Every edition of Encore Entertainment Magazine features in-depth interviews with a range of pastors and ministers from some of the world's most influential and emerging churches. We are proud to extend this further with our new feature "Amen". Get more insight into their ministries and spiritual growth. Amen will be featured in the magazine and season 2 of our podcast. To be featured in this section contact us at dve@totalprayze.com
Encore: What is the vision of your bestselling book, "I Receive It"?
Pastor Buckley: The vision of the book is to take a look at God as a giver, just like we think of our personal father. Most fathers are in the place of a giver and we see God as our Heavenly Father, I want people to see God from that perspective.
Encore: In writing the book, did you find that a hard concept for Christians to grasp?
Pastor Buckley: Yeah, I must say that I think it is so tough for people to see God as a giver. When we go through tough times in the church they call them storms. It’s tough to believe that God is still giving to you in moments where you are going through a lack. I think it’s even more tough now because whether it’s in society or even in the church, the most criticized doctrine ever is the doctrine of prosperity. People want say that’s idolatry versus here is a perspective of God we must accept, because knowing God as a giver first starts with Jesus Christ. If you don’t believe God the father is a giver, you can’t accept Jesus was given. So, it’s a struggle because in this world we know nothing is given to you, but with a relationship with God that is not true, because everything is given to you.
Encore: You mentioned the most criticized doctrine ever is the doctrine of prosperity. How do you feel about the preaching of prosperity gospel?
Pastor Buckley: If you are preaching prosperity for self gain, I believe that’s clearly error, but if you are preaching prosperity so that people might experience God's love then that’s different. I want to say this, it’s a misconception in the church and definitely in the world because we don’t realize that the reason God gives us things is much different than the reason we go after things. When we get blessed, we must have a different perspective. When I get blessed, I feel God's love, I don’t see it as just material stuff.