money

Blog for Podcast #115 (money vs God)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

The other day I ran into a new excuse as to why to keep one’s wealth. Before I get into that. I will concede this fact. That in today’s society and system we live within, it makes all slaves to our incomes.

However, this does not excuse those that come to a true awareness of the teachings within the Bible. Now as to the excuse. The person used these verses to be encouraged by using more of their wealth for themselves then for God.

1 Timothy 5:8 – But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Provide – G4306 – pronoeó – to foresee, look out for beforehand

Now just so we are all on the same page. All should agree that if you start a family they need to be cared for. However, we must also agree with what Christ Himself said:

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Most now days ignore these words from Jesus Christ, now I understand one more excuse for it.

We have to work by degrees. We must balance our lives even more so than at any time in the past. Mainly because of how the need for money has come to be the master of the world system. Which has entrapped not only humanity but Christendom. Because of this they have forgotten these important verses that I keep being forced to go back to time and again:

Luke 16:14-15 – Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

This is why there is a need for balance, for moderation from those that profess to being “Christian.” Living within our financial boundaries. Not seeking after that which is beyond our control.

A trend I myself was guilty of was purchasing a new car every four to five years. This put me in a financial bind, which led to another bind then another. Entrapping me, enslaving me to money. This cycle continued for decades. Why?

Because I was not following the Bible. I was not following God.

Finally, I did start to listen. I kept a car for a decade, removed Credit Card debt. Bought items that were cheaper, but kept my family cared for. If I financed, I made it short term if possible and paid it off before I pursued something new that was actually needed. Not wanted, needed.

I grew up in a household that sought after bigger, better, finer. They too professed to being “Christian” yet did what 1 John 2 told us not to do. I had fallen into the trap that so many that now profess to being “Christian” now do.

Why?

Because I did not know the Bible as well as I should. I have changed that part of it. I studied the Bible like I have never done before. Which in turn has given me insight into how we are to pursue our lives here in this temporal realm of existence.

I followed that important teaching that shows I wish to be a follower of Christ.

Luke 14:25-32 – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

The cost of discipleship. The true cost is to stop seeking after the world. Stop seeking after that which the world prizes. Not to focus on our wants and desires. To live solely on what is required to make it to the next day but take no more. Not comforts, not luxuries. Not earthly entertainments.

Did I get rid of it all? No. I do not live as a monk of the days of old, but I live a modest and unassuming life. I live in an RV full-time with my wife and my dog.

Do I think all should live this way?

That is not for me to say. Each person must come to their place within the Body of Christ if they truly seek to be His disciple. However, we have the story of the young rich man. Told in three different gospels. Yet most reject what is being said within it.

The young man follows the teachings of the Bible. He follows all the commandments. So do many that profess to being Christian today. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ said this was not enough. More was required to truly be called a disciple of His:

Mark 10:21 – Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

Most do not do this. They believe it has no place in their life. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. For what is it that the young rich man did?

Mark 10:22 – But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

He turned his back upon Jesus Christ. Millions do this very same thing every day. Nonetheless they on the other hand still believe they are right with God and His Son. Yet Christ makes it clear that they are not welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven:

Mark 10:23 – Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

Why? Because they must have their comforts, they must have their luxuries, they must have their money. I return to Matthew chapter six once again:

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

They are saying otherwise, they are saying it is not black and white. Not hot and cold. What does this make them then?

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

They are spit from the Body of Christ. They have turned their backs upon their salvation and chosen the world over God. They have chosen money over God. However, they still go to church. They still sing hymns and with all their hearts believe they are saved.  Believe they are going to heaven.

What is the final things Christ says about this issue about riches?

Mark 10:29-31 – “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

A key statement is made here:

“Along with persecution”

If people do not live in persecution. If they are not attacked for what they believe or say about the Word of God or how they live for Christ. Then they are not walking the path of salvation, but of comfort and leisure and point of fact money. They are on the wide path and not the narrow one.

Matthew 7:13 -14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

So, their god is not the Creator of this universe, but that which gives them satisfaction here in this fleeting existence we all must endure until we are called into the presence of God.

There are only two ways this calling can be accomplished. One way is in robes of white. The are other is to be standing before the Great White Throne in shock and bewilderment. For most believed they are truly “Christian.” Yet they will find themselves standing there anyway, defending themselves and seeing if their name has remained in the Book of Life or if it was removed by Jesus Christ Himself.

