I work to be brief, but sometimes serving the people who ask legit questions takes extra space. Political Party: Ethnicity: Religion: Income: Net Worth: Relationship: Kids: First, God is not subject to any law. If he really is biblically trinitarian, he should know better than to explain anything about the trinity that could be misconstrued as Sabellianism. If God made a Law and then broke it, the Law is not based on His unchanging character but on His circumstances. In that case, your complaint seems irrelevant. That doesnt mean that God cant USE the bad things for our good, of course but that doesnt make bad things good. Jesus is the Word of God, (logos, the intelligence of God expressed in words) made flesh. John Calvin comments, Unbelievers, as far as lies in their power, bind up the hands of God by their obstinacy; not that God is overcome, as if he were an inferior, but because they do not permit him to display his power. Jesus did not do miracles because performing them would have been against His purpose to judge those who were unwilling to believe. My wife and mother in law are both very attached to Steven Furtick and Ive tried to tell them about modalism and other things he says but they always interpret it to mean something else. For example, if the ancient Israelites obeyed the terms of the old covenant, He would bless them. Finally: we who follow Jesus should not consider false teachers our enemies. Is that godliness? If healing belongs to us, why was Paul never healed? The commenting system only goes so deep, then you cant add another level of replies. When people defend false teachers and repeat their errors, thats bad too right? How do you explain the trinity? Along the way, you might ask something like this: What do you say to people who believe that God is only one person, who just shows up in different forms at different times?. We CAN say, with some confidence, that those who led them astray were probably not born again they were trying to pervert the gospel. I also was attached to Furtick and his teachings not too long ago but thank God for a biblical counselor who called him out and really challenged me to listen to what he is saying. Salvation by faith through grace ? They dont use sober judgment. Simply put, not obstaining from the appearance of evil and not separating from the world. Thank you for your gracious words and help. A reasonable conclusion from the text might be that Jesus did fewer miracles there because fewer people, not believing in Him, came to Him to be healed. I say these things as a brother, and I mean them as a brother. The Bible is about God, and we learn about Him and about ourselves by reading it. If you can provide evidence that one of these people has recanted their false teaching, please let me know. Required fields are marked *. Sometimes, letting go makes space for growth.In Permission To Quit, Pastor Steven Furtick reminds us to not let our limitations block our potential.#elevationchurch #stevenfurtick #permissiontoquit #dothenewyou #growth #quitting #identity #freedom #change #grace #strength #perseverance #church #pastorstevenfurtick #2023sermonTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here:http://www.elevationchurch.org/giving/If youve just made a decision for Christ, please respond HERE: http://ele.vc/tIepfrThis sermon is also available in Spanish (@elevationespanol): https://youtu.be/Ff-ll19JvH8Don't stop here! GodWords has been around for a long time, and being a web professional Im very good at making effective websites. Thanks for a good conversation so far. My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. I wish you well, and hope that you will reach out if I can help you in any way. Sure, it is noted he was not appreciated in his home turf, but bottom line, Jesus himself marvelled at their unbelief, which is another way of saying, lack of faith, which has a lot to do with receiving things from God, even salvation as, he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12. This story was originally published March 10, 2017, 7:00 PM. You will RECEIVE salvation (passive voice). Thats both unbiblical and ridiculous. For example, in that same passage, a narcigete would put themselves in Jesus place. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will. God isnt morphing like a CGI character from one state of being into another. Im not a follower of Furtick, and in no sense do I endorse him or his ministry. If you just read the website, you might think hes right on track right? Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. No, Im not aware of him teaching on sin and repentance. But he had questions. Furtick, Steven (2017). Any way, right Calvin, unbelief caused Him not to display his power. But, Jesus knew that a resurrection would be greater show of his power, than a mere healing! Furtick taught that there are things Jesus CANNOT DO. Right, I also hope youll take all of this in the spirit in which it was written, as truly iron does sharpen iron, as our Great brother Paul said, for we know in part. Larry Stevens "Steven" Furtick Jr. [1] (born February 19, 1980) is an American Baptist evangelical Christian pastor, author, [2] and songwriter [3] of Elevation Worship. Yes. A man goes to heaven by putting his faith in Jesus and Jesus alone . You gotta get healed in your heart, and then release it. So many are just so full of an arrogant and jealous spirit that it deters away from the truth they are giving. That, however, is not what Furtick said. If justice is ignored, God is not who He claims to be. He did not change forms and become spirit. Well said, salvation is the most important possession someone owns. Thats enough to condemn Furticks statement. What God did when he sent his son [he] broke the Law for love. The idea is that love is greater than the Law. The Bibles descriptions of God tell us that the Son is not Father, the Spirit is not the Father, and the Spirit is not the Son yet they are all God, and there is only one God. Thanks for writing! Now true, God does give us the measure of faith per scripture Romans 12:13, yet we must use that which is given. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Im not sure why, at this point, youre still not acknowledging that this specific thing that Furtick taught is false. On that recent Sunday morning at Providence High, Furtick got applause when he said Elevation had baptized 629 the weekend before. The question is whether you were, or werent and you were. Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly, It is for your good that I am going away. My first suggestion is always to be gentle. Multnomah Books. Yes, its complex. He fulfilled the Law. Dont you think the disciples were confused when Jesus told THEM to feed the 5,000? To trees? Yes, I have the final word on what gets published, but that only applies when people are being unduly combative or promoting things I cant promote. You inspire me to work harder to be encouraging, so youre awesome. We know that salvation is translated from the Greek word; Sozo which includes healing. Elevation Church founder and senior Pastor Steven Furtick and his wife, Holly, recently came under fire online for supporting their teenage son's music, which includes references to sex, guns and excesses of money. The thief on the cross was a special case. All things are in general possible to God (Matthew 19:26), but then it is to him that believes as to the particulars, Mk. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. All three have attributes that only God has. When you read Jesus words in context, you will see that He wasnt saying to not judge. In this way, God only APPEARS AS the Son and the Spirit. Theres nothing in Scripture that tells us that we can prevent God from doing anything He wants to do. When you find where God wants you, it will be satisfying and rewarding and frustrating and youll need patience and grace and perseverance because the church is filled with broken people who are in the middle of being put back together. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. This man may be and seemingly is wrong on some doctrinal issues. Touching a dead body a common occurrence caused one to be ritually impure, and there are instructions about that. First, it contradicts Scripture. And as Im reading your comments. Your use of this passage suggests that we dont know whether Furtick is teaching the gospel or not whether its from God or not. It shows that youre hungry for the true things of God, that you really want to see Gods people living like Gods people, that you feel anxiety over how many lost people are being led farther astray. Having said that ,he may be the only source of the gospel to many. But, you are saying he did this by a sovereign act of his will, how can that be, since he specifically said; according to your faith be it unto you, as even your answer to such question, does our faith play a part in how God interacts with us, including healings. I must say from what Ive read so far, I can see you provide a solid foundation of where your thoughts are coming from, and a humility to the fact your just human. No. Steven Furtick Jr. is an American Baptist evangelical Christian pastor and songwriter of Elevation Worship. I have had an on again, off again relationship with my faith throughout the years. This is also why Jesus said; According to your faith be it unto you. Tony, I know you dont need a cheering section or anything, but I cant help it when you make points I have been saying for years. Scripture clearly teaches, again and again, that we are not like God: There is no one like you,Lord, and there is no God but you. Heres a quote from Furtick for your consideration: Do you agree with Steven Furtick on this matter? 9:23,24. But the star is Furtick, a passionate personality who blogs, plays guitar, wears pointy-toed European shoes, and studies videos of other preachers. That makes us more powerful than God. If saved , is the man that teaches error deliberately contradicting the Holy Spirit ? If Steven Furtick teaches things that contradict the Bible, were supposed to call him out on it. What can we say about these people? Ask yourself, who was Jesus constantly praying to, himself? Yes, its possible to present the true, biblical gospel while being wrong about a lot of things. This is not a simple theological error, or a questionable interpretation of a particular Bible verse. But their messages are as by-the-Book and Jesus-centered as a Billy Graham altar call. It is interesting to see how many people assert a defense that if you question anything about someone else, youre judging, and furthermore, the assertion that judging is unbiblical. Ive only done the same. What matters is what the Bible teaches, and whether those who preach and teach in Jesus name are teaching falsely. Furtick is, quite simply, wrong: God can, and often does, override our unbelief. Thank you for your encouraging words. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. The best analogy Ive come across and the one that Ive found is not only the most useful but the most accurate, is the term family. COULD JESUS HAVE HEALED THEM IN SPITE OF THEIR LACK OF FAITH, OR ARE HUMANS ABLE TO STOP GOD FROM DOING WHAT HE WANTS TO DO? The impulse to fake it is completely understandable but deception is not a valid church growth strategy. The Trinity of God is like man being a spirit having a soul and living in body. You werent willing to provide a simple answer to my question about why Paul wasnt healed. Yes, youre setting him up. This is unbiblical nonsense that doesnt match the Greek text. Do you see what I mean? Its not always wrong or bad, but its a good way to run into trouble. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. What must I do to be saved,believe. Any person who went through good theological college would have known about sound theology of three persons in one God mystery. Thanks, Joe. When we read Revelation in full, we see that it is both a group of personal letters from Jesus to seven real-life churches in Asia Minor, and a prophetic vision given to John. From Ligonier (https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/obstacle-unbelief). These men tend to teach extra biblical or unbiblical thoughts as truth. If he is not a man of God then why did he start out his ministry with 14 people and grow to over 27,000 in a short period of time. Frankly, I doubt it. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (RNS) A Southern Baptist megachurch pastor in North Carolina, already under fire for buying a $1.6 million house, is in the spotlight again . In relation to his saying; I sought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me., I then think of the woman who followed Paul around bugging him to no end, repeatedly saying; These men are servants of the most High God, Acts 16:16-18, were in he handled that spirit, commanding it to come out of her in the name of Jesus, yet not this one, again, (because he knew the purpose); lest I be exalted above measure. This is how it works, as right, it is this same power that we all have today (Hebrews 13:8) to obey the command of Mark 16:15-20. Furtick stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches(Approx.1.75m) tall and weighs 72kgs(158lbs). The passage I referenced starts with (v3) In these lay a multitude of invalidsblind, lame, and paralyzed. There are a MULTITUDE there and Jesus heals one man (later in the passage it refers to him leaving due to the crowd.) They had, apparently, disputed the indisputable. I wonder, Joann: who do you think I should listen to? Trinity is somewhat difficult to understand. Because faith works by love, Galatians 5:6, and must continue in this love, if our faith is to work John 15:9. Thanks. "I saw potential (with) the number of people moving here," Furtick said. The Son obeyed the Father (John 14:31). [21] Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, [22] And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. The term family is singular. Photo courtesy: Jackoo012345/Creative Commons, cropped and resized to 1200x627 Video courtesy: Elevation Church In our natural state, we want nothing to do with God. That attitude is the prerequisite for vs 15, Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Relying on the Lord Jesus this way ensures us that He will correct us if we begin to go off on a tangent. The story of Elevation since then is one of attention-grabbing sermon series and ever-rising attendance numbers. Your a leader but you are just the same as I am you are not more important your just held accountable because you are reaching more people do not twist the word to deceive people . For example, in that same passage of Scripture, one might read into the passage the idea that Jesus may have been angry at His old neighbors and at His family. Those are all from a single passage in John 5. Yes, the first quote as noted is not heretical. Christianity seems pretty boring (to some people) after listening to false teachers explain that God doesnt judge them, that God wants them to be rich, that they have the power inside themselves to live an amazing life, and so on. One would assume that this kind of education might help him avoid really dumb theological ideas, but that assumption is flawed. The truth is that oneness doctrine cant explain why Jesus prayed to the Father, was sent by the Father, went back to the Father, and so on. In the end, you should be praying for your father and listening to the Holy Spirit. If the truth sets us free, then lies keep us bound. Well, we know everything is made up with molecules (atoms with protons and neutrons), but to say God is a molecular structure does not fit, as the word does say clearly; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (all things hold together, in many translations), Colossians 1: 16. After working as music director at Christ Covenant Church in Shelby, North Carolina, he relocated to Charlotte and founded Elevation Church. Let me know if theres some other way I can help, beyond praying (which Im doing right now). He said if you listen to the Word and dont do it, youre like a man who looks at himself in a mirror in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God my Maker is my mirror. He has a master of divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Im grateful that youve pointed to a few things Furtick teaches that are unbiblical. Paul was certainly a special case, as dont forget what he did to the church, by such destructive degradation he perpetrated on it; and even Jesus made response to it; for I will show him how much he (Paul) must suffer for My names sake. Acts 9:16, and thus buffeting, because of revelations, was part and partial. No: Jesus was UNABLE to perform the miracles He wanted to perform because the people of Nazareth lacked faith. Jesus was not judging them, they were judging themselves, self incriminating (thus not getting anything, James 1:4) for as, per John 3:18. There are no internal relationships in the Godhead but thats contrary to a whole bunch of clear passages of Scripture. The gospel , death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. Heaven is waaaay more important than pizza, as Im sure youd agree. The home was valued at $1.78 million. . You have to get past looking at your sickness and thinking about your sickness, and you have to start seeing yourself well. No, I get that it would be rough if others out here in cyberspace land could write at the same length, yet all I ask is that you follow same, be equitable . Does that make you less likely to listen to Paul? This is something more. He is the sustainer of the universe. Healing comes not from the outside in, it comes from the inside out. If the latter, just make the point. So, to recap what you said; While its true that our faith can prompt God to act, our lack of faith cannot prevent Him from acting if He wants to. In light of Furticks false teaching, this might simply be a big mistake, and not a lie but its worth noting when asking whether Furtick is a trustworthy Christian leader. God wanted Paul to be healed, but Paul had some hidden sin that prevented