A Goody From Woody

Some people are guilty of propagating a false gospel! I’ve heard Pastors and lay people say God’s will for you is to be “healthy” or “prospering” or “successful.” I’ve searched the scriptures and the scriptures don’t say that. What they do say is this: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler.” —1 Peter 4:12-15, NASV

This means Christians suffer losses, financial reversals, accidents, sickness and even death. Christianity does not teach a “health and wealth” gospel. It does teach that we are called to suffer—to suffer like Christ. 1 Peter 2:21 says it correctly, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” Christ suffered and left us an example in how to go through this ordeal, walk the way He walked, faithful to His Father in all ways. I fear at times Christianity has been sold the false gospel of “Hallmark Christianity”—if you follow Christ you get a sweet greeting card from on high every day. You’ll never feel bad or sick or, heaven forbid, die.

False gospels always distort the truth. Christ is always made to look weak and helpless. Real gospel saves, and the real gospel sanctifies us; it prepares us to live for Christ no matter what crisis, pain, or problem or suffering. If we could see what our great God is doing behind the scenes we would bless, adore, and praise Him. He is completely in charge. Isa 55:8-9 tells us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Reject the false gospels and stand for Christ. If need be, suffer like a good soldier for Christ. “You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, GOD is rock-firm and faithful.”
- Psalm 73:25-26 .

Somewhere in our future a faithful God will say to us (if it is true of us) “well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Master.” - Matt 25:21

God bless,
Woody