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I Hope This Can Answer Some Common Questions. With all the talk in the Bible against being “rich”or “greedy” their are numerous honest questions on the hearts of many Christians who live in a material and capitalistic society regarding the subject of money and material possessions. Some of the most common questions that truly engage the hearts of Christians today are as follows - 1. What is the Biblical definition of “rich”? Does the Bible give us a clear cut definition of what it means to be rich or greedy? 2. What if I don’t set my heart on my money or possessions? God says only He can judge my heart? How can someone else “claim” to know where my heart is in regards to my money? 3. What about the undisputable fact that Solomon (as well as Abraham, Job, and David) were all rich? 4. Different teachers and pastors say different thing on the subject of money. Who do I believe? What about the fact that there are different biblical interpretations as to how much wealth one may have before they are in spiritual trouble of being rich? Who do I believe? 5. Where are your hearts desires?
I Hope This Can Answer Some Common Questions. With all the talk in the Bible against being “rich”or “greedy” their are numerous honest questions on the hearts of many Christians who live in a material and capitalistic society regarding the subject of money and material possessions. Some of the most common questions that truly engage the hearts of Christians today are as follows - 1. What is the Biblical definition of “rich”? Does the Bible give us a clear cut definition of what it means to be rich or greedy? 2. What if I don’t set my heart on my money or possessions? God says only He can judge my heart? How can someone else “claim” to know where my heart is in regards to my money? 3. What about the undisputable fact that Solomon (as well as Abraham, Job, and David) were all rich? 4. Different teachers and pastors say different thing on the subject of money. Who do I believe? What about the fact that there are different biblical interpretations as to how much wealth one may have before they are in spiritual trouble of being rich? Who do I believe? 5. Where are your hearts desires? These questions on money and material possessions are often thought to be in that gray area of Biblical truth such as - how much is too much, whose definition of rich is right, were do you draw the line and other subjective questions subject to interpretation and opinion. I propose that the answer to these question are black and white. In answering these questions I will attempt to frequently use the teachings of others as well as my own, as not to claim I have all the answers. 1. What is the biblical definition of “rich”? Does the Bible give us a clear cut definition of what it means to be rich? Yes! The word “rich” (in context of wealth) is mentioned 33 times in the KJV New Testament. The following are two distinct times in the New Testament when the definition of “rich” can be clearly, simply and indisputably defined. The 31 other times the New Testament mentions the word rich all back up and reflect the same interpretation and sentiment of the following verses further solidifying the Biblical definition. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich...” 1 Timothy 6:8-9 To explain the words of the Apostle Paul, let us look to one of the greatest and most widely respected, theologian, preacher, biblical scholar, teacher, and evangelist of the past 500 years of Church history - John Wesley “And, First, let us consider, what it is to be rich. What does the Apostle Paul mean by this expression? The preceding verse fixes the meaning of that: "Having food and raiment," (literally coverings; for the word includes lodging as well as clothes) "let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich;" that is, who will have more than these; more than food and coverings. It plainly follows, whatever is more than these, in the sense of the Apostle Paul through the inspired Words of God, is riches; whatever is above the plain necessaries of life. Whoever has sufficient food to eat, and raiment to put on, with a place where to lay his head, and something over, is rich according to the inspired words of God given to the Apostle Paul.” John Wesley “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich...” 1 Timothy 6:8-9 “They that will be rich” are clearly those who are not content with basic “food and raiment” The Apostle Paul made sure he was so simply and plainly clear there could be no argument or alternate interpretation as to what his meaning was. Please read the entire Chapter of 1 Timothy to gain full perspective and context. And, “thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing...” Revelations 3:17 Jesus Himself enlightens us to the attitude of the Church of Laodicean the last Church addressed in Revelation and the Church that would be spewed from His mouth. In this last and final warning to His Church Jesus clearly and concisely relates the Biblical definition of “rich”. According to Jesus a “rich”person is “increased with goods” and “have need of nothing” Jesus reaffirms the Apostle Paul's and God’s definition of “rich” being“increase” beyond that of basic “need”. Ask yourself this question - Over the past year, five, ten, twenty years have you “increased with goods” or have you had “need of nothing” meaning food, clothing or shelter? If you have answer yes I have “increased with goods” or yes I have always had enough money for basic