Modern Deceptions

Some of the most popular teachers of our time downplay sin and hell and focus on making people feel good (source). Jesus, on the other hand, focused on repentance, humility, and sacrifice, speaking often of sin and hell.(1) 

Many popular teachers live opulent lifestyles and insist that God wants His children rich and comfortable. Jesus was homeless and taught that wealth often corrupts people.(2) 

Feel-good messages have always been popular:

Jeremiah warned God’s people to repent and avoid destruction.

The popular “prophets” of Jeremiah’s day said, “Don’t worry! The LORD says you will have peace!...No harm will come your way!” (Jeremiah 23:16-18).

These lying prophets made people feel good.

But Jeremiah’s words proved true.

If we don’t understand sin and hell, we’ll never understand God's incredible mercy and grace. If we demand treasures in our present world, we'll lose treasures in the next.

Let’s listen to true Bible teachers, not feel-good motivational speakers.
--------------

For more see: What Jesus Said about Hell, The Crux of Sin: Self, and Where's Your Bank? Matthew 6.

Footnotes:
(1) Matthew 10:38.
See also: Jesus's Demand to Repent; What Jesus Said about Hell;
The True Gospel Makes Us Sad Before It Makes Us Happy; 4 Things that Happen When We Fail to Repent; Make No Mistake; What is Repentance.
Also check out this archive of 1-minute devotions: Our Need for Repentance

(2) Christ's statements about wealth:
God gives wealth to some Christians for His purposes, but wealth is not a promise from God, and it is not a sign of faith.
Matthew 6:19-21 says we should store up our treasures in heaven, not on earth.
Matthew 13:22 says wealth is deceptive and interferes with our faith and maturity.
Luke 12:15 says judging anyone's faith by their possessions is not right. 
Other passages about wealth:
James 4:3 says prayers that focus on worldly pleasures won't be answered.
Colossians 3:5 says greed for worldly things is idolatry. 
1 Timothy 6:6-10 says contentment is a sign of faith. If we have food and clothing, we should be content. Loving wealth turns us from God. 
James 2:5 says faith has nothing to do with wealth. Poor people often have the most faith.

See this archive of 1-minute devotions about Money & Possessions and more Scripture verses about the danger of worldly wealth Here.
--------------

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet that will help you add joy and depth to your Quiet Time. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes