"Do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
1 John 4: 1
Recently much literature has come to my home through the mail from two worldwide evangelistic organizations claiming that they have a message for me from God. They state that God has given them special prayer power in my behalf and if I support their current projects, in return, God will give me health, prosperity, success, and miracle living. In essence they are asking me to buy God's blessing. This alarms me!
It also raises questions in my mind. Are these men telling the truth? Are they speaking for God? If they pray for me will God listen more intently than He does if I pray? Do these groups have a direct revelation from God and His blessing on their work?
Evangelism is big money these days -- millions of dollars each year. Religious organizations are requesting more and more money from Christians, declaring they are building the kingdom of God. Are they? We should at least ask God before we give. Let's be like the people of Berea. They searched the Scriptures day to day to see if Paul and Silas' statements were really so. (Acts 17: 11)
So don't blindly accept the philosophy of success and worldly prosperity these groups offer as the revelation of God in return for your support. Test the spirits before you give for many false prophets are in the world.
MC