food, basic clothing or basic shelter, and have never had to rely solely on God to provide for these, than you are by the definition of the Apostle Paul, Jesus and God- “rich“, and your chances, according to Jesus Christ, of entering the Kingdom of God are more remote than a camel squeezing through the eye of a needle. John tells us these lukewarm “rich christians” will be spewed from the mouth of God. Please read all of Revelations Chapters 3 and 18 for more complete and black /white understanding, for this is by no means what so ever a gray issue in the Bible, but so simply and clearly laid out that a child can understand. I know the Truth of how the Bible defines rich and/or greedy is so completely against the capitalist, American “christian” ideology that has been force fed to us since the time of childhood, and many will have a hard time taking the Truth of the Bible to heart. These are not my definitions of rich or my Biblical interpretation of what the Bible has to say on this matter, but these definitions of rich and Biblical interpretations have been universally accepted by cross denominational pre-1900’s Theology. These definitions have been universally theologically accepted for the first 1900 years of church history and still remain in the quickly shrinking non-capitalist areas of the world today. These are absolutely not new definitions or new Biblical interpretations of the meaning of the word “rich“, they are over 2000 years old and still exist today in the non-capitalistic Church or true Body of Christ. The new gray area, subjective, capitalistic definitions and interpretations that try to explain away materialism and capitalism as Biblically justifiable are what is new. 2. . What if I don’t set my heart on my money or possessions? But God says only He can judge my heart? How can someone else claim to know where my heart is in regards to my money? Under the teachings and Gospel of Jesus every rich man “increased with goods” sets his heart on his possessions “goods” . Everyone makes personal choices as to how they spend their money every time they make a purchase. Choice is the key word - too much money? good deal? can I afford? bargain? value? feature? benefit? the choices we make inevitably and ultimately reveal where our heart is. “Now, if a man loves the Lord Jesus Christ and the souls of men more than he does his money; if, upon the whole, he prefers the glory of God and the salvation of men to his own selfish interests, it is as certain that he will cease to be “increased with goods”, and give his money to promote those objects, as it is that his will controls his actions. So that a man being rich or “increased with goods” under the gospel, when it is known that his money can be used for the glory of God and the conversion of souls, is demonstration absolute, that he loves the world supremely. To say that he is “increased with goods”, but does not set his heart upon his “goods“ --that he continues to retain his wealth, and yet does not set his heart upon it, is manifestly absurd and false. For, certainly, nothing but a supreme attachment to it could cause him to hold on to the possession of it, when every wind is loaded down with cries and beseeching to send the bread of life to those that are ready to perish” Charles Finney, Professor of Pastoral Theology and President of Oberlin College of Theology for over 40 years. Let us consider the following analogy of “The Captured Love One” first given by Finney to further solidify the point thatTo say that he is “increased with goods”, but does not set his heart upon his “goods“ --that he continues to retain his wealth, and yet does not set his heart upon it, is manifestly absurd and false. Imagine your husband, wife, son, or daughter was captured by an invading army and forced into a slave labor camp, having to endure, 16 hour brutally enforced hard labor days, little if any food and water, frequent beatings, occasional torture, and unspeakable living conditions. The invading army was more than willing to sell back all captured prisoners to their families at a fixed price. This price was far beyond the current means you and your family presently possess, including savings and resale value of all possessions currently owned. The price, however steep was possibly obtainable within the next 5 to 10 years depending on how much you were able to work and how much you were able to save. The torturing thought of your husband, wife, son, or daughter having to endure, forced hard labor, little food and water, frequent beatings, torture, and unspeakable living conditions made the sole and consuming desire of your heart the most speedy return of your loved one at any cost to yourself. Would you in this situation find yourself “increased with goods”??? What would you think of someone in this situation if you saw them out buying the latest fashions, a new more expensive house, a sweet new car or truck, expensive dinners, etc.? Do you think that, by the person in this situations choices of how they spend their money, you could tell if their heart really lies on their own selfish desires or the best interest of their poor husband, wife, son, or daughter having to endure the unimaginable horrors of a slave labor camp. Jesus said - "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;” Of course you can tell where a persons heart lies by the decisions they make with their money. This analogy helps us understand the truth and completeness which encompasses Finney's answer to the question - What if I don’t set my heart