The Lie of the Prosperity Gospel

[Enow]

3 John 1:2: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
ROM 8:32: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
PHIL 4:19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
2 COR 9:6-7: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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."
2 Cor 9:8: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
1 JOHN 5:14-15: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."
Matt 6:31-33: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "
2 Cor 9:10: "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."
2 Cor 8:9: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matt 7:11: "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Mark 10:29-30

[SUP]29 [/SUP]And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
[SUP]30 [/SUP]But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

We are blessed so we can be a blessing.

But we are not blessed to covet after riches for the love of money is the root of all evil.

And as some of your quoted scripture pointed out; prosperity is not confined to one's financial state in society.

So once again, if we give with the coveting heart to gain riches in return, are we really being cheerful givers or coveting gamblers? And if coveting gamblers, are we heeding the call to godliness with contentment? Nope. Not by a long shot.

So yes, God will take care of us... and some may even be blessed with riches to give to others willingly, but the prosperity gospel being used to tempt the poor to give what they need to live on in the hopes that God will return seven fold or tenfold or hundredfold is not how God would want them to give, having a coveting heart for riches.

 

[Denadii]

But we are not blessed to covet after riches for the love of money is the root of all evil.

And as some of your quoted scripture pointed out; prosperity is not confined to one's financial state in society.

So once again, if we give with the coveting heart to gain riches in return, are we really being cheerful givers or coveting gamblers? And if coveting gamblers, are we heeding the call to godliness with contentment? Nope. Not by a long shot.

So yes, God will take care of us... and some may even be blessed with riches to give to others willingly, but the prosperity gospel being used to tempt the poor to give what they need to live on in the hopes that God will return seven fold or tenfold or hundredfold is not how God would want them to give, having a coveting heart for riches.

Of course prosperity is not just financial. Whoever said it was? That's something only the Crackers and Cheese Christians claim. We do not look for prosperity to spend on ourselves. As I said in the above post. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are to be conduits for Gods blessing to others. You folks call that greed.

 

[Angela53510]

Context! It is just so missing in Word Faith posts.

I saw 3 John 2 posted twice in the last two pages as a proof text that we "must prosper."

So, context is what do the surrounding verses say, the book, the geography/history etc as applicable?

"1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 1 John 1-3

Now, verse 2 is part of a paragraph in which verse 1, 3 & 4 appear. And they are part of the salutation. In Greek culture, there was a certain format to write a formal letter, or epistle, and this was part of it. (Although sometimes not all of it was adhered to, in this case, it was!) And please be aware, this is at the beginning of 3 John, it cannot be anything else but a salutation!!

A Greek salutation contains the following:

1. The person to whom it is sent. In this case, Gaius, a personal letter. Whom John also loves in a Christian sense!
2. Greetings and wishes for health and the hope things are going well.
3. Usually something complimentary. Only the book of Galatians leaves this out, because Paul has nothing good to say to the Judiazers who are wrecking the church there. In this case, verses 3-4 describes the good word John got back about Gaius, and how it gave John great joy to hear this word!

So, verse 1 is addressed to Gaius, and so are verses 3 and 4. Verse 2 must therefore also be addressed to Gaius, not to Word of Faith adherents in our day and age. But, it would make a nice greeting for anyone to receive. Nothing wrong with that. But not a promise of health and wealth, for sure!

So, having established this salutation follows the traditional Greek letter format, what can we say about verse 2?

Certainly, John is not commanding that our souls MUST prosper and we MUST command good health. Certainly not money, In fact, the word "prosper" doesn't really even refer to money.

"Ἀγαπητέ, περὶ πάντων εὔχομαί σε εὐοδοῦσθαι καὶ ὑγιαίνειν, καθὼς εὐοδοῦταί σου ἡ ψυχή." 3 John 2.

εὐοδοῦσθαι (eudousthai) - Present Passive Infinitive from εὐοδόω (euodoo) - meaning- in the passive - to be lead along a good road, to get along well, to prosper or succeed. In other word, it is a hopeful wish, that all will be good for this person.

If you want to get very literal, the word σε or se, is the second person singular and therefore addressed to one person only - Gaius. It does not say, "I wish YOU ALL will be prosperous" or worse "You ALL can command your life to be prosperous, with health, and wealth forever." In fact, this was a common but personal greeting to the person Gaius. It was not addressed to the church in the 20th and 21st centuries, nor even a specific church in the NT. It was addressed to a single individual, that John was commending about what he had heard about him.

