Freedom comes when we confess the ungodly patterns, ask God for forgiveness and then walk in obedience by consistently choosing His ways.
This was a devotion that I receive weekly. Now I have done much to restrain myself of speaking too critically about Tony Evans. I will let you also know I sent a letter to Dr. Evans questioning his affiliations with Creflo Dollar and Eddie Long. As you can conclude very easily, I did not get a response. I want to say, I think this is the straw that has broken the camel’s back for me. The erroneous and heretical teaching of generational curses should never and I do mean never be taught by someone with the theological and pastoral background of Dr. Tony Evans.
I know I will get some defenders here, so if you have some genuine concerns we can discuss this in love; however I will only discuss this issue. I will not talk about the great things he does, or the great churches he planted, I want to discuss how this made it to print. I am open and will prove from the scriptures that this teaching is as dangerous to the body of Christ as any other doctrine out there. I am deeply saddened by such a “devotion” Dr. Evans has officially fallen off of his horse!!!!
hi lionel,
i personally don’t believe in curses or hexes but i do believe certain things happen in some families for generations- haven’t you noticed this? i don’t know which part of tony’s message broke the straw for you but i always felt that mentioning generational curses wasn’t about literal curses. are you saying that similar problems don’t befall members of a family when they repeat the same patterns of behavior as their parents and grandparents? for ex. if a mother on welfare births children who in turn end up on welfare and so on for a few generations, that we can conclude that this is a cycle of poverty? what’s wrong with saying this?
hey lionel,
what happened to my comment? i asked a couple of questions pertaining to the tony evans post and it disappeared. angela
Hey Angela,
1. Yes, I do believe certain patterns of behavior are easily passed from one generation to another, womanizing, promiscuity, abuse, and drug addiction are a few I know that has been rampant in my family.
2. Yes the same patterns do befall, if the same behaivor (which is sin) are practcied.
3. Yep I do believe a mother who raises her children to depend on welfare versus hard work, integrity and promoting education will produce children that are bound to be on welfare and the such.
4. Now this is the million dollar question. Let me answer this for you.
A. The way generational curses are described today has nothing to do with modeling and practice and is heavily attached to NATURE OR DNA. This is where we break with such teaching. Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar and other such teachers teach that a generational curse is passed down by bloodline not by example. So in other words, a kid adopted may still carry these sins and is powerless against them into an adoptive family.
B. This teaching is based on a scripture in the Old Testament about God visiting the sins of the father down to the 3 or 4th generation (Deut 5:9). This teaching in other words leaves a person helpless against sins of their forefathers unless they somehow repent (of someone elses sin) and break the curse.
1. This leads to me asking does God then create the
curse or is it the devil?
C. Finally lets ask ourselves something. Think about these theological terms: Born Again (John 3), Adoption (Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1) and New Creation (Romans 6, 2 Corinthians 5). To say I have a generational curse is to say that Christ’s atoning work on the cross was insufficient. To say I have a generational curse is to minimize the power and authority of God, by saying the Holy Spirit is not all powerful and has no authority in bringing sanctification power in the life of the believer.
A genarational curse is a heresy taught by WoF preachers to cut holes in the pockets of their congregants and follwers. It is a sensational teaching that reduces the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit to mere spectators and not all powerful. Finally it gives a pass to those who are in sin, instead of dealing with indwelling sin cause by the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life” it becomes daddy’s and mamma’s fault. Instead of the doctrine of original sin the weight is laid on my parents. Instead of Christians being held responsible and acknowledging their refusal of the Lordship of Chirst, I can just point to picture on the wall of grandaddy and say it is all his fault. That is why I have a problem with it Angela, hopes this helps.
Perhaps it’s just me, but it seemed to me that it may be benefical to clarify some of the things in your post.
For example,
How does teaching generational curses reduce the work of Christ/Holy Spirit to spectators? In many places where I’ve heard of it, they’re promoted to be the ones involved in revealing those things to people, leading them to trust in Him and transforming them regarding it…..
