Unlocking “The Favor of God” Upon Your Life: N/A

By Dr. Tommy Rodriguez Jr.

I have presented a sound Scriptural foundation and teaching, in regards to how you will truly and spiritually obtain The Favor of God upon your life. Therefore, the sole purpose of this book is as follows: (1) to properly examine Scripture; (2) to correctly interpret the misunderstood and misused principle of what the general Christian community refers to as The Favor of God; and (3) address the issue of how false teaching regarding this subject matter may unfortunately mislead fellow Christians or other religious individuals down the wrong path of righteous living and disobedience unto God.

As an Oneness Christian Teacher, Theologian, and Apologist, I would like to mention the fundamental Biblical principle of which this book is based upon, as well as the position advocated in this bookcomplete obedience and observance to The Word of God! In other words, the fundamental Biblical principle can be found in the following Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:46, 12:732, & 28:114; II Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 19:711; II Timothy 3:16.

Finally, I would like to state that this book clearly and objectively explains all that there is to know, in regards to properly obtaining Biblical prosperity in your life! My friend, I am quite certain that you will find this book of great interest, encouraging, informative, and very pleasant to read. But most of all, you will find that it is based upon sound doctrine!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449752965

Dr. Tommy Rodriguez Jr.

     Dr. Tommy Rodriguez, Jr. was born on November 18, 1968 in Watsonville, California.  Dr. Rodriguez has earned the following degrees: an Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.) in General Education from San Jose City College; a Bachelors of Arts Degree (B.A.) in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Francisco State University; a Professional Doctorate Degree in chiropractic (D.C.), with Clinical Honors/Excellence, from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West; a Masters of Divinity Degree (M.Div.), with magna cum laude, and an Academic Doctorate Degree in Oneness Apostolic Theology (Ph.D.), with cum laude, both from Apostolic Theological Seminary, New Delhi.      He has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates: an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree (D.D.) and an Honorary Doctor of Ministry Degree (D.Min.) from Apostolic Theological Seminary, New Delhi.  They were granted for the following reasons: (1) for his unselfish, professional and prominent contribution in the fields of Oneness Christian Apologetics, ministry, and evangelism, (2) for his well-documented work in Oneness Doctrine writing and research, (3) for his detailed work in the field of Biblical Theology, and (4) for his obvious anointed Divine-calling of God to The Ministry of The Church.      He also holds several advanced health and fitness certifications in Massage Therapy and in Strength and Conditioning.  In addition, he has earned a Post-doctorate certification in CranioSacral Therapy.  Dr. Rodriguez is also a Certified Level I National Federation of State High School Associations Accredited Interscholastic Coach as well as a Certified USA Track & Field Level I Coach.      He is currently finalizing his second book entitled, Project Truth!  In addition, he is nearing completion of writing the manuscript of his third book, entitled “The General Theory of Evolution” verses Biblical Creation.      Apart from his academic and professional achievements, Dr. Tommy Rodriguez, Jr. is a fourth-generation Apostolic-Pentecostal Oneness Believer.  Dr. Rodriguez was Fire Baptized with The Gift of The Holy Ghost, on October 11, 1979, and he was Water Baptized in The Name of Jesus, on November 2, 1980.      He is very passionate about properly teaching and defending The Word of God, with a desire to drastically impact the lives of those he touches.  He is a man of great prayer and much fasting, and he is mightily used in The Gifts of The Spirit!  Dr. Rodriguez’s main gifts are in writing, teaching, and explaining The Word of God in a clear, simple, and direct way.      In his spare time, he enjoys fitness activities, the outdoors, and educational reading and research.  He is also an enthusiastic sports fan and an avid trumpet player.      Dr. Rodriguez currently resides in San Jose, CA with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Jackie.  They are members of The Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus at Potter’s House in Watsonville, CA, under the Pastor-ship of Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Steven J. Moran and Pastor Rev. Daniel Moran.  He also serves as the current Youth Pastor and Principle of Potter’s House Community Christian School.      Dr. Tommy Rodriguez, Jr. may be contacted via email at: [e-mail].

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Copyright © 2012 Dr. Tommy Rodriguez, Jr.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012910118

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

All of the resources used in this book are listed at the back of this book, under References. No direct quotes have been used, except those from The Bible, and are noted as such.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5296-5 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5295-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5294-1 (hc)

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/09/2012

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1    Introduction

Chapter 2    What Is Apologetics?

Chapter 3    God Deals in Times & Seasons

Chapter 4    Beware of Spiritually Perverse Doctrine

Chapter 5    What Is Meant by Sowing a Seed, To Reap a Harvest?

Chapter 6    What Is The Favor of God?

Chapter 7    Properly Obtaining The Favor of God

Chapter 8    Which Battle Weapon Will You Choose?

