View Book:
The Gospel of Repentance is NOT the Gospel of Prosperity
Book
2 - in the “God’s
Truth” Series
The
Gospel of Repentance is NOT the Gospel of Prosperity
The Prosperity Gospel Can Be Powerfully Misleading -
Away From The Heart of God. The Church of Truth Is About Repentance & Depending
on God. Preaching Both Together - Correctly is Nearly Impossible. Here’s Why.
By Mr. Elijah J Stone
and the Team Success Network
Table
of Contents
CHAPTER 1: The True Gospel—Repentance, Not Riches
CHAPTER 2: Storing Treasures in Heaven, Not Earth
CHAPTER 3: Why the Prosperity Gospel Sounds Good but Misleads
CHAPTER 4: Dying to Self vs. Living for Gain
CHAPTER 5: God’s Blessing Is Dependence, Not Independence
CHAPTER 6: Humility—The Mark of a True Disciple
CHAPTER 7: Loving God Above Money, Loving Others Above Self
CHAPTER 8: How Wealth Distracts from Repentance and Surrender
CHAPTER 9: The Prosperity Trap—Confusion That Costs Eternity
CHAPTER 10: Returning to the Church of Truth—Repent and Love
CHAPTER 1 – The
True Gospel—Repentance, Not Riches
Why the Message
of Jesus Is Turning From Sin, Not Chasing Wealth
How the Prosperity Gospel Substitutes Earthly Gain for Eternal Truth
The Core Message of the Bible
From the beginning, God’s call to His people has been
repentance—turning from sin and turning back to Him. John the Baptist prepared
the way for Jesus by preaching repentance, not prosperity.
Matthew 3:2 records his cry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
has come near.” That is the foundation. Without repentance, there is no
salvation, no transformation, no true gospel.
The gospel without repentance isn’t the gospel at all.
The Danger of Replacing Repentance with Riches
The prosperity gospel twists this message, teaching that God’s
main goal is to make you wealthy. It replaces the cross with cash and holiness
with happiness.
Luke 12:15 warns: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all
kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Jesus never called us to store up riches here. He called us to die to ourselves
and live for Him.
Jesus’ Call to Discipleship
Jesus did not soften His message. He made it clear that following
Him would cost everything.
Luke 9:23 says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny
themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” That doesn’t sound
like luxury, does it? It sounds like surrender. It sounds like dying to self so
Christ can live in us.
You can’t follow Jesus and money at the same time.
Treasure in Heaven, Not on Earth
Jesus directly contrasted earthly riches with heavenly ones.
Matthew 6:19–20 says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
This is the dividing line. Will we invest our lives in eternal
things, or will we waste them chasing temporary gain?
What True Blessing Looks Like
God does bless His people, but blessing in Scripture is far deeper
than money. True blessing is forgiveness, peace, joy, and eternal life in
Christ.
Psalm 32:1 says: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are
forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Notice: the blessing is tied to
repentance, not riches.
• Blessing is having a clean heart before God.
• Blessing is knowing you are loved and secure in Him.
• Blessing is eternal life, not earthly luxury.
Prosperity vs. Repentance—Two Opposite Paths
Let’s be clear:
- Prosperity
Gospel – says seek money, seek comfort, seek success.
- True
Gospel – says seek God, repent of sin, and surrender fully.
One message puts man at the center. The other puts Jesus at the
center. One message leads to confusion. The other leads to salvation.
Repentance leads to life; prosperity leads to loss.
Reflection Questions
• Have I been tempted to believe that God’s blessing equals money?
• Where have I been more focused on earthly gain than eternal treasures?
• Am I willing to repent and return to God’s true message today?
What This Chapter Means for You
The prosperity gospel may sound appealing, but it is powerless to
save. The true gospel is simple: repent, turn back to God, and surrender your
life to Him. That is the message John preached, the message Jesus lived, and
the message the apostles carried to the world.
Ask yourself: Which gospel am I following—the one that builds
earthly treasures, or the one that builds eternal life?
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, I repent of chasing wealth and confusing money with blessing. Help me
store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Jesus, I choose to deny myself and
follow You fully. Teach me to value repentance above riches, and truth above
comfort.”
Remember: The gospel of repentance is the only gospel Jesus
preached—and it is the only one that saves.
