Reaping wealth and material things.

[Riverwalker]

1 minute ago, Whyme said:

The scripture says god will give us food and clothing not luxury. Paul was content with such things and didnt desire wealth. When he had abundance it was in food and clothing, as apposed to being hungry and being dressed in rags which Paul also endured. Show me a teacher today dressed in rags and going hungry. 

I am not disagreeing with you, just trying to express that the problem is not money, it is not evil. It's what people do that is the problem

[Whyme]

2 minutes ago, Riverwalker said:

I am not disagreeing with you, just trying to express that the problem is not money, it is not evil. It's what people do that is the problem

Its cool, forgive me if i sound judgmental or hostile, its not that its just im trying to put down my thoughts, but i mean no disrespect or anything. Here is a scripture i thought of

Matthew 11:7 As these disciples of John were going away, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 [g]But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ [h]palaces! 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it [j]is written:

‘Behold, I am sending My messenger [k]ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11 Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

 

[Sower]

23 hours ago, debrakay said:

A very long time ago when I came to know the Lord we had a heart to heart about possessions and we agreed that everything I owned truly belonged to Him.  I was only His earthly steward over all of the material possessions I was entrusted with whether they were big or small, a lot or a little.  Even my children were His and not truly mine.  For richer or for poorer I was His and all that I had was His.  He is always looking at our hearts, our servitude, our obedience.  We need to remember that Jesus was a homeless person in his time during the years he was on his mission to teach and to save the people. He understands living a life with no home, no food, no coat, no shoes, no money.  He knows the ridicule and hostility placed on the poor by the rich. Hebrews 4: 15-16 tells us; "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Jesus was always healing and preaching to the poor and the unlovely. He knew that many of the rich were hard of heart.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 explains very well how we should be with all things the Lord entrusts us with in our lifetime.  If it is very little, do your best with it to help and bless others.  If it is very much, do your best with it to help and bless others.  Some of the wealthiest people in the world are the most unhappy people in the world.  Some of the poorest people in the world are the happiest people in the world.  It's never about what we possess here on earth, it is about our Godly possessions, faith, hope, love and a promise of eternal life with Him.    

I think you realize you are 'cut out for these forums" .....

Well said sister...

[appy]

1 hour ago, Whyme said:

Someone mentioned that Paul sometimes had abundance. But did Paul buy a mansion with it? Thats the question.

 

36 minutes ago, Whyme said:

If Paul teaches timothy that desiring wealth was wrong and a trap, why would he flash around money with a lifestyle of luxury? He wouldn't even eat meat if it caused his brother to become weak or stumble. Thats the man Paul was, but sadly many teachers today dont follow his way.

I am the one that mentioned Paul having more than enough. I did not mean to imply that Paul lived in the lap of luxury and flashed gobs of money around showing off vast wealth as some t.v preachers do today. NOT at all. But that his needs were met. Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28) and he was often imprisoned. Many of his letters were written while he was imprisoned. The gifts were given while he was imprisoned whether that be house arrest, or jail.

Open your bible to Philippians 4 and begin at verse 10

Philippians 4:10-20 (NIV)

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

[Whyme]

4 minutes ago, appy said:

 

I am the one that mentioned Paul having more than enough. I did not mean to imply that Paul lived in the lap of luxury and flashed gobs of money around showing off vast wealth as some t.v preachers do today. NOT at all. But that his needs were met. Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28) and he was often imprisoned. Many of his letters were written while he was imprisoned. The gifts were given while he was imprisoned whether that be house arrest, or jail.

Open your bible to Philippians 4 and begin at verse 10

Philippians 4:10-20 (NIV)

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Thank you. Just a note for the readers, if Paul suffered hunger he must not have been rich because rich people always have plenty. 

[steve morrow]

DO  OR  DONT  DO ??? 

