Theology behind prepping and even investment in general

Hannah Christian said:

FORSAKE ALL, SELL WHAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE TO THE POOR:

1-"But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you." Lk 11:41 (Jesus speaking to the religious people of his time).

2- “Don’t fear, little flock. Your Father wants to share his kingdom with you. Sell the things you have and give that money to those who need it. This is the only way you can keep your riches from being lost. You will be storing treasure in heaven that lasts forever. Thieves can’t steal that treasure, and moths can’t destroy it. Your heart will be where your treasure is." Lk 12:32-34 (Jesus speaking to his disciples).

3- "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." Lk 14:33 (Jesus speaking to the multitudes, people who were listening to him).

4- "When Jesus heard this, he said to the leader, “But there is still one thing you need to do. Sell everything you have and give the money to those who are poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” But when the man heard Jesus tell him to give away his money, he was sad. He didn’t want to do this, because he was very rich. When Jesus saw that the man was sad, he said, “It will be very hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.” Lk 18:18-25 (Jesus speaking to a religious leader, answering to the question "what must I do to get eternal life?")

This is just a small sample of what Jesus talk about selling everything that we own, give to the poor/needy and then follow Him as a disciple. As you can clearly see in those chapters that I mentioned, Jesus gave this same commandment to the religious people of his time (the pharisees), to his disciples (people who were committed to learn and put in practice His teachings) and the multitudes who were following Him (potential disciples).

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thanks for the lovely verses however I think if Jesus wanted us to sell everything, it would have been repeated in acts and also reaffirmed in the pastoral epistles. For instance baptism, and communion are spoken of in the gospels, acts AND the pastoral epistles. See most of Jesus disciples would be pastors, He said basically to be called to God you have to forsake all. To crucify the old life, the corporate life, and be my missionary. That is what He would say today. However, not everyone gets that call. While yes in a sense we are all disciples, most of us are not called to sell our homes and give them to the poor. That was literally what the disciples had to do to be Christ's disciple in the coming years, they could not have any ties to worldly things. If I was called to be a missionary or a pastor, or whatever, like the disciples of course that is what I would do. I would count the cost. But that does not mean we cannot apply the principles indirectly to our lives. So I was thinking about it today. I fix my car sometimes, and as I was driving I got all excited because I had this brand new gator belt. It's supposedly one of the best quality drive belts, and lasts longer. But I was excited over it, and mentally dwelling on it, and God just spoke to my heart and said.....your coveting. And He was right, I was coveting a 17 dollar belt. It does not have to be a big thing, it could be something very small, but you love it with all of your heart. I think that is what He is saying.....don't worship your stuff. We cannot take anything with us when we die. You don't see a Uhaul behind a hearse.



Sorry I did not answer all the verses, but I sort of think I addressed the majority , let me know if I didn't and we can talk more.

Hannah Christian said:

1) "Sell the things you have and give that money to those who need it. This is the only way you can keep your riches from being lost. You will be storing treasure in heaven that lasts forever. Thieves can’t steal that treasure, and moths can’t destroy it." Lk 12:33

2) “Don’t save treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them. Instead, save your treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them." Mt 6:19-20

3) “It will be very hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.” Lk 18:24-25

4) "Jesus looked at his followers and said,“Great blessings belong to you who are poor. God’s kingdom belongs to you.
Great blessings belong to you who are hungry now. You will be filled.
Great blessings belong to you who are crying now. You will be happy and laughing.
“People will hate you because you belong to the Son of Man. They will make you leave their group. They will insult you. They will think it is wrong even to say your name. When these things happen, know that great blessings belong to you. You can be happy then and jump for joy, because you have a great reward in heaven. The ancestors of those people did the same things to the prophets.
“But how bad it will be for you rich people, because you had your easy life.
How bad it will be for you people who are full now, because you will be hungry.
How bad it will be for you people who are laughing now, because you will be sad and cry.
“How bad it is when everyone says nothing but good about you. Just look at the false prophets. Their ancestors always said good things about them." Lk 6:20-26

5) “You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You will hate one master and love the other. Or you will be loyal to one and not care about the other. You cannot serve God and Money at the same time.” Lk 16:13 and Mt 6:24

6) God chose the poor people in the world to be rich in faith. He chose them to receive the kingdom God promised to those who love him. James 2:5-7

