Word of Faith Teaching question

riverlandfarmer · Mar 1, 2015

Is Word of Faith actually a denomination or just a belief system? My understanding is that a word of faith believer believes that they are to put their faith in their words. Is that correct? Is word of faith gaining or losing ground in members? Is it a dangerous or beneficial teaching in your opinion?

Stephen63 · Mar 1, 2015

It is a movement started by E. W. Kenyon, plagiarized by Kenneth Hagin to the full extent till most people think Hagin was the 'father' of it. From Wikipedia:
The movement emphasizes choosing to speak the promises and provisions that the speaker wants (name it & claim it), as an act of faith and agreement with God's plans and purposes. They believe this is what Jesus meant in Mark 11:22-23, when he said believers shall have whatsoever they say and pray with faith. The term word of faith itself is derived from the biblical passage Romans 10:8 which speaks of "the word of faith that we preach."

This 'movement' is not endorsed by all of the Pentecostal denominations as some ignorantly imply.

4enlightment · Mar 1, 2015

riverlandfarmer said:

The word faith means to put total trust in someone without any proof that it is the real truth, but if you follow after this someone, you'll eventually start seeing the truth. But some people believe that faith can also mean a religious sect, but it isn't; but that is called discipleship, which means to believe or follow after, like you are the sheep that's following after the shepherd, or what the shepherd commands you to do, because you'd put your trust in the shepherd. You doesn't have to belong to any religious sect to trust in the Lord.

Angela53510 · Mar 1, 2015

Word of Faith is a general term, also called "The Health and Wealth Gospel" or the "Prosperity Gospel."

It is a heresy of the biggest magnitude, and has pulled many astray from the truth. There are a number of leaders in this movement, like Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland.

They basically believe if we speak the words, it will happen. But instead of speaking words of salvation, it appeals to a group of people with "itching ears" who believe they can speak words to make themselves rich, or to be instantly healed.

Now, if people want to believe that THEY are they ones who speak healing or prosperity, it might end there. But instead, the leaders of this movement are fleecing their flocks, with unbiblical terms like "seed money." So send in your seed money, and then God will bless you. Meanwhile, the only ones getting rich are the leaders!

I was in Seminary, and there was a woman who had been fleeced along with her husband to the tune of $50,000 when told by certain leaders God was going to make them rich, if they gave their life savings to this leader. She was back learning what God's Word actually said, and that the only promises in the New Testament, is that you will have both sufferings and trials.

Then there was my friend, who was ordained by Kenneth Copeland. She got breast cancer, and "claimed" her healing. She refused treatment because she was "healed" and died 10 months later when the cancer metastized into her body and brain.

Our focus as believers is to be on Jesus Christ and serving him. It is not to be on ourselves, but on God. Any gospel which focuses on "claiming" healing or prosperity, is focusing on self. And that is heresy.

Test_F_i_2_Luv · Mar 1, 2015

Stephen63 said:

True. The Assemblies of God, for example, put out a statement on it 35 years ago.

I think it's more accurate to say that there are people within denominations that adhere to the WOF movement, rather than actual denominations.

I'm a Charismatic and have spent 20+ years associating with the Pentecostal movement, but I reject the WOF movement.

Jeff_56 · Mar 1, 2015

riverlandfarmer said:

over the last few decades the wof school has been gaining a lot of members and destroys most of their souls and spirits.

a few might, by yahweh's mercy and grace in yahshua, survive it and recover. most do not.

it was thoroughly, simply, completely exposed by insiders and outsiders, by the word of yahweh (the bible),
over a decades ago,

and it still as always is without merit - it cannot recover or become a functional part of the body of christ.

p.s. i just read a few other posts. all i had read before posting this is the op, 1st post only.
glad to
see others are and have been already aware.

Ugly · Mar 1, 2015

WoF is a cult where the teachings of New Age tenants are wrapped in a bible coating to make it appear biblical. This is not a denomination but one of the most devious and accepted false teachings allowed in churches.
As it was explained, it's 'faith in faith', not faith in God.

