Tags
accursed, anathema, Brian Houston, false, false prophet, false teacher, finances, Hillsong, Hillsong Church, money, will of god
Scriptures say:
“And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:27-30
The scriptures clearly teach that those who are called by God are those who believe in God and what He’s done through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul states that the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God so that we be conformed to the image of his Son. The scriptures also say:
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.” Romans 3:21-27
It is clear that a Christian is made right before God by faith alone in Christ’s righteousness alone. We are made right-standing with God by simply holding to our faith alone in Jesus Christ. If anyone preaches another message, the Apostle Paul says this:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9
If anyone preaches another gospel that is contrary to the gospel that the Apostles teach, Paul says let them be “accursed” (anathema). Those are incredibly strong words. So what would the Apostles think of Brian Houston?
Brian Houston says:
“Well, if we want to prosper, and we want all the right things to prosper in our life, by all means! I’ve personally, (and this is a big statement, and I know I’ve said it before), but personally, I don’t think you can be in the will of God and not put Him first in your finances. I think I make some people mad when I say it, but I actually believe it. I actually believe that you can’t be right with God if you don’t get that basic right. That foundation right.” – Brian Houston, Sermon: A Leaders Measure, http://www2.hillsong.com/podcasts/Brian%20Houston%20-%20A%20Leaders%20Measure.mp3: (21:34), 18/01/2008.
This is called salvation by works. If the Spirit is conforming us to the image of Jesus, then shouldn’t we view money the way Jesus did as “unrighteous wealth” (16:9,11) and “deceitfulness of riches” (Mark 4:19)?
The truth is that we cannot serve God and money. Brian Houston would agree with this statement and has often stated this in the past. But for some reason Brian Houston sees no problem linking one’s finances to one’s salvation, that is: being made right with God. It is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible for Brian Houston to keep teaching at all if he personally believes this. After reading Galatians 1:6-7, according to the Apostle Paul Brian Houston is “accursed” (anathema) for preaching another gospel that truly is no good news at all.
If someone is an ‘anathema’, that means God has set a certain someone apart for cursing and for destruction. God has set that person apart to be destroyed. As various lexicons and concordances say, “devoted to destruction”. This is a serious statement made by Paul the Apostle.
What is worse with the above statement is that Brian Houston knows that his personal beliefs “make some people mad”. Do you think that the Apostles would be mad about Brian Houston’s beliefs? Do you think the early apostles would be happy that the church has done nothing to correct this man’s dangerous beliefs?
Believers are right standing with God and are IN the will of God because they BELIEVE in Jesus, not because they put God first in their finances. Our faith in Christ alone is THE foundation because Christ is the object, the center of our faith. The cornerstone. According to Brian Houston, the foundation is putting God first in your finances. That salvation by works.
Please pray for both Brian Houston and the Hillsong Movement. This is a serious conundrum that the church must deal with.
EDIT: People might want to hear more of what Brian Houston said above. Hear is what he said in the greater context.
“Well, if we want to prosper, and we want all the right things to prosper in our life, by all means! I’ve personally, (and this is a big statement, and I know I’ve said it before), but personally, I don’t think you can be in the will of God and not put Him first in your finances. I think I make some people mad when I say it, but I actually believe it. I actually believe that you can’t be right with God if you don’t get that basic right. That foundation right.
But on top of that, some people, they are legalistic tithers. It’s like a bondage in their life. They’re thinking they’re not planted in living water. So their thinking is so… Basically they’re building on one hand and tearing down with another.
And so let’s make sure that we’re… yeah… we’re putting God first. But also let’s make sure that what is in us; our delight, where we’re planted, our meditation; is leading towards the right things prospering in our lives. I had resonated onto my spirit, since I was five years of age, that I wanted to build- I wanted to be a part of the kingdom of God… … …
That’s the thing that has been in my spirit all my life. And I believe I’ve done much, much more. But that’s what’s prospering in my life- but it’s a combination of things. Over the years, it’s just making sure that you delight, and that your meditation, and where you’re planted is lining up with that thingthat’s in your spirit… … …
… So I just really want to encourage you: whatever we do does prosper. It’s not the measure someone else used that ultimately determines where our life ends up, it’s the measure we use. You have something happen that is not fair, that wasn’t right, that wasn’t just, it actually doesn’t have to be the measure that determines your life.