7) "Believers who are poor should be glad that God considers them so important. Believers who are rich should be glad when bad things happen that humble them. Their riches won’t keep them from disappearing as quickly as wildflowers. As the sun rises and gets hotter, its heat dries up the plants, and the flowers fall off. The flowers that were so beautiful are now dead. That’s how it is with the rich. While they are still making plans for their business, they will die." James 1:9-11

8) The materialism of Sodoma, Gomorra and Noah's days: Lk 17:26-29, Mt 24:38 and Ez 16:49-50

9) THE MARK OF THE BEAST IS A SOPHISTICATED FORM OF MONEY:
"16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." Rev 13: 16-18

"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Rev 14:9-11

There is so much that we can share about this issue of money-riches/ economy. But we need to be really open to hear from God and be ready to challenge and forsake any other thought against his truth. When I first heard about Jesus' teachings about money, living by faith in God, materialism, etc, I did struggle a lot to accept his truth. But, thanks to Him, I continue searching for the truth in his words and then when I started putting it in practice, I realise that they are really worthy to trust and they work!!! Give a chance to hear this and take steps on faith and you will understand much better. I'm still have so much to learn, but it is encouraging to know that God will give us more understanding if we honestly look for it!

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so have you sold all you have? I just ask this because I think we need to discuss this fully. I agree with the verses in fact most of them I have posted to this thread already. But I want to know if you have fully sold EVERY THING, and now God provides daily for you, you don't have a bank account. Because that is not selling everything, you don't have a car, or clothing, or possessions. So again if you have not, and I suppose you haven't. Then we need to discuss what He was talking about. God say's don't play the hypocrite. Don't tell other people to do things that you have not done. That was the heart of the pharisees. First of all sell everything, THEN come out here and tell us to sell everything. That is what the scriptures say. However if you have not sold everything and own clothes, cars and possessions. Then the bible has this to say...."judge not, lest you be judged." The same judgement you cast on other people will be given you to. Now, having said that. I agree materialism is bad. But this is not what you are saying you are saying literally this:

FORSAKE ALL, SELL WHAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE TO THE POOR:

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I have a great article for you, it's actually called the Lordship index. You may like it, it seems to be somewhat part of your personality.

LORDSHIP-INDEX-–UPDATE-5.doc.docx

Here is part of it:


!!!TO FLEE FROM WRATH OF GOD WE MUST REPENT OF EVERY MORAL SIN AND DONATE 50% OF OUR ASSETS TO POOR AS NEEDED FOR SALVATION:


17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. –Matthew 4:17


“And they went out, and preached that men should repent.” –Mark 6:12


3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; -Luke 3:3


7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. -Luke 3:7-13


3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. –Luke 13:3-5


!!!VARIOUS AMPUTATION REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PROMOTE REPENTENCE OF MORAL SINS OF LUST TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE AS PERFECT REPENTANCE IS NEEDED FOR SALVATION:


43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with anothe. -Mark 9:43-50


INVOLVING SELF MUTILATION TO INHIBIT VARIOUS LUSTS AS NEEDED FOR SALVATION FROM HELL-


27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. –Matthew 5:7


!!!SELL EVERYTHING YOU HAVE AND DONATE AS NEEDED FOR SALVATION:


17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. -Mark 10:17-27


!!!ONLY POOR PEOPLE HAVE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN:


3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. –Matthew 5:3


!!!FORGIVE OTHERS, NOT JUDGING, VARIOUS PACIFISM & NON RESISTENCE AS NEEDED FOR SALVATION (FORGIVENESS MUST COME FROM WITHIN HEART):


35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. –Matthew 18:35


14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. –Matthew 6:14-15


20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. –Mark 11:20-26


27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. –Luke 6:27-38


!!!TAKE UP CROSS MEANS TO FORSAKE REALESTATE AND EMMEDIATE FAMILY FOR LOCAL OR DISTANT MISSION WORK IN ORDER TO RECEIVE 100 FOLD AND EVERLASTING LIFE:


And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 –Matthew 19:29


21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:21-28


24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:23-27

The Law is pure and it perfects the soul. But I don't post stuff that I haven't done. God was only angry a few times in the new testament, and both times were against religious leaders created rules that He didn't create. And secondly religious leaders expecting people to follow rules, that they themselves did not follow. Are you doing this?

Hannah Christian said:

My friend, I think you are overlooking the fact that Jesus commanded to forsake all, sell all our possessions and give to the poor, not only to his intimate 12 disciples, but he said the same to the religious people (pharisees), multitudes that were following him and other disciples as I mentioned with the appropriated bible references. Please, take the time to check those bible passages (and if it is possible, the chapters where they are included, so you can have the full context of his words).
This commandment is for all people, in all the times, without excuses, but especially for those who confess they are Christians because a Christian is a follower of Christ, a disciple/apprentice of Jesus the Christ... if we don't listen to his teachings and refuse to put them in practice, we are not his followers (i.e we are not Christians).



