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Autor: Michael Otieno Maura.
Datum: 07.06.2011
Category: Wohlstandsevangelium, Armut & Reichtum
In the world today people are talking about prosperity even some preachers are preaching it. But my friend let me tell you that there is false prosperity and we must be careful. Genesis chapter 4:17-26 gives us a contrast between the wicked family of Cain and godly family of Seth.
If you read these verses carefully you will see a list of items making Cain’s prosperity. In this verse you will notice a series of firsts. For example you will see the first case of polygamy, animal husbandry, art of music and metal craft.
It is sad that in many of our pulpits today the preaching is centered on good houses, big cars, money and happiness.
False Prosperity 1. Cain was building a city ( v17) Cain has just walked out of God’s presence and remembers that God told him that he will be a fugitive and a vagabond. Outwardly you can say that Cain is prospering because he is building a city. The word city refers to any human settlement whether big of small. Here we are seeing Cain working extremely hard to settle on earth, his thinking and energy is directed or centered on this present life. He wants to be safe from men who can slay him. This is the first time we are reading about the city that was being built and may be Cain is thinking that this will make him and his family have less reason to fear God’s judgment. You can see here that Cain is trying to make a name for himself “called the name of the city after his son- Enoch (Gen 4:17)”. This was one of greatest social progress, but the sad part is that Cain was without God. He walked out of His presence.
Even today men are struggling and working hard to settle here on earth. People are saying if I get a job , a wife, a husband I will settle and others want to settle in this present world. Many are following the way of Cain. Here we must be warned. Things may look good outwardly, but spiritually we may be in great danger. Here we are seeing that even a city or a big house is not necessarily evidence that one is right with God, but rather a radical change in our inner most being. This is how the Lord Jesus put it, "you must be born again."(Jn 3:7)
My fellow preacher there are two cities which one are you preaching, my fellow believers which city are you pursuing whole heartily?
In Genesis 4:17 we have seen the beginning of a city which is meant for man’s glory “ called the name of the city after name of His son – Enoch” Here we see man’s zeal to establish his name on earth. This city is built for man’s glory and honor. This city will fail and it leads to destruction “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it, unless the Lord guard the city, the watchman stay awake in vain [Ps 127:1]. This phrase shows man determination to build a name for himself “The Father of those” vv 20 and 21.
On the other hand, God is building the city which is for His glory. True believers are looking forward to this heavenly city. “But they desire a better that is a heavenly country. Therefore God is not a shamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them (Heb 11:16).
“ For here we have no continuing city but we seek one to come” (Heb 13:14)
“ For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ ( Phi 3:20)
It is sad that many preachers are no longer preaching about this city but they are busy preaching the worldly city. I once heard a prosperity gospel preacher accusing missionaries that they preached to us heaven and not how to be wealthy in this present world.
My dear friend which city are you comfortable with? Can you sing this hymn with your whole heart?
1. We’ve no abiding city here This may distress the worldly mind but should not cost the saint tear Who hopes a better rest
2. We’ve no abiding city here Sad truth were this to be our home, but let this thought our spirit cheer We seek a city yet to come
The city of Cain is not abiding, some commentators says that he was building a city but never completed it.
True Prosperity vv25-26. Contrary to what we have been reading in the preceding verses, here we are seeing true prosperity.
“Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord”. Here we are seeing that God is central. He is trusted ,remembered and worshiped. Worship is what man was created for as the Westminster shorter catechism put it “ Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever”.
Men began to call upon the Lord shows that men were not only worshiping God in private, but also in public. They gathered together to worship God and therefore we are seeing that public worship is important. Even the early Church devoted themselves to public worship.
The descendant of Seth are distinguishing themselves as worshipers. My dear friend, let me tell you that God’s people are separate from the world as we can see here. God’s name, honor, glory and reputation is what thrill them most.
May God help us to be those who God is their only hope of salvation. May preachers of the Gospel proclaimed the Lord Jesus alone, and plead with boys and girls, men and women, to call upon the name of the Lord.
My friend if you are not saved I beseech you in the name of the Lord to call upon His name for it is written “ For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’’[Ro 10:13]
As I conclude this is what I want you to know, the prosperity Gospel distract people from focusing on the central truth of the Gospel -- namely Calvary, the substitutionary atonement, the crucified life, holiness and transformation to a subsidiary issue, really blessing.
