Are poor Christians lacking in faith?

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

Tolworth John said:
Where does it say that Christians will be financially rich?
Jesus did say that those who follow him can expect to be treated like him!

I agree. Jesus did promise that we would have food and clothing, but "spiritual" food and clothing is what we need

We need to be clothed in Christ, and in love, in righteousness, and in humility. We will have tribulation in life, we will have hard times and good times. All things work good in our lives.

Hammster · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
Poor to me is not having food, clothing, transportation, or housing.

And where are you finding believers in that state?

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

Hammster said:
And where are you finding believers in that state?

Their beliefs are irrelevant. We are taught to take care of widows and orphans, no matter who they are.

Matthew 5:45-48English Standard Version (ESV)

45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect

Theadorus · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
Thank you for your thoughts. So you are saying people are poor because they dont give to the poor?

Yes, and no. Giving is a great start, but people are poor because of wrong motives and their mindset as well. They want to be millionaires so that they never have to worry about finances again. So that they can buy things to fulfill every lust and desire they have. But rather, people should want to be millionaires so that they can help the widows and orphans. So that they can help build churches in third world countries. so that they can provide starving people around the world with clean water and the food they need. Another thing is that if you want to be entrusted with riches, you need to prove yourself faithful as a steward of God's money (gifts and what not). Your focus should be seeking the kingdom of God first, and God promises to take care of our needs. Seek his kingdom, prove yourself faithful, and allow him to flow finances through you, so that you can be a blessing to all.

I hope this made sense.

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

Theadorus said:
Yes, and no. Giving is a great start, but people are poor because of wrong motives and their mindset as well. They want to be millionaires so that they never have to worry about finances again. So that they can buy things to fulfill every lust and desire they have. But rather, people should want to be millionaires so that they can help the widows and orphans. So that they can help build churches in third world countries. so that they can provide starving people around the world with clean water and the food they need. Another thing is that if you want to be entrusted with riches, you need to prove yourself faithful as a steward of God's money (gifts and what not). Your focus should be seeking the kingdom of God first, and God promises to take care of our needs. Seek his kingdom, prove yourself faithful, and allow him to flow finances through you, so that you can be a blessing to all.

I hope this made sense.

A man of God should flee from riches. 1 Timothy 6:11

Hammster · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
Their beliefs are irrelevant. We are taught to take care of widows and orphans, no matter who they are.

Matthew 5:45-48English Standard Version (ESV)

45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect

What does that have to do with the question in the OP about faith?

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

Hammster said:
What does that have to do with the question in the OP about faith?

You tell me, it was you who asked.

disciple1 · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
Are poor Christians lacking in faith? Or perhaps do they just not give money to God? The bible says if we give then it will be given to us.

So why are there so many Christians who are poor, and why are so many unbelievers so rich?

James chapter 2 verse 5
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

If God thought money was worth something, he'd make believers rich, but God doesn't value money.

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

Hammster said:
What does that have to do with the question in the OP about faith?

I see your point hammster, the topic is about Christians after all. There are poor Christians in this world. There are also persecuted Christians. Paul said he was content whether full or hungry. He was poor it seems.

Theadorus · Sep 9, 2017

friend of said:
It sounds like you're saying people are poor because they aren't giving in a joyful spirit. This isn't necessarily the case with most poor people. I'm also reminded of the poor widow who gave all she had. If they who are poor give what little they can to others, consequently becoming poorer still, their hearts are in the right place or they would hold on to what little they had for comfort.

I don't have a one answer for all on this, but some poor people don't want to get out of their situation. They may even be content where they are at. Yes, they may give joyfully and what not, and God will bless them, but they may also not want to leave the position they are in. For example, there are church groups that go to homeless camps here in Colorado Spring, and many go there offering help and jobs and what not. But as many of them have said, they love the life they are in. They don't want to leave, and they are okay being "poor." In this case, God will not force them to receive blessing or financial increase despite how great of a giver and sower they are. If that's what they will, then God won't force them to change.