on my money or possessions? But God says only He can judge my heart? How can someone else claim to know where my heart is in regards to my money? “Now, if a man loves the Lord Jesus Christ and the souls of men more than he does his money; if, upon the whole, he prefers the glory of God and the salvation of men to his own selfish interests, it is as certain that he will cease to be rich or “increased with goods” , and give his money to promote those objects, as it is that his will controls his actions. So that a man being “increased with goods” under the gospel, when it is known that his money can be used for the glory of God and the conversion of souls, is demonstration absolute, that he loves the world supremely. To say that he is “increased with goods”, but does not set his heart upon “goods” --that he continues to retain his wealth, and yet does not set his heart upon it, is manifestly absurd and false. For, certainly, nothing but a supreme attachment to it could cause him to hold on to the possession of it, when every wind is loaded down with cries and beseeching to send the bread of life to those that are ready to perish” Although it is true that only God can “judge” our hearts, it is clear that one can claim to know where your heart is in regards to your money by what you do or don’t do with it. The act of “judging” your heart and the claim that disobedience to the Gospel and Teachings of Jesus reviles the condition of your heart are two completely different things altogether. The job of “judging “ your heart is reserved for God on the day of Judgment, and as you well know that day will come. But even a casual observer of your lifestyle may Scripturally and Biblically claim to know where you heart lies in regard to your money, and does not, even in the least, infringe upon Gods absolute right to “judge” your heart on the day of Judgment. Christens cannot use Gods absolute right to “judge” your heart on the day of Judgment, to quiet a rebuke of unscriptural capitalistic lifestyle without being guilty of twisting scripture to justify sin. 3. What about the undisputable fact that Solomon (as well as Abraham, Job, and David) were all rich? Every time I hear this question I cringe. I hope by the time you finish reading this you will too. This question often presents its self as a defense or excuse for materialism and capitalistic “christian” lifestyle. There are two gaping holes in this question or excuse which are neither logically or scripturally patchable. These next two points prove this question, defense, and excuse as silly and absurd. No self respecting Christian would ever use this defense or excuse again after knowing these two seldom talked about truths. 1. The Command had never been given in day of Solomon, Abraham, Job, or David to preach the Gospel to every person on earth. There is no reason what so ever to believe that these men could have ever even dreamed of knowing that the world could be converted in the way we know it can and must be today. There is not even the least reason to believe that Solomon, Abraham, Job, or David would have considered that their money, property, or possessions could have been used for the conversion of the world, in the sense in which we know we can use ours today. These men had never heard the Gospel of Jesus, the commands Jesus gave about our money and possessions, or the Great Commission that engulfs the hearts of Jesus’ disciples. Therefore, we have no reason to believe or to have even the flimsiest argument that if these men (Solomon, Abraham, Job, or David) kept their wealth that they preferred it to the Kingdom and Glory of God, as Jesus taught us would be the case with us and our money and possessions. To use this defense would again be clear and blatant twisting of Scripture for the purpose of placating sin and excusing disobedience to the clear and direct commands of Jesus Christ. 2. This next point relates specifically to Solomon, who is by far the most commonly mentioned name in this supposedly Biblical excuse of sin. When using this excuse for sin, one also must not only mention the enormous wealth of Solomon, but also concede to three other common and indisputable facts about this great and wise King. Firstly, Solomon was an undeniable polygamist with numerous wives. Secondly, Solomon also possessed numerous concubines. Thirdly Solomon was the owner of slaves. To use the argument - because Solomon was rich and that because Solomon could do it, then it is acceptable for modern Christians to do it - one must also be willing to also fully accept and admit that since Solomon was a polygamist, mistress keeping, slave owner, that it is acceptable for modern Christians today to also have multiple wives, keep numerous mistresses, and own slaves. Unless you are fully ready to accept and promote that it is acceptable for Christians today to be polygamist, adulterers, and slave owners, it would be absurdly hypocritical to pose the defense - because Solomon was rich and that because Solomon could do it, then it is acceptable for modern Christians to do it. What about the undisputable fact that Solomon (as well as Abraham, Job, and David) were all rich? These two points expose the gaping holes and prove these questions, defenses, and excuses as silly and absurd. No self respecting Christian would ever use this excuse in the defense of capitalistic lifestyle after knowing these two seldom talked about truths. Every time I hear this question I cringe. I hope that now you have finished reading this you will too. 4. Different