"Rich" Christians?

[Admon Mikha'el]

Yeah well....anyway...There are several fabulously rich men mentioned in the Bible...All were Godly men...Some made mistakes being human and paid the price but all were rich.

1. Abraham

Abraham is considered as the patriarch of the church and is known as the friend of God according to James 2:23. In Genesis 13:2, Abraham is described as rich in gold, silver, and cattle. During those times, having such material possessions is comparable to being an owner of a multi-billion business. As Abraham continued to profess his faith to the Lord, his possessions became even greater. In Genesis 24:1, it is said that God continued to bless him in many ways. Genesis 13:6 explains that Abraham continued to accumulate well to the point that he has to separate from his nephew Lot because their land could longer keep the two of them. What is even amazing is that everyone associated with Abraham were also gifted with material wealth.




2. Isaac

Isaac is Abraham's son and was also blessed with wealth. During the time of famine, Isaac continued to leave a prosperous life. In Genesis 26:12, Isaac was able to plant and harvest a hundred times more than other people. His wealth became the envy of the Philistines that it came to a point when he was forced to leave his land. Even in face of uncertainty, Genesis 26:17-32 says that Isaac continued to receive blessings no matter where he went.

3. Job

In the book of Job 1:1 in the Old Testament, Job was described to be a righteous man. Job 1:3 further describes him as the most illustrious man in the East because of his vast material possessions. In spite of his personal conflicts, Job showed his immense loyalty to God. In Job 42:10, he was given richness which surpassed what he previously owned because he remained steadfast in his belief even though he faced so many challenges in his life.

4. Solomon

If there is one Bible character that can be easily associated with richness and wealth, it is Solomon. Solomon is not only known as the wise king, but also as a man who lived with enormous material possession. In 2 Chronicles 9:20, it is said that he had so many gold in his possession to the point that silver lost its value. His wealth is so legendary that people up to this time are still looking for his hidden treasures. His wealth has become a staple of legends that various expeditions were launched to search for his treasures. It is said that part of the mission of the Crusaders to the Holy Land was to look for Solomon's treasures. There are even speculations that the lineage of the infamous Templar Knights have found the treasure and have hidden and protected them.

5. David

David is often associated with Goliath and their epic battle where the small child defeated the giant with a slingshot. But like Solomon, David lived a life of prosperity because of his faith in God. The amount of wealth he possessed was chronicled in the Book of Psalms. In Psalm 37:19, it is proclaimed that the righteous would still prosper in the midst of famine. And this was exactly what happened with David and his brethren. In 1 Chronicles 29:28, it is said that David enjoyed a life of prosperity, blessed with wealth and honor, and died after living a life full of contentment.

6. Joseph

Joseph (not the father of Jesus) was a wealthy man who became a victim of envy. He was a humble person in spite of his wealth. At the age of 30, he became second in command of the country of Egypt. According to Genesis 47:14, he was able to amass his wealth by selling grains. Joseph was blessed not only with business acumen, but with a strong economic outlook that he was able to look at the future and save his country.





Aside from wealth, these people of the Bible remained faithful to their God in spite of the trials and difficulties they encountered. They lived a life of prosperity and were continued to be blessed until their last breath. So before you follow the adage "money is the root of all evil", think again!

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

no but neither can you show a scripture that says God wants us Rich,

BUt as @Waggles posted God clearly says it is best to be content,,,,,,, so if we take that a step further, if you are poor God say be content, if you are rich God says be content,,,, this is exactly what Paul the Apostle preached. The issue is not being rich or poor, the issue is not Being content IMO

Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Dave Why do you think God gives us the power, the authority to get wealth? If money is a tool, what could you do with it? I mean you personally.

 

[Bethel]

Mark 4:14 The sower soweth the word.
18 And others are they sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word,
19 and the cares of the age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

The teaching of Jesus Christ to us all.

-

If a person has an issue with money, then the person is the issue, and not the money.

Money is a tool, that is all.
In the hands of a fool, it becomes a vice.
IN the mind of a reprobate, it becomes a god.
In the mind of a carnal minister, it becomes their only message.
In the hand of a mature believer, it becomes a certain blessing.
In the mind of a true disciple, money is golden opportunity to provide God's love in the form of care. (Charity).

Let me show you, the readers, something interesting.

If all believers were millionaires, then the "church" would have the power that only the Devil's few possess, and we would run this world, as its the money in the hands of the damned who are the tools of the devil, who create this world of chaos and confusion and deception.
For example, its the devil led satanic media that creates culture depravity. Its the devil led satanic media that has created the cultural deception that "gay" is "born this way" and "gay adoption" is moral.
That worldwide BELIEF is the end result of MONEY in the wrong hands.... that OWN the media.
Thats just one prime example of how Media and money and Satan work hand in hand to pervert the world at large, using MEDIA that is driven by money and madness.
Nearly all secular media, which accounts for about 98% of the world's MEDIA, is owned by the Devil's tools, and that is because they have most of the money, reader.
In this world, money in the hands of the devil's own.... creates devilment., but in the hands of the Just, it creates justice and it creates hope and blessing.

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

-

If a person has an issue with money, then the person is the issue, and not the money.

Money is a tool, that is all.
In the hands of a fool, it becomes a vice.
IN the mind of a reprobate, it becomes a god.
In the hand of a mature believer, it becomes a certain blessing.
In the mind of a true disciple, money is golden opportunity to provide God's lo love in the form of care. (Charity).

Let me show you, the readers, something interesting.

If all believers were millionaires, then the "church" would have the power that only the Devil's few possess, and we would run this world, as its the money in the hands of the damned who are the tools of the devil, who create this world of chaos and confusion and deception.
For example, its the devil led satanic media that creates culture depravity. Its the devil led satanic media that has created the cultural deception that "gay" is "born this way" and "gay adoption" is moral.
Thats just one prime example of how Media and money and Satan work hand in hand to pervert the world at large, using MEDIA that is driven by money and madness.
Nearly all secular media, which accouts for about 98% of the world's MEDIA, is owned by the Devil's tools, and that is because they have most of the money, reader.
In this world, money in the hands of the devil's own.... creates devilment., but in the hands of the Just, it creates justice and it creates hope.

Well said!

 

[Dave M]

Dave Why do you think God gives us the power, the authority to get wealth

interesting but I think you have a hard time proving that to a third world christian. do you have any scripture to back this up in the NT ??

but as far as us Rich Americans and other first world countries I just have one question, 1. do you spend more money on yourself or the Kingdom of God, for wear you spend your money is wear your heart is.

Jesus talked about the traps and deceitfulness of money a whole lot, we should take him for his word.

Like I said money is not bad or good it is how we use it that is a litmus test for our faith.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Luke 12:15
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

interesting but I think you have a hard time proving that to a third world christian. do you have any scripture to back this up in the NT ??

but as far as us Rich Americans and other first world countries I just have one question, 1. do you spend more money on yourself or the Kingdom of God, for wear you spend your money is wear your heart is.

Jesus talked about the traps and deceitfulness of money a whole lot, we should take him for his word.

Like I said money is not bad or good it is how we use it that is a litmus test for our faith.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Luke 12:15
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Dave...Why do you think the New Covenant is different from the Old Covenant...God said new and improved...not different. Doesn't the New Covenant just highlight the fulfillment of the Old?
This is a very good place to phrase it "
The Old Testament Is The New Testament Concealed, The New Testament Is The Old Testament Revealed

 

[Waggles]

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

 

[Waggles]

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, If thou wouldst be perfect, go, sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in the heavens; and come hither, follow me.

Remember this is Jesus [God] speaking here and teaching us - these are not my words or doctrine.

 

[Waggles]

Luke 6:24 But woe unto you the rich! for ye have your full consolation.
25 Woe unto you that are full now! for ye shall hunger. Woe, ye that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
- Jesus

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, If thou wouldst be perfect, go, sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in the heavens; and come hither, follow me.

Remember this is Jesus [God] speaking here and teaching us - these are not my words or doctrine.

Finish it my friend...What else did Jesus say there? 28 Yeshua said to them, “Yes. I tell you that in the regenerated world, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Isra’el. 29 Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times more, and he will obtain eternal life.

29 Yeshua answered them, “Yes! I tell you that everyone who has left house, wife, brothers, parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 will receive many times as much in the ‘olam hazeh, and in the ‘olam haba eternal life.”

We should not 'cherry pick' the Word to make it fit our opinions.....Believe what you read, instead of reading what you believe.

 

[Waggles]

We should not 'cherry pick' the Word to make it fit our opinions.....Believe what you read, instead of reading what you believe.