Chapter 9    Conclusion

GLOSSARY

Supplemental Bible Study 1

Supplemental Bible Study 2

Epilogue

About The Author

References

This book is dedicated to all individuals who are sincerely and earnestly searching for the truth regarding Biblical prosperity!

That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

– I Kings 8:60–61

Preface

•••

Greetings in The Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for blessing me with The Gift of The Spirit of Ministry, in Writing and Teaching. In addition, I would like to thank God for allowing me the privilege and honor of writing my first published book–thus allowing me to become a published author. Moreover, I would like to state that without the guidance and direction of The Spirit of God, this book would not have been written in the fashion in which it was written. Furthermore, I have presented a sound Scriptural foundation and teaching, in regards to how you will truly and spiritually obtain The Favor of God upon your life.

Therefore, the sole purpose of this book is as follows: (1) to properly examine Scripture; (2) to correctly interpret the misunderstood and misused principle of what the general Christian community refers to as The Favor of God; and (3) address the issue of how false teaching regarding this subject matter may unfortunately mislead fellow Christians or other religious individuals down the wrong path of righteous living and disobedience unto God.

As an Oneness Christian Theologian and Apologist, I would like to mention the fundamental Biblical principle of which this book is based upon, as well as the position advocated in this book–complete obedience and observance to The Word of God! In other words, the fundamental Biblical principle can be found in the following Scripture’s:

1. Deuteronomy 6:4–6, 12:7–32, & 28:1–14.

2. II Chronicles 7:14.

3. Psalms 19:7–11.

4. II Timothy 3:16.

In light of these Scriptures, it must be stated that any passage of Scripture that is under consideration ought to be studied according to the normal meaning of language. For example, How is a word or statement normally understood? In addition, a passage of Scripture ought to be studied according to the proper rules of grammar, as well as by using proper exegesis. By the way, this demands an examination of the nouns, verbs, prepositions, etc., for the proper understanding of that particular passage of Scripture. Furthermore, it is said that a passage of Scripture ought to be studied in its historical context, such as the political, social, religious, and particularly, the cultural circumstances surrounding the writing of a Biblical book. The essential point that I am stating here is that I have done my best to remain within the stated theological parameters regarding The Favor of God!

Biblical Theology is not a new Christian discipline. In fact, it originated in the early Biblical time frame, albeit modern theological academia generally traces its current origin back to Theologian Johann Philipp Gabler (1753–1826), in 1787. Interestingly enough, it was Magister J. P. Gabler who asserted the need for Biblical Theology, so that Church Doctrine, or Systematic Theology, would not predetermine the meaning of Biblical texts.

Hence, a properly schooled theologian must be hermeneutically exacting in properly and objectively analyzing a passage of Scripture, in order to fully understand what a particular author wrote. Simply stated, Biblical Theology has a direct relationship to the discipline of exegesis, which requires an accurate analysis of the passage of Scripture to the literal, grammatical, historical, and metaphorical methodology being applied. Again, I have done exactly as is being presented to you.

With this said, allow me to digress for a brief moment. I must make a brief statement regarding spiritual leadership, pastoral-ship, and teaching of any sort. In other words, spiritual leadership comes with a heavy responsibility, to say the least! The essential point that I am stating here is that you should not take a Divine-leadership Office lightly! Fellow spiritual leader’s, be a leader who correctly leads individuals down the right path to God’s truth. This principle is brought to light, so to speak, in Hosea 4:6, which states as follows:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee…I will also forget thy children.

In short, it is my obligation as an Oneness Christian Theologian and Apologist to correctly and fully disseminate what Scripture clearly states, in regards to the subject matter of prosperity and The Favor of God. Keep in mind, as spiritual leader’s we will be judged for what we say, teach, do, and allow, as well as for what we do not say, teach, or do!

It is of utmost importance to qualify the truthful perspective of this important Christian subject matter. Therefore, I strongly believe that the opinion, suggestion, and correct interpretation of Scripture offered in this book are going to improve your personal relationship with God, stimulate your spiritual walk with God, and improve your understanding of the true essence of The Favor of God.

Similarly, you need to simultaneously maintain a sincere heart, in order to grow in knowledge and understanding of The Word of God, and to be found in complete obedience and submissiveness unto The Will of God.

By the way, your attitude, in regards to first seeking after The Kingdom of God, will make all the difference in the quality of your life. Not to mention, your complete understanding of Scripture! In addition, it will set you completely free–spiritually, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially! Is this not what we wish for our life? Therefore, my desire is that this book will bring the true Favor of God upon all aspects of your life!

