><>...Hi Thomas, I first would like to say that gregor's answer...><>
to you is right on. I would like to add to it.
You said:
"It seems impossible to avoid the conclusion that the purposeful pursuit of wealth and
prosperity are counter to the will of God.">>>
You are right, it is impossible, however, this forum was not created to teach or advise on the pursuit of wealth.
The operative phrase in gregor's title of this forum is "Financial freedom". That is much different than the phrases which you have used,i.e. pursuit of wealth and prosperity.
Jesus did not teach per se that it was impossible for a rich man to get to heaven, and He certainly did not intend for us to get from this message, that we should give away our riches for the sake of salvation. Salvation comes only by the grace of God, it is given freely to All who will believe upon the Lord Jesus, rich and poor alike.
Jesus's example was brilliant,and in those days it was very understandable,in that there were gates known in those days as needles into all cities which were manned. A traveler coming into the city on a camel loaded down with goods and other stuff could not pass through until the camel got down on all fours and was unloaded.
Jesus taught that if one was rich he should be willing to
unload his riches for the sake of the kingdom of God. Tithing and giving to the poor is what we are asked by God to do. This is how a christian unloads.
It is because of the rich in this country that the poor are able to
be sustained. Consider other countries whose govts. are not based on Christian principles. Their poor starve to death, and suffer many other atrocities too numerous too mention.
God did not intend for His people to be poor, for if He did, then who would give to them, since there would be no one to give to them.
We also have to make a distinction between those who are poor because of choices they have made and continue to make, and those who are poor because of some uncontrolable forces. And then there is of course the perception of poor, and who is defining it.
Greed and not giving to help others is what Christians should be very concerned about, and how they attain their riches is all important. If they are attained by using the God given talents and gifts in such a way as to be a productive member of society,then God certainly will bless the fruits therof.
Jesus really did know real financial freedom.
My Lord Jesus gave up his job as a carpenter to travel and bring the word of God to the people,and He never wanted for anything.
John 6:11-13
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Also consider;
Matt 17:27
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
When we do the work of God for God there is nothing that He will withold from us...Nothing
Thomas The point is that when we have we should give. And too many people in this country are so deep in debt that they cannot give.....And this is the sin of money...Greed,mishandling and ill-gotten gains....This is financial bondage
Well that's all for now my friend
Have a good day
Shalom...><>
BTW.. What is your area of interest in Philosophy and religion? |
