Word of Faith Movement - Prayer of Jabez

By
Carmen Brill
September 2002
Revised April 22, 2006

Suggested Reading

This is part of an much longer older article that has since been chopped up. Revisions and additions will be added as my knowledge about this subject grows and time allows.

Previously, I had been regularly watching Kenneth Copeland's program on TBN and another channel in Europe, The God Channel from England. They also broadcast Benny Hinn, Marylin Hickey, Kenneth Hagin, Jerry Savelle, Ulf Ekman, Creflo Dollar, John and Lisa Bevere, Richard Roberts (son of Oral Roberts), the 700 Club with Pat Robertson, and many others that belong to the Word-Faith Movement. They are twisting scripture and doctrine in a way that would shock the apostles if they could witness it. If one watches regularly, the result is that he hears the same message from many sides, which seems to validate it even more because "everybody is preaching it so it must be OK. What a move of God!" One is being led slowly down to later accept ideas that can no longer even be proved by misinterpreting Scripture; ideas that originated with pagan religions and have resurfaced again and again especially recently in the New-Age movement and Catholic mysticism, are now stalking the churches in sheep's clothing. Some of the Word-Faith teachers do not preach everything that they believe in. They know that the Church is not ready to accept some of the New-Age ideas that they expect it to take in eventually. They water down the new doctrines on purpose stretching and twisting Scripture as they go, to prepare us for the full-blown ideas later, when they will discredit Scripture or at least try to talk us in to the idea that it is not complete and that one needs new "apostles" and "prophets" to lead us in the new move of the "Holy Spirit". The address that Jesus delivered to the Churches in Revelation 2 and 3 has significance for us today. In my opinion especially what he said to the Church at Thyatira: "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways." Revelation 2: 18-22. Here Jesus has addressed a church and those that are committing adultery i.e. associating with and tolerating the self-proclaimed prophetess are Christians.

Addition November 9, 2005
What are some Word-of-Faith concepts in a nutshell?

Word-of-Faith is more or less the practice of positive confession in a Christian package. It is not an official movement as such, but some proponents of it are very popular, such as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Marilyn Hickey, Joyce Meyer.... I am not saying that everything that they preach would be false, but the Word of Faith doctrine is not biblical. They believe that the words that they speak whether good or bad can have an effect on their surroundings, kind of like a magic spell. The difference they say, is that God makes their words come true. But God cannot be made to perform as if he were our servant. It is the other way around, He is our master. Romans 9 contains much about the sovereignty of God, here are verses 15 and 16. "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."

The Word-of-Faith proponents are perhaps unknowingly making use of a very old concept called gnosticism. Gnosticism includes a wide range of beliefs, some of them being:

1. salvation is not by faith but by knowledge - gnostics are "those that know"

2. one returns to the parent spirit through repentance and the undoing of the sin of material existence, becoming one with it or becoming like it - in power as well as knowledge

3. salvation is a process (not by faith), the aquisition of wisdom leads to a return to the former state, by some seen in Adam and Eve. Some compare the revelations of the Holy Spirit to wisdom - Sophia.

4. An image of a perfect man called the Beginning, the Name of God, the Logos, immortal, incorruptible. This is a concept that has misused the person of Jesus Christ and applies it to all men. Christian theology says that we will all become sons of God, albeit adopted - status without power. Gnostic Christianity would say that we become just like God - status and power. That is what Satan wanted and why he was thrown out of heaven.

The "Name of Jesus" plays a large role in these ministries. Jesus' name contains his essence, so they say, by using it one starts becoming it.

The gnostic terms are seldom mentioned in sermons or books by the Word-of-Faith proponents, but they are couched in the more familiar biblical terminology, a sort of doublespeak. What they say and what you hear may not be the same thing.

The word "faith" for instance may take on a different meaning. "Faith is a power force. It is a tangible force. It is a conductive force", Kenneth Copeland, The Force of Faith, p. 13. "The force of faith is released by words. Faith-filled words put the law of the Spirit of life into operation", p. 18.

Hebrews 11 contains a list of what some have done by faith, but it is not defined as a force or power. Verse 1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Having faith is believing, but even belief is not initiated by man, but by God if we consider the passage of Romans 9:16 above.

"The work of God is this: to believe in the one that he has sent." John 6:29.

"An this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." 1 John 3:23.

The proponents say that faith is a force released by our actions, but the bible says differently.

"I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." Our actions and words are and expression of faith, but they by no means release a power. They are evidence of faith and righteousness. Philippians 3:8,9.

The Word-of-Faith adherents believe in being cursed by sickness, demons or the words of others. Spiritual Warfare may then be required to "break the bonds" and "overcome". This then takes them a step further, sometimes they use their words to curse, citing the passage about the fruit tree that Jesus cursed because it had no fruit. I call that the flip-side of the Word-of-Faith coin. Pat Robertson has made public use of that concept as has Benny Hinn, causing embarassment throughout Christiandom. Jesus did rebuke the Pharisees, but he was speaking of what he could see in their hearts as one with the power to judge. We, however, cannot see into the hearts of others and cannot pass judgment over their souls, Jesus being the only one with authority to do that. We are commanded to love and be merciful and watchful I might add.

