But Hammond says his riches are a tool for the ministry.
His Porsche, for example, is a way of bringing people into the church, he says. Expensive clothes are also important, he says, because if he looks better, he preaches better.
Wealth is a way of spreading the gospel, he says.
What do you think about the prosperity gospel ministry — the idea that riches are a tool to spread the gospel, and that wealth can somehow be evidence of God's favor? Can it ever go overboard?
The abundance of money given by contributors or spent by preachers ascribing to the prosperity gospel is not the problem. The problem in this system of belief is the absence, or diminished prominence, of Christ.
There is only one gospel message, and it's simple and unchanging. Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose on the third day. Everyone who believes this good news (the meaning of the word "gospel") and personally receives Christ receives eternal life and eternal kinship with God, regardless of how much money He gives them.
Financial prosperity of itself is not condemned in Scripture, but like other blessings, it carries certain obligations. Rich believers are "not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." They must "do good...be rich in good works, [and] be generous and ready to share" (1 Timothy 6:17-18).
So if we find a wealthy church, or minister, who preaches Christ first, who exhibits humility, who trusts in God and not in money, who is generous, sharing and doing good with their abundance — let's thank God and find better battles to fight. If we find a church or minister who rejects these principles, let's find better ministries to support.
PASTOR JON BARTA
Valley Baptist Church
