The promise of wealth to those who follow Jesus and the sermon I heard was hillarious. Total disregard to the scriptures that say otherwise. Total disregard to the penniless saints who have gone before. I've got to admit, it's a great way to build a church. People are certainly drawn to such a thing simply because greed, concious and unconcious, and discontentedness are two of the western world's greatest afflictions. Unfortunatly, there are many who have turned away from the faith because of such teaching. Painful disappointment at losing limbs, debilitating permanent maladies, blindness, and financial breakthroughs that never come are causes of such a ''turning away.'' I've been disappointed myself, and have seen many others with the same painful results. The common ''loophole-responses'' are:
You didn't have enough faith.
Sometimes God's answer is ''no.'' (negating much of these teachings)
You're not dead yet. (Implying there's still time for God to keep his 'Promise' of health and wealth.
Our wealth is not only on this earth but in heaven. (Again, this goes against much of the teaching which implies health and wealth on this earth)
Oh, and one final one: The condemning of the individual by calling him a ''double minded man, unstable in all his ways'' when he asks ''why aren't these ''promises happening to me?''

I'm not the only one who has endured heartbreak after heartbreak because of this kind of teaching and some ''promise'' I thought God gave me outside of the Bible.

Likely this post will not last a day on this site as it is contrary to this web site's market (yes, market) and it might cause people to send LESS money and think MORE. However, it gave me a chance to get this off of my chest when I saw the link in my scripture mail that said "God has plans to TRIPLE the income of a select group of people. " I bet that audio file had a record number of hits compared to any of the other audio files. I'm certain a link referring to Lordship or entire commitment or heart purity would get many less hits.

Post the pastors' incomes and I might consider this doctrine, but when I see the extravigance of Benny Hinn and Robert Tilton, well.... I should quit.

It is easy to say your prayers weren't answered, but I have to ask what you invested. And like Cassie said, God's riches aren't about money. God is about peace and love. I don't think you came here by accident. You are once again testing God.
Father, touch this heart that has so much anger and despair and bring it love and peace, the greatest riches on earth. For we know our riches are laid up in heaven. In Jesus name we pray, Amen