CHAPTER 2 –
Storing Treasures in Heaven, Not Earth
The Eternal
Investment That Never Fails
Why God Calls Us to Value What Lasts Forever, Not What Fades Away
What Jesus Really Said About Treasures
Jesus knew the human heart is drawn to what we treasure. That’s
why He made this bold command:
Matthew 6:19–20 says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures
on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Earthly wealth fades, breaks down, or gets stolen. Heavenly
treasure, however, is eternal. The question is not if we store treasure,
but where.
Where your treasure is, your heart will follow.
The Problem with Earthly Treasures
The prosperity gospel tempts us to measure blessing by bank
accounts, cars, or houses. But none of these things last.
1 Timothy 6:7 reminds us: “For we brought nothing into the
world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
Chasing wealth is like building a castle on sand—it looks good for
a moment but collapses when storms hit.
What Heavenly Treasure Looks Like
Heavenly treasure isn’t money or possessions—it’s eternal fruit.
• Souls saved through your witness
• Acts of love done in Jesus’ name
• Obedience to God’s call
• Faith tested and proven true
• Worship and service that honor Him
Colossians 3:2 says: “Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things.”
These are investments that last forever.
Living Humble on Earth, Rich in Heaven
Jesus never promised His disciples luxury here. Instead, He
promised trials, persecution, and eternal reward.
James 4:10 says: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he
will lift you up.” The humble may seem small in this life, but they will be
great in eternity.
Better to be poor on earth and rich in heaven than rich on earth
and bankrupt in eternity.
God’s Blessing and Money—A Careful Balance
Does God sometimes bless with money? Yes—but only to use for His
kingdom, never for selfishness. Money must stay a tool, not a treasure.
1 Timothy 6:10 warns: “For the love of money is a root of all
kinds of evil.” Money itself is neutral, but loving it pulls us from God.
The safest place is dependence on Him, not on riches.
Reflection Questions
• Am I storing more treasure on earth or in heaven right now?
• Do I measure God’s blessing by money or by His presence?
• What step can I take this week to invest more in eternity?
What This Chapter Means for You
Every day, you are making investments. Some will last forever;
others will vanish the moment you die. The prosperity gospel keeps you focused
on temporary treasures. Jesus calls you to eternal ones.
Ask yourself: What kind of account am I building—an earthly one
that fades, or a heavenly one that endures?
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, shift my heart to value eternal treasures above earthly ones. Help me
live humbly, invest in people, and use every resource for Your kingdom. I
choose to store treasure in heaven, where You are, and where nothing fades
away.”
Remember: Earthly wealth ends. Heavenly treasure lasts forever.
CHAPTER 3 – Why
the Prosperity Gospel Sounds Good but Misleads
A Message That
Promises Comfort but Cannot Save
How Half-Truths Create False Hope and Hide God’s Real Call
Why It Sounds Good
The prosperity gospel appeals to human desires. It promises that
God will make you rich, healthy, and successful if you just believe enough. It
presents a picture of Christianity that feels encouraging and uplifting.
2 Timothy 4:3 warns: “For the time will come when people will
not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will
gather around them teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Not every “good-sounding” message is God’s truth.
The Subtle Half-Truth
What makes the prosperity gospel dangerous is that it mixes truth
with lies. Yes, God provides for His people. Yes, He blesses those who follow
Him. But the prosperity gospel twists this by making money the measure of God’s
love.
Matthew 6:24 declares: “You cannot serve both God and money.”
When wealth becomes the focus, God becomes a tool—not the treasure.
The Real Blessing God Promises
God does promise blessing, but His Word defines it differently:
• Peace in the storm (John 14:27)
• Joy that cannot be taken away (John 16:22)
• Forgiveness through repentance (1 John 1:9)
• Eternal life with Him (John 3:16)
• His presence always with us (Matthew 28:20)
These blessings outweigh money because they last forever.
How It Misleads the Church
The prosperity gospel distracts believers from repentance. Instead
of being told to die to self, they are told to “believe for more.” Instead of
preparing hearts for eternity, churches are preparing wallets for offerings.
Jeremiah 6:14 exposes this: “They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no
peace.”
A church that preaches comfort without conviction leaves people
lost.
The Danger of False Security
Perhaps the worst danger is this: the prosperity gospel gives
people a false sense of being “blessed.” They may feel rich and secure but be
spiritually bankrupt.
Revelation 3:17 warns: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired
wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched,
pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
God cares more about your heart than your bank account.
Reflection Questions
• Have I ever confused money or success with God’s approval?
• Am I chasing God Himself—or what I think He can give me?