Revelation 3:1-6 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. 4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. 6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #92a (The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth) Part 2 Conclusion

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

Today as we continue our study of “The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth.” We will start with a study of some verses from the Gospel of Luke, and we will see where the Holy Spirit leads us in today’s podcast from there.

Luke 16:1-13 – Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. 2 So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’ 3 “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. 4 Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’ 5 “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ 6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.’ 7 “‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’ 8 “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. 9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

We will start in on Christ’s description of His parable from verses 9 – 13. Therefore, I will restate them in the KJV:

Luke 16:9-13 – And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Most of the verses here have importance to those that profess to being a follower of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, we will take a look at those that will cause people to think from different perspectives. We will start with verse eleven from the Amplified Bible classic

16:11 – Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches?

Once again in the KJV so we can do a breakdown of certain words:

Luke 16:11 – If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Ye have not – G3756 – ou, ouk, ouch – no or not

Faithful – G4103 – pistos – objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful, faithful, reliable.

Unrighteous – G94 – adikos – unjust, by extension wicked by implication treacherous

Mammon – G3126 – mamónas – (Aramaic) riches, money, possessions, property

Will commit to your trust – G4100, G5213

               G4100 – pisteuó – to believe, entrust

               G5213 – humin – you

The takeaway from the translation:

If a person has not been trustworthy with their earthly riches, possessions and property how can they be trusted with those heavenly rewards yet to come.

What does this mean?

For that we look to Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

Verses 18 in the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:18 – That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Now we will break this down.

That they do good – G14 – agathoergeó – do good: I work that which is good, perform good deeds.

Good – G2570 – kalos – beautiful, good. Properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is valuable, virtuous.

Works – G2041 (G1511)

               G2041 – ergon – to work, toil, an act – deed, labor

               G1511 – einai – am, was, come, is, there is, to be, was

ready to distribute – G2130 – eumetadotos – ready to impart, good at imparting

               impart – to grant a part or share of. to give; bestow; communicate

willing to communicate – G2843 – koinónikos – willing to share, sociable, ready to communicate, beneficent.

Per the TDNT when these two words are combined as seen in this verse, these two words mean this: “He who gladly gives others a share.”

Therefore, this verse comes out saying:

They do good works that are virtuous who gladly gives others a share of their earthly riches.

Now most do not do this. They say they tithe their ten percent. They cling to the majority of their money and claim it as their rewards, and none are welcome to a share. Simply they have not been faithful with their corrupt riches. For it is made clear that to be faithful they must share most of it and joyfully.

Those who insist upon keeping their wealth. Using a majority share for their own wants and desires are poor stewards of their money. So, they are showing they cannot be trusted with their heavenly rewards. This is why we see this said in verse thirteen:

Luke 16:13 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

By seeking after more and more. Seeking after wealth, luxuries. Fancy clothes, possessions. Those that do this are enslaved to money. They do not serve God, even though in their eyes they believe they are. The Glorified Jesus Christ sent a letter to them:

Revelation 3:14-22 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

The key element in the description of the lukewarm:

Revelation 3:17 – You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

“You say, I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!”

Does this not describe those that are enslaved to money and not God?

Do they not profess to being “Christian,” yet they insist upon having all their wealth for their own comforts and desires?

The Bible shows they are to give most away and to do it gladly, as stated earlier. Yet right now if they are still reading this, or listening to this. They are getting angry and protesting.

1 Timothy 6:4-10 -Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

“To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.”

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

Later in Luke 16 this is said:

Luke 16:14-15 – The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. 15 Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.

Wealth, status, possessions and the seeking after them is seen as detestable in the sight of God.

Are people willing to accept their short comings?

Time is running out. For His return is nigh.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #92 (The Biblical teaching for those that have earthly wealth) Part 1

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, message, Relationship, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

One of the greatest challenges I have encountered, in having people accept the truth of the Word of God, is the fact that people cling to what has been handed down from one generation to the next. Which is to show how successful one can be and how they can gather wealth unto themselves and pass it on to the next generation. They honestly believe with all their hearts that they are living and acting in a way that is seen as good and right before the Lord.

