11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate (BE AT HOME AMONG MSG) with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, (GREED IS IDOLATRY Col 3:5, Eph 5:5) an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. (PREDATORY MSG) Do not even eat with such people. 1 Corinthians 5
The late Derek Prince said a number of times that the Church of his day didn’t have the same attitude, (DOUBLE STANDARDS) towards Sexual Immortality as it did towards Greed! Perhaps the respectable people who gave to their Churches were more accepted than others. But the Spirit clearly said by Paul that, ‘Greed is a form of Idolatry’. I have also become aware of ‘professing believers’ in the body today who are targeting brethren and stealing their money. The Message Bible uses the word, Predatory, Preying upon the Lord’s people.
Johnny Enlow, among others, has prophesied that we are coming to an Age of Prosperity, when God will pour out great blessings upon this earth and it’s people. We are still in transition at the moment and for many life is a struggle, but God is Faithful. Johnny also said that one of the last Great Tests for the Church will be the Test of Prosperity or Abundance. Can God trust us with money?
14 ‘To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I AM ABOUT TO SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH. 17 YOU SAY, “I AM RICH; I HAVE ACQUIRED WEALTH and do not need a thing.” Revelation 3
Jesus harshest words were reserved for the seventh church, Laodicea, the church that thought it had everything but was only lukewarm. It literally made the Lord sick.
Lucifer was a highly privileged angel in heaven, beside the throne of God, yet he wanted greater honour; to be like God Himself. Lucifer had great abundance, jewels within his being, but he wanted to take more for himself. He failed the test of abundance.
Will the Church which has stood in times of persecution and oppression be able to stand in wealth and abundance? Or will our HEARTS become lukewarm and cold towards the Lord who gave His life for us. How will our HEARTS function in Prosperity, will we still love the Lord and His people and want to serve Him? His bride is being prepared in this very hour, but some in the body have already been CAPTURED BY MATERIALISM. It is the Lord who gives the blessings and He is able to keep us Faithful in them.
May you be greatly blessed in these days and still have hearts that desire to live for Christ, He alone is worthy of our love.