5 Warning Signs You're in a Prosperity Gospel Church

1. Sickness Will Be Removed in This Life

If you are in church hearing the message that Jesus died so you would receive all the benefits in this life, such as removing sickness, be alarmed. They are misrepresenting the verses of Isaiah 53:5 and John 10:10. 

John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." 

We will have an abundant life in Christ with freedom, peace, and forgiveness. God desires good things for His followers, yet He doesn't promise them perfect health or success. Paul talks about the thorn in his side in 2 Corinthians 12. We don't know exactly what this ailment or resistance is, but we know he pleaded with God three times to remove the thorn. The Lord's response to Paul was, "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

God had the power to remove Paul's condition, but He chose for it to remain. Most of God's servants have dealt with some or many kinds of limitations or opposition.

Jesus didn't die to remove every sickness in this life. God is a powerful healer and sometimes chooses to heal; however, He doesn't promise us perfect health. He loves us but uses all things, including illness, to sanctify us and help refine our faith. It's through our challenges and perhaps illnesses that we reach out to Him and lean on our faith. He desires our dependence on Him.

We should absolutely pray for our family's health or the healing of a friend, but we are not guaranteed their recovery, and our faith should not be based on that outcome. Ultimately, it's the Lord's will that rules in the end—not ours. That's why He is sovereign, and we are not.

2. You Are Promised Financial Inheritance

Another sign you may be in a prosperity gospel church is if you are being told you will receive material and financial inheritance in this life. The key phrase is in this life. When we get to heaven, money won't even matter.

God promises us many things in the Bible, some of which are included in Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

God promises to be with us and help us. He does not promise a huge bank account, or a promotion. His gifts to us are deeper than lined pockets. He provides for us as He did when the Israelites were in the desert complaining to Moses about being hungry and thirsty. He provided them food and drink. 

The goal for us is to align our will with His will. His plan for our life fits into His greater master plan. We are a small piece. If we ask to align our desires with His, then it helps humble our selfish desires.

It's not bad to pray for provision for your family. God wants us to work and keep just like Adam did in the garden. We are not supposed to sit at home watching TV and pray for money to magically land in our bank account. He wants us to use our minds and bodies to glorify Him with the gifts and talents He has given us.

I remember when I applied for a new job. The position was close to home, with a great company, and seemed like a perfect fit. They closed the position during the process, and my hopes were dashed. A few months later, I found out the company had significant layoffs for the first time ever. I had been spared by not getting the job. At the time it didn't feel that way, but God's plan is always better because He knows all.

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3. If We Give Money Away, We Will Be Rewarded

According to a 2023 study from Lifeway Research, 52% of American Protestant churchgoers say their church teaches that God will bless them if they give more money to their church and charities. This is up from 37% in 2017.

The prosperity gospel teaches their members that the way to gain riches in this life is to give more money away. This includes donations to the church and ministries. The more you give away, the more you gain. 

The problem with this lie is it creates a give-and-take relationship with God—a works-based system. I give money away, and God rewards me by blessing me with additional resources. While God could choose to bless you in this way, it's not a given, nor should it be expected.

God's blessing such as love, grace, and mercy are bestowed to us as gifts, not contingent on our actions. He desires us to give generously out of our love for Him, not out of duty or because we believe we will be rewarded in return.

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) 

God knows the intentions of our heart, we cannot hide them from Him even if we try. He also never promises financial wealth if you give your money away. God's rewards are greater than a simple return on investment. Many of God's wonderful gifts are intangible and priceless. 

Giving generously to support the church is a part of the Christian life. However, the goal is to give without desirous motives. We give abundantly out of our love for God, out of a desire to glorify Him, not because we expect something in return. 

4. Your Faith Will Change Your Circumstance

The prosperity movement/gospel is also referred to as the Word of Faith. They claim God's desire for all Christians is to be happy, healthy, and wealthy. They also teach that Christians can "speak" their desires into reality (as if we had the power to do so). Therefore, sickness and poverty are results of lack of faith. 

They teach that the more "faith" you have, the greater your influence over your circumstances. This goes against biblical teachings. We can pray for our situations, our wellness, and our financial security; however, God has not guaranteed those. If it's His will, He may give you what you asked for. Or, usually, I find He answers our prayers in a way we didn't expect that turns out better or different than what I was praying for.

As Christians we should be practice contentment. We work hard, pray hard, and have a great faith. We also need to learn contentment in our life. If we are always desiring more, then are we truly grateful for what God has done for us?

1 Timothy 6:6-8 states, "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."

Most of us strive for a deep and great faith. We long for our faith to grow with our age. Faith requires active reliance on divine guidance and trusting in a path we cannot see. 

Deep faith isn't about telling God what to do for us but rather about walking forward in obedience to Him, not necessarily knowing where we are going. Just like Abraham trusted God to lead him to a new land, and Noah built an ark because God said to, these men exhibited true faith. God rewarded them for their faithfulness, but they walked in obedience because they had great faith and holy fear, not because of the reward.

The potential reward shouldn't lead our actions. Our faith in God leads our decisions, and maybe God will reward our faith if we act with a pure heart.

5. Suffering Will Be Limited in This Life

If you hear that as a Christian, you will not suffer, you are hearing the wrong message. No one wants to deal with suffering and go through difficult times. However, it's those experiences, illnesses, and losses that mold and grow us. They are part of our Christian journey and sanctification.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Our pastor keeps reminding us that diamonds are formed under extreme pressure. Their beauty is cultivated because of tough conditions. Isn't that how God sees us? We are rare gems to Him and need some softening of our rough edges. Our entire Christian journey is about refining us to be more like Him. How can that happen if we never encounter adversity?

I look back on the most difficult times in my life and appreciate what God taught me in those tough seasons. I don't want to go back and relive them; I'm glad they are behind me. Now that they are in the rear-view mirror, I can see the growth that occurred as I slowly navigated the rough waters. I never drowned (although, at times, I thought I might). He saw me through them, every painful step forward. 

None of us wish suffering on the other. However, we live in a sin-ridden world. It's part of the reality of our journey. We can know that God will help get us through the tough times.

If you never expect suffering, or expect God to remove it immediately, how can He mold your faith? How can He teach you dependence on Him? If you expect health and wellness because you are a Christian, you are going to be sorely disappointed when the trials come, and they will come.

The prosperity gospel teaches that Christians won't suffer. All that does is set you up for failure. When the difficult times comes, you will be disappointed and potentially question your faith, instead of leaning into it.

Jesus underwent pain and suffering on the cross to accomplish the Father's will and to take on the sins of His people. This unbelievable sacrifice allows us to live freely in a broken, upside-down world. We get to have peace, joy, and forgiveness from sin because of Him.

Like an empty cup of water leaves us thirsting for more, the prosperity gospel leaves us longing for more and not appreciating the Creator. We can find and be grateful for the small and big things in our lives, such as sitting and smelling a delicious cup of coffee or being thankful for the pair of shoes you are wearing that are keeping your feet dry in the rain. 

How about the people you are surrounded by? We are a blessed people, when we open our hearts and minds to the beauty and blessings around us, we can thank the Lord for all that He has provided. 

We are not meant to live our best lives now, although when you are in Christ, I have to say His blessings (non-monetary) are pretty incredible. Our duty is to follow His will for our lives, to pick up our cross daily, repent of our sins, and rely on Him. When we do this, He will direct our steps. 

When we walk in his plan, there the true blessings reside. They may or may not include health and prosperity, but they lead to eternal salvation, and that's all the blessings this believer needs.  

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