Blessed in ALL things. . .

[WileyCoyote]

I posted this in the Spirit-filled/Charismatic debate section and am now posting it here.


"And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things." (Genesis 24:1)

God blessed Abraham in ALL THINGS. It doesn't say some, but ALL. Also,

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

Jesus's purpose for being made a curse for us is so that Abraham's blessing would come on Gentile Christians. I am a Gentile Christian. So are you if you are not Jewish but you are a believer.

So connect the dots and what does that tell us??

Our blessing should be patterned after Abraham's blessing. And Abraham was blessed in ALL THINGS. So WE should be blessed in all things as well. This is what Jesus died to accomplish.

If we are blessed in all things, where does poverty fit in? Where does lack fit in? Where does sickness and disease fit in? Did Abraham die of any sicknesses? Did he die broke? Or did he live to be a ripe old age and die disease free?

Did the disciples have any lack?

"And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing." (Luke 22:35)

When Jesus sent His disciples out two by two to witness, He told them to leave their money and other things behind. I believe He was trying to teach them to rely on God and not their possessions. They relied on God's provision and as a result, they did not lack anything.

Did Jesus have any lack?

With God as His Father and Him walking in perfect obedience, I fail to see how He did. He relied on God, multiplied a two piece fish dinner and fed 5000 people. (Mark 6:31-44) When He had need of money for taxes, it was provided for Him from the mouth of a fish. (Matthew 17:27) In fact, the only time we see poverty and lack with Jesus was when He was hanging on the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb. (Matthew 27:60) But while He was on the earth, He did not lack ANYTHING. All of His needs were provided for and He had plenty more to give to others (the feeding of the 5000 is the perfect example of this. And also the turning of water into wine).

So if Jesus didn't live in lack, the disciples didn't live in lack, and Abraham (which our blessing is supposed to be patterned after) was blessed in all things, why should a Christian have any kind of lack? How do these verses fit into the "lacking Christian" mentality of many believers?

"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10)

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 4:19)

"If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures." (Job 36:11)

I don't know, it seems like the Christian life (lived in obedience to God) should be marked with abundance, prosperity and pleasures. Not lack. Unless I'm interpreting those verses wrong?

So, what say ye??

 

[Emmy]

Dear WileyCoyote. Yes, God blessed Abram, and Jesus promised " life abundant" to all who follow and live life obediently to God. We cannot see everything, and we do not know everything, but we CAN trust God/Jesus`s promises. Sadly we live in a fallen world, an imperfect world, and listening to the news on television alone, we will seldom hear a word in favour of God`s Love, or God`s Blessings. BUT we know, Wiley, God loves us, God made us in His image, God gave us His loving advice i.e. Commandments to love God, our Maker, and each other. God`s Holy Law stands forever, DO GOOD and be rightly rewarded, DO NOT GOOD and pay the consequences. To trust and obey God, is still the ONLY way to God`s Blessings. I say this humbly and with love. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[WileyCoyote]

Dear WileyCoyote. Yes, God blessed Abram, and Jesus promised " life abundant" to all who follow and live life obediently to God. We cannot see everything, and we do not know everything, but we CAN trust God/Jesus`s promises. Sadly we live in a fallen world, an imperfect world, and listening to the news on television alone, we will seldom hear a word in favour of God`s Love, or God`s Blessings. BUT we know, Wiley, God loves us, God made us in His image, God gave us His loving advice i.e. Commandments to love God, our Maker, and each other. God`s Holy Law stands forever, DO GOOD and be rightly rewarded, DO NOT GOOD and pay the consequences. To trust and obey God, is still the ONLY way to God`s Blessings. I say this humbly and with love. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

I completely agree.

 

[ticker]

Blessed in ALL things. . .

...yes, indeed, in ALL things and at ALL times....because we are in Christ.

What a joy.

 

[MrPolo]

I don't know, it seems like the Christian life (lived in obedience to God) should be marked with abundance, prosperity and pleasures. Not lack. Unless I'm interpreting those verses wrong?

So, what say ye??

I think the verses need to be taken in the context of the whole of Scripture. For there are plenty of verses that talk about the great suffering Christians will endure and the crosses they must bear. But one must understand that even in these sufferings on earth, if one has Christ, He lacks nothing because life eternal awaits him, and this world is but a flash.

