gospel preachers.blessed be to God for u getten away from all that.i would rather live in a small apt then burn through eternity.
My advice to all the people they want to be a Christian is read the Holy Bible only, but not other people’s books. And pray the Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus to help us to understand His massage.
Sowing any other seed other the Gospel would be a red flag for me
I’m so glad that I have converted to Catholicism :)
But that’s a false religion. It’s riddled with idolatry.
I believe that hearts can change. I believe we can find those seeds in the bad soil or amongst the thorns and replanted in good soil. Maybe most of them won't be found, but is it wrong to hope that a few can be salvaged?
He's right you're not saved by works but if you don't do works you're not saved. James 2:17 Faith without works is dead, it being alone.
Indeed edifying. 🙌🏼🙏🏼❤️✨✝️
Love the new intro Allie nice!
this seems like a case where religion gives people justification to swindle others
I see a set of MacArthur Bible commentaries and a set of church fathers' volumes on the shelve. That tells me Hinn is a student of the Bible.
I’ve never seen anything like that in my life 2:16
I just recently left The Father’s House here in the Bay Area. They are just going and blowing! Full steam ahead!
They steamroller any opposition and talk just the way Costi described.
If you come against them you’re off the wall you don’t “Get it” “Yeah we hear this all the time” …. They pooh pooh it.
Well, I think they’re about to hear about it again! Because God is not going to let up. The Prosperity Gospel is not THE gospel ~and you’ll notice which word comes first of course! Let’s just face it-in actuality it’s the Greedy Grubby Not-The-Gospel.
Our job is to pray for them, and to be thankful that we got out in time!
“If any man come to you preaching another gospel, let him be anathema to you”
Worse yet~ “If you so much as remove one comma or one period of this Gospel, your name will be removed from the Book of Life.” Yikes!!!
Your studio is peaceful
New intro and setup looks good Allie!!!!
Is there a way I could get you and Costi Hinn to come to my church and teach my congregation about this? It would be such a blessing to us. Might we arrange something?
He was right about some of those other religions as well as himself.
Awesome 👏
Here's the funny part about this at a "meta" level. One always thinks they're sitting under the "true gospel" until they realize they are not... How do you know you are under the true gospel? Who's telling you you've got it right (when everyone claims "the Bible tells me so"?
This is one of many reasons why I am currently convinced that all all faith traditions are more about cultural practices and wrapping morality and fear management into a narrative than speaking "truth" about how reality works.
Good you said CURRENTLY convinced because it's a gloomy conclusion to live with.
Philip Baker - what is gloomy and how so?
@@ardbegthequestion doubting the Bible ability to give clear answers would seem to leave you without a firm foundation for your beliefs which might be unsettling?
A cup of suffering can also be blessing from the Lord, also a thorn in the flesh God gives people to increase there capacity for God to use them as it humbles us.
I'd love some clarification on what Todd White has said/done that is false teaching? I've watched several of his videos and he seems so genuinely in love with Christ and passionate for the Word. Can you do a video or give some resources for looking more closely at this?
Look closely at his theology. He teaches the Jesus went to Hell for the 3 days after his crucifixion. He teaches that we are “little gods”. He is also a charlatan. He uses an old magic truck/illusion to “grow legs”. There’s a lot. He lies and lies and lies. He’s also being groomed by Kenneth Copeland to take over his ministry. If you look up Fighting for the Faith here on RUclips, you can go through his videos and find segments on Todd White (and many others).
I'd like to hear Costi's take on what was going on when Benny waves his jacket over a crowd of people & they all fall out supposedly slain in the Spirit. Was that real or staged? What about pushing people down with great force & they are supposedly healed?
There were a lot of things he said that reminded me of Mormon teachings. Especially the persecution thing. I no longer believe in Mormonism. It's interesting to me that he still believes in God at all. I tried, but couldn't make that work either.
I really struggling with it too. I'm doing better and better now and my life is starting to take shape and my relationship with God have improves little by little and day by day. Hope you are doing fine now and God bless you.
I love your new space girl!!
