This post is really based on an experience that I had earlier in the week, and the lesson that it taught me. So I was on Facebook and I saw a video posted by someone entitled, 'John McArthur rebukes Joel Osteen', which interested me as I used to watch Joel Osteen's sermons on a Sunday evening. I was aware that Joel's preaching is based on what is known as 'prosperity gospel,' basically the idea that God wants his people to prosper and we ought to be cheerful givers, but for someone to be rebuking him? Like the way we rebuke the devil? Wow, OK. So I watched this video and was immediately filled with questions, are my beliefs a lie? Does God not want us to be successful? Have I been following the wrong path? Basically I was so confused and to be honest quite scared. I started digging around, looking for more information, trying to find out who was telling the truth.
To be perfectly honest, I've always had my doubts about those preachers who want you to give these massive amounts of money to them, believing that God 'will richly bless you if you do give.' Having ATM machines in your church? Having all the different card types listed on the back of the offering envelope, as if you're ordering something from Amazon? I'm honestly not sure if these people are serious? Don't get me wrong, it is right to present an offering to God. In the books of Moses, God commands His people to give a tenth of everything they own back to Him, but we are also called to be good stewards of the things that we own - basically being able to take care of what we are given (Luke 16:1-13). So, please correct me if I'm wrong, if you have a certain amount of money, why are we called/urged to give, what we might not be affordable at that time?
So with my underlying doubts in the mix, it wasn't helping the situation. John McArthur's highly cynical and mocking approach, thrown into the equation was simply baffling. Was I supposed to believe this man, who, albeit might be talking the truth, was in the same breath being so judgmental? Then the epiphany occurred:
'Jade, you need to know the bible for yourself, then you will know what to believe and who to believe'
It's that simple, by knowing the Word of God, we know exactly what God is saying and thus we will know what exactly to believe. When we don't know God's word it can be so easy to follow what a specific preacher says because it is that specific preacher. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says 'All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.' Psalms 1:2-3 encourages us to 'thrill to God's Word, chewing on Scripture day and night' .
I cannot emphasize how important it is now to know the bible for yourself, I know that I am still learning but I have made a start in knowing God's word. It is not just about reading it and that's it, make sure you meditate on it, simply by thinking about it throughout the day. People will try and tell you what God is saying but once you know the words that are written, you will be rooted firmly, making decisions for yourself and fully relying on God not man.
Beacoup d'amour,
Jade Chanel x
P.S. If you want to see the John McArthur video to see what you think, here's the link:
P.P.S. If you want to understand God's word in everyday language before you attempt the King James version, I highly recommend The Message bible. It can offer you a level of understanding, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure, before chewing on the bigger stuff. Here's a link if you want to purchase it:
Or it can be accessed online via Bible Gateway : http://www.biblegateway.com/
This is excellent Jade. You are growing and not scared to ask the difficult questions. I love it. I'll keep an eye on your site. My heart, JR.
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