Have you ever heard of the “name it and claim it” movement? It encourages people to “speak into existence” whatever they want, and if they really believe it, it will happen. Some of you have probably listened to some of these teachers, and maybe you've learned some helpful things. That's great! But at least a part of their teaching is very dangerous, and that's what we want to address in today's podcast.
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Before we get to Acts chapter 3 to answer the question, let's look at
A Brief History of the Word of Faith Movement:
The Word of Faith movement, also known as the "prosperity gospel" or "health and wealth gospel," has its roots in the early 20th century, with influences from several theological streams and key figures. Here is a brief history of its development:
Early Influences
- New Thought Movement: The New Thought movement, which began in the late 19th century, emphasized the power of the mind, positive thinking, and the belief that thoughts could influence material reality. Phineas Quimby (1802–1866) was an American spiritual healer, mesmerist, and the founder of the movement. (Not a Christian.)
- Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, was one of Quimby’s patients. Although Eddy later developed her own theological system, elements of Quimby’s teachings can be seen in the early foundations of Christian Science.
- E.W. Kenyon: Often considered a foundational figure in the development of the Word of Faith theology, E.W. Kenyon (1867-1948) blended elements of New Thought with traditional Christian beliefs. Kenyon's teachings emphasized the power of words and the concept of "positive confession."
Core Teachings
- God-like Nature: Copeland has controversially suggested that Adam had a god-like status before the Fall, reflecting the idea of humans being little gods or having divine attributes. Jesus' redemptive work aims to restore what was lost in the Fall, allowing believers to reclaim their authority and dominion through faith.
- Positive Confession: Copeland teaches that Adam had the power to speak things into existence, similar to how God created the world with His words. Believers can have this same power:
- “Words are spiritual containers, and your words create your future.”
- "Our words create our destiny."
- The faith-force: Copeland portrays faith as a tangible, powerful force that believers can harness to influence their circumstances and manifest God's promises in their lives.
- “Faith is a spiritual force. It is substance. Faith has the ability to effect natural substance.”
- This concept is often summarized by phrases like "speak it into existence" or "name it and claim it," emphasizing the power of positive confession.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and...
