Word of Faith Movement

Word of Faith Movement Overview

The Word of Faith Movement, also known as the prosperity gospel, is an attempt to utilize God for personal benefit based upon supposed truths from the Bible. Followers of the Word of Faith Movement are taught they were created as little gods and are encouraged to speak their own desires out loud to God. In return, God is obligated to fulfill those desires, since their words literally manipulate the “faith-force.” In this movement, you may also hear things like “Name it and Claim it” or “Health and Wealth.”

Word of Faith Movement Roots

The Word of Faith Movement has its deepest roots in Pentecostalism, specifically both the Latter Rain Movement in Canada in 1948 (which greatly affected the Assemblies of God denomination) and the ministry/teachings of William Branham and E.W. Kenyon. In many ways, its basic philosophy is most easily defined as a “mind science” type cult. By “mind science” we mean it teaches there are universal laws which God has put into place. Those laws are useful to anyone who wishes to “tap” into them, and they are supposedly found in the teachings of the Bible. This allows the believer to “claim” the truths found in the Bible as their own and God is now obligated to carry them out. In one sense, through this belief, a person can place God in their debt because He is now subject to and committed to these supposed laws. But if the laws are not actually true and Biblical, then the person has actually committed idolatry!

God’s Promises For Today

Apr 17, 2024 | Discipleship

The brief Old Testament Book of Haggai contains a remarkable promise from God to His people. He gives a reminder of something that will occur in the future!

A Church Made Up of Consumers?

Jul 14, 2022 | Deception in the Church

Have many churches embraced a consumer-driven, church-growth model of “outreach”? Could they have a different purpose other than preaching Christ crucified?

Kindling Your Own Fire

May 24, 2022 | Discipleship

Isaiah 50 is about waiting for the pure light of God’s Word. We should never attempt to kindle our own fire nor settle for the tiki-torches of man-made light.

What Is Spiritual Formation and Is It Biblical?

Mar 18, 2022 | Deception in the Church

Spiritual formation can be confused with sanctification. So, what exactly is it? What is the underlying theology of spiritual formation? We navigate these questions in this article.

What Does “Test the Spirits” Mean?

Sep 22, 2021 | Discipleship

Christians are commanded to test the spirits in 1 John 4:1. In this article, we explain why and how are we to do this?

What is True Christian Community?

Sep 15, 2021 | Discipleship

Christian community should be quite different from the world. It should be based in a relationship with God, truth, and obedience. The Bible calls it fellowship.

What Does Loyalty to Jesus Look Like?

Sep 12, 2021 | Discipleship

It is not unusual to have loyalties. Scripture speaks of a loyalty that should far exceed any other. The standard of loyalty was set by Jesus Himself.

How to Have Godly Confidence

Sep 5, 2021 | Discipleship

Christians are saved from the wrath of God and the penalty of sin. Still, we must give account on the day of judgment. We can have full confidence toward that day!

Should Christians Listen for a “Still Small Voice”?

Aug 23, 2021 | Deception in the Church

Many people think 1 Kings 19:12 teaches that God whispers gentle things to Christians through a “still small voice.” But, a closer look at the phrase is quite revealing!

David Sheldon, Bible theologian and teacher

David Sheldon has spent over 50 years studying theology, teaching, and discipling. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History, with an emphasis in Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Early Church history in 1973 from The Ohio State University. He received his Master of Divinity Degree in 1981 from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. In 1981, David assisted with a church plant near OSU’s campus called Christ’s Church. He was in pastoral ministry there for ten years, seven of those years being the preaching pastor. Though not a formal pastor currently, David continues to shepherd the flock informally and through 4 Truth Ministry. His emphasis includes studies/teachings on the books of Daniel and Revelation. Both of these books can be difficult to study and understand, and so he has created visual charts and timelines to assist in that. He also wrote a book, Resolute, with his daughter. Of special interest is the fact that David was one of those who was asked to be on the research team for the book “Evidence That Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell. He did his research with the team in the summer of 1972 in Dallas, Texas. His research resulted in Chapter 9 of the book titled: The Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament Fulfilled in Christ. David and his wife, Lynn, have been married since 1972. They have two daughters and a son-in-law, Tammi Wright (and Tom) and Kerri Sheldon, and they have two grandchildren, Kailyn Wright and Ethan Wright.

March 07, 2022

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