Some related subjects to gnosticism are pantheism, theosophy and alchemy. Other related subjects to Word-of-Faith are Spiritual Mapping and Spiritual Warfare and the Church Growth Movement.

I strongly suggest that you check your denomination, church, pastor, and church leaders for what doctrines they truly believe, practice and propagate. Find out what organizations your church may be partnering with and in turn who they are associated with. You may be surprised. Some truly believe the lies that they preach, some preach them with the intention of deceiving others on purpose.

People who speak out against movements and persons, like myself, are considered to be backward Christians or heretics that need to be "ministered to." Some have even been physically threatened if they do not stop uncovering the true motives of particular individuals and the new doctrines of the church. Those whose doctrines are being questioned say, "Don't touch God's anointed." Some even "prophesy" all sorts of catastrophes for those who attempt to. That is not behavior appropriate for a Christian.

The Prayer of Jabez

Here I include a letter that I wrote to CBN June 15th, 2002, asking them to reconsider their support for the "Prayer of Jabez" book written by Bruce Wilkinson. I admit that the letter was strongly worded, but won't omit one jot. At the time that I wrote it I was more than disturbed that anyone could even consider recommending such a book as fit for Christians to read and apply to their lives. Please excuse any statements that may contain some false doctrine. As I wrote the letter God had already been working on me. I was already conscious of a counterfeit move of God but didn't know that I was stewing in it and how influenced by it I had been.

Addition April 2006: From the time I sent the letter to now, I have changed, become much less legalistic. I still think doctrine is important, but don't see the need to actively try to convince others of particular Christian doctrines unless I think them to be in gross error, and even then try to be loving about it. I treat those that I know much more lovingly and mercifully than in the past, and I encourage others to do so as well. This doesn't always come across in what I write, though I am trying to improve on that. I do see the need to express my beliefs and opinions concerning false doctrine, though, therefore this website. If the Prayer of Jabez book would have come out now, I probably wouldn't have sent the letter at all knowing the uselessness of convincing such ministries to let up on teaching that kind of doctrine. They generally don't see the damage they do to human souls no matter how well-meaning they may be. I'd have just written an article on the subject, warned my friends about the book, and left it at that. Pastors generally don't want to listen to such opinions, but once in a while you find a good one that is willing to listen. Usually such a one already has informed himself about the matter and taken steps to warn his congregation (this doesn't mean forbidding them to read it, but an exposure of the false doctrine the book contains). In the meantime I have given up on telling pastors my opinions of such books and films, most I know don't care and even recommend what I criticize. I keep most of my opinions to myself, that is, write about them here. Anyone can come and take a look, or not.

To The Christian Broadcasting Network

Website Editor
977 Centerville Turnpike
Virginia Beach, VA 23463
USA

Dear Sir or Madam,

I visited the CBN website on the15th of June, 2002 and noticed an offer for "The Prayer of Jabez" book by Bruce Wilkinson.

I have heard some strong criticism based on the Word of God regarding the message preached by this book. It seems (though I cannot know the contents of his heart and disagree only with his doctrine; I have nothing against his person) that the main intention of the author to pray this prayer is based on greed. He claims that this is a failsafe prayer that will guarantee - within 30 days (p.86) that God will make "significant changes in your life," if prayed every day. It is, according to the author a "brilliant"...strategy for sustaining a blessed life"(p.63). His claims are based on 1 Chronicles 4:10. This phrase in my bible (NIV 1983) includes the words to "enlarge my territory." My bible also says, however, that God placed all things under Jesus' feet Ephesians 1:22,23, and that from this high place far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, he fills the Church with his Spirit. Christ, the Anointed One, in every one of us, is not limited to a territory. My territory does not need enlarging since, in Christ, it encompasses everything anyway, the seen and the unseen.

Why should the Church concern itself with goods, lands, even larger ministries if it has everything to begin with? If we seek God first everything will follow suit. God answered the prayer for Jabez at that time. But Jesus, and Paul after him, offer us much more inspiring reasons to pray. The doctrine of "The Prayer of Jabez" book resembles a new gimmick on shopping television or the latest boy-group craze complete with mugs and T-shirts, not the Word of God. The author also writes: "Is it possible that God wants you to be "selfish" with your prayers? To ask for more - and more again - from your Lord?" (p. 19). "If Jabez had worked on Wall Street, he might have prayed "Lord, increase the value of my investment portfolios"" (p. 31).

