Pastor John, you are an outspoken opponent of the prosperity gospel, and you have been

for many years.

In episode 231 of this podcast series, it's aptly titled, Why I Abominate the Prosperity

Gospel?

And that sums up your position pretty well, and your words there are very strong.

Podcast listener Derek recently wrote in to ask a follow-up question, Pastor John, how

do you recognize prosperity theology when it's not blatantly obvious?

What are some key indicators to discern a soft, prosperity theology?

I really appreciate this question.

I'm eager to give some things to look for, and I don't think it's all that difficult.

Anybody could probably sit down and come up with these.

So I thought of at least six that I jotted down six things to look for.

And if you see them, the likelihood is that you may be dealing with insipient prosperity

theology or soft or beginning prosperity theology.

Number one, the absence of a serious doctrine of the biblical necessity and normalcy of

suffering, the absence of a doctrine of suffering.

Acts 1421 said that basic discipleship, as Paul went through the churches, was to teach

them through many tribulations you must enter the kingdom.

Is this basic doctrinal teaching in the church?

Tribulations are necessary, and there are many, and you must walk through them.

Is Romans 823 essential in dealing with sickness and calamity?

We, we who have the Holy Spirit, grown, waiting for our adoption of sons, the redemption

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