Beloved, todays twisted Tuesday is one that I’ve been considering for weeks. There’s sadly more Scriptures being taken out of context today than I can keep up with. This one is actually connected with something I’ve been wanting to address, this man-centered focus that has invaded every part of life. Whether it’s the Me Too movement, or the prosperity Gospel, from secular to religious, we’ve made man the idol we worship in the West. So the verse we’re going to untwist today is John 10:10.
The dismal part of these verses being misused is that their true meaning is missed. In chapter 10 of Johns Gospel Jesus tells us one of the most unbelievable truths in Scripture, that He is our Shepard and will lay down His life for us. He says that we’ll hear His voice and know Him. What happens when you just snatch those two words out of this verse? You get a man-centered gospel that’s all about having an abundant life, healthy and wealthy, here and now.
It goes far deeper, and is much more sinful, than most realize. We expect the world to worship idols, and to hold all the glory for itself. However, when those professing to be followers of Christ make man the center they steal the glory due God. Christ did not die so you and I could have an abundant life, He died in our place to pay the penalty of our sin. He died to save us from the wrath that is to come. Suggesting otherwise is preaching a completely different gospel. Recall, dear friends, that wealth and power were the very things Satan tempted Christ with in the desert. Is it any surprise we see the same tactic being used today by false teachers?
Friends, the fuel behind the man-centered focus in our world today is emotionalism. We no longer ask what the Bible says, rather what does it say to you? Not what was done at the cross, but how does it make you feel? We’ve received this amazing gift by the grace of God, let us spend our time here on Earth glorifying God because of it. As always, brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
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Tulips & Honey 
I like this post! Do you mind, sister, if I share some thoughts on the abundant life? Christians are promised and called to life abundant–life according the righteousness of God as the laws of the kingdom are written in our hearts–thereby freeing us from the sin and death of this world. I think very often that aspect of the gospel is totally missed today. We are to walk in obedience, not by legalism or our ability, but according to the abundant grace-given knowledge of the Lord–a knowledge that directly opposes the twisted prosperity teaching of today. “The laws of thy mouth are better to me than thousands of God and silver.” Psalm 119. Blessings, sister!
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Oops. Aweful typo! Supposed to read thousands of gold and silver.
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Thank you so much for this comment, I appreciate how you explained this! Exactly what the abundant life should be focused on, glorifying God in our freedom from sin! God bless you, sister!
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God bless you too! 🙂
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I totally get what you’re saying, particularly when having an abundant life is taken to mean a lot of valuable material things rather than valuable spiritual things. Knowing Jesus and the richness of His grace is the single most valuable thing I have. Thanks for this great post!
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Well put, brother, amen! What could measure out more abundantly than Gods grace? Thank you for your kind words, God bless you!
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Excellent message, sister! It’s so sad that millions have gotten sucked into this false prosperity gospel and equate (c)hristianity to a gateway to wealth and health.
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Thank you so much for your encouragement, brother! Do you think there has been a more man-centered move in the RCC as well, what with the push towards ecumenicism?
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That’s an excellent question, sister, and worthy of a separate post. While the Catholic church has made strong overtures to Copeland, Osteen, and other prosperity gospelers in the interest of ecumenism, it still very strongly teaches that poverty and sickness can be penitential means to merited salvation. Yes, charismatic Catholics have healing masses, but I would say most Catholics view illness and suffering as something that is inevitable and can be offered up to God rather than a result of a lack of faith. Despite the hierarchy’s fraternization with Copeland and Osteen (a means to an end), Catholics have a very low opinion of those who preach religion as a means to wealth. Well, that’s at least one thing Catholicism and I can agree on!
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Sadly the prosperity Gospel is too prominent worldwide…
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That is a sad fact, especially when the true Gospel is so much more, beyond any imagination, better than money and health!
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Amen
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Thank you for sharing this, sister! May the Lord bless you!
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Thanks for sharing. I like your posting of Twisted Tuesday- The Abundant Life. Many preachers today love to preach prosperity. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He was not thinking about the BMW or Mansions we were to have. He came to seek and save the lost. Agreed God can richly bless us if and when He desires like He did for Abraham, Solomon etc, however our one intention should be Christ. As Spurgeon puts it, The One Thing needful is Christ and sitting at His feet. Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness and all these other things shall be added unto you.
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I’m so blessed to hear you enjoyed this, friend. Thank you for adding that verse, and Spurgeon quote, I was blessed by both! The one thing that’s needful is Christ, how well put! May the Lord bless you, dear one!
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