In today’s message and study. We will examine what the Bible says about having wealth. To do this we will start in the first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

So, I am here to do as the Bible says to do. To teach those that have wealth how they are to become closer unto their Savior Jesus Christ. To that we must go deeper into these verses. Verse by verse. To start this, we will go to the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:17 – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

The first thing we are to look at is the phrase: “rich in this world.”

World – G3568 & G165

G3568 – nun – now, the present, this time

G165 – aión – an age, the world, a specific period, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age

Therefore, a more accurate translation would be rich in this temporal reality we now live in.

Those that have wealth are to do the following with their wealth:

First: That they be not highminded.

Highmindeed – G5309 – hupsélophroneó – to be lofty in mind, that is, arrogant, proud

Arrogant – unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people. Per Cambridge Dictionary

Second: not to trust in your earthly wealth, but to trust in God. For God gives us all that is required to be happy.

There are those that take “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” to mean possessions and material objects. But that goes against the words of Jesus Christ Himself:

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

It simply means God will give us all that is required to be happy in this world and in the eternity yet to come.

1 Timothy 6:18 – That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

In this verse there are four more directives. Accordingly, the next would the:

Third: That they do good

Good – G14 – agathoergeó – do good deed, to work good.

In simpler terms do good works as shown in James 2:14-26, for faith alone is nothing.

Fourth: that since you are rich in worldly wealth you should be just as rich in good works. Because you have the worldly wealth to be able to give more, to do more works than those that do not have earthly wealth.

Here people will protest and complain. For their wealth is tied up in their house, their car, their clothing. Etc.

That is just the point. Let us look at proverbs 30:

Proverbs 30:7-9 – O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

You are living in too big of a house. You are diving too expensive of a car, and your clothes are more than is required by someone who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. For who truly cares about their looks in this world?

Matthew 6:28-32 – “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

So, you equate yourself to unbelievers by protesting what is being said here. What does that make you then?

Revelation 3:15-17 – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked

You have just openly declared either verbally or in your own thoughts that you are the lukewarm.

That is why following this teaching if you have worldly wealth is so important…. So let us continue.

Fifth – ready to distribute

Distribute – G2130 – eumetadotos – willingly sharing, ready to impart, generous

This means that you are to live modestly so that at a moments notice you can access your worldly wealth and be able to give to those in need at that very moment. So, the fancy house must go, the fancy car must go. And go get your clothes at a thrift store or Walmart.

Sixth: willing to communicate – G2843 – koinónikos – willing to share, sociable, ready to communicate, beneficent.

Willing to share means willing to share the Word of God. The overall meaning is that you are easy to approach and talk to. The opposite of highminded. You are not haughty and think yourself greater than anyone else.

Philippians 2:1-5 – Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Why do all this? That is what verse 19 addresses.

1 Timothy 6:19 – Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We are not to keep our “treasures” here on earth, but in the presence of God. If you have been cursed with earthly wealth. And you desire to be with God in His service for all eternity. Use that wealth to help the needy, the poor, the hungry. Those hit by a natural disaster or are refuges from evil acts performed by others in this world that think they are better than their fellow humans.

Earlier in this chapter of 1 Timothy Paul was talking about those that cause division within the Body of Christ. One of the reasons given for them doing this was because they sought after becoming wealthy here on earth. This is what is said about that mentality:

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

For people craving to have earthly wealth have wandered from the true faith and brought upon themselves great sorrows.

Verse 10 in the KJV:

1 Timothy 6:10 – 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.

Erred – G635 – apoplanaó – to lead astray, seduce

Faith – G4102 – pistis – persuasion, that is, credence, moral confection (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God), faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

Or as Jesus Christ said:

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Money becomes the god of those that seek it. Not our Creator through Christ Jesus. Even though they may believe otherwise. These are the facts of the Bible. But also remember this from the Bible as well:

Matthew 7:13-14 – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Seeking and hording wealth puts people upon the highway and the wide gate. It is up to you how you wish to spend eternity. I have done as the Holy Spirit has directed me to do. It is now up to you that listened to do what you must do.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #80 (The curse of money)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

I will begin this study with two times money is an issue with Jesus Christ. The first:

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

And the second:

Mark 10:17-31 – As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

It is the end of this second that I wish people to really look at and think upon. Those that are rich think themselves great and rewarded. But as is shown in the first verses. Those that store up their treasures here on earth do not think about their treasures in heaven. What else is said about the seeking after the things of this world?

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Therefore, if money is of the world. Who is in charge in this world?

2 Corinthians 4:4 – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

This is why money is a curse and it is something that should not be sought after by anyone, especially those that profess to be “Christian.” For they are not worshipping our Creator God through Jesus Christ, but the great deceiver himself whom they have given power to by seeking after worldly rewards.

As shown in the first verses read in today’s study Christians are not to store any treasures here on earth. As is verified here:

Acts 2:44-45 – And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

And exemplified here:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

That is why being covetous is seen as a sin and is used 30 times in the New Testament alone as “covet,” (16) ”covetous,” (4) and “covetousness.” (10)

Covet -G1937 – epithumeó – I long for, lust after, set the heart upon.

Covetous -G4123 – pleonektés – an avaricious person; one desirous of having more.

Covetousness – G4124 –  pleonexia – avarice, aggression, desire for advantage.

The Bible makes it very clear. That those that seek after riches will not be allowed into heaven.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

For those that just need to see or hear it in the KJV:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

However, millions that call themselves “Christian” do and continually seek after worldly wealth and possessions.

Why?

Because their parents did and so since they can so can they. For they too called themselves “Christian.”

It is true. That for generations people have sought to amass wealth and worldly possessions and still belief with all their heart that they were “Christian.”

It is this mentality that has been seen for over two thousand years. In fact, it is a sin that has been seen since Kane killed Abel. It was this mentality that kept and to be honest still keeps people in slavery. It is this mentality that was a factor in the Crusades. It was this mentality that sent the Spanish into the Americas. Where they slaughtered entire civilizations. All in the name of Christendom, but in reality, was covetousness. The desire to have more and more riches and property. Entire wars were fought for the love of money. Murders are committed because of greed.

1 Timothy 6:3-10 – Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

So those right now that wish to quibble over this study need to stop in sudden shock that they wish to do so. For they are a living example of those described in verse four and five of the sixth chapter of 1 Timothy.

So let me repeat those verses in the KJV

1 Timothy 6:4-5 – He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

But we that seek to follow the true teachings of the Word of God, must do as instructed in the KJV of these verses.

“From such withdraw thyself.”

We are ordered by the Word of God to not associate with those that live a life contrary to the teachings within the Bible. For as was shown they will cause there to be jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. Which can and has been shown if you look back throughout the centuries, great strife and horrors all over the world itself. All because people have turned from the true teachings of the Scriptures. They have instead embarrassed the world; we now live within. Instead of seeking to store up those treasures, which are precious unto God through His Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

They seek the pleasures and rewards of a mere one hundred years of life over the billions upon billions of years of eternal life promised to all that seek to please God first and themselves last.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #72 (Do not seek after the things within the world)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

I have referred to these verses more than once, and I have been led to dig into these verses to cause people to think and analyze how they are living their lives at this very moment. For when you think upon these teaches you can see they go deeply into how many are acting and responding to not only within their own homes, but due to external factors as well.

Let us start this exploration with the amplified classic version of the Bible:

15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

Let us now go verse by verse in the KJV and break it down into the Greek where needed.

1 John 2:15 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

World – G2889 – Kosmos – Bible Hub it is shown in this way: the world, universe; worldly affairs; the inhabitants of the world; adornment.

Worldly affairs, and those that populate it. These are the things that distract us from God. However, people do not seem to realize this. Humans cause sin. Humans cause crime.

Matthew 15:18-20 – But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 20 These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

All that affects the world about us is due to people living in sin. That is why we are being told to not remain in the world we have left behind.

Ephesians 5:1-17 – Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.”

I wish to do a bit of sidestep here and look at verse 5 of chapter 5 of Ephesians:

Ephesians 5:5 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Covetous man – G4123 – pleonexia – holding (desiring) more, that is, eager for gain; covetousness, avarice.

Okay, now to get back to 1 John.

Love – G25 and G26 –

G25- agapaó – to love (in a social or moral sense); wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem.

G26 – agape – affection or benevolence; good will, esteem

The first “love” is for the world and the things within it. The second “love” mentioned here is for how our love should be towards God through His Son Jesus Christ. As you can see “agape” love is meant to be all encompassing. This is seen in the greatest commandments given to us by Christ Himself:

Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”  Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

This shows that our focus must be upon God and what His Son told us within the Bible on how we are to live our lives.

