THE GOSPEL OF GREED (Pt. II)

We began this devotional series with the following question: “How have we, the leaders and adherents of Christianity, allowed the central teachings of our faith to become infiltrated and diluted by an overarching emphasis on material gain and prosperity?”  We opted to utilize five referential or experiential resources to effectively address this rather controversial issue: 1) an article recently reprinted on Facebook by Pastor Tumi Nkoane of Durban, South Africa, “Was Jesus Rich/Wealthy?” 2) a Time Magazine article entitled, “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” published on September 10, 2006, 3) the teachings of selected Christian leaders, 4) my personal observations and insights, and most importantly, 5) the teachings of scripture, i.e. pertinent Kingdom Principles that describe the Christian’s attitude and actions regarding possessions and prosperity.

Kingdom Principle Number One: PROSPERITY IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORD.  All too often, the term “prosperity” is understood in a one-dimensional manner.  In a word, many equate prosperity (solely) to material or financial gain.  Scripturally speaking, prosperity pertains to all three dimensions of our being: body, soul and spirit.  The Apostle John’s prayer reveals this biblical truth.  “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (III John 1:2, KJV)  The Message Bible further clarifies its meaning.  “I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for good health – that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul.” (III John 1:2, msg)  Inclusive in the biblical concept of the soul are one’s mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions.  Therefore, when we conceive prosperity merely as the accumulation of property or currency, we fail to perceive abundant life from Heaven’s point of view.  In the words of Jesus, “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)  Jesus admonishes us in that same scripture to “take heed, and beware of covetousness.”  Dictionary.com defines “covetousness” as being “inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; or greedy.”  Unhappily, the spirit of greed has captivated and captured the souls of many leaders and laity alike, and in turn, it has wrought terrible violence against the Kingdom of God.  The typical reaction of the world is criticism and cynicism.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: KINGDOM PEOPLE MUST NEVER EMPHASIZE MATERIAL PROSPERITY TO THE EXTENT OF DEVALUING OR EXCLUDING PEOPLE THAT GOD LOVES.  Consider Jesus’ admonition to his disciples regarding all things material:  “Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.  Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:22-24)  Let’s make sure that we are “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)  So…what exactly was Christ’s intention underlying such a powerful statement?  Apparently, it was His concern that we set proper priorities.  Of course, He did not mean that we should have little or no concern about our financial conditions and circumstances.  Bottom-line: Jesus was teaching us that material matters should never be OUR PRIMARY FOCUS, or a cause for anxiety and worry.  This is of critical importance.  For whenever the institutional church gives the world the impression that money matters are main matters, we do grave disservice to the Kingdom of God.  The resultant cynicism causes the gospel, for all practical intents and purposes, to be “hidden to them that are lost.” (II Corinthians 4:3)  The world becomes so ‘turned-off’ by our actions, that Jesus is virtually ‘tuned-out’ of their attitudes!  Kingdom people must always be about the “Father’s business” which, unequivocally, is soul business!  (Luke 2:49 – Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8)  In fact, the church really has no business other than soul business!  

It goes without saying that the mission of the Kingdom must be advanced…and financed…since we live within the confines of a material world system.  However, God prescribes specific methods to accomplish this end. (Malachi 3:8-10)  But nowhere in scripture is it suggested that we enjoy sumptuous lifestyles in pristine palaces while others languish in the throes of abysmal poverty.  Shame on many of us for misinterpreting the message of Christ and misappropriating the funds that are sown into HIS KINGDOM!  Jesus knew this would be the state-of-affairs within the end-times institutional church.  That’s one reason why Jesus declared (whether we like it or not, or accept it or not), “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24-25) 

In light of all of this, the Apostle Paul advised his young protégé, Timothy, “having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:8-10)  Christian leaders and laity, whenever we live like lords-of-the-castle and passively ignore the legitimate needs of our fellowman, we have inadvertently excluded “the least of these” from access to the ‘visible’ love of God, and we will certainly be held accountable in the judgment. (Matthew 25:45)  “But whoso hath this world’s good(s) and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17)  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed…and stay tuned…more to come on Monday!

