Testing the Spirits: The Prayer Rug - 1/24/10pm

I John 4:1 -Test the spirits to see if they are from God

My parents received this in the mail from “St. Matthew’s Churches," and I thought it would provide an opportunity to test the spirits and be reminded of why it is important to always compare everything to God’s word.

The Letter, side A
“They are receiving divine help in the form of answered prayer. Some are seeing loved ones saved, and many of them are receiving spiritual, physical, and financial blessings of all types - better jobs, raises in salaries, being able to buy and sell homes, buying new cars, and so on (III John 2, Philippians 4:19). Actually these dear people are receiving so many blessings that it is impossible to mention them all in a letter”
III John 2 -John prays that Gaius might prosper in all things as his soul prospers
Philippians 4:10-20 -The Lord provides needs, but be content in all circumstances

The Letter, side B
“Let us ask you: Would you like to have God’s blessings upon your home, your family, and your finances? Say, “Yes, Lord Jesus, I do need Your financial blessings upon me and my family’s finances” (Deuteronomy 28:6).”
Deuteronomy 28:1-8, 15-25 -God’s promises to Israel for obedience and disobedience when they enter Canaan

“P.S. Read the enclosed sealed prophecy, only after you have mailed this Prayer Rug back to the church for your free, blessed, Deuteronomy 8:18 Prosperity Cross.”
Deuteronomy 8:11-20 -Remember God, that you are not “self made”

At the bottom of the page, after the prayer check list, the verse Matthew 9:29 is partially provided.
Matthew 9:27-31 -Jesus rewards the faith of two blind men

The “Prophetic Word”
“Christ died on the cross for our sins (St. John 3:16)”
John 3:14-17 -The Son of Man will be lifted up

“Most of your battles will be fought inside your head. This is why your thoughts must be focused on God’s new future for you. Think ahead...not behind. God said, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18).”
Isaiah 43:14-21 -God will bring down Babylon

“So we have heard the spoken word of the Spirit, and it is very powerful. This is what we are led to relate to you, through the “word of knowledge” (I Corinthians12:8)”
I Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:8-12 -The word of knowledge gift of the Spirit which has passed away

The Testimonial, side A
Psalm 55:17 is quoted independently of other paragraphs, but in conjunction with God answering prayers for wealth
Psalm 55:12-19 -David, abandoned and betrayed, turns to the Lord
Also briefly mentioned is part of Matthew 19:26, in the same context.
Matthew 19:23-26 -It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of
heaven
Side B of the testimonial contains “testimonials” of receiving money after using the “prayer rug.”

The Testimonial, side C
“This 2-¼ by 1-½ inch beautiful, blessed Prosperity Cross is a symbol of the power of faith and prayer, and it is yours for free, as the church’s gift to you. You may wear it, carry it or keep it in your wallet as your point of faith contact with your Heavenly Father for His spiritual, physical, emotional and financial blessings (III John 2, Philippians 4:19, Galatians 6:7, Deuteronomy 8:18, Malachi 3:10,11).”
Galatians 6:7-10 -Sowing to the flesh and to the Spirit
Malachi 3:8-12 -Israel is told to stop robbing God and they will be blessed instead of cursed

Apart from other context, Philippians 4:6 is partially quoted.
Philippians 4:4-7 -The peace of God, a result of prayer

Side D of the testimonial quotes, again, Philippians 4:6 and Deuteronomy 8:18, surrounded by “testimony” of financial improvements from use of the “prayer rug.”

Some of the Errors
James 4:1-6 -Ask, but do not receive because you ask amiss
Colossians 2:20-23 -The appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion
Hebrews 2:3-4 -Signs bore witness of the message
Matthew 6:19-20 -Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth
Acts 2:36-42 -Salvation