Also, for many believing it, I’ve not seen them necessarily make the leaps in thinking that “I’M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MY SIN” or “I JUST CAN’T HELP IT OR CHANGE”. Many have acknowledged their own refusal of the Lordship of Christ and unwillingness to submit to the Holy Spirit as the result of their lives being “cursed” ……and even regarding the terminology itself, it may be beneficial to define how the term itself is used. Not every WOF teacher (or even other teachers from ALL kinds of DENOMINATIONS) believes the same when using the term…..but again, that’s just me…
Thanks, though, for the other things you clarified in your post. I definately agree…….to hear people do as your describing is akin, IMHO, to others many times claiming “THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT” whenever they’re tempted to fall into sin……and that simply will not do.
Even if one were to make the argument that children are BOUND TO REPEAT THE MISTAKES OF THEIR CHILDREN 100% OF THE TIME (WITH NO HOPE EVEN WHEN IN CHRIST……), I think that many things should be clarified. Granted, there may be things that we in our flesh may be INCLINED TO MORE NATURALLY as a result of what our parents did……but the issue of GOD’S POWER IS MORE THAN ABLE TO OVERCOME THAT.
Surely, if crack babies—–born with a bent toward something damaging — have grown to overcome the attraction of drug usage even though their mothers were involved in it and they suffered as a result, then claiming “generational curses” as the backdoor whenever sin comes up will not do. Heck, even in Studying the Book of I-II Kings, it can be seen that people were not NECESSARILY DESTINED TO REPEAT THE SINS OF THEIR FATHERS.
For example, despite how WICKED MANASSEAH WAS AND HOW HIS ACTIONS HAD GRAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE NATION OF JUDAH (by which even the innocent suffered, despite how his GRANDFATHER WAS KING HEZEKIAH—- A GODLY MAN—AND THEREFORE SHOULD’VE BEEN UNDER THE GENERATIONAL BLESSING if that was ALWAYS TRUE THAT THE PARENTS DOING RIGHT WAS GENETIC 100%), JOSIAH did not repeat his father’s mistakes. When he heard the Word o of the Lord and repented, God was merciful and CHANGED HIS LIFE (II Chronicles 29-35)
HE WAS NOT DESTINED TO REPEAT HIS FATHER’S MISTAKES WITHOUT QUALIFICATION, despite how those mistakes had ramifications for his generation.
This, IMHO, is very relevant to me……for I come from a bad history myself regarding my father…..and not surprisingly, though I NEVER KNEW HIM for 18 yrs, many of the same traits he had I ended up manifesting myself and wondering why. When I met him & realized this, it honestly freaked me out…..and I feared that I would become just like him.
However, though I was inclined toward the same specific things he was at times and I came to square with that, I was comforted by the fact that I WAS IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Apart from His working in my life and making me aware of things in my life contrary to his word, I would repeat the same mistakes……..but that is not the case for me. By his might I am transformed…..
But only as I remain in Him (i.e. fellowship, obediance, faith in HIS WORK/WHO HE IS).
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve been in “de-cursing” sessions (though there were many times when I was a bit confused about things)…….and IMHO, regardless of any noble intentions or sincere desires (which God is able to work through regardless, as many people did so and they’re truly living passionately in love for CHRIST), Any prayers/incantations done as an end in themselves or treated as if they’re the solution means nothing….
and honestly….they often seem to COMPLICATE THINGS FURTHER FROM THE SIMPLE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL THAT SALVATION IS FOUND IN THE POWER/BLOOD OF CHRIST AND DAILY TRUSTING/RELYING ON HIM)…….. for any area of my life not submitted to Him will not be fruitful (”cursed”, if one wishes to say, John 15, Romans 8, Galatians 5:16-25) AND those things which may come naturally for us (i.e. womanizing, promiscuity, abuse, and drug addiction) will be that much easier to fall into.
