Hebrews 10:32-33

"But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated" Hebrews 10:32-33

The greatest test of true conversion is this: "Trouble." "Edwin, how can you say such a thing? Don't you know that Jesus came to bring abundant life? Don't you understand that He give us peace that passes understanding. Can't you comprehend that God wants us to prosper?"

Now that I have your attention, allow me to explain. If we are truly converted to life in Jesus Christ, we will be annoying to those who do not know Him, not that we are "preachy" or "holier than thou" or even a "goody two shoes." No, we are annoying to non-believers because we HAVE abundant life, peace, and prosperity. These are things the worldly people we know seek.

Your boss may be seeking it by climbing the corporate ladder. Your co-worker may be seeking it by buying new cars, boats, and houses. Your friends may be acquiring it by filling their homes with the latest and greatest decorating ideas. Politicians are doing it by seeking positions of greater power and influence. Whatever their method, everyone is seeking the abundant life. Do they find it in these situations? Not really. (Those of you who have been trapped in these modes can testify to this truth.) The next promotion is not enough. The next car is not good enough. The next house is too small or plain. The next committee chairmanship is not influential enough.

And all of these people look at the really sold out believer and see the abundance, peace, and prosperity in their lives and become jealous. When they become jealous, they slip into envy. And envy leads to persecution. Have you experienced it?

Allow me to define three words I have used several times. Abundance, means to have all that you need. God has said he will supply all of our needs. When our needs are met, we can have peace that passes understanding. This peace is not measured in worldly ways.

Our peace is internal. While our world is falling apart, we can be at peace emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Do you think the three Hebrew men were at PEACE when they were looking into the depths of the fiery furnace? Of course they were, they said so. Was there peace in their situation? No! They were the victims of a mighty war!

Then there is prosperity. Prosperity is closely tied to abundance. Our prosperity is not measured by the square footage of our homes, or the price tag on our cars, or the size of our paycheck. Prosperity is measured by how much of God we have. The closer we are to the Father, the more we have, after all, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and all He has is ours by the rights of adoption. While God owns everything, we must be content with what He entrusts to our stewardship. That is how prosperity is measured.

These are things that upset the world and they blame us for rocking their boats! Remember, Jesus endured the cross for our benefit. What will we endure for Him? Amen and Amen.