I mean theirs the inspiring stories of people who end up in wheel-chairs that do incredible things for God because they didn’t let somebody else’s measure, (the person who hit them from the side drunk driving). They actually didn’t let that person determine ultimately what prospered in their life. And if someone in that kind of situation is able to keep the right things prospering in their life, how much more can you and I? How much more?
So lets really decide that our delight, our meditation and our planting is going to cause all the right things to prosper in us. Don’t be down on yourself if you find yourself entertaining the wrong kind of thinking. Because you’re just doing the exact thing that I said: you are allowing the wrong things to prosper. Don’t be down on yourself, but also don’t accept it. Challenge it and replace it with the word of God. And it’s an active choice to do that.” – Brian Houston, Sermon: A Leaders Measure, http://www2.hillsong.com/podcasts/Brian%20Houston%20-%20A%20Leaders%20Measure.mp3: (21:34), 18/01/2008.
Hillsong Church Watch 
It is a shame that so many people are fooled by Houston and his Xfactor (Church)performance.That people would rather choose to believe a man ,than God himself.Don’t suppose he would be game enough to make certain comments if he only had a cupple of hundred bucks to his name.Didn’t someone once say that humility comes before honor?Where then does financial Vanity fit into the result of Faith in Christ?
Errr – I don’t think Mr Houston is talking about salvation at all here – but about being in the will of GOd as a saved person. I am not a Hillsong fan and I’m not defending him – just saying that I think your comments about salvation are out of context.
Mr Houston says,
” but personally, I don’t think you can be in the will of God and not put Him first in your finances. I think I make some people mad when I say it, but I actually believe it. I actually believe that you can’t be right with God if you don’t get that basic right. That foundation right.”
Mr Houston clearly believes that he will be right before God by his careful observation of a particular giving law.Apparently it is his foundation. If one could be right with God by tithes and offerings,then Christ died for nothing.If a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.(Gal 3)
10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
16Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.(1 Corinthians 3)
I know you are there, Mr. Joel” A……..!”
So, what then is your discourse.(in all sincerity and in good faith)
(The quality or condition of being sincere; genuineness, honesty, and freedom from duplicity.)
Sounds like a feel good crusade!
I know you are there J.A.!
“Errr – I don’t think Mr Houston is talking about salvation at all here – but about being in the will of God as a saved person. I am not a Hillsong fan and I’m not defending him – just saying that I think your comments about salvation are out of context.”
Can you name someone who has put God first in their finances so they could be deemed worthy to be in Gods will OR be made right-standing before God?
Hello there. I am really curious about finding out true doctrine on salvation by works, and true salvation through Jesus alone. I am prone to works – I need a huge revelation on how to receive it through Jesus alone. I know I should read the Word, but I have and I am still confused. I am trying so hard to do what I should. I know that maybe that is my problem. I just want to know the truth and what God really wants from me. I am beginning to spend as much time with Him as possible. Please point me toward websites and literature that will help me. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Interestingly, I think God just revealed this to me. I can only be saved by Jesus Himself, not through anything I do. I must trust in Jesus Himself to save me from my sin. It sounds silly to me now that I didn’t get it before, it is really very simple. Thank you if any of you prayed for me. This will make it much easier for me now! I am going to check out some of those books on the left over there! I am excited! 🙂
“Interestingly, I think God just revealed this to me. I can only be saved by Jesus Himself, not through anything I do. I must trust in Jesus Himself to save me from my sin. It sounds silly to me now that I didn’t get it before, it is really very simple.”
It is that simple. We are so happy for you j’sgirl. Those books on the left combat the heresies or false ministries that are out their in Christendom. Maybe look at them later.
First and foremost, we would like to encourage you to stay dedicated to the bible. Because of this grace revelation on salvation on Christ alone, we recommend you stick to the bible. You should discover things you have not seen until now.
We encourgae you to read Galatians. We woul strongly recommend the radio programs. An easy (and entertaining one) to start with is Chris Rosbrough’s fighting for the faith. His program is to grow people in biblical discernment and to test what people are saying in the name of God to the Word of God.