Stichwörter: false, prosperity, true prosperity
Ansichten: 7184
Kommentare: 24
Empfehlungen: 0
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Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
This makes for an excellent sermon outline that could be used in the pulpit. It is true that so many people focus on the worldy wants and desires that can be compared to what everyone else has. It is sad that people often think that God will provide all of their earthy desires if He truly wanted to bless them. However, it is only true that God will spare your soul with grace rather than judge it with justice if you truly live for Him and not what He can do for you.
04.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ Adnahsar:
You are exactly right. One of humanity’s greatest sinful struggles is envy. We are often so envious of what others have, and that fuels our desire for more.
07.12.2012
Kenia
@ soulsearcher1022:
I have enlarge the article and wrote other two chapters on the subject and God willing a book may come out of it.
17.12.2012
Kenia
@ Adnahsar:
Initianally it was a sermon. I was invited to speak to a group of youth and decided to address the subject. Prosperity preaching has been spreading like fire in Kenya and by God’s grace some of us are pointing people to the Lord Jesus. Prosperity Gospel is modern Baal.
17.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
This is so accurate and true. Thank you for having the courage to say this in a time when much of the US is mesmerized by "name it claim it." True prosperity is a whole life in Christ.
28.11.2011
Kenia
@ japhia1906:
Thanks Japhia. I am greatly encouraged by your comments. The gospel is for all class of people Jews and Gentiles, poor and rich, etc. When I was a boy I read a trcts which says a man may go to heaven without wealth, education, culture, beauty and may other thing but not without Jesus Christ.
29.11.2011
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ japhia1906:
It is truly disheartening how popular this gospel has become here in the US. The bestseller list continually reflects authors who write in support of this perverted gospel.
07.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ soulsearcher1022:
I agree wholeheartedly. The propigation of these teachings is disheartening to me.
10.12.2012
Kenia
@ corenfa:
May the Lord give us grace to continue preaching the truth at all cost.
17.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
Great article. You are exactly right. Those who have much in regards to possessions are not necessarily following God’s will. An abundance does not equate to obedience and piety.
07.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ soulsearcher1022:
Exactley. Jesus is fairly when he tells us, through the young rich man "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
10.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
Prosperity gospel is false- false hope- fantasy-thank you for csting down imagination.....and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of God. (Not to follow flse teaching) Clearly we as Christians are strangers. Preaching a false gospel that implies financial and material richness on earth is what God/Jesus CHrist is all about is sad. Jesus taught it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. One last thing, our material resources are so we can be a blessing to others.
23.06.2012
Kenia
@ p_a_m_1_e_l_a:
Thank you very much for your encouraging comments. We must uphold the true gospel. I have enalarged it and another New Testament text into booklet and soon it will be out. Prosperity Gospel is becoming rampant in our country.
27.06.2012
Kenia
@ p_a_m_1_e_l_a:
Thank you very much for such encoraging statement. Our focuss as Christian must be on God and His glory and not God and what He can do for us. Grace to you.
02.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ p_a_m_1_e_l_a:
And unfortunately, this false hope can be so seductive and misleading to those who are needy and downtrodden. It’s heartbreaking to see them seduced in this warped, perverted version of the Gospel.
07.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ p_a_m_1_e_l_a:
Your last line is spot on. We must use our gifts to bless others rather than curse ourselves.
10.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
Thank you for this well written piece. I am always amazed at the popularity that follows this type of teaching, especially given the very words of Christ on the subject. As Pastors, we must find ways to convey the unsurpassing value of knowing Christ, of social justice, while diminishing our attachment to this world and our dependance on the material.
10.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
Man of God, i agree totally with you. We as a people have lost our universal focus and that is, its not about us and our personally success but its all about Jesus Christ giving His life that all may live.
19.09.2011
Kenia
@ johnboy:
Thank John for your comments. Our focuss must be upon the Lord Jesus alone who died our death and paid our penality.
26.09.2011
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ johnboy:
When our focus becomes what I can get or receive, instead of what I can get, the Body of Christ is off track.
18.07.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ johnboy:
Exactly. As Paul said, "to live is Christ and to die is gain."
07.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
You are absolutely right! Christians of all cultures must recognize the truth that you are preaching. This is not our city. God has one already prepared for us that will far surpass any that we can build here on earth. God wants to bless us with spirit-filled joy that is evidenced in any situation we may find ourselves. Worldly prosperity is false prosperity and will do us no good when this life has ended. We must place our value on things eternal instead of things material.
21.11.2012
Kenia
@ dg8074:
Thank you for your comments. I am happy to know that there are people who chereish the pure Gospel. May the Lord of all grace and mercy bless you.
02.12.2012
Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
@ dg8074:
So true. Spirit-filled joy is infinitely much greater than possession-filled joy.
07.12.2012
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