εὔχομαί or euchomai, further, a present, active indicative, lands more on the side of "wish" rather than prayer. The renowned lexicon, Bauer, (BDAG) puts 3 John 2 in the "wish" column. Not a prayer to God at all. Just a hopeful wish, John had for this servant of God, named Gaius. So a wish for a good life - body and soul.

The Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament by Cleon Rogers Jr. and Cleon Rogers III say on page 602:
"This was a common greeting and desire expressed in letters for the recipient to be in good health. (with 6 references) and then RAC for further information about the general concept of health and well being in the ancient world."

I would most appreciate it, if this verse was no longer used as a proof text for the Word Faith heresy. Of course, Denalii has me on ignore. Perhaps this could be "reply with quote" for him to see?

PS. I can take apart each one of the verses that Denalii and others are using as proof texts in this manner. It is easy for me, being able to read Greek. But of course, anyone who reads the Bible in context, in any translation can also figure this out, easily enough. In this case, the Greek is OBVIOUSLY NOT saying that this can ever be a proof text for Word Faith. So, kindly stop pulling it out of context! It simply is not a talisman to recite, and then you will get everything you want, that being the foundation of the entire Word Faith heresy!

 

[Enow]

Of course prosperity is not just financial. Whoever said it was? That's something only the Crackers and Cheese Christians claim. We do not look for prosperity to spend on ourselves. As I said in the above post. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are to be conduits for Gods blessing to others. You folks call that greed.

The Prosperity Gospel for how it is being preached is just a gimmick of covetous ministry to prey on the poor & needy in raising their hopes that God will prosper them if they give to the ministry to get back seven fold, ten fold, and even a hundred fold from God.

That's greedy covetous ministry talking here; nothing else. You give a $1 .. then expect $7 or $10 or $100 back from God.

Those are the kind of people that do not preach your kind of Bibilical prosperity at all.

Proverbs 23:[SUP]4 [/SUP]Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.[SUP]5 [/SUP]Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

I can apply those verses above towards the proaperity gospel.

Give not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

1 Timothy 6:[SUP]5 [/SUP]Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.[SUP] 6 [/SUP]But godliness with contentment is great gain.[SUP]7 [/SUP]For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.[SUP] 8 [/SUP]And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.[SUP]9 [/SUP]But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.[SUP]10 [/SUP]For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.[SUP]11 [/SUP]But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.[SUP] 12 [/SUP]Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.[SUP] 13 [/SUP]I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;[SUP]14 [/SUP]That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Any God fearing ministry that rely on God to provide by raising up cheerful givers, WILL NOT BE PREACHING the prosperity gospel. There would be no need to if they truly rely on God to provide, instead of appealing to the poor & needy and even well to do believers to be covetous in their givings just in the hopes that God will reward them with riches.

If God would really do that, then there would be no need to be content with what we have nor be thankful either. Who would want to have their hearts set on the things above when they can play the lottery by giving to a ministry?

So preaching the prosperity gospel of giving to get a blessing from God to specifically lift up their financial status is not really sowing to the fruits of the Spirit, but towards the works of the flesh in setting their hearts on the treasures of this life.

Give because you want to give, expecting nothing in return, and give thanks To God for what you have to be content.

 

[Zmouth]

The Prosperity Gospel for how it is being preached is just a gimmick of covetous ministry to prey on the poor & needy in raising their hopes that God will prosper them if they give to the ministry to get back seven fold, ten fold, and even a hundred fold from God.

Let me guess, worship is church service where you praise the LORD with words and songs?

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where theives break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matt 6:19-21
​

Worship is derived worth + ship, it describes the act of transferring one's worth or treasure into something one values, if you value the word of the LORD then you receive from a sower, understanding that a man can receive nothing except he receive it from heaven.

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Matt 13:8

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matt 13:23​

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:8​

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15​

But do the scriptures support the concept of worship in the context of placing one's worth or treasure into that which is valued?

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2

 

[BenFTW]

Opposition to prosperity is to be in opposition to the will of God. "How?", you ask. I will quote Russel H. Conwell, not verbatim but the gist. He said something along the lines of, "Money prints your bibles, sends your missionaries and builds your churches." Money is important and it is a tool, a tool for good. So, no, prosperity is not a lie, nor is it the Gospel. Yet it is found in God's Word.

