Comments on: Hillsong Conference 2007

By: layguy

layguy — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:16:58 +0000

Hi Sarah,

I agree with what you say in regards to the fact that we need money to give money. But what these prosperity preachers talk about goes way beyond.

They focus on giving in order to be blessed by God. Forget about honouring God with your first fruits. You give in order to be blessed.

In regards to Jesus being broke. Respectfully I must disagree with you.

“Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Mt 8:20

I’m sure if it was the Father’s will for Jesus to travel, he would have booked Himself into the best hotels on his travels.

As for his one piece undergarment…

“It is this undergarment (chiton, the garment worn next to the skin) that is of most interest to John. It is seamless, and therefore to prevent its being torn the soldiers decide to draw lots for it (v. 24). The fact that it is seamless probably does not indicate that it was unusual or an item of luxury (Brown 1970:903). John’s focus on this feature has led many to find symbolism in this garment (cf. Brown 1994:2:955-58). The two main proposals for John’s detail have been that it is a symbol either of Jesus as high priest, since the high priest’s chiton was seamless, according to Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews 3.161), or of the unity of the church (for example, Cyprian On the Unity of the Church 7), that is, the community as brought together by the death of Christ (Barrett 1978:550, 552).

Such thoughts are true and edifying, but they are not John’s primary focus. The significance of the garment’s being seamless is that the soldiers are led to draw of lots for it, which in turn echoes Psalm 22:18 (v. 24).”

His undergarment had nothing to do with wealth. Like the perfume, it was most probably given to Him. It was the item of clothing which helped fulfill prophecy.

As for the Inn, you make a good point, but that talks about Jesus’ parents - not Jesus.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:38:43 +0000

I do not believe that Jesus was broke, there is nothing in the bible that says that. For one thing Jesus had a seamless robe (John 19:23-24), which would have been worth quite a lot, as the Roman soldiers did not want to tear it but casts lots for it. Also the reason Jesus had no home was not because He was broke but becuase He was following His Fathers will by not staying in one place. Jesus also was born in a stable not because His parents couldn’t afford the inn, but because there was no room. There must have been money in the money box as well, otherwise Judas would not have been able to steal from it.

I agree that a lot of the teachings on the prosperity gospel is probably not really good, especially if it encourages people to love money. But on the other hand if you say, I just want to have enough money for myslelf, then that is kind of selfish too, better to blessed so you can be a blessing to others as well.

By: Joeline Trauch

Joeline Trauch — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:46:33 +0000

I love the properity gospel ( or whatever you wish to call it), we do not have to be poor christians, we can be both rich, humble and blessed. And I make no apologies for being just that because I belived for it, knowing it is mine given by my Father. We are also 21st century christians, and deal with issues now that were not present in century past. We are using the currency of money that the devil may try to rob us, but are utilising it for God’s work to bring Him glory. Simply my lifestyle represents a winning God, who loves to bless His children(not only financially, but in every other way). Why wait for heaven when you can get blessed here, have fun here, and bring as many people to Christ for salvation and to be better their lives. After all isn’t that what He says, I come that you may have life and have it MORE abundantly.
I’ve seen T D Jakes a few times, and am not complaining.

By: LayGuy

LayGuy — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:45:29 +0000

Hi Grace,

Thanks for your comments, however I must respectfully disagree with you. When the rich young ruler was having a chat with Jesus, he was hit by a comment from Jesus that made him shrink away.

“Go and sell everything you have and give to the poor.”

You don’t have to be ragged to reach the rich. You do not appeal to them through your riches. You appeal to them via the Gospel - not via your riches.

By: Grace Dunn

Grace Dunn — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:44:29 +0000

The last time I was at Hillsong was in 2004.Ecstatic was the word for me for that week.Just thank God for allowing me to witness a great gathering as such.Wow! I wish everyone that attends 2007 Hillsong God’s blessing with deeper understanding of walking with Him.

Thou I would like to share my views regarding TD Jakes prosperity gospel. Because of the different levels in Society,Our target audience of the rich and famous would relate to TD Jakes more on this teaching for the material world they adore. A ragged person going to witness will not convince a rich person right away with his preaching for the rich will first look at the material values.Yet, if God has given you a vision or a glimpse of this rich person to witness to, then He will have prepare this man to expect you no matter how you look.

It’s the same as when you are preparing to witness to Muslims/Hindus or other religion. We would first study their way of life and culture before going into their territory. Missionaries in remote areas will have to adapt to their surroundings to feel at home i.e.Indulging in strange cuisine,attire etc.When he gains confidence with this culture, he will surely be accepted in his teachings and everything else he is there for.

By: suptc

suptc — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:43:32 +0000

We’r flying in next week to sidney to see hillsong but we would also like to see CCC, Koorong and planetshaker anyone can recommend other place that we should visit in Australia. Other Cool Christian bookstore, recording, etc

By: LayGuy

LayGuy — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:42:30 +0000

I hear where you come from with the prosperity Gospel thing. I HATE that theology and it was my initial thoughts when I checked out Jake’s website - one look at his suit did it for me! Jesus was a broke and poor homeless Saviour. Somehow I think prosperity Gospel would suck for Him also!

Yeah last year I took a week off so that my wife could go! She loved it! And for 10 months she was planning to go this year. But she is opening a fitness business with her best friend and she has to go to Fiji, of all places for a conference in September so she had to pull out of this one.

Bummer really as I would have loved to experience it with her.

As for, “Every nation”, or, “morning star”, I haven’t heard of them. Why do you ask?

By: mommyzabs

mommyzabs — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:41:30 +0000

That will be an incredible conference I’m sure.
My husband was brought up AOG and actually was an MK in belgium for awhile. His dad worked at head-quarters up until 2 years ago. All that to say i’m very familiar with AOG or as we call it AG. I’m a member of Vineyard Association of churches though. I do love Hillsong very much. I would love to be at the worship right now.. i HUNGER for it!

I have to admit TD JAKES sometimes goes where I wouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean i full discount him Just not into the prosperity gospel so much. Though I do believe very much in the quality of faith and it’s essential role in healing. I just don’t know that God calls us to believe for a sports car or lots of money, though blessings can come in that form. (such a long stream of thought on this matter).

That is amazing your wife was able to go last year with such young children. I find it hard to get to things like this because of the kids. With them getting a little older I’m thiking it would be more possible. I may meet up with one of my friends for a healing conference in the fall.

Are you familiar with a church that is part of “every nation” formerlly “morning star”?