Actually the correct translation of the passage is “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” This is the way it is said in the ASV and I never said anything differently. Money is not the problem it is the lust after money that is the problem.

I did not say that all in Word of Faith believe in the Latter Rain teaching and the new waves. Also understand that I am talking about much of your leadership not the victims of the leaders. The problem is that the leadership all come out of Word of Faith Bible schools so they all sound like clones and most teach the same errors.

I have nothing against Christians having wealth and using it for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. I have a problem with those who preach that if you give to their demonic or misguided organization that God has to give you a financial blessing.

The real error with Word-Faith is in their false presumptions. They pick and choose scriptures to fit their presumptions but their presumptions cannot be substantiated in the full light of all scripture. You find that in their worldview, their kingdom view, their prophetic view and in their health and prosperity view.

“what does jesus mean when he said the Children of darkness are more wise that the children of light?” you ask.

In context of the parable it means, you need to be a good steward and serve well on the earth for if you cannot be trusted to be a good steward of the earthly riches entrusted to you why would the Lord trust you with true spiritual riches? Some children of darkness are better stewards of earthly riches then are the Children of light. For example, a unbelieving billionaire like Warren Buffet giving away most of his money to help people while a believer does nothing to help anyone with their riches.

Jesus basically answered what all that was about near the end of His statement on that parable.

“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

I compare these general principals with what the book of Proverbs teaches about the things that tend to happen to the godly and ungodly.
For example, generally the honest and upright will prosper in their business affairs, but that does not guarantee that a particular person (even particularly virtuous one) will not suffer loss. Likewise, violent men tend to die violently, but not all do.

So I do not see scripture teaching a “formula” that godly people can or should use in order to prosper materially.

In fact, such a rigid set of principals with specific conditions and guaranteed outcomes, would work to support our materialistic tendencies, generally at the expense of relationship with God.

Scripture teaches that God does not have a problem with personal wealth in itself. He blessed many people both conditionally and unconditionally. But these material things, good as they may be, should not relegate God to second place in our lives.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy for our sinful natures to grasp-at and idolize our God-given blessings. As it is written “the love of money is the root of much evil.”

Jesus often warned people of the pitfalls of putting their faith in material blessings. At the same time, He encouraged people to store their treasure in Heaven where it cannot be lost or stolen, because our hearts would be wherever our treasure lay.

Knowing what I know of scripture and having His Spirit in me, I am convinced that the Word of Faith movement attempts to use God in an effort to achieve material prosperity here and now. It seems to me that prosperity is placed very high in their list of priorities, and that certain scriptures are used to support this emphasis.

Jesus pointed-out that God knows that we have needs, but that we should not “chase” them like the rest of the ungodly people do. Rather we should focus on God, His Kingdom, His righteousness, and when we do that, He will meet whatever needs we have.

In my case, circumstances are such that the lion’s share of “my” substantial income goes to taxes and the medical industry. I’ve asked God why, after all, I feel like a deadbeat because I’m always paying doctors and hospitals with Heaven being the light at the end of the tunnel. “Why God? I hate owing people money and you know that I want to be able to give more — it’s one of the ways You gifted me.” I’m coming to understand a few things: First, (and this just occurred to me) there is greater opportunity for Him to develop faith in me (and my family) through this grinding need to depend on Him, than if He simply healed my wife and son supernaturally. Second, my desire for the things of this world continues to diminish as I recognize that the only “things” that I might want lie on the other side of this life — all other things will eventually burn. Third, it is His income, not really mine, and knowing this helps me shift my priorities (if I had lots of disposable income, what would I do), and realize that my debt responsibilities are really in His hands too.

I hope this is helpful to someone.

Could you please clarify what you said (not the scriptures). Maybe I am just dense but I cannot follow you.

Pro 28:8

If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.

Ecc 2:26

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to anyone who pleases him. But to the person who continues to sin, he gives the job of gathering and collecting wealth. The sinner must turn his wealth over to the person who pleases God

Isa 45:2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
Isa 45:3

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel

It’s nice to see that side of myself validated by others as well as by scripture.

Nevertheless, I think these people will be successful in redefining Christianity to the rest of the world, as they drive the true Christians underground before the rapture.