Christian Finances
AC 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
(To begin with, I am not stating any facts or saying that what I'm saying is completely right... I'm just sharing what has been on my mind lately...If I'm wrong, don't be afraid to tell me bluntly)
The early church demonstrates an interesting example of living. It would seem that the early church didn't consider the money and possessions that they had to be theres. They seemed to consider it the Lord's, and gave it to the Lord to distribute to anyone that needed it. They devoted their entire lives to Christ, their possessions included.
When I look at the church today, as a whole, I see huge division in finances and wealth. Some believers are extremely rich, where others are poor and starving. As a believer in North America, I go to a church that is extremely well off compared to other churches in the world. Yet the division occurs even here. There are really rich churches in the same parts of a city with really poor churches. Should this be? Should there be such a huge difference in wealth among Christians?
I've been very fortunate to be able to visit Africa on two different accounts... Both times I was able to visit churches and believers who had nothing. I can't begin to describe the circumstances they face everyday, nor can I describe their faith, and their love. I was able to stay in a village, (mud huts, no running water etc.), in which I was served immensely. The people there walked half-a-mile carrying a bucket on their heads, and heated up water over a campfire, two times a day, in order that we could have a bath in the morning and at night (whether we wanted one or not). What kind of love is that? Yet these people cannot afford to buy meals each day.
Now here we are, with a couple cars per family. Saving up money for a nice new couch, or new tv. Hey, I worked hard for it, I deserve it. Yet if we are truly Christians we should relize that we DON'T deserve it. We all sinned, we all deserve to work 24/7 for no pay... we deserve to die and suffer eternally. YET by God's grace we are living and will live eternally through Jesus Christ. Why than do we feel that we should keep control of our wealth and money and spend it how we want. Some people even feel that God would want you to spend that money so you can enjoy yourself. Yet, how can we even think that? Should we not give freely to those in need, and not worry about retirement plans or new clothes, or a new car?
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Author: philipwarner
Location: Cambridge Ontario Canada
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Blog Entries: 1 (archive)
Blog Comments: 1
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my testimony isn't very exciting or inspirational. i grew up in a christian family, so i always had love and support. i guess i became to be a christian at the age of 4 (at least publicly, if that makes sense). as i look back, i realize that i was...
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