In Defense Of The Simple Life

[eve]

Food for thought!

In Defense Of The Simple Life

Link:

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_18301.shtml

[Pilgrim7]

Eve,

Good article. It seems that the 'sheep' do not want to hear 'His voice and follow Him'. Maybe they want another 'shepherd, another 'christ', another 'gospel'. Maybe they have another 'christ'. We have been warned that there would be many 'christs' as we approach the end. Could it be that this is what has happened?

Mt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

2co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

1ti 6:3 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;

6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

[b6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

6:8 And having food and clothing let us be therewith content. (oops!)

6:9 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.

Lo he is here, lo he is there. We have the new, improved christ, we have the 'anti-christ'.

God bless,

Dennis

[OneLight]

To have nothing is to live completely by faith. To have a lot does not require faith, but work. Agree!

[Smalcald]

I can't think of any single thing that has more corrupted the Western Christian Church and Christians in the west than greed and materialism.

[OneLight]

I can't think of any single thing that has more corrupted the Western Christian Church and Christians in the west than greed and materialism.

I agree.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Kind of makes one worry of the state of the church these days! The love of money is evident. All I will add is that we need to see what thy do with their riches before we can say that their works are not of God.

[Smalcald]

I can't think of any single thing that has more corrupted the Western Christian Church and Christians in the west than greed and materialism.

I agree.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Kind of makes one worry of the state of the church these days! The love of money is evident. All I will add is that we need to see what thy do with their riches before we can say that their works are not of God.

I totally agree.

I am not tying to bash Christians who happen to have been called to work in higher paying fields. I am wondering though about the seeking of self worth and glory by how much "stuff" we have though. Who really needs a 4000 square foot home? The story of Lazereth lying at the gates of the rich man is a pretty severe tale.

I will however unreservedly criticize Christian Pastors, Ministers and leaders who have become extremely wealthy through spreading the Gospel. The Gospel was not meant to be sold, Paul calls this peddling the Word of God, no minister, preacher or leader should be wealthy and live a wealthy life. I am not talking about being relatively well of and comfortable, I am talking about being a multi-millionaire, being in the top 1/2 of one percent of the population in wealth.

It is not scriptural and to me a sign of deep deep problems within that ministry.

[OneLight]

They sure do have their work cut out for them if they are following the Way of the Lord.

And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

Found in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

[MeCajunboy]

To have nothing is to live completely by faith. To have a lot does not require faith, but work. Agree!

Not necessarily Light. I know my share of people who have "nothing," and they have even less faith. Faith should not be measured by one's valuables, instead by his/her values. God also said, "He who lives within the confines of my commands, will WANT to good good will and good work for the Lord, God." Just the mere fact that we choose to follow God and HIS Laws , allows us to have the want to do HIS work. In the same note, "our works do not guarantee us a place in Heaven." To follow in Jesus' footsteps, would only include a very few in this world, as we all have acquired "worldly goods." Many times, Jesus did not even have a roof over HIS head to rest.

[dad2seven]

Hi

I don't think it matters how much stuff you actually have but rather how detached you are from it? Would you really care if it was gone tomorrow or would you be devastated? Liking our stuff too much is a disorder in our souls. By regular alms giving tithing etc and prayer you can begin to overcome this disorder.

Thanks

Steve

Edited October 29, 2007 by dad2seven