You are right in your mail - A long time ago I realized that this earth is in fact hostile to Christians and not some "charismatic" haven. Even the wealthy TRUE believers suffer daily torment and ridicule for their faith.
Just a thought - I love the wonderful Rembrandt paintings which dazzle me with the play on light. Yet not one Rembrandt will see eternity. They will all be destroyed.
If you do not place the world and its preoccupation with material wealth, advancement etc. in eternal light it is meaningless. None of it will survive into eternity. Its only value is in being used to propagate the gospel or point to God. All man's great achievements have no other eternal value and meaning.
I have studied the prophecies in detail and do not agree with any person fixing dates and events in eschatology (end times). However the destitute in the world as a percentage
is increasing. Global warming and other natural phenomena are exponentially increasing. Recently 20 million affected by floods in Pakistan. The last 2 weeks saw several other floods, earthquakes, hurricanes etc.
A growing gulf between the True Christian believers and the world as well its false religions is developing.
There will be tough and tougher times as that great day draw draws nearer. Since the cross we have been living in the last days. The clock is ticking and the world is drifting further and further from God following its false messiah - knowingly and unknowingly.
We must remain steadfast as the example of others through the ages have shown us.
Like Paul, John, Peter, Luther, Wycliff, South Sudan & Indonesian Christians etc.
remain true to the mission they are or were on earth for. They too remain or remained true under tremendous pressure. We are here to win souls for Christ first and last and not concern ourselves with daily wants or needs. I have found that my faith has grown in leaps and bounds under dependence on Christ alone. I was a pretender when I had it all. Paul was right - very few can achieve the spiritual maturity past the childish diet of milk they survive on. Very few achieve the true realization of what submission means. Sometimes we have to be severely broken and clobbered to reach the point where we come to full
understanding. Very few can truly disassociate from the world and live in harmony with their true mission. In most cases it means hardship, deprivation and suffering. Very
few true and mature believers are wealthy. Most Christians are immature & don't understand the theology of joyous suffering. However these few in number understand what Paul, James and others mean by joyous suffering. We will not and are not prepared to compromise as we were bought at a price and therefore we are the targets of attack. Often from sources unseen. Yet we must remain calm, loving, caring, compassionate etc. to the world and the immature. We must continue to present the face of Christ to the
world.
Lastly and very importantly. I have always said and insist. True testimony comes from lifestyle evangelism and one to one ministry and pastoral activities. The way we live and
react to strife is a sermon. The immature and unbelievers at least in the back of their minds hesitate to accept the message from a person in wealth and free of cares. It is
easy to be Christian when all is well - that kind of life is not a REAL testimony. Paul knew that and followed Jesus as example. The ministry of Jesus was successful because
he rejected the comforts of the world. Nobody could say to him “you can preach like you do because you are comfortable”.
The prosperity gospel is contrary to the example and testimony of those who have gone before including Christ. It is only when you understand this that you understand
the motive of TRUE and correctly motivated monks and nuns sitting on hard wooden benches copying the Bible by hand before the printing press. Nuns spending 12 or more hours a day praying for the world. I am not talking of the issues of theology in the orthodox church but the motivation of many of them. We must be the modern "monks" and "nuns".
NOT by running away from the world but by facing it square on. Totally sold out and committed. I hope you understand the concept I am trying to convey from my description.
The few mature wealthy Christians suffer in other ways and their reaction to these troubles serve as living sermons. Loss of loved ones, diseases like cancer, personal vindictive attacks, temptations etc. While suffering is common to all - saved and unsaved, it seems particularly acute in the Christian with the mind of Christ.
Christians in any society or level of society suffer. True there is much poverty in some societies in general. For example in a country like Pakistan, Sudan, etc. but the Christians suffer greater hardships than the rest. The same is true in the Western society. Many unbelievers have damaged Christians - loss of jobs, promotions, gossip etc. for no other reason than their faith. Please note - This is IN ADDITION to the "normal" suffering in the world. Christians may therefore expect a double portion of problems. We are also blessed with the skills and strength to cope with these added problems. We are under additional attack. One pastor put it that if you are not under attack it can mean only one of two things. Either you are being prepared for and attack on you or your life is so meaningless and without witness that you are not a threat to the enemies of Christ.
So in conclusion. Christianity is not a crutch. It is the saving grace of the GREAT I AM and results in much extra suffering for all TRUE mature believers. They know that it will last for a season only before an eternal joy.
Therefore they must continue to practice the calm, loving, caring, compassionate love of Christ. The world is suffering and needs it even if most reject it.
I know it is difficult to keep the smile going on some days but never let one opportunity pass to show Christ to others. Christ will not ask if you are saved - He knows that. He will look over your shoulder to see how many you have brought with you - not only in your generation but your Christian "children's children". One person saved now may result in thousands saved in subsequent generations. You will not be asked what you did for science or what masterpiece you painted. You will account for your work for the gospel and be rewarded accordingly.
Run the race and never slow down until you reach the loving arms of Christ who suffers pain with you for the lost of the world and your own suffering specifically.
Now may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine on you and give you peace.
Yours in Christ and with All the love I can muster
Gerhard
PS - remember that the primary attack is on your marriage and family. I saw that too late.
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.
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