__________________ If you have much of the Spirit of God, you must make up your mind to have much opposition, both in the Church and the world. Very likely the leading men in the Church will oppose you. There has always been opposition in the Church. So it was when Christ was on earth. If you are far above their state of feeling, Church members will oppose you. If any man will live godly in Christ Jesus, he must expect persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) Often the elders, and even the minister, will oppose you, if you are filled with the Spirit of God.
Wealth is having everything you need to survive and thrive personally and for your family (including eating better than the birds and being clothed better than Solomon) plus everything you need to do the will of God plus plenty more to put in store and leave an inheritance for our children's children, plus plenty more to give to others in need so our ears never need to be stopped up to the cry of the poor, plus plenty more to do good to the household of faith, plus plenty more to give to those who instruct us in the word of God and ensure elders are receiving double honour, plus plenty more to give to the extension of the kingdom of God.
Simple definition. I might have missed something out, if so I apologise.
Blessings,
Ben
__________________ Never let experiences or circumstances determine how you interpret the Word.
Stand on the Word and change your experiences and circumstances.
The reason I ask is because I think some get the impression that we believe that all Christians should be financially rich (millionaires). There are some prosperity preachers who actually teach this. I just wanted to know your definition of wealth.
__________________ If you have much of the Spirit of God, you must make up your mind to have much opposition, both in the Church and the world. Very likely the leading men in the Church will oppose you. There has always been opposition in the Church. So it was when Christ was on earth. If you are far above their state of feeling, Church members will oppose you. If any man will live godly in Christ Jesus, he must expect persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) Often the elders, and even the minister, will oppose you, if you are filled with the Spirit of God.
No, wealth does not necessitate being a millionaire. Nothing wrong with being a millionaire - the church needs more of them than it has. And anyone can start moving their faith in that direction. Someone under 40 in a Western country could probably easily reach that place as they step into their destiny.
But not all people are happy launching out into their own business or ministry, and we need many faithful employees and so on. If someone is a carpenter we shouldn't expect them to be earning more than a doctor necessarily, and no amount of "faith" would change that.
I don't think I am expressing myself too well on this, so I hope I have made at least some sense.
It goes back to "according to your faith be it unto you", but it with wealth, it is also as the Lord gives you power to obtain wealth and as we all move into different fields to be salt and light, some of us naturally earn more money.
But with great riches comes great responsibility (to paraphrase Stan Lee!)
Blessings,
Ben
__________________ Never let experiences or circumstances determine how you interpret the Word.
Stand on the Word and change your experiences and circumstances.
I really liked the article in the link, Zub. It really blessed me. I think we're on the same page, brother. Be sure to give us a link next month when you write more on it.
I also agree with your definition of wealth.
__________________ When one asked a leader of a Hindu nation what would cause them to move towards Christianity he responded with great clarity and directness, “First, I would suggest all you Christians, missionaries and all, must begin to live more like Jesus Christ. Second, practice your religion without adulterating it or toning it down. Third, emphasize love and make it your working force, for love is central in Christianity. Fourth, study the non-Christian religions more sympathetically to find the good that is within them in order to have a more sympathetic approach to the people.”
Ps 35V27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
This scripture tells us God has pleasure in the prosperity (well being) of the servant that favours his righteous cause.
Notice tho what it doesn't say, it doesn't say that God takes pleasure in the poverty of his servant because he doesn't... God takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servant...
Ps 35V27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
This scripture tells us God has pleasure in the prosperity (well being) of the servant that favours his righteous cause.
Notice tho what it doesn't say, it doesn't say that God takes pleasure in the poverty of his servant because he doesn't... God takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servant...
Excellent comment. I might use this is the basis for my next post on Wealth, something like "God enjoys you having money".
Thanks for posting,
Benjamin
__________________ Never let experiences or circumstances determine how you interpret the Word.
Stand on the Word and change your experiences and circumstances.
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