Liberating Faith

The Race of Faith

In this message Dr. Mikael Stenhammar challenges you to reorient your life with a future-looking perspective, guided by the biblical story. Starting with a call to seek God's kingdom first, the sermon delves into how our affections shape our character and actions. There is a battle for our hearts, but the promise of resurrection and a new heaven and new earth empowers us to live lives of self-givi...

In this podcast we dive into the biblical understanding of spiritual authority and the dynamics of apostolic power. While discussions around spiritual fathers and submission are prevalent, we often overlook the true essence of how power and authority function within the Kingdom of God. In our exploration, we’ll see Jesus as the ultimate model, but we’ll also spotlight figures like Barnabas—an embo...

The belief that you have to be under a spiritual father to have God's best for your life and to reach your divine destiny is widespread in Charismatic churches especially those influenced by the Word of Faith prosperity gospel worldview. In this video I speak to: What this doctrine says What its biblical foundations are What some of the benefits are What some of the main problems are How Paul...

In this podcast Dr. Mikael Stenhammar examines the teaching of "the blessing of Abraham" in Galatians 3:14, how it is interpreted within the Word of Faith prosperity gospel and contrasting that to its biblical meaning. Get ready to be surprised and encouraged! Connect with Mikael using the comments here or via the Liberating Faith website: www.liberating.faith Order Mikael's book her...

In this podcast video, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar addresses the question if the money given to prosperity gospel Word of Faith ministries is wasted. A common concern among people who have spotted theological issues with the movement is if the resources and energies they invested have been in vain. Connect with Mikael: • www.liberating.faith • https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079496899234 List...

Are you struggling with the decision to stay or leave a prosperity gospel church? In this video, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar addresses this complex issue, offering insights and guidance for those caught in this dilemma. Key Topics Discussed: • Understanding Hard and Soft Prosperity Gospel • The Trajectory of Your Church • Healing Your Church • Personal Motivations • Family Considerations Why Watch This...

How do you know if your church preaches prosperity theology? In this podcast, we delve into the key signs and characteristics of prosperity gospel churches, which can range from small mud churches in Africa to the largest congregations in the US. Identifying a prosperity gospel church can be tricky as there is no specific denomination or clear statement of faith. Many churches claim to be non-deno...

Is Prosperity Theology a threat to the core of Christianity? It isn't a simple answer but this theology raises concerns by altering fundamental aspects of the faith. In this video Dr. Mikael Stenhammar shows areas where Word of Faith shifts focus from Jesus and portrays God in a limited, predictable way. This can result in the church losing its distinctive voice and compromising its message. A...

Is balance the way forward? Many Charismatics and Pentecostals suggest that Prosperity Theology is just unbalanced. Even leaders within the movement have called for balance. But is it the real answer? Here’s why I don’t think so: 1. Reductionistic: Prosperity is part of a larger worldview, and trying to balance it misses the big picture. 2. Rationalizes: It masks consumerism and shields believers...

In this podcast, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar explores the role of Satan in Prosperity Theology. This theology often portrays Satan as a significant and active force, responsible for sickness, financial lack, failure, fear, and unbelief. The WoF perspective emphasizes defining the root cause of evil and suffering, attributing much of it to Satan’s influence. The prosperity theology shapes a worldview whe...

In this podcast video, I, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar, delve into the controversial "Little gods" doctrine often associated with Prosperity Theology and Word of Faith teachings. Despite some rhetorical shifts, this belief remains a central tenet, posing significant theological questions and challenges. Are humans more than mere mortals? Do we possess a divine nature akin to God's? I point...

Healing in the atonement is a key belief in the prosperity Word of Faith theology but is it rightly interpreted? In this video podcast I explore the theological connections between healing and the atoning death of Jesus in the context of prosperity theology. I look at foundational biblical passages, including Psalm 103:2–3, Isaiah 53:3–5, Matthew 8:14–17, and 1 Peter 2:23–24, to uncover insights i...