it. I dont NEED a cheering section, but your words are a big encouragement. Let me know if you have any questions. fail in properly teaching about judging and what various verses that use the phrase actually mean. Was named last year to the SuperSoul 100 by the Oprah Winfrey Network. Theres no limit to what God CAN do, but there are limits to what He WILL do. The couple met each other at North Greenville University while they were both students and hit it off. Your James reference you switched up, 1:3 should be 3:1 . If Steven Furtick IS a false teacher, it would be irresponsible to ignore the evidence. We must be careful to consider the cost when publically denouncing a man as a false teacher. The Father sends the Holy Spirit after Jesus goes back to Him, and so on. Whats the conclusion? Dr. R.C. Its NOT a definitive answer. From Scripture, we know that there is only ONE God. (Furticks church, Elevation, is Southern Baptist. Now, baptizing people is good. You will receive a receipt via mail and email once your donation has been processed. If Furtick is right, then the Law was ignored in favor of love and so Jesus did not take our place. I believe it means all of Scripture and think these false teachings are adding to Scripture. Im not attacking Furtick. Heres what we see: as with so many cults of Christianity, they share our vocabulary but they use their own dictionary. They are separate, as they are different. Furtick is the proud son of Larry Stevens Furtick (father) and Faith Furtick (mother). It only resulted in God following through on His promise. The problem isnt that Furtick baptizes converts to Christianity. He and his wife have three children. Thats good. I really do appreciate this discussion. Come on, Angela. Furthermore, nobody has a problem with the father speaking to the son, or the son speaking to the family or any of the other ideas that are used against the Trinity. I agree with you that Furtick genuinely believes what he is teaching so my heart breaks. It completely ignores a multitude of clear Bible passages, in which we see that the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are not the same as each other. ), 5. We cant create worlds out of nothing. When He prayed that we all may be one as He and the Father are one, He clearly wasnt suggesting anything like circumincessionism. You have permission to edit this article. Jesus makes many statements that show that He is not the Father. If a man is labeled as a false teacher and not only a weaker brother , can he possibly be a child of God. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. His reason? Yet not as I will, but as you will. Generally, the rest disprove modalism. God can and does use faithful people, unfaithful people, and even wicked people for His own purposes. I do not do this lightly, but it is necessary. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. Thanks for letting me know. Sure, Ballard Christian. PO Box 1679, Fort Mill, SC 29716 | Customer Service: 1-877-857-2244 | Orders: 1-888-777-1896. Pastor Larry Brey. If the gospel matters, then teaching it as it was handed down matters. I especially resonated with your statement that many false teachers today change the focus of the gospel from God to humanity. Sarah didnt have faith that God could give her a son, but He did anyway. Jesus still has a body, by the way He didnt stop being human after the resurrection. Will you do yours? As a teacher, Steven Furtick should be avoided. If Im not a man of God then why did I start out this ministry with ZERO readers and grow to over 160,000 per month in a short period of time? Modalists have that part right: there is only ONE God. "God began to fill me with this anticipation that I had a destiny and a calling," he said. We dont hold the magic key that opens the door for Him to work. Elevation Church was founded by Furtick in 2006 with just fourteen members. We are told it in scripture, and accept it on faith. The text clearly indicates that. To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 2:14, spiritual things are Spiritually discerned. If your father is not a modalist, he will be able to explain the doctrine of the trinity and be able to explain how the Son is not the Father, for example. True, and I hope you dont think I agree totally with Furtick, as they are not the same, but rather one, a big difference! When Paul wrote that he was glad that the gospel was being preached, he pointed to the fact that the gospel was being preached for personal gain. Of the many false things they preach, these are two things I hear the most: 1) Jesus healed everyone he encountered. By late 2004, Furtick was leading a musical worship team at Christ Covenant, a Baptist church in Shelby. Jude 1:3-4. If you have something to say, include Scripture. If so, we should probably talk about that. Elevation Church pastor Steven Furtick Pastor Steven to his ever-growing flock launched his Charlotte church in 2006. He knows better than you or I what your father needs. I want to express this, and hope you will not be offended, and write a lengthy response to it, as such privilege you have , yet do not share with others. Jeremiah, in, I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. I know this is off-topic from your post, but it struck me enough to lead me to comment. Jesus Himself said that HE and the Father would indwell us. Word of Faith teachers twist the Scriptures to say something that God has never said. You have to be baptized to go to Heaven. Rather than being God, Jesus to them is a created being. Why imperfect? Thanks. I thank you for holding true to the message Jesus taught and the foundations we see from Genius to Revolutions. Send Message View Contact Details Run Background Check. Jesus did say that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth. "I got married after my freshman year of college, and gave birth to my first daughter shortly after. Ill give you another shot at a one-word response. Do you agree with Furtick that God is a molecular structure that fills all in all?