it’s been a great blessing to see you come forward asking the KCM(Kenneth and Gloria), and Creflo and Taffi Dollar to repent of the error of their ways. We are in the ‘endtime days’, sad to see dishonor among preachers entrusted with sharing God’s word to a ‘last-days’ generation. I couldn’t bear to listen to the post by a homosexual male on the BBC(clip from Youtube), covering the dishonesty.
The Hinn’s divorce is certain to expose the waste of their donors contributions.

I’ve listened on occasion to KCM, never sent in any funds. I saw John Stossel’s report on t.v., and though I like the Copelands, I disliked seeing their home.
It’s the end. The Telegraph.co.uk suggested yesterday that the Antichrist (Monte Judah article reveals 666) should run for MP and not become king. He will, he does, and unexpectedly becomes head of the E.U.
It’s the end.

I will keep you in my prayers. I will be praying for the Dollars and the Copelands. Repentance is a GOOD thing. Here’s one of my favorite verses, Romans 2:4 ‘Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.’

Gail

Rich Reply: Thanks, Gail. I appreciate both your prayers and your encouragement. Repentance is certainly a GOOD thing; the more Christians who realize that fact, apply it to their own lives first, and then within their prayers and conduct towards those in sin, the better the Church will become. Then, instead of being the laughingstock of the world (i.e. because of the sin and obvious fraud we put up with) we will earn their respect by showing ourselves able to bring correction to those who obviously need it. -Rich

I guess it is to be expected, but our increased exposure regarding our KennethCopelandBlog.com project has greatly increased the number of questions coming in about the Copelands to this page. Questions about their house…their family…even one question about KCM’s similarities to Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme! (Oi ve.)

I know I have answered some questions previously (below), but frankly this page was not intended to be a bulletin board for Copeland discussions. Additionally, I clearly stated in the About page of that blog, and within some of the videos, that we do not want to field a bunch of questions about the Copelands and their personal habits. So respectfully, I am going to refrain from answering most Copeland questions from this point forward on the Ask Rich page. (I reserve the right to make an exception, of course.)

Any further questions posted here might be answered eventually on KennethCopelandBlog.com itself, however, especially in the FAQ page. So if you have a question, we are not forbidding you from asking. However, we are going to refrain from filling up this Ask Rich page with any more material that is better suited for that website. Thank you all for understanding.

Media persons can still contact me by our Contact page to discuss these issues. We have received media requests for comment/information before, and will continue to answer those to the best of our ability.

Now…if you have any questions on ANY topic non-specific to the Copelands, please feel free to post that question here. In accordance with the rules set out at the top of this page, we will do our best to answer you query.

Always in Jesus,

-Rich

Rich Reply: A very good note, Peter. Thanks for the input and your experience-based personal perspective. May God’s manifold blessings abound to you and your wife, as you both continue to follow Jesus and His Word with all your hearts.

Otherwise, a more cynical person might be tempted to think that “COMING SOON” “COMING SOON” “COMING SOON” is just a way to make it look like you know more than you do and Kenneth is worse than you make him out to be.

Awaiting a swift reply,
Dave

Rich Answer: Excellent question, Dave. Fairly comprehensive answers to your query may be found on the new FAQ page of KennethCopelandBlog.com, especially under topics 1 & 2. Of course, there is additional clarifying information under the other topics as well, so please review that FAQ page in its entirety.

Always in Jesus,

-Rich Vermillion

UPDATE: The KennethCopelandBlog.com project is now being more fully populated with information. Please review that website’s Table of Contents page for more information.

I partially agree with you in your point (that is, as I understand your expressed perspective). This verse is often pushed to extremes by so-called “prosperity” teachers, in that they take it out of the context of the entire Bible and make it into a carnal pursuit of earthly riches. Kenneth E. Hagin himself wrote in his book The Midas Touch that such misuse of Scripture by the “extreme prosperity” teachers was in error. He, like you, pointed out that it is erroneous to believe that financial/material “prosperity” (as it is often thought to mean extreme material riches and opulence) is for all Christians. That is wrong, for surely Paul (as I pointed out in my article above) knew what it was like to experience hardship. So please do not take my point out of that context, because I do agree with you (and Kenneth E. Hagin) that “opulent riches” are NOT for every Christian in every time and in every place. Any cursory review of church history would prove that to be a foolish doctrine, especially in the light of much of the New Testament. Hebrews 11:32-40, for example, emphasized the faith of people “of whom the world was not worthy.” What did they do? They were willing to live in caves, to suffer lack, and to be persecuted unto death for their faith and service to the Lord God Almighty.

On the other hand, I cannot agree with you that 3 John 2 was not meant to be a clear indication of the apostle’s (and thus, God’s) desire to see the brethren “prosper” in the clearly biblical sense (i.e. not indicating necessarily “opulence”).