teachers and pastors say different things on the subject of money. Who do I believe? What about the fact that there are different biblical interpretations as to how much wealth one may have before they are in spiritual trouble of being rich? Who do I believe? To gain clearer understanding and definitively answer this question let us return to the analogy of “The Captured Loved One” and assume that your husband, wife, son, or daughter was captured by an invading army and forced into a slave labor camp, having to endure, 16 hour brutally enforced hard labor days, little very little food and water, frequent beatings, torture, and truly nauseating living conditions. How would you behave in such a circumstance? In light of the fact that your husband , wife, son, or daughter was living life in such unspeakable condition, the soul desire of your heart would be to see the redemption of your loved one from the doom and misery of their current circumstance. Would it not be utterly useless to tell you that you could “lawfully” or “morally” purchase this or that article of clothing, or that you could “lawfully” or “morally” afford this or that luxury of life when the soul desire of your heart would be to see the redemption of your loved one from the doom and misery of their current heart wrenching circumstance. Any truly loving and devoted spouse, father, or mother would scarcely allow themselves a single pair of shoes if they were presented with such a situation. Wouldn’t you and any truly loving and devoted spouse, father, or mother practice the most ridged economy, and take a satisfaction in denying themselves everything but the absolute indispensables and most basic necessities of life, until they acquired the amount needed pay their husbands, wife's, sons, or daughters ransom? Would it not be silly and absurd for anyone to preach or tell you of the “lawfulness” or “morality” of spending your money for any purpose other than rescuing your loved one from the misery of their current condition as a slave? This would be your one all-absorbing goal. You would value your money and capital only as it would facilitate the achievement of this goal. I submit that, no wrong teaching or right teaching, in regards to the “lawfulness” or “morally” of appropriating your funds for any other purposes would alter the all consuming goal and desire of appropriating your funds towards the soul desire of your heart - the redemption of your loved one from the doom and misery of their current circumstance. Would not every penny you could spare be laid out for the promotion of your hearts desire? Through this analogy we can clearly and concisely see that if a man loves Jesus and God supremely and absolutely, if his heart truly longs for the coming prosperity of the Kingdom of God more than anything else, the question on his mind will not be weather he or his family can “lawfully” or “morally” enjoy the luxuries of a capitalistic and material lifestyle. Even if you could “lawfully” and “morally” enjoy even one of the luxuries of a capitalistic and material lifestyle, your hearts desire would never allow you to choose to do so. A Christian by the Great Commission of Jesus Christ prefers to build up the kingdom of Christ and to ease the suffering of others with his money and holds it as of no value, accept for the promotion and furthering of these goals. “Therefore, I hold it to be a certain truth, that if a man is “increased with goods”, and continues to be“increased with goods” under the gospel, there can be no other reason than that he prefers his wealth or “increased goods” to the promotion of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.” - Charles Finney 5. Where are your “hearts desires“? If the heart of a man loves the Lord Jesus Christ, the souls of fellow man, and truly desires to ease the sufferings of his fellow man more than he does his money, if, in his whole hearta person prefers the Glory of God and the salvation of his fellow man more that his worldly possessions and his own selfish interests he will most certainly not be “increased with goods”. It is indisputable that Jesus teaches us that the will of ones heart will control ones actions and decisions regarding not only money but many other aspects of life. Under the Gospel of Jesus, it is known that ones money can be used for the easing of pain and suffering of others, to bring Glory to God, and for the conversion of souls. If a man after knowing this is still “increased with goods” it is a demonstration absolutely that his heart prefers his possessions and the world over God and the Glory of Him and His Son. This statement is proof of where you heart lies in regards to your money and possessions, especially when every wind of the earth is loaded down with cries and beseeching to send the bread of life to those that are suffering and ready to perish. To truly answer the question - How do I tell where my hearts desires are? Ask yourself these questions in context to the previous paragraph and the analogy of “The Captured Loved One” 1. Would not the love in your heart for your father or mother or son or daughter in the situation of “The Captured Loved One” clearly dictate how you spend your money? 2. Does the love in your heart for Jesus clearly dictate how you spend your money, in the same capacity, eagerness, and devotions, as would the love in your heart for your captured loved one? Jesus said "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” 3.Would a casual impartial observer of your life style and way in which you spend your money be able to tell where your heart lies in regards to your captured loved one? Would the same casual impartial observer of your life style and way in which you “spend your money” be able to tell where your heart lies in regards to Jesus and His Teachings? 