Should Christians Declare or Decree Things over Their Lives? There is a growing trend among evangelical Christians where some feel they should declare or decree things over their lives. This is particularly true among those who are influenced by the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement and, more specifically, the prosperity gospel. For example, one prominent independent Pentecostal preacher encourages the readers of his bestselling book to declare things like, “I am full of wisdom. I make good choices. I declare I am blessed with good health…I will lend and not borrow.” But the question is, is there any theological foundation to this practice? Image of God vs. New Thought Metaphysics Those who make such declarations sometimes claim that, because we are created in the image of God, we, like God, can speak things into existence. It is telling, however, that no theologian in church history has ever suggested that this is what it means to be created in the image of God. Rathe...

WORSHIP IN TRUTH AND IN SPIRIT To my Christian brethren;  Worship in the context of religion doesn't imply some form of romanticism towards God. God has (a) name(s), qualities and names by which you must refer Him to as. Any other thing you add to the name(s) is inconsequential and has no impact on how God views you. He is not moved by your meaningless colou smeared language. The meaning of worship is practice based or dare I say without fear of contradiction is ritualistic in nature. It constitutes a practice of religious rites or ceremonies (and activities) , constituting a formal expression of reverence for a deity. First, it is important to understand what worship is. Many equate worship with singing music in church. This is one aspect of worship (Psalm 100:2), but worship is in no way limited to song. It is a full life response to the object of our worship. When we truly worship something, it affects the way we live. Worship is a life response to the worthiness of its...

One of the most dangerous perversions of the gospel of Jesus Christ is called the  prosperity gospel . It is a version of Christianity claiming that God promises Christians a healthy and financially prosperous life if only they are sufficiently faithful. Any time someone adds an adjective to the gospel, whether it is “full,” “prosperity,” or “social,” they risk modifying the beautiful simplicity of God’s redemption of believers who repent through Christ’s blood on the cross. The prosperity gospel is a false gospel that substitutes a vision of present earthly happiness for a vision of the final restoration of heaven and earth that the Bible anticipates. It is a trap that ensnares the poor and the weak and leads them away from the love of Christ. It is a potential danger even for those who avoid its more obvious expressions. Wealth and Holiness are Not Directly Related In contemporary society, the prosperity gospel is most attractive as it inspires the poor to seek holi...