Fulfilling Jesus’ Command For Every Follower To Give Up All

[Ashley Amos]

If you’re doing something beneficial you believe will bless others there’s no reluctance in acknowledging it and sharing your process.

I’m in the middle of redecorating and organizing my home. I’ve spoken candidly about the challenges and shared tips for others desiring the same. They received cost and time saving solutions too. That’s more useful than a suggestion with no input.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

To truly know how I gave up all, read the original post to this thread I am explaining how it’s done.

 

[Servus]

Does not your priest preach from the NT?

What does he say when he comes to the theme of this thread.

If he says, "only if the HS has laid it on your heart"

Is it any wonder that it makes one smile.

You are accusing Ashley Amos who you have never seen,

but your priest who you have seen gets a pass.

The problem in this situation is that Ashley Amos is not seen. Therefore considering the subject matter, which hits people "where they live" on a personal level, people are going to want to know more about who's delivering the message. It's like getting at people on a personal level, while remaining anonymous, doesn't work well. And the person delivering such a message should avoid appearing judgemental, holier-than-thou, hypocritical, putting people on a guilt trip and so on.
That's not an accusation against the OP, I'm talking about anyone. It's just a good rule of thumb.

 

[bèlla]

telling me your financial situation and history this would be personal information and this is what you’re asking for. Anyways no matter what I see there is no way to corroborate what I’m saying is there so what is the purpose.

I have no interest in your affairs. I worked in finance and I’m more conversant on the subject. Explaining the steps you took doesn’t require divulgence.

Given your reluctance, I advise readers to connect with reputable sources like Crown Financial, Dave Ramsey, and Chris Hogan. Christian budget blogs are an excellent starting point for most. They address their process for reducing debt and biblical stewardship openly.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

 

[public hermit]

you look at Jesus’ life, including the disciples and the early church, you will see that they also gave up all to preach the gospel

have you implemented these teachings? What challenges did you encounter? Since you’re married, how did the shift impact your wife and family? Were they on board or opposed?

Just curious, did you ever respond to Bella's questions? If so, I missed it. But I have the same questions she does.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Whether someone is wealthy or someone is poor, we shouldn't be attached to the things of this world.

When someone is full they don't think about food, but if they're hungry that's all they think about. Same with money. If you don't have enough that's all you think about. If you have enough you can think about other things. It's a blessing to not have to worry, or even think very much, about money.

 

[GDL]

I never see so many people become defensive than when I preach about how Jesus said the following statement:

That's a lot of post. In a quick glance, after one or 2 pretty obvious errors, I gave it up.

Firstly, Luke 14:33 is not a command & certainly not a command for all of us in all times. There are some applicable points for us to consider about discipleship, here & elsewhere in our Text.

Following a Rabbi around in discipleship was not some simple matter for the masses to do. Jesus often weeded people out. He is simply telling a crowd that starts following Him (14:25) what it will take to literally & physically walk with Him as His disciples. To paraphrase a bit: Jesus had to be first priority above even family and life itself; there would be rejection, toil & suffering; you needed to prepare and make sure you can finish; you needed to be able to go through this ordeal & be victorious against odds and not soon be giving up and asking for peace. 33 is simply saying where I go, you go and you'll need to leave your stuff behind to follow Me (as some did).

There are many calls and conditions and tests. I agree with you on the leanness - it can be very refreshing and provide for great focus to be unencumbered. The test to rely on Him and prioritize Him and what He says to prioritize, can be quite the experience. But there's more to it than you're preaching.

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

I have taken it all into account there is nowhere in the Bible that Jesus says that we should keep our wealth and become rich.

1 John 2:6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

And Jesus said: Luke 9:58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Jesus did not say "Hoard it all". He did say that we should sow and reap. I know people personally who have sown and reaped houses and cars and planes - as well as the usual stuff on a small scale, i.e. someone gave his last $20 to someone else, and then another bought the giver lunch or gave him gas money from an internal prompting. The giver sowed because it was in his heart - and he reaped quickly in that case. Sometimes it takes longer.

ALL needs to be done without compulsion, as the Word says. This in an internal thing between each one and God, not something that others impose. As one becomes more of a giver, one realizes that the money or whatever he is giving keeps flowing back to him as well. We have the blessing to BE a blessing.

2 Cor 9:7
Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or from compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

[Ashley Amos]

That's a lot of post. In a quick glance, after one or 2 pretty obvious errors, I gave it up.

Firstly, Luke 14:33 is not a command & certainly not a command for all of us in all times. There are some applicable points for us to consider about discipleship, here & elsewhere in our Text.

Following a Rabbi around in discipleship was not some simple matter for the masses to do. Jesus often weeded people out. He is simply telling a crowd that starts following Him (14:25) what it will take to literally & physically walk with Him as His disciples. To paraphrase a bit: Jesus had to be first priority above even family and life itself; there would be rejection, toil & suffering; you needed to prepare and make sure you can finish; you needed to be able to go through this ordeal & be victorious against odds and not soon be giving up and asking for peace. 33 is simply saying where I go, you go and you'll need to leave your stuff behind to follow Me (as some did).


Jesus did not have anything he gave up all and was provided for by God so this is how Jesus walked this is how we must walk also he said it plain and simple to be his disciple you must give up all your possessions and sell it to the poor that is plain English.



There are many calls and conditions and tests. I agree with you on the leanness - it can be very refreshing and provide for great focus to be unencumbered. The test to rely on Him and prioritize Him and what He says to prioritize, can be quite the experience. But there's more to it than you're preaching.

The more you are speaking of is your compromise these are your additions it is very simple give up all sell your possessions and give it to the poor and rely on God’s provision or else you cannot be his disciple.