Sophia · Mar 1, 2015

Ugly said:

"Faith in faith" is the perfect way to describe it. That is exactly how I was taught growing up, and exactly how I had viewed God until I began reading the Word for myself.

Who can I attribute that explanation to? It is very helpful in explaining, and I will certainly use it in my next conversation with my mother.

Sophia · Mar 1, 2015

I have tried explaining to her that "Word of Faith" places our will as more important than God's Will, and views God as a submissive genie instead of the Sovereign Lord Almighty,
but I have yet to see any fruit in our discussions.

kaylagrl · Mar 1, 2015

Test_F_i_2_Luv said:

You're right, Im Pentecostal and I dont agree with that teaching nor does the denomination , AOG teach it.

popeye · Mar 1, 2015

Angela53510 said:

I know what you are trying to say,however it appears you are taking a stand where you do not need to.
Both healing and prosperity are legitimate teachings of the new and old covenants.

Radical is the term used to describe the early believers. Jesus was the message,and the "good news" was not only the sin/forgiveness dynamic but healing was the other 1/2.

Prosperity is relative,therefore what would be bad would be greed and selfcentered hoarding,not riches,prosperity or being rich.

You are most likely aware of this,but I knew of Hagin,read his books etc.,and you will be "put to the task" to try and refute him.

popeye · Mar 1, 2015

Ugly said:

I followed hagin for many years.Then I despised wof for many years.(but never,ever Hagin)

The biggest trial of my llife ,(demon attack about 18 years ago,) almost wiped me out spiritually. I was completely and totally shipwrecked.

2 Things happened from the bottom of this pit.
1) God showed up
2) a couple ordained by wof showed up.

Sure is nice to have powerful WORD oriented believers pull up beside you when all else is mush.
They hammer God's word into their students.

They are not a cult. They got Jesus "down pat".

popeye · Mar 1, 2015

riverlandfarmer said:

Hagin is still good to listen to. Can't say the same for his followers.

Things were getting weird back in the late 80's. Hagin responded to this funkyness with "Faith foolishness or presumption".A book he wrote to help those misusing scripture.

oldthennew · Mar 1, 2015

our Eternal Father will reign in righteous Power!

The_highwayman · Mar 1, 2015

popeye said:

Sorry brother, Hagin was just never caught, he maintained he never had a head ache or other body ills, like a common cold, or anything wrong with his body, since he was healed in his bed as a 16 yer old, but died from a heart attack due to chronic and massive heart disease, which Rhema Church and all his fair headed boys like Copeland kept quiet.....

I live in the area Hagin called home....he created a monster and knew it, but never recanted or did anything to stop it....

Hagin was a plagiarist in every sense of the word and stole and claimed has his own teachings and writing of E.W. Kenyon..

The one test that proves WOF and Hagin and all WOF ministers are false teachers is no other than Romans 8.1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Anyone around WOF long enough will begin to learn that WOF adherents place themselves and everyone outside of the WOF movement, under deliberate and constant condemnation....

Statements like: Where is your faith? Don't you have Faith? Doctors, shame on you, you are healed of the Lord.!!!..Money...call it in now...angels bring you wealth....The blessings of the Lord make you rich and adds no sorrow to it....The greatest condemnation WOF pile onto people is if they ever have to go through the valley....if you go through a valley and are in a WOF church, they shun you and tell you to examine yourself, because Satan is attacking you and your faith is not strong enough, because faith keeps the devil at bay....they think anything negative is on you and you messed up some how...I once heard a girl tell a WOF pastor, I love my mom to death....the WOF clown says...oh no, you love them to life, do not curse your mom, or make her die before her time....The condemnation alone is so thick it becomes false humility and then unmitigated pride...WOF adherents are some of the most uptight, upset, angry, delusional, fake, easily hurt and bitter christians I have been around....When real attacks of the enemy happen, they are often powerless, because they cannot understand why God allows their faith to be tested..The WOF has more that turn away from the faith than other pentecostal movement...

They also manufacture their own Prosperity and call it a blessing...I have watched many WOF business owners put others to work in teh movement and they call it prosperity....they only bless each other....and it is sickening to watch unfold, because it is all lies...

