This even affects what the gospel is. Giving an exposition on Lk 4:18. “Now here's what Jesus is trying to do over here in Luke. Go back to Luke, Chapter 4:18. Here's what Jesus wants to show us. This anointing is available to deliver whoever is without. Wherever you need to be made whole, the Gospel is the Good News about the power of God on Jesus to make you whole and get you out of your poverty, whether it's poverty in health or poverty in a blind money or poverty in money. This anointing is ready to deal with poverty. This anointing is ready to remove the burden and destroy the yoke. So, honey, you can be healthy tonight and you can be, you have your eyesight and you're able to walk, but you ain't got no money in your pocketbook, I'm telling you this anointing is ready to put some money in your pocketbook because He's ready to remove the burden of lack.” (TBN July 20, 1999)

Creflo makes this even clearer by emphatically stating “What is the gospel to the poor? It is prosperity!” (Creflo Dollar, TBN, Praise-A-Thon April 1, 2001)

When Jesus sent the disciples out to do ministry he said “He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff-- no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts--but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics” (Mark 6:8-9). He sent them out looking like regular people learning to be God dependent. At His last night with them before his death-- Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one” (Luke 22:36). Certainly if they were rich they would not need to sell a garment to buy a sword, nor would Jesus say he who has a money bag to carry it with them, for they all would have one.

Poverty is not a spirit anymore than riches are a spirit. In fact,  neither is caused by a spirit, but wanting to be rich is a desire from the flesh, our fallen nature. No apostle told the church to desire riches they actually taught not to. And they certainly did not chastised them for being in poverty, they had compassion on them and used whatever money they had to help them. Even King David prayed not to be poor that he would have to beg, but he also prayed not be rich that he would forget his God. Words of wisdom to some who will listen to the Bible.

Jesus said to the church of Smyrna (suffering) Rev 2:9 “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich).” That is spiritual riches not earthly riches. When a church is focused on earthly riches they lose the spiritual riches that are in Christ.

Jesus said: God has made the poor of this world rich in faith! This did not make them rich. Prov.13:7: “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” That would be God’s spirit, forgiveness, peace and friends that he can trust.

No other saint has been picked on more than ancient Job. Having far worse to say than the counsel of his friends the faith teachers drag him down into the ground.

Remember what Job said? "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came" (Job 3:25-26). The Bible says that neither God nor the devil was responsible for Job's dilemma; Job was. His fear connected him and his family to tragedy” (Changing your World magazine Feb. 2003)

The Faith teachers constantly mock Job because he stands as living testimony to their false Bible interpretations. “But there's a differences between The Truth and A Truth. 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.' See that is A Truth. What's true about it? It's in the Bible. What's false about it? God didn't say it. And that's not The Truth. God does not give and take away. Job said it in a deranged mind. But God doesn't give and take away. So Satan will use A Truth to cause deception” (Changing your World Magazine, Creflo Dollar, 01/23/03)

Job was not speaking truth? Then why does Scripture say he (Job) said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (Job 1:21-22).

It is God that makes the circumstances to deal with man. God certainly does take away and there are too many Scriptures that mention this; here are a few. Ezek. 23:28-29: “For thus says the Lord GOD: 'Surely I will deliver you into the hand of those whom you hate, into the hand of those from whom you alienated yourself. “They will deal hatefully with you, take away all you have worked for, …”

Even Jesus said: “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him” (Matt. 13:12). I agree with Creflo-Satan will use A Truth to cause deception, but it is certainly not the way he explains it.

Imagine if John the Baptist had the attitude that Creflo is teaching and had increase on his mind when it came time for his ministry to wane and Jesus to increase. John was to decrease for Jesus to increase. And Jesus says the same to us-die to self, lose our life to find it.  And what of Israel when God took Jerusalem away from them and scattered them throughout the world because of their disobedience in unbelief. Creflo’s teaching is not a biblical principle, for it is the Lord who controls the world, and our lives-- if we let him. And it is up to the Lord to give increase and if for his own reasons he may want us to be small in influence and prosperity we should not rebel and seek more. Because it is in his timing that we are trained in faith to be good stewards. Matt. 25:21: “His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” The principle is to be faithful in the small first (whether it be money, work, people etc.) then God will increase it.

