Forgotten Word Ministries Blog

We aren't "putting down" other Christians.  We are being "watchmen on the wall" guarding God's property from those who would steal His truth and make it a lie.

Jesus called the church leaders of his time "hypocrites, vipers, whitened sepulchres full of dead men's bones".  Now THAT is a put down!

Whenever money or worldly success or things or even health becomes the ONLY FOCUS of a ministry or the main focus ... that is a FALSE TEACHING that needs to be corrected.

Christian babies don't have the training or exposure to truth to help them see the falsehood of these great sounding teachings and they get lost in a doctrine that can only bring disillusionment, doubt and anger if they aren't warned about them.

Yes, we get called names and accused of "judging" and constantly warned about the hellfires we will OBVIOUSLY suffer if we don't stop judging ... (and who is doing THAT judging, may I ask?) ... but we know that, in the end, some of those same people (if they really listen to what we say now) may remember what we said when the disillusionment, doubt and anger have overcome their blind trust.  And THEN they will seek out a truth-giving body and find the joy of really KNOWING the sovereignty of God!

In reply to Rudijah23.

Having been a pastor for many years, I want to encourage you not to put to much faith in any man. There are some churches led by sincere men of God  but sadly there are also many who have no understanding of or respect for the Word of God.
As far as needing a pastor to teach, impart etc ;the truth is many christians would be better off out of their churches and to not listen to their "pastors"

I was saved at home and spent the first year of my christian life unchurched and Jesus was well able to guide protect and direct me.

The minute Iwas born again ,He gave me a passion for his mighty word and prayer and for telling everyone who would listen about His wondrous grace power and love .

When I finally found a church to attend I was amazed at how many things in the word I had gotten wrong. Now many years later I realise that much of what is taught in churchianity is way out of step with our God and His Word is for all HIs children and not just the professionals.All you need is Jesus and test every man who claims to speak for Him. God Bless

Also, rudijah here is questions you should consider, because you think pasors have it so rough to. Im not saying there job is easy, dont take my comments for what they dont say, or i'll have to type all day, to explain everything. WHICH IS EASIER? preaching to those who have accepted you, like a pastor. OR preaching and trying to convert unbelievers. Sifting your way through where your already accepted? OR sifting your way through the congregation of the dead? Examine paul's life always on the move, preaching to unbeilever after unbeliever, as opposed to basically staying in one local and preaching to people who have already accepted you. So stop the foolishness I dont know what its like. What is easier being accepted or persecution? I have a big family, lots of people I know from my past, I never grew up in the church, so when you suffer persecution by your family, by the same people who love to say, we love to see your living better now, tell them why then the mirror comes up and they see what they dont want see, A reflection of their own evil self. Have you ever gone without food for preaching the gospel? Your name ever been cast out as evil for preaching the gospel? So please instead of coming to a judgement about a matter, read and consider more!!!

If you have preached the gospel and have helped others go into the harvest field,pioneering a church,you would know what I am talking about,maybe you need to look in the mirror and ask your self a few questions,facing our own selves sometimes is the hardest thing to do,if pastor franklin is living a clean and holy life,can you say that,there are probably alot of people living a clean life under his ministry,so who are you to say he has false doctrine and if so,which sermon have you heard that has false doctrine,do you live a life worthy to be examined and if so do you have no faults or sin in your life,easy to judge someone else.I live a clean life-no booze,no cussing,no pornography,no lusting after woman,no fornication,no adultery,but that should be our nature not to do these things,if we are truly born again,filled with the holy ghost.

You have not listened to what i wrote or read my other posts which time afetr time I say regenerating your heart is a process, but once again your thinking has radically changes, there will be no hypocrites in heaven, you'll see how religious I am when you read my testimony in my posts, I hate religion, just read where jesus says the hypocrites will be. I thank the lord I read my bible over and over, it took 27 years to open it, if I never did and took your word and your path, I would surely be lost, so i ask you are you doing what jesus says, if you were you would know all hypocrites will be gnashing at the teeth!