Honestly... have you read all the New Testament (the 4 gospels, the epistles of the first disciples and the books of Acts and Revelation)?

Lets see in the book of Acts:

1) "41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:41-45

2) "34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." Acts 4:34-37

So, you have at least 2 great testimonies of the early church (thousand of believers in Christ!!!) in the book of Acts (which by the way, was written by Luke, a disciple who was not part of the original 12) that were following the command of Christ of selling everything and give to the poor/needy. They lived in community, sharing everything (not only the spiritual things, but also the material things) after putting in practice this Christ's command.
And lets see an example of 2 people who tried to be part of this Christian communities, but not fully obeying the Christ command, Ananias and Sapphira, also registered in the book of Acts:

3) "5 There was a man named Ananias. His wife’s name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land he had, 2 but he gave only part of the money to the apostles. He secretly kept some of the money for himself. His wife knew this, and she agreed with it.
3 Peter said, “Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your mind with such an idea? You kept part of the money for yourself and lied about it to the Holy Spirit! 4 Before you sold the field, it belonged to you, right? And even after you sold it, you could have used the money any way you wanted. How could you even think of doing such a thing? You lied to God, not to us!”
5-6 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. Some young men came and wrapped his body. They carried it out and buried it. And everyone who heard about this was filled with fear.
7 About three hours later his wife came in. Sapphira did not know about what had happened to her husband. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me how much money you got for your field. Was it this much?”
Sapphira answered, “Yes, that was all we got for the field.”
9 Peter said to her, “Why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! Do you hear those footsteps? The men who buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out in the same way.” 10 At that moment Sapphira fell down by his feet and died. The young men came in and saw that she was dead. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 The whole church and all the other people who heard about this were filled with fear." Acts 5:1-11

Lets look in the epistles:

Godly people live by faith: "The person who is right with me will live by trusting in me. But I will not be pleased with the one who turns back in fear.” Hebrews 10:13
"The one who is right with God by faith will live forever.” Ro 1:17
"The one who is right with God by faith will live forever.” Gal 3:11

"7 No soldier ever serves in the army and pays his own salary. No one ever plants a vineyard without eating some of the grapes himself. No one takes care of a flock of sheep without drinking some of the milk himself.
8 These aren’t just my own thoughts. God’s law says the same thing. 9 Yes, it is written in the Law of Moses: “When a work animal is being used to separate grain, don’t keep it from eating the grain. When God said this, was he thinking only about work animals? No. 10 He was really talking about us. Yes, that was written for us. The one who plows and the one who separates the grain should both expect to get some of the grain for their work. 11 We planted spiritual seed among you, so we should be able to harvest from you some things for this life. Surely that is not asking too much." 1 Co 9:7-11

"6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Ti 6:5-19

I suggest also to read the letter of James, the biological brother of Jesus, who at the beginning didn't believe in Jesus being the Christ, but then he became one of his most faithful disciples. In this letter you will find strong words in favor of the poor people and against the rich people, in accordance to Jesus' teachings.

I think that it is not necessary (although helpful) to look beyond the Gospels to find more about Jesus' Teachings about living by faith (i.e forsaking all, selling all that we own, giving to the poor and start working for God/Love trusting that He will provide for our needs as a father do with his children). God Father said: “This is my Son. He is the one I have chosen. Obey him.” (Lk 9:35 and Mt 17:5).
But, what frequently happens is that people go to other writings (Old Testament, Paul's letters, etc) to look for excuses for not obeying Jesus. They are cheating themselves, but God cannot be cheated; Jesus said in Jn 12:48 "there is a judge for all those who refuse to believe in me and do not accept what I say. The message I have spoken will judge them on the last day." It is time to take seriously what Jesus taught.

Peace and love,
Hannah

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thank you for the post, I love the verses by the way. Yes they had all things in common in acts but that was not repeated in any of the other churches, sadly. I liked that part personally speaking but again if it's not repeated in acts and also exhorted in the epistles I would not call it an official doctrine. Yes all of Jesus words are true, but some of them we don't "literally follow" you for example have not "literally sold everything." You admit this by your silence. We also don't literally chop our arm off if it causes us to sin. You see my point. So lets address the verses in the epistles.