To consider poverty as piety is to have a poverty mentality. A limitation. Dare I say it makes one a thief, robbing others of the blessing you could've been to them. That isn't sugar coated, but neither is it bitter. Its hopeful. Consider for a moment the good accomplished through wealth and the plans you can finance in the advancement of God's Kingdom.

To be a business man is honorable, and righteous. Give where the Lord says, give to His people and watch and see that He hastens to do His word.

 

[Grace777x70]

There is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. There is the gospel only and it is all about Christ. Within Christ there is prosperity and life. God doesn't give us "things" - He gives us His Son and with His Son is all things in abundance.

People that have a hard time with riches are going to be religiously shocked at the riches that are in Christ when they see Him and the kingdom of heaven when they get there.

Money/riches itself is never the real issue - it's what are you trusting in - riches or God Himself.

Most Christians because of their spiritual age couldn't handle true prosperity because their trust and life would be in what they had and not in Christ Himself.

Jesus never rebuked Joseph of Arimatheia because he was rich and he was a 'disciple" of Jesus too.

Matthew 27:57 (KJV)
[SUP]57 [/SUP] When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

I believe that God has given this earth's riches in great abundance to some in the body of Christ to fulfill His purpose within the body of Christ. In Christ - there is no such thing as lack.

To be rich means to have a full supply and in that full supply we use that to be a blessing to others. All of us Christians have "riches" because we have "Him". He is our full supply for all things.

This "poverty" mentality that has infiltrated the minds of us Christians has done great harm - just as bad as those that say "God wants us all to be millionaries". Both are off and destructive in my opinion.

 

[Zmouth]

Context! It is just so missing in Word Faith posts.

I saw 3 John 2 posted twice in the last two pages as a proof text that we "must prosper."

So, context is what do the surrounding verses say, the book, the geography/history etc as applicable?

"1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 1 John 1-3

Now, verse 2 is part of a paragraph in which verse 1, 3 & 4 appear. And they are part of the salutation. In Greek culture, there was a certain format to write a formal letter, or epistle, and this was part of it. (Although sometimes not all of it was adhered to, in this case, it was!) And please be aware, this is at the beginning of 3 John, it cannot be anything else but a salutation!!

A Greek salutation contains the following:

1. The person to whom it is sent. In this case, Gaius, a personal letter. Whom John also loves in a Christian sense!
2. Greetings and wishes for health and the hope things are going well.
3. Usually something complimentary. Only the book of Galatians leaves this out, because Paul has nothing good to say to the Judiazers who are wrecking the church there. In this case, verses 3-4 describes the good word John got back about Gaius, and how it gave John great joy to hear this word!

So, verse 1 is addressed to Gaius, and so are verses 3 and 4. Verse 2 must therefore also be addressed to Gaius, not to Word of Faith adherents in our day and age. But, it would make a nice greeting for anyone to receive. Nothing wrong with that. But not a promise of health and wealth, for sure!

So, having established this salutation follows the traditional Greek letter format, what can we say about verse 2?

Certainly, John is not commanding that our souls MUST prosper and we MUST command good health. Certainly not money, In fact, the word "prosper" doesn't really even refer to money.

"Ἀγαπητέ, περὶ πάντων εὔχομαί σε εὐοδοῦσθαι καὶ ὑγιαίνειν, καθὼς εὐοδοῦταί σου ἡ ψυχή." 3 John 2.

εὐοδοῦσθαι (eudousthai) - Present Passive Infinitive from εὐοδόω (euodoo) - meaning- in the passive - to be lead along a good road, to get along well, to prosper or succeed. In other word, it is a hopeful wish, that all will be good for this person.

If you want to get very literal, the word σε or se, is the second person singular and therefore addressed to one person only - Gaius. It does not say, "I wish YOU ALL will be prosperous" or worse "You ALL can command your life to be prosperous, with health, and wealth forever." In fact, this was a common but personal greeting to the person Gaius. It was not addressed to the church in the 20th and 21st centuries, nor even a specific church in the NT. It was addressed to a single individual, that John was commending about what he had heard about him.

εὔχομαί or euchomai, further, a present, active indicative, lands more on the side of "wish" rather than prayer. The renowned lexicon, Bauer, (BDAG) puts 3 John 2 in the "wish" column. Not a prayer to God at all. Just a hopeful wish, John had for this servant of God, named Gaius. So a wish for a good life - body and soul.

The Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament by Cleon Rogers Jr. and Cleon Rogers III say on page 602:
"This was a common greeting and desire expressed in letters for the recipient to be in good health. (with 6 references) and then RAC for further information about the general concept of health and well being in the ancient world."

I would most appreciate it, if this verse was no longer used as a proof text for the Word Faith heresy. Of course, Denalii has me on ignore. Perhaps this could be "reply with quote" for him to see?

PS. I can take apart each one of the verses that Denalii and others are using as proof texts in this manner. It is easy for me, being able to read Greek. But of course, anyone who reads the Bible in context, in any translation can also figure this out, easily enough. In this case, the Greek is OBVIOUSLY NOT saying that this can ever be a proof text for Word Faith. So, kindly stop pulling it out of context! It simply is not a talisman to recite, and then you will get everything you want, that being the foundation of the entire Word Faith heresy!

"... not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Cor 3:6

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thess 2:13


"For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it." Eccl 7:12

 

[PennEd]

Opposition to prosperity is to be in opposition to the will of God. "How?", you ask. I will quote Russel H. Conwell, not verbatim but the gist. He said something along the lines of, "Money prints your bibles, sends your missionaries and builds your churches." Money is important and it is a tool, a tool for good. So, no, prosperity is not a lie, nor is it the Gospel. Yet it is found in God's Word.

To consider poverty as piety is to have a poverty mentality. A limitation. Dare I say it makes one a thief, robbing others of the blessing you could've been to them. That isn't sugar coated, but neither is it bitter. Its hopeful. Consider for a moment the good accomplished through wealth and the plans you can finance in the advancement of God's Kingdom.

To be a business man is honorable, and righteous. Give where the Lord says, give to His people and watch and see that He hastens to do His word.

C'mon Ben. I have seen some mammoth strawmen erected here over the years, but THIS one is right up there!

Opposition to prosperity is to be in opposition to the Will of God.

Who is opposed to prosperity? And who is opposed to using that prosperity to further the Kingdom?

The opposition comes from the concept that prosperity comes to God's children in the form of wealth, health, and worldly security.
THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE.

I have seen with my own eyes incredibly "prosperous" people in Spirit and love, living in glorified dog houses. Who would willingly give me their ONLY shirt off their back if I asked.

The Lord has blessed them with gifts most of us in our dog eat dog world SAY we strive to attain.

The Lord sometimes WILL use OUR prosperity for HIS Glory. I saw a crippled 8 year old boy, abandoned by his parents, raised by his loving, but incapable hands, receive an operation from because his prosperous brothers and sisters from another country used their resources for God's Glory. He now walks, has gained 40 lbs. and has a permanent smile on his face.

Others there Glory God even though they HAVEN'T been healed, edifying us just as strongly as the boy.

The point is, they and we, ALL had faith that God's Will would be done. Regardless of the outcome.

 

[Enow]

Let me guess, worship is church service where you praise the LORD with words and songs?

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where theives break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matt 6:19-21
​

Worship is derived worth + ship, it describes the act of transferring one's worth or treasure into something one values, if you value the word of the LORD then you receive from a sower, understanding that a man can receive nothing except he receive it from heaven.

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Matt 13:8

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matt 13:23​

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 8:8​

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15​

Your use of Jesus's parable of the sower is not about how we give, but how those receive Him, the seed, and how they lived with Him in this life.
​

​

What makes you think God values money or the treasures of this world for you to have worship with Him?

Psalm 51:[SUP]16 [/SUP]For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.[SUP]17 [/SUP]The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

​

But do the scriptures support the concept of worship in the context of placing one's worth or treasure into that which is valued?

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2

I believe the poor shepherds came, not bringing gifts, but they had worshiped Him anyway.

It is your life that is valued to the Lord; not the things He has provided you temporarily for this life.

Little children are free to come to the Lord... what do they have? That they want to be with Him. How does Jesus value them in how they receive the kingdom of God? All they can do is trust Him at His word. That is how they enter in; and that is how God prefers us to worship Him too. It pleases God to believe in Him.

 

[so-jesus-e-deus]

Context! It is just so missing in Word Faith posts.

Concordo. Todos devemos analisar o contexto.

 

[so-jesus-e-deus]

Context! It is just so missing in Word Faith posts.

I agree. We ought to analise the context. After all, the verse out of context becomes a pretext.
Sorry for my mistake in the previous post. I could not fix.

