I see problems but i am not alarmed. We all make mistakes but that doesn't mean we are theologically off. Yes, Furtick has a lot of money. Should he have that big a salary? Should he spend it on expensive clothes and a beautiful home? Poor people can look at me with a fairly new car, and think that I as a missionary am spending my money inappropriately. What is right?
I've been to Elevation and I'm not too alarmed at what he preaches. Nobody else seems to be reaching these millennials.
I tried to get my daughter to go to my solid Bible believing church but no. But she is going to Elevation. At least she is going.
Did you know that Elevation gives away their music royalty free. How many Christian artists are doing that!
Only small churches are preaching the Gospel? Come on man!
Honestly, this is what's wrong with the modern church (and contemporary worship). It's just a bunch of catchy lyrics and feel-good messages. Lately, I've realized that hymns are so much better than most "worship" music. I'm understanding why sometimes, it's better to stick with the old
Sadly, Christianity has become “a show” for more and more over the past 20 years. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God…full stop.
I can understand that many people who’ve left ‘traditional’ denominations feel they’re getting something better (i.e. uplifting) from churches like this compared to what they perceived as depressing from a traditional pastor.
However/Ultimately, the Word of God IS the Word of God. Church leaders that preach from this maxim will not deceive their brothers and sisters as scripture tells us.
James 4:13-17
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
I stopped watching Furtick after he walked out on stage with a $25,000 Neiman Marcus sweater on the Elevation Easter service. However, the examples you mentioned in this article don’t do your argument justice.
First off, the “bruised his heel” remark was a joke (as evidenced by his laughter during the statement) He wasn’t being serious, so to say Furtick meant that he was somehow God is just silly.
Second, Furtick’s statement about what we think about God directing our path, there is some truth to this. If we don’t believe that God’s promises are true and we don’t live by His ways, it does determine or path. God doesn’t command a bunch of robots who blindly obey Him, we have free will.
Finally, Furtick’s statement about God needing us, the Bible doesn’t say this of course and it is more likely that God wanted us than needed us. Ultimately, It seems that Furtick is trying to give a more loving reason behind our creation other than God wants a bunch of mindless robots to follow Him because he is God. My Father in Heaven is loving and does want me for His purpose. So, this sentiment by Furtick may be slightly off between “want” and “need”, but God certainly loves us and wants us to choose Him.
There are other examples of Furtick that would better serve your argument, some of which you already included in your post.
The Bible has a lot of places that it says words are a creative force. God‘s word were-are a creative force. And likewise, so are ours. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Some centuries, old dogmas are correct some are not. That’s what you need to learn to discern between.
This church sounds the majority of usa churches. Its ran by a cult leadership and men manmade doctrine. Per the article’s description. People must cont to reject churchianity with its focus on doctrine and not Jesus.
Good piece of advice Jim , people need to wake up to these self serving teachers! There are those you spoke of the other day like Gary Hamrick . I also like many others, here’s one that teaches deeply the word of God and that is Matthew Freeman of New City Church in Oklahoma . God Bless you Brother 🙏
"... biblically-qualified pastors..." I have never found one. Ever!
"But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:8-12)
"Pastors" love the title "pastor" and each pastor references the other with that titled prefix. How did Peter, Paul and Titus et al address each other? Just somethiny to think about.
You're right... 1 John 2:19 reads: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us."
Unfortunately, many who profess to teach from the "christian" pulpit rely on 'the book' to the exclusion of inner faith and authentic self-knowledge. The devil always seems to be close at hand when the 'charlatans' are preaching their version of the good book. Translation and a deeper review of symbolism, especially in considering the practical matter of archaic terms, and the fact that so much has been lost to us through the centuries (no thanks to the Vatican, btw) ...thx for posting this.
Great and timely post, Jim. We have so many false teachers that it's hard to keep up with them. Unfortunately, Satan allows them fame and fortune, which they fail to realize is fleeting and temporary.
Your by line says it all - " his millions of followers..."
Meaning they are followers of him and not Jesus, BIG DIFFERENCE!!!
Very insightful Watchman!
I see problems but i am not alarmed. We all make mistakes but that doesn't mean we are theologically off. Yes, Furtick has a lot of money. Should he have that big a salary? Should he spend it on expensive clothes and a beautiful home? Poor people can look at me with a fairly new car, and think that I as a missionary am spending my money inappropriately. What is right?
