James H. Hooks

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There is a lot of buzz out there about what is referred to as, The Prosperity Doctrine. So many people are being turned off by the methods used in soliciting funds in a way that uses God’s Word as a money making tool. Is it wrong to do that? YES

I have seen blogs as well as a new Rapp song that attacks and discredits the entire ministry of those that maybe using such tactics. I want to put out a word of caution in such attacks. I posted on twitter a statement in which Madeline O’Hara was asked why she didn’t join the christian army? Her answer was eye opening but so true. She said, because it’s the only army on earth that slayes is’s own wounded.

My book is entitled, Should Christians Prosper, which is in question form. The simple answer to the question is a resounding, yes. There are so many scriptures documenting that God not only wants us to prosper.

This creates a dilemma wherein lies the confusion. In this blog I will reveal exactly how you will be able to tell the phonies from the real deal. In doing so we will deal with first:

The definition of  prosperity-whichever definition you fall under I believe that they are both attempting to fill our innermost purpose in life. That is to be happy, have peace in our soul and be prosperous.

Worldly prosperity-when worldly people think of prosperity they think that a prosperous person is one that is successful in business, lots of things like a new house, car, jewelry and yes lots of money. Even though it may be great to have those things, they cannot satisfy that innermost need. Once they are achieved instead of filling that void in our life leaves us empty. That is because things can only change the outward appearance and never the inward need for peace and happiness.

Therefore found empty and not knowing why only causes them to search for other ways or more of the same to fill them. Such thinking causes us to use the energy of people, friends, and the world to take care of self-uno-number one. We are taught all of our life to take care of self first. However when we meet Jesus a change takes place.

Romans 12:1,2-I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God which is your reasonable service 2 And be not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In other words when we meet Jesus a mind transformation must take place from putting self first and putting God first in our mind and life. By the great commission Jesus calls us all use our energies, education, biblical teaching to meet the needs of others rather than use others to meet our needs.

The problem we are dealing with is that man Christians that claim salvation never make the mind transition. Being that the transition was not made we still use others to meet our needs even God. We pray to God, this is where I want to go and what I want to do and I would like you to help me get there. We are actually asking God to be our servant instead of offering ourselves to be God’s servant. This is also why so many Christians fail to achieve true prosperity, we still have self as number one.

True prosperity is being in the will Of God and putting Him first in our lives. This causes us to be thankful for what He has already given us. Instead of living a life of getting we live a life of giving. Then we can claim the scriptures, give and it shall be given, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

This also brings to the answer in telling the phonies for the real deal.

1. Anyone that solicits your money for their ministry so that you can get a new car, house, boat have your house paid off is asking you to give because you need the increase is putting self ahead of God and ministry. If they solicited your money for those reasons they are going to use your money so they can buy a new car,boat and such. If you give will God increase, yes however it will never bring the peace and happiness to go with it. (Stay clear of such solicitations)
2. If someone solicits your offerings and state that the only way God will multiply it back to you is to send it to their ministry. Also they may state that it is their prayers over your offering that rings the largest return- (stay clear of such solicitations)

To get the full picture of the blessings that God can bring into your lives it needs to be God’s way. I lay out God’s instructions in my book. Pick up a copy before you leave this site. You will be glad you did and prosperity can be yours.