financial position

[janny108]

Hi,
I am new to the Presby faith, and I would like to know what you all think about finances. I know in some other forums they quote various authors teaching them ways to get more finances, or beliefs on how we can expect God to bless us in such and such a way. Some of it is right, but I think some of it is amiss scripturally. What is the PCA view on financial prosperity?

Jan

 

[JJB]

Hi Jan,

I don't know what the PCA thinks about finances. Sounds like some of the others you have seen have been reading the name-it-and-claim-it authors. We've been in a series in our sermons on "Stewardship, What's in Your Hand?"

Here are some of the verses used: Luke 12:42-43

We are to earn our treasure diligently and with industriousness. Eccl 9:10; Prov 14:23

We are to give our treasures faithfully. Matt 6:2-3; 10:8; 19:21 Why? To help us to deomonstrate greater obedience to Him, and to help us to develop greater trust in Him. Luke 6:46; Malachi 3:10 TO help us to display our heart. Matt 6:19-21

We are to pay our treasure properly. ROmans 13:6-7; Psalm 37:21

We are to spend our treasure carefully. 1 Tim 5:8; Prov 27:23

We are to distribute our treasure appropriately. 2 Cor 8:14; prov 13:22

Hope that helps shed some light for you. I could send you the series, if you think it would be helpful. Just PM me.

 

[Foundthelight]

Hi,
I am new to the Presby faith, and I would like to know what you all think about finances. I know in some other forums they quote various authors teaching them ways to get more finances, or beliefs on how we can expect God to bless us in such and such a way. Some of it is right, but I think some of it is amiss scripturally. What is the PCA view on financial prosperity?

Jan

We are promised nothing but hardship in this life. There is no special prayer that will ensure that we will recieve riches. If you should be blessed by riches from God, make sure you give as much back to him as you can.

Most reformed Christians believe that those who are pushing a belief that God wants all to be rich in this life are, at best, committing a terrible sin, and at worst, agents of Satan. For the lust for more riches is idolotry.

1Ti 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

 

[calmcoolandelected]

Hi,
I am new to the Presby faith, and I would like to know what you all think about finances. I know in some other forums they quote various authors teaching them ways to get more finances, or beliefs on how we can expect God to bless us in such and such a way. Some of it is right, but I think some of it is amiss scripturally. What is the PCA view on financial prosperity?

Jan

Janny,

I have been in the PCA for 20 yrs now and I do not ever recall hearing any teaching (from the pulpit or otherwise) about getting more finances, etc. What I have heard is that we are to be good stewards of the resources God has blessed us with, in terms of finances, living within our means and being generous.

What I have heard preached is praying for spiritual blessings: wisdom, discernment, communion with God, etc.

CC&E

 

[janny108]

I am asking this question as there is a thread in the Pentecostal forum (need $20,000?) that is interesting. I only half believe it though. I saw a need to get away from that kind of charismatic-pentecostal thing. I guess I'm trying to find the right balance.

Jan

 

[edie19]

I'm not PCA - but I am Reformed. In 12 years of worshipping with many of the same people - and the same men in the pulpit - I've never once heard a sermon on either tithing or on gaining wealth. We never pass an offering plate and our church is blessed with generous givers. We make a concerted effort to be sure that we tithe the church's income also - whether it be mission support, local ministries or just acts of mercy.

One the occassion that Pastor David speaks of money it is in context with Scripture (i.e. the rich young ruler). He reminds us that whatever wealth we may have is a gift from God, reminds us that it isn't ours, and that we should never put too much importance on material items. Pastor believes, and I agree, that too much focus on money/material goods is a violation of the 2nd Commandment as money can and does become our god.

Christians aren't promised a life of ease - just the opposite, we're promised a life of trials. I re-read an e-mail from my pastor recently - definitely food for thought:

"The typical Christian lives in a developing country,
speaks a non-European language, and exists under the
constant threat of persecution-of murder, imprisonment,
torture, or rape."
from Christianity Today editor David Neff

I'm thinking the typical Christian isn't too concerned about gaining wealth.

 

[erin74]

Something I read earlier this year I found really helpful.

The writer, an ex-charismatic, equated all of the big movements in the charismatic church to one thing. I desire to recieve the blessings promised in heaven here and now. They are taking the promises of ricehs we will receive in heaven and claiming them as financial wealth now.

 

[Imblessed]

I'm not PCA - but I am Reformed. In 12 years of worshipping with many of the same people - and the same men in the pulpit - I've never once heard a sermon on either tithing or on gaining wealth. We never pass an offering plate and our church is blessed with generous givers. We make a concerted effort to be sure that we tithe the church's income also - whether it be mission support, local ministries or just acts of mercy.

One the occassion that Pastor David speaks of money it is in context with Scripture (i.e. the rich young ruler). He reminds us that whatever wealth we may have is a gift from God, reminds us that it isn't ours, and that we should never put too much importance on material items. Pastor believes, and I agree, that too much focus on money/material goods is a violation of the 2nd Commandment as money can and does become our god.

Christians aren't promised a life of ease - just the opposite, we're promised a life of trials. I re-read an e-mail from my pastor recently - definitely food for thought:

"The typical Christian lives in a developing country,
speaks a non-European language, and exists under the
constant threat of persecution-of murder, imprisonment,
torture, or rape."
from Christianity Today editor David Neff

I'm thinking the typical Christian isn't too concerned about gaining wealth.

I think I like your pastor! Some day, I'm going to have to pop over there and sit in!

 

[janny108]

Ok I'm looking for a good job and I need some teeth worked on.
Jan