From: Debbie Mann (deborahjmann@insightbb.com)
Date: Wed Jul 09 2003 - 09:20:02 EDT
BlankI can't say for all of them, but I know that the ones that I listen to/have listened to, very quickly get into traditional Christian teachings as a prereq for receiving. Common themes include the necesssity for study, devotional time, praise and worship as well as emphasizing that failure to maintain Christian love cuts off the pipeline.
Phil 1:
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is PREACHED; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
However, they do not preach of strife or contention.
The big issue apparently, is whether being attracted to Jesus in the first place by a motive other than a noble one is 'Kosher'. I claim it is. I believe that many if not most people turn to Christ at times of desperation - hoping that he can give them what they need. They don't know what they need. He answers their prayer, maybe not in the way they expected, and the relationship is formed.
Few of us are noble and/or virtuous - and fewer without first knowing our Lord.
-----Original Message-----
From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu]On Behalf Of Alexanian, Moorad
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 6:46 AM
To: Debbie Mann; Asa
Subject: RE: PROSPERITY
Prosperity may be a byproduct of following the teachings of Christ after one is saved. However, it is certainly not amongst the teachings of Christ. TV evangelists who make prosperity their main message are close to being con artists.
Moorad
-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Mann [mailto:deborahjmann@insightbb.com]
Sent: Tue 7/8/2003 11:56 PM
To: Asa
Cc:
Subject: PROSPERITY
I looked up prosperity in the dictionary - which sent me to prosperous: successful, thriving, doing well, fortunate.
I find it upsetting that so many thought it was unchristian to expect prosperity.
I still think it's God's will that we all prosper.
Prosperous does not equal millionaire. One can be successful and thrive at being a monk.
Mother Theresa was prosperous. She thrived; she did well; she was succcessful, and I know she thought herself fortunate.
Hopefully that fills in the communication gap.
Debbie Mann, PE
Debbie Mann Consulting
(765)477-1776
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