Thanks

In this economy people are looking for relief. There is a sense of despair that has permeated the business world. Even though the economy is still on the ropes we are pushing through a health care proposal that will not only be very expensive, but will undoubtedly lead to rationing of care. But, the real issue is that we have become a narcissistic society. Much of the world would be thrilled with a roof over their head and 3 meals a day; we are obsessed coveting more home than we need and the need to lose weight. We find ourselves befuddled with the economic downturn and the “loss” of value in our 401k’s. Who knows if we will ever reach retirement, and if we don’t do we want our kids to inherit the “wealth” and end up more narcissistic than we are?

I was listening to Alistair Begg this morning on KGMS. He was reviewing the passage in Acts Chapter 8 where Steven was stoned to death. He made the comment that at that time in history Christians were not expecting prosperity they were expecting persecution and death. Tertullian commented that it was the blood of the martyrs that was water for the seed of the Gospel. Keep in mind that Christian martyrs were not in to suicide bombing, they were being killed just for their belief in Jesus Christ. They went to their deaths willingly because of their love for Christ. It truly was through this persecution that the Gospel spread throughout the world. The Gospel message is simple it is love.

Why do we expect to live lavish lifestyles without pain or suffering? I heard a lady on CNN blame Christianity (actually the prosperity gospel preached by Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland and others) on our economic crisis. The prosperity preachers teach that God wants you to be rich and that if you aren’t healthy and wealthy then you lack faith. Frankly I believe that those that teach this heresy are doing it to fatten their own wallets off of a culture that desires riches above righteousness (right standing with God). It is a shame when people can point to “preachers” as culprits in leading people down the road to disaster. We should remember at this time of Thanksgiving that true riches are found in Christ Jesus. This is the free gift of eternal life with no more pain or suffering. This is a promise that you won’t find in the health care reform bill.