The wages of sin (what you get when you choose to work for it) is simply DEATH,,,,,,,,
As another wisely said on the issue, WHETHER believing in a generational curse or not, the CURE FOR ALL THINGS is FOUND IN faith in Christ and a life consecrated to Him (Romans 12:1-2)……but DIAGNOSIS PROCEDDS CURE…..and without a proper understanding of how sin often spreads AND THAT WITHOUT CHRIST YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES effects as if it were cursed, hey…..
If anyone’s interested, I did a post on the issue (though it tackles the issue from a different angle—-specifically, the angle of if living in the flesh/choosing sin is “cursed” and a Christian has the option of submitting to it, then is it possible that a Christian can end up submitting to being “cursed” unless they choose to be in Christ?)
http://emissary7.wordpress.com/2008/01/07/christians-do-not-sin-at-all-and-i-thought-i-heard-it-all/
Hi,
I hate to say this, but Tony has bitten the apple. He should know better, and probably does, but I guess it doesn’t matter much to him anymore.
Great post Lionel!
Phil
Thanks for the insight Emmissary. I appreciate the clarity you provided in the post. God bless.
Brother Phil you and I both know this, but you know what is funny many seminary trained (DTS in specific) and other guys who have been influenced by Dr. Evans refuse to see his slippery slope down unorthodoxy and his affiliations with Creflo, Fred Price, T.D Jakes and Eddie Long as a problem. This is what causes the greatest pain brother. No one wants to call a spade a spade.
If interested, Brah,
You could always tackle the issue with EVANS from the perspective of how having a seminary degree/formal education at an institute of some sort is necessarily a guarantee that one is/will be faithful to the Word of God (and even more relevant seeing that many of the seminaries out there, even those considered orthodox, have been guilty of teaching things CON TRARY to what the Word of God says).
This is something I think should be adressed…..for the SAME SCENARIO happened with those who were LEADERS back in the day. Despite any theological training or knowledge they had as Rabbis/Teachers, that did not make them excempt ffrom being in ERROR REGARDING THE SCRIPTURES……
and if nothing else, Jesus had to check them on the issue MULTIPLE TIMES when He came in town and they kept questioning/challenging Him with all kinds of questions (Matthew 21-23).
Thanks for bringing up the post, Brah…
[...] from “Black & Reformed Ministries”) http://www.thinkchristians.blogspot.com/ http://blackandreformedministries.com/2008/01/04/dr-tony-evans-teaches-on-generational-curses/#comme... [...]
The entire post can be found at http://bereanbiblebaptistchurch.org/resources/ex.php
In Exodus 20:4-6 the subject is idolatry. Regarding those who commit idolatry, we learn that God would visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Him. Notice, the text says “generations of those who hate Me.” Therefore, we see that God would punish those who imitate their fathers’ idolatrous actions. In other words, there are sinful patterns that children see in their parents that they often times replicate in their own lives. It is not that God has placed a curse on the people. It is not as if the children are obedient to God but God still punishes them because of their parents’ disobedience. The point is that they are idol worshipers just like their parents were. In fact, verse 6 shows that God shows mercy to those who love Him, irregardless of their parents’ disposition towards God. The contrast that we have in verses 4 and 5 is between those who hate God and those who love Him. The reason for it affecting the third and fourth generations is that the effects of idol worship is that it leads to children becoming accustomed to it, and they often times replicate it in their own lives.
Other passages to consider are listed below.
Deuteronomy 24:16: Moses states that fathers would not be put to death for their children’s sins and children would not be put to death for the fathers’ sins. Notice that he says, “A person shall be put to death for his own sin.” Ezekiel 18:2 This passage - in fact the entire chapter - shows that God never agreed with the false saying of the people: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” In other words, rather than taking responsibility for their own actions, they attributed their sinful ways to their parents. However, notice that God said that they were to no longer use that proverb in Israel. He went on to say that the soul who sins shall die and that the one who is lawful and right shall live (Ezekiel 18:4-9). Jeremiah 31:27-30: We see the same thing here. Every one dies for his own iniquity. If one “eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.”