Here is the goal for all those who dont know and do belong to the lord, My goal is to never sin, this is highly unlikely of happening, but the way I think will never be sin again, that's the difference, you guys are just not understanding how narrow the path really is! here is to know truth, know what your doing and why your doing it, when the holy spirit was convicting me of sin, I still sinned but my thinking was not sin as paul explains this sometimes he did what he didnt want to do, but please somebody tell me if you think paul's thinking was sin? not! understand this If im wrong about this, the truth is not in me. so once again there is only two paths saved or unsaved, does the bible need more books to explain this fact? since there is only one heaven, one hell, there are only 2 roads, no such thing as religion, either truth or lie, or else god is confusion. when you guys start grasping the concept of a few people find it, ETERNAL LIFE, here is the truth if you have gone the cross in union with christ and has not radically changed your life and your thinking. You are not a christian, you are what is closing the doors of heaven on other people and will not let them enter, because of the so called christians who may have made a couple little changes in their life, just re-thinking your life doesnt do it, giddiness of the head is not the holy spirit, before I was a believer Ive crossed paths with 1000's of people, only 5 that were saved! many of these people would say there christians, but have no testimony, they think like the world, prophets and teachers are surley held to a higher standard, can you guys not tell the difference of a spontaneous one act of sin as opposed to the way someone thinks and what they believe?

what your saying then is that you are perfect,no sin in you,you are deceived.We are all a work in progress,not going to be perfect,therefore we will all have a little false doctrine and hypocrisy,for we don't know everything.you sound pretty religious those who worship god ,worship in the spirit,truly getting a revelation of god's word.gal 2 :12-14,a hypocrite condemns others for their perceived faults,while ignoring their  own.he holds others to standards he himself doesn't live up to.I am trying to keep this simple,not trying to make it hard to understand.

I just wanted to comment on jentezen franklin;He is a anointed preacher,I have listened to many of his sermons,and I have only found a little false doctrine,but if you are trying to judge his preaching you need to listen to his sermons because he preaches against sin all the time,challenging people to turn from their sin.He might have a little twist to his ministry such as healing-prosperity-claim your healing or job,prosperity blessing,if only you give,in the offering.But let me tell you we all have a little false doctrine in us,a little hypocrisy,that is exactly why we have to pray and read the bible.The scripture talking about fruits of the spirit-it's pertaining to how much our life has changed,that we would have the peace of god in our heart,joy,long suffering,not name it and claim it,it's all in god's timing.The most important fruit god is lokking for is sitting next to us in church,or someone we have invited,us as a living testimony reaching out to lost souls,those at our workplace,families,friends,neighbors,not wasting our time worrying or judging someone else as a person because their are people dying out their without jesus as their savior.Oh what we have in jesus is ours only to share with others,for the benefit to others,let's start living for others AMEN!

It seems you are making a hypocritical judgement in all of this. If you want to use that scripture, then you need to look inward instead of passing judgement against ministries.

You obvuisly know nothing about Jentezen Franklin. His ministry is a great example of bearing fruit. It always seems that when people inherit their promise, that is promised to us in the bible, that men always get jealous when something big happens. There's no need to be jealous, you can have the same blessings if you would just humble yourself and stop passing judgement when the blessing comes to others.

God made us promises in his word. Ephesians 17-20 tells us that God wants to reveal the mystery of Christ to us, the hope of our calling, the RICHES of the glorious inheritance of the saints, and to give to us who believe his great power. The same power that raised Christ from the dead, he wants to give to us.  All we have to do is humble ourselves and know that we cannot posess these things without God. This is not taken out of context, it is in your bible. READ it.
We are not to get jealous when someone reaches this level in God and pass judgement. Like I said, we all need to get in our prayer closets and humble ourselves before God. He will do what is just. He doesn't need us to be police.

Let's get one thing straight, you can judge a book by its cover.

Please do not take Matt 7:1-5 out of context. When Jesus is talking about judging, he is talking about the hypocritical judgement that many of us, and the Pharasee used. In other words we are not to compare ourself to one another, remove the plank from your own eye before removing the spec out of your brother's eye. Even in this part of scripture, when we notice that our brother is in sin, we need to go and help him. But first we need to ensure that we ourselves are not in sin. Read the scriptures, study them for yourself.

Now let's get to the meat of the matter. Please read Matt 7:15-20. Here Jesus is talking about false prophets. Within 5 verses Jesus states you will know them by their fruits. Jesus states that they are ravenous wolves, just like their master Satan, who runs around pretending to be a sheep seeking those whom he may devour.