 

LUKE 8:21  and  HE  answered and said unto them ---  MY  MOTHER  AND  ---MY-- BRETHREN--  ARE  THESE  WHICH  HEAR  THE  WORD  OF  GOD  AND  DO  IT 

ACTS 5:29  WE  OUGHT  TO  OBEY  GOD  RATHER  THAN  MEN 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:31  BUT  COVET  EARNESTLY  THE  BEST  GIFTS  AND  YET  I  SHOW  YOU  A  MORE  EXCELLENT  WAY

 

ACTS 20:35  I have showed you all things how that so laboring --you ought to support the weak--  and to remember -- THE  WORDS  OF  THE  LORD  JESUS  --  how   HE  said   -- IT  IS  BETTER  TO  GIVE  THAT  TO  RECEIVE --

 

HEBREWS 11:24  by faith moses when he was come to years refused to be called the son of pharaohs daughter 

--11:25-- choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of  GOD  than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season 

 

--11:26-- ESTEEMING  THE  REPROACH  OF  CHRIST  --GREATER  RICHES-- THAN  THE  TREASURES  IN  EGYPT  FOR  HE  HAD  RESPECT  UNTO  THE  RECOMPENCE  OF  THE  REWARD  

--11:27-- BY  FAITH  HE  FORSOOK  EGYPT  NOT  FEARING  THE  WRATH  OF  THE  KING  FOR  -- HE  ENDURED -- AS  SEEING  HIM  WHO  IS  INVISIBLE 

 

LUKE  6:30  GIVE  TO  EVERY  MAN  THAT  ASKETH  OF  THEE  AND  OF  HIM  THAT  TAKETH  AWAY  THY  GOODS  ASK  THEM  NOT  AGAIN

 

LUKE 10:35  AND  ON  THE  MORROW  WHEN  HE  DEPARTED  HE  TOOK  OUT  TWO  PENCE  AND  GAVE  THEM  TO  THE  HOST  AND  SAID  UNTO  HIM  AND  WHATSOEVER  THOU  SPENDEST  MORE  WHEN  I  COME  I  WILL  REPAY  THEE 

 

--10:36-- WHICH  NOW  OF  THESE  THREE  THINKEST  THOU  WAS  HIS  NEIGHBOR  UNTO  HIM  THAT  FELL  AMONG  THE  THIEVES 

--10:37--and he said he that showed mercy on him then said  JESUS  him ---GO  THOU  AND  DO  LIKEWISE---

 

MATTHEW 25:44  THEN  SHALL  THEY  ALSO  ANSWER  HIM  SAYING  LORD  WHEN  SAW  WE  THEE  AN  HUNGERED  OR  ATHIRST  OR  A  STRANGER  OR  NAKED  OR  SICK  OR  IN  PRISON  AND  DID  NOT  MINISTER  UNTO  THEE  

--25:45-- THEN  SHALL  HE  ANSWER  THEM  SAYING  VERILY  I  SAY  UNTO  YOU  INASMUCH  AS  YOU  DID  IT  NOT  TO  ONE  OF  THE  LEAST  OF  THESE  ---YOU  DID  IT  NOT  UNTO  ME--- 

 

EPHESIANS  4:27  NEITHER  GIVE  PLACE  TO  THE  devil

--4:28-- LET  HIM  THAT  STOLE  STEAL  NO  MORE  BUT  RATHER  LET  HIM  LABOR  WORKING  WITH  HIS  HANDS   THE  THING  WHICH  IS  GOOD  THAT  HE  MAY  HAVE  --- TO  GIVE  TO  HIM  THAT  NEEDETH  

 

*******1 JOHN 3:17  BUT  WHOSO  HATH  THIS  WORLDS  GOOD  AND  SEETH  HIS  BROTHER  HAVE  NEED  AND  SHUTTETH  UP  HIS  BOWELS  OF  COMPASSION  FROM  HIM  -----  HOW  DWELLETH  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD  IN  HIM*******

 

LOVING  THE  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST 

[Mozart's Starling]

I have a very low opinion of people preaching the "prosperity" gospel. As in if you give to the preacher God will make you rich or cure all your problems etc, that type of reasoning is what I condemn. All they do is fleece the poor. Thankfully we know where that will lead them to, but it is so sad how they take advantage of desperate people.

Edited April 19, 2021 by Mozart's Starling

[Whyme]

18 minutes ago, Mozart's Starling said:

I have a very low opinion of people preaching the "prosperity" gospel. As in if you give to the preacher God will make you rich or cure all your problems etc, that type of reasoning is what I condemn. All they do is fleece the poor. Thankfully we know where that will lead them to, but it is so sad how they take advantage of desperate people.

They sure are not an Apostle Paul thats for sure.