• Do I measure blessing by His presence or by possessions?
What This Chapter Means for You
The prosperity gospel sounds good because it appeals to what we
naturally want. But it misleads because it leaves out what we most
need—repentance, surrender, and eternal life in Christ.
Don’t settle for half-truths that flatter. Choose the whole truth
that saves.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, remove every lie that confuses blessing with wealth. Help me see Your
truth clearly and embrace repentance as my true path to life. I want You—not
what the world calls success.”
Remember: A gospel that avoids repentance isn’t good news—it’s
dangerous news.
CHAPTER 4 – Dying
to Self vs. Living for Gain
The Cross Is the
Way to Life, Not the Ladder to Success
Why True Discipleship Means Surrender, Not Self-Advancement
The Call of Jesus
Jesus didn’t call His followers to riches. He called them to the
cross. His invitation was costly, clear, and uncompromising.
Luke 9:23 records His words: “Whoever wants to be my disciple
must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
The gospel begins with surrender, not self-promotion.
What Dying to Self Means
Dying to self doesn’t mean hating yourself. It means putting your
desires, ambitions, and selfish goals on the altar. It means saying, “Not my
will, but Yours be done.”
Galatians 2:20 says: “I have been crucified with Christ and I
no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
This is the daily choice of every true disciple.
The Prosperity Gospel’s Opposite Message
The prosperity gospel teaches the opposite: live for gain, claim
abundance, and pursue comfort. It tells us to put ourselves at the center.
But Philippians 3:8 flips the script: “I consider everything a
loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Earthly gain is worthless compared to eternal life with Him.
The Fruit of Dying to Self
What happens when we truly die to self? God produces fruit in us
that money can’t buy.
• A humble heart that pleases Him (Micah 6:8)
• A peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7)
• Strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• True joy that endures (John 15:11)
• Eternal rewards in heaven (Matthew 19:29)
When self dies, Christ shines.
Why Living for Gain Destroys
Living for gain blinds us to eternity. It keeps us clinging to
what won’t last, while ignoring what matters most.
Mark 8:36 asks: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole
world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Chasing riches may bring temporary satisfaction, but it leaves you
empty before God.
Reflection Questions
• Am I following Jesus to serve Him—or to get something from Him?
• What selfish desires do I need to surrender at the cross today?
• Do I believe that true life is found in dying to self?
What This Chapter Means for You
You can’t live for self and follow Jesus at the same time. One way
leads to empty gain. The other leads to eternal life. Dying to self isn’t
easy—but it is the only way to truly live.
The prosperity gospel tells you to build yourself up. The true
gospel tells you to lay yourself down. Which one will you follow?
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Jesus, I lay down my selfish desires and ambitions. I choose Your cross over
comfort, Your will over mine, and Your glory over my gain. Teach me to die to
self daily so that Your life may shine through me.”
Remember: The cross isn’t a step to success—it’s the doorway to
life.
CHAPTER 5 – The
Blessing of Dependence on God
Why True Riches
Come From Trusting God, Not Having More Money
Learning That Dependence on Him Is Our Greatest Strength
Dependence Is the Real Blessing
The prosperity gospel celebrates independence—having so much money
that you “never need to worry again.” But God says the opposite. True blessing
is learning to need Him every single day.
Jeremiah 17:7 says: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the
Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Dependence on God is where true peace
and security are found.
God doesn’t bless you to make you self-reliant—He blesses you to
keep you God-reliant.
Why Independence Is a Trap
The world says independence is power. But the more self-sufficient
we feel, the less we seek God. Independence often leads to pride, and pride
leads to spiritual downfall.
Proverbs 16:18 reminds us: “Pride goes before destruction, a
haughty spirit before a fall.” Money can make us feel untouchable—but it
cannot make us righteous.
God Wants Daily Trust
Think of Israel in the wilderness. God gave them manna—daily
bread. He told them not to store it up, but to gather just enough for the day.
Why? To teach them dependence.
Exodus 16:4 says: “In this way I will test them and see whether
they will follow my instructions.” God wanted His people to learn trust,
not hoarding.
Daily dependence builds daily faith.
Signs of True Dependence on God
What does it look like when you live dependent on Him?
• Prayer first – turning to God before making decisions
• Contentment – being satisfied with what you have (Philippians 4:11)
• Generosity – giving freely, knowing He provides
• Humility – admitting you cannot succeed without Him
• Faith – trusting His promises over your circumstances
Psalm 121:2 says: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of
heaven and earth.”