I read scripture quite well thankyou.
And in the NT there is a consistent teaching about the dangers of pursuing worldly wealth at the expense of the riches of the gospel and salvation.
Godliness with contentment is the doctrine - food, clothing, housing > a modest and frugal lifestyle with surplus to share with the needs of the saints when required.
There are many warnings about the deceitfulness of worldly riches scattered throughout the gospels and the epistles.
And I have posted but a few scriptures as to these warnings. Learn from the word of God on this topic for it is a salvation issue.

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

I read scripture quite well thankyou.
And in the NT there is a consistent teaching about the dangers of pursuing worldly wealth at the expense of the riches of the gospel and salvation.
Godliness with contentment is the doctrine - food, clothing, housing > a modest and frugal lifestyle with surplus to share with the needs of the saints when required.
There are many warnings about the deceitfulness of worldly riches scattered throughout the gospels and the epistles.
And I have posted but a few scriptures as to these warnings. Learn from the word of God on this topic for it is a salvation issue.

Why is it that the six men I mentioned earlier, fabulously rich, were not evil men then? The riches did not corrupt them....

 

[Waggles]

Why is it that the six men I mentioned earlier, fabulously rich, were not evil men then? The riches did not corrupt them....

Another time another covenant
but for Christians, especially Spirit-filled Christians, there are many many warnings about the snare of worldly riches and desiring wealth.
For God and the gospel is now our treasure and our wealth, not silver and gold.

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

Another time another covenant
but for Christians, especially Spirit-filled Christians, there are many many warnings about the snare of worldly riches and desiring wealth.
For God and the gospel is now our treasure and our wealth, not silver and gold.

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Horse feathers! People are people no matter what covenant....The problem is though, that people want to believe doctrine instead of Word...People decide what God is saying according to their own conveniences. A person is not rich so he decided that's the way God wants him instead of trusting the Word and DOING what is necessesary to achieve something, to achieve a way to reach out and pick up other people.... Christians are SUPPOSED to be blessed so they can be a blessing.... Instead we get all self righteous and fake holy and lazy

 

[Waggles]

Christians are SUPPOSED to be blessed so they can be a blessing.... Instead we get all self righteous and fake holy and lazy

Well each to their own
you are free to invest in worldly pursuits and I am free to invest in heavenly pursuits.
Why do you count material prosperity as a blessing? Millions of unbelievers and deniers of Jesus as Saviour are materially rich - are they blessed by God in the same way?

1Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain,
7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

 

[Waggles]

Luke 16:13 No domestic can serve two lords: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [NENT]

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” [ESV]

 

[Waggles]

Rev 3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

Religion is a joke....on the religious

 

[Rad]

Hello @Rad,

Many of those believers so blessed with worldly goods, do a great deal, by contribution, to help others. We cannot judge by outward appearance, for the Lord is concerned with the heart, and only He can justly read it.

* Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy believer, gave his tomb for Christ's burial.

Thank you
With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

Hi Chris, and if those blessed with worldly goods give a lot of those worldly goods away then by definition they will no longer be "Rich", the issue i believe is not how much money or worldly goods we receive, but how much we retain, how much we have left after we've given., that shows the state of our Heart, as Christ illustrated in the Widows Mite.
Mark 12:41-44
The Widow’s Coins
41 And Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and began watching how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large amounts. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two lepta coins, which amount to a quadrans. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

As for Joseph of Arimathea, perhaps God used him to provide a Tomb for Christ to rise from, i dont know, but i think its dangerous to take one example of a Rich Disciple of Christ and disregard all of the teachings of Christ condemning Riches and those that possess them, God does as he will, we just need to follow Christs teachings and it seems to me perfectly clear, those that possess Riches will find it almost impossible to be followers of Christ.

 

[Rad]

Sure - no problem. God couldn't care less what you HAVE. What he's VERY interested in is "What HAS YOU".

Jesus told the "Rich young ruler" to do exactly what He KNEW the poor guy COULDN'T DO because that's where his "Love" REALLY WAS. And Jesus wanted him to realize that. That the young ruler was RICH was unimportant. That his RICHES HAD HIM was the problem.

Simple as that.

Hi Bob, seems to me that God is very interested in what we have, and what we do with it, because what you do with it is a reflection of just "What HAS YOU"

Jesus told the Rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-25
King James Version
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

In Verse 24 and 25 Christ goes from telling the Rich man to sell all he has and give to the poor and you shall have treasure in heaven, to pronouncing on the "Rich" in general, the oft quoted Camel and the eye of a needle, oh yes, Christ is very concerned with what we have and what we do with it, because its a reflection of our love for him and of the poor and suffering he so strongly associates with.