Jesus did not come to give us our best life now. He did not come to set up a simple plan to receive our fleshly heart's desire. He did not come so we could enjoy this world system. Remember who sets the standard in this present world system and blinds the eyes of those that do not believe. In case you forgot it is Satan. Jesus even told the Pharisees they were of their father, the devil. Don't believe me, read John 8. Jesus really gets into with them.

I know God can and will and does bless some of His children with earthly riches, so they can in turn help out others who are poor. They are commanded to use what God has blessed them with to help support those that do not have. The scriptures do not promise great riches for everyone. Read Phil 4:12-13. Paul knew great riches, and great loss (poor). Paul knew what it meant to be hungry, and full. But he learned that no matter the state he was in, he could accomplish it through Christ, his strength. In our weakness, His (Christ) strength is perfected.

I am against the false doctrine that seems to be the main topic within the Western Churh of today. You can have great riches by following God's simple plan.

Have we forgotten the words of Jesus to Ananias concerning Paul (Saul) in the book of Acts 9:16, "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."

Have we forgotten Phil 3, where Paul counts the earthly riches, and status he had as a Pharisee as nothing but ruggish, dung, or human excrement. And later on in that same chapter Paul writes that he wants to know the power of Jesus' resurrection, and fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed into Christ. He finishes the chapter off by saying that his goal was not eartly riches, but the upward call of God in Christ.

In Romans 8:28 and 29, Paul shows us that God uses all that which happens here on this earth for our good, shaping us into the image of His Beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. If we are being conformed into His image, should we not know what that image might be and to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6).

Have we forgotten what Jesus demands of those that follow Him:

Mark 8:34-38, we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.

Matt 6:19-21, we are called to forsake building earthly wealth and instead we are to seek heavenly wealth. No one can serve two masters.

And Luke 6:38 is used so out of context by the "name it and claim it" group, it makes me sick. Read the passage in the context of Jesus' teaching. v36 and 37 are talking about the spiritual life. Be merciful, show mercy, do not judge your brother, but forgive. And in doing so you will receive more of the same from those around you. This goes with the full teaching of Christ. Look at Matt 18:21-35, where Jesus instructs Peter and the rest on forgiveness. We are to show a great amounts of forgivness to our brothers who offend us, so our father can show us the riches of His mercies to us in Christ.

Have you not read what is written to us in Eph 2. In verse 4 God, rich in mercy, loved us...in v5 he made us alive together within Christ, notice we have been saved by grace, and we are raised up with Christ, now look at v7 that God might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

If we are not careful we will miss it...In the ages to come God can point to each of us that are His and say to all look at the greatness of My grace, I saved that one. See the depravity that one was before My Spirit rested in their heart, before My Son's blood cleansed them. Look how they hated me, they were my enemy, they cursed my name. But they turned to me when I sought them. I called, they came. I made that one mine. I chose that one. Look at his lowly state, he depth of his sins, the lack of selfcontrol. He is mine! He is mine because of what My Son did for them...remember back in Roman 5:6-11, we are described as helpless, sinners, enemies of God. And now we are made alive togehter with God in Christ. In Col 3:3, if we are His (Christ's), we have a new identity, our life is hidden with Christ in God.

The purpose of this world is not the best life now. Look at Hebrews 11. The great saints of the past were called pilgrims on this earth. This place was not their home, they understood they belong to a heavenly country. Look particularly at v37, the trials and afflictions many have gone through for the sake of the name of Christ. In v38 it plainly states that this world is not worthy of them. They wandered around in deserts, mountains, in dens, in caves. What happened? Did God forget to give them their just rewards on this planet? Did God forget to bless them with great riches, big houses? NO! He was preparing them a home for them in heaven!

Look also at 2 Tim 3: 1-9, in the last days, perilous times will come. When is this supposed last days. The "last days" started the day after Christ's ressurection and will continue till His return. But before we miss the main point in V2, men will be lovers of self, and of money...boastful, proud, blaphemers...

This scripture smacks right in the face of the "name it and claim it" group. They seek money, the approval of other men. They seek to build your self esteem. They seek a worldly system.