God Provides Better Than Money Ever Could
Dependence on money gives false security. Dependence on God gives
eternal security.
Philippians 4:19 assures us: “And my God will meet all your
needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” His provision
never runs out, and His riches never fade.
Money runs out. God never does.
Reflection Questions
• Am I trusting more in my bank account than in God’s promises?
• How can I practice daily dependence on Him this week?
• Do I see dependence as weakness—or as my greatest strength in Christ?
What This Chapter Means for You
Dependence on God isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. The world says,
“Stand on your own.” God says, “Lean on Me.” The prosperity gospel robs people
of the blessing of dependence, replacing it with the lie of self-sufficiency.
But the truth is simple: only God sustains, only God secures, and
only God saves.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Father, I repent for trusting in money and independence. Teach me the joy of
leaning on You every day. Help me to see dependence as blessing, not weakness,
and let my confidence rest in You alone.”
Remember: True riches are not having more money—they are
learning to trust God with everything.
CHAPTER 6 –
Humility—The Mark of a True Disciple
Why Following
Jesus Means Bowing Low, Not Reaching High
How God Exalts the Humble but Resists the Proud
Jesus’ Example of Humility
Jesus, the King of kings, came not in riches but in humility. He
was born in a manger, lived without luxury, and died a servant’s death on a
cross.
Philippians 2:7–8 says: “He made himself nothing by taking the
very nature of a servant… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even
death on a cross!”
If Jesus chose humility, how could His disciples choose pride?
The Prosperity Gospel’s Dangerous Pride
The prosperity message often glorifies wealth as proof of God’s
favor. But it creates spiritual pride—“I’m blessed because I have more.”
James 4:6 warns: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the
humble.” A gospel that fuels pride isn’t God’s gospel at all.
What True Humility Looks Like
Humility doesn’t mean weakness—it means knowing your need for God.
It’s choosing service over status, and obedience over ambition.
Micah 6:8 says: “What does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
• A humble heart prays first.
• A humble disciple serves others.
• A humble believer depends on God for every need.
The Rewards of Humility
God promises to lift the humble, not the self-exalted.
1 Peter 5:6 says: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s
mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” When we bow low, He
raises us in ways the world cannot.
Humility today leads to honor in eternity.
Why Humility Is Central to Repentance
Repentance itself begins with humility—admitting you are wrong,
confessing your need, and turning back to God. Pride refuses to repent;
humility runs to God for mercy.
Isaiah 57:15 declares: “I live… with the one who is contrite
and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly.” Without humility,
there is no repentance. Without repentance, there is no salvation.
Reflection Questions
• Am I pursuing wealth or recognition as a sign of blessing?
• Where do I need to humble myself before God right now?
• Do I see humility as weakness—or as the mark of a true disciple?
What This Chapter Means for You
Humility is not optional—it is the heart posture of every true
follower of Jesus. The prosperity gospel exalts wealth; Jesus exalts humility.
The two cannot coexist.
The way of Christ is downward first—bowing before God—so that He
can lift you into His life and purpose.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, teach me to walk in humility. Strip me of pride and empty me of selfish
ambition. I bow low before You, knowing that all I have and all I am comes from
You. Lift me in Your time, not in mine.”
Remember: The prosperity gospel builds pride; the true gospel
builds humility.
CHAPTER 7 –
Loving God Above Money, Loving Others Above Self
The Greatest
Commandments Leave No Room for Greed
Why Pursuing Wealth Blocks Us From Loving God and People Fully
The Two Greatest Commandments
When Jesus was asked what mattered most, He didn’t talk about
money or success. He spoke of love.
Matthew 22:37–39 says: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ … And the second is like
it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
God first. People second. Money never.
Why Money Cannot Be Our Master
The prosperity gospel makes money a silent master. It trains
people to measure blessing by wealth and to desire riches above all. But Jesus
warned clearly:
Matthew 6:24 says: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot
serve both God and money.” If money rules us, God does not.
What Loving God Looks Like
Loving God above all means putting Him before possessions, plans,
and pride. It means desiring His presence more than His presents.
Psalm 73:25 asks: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has
nothing I desire besides you.” That is the cry of a heart that treasures
God Himself above everything else.
• Prayer before profit
• Obedience before opportunity
• Worship before wealth
What Loving Others Looks Like
The prosperity gospel says, “Keep it for yourself.” Jesus says,
“Give it away.”
