Dear Emile. In Christ. Brother in the Lord.
"In effect the recipients become the earthly intercessors through Christ and it is that point God opens the window of heaven to pour out the blessing."
I would like to explain to you why I used the singular when refering to 'window' and 'blessing'. But before I do I would like to build my case.
In the 11 th chapter of Hebrews Paul refers to vs 36,37,38 of trials of cruel mockings,sawn asunder, scourgings,bonds, imprisonment,slain with the sword, wandering in sheepskins,goatskins,being destitute, afflicted, tormented,and wandering in the mountain caves and dens of the earth. He was not referring to new testament saints but of old testament saints. In vs. 39 he says "and these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise" and vs 40..God having provided some better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect.
Old testament saints realized that they were without a country, Abraham and Sara, they were looking for a country just as we today look for a "country" , a promised land, that we shall one day call heaven.
Heb: 12: "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."
Paul saying, "we have not been called to shed our blood in our striving against sin." Then he goes on in chap 12 talking about Christ being the author and finisher of our faith ;about rejecting not the rebuke and chastening of the Lord , then of his saying that God will deal with us as sons ( presumably not as prisoners or law breakers ) And then how we revere earthly fathers and why souuld we not revere our heavenly Father more.
Now getting back to Moses; who voluntarily gave up the riches of Egypt for true riches, and of every man taking up his cross to follow Christ. These things we do voluntarily,, or do we ??? as children of God. I don't feel many people ever give it a second thought at the time of salvation. Well I have to give up the pleasurers of this world.
Aren't most people thinking. I'm a sinner. I'm going to hell. I need a savior. I repent of my sins. I'm dirty as dirt and nothing except the blood of Jesus will make me clean again. Thank God he saved me and I'm going to heaven. Rejoice.!!
What I don't think is that, then over time, or even immediately people then start to conspire over how they will circumvent God's will in their lives, or gain all the riches of this life and also still try to make it to heaven. I really don't know any Christians that have given up their love of Christ because of his chastisement or rebuke. To those I know, rebuke is a source of comfort. I really think it is counterproductive to go about warning other Christians about the dangers of the wealth in this life, that it will damn the soul and sent to hell.
If you want to warn the sinners OK, fine. They need it. But my way of recollection, most Christians renounce a lot of earthly wealth at the time of salvation. Just as Moses did when He made his choice to renounce the riches of Egypt. I just don't feel there should be any more emphasis put on earthly wealth than, pride, or sexual sins, or wild parites, or drunkenness, or idolatry or any other temptation.. In Christ..gregor
***The reason I used the singular is to me the window and the blessing is Christ.period. And God will bless the giver with a deeper relationship with Christ.*** |