 

[Cribstyl]

I posted this in the Spirit-filled/Charismatic debate section and am now posting it here.


"And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things." (Genesis 24:1)

God blessed Abraham in ALL THINGS. It doesn't say some, but ALL. Also,

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

Jesus's purpose for being made a curse for us is so that Abraham's blessing would come on Gentile Christians. I am a Gentile Christian. So are you if you are not Jewish but you are a believer.

So connect the dots and what does that tell us??

OK, let's connect the dots.

Gen 24:1 is an overview of Abraham's life, "blessed in all things" is based on his life of walking in faith with God. Some blessing are only transferable if you walk the walk.

"The blessing of Abraham" is something different , it's based on God's promise to him, that the whole world would be blessed through his seed.

These Galatians texts present; the Gentiles are now receiving that blessing through Jesus Christ. (Abraham's seed)

You also appear as talking about a lifetime stimulus package

Our blessing should be patterned after Abraham's blessing. And Abraham was blessed in ALL THINGS. So WE should be blessed in all things as well. This is what Jesus died to accomplish.

Our faith should be pattern after Abraham, God grant grace as He sees fit..Did you sacrifice your son too?

If we are blessed in all things, where does poverty fit in? Where does lack fit in? Where does sickness and disease fit in?
Did Abraham die of any sicknesses? Did he die broke? Or did he live to be a ripe old age and die disease free?

Fact is, God did declare blessing in all things to His people , but He also declare curses that "fit in" those who oppose His commandments.

Did the disciples have any lack?

"And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing." (Luke 22:35)

The 4 gospel follows the spiritual necessities and tool need to accomplish God's will. You're assuming that the need a Hummer

When Jesus sent His disciples out two by two to witness, He told them to leave their money and other things behind. I believe He was trying to teach them to rely on God and not their possessions. They relied on God's provision and as a result, they did not lack anything.

Did Jesus have any lack?

Hello..... Jesus and His apostles lived to die, which of them owned cattles or houses? You're abusing texts that teach, they did not lack the tools to accomplish their goal to preach the Gospel.

With God as His Father and Him walking in perfect obedience, I fail to see how He did. He relied on God, multiplied a two piece fish dinner and fed 5000 people. (Mark 6:31-44) When He had need of money for taxes, it was provided for Him from the mouth of a fish. (Matthew 17:27) In fact, the only time we see poverty and lack with Jesus was when He was hanging on the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb. (Matthew 27:60) But while He was on the earth, He did not lack ANYTHING. All of His needs were provided for and He had plenty more to give to others (the feeding of the 5000 is the perfect example of this. And also the turning of water into wine).

So if Jesus didn't live in lack, the disciples didn't live in lack, and Abraham (which our blessing is supposed to be patterned after) was blessed in all things, why should a Christian have any kind of lack? How do these verses fit into the "lacking Christian" mentality of many believers?

"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10)

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 4:19)

"If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures." (Job 36:11)

I don't know, it seems like the Christian life (lived in obedience to God) should be marked with abundance, prosperity and pleasures. Not lack. Unless I'm interpreting those verses wrong?

So, what say ye??

I'll quote Sarah Palin......Thank but no thank to that brigde to nowhere.

brotherhood
CRIB

 

[WileyCoyote]

OK, let's connect the dots.

Gen 24:1 is an overview of Abraham's life, "blessed in all things" is based on his life of walking in faith with God. Some blessing are only transferable if you walk the walk.

I completely agree. You have to live in obedience to God in order to be blessed. Living your faith is vital if you want to experience any of the blessings God promises to us.

"The blessing of Abraham" is something different , it's based on God's promise to him, that the whole world would be blessed through his seed.

These Galatians texts present; the Gentiles are now receiving that blessing through Jesus Christ. (Abraham's seed)

You also appear as talking about a lifetime stimulus package

So since Abraham's blessing is that the whole world would be blessed by him, and his blessing came on us, that means that the whole world should be blessed through us as well, right? Now let me ask you, how can the world be blessed through us if we ourselves are not blessed?

Our faith should be pattern after Abraham, God grant grace as He sees fit..Did you sacrifice your son too?

