[boatbums]

The problem is is that materialism has become so rampant in the church today that people think they're entitled to perfect lives here on earth, that they have to have prosperity and health, and think that all that counts is physical comfort and physical blessing. They have totally lost sight of the spiritual aspect of it with their soul prospering.

You are so right! If we think about it soberly and logically we should recognize that the Apostles NEVER preached the false "Name it, Claim it" Gospel. Every one of them died a martyrs' death with the only exception of John, though he survived attempted execution several times. In our country especially, we have grown so lax and lazy that we complain if we miss a meal much less knowing REAL want. How easy it is for us to forget that there are millions of Christians around the world who still face persecution and threat of death and who, through it all, have a faith that is so strong it makes some of ours look like we're just getting started. From adversity comes strength, patience, perseverance and faith. Those who expect an express pass to that point fail to understand it takes the process to get there.

[reaganaut]

How easy it is for us to forget that there are millions of Christians around the world who still face persecution and threat of death and who, through it all, have a faith that is so strong it makes some of ours look like we’re just getting started.

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AMEN! I have supported Voice of the Martyrs for years and am always humbled by the experience of believers in other countries and their trials for the cause of Christ.