 

[Ashley Amos]

Jesus did not say "Hoard it all". He did say that we should sow and reap. I know people personally who have sown and reaped houses and cars and planes - as well as the usual stuff on a small scale, i.e. someone gave his last $20 to someone else, and then another bought the giver lunch or gave him gas money from an internal prompting. The giver sowed because it was in his heart - and he reaped quickly in that case. Sometimes it takes longer.

ALL needs to be done without compulsion, as the Word says. This in an internal thing between each one and God, not something that others impose. As one becomes more of a giver, one realizes that the money or whatever he is giving keeps flowing back to him as well. We have the blessing to BE a blessing.

2 Cor 9:7
Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or from compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

You have taken the scripture out of context the church of Achaia had promised a gift to Paul and he was telling them how to fulfilled this promise they had made, to set aside some money monthly and also to give cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

Generosity Encouraged
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.


Secondly what you were speaking of regarding reaping and sowing has nothing to do with gaining money, it is stating those who sow to the flesh meaning listen to the world philosophies will reap destruction and those who sow to the spirit meaning living by Jesus philosophies reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

 

[Ashley Amos]

When someone is full they don't think about food, but if they're hungry that's all they think about. Same with money. If you don't have enough that's all you think about. If you have enough you can think about other things. It's a blessing to not have to worry, or even think very much, about money.

Philippians chapter 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be contentwhatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

[Ashley Amos]

I have no interest in your affairs. I worked in finance and I’m more conversant on the subject. Explaining the steps you took doesn’t require divulgence.

Given your reluctance, I advise readers to connect with reputable sources like Crown Financial, Dave Ramsey, and Chris Hogan. Christian budget blogs are an excellent starting point for most. They address their process for reducing debt and biblical stewardship openly.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

It is very simple sell your possessions and give it to the poor and God will provide. If you don’t believe in God’s power and you limit God your tempting the Lord thy God. Psalm 78:41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.

 

[Ashley Amos]

I'm curious to know as well.

It is very simple sell your possessions and give it to the poor and God will provide. If you don’t believe in God’s power and you limit God your tempting the Lord thy God. Psalm 78:41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.

 

[Ashley Amos]

Just curious, did you ever respond to Bella's questions? If so, I missed it. But I have the same questions she does.

It is very simple sell your possessions and give it to the poor and God will provide. If you don’t believe in God’s power and you limit God your tempting the Lord thy God. Psalm 78:41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

It is very simple sell your possessions and give it to the poor and God will provide. If you don’t believe in God’s power and you limit God your tempting the Lord thy God. Psalm 78:41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.

You can also tempt God by doing this.

 

[Ashley Amos]

You can also tempt God by doing this.

No to tempt God is to say let’s see if he will provide for me if I do this. You have to give it up with full belief knowing that God will provide for you since that is what he said in his word.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

No to tempt God is to say let’s see if he will provide for me if I do this. You have to give it up with full belief knowing that God will provide for you since that is what he said in his word.

I believe I have already been the recipient of those blessings. I'm way too old to go through it again.

 

[Ashley Amos]

I believe I have already been the recipient of those blessings.

Wow without giving Up all. How are you the only person who can do it the other way around, not give up all and just claim that what you have sought after your whole life money food clothing was given to you by God. When Jesus is clearly stating you must first give up all and then God will add these things unto you

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Wow without giving Up all. How are you the only person who can do it the other way around, not give up all and just claim that what you have sought after your whole life money food clothing was given to you by God. When Jesus is clearly stating you must first give up all and then God will add these things unto you

That's what I mean. When I came into the church I had to give up my job. My wife and I lived in poverty for years. Thanks to my brother lending me money, and loans from the VA I didn't completely go under. She eventually left me over it. So I had little income, no family, child support to pay, etc. But I never despaired as I knew God would eventually bless me.

 

[Ashley Amos]

That's what I mean. When I came into the church I had to give up my job. My wife and I lived in poverty for years. She eventually left me over it. So I had little income, no family, etc. But I never despaired as I knew God would eventually bless me.

Ok but Jesus said Luke 16: 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

We must not stop giving it away and God will not stop providing for us.

 

[Sophrosyne]

There is one huge hole in your logic I think and it is this:
Jesus was literally asking people to follow him.... his FLESHLY body around Israel. He is no longer here in the flesh so we cannot follow his body at all and.... AND few of us are in Israel and know the exact route he took we would have to go there and walk his steps to follow him.
As for selling his stuff, if you were with him when he walked the earth you will realize that he literally fed or had everyone fed that was following him. Since we don't have Jesus giving us a free 2 piece fish dinner every day here we can't think that he will provide for all our needs thus there is no logic that we should give everything up.
Finally we see in the writings after Jesus left that even the Apostles had to rely on others to support them and they were the original ones who followed him. The church cannot support everyone if nobody works or has nothing because they gave it all away some people must have funds to help pay for buildings and bills and other expenses.

Finally the Bible says we are to love our neighbor as OURSELVES. If we don't "give" ourselves things that we need and enjoy our lives that we would give others we are loving others but NOT ourselves. In giving would we want others who aren't Christian at all (our neighbors) to give up everything? Nope because they were never commanded to do so they won't equate our love of God as but insanity so in order to reach folks that live and have stuff we have to live with them and have a certain amount of "stuff" that they can relate to us. Most rich people won't really listen to a homeless person that smells like a garbage dump wearing rags about God but they will listen to someone that has a normal appearance and is clean and has manners.

The Bible never tells us to Tithe in the New Testament but it does say we should give out of our abundance
2 Cor 8. So God desires us to have "extra" or an abundance so that we can give out of more than we need.
It doesn't say to give up everything it equates that we "need" to have things and MORE so we can give.
If you have given everything to follow Jesus now... you will have no abundance to give at all you will have nothing.