Only eternal life
The apostle Paul writes,
"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. Matthew 10:9,10.
Living in North America allows me to hear a wide spectrum of people calling themselves Christians. Many of whom are not.
The most egregious of these preachers I believe are those collectively called the prosperity doctrine preachers. Very rich men and women who say give to God (quite often meaning their ministry) and He will give back to you many times over the amount you give Him. They treat God like a cosmic investment banker offering super interest. This is completely wrong. These are the men the apostle Paul was talking about in 1Timothy 6:10 when he writes,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Now there is nothing wrong with being rich and having a lot of money. The problem becomes on the value you put on money in your life.
Jesus told this story,
"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''"
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.
Sadly the face of Christianity in North America is becoming these prosperity gospel preachers. They have the money and resources to go produce carefully scripted program in the media. And their charismatic personalities attract thousands to live events. People who are looking for something that is material in nature and not spiritual, not of God.
Jesus said,
"God is spirit, and his worshippers
must worship in spirit and in truth."
John 4:23.
Jesus never promised us millions of dollars. Jesus never said we would have a perfect life free from troubles. He simply promised eternal life to all who would believe in him
Jesus said,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Do you believe this?
Please think about it.
