In Jesus' final public teaching in the Gospel of John (10:22-42), the people of Jerusalem tried to pin him down. They wanted him to declare openly who he was. In keeping with his indirect public style, Jesus pointed them to his words and works. He also boldly declared, "I and the Father are one." This statement sent them looking for rocks to stone him, since they thought he was a man who made himself out to be God. They grasped that he claimed identity with God, but they got things exactly backwards. (sermon notes)
Jesus told his disciples how to handle not only adversity, but also prosperity, both of which require faith in God.
God's presence in the early church produced awesome acts of community giving and healing but also an awesome judgment against hypocrisy and deception.
While wealth comes from generosity, diligence, and careful living, it has its limitations and dangers but can be used to create eternal wealth for...