THE GOSPEL OF GREED (Pt. I)

During the coming days, I feel keenly compelled to address a monumental and burgeoning problem within the institutional church.  In truth, it is a rather contentious issue that many have wrestled with for several years.  That is, how have we, the leaders and adherents of Christianity, allowed the central teachings of our faith to become infiltrated and diluted by an overarching emphasis on material gain and prosperity?  Five referential or experiential resources will be utilized to address this key contemporary issue: 1) an article recently reprinted on Facebook by Pastor-Servant Tumi Nkoane of Durban, South Africa, “Was Jesus Rich/Wealthy?” 2) a Time Magazine feature article published September 10, 2006, entitled, “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” 3) the teachings of selected leaders in Christendom, 4) my personal observations, insights and revelation on this matter, and most importantly, 5) the teachings of scripture, i.e. Kingdom Principles that specifically address this controversial subject.

Before we begin, allow me to be perfectly clear.  If this series is interpreted by any as the vain ramblings of a ‘hater’ of prosperous people or prosperity itself, such a reader will not have carefully tuned in to my own heart or the tone, timbre and text of the scriptures.  Unquestionably and unequivocally, The Holy Writ reveals that GOD is desirous of our total prosperity, which includes spiritual, emotional, physical and financial considerations.  Biblical evidence?

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

III John 1:2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Nevertheless, our current ecclesiastical dilemma begs the following questions: ‘Have we now gone too far?’  ‘Have we replaced the divine will with our own will and our passion to accumulate more and more?’  ‘Have we become self-serving or greedy?’  ‘Is our actual focus on Kingdom-building, or on empire-building?’  With these mission-critical questions as a backdrop, let us begin. 

The insightful article, “Was Jesus Rich/Wealthy?” is reprinted below for your prayerful consideration:

As the second person of the Trinity, Jesus is as rich as God is rich.  Indeed, our Lord owns everything and possesses all power, authority, sovereignty, glory, honor, and majesty (Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; John 1:1, 8:58, 10:30, 17:5; Colossians 1:15-18, 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:3).  Yet during the time Jesus was here on earth, He willingly relinquished His eternal riches and most of the privileges of His deity.  Becoming poor indeed, our Lord took on the nature of a lowly and humble servant (Zechariah 9:9; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:6-8).  And by the time our Savior endured the tortures of the cross for us, His earthly possessions amounted to no more than the clothes on His back which were divided up by the soldiers who crucified Him.

Sadly, however, there are many prosperity preachers today who would like you to believe that Jesus was rich while here on earth and that God wants nothing more than to lavish His children with an abundance of material blessings.  After all, a rich Jesus would certainly make it easier for them to persuade their flock that God wants them to be rich too.  However, a materially rich Jesus Christ is utterly incompatible with biblical truth.  Even a cursory examination of the Bible should dispel any notion of our Savior being wealthy in an earthly sense.  During His public ministry, Christ and His disciples depended entirely on the hospitality of others as they ministered from town to town (Matthew 10:9-10).  As Jesus told a would-be follower “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Luke 9:58).

It is unfortunate, then, that this false teaching about Christ’s wealth and its concomitant “gospel of greed” has gained a foothold in churches today.  As Solomon aptly taught, however, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), for we can see that Paul addressed similar matters in his own churches: “Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people” (Romans 16:17-18).

Paul’s terse commentary in his first letter to Timothy regarding those who think godliness is a means to financial gain captures the essence of Christ’s numerous teachings on the dangers that accompany a heart bent on the accumulation of earthly treasure: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 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 sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:9-10)

Indeed, the New Testament is filled with lessons where Jesus chides the rich and praises the poor.  He taught us to “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).  And to not store up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-21).  Our Lord, who knows the hearts of men, is aware of the deceitfulness of riches and what a considerable stumbling block wealth can be.  The sentiment of Proverb 30:9 which declares “I may have too much and disown you and say ‘who is the LORD’” reverberates through the entirety of God’s Word.  Thus, it would be a strange paradox indeed—and one that would certainly dilute the gospel message—if Jesus Christ was a member of the rich class of people who, as He declared, would find it so difficult “to enter the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 19:23).  [The article, “Was Jesus Rich/Wealthy?” is now concluded].

In closing, I am totally cognizant of the fact that this devotional series will not ‘sit well’ with some persons who are totally sincere in their faith, but  have been slowly and systematically deluded into thinking that their positions and teachings on this issue are in alignment with the Word and will of God.  Despite our best efforts to color our current state-of-affairs in a different light, I am firmly convinced that this distorted and erroneous teaching (Prosperity Preaching) constitutes a satanic strategy to undermine the very heart of the gospel message, and to thereby nullify the evangelical mission of the church.  This false doctrine is a clear and present danger to believers, and by extension to those souls whom Christ would have us win in these end-times.  We are being craftily challenged; so what will be our courageous response?  Prophetic voices must rise up with spiritual authority to echo the eternal truths of God’s Word.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed…and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

PRAY AND LET GOD HANDLE IT (Pt. III)

Let there be no doubt, OUR GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAYER!  In the final entry of this devotional series, it seems beneficial to cite specific Biblical examples of how GOD responds, positively and proactively, to the petitions of His people.  This is not an exhaustive list of scriptures, but it is certainly an extensive one.  You may read all of the evidence (or the scriptural selections of your choice) that highlight God’s intervention in the lives of such a  “great cloud of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1)  The inspiration of God’s Word will certainly justify your effort.

ALMIGHTY GOD ANSWERED…

…Cain’s prayer for grace and mercy, after murdering Abel, his brother. (Genesis 4:13-15)

…Abraham’s prayer for a son and heir. (Genesis 15)

…Abraham’s prayer for mercy on Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:23 cf)

…Hagar’s prayer for deliverance. (Genesis 16:7-13)

…Abraham’s prayer for Ishmael, who had been exiled with his mother, Hagar. (Genesis 17:20)

…Abraham’s prayer for King Abimelech, who spared his life as he sojourned in Egypt. (Genesis 20:17)

…The prayer of Abraham’s servant as he searched to find a wife for Isaac. (Genesis 24:12-52)

…Isaac’s prayer for the healing of the barren womb of Rebekah, his wife. (Genesis 25:22-23)

…Jacob’s prayer for deliverance from Esau. (Genesis 32:9-32 and 33:1-17)

…Moses’ prayer for deliverance from bondage. (Exodus 2:23-24 and 3:7-10 and Acts 7:34)

…Moses’ prayer for deliverance from Pharaoh’s army. (Exodus 14:10-30)

…Moses’ prayer for pure water at the bitter waters of Marah. (Exodus 15:25)

…Moses’ prayer concerning the people’s rebellion at Mt. Horeb. (Exodus 17:4-6)

…Moses’ prayer concerning the battle with the Amalekites. (Exodus 17:8-14)

…Moses’ prayer concerning the Israelite’s complaints for meat in the wilderness. (Numbers 11:11-35)

…Moses’ prayer concerning Miriam’s leprosy. (Numbers 12:13-15)

…The Israelite’s prayer for deliverance from the King Chushanrishathaim of Mesopotamia. (Judges 3:9,15)

…The Israelite’s prayer for deliverance from King Jabin of Canaan. (Judges 4:3,23-24 and I Samuel 12:9-11)

…The Israelite’s prayer for deliverance from the Ammonites. (Judges 10:6-18 and 11:1-33)

…The Israelite’s prayer for deliverance from Babylonian bondage. (Nehemiah 9:27)

…Judah’s prayer for favor under the reproofs of Azariah. (II Chronicles 15:1-15)

…Gideon’s prayer for a sign (a wet fleece) from God. (Judges 6:36-40)

…Manoah’s prayer for Samson. (Judges 13:8-9)

…Samson’s prayer for strength. (Judges 16:28-30)

…Hannah’s prayer for healing from a barren womb. (I Samuel 1:10-20)

