Text: II Corinthians 11:23-33

Introduction.

- Everything that is valuable is under the risk of being falsified.
- Hundred- dollar bills,a work of art ,a new invention.
- There have been many attempts to fake the gospel.
- In 1517 Martin Luther fought against serious false statements related to the gospel.
- What false statements?

• That salvation could be reached through good works.
• That money could buy the forgiveness of sins.

- What is the great falsification of the gospel nowadays?

• Prosperity in your financial life and in your health.

A) The promises of God in the Old Testament.

- In many texts in the Old Testament God promises prosperity to Israel.
- Examples :

•  Israel's Exodus from Egypt. Exodus 12:35,36.
• Deuteronomy speaks of victory over enemies,wealth and the possession of the Promised Land.

- Therefore God can give the man wealth,prosperity.
- The Bible is full of stories about wealthy men.Wealth given by God.

B) Jesus and the prosperity in the New Testament.

- Some texts:

Philippians 1:29
Romans 8:36
II Timothy 2:12
James 5:10
Acts 5:41
John 16:33

- Jesus was clear about the suffering of His church.
- Following Christ brings persecution and suffering.
- Acts 6. Stephen's example.
- What are the two symbols of Christianism?The cross and the towel.

Conclusion

- Why is it important to remember this?
- False leaders are creating false expectations.
- Everything is done in the name of God in crowded stadiums and on TV.
- The gospel has become a great business .
- Why is it worth to serve Jesus?

•   I Corinthians 15:58. For the spiritual reward.
•   Corinthians 15:19 Life means more than 70 years.

- I don't see ,according to II Corinthians 11, that it was a" great business" to Paul to have become a preacher. 
- We could talk about Jeremiah,Isaiah,Peter and the Lord Jesus.
- Unfortunately, the gospel has been falsified.