So let us now move on to verse 16:

1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Flesh – G4561 – sarx – flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred; the body as opposed the to soul (spirit), or as the symbol of what is external.

Eyes – G3788 – ophthalmos – the eye; the mind’s eye; figuratively envy (from the jealous side glance)

Pride – G212 – alazoneia – boasting, show, arrogant display, ostentation; self-confidence

Life – G979 – bios – manner of life; livelihood; the present state of existence.

The implication is made very clear here. Whenever someone seeks after anything that gives them pleasure here in this temporal realm, we now live within. They do not seek after pleasing God, but themselves as so are not trying to be one with God, but themselves. For their true god is themselves.

Therefore, if someone seeks after wealth, a fancy car or home. Fancy clothing, tattoos of any sort. They are seeking to appease their own wants and desires. Christ makes it clear in Matthew 6 what it is He wishes us to seek after:

Matthew 6:19-24 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

We are also told that if God does curses us with money, we are not to horrid it but to give most of it away:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

Why seek to have worldly status and praise when calling yourself “Christian?” This is not what we are told to do many times within the Bible. For this mere hundred years we live upon this earth is not our true life. This is not our legacy. Giving all glory and praise to God through His Son Jesus Christ is our true legacy.

It is serving God by giving away what we do not need to live day to day. It is helping those in need. That is our legacy. For this will cause a great treasure to be gathering in the presence of God Himself. Who will bless us with not one hundred years of life, but billions upon billions of years of life. Living as we do now. Seeing as we see now.

Yet millions who profess to being “Christian” would rather have their earthly treasures and desire met. Not caring for the true future, but instead trying to promote their own legacy which as verse 17 says:

Will “fading away, along with everything that people crave.”

God Bless

Blog for Podcast # 51 (Living a basic lifestyle another of the “Money is the true master” episode)

bible, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Life, , , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

For those listening or reading. This will be one of the hardest teachings to accept. Mainly because the very society that we live in revolves around it. For a Christian it is made simple and direct by Jesus Christ Himself.

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Nearly every single person in today’s social and economic structure has this dilemma. Which most fail to address properly in their lives. By the way. I am included in this as well. We all fall short in this area. Most more than they realize. I have hit upon it in the past. But today I will go even deeper and try to show why this is something that those that call themselves “Christian” must find a way to address in their lives and especially their relationship with God through our Savior Jesus Christ. This is what we see about money in 1 Timothy:

6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Money is a snare that entraps those that have not been taught that in actuality it is a vice.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 – Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

1 Timothy 6:9-10 – But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.  10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

As you can tell from these verses. This describes the mentality of most that love money within a wealthy country. It is also the mentality of those seeking this love of money that live outside a wealthy country and make efforts to move to a wealthy county.

Let’s look deeper into the KJV of Ecclesiastes 5:10:

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Note that here they use the word vanity. 

Vanity – H1892 – emptiness or vanity; something transitory and unsatisfactory

In addition, per Strong’s to quote: “the word represents human “breath” as a transitory thing: Job 7:16 I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity. (literally, but a breath)”

Seeking after money is perceived as pursuing a fleeting existence. Something that will result in sorrow and trouble.

Now before I go further and allow what you have just read and heard to sink in. I wish to share a snapshot of the United States nearly one hundred and seventy-five years ago.

It is 1847. The President of the United States is James K. Polk. Also, at this time a famine was devastating Ireland. A bill was sent through the Senate to spend $500,000 which equates to $15,950,121 in today’s dollars. To send relief to the people of that island nation. Polk, who was of Irish decent, threatened a veto if the bill if it was sent to his desk.

Why?

Because he saw it as unconstitutional to waste the people’s money in such a fashion. He felt that using federal funds was wrong. He did however donate $50 ($1595) to the relief fund that was created following the dying of this bill in committee. He also allowed two war ships to be used to help send the relief supplies to Ireland.

