Bible Teachers Selling Survival Products

[Chris]

Bible Teachers Selling Survival Products | GraceThruFaith

Bible Teachers Selling Survival Products

Q. I have come upon the programs of some TV evangelists as they expound on preparing for the hard times ahead. One even has food buckets he sells and other tools to survive the difficult times ahead. I feel like I am all alone as I don’t have solid ground to stand on. I guess its my doubt that God will provide. Even otherwise trustworthy Bible scholars have areas of disagreement on this subject.

A. It’s human nature to want to be prepared. It gives us a greater sense of security and a feeling that we’re at least partially in control of things. On the other hand living by faith as the Bible commands (2 cor. 5:7) us is very difficult because it involves giving up our control and trusting the Lord to protect us like He promised to (Matt. 6:31-33) when we know we don’t deserve His protection.

Personally, I’m very suspicious of internet or TV Bible teachers who are selling survival stuff, whether it’s food packages, or equipment, or just “how-to” guides. To my way of thinking, they have a conflict of interest because they’re profiting by “helping” us prepare for the hard times they’re teaching about. The income derived from these sales can easily cloud their teaching objectivity. I think we need to be extra diligent in searching the Scriptures to see if these teachers are being faithful to Biblical truth.

[Chris]

Trust in GOD, not of yourselves!!!

[FaithInChrist]

Bible Teachers Selling Survival Products | GraceThruFaith

Bible Teachers Selling Survival Products

Q. I have come upon the programs of some TV evangelists as they expound on preparing for the hard times ahead. One even has food buckets he sells and other tools to survive the difficult times ahead. I feel like I am all alone as I don’t have solid ground to stand on. I guess its my doubt that God will provide. Even otherwise trustworthy Bible scholars have areas of disagreement on this subject.

A. It’s human nature to want to be prepared. It gives us a greater sense of security and a feeling that we’re at least partially in control of things. On the other hand living by faith as the Bible commands (2 cor. 5:7) us is very difficult because it involves giving up our control and trusting the Lord to protect us like He promised to (Matt. 6:31-33) when we know we don’t deserve His protection.

Personally, I’m very suspicious of internet or TV Bible teachers who are selling survival stuff, whether it’s food packages, or equipment, or just “how-to” guides. To my way of thinking, they have a conflict of interest because they’re profiting by “helping” us prepare for the hard times they’re teaching about. The income derived from these sales can easily cloud their teaching objectivity. I think we need to be extra diligent in searching the Scriptures to see if these teachers are being faithful to Biblical truth.

I have considered putting together a tribulation survival package, but not for me, for people that will be left behind. I figure if I put together some basic supplies, and lot's of information about what is going on, then maybe, some of the people I love, that are lost, might make it through trib as a tribulation saint.

I understand that some preachers and followers of Bible Prophecy do not believe in a pre-trib rapture and are teaching preparedness. At least these guys can see that the end is near. The one's that totally ignore all things Bible Prophecy upset me, the preachers that are so concerned with the church organ and choir robes, who worry about taking on more debt to enlarge the sanctuary (even though attendance has not increased in 2 years), these ones absolutely do not seem to see the signs of the times. I have come to believe if you cannot see the signs of the times then you cannot possibly be plugged into the Holy Spirit. I just don't see how the urgency to be a soul winner isn't shared by every Christian right now, because time is running out!

[Littlejoe]

Jim Bakker and Pat Robertson are two i know of who hawking this stuff.....

[Chris]

There are even some that are out hawking "how to skin a deer" videos, "raising chickens for food" videos, and some have even made trips to third world countries to possibly "bug out".

[Lynn]

Jim Bakker and Pat Robertson are two i know of who hawking this stuff.....

You can ignore them and most of their teaching, including this new 'money maker' to prepare for hard times. I'm fairly sure that neither of them believes in a pre-trib rapture.
Years ago, I began to see through both of these guys, so this latest venture doesn't surprise me in the least.

[Chris]

Fear Or Faith? | GraceThruFaith

Fear Or Faith?

Q. I am embarrassed to admit after reading a commentary today that I am starting to feel fear. I look to the end times prophecies with hope and trembling. The fear comes from his writing that we should have supplies on hand because we can’t trust the government for dependence. I understand that fact. But in my case, I am losing my home and I don’t have means to store supplies.

A. The problem I have with these so called Preppers is so many of them take God out of the equation and leave us believing we alone are responsible for our survival. The truth be told, surviving the end times is beyond everyone’s capability. But the Lord promised if we seek his Kingdom and His righteousness He’ll take care of our needs (Matt. 6:31-33). Seeking His Kingdom is something anyone can do. It only takes faith and it will drive your fear away.

[Shesho]

I can certainly understand being prepared for emergencies. In just the past year we've dealt with an earthquake and a hurricane here in Virginia. As the "birth pangs" come closer together, preparing for these events is the responsible thing to do. HOWEVER, if a pastor is trying to sell you a Tribulation Survival Kit, run! All you need to survive the tribulation is to be Raptured...save through faith in Jesus!

[BuzzardHut]

Post tribbers have to buy survival products.

[WalterNZ]

Since living in Christchurch through all three major earthquakes and after shocks... I can tell you a fact.

The things that occurred post disaster

1, Electricity had cut.. no street lights, no house lighting, fridge freezer thaw out etc.
2, Plumbing burst , no sewerage, no clean drinking water
3, Supply stores had closed including gas stations sparking panic
4, Many houses were evecuated


From my expereince I can see absolute worth in a survival kit as we had to use ours throughout 2 yeras of quakes. The gas cooker, the LED torch , radio, wind up solar charged, blankets, water camping gear etc.

We stored in the Garage which was good because it was accessable.

I highly reccommend these survival kits, but it dosnt mean you have to purchase one , you can make your own up using palstic carry bins, camping gear, etc

[Chris]

Since living in Christchurch through all three major earthquakes and after shocks... I can tell you a fact.

The things that occurred post disaster

1, Electricity had cut.. no street lights, no house lighting, fridge freezer thaw out etc.
2, Plumbing burst , no sewerage, no clean drinking water
3, Supply stores had closed including gas stations sparking panic
4, Many houses were evecuated


From my expereince I can see absolute worth in a survival kit as we had to use ours throughout 2 yeras of quakes. The gas cooker, the LED torch , radio, wind up solar charged, blankets, water camping gear etc.

We stored in the Garage which was good because it was accessable.

I highly reccommend these survival kits, but it dosnt mean you have to purchase one , you can make your own up using palstic carry bins, camping gear, etc

I live in a hurricane prone area in the USA and I have had my share of the things you listed. It's good to have a short supply on hand for when disaster strikes, but when you have a hurricane chickens in the front yard will be the first thing that goes in the wind. Going overboard like some people are doing like moving to third world countries to try to escape what's coming is NOT trusting in the Lord. It's actually rebellion and disobedience. We need to be sensible, not irrational. That's pretty much what I think Jack is trying to say.

[GlennO]

Walter said:

Since living in Christchurch through all three major earthquakes and after shocks... I can tell you a fact.

The things that occurred post disaster

1, Electricity had cut.. no street lights, no house lighting, fridge freezer thaw out etc.
2, Plumbing burst , no sewerage, no clean drinking water
3, Supply stores had closed including gas stations sparking panic
4, Many houses were evecuated


From my expereince I can see absolute worth in a survival kit as we had to use ours throughout 2 yeras of quakes. The gas cooker, the LED torch , radio, wind up solar charged, blankets, water camping gear etc.

We stored in the Garage which was good because it was accessable.

I highly reccommend these survival kits, but it dosnt mean you have to purchase one , you can make your own up using palstic carry bins, camping gear, etc

Walter - solid wisdom there Bro!! Living on the on the Pacific Ring of Fire we must be responsible for our own needs, knowing government can not do anything for the first 72 hours...if they have done their own drills seriously!!

[GlennO]

Shesho said:

As the "birth pangs" come closer together, preparing for these events is the responsible thing to do

Sesho - I believe the "Birth Pangs" are associated with the "Time of Jacob's Trouble" AKA the Tribulation. The Bride will have been "evacuated" prior to that event described in Matt CH 24.

[Hannah]

Fear Or Faith? | GraceThruFaith

Fear Or Faith?

Q. I am embarrassed to admit after reading a commentary today that I am starting to feel fear. I look to the end times prophecies with hope and trembling. The fear comes from his writing that we should have supplies on hand because we can’t trust the government for dependence. I understand that fact. But in my case, I am losing my home and I don’t have means to store supplies.

A. The problem I have with these so called Preppers is so many of them take God out of the equation and leave us believing we alone are responsible for our survival. The truth be told, surviving the end times is beyond everyone’s capability. But the Lord promised if we seek his Kingdom and His righteousness He’ll take care of our needs (Matt. 6:31-33). Seeking His Kingdom is something anyone can do. It only takes faith and it will drive your fear away.

Exactly!!!! Many of these End Times and be prepared to survive the Tribulation teachers and preachers leave God out of their teaching equations.

They prey on fear to line their own pockets.

[Sean Osborne]

I have considered putting together a tribulation survival package, but not for me, for people that will be left behind. I figure if I put together some basic supplies, and lot's of information about what is going on, then maybe, some of the people I love, that are lost, might make it through trib as a tribulation saint.

Exactly!

I do believe by faith that God is using those who understand this need for His purposes.

And to this I see a direct relationship with what our LORD told us in Matthew 24:13. They are the brethren we are assisting through such an effort: God already knows who will receive the packages we are preparing to leave behind for them. I also have no doubt whatsoever that most Christians are completely oblivious to this effort, the Holy Spirit-inspired thought having never entered into their minds until this moment in time.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Matthew 24:13 (KJV)

The key word in this single sentence direct from the mouth of our LORD is underlined. It is Strong's G5278 ὑπομένω : hü-po-me'-nō : to preserve under misfortunes and trials (the specific context is the Great Tribulation), to hold fast to one's faith in Christ.

This is what all of these so-called "Prophecy Teachers" should be engaged in NOT FOR PROFIT.

It is clear for all to see what is of God and what is not.

[survivor3x]

I think it's wise to have disaster supplies at hand. We have had a few ice storms where we were without power, heat and running water for several days. But we were OK, thanks be to God! We had prepared for it.

But I think it's important in these times to prepare spiritually, and get right with God above all else. He is returning soon! Are we ready?

[GlennO]

Right on Sean!

After I no longer need my residence, the left behind will find shelter, food and insight (books, bibles and study aids) concerning the circumstances that they find have befallen them

[Hannah]

I think it's wise to have disaster supplies at hand. We have had a few ice storms where we were without power, heat and running water for several days. But we were OK, thanks be to God! We had prepared for it.

But I think it's important in these times to prepare spiritually, and get right with God above all else. He is returning soon! Are we ready?