Today's Passage - 1 Timothy 6:3-8

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english I Timothy 6: 3-8   If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions  and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.    Why did Paul emphasized on " But godliness with contentment is great gain" ? This was because many people are focused on money and even Christians are no exception as   there are those who make their wealth through religion.   There are many ways of spreading the gospel today including those highly commercialized methods.   The church today should actively adopt the most advance commercial strategy to disseminate the gospel; but beware of those who have ulterior motives.  The fundamental question to ask is:  are you making money for yourself? Or is this truly for the spreading of the Gospel?     To be content is an important spiritual training.  A person with contentment is one who is satisfied with God's grace and gifts he receives.  Regardless of our circumstances - good or bad, if this is God's arrangement, we should be joyful and be content. Ironically, this is quite different from the feeling of "sour grapes" as those who feels this way are helpless but to find  joy through this painful ordeal;  but a heart of contentment is  a response to God's  promises believing such promises and guidance are truthful and out of His goodness.  As long as there is a heart of meekness in us, we can discern God's will under all circumstances.    Brothers and sisters, are you content in your current situation?  In fact, if we count all our blessings, we can't help but sing praises and rejoice in Him.  Every time after a short mission, I have this deep feeling that we are so much better off when compared to those in the third world.  We have everything we can possibly have, so we should be thankful for all His blessings.  You should now count all the blessings we have received from God and give thanks to Him!  In times of adversity, you should proclaim that He is the Lord of our lives and the Lord of this universe.  With such astounding proclamation, we will be freed from the shackle of any adverse situation.        Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you for all the blessings we have received.  We pray specially for those brothers and sisters who are at adverse situations.  In the name of our Lord, we proclaim that you are the Lord of all circumstances, free them from these adversities.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!