Freely ye have received, freely give

[Dino246]

That too is for our instruction. Because Judas refused to truly repent, he hanged himself and thus became the Son of Perdition.

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12)

I think you misunderstood me. At no time did I assert that any of Scripture is not for our instruction... far from it. I asserted that just because something is recorded in Scripture does not mean that we are to consider it directive. Cain murdered; Abraham lied; David committed adultery; an unnamed prophet blasphemed. Are we to consider these "instructive" as you used the term? Yes, of course. Are we to consider them directive, as I used the term? No.

So... once again, narrative is not necessarily directive. Next time, please at least try to understand what I'm stating before responding.

 

[joaniemarie]

MattforJesus, you are making a simple but common hermeneutical error. You are assuming that because the Bible reports something, that such is directive or didactic (teaching) and applicable to all Christians. There is nothing in either of these passages to commend the generous behavior in Acts, or to condemn the wealth in Revelation.

In Acts, the believers did such things ... no instruction to do so, and no criticism for not doing so. The Lord's judgment came upon those who pretended to conform without actually doing so, and lied about their actions.

In Revelation, the problem was not wealth per se, but rather the idea that their wealth was sufficient, and that they had no need of anything else (God, specifically).

It's generally a bad idea to make doctrine from narrative, unless the narrative contains clear instruction. Passages such as these must be balanced against the narratives of Abraham, David, Solomon, and others in Scripture who were very wealthy and were not condemned simply for their wealth. Neither having wealth nor being poor are, by themselves, good or bad.

Excellent post and answer about the saints in Acts Dino., I agree with what you say here except to make a clarification about the last part concerning being poor. Being poor and needy is not a good thing because it means we lack. Jesus came and along with giving us salvation of our souls and a new spirit., He also promises to take care of us here and now so we do not lack. "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not lack"

[SUP]1 [/SUP]The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
[SUP]
2 [/SUP]He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
[SUP]
3 [/SUP]He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
[SUP]
4 [/SUP]Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
[SUP]
5 [/SUP]You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [SUP][a][/SUP]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
[SUP]
6 [/SUP]Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.


Lack is not something for the believer to deal with because we have a Good Shepherd who is committed to the watch care of the sheep. For years I have believed like many Christians that lack is just a part of life and learning to lack in this life is training me to go without so I can learn to trust God.

(this does not make sense)

Because what that actually did was cause me to wrongly fend for myself. Believing that Jesus was not going to take care of me while I was here on earth as well as when I get to heaven was wrong. He honors our total dependence on Him and will take over the handling of all our physical AND spiritual needs if we let Him.

As part of learning to walk by faith., we should be learning how not to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Where to find shelter., healing or how to pay a bill. He will provide all our needs as we give each one all over to Him.

We will not lack when we trust Him with our lives. And actually., seeing Jesus take over my life has taught me that since He will do so now., how much greater and higher His provisions are in the life to come!? He has provided for us and given us all things pertaining to life and Godliness.

 

[Dino246]

Judas went out and hanged himself.

Any other silly notions you care to assert?

I apologize for the snarky comment bolded above. It was not appropriate.