The Christian life is no walk in the park. The modern popular message, however, would have us believe that prosperity and a trouble-free life awaits all sincere disciples. Little wonder that preachers of this health-and-wealth gospel attract large crowds. After all, who wouldn't want the best that this world has to offer as well as the life to come! Problem is, there is little evidence that Jesus ever preached anything remotely close to today's popular message.
These statements by Jesus are an inconvenient truth compared to today's popular message: "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18) ... "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved." (Matthew 10:22) ... "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24).
Better that we should have a true view of the reality of the Christian life than to be misled by the hollow promise of glitter and gold. As one modern writer has said, "This is no cruise ship; it’s a battleship."
King David, a man well acquainted with the challenges and battles in being a man of God wrote, "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in Yahweh" (Psalm 31:24). If our hope is in the health-and-wealth gospel we are destined for disappointment, but if our hope is in our Father, the One true God who is a constant source of strength in both prosperity and adversity, then we find strength and hope in all the seasons of life.
The body of Christ is designed to be a safe haven in the storms of life that inevitably besiege every believer. There is general encouragement found in the present of a group of believers but there is very specific help found in partnering closely with one or two like-minded believers. "No man is an island", and the Christian life is not strictly an individual matter. Our lives were meant to be lived out in the context of a family of believers, in genuine authentic relationship.
"Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in Yahweh". The God of all strength will provide courage and strength, and very often He provides it through His people. Stay connected and stay strong.
Steve
These statements by Jesus are an inconvenient truth compared to today's popular message: "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18) ... "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved." (Matthew 10:22) ... "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24).
Better that we should have a true view of the reality of the Christian life than to be misled by the hollow promise of glitter and gold. As one modern writer has said, "This is no cruise ship; it’s a battleship."
King David, a man well acquainted with the challenges and battles in being a man of God wrote, "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in Yahweh" (Psalm 31:24). If our hope is in the health-and-wealth gospel we are destined for disappointment, but if our hope is in our Father, the One true God who is a constant source of strength in both prosperity and adversity, then we find strength and hope in all the seasons of life.
The body of Christ is designed to be a safe haven in the storms of life that inevitably besiege every believer. There is general encouragement found in the present of a group of believers but there is very specific help found in partnering closely with one or two like-minded believers. "No man is an island", and the Christian life is not strictly an individual matter. Our lives were meant to be lived out in the context of a family of believers, in genuine authentic relationship.
"Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in Yahweh". The God of all strength will provide courage and strength, and very often He provides it through His people. Stay connected and stay strong.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:46 AM
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