The Cult of Jabez: And the Falling Away of the Church in America

I thought the Christian church would immediately see through the heresy of the "Prayer of Jabez." Many did. However, I was surprised so many bought into it. But with the Christian church of today and its focus on pop psychology and the needs of the "me first" generation, maybe it is not too surprising that "Jabez" sold so many copies. I wish everyone who read "Jabez" would read this book but sadly, the damage is done. This Health and Wealth gospel taught by Wilkinson plays very well in North America. It is not so easily accepted in other parts of the world. Hopkins' has an excellent exegesis that show Wilkinson read far more into these verses in Chronicles than ever could be reasonably taught. The repetition of the Jabez prayer was a particularly warning siren for me. Didn't Jesus say that when you pray, don't use vain repetitions? ( Matthew 6:7). Mr. Hopkins exposes this heresy for what it is. It is a man-centered philosophy that is basically selfish at its core. Was the Apostle Paul ever wealthy? Was his thorn in the flesh ever removed? It may be that God's will is for some to obtain wealth but to teach that it will come to all, is clearly anti-biblical. This book sold well as the stock market was flying high in the late 90's. But with today's economic realities, I think the heresy speaks for itself. It tickles the ears of many Christians but is clearly bologna. (See 2 Timothy 4:3-5) Thanks Mr. Hopkins. God bless.

Let's get honest, here! There are a lot of people who have read this book who don't like it. I am not in that category. This is a well-researched book and it strikes at the heart of this "JABEZ Cult," for lack of a better word. And yes, I have read the Prayer of Jabez, as have many of my friends and associates, and people in the church. There are those who love it and don't know why (although I think it's the promise of "getting" which attracts them), and there are those who are in the middle on this thing, and there are those who are saddened and grieved at such a thing which has occurred.We have an epidemic in the Church in this nation today. And I'm not claiming to have been in every Christian bookstore, but the ones I have been in are innundated with this Jabez hype, from pendants, to coins, the talismans of every stripe, to bookmarks, to little booklets, to games, to music, to just about everything, and there are those who say that this is not a "cult." I beg to differ. But Pastor Hopkins doesn't beg, but he's bold in his assertion, and the reader would do well to "be transformed by the renewing of his mind," by getting this book and getting a Bible as well and compare the passages.There are many great portions of this book, but I want to focus on what I believe is one of the most revealing parts. In chapter 7, entitled "Three Reasons God Will not Hear," Bruce Wilkinson is quoted in his preface to "...want to teach you how to pray a daring prayer that God always answers." Right there, we have a problem, and as Pastor Hopkins writes, "the prayer of a repentant sinner calling on the Name of Jesus Christ for salvation is the only prayer that God always answers." Check it out for yourself. It's in the Bible.But, you see, we have those who read the Prayer of Jabez who hate knowledge, and choose not to fear God, and to refuse to accept godly counsel and reproof, all signs of a hard and impenitent heart. Pastor Hopkins is saddened and disturbed that there are many today in our generation who in times of great trouble and distress call upon God to help them, but they do not call to God from a humble heart that seeks repentance and forgiveness.Do you ever wonder just what God requires? You think He's just an errand boy to satisfy your wandering desires? When are you gonna wake-up and strengthen the things which remain? There are three reasons why God will not hear prayer. Just follow.The first reason God will not hear a believer's prayer, is:"If I regard iniquity (sin) in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." (Psalm 66:18).The second reason: "Ye ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4:3) But Wilkinson takes it out of context and states "You do not have because you do not ask." This is in support of his blatant heresy.The third reason: "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of bloo

I picked up this book just to skim through it, and was immediately hooked on the first page! This book pulls no punches and challenges us to live as first century Christians. Frankly, I felt convicted and challenged by the book, and it has motivated me to be more serious about seeking God's heart more than my own comforts. This book forces you to examine where your heart actually is.I would give this book to anyone who desires more than the feel-good gospel preached in to many of our churches.

If you were expecting a course in Greek and Hebrew you will not find it in "The Cult of Jabez...and the falling away of the Church in America", by Pastor Steve Hopkins. If were expecting the unexpected; a book that you will not be able to put down, a book that will hold your feet to the fire of a passionate love for Jesus, you will cherish this book.All of my American Dream type Christian vanities have been challenged. Wilkinson's Jabez has been successfully exposed as a shameful invention of a church age that has lost contact with the Lord, her God. Am I ready to lay down my life for the One who laid down His life for me? Or am I waiting on some future blessing, or "Jabez appointment" before I act? The fields are white unto the harvest. I am moved to pour out my heart before God in search of His moment by moment will for my existence. This kind of prayer life cannot be achieved by simply repeating a few words for a few seconds each morning. If you were waiting for an excuse to buy this book, you found it! You will not regret it!