The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

Is the Health-Wealth Gospel Heretical?

Many now proclaim a gospel which promises ease, comfort, and blessing in the face of a world becoming increasingly violent, vicious, and unjust. The heart of this gospel is the belief that the death of Jesus won for the believer a triumphant victory which touches every area of life without stain or admixture of trouble or trial. If our faith is firm, if our confession is clear, and our affirmation of the Word of God steadfast, we will receive the health and wealth of the Lord, the blessings which come to those whose faith remains unwavering and strong. This lifestyle of blessing and victory is indicative of saving faith; those who cling to God are assured of a level of blessing and grace that will not diminish, as long as their faith remains resolute. What do you believe about this “gospel?” Is it biblical, extreme, or even heretical? It appears in the urban neighborhoods of today that many people suffer daily in misery. Some go without housing and food, without shelter and clothing, without the bare necessities of life and health. Many are victims of abuse and violence, and many live daily in loneliness and despair. What is the role of misery in the Christian life? Why do terrible things happen to some of the best people, and some of the most wicked and unjust people appear to live problem-free lives? Are there different kinds of misery; is there a kind of misery and opposition that actually leads to godliness and growth, or are all versions of misery expressions of sin and the enemy’s hatred of God’s people? Who is precisely to blame for the opposition and hatred that oftentimes occurs in the life of those who belong to Jesus? While it is entirely obvious to see that Jesus suffered opposition from various quarters due not to himself but to the evil intentions of his enemies, can the same be said of us? Do we as disciples of Jesus experience opposition because we are associated with him, or do we sometimes experience opposition due to our own sinfulness and ungodly reactions to others? If that is true, then how can we tell when we are receiving persecution because of our allegiance to Jesus , and when we are receiving persecution due to our own sinful behavior in this world ? A Question for the City: Kinds of Misery Blame the Right One

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