The prayer, as it is set before us by the author, smacks uncomfortably of merchants in the temple courts John 2:13-17. We are warned against this type of prayer and behavior James 4:2,3; Matthew 6:5-8; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 6:6-21. In reading the Lord's Prayer we notice the levels of importance that Jesus gave to certain subjects: that first, praise is given to the Father, that we yearn for his kingdom to come and that his will be done (this includes our prayers for the unsaved, the nations, and for the Church - which means everyone else). Only after these things do we ask anything for ourselves Matthew 6:9-13. As Jesus prayed, just before going to the Garden of Gethsemane, he took the time to lovingly pray a monumentally revealing prayer for his disciples and for us, those who would believe later through their message John 17. Even after his arrival at the garden, he unselfishly asked his disciples to pray for themselves. He made no mention that they pray for him Luke 22: 40-42. Only then did he offer up prayers for himself, yet always humbly stressing that the Father's will be above his own. These examples of prayer are worth following.

I do believe that among the goals that the Lord has for us, one is to prosper, even in worldly goods, but Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given unto us Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31. He warned us against striving for the things of this world Hebrews 13:5; Romans2:7,8. The simple possession of merchandise will not necessarily help proclaim the Gospel, which should be our main intention Matthew28:19,20.

Jesus also warned us that in the Last Days there will be many false prophets who will do and say things that will deceive the elect if this is possible Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 24:24; Mark 13:5. We should not go along with every trend, including ones with a "Christian" stamp of approval on them even if our best friend or Pastor recommends it Hebrews 13:9. Everything must be weighed with the Word. These are spiritually perilous times and we will be held responsible by Jesus for what we believe and for what we have taught others to believe Luke17:1,2.

I personally hold the opinion that we as individuals and as a Church must guard ourselves and others, especially the newborn Christians and those with little knowledge of the Word against false doctrine Mark 9:42-49; 2 Corinthians 11:3,4; 11:13-15. If it is necessary, we must as a Church admonish those of us who are going astray Luke 17:3. If they do not cease sinning or preaching false doctrine and repent, then others must be warned to avoid them..., just as some cases described by Paul in his letters to the Church 1 Corinthians 5, and the account of Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11.

The Church as a whole has neglected separating itself from false brothers for centuries but I believe that in these Last Days the call to be holy as God is holy is stronger than ever. Judgement comes first to the Church before it comes to the world 1 Peter 4:17. The judging of sex scandals of protestant pastors and Catholic priests by worldly courts are in my opinion evidence of the beginning of this judgement. The Church, the bride of Christ Jesus is being made and will make herself spotless in preparation for the marriage day Revelations 2:18-28. Are we doing this? Some will say that they prophesied and did works, even miracles in Jesus' name. He will tell them that he never knew them Matthew 17:15-23. They will be surprised. They initially intended to serve him but were deceived themselves. Jesus has warned us ahead of time so that we know to be cautious Matthew24:25.

I know that this is probably not nor ever will be a popular opinion. But God is not, never was, and never will be interested in popular opinion Mark 13:13; Hebrews 13:8. He is righteous and holy. We have received the righteousness of Jesus by faith and grace Romans3:21-24; 4:16 but must continue to walk in it and be holy Leviticus19:2. As much as God loves us 1 John 4:16; John 17:25,26 and is willing to forgive us as long as we ask him with a repentant heart Nehemiah 9:16, we must make the decision and daily continue to make the decision to obey him Romans 11:16-22. We must make sure that we dwell in the shelter of the Most High Psalm 91:1,2. To dwell means to have that shelter as our permanent abode. We do this by gaining a good knowledge of God's Word, measuring all things by it and by spending much time in prayer seeking the Lord (not only what he can give us) and living and obeying what Jesus taught us every minute, loving others with the love he gave us Romans 5:5 and preaching the Gospel. We must lead others to do the same uncompromisingly. Anything else is a waste of the little time that the Church has left to accomplish what God has assigned us to do.

I strongly suggest that someone in your staff who is well-grounded in the Word of God and filled with the Holy Spirit read the Prayer of Jabez book carefully, weighing each word using the Bible as a counterweight Hebrews 4:12; Acts 17:11 and reconsider if it is fit to recommend to others James 3:1.

I do apologize if this letter sounds brusque but the Word of God does not cut corners 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12. Paul admonished "his children" out of love and concern for them 1 Corinthians 4:14-16. God has lovingly, sternly and justly admonished me lately in many areas to confess my sins to him and get back and stay in the shelter of the Most High. That is the only safe place. I am writing out of experience and genuine love and concern, not only for those nearest to me, but also for the whole body of Christ.

End of letter.

And here their reply. I eliminated the unnecessary details and empty spaces in the letter so that it would not take up so much space. The main body of the letter was not shortened.

letter_cbn

The letter may be a formletter. One way or another it is clear that they are not even intending to consider whether their previous recommendation of the Jabez book was incorrect. There is no mention of it in the letter. If you read between the lines, it becomes obvious that they considered me as some sort of lost sheep in need of returning to their fold. Actually I am much relieved that I am not in the same fold with them.

They are only one of many ministries that are banding together to propagate what is in my opinion something other that the gospel that Jesus Christ the Son of God taught us, the gospel that Paul warned us not to stray from.

Suggested Reading:

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