Dr. Evans is off here. i have some concerns myself with his teaching on this and his affilation with Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, Ken Ulmer,etc. I used to live in Dallas for some time and he has a big following. I know of a associate pastor from his church who started his own so I might not be surprised if he has the same stance on this.
I think that this is a difficult topic but as a BSW/LCSW and counselor of alcohol and drugs. There could be something more to this and with the devil trying to destroy people it all stands to reason. I have seen many children that never knew their biological mother and their mother did not know who the father of their baby was and you can see so many of the same personality characteristics in these children. You could also have a parent who is a alcoholic but the child never drinks. But has at least three or more characteristics of the father that drinks, they may even act like the dad when he drinks. So what do we say, enviormental or generational. We need to be very aware of what the Holy Spirit is saying and be diserning about these type of things.
true tony evans has fallen off considerably. i used to live in dallas and know of several people who adore him still. he is well respected in the DFW metroplex. If he is this way with td jakes, fred haynes, ken ulmer, noel jones, creflo dollar, eddie long, fred price & the rest of the legion of doom, then those brothers who came out under his mentorship are probably the same way with these cats. Evans has to be called out, plain & simple. i kknow I will get dirty looks once I return to Dallas later this month. I do not care.
I was not aware Evans has sermons on reversing demonic, financial, social, career curses,etc. He is on the ballot for the apostate hall of fame. God will hold Tony Evans to a higher degree that the average Christian.
My view, First why is the so called prosperity gospel false, the enemy seems to love twisting peoples mind on what the gospel really is after all thats his real purpose to blind people from understanding the gospel, here are a few things to consider? what did jesus come to give ? abundant life, what does that consist of?does God care for the spirt only and not for our entire being? Our everyday life, what did Jesus mean by saying seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you, and the apostle paul says he that spareth not his own son why shall ye not allso give us all things, there are many more scripture which speak to this, but it seems to me the devil glee when we push truth to extremes, some only stop at the cross, at death not undestanding we were also raised with him, and we are more than conqeueros now, im aware that false teachers, as was in pauls day love there own belly and are eneimies of the cross,philphians, but he also says God gave us good things to enjoy,some live in the past and stop at a luther or a calvin we are greatful for the reformation and what God did then, and i believe in justification by faith alone in christ alone, ect, but it seems some part of the church wants to pitch permanent tents in the wilderness, the church is and is suppose to be allways marching forth not being stangnant, in tradition, but know that God does give revealation base on the written word as he did with the reformers let us not throw out the water with the baby, peace
My only problem is sale this to those in Sudan, India, Iraq, and other impoverished areas and tell me. Did God come for them to have the Abundant Life also? Does Matthew 6:33 apply to them? If so why are they starving everyday? Ah, because they have the true bread and the true water. Which when one eats they never hunger or thirst again! What A Mighty God we serve!
I lived in the DFW area for 13 years, attending a Friday morning men’s Bible study at Prestonwood Baptist (prior to their move to the outrageous megaplex). Each January or February, Tony Evans would come to this meeting and speak for 4 to 8 weeks in a row. The attendance quadrupled. I started supporting Evans’ financially, as his messages were solid.
In 1998, I moved to Houston and kept up my support.
Last year, I wrote him about sharing a platform with TD Jakes - got a letter in which Evans stated he was personally confronting Jakes about his modalism and prosperity pimping. I wrote back and asked him to be aware of the implicit endorsement that comes with sharing the stage with anyone.
This June, I wrote Evans about putting Tony Campolo on the stage for the annual church conference Evans hosts (now called “Kingdom Agenda Conference”. I explained why I consider Campolo a false teacher to be avoided - with references. Haven’t heard anything in return.
sigh
Will likely drop my support of him and his dispensational self very soon.