Then they have their Holy Ghost meetings , I have witnessed people nbakring like dogs, growling like lions, groping their spouses in overt sexual manners, HOLY LAUGHTER which is totally bogus...and not the the joy of the Lord...then some man of God, Hagin follower waves a pinky finger and 15 rows hit the floor...all fake and very counterfiet....

The most damning part of the heresy is the insistent belief that Faith is the only doctrine and that Jesus was the ultimate WOF minister....

The movement fails on the 2nd test of scripture under Hebrew 6.1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Romans 4 says faith is simply being fully persuaded, it would seem the WOF movement continually has to show people how fully persuaded they are....

WOF also will not every admit they have trials or struggles and that is just not Biblical....all they preach and teach is Faith...ask any WOF minister to go deeper or preach another topic they wont,because they cant....

Peoples mileage may vary..I am a Full Gospel, Spirit Filled believer and I stay away from WOF and advise anyone that is pulled into them to run...and run now...

Angela53510 · Mar 1, 2015

popeye said:

Sorry, I read the likes of Kenyon, Hagin and Copeland back in the mid- 80's. Introduced by my friend who died of cancer. Sadly, these teachings are a cancer, too!

I would refute Hagan step by step. The Kingdom of God is about righteous, not about giving to get. It is about serving Christ, not listening to liars and teachers who itch the flock's ears.

It is probably the worst heresy out there. Because it takes our eyes off of Jesus and doing his will, to doing our will.

They take single verses out of context, and twist them to their own false doctrine. In fact, the whole movement is base on a lie.

I'd like to do a study here one day of their key doctrines, and refute them for you. But I have to be feeling a lot better. You may pray for me, popeye!

MarcR · Mar 1, 2015

Angela53510 said:

Word of Faith is a general term, also called "The Health and Wealth Gospel" or the "Prosperity Gospel."

It is a heresy of the biggest magnitude, and has pulled many astray from the truth. There are a number of leaders in this movement, like Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland.

They basically believe if we speak the words, it will happen. But instead of speaking words of salvation, it appeals to a group of people with "itching ears" who believe they can speak words to make themselves rich, or to be instantly healed.

Now, if people want to believe that THEY are they ones who speak healing or prosperity, it might end there. But instead, the leaders of this movement are fleecing their flocks, with unbiblical terms like "seed money." So send in your seed money, and then God will bless you. Meanwhile, the only ones getting rich are the leaders!

I was in Seminary, and there was a woman who had been fleeced along with her husband to the tune of $50,000 when told by certain leaders God was going to make them rich, if they gave their life savings to this leader. She was back learning what God's Word actually said, and that the only promises in the New Testament, is that you will have both sufferings and trials.

Then there was my friend, who was ordained by Kenneth Copeland. She got breast cancer, and "claimed" her healing. She refused treatment because she was "healed" and died 10 months later when the cancer metastized into her body and brain.

Our focus as believers is to be on Jesus Christ and serving him. It is not to be on ourselves, but on God. Any gospel which focuses on "claiming" healing or prosperity, is focusing on self. And that is heresy.

I totally agree with your assessment!

I believe that this heresy arises from misunderstanding (intentional or otherwise) of the meaning of the words 'In My Name'.

'In My Name' means by my authority. The intent is: 'If you ask for what I tell you to ask for; you can ask with confidence of getting it.

presidente · Mar 1, 2015

The_highwayman said:

Did he ever go to the doctor before he died? It seems like I remember reading where he thought the way it was supposed to work as you didn't get sick and then one day you just die, unless you are here for the rapture.

I heard Hagin had a big meeting before he died where he corrected people for teaching the 'hundred fold blessing' thing going around, and they stopped saying that after he did.

I've heard Hagin didn't actually write his books. They were gathered from his transcribed sermons. He also had an unusual memory. Without trying to memorize it, he was able to quote at one time about a quarter of the New Testament, he said. He could have heard Hagin on the radio years before and said the same thing without realizing he was doing so. I was having a conversation with a woman a week or two ago who quoted the Westminster confession, apparently without realizing it.

