Hello folks, this is your brethren KFT001
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Anyone who tries to justify poverty using the bible is an ignorant fool. Anyone who calls riches “Prosperity Gospel” does not even understand the origin of this term. He who calls success and wealth “Prosperity Gospel” just exposes their folly and extreme ignorance.
“Prosperity Gospel” is a term that was coined to imply preaching the gospel for material gain. “Prosperity Gospel” is preaching about giving with the sole motive of milking money from parishioners. “Prosperity Gospel” is an attempt to auction the gospel like a betting club where I give the “man of God” XYZ to get 10XYZ in return.
But we must never trash the truth because of counterfeits! We must not be surprised that there are “Prosperity Gospel” teachers since all this was prophesied (2 Timothy 4:3; 1 John 4:1 & Matthew 24:11).
What is salvation?
Going to heaven? Yes, and much, much more. Salvation is an integrated package for the believer that includes but not limited to…
1. The salvation of the soul from eternal hell. When you come to Christ, you pass from death to life (1 John 3:14 & John 3:16-17).
2. The healing of our bodies and walking in divine health. Jesus took away all our infirmities (Isaiah 53:4 & Matthew 8:17). Jesus healed ALL diseases (Luke 4:40; Mark 1:32-34 & Psalm 103:3).
3. Material blessing (abundance, wealth, honor). Jesus became poor that we may be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus came that we may have life in abundance (John 10:10).
4. Joy, peace, happiness and fulfillment in this current life. Jesus was distressed at the cross that we may have peace (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus wants our joy to be full (John 15:11 & 1 John 1:4).
Jesus dared us to ask for ANYTHING we want in His Name…that our joy may be complete.
John 14:24 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
There is no joy in poverty. There is no limit to what we can ask God to give us so long as we pray in accordance to His will (1 John 5:14). The only things God can’t give us are sinful desires. For example, you can’t trust God to bless you with money to spend in drunkenness or/and prostitution.
If you want to be poor, that’s your personal silly decision. There will be no reward in heaven for material poverty. You’ll never have the blessings you speak against. You’ll never possess that which you oppose. And if you limit what God can give you, stop being jealous of those who enjoy the full package of salvation.
Never once did Jesus lack anything in His earthly ministry. Jesus walked in abundance. Only once was Jesus poor – at the cross – that you may be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children (Matthew 15:29-39). Jesus fed another crowd of 4,000 (Matthew 16:10). Show me one poor man you know that feeds such gigantic crowds!
God blessed his servants – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, David, Solomon etc. spiritually and materially.
And the early church lacked nothing. The bible says in Acts 4:34, “There was not a single needy person among them.” The Apostle Paul says severally that he lacked nothing in his ministry. Let me give you one example…
Philippians 4:18 - I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.
David said…
Psalm 34:9 – Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
Psalm 37:25 – I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
There’s not a single scripture – Genesis to Revelation – that suggests that Christians should be materially poor.
Perhaps the most misquoted scripture is…
Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
POOR IN SPIRIT – Those who are humble and lowly in their own eyes – Those who recognize their sinful nature, bewail their guilt and deeply thirst and hunger after the Savior. This scripture is a sweet invitation to true holiness and seeking God. This verse is NOT about material poverty BUT poverty of the spirit – having room in your heart for Jesus to be on the throne of your life.
For the record, giving is 100% biblical and if you don’t give, you’ll live and die in poverty. The only thing that is unbiblical is manipulating people to give for personal gain.
Nice article