Few things get me more riled than to come across prosperity preachers on television. I want to reach through the television and punch them in the face! They are liars! liars! liars! They misrepresent God and His wonderful Gospel. They make promises to naive and desperate people that either never came from God's lips, or are grossly taken out of context.
Most of the verses they quote are from the Old Testament. In context, they are promises of blessing to Israel in return for OBEDIENCE. Deuteronomy 28 is the foundational chapter that outlines God's blessings for obedience, and His cursings for disobedience.
The prophets, used by God when Israel was in a period of severe disobedience (I say severe because they were pretty much always disobedient, but some periods were worse than others!), often used symbolism, word pictures and embellished imagery to describe God's abundant blessings awaiting Israel if she would just repent and trust Him ALONE, instead of the foreign gods she so often prostituted herself with.
The prosperity preachers take hold of these Old Testament promises to make it sound like God wants Believers to be prosperous, healthy and wealthy IN THIS LIFE. Unfortunately, the New Testament does not support their claims. In fact, no rational person could read the New Testament and take from it that the Believers life would be marked by health, wealth and prosperity. On the contrary, Jesus continually warned His disciples of all the suffering and persecution they would encounter on account of His name. Read John 14-17. "They hated me, they will hate you." "They persecuted me, they will persecute you." "Rejoice when men insult you and persecute you because of me." "If anyone would be my disciple, he must take up his cross and follow me."
That's just Jesus. Read Paul's letters. His whole life was one of suffering for the gospel. In Philippians 1.29 he says, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him," Paul never served Christ for a reward in this life, rather he always looked AHEAD to his eternal reward, and he always encouraged all Believers to do the same.
Speaking of the Pharisees who tithed and gave for earthly rewards and men's applause, Jesus said, "surely, they have received their reward." meaning no reward awaited them in Heaven. Prosperity preachers and those who hold to that doctrine "have received their reward," and, sadly, they have sold out for so much less than they would have received. I passionately and strongly believe those who use God's name for deception and gain will have their place in the Lake of Fire.
If you are reading this and you are not convinced that the prosperity gospel is from Satan, consider this:
In the desert, Satan offered Christ health, wealth and prosperity in this life.
First temptation: "tell these stones to become bread." Speak the words of faith, what you speak becomes reality. If Jesus were able to "speak stones into bread", wouldn't he have prospered greatly? What else could He "speak" into existence?
Second Temptation: "throw yourself down, for it is written He will give his angels charge over you so that you will not dash your foot upon the rock." Satan promises God will grant Him health, if He will just "have faith."
Third temptation: Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and said, "I will give all of this to you, if you will serve me." Satan is the one who offered earthly wealth, not God!
Satan offered glory in this life and avoidance of the cross. His Father offered eternal glory, but only through the suffering of the Cross.
You see, friends? Earthly glory is not from God, and it will cost you eternal glory. Don't sell out!
Jesus said, "take up your cross and follow me, not take up your mercedes."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Will people in Hell be able to see people in Glory?
This question recently came up in a conversation with Jeremy Lundmark. His comment was:
Also, I was just thinking about this... do you think those in hell will be able to see us? Edwards maintained that we would see them and believed that their punishment would stand as a reminder to us of God's Wonderful Grace... But it seems to me that seeing us in a glorified state, with God would serve the same purpose. I guess that gets into speculation but the thought just ran through my head :-)
The Bible has alot to say about Hell (Jesus says more than anyone else). Undoubtedly, it will be the most horrific experience any human will ever have to endure. But comprehending just how horrible is like comprehending God - impossible in our current state.
But, what about Hell is going to make it so dreadful? the answer: separation from God's grace.
You pagans are saying, "what's the big deal? I live without God now, so I won't mind living without Him eternally."
The truth is, YOU COULDN'T POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT GOD! He is the source of life. Every good thing you have/enjoy in this world is His, and is from Him.
Enjoy breath? Thank God.
Enjoy love? Thank God.
Enjoy relationships? Thank God.
There is not ONE good thing (notice I said "good", for God is not the author of the evil you enjoy), in your life that does not have God as at least its primary source.
The Bible tells us God is: life, light, love, joy, peace, relational, happy, provider, sustainer, creator, etc.
In Hell, all of God's Common Grace (that grace which He pours out on ALL creation: pagans and Believers alike) will be REMOVED.
God's Common Grace even restrains pain, suffering and evil in this world. So, in Hell, good things will be withheld, and wicked things will be unhindered.
Thus, by deduction, we may conclude Hell will be a place of:
1. Utter darkness - so black (because God is light, yet He won't be there - by choice, not inability) you won't be able to see the hand in front of your face.
2. Utter lonliness - fellowship is of God: no God, no form of fellowship. People say, "I can't wait to get to Hell, I'm going to party with my friends for all eternity." Wrong, you will be completely alone for all eternity.
3. Torment - not because some guy with horns and a tail will be stabbing you with a pitch fork! But because you will be:
- thirsty and unable to drink
- hungry and unable to eat
- freezing because God has removed His blessing of heat
- burning because God has not hindered pain
- terrified because God has not hindered evil
- suffocating with every breath (air is God's gift), yet unable to die
If you meditate on the blessings of God in this life, you can compile an almost infinite list of the terrible things that await those destined for Hell.
So, pagan, open your eyes to God's grace in your life. It is not that you live without Him, its that you live without ACKNOWLEDGING Him.
btw- to answer Pastor Jeremy's initial question: No, I don't think those in Hell will be able to see those in Glory.
