Hi Everyone, this is a new 5 min Vlog post...a Christian, biblical, counter-cultural chat on Christian living/discipleship. The non-scriptural assertion of a prosperity doctrine is discussed in comparison.
This post is not meant to be a comprehensive discussion by any means ~ rather a thought provoking starter and prompting people to think about their heart's desire, their passion and what is first in their life.
Here is the link:
Should you prefer to read the script...here it is.
Hi, this is a 5 min Counter-Cultural chat – and the topic
is PASSION, let’s begin…
I’m gonna spend 5 mins telling you how you can be happy
in life, having great success in your chosen career, to earn enough money to
live an easy lifestyle and have some money for retirement - cause we all want to be healthy, wealthy
and wise…right?
It all starts with passion…what are YOU passionate
about…cause god wants to you to prosper!
Okay,
let’s STOP for a minute…
Have you heard a message like this before, because I
certainly have…and I think it’s one that Christians who are not scripturally
well read or attending a bible focused church can actually fall into believing
– believing that because God is good, He will use His providence to make life
easy for you because you are His child…
But what about the Christians in 3rd world
countries?
And the scriptures which talk about taking up your cross
and the suffering for the sake of the Gospel…yeah those challenging texts which
talk about the COST of being a disciple or follower of Jesus…the ones which sometimes
people don’t talk about.
What about the recorded conversation between Jesus and
the rich young man…If you don’t know it, it’s found in two gospels, Matthew 19:
16-26 and Mark 10: 17-27.
In this account there is wealthy, honourable young
man. A man, whom many of us would like
our sons to be like…an honest businessman…for he says to Jesus he’s kept the
whole law…and Jesus doesn’t disagree…but Jesus wants more than religious
obedience…He wants our heart…He wants all of us…He wants to be in a loving
relationship with us…and that COSTS something…Relationships cost!
Jesus LOVED this young guy enough to say to him – no
worries, so go and sell your stuff and come follow me…Get rid of the STUFF...come follow me!
The
guy walked away…
Imagine if YOU were that guy…but let’s make it a modern
day scenario…
Let’s say, Jesus appeared to you in a dream and said sell
your house and stuff and go to Bible college – yes, I understand you have your
great career going but I want you to partner with me in reaching the lost…they
need to hear about me too…What’s that…what’s the wage of a minister you
ask? Mmmm, well no you won’t be wealthy,
ministers don’t get paid much, and I should warn you that you’ll probably lose
many of your friends and associates, because the world didn’t accept me and so
they won’t want to listen to you either…
What
would YOU do?
Jesus’ disciples were amazed with what He said to the
rich young man and asked Jesus…in my paraphrase… ‘Well if it costs everything
to follow you, to go to heaven, who can be saved?’
He replied with “For mortals it is impossible, but NOT for
God; for God all things are possible.”
What Jesus is saying here is that by re-birth of the Holy
Spirit, God gives us a new desire where we put Him first above everything…
But are we telling our children this?
Is this message getting out to others…I think sometimes.
But I also hear a lot of worldly advice amongst the
Christian community…
Rather than Christian discipleship, there can be lines
like follow your dreams, follow your passion, be successful… I honestly am not
sure if I’ve heard in recent years something like…Have you considered
missionary work? Have you prayed and
asked Jesus how you can follow Him in your life?
I
know this is very counter-cultural and may be considered out-dated…but you know
what – that’s great! Because it’s
scriptural and faithful – scripture says to be friends with the world is to be
God’s enemy, for this is idolatry…did you know that?
2nd Timothy chapter 2 talks about being a
soldier for Christ – because in case you didn’t know…there is a spiritual
battle going on.
Verse 22 says: ‘Shun
youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with
those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.’
Who or what has your heart? Who or what has your children’s heart?
Is Jesus your passion? Is Jesus number one in your children’s lives?
Do you need to pray and ask
for re-birth for a new desire or for you desire to be re-kindled?
And that is 5 mins of counter-cultural chatting,
God bless.
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