It is not wrong for Gods servants to be wealthy!!

[pointer]

Touchy touchy

I agree pointer real poverty is something we must address.

The question is exactly how?

I don't believe it is beyond the wit of wealthy Americans to find a way. It may be beyond their will, though.

[billie]

I don't believe it is beyond the wit of wealthy Americans to find a way. It may be beyond their will, though.

Mhm.

[Guest shiloh357]

I get so frustrated when Christians shy away from the money issue.

What we are shying away from is the Prosperity, seed-faith doctrine.

[pointer]

How poor we talkin?

The Bible says we, as Christian, will always have our basic needs met.

Why did Paul take a collection?

[Nevin]

Sometimes people are "poor" because they cannnot manage their money.

Sometimes they are poor because they have no money, and that through no fault of their own. This state of affairs is the constant concern of the Old and New Testaments.

I disagree with you Pointer people are poor becasue of the choice they are making. If the bible is clearly understood and read in it's entireity you will find that God gives us the tools to make money.....come on the simple principal of give and it shall be given unto ...needs to be followed . Read my previous notes - God has given us the ability to make money - it is our tool as believers - those people that are poor are that way and there are biblical explainations for their poverty ....its could be sins of the father, not a generous spirit, mismanagement of what God has given , excessive lifestyles, habits that are not conforming with Gods words, not tithing, illegal practises / choices i could go on!!

[billie]

Why did Paul take a collection?

To meet fellow believer's needs, like I just said. What's your point?

[billie]

people are poor becasue of the choice they are making.

Some are poor because of choices, some through no fault of their own. I've seen both.

[Nevin]

people are poor becasue of the choice they are making.

Some are poor because of choices, some through no fault of their own. I've seen both.

I would like to encounter those that are poor because of no fault of their own....if you trace the situation i am sure you will encounter the trace reason

[Nevin]

I get so frustrated when Christians shy away from the money issue.

What we are shying away from is the Prosperity, seed-faith doctrine.

Would you like to explain this doctrine because my belief is that if i have a need i will sow a seed , if i have extra i give of what i have, i believe in tithing (10%) and this tithing covers my other 90% and i belive in offering , i believe that when i give i should do it with no thought of recieving , i believe that the wealth of the wicked belongs to Gods people, i belive that Gods people are chosen from birth to live abundant lives not just making ends meet - but the choices we make cause poverty in our lives. So is this the Prosperity , seed - faith doctrine then if it is i thank God that i am following His word!!

Edited September 29, 2006 by Nevin

[Guest shiloh357]

people are poor becasue of the choice they are making.

Some are poor because of choices, some through no fault of their own. I've seen both.

I would like to encounter those that are poor because of no fault of their own....if you trace the situation i am sure you will encounter the trace reason

Nevin, there are people who are poor because their government oppresses them. They don't have the rescources to change their situation and are stuck living under a repressive regime. Their poverty is not their choice but rathe is imposed upon them as a form of persecution. There are several places all over the world where this is true. Some of the people languishing in those conditions are Christians.