David Wrote, "I was envious at the foolish, when saw the prosperity of the wicked... until I went in to the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end" (Psa. 73:3, 173For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:3)
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (Psalm 73:17)). There are some that are now preaching the gospel of material prosperity. Another so-called gospel is "the social gospel." God's Word is very strongly against this. To the Galatians and for us it is written: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.”
A brother from Brazil writes: "In a time like the one in which we live how important it is to be able to preach the plain gospel found in God's Word. 'Far by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast' (Eph. 18-9). Brazil is undergoing many changes in the religious field. Not long ago this was a very. Catholic country, but now we are living in a very strange and evil country. Even though being a Catholic country in its majority, Brazil has the largest spiritistic population in the world. Most of the Catholic population also attend the meetings of spiritism.
"In Pentecostalism now there is a fast-spreading and most evil form of religion. It uses God's Word, professes the basic doctrines of Christianity, but brings not the gospel of the grace of God. They are preaching a gospel of material prosperity. Multitudes are following those preachers looking for money and a healthy, happy life in this world. 'Jesus Christ is the King' is their banner, and they say if you go to their church you can have anything you want. They try to make the Lord their Servant. No cross, no blood and no forgiveness of sins is offered.”
Peter asks, "What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:1717For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)). We know the answer to this question, even as David learned the answer when he went into the sanctuary and saw the prosperity of the foolishly wicked and their end.
In addition to these things, we believe one of the greatest hindrances for true believers is their being taken up with the desire for worldly prosperity. The consequence is that the Lord does not have His rightful place in their hearts and homes.
Let us ask ourselves if we are seeking earthly gain or the enjoyment of the Lord's presence? Is communion with Him the uppermost desire of our hearts?
There is a scripture bearing on this that is clear and as true now as ever. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:3333But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)). There is another promise that may surprise you. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:2929For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)). Ed.