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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

PROSPERITY GOSPEL

May 3, 2011

Some preachers, some ministries are accused of twisting the gospel and turning it into a formula for the good life, the Prosperity Gospel.  Well I say, "Why not?"  Sort of...

 
"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued.  "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more.  Those who have will be given more..."
                                               - Mark 4:24,25 TNIV
 
Sounds like prosperity gospel to me, yes?  But at least two factors challenge this being interpreted as a formula for getting rich in the faith.
 
#1: Consider the pragmatic reality.  All the original disciples, a pretty faithful bunch if you will, died for that faithfulness; they did not make the Forbes List of the Wealthy.
 
#2: I don't think these words have much to do with money, but what do we do with the kingdom of God's presence in our lives.
  
We have the potential to tap into abundant reservoirs of faith, and God's power right now.  To do so, is to have even more.  But it's not about gold doubloons, but about the things of God.  If we're poor in such matters, all we need to do is to drink in the Gospel's riches, and there's more where that comes from.  "Those who have will be given more..."  Let's see to it that surrounded by God's grace, we don't squander it, but use it for service of Christ.
 
Joyfully,
 
Dale Patterson