Stinkin' Like Christ,
Rob
Also, I was just thinking about this... do you think those in hell will be able to see us? Edwards maintained that we would see them and believed that their punishment would stand as a reminder to us of God's Wonderful Grace... But it seems to me that seeing us in a glorified state, with God would serve the same purpose. I guess that gets into speculation but the thought just ran through my head :-)
The Bible has alot to say about Hell (Jesus says more than anyone else). Undoubtedly, it will be the most horrific experience any human will ever have to endure. But comprehending just how horrible is like comprehending God - impossible in our current state.
But, what about Hell is going to make it so dreadful? the answer: separation from God's grace.
You pagans are saying, "what's the big deal? I live without God now, so I won't mind living without Him eternally."
The truth is, YOU COULDN'T POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT GOD! He is the source of life. Every good thing you have/enjoy in this world is His, and is from Him.
Enjoy breath? Thank God.
Enjoy love? Thank God.
Enjoy relationships? Thank God.
There is not ONE good thing (notice I said "good", for God is not the author of the evil you enjoy), in your life that does not have God as at least its primary source.
The Bible tells us God is: life, light, love, joy, peace, relational, happy, provider, sustainer, creator, etc.
In Hell, all of God's Common Grace (that grace which He pours out on ALL creation: pagans and Believers alike) will be REMOVED.
God's Common Grace even restrains pain, suffering and evil in this world. So, in Hell, good things will be withheld, and wicked things will be unhindered.
Thus, by deduction, we may conclude Hell will be a place of:
1. Utter darkness - so black (because God is light, yet He won't be there - by choice, not inability) you won't be able to see the hand in front of your face.
2. Utter lonliness - fellowship is of God: no God, no form of fellowship. People say, "I can't wait to get to Hell, I'm going to party with my friends for all eternity." Wrong, you will be completely alone for all eternity.
3. Torment - not because some guy with horns and a tail will be stabbing you with a pitch fork! But because you will be:
- thirsty and unable to drink
- hungry and unable to eat
- freezing because God has removed His blessing of heat
- burning because God has not hindered pain
- terrified because God has not hindered evil
- suffocating with every breath (air is God's gift), yet unable to die
If you meditate on the blessings of God in this life, you can compile an almost infinite list of the terrible things that await those destined for Hell.
So, pagan, open your eyes to God's grace in your life. It is not that you live without Him, its that you live without ACKNOWLEDGING Him.
btw- to answer Pastor Jeremy's initial question: No, I don't think those in Hell will be able to see those in Glory.
Stinkin' Like Christ,
Rob
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Initial Post
Greetings!
This blog exists to glorify Jesus Christ, answer tough theological questions, edify struggling Believers, and support the work of Diligence Applied Ministries - A teaching ministry of Pastors Jeremy Lundmark, Rob Anderssen (that's me), and Chris Vitarelli.
Let me begin by adding a disclaimer: I hate sharing personal thoughts/opinions. I grew up in upstate New York, where nobody gives a rip what you think, they only care about what they think. Hence, I've heard so many opinions, I really don't care what your's is, and I'm sure you don't care about mine. I am not so self-important to think my thoughts/opinions/daily observances matter at all. And frankly, they don't. Personally, I have much more important things to do with my time than post on a blog every day.
"So, why are you blogging?" you ask. Good question. Not sure myself. Hopefully we'll figure that out as we go.
In the meantime, as a pastor, if I'm studying God's Word, and something provocative jumps out at me that I think would be profitable to anyone who by chance or accident stumbles onto this blog, I'll post it.
What I really like to do is answer honest Biblical/Theological questions. Don't get on here and pick fights with me because if you are still spiritually dead, you'd be wasting my time. You see, 1 Corinthians 2.10-14 tells us:
"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Therefore, its a futile enterprise trying to explain Spiritual things to the spiritually dead. And all you pagans ask the same questions, so don't think I won't be able to detect you. However, I won't avoid honest, intellectual discussions that are approached in the right spirit.
That's enough rambling for now. If you made it this far, you're either related to me, or you need to get a life.
I'll explain the title and give more bio information next time (don't hold your breath waiting)
Stinkin' Like Christ,
Rob
This blog exists to glorify Jesus Christ, answer tough theological questions, edify struggling Believers, and support the work of Diligence Applied Ministries - A teaching ministry of Pastors Jeremy Lundmark, Rob Anderssen (that's me), and Chris Vitarelli.
Let me begin by adding a disclaimer: I hate sharing personal thoughts/opinions. I grew up in upstate New York, where nobody gives a rip what you think, they only care about what they think. Hence, I've heard so many opinions, I really don't care what your's is, and I'm sure you don't care about mine. I am not so self-important to think my thoughts/opinions/daily observances matter at all. And frankly, they don't. Personally, I have much more important things to do with my time than post on a blog every day.
"So, why are you blogging?" you ask. Good question. Not sure myself. Hopefully we'll figure that out as we go.
In the meantime, as a pastor, if I'm studying God's Word, and something provocative jumps out at me that I think would be profitable to anyone who by chance or accident stumbles onto this blog, I'll post it.
What I really like to do is answer honest Biblical/Theological questions. Don't get on here and pick fights with me because if you are still spiritually dead, you'd be wasting my time. You see, 1 Corinthians 2.10-14 tells us:
"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Therefore, its a futile enterprise trying to explain Spiritual things to the spiritually dead. And all you pagans ask the same questions, so don't think I won't be able to detect you. However, I won't avoid honest, intellectual discussions that are approached in the right spirit.
That's enough rambling for now. If you made it this far, you're either related to me, or you need to get a life.
I'll explain the title and give more bio information next time (don't hold your breath waiting)
Stinkin' Like Christ,
Rob
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