Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Prosperity and suffering do not mix like oil and water. Beware of preaching that leaves out suffering but promises all kinds of wealth, health and worldwide ministry without suffering.
My best growth was during a time of persecution at work and even in the church where I was ordained. It kept me dependent on Him and my nose in the Word.
Jesus and the Apostles did not come to preach the American Dream/Nightmare. They preached about selflessness and sacrifice which includes suffering. It was all about the Savior, not the shekel. Indeed, "silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give unto you." What did they have? Healing of body and salvation of the soul through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus told us to take up our cross, which is an instrument of death not a method of gaining wealth in this world. A man carrying a cross in those days left all of this world behind as he walked naked to suffering and his death.
Listen to Christ and Paul not the prophets of prosperity who promise you great blessings if you seed into their ministry while they drive expensive cars, live in mansions and bemoan their need for a new jet.
Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Looking for a prophet? Look for one like John the Baptist, not the ones in verse 25. Amen! Maranatha!