The intricate relationship between Word of Faith prosperity theology and the biblical portrayal of suffering is the focus of this episode of the Liberating Faith podcast. Dr. Mikael Stenhammar examines Paul’s 'thorn in the flesh' (2 Cor. 12:7–11) and uncovers seven profound insights that offer a more biblical perspective and help us navigate faith, suffering and God's will. Links to re...

In this episode of the Liberating Faith podcast, I, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar, share about one trap Charismatic-Pentecostal Christians easily fall into: seeking power without relationship. This trap, which I term 'instrumentalism,' occurs when believers use the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, giving, love, oil, worship, holy communion, and other entities in a way that is, at least to some d...

We dive into the controversial phenomenon of animal sounds in Charismatic worship services in this episode of the Liberating Faith podcast. Dr. Mikael Stenhammar explore the biblical perspective, shares personal experiences, historical anecdotes, shedding light on the presence of animal noises in worship services, including reports from the Toronto Vineyard revival while considering the potential...

In this podcast episode, we delve into five biblical principles of using wealth righteously, drawing wisdom from the Old Testament and applying them to the Word of Faith prosperity gospel. Our discussion unfolds through five key points: 1. Using wealth with justice 2. Making wealth available to the wider community 3. Seeing wealth as an opportunity for generosity 4. Using wealth in the service of...

In this episode Dr. Mikael Stenhammar delves into the intriguing question: Can one be righteous and rich? This inquiry stirs various theological perspectives, from the Word of Faith Prosperity Gospel's assertion that riches indicate righteousness and faith, to the poverty gospel's contrasting view that riches denote wickedness and greed. However, here Mikael, drawing on the work of Chris W...

Join me in this podcast episode where I show how the message of prosperity is confused at its core. I speak of three main concerns: 1. Prosperity preaching confuses means with ends 2. Prosperity preaching confuses kingdom values with consumer culture values 3. Prosperity confuses material wealth with spiritual riches My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@liberatingfaith/videos Visit my webs...

In this episode, I discuss reasons why we might limit our openness to the Holy Spirit, and I offer four biblical truths that can help us expand our worldview to embrace more of the Spirit especially if you have had bad experiences previously. These truths have been immensely beneficial to me and others who have applied them to their lives. You can download study notes for this episode from my webs...

To understand the Word of Faith Prosperity Gospel, you must understand the concept of revelation knowledge. Many of the beliefs and practices are based on the claim that they have received knowledge straight from God and not from the so-called 'sense knowledge.' In this episode, I discuss what revelation knowledge is and discern between its essential elements and potential misconceptions—b...

In this episode, I explore practical ways to change your worldview to a more biblical perspective. Your worldview shapes your entire life, serving as the lens through which you perceive the world. Whether you are transitioning from a Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel worldview or another perspective, the points I share are equally relevant. I discuss the importance of being intentional in pursuing a...

Part 4: The Body, Creation and Prosperity In this podcast series "Getting the Story Right: Replacing Word of Faith Misreadings", I, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar, want to show you key points where the Word of Faith misreads the biblical story and what negative consequences that brings to our lives. In contrast, I show the essence of the Biblical story and how that liberates and empowers us in ou...

Part 3: The Goal of the Biblical Story In this podcast series "Getting the Story Right: Replacing Word of Faith Misreadings", I, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar, want to show you key points where the Word of Faith misreads the biblical story and what negative consequences that brings to our lives. In contrast, I show the essence of the Biblical story and how that liberates and empowers us in our w...

Part 2: The Biblical Story and the Word of Faith In this podcast series "Getting the Story Right: Replacing Word of Faith Misreadings", I, Dr. Mikael Stenhammar, want to show you key points where the Word of Faith misreads the biblical story and what negative consequences that brings to our lives. In contrast, I show the essence of the Biblical story and how that liberates and empowers u...