The citizens of the United States as a result started their own relief fund as noted a moment ago. Instead of raising $500,000. The resulting funds raised came to $545,145. $45,145 ($1,440,136) more than the federal government would had allocated. One hundred and eighteen ships sailed with cargo and funds raised to help the people of Ireland. This showed how people respond with their money on their own. Not just $45,145 more than what the government had proposed. However, the mere fact that $17,390,257 was raised. The average income in 1847 was about $120 a year. So, this was a significant amount in that time period.

What does this show about the United States in 1847? That money was not the focal point of the average American citizen. Then what was?

Hebrews 13:16 – And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Proverbs 19:17 – If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—and he will repay you!

1 John 3:17 – If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

The last is the most important of these verses, and the question asked is also important. “How can God’s love be in that person?”

What does that say for most in today’s world, even those that call themselves “Christian?” They feel and believe that since they their pay taxes. It is the responsibility of the government to care for those in need. As was shown in 1847, this was not the mentality of those that lived in the United States at that time.

Most in today’s world. Especially in wealthy nations. Let the governments do what President Polk said was not the responsibility of the government. Those with the true responsibility responded above and beyond what the government offered.

Note again that what was donated by freewill was greater than what was demanded through government action.

Isaiah 55:9 – For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Now I have established two points here. One is: that which is blessed by God is always greater than what humans can do on their own. The other point is those that do not follow their responsibility as a person that says they are “Christian.” The question is asked by John. Are they truly Christian?

That is something that all must ask themselves. This is why all must ask who their true master is. Especially those that profess to being “Christian.”

Now I wish to show a verse from a parable that Jesus told when speaking of the end of days:

Matthew 25:5 – When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

What is the common factor that could cause all of humanity? Unsaved. As well as the saved that are wise and foolish to “fall asleep?”

What do they all have in common in today’s world?

Money.

This is the only common denominator that can explain why humanity has fallen asleep. Has forgotten God. Has forgotten the actions of Jesus Christ upon the cross, and His resurrection three days later.

Now just so you understand. In 2013 due to some situations beyond my control I lost all my possessions. Since then, I have continued to live a minimalist life. A life not focused upon money or possessions. I am even now planning to enter into retirement in this same vein. I believe that was God’s plan all along. To help me gain insight into this issue. To lose my focus on possessions, on money, on property. The problem is will you the listener and reader allow these words to sink in.

For those that have been paying attention to the world about them. They will accept and realize that the signs foretold by Jesus Himself. Reinforced by Peter, Paul and John are being seen throughout the world, and on a global scale. So, all of humanity is included.

Plus, as my example which I mentioned earlier the philanthropy that is an earmark of true Christianity is missing from today’s society. Does this not say there is a separation between the Christians in 1847 and the ones today? Does this not give an image of a type of sleeping on the part of today’s humanity? A separation from God?

Do these questions cause you to think to ponder?

Now what do I mean by I “live a minimalist life?” to answer that we must again look to the words of Jesus Christ Himself.

Matthew 6:25-34 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

My savings is not very large. I do not have hundreds of thousands of dollars in my 401k. I do not own a house. I live a modest lifestyle. Sure, I have some possessions but not a lot, nor do I wish to have more. In my retirement I plan to have even less. This will be my third downsizing since remarrying in 2015. Let me give you an example of someone I worked with. This person called himself a “Christian.” Yet all he talked about was his 401k, which I might add was worth a million dollars. A few days after he announced that he was finally going to retire. He lost $300,000 of it worth in a single day. It upset him greatly. Why? Because his 401k was his god.

Do I use the systems that are in place within the world we now live in? Yes, I do. Because everything that exists in this world is all part of God’s plan and design. I leave my life in God’s hand. He has fed me. He has given me wife that I love and is my best friend. We share the same likes and desire, as well as the same God.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #43 (Money the true master)

bible, Bible study, Christian, Christian Life, General, Guide, Relationship, , , , , , Leave a comment

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also, you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify and PlayerFM. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

In the movie Black Rian (1989). There is a scene where the star Michael Douglas has a meeting with the head honcho of the Japanese Yakuza. In this scene the Yakuza leader talks about how America has changed the culture of the Japanese people since their loss in World War II. The leader says this about a lower-level Yakuza group leader:

 “He might as well be an American. His kind respect just one thing—money.”