I'm not going to condemn all WOFers to Hell like some people want to do. I've met annoying WOFers who condemn you for saying you have a cold and that sort of thing. I've also known some people who went to Rhema who sounded like evangelical or Pentecostal preachers when they preached and when you talk to them. I think some of the Copeland followers may be a bit more extreme than some of the Rhema grads.

I used to see the hearing WOFers on TV. I was raised Pentecostal. But some of those preachers, if you turn them on for a minute, start contradicting the Bible and then try to argue that the verses they contradicted don't say what they mean. The emphasis on money some of the preachers had back in the '80's up through today has always struck me as very carnal. Then I went oversees and lived in a little town where a lot of the expats were either Lutheran or Rhema grads. I also made friends with an older missionary when I moved out of that town who'd founded the Bible college there. Some of the rhema grads seemed extreme in that the quoted Kenneth Hagin left and right, which was super annoying to me. But some WOFers were fairly evangelical in their thought process. They are all what might be called 'Arminian'-- or not really Reformed Arminian, but what passes for Armininianism.

I'm not sure your problem here. If you have a job that provides for you, that's 'prosperity' in a sense. I don't see a problem with giving people who go to your church jobs. That sounds like a good thing to do.

I hadn't associated growling like lions or groping spouses in public with WOF. Was this a 'big name' WOFers meeting?

It does seem like some of the guys on TV only talk about these niche faith doctrines, money, etc. But I've met people from WOF backgrounds who teach on all topics and don't sound greedy and harp on money like some of the folks on TV. I used to think of the ones who only had a few topics they focused on as WOF, but some of these other preachers will call themselves WOF if you ask them.

presidente · Mar 1, 2015

riverlandfarmer said:

It's not a denomination per se. There are some loose affiliations of churches, maybe even denominations, that are WOF. There is (or was) some kind of Rhema association. There are also independent charismatic churches that are WOF.

People who aren't 'insiders' in WOF or 'insiders' in the Charismatic or Pentecostal movements might label a wide number of teachers as WOF. WOFers are Charismatics. The belief that it is always God's will to heal believers is a belief from the faith cure movement in the 1800s held by various people in the holiness movement, even Baptists and other groups. Some, but not all, Pentecostals have these types of beliefs about healing. Kenneth Hagin was from a Baptist background and his soteriology was probably more Baptist than Pentecostal, but he was an Assemblies of God pastor for a while. The A/G doesn't accept some of the doctrinal distinctives of WOF theology, though. Hagin eventually started his own ministry school outside of that denomination.

Some people see Kenyon as the founder of WOF theology. Hagin was probably the most famous proponent of it. He died several years ago. Hagin's idea of God is not the same as that of a heavily deterministic Calvinist view, where God has everything planned out. Hagin wasn't an academic theologian type either.

I'm not opposed to everything he taught, of course. He taught a lot of basic Christian doctrine. Some things he taught were very controversial. He said he had a vision in which Jesus could not tell a devil to leave, and Hagin had to rebuke it in Jesus' name. Rebuking demons is a big emphasis among WOFers. There was also a spiritual warfare movement led by Peter Wagoner (a different stream of theology) that emphasized rebuking demons from cities. Between these two influences, IMO, some Charismatics really went off the deep end, rebuking demons in church when they were supposed to be praying to God, thinking the way to get results to rebuke demons rather than pray.

A few things Hagin and some of his followers teach make no sense at all if you ask me. The idea that God never makes people sick is one of them. The OT says that if Israel were obedient, He would lay upon them none of the sicknesses that He put on the Egyptians. The question is, who put the sicknesses on the Egyptians. I wish someone would have asked Hagin this question. Hagin had some heresay evidence from what someone said about the Hebrew to argue away the idea of God doing anything damaging to people directly, that he just let it happen. It doesn't fit with much of the Old Testament.

oldthennew · Mar 2, 2015

oh yes, the pace does quicken
and the plots do thicken
you must watch out for
the trickin' and slickerin'
for many are now snickerin'
because they have marked you
as such easy prey.

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