Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry
Still waiting for that elusive camel...
Leaving the Seoul International Baptist Church yesterday morning with my family, we found ourselves greeted by two African men whom I guessed hailed from Nigeria. They smiled and handed us the "Key to True Success" -- not merely spiritual success but material success as well!
This sort of thing doesn't happen every day. It doesn't even happen every Sunday! But it happened yesterday. The key, it seems, is to pray a particular prayer, for the flyer offering the "Key to True Success" introduced a prayer composed by Pastor Wale Oluwanusi, who promises that "you can enjoy this kind of [spiritual and material] success as you give your life to Jesus Christ right now, by saying this prayer":
Lord Jesus, I come to you today. I am a sinner, I cannot help myself. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with your precious blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan, to serve the Living God. Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord, and Saviour. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Now, I know I am born again! And please Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches. I must make amends.Okay, I added those last three sentences, but the explicitly materialistic part of the prayer was obviously missing, for the flyer does explicitly offer "Financial Breakthrough, Posperity and Spiritual Upliftment" . . . assuming that "Posperity" is a typo for "Prosperity." Anyway, if you do pray this prayer -- perhaps specifying what you want -- then the life of some fellow named "Enoch" could even be your life:
Working in the factory is of a contemporary significant in the life of a beginner in S/Korea and that is the sure way to earn a living. As seeds Abraham Isaac and Jacob we shall possess our possession in a foreign land and the lord has been so faithful to most of our members. Brother Enoch has been so faithful and the lord has been using him as a source of blessing to others. As a factory employee in S/Korea then, God has elevated him from the dept of the valley to the mountain top, from ordinary to extra ordinary person now. Someone who was regarded a a write off in the family is now an immense source of blessing. As a humble servant of God, he took a giant step and an astronomical rise to stardom. He is now an investor and the C.E.O of a famous company in S/Korea. God has blessed him with a wonderful wife and a bouncing baby boy. To His name be the glory.An "astronomical rise to stardom," indeed. Someone had a clever way with words despite the typos. I like that pun. Yet . . . Enoch's story sounds utterly implausible to me. Foreigners don't easily rise to positions of power here in South Korea, not even Westerners. But if this did happen to a Nigerian called "Brother Enoch" -- now a C.E.O. and all -- then we probably do need to acknowledge a genuine miracle. Be that as it may, after these words of inspiration comes an invitation:
Worship with the Winners at: Mountain of Fire & Miracles MinistriesThis fire mountain is located in Itaewon, which strikes me as odd, for I've noticed no volcanos in that area. Sunday worship service lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., which I find a bit excessive. But the church offers a lot for its members, e.g., an "Expectant Mothers Programmer." I'm not sure what that is, but it sounds rather technical and impressive.
Even more impressive: "Every Midnight We Have One Hour With God." And atheists still scoff! Oddly, however, this "Hour With God" has a scheduling conflict with something titled "Power Must Change Hands Programme," which takes place "From 12 Midnight - 2:am." Or perhaps the power changes hands at 1:00, when God has to leave.
This church seems to have its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, for I found this via Google:
MFM Ministries, Lagos, NigeriaBut be forewarned -- this site abruptly breaks into some loud music, so I didn't stay long enough to read the 'information'.
I therefore know nothing in particular about this church, but it seems to be preaching a variant on the so-called "Prosperity Gospel." Usually, the only ones who attain prosperity in such churches are the church leaders. The congregations, despite giving unstintingly to their church leaders, rarely seem to rise to that sort of wealth. I'm not sure why blessings don't trickle down.
But I don't want to end on a depressing note, so I'll add that there actually does exist some empirical data to support the belief that poor people who convert to Evangelicalism (and Pentecostalism) do indeed experience a rise in their standard of living, for they often adopt a more disciplined life, including more discipline in financial affairs. Believers would argue that God has a hand in that transformation, but no money drops from the skies.
Labels: Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism
posted by Horace Jeffery Hodges @ 5:08 AM
36 comments
36 Comments:
There are a number of depressing things in the so-called Christian realm.
One in particular is found on "Christian" radio and television programs. That is the constant pleading for funds, and, as noted in this blog, the promise that if you will only "send your gifts to me, God will financially reimburse you above and beyond your wildest dreams." Some of those who practice this style of programming become wealthy, and I have no respect for them whatsoever.
Hebrews chapter 11 speaks of many great heroes of the faith who had great victories in their life, then says, "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourging, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment; They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy;) they wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:36-40).
Don't be taken in by those greedy of filthy lucre, who steal from the flock with false promises.
Cran
Thanks, Uncle Cran, for the passage from Hebrews, which puts the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry into perfect perspective.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Mountain of fire and miracle ministry is where God answers prayer by fire.This is true testimony because i have experienced the awesomeness of God in the church.
Dr Biodun, I'm pleased to hear that the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry has met your needs, but I remain skeptical about the so-called 'prosperity gospel' and suspect that it's usually just a guise for taking advantage of gullible and desperate individuals, not helping them at all but taking money from their pockets instead.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Horace,
I would have loved U 2 attend just One service in this church 4 objectivity's sake. All U arrived at, I believe, is based on ur general perception of pentecostal churches.
Here in Nigeria, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministies undertakes a lot of welfare projects: Schorlaship 4 orphans and indigent students, rehabilitation of widows, drug addicts, ex-convicts, etc,.
Mrs Yemisi, Abuja
Mrs Yemisi, thanks for visiting. If what you say is correct, then I stand corrected about this church.
I don't have a general perception that Pentecostalism teaches a 'prosperity gospel', for some of my family are Assembly of God. My impression that the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry might teach this was based on the flyer that I received, which emphasized that God would automatically pour material blessings upon its members.
The work that you describe sounds rather different from the flyer from this Seoul-based MFMM church.
Again, thanks for visiting. By the way, I prefer "Jeffery."
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
MFM is a dynamic ministry that not only teaches the words of God but also transforms lives. It is a vibrant ministry that empowers believers to live a fuller life. Christ said the thief came to steal, to kill and to destroy but I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
It is not a church that levies or forces member to contribute finances to the church. They don’t even solicit for funds. The prayers and the teachings of MFM only help demonstrate that Gods words are potent like double -edged swords in the life of Christians. And that God still answers prayers. I have seen God hand doing wonders in peoples lives.
The Bible said, It shall come to pass in that day that the burden shall be lifted from off thy shoulders and the yoke from off thy neck. And the yoke shall be destroyed by the reason of the anointing. (Isaiah 10:27)
I have experienced personal deliverance from fears that Prozac or none of the SSRIs or SNRIs could handle. For the word of the Lord states, “The Lord hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of Love, and of a sound mind” ( 2nd Timothy 1:7)
I have seen Gods valiant right hand on my life that where once there was rejection, shame, trials and all sorts of problems, the Lord God almighty straighten everything out for me. I started experiencing favor that I didn’t even ask for every where I went that led to explosion of everything good, in all my affairs. God loves us. He cares about our salvation. He hears us when we prays. The Lord still honors his words. He still blesses us. It is true!
Let's be wary in casting aspersion on ministry that we don't fully know about.
Olabode, thank you for your comment.
My remarks were based on the flyer handed to me in Seoul, and the emphasis upon material benefits certainly looked suspicious to me. Possibly, the MFMM should check its Seoul branch to be sure about what is being preached there. Perhaps all is fine, though.
I am happy that you have been helped.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
i have gone to so many churches,which are bible believing churches,but from the day i came accross the mountain of fire and miracles ministries,i understood the true essence of the dynamism of GOD power in our present generation.
the prophetic decree about the taking over of pentecotalism is widely seeing in this church where the demonstration of GOD power is beyond human comprehension to the glory of GOD.
Whenever you attend any of this church programme it remind you of those days when pentecotalism was seriously booming,in cities,nations,goverments,etc around the world.
i pray that GOD will help this many to remain focus and grant them the ability to accomplish the task given to them by our lord,JESUS CHRIST. JEROME EMMANUEL HANEY-NIGERIA
Thank you, Mr. Haney. I hope that you are right about your church in all its branches throughout the world.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I am amazed that you two logged on but just a loud intro music detered you from going further, are you both believers? The lord is not against prosperity, there are members of that church that are the manifold blessings of God, be careful what you say concerning God's own, judge not that you will not be judged. Love God with all your heart. I advise you to log on back on the web site explore more and pray along. God bless.
Anonymous, loud music that would wake my family in the early morning does deter me.
As for your warning to "be careful what you say concerning God's own," you probably didn't intend that to come across the way that it sounds, for I'm sure that you wish to sound neither petulant nor threatening.
Moreover, how is one to identify "God's own" for certain?