Paul estalbished something Jesus taught at the sermon on the mount, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Tim3:12). Jesus said blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of against you for My sake." (Matt 5:11)

My point is simple, verify if what he is saying is true. Look at the context of a particular scripture. Get your heart out of it. Your heart can lead you astray (Prov 3:5-6).

Paul writes that all sciptures is given by inspiration of God...and it is given that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Not only is the Word of God the truth, it is also sufficient for everything we need. (2 Tim 3:16-17)

Study this word, do as Paul and rest of the apostles did, leave everything you hold dear behind, and follow Him who holds out a cross and, a nailed scarred hand.

Believe me, I have nothing against Jentezen, or any other Word of Faith teacher. I do have everything against their doctrines. And if you think that this is not biblical, then you have not studied your bible. In Ezekiel, the watchman is charged with keeping watch and protecting the people. The shepard of the flock is responsible for protecting the sheep. Paul, many times in his letters would warn of the false teachers by name. And even Jesus, Himself, confronted the pharisees, and teachers of the law for their false doctrines.

It is our responsibility to do this...and please don't tell me not to touch God's annointed. We are all annointed by the same Holy Spirit. We are all called to be a holy nation of priets.

We are to love, but we are also called to be watchful, and rebuke and exhort those that have gone a stray.

Please get into the Word...it is truth and the truth will set you free. Please do not be deceived by doctines of demons that tickle the ear. It may be what you want to hear, and not what you need to hear.

In Christ's Love

-- Edited by Scandalon1968 at 08:47, 2009-01-13

I am sorry, loverofgod.  I am not stating opinion.  I am stating facts.  I believe that God has allowed me to go through some things and see behind the curtain to help keep His sheep from being led down the wrong path.  Jesus called out the Pharisees and Saducees for their misgivings.  Jesus told his disciples that the works that He performed, we would also perform and even greater works.  I believe that Jesus ministry is the model for every Christian's ministry.  Not only with the miracles that were performed, but with the message that was delivered.  Part of that message was to the religious leaders to stop holding their sheep under the law and persecution, and to treat the house of prayer with respect and not use it as a place for personal gain.  That is exactly what is taking place in many of the churches today. 

So, if Jesus wants us to do as He did while on Earth, which included warning his followers to not fall prey to men's enticing words, why is it wrong to educate and warn people to be careful with who they place their trust?

There is no judgment on my part.  I am not judging anyone.  I just know the facts of what goes on behind the scenes of many of these ministries.  I have over 30 years of ministry experience and have witnessed first hand some the behind the scenes activities. 

I have not judged anyone.  I can't.  God is the only one who can cast judgment on us.  He is the ultimate Judge.  He is the one who tells us whether we are right or wrong.  He does that through His written Word and his spoken Word. 

What I can do is share the FACTS of what I KNOW and have WITNESSED with many of these ministries.  And I will do my best to help people not go through the same disillusionment and pain that I have gone through.

Know God for yourself, not through the men you are following.  Give your heart to God, not to men of God.

T. Michelle, what I have to say is not based on opinion.  My statements are based on facts.  It is not judgmental.  Because I KNOW. 

The Bible warns of being mindful of false teachers.  Be wary of anyone who Pharisee-like teachers and preachers who look legit on the outside, but their insides rotten. 

Let's take a look at Jesus' ministry on Earth.  What made him angry?  Was he ever angry with the prostitutes?  Nope.  Did he ever rebuke a drunkard?  Nope.  Did he rebuke Peter for his denial?  Nope.  Out of all of the sinners that Jesus encountered in his time on Earth, the only ones that drew the anger of Christ was the modern day religious types.  The Pharisees and Saducees. 

He could not stand the fact that the temple was being used as a place of commerce.  Sounds like alot of modern day evangelists coming in to town to preach a sermon that just happens to be the subject of the new book they are promoting.  Not only do they sell a ton of books, but they also usually take home tens of thousands of dollars while other people who have served in the church faithfully for years are denied emergency help and funds after losing their jobs.  Like I said, this is not opinion..... this is fact. 

I have been in your shoes.  And I believe God has allowed me to experience the things I have experienced to try to warn good people, like you, to not give your heart so easily to the smooth talking, hypnotic words that these men speak. 

