Hindrance

By Ken Parks, March 4, 2014

There are many things that are a hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Previously, I mentioned in the article “Burden” about how purported ministers have placed a burden on their church business members to financially support them. Paul wrote that this act is a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

The hindrance that Paul talks about is for the most part
an interference in growing in the grace and knowledge of
Jesus Christ.

There are other hindrances. One of the church businesses major form of a hindrance is the “wealth doctrine.” I often refer to this as the “Greed Doctrine.” Several TV ministers continue to beg for donations by claiming they are financially anointed. Then they con others to give them money and in return will receive a blessing of 100 fold. That's right! Give to the greedy instead of the needy. This is outrageous! We are to give to the needy and NOT to the greedy.

This is what these con men say, “God is a god of increase.” They use this as a primary reason that God is to provide a financial increase... “a super positive.”

These con men are very convincing especially to those who are ignorant of the Word of God. This is nothing but a greedy doctrine and a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Unbelievers watch these con men on TV and remark, “There ya go! Churches wanting money and promising a financial windfall. What a crock!”

The good news of Jesus is thrown aside all because the religious con men place a hindrance in the path of righteousness. They promise a “miracle of wealth.” They promise an increase of one-hundred fold. They promise blessings of material wealth. Even unbelievers can see through this facade.

Unbelievers are less likely wanting to see the error of their ways and turn in faith to a God of salvation. They are disgusted in the teachings derived from so-called church. And they don't want anything to do with religion.

A spiritual lock and chain becomes the devils tools to hinder
ones growth in Christ. Self-centered ego supersedes above those
things of God, and it becomes a lock-hold in advancing the fruits
of the Spirit.

The con men attempt to persuade with “miracle spring water” and deliverance from poor health and an increase in wealth. The fake ministers proclaim how great these financial blessings are happening with many wonderful stories. And of course, you have to promote their “miracle spring water” in order to increase in YOUR financial well being. Then they pray in the name of Jesus that all of this will be accomplished.

It sounds too good to be true. God is a wishing well... as long as you give your hard working money to these religious con men.

Jesus and his disciples never taught such craziness. They brought forth the teaching of salvation. They became witnesses of the Word of God. They never taught the wealth doctrine. Jesus recognized the fakes by proclaiming that many will come to Him in that day saying, “Lord, Lord, we have done many wonderful works in your name.” And Jesus will tell them, “I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

If they don't turn from their evil ways, hindering the gospel of Christ, these false ministers will find themselves on that day of being separated from Christ, not allowed to enter His Kingdom, and worse, facing a fiery eternal death. Not very comforting.

Yes, they have their heyday on earth, ripping people off in the name of Jesus, all for the almighty dollar. Whether they are delusional or for whatever reason, they must know that there is an ultimate separation, the same place that Jesus described as “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

There is a price to pay for causing the hindrance of the gospel of Christ.