These are the words of criminal leader. Who, from his view, was seeking revenge upon America for dropping the atomic bomb on Japan. This script was written by two Americans, but the statement made says volumes. Here is one of the verses from the Bible on the topic of money:

1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Jesus says we have a choice to make:

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

When reflecting on the quote from the movie “Black Rain.” An aspect of the United States of America is revealed. That I personally believe is accurate. It shows that the people of the United States think mostly of one thing. Money. This includes those that call themselves “Christian.”

Now I wish to show something from the book of Revelation which could reflect this nation.

Revelation 18:11 – The merchants of the world will weep and mourn for her, for there is no one left to buy their goods.

Revelation 18:14-17 – “The fancy things you loved so much are gone,” they cry. “All your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again.” 15 The merchants who became wealthy by selling her these things will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will weep and cry out, 17 In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone!” And all the captains of the merchant ships and their passengers and sailors and crews will stand at a distance.

Then earlier in this chapter it says this also:

Revelation 18:4 – Then I heard another voice calling from heaven, “Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her.

The key element of these sins is money as is witnessed by these latter verses of this chapter. So, what or who is the master of the city of Babylon?

The answer: money.

Which is not the master of Christians, but the master this “city” which is worshipping money otherwise known as the world.

It is made clear in Revelation 18:4 that those that follow Jesus Christ must turn away from the ways that pollute the city of Babylon. So, if money is their god, then those that profess to be “Christian” must turn away from money.

Seeking after luxuries, after possessions is seen as sinful in the Bible.

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Yet many who profess they are Christian live in luxuries. While only having cravings for physical pleasures. They have cravings for everything they see. They have pride in their achievements and their possessions.

I know this is true. For I have seen it with my own eyes. In many churches throughout this nation. By many who profess to be Christian. Yet they live in huge houses, with more rooms within them then is needed to live within. These extra and physically empty rooms filled with possessions that do nothing but gather dust. They drive in expensive vehicles. They seek pleasures upon cruise ships and upon golf courses. Drinking of wines and liquors to receive physical pleasures. They are prideful of their earthly achievements. Seeking glory and recognition for their peers, but not from God.

Why do they do this and not realize they are in error. They are in sin. Because this is how it has been for generations. Because they have turned away from the true teaches of the Bible. Yet due to the dullness of decades within these repeated sins. People believe they are in the right of actions, when in reality they are in error. All due to the love of money, yet believing they are of God and loving God. When the Bible states this is the opposite.

People say they must have money to get their basic needs. To be clothed to be fed. This is what Jesus Christ Himself said about this:

Luke 12:22-34 – “Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? 27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. 33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

What are our needs?

To be fed. To be clothed. These are the only needs listed by Jesus Christ. Beyond this is a want.

We seek shelter to seek comfort. To protect our bodies beyond the clothing. So, our shelter should not be large. But just enough to give us this basic protection. Yet many seek more than this. The bigger the shelter the more possessions we add within it. So, we should seek to minimize our shelter forcing us to sell our possessions.

Remember the young rich man:

Mark 10:17-31 – As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

Too many worry about themselves. Forgetting that it is not they that gives them food and clothing, but God. Their worries cause them to save their money and then to seek after possessions.

During the time of my year of Job. When God took all my possessions away from me. I had a debate with a Jewish person that had fallen away from God. She kept telling me to sell all my possessions. Unaware that I had already lost everything. She kept returning to this one point. This is how those that have rejected God see those of the Christian community today. They see them as the rich the privileged. That is why they seek to destroy Christianity. They see Christians as wasters of money. And why shouldn’t they? When the Bible makes it clear that any money that goes above the necessary needs is to go to those in dire straits. Not to be stored up wealth, but to share with those in need especially those within the body of Christ.

1 John 3:17 – If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

This is how those within Christianity should be acting. Yet so few that call themselves the children of God do this very thing in today’s society. Which is a sad truth. So they need to think hard upon this verse from 1 John. And decide for themselves who it is they wish to follow. God through Jesus Christ or the world.

God Bless.

Those seeking riches that call themselves “Christian”

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It is something that just astounds me. Those that listen to others that try and tell them that “Through God you can become wealthy.” This is not what the Bible teaches. In fact Christ said this about being rich:
Mark 10: 25 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.
So if it is harder to enter into heaven, why do so many seek to run away from God? The answer is symbol, they really don’t know Him because they have not read the Bible. They listen to these false prophets that say God will grant you riches all you have to do is tell Him to give it to you.
Humans are not the boss or master of God. We are His servants. We are His tools. We are not meant to have wealth here, for our reward is promised us in our eternal life, which is not going to be spent lounging about on some cloud by the way, but exploring all of God creations doing tasks that He has set before us to fulfill.
So the next time someone says they can promise to make you rich, remember that if you do listen, you will be further away from God.