Notice how Creflo constructs a false argument to knock it down. “If there is one tradition that continues to come up in most religious circles it’s this tradition that Jesus was poor, and I’m tellin’ folks Jesus was not poor. The reason why I want to bring this up is because its my ambition to be more like Jesus everyday… If Jesus was poor than I need to be givin’ everything I have a away, I need to give my house away my cars away... my suits away and I need to go and follow Jesus because I want to be like him… He wants us to be like him but somebody fed us a lie and told us that Jesus was poor. I’m telling you right now Jesus was not poor, he is not poor and has never been poor…”

Instead, Creflo’s truth is that He was very, very rich. So why did Jesus tell the rich man to give all that he had to the poor and then follow him? (he didn't say give it to him).  Jesus said in Matthew 13:22: “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” Consider the emphasis on money in comparison to Jesus and think about what Jesus said.

Creflo explains Jn.12 v.6. “he said this said not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief and had the bag and bear what was put therein , now who is he referring to? Now John13 verse.29 tells us... for some of them thought that Judas had the bag… That Jesus said unto him by those things that we have need of against the ____ (?) or that he should give something to the poor.” Now I have a question, what does a poor man need with a treasurer. I mean if Jesus was supposedly to be poor why does he have a treasury? Do you actually think he hired a treasurer to keep up with his fishin’? Say out loud Jesus wasn’t poor”

Time out, it doesn’t say this AT ALL. John 12:6: speaking of Judas “but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” Lets think this through… If Jesus was so rich as Creflo and others say, it would not have taken only 30 pieces of silver for Judas to betray him. He could have easily taken this out of their full bag of money and they never would have noticed. If Jesus Christ was so rich, why did the apostles get bent out of shape when the woman anointed Jesus with the expensive oil. They would not have said it could have been sold. I hope you get this. Jesus had a money bag because he was collecting money to support his disciples that traveled with him, Not just himself. And this does not make Jesus rich. Besides he had other women contributing to support his ministry (Luke 8). You don't need support if you are rich.

“If he was poor he would not have been humble” “poverty does not make you humble, humility means submission cooperation with what God had said.” Who is to say that someone can't be humble living in poverty? True poverty may not always make you humble but being rich can certainly make you prideful. Jesus said “it is harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to go through an eye of a needle.” Why? Because of their abundance they are blind to their need for a savior.  God asks us to be in submission to Him in whatever state you’re in to be submissive, whether you are rich OR poor. Contrary to what Creflo says, when one is rich it is much harder to be submissive, the Pharisees were rich, how many of them followed Jesus compared to the common people. The bible speaks loud and clear that Creflo is WRONG on this.

Creflo Dollar’s Jesus was rich, lived in a big house, wore designer clothes, like John Avanzini who made popular the proclamation “He wore designer clothes. Creflo says: “I'm telling you, Jesus wasn't poor, and He didn't wear no rags, either. Like we march in on these Easter little plays that we do at our church, with those raggedy sheets on. Jesus didn't have no rags on. He wore designer clothes, honey!” (Creflo Dollar Crusade, Feb. 9, 1999)

Creflo mocks those who took a vow of poverty in the past by saying, “Now watch this v.36. I’m going to take a vow of prosperity, I vow to prosper… he uses the disciples in John 1 where dwelleth thou, where do you live, he said unto them come and what (audience) “see.” And they came and they what Saw what did they see? They saw where he what dwelt and they abode with them that day… not only did he have a house but he had one big enough to have company over for the day”

“I tell you there nothing wrong with your believing God for a house, why? I’m just trying to be like Jesus.” Now watch this now (that means you better pay attention) “I’m talkin’ Jesus wore designer cloths, I said Jesus wore designer cloths. C’mon over here to John chapter 19, here he relates how we should not get made at Creflo because he wears designer cloths (after all he only doing what Jesus did , right!) “I’m just tryin, got be like Jesus.” He reads v.23 “now the coat was without seam woven from the top throughout” “when was the last time you heard someone casting lots for a bunch of rags…” Creflo is right that this garment is unusual was worth more than the average, but his interpretation and application of this is wrong. This kind of sewing was common in Jesus’ time and is still done in the east, the tunics, vents, sleeves, and all, were woven in one piece. Even the clothes of a Hindu are without a seam; and the Brahmins would not wear clothes that were otherwise made.