You must admit that much fraud exists, even among churches, so I have learned to keep my guard up, especially when I'm hearing what sounds like a gospel of wealth.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Howdy, the mountain of fire and miracles is an end time apostolic revival ministry whose modus operandi has been adopted the world over the prayer rain a prayer book of the ministry is a best seller used and copied by almost all the serious ministers and ministries worldwide.
The ministries is interdenominatio
nal and into deliverance and prayer
The bible says ,'i wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospereth'.Prosperity is a relative term that is attitude and character biased,christianity is not a platfom or colony of beggars
however,Malachi3:10 states the pre-
requisite for Gods blessing, the word of God is power, to add to it
or remove is suicidal be careful!
Thank you Adeyinka Koyejo. You have undoubtedly provided food for thought. I am sure that you would agree that not all blessings are pecuniary ones.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I find Mountain of Fire's teaching that because Jesus had a star - the star of Bethlehem, so every christian has a star and it is the star of their destiny, and demons can seal you destiny by interfering with your star - alarming to say the least. I don't have to look any further than this to make a quick exit.
If you go to the 'Fire in the Word' section of the website, you will find this teaching.
That's interesting to learn. I've never heard such a doctrine before. It sounds like an attempt to integrate astrological beliefs with Christian theology -- the sort of thing that Medieval Christians did (but they had the excuse that astrology was considered 'scientific' at that time).
I'd go to the website to read more about it, but the last time that I visited there, the music was loud enough to wake the dead . . . or at least the people sleeping in a nearby room.
Anyway, thanks for the input.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
If you 'skip intro' it misses the music, they teach many other things that are extra-biblical but I would just advise not to take things at face value, there's a lot of craziness out there.
Thanks for the additional information.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I happened on this site, not really glad I did, but I have to say something before I go. There seems to be a glaring truth that absolutely NO ONE can dispute and yet, has not been addressed... Where there are speakers, THERE IS VOLUME CONTROL, and mute! Good Lord in heaven... How many times can you give the excuse of volume for not looking further into a ministry you continue to banter back and forth about?
If you are so concerned about Seoul's soul, then tell somebody who has the authority to do something about it, at least.
As a side note... That's why this country is in such trial, because people voice their complaints to a bunch of nobodys instead of speaking up in a meaningful way to the "powers that be" and choose to be a caytalyst for true and lasting change.
The Israelites murmmered and complained amongst each other and where did that get them in the end??
So what if two accented men came up to you with a flyer?? Did they flash you a membership card? Do you know for an absolute that these men were given authority to represent the church?
Go to Vegas, there are 20 guys to every street corner giving out flyer after flyer about this dancer and that strip club. I guarantee that the girls in the ad ARE MODELS! You are not going to see them at the club. Do you believe everything you read? For those idiots who look at the flyer and then go there thinking they are going to see her, you are an idiot! But, I'll tell you what.. at least they go to see for themselves and can walk out of there with the truth...YOU can not say as much. Who is the true idiot??
Don't believe everything you read and check the facts.."The idiot's guide to truth 101"
Dorin, volume control and mute are not always easy to find, and I don't like having to look for them while being subjected to blaring music.
As for bantering back and forth, I don't see much of that (if any) in my comments. I do try to respond to every commenter's post, and I attempt to do so respectfully, which is not always easy, especially when I receive hostile words, as sometimes happens.
I won't respond in detail to each of your points because most of them seem to have little to do with me particularly, nor do you seem to be defending the "Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry" specifically.
But I do wonder at the analogy that you've made between the church in question and a Las Vegas strip joint and your implicit advice that I check out both. You seem to imply that the flyer given out by the church and one given out by a strip joint are both equally dishonest. Perhaps so, but I don't have to enter a strip joint to know that I shouldn't enter a strip joint, so what conclusion do you expect me to draw from your comparison with this church?
