When we put faith (presumption) first, before God gives us direction, in a self-centered attempt to use Christ for our benefit, we enter a dangerous deception. We are employing presumption, not faith, and presumption is a transgression against God. It reminds us of Satan who attempts to be like God apart from union with God.

Devout teachers of today are exposing the error of attempting to acquire material wealth and success by the exercise of "faith" in Christ. We would add our support to them in deploring the fascination with money and comfort. Such "faith" efforts are not even close to being Christian. They are just one more attempt to evade the cross. They blind their adherents with the love of money, which is the destroyer of all that is of God and Christ.

Extremism in grace; overemphasis on the love of God; the unwillingness to believe that the Lord allows his saints to suffer tribulation; and now the use of faith in His name in order to become rich—all add up to an "eat, drink and be merry" attitude. The desire is to "have fun in the Son," as someone expressed it.

If this truly is the attitude of the Lord Jesus, our teaching that the Christian discipleship is a rugged road of repentance, self-denial, and cross-carrying obedience to Christ is not accurately reflecting the will of the Father in Heaven.

Yet we do appreciate and trust in God's grace. We do experience God's unfathomable love. We do enjoy the Lord's protection. We do walk in miracle faith.

Which is the right way? Perhaps Balaam, Jezebel, Gehazi, Judas, Ananias, Sapphira, and Demas could now provide us with the answer.

The truth can be found in the writings of the Apostles.

The choice is between the cross and the world. No person will be destroyed by Antichrist or the False Prophet if he cries out to Christ continually for the truth, if he prays to the Father to be kept from temptation, if he accepts his cross and carries it faithfully each day of his pilgrimage.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:3-10) (from The Love of Money; from John, Chapter Seventeen)