The Greek word used in this passage is euodóō (Strong’s #2137). James Strong said it means, “to help on the road, i.e. (pass) to succeed in reaching; fig. to succeed in business affairs.” Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D., says in The Complete Word Study Dictionary (NT) further explains that it means, “To lead in a good way, to prosper in one’s journey. Figuratively, to make prosperous, to give success to.” Does God our Father wants us to “succeed” in our Christian journey here upon the earth? I think most would answer a clear “yes” in light of Scripture. Thus, it is obvious by His choice of this Greek word within this passage that He surely wishes to express to us that He wants to equip us adequately for our mission here upon the earth, to include good physical health as well as material and financial resources.

Let me note here that Dr. Zodhiates agrees with you and your source citation that it was a standard greeting in 3 John 2 and not a promise from God that Gaius would forever be in health and overflowing in riches, “It was rather the wish of the writer in the same manner in which we write a letter saying, ‘I hope you are well and prosperous, having all your needs met.” Nevertheless, let me first focus your attention on the fact that John’s well-wishing was conditional: As your soul prospers. That does not appear to be a part of a standard opening greeting. How many people place conditions on their well-wishing, unless inspired by the Spirit of God to do so?

Consequently, let me point out that I think we can all agree here (Dr. Zodhiates and Gordon D. Fee included) that John was writing Scripture and not merely a letter to his friend. Thus, we would by necessity have to all also agree that his well-wishing for Gaius was inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself and not merely by his own sentiment. If so—and since God is no respecter of persons—then this desire of the Holy Spirit for Gaius’ well-being would have to apply to all of God’s children and not just this particular individual. Thus, this passage in 3 John 2 does provide us a proof of God’s general desire for our success, health, and well-being as Christians (but again, not necessarily opulence), as long as the Christians meet the same condition that the Holy Spirit placed within this epistle—namely, that our souls prosper first.

Furthermore, when you review 3 John 2 in the light of Scriptures found in other places of the NT (such as Philippians chapter 4, 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9, and Jesus’ own teaching in places like Matthew 25, & etc.) and in the passages of the OT that surely apply also to Christians (such as Deuteronomy 26 & 28, Psalm 23, & etc.) and we can clearly see that God DOES surely want to prosper His children in general, and His obedient servants in particular (note Isaiah 1:18-20). Anybody who denies that fact has to deny a considerable number of passages within the Bible, and not just 3 John 2. In fact, if you compare the first two chapters of Genesis (i.e. prior to man’s sin and fall) with the last two chapters of Revelation (i.e. after everything has been fully restored to God’s intended pristine state) you will clearly see that God’s intention has always been the full and complete prosperity of His people–spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, socially, and every other way. Sin, poverty, sickness, misery, despair–all these are a direct result of Adam’s transgression and Satan’s work. Remember: Jesus came to “destroy all the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8) and that clearly includes all the aforementioned vexations and curses, for they never existed before man’s fall, nor shall be after the devil is thrown into the Lake of Fire forever.

Again, you and I–and the above folks mentioned–all agree (and, again, even Kenneth E. Hagin agreed) that the so-called “prosperity” dogma that purports that God “promises” opulent wealth for all his children is foolish, erroneous, and unbiblical. I assume we could probably all agree that this error has been pushed by some (including Kenneth Copeland) to the point of being heresy, in that it detracts from and distorts other portions of Scripture that deal with proper Christian living in this life (e.g. personal sacrifice, self-control, obedience to God, etc.). That said, I also hope we all agree that our Heavenly Father is not negligent for the care of His own children–as any good father would surely not be (note 1 Timothy 5:8)–and that he wishes us to prosper and be well “on our journey” of Christian faith through this temporal life, even as we travel to the eternal Celestial City…as our dear brother John Bunyan described in Pilgrim’s Progress to the glory of God’s grace.

So in summary: I agree that the so-called “prosperity teachers” have grossly distorted 3 John 2 into something that it does NOT say (and I hope the full context of my article above validates that I do not see it that way, especially in the light of this addition of mine to your comment). I do NOT agree (if you meant this, or if your cited sources meant this) that 3 John 2 does not express God’s heartfelt desire to see His children prospered in their earthly life’s journey (i.e. having sufficient food, clothing, shelter, and resources with which to provide to their families) and in their earthly service to Him and His Kingdom (i.e. having sufficient material “grace” with which to abound “unto every good work” on behalf of the brethren…see 2 Corinthians 9:8-15).