He is a great teacher that teaches all listeners to hold on to grace and faith alone through Christ alone through the scriptures alone.
Once again, we are excited for you.
Thank you! I am looking forward to learning a lot. I know I will. Really glad I found your website. God is already teaching me how His strength is made perfect in weakness, and that He can be that for me in every temptation! I am already picking up on some important wisdom! I will read Galatians, and I will listen to Mr. Rosbrough’s sermon. Also – while I am here I will ask – is it possible for you to tell me of a decent church in the North Texas area? (Dallas/Ft. Worth) – I really need to find one if you know of one. I hope God rewards you greatly for your website.
“is it possible for you to tell me of a decent church in the North Texas area? ”
Most staff on this site are in Australia. We are now looking in your area for a good church. We’ll get back to you on this as soon as possible.
To j’sgirl. You are in our prayers. This verse came to mind.
“Then they [the disciples] said to him [Jesus], “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” – John 6:28-29
Wow….thank you! I don’t mean to glorify you guys, but I don’t think I have ever met anyone who actually cared about my walk with God that much! Thanks so much for praying for me – I will pray for you guys too! And that Scripture is such a blessing! Thanks for sharing that! I will think on it – and want to hear something really cool? There are some things that I have been praying for deliverance for for years, and He is now delivering me. Simply by putting my trust in Jesus alone! All you have to do is repent and let it go (sin) and trust in Jesus to be what you need Himself! (Sorry – I am really excited about this!) I’ll keep checking back to see what you suggest!
If we don’t put God first in our finances, what or who are we putting first?
Can you explain who else or what else we would put first in our finances?
Surely, to be in the will of God we put Him first in everything.
Or can we put God second or third or last in our finances and still be in His will?
And what happens to us if we do anything which is not according to His will?
Aren’t we admonished to do all things as onto Christ?
“Surely, to be in the will of God we put Him first in everything.”
The verse we posted above is applicable to your comment.
“Then they [the disciples] said to him [Jesus], “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” – John 6:28-29
Surely to be in the will of God, one must simply believe. If Brian simply taught that we can be in the will of God by putting God first in our finances, then this is a minor issue. The bible does say we can do things according to His will.
But Brian Houston ties the ‘will of God’ and putting God first in our finances to his belief “that you can’t be right with God if you don’t get that basic right. That foundation right.” Houston is saying we can’t be in the will of God if can’t we get “that foundation right.” This is salvation by works. Christ is the foundation not our money. As the Apostle Paul says:
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-12
This is similar to Pastor Phil Pringle from C3 Church who believes that once someone is to be a Christian, they are to give their lives to be tithers. Both have this in common: the false prosperity gospel. They cannot separate God and money. And it is to their own personal benefit that they tie money to God’s salvation, God’s will and God’s blessing. Thid is what is wrong with Brian Houston’s statement. He personally expressed what he actually believes in spite of making people angry. People are angry with his view because it’s not a Christian belief. It’s heretical.
@ churchwatcher,
Surely to be in the will of God, one must simply believe.
The devil believes! Is he in the will of God?
We are not saved by works, but works demonstrate our faith. James tells us that our faith must be confirmed by our actions. faith without works is dead.
I can believe and not do the will of God. But if I am a true follower of Christ I will obey His commands. I am not saved by works, but my works confirm my salvation.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
We are saved by accepting Jesus as Lord. We are disciples through our obedience to the Master.
Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Is that not what Ps Houston is saying in regard to our finance also?
I do not read into it that he is saying that honouring God with our finances is the way to be saved, or that it is the foundation of salvation, so you seem to be changing what he is saying to claim salvation by works.
He is saying that a foundational truth is to be in the will of God. Well, Paul has said so in the scripture above. We are to be transformed to be in the will of God. This would include in our financial dealings.
@churchwatcher,
And it is to their own personal benefit that they tie money to God’s salvation, God’s will and God’s blessing.
Can you explain what you mean by this?
“Can you explain what you mean by this?”
This explains it pretty well:
“The devil believes! Is he in the will of God?”
