The fundamental
problem with all such efforts is that it misrepresents the economy of the
Kingdom. The church has nothing to sell. All the riches it possesses have been
given to it by a gracious God, and it is to give them away freely to any who
would have them (cf. Matthew 10:8). And this it does through the proclamation
of the gospel, not the peddling of promises. Such hucksterism was condemned
long ago when Peter told Simon the magician to "Repent . . . and pray to
the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you"
(Acts 8:22).
So how is the church
to materially prosper? It does so through the liberality of its people. The
expectation is that as we have freely received we would freely give. God grants
us our material wealth so that we might steward it in a manner that allows us
to be sustained as well as the work of the Kingdom (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9).
That being said, getting
the faithful to yield up some of its capital can be a hard sell! The demand
that our material existence makes upon our wallets, especially in a place like
New York City, makes us wary. Paying our bills and putting something away for
the future is challenging enough without adding yet another obligation.
Nevertheless, that's how it's supposed to work. We have received (and continue
to receive) of God's generosity, and we, in turn, are to be generous toward the
work he is doing in the world, trusting that he "will supply every need of
[ours] according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians
4:19). Such liberality might not get you a new Rolls but it will redound to
your credit as one who presents "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice
acceptable and pleasing to God" (Philippians 4:18).