God wants us to prosper, financially and spiritually. Preaching about prosperity isn't wrong. When you make it all you peach that's when it becomes wrong
Agreed you know the sad part about Christianity is that people don't realize how the devil is tearing us apart. People are saying this preacher is false teacher and that's guys is too but I'd they are not saying anything outside of what the Bible says are they false? Ive heard Joel preach and he's not my favorite but he does talk about doing the right thing. He talks about living how Jesus lived and not sinning. He goes a little too heavy with teaching of money but I don't think he even takes a salary from preaching. I think he makes money off of his books. he's not my favorite in terms of doctrine but I don't see anything he says that is not biblical
@@davidlawrence8051 look again. Wolf ALERT.
Yes, but God's ways of prospering us are through suffering most of the time. Read about Stephen being stoned to death, most prophets in the Bible were brutally murdered and that was God's way of prospering them. Jesus is better than wealth and health. god's glory is more important than being comfortable. God looks most great in the world when a person is suffering and still loves Him and is faithful to Him. Wouldn't you agree?
@@davidlawrence8051 Joel says that we are little gods, that we should call in favors from good deeds we have done for God in the past, and other flat out heresies. I love you brother, I used to be involved in the prosperity gospel and God opened my eyes. Please repent and turn from that garbage. In the gospel of Mark, chapter 8, verse 36, Jesus said; “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” In Matthew, chapter 8, verse 20; “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” In Luke, chapter 18, verse 25, Jesus said; “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Wealth/health is no indication of Gods approval, otherwise why would Jesus have been homeless and been brutally persecuted.
@@masonskaggs1711 this is true but he also lets us prosper through blessings. I don't believe in this Christians are supposed to have rough lives all the time gospel. That just the opposite of the prosperity gospel. The Bible talks about both blessings and suffering. It's not one or the other like some preachers like to do. The Bible doesn't say money is evil but the love of it leads to all types of evil. Some people are blessed with money and use it to help people.
There are so many Christian denominations today, and they all view each other as the apostate churches. How do we know we aren't living in the end times when "MANY will come in My Name, and deceive MANY?"
Benni Hinn repented and admitted that he took the prosperity thing too far. So if he repented and asked for forgiveness from this who are we to still dwell on it.
He went back into..unless you haven't checked on him, after repenting he went to Nigeria to minister there and started where he had repented from in America. Its so sad that he's one of the man who introduced in Africa where almost every preacher is into it as they make their own Africans so poor with relying on false hopes
He went back into it, have you not seen him, he now has a joint venture with Chris Oyakhilome the Nigerian who got charged for money laundering in the UK.
Some people lost loved ones due to his teachings. Changed behavior is the best apology
I've been a defender of Benny Hinn for years, largely because those who speak against him do so for all the wrong reasons--"he's a false prophet" (might be true but that's a conclusion, not a reason), "God doesn't heal like that" (if just one person was healed and the rest are fakes, He does), etc. However, this has been eye-opening, and the testimony gives credibility to doubts against Benny Hinn for all the right reasons. First-hand account of "money and wealth motivations," for example. "God changes lives through the transformation of the heart, not through health and natural-world abundance as we were telling attendees." (approximate quote, not literal) ".. What about theology of living through suffering? .." Thank you so much for this interview.
Thank you for this insightful comment! If you haven't watched "American Gospel: Christ Crucified" on RUclips, Amazon Prime or Netflix, I highly recommend it.
Psalm 105
Deuteronomy 28
Matthew 25
16:55 that’s exactly what the Pastor would do when we had just gotten saved.
I would say that not all Word of Faith preachers are greedy. To put them all in the same box is untrue and unfair. Certainly some have manipulated and propitiate corruption, but that’s true in many arenas of Christianity. I’m sorry about your experience Costi. Integrity and humility are what I’ve seen in contrast to your experience in my Word of Faith pastors and preachers.
They are all greedy just lying on God people to give you money that's alone greedy and most of them show kindness to those outside their ministries to showcase it yet those within are suffering yet they keep sowing in lies
Ritah Kiziito not the ones I personally know. And by personally know, I’m talking about their life away from the pulpit, out of the spotlight, and behind closed doors who walk in the highest level of integrity, and love for others. I know of others that have abused and manipulated people out of money, and obviously that should be exposed. We know fo catholic priest who molest kids, we know of others that do not. Essentially just if one is bad, doesn’t mean they all are. There’s much more to Word of Faith doctrine than money and healing. That always gets the most attention, however there is so much more depth and true gospel teaching.
The point is that the word of faith movement is unbiblical. If you truly seek God for who he actually is in his word you would see there’s a big difference in theology.
I remember Oral Roberts holding “healing” tent meetings back in the 60’s. Fake healings him lots of money. Preaching for money is called priestcraft and is the same mechanism that caused Christ to be crucified. “The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” “.... and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.”
He wasnt preaching for money. He was doing God's work. Do you think God doesn't want people to be healed? Don't forget "by His stripes, we were healed"
Friars in the 1500's sold the popes' indulgences, and prosperity pawns sell the devil's indulgences. Both take no pity, or mercy on the poor, and make sure they stay destitute! I saw it personally all my life, spiritual 'wickedness' operating their scams.
'Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith The LORD...' (Heb.10:30,31).
Money, is not a 'seed', and the love of it, is the root 'of all evil'.
As Todd White would say, “So good. So good.” LOL
Please get rebbi tovia singer on the show for the truth!
I believe that what we experience makes a difference to what we learn and know about faith in general this is how a previously assertive mindset can be changed and transformed into something new. The basis of Jesus message was to transform the mindset, its also what every evangelist and missionary wants to do, open the mind and transform interpretation. A pastors job is to work on that change and keep them heading in a new reformed perspective. Its also true with an atheist like Richard dawkins. The only problem for atheists is they have unproven discoveries that are totally legit and all encompassing. Meaning that they are easily understandable and answer alot of life's questions. Jesus Christ did something, He created a world within Himself which people spread throughout the nations and caused people who either accept and totally rely on Him or reject Him.
That being said the function of the church is to confirm a message which brings unity, its possible to not agree with everything someone preaches but to be unified in Christ. Everyone has different opinions but the focus of Jesus Himself is the message and key to a successful spiritual life.
Costi went from one extreme to another.
Amen he did. He went from being a wretched sinner to a righteous born again Christian by God's grace through faith in Christ . One minute condemned by God, the next, declared a child of God. One extreme to the other.
@@Xandy2dandY He went from being a part of the Benny Hinn movement to being a 5-point calvinist who believes in limited atonement and doesn't believe in the gifts of the Spirit which is an extreme position. The balance is somewhere between the two.
Jew and Greek wring, he does not believe the apostolic gifts are in use today. I believe he is correct as the canon is closed and those gifts were only used to point to and evidence WHO God is. Costi is not a full on cessationist. He absolutely believes God performs miracles and healings but when it is His will to do so.
Nicely done...thanks for posting! This teaching is disgraceful and needs to be exposed for what it is...lies.
Jesus doesn't put a price on healings and miracles.
Wow this is sad what is being done to the body. Sheep fleecers
Hey Allie. I just ran across this article while researching a topic in the bible. Without Natural Affection.
Could you consider doing a video on the topic. I remember the stories in the article when they had happened. Mabey you remember them too. If you could read it and give a response I would appreciate it. Thank You! Sincerely: David B. -
A Nation Without Natural Affection
PHOTODISC
Raymond Zach and a warning to America.
BY ROBERT MORLEY • JUNE 7, 2011
P
icture this horror story. A man suffering from depression decides to die and wades into the bay to wait for the tide to drown him. The water rises, and he begins to lose his balance. His pupils dilate with fear. As his feet touch the bottom for the last time, he turns to stare at a crowd that has gathered on the beach.
Onlookers do nothing. One alarmed person calls 911. When rescuers arrive, they don’t help the man either. Instead, they just watch the man begin to flail, then suffocate, then bob face-down in the water.
Not one person lifts a finger to help: multiple firefighters, policemen, dozens of spectators-not a single human being makes any effort at all. They choose to watch him die.
A dark Hollywood horror film? No. Real-life San Francisco last week.
Last Monday, 52-year-old Raymond Zack walked into San Francisco Bay in order to commit suicide. And San Franciscans watched it happen-for an hour. And did nothing.
