False Teacher

John Avanzini

Prosperity preacher who claims Jesus was wealthy and wore designer clothes

Biography

John Avanzini is an American prosperity gospel teacher known for his outrageous claims that Jesus was rich, lived in a large house, and wore designer clothing. He is a frequent guest on TBN and other Word of Faith platforms, teaching that financial prosperity is a sign of God's favor and that poverty is a curse. His teachings distort the historical Jesus into a wealthy businessman to justify greed.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how John Avanzini measures up:

Title & Authority

VERDICT: FAIL

Self-appointed teacher with no biblical accountability structure. Uses television platforms to spread prosperity heresy without elder oversight.

Scripture:

2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 7:15, 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Gospel Message

VERDICT: FAIL

Replaces the gospel of Christ crucified with a gospel of financial prosperity. Claims Jesus was rich, directly contradicting Scripture. Turns the faith into a wealth-acquisition system.

Scripture:

Matthew 8:20, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 1:6-9

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: FAIL

Profits from selling prosperity teachings while distorting the character of Christ. His teachings encourage covetousness and materialism among followers.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 6:9-10, Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:19-21

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: FAIL

Claims historical 'revelations' about Jesus's wealth that have no basis in Scripture or historical evidence. Fabricates details about Jesus's lifestyle to support prosperity theology.

Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:3-4, Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: FAIL

Teaches that giving to his ministry produces financial returns. Uses guilt and false promises to extract money from followers. No financial accountability.

Scripture:

2 Peter 2:3, Acts 8:18-23, 1 Timothy 6:5

Key Quotes

These statements from John Avanzini reveal doctrinal error.

"Jesus had a nice house! You don't think Jesus had a nice house? You think he was homeless? ... Jesus had a nice big house! ... Jesus wore designer clothes!"

— John Avanzini

Violates: Matthew 8:20, John 19:23

Source: Believer's Voice of Victory, TBN, January 20, 1991

Read full analysis →

"Jesus was handling big money. The Bible says that Judas was a thief. If you only have a few bucks, you don't need a treasurer and you don't need a thief."

— John Avanzini

Violates: Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58, 2 Corinthians 8:9

Source: Praise the Lord, TBN, September 15, 1988

Read full analysis →

View quotes with full scripture refutation →

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

•Believer's Voice of Victory broadcast, TBN (January 20, 1991)
•Praise the Lord, TBN (September 15, 1988)
•Various TBN appearances and Word of Faith conferences
•Prosperity teaching seminars and publications

See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented John Avanzini's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.