Some conversations that I have had recently and some preachers that I've been watching on T.V. have gotten me thinking about is commonly known as "The Prosperity Gospel." This is the teaching that when one is truly obeying God and in God's favor then financial, material and physical blessings will follow. While it is true that blessings do come from God (James 1:17), it does great violence to the gospel to teach that money and stuff and limited visits to the doctor are an indication of one's strong faith or, on the otherhand, that financial challenges or sickness somehow indicate one's lack of faith.
As I grow older and mature in my relationship with Christ, I find myself coming into a much greater understanding of what the Gospel really means. I've found that my prayers have shifted from asking God to change my circumstances to prayers to change me in the midst of my circumstances. Although it is natural for us to want to be "prosperous," I find that it is during these times of comfort and ease that I'm most tempted to rely on myself and my own efforts. It is in the times of need and brokenness that I turn to my heavenly Father.
For those that are strong proponents of the Prosperity Gospel, I have to ask, "Is Jesus enough?" Can you still thank and praise Him in the midst of sickness and poverty as well as in health and wealth? As the Apostle Paul said in Philippians, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
The Internet Monk posted on this topic a number of months ago and I think his post is worth a read.
You can also check out the video of John Piper below with some strong words on this topic. Piper does a great job of exalting Christ as being all-sufficient to meet all of our needs.
If the video player doesn't show up, click here.
Technorati Tags: prosperity gospel, john piper, internet monk
Friday, March 14, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Campaign Promises
Here is some election year humor. Thanks to DeQuita for posting this.
"While walking down the street one day a U.S. senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the man.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before the senator realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises . . .
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
"Now it's time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing harps and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before -- I mean heaven has been delightful -- but I think I would be better off in hell."
So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors of the elevator open -- but now he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning -- today you voted."
"While walking down the street one day a U.S. senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the man.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before the senator realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises . . .
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
"Now it's time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing harps and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before -- I mean heaven has been delightful -- but I think I would be better off in hell."
So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors of the elevator open -- but now he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning -- today you voted."
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Infinit Impact on Tour
Infinit Impact in Concert!East Street Studios, 18880 East Street, Westfield, IN - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 @ 7pm
Be among the first to see Infinit Impact kick off the 2008 Tour season in concert! With new songs, new stories and an unique style, Infinit Impact is ready, not just to entertain, but inspire. Bringing a soulful blend of gospel, with an r&b, hip-hop and sometimes edgy vibe, Infinit Impact is a concert experience you do not want to miss, and it's free! Doors open at 6:30pm.
Spread the Word: Infinit Impact Spring Tour is Here!
Infinit Impact's sping tour is getting under way. We still have some dates available so if you want to book the band, contact us!
March 14th - University of Virginia's Impact Chapter, 7pm.
March 16th- Greater Little Zion Baptist Church, Sunday Morning Service- 8 & 11 a.m.
March 19th - Victory Life Center, 7pm, Location:TBA, Richmond, VA. (tentative.)
March 20th - National Church of God, 7pm, Ft. Washington, MD.
April 5th - Black College Reunion, Daytona Beach, Florida
April 11-13th - Synergy Women's, Conference, Orlando, FL
April 19th - University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Tour Dates available in April and July 17-August 3rd. We will post tour dates at www.infinitimpact.com so you can stay tuned there for more tour updates!
About The Impact Movement
The mission of The Impact Movement is to take the truth of Jesus Christ to the campus, community and world by producing leaders of African descent who are spiritually focused, financially responsible and morally fit. The Impact Movement has a presence on over 100 college campuses as well as in South Africa. To learn more about The Impact Movement click here.
Impact Music
Impact Music is a ministry of The Impact Movement which uses gospel music to communicate the Gospel message by reaching, equipping and sending out those with an interest and talent in music. Infinit Impact is the first band developed by Impact Music. To learn more about Infinit Impact click here.
Want to bring Infinit Impact to you?
Infinit Impact is now accepting invitations to come to partner with you to reach your community for Christ with dynamic gospel concerts! We perform songs from artists like Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond and Kiki Sheard. In addition to the music, the band members speak honestly from the stage about how their life experiences led them to a relationship with God. We then invite the audience to make a decision to walk with Christ as well.
If you are interested in having Infinit Impact partner with you to do a concert, please e-mail us! Check us out at www.infinitimpact.com for footage from previous summer concerts we've done. If an outreach like this is exciting to you, drop us a line ASAP! When we say "interest" we mean just that. Let's just start talking about the feasibility of it and go from there.
Technorati Tags: the impact movement, infinit impact
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