1 John 3:17 challenges us: “If anyone has material possessions
and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love
of God be in that person?”
Love gives. Greed hoards.
The Test of True Love
True love always costs something. It costs time, comfort, and
often money. But in giving, we reflect the love of Jesus, who gave everything
for us.
John 15:13 reminds us: “Greater love has no one than this: to
lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That’s the opposite of living for
gain.
Reflection Questions
• Am I loving God above money—or using God to get money?
• Do I see wealth as mine to keep, or as a tool to serve others?
• How am I actively loving my neighbor this week?
What This Chapter Means for You
The gospel is simple: love God fully, love others deeply. The
prosperity gospel complicates this by inserting money into the center. But
money can never be master, and greed can never be love.
When love drives us, money loses its grip. When God is first,
people come before possessions. That is real discipleship.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, help me love You more than money. Teach me to serve others above myself
and use every resource You give for Your glory. May my life reflect the two
greatest commandments: loving You and loving my neighbor.”
Remember: If money rules your heart, love cannot.
CHAPTER 8 – How
Wealth Distracts from Repentance and Surrender
The Hidden Danger
of Riches That Pull the Heart Away from God
Why Money Can Blind Us to Our Need for Forgiveness and Full Surrender
The Subtle Power of Wealth
Wealth has a way of deceiving us. It convinces us that we are
secure, that we don’t need help, that life is under control. But this false
sense of control makes repentance unnecessary in the eyes of the rich.
Proverbs 11:28 warns: “Those who trust in their riches will
fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Trust in money
always distracts from trust in God.
The richer you feel in yourself, the poorer you become before God.
Why Repentance Feels Optional When You’re Rich
The more comfortable life is, the easier it becomes to ignore sin.
Wealth can silence the cry of the conscience by drowning it in distractions and
luxury.
Revelation 3:17 says: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired
wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched,
pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” This is the blindness of wealth.
The Call to Surrender
Jesus demanded surrender from those who wanted to follow Him.
Mark 10:21 tells of the rich young ruler: “Go, sell everything
you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,
follow me.” But the man walked away, unwilling to surrender.
Wealth distracted him from the one thing that mattered
most—following Jesus.
How Wealth Blocks Repentance
When wealth becomes central, the following happens:
• We justify sin because life looks successful
• We rely on money instead of God’s mercy
• We ignore eternal consequences for temporary comfort
• We confuse financial blessing with spiritual approval
1 Timothy 6:9 warns: “Those who want to get rich fall into
temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge
people into ruin and destruction.”
True Riches Come From Surrender
God doesn’t despise wealth, but He despises when it takes His
place. True riches come not from accumulation but from surrender.
Luke 14:33 says: “Those of you who do not give up everything
you have cannot be my disciples.” Real life is found when we let go of
control and give ourselves fully to Christ.
Repentance requires surrender, and surrender requires letting go
of every idol—including wealth.
Reflection Questions
• Has wealth—or the pursuit of it—ever distracted me from
repentance?
• Am I trusting in money to secure me, or in God’s mercy to forgive me?
• What step of surrender is God asking of me right now?
What This Chapter Means for You
Wealth is not evil by itself, but it is dangerous when it blinds
us to our need for God. It distracts from repentance, which is the doorway to
salvation, and it blocks surrender, which is the heartbeat of discipleship.
Don’t let money keep you from the only treasure that matters:
eternal life with Jesus.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, I repent of every way money has distracted me from You. Open my eyes to
see my need for Your mercy and help me surrender every part of my
life—including my finances. Be my security, my treasure, and my Lord.”
Remember: Wealth distracts from repentance, but surrender leads
to eternal life.
CHAPTER 9 – The
Prosperity Trap—Confusion That Costs Eternity
Why a Half-Truth
About Blessing Can Keep People From Salvation
How the Prosperity Gospel Offers Comfort Now but Destroys Later
The Trap of a False Gospel
The prosperity gospel looks harmless. It promises joy, success,
and abundance. But it is a trap—because it offers the illusion of being
“blessed” while keeping people from repentance.
Galatians 1:6–7 warns: “I am astonished that you are so quickly
deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning
to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.”
A gospel that confuses is a gospel that condemns.
Why People Fall for It
Why do so many flock to this message? Because it sounds easier
than the real gospel. It requires no dying to self, no repentance, no cross.
Only “believe” for more.
