When I was a child I watched Superman! I believed it. I had a recurring dream: I would run as fast as I could and just lift my legs off the ground and I would soar! Now I would only soar over roof tops, I was afraid to go much higher! (That dream is still vivid in my mind.) The dream was so persistent that I had to try it. I would run as fast as I could, leap and try to fold my legs under me. You can’t fly unless you fold your legs and tuck your heels on your bottom. Just so you know. It was as easy as putting your elbow in your ear. After numerous bruises, scrapes, disappointment, and a gash to my knee (I landed on a broken bottle and still have the scar) I gave up! I was 6 or so and even though the TV episodes only cost about $15,000 to produce, I believed. George Reeves, Superman, died of a gunshot wound in 1959. Superman was dead. I grew up a bit.
Television has a great influence on people. It is a medium for spreading the Gospel; however, most of what is spread does not pass the smell test. It is not a sweet aroma going up in the Presence of God and His people, it is more like, you know, a farmer’s field being fertilized. While in Florida this past week, watching Christian TV, here is what I heard and saw:
I was told that if I gave $1000 I would receive a triple favor seed…..$5000 a breakthrough seed.
This is an Uncommon moment of faith.
When you delay your seed, you delay your Harvest sow your $1000 triple favor seed.
All major credit cards accepted.
Another show. Get your personal prophecy here from the Master Prophet. Cd, phone call, 10 prophets will speak into your life for a seed of $120.
Also they introduced an apostle and called her a part of the foundation of the church.
Get the ultimate prophetic experience. All major credit cards accepted.
I had enough, the TV station had programs similar to this over and over. I am grateful for our local station that does limit the nonsense. Pastors watch members in their congregation running and running and running to try to fly only to fall and end up with spiritual scrapes and sometimes breaks with negative consequences. Often when pastors speak out about it, they are dubbed as jealous, unloving, critical, touching the anointed, etc. . . . . It is true a pastor may be jealous or unloving or critical; however, when examples are given as I have given above…he/she is only trying to prevent you from breaking your spiritual neck!
As discernment in the “Charismatic” branch continues to wane, so there will be more spiritual harm. The so called seeds mentioned above are no different than the indulgences of the past that helped lead to the Protestant Reformation. Give x amount of money and be assured of spiritual blessing. I am a product of the Charismatic Renewal…a Jesus Freak of the early 70’s. There were abuses in those days also, but now I am seeing the same abuses growing and becoming more and more distant from the Gospel, and even worse, more accepted.
I pray that you will have discernment and that you have a godly pastor who will help guide you. In the meantime don’t stop dreaming; however, if running to fly . . . make sure you keep your spiritual feet on the ground. Even Superman couldn’t stop a speeding bullet.
You may also listen on the ESP Podcast with Dr. James D Allen
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1807373/episodes/9073140
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!