Too? Abraham never sacrificed Issac. God was looking for Abraham's obedience. You seem to miss the entire point of that passage. It was obedience that brought the blessing. Abraham was willing to do what God told him to do. That is why he is called the father of many nations. Abraham was willing to give God his best. He demonstrated the type of love that only God Himself demonstrated. God sacrificed His ONLY Son for mankind. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son to God. That is what brought that blessing on Abraham. Obedience brings blessings. Read Deuteronomy 28 and you will see this.

It's not about the sacrifice. It was about the obedience. I have to be willing to "sacrifice" anything God tells me to give up in my life. If I love Him, this will come automatically. And I'm willing to do it.

Fact is, God did declare blessing in all things to His people , but He also declare curses that "fit in" those who oppose His commandments.

Of course. The flip side is disobedience brings curses. Also found in Deuteronomy 28. God's not playing games.

The 4 gospel follows the spiritual necessities and tool need to accomplish God's will. You're assuming that the need a Hummer

A Hummer? Who said anything about a Hummer? Did you read me say anything about a Hummer? Don't add things I didn't say.

Hello..... Jesus and His apostles lived to die, which of them owned cattles or houses? You're abusing texts that teach, they did not lack the tools to accomplish their goal to preach the Gospel.

You're setting up a strawman here. Where did you read me say they owned cattle and houses? I said they didn't lack. You also made the statement that they didn't lack the tools to accomplish their goals. THANK YOU for proving my point. My point was that they didn't lack. And you just agreed with me, whether that was what you were trying to do or not.

I'll quote Sarah Palin......Thank but no thank to that brigde to nowhere.

brotherhood
CRIB

LOL. So you're going to dance around my scriptural proof by using a quote that debunks nothing (and a Sarah Palin quote at that )?

Whether or not you want to admit it, scriptures affirmes that Jesus didn't lack and neither did His disciples. But if we are to walk in this kind of abundance, we have to live obedient lives. The same God who blesses can also curse.

 

[sunlover1]

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

Right, "THAT the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through
Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the SPIRIT through FAITH.

Jesus's purpose for being made a curse for us is so that Abraham's blessing would come on Gentile Christians. I am a Gentile Christian. So are you if you are not Jewish but you are a believer.

So connect the dots and what does that tell us??

God made a promise to Abraham and to "his seed" (singular).
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. http://christianforums.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=50708567#_ftn1
Christ was that seed that the promise was made to,
If you're born again of the seed of the Word of God, you are
in Christ, and Abrahams seed, and heir to the promise.


http://christianforums.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=50708567#_ftnref1

 

[Cribstyl]

I completely agree. You have to live in obedience to God in order to be blessed. Living your faith is vital if you want to experience any of the blessings God promises to us.

We appear as miscommunicating.....I did not conclude that blessing are based soley on obedience.
My post Considered your OP,......... Gen 24:1 is a look at Abraham's lifetime, he was now an old man. The text is saying;" he was blessed in all things". end of story.

I do agree with you that, we can be blessed in all things as Duet 28 and other texts points out.
Your theology on "Abraham's blessing" appear as a broken connection.
You said;

"Our blessing should be patterned after Abraham's blessing. And Abraham was blessed in ALL THINGS. So WE should be blessed in all things as well. This is what Jesus died to accomplish."

So since Abraham's blessing is that the whole world would be blessed by him, and his blessing came on us, that means that the whole world should be blessed through us as well, right?

You appear as missunderstanding Abraham's blessings.
The first blessing to Abraham is also called "The promise."(Gen 12:3 ....and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.)
God pronounced this blessing before Abraham departed from his father and mother or any acts in obedience to God.
The geneolgy in Matthew1 is to show the fulfillment of that blessing. Whoelse but Abraham can say...these are my all children?

An understanding of Gen 12:3 is God saying; Abraham, you're blessed because, of your relatives will come the seed (Jesus) of whom I will bless the earth. So Abraham blessing is that He's the father of it all.
Gal 3:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Gal 3:16Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Question; Did God chose Abraham because He was living a righteous life? The answer is No.
Question: Did Abraham transfer this blessing to others?
The answer is No, Abraham did'nt chose, God chose through which of Abraham's seed the promise would pass through.

You did not articulate that this blessing was Jesus Christ. Your comments left me to understand that you're talking about being blessed in all things" (abbundance, sufficiency).

Now let me ask you, how can the world be blessed through us if we ourselves are not blessed?

See?


The blessing we have is Jesus Christ, but that's not what you appear as talking about.