Ah, the old “But you must have works as well!” line that is invariably peddled by pseudo-Christians with a particular legalistic barrow to push. It’s not a case of you must have works if you believe, but that you *will* have works – because true faith leads to a change of behaviour.
What Brian is doing is concentrating on one particular aspect of behaviour (giving), rather than pointing his listeners towards Christ, who can save them, and so make the inside of the bowl clean – transforming not just their attitudes to money, but their entire lives.
Brian is incorrectly concentrating on the effect, rather than the cause – and he is doing this because he is a greedy, self-serving and manipulative impostor. Of course, “Ethel Lumbo” doubtless already knows this, but would never admit as much.
Thanks, c3churchwatcher, but I could not directly connect that video clip to your statement.
Am I correct in assuming that you seem to be saying that they take donated money for themselves and not for church projects, which would not be ethical? Do you have proof of this?
One would think that, if they do take a salary from their church, which is perfectly normal, it would be by arrangement with their board, and not the actual entirety of the offering. Do you know what they are being paid?
I had heard that these pastors had ceased taking a salary from their churches. Do you have evidence that this has changed?
Mr Zorro, is there any non-semantic difference between ‘must’ and ‘will’ when it comes to the evidence of a person’s faith?
Jesus said ‘you must be born again’. How is that different to ‘you will be born again’ in terms of the cause and effect?
James 2
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
So, if I say I will do some thing but I do not do it, is my faith demonstrated, or merely my will?
Surely it is my action which demonstrates my will.
I might have all the will in the world to be saved, as Jesus says, but if I do not receive Jesus as Lord through faith and confession I will not be saved.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10
“Am I correct in assuming that you seem to be saying that they take donated money for themselves and not for church projects, which would not be ethical?”
Can you please define what you mean by “donated money”, “church pojects” and “ethical”? This can help us answer your question.
Well, c3churchwatcher, you said, ‘it is to their own personal benefit that they tie money to God’s salvation, God’s will and God’s blessing’, so perhaps you can explain which money is tied to their personal benefit, and what that benefit is.
Do you have figures as evidence to back your claims?
I take it that it must be money donated in some fashion by people who give into their offerings, which would normally be attributed to the stewardship of the local church, and is the normal practice, or are you not aware of the reason churches receive offerings to further their work?
If, as you seem to be claiming in the video clip, this money is taken forcibly by the pastors exclusively for their personal use, this would be seen as ethical, since it is generally understood that collections should be for the operational costs of maintaining a meeting place, staff, operational expenses, missions projects and outreach.
One would have to wonder, if the money only goes for the benefit of the pastors concerned, how the churches and their ministries are financed.
But I’m sure you must be aware of this, because it is standard practice for local churches, so why are you not qualifying your claim that the tithe or offering, whether anyone theologically accepts it or not, is for the sole benefit of the pastors mentioned in your comment?
2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
Titus 3:4-5
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
1 Corinthians 12:6
and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Romans 9:16
So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
Romans 9:11
though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—
John 6:65
And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
John 3:27
John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
James 1:16-18
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
John 6:45
It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me
Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Thank you, Mr EYES, for reminding us that we are saved by grace through faith alone. That is wonderful, and I concur.
The truth is, though, that whilst we could never be saved by works, we are, indeed, saved for works, which, as James points out, demonstrate our faith.
Ephesians 2
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
I like the way the AMP version presents James 2.
20 Are you willing to be shown [proof], you foolish (unproductive, spiritually deficient) fellow, that faith apart from [good] works is inactive and ineffective and worthless?
21 Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac?
22 You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works.
23 And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God’s will in thought and deed), and he was called God’s friend.
24 You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes].
25 So also with Rahab the harlot—was she not shown to be justified (pronounced righteous before God) by [good] deeds when she took in the scouts (spies) and sent them away by a different route?
” saved for works ”
I think i know what you’re try to saying.
But the word ‘saved’ and ‘works’ are both VERBS. And ‘faith’ is a noun. So being ‘saved’ is the work.So by faith we do…
“From Brian Houstons Own Lips Hillsong Church Watch” ended up being genuinely enjoyable and educational!
In the present day universe that is very difficult to achieve.
Thank you, Basil