Some Observations....

" I used to be $700k in debts before coming to church, but after coming to church, now my net worth is $1.5 million dollars - USD, not singapore Dollars. - this is how God bless me.... wow... hallelujah "

such statements/testimonies are common coming out of health and wealth megachurches. Another term we commonly used to describe their doctrine is the prosperity gospel. The strange thing is many people flock to it despite feeling uncomfortable with the messages.

I was discussing a certain City Harvest message with my bro today, and when i mention about the above testimony which was shared at the pulpit, my bro immediately responded: sounds like it makes no difference you visit a temple or a church... you just wanted to be bless....

John Piper is outright against such doctrines... he said that such doctrines are form because of idolatry in the hearts of men. We look forward only to the gifts not the giver... we are interested or even obsess with how God can be manipulated for our gain instead of developing and building this once-broken relationship with Him. Our God has become a vending machine God (as depict in Eugene Peterson's book Running with Horses) John MacArthur falls short of calling these people false teachers.( check out his book charismatic chaos- an outright anti-charismatic material -pls read with discernment)MacArthur mentioned something that speaks right to the heart of idolatry... conveniently borrowing Christianity to fulfill a theology that's born out of men's sinful desire....

Are they false teachers or not? we will never know on this side of eternity ... but it is good to take caution... let's check out the following portion of the scripture...

1 Timothy 6
Love of Money
3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Here's my question: why would a church or a pastor lead his sheep to temptation? No way a true messenger of God would lead his people to stroke sin. It is playing with fire... the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. No surprise the population of city harvest are filled with businessmen, people dealing with MLM, impressionable young people who wanted to succeed the quick way... it is interesting to see if any of these charismatic church preach on the above portion of the scripture..

more to come...