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Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. | |
We went in the wrong direction. |
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Chapter 14 - Resource management
Some come to possess wealth without seeking it such as with inheritance or windfall. For the Christian a question arises as to how the resources that constitute wealth are to be administered. There will be no end to those who would suggest ways and reasons to distribute wealth. Some going so far as to advocate communism. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; - Acts 2:44 However, the example of the early church in Jerusalem is not so much an example of the preferred method of church organization as it is an example of surviving persecution. We know from the example of the bind man’s parents that there was fear of being expelled from the synagogue. This most likely also entailed social and economic ostracization. As the pooled money was exhausted, the church survived through contributions from other churches. We understand that there is a principle of being responsible to provide support for one’s own family. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. - 1 Timothy 5:8 We also know that wealth administration can involve investment. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. - Matthew 25:27 There are requirements for charity. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. - Romans 12:13 There is also a principle to invest in the world after this one. 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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. - 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Sometimes adversity for some Christians is an opportunity for others to minister to them and in so doing obtain heavenly reward. God’s grace provides the sufficiency for our ministry. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 |
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