He wore it this garment but it is never mentioned throughout his ministry or by his disciples. No one made a big deal of this. We wouldn’t know of a seamless garment except for it being at the cross “And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take”

(Mark 15:24) Normally each soldier would get a piece of his attire The Scripture also says they divided the other garments of Jesus, (John 19:23) they didn’t rip them up, why? Because there were 4 guards and so they cast lots that Scripture was to be fulfilled.

We do have the example of the apostles following his footsteps, as Paul wrote 2 Cor. 6:9-10 states, “as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” So what did Paul mean “as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” He meant although they did not have the physical blessings all the time they did have spiritual blessings. But according to Creflo they failed to follow in his footsteps because they didn’t own seamless garments, houses and drive the best chariots and have lots of gold. Besides when Peter said to the man at the gate Beautiful silver and Gold I have none, he probably only meant that he didn’t go to the bank that day! Making us rich is easily determined by how the apostle Paul used the word, especially in the book of Ephesians. It is all about Christ and His grace toward us. Rom. 2:4: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering” Rom. 9:23: “ that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory” Eph. 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Eph. 1:18: “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (riches of the glory is also in Eph. 3:16; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27). Eph. 2:7: “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 3:8: “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” Its spiritual riches, not material wealth. Heb. 11:24-26: “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” According to the prosperity teachers Moses was very wrong to do this.

Lets go over what he claims to be in the bible to see if it’s the true word or has the Scripture been coordinated to his fanciful imagination. He teaches the wisemen traveling from the east “they showed up with gold and frankincense and Myrr… I mean wisemen coming with camel caravans packed down full of gold”…”all this time we’ve been and idea that we serve a broke Jesus.” In Mt .2:13 Herod is going to kill all the young children under the age of 2. Joseph is warned in a dream and he arose and took both Mary and him to Egypt. So where’s the Scripture mention a caravan with fort Knox on it? Was it buried in the sand for when they came back? Why is it not mentioned anywhere? Why does Jesus get a coin out of a fishes mouth to pay the tax if he’s so loaded. All He would have to do is tell Judas who was handling the money to take the money from the treasury? Why did his mother give a poor persons offering according to the law after his birth? Why did she in her praise say “He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty.” Why does his cousin John wear such bad clothing while Jesus is walking around in this expensive clothing, he taught on sharing to those in need,  didn’t he share with him? Was he not stylish? Of course I’m being facetious, but think about it. Creflo's theology is bankrupt, but his bank is full.

Creflo may come up with every Scripture he possibly can to justify his lifestyle. This is why Jesus taught “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on EARTH” (Matthew 6:19-21), nothing could be clearer. Nowhere can you find one passage in the New Testament were Jesus Christ, his Apostles, or his discipled believers are told to get lots of money? Jesus Christ taught the opposite he told the rich man, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.” (Luke 18:22, (Luke 12:33-34) his point was to have- treasure in heaven.

The Anointing is to Gain Wealth

Every text of Scripture according to Dollar is about prosperity, so he teaches his congregation to go through the Bible to find a promise to some individual and then claim it for themselves. Why stop there, why not claim to be president or whatever you want, go for the top. The fact is we don’t get three or more wishes as we rub the magic lamp of the Scripture and have genie (angels or God) do our bidding.