But since you consider me an "idiot," then perhaps you expect me to draw the wrong conclusion.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
HI. BEFORE YOU CLICK ON THE WEBSITE, TRY TO REDUCE YOUR VOLUME (IT IS LOCATED IN ONE OF YOUR TOOLBARS). YOUR EXCUSE OF 'LOUD VOLUME IS PETTY', AS A GYPSY SCHOLAR, THE EXCUSE OF 'VOLUME' SHOULD NOT BE! I AM AFRAID IT IS TOO ‘FLIMSY’.BESIDES, IF YOU CAN MANAGE A BLOG, AT LEAST YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW TO MANAGE YOUR VOLUME. I JUST VISITED THE WEBSITE WITH MY VOLUME ON MUTE AND ALL WAS FINE. http://www.mountainoffire.org/fidw/index.html
THE FIRE AND THE ALTAR by Dr. D. K. Olukoya
Our message this week gives answers to many questions many people have been asking. It is called, “The Fire and the Altar.” In the book of 2 Chronicles 7, we see the story of a man who was great and wonderful when he was still on fire; a powerful man before he moved from the fire into the smoke. In that chapter as well, we read about the great move of God in his life when he was on fire. That man was Solomon. He built a mighty temple for the Lord and was burning for God so much that in verse 5, we see how his zeal for the Lord was at a high tempo. Let us see what he offered to the Lord on the day he dedicated the temple. 2 Chronicles 7: 5: “And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep; so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.” What a wonderful preparation. People were invited from all over the place for the dedication of the temple, which was one of the greatest architectural designs in history. It was a thing of pride to the Israelites, a building for which 20 cities in Israel were given to pay the debt incurred for its construction. 2 Chronicles 7:1- 2: “Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house.” Everything was set. The sacrifices were on the altar but something was missing, that was the fire. Immediately, the fire fell, the glory of the Lord followed. Beloved, the end of all things, including man’s occupation on earth, is coming. All the activities of man shall soon be brought to a halt. Very soon God will signal the last subject on His timetable. There are so many signs indicating this. There are prophecies in the Bible, which talk about these signs. All Bible prophecies will eventually end at the second coming of Christ. These prophecies are quite clear. Jesus is coming back. He will come for His own people. He will remove them from this sinking world and later; things begin to happen here. When He came the first time, it was as a lamb to take away the sins of the world. The world did all kinds of things to Him at that time. But His second coming will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. At His first coming, human beings looked at Him and concluded that He was not worthy to be alive. So, they nailed Him to the cross. He is going to come back with that cross-turned upside up, meaning that the cross will become a sword. He is coming back with a sword. He came the first time meek and gentle, riding an ass. But now, He is coming as a conqueror, riding a horse. He came at first as a servant in humility but He is coming back as a king in power. He came the first time as a Saviour to die, but He is coming back as a Judge to rule. A songwriter says, “The Lord is coming and the foundations of the earth shall shake.” He came the first time to wear the crown of thorns but He is coming back to wear His golden crown.
Anonymous, muting is something that I've never learned to do on this computer -- my Korean skills are too underdeveloped.
But to be frank about it, I prefer not to have to mute if I visit a website. If a website forces me to either endure music or mute it, I prefer to leave that website.
I feel the same way about pop-ups. I shouldn't be subjected to them if I don't request them -- just as I shouldn't be subjected to loud music unless I request it.
Also, I dislike cut-and-paste comments. Please refrain from that.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Oh, one other point -- reading a comment in all caps is an irritation to the eyes (and happens to look like shouting), so as a courtesy to your readers, use standard capitalization.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Hi Horace,
My advice to u would be for u to take out the time to visit the MFM branch in Seoul that have caused to make all these judemental comments on penticostal churches or any of their other branches. Seeing is believing and at least knowing the truth will set u free.
Out of the many churches and I have had the opportunity to worship with, MFM is one among the ones that I would always want to to go back to. It is one of the ones that never force u to give offerings or tithes. Like other ministeries, they teach u the importance of them all but dont duel on it.
It will not harm u to pay them a visit and get first hand information.
Would also advice u to invite uncle cran (who has put MFM in the Hebrew 11:36-40 perspective), who knows he may have a change of mind.
Uncle Cran does not have have the answer to ur ur salvation, ur salvation is between u and God. Work out ur salvation with God, the Father of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
I believe God is looking to use u so keep an open mind and aproach all things with a sincere mind.
May God give u the wisdome u need.(proverbs 8:11)
Thanks.
Tina, Cardiff
Thanks, Tina, for the comment.
My 'judgmentalism' -- as you call it -- (as well as Uncle Cran's) comes from years of observing individuals who claim that their hearts are filled with the spirit but whose pockets also seem to be filled with money. The gospel of wealth is a distortion of New Testament teaching, and the pamphlet that I was given emphasized that God would shower blessings of material wealth and worldly success. Hence my scepticism about the claims.
I don't make judgmental remarks about Pentecostal churches generally. See again my closing remarks.
(My Uncle Cran, by the way, is a Baptist minister and would not claim to be able to save anyone through his own power.)