When firefighters arrived, they refused to act-even later as the man began to drown. The Coast Guard did nothing because the water was too shallow for its boat. Reporters did nothing because they were too busy getting the story. Hikers, dog walkers, cyclists-turned-spectators did nothing. The police did nothing because it wasn’t their jurisdiction. Other bystanders did nothing because the police wouldn’t let them.
Zack’s horrified, wheelchair-bound stepmother was understandably outraged that she was forced to watch her son die-while “rescue” officials stood idly by.
According to San Francisco Fire Chief Mike D’Orazi, his firefighters did not intervene because budget cuts had deprived his crew of the proper training and cold-water gear. They were “handcuffed by policy” he said. Without the proper certifications, intervention could have opened up the city to lawsuits.
“They said they could not go into the water,” said one witness.
Didn’t have the proper training? When Zack was in water shallow enough for him to stand in? Lacking cold-water gear? Really? In California at the end of May? Raymond Zack was in the water for an hour before he died. How cold could have the water been? And no one even went out to him to talk to him.
Want to hear the revolting resolution? Even after Zack was obviously unconscious-even then-no firefighter, police officer or guardsman went into the water to retrieve his limp body. That task was taken on by a disgusted young woman who probably couldn’t stand the shame of doing nothing any longer. She swam out and pulled Zack in.
Once the body was on shore, then the firefighters sprang into action. Liability wasn’t an issue anymore. By then, the man was already dead.
What a reprehensible story.
Now consider a totally different story out of the animal world-and it should put us to shame. On RUclips you can watch a video of a herd of water buffalo being chased by several lions. (It is one of the most astounding videos I have ever watched.) The lions sprint after a calf and chase it into the water, then begin to pull it out. You can hear the desperate bleating of the terrified calf as it calls for help. Then, to make its situation even more desperate, a crocodile emerges and grabs the calf; a tug-of-war ensues. Eventually the lions pull the trembling calf up on the bank and get ready to put an end to the bleating. Then the unexpected happens.
The other buffalo hear the calf’s calls of distress. They turn, virtually forming ranks, and come to its rescue. They rally, and some of the bigger bulls begin to challenge the pride of lions, the prey putting itself at a huge risk-defying the teeth and claws of one of the world’s most lethal killing machines-to save one of their own. In the showdown that ensues, these buffalo risk their lives for a small member of the herd that could and often does get easily dismissed as dead. But a member of their species was in trouble, and these animals ignored their fear and went to help. Unbelievably, their self-sacrifice against Africa’s most deadly hunters worked. The buffalo managed to drive off the lions one by one. Near the end of the video, you can actually see the calf-which somehow survived the jaws of the crocodile and the claws and teeth of six or so lions-managing to get back on its feet and get away from the water and the lions and back to the herd.
What you could call a natural affection of the buffalo drove them to take incredible risks to save one of their own. These animals exhibited a natural impulse to help one in need.
Back in San Francisco: “We expected to see at some point that there would be a concern for him,” said one witness.
Well yes, you would think that at some point during that entire hour, at least one person out of the 75 on scene would have shown some “concern” for a fellow human being! He was there in the water for all to see. No shark-or crocodile-was attacking him. No lion had him in his teeth.
It is a sad reality, but had a dog been drowning instead of a human being that day in San Francisco, someone would have done something.
Raymond Zack’s death is not about insufficient training or a city saving money and avoiding lawsuits.
The death of Raymond Zack is about a disturbing, shocking, repulsive lack of even natural compassion for human life. It is a condemning sign of how morally bankrupt we have become.
No one cared enough to even try to save him.
This is the second widely-publicized story in recent months where Californians watched and did nothing to help someone in danger. Following the San Francisco Giants’ opening game in Los Angeles, paramedic Bryan Stow was brutally beaten and kicked in the head by two men until he suffered massive brain damage, while a crowd of around 100 people watched on. The assailants simply got into a car and casually drove away.
But San Francisco-despite its proud liberal repute-is becoming known for its callousness.
It was in this city that two years ago a 15-year-old girl was gang-raped multiple times on school property after a homecoming dance. Police say she was violently raped for at least two hours while more than a dozen witnesses saw the assault, but failed to call police despite her cries. Some stopped to watch. Others stopped to take pictures. People came and went. No one cared enough to do anything. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be taken to hospital by helicopter.
But this disinterest is not just a San Francisco or California problem. Who can forget the two paramedics in New York City who refused to help a pregnant mother who collapsed in a coffee shop? Their cold response: “Call 911”-as they ate their bagels and the woman died of a heart attack. Then there were the three big Seattle security guards last year who refused to intervene when three girls brutally beat, punched and stomped another girl. Apparently their employment manual says they are not allowed to get involved in altercations. What a poor excuse not to help someone in distress.
How can a nation lacking so much natural affection ever survive, let alone prosper? The sad answer is it can’t. When human life ceases to have value, when bagels are worth more than babies, and grown men won’t stand up to teenage girls, society can’t be far from social disintegration. When humans have lost the natural affection that even animals exhibit, it means that we are not far from the end.
Oh how America is changing. America was a nation that was founded by people who were willing to sacrifice themselves for others. Throughout its history, people in this nation willingly risked and even sacrificed their lives to save others. Yes, people back then had the same human nature. Yes, they still made errors in judgment. But today something is different. People are so caught up in their own selfishness they ignore those who need them most.
Our nation has never been this callous-but it was prophesied to happen. Read what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3. “But understand this, that in the last days will come perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered …. [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman) … loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good” (verses 1-3, Amplified Bible). The term “last days” refers to human society just prior to the return of Jesus Christ. This is a sign of where we are in Bible prophecy.
Consider the terms Paul uses to describe the way people would be in our time: lovers of self, self-centered, lacking natural affection, callous, inhuman, uncontrolled and fierce. Sadly, you could hardly find better terms to describe society today.
People are steadily degenerating to the point where they are becoming almost totally void of natural affection-the kind of affection that even animals can show toward each other-just as the Apostle Paul said. If you watch the news, if you have not become desensitized, you know it to be true.
This lack of natural affection isn’t just something relegated to the news. This is reality. And someday soon you might be the one needing the help. As Raymond Zack took his last look at those people standing on the beach, one wonders if what he saw justified in his mind, his actions. Did he think: This world is just as cold and horrible as I thought it was?
"Abortion is about as Without Natural Affection as it gets!" David Bellino.
Actually the Bible says if you love those who love you, how are you different than other people. Love those that hate you even. I mean he was speaking directly to the believers, but I don't think natural affection is real or God would not have addressed it so directly. It is the falling away from God and the lack of knowledge of His word, that we even used to teach in schools, that is the beginning of the lack of care people have, one for the other.
deconversion means never a Christian in the first place
Certainly salvation is not earned or bought by people (Ephesians 2:8). It is a gift of God, lest any man should boast. Yet, there are financial rewards and a level of prosperity that will not come to a person unless he/she engages work and endeavors that provides worthwhile products and services to other people. Abraham, Jacob, David, Esther, the wealthy woman who provided for Elisha, Joseph of Arimathea, and the rich identified in 1Timothy 6 are not ungodly, unrighteous prosperity seekers. It is never wrong for people or preachers to speak of the fact that it is the LORD who gives you the power to get wealth to establish His covenant in the Earth or that He wishes you to prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers. However, it is wrong for them to describe those with high incomes or wealth as better than other people and to treat them better and it is wrong to get their eyes and life focused on getting money (and a particular net-worth) as priority and of focusing on living opulently (especially when it would be based on living on the giving of the LORD's people).
If one does not think money and prosperity obtained according to the LORD's will and way is important (via the adherence to biblical principles (understanding the LORD owns everything, operating by a giving-saving-spending plan including abundant giving for gospel ministry, having emergency funds, eliminating debt, refusing to cosign, saving, investing, and diversifying), then give up working, don't save, don't invest, and don't start businesses that can be profitable. I trust that one who operates in this way will find (even though he may be saved) that he cannot properly care for himself, his family, the Church of God and its bible-directed evangelism and disciple-making ministry, and thus will suffer in ways the LORD does not intend, especially in latter years of their lives. I'm okay that some people don't want to prosper, I just won't listen to their thoughts that I should not prosper either and that I should never listen to a preacher who identifies bible-based keys for prospering as a walk along the path of life with the LORD Jesus Christ. I certainly don't listen to those preachers who seek to take advantage of me for greedy gain.
Ezekiel 33
👏👏👏 good interview.
One of the main desires of any mature Christian would be/should be to “read the Bible with comprehension”; in other words, what does it really say? What is it TRULY MEAN?
If we were to leave the statement “God wants us to prosper“ at that I think we would find ourselves in trouble. Would that mean we’re all supposed to be striving to be rich? God forbid. Jesus ALSO SAID not to take “two of anything with you“. Paul said that he would preach the gospel for free; he worked as a tent maker.
PLUS we want to live as Jesus lived. He did not drive around in the Bentley of His day nor did He have everybody serving Him like the hired help dusting off His gold bars, etc. etc.
What they have done is take His words and TWIST them.
They are clearly very very arrogant and greedy people.
They have caused us to lose the culture war here in America, because even the pagans see right through them.
Furthermore, they have ruined Christianity worldwide. We are a laughing stock and the butt of jokes. Not only that, but this disgusting name it and claim it “prosperity gospel” has caused more damage to the Kingdom than any of us understands or realizes yet.
dont agree with the buying your healing but what is he going to do with his book money?
How about paying the bills of his family that consists of five children and a wife? That’s like asking “what are you going to do with the money for the extra hours you’ve put in on saturdays during the last year?”
Costi does not receive a dime from the sales of his books. He does not believe it’s right to profit off of discrediting the prosperity gospel. All proceeds are donated to help pay for seminary for soon to be pastors. Research... it’s a wonderful tool.
hey allie have you watched todd white's videos ?? I would highly recommend you to do it :) (youll be able to judge for yourself)
That's how Joyce Meyer said that she's blessed because she's giving alot by the time she was done preaching poor Ugandans had already given her 10,000$ minus what was given to her and all expenses paid to her and that was like 20yrs back when poverty was high in Africa now imagine if she could come today because after she received 10,000$ she said God had told her she will get money from Uganda...so sad.
Benny Hinn is a great man of God. Don't judge a man who does the will of God and not his own. Think logically.
I'd encourage you to examine what he's saying in context. Look at the whole Bible. We are to judge righteously and according to Scripture.
If you want to understand the Trinity go to The Lord's Day Ministry. God gave me a revelation that perfectly explains it.
Are you & Costi Baptist?
They're Dispensational Reformed. MacArthur-type Reformed.
Now I understand , but healings and displays of the Holy Spirit still occur , was at a Benny Hinn meeting in Australia and he waved his hand and the whole auditorium fell over including me , there was nothing wrong with that .
T
@@xkoociesyt6870 really? and you somehow think this is from God?
@@dfischer1709 do you have evidence it wasn't? I mean some of the apostles had healing in their shadows, so I'm sure a wave of the hand could push the glory of God over people.
Why do Christians gotta bash each other, refute truth, expose, mark false teachers ect? There's over 2,000 denominations...and you follow the 1 true way???
Why couldn't he just say, Benny, this aint for me. No love loss brother, I just need to follow the path God has for me. Why can't we do that instead of invalidating every version of Christianity that doesn't match ours?
@@RSY873 I do keep my mouth shut. Why? Because the fruit of what you're saying. Arguing that your version out of 2,000 different point of views will net you an enemy. But finding common ground with each will net you a friend.
Ive been down this road, and not once made a friend for doing it.
We all, and I mean every version, have 1 common Jesus. Focus on that, and you'll make a friend for life.
I'm no longer a believer, and this is why. I can't figure out which one is "right". I feel quite confident that Mormonism isn't exactly right, but the same things that lead me away from Mormonism is keeping me from accepting that there is any "true" denomination out there.
Thank you👍 The True Gospel → Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He was raised on the third day. He appeared to the apostles. １ Corinthians １５：１－５ Isaiah ５３ Anyone is saved just by believing in the gospel. Romans １：１６ Ephesians ２：８－９