Scripture

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”

~Mark 8:34, CSB

Quote

This false gospel {Health and Wealth} is cruel. It doesn’t intend to be but it is: it means to magnify grace but it does the opposite.

~J.I. Packer

I suppose that many preachers including yours truly have at times misrepresented the gospel. We may have given people the impression that once you receive Christ as personal LORD and Savior that all your problems are over, and that life will henceforth be a bed of roses. We tend to sugar coat Christianity and play down the rougher side of our faith which is daily chastening, the endless war with sin and Satan, and periodic walks in darkness. We give the impression that Christian living is a piece of cake, that everything is always lovely, and all our problems melt away. There is only one problem: the Christian life is not a bed of roses. Jesus endured some thorns, and we will too. Problem free Christianity is built on a false premise that omits the truth about the world, the flesh and the devil. The normal Christian life is not trouble free and believing that it can lead to disillusionment. James MaHoney said, “If there is one thing I could tell a young Christian, it would be that the flesh will at some time rear its ugly head. You have a renewed higher nature, but the old nature is not dead.” All believers must endure trials and temptations. Matter of fact, you can expect temptation to increase, not decrease. This is how we grow in grace. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that should not be trusted.

What is wrong with the health and wealth gospel? It fails to grasp the truth about sanctification. Watchman Nee said, “We learn nothing except by adversity.” The health and wealth gospel omits our struggle with indwelling sin. It confuses our life on earth with our life in heaven. Christianity is not heaven on earth. It leads to passivity. Those who become victims become consumed with acquiring more knowledge, attending more bible studies, reading more books, and yet they do not obey basic commands. They pray about everything but do nothing. Their faith does not lead to obedience. They believe is a grace that does not work. Every true believer should sense God’s grace working in them. Paul said, “I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” My desire to please the Father, to read scripture, to pray, to help others and give is greater than ever. There is only one explanation: God’s grace is working in me. I do not believe for one minute that this is the work of Jack. Trust me, I know Jack well enough to know, it is not Jack.

I don’t know how old Job was when God allowed Satan to attack him but he was not young. I am thinking he was at least middle age because his children were grown. When it happens to you, don’t despair; don’t think is is something strange. Peter said, Dear friends, don’t be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory in that coming day when it will be displayed {1Peter 4:12-13, TLB}.

Extra

Ann Vest was awake and talking yesterday. I was amazed. She is still in very serious condition. She did not remember Sunday or Monday. The kids are there by her side. I am proud of them. They are taking good care of their parents.

I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog.