Chuck Smith explores the implications of a statement made by Anastasi Mikoyan regarding the similarities between American and Russian philosophies, questioning whether the pursuit of a higher standard of living overshadows the importance of faith in God. He challenges the notion that materialism can be a unifying goal, suggesting that such beliefs could lead to divine judgment, especially for those who profess faith yet live as if they do not. Smith emphasizes the danger of idolizing material wealth and the need for genuine faith that influences daily life, warning that forgetting God invites consequences.

"CAN THIS BE TRUE?" I. COMPARISON OF RUSSIA & U.S. BY ANASTAS I MIKOYAN. "Oh, you folks must not worry about the differences between the Russian & American philosophies of life. You believe in God. We do not. But we are both interested in attaining a higher standard of living. This is all that matters." A. Can this be true? 1. Then what are we fighting about? 2. Is this the only reason for international tensions? 3. Is this why we are in a mad race to see who can build the biggest weapons? 4. Is this why we quarrel about Berlin? 5. Is this why we memorialize the "noble dead" & insist they "shall not have died in vain"-just for a higher standard of living? B. How can he make such a statement? 1. Here is one of the highest representatives of the Kremlin telling us to our face that our faith in God does not distinguish us from the Communist in any significant way-that in reality we both are serving the same god of materialism. We both want the same thing - "higher standard of living." C. Is it possible that millions of Americans agree with him? 1. We should get together & seek higher standards of living & forgot this nonsense about God? 2. Our day of remembrance in USA-did they die for a higher standard of living? Was the blood sacrificed for money? D. If this is true, expect judgment of God. 1. Even more than Communists. 2. They are honest enough to declare their atheism. 3. We pose a service to God & give ourselves to idols. II. EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT STATEMENT. A. Stubborn refusal to face it. 1. We don't deny it yet we won't forsake it. 2. We like the gods of materialism, stretched out our hands to them & don't intend to let anyone take them from us. B. We repudiate theories of atheism yet we worship idols. 1. Russians quick to detect. 2. Makes our faith in God look meaningless. 3. Faith in God apart from daily lives, does not affect day to day decisions. C. Professor said: "From reading our modern literature no one would suspect that millions of us still believe in God." 1. Adultery disguised as romance. 2. Business cheating as success. 3. Religion is nothing more than funny internal feeling. D. Psychiatrist of note stated: 1. Must make own determination of right and wrong. 2. To follow scriptures leads to guilt complexes. 3. Should not depend on Bible. 4. Wrong to depend on Word of God. a. Satan told Adam & Even same thing. E. Education. III. HAVE WE FORGOTTEN GOD? A. Really unforgettable. B. The forgotten God always brings judgment on those who forget Him.