In light of what has been stated, allow me to relate the motive that prompted me to begin writing the manuscript to this book, on September 24, 2010. By the way, this became a fifteen month project of daily Biblical reading, researching, writing, proofreading, and editing! The detailed description of the inception of this project is described as follows:

To my amazement, a very well-known Prosperity Gospel televangelist was addressing the public television audience at the conclusion of his televised program. He was fanatically asking individuals to Sow a Financial Seed of $1,000.00, in order to receive what he calls a Triple Favor of God upon their life.

However, I am boldly stating that this is not what is stated in The Word of God! Hence, for my frustration as an Oneness Theologian and Apologist!

Nevertheless, I asked myself the following two questions: (1) What is a Financial Seed? (2) What is Triple Favor?

Again, be reminded that I am properly schooled in Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Apologetics. However, I have never heard or read of these non-Biblical terms within the Bible! In other words, I am plainly stating that these terms, as well as this bogus prosperity concept, do not exist in the Bible! Period!

Needless to say, I continued to watch the remainder of this particular televised religious program, because I wanted to know what else this televangelist would say that was not Biblical. I have to admit, however, that I was very disturbed within my spirit, to say the least!

Nevertheless, I proceeded to ask God if there would be any possibility of me being able to write a book to properly educate the public regarding this particular subject matter. Well, after a few moments in prayer, God granted me the permission to proceed with the writing of the manuscript to this book. In addition, God revealed the title–"Unlocking The Favor of God Upon Your Life!"

I asked God for complete leading of The Spirit. Moreover, I asked Him to bestow upon me Godly-wisdom, so that I could properly undertake such a task, to properly address this very impacting Christian principle.

Then, the following was revealed unto me via The Spirit of Truth: that a true Biblical teacher ought to guide an individual from one level of understanding, or lack thereof, into the next level of Biblical understanding, along with proper Divine revelation! Hence, the inception of this book!

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that in this final hour of harvest, before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sounds The Trump of God that all of The Body of Christ as well as all of the Oneness Believers who preach, teach, and write may do so in a manner that is doctrinally correct. Not how closed-minded theologians, false preacher’s, or inadequately learned Biblical teacher’s think is correct!

In other words, I am plainly stating that there are far too many Christian books, Christian periodicals, Christian preacher’s, and Christian teacher’s that have misguided and incorrectly taught the subject that is under consideration. In addition, they are currently misguiding and incorrectly teaching the public by foolishly or ignorantly misinterpreting what The Word of God clearly states regarding prosperity and The Favor of God!

Deuteronomy 6:1–3 states the following:

Now these are the commandments, the statues, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

In addition, Proverbs 13:13 states,

Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

Finally, Matthew 22:36–38 states as follows:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

Wow! The essential point that I am stating here is that if you would like to find, experience, and achieve The Favor of God upon your life, you need to give yourself wholeheartedly unto God! In addition, you need to live your life by The Fear of The LORD as well as according to The Will of God! I strongly believe that in doing so, you will reap prosperity that will be beyond your human comprehension, your wildest dreams as well as what you could ever fathom!

Again, from what I have personally seen and heard, I am sadly amazed by the lack of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for the infallible Word of God, and for the lack of the ability to properly demonstrate correct interpretation of two basic Biblical Keys:

1. To Fear The LORD our God (Deuteronomy 6:24–25).

2. To love The LORD with all of our mind, heart, soul, and might (Mark 12:29–30).

To reiterate the point being stated here, this is going to be the only manner in which you will truly find, properly receive, and correctly experience The Favor of God upon your life. In other words, it is all reduced to one simple Biblical principle–COMPLETE OBEDIENCE UNTO THE WORD OF GOD! My friend, this is the true beauty, simplicity, transparency, and directness of The Word of God.

By the way, the merciful and gracious gift of The Favor of God will be released only when you come to this full understanding! Therefore, I personally ask that you thoroughly read, sincerely ponder, completely receive, and fully enjoy the undertaking of this influential Christian principle.

In giving a proper response to the Prosperity Gospel teaching, I have done my best to provide as clear of an account of this awesome prosperity principle as possible. In correctly doing so, I have chosen to solely use The King James Version of the Bible throughout this entire book.

In addition, my main concern regarding the writing of this book has been to correctly and properly define The Favor of God, as well as in presenting substantial evidence via Scripture.

Furthermore, my greatest desire is to properly challenge trendy false teaching and popular false doctrine. Nevertheless, I have to be perfectly honest with you–this has proven to be a very daunting task, to say the least! I make this statement, because I had to make sure that I correctly lead each individual down the proper path of truly understanding, finding, and achieving The Favor of God upon your life, as only The Word of God clearly and directly states!

I strongly believe that the subject matter, in regards to The Favor of God, ought to be explicitly based upon the teaching of Scripture! Plainly stated, I have not just