Too? Abraham never sacrificed Issac.
God was looking for Abraham's obedience.
You seem to miss the entire point of that passage.

What point did I miss? Gen 24:1 is talking about Abraham's life from a perspective of having lived a blessed life from the day God called him to an old age.

It was obedience that brought the blessing.
Abraham was willing to do what God told him to do.

That is why he is called the father of many nations.
Abraham was willing to give God his best.
He demonstrated the type of love that only God Himself demonstrated. God sacrificed His ONLY Son for mankind.
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son to God.
That is what brought that blessing on Abraham.

:o We dont agree friend.

Obedience brings blessings. Read Deuteronomy 28 and you will see this.

It's not about the sacrifice. It was about the obedience. I have to be willing to "sacrifice" anything God tells me to give up in my life. If I love Him, this will come automatically. And I'm willing to do it.
Of course. The flip side is disobedience brings curses. Also found in Deuteronomy 28. God's not playing games.

These statement are not false, they articulate "blessings". That why "the blessing"(singular) of Abraham, is Jesus Christ.

A Hummer? Who said anything about a Hummer? Did you read me say anything about a Hummer? Don't add things I didn't say. You're setting up a strawman here. Where did you read me say they owned cattle and houses? I said they didn't lack. You also made the statement that they didn't lack the tools to accomplish their goals. THANK YOU for proving my point. My point was that they didn't lack. And you just agreed with me, whether that was what you were trying to do or not.

LOL. So you're going to dance around my scriptural proof by using a quote that debunks nothing (and a Sarah Palin quote at that )?

Whether or not you want to admit it, scriptures affirmes that Jesus didn't lack and neither did His disciples. But if we are to walk in this kind of abundance, we have to live obedient lives. The same God who blesses can also curse.

Sheeze where do I begin to unravel this mess?.. First I want to apologize for bad jokes that were taken as offensive.
Secondly, I find it more evident that the 4gospels affirm that Jesus and His apostles had no house to call home, nor cares of this world.
Jesus taught that those who follow Him must be willing to not look back at our riches or relationships. I find lesson that our real treasures are not of this world.

Bro_hood
CRIB

 

[JohnDeereFan]

In our church, we have a saying: "There's exegesis, eisegesis, and aye-aye-ayesegesis. Ay-yi yi-segesis is eisegesis that's so bad it makes you slap your head and say 'aye-yi-yi'".

Guess which one the OP is.

 

[razzelflabben]

I posted this in the Spirit-filled/Charismatic debate section and am now posting it here.


"And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things." (Genesis 24:1)

God blessed Abraham in ALL THINGS. It doesn't say some, but ALL. Also,

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

Jesus's purpose for being made a curse for us is so that Abraham's blessing would come on Gentile Christians. I am a Gentile Christian. So are you if you are not Jewish but you are a believer.

So connect the dots and what does that tell us??

Our blessing should be patterned after Abraham's blessing. And Abraham was blessed in ALL THINGS. So WE should be blessed in all things as well. This is what Jesus died to accomplish.

If we are blessed in all things, where does poverty fit in? Where does lack fit in? Where does sickness and disease fit in? Did Abraham die of any sicknesses? Did he die broke? Or did he live to be a ripe old age and die disease free?

Did the disciples have any lack?

"And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing." (Luke 22:35)

When Jesus sent His disciples out two by two to witness, He told them to leave their money and other things behind. I believe He was trying to teach them to rely on God and not their possessions. They relied on God's provision and as a result, they did not lack anything.

Did Jesus have any lack?

With God as His Father and Him walking in perfect obedience, I fail to see how He did. He relied on God, multiplied a two piece fish dinner and fed 5000 people. (Mark 6:31-44) When He had need of money for taxes, it was provided for Him from the mouth of a fish. (Matthew 17:27) In fact, the only time we see poverty and lack with Jesus was when He was hanging on the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb. (Matthew 27:60) But while He was on the earth, He did not lack ANYTHING. All of His needs were provided for and He had plenty more to give to others (the feeding of the 5000 is the perfect example of this. And also the turning of water into wine).

So if Jesus didn't live in lack, the disciples didn't live in lack, and Abraham (which our blessing is supposed to be patterned after) was blessed in all things, why should a Christian have any kind of lack? How do these verses fit into the "lacking Christian" mentality of many believers?