4. How would you expect your family members to behave in regards to money if you were the captured loved one? Imagine for 8 years you were the one working 7 days a week, 16 hours a day, being beaten and tortured in the unspeakable conditions of a slave labor camp. What would you say to your family if when you were finally released you found out they had moved to a larger more expensive house when their old one was more than sufficient, or had bought nicer more expensive cars, when the old ones were fine, or bought new clothes for the sole purpose of keeping up with the latest fashion etc. while you were living in this terrible misery and despair? Their are millions of souls who are in the miserable and torturing condition of life on earth without the love, peace and comfort of Jesus. Their are hundreds of millions of who lack the precious gift of the Blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ shed during His passion on the Cross of Calvary and are destine to eternity of unimaginable suffering. The horrors of Hell are most certainly far worse than any slave labor camp here on earth. Their are countless Christians suffering in the oppression and pain of poverty that we are directly commanded by Jesus to treat as they were Christ Himself. Is the soul desire of your heart to see the redemption and salvation of your fellow man from the doom and misery of their current circumstance. Are you a sheep or a goat? If this letter or the answers you gave to the previous questions make you feel guilty, defensive, questioning, or maybe sheds new light on some areas and ways you currently or have in the past use the talents, money, capital, God has entrusted you with, then the Holy Spirit is talking to your heart, rejoice and be glad! For conviction from the Holy Spirit is a good thing, even though it may sting and the resulting obedience may be hard, difficult, and against the common way of thinking. But if you have the taken up the notion or idea that, without doing the hard things that bring Glory to God and Further His Kingdom, and you can still strive and fight your way up and down that narrow road Jesus taught us about, you have taken up quite a wrong idea about the teachings of Jesus Christ, and what it means to be a Christian or a disciple and follower of Jesus. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is a good thing and should be embraced especially when He brings to light the hard things we must do to bring Glory to God and the furtherance of His kingdom. “He who suffers conquers, winning the crown of victory in the end” When presented with conviction from the Holy Spirit one is confronted with two choices - 1. Ignore the small still voice that tugs at his heart and attempt to excuse away or ignore the sin the Holy Spirit has brought to light Or -2. Embrace these “hard to hear” revelations as opportunity to bring Glory to God and bring Glory to the Blood of Jesus. Please if the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart don’t dismiss this blessing because it is “hard to hear” or that it is against the “easy to hear” message you have heard in the past! I beg you to freely accept the mercy, sacrifice, and blood Jesus shed in the unimaginable mists of His passion! It is of my great desire and passion that God may give me the words that prevent your heart from choosing the first choice and ignoring the still small voice of the Holy Spirit that encourages repentance. I pray that God, His will be done, please bless me with the words to encourage, if but even one, to accept the greatest gift of all, the precious Blood of Jesus shed for us on the Cross of Calvary, and to repent for the current or passed ways they have used Gods money or capital for the glory of themselves and their families instead of easing the sufferings and saving the souls of our fellow man for the Glory of God under the Great Commission given by His precious Son the Lamb Jesus Christ. It is absolutely true that only God will Judge your heart on that great and terrible day of Judgment, and I as we all well know that day will come for every man. I most humbly beg of you to not only assess the condition of your own heart, but earnestly seek the assessment of your heart by others in regards to the Biblical Truths brought to light by this letter. Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to you further with the Truth, Wisdom, and Knowledge that can only come from God. “for a man to live and die “increased with goods” , to hoard up his income and “goods”, to enjoy his wealth and “goods”, and leave his substance to his babes, is the Psalmist's definition of a wicked man who has his portion in this world.” John Wesley “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” Heb:10:26-27 (NIV) note - I have absolutely no desire to take a arrogant or angry tone in my letter, although I strive to present a clear and concise intellectual, logical, spiritual, and Biblical rebuke of capitalistic “christianity”, a case for Truth in Scripture and a renewal and reformation of Christs Body. If at any time I come across as arrogant I humbly and meekly apologize for that is truly not my attention, and I am well aware that wisdom and knowledge is of God alone. |
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