I have yet to hear anyone teach we are supposed to be poor. What I do hear is that we are not to be in debt so that we have no way out. The solution of sowing a seed (or better described as paying your way out of debt) is not what God intended. As if you can give what you don’t have and God will rescue you out of debt and other problems. Mr. Dollar disguises the concept or more accurately the coveting for wealth under the association of the gospel being spread. What he more accurately means is that one can contribute to his ministry and others to live the comfortable lifestyle to make them famous. As far as rewards this is exactly what Jesus said they would be- in heaven.

What does God’s word actually say? Does it say we will have all these things now? This is the word-faith spin. Jesus, warned that riches were deceitful and choked the Word of God unto fruitlessness. “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:19; Matt. 13:22). Paul said that those who seek after riches will lose their faith (1 Tim.6:9-10). That’s Jesus’ teaching on seeking money. Jesus said, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt 6:19-2:1 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” Mark 8:36 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Creflo ignores all these simple direct statement s and says what he meant was... and twists it beyond all reason.

Even the message of Mr. Dollar on the second coming of Christ  has to do with money “God is coming back for a church without spot or blemish so he is not coming back to a church in debt…this revival must take place before Jesus can come back he cannot come back for a broke church, he cannot come back for a sick church, he cannot come back for a church that is in debt that would be against his word, I'm coming back for a glorious church , without spot or wrinkle so that means there's going to be some quick transference going on.” (Changing Your World Mar.27, 2000)

Creflo Dollar is a man who lives up to his name. He equates spot or blemish with being successful and having money. Where does it say that He will come back for a successful rich Church (meaning money)? Scripture verse –None. There is a verse that does address the end time Church that does have lots of money, they are called Laodicea by Jesus. As you read this ask yourself if this is the attitude coming from Dollars teaching. Rev.3:17: “Because you say I'm rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing-and do not know that you are wretched miserable, blind and naked...” God's remedy is to buy gold refined in the fire from him, that you may be rich, and white garments that you may be clothed... Real riches that Christ is concerned with are spiritual ones, until we have God’s eye salve applied to our eyes we will continue to look at the outward and ignore our inside spiritual bankrupt condition of the prosperity teachers.

Because of this theological bent Creflo can prophesy (God in the first person), “So you really want to know what is about to happen? You really want to know what is about to come forth? For you shall see, just as I have said in My Word, wars and rumors of wars, and there will be times you'll wonder, “Is there anybody not in a fight?” But hear ye this tonight, Oh, My people, for there will come a time where you must not consider the atmosphere in your sowing and your giving… So prepare yourselves as I pour out My anointing. And don't think about the doubts. For if you'll begin to shout, I'm gonna show out and put the devil's lights out!” “So begin to rejoice in your homes and in your Rolls Royce. For if you think I can, I'll do it for any man. You want to know what is about to happen? I've said it, saith the Lord. Now prepare yourself as I do it; and don't forget to walk in love, saith the Spirit of the Living God.” (A portion of a Prophecy by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar New Year's Eve service at World Changers Church International, December 31, 2001)

God does not talk like this. There is nowhere in the Scripture He relates sowing and reaping to pouring out his anointing, (He says he will pour out his Spirit). You may say it’s the same thing. No this is a learned Pentecostal phrase from man. Certainly to change the subject from the end times to sowing and reaping is not how God speaks. Nor say in modern Pentecostal vernacular he’s going to put the devil's lights out, this is man speaking.  God does not promise a Rolls Royce to everyone who thinks he can; this is filling people with worldly desires.

Jer. 9:23-24: “Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.”

Matthew 6:24: “No man 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.” There are more warnings in the New Testament covenant about riches than Creflo Dollar and other prosperity teachers can find on the promise of wealth.

The fact is no matter how much riches we have on earth we are poor compared to the riches God can give us. How much is eternal life worth? Do we have God's spiritual blessing? While the Bible does not teach prosperity neither does it teach being poor. What it does teach is that we have the spiritual blessings today and we will be assured of the physical blessings in the millennium when Christ is ruling on the earth. The problem is some people can’t wait for this (which takes true faith) they want it all now. And they just may have it now.