"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10)

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 4:19)

"If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures." (Job 36:11)

I don't know, it seems like the Christian life (lived in obedience to God) should be marked with abundance, prosperity and pleasures. Not lack. Unless I'm interpreting those verses wrong?

So, what say ye??

from this post I would suggest you don't really know what blessing is. Consider poverty....is the blessing to be rich, or the blessing to learn to totally trust God for your next meal? In poverty, is the blessing to have money, or to see God provide miracle after miracle? In the case of Jesus, we see that His monatary blessing was in the abundance God gave Him at the time He needed it, not excess to sit on for months and years waiting for Him to need. Even Paul learned that the real blessings of poverty are the strength and grace of our Lord, the real blessings are when we learn to trust completely in the Christ who is our provider.

Even the poor, even the sick, are blessed. But you must grasp what real blessing is.

E

 

[WileyCoyote]

from this post I would suggest you don't really know what blessing is. Consider poverty....is the blessing to be rich, or the blessing to learn to totally trust God for your next meal? In poverty, is the blessing to have money, or to see God provide miracle after miracle? In the case of Jesus, we see that His monatary blessing was in the abundance God gave Him at the time He needed it, not excess to sit on for months and years waiting for Him to need. Even Paul learned that the real blessings of poverty are the strength and grace of our Lord, the real blessings are when we learn to trust completely in the Christ who is our provider.

Even the poor, even the sick, are blessed. But you must grasp what real blessing is.

E

The Bible disagrees with you.

"The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty." (Proverbs 10:15)

The Bible says the destruction of the poor is their poverty. Yet YOU say that even the poor and the sick are blessed. Am I to believe you or the Bible? I'll go with the Bible.

 

[razzelflabben]

The Bible disagrees with you.

"The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty." (Proverbs 10:15)

The Bible says the destruction of the poor is their poverty. Yet YOU say that even the poor and the sick are blessed. Am I to believe you or the Bible? I'll go with the Bible.

be careful...there are several problems you have trying to justify this line of thinking, the first is in vs. 16
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.

We know that life is found in Jesus Christ, not in wages.

But lets look further at scripture and see, believing scripture is about the totality not the picking and choosing...
Matthew 19:24
And again I say unto you, 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.

Matthew 19:23
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 12
41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.


Luke 12 (King James Version)


15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

and we have just scratched the surface...in addition you used the example of the loaves and fishes, and the miracle occured because Jesus and His disciples didn't have enough money to buy food for everyone there....in other words, Jesus was blessed because He put His complete trust in God, not in how large his purse was....we also can look up verses about Christ not having if you really want to go there with me. So, I'm with you let's believe scripture over our own personal opinions...God's blessings are not necessarily money, in fact, there are many treasures of far greater value, many blessings of far greater worth than mear coins in a purse. Go God!

 

[cobweb]

Proverbs 30:7-9

7Two things have I required of Thee; deny me them not before I die:
8Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me only food sufficient for me,
9lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, "Who is the LORD?"-- or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Better yet... Let's see what Jesus had to say on the subject (Matt 5:3-12):

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

10Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

11Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.

These are the blessings that we are promised.

Asceticism is an important part of the Christian life. How can you "take up your cross" and follow Christ or crucify the flesh... if you are always surrounded by abundance, prosperity, and pleasures.

Look to the martyrs. They are our example of what true faith is. Did they live a life of prosperity and pleasure?

 

[razzelflabben]

Proverbs 30:7-9



Better yet... Let's see what Jesus had to say on the subject (Matt 5:3-12):


These are the blessings that we are promised.

Asceticism is an important part of the Christian life. How can you "take up your cross" and follow Christ or crucify the flesh... if you are always surrounded by abundance, prosperity, and pleasures.

Look to the martyrs. They are our example of what true faith is. Did they live a life of prosperity and pleasure?

amen, and let me also say this, when we see God as only physical, we miss the Father and Spirit altogether....

 

[Cribstyl]

1Ti 6:3 Some false teachers may deny these things, but these are the sound, wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are the foundation for a godly life.
1Ti 6:4 Anyone who teaches anything different is both conceited and ignorant. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, fighting, slander, and evil suspicions.
1Ti 6:5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they don't tell the truth. To them religion is just a way to get rich.
1Ti 6:6 Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth.
1Ti 6:7 After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die.
1Ti 6:8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
1Ti 6:9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
1Ti 6:11 But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.