The Prosperity Gospel of Heaven - Santosh Poonen - November 30, 2014
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-prosperity-gospel-of-heaven River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon warns against the 'love of money,' identifying it as the root of much evil and a conflict with serving God. Drawing from the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, the speaker emphasizes that God rejoices immensely over the repentance of a single sinner. He concludes by quoting Matthew 6:24, stating clearly that one cannot serve both God and wealth.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
You cannot serve God and wealthJesus clearly states that a person cannot serve two masters, warning against the spiritual trap of serving wealth instead of God.Matthew 6:24
The lavish heart of the Father in Luke 15Through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, Jesus reveals a God who spares no expense to rescue what was lost and celebrates repentance.
The Pharisees scoff at JesusThe religious leaders, who are lovers of money, scoff at Jesus' teaching because their self-righteous hearts cannot comprehend the lavish mercy of God.
The manager's shrewd planFacing termination, a dishonest manager reduces his master's debtors' bills to secure a welcoming home for himself after he loses his job.
Learning shrewdness from the sons of this ageThe master praises the unrighteous manager because people of the world are often more diligent in pursuing Mammon than believers are in pursuing the kingdom of heaven.
Faithfulness in unrighteous wealthGod tests our hearts with earthly wealth—which belongs to Him—to see if He can entrust us with true, eternal riches in heaven.
Earthly wealth as Monopoly moneyMaterial possessions are like temporary Monopoly money given to test us, while our real bank account and treasure are laid up in heaven.
Instructions for the rich in this worldPaul instructs those who are materially rich not to be conceited or fix their hope on uncertain riches, but on God, and to be rich in good works and ready to share.1 Timothy 6:17–19
Pretending to be rich versus impoverishing oneselfWhile worldly people pretend to be rich to impress others, spiritual believers willingly impoverish themselves by giving away their resources to store up heavenly treasure.Proverbs 13:7
God's original intent for creation and authorityGod originally created man to rule over the earth and its resources, but the fall enslaved humanity to Mammon until Christ came to set believers free.Genesis 1:27–28
Being found ready when the end comesWith the end of all things near, believers must practice sound judgment, fervent love, and hospitality as good stewards waiting for the Master's return.
The danger of being unpreparedMany who call themselves Christians will be caught unready when Christ returns because their hearts are entangled in earthly pursuits and the Monopoly game.
The faithful versus the unfaithful servantThe master will reward the faithful servant who properly manages his resources, but will severely judge the servant who abuses others and lives for self-indulgence.
Die empty, not oldInstead of hoarding wealth on earth until old age, believers should follow the example of those who poured out their lives completely for God's kingdom.
