I came across a story today on ABC News.com entitled, “Gospel of Wealth’ Facing Scrutiny” which focuses not only on the recent U.S. Senate probe headed by Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa into a select group of televangelists’ financial practices, but what has been coined the “gospel of wealth” as well. Of particular interest to me is the story of a Cindy Fleenor who bought into the gospel of wealth message only to be disappointed.
How can there be a fallacy when one believes in God? After all, John 3:16 tells us that, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” There is that word, “believe,” but what does it really mean? Is that really all one has to do is to believe that Jesus Christ exists? Is that all God intends for us – to believe that His Son came and died for us and then to continue on our merry way, living our own lives? Even the devils believe in the Son of God and they tremble (James 2:19).
One of the most impactful books I have ever read is Paul E. Billheimer’s “Destined For The Throne.” This most excellent work reminds us of who we really are – the Bride of Christ Himself, and that we have no higher calling than the call to pray.
I came across an interesting article at The Christian Post that expounds on a recent study conducted by The Barna Group. The study reveals that while fewer Americans identify themselves with Christianity, those who remain Christian are redefining what “Christian” means. Specifically, younger generations are not bound by traditional parameters of the Christian faith but instead are embracing values that are not necessarily based on biblical foundations.
I came across this wonderful poem sent to me by a friend and written by Maya Angelou. I think it provides a nice reminder that when we claim to be a “Christian,” it does not mean we are claiming to be superior to others or to have attained some kind of perfection, but rather that we are forgiven and now instead of trying to lead ourselves, we allow Christ to lead us.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” – Mat 16:24. How often we complain about the cross we bear but don’t realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.
