Christians and Wealth

Frott Scost said:
Over the past couple weeks, engaging in conversations with folks in this subsection, there have been many conversations where people who identify as Christians are defending billionaires, billion dollar corporations and their own greed and way of life. People who s#!t on others not so fortunate to defend people so greedy they would take everything if they could. They say they will not change their own lifestyles for the benefit of others. There are a lot of things in the bible that can be up for interpretation, but when it comes to wealth and being rich (and slavery) the bible makes it pretty damn clear what Jesus thinks about wealth and being rich and people who think this way. Im not sure if these people have not read their bible or they just dont care, but here are some scripture passages to review so you can at least attempt to live and think the way Jesus wants. Or just denounce your christianity and live and think the way you want. But you cant have both because Jesus is pretty damn clear on this issue. Like Gandhi once said “Id be a Christian if it were not for the Christians. I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ”

Luke 16:14-15

First Timothy 6:10

Matthew 6:24

Matthew 19:23-26 “"I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Click to expand...


***LONG POST WARNING, LOL***

I'm a Christian, and very involved in my church.  Been waiting on a post like this, because I think it validates exactly what I'm about to say on so many things.  Very happy that yesterday's sermon preacher was right on this road with the following quote:

"Religion can get us part of the way, but our belief and faith in God comes first.  Religion has us all torn up!"

So true! 

Paul wrote to Timothy and stated that the Bible was for "Doctrine, reproof, rebuke, instruction in righteousness.."  Keep in mind, that Paul (a preacher) was writing to Timothy (a YOUNG preacher)...context matters.

For those that are keeping up, that means

  • Instruction (Strong's) : 1319 didaskalía ("teach") – properly applied-teaching; Christian doctrine (teaching) as it especially extends to its necessary lifestyle.
  • Inner Reflection (Strong's) : 1650 élegxos ("test") – inner conviction focuses on God confirming His in-birthing of faith
  • Admonishment (Strong's) : 1882 epanórthōsis ("correct,  make straight") - correction, reformation, setting straight (right) again.
  • Spiritual Teaching with Growth Toward Spiritual Maturity: 3809 (paideía) properly, instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity), AND 1343 ( dikaiosýnē) - judicial approval (the verdict of approval); in the NT, the approval of God

Nowhere in Paul's letter to Timothy did he say, "If these people are out of line, then you judge them harshly."  People use the Bible like a crutch when they want to make something they say stick when it comes to religious beliefs - but they misuse the context. 

Paul also wrote and told Timothy the following:

2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
 

So, the #1 problem with folks as described above?  They don't know the Word of God like they SAY that they do.

If they did, we wouldn't be having this conversation....right?

So...with all of this being said, here are a few points that are basic beliefs to a true "Christian":

  • God granted mankind free will over his actions.
  • Man's ability of free will gives him the ability to make up his own darn mind.
  • God does not FORCE anyone to believe in Him....it is a conscious choice that one must come to on a personal level.
  • Jesus Christ was run out of his own home for having some very progressive ideas, but those in power chose to hang onto that power.
  • God has outlined the role of mankind as it pertains to His message of spreading the gospel to others.  Nowhere in that charge does it say, "Make laws and judge so that you can tell people how to live and what to do."
  • The average "Christian" has done little to no original language study of the Bible (or in that matter, study).  Context matters, and Ye Old King's English wasn't the original language of the Bible.




 
Last edited by a moderator:
alexhortdog95 said:
***LONG POST WARNING, LOL***

I'm a Christian, and very involved in my church.  Been waiting on a post like this, because I think it validates exactly what I'm about to say on so many things.  Very happy that yesterday's sermon preacher was right on this road with the following quote:

"Religion can get us part of the way, but our belief and faith in God comes first.  Religion has us all torn up!"

So true! 

Paul wrote to Timothy and stated that the Bible was for "Doctrine, reproof, rebuke, instruction in righteousness.."  Keep in mind, that Paul (a preacher) was writing to Timothy (a YOUNG preacher)...context matters.

For those that are keeping up, that means

  • Instruction (Strong's) : 1319 didaskalía ("teach") – properly applied-teaching; Christian doctrine (teaching) as it especially extends to its necessary lifestyle.
  • Inner Reflection (Strong's) : 1650 élegxos ("test") – inner conviction focuses on God confirming His in-birthing of faith
  • Admonishment (Strong's) : 1882 epanórthōsis ("correct,  make straight") - correction, reformation, setting straight (right) again.
  • Spiritual Teaching with Growth Toward Spiritual Maturity: 3809 (paideía) properly, instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity), AND 1343 ( dikaiosýnē) - judicial approval (the verdict of approval); in the NT, the approval of God

Nowhere in Paul's letter to Timothy did he say, "If these people are out of line, then you judge them harshly."  People use the Bible like a crutch when they want to make something they say stick when it comes to religious beliefs - but they misuse the context. 

Paul also wrote and told Timothy the following:

2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
 

So, the #1 problem with folks as described above?  They don't know the Word of God like they SAY that they do.

If they did, we wouldn't be having this conversation....right?

So...with all of this being said, here are a few points that are basic beliefs to a true "Christian":

  • God granted mankind free will over his actions.
  • Man's ability of free will gives him the ability to make up his own darn mind.
  • God does not FORCE anyone to believe in Him....it is a conscious choice that one must come to on a personal level.
  • Jesus Christ was run out of his own home for having some very progressive ideas, but those in power chose to hang onto that power.
  • God has outlined the role of mankind as it pertains to His message of spreading the gospel to others.  Nowhere in that charge does it say, "Make laws and judge so that you can tell people how to live and what to do."
  • The average "Christian" has done little to no original language study of the Bible (or in that matter, study).  Context matters, and Ye Old King's English wasn't the original language of the Bible.
Click to expand...
:clap

 
Back
Top