2Timothy2:15 · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
Are poor Christians lacking in faith? Or perhaps do they just not give money to God? The bible says if we give then it will be given to us.

So why are there so many Christians who are poor, and why are so many unbelievers so rich?

No poor Christians do not lack faith. Lots of reasons one could be poor and some choose it. On the other hand some people who struggle lack stewardship, and a work ethic which is what I see a lot. Many people have bought into the seed faith lie doctrine that says just give 10 bucks and get 100 back and there is no work involved and God is some cosmic slot machine you hit jackpot on when you give your money to a pastor.

Why do unbelievers prosper? Well they are focused on it and compromise integrity and will do anything to get money. Some even go so far to sell themselves to the devil to get it like celebs.

Where I struggle is why do liars like these prosperity preachers and abusive false teachers seem to prosper? I think their prosperity is only temporary and they will stand before the Lord one day and that will be a fearful thing. Not sure what you think about that.

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

disciple1 said:
James chapter 2 verse 5
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

If God thought money was worth something, he'd make believers rich, but God doesn't value money.

I agree, God values faith, but faith is trusting when things are not going so well, because anyone can praise God when all things are going well. It takes faith to praise in the midst of hardship.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

ViaCrucis · Sep 9, 2017

A fun game to play: Take images of the holy martyrs and juxtapose them with "health and wealth" quotes.

"The Bible says that He has left us an example that we should follow His steps. That's the reason why I drive a Rolls Royce. I'm following Jesus' steps." - Fred Price

20120507-Stephen%20Rembrandt_Harmensz._van_Rijn_150.jpg

-CryptoLutheran

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

2Timothy2:15 said:
No poor Christians do not lack faith. Lots of reasons one could be poor and some choose it. On the other hand some people who struggle lack stewardship, and a work ethic which is what I see a lot. Many people have bought into the seed faith lie doctrine that says just give 10 bucks and get 100 back and there is no work involved and God is some cosmic slot machine you hit jackpot on when you give your money to a pastor.

Why do unbelievers prosper? Well they are focused on it and compromise integrity and will do anything to get money. Some even go so far to sell themselves to the devil to get it like celebs.

Where I struggle is why do liars like these prosperity preachers and abusive false teachers seem to prosper? I think their prosperity is only temporary and they will stand before the Lord one day and that will be a fearful thing. Not sure what you think about that.

Thank you.

Jeremiah 9:23-24New King James Version (NKJV)
23 Thus says the Lord:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

Theadorus · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
A man of God should flee from riches. 1 Timothy 6:11

Flee from the love of money. Interestingly enough Paul gives this instruction to the rich.

1 Timothy 6:17-19, Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I don't see Paul commanding them to give up everything they have to a live a poor, humble life.

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

ViaCrucis said:
A fun game to play: Take images of the holy martyrs and juxtapose them with "health and wealth" quotes.

"The Bible says that He has left us an example that we should follow His steps. That's the reason why I drive a Rolls Royce. I'm following Jesus' steps." - Fred Price

-CryptoLutheran

Thanks. That sure puts things into perspective.

disciple1 · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
I agree, God values faith, but faith is trusting when things are not going so well, because anyone can praise God when all things are going well. It takes faith to praise in the midst of hardship.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Romans chapter 10 verse 17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

Theadorus said:
Flee from the love of money. Interestingly enough Paul gives this instruction to the rich.

1 Timothy 6:17-19, Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I don't see Paul commanding them to give up everything they have a live a poor, humble life.

I believe its good to store up wealth and give to the poor. However, we see preachers living in huge mansions while the poor of the world live in poverty.

W2L · Sep 9, 2017

disciple1 said:
Romans chapter 10 verse 17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Thanks.

2Timothy2:15 · Sep 9, 2017

W2L said:
I believe its good to store up wealth and give to the poor. However, we see preachers living in huge mansions while the poor of the world live in poverty.

Worst part about that is they distort and twist the gospel lying to people telling them if they give them money they will be rich too. How sick is that?

Are poor Christians lacking in faith?

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