 He's in the TBN Klan stay away. So many taking the sip of tainted juice.

I have been to his church I may say it is a very long drive for me about 13 hours. I was very happy to be their and I watch him live every Sunday on the internet I have been blessed to not have missed a Sunday I also have listened and watched all hid ipods and streamimg. He is giving all he's got to do right. I do not know what you mean by "I am drinking kool aid" but thank you and God be with you and yours with all my heart I pray this upon you , My hearts regards, T.Michelle

You are drinking the Kool Aid, fidelis111.  You can't judge a book by its cover and you can judge a preacher by what he says in the pulpit, just like you can't judge an entertainer or ball player by what they do on the stage or the field. You can judge by the fruits they bear.  Look up the fruits of the Spirit in the Bible. The true measure of a man of God is what he does behind the scenes.  Not having been there, you don't know what goes on behind the scenes of any ministry.  I am begging you in love...... be careful.

GOD bless all this New Year*
I agree their is alot of Preachers out their that have alot of money , But was not Abraham very, very RICH and Solomon ask for Wisdom when God told him ask me for anything and I will give it to thee!! Solomon ask for Wisdom yet God gave him that and made him Rich. I am not Rich, I would give my last dollar to a needy person infact I am more poor then I ever have been in some ways in my life. But I am still grateful for any dollar I get and I do know when you give to one of Gods **HE DOES GIVE IT BACK AND THEN SOME** Maybe not in money that is green but blessings unseen and seen I JUST KNOW THAT I KNOW HE DOES. FAITH IS JUDGED BY YOUR HEART ! if it were not I would not know how much FAITH I have. I know my spirit does agree with Jentezen Franklin I know he is a man who answers to GOD, he is to be trusted!!!!!! I love how he reaches so many in his way of preaching and how he shares the word of God. Not all people can comprehend the Bible he makes it so they can and with that he gives them desire to love God Jesus he gives them Passion to want to be all that they can be all that God wants and created them to be. HE GIVES THEM HOPE AND LOVE AND I THINK HE IS COOL IN THE WAY HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH OF THIS WORLD THAT CONVICTS ALL WHO HEAR HIM. Only humans that do not wish to hear the truth will find fault in him!!!!!!!

    MAY YOUR HEART HEAR THE TRUTH AND MAY YOU PRAY THAT OUR GOD MAY GIVE YOU THIS IN JESUS NAME AMEN Pastor Jentezen Franklin is a GOOD Pastor and he does have a calling but guess what we all do, he is doing Gods will he has compasion he is TRUE AS HE SAYS AND REMEMBER HE IS HUMAN. I know my spirit agrees with his so I trust mine so I know he is true***

Okay to answer your question....

He uses modern 21st century illustrations to get the young person's attention. That is the whole point behind this.   Teenagers are more visual today than ever before (TV, video games, etc).  ANd they need something on their level, and he does use every day stuff to get their attention.  YOu need to watch the whole thing before judging him.  I pray you come to one of our services, then maybe you'll see how blessed we really have it.   It makes me mad to see stuff like this, and they don't even set foot on campus or either make the attempt to get to know his style. 

I always liked Jentzen He came to my town and preached a awesome message but I know fame changes people and thankfully Jesus was not like these people on tv now who have to be seen and heard

Sojourner

Excellent point.  I have mentioned many times in sermons and other discussions the subject of preachers only usng part of the Scripture Verse to make their point when their point has nothing to do with what the Lord was talking about.

Franklin, Dollar, Copeland, Duplantis, etc., have perfected this method of preaching causing so many to believe what they the preacher has to say instead of what the Word says.

Read some of the "Readers Comments" on the website and you will notice that this is a common thread among the followers of prosperity, name it and claim it preachers. http://forgottenword.org/comments.html 

-- Edited by bobw at 16:17, 2008-01-02

Here is another video that will without a doubt explain Mr. Franklin's belief in regards to the 100 fold return on your tithe.  This is a 10 minute video but worth the watch if you want to know where he stands.  No doubt he uses key words to sort of hynotize the listener into thinking one thing or another.  This is evident in his use of the word "precious".  Listen and see waht you think.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gxo_qAmVNoc