I am not a theologian nor do I claim any special knowledge of God's holy word but as we embark on this urgent work of evangelism, I believe it is perfectly reasonable to ask ourselves 'What did the early church preach?' I hear a lot of sermons directed at sin-laden, demon-oppressed...and hell-bound men and the burden of the message seem to be 'God wants you to be blessed and wealthy!' To me, it is like tossing $100 bills at someone who is trapped inside a house set on fire! It is obvious that what that man needs is for the apparent danger to be addressed then he'd appreciate the dollar bills better afterwards.
My initial observation from studying the gospels and ACTS is that the early church preached repentance more than anything else. People need to know that Jesus' death was not the origin of prosperity. Solomon prospered before Jesus came physically and the dead were raised too! My mind tells me that 'sin shall have no more dominion over you' is the most needed blessing today!
Why Eric! Don't you believe in Divine Healing? Yes ma'am I do! 'Why then? Don't you believe in prosperity and longevity?' I sure do sir! But 'Time and chance happeneth to them all!' I believe that the salvation of the soul, a spirit born again after God and freed from the filthiness of sin is God's greatest blessing. THE QUESTION BEGGING FOR ANSWER IS why is this not our emphasis today?
Eric katchi.