The Prosperity Gospel?

The Prosperity Gospel? (3 Jn 2)
Intro: Today's "Prosperity Gospel"
[They] persuade undereducated & underprivileged men & women to pray for wealth, while tithing what little wealth they have" (Sam Harris, Huffington Post, 3/21/08). "Doers of the Word will prosper, & not just in the next life but in the here-and-now" (Deborah Potter, PBS R&E, 8/17/07).

1. An Overview of Prosperity Theology
   See Jn 10:10, Dt 29:9; cf Josh 1:7, 2Kg 2:3.

(a) General Material Prosperity (including Wealth)
Lk 6:38; see Dt 8:18, Pr 10:22
(b) Health
Eph 6:1-3; see Jas 5:14-16
(c) Soul Prosperity
Gal 5:22-23

Questions

1. Should we pray that we would prosper in all ways, & be in health, as our soul prospers? Is that a prayer according to the will of God?

2. Should we really expect that if we trust & obey that God will prosper us?
   1John 3:22-23; see 1Pe 3:8-14, Heb 6:10, Jas 1:25, Ps 37:25

3. The difference between the Prosperity Gospel & the Biblical Gospel
   a. Message: Salvation from what?
   "Behind a smiling Boomer Evangelicalism [it] eschews any talk of God's wrath" (M. Horton). Cf Rom 1-4, Acts 17:22-31, 1Th 1:9-10
   b. Method: What need does the gospel meet?
   Does not meet "felt needs"
   c. Rest of the Story: What about warnings to the rich of this world?
   See Mt 19:24, Lk 6:24-25, Mt 6:19-21, 6:31-33, 1Tim 6:17-19

Conclusion: Does Our Gospel differ from the Biblical Gospel
Mouw, "Who can help me deal with my child's illness? How can I find enough food for our next meal?" This is [what] my own theology does not know how to address." Let's hold to Mt 6:31-33, and "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you".