[Denny]

Hi Janet,
I was really impressed on your post, and couldn't agree more. The scripture that came to mind is Mt.6:33.
"But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Of course you should read Mt.6:25-34 to get the entire thought.

Denny

[JerryW]

Originally Posted by Paladin54

Say that a very rich man is converted to Christianity, say Donald Trump, and he wanted to follow and honor God no matter the cost. Should he give all of his possessions (and passive income sources),a and live in a humble place, or is it enough to live richly while giving joyfully?

Do you want the Bible's answer to this question? Read Mark 10:17-24.

That was Jesus' answer to one specific individual - He is not telling everyone to give all to the poor. That rich man's money was his god. He was covetous, and that was what was holding him back from coming to Jesus for salvation.

[stephanos]

Originally Posted by IM4given

I guess I am the antithesis of the "Prosperity Gospel" that is so prevalaent in apostate churches worldwide. Yes, I do believe God loves us and wants to bless us, but I believe God's blessings are quite often spritual blessings rather than material blessings. I see the Prosperty Gospel as nothing more than a "Christianized" version of that old covetous game of Keeping Up with the Joneses' - I see brothers and sisters fighting to display their wealth (and sinking themselves deeply into debt) to somehow "prove" that God loves them MORE than the other person!

I sincerely believe in these verses:

1Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.

1Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

As long as I have food on my table, clothes on my back, and a dry roof over my head I am content - I do not spend one moment of my time whining or complaining about all the things I do not have or wish I had, nor do I look at all the store sale circulars and think that its okay to run out and buy something just because "it's on sale."

To be honest, my family (especially my sister) thinks I am some kinda nut because I am like this. Is it wrong to believe this way or is it something worthy to aspire to live a frugal and simple life?

(My one luxury is this computer that I bought when I had my home based business last year.)

Good stuff! This is something else us Anabaptists stress heavily (We pretty much stress everything Matthew 5-7). We believe that the money in our bank accounts is not ours, and that we are simply stewards of God's money, and will be asked to give an account for how we used it to bear fruit in the day of Judgement. I know my eyes opened up when I realized that the money in my wallet was not mine, and that I had to use it to please my Father.

Much Love in Christ,
Stephen