T.D. Jakes and the Rich Fool

 

 

In a recent Washington Post story, author Sally Quinn  asked of Bishop T.D. Jakes,

 Is he happy? Satisfied?

She then proceeded to answer the question
 

Why wouldn't he be? This is the fabulous Bishop T.D. Jakes. Neo-Pentecostal preacher of the famous mega-church Potter's House in Dallas. He is a best-selling author, TV personality and head of TDJ Enterprises, which produces books, music and films. His church now has more than 30,000 members and when he last preached in Atlanta he drew more people than Billy Graham ever has. He lives in a mansion, drives a fancy car and wears sharp clothes. He is very, very big, literally and figuratively. 

 

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: Luke 12:16

Jakes admitted, “I am becoming satisfied," he says finally. "I feel like I have little to prove and none to impress. I'm starting to settle in like a bear in a cave in winter. I'm a lot more comfortable in my own skin than I used to be. I'm finding my own sweet spot and I'm enjoying these years." 


And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry
. Luke 12:19


Now that Jakes is satisfied with his many accomplishments and “more comfortable in his own skin” what does he plan to do with the rest of his life? Well it seems he plans to “reposition” himself to accomplish even more.

This is what he recommends -- for you and for me, for all of us. This is at the heart of his latest book, "Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits."


And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods
. Luke 12:18 


Jakes continues his discourse impressing Ms. Quinn with deep reflections such as the following.

“Most people I encounter, they're not happy,"…………….. And we're acting like it doesn't matter. Either they're in debt or their relationships are not going well." The reason, he says, is that "we get stuck, we get trapped, either we have economic demands, or we need to fit in, or we have too many expectations for ourselves. We're enslaved, we're imprisoned by decisions made 20 years ago” 


Imprisoned by the decisions of our past! Is this really the root of our problems Bishop, or could it be something else? Perhaps we are enslaved not by our past decisions but by our wicked depraved hearts. Maybe it is sin that holds us captive and keeps us from being “happy” in life.

And could it be that the answer to our deepest problems is not a life of self fulfillment but a lifestyle of self denial?

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mat 16:24

Read through the entire interview and you will not find one mention of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact the only mention of Jesus at all comes from Quinn herself who seems not the least intimidated by the god of T.D. Jakes.

There are no lowered eyelids, deep breathing or heavy sighs when he talks about God, Jesus or the spiritual. Instead, he's jolly and mischievous…………


This is the church of Laodicea in all its glory.  The greatest preachers of our age are men of renown due to their fabulous wealth, their worldly accomplishments, and the fact that they are “jolly and mischievous” when speaking of the Almighty God. 


And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God
. Luke 16:15


Oh God deliver us from men like these, men of the world who have their portion in this life. We are friends with the world and have become enemies to you. We worship at the altar of Baal seeking fame and fortune and have reaped poverty of spirit and blindness of soul. Open our eyes Oh Lord. Open the eyes of our brethren who have bought into this lie. Make every hidden thing manifest. Let us see the true condition of our hearts that we may repent and serve you in spirit and in truth.

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Steve Lumbley 2007  AppostasyWatch
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