…David’s prayer concerning the city of Keilah. (I Samuel 23:10-12)

…David’s prayer concerning the city of Ziklag. (I Samuel 30:8)

…David’s prayer for direction after Saul’s death. (I Samuel 2:1)

…David’s prayer concerning war against the Philistines. (I Samuel 5:19-25)

…David’s prayer for forgiveness and mercy. (Psalm 51)

…David’s prayer in adversity. (Psalm 118:5 and Psalm 138:3)

…Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. (I Kings 3:1-13)

…Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. (I Kings 9:3)

…Elijah’s prayer for the raising of the widow’s son. (I Kings 17:22)

…Elijah’s prayer for heavenly fire to fall on the altar of sacrifice. (I Kings 18:36-38)

…Elijah’s prayer for rain. (I Kings 17:1 and 18:1,42-45 and James 5:17)

…Elisha’s prayer during the battle with the Syrian army. (II Kings 6:17-20)

…The prayer of Jabez for prosperity. (I Chronicles 4:10)

…The prayer of King Abijah of Judah for victory over King Jeroboam of Israel. (II Chronicles 13:14-18)

…King Asa’s prayer for victory over King Zerah of Ethiopia. (II Chronicles 14:11-15)

…Judah’s prayer for restored covenant with God and peace. (II Chronicles 15:15)

…King Jehoshaphat’s prayer for victory over the Canaanites. (II Chronicles 18:31 and 20:6-27)

…King Jehoahaz’ prayer for victory over the Syrians. (II Kings 13:4)

…The priests’ and Levites’ prayers for the blessing of God’s people. (II Chronicles 30:27)

…King Hezekiah’s and Isaiah’s prayers for deliverance from King Sennacherib of Assyria. (II Kings 19:14-20 and II Chronicles 32:20-23)

…King Hezekiah’s prayer for healing. (II Kings 20:1-11 and II Chronicles 32:24)

…King Manasseh’s prayer for deliverance from the King of Babylon. (II Chronicles 33:13,19)

…The Reubenites’ prayer for deliverance from the Hagarites. (II Chronicles 5:20)

…Ezra’s and the Jews’ prayers as they returned from Babylonian captivity. (Ezra 8:21,23)

…Job’s prayer for his friends. (Job 42:10)

…Ezekiel’s prayer for God to change his command regarding the bread of affliction. (Ezekiel 4:12-15)

…Daniel’s prayer for the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. (Daniel 2:19-23)

…Daniel’s prayer of intercession for the people. (Daniel 9:20-23)

…Zacharias’ prayer for a son. (Luke 1:13)

…The prayer of Anna, the prophetess concerning the birth of Christ. (Luke 2:36-38)

…The leper’s prayer for healing. (Matthew 8:2-3 and Mark 1:40-43 and Luke 5:12-13)

…The centurion’s prayer for his servant’s healing. (Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:3-10 and John 4:50-51)

…Peter’s prayer for the restoration of Tabitha’s (or Dorcas’) life. (Acts 9:40)

…The disciples’ prayer that Peter be released from prison. (Acts 12:5-17)

…Paul’s prayer for restored health. (II Corinthians 1:9-11)

…Paul’s prayer for deliverance from a thorn in his flesh. (II Corinthians 12:7)

…The prayer of two blind men for deliverance. (Matthew 20:30-31 and Mark 10:48 and Luke 18:39)

…The prayer of the Syro-Phoenician woman. (Matthew 15:22-28 and Mark 7:25-30)

…The prayer of blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:45-47)

…The prayer of the Canaanite woman with a possessed daughter. (Matthew 15:22)

…The prayer of the man with a lunatic son. (Matthew 17:14-16)

Top of Form

God’s Word assures us that He always hears the prayers of those who maintain right standing with Him, which is based solely upon our genuine acceptance of Jesus Christ, the Living Word, and our faith in His Word.  Believer, you have the following magnificent assurances…and so many more: 

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Psalm 34:17

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

I Peter 3:12

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

So, no matter what, don’t ever stop praying, believing and receiving.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!