Godly people live by faith: "The person who is right with me will live by trusting in me. But I will not be pleased with the one who turns back in fear.” Hebrews 10:13
"The one who is right with God by faith will live forever.” Ro 1:17
"The one who is right with God by faith will live forever.” Gal 3:11

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you can have wealth, things, and material and still trust God, so this verse does not apply to our specific conversation.

"7 No soldier ever serves in the army and pays his own salary. No one ever plants a vineyard without eating some of the grapes himself. No one takes care of a flock of sheep without drinking some of the milk himself.
8 These aren’t just my own thoughts. God’s law says the same thing. 9 Yes, it is written in the Law of Moses: “When a work animal is being used to separate grain, don’t keep it from eating the grain. When God said this, was he thinking only about work animals? No. 10 He was really talking about us. Yes, that was written for us. The one who plows and the one who separates the grain should both expect to get some of the grain for their work. 11 We planted spiritual seed among you, so we should be able to harvest from you some things for this life. Surely that is not asking too much." 1 Co 9:7-11

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this seems to support my view that we can enjoy our labors under the sun, as ecclesiastes says.

"6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

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This passage seems to indicate that "godliness with contentment" is the key. And that covetousness is the opposite of what it means to be content. And that is exactly word for word what I have been saying on this thread. You can have material, as long as you are lusting after it in the store. IF you NEED it, buy it. Not about wants and lusts, but about needs. I mention this numerous times, it's not only sound advice spiritually, but also make sound fiscal sense.

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Ti 6:5-19

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again here you have it, when you are proud you are not being "godly" as it mentions in the other verse. So if you can be successful and not be proud, you are ok. And that means realizing that sometimes God rains, and other times God allows drought. But as job says "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord."

again here it does not say riches are bad, it says don't be proud and if you have riches to do good works. So this proves my point that not EVERYBODY need sell all possessions and donate to the poor, after all you don't, right?

Hannah Christian said:

Yes, brother, I forsook all that I had to follow Jesus and I gave it to people in need, and I started to preach the teachings of Jesus. Part of the remaining money that I had I used to print tracts and booklets to deliver this message on the streets and to travel to another place where I joined to more friends in Christ that were doing the same to follow Jesus. Right now, I don't have any car, nor house, nor land, and not money at all. I use a few clothes that people donated me as a contribution for preaching the gospel, but I'm always ready to share them and even forsake them every time it is necessary. This allow me to travel very light and being more focus in preaching the gospel and lend a hand as much as I can. God provides on the way, everything that I need to keep working for Him. My husband is also a follower of Christ and he has been living entirely by faith in God for more than 16 years, and we have very good friends that have been doing it for about 50 years... so I'm not only repeating words just because they sound nice, I'm sharing something that it is truth just because Jesus said it and with the confidence of being living it and seeing everyday how it truly works!

I hope this inspire you and please, feel free to ask me all the questions that you may have. I know that this is quite shocking and so opposite to what we learn from the world, but remember that Jesus is from Heaven, not from this world and that we need to "born again" and have a childlike faith in God if we desire to know His Kingdom.

Peace and Love

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Wow God bless you sister, that is admirable. I really respect that. Now you obviously don't have children, if God was to give you children, should they give their toys away to other needy children and minister (not play) in their spare time? See you ARE a missionary, so for you those verses are very alive and well. And I wish it was that we were all missionaries. But some of us are missionaries in the united states, and in order to live here you must have housing. It is illegal to pan handle and be homeless in many areas. So we must have possessions. Now don't get me wrong we are way more blessed than need be and we have way more supplies than need be. However be it as it may, I am an american missionary. I witness regularly as well. I buy tracts to hand out and evangelize regularly. I set up another missionary with some person to help donate bibles in asia. God is working in our hearts too. See I have to have things, I am not covetous of new things, houses or cars. We don't have much but what we have God gave us, and we are to be wise, involving investing and at times donating. We give a lot of money to our local church which in turns gives money to local food shelters. But I love your testimony. I can see why you are here. But this thread is mainly about preparing for the future. For you that means not investing, but organizing your supply chains. Finding people who can help your ministry. In fact I just connected a few minutes ago a missionary in asia with an organization that can not only provide bible supplies in hindi, but can train him to be a pastor and start churches. So america needs our own version of missionary work. So god bless, and thanks for the reply.

@dqhall @OldWiseGuy - hey guys I wanted to post a chart of recent market drops, if you want to know: