Christianity, Nigeria & Daddy Freeze: Prosperity Gospel is NOT the Problem -By Nneka Okumazie

Life – mysterious, already debunked the binary theory of do this, get that, as a model that works everywhere, every time for everyone.

Failure is easy to diagnose if there was incompetence, lack of resources, etc. But failure is strange when all that is required to succeed is available, but failure still happened.

This is one of the major reasons for the true Christian Faith – the Hope for rescue in the storms of life, and the Hope to reign, with Christ, later on.

What would have been the point of Faith in GOD, if everything ever sought, can never be found in Him?

Yes, many have gone through life without the Christian Faith, but the genuine experience is extraordinarily priceless.

The fact that a devout Christian can hear the Holy Spirit in a very crucial moment and it becomes the difference between bad and worse, or good and bad – is exceedingly great.

There are several examples of solutions in the Scriptures to grow Faith in the LORD. There were many who lacked something they needed, or say wanted, but it came through, in their walk with GOD.

Some were healed, some delivered, some prospered, some had a change of heart, etc. It doesn’t really matter what it is, miracle is miracle, and breakthrough is breakthrough.

Christ used Peter’s boat. [Luke 5:3, And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.] [Luke 5:4, Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.] [Luke 5:5, And Simon answering said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy Word I will let down the net.] [Luke 5:6, And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.]

This was success made by Christ after failure they – probably – didn’t expect. So yes, Christ can bring prosperity.

Also, there were some super givers, who were also righteous. [Acts 9:36, Now there was at Joppa a certain Disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.] [Acts 10:1-2, There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band]. [A] devout [man], and one that feared GOD with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD alway.]

These givers had the heart to give, not what they’d get. As they were known to give to the people, it wouldn’t have been a problem for them to give to the Church, if the Church had needs.

But the heart is the first thing, broken enough, humble enough – submitted to GOD: saying all one has was given by the LORD.

So yes, while it is important to work hard, do business, have great strategies, invest, be smart and intelligent, it is not out of place for a genuine Christian to seek GOD, for prosperity or promotion.

Tabitha died, she died. But for GOD’s mercies, it would have been the end. Yes, the Scriptures says GOD chooses whom to show mercy, but there are several places in the Scriptures where the mercy of the LORD was prompted.

Some by Faith, some by praise, some by holiness, some by patience, some by obedience, some by giving, some by prayers, some by fasting and some by relentless evangelism.

Some of these can position people to be “whom” He would have mercy, or can prompt Him to show mercy. He can also be merciful to allow blessings on anyone, or just do things for His own Glory, or for His Power. GOD is Supreme Sovereign.

Giving in a true Church is for genuine Christians. Giving to GOD isn’t a shortcut to GOD, no one should continue in sin, that Grace may abound. GOD isn’t interested in any kind of love for him, or any kind of worship. [Luke 10:27, And He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.] [John 4:24, GOD [is] a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship [Him] in Spirit and in Truth.]

GOD loved and gave. So love is about giving. It is almost impossible to truly love the LORD, as required, and not be able to support His work – regardless of how or when the reward will come.

[Hebrews 11:6, But without Faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.]

A true Church of GOD can have projects and the genuine Christians there can confidently give, in love for GOD and in hope for reward – whatever kind. GOD decides.

But yes, there is reward for giving. How can a true Christian not want to prosper and be in health? [Matthew 11:28, Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.] [Luke 12:29, And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.] [Luke 12:31, But rather seek ye the Kingdom of GOD; and all these things shall be added unto you.] [1 Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.]

So yes, righteousness first – which solves sin problems, mind problems, works of the flesh, that science and technology cannot solve: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings.

After that, do one’s work well, and hope that the LORD gives the increase. GOD will not take anything from anyone by force. Consent and assent is required in Salvation. Come unto ME, I stand at the door and knock, abide in ME, draw near to GOD, etc.

Giving is according to what a devout Christian purposes – voluntary and with discretion. There are multiple projects in Church: it is to give according to one’s Faith – and capability.

Christ’s life, abundantly, could come in several ways, but also tied to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.

GOD’s test for genuine Christian is different, but the LORD delivers them from them all afflictions. Sometimes, a problem that brings a true Christian closer to GOD is often a gift to be able to triumph when the – new – stage comes.

Some marriages wouldn’t have conquered without the fear of GOD and prayers. In single years for some, all the prayers, service to GOD, etc. were preparatory steps to prevail in marriage. Same applies to other kinds of miracles GOD gave and sustained.

The LORD prefers a pure heart. Yes, thoughts are hidden to others, and rarely scrutinized, so it can be wicked and divergent. Consent is not even sought before the heart’s evil.

[Matthew 5:28, But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.]

No consent, and some so obsessed and so desperate would go on with their evil act without consent. So sin begins in the mind, but the hearts of all are opened to GOD.

Giving to GOD is for genuine Christians in a true Church of GOD, for a true work of GOD. Giving to the others is also great.

Yes, it may seem like the rules of giving are lax and that giving is welcomed from everyone, but no one should deceive themselves or allow anyone to deceive them, obedience is better than sacrifice; whoever sows sin would reap the wages of sin.

Prosperity Gospel is not the problem. Anyone can say whatever they want or believe—GOD rewards. It can be what is seen, or what is not – GOD rewards and answers prayer. [Acts 12:5, Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto GOD for him.] [Acts 12:7, And, behold, the Angel of the LORD came upon [him], and a Light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.]