You are right. My comment did not come out quite right. God blessed the OT Hebrews. As they gained wealth, they depended on Him less and drew away from Him so He withheld His blessings. In the same way, ‘Christendom’ was blessed for centuries. First Europe, the former British Colonies (like Canada), and the US all drew away from Him. He has/will continue to withdraw His blessings from our societies as a whole, unless/until we turn back to Him.
1 Peter 4:7 ‘For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?’
I think that in the midst of the on coming crises, there will be an awakening amongst some Believers but before that, a falling away of many who believe false doctrines. Among the latter, will be those whose faith is in the ‘prosperity gospel’ or ‘Word of Faith’, rather than the whole Gospel; the ‘name it and claim it’ folks. I believe that Mssrs. Osteen, Dollar, Hagin, Copeland, Jakes, Hinn and many others are in for an ‘awakening’ of their own, albeit a different type of ‘awakening’!
The ‘Word Faith’ false teaching bears a strikingly similarity to the pagan ‘Law of Attraction’. This is perhaps the oldest lie, straight from the pit of Hell, by way of the Garden of Eden. Before YHWH can bring a final awakening of Believers, He has to cleanse the church of ALL false teaching.
For those who put their faith in ‘Word Faith’, I ask ‘If it is true, why was Paul, perhaps the most successful evangelist, in a Roman jail for four years before being executed, rather than becoming wealthy and perhaps the Emperor of Rome?’
Sorry, I went on a bit of a rant on what should have been a short acknowledgement of my error.
I wasn’t disputing, AFPC, but merely expressing my opinion. It was * my* error for not saying imho.
I know exactly what you mean. And you’ve made me think (Thanks!) I complain a lot about the mess around us & wish there was a way to be “buffered” from it/ away from it, but I’m wondering if it might not be a Blessing to keep us sharp & warn us away. It’s easy, if you try not to judge others, to say “oh well”- but it gives a lot of clarity when you’re revolted instead of not being put off.
It’s very odd the first time one experiences it, but sometimes the greatest Blessings (& actual genuine happiness) come when there’s trouble. You realize that He *Is* right there & In control & everything really will be okay in the end, no matter what. Everything that happens is to teach us something. Very little is “worthless”.
Please don’t be sorry. No offense was taken. God Bless you.