Watch the video below to hear John Piper talk about the false prosperity gospel.
There has been a movement in the United States in the past few decades that has damaged the testimony of Christians and ultimately done more damage than good: the prosperity gospel. Many pastors in the United States, including some very well-known televangelists, have watered down the gospel. No longer do they preach repentance and forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus. They preach that if people follow Jesus they will have a good life – they will not be persecuted.
But is this what Jesus taught? Sure, faith in Jesus promises eternal rewards in heaven, but does it actually promise blessings on earth? There are many passages that do promise blessings, but they are balanced by other passages that warn Christians that they will encounter trials on earth.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Another verse about the trials Christians will face is found in 1st Peter.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
1 Peter 4:12-19
We won’t have glittery, care-free lives because of Jesus. But we will have JESUS! As Christians, we have a peace that passes understanding because we have the Holy Spirit to comfort us and the confidence that we will be rewarded in Heaven. There is no death to flee from! No pain on this earth will compare to the joy in heaven.
What did you think of this video? Did it speak to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Leave a Reply