Hey brother Sbrogden,
1. He has also had John Hagee’s wife at this years woman conference
2. Had Eddie Long teach at the leadership conference
3. Shared the pulpit with Price, Dollar and others affiliated with them.
I can continue but I will degress.
Its a sad day.
I recently moved to Houston from the LA area. I had not heard Dr. Evans except for one time previously many years ago and he “seemed” at the time to be a sound biblical expositor of Gods word. Recently I listened to a radio broadcast of his show and wanted to hear the entire message. I “stumbled” upon this site as I was searching online and was completely apalled to find out that he teaches such error and has become complicit with the ministries of the WOF (eastern mystical, hocus pocus, magical incantation) heretical teachers by sharing the pulpit and exposing other false doctrine such as “generational curses”. The greedy gospel and other WOF heresies are very seductive. Satan has been at this for a long time, but we are not ignorant of his devices. And a man with the theological training that Dr. Evans has (many once upon a time orthodox institutions are becoming nothing but liberal training grounds for heresey) should be aware of them as well. I guess the apostacy continues……
Thank you Brotha Woods and the rest of you faithful servants for standing and contending earnestly for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints!
In His grip!
I believe all curses are broken in Christ on the cross (Galatians 3:13-14) and He became a curse for us (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). I agree that certain generational tendencies can be passed down but not because of curses, blessings, or genetics but out of habits. Poor habits such as smoking, drinking, etc. can be passed down by example and not simply because of Satan. While Satan uses these “curses” in a persons life, he did not make them do it.
Good post.
In response to the persons who do not believe in generational curses, the bible has made it clear that the sins of the parents will have effect on the children up to third and fourth generation. Also, is vital that you research the scriptures on curses from genesis to revelation. Is listed and mentioned multiple times
If you or your husband continue to dwell in a sinful lifestyle, you are setting up your children up for failure or struggle in the future. Is like boomerang that comes back and will continue to come until that cycle is broken. Jesus said that this kind can only come out or go but by fasting and prayer.
There are circumstances in individuals’ life that are linked to a specific force i.e. stronghold it will take prayer and fasting and full commitment to God and obedience to His word to break free from those things.
There are families today, their daughters will never remain in marriage or get married, I mean this are nice people but there are stronghold resisting that family marital destiny. Some family have pattern of destructive behavior that keep them down.
Believe it or not curses are real. Also, you have to know that words are spirit and things that will take form in the physical world. If that spoken word is not cast out it will manifest what it was send it to do either to person or in reverse to the one that spoke it. I believe when you repent and resist the devil those curses are watch away by the power of God’s love.
Is not about the person preaching about curses. I believe this topic need to preach in churches so that people can be set free.
New Child,
Here is a couple of verses in Eze 18. Can you tell me how you deal with these verses?
“19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself”
GREAT WORK LW7!!!!!!! Kep contending for the faith. Peace!
Thanks Iceman! I think this is dangerous to the body of Christ!
I am amaze at how easy it is for you all to tear each other down and the problem you na sayers have is that you are all on a ego trip. First stop giving power to the devil by attacking each other, you calling a spade a spade is just for you to appear rightiuos “love your brother not to discuss them on the high way. Secondly let me tell you there is such a thing as generational cure and those who are free are those who have the sence to seek god in breaking it.
You should concentrate on the generational curse of the black man whose life style seen rigged with inevtable and obstacles. many of which is generational. The sin is yours but the curse of the sin was here before you get here and if you do not break it you will it will take you out of here. You cannot fight the evedence, just do your research.
WOW WOW i thought Hank Hannegraf was the only one against jakes and the crew, i stand corrected; do we have any other black preacher out there that’s preaching the word god? somebody we can all have access to? i don’t hear about a lot of the white preacher getting dumped like this, i need yall to break it down for me……PEACE