A part of the current worldview battle in America swirls around the concept of prosperity and the “have’s v. the have-nots”. Since I am not an economist, I can only debate economic theory at a superficial level. I do understand, however, that it is important to have a thriving middle-class and for every opportunity to be available for impoverished people to move out of their poverty. The good news is, that this desire for the impoverished people of the earth to prosper is not only linked to human compassion and hopes, but also the will of God. The Lord wants people to prosper (Psalm 35:27). The key is to translate God’s Will into definable actions on our part. The Lord may want something for your life, but the question is whether or not a person is willing to do (obey) what is asked.
Articles by Kevin Baird
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #8: How God Releases Prosperity
Unfortunately, many Christians are sucked into prosperity gimmicks and abuses because they do not understand how God releases prosperity to His people. For numerous reasons, people tend to see prosperity as a single-street methodology that if used correctly is the “secret sauce” to releasing untold riches upon their lives.
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #7: Why Some People Never Prosper
The greatest critiques concerning prosperity revolve around the concepts of equality, fairness, and spiritual condemnation. In other words, (say the critics), if it is God’s will to prosper His people then…
Why is there such a massive inequality of resources amongst believers?
Why do some people seem to prosper when equally righteous people are impoverished?
Can you really look at someone impoverished (especially a fellow believer) and really say they lack, “faith”?
Fair questions…
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #6: Why Does God Prosper?
Lesson 6 is probably a good place to remind the reader that my personal pursuit of understanding prosperity accurately is not rooted in becoming a millionaire, so we have no more financial concerns. That pursuit would be so far beneath the calling and inheritance of a passionate, Jesus-follower. Our pursuit is rooted in how we might become conduits for Kingdom resources and not simply containers.
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #5: God Is Not Against Prosperity
I was taught early in my Christian walk (over 40 years ago) that I should love what God loves and hate what God hates. This is another way of saying that I should never call good, evil; or evil, good (Isaiah 5:20). In fact, the prophet Isaiah declares a “Woe” upon those who would do such things. So, imagine my surprise when I started to see notable American preachers release videos and messages with titles like: “Why I hate the Prosperity Gospel”, or “Why the Prosperity Gospel is an abomination”. Strong rebukes and words for the prosperity theme. Interestingly, some of these preachers have made millions on their book sales criticizing wealth and prosperity all the while increasing their own net worth. I find no small sense of irony in that reality.