2 Peter 2:3 says: “In their greed these teachers will exploit
you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over
them.” Prosperity preaching exploits the desire for comfort.
The Cost of Eternal Confusion
The greatest danger is not losing money—it’s losing eternity.
People who believe wealth equals salvation may never realize they still need to
repent and surrender.
Matthew 7:22–23 shows the outcome: “Many will say to me on that
day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…?’ Then I will tell them
plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Temporary comfort can lead to eternal loss.
Signs You’re Caught in the Prosperity Trap
How can you tell if you—or your church—has slipped into this trap?
Look for these signs:
• Preaching more about money than about Jesus
• Equating wealth with God’s approval
• Avoiding messages about repentance or sin
• Promising miracles only tied to giving money
• Measuring success by possessions, not obedience
1 Timothy 6:5 describes such teachers as those “who think that
godliness is a means to financial gain.”
The Freedom of God’s True Gospel
The gospel of repentance frees us from the trap. It doesn’t
confuse—it convicts. It doesn’t flatter—it transforms.
John 8:32 says: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth
will set you free.” Only the truth of Jesus saves—not a false gospel
dressed up in riches.
The true gospel saves souls; the false gospel sells lies.
Reflection Questions
• Am I drawn more to messages of wealth than to the call of
repentance?
• Has my view of God’s blessing been confused by prosperity teaching?
• Do I want truth that saves—or comfort that deceives?
What This Chapter Means for You
The prosperity gospel isn’t just a mistake—it’s a deadly trap. It
leaves people confident in riches but bankrupt before God. It substitutes
clarity with confusion and eternity with emptiness.
But Jesus offers the true gospel: repent, believe, and follow Him.
That is the only message that saves.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, protect me from every false gospel. Open my eyes to see where I’ve
believed lies. Give me courage to embrace repentance, no matter how hard it
feels, and never trade eternal truth for temporary comfort.”
Remember: Confusion costs eternity, but truth saves forever.
CHAPTER 10 –
Returning to the Church of Truth—Repent and Love
The Only Message
That Leads to Life and Lasting Hope
Why the Church Must Preach Repentance and Love Above All Else
The Church’s True Mission
The church was never called to preach wealth, psychology, or
self-help. Its one true mission is to call people back to God through
repentance and to walk in love.
Mark 1:15 records Jesus’ first message: “The kingdom of God has
come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
The church doesn’t set the message—it obeys the message.
Repentance: The Doorway to God
Repentance is not optional. It is the only way to remove the
barrier of sin between us and God. Without it, people remain lost—no matter how
“blessed” they look.
Acts 3:19 says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your
sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Repentance always leads to refreshing—not regret.
Love: The Evidence of True Repentance
When repentance is real, love becomes visible. Love for God first,
and love for others second. This is the fruit the world should see in the true
church.
1 Corinthians 13:2 reminds us: “If I have a faith that can move
mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
• Repentance shows our surrender to God
• Love shows the proof of that surrender
• Together, they reveal the true gospel
Rejecting the Counterfeit Messages
The church of truth must boldly reject false gospels that confuse.
Whether prosperity, self-help, or psychology, if it does not call to repentance
and love, it is not God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 11:4 warns: “For if someone comes to you and
preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached… you put up with it easily
enough.” The church must not “put up with it” anymore.
Silence about repentance is agreement with deception.
Becoming the Church of Truth Again
The call now is to return. To strip away the distractions and
preach the whole truth of God’s Word—repent and love.
Ephesians 4:15 tells us: “Instead, speaking the truth in love,
we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,
that is, Christ.”
This is the church Jesus is coming back for.
Reflection Questions
• Am I part of a church that boldly preaches repentance and
love—or one that avoids it?
• Do I live out this same message in my own life daily?
• How can I personally help restore the truth to God’s church?
What This Chapter Means for You
The prosperity gospel is fading noise. The gospel of truth is
eternal. Only repentance and love matter to God, because they lead us to Him
and reveal Him to others.
The church doesn’t need to be more clever. It needs to be more
faithful. The world doesn’t need more promises of prosperity. It needs the
message of Jesus: Repent, and love.
Call to Action
Pray this today:
“Lord, bring me back to Your truth. Help me reject every false gospel and live
fully surrendered to repentance and love. Use me to help restore Your true
message in the church, and keep me faithful to Your call.”
Remember: The church of truth preaches repentance and
love—nothing less, nothing more.
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