I've been to Elevation and I'm not too alarmed at what he preaches. Nobody else seems to be reaching these millennials.
I tried to get my daughter to go to my solid Bible believing church but no. But she is going to Elevation. At least she is going.
Did you know that Elevation gives away their music royalty free. How many Christian artists are doing that!
Only small churches are preaching the Gospel? Come on man!
Might re-word it, "His minions or followers..."
But that's just me being a bit too snarky.
Honestly, this is what's wrong with the modern church (and contemporary worship). It's just a bunch of catchy lyrics and feel-good messages. Lately, I've realized that hymns are so much better than most "worship" music. I'm understanding why sometimes, it's better to stick with the old
Yes, I agree. However, citations would make your work so much more reliable.
Beware of every false prophet, yeah
Sadly, Christianity has become “a show” for more and more over the past 20 years. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God…full stop.
I can understand that many people who’ve left ‘traditional’ denominations feel they’re getting something better (i.e. uplifting) from churches like this compared to what they perceived as depressing from a traditional pastor.
However/Ultimately, the Word of God IS the Word of God. Church leaders that preach from this maxim will not deceive their brothers and sisters as scripture tells us.
James 4:13-17
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
I stopped watching Furtick after he walked out on stage with a $25,000 Neiman Marcus sweater on the Elevation Easter service. However, the examples you mentioned in this article don’t do your argument justice.
First off, the “bruised his heel” remark was a joke (as evidenced by his laughter during the statement) He wasn’t being serious, so to say Furtick meant that he was somehow God is just silly.
Second, Furtick’s statement about what we think about God directing our path, there is some truth to this. If we don’t believe that God’s promises are true and we don’t live by His ways, it does determine or path. God doesn’t command a bunch of robots who blindly obey Him, we have free will.
Finally, Furtick’s statement about God needing us, the Bible doesn’t say this of course and it is more likely that God wanted us than needed us. Ultimately, It seems that Furtick is trying to give a more loving reason behind our creation other than God wants a bunch of mindless robots to follow Him because he is God. My Father in Heaven is loving and does want me for His purpose. So, this sentiment by Furtick may be slightly off between “want” and “need”, but God certainly loves us and wants us to choose Him.
There are other examples of Furtick that would better serve your argument, some of which you already included in your post.
God bless 😇🙏🏼
The Bible has a lot of places that it says words are a creative force. God‘s word were-are a creative force. And likewise, so are ours. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Some centuries, old dogmas are correct some are not. That’s what you need to learn to discern between.
Excellent advice, Jim; people need to wake up to these self-serving so-called preachers or teachers!
This church sounds the majority of usa churches. Its ran by a cult leadership and men manmade doctrine. Per the article’s description. People must cont to reject churchianity with its focus on doctrine and not Jesus.
Good piece of advice Jim , people need to wake up to these self serving teachers! There are those you spoke of the other day like Gary Hamrick . I also like many others, here’s one that teaches deeply the word of God and that is Matthew Freeman of New City Church in Oklahoma . God Bless you Brother 🙏
"... biblically-qualified pastors..." I have never found one. Ever!
"But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:8-12)
"Pastors" love the title "pastor" and each pastor references the other with that titled prefix. How did Peter, Paul and Titus et al address each other? Just somethiny to think about.
It is hard... check out Tom Pennington https://www.youtube.com/@CountrysideBibleChurch
How quickly will many "Christians" fall away when real persecution begins in the West? Because it is probably coming.
You're right... 1 John 2:19 reads: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us."
Unfortunately, many who profess to teach from the "christian" pulpit rely on 'the book' to the exclusion of inner faith and authentic self-knowledge. The devil always seems to be close at hand when the 'charlatans' are preaching their version of the good book. Translation and a deeper review of symbolism, especially in considering the practical matter of archaic terms, and the fact that so much has been lost to us through the centuries (no thanks to the Vatican, btw) ...thx for posting this.
Well said!
This is an important topic. Especially now. Deceptions are at every corner. blessings!
Great and timely post, Jim. We have so many false teachers that it's hard to keep up with them. Unfortunately, Satan allows them fame and fortune, which they fail to realize is fleeting and temporary.
Exactly... "And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment."(Hebrews 9:27)