So I believe it is clear that 3 John 2 DOES provide the sincere Christian comfort in knowing that his/her Heavenly Father wants him/her to do well, and to have his/her needs met (materially, financially, and even in regards to their health) here on earth. I do NOT believe (and the Scriptures prove this to be so) that it promises “perfect health at all times” (for Paul did not experience that, nor did some of the people referenced in his epistles) nor “opulent riches” and material abundance (though some Christians will experience that if their calling so requires that degree of resources). God does heal people today, and I have not only been healed myself supernaturally at different times, but I have also seen His healing power raise up even the terminally ill under my own ministry. God does prosper His children today, and I have experienced His provisional grace many times and know others who have as well. The Word of God works for those who believe it with sincere hearts of faith and love towards God. God does NOT, however, promise a life of luxury or permanent freedom from attacks of sickness.

Again, thank you for commenting in general, but also especially for providing documentation to support your position. I hope that my further documentation of the Greek word in question, 3 John 2’s context, and references to other Scriptures, clarify my own position adequately; and should your position have been different than my own which I expressed here, I trust that I also provided you with further resources with which to refine your own understanding of this passage in 3 John 2 (and others Bible passages similar thereto).

Always in Jesus,

-Rich Vermillion

“Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifies” the beloved Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV). If anyone was in possession of enough spiritual knowledge to be “puffed up” thereby, it was Paul. Thus, his words need to continue to be a reminder to the rest of us that we certainly have no sound reason to glory…except ONLY in the Lord. So true, my siblings. Thanks.

Lastly, thank you also for your sincere “amen” to that which I have written above. For nearly two thousand years the Body of Christ emphasized devotion to the Lord, and that material blessings were to be esteemed lightly in comparison with the promised Heavenly rewards for those who are faithful “to Him who called them.” Consequently, whenever material prosperity was taught it was generally expounded upon within the light of hard work, honesty, and applied biblical wisdom; and again, even then only within the context of submission to the Lord, His Word, and devotion to His service.

Thought it was certainly good for the “prosperity teachers” in times past to remind the Church that the Lord wants to bless His people, they have certainly pushed that truth beyond scriptural boundaries and into error/excess (which Kenneth E. Hagin also warned them concerning before he died). Thus, it is certainly time for the members of the Body of Christ to return to biblical balance regarding these truths; to turn their backs on covetousness and refocus their eyes and hearts once again towards eternal things.

Again, thanks for writing.

Always in Jesus,

-Rich

It is so nice, Paul and Rachael, to have siblings from Scotland stop by and chat here on my blog.

I have not heard of Jacab Prasch or his teaching personally, but I will Google around and check him out now that you have brought him to my attention.

Regarding Copeland’s Kabbalah teaching (also spelled “Cabala” and other ways) Kenneth Copeland sat down for nearly eight hours one day with one Mr. Dan Stratton back in 2006 (who is an admitted and unrepentant member of the satanic cult known as the Skull and Bones). Copeland was personally taught blasphemous things by that practicing Kabbalah-ist regarding the Hebraic names of our Lord. Copeland subsequently began teaching this garbage himself publicly, and has since looked to this same perverted man at other times for additional “insights” (e.g. even during his public teaching as he consulted the man, who was sitting in the audience). I am sure there have been other times additionally beyond those of which I have direct knowledge.

Copeland has also publicly “endorsed” this same admitted member of a known satanic cult as an “apostle” when he proph-e-lied over him at the 2007 DC Victory Campaign in the Friday night service. Kenneth and Gloria Copeland (in conjunction with pastors George and Terri Pearsons) have repeatedly allowed him to “teach” at Eagle Mountain International Church (EMIC) as well.

Obviously, Copeland has strong connections with this false-apostle…but his connections are also with Stratton’s fellow cult members. These facts can be documented by video of several services and BVOV broadcasts, but also via Copeland’s own KCM website. Take special note thereon of all the search instances that reference Dan Stratton and Doug Wead (who is a surrogate of the Skull and Bones for many years through the Bush family).

Thus, the depravity of Kenneth Copeland and his family is quite extreme, but I am hopeful not beyond the reach of God’s grace if they will simply repent. Of course, that brings me to the very purpose of our own Copeland-redemption project, KennethCopelandBlog.com, wherein we are “calling on the man, his family, and his ministry…to simply repent.”

You can learn more about Mr. Stratton and how I know him from my post entitled, Comments About ‘Bonesman’ Stratton, here on this blog. There is extensive discussion on Stratton’s public teaching of Kabbalah in the commentary below that article. That will help you understand from whom Copeland was primarily influenced this blasphemous direction. My article The REAL Gospel also helps to give further clarity regarding what the Bible says about these matters.

Thanks again for commenting and posting your question here on the “Ask Rich” page. Blessings to you both there in Scotland, as you continue to follow the True Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with all your hearts.

Always in Jesus,

-Rich