Some people see the pastor and his wife at my church all the time and the first thing they think is that there rich and the congregation is poor. What they don’t know is that the pastor’s wife is a doctor, the people in the church are business owners, doctors, lawyers, stock brokers, real estate executives, etc., etc. These are people who serve God, and give to God’s house, therefore the house continues to grow in abundance!
Why would God want his people to live any other way than well off? Not saying we all have to be filthy rich, but some are and what’s wrong with that? You DO NOT have to be poor to serve God!
God blesses the work of your hands!
Psalm 128:
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
2007-06-08 05:49:51 · 7 answers · asked by THe T 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
MLF- It cost to get Gods word around the world. TV networks don’t allow Bible programs on air for free. Having electricity in the church, air conditioning, food for the visitors, food for feeding the homeless is not free. God knows this and that’s why when we give we receive in abundance. When you give more you receive more. Having more allows you to do more for God.
2007-06-08 06:51:08 · update #1
Probably because they hate the church, dont want to give anything back to God. Most of them dont have preacher friends and have never known one well enough to make such judgments.
I dont think God so much cares how comfortable we are, but that he cares that we are taken care of in general and especially spiritually which is the most important.
2007-06-08 06:01:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible says that is easier for a camel to walk through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. I believe this verse can be found in at least 3 different places in the new testament.
Jesus even said that a rich person should sell of all of their possessions and give the money to the poor.
One of the major themes of the new testament is to go preach and teach the good news of Jesus rather than sit around collecting wealth.
2007-06-08 13:00:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was forced to go to a church where the pastor cried poverty but drove a new Cadillac every 2 years. They would raise money for something like a "new sign", something that MIGHT cost $200, and have that little thermostat thing set at $10,000!!! the horrible thing is, they would GET IT!!!
THIS is why I make this generalization. Many people I know have had this same experience, and they were different "churches". It's an educated generalization.
2007-06-08 12:57:29 · answer #3 · answered by Some Lady 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are o.k with people seeking money (which is clearly against Jesus' teachings) and against gays and lesbians, because the book of Leviticus says they should be stoned to death. Do you also support this passage from Timothy?
"But I permit not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man but to be in silence, for Adam was first formed then Eve. And Adam was not deceived but the woman being greatly deceived was in the transgression. Nevertheless, she shall be saved through child bearing if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control."
One more passage for you:
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24)
Do progressive Christians like me pick and choose? Do conservative Christians pick and choose even more?
Peace be with you
2007-06-09 01:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by Colin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because organized religion is a business just like fast food restuarants. They all claim to to have the "best" way to salvation. Not all preachers are in it for the money, but show me one who would turn down a larger salary and stay with his small "poor" church.
Full time paid clergy is one of the worse things that ever happened to the Church. They water down the truth because they might lose their job. They adopt all sorts of worldly activities and call it righteous. They build huge buildings as momuments to themselves. I speak of ONLY the guilty....if the shoe fits, wear it.
God wants His people to be rich... rich in love,,, mercy,,, forgiveness... none of which requires one red cent, but costs more than most people are willing to give.
2007-06-08 13:16:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are there no poor in your town?? It sounds like some country club..
2007-06-08 12:53:28 · answer #6 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Your off the wall humor is quite funny. Thanks. If I thought that you were serious, I would laugh even more, but I can't presume that far now.
2007-06-08 13:45:14 · answer #7 · answered by Fred 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