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I am writing to all who have nicknamed the Gospel as "Prosperity Gospel" or "The Health, Wealth, Prosperity Gospel". It's a shame that these people have no knowledge of the Word of God and neither do they understand the heart of a loving Heavenly Father who gave His only begotten Son to save lost sinners not only from Satan, sin & death, but also from curses, sickness, poverty, fear and every other negative thing that is called a problem. I personally have found over 500 verses in the Bible that speak of prosperity, health and every other blessing. If you dont need prosperity, I dare you to give all that you currently possess to the poor and then wait till you'll have treasures in heaven. Do you have the courage to do it? Stop wasting time arguing and study the Bible to understand the love of God and His plans for you.
Look through the MFM website, study the teachings and the prayers there, you'll know what they are teaching.
Read Numbers 16 about how God defended Moses and opened the earth to swallow Korah, Dathan & Abiram & their families because the complained & rebelled against Moses. MFM is an anointed church of God and so is Pstr. Daniel the Chief Overseer. Dont invite the wrath of God by judging the anointed of the Lord.
Joyce Braganza - Mumbai
Ms. Joyce Braganza, thanks for the comment. My best response is to simply note that there are a good many good Christians who suffer great hardship, and I wouldn't assay their faith by the measure of material goods they have.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
am apostle kamili from Kenya, Africa i have loved to what you are doing un to Lord.i really need to hear much from you. my email adress is apostlekamili2dnations@gamail.com
God bless you.
Apostle, you must not have read my blogpost very carefully . . . unless I'm misreading your comment.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I stumbled on your blog this morning; I understand you met some Mountain of Fire members who handed you a flyer which said something about prosperity. You have to understand that prosperity does not just mean money or wealth. It included spiritual, Physical, financial and matrimony.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” 3 John 1:2 (kjv)
Prosperity means to be successful, to thrive, to be good at something, to grow, to increase, to make steady progress, to obtain something desired or intended, to achieve wealth, to be well to do, to flourish, and to have favorable outcomes. In Joshua 1:8, The Lord instructed Joshua to meditate on the Word of God so that he can be successful. In Psalm 122:6, David said God’s children should pray for the peace of Jerusalem to prosper. In Psalm 1:3 it says that those that are obedient to God will flourish and prosper.
There is nothing wrong with having or preaching prosperity; after all in Psalm 24:1 it is written: “the earth is of the Lord and fullness thereof”. From the beginning this was lost when Adam sinned but Jesus came and it says in 2nd Corinthians 8:9: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
God wants his children to prosper spiritually, financially, physically, and matrimonially. He DOES NOT want us to LOVE money for the love of money is the root of all evil (1st Timothy 6:10) and we SHOULD NOT TRUST money and become PROUD from it (1st Timothy 6:17) because this is what the Lord hates.
As for the elders in the work in the house of God, in 1st Timothy 5:17, they are promised a double blessing and honor for their labor; that’s why it seems that they sometimes have more than others. The kingdom of God is all about sowing and reaping (2nd Corinthians 9:7-11), we reap when we sow into it.
The Bible said give and it shall be given unto you good measure, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosom… (Luke 6:38 (KJV)). The Bible also said we should ask and it shall be given to us (Matthew 7:7, John 14:13, Luke 11:9 (KJV)). There are people who give amiss (grudgingly) (2 Corinthians 9:7-11) and ask amiss in James 4:23. That is the reason why some church members are not being blessed.
I understand that some churches today are after their own belly (Philippians 2:21). Jesus told us in John 6:27 not to labor for the meat that perisheth (earthly riches) but the meat that endures (the Word of God). But I can also tell you that Mountain of Fire Ministries and most Pentecostal churches leaders are not like some of the few church leaders that just want to acquire wealth for themselves.
The encounter was in 2008, so the event is somewhat faded in memory, but so far as I recall, the flyer emphasized material blessings.
These days, I am more concerned about the danger faced by members of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles church at the hands of jihadist groups like Boko Haram.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Please leave Horace alone, what he said in general cannot be denied,too many churches over emphasaise wealth acquisition over salvation which is the central theme of our faith
Thanks, Anonymous (though I actually go by "Jeffery").
My worries these days about members of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry is that they not suffer attacks by Boko Haram or other Islamist groups.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
It seems that just you and me who felt the same about this. All those others seem from the same gathering. I lost a friend to that mysterious religion. They won't admit that something about this belief is very similar to dubious churches. And it is an open secret that Pentecostal churches have a very nurturing ground in Africa. May be, but I doubt it's only that one in Korea, we are wrong. Fact is too much untrue stories told.
Thanks for the comment. I don't think we're the only skeptical ones.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Post a Comment
<< Home