It's never too late to turn back to the Word of God, according to renowned preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes.
-
(Photo: The Potter's House / Ron Sanders)Dr. Cynthia James, Christian psychologist and pastor from Oakland, Calif., delivers a power-packed teaching on Friday, May 16, 2008.
Senior pastor of megachurch The Potter's House in Dallas, Jakes took thousands of Christians "back to the Bible" during a three-day conference over the weekend, urging believers to realize that now is the time to re-commit to Jesus Christ.
"It is because of the state of this world - natural disasters, personal failures, a sagging economy, injustices, and more - that we need to get back to the Bible," said Jakes, who was dubbed one of the country's 25 most influential evangelicals by Time magazine in 2005. "We need to go back to relying on the real, proven Word of God to draw strength from it, and to use it as our guide for day-to-day living.”
Attendants from across the country and overseas engaged in intense teaching and preaching from such speakers as Jakes; Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, Calif.; and Dr. Cynthia James, a pastor and Christian psychologist.
The speakers, throughout the May 16-18 event, conveyed a message that "now is the time for believers to hang on to God because that is the only way to survival," according to Ann Fields, media relations specialist at The Potter's House.
The messages were delivered at a time when many Christians are abandoning their faith. David Sanford, author of If God Disappears: 9 Faith Wreckers and What to Do About Them, says believers have lost faith in the Bible, the Church and Christian beliefs. And now millions of Americans are exiting the church.
Jakes has called believers to return to the Bible.
“For thousands of years, the Bible has proven itself relevant. It is rich in instruction in how to live the peaceful, productive, and righteous life that God designed for us. Yet, at times, even Christians have swayed from its teachings. Even we have been distracted by the headlines of this world," he said. "But it’s never too late to turn back to the only thing that doesn’t change, to the only thing that is dependable and fixed, and that is the Word of God."
Jakes launched the Back to the Bible conference in 1983 in Montgomery, W.Va., with some 80 people. The annual event began before the highly popular MegaFest, "Woman Thou Are Loosed" and "ManPower" conferences were introduced. Back to the Bible is considered the flagship event that has helped to define Jakes and his ministry.
RSS
to ID4234 I was not going to reply but then i thought i would try and see things how you do for a bit. My rosy coloured glasses says that Math 23:23 does not endorse tithing your glases do.If i look at your reply you say that undoubtedly a bible believing church exsists close by. please explain to me in the context of your reply and the mindset you have what do you mean by the word church and then what i should be looking for.
TD Jakes needs the Infinite Savior!
http://polemos.net/The%20Infinite%20Savior.html
Good comment Topekan
Cheap Grace was a song years ago.
Cheap grace; we've watered down the blood he shed; we say we've given all but we have hardly bled; Cheap grace; you know it cost Him everything; it's easy to abuse what you think is for free."
This is the battle here on this mission front of the megachurch. We want people to know just how valuable the blood of Jesus is and the power that is in it through changed lives. At the same time the body of Christ is not a blunt object to beat people with.
Many people read all around the Bible without actually reading it themselves. They depand on what others write about it. Who knows why? Maybe their scared of the accountability to having actually read it. Won't they be accountable for not reading it just the same?
Here's a good headline, "Christians call TD Jakes back to the Bible".
Now if only TD can do the same in regards to The Trinity!
While I am grateful for TD's recognizing the need for believers who have turned away from the Bible to turn back, I'm even more grateful for all the thousands of believers who never turned away from God's Word not only through the hearing and reading of it but living it out in their daily lives. The question we in leadership roles need to ask ourselves is why did some stay as well as why did some turn away. Personally, I think a major portion of them came into the church as a result of a cheap grace gospel or the prosperity gospel route. In the first it is highly likely that most if not all are not believers but rather have purchased a fire insurance policy or a get out of hell free card and have never entered into a genuine and personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, they came forward in a service, said a prayer, maybe even got baptized and even joined a church and now their free to live their life anyway they choose since they have their fire insurance policy or get out of hell free card. Those who have come into the church through the prosperity gospel have been led to believe it is all about them that God is here to meet their every whim and is required to keep them both healthy and wealthy and like the first group many have never entered into a genuine relationship with God through Christ. But these are just the symptoms of a bigger problem a pulpit problem that can only be remedied when pastors, evangelists, and teachers begin once again preaching, teaching, and living God's Word to its fullest. In closing I praise God that their a many men and women in ministry who are doing just that, most are ministering through small local churches and some through largers churches but regardless of the size of the ministry God has given them they remain true to their calling with regards to the proclamation of God's Word.
A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com.
When and why did preachers who are supposedly called by God, stop preaching the Bible? I guess it was when selling Jesus was more profitable than promoting Jesus. I guess since TJ has had a revelation to get back to the Bible, maybe all the other prosperity preachers will follow suit and now some folks can REALLY get saved, set free and delivered.
Is he saying we don't need to read any of his books anymore, because all we need is in the Word of God? Hallelujah!
"now is the time for believers to hang on to God because that is the only way to survival,"
I'm glad I never stopped hanging on to God. Wow what a revelation!
widonicki,
Take comfort in the fact that our Lord and Savior always quoted scripture; he never quoted from the traditions of men.
As one begins researching the writings of the church fathers, they will soon find out that not only did they sometimes contradict one another but they also contradicted Scripture. So, you are not bound by any teaching, doctrine, or philosophy that is not supported by the Word of God. We have assurance because the Scriptures maintain an unblemished and consistent testimony that never contradicts itself.
The only "consistency and continuity of truthful teaching that you've been looking for" is found in the Word of God.
To widonicki
Check out Matthew 23:23 where Jesus endorses the tithe but with a right spirit. Many verses in the New Testament talk of the importance of giving and the danger of loving money. The NT is filled with these. Good Bible believing churches abound though you are right that there are some churches that hardly qualify as NT bodies of believers.
Many passages caution us about not assembling ourselves in the body: Hebrews 10:25, Psalms 92:13, Ephesians 5: 15-20. There is undoubtedly a Bible believing, Kingdom oriented church near you. I hope you find one. It's not that hard.
Why would a NT believer not give freely to the Lord's work? Actually, a careful study will reveal that we must give of our time and our substance well beyond the tithe.
T.D.Jakes believes in modalism, the concept that God appears as the Father, Son or Holy Spirit as He deems appropriate for the moment. If that's the case, I don't know how Jesus came out the water after he was baptized while the Holy Spirit descended as a dove and The Father spoke from Heaven.
widonicki
Re: Oh where are the fathers in the Lord?
You have only one Father, God the Father. He is waiting for you to seek Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ for understanding of His Word and to guiding you into all truth.
Jesus said,
John 14: 26 - " But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom then Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you"
John 16:13 - " Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in rightousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." (Proverbs 30:5)
"It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Luke 4:4)
"Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Hope Page: itsallaboutjesusnotme.blogspot.com
widonicki, check out the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, the Didache, Justin Martyr, Polycarp, the ones who learned Christianity from the Apostles. You'll find a consistency and continuity of truthful teaching that you've been looking for. God bless you.
I sat in churches for years and decided to come out and study the bible.I now have a delemma.
the more i study the origional meanings the more i find that most churches have no real scriptural base. I tried to find the the real new testament teaching on tithing and cant find it. I tried to find the truth on covering and cant find it. I tried to find the word that pastor was translated from and cant find it. Sure i find elders but only for the purpose of leading me thru as they did. The more i study i have to see that modern churches are built upon unscriptural tithing led by unscriptural leaders . And yes i do fellowship. Oh where are the fathers in the Lord?
"It is because of the state of this world - natural disasters, personal failures, a sagging economy, injustices, and more - that we need to get back to the Bible," said Jakes, who was dubbed one of the country's 25 most influential evangelicals by Time magazine in 2005. "We need to go back to relying on the real, proven Word of God to draw strength from it, and to use it as our guide for day-to-day living.”
Christians do need to search themselves and get back to the true salvation message in the Word of God.
But, Pastor Jakes, there is something terribly wrong with the focus of this statement.
We don't turn to Christ because of the condition of this world. We turn to Christ because He has redeemed us from a fate far greater than anything that we might find in this world.
Perhaps this is where we have gone off course.