 

[Angela53510]

I agree. We ought to analise the context. After all, the verse out of context becomes a pretext.
Sorry for my mistake in the previous post. I could not fix.

I could read most of it, but checked google translate to be sure! I do agree, and I like that little maxim. I may use it! Thanks!

 

[Denadii]

Keeping in mind of course that Context is not the only factor involved....What does the Holy Spirit say to you?

 

[Angela53510]

Keeping in mind of course that Context is not the only factor involved....What does the Holy Spirit say to you?

The Holy Spirit never pulls verses out of context. Or, even worse, makes up a bunch of extra Biblical stuff that contradict the Bible, such as keep getting posted in the BDF.

Not talking about you, this time, but certain others who keep posting stuff that directly contradicts not just the Bible, but the actual verses being discussed. Eg, Satan came after Job because he sinned, and dwelled on it! Totally poppycock!

 

[Zmouth]

Your use of Jesus's parable of the sower is not about how we give, but how those receive Him, the seed, and how they lived with Him in this life.

So in one word can you describe the 'word of God'?

What makes you think God values money or the treasures of this world for you to have worship with Him?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.Mark 7:6


For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matt 6:21

I believe the poor shepherds came, not bringing gifts, but they had worshiped Him anyway.


It is your life that is valued to the Lord; not the things He has provided you temporarily for this life.

Little children are free to come to the Lord... what do they have? That they want to be with Him. How does Jesus value them in how they receive the kingdom of God? All they can do is trust Him at His word. That is how they enter in; and that is how God prefers us to worship Him too.

[video=youtube;dZvjPCcHI4g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZvjPCcHI4g[/video]

It pleases God to believe in Him.

Without 'faith' it is impossible to please God.

 

[Jackson123]

Opposition to prosperity is to be in opposition to the will of God. "How?", you ask. I will quote Russel H. Conwell, not verbatim but the gist. He said something along the lines of, "Money prints your bibles, sends your missionaries and builds your churches." Money is important and it is a tool, a tool for good. So, no, prosperity is not a lie, nor is it the Gospel. Yet it is found in God's Word.

To consider poverty as piety is to have a poverty mentality. A limitation. Dare I say it makes one a thief, robbing others of the blessing you could've been to them. That isn't sugar coated, but neither is it bitter. Its hopeful. Consider for a moment the good accomplished through wealth and the plans you can finance in the advancement of God's Kingdom.

To be a business man is honorable, and righteous. Give where the Lord says, give to His people and watch and see that He hastens to do His word.

the problem is God instruct not to store up earthly treasures. It is instruction

matt 6

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

[so-jesus-e-deus]

Ecclesiastes 9:[SUP]10 [/SUP]Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.[SUP]11 [/SUP]I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

This is true but has to be seen in it's proper context. Eccl. is speaking from a man's viewpoint who has seen life without God. All is vanity. Time and chance are the way unsaved man sees life. Yes, this is true. But should not be the way us believers see and live 'our' lives. We have God the Father and Jesus righteousness and therefore covered by Him when we trust Him.

"Time and chance happeneth to them all" because Jesus puts before each one what he needs to fulfill his mission. Unfortunately, most seek Jesus in unbelief, certain that He will not give what is necessary, and thus ends up not preparing properly for the blessing.

 

[pottersclay]

"Time and chance happeneth to them all" because Jesus puts before each one what he needs to fulfill his mission. Unfortunately, most seek Jesus in unbelief, certain that He will not give what is necessary, and thus ends up not preparing properly for the blessing.

How does one seek in unbelief? Don't quite understand that.

 

[so-jesus-e-deus]

How does one seek in unbelief? Don't quite understand that.

To illustrate this, we make the following comparison:

Prayer of the unbeliever: "Jesus, do not let anything bad happen to me."
If Jesus responds to this prayer, no bandit will be converted, since we are praying to keep him away from us who are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6.19; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
On the other hand, if we truly believe that where sin abounded, grace overflowed (Romans 5:20), we will pray as Elisha spoke with the king of Israel:
“…let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (2Kings 5.8).


Prayer of the unbeliever: "Jesus, transforms the life of my spouse (or son, neighbor, boss, etc.)."
If Jesus answers this prayer, He will have to rape them. Why do they have to be the way we think they should be? Perhaps they were placed in our lives just to be who they are so that as we look at them we see what kinds of thoughts and feelings flow within us, and so, we think seriously about our transformation so that the Kingdom of the Heavens may be present within us.