Do not seek after that which you have not earned.

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Why this title? Because too many have become poor stewards to their own lives. In Luke 16 Jesus discusses poor stewardship.
In Luke 16: 11 Jesus makes this statement.
“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Jesus makes it clear that if you cannot faithful manage mammon (money) which is also “unrighteous” then who could trust you with the true riches of salvation. In actuality it appears the word “riches” was added for there is no listing of a word after “true” which in this context means that which is of God’s and thus the implication of salvation or God’s rewards.
Now people will say how do you earn salvation? You do not. It is freely given, but it is not something that stays with you it is something that must be worked upon and nourished to grow.
True salvation is not a onetime event and you are done with it. It is something that must be nurtured and grown for if you do not it will fall away from you and you will return to the world.
As Jesus was trying to show in his parable it is something that must be managed and one way of doing this is to be a good steward of the gifts that have been given unto which includes money. It must be earned as will and not give unto us as a hand out to a beggar. Yet too many today are beggars, taking that which they have not earned and as a result squander and waste it.
God looks upon them as poor stewards of the “unrighteous mammon.”
Jesus made it clear that if they are such poor stewards to this then how can He trust them to manage that which He will give unto them?

The Pharisees dilemma

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Jesus’ greatest adversary was not Rome nor was it the violent radicals that sought the removal of Rome by force. In actuality his greatest adversary was those in control of the Jewish Religion. Why? Because Christ threatened their income. Not their believes even though many of these were not as God ordained or their faith, but their greed for they had turned their back upon God to become rich.
This is still true today, but it is no longer just the high priest of the Jewish religion that are an issue, but those of the Christian faith as well. No matter the church within Christendom it is all governed by greed and money for the most part even though they may say otherwise and profess against this statement. A church organization is a business period. Of course there are a few exception as it was in the time of Christ. There are those that buck the system and do not follow the doctrines established by this group or that group.
What they do follow is the very Word of God. Too many times if you challenge the system you become a target, something to be looked down upon. Your believes are challenged and called wanting. You are even accused of judging because you stand upon the foundation of the Bible even though you know that what you say is right and true yet they try and make you stagger and fall because you words were too harsh to follow, to narrow, they want it all be on the wide path to God. A path that actually goes nowhere, because having it so wide allows more cash to flow into the business.
Yet this is the path the modern Pharisees wish all to follow for it keeps their coffers full and their months fed. They teach you the kindness of God the niceness of Jesus, but they refuse to tell of the verses that condemn and require change within a person’s soul. A change that separates you from the world. A world they wish you to stay within. A world full of lies and corruption. Not telling you that you must live a life that gives glory to God. A life in which you try not to sin and in time stop that sin then you must face a new sin that was already there but not addressed and so your journey toward Christ continues. Ever changing ever growing, having bad fruit removed with good fruit that is pleasing to God.
Yet this is not the fruit they wish you to bear. They wish you to bear the fruit of indulgence and equality for all that live in sin. Yet we are told that we must separate ourselves from it. They say our numbers must grow so that more will be saved, but it is not the people that are wishing to save but the cash. Something they can horde for themselves and live a luxurious life while those that need it most look on in suffering and sorrow. We are told we cannot serve two masters, yet many within the hierarchy of most of today’s churches have become Pharisees.
It is time for a new grassroots movement. A movement that was like that of Jesus Christ’s, for His followers were thousands of everyday people and only a couple of the Pharisees. It was a true grassroots movement. Does this mean to leave your church of your choice? By all means no, but it does mean become an active member within it. Bringing about change when it is needed and removing the chaff so that the purity of God can be seen within it.
For far too long the churches of God have been silent as those that wish to remove God from the world have been shouting, deriding and attacking not only God but Christendom as a whole. For far too long there have been no true voices shouting in our defense and it is sorely needed, especially in times when thousands of Christians are being murdered throughout the world. If today’s Pharisees will not do it then the masses must do so.