God can bless you with Great wisdom and a Spirit that loves to be a wise Steward of all he will give you. Yes in time you can prosper go to college get a good job , wife and children and a nice home and 2 cars. Nothing wrong with that at all especially when you are studying Praying and giving generously to the work , financially and with your time and talent/gifts. God can indeed bless you, and will for that Faithfulness. God can bless you with finances but not until you can handle it, the more you are maturing in Christ and his Ways and Wisdom the more he can see you can handle and will give unto you to use for his Kingdom. Christ said how hardly will a Rich man enter into the Kingdom of God. So be careful of all Christ gives unto you. Christ also said if you leave everything for him he will give you 100 times more and then Eternal life!! Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you! Solomon asked for Wisdom to lead Israel and God gave it unto him and because he asked Rightly, God blessed him with anything he wanted, whatever Solomon set his eyes upon he got it!!! If you ask with a Humble heart Sincerely wanting to further Christ's Kingdom it shall be given unto you.
Although I don't go to T.D. Jakes' church, you have to acknowledge that his message in this article is truthful, no matter who said it, and we should be Christian enough to see that. Our brother T.D. Jakes has a gift I don't have and if he's using it to lift up the body of Christ, I say God bless you, T.D. Jakes. I'm not going to judge.
"T.D. Jakes Calls Christians Back to the Bible"?
Some of us never left it!
Where's he been?
Yes, IHS did show a very teachable spirit. He should do great in Seminary.
The Prosperity Gospel is not of Jesus, it is man-made Tradition. I know someone who has benefitted richly from it......how about TD JAKES.
Zooch, I agree. However, don't tell the reader to "get a life" and under the same breath tell him that you plead with him in "Jesus name." We have a life because of Jesus, not because we interpret doctrine differently. But I do agree with Jakes, we do need to get back to Scripture.
IHS: Thanks for showing us what being "teachable" looks like. Often time on these blogs and chats, it seems everybody thinks that they are the smartest people they know. Thanks again for your teachable spirit. Also, your questions are good ones indeed. I believe when someone hears the Gospel presented to them, the Trinity should (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) play a major role in the presentation and understanding of the Gospel. In other words all three must be represented. This is why Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19-20 "...baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.." Why all three? Because it was all three in One that saved your soul! The Father saved you by choosing you. Jesus saved you by dying for you. Holy Spirit saved you by allowing you to recognize that you were a sinner that needed forgiveness as well as a Savior. Now, as for the prosperity Gospel, it almost seems like a contradiction to Scripture. The P.G. will tell you that you were made to live in prosperity. However, Scripture tells us that "the foxes have their holes, the birds have their nests, yet the Son of Man has not a place to lay His head." Sound rich to you? I believe that if any Gospel should be preached and focused upon, is to preach the one that saves souls not pays bills! Hope that helps.
Will all of you just stop for a minute and listen to yourselves, no wonder the world looks at us and wants nothing to do with us, no wonder the young people are turning to other God's, but when a man who ever he may be and whatever quirks ther may be in his doctrine, when that man says "WE NEED TO TURN BACK TO THE BIBLE' I agree with that man, he never told us to turn back to his doctrine, he said "TURN BACK TO THE BIBLE" come on you lot get a life, I plead with you in Jesus Name
Thanks for the info to his website. Ok, I stand corrected that he is Trinitarian. He just has a bad wrap for not being Trinitarian, so I wonder where he got it from.
Thank you for holding me accountable.
Question, is anyone who calls on the name of Jesus saved? Must they believe in the Trinity to be saved? My Church thinks you must believe iin Jesus by way of the Trinity. Jesus by himself doesn't save, but through the entire Trinity he does right?
Also, I have another question. I never see in the New Testament where Jesus blesses people financially. I only see people who follow him lose their life. I also see people who follow him not focus on being a financial success. Could someone show me in the New Testament where Jesus blesses us financially?
I am very much against the Prosperity Gospel. I am not saying we should not use our talents for God's glory, and if we become wealthy because of using those talents that is one thing. But to use the Gospel to promote prosperity as our main focus and to treat Scripture like some sort of magic I believe is wrong. The more you give money to TD Jakes ministry doesn't not guarantee you more prosperity on Earth. You might build treasure in heaven, but I don't see anywhere that God will take money you give to TD's ministry and then God will give you back money in return. Reward and monetary reward are two different things.
