Avoiding this uncomfortable truth, a "user-friendly gospel" is preached
by thousands of pastors. Megachurches are created by offering an
appealing "Christianity" that is guaranteed to bring success and
popularity with the world, but which would not be recognized by Paul or
the other apostles as the Christian life they knew. Celebrities popular
with the world are paid to enter today's pulpits to endorse Christ;
thereby they entice multitudes into a false Christianity. Once upon a
time the Christian's heroes were missionaries and martyrs. Not today.
Believers and the world now share the same role models. Today's
successful church offers a Christianity guaranteed to be comfortable and
which provides numerous services, from 12-step programs to
psychological counseling, to escape every possible trial.
The faith by which the Christian life is to be lived and which is described as "more precious than gold" must be tested by temptations, trials and difficulties. Why? So that when the faith by which the just live comes through the fire of adversity it will "be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1Pt 1:7). Of Christ, who "[left] us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1Pt 2:21), it was said, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross..." (Heb:12:2). We are able to endure earthly trials because our hope lies beyond this brief life: "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor:4:17).
Those who have trusted God through deep trial testify that their faith has been strengthened and their joy increased. Having to depend totally on Christ draws us closer to Him and increases our love for Him. Any counsel, help or support we offer to those in distress should bring them through the trial of faith with their roots deepened in Christ (Is 43:2), rather than enable them to escape the very challenges God intends and the work He desires to effect in their hearts. By putting us in seemingly hopeless situations, God intends to move us from mere intellectual belief to practical trust in His provision." -Dave Hunt
The faith by which the Christian life is to be lived and which is described as "more precious than gold" must be tested by temptations, trials and difficulties. Why? So that when the faith by which the just live comes through the fire of adversity it will "be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1Pt 1:7). Of Christ, who "[left] us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1Pt 2:21), it was said, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross..." (Heb:12:2). We are able to endure earthly trials because our hope lies beyond this brief life: "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor:4:17).
Those who have trusted God through deep trial testify that their faith has been strengthened and their joy increased. Having to depend totally on Christ draws us closer to Him and increases our love for Him. Any counsel, help or support we offer to those in distress should bring them through the trial of faith with their roots deepened in Christ (Is 43:2), rather than enable them to escape the very challenges God intends and the work He desires to effect in their hearts. By putting us in seemingly hopeless situations, God intends to move us from mere intellectual belief to practical trust in His provision." -Dave Hunt
