The Charismatic preachers, (big hairs), peddle the concept of “claiming” Old Testament “promises” to their perpetually ignorant congregations.  Rarely ever hear a big hair mention the negative ones … the ones that did Israel in numerous times.  Even though most congregants of big hair preachers have no idea what covenantalism is, they unknowingly hold to it as they “claim” the riches … I mean “promises” of the OT.

It’s worth noting that the OT “promises” were for Israel … as in a nation.  Trying to contort them to NT individuals is difficult.  In fact, my wife noticed that the big hair preachers always use OT references?  Makes sense.  The NT has few “promises” to be claimed other than those like, “if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”.  How about, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”.  Those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and scourges every son whom He receives.  Not the best “promises”.  Worse yet, the NT promises are mainly in the future.  In an instant gratification society, who wants that!

Finally, rather than giving us rights or privileges, the NT “promises” tell us how to live, how to put off the old man and put on Christ.  Big hairs are not keen on that concept.  Best to stick to the OT and keep the congregation hungry for more.  They won’t know …