As a minister of the Gospel, I have found that the doctrine of T.D. Jakes to be at times "left" of what Scripture teaches. I have also found that his pupit invitation lacks an opportunity to receieve Jesus Christ as Savior. However, though I have found myself in disagreement doctrinally with him, I do stand with him on this statement. I completely agree that we need to get back to the Bible and the authority of Scripture. What amazes me is that it had to be challenged and spoken by one who has been on what I believe to be the "left" side of doctrine. However, I am encouraged that a person with the position T.D. Jakes has found himself to be in, has made such a strong and true claim!
TD Jakes is a brother who calls upon the Name of the Lord, and he shall be saved! That is God's Word. Does every single person here completely understand the fullness of the Word of God, NO, we do not even understand, "Grace by Faith" how such a loving God could love HIS enemies and even die for them, it's very hard to wrap your head around that one.
But God did do that, and TD Jakes knows this, and HE knows Jesus personally...God used that brother to help many BOUND brothers and sisters to be LOOSED by the Power of God's love and coming to a knowledge of my own sin condition and realizing I was so sick due to my own sin and the woman who was stooped over for so many years, with one touch from Jesus she was healed.
The Bible is a love letter from God to HIS children, (the wages of sin is death) and we were dead spiritually; until Jesus death on the Cross; and His resurrection, He restored us back to our relationship with the Father. Now, people can freely choose to deny The Gift of the Father and this is rejecting Him, this grieves the Father, and they are making the choice for eternal separation from God, for that is what everlasting death is; (Hell) and Eternal life is everlasting life with the Lord!
CHOOSE LIFE! Stop cooperating with the Enemy of your soul; Jesus set the captives free; but many choose to sit behind the jail cell when all they need do is OPEN THE DOOR! lazarus COME FORTH! in Jesus Name, and Thank you LORD!
There was no reason to flag me. I am reposting what I wrote.
1 John 5:7 - "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
TD Jakes doesn't believe in the triune God?
On TD Jakes Home Page, http://www.thepottershouse.org/v2/content/view/18/32/, here is his statement of belief:
Belief Statement
The Bible, the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, and are the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
God -There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three manifestations: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
The Holy Spirit - The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
Man - Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
Salvation - The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
The Return of Jesus Christ - The personal, premillenial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
Future Events - There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
The Church - The true Church is composed of all such persons, who through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head.
Baptism and Communion - Water baptism by immersion soon after accepting Christ as personal Savior, is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life. The Lord's Supper is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers and only believers should share in it.
It sounds like TD Jakes believes in the triune God to me.
Amen Taylormade!
TD Jakes is gifted, but does not hold to basic Christian doctrines such as the Trinity or the Beatitudes. His prosperity Gospel is very scary.
Pastor Jakes belief statement may not neccessarily align with what he preaches. I can remember one evangelical message that he has preached. I have never seen until resently him give an invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He is definitely gifted but is there a difference between biblical theological themes and what he preaches. The gospel is good news however it also contains condemnation which causes every non believer through the power of the holy spirit to be convicted of their sin. There is no doubt about his affiliation with prosperity preaching. Bottom line question. Is he ministering to make money to advance the kingdom. Transformation does not come from material gain but through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This is the bibilical standard.
correction
TD Jakes Home Page is http://www.thepottershouse.org/v2/content/view/18/32/.
1 John 5:7 - "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
TD Jakes doesn't believe in the triune God?
Belief Statement taken from TD Jakes home page http://www.thepotterhouse.org/v2/content/view/18/32/
Belief Statement
The Bible, the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, and are the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
God -There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three manifestations: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
The Holy Spirit - The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
Man - Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
Salvation - The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
The Return of Jesus Christ - The personal, premillenial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
Future Events - There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
The Church - The true Church is composed of all such persons, who through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head.
Baptism and Communion - Water baptism by immersion soon after accepting Christ as personal Savior, is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life. The Lord's Supper is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers and only believers should share in it.
From his Belief Statement it sounds like he does to me.
As a Reformed Pastor, TD Jakes should read the bible too! He talks how people fall away from basic Christian teachings because they don't read the Bible. This is True and TD Jakes has distorted the Gospel to become a Prosperity Minister. Jesus never preached that Gospel.
Also, TD Jakes is also well no to be non-Trinitarian. We should not accept him as a Christian if he rejects the Trinity as being the Triune God-One God in Three persons.