Is It Biblical or American? (Part 3)

Is it Biblical or American part 3

In our continuing series on "Is it Biblical or American," I want us to focus on the next two points of this very challenging article by Bishop Joseph Mattera. These two points really challenge me as I consider how often I pray for comfort, peace, prosperity, ease, and happiness. While all of us desire such blessings from the Lord, the idea of these comforts are really not the main concern of the Lord for any of our lives. I invite you to read through these two points and consider the veracity and truth of each.

   

4. American Christianity appeals to using faith to attain stability and comfort. The Bible encourages believers to risk life and limb to advance the kingdom.

Much of the preaching in American churches regarding faith has to do with using faith so we can have a nice car, home, job, financial security, and comfort. The biblical focus on faith is on risking our physical health and material goods to promote God's kingdom (read Phil. 2:25-30). Most of the original apostles of the church died as martyrs as did the Apostle Paul, and the hall of faith shown in Hebrews 11 equates faith with a life of risk and material loss for the sake of Christ. Much of the preaching on faith in contemporary churches would seem foreign to biblical prophets and apostles.

5. American Christianity usually focuses on individual salvation. The Bible deals with individual and systemic redemption.

Jesus' first sermon text in Nazareth was a quote from Isaiah 61 (read Luke 4:17-19). American preachers usually interpret these passages in an individual manner only. However, when you read Isaiah 61:1-4, you will clearly see that the gospel not only saved and healed individuals but also transformed whole cities! The biblical gospel deals with systemic sin--not just individual sinners.