Is, Christianity, the stepping stone to happiness and success? This sentence raises questions, in many people . He Preacher was wise, and wrote : Though a sinner do evil an hundred times , and his days be prolonged , yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God , which fear before Him , Ecclesiastes 8 verse 12 . It has become a hype, that many Christian people, see, faith in God, as a step towards earthly happiness, and success. But, this is not accordion to the Word. Lets see what the Bible says about this. We can expect blessings in his name, but this is not necessarily equal to earthly happiness, or success. We who fear God, may know that our repentance, marks the beginning of the journey of discipleship. It is a journey with him through the narrow road, Matthew 7, verse 14 , because strait is the gate , and narrow is the way , which leadeth unto life . Through the Holy Spirit, we are freed from the slavery of sin (what a luck) and we may walk in newness of life, we are no longer slaves of this world, John 15 verse 15. However, this life is a cross-oriented life. A life that knows the pruning, the farmer, and does not claim itself, in the first place. It is not I, but Christ (the C, is a curved I). Our focus should be directed to Christ. Luke 14 verse 27 , And whosoever doth not bear his cross , and come after me , cannot be my disciple . For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake , that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh . So then death worketh in us , but life in you , 2 Corinthians 4 verses 11 and 12 . I am crucified with Christ : nevertheless I live ; yet not I , but Christ liveth in me . A life in humility (meekness = humble of heart) still receives riches, honor and life? According to Proverbs 22 verse 4, indeed, you will receive wealth, but this always means an earthly riches? Of course, God can bless us with earthly riches, but on this, we may not be aimed. Let us who live in this dispensation, listen to what the Word has to say about this. Revelation 2 verse 9, I know thy works , and tribulation , and poverty , (but thou art rich) . This spiritual wealth, become clear in Luke 12, verses 20 and 21, as Jesus explains, the wealth of a fool : But God said unto him , Thou fool , this night thy soul shall be required of thee : then whose shall those things be , which thou hast provided ? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself , and is not rich toward God . Revelation 3 verse 17 Because thou sayest , I am rich , (earthly wealth) and increased with goods , and have need of nothing ; and knowest not that thou art wretched , and miserable , and poor , and blind , and naked ! How beautiful it is as Paul wrote , 2 Corinthians 6 verse 10 : As sorrowful , yet always rejoicing ; as poor , yet making many rich ; as having nothing , and yet possessing all things . A characteristic of a carnal Christian is (having) the faith, but do not live by faith. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3 verses 1 to 3 ....could not speak unto you as unto spiritual .......For ye are yet carnal . Its a carnal life, to focus on collecting, treasures on earth, Matthew 6 verses 19 and 20 , Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth .......But lay up for yourselves treasures in haven , (for ever). A desire for material wealth is not according to the Word. Also, we should not seek the praise of men, but of God, John 5 verse 41 to 44. However, Ephesians 6 verses 2 and 3, still talking about prosperity and longevity? For Israel is indeed a good and long life in the land of promise , but we have not received an inheritance, in this dispensation. Tomorrow part two .
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 07:40:12 +0000
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