(OPINION) A pastor and host of the Christian apologetics podcast “Fighting for the Faith,” Chris Rosebrough, has publicly criticized televangelist Jesse Duplantis for teachings that suggest Christians have the ability to create their own worlds and possess the same DNA as God.

Rosebrough, who serves at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church in Oslo, Minnesota, described Duplantis’ assertions as “flat out heresy” and “satanic.”

In a sermon delivered on January 5 titled “Create Your World and Walk In It,” Duplantis claimed that his prosperity and health arise from this concept of creating one’s own world, a notion he originally discussed with his daughter, Jodie, when she was young.

Duplantis recounted her question about why everything he touched seemed to prosper, to which he responded, “I create my world and I walk in it.”

According to the Christian Post, Rosebrough challenged Duplantis’ teachings by noting that there is no biblical foundation for the idea that individuals have the authority to create their own worlds.

He stated, “For this to be a biblical teaching, there must be clear biblical texts indicating that Christians can create their own worlds and walk in them.” He emphasized that no such texts exist in Scripture.

Duplantis also claimed that by creating one’s own world, individuals could prevent Satan from interfering.

Rosebrough countered this argument by referring to the Book of Genesis, pointing out that Satan was present in the world created by God. He questioned how Duplantis could maintain that Satan cannot exist in a world created by humans.

Additionally, Rosebrough scrutinized Duplantis’ interpretation of Philippians 4:10-13, where he suggested that the Apostle Paul was “creating his world” through his contentment in various circumstances.

Rosebrough highlighted the actual message of the passage, which focuses on being content rather than on world creation.

A particularly provocative claim made by Duplantis was his assertion that he and his followers possess the same DNA as God Almighty.

Rosebrough rejected this statement as “blasphemy,” referencing Isaiah 43:10, which states, “Before me no God was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”

He clarified that while humans were created by God, they are not divine beings, using the analogy that just because God created vegetables does not make them divine or grant them the ability to create worlds.

In a recent commentary, Rosebrough expressed concerns regarding the teachings of Jesse Duplantis, suggesting they resonate with the deceptive aspirations of Satan as depicted in Isaiah 14, where the devil sought to elevate himself to be like God.

Rosebrough advised his audience to “mark and avoid” Duplantis, labeling his ministry as “demonic to the core.”

He emphasized the importance of prayer as a means of seeking God’s will, rather than asserting one’s own desires, citing the Lord’s Prayer as a framework for understanding this approach.

Rosebrough branded Duplantis a heretic, asserting that he promotes the idea that individuals are divine, which he contests by highlighting humanity’s status as sinful and in need of repentance.

He strongly advocated against the notion that individuals possess the ability to wield creative power through their words, deeming it as false.

In contrast, Jesse Duplantis, who has a reported net worth of approximately $20 million, has declared poverty to be a “curse” and attributes his wealth to divine blessings.

During an online session with his wife, Cathy, in April 2024, Duplantis remarked on his perception of being “blessed,” stating that he is a “very blessed man” in various aspects—spiritually, physically, and financially.

He addressed the criticisms he faces regarding his possessions, including a private jet and a large mansion in Louisiana, asserting that he does not concern himself with public opinion on his wealth, emphasizing that he has personally financed his lifestyle.