abundantjoy

How can a "prosperity doctrine" threaten Christian ministry? To what prime motivation in us does such a teaching often appeal? In balance, what does the Bible teach about poverty and riches? Prosperity doctrine completely distorts what Jesus did for us; instead of focusing on His sacrifice for us and how much we owe Him we focus on how much He owes us, based on what we put in a collection plate. God owes us nothing! Prosperity teaching appeals to our greedy, sinful nature and reinforces our fleshy desires to get what we want. The Bible teaches that we need to give up everything--or be willing to, if we're not called to do it--for Jesus. It says nothing about having earthly riches, except that the love of them can corrupt us, and make it very difficult to accept the gospel.

There are several women at our current church who are great examples, and also women who work with a medical mission that I've gone on--and am going again in a few weeks! They've taught me a lot about being open to where God' is leading and being willing to be obedient to Him. There are several people at my current job that are "cautiously interested" in the Lord. I try to set an example, answer questions and bring God into the conversation when possible, trying to remember that I'm only the "earthen pot", not the cause of anyone else's salvation. I can bring them the news; it's God's job to convict them!

Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? What is your basis for believing that? We must have faith that God is in control; without that faith, the sufferings and trials of life make no sense at all. We would have no answer when people ask, "Why are these things happening, if God is so good?" The only way to answer and go on in faith , is that God is in control. He will work everything out to the good of those who beleive in Him. That's what He's promised. He said "For I know the plans I have for you". His plans are far better than mine, so I will stand strong in them. Not that I always do this, of course ---but it's always my goal.

While Christians can be powerful witnesses when everything is going right in their lives, A Christian who stands strong in times of terrible adversity is a much more powerful witnesses to God's goodness and constant love. My son's family went through a terrible crisis last year and my son was unbelievably strong throughout, due to his faith. Everyone who knew what was going on wondered how he could stay so calm in the face of disaster; it was a great opportunity to witness. Paul had an unprecedented opportunity to witness to guards and he used it very well. Too bad most of us can't used our difficult times in the same way. It's hard to see God's hand in some circumstances, and yet it's always there.

Q3. (1:6) What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? Paul expects God to complete the work He's started in the Philippian church; expects this because God has promised it, and Paul lived his whole life after conversion standing on God's promises to be faithful and true in all seasons. We can stand on the same promises.

We receive God's blessing on our life, not in a monetary sense, but in the sense that God rewards those who do His will. To know you're doing what God wants you to do definitely brings peace that "passes all understanding". As Paul starts his letter with "Grace and Peace", grace and peace are exactly what we receive when we become financial partners or spiritual partners with anyone doing God's work. I'm going to Romania next month to work for a week at an orphanage and medical clinic. We support this work all year but there's something wonderful about giving your time and talents personally. Sometimes money is too easy to give, and writing a check to "fulfill an abligation", even if done with a joyful heart, doesn't give the same sense of partnering that getting personally involved does. This can be done at a local church, soup kitchen or school as well as it can be done in Romania; it can even be done at work! We're all ministers in some sense.