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Christian Finances |
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Posted By: philipwarner
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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Posted: 02/12/07 3:46pm - Total Views: 857 - Category: Finances / Money
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humblyhis |
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Posted by:
humblyhis
(Posted: 02/13/07 8:49am)
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philipwarner
Great point that we all need to read again and again. If we have somehow bought the idea that God blessed me with this wealth so that I can be rewarded for what I am doing or how I am living. I would ask that we consider that idea that God may have blessed us so that we can in turn bless others.
If you asking how much should I share, well frankly it ought to be anything that you have above your daily needs. Some will counter this with the parable of the servants, one of which did nothing and buried the money in the ground and was disciplined for it.
What the story doesn't say was what the other two were to do with the surplus they had earned. If I were to write the ending, I'm guessing the master told them to give the earnings to the poor and earn again interest as they had done once already. The question comes, how much is too much to have? Take that one up with the Lord, but before you do...measure what you need and then ask him what to do with everything above you daily need.
HH
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songbird |
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Posted by:
songbird 
(Posted: 02/13/07 10:04am)
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This very subject has been heavy on my heart!! My expierence in the "church" has led me away from attending any organized church setting.
In my search for truth on this matter I have been led to the following chapters and verses in the Bible. I'd like to share them with you and maybe they would help you find a few answers you seek!
Let me be very clear that I do not believe all churches are "bad", I just think some have lost sight of what the Lord intended his church to be!! I am searching for the right church that I need to be able to grow and call home in............
The following are the places in the Bible I've found on "the church"
Early churches met in homes....Acts 20:20 Romans16:5 1st Corinthians 16:19 Colossians 4:15 Philemon v.2 2nd John v.10 1Thessalonians 5:21 Acts 17:11
Also of intrest to you may be the following ........
Christians should not take upon themselves horrific titles......Mathew 23:6-12 Mark 10:35-45 Acts 6:5 Acts 11:24 Acts 21:8 Romans 16:3,6
Recieve honor by your works! Acts 16:26 Romans 16:1,2,4,12 1st Corinthians 16:15,16,18 2nd Corinthians 8:18 Philippians 2:29,30 Colossians1:7 4:12,13 1st Thesalonians 5:12 Timothy3:1
EVERY Christian is a minister before God 1Peter 2:5-9 Revelation1:6
John 14:26 16:26-27 1st John 2:27 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 14:12,26-31 Ephesians 4:16
I too believe that our "churches" have gotten way too worried with such things as titles..... new hymnals.......stained glass windows......instead of what the flock is truly in need of!!
It is my feeling that this mentality comes from "worldly infuences" and not Godly intentions!! If you feel your church has become this way pray that the Lord will open the eyes and minds of those leading it!! And don't feel wrong for seeking fellowship elsewhere!!
Our Lord will bless us and hear our praise and our prayers be we gathered in the park or in a building!! It is gathering in his name, sharing our love of him that he asks!!
And if my opinion is wrong....if I have misinterpreted his word in any way ....feel free to point out my errors!!!!!!!!
Always his humble servant,
Songbird
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