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Can We Live As Faithful Followers of JESUS Christ and Still Be Wealthy?


Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Matthew 19:21

SOME RICH Christian Men of the Bible:

King Solomon was rich and wise man. Book in the Bible: 1 Kings 3:10-13
Job was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:3
King David over Israel. Book in the Bible: 2 Samuel 5:3-10

"Although Scripture has some very harsh things to say about the wealthy, this does not mean that all of them are evil or under divine judgment. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job were rich and yet were also approved by God. Just as poverty doesn’t guarantee virtue, wealth does not guarantee vice." Dr. Glenn Sunshine and Dr. Jay Richards

Several examples from the New Testament of wealthy believers who gave generously to those in need. Among these Christians are:

Joseph, called Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)
Dorcas (Acts 9:36)
Cornelius (Acts 10:1)
Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6-12)
Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)
Jason (Acts 17:5-9)
Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3)
Mnason of Cyprus (Acts 21:16)
Philemon (Philemon 1)

These believers lived faithful Christian lives in addition to enjoying wealth. It’s important to take note of the example they set. These people “were wealthy and gave generously.” Their actions illustrate the responsibilities placed upon the wealthy because of how they have been blessed.

Scripture is very clear that the WEALTHY have obligations to the poor that God takes very seriously.

Among the obligations are:

Treating the poor with fairness.
Not using the courts to defraud the poor.
Not taking advantage of another’s misfortune.
Preserving the dignity of the poor by providing opportunities for work.

Again, God’s real concern, is not necessarily with wealth or poverty, but with righteousness and justice.

References: https://tifwe.org/are-there-wealthy-people-in-the-bible/

http://www.goarch.org/resources/sermons/sermons/sermon23

Pastor taught us that the more God gives you, the more God expects from you but that is between God and the one who receives the wealth.

Pastor teaches a tenth of your earnings should go to tithes, to help your Church but again that is between God and you.






"If you love Jesus Christ and are 100% proud of it copy this and make it your signature!"

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Other ways to help the needy:

Instead of having a Garage sale, Donate used Clothes, shoes, etc to Salvation Army or your Local City Homeless Shelters (find by doing a google search)

Donate can food to those bin boxes at the Supercenters (food items should go to the Food Bank) or give directly to the Food Bank in your area (use google to find)

Give pennies or small coins to those Salvation Army guys around Christmas time

Homeless Shelters need jeans, shirts, etc because most people come to the shelters with only the clothes on their backs.

Or Give Your Time, Volunteers to serve the Homeless Shelters

Salvation Army also needs Christians Volunteers for Bible Studies for the elderly

We rather give to the Salvation Army locations near us because they help the Homeless or poor people.

To the best of my knowledge, Goodwill, Thrift Town and other Stores like these, don't have shelters for the Homeless and they don't provide help for the Homeless like the Salvation Army, has done for many years.




Proverbs 23:9

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Yes -- and distinctions should be made between businesses and missions. Goodwill is a business. People donate their unwanted crap and the business gets it for free and makes profit out of selling it to the poor. It gives the mentally challenged a job, but pays them substandard wages for their often hard and tedious labor, as its leaders become millionares.

There are plenty of benevolent organizations but the Salvation Army is indeed totally dedicated to the cause of helping the poor and needy. TZheir beliefs are like those of Methodists but they do not force their beliefs on anyone, though Christian oounseling is available, kinda like AA or 12-step programs. Regrettably they can't help everyone but they are totally dedicated to their cause.

Lots of churches give heavily to helping the poor, disaster relief, etc. But resources are limited. Shelters, for instance, have to turn many away and their funds dry up.

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First of all, I would like to thank you for sharing....

how would you describe force...

they do not force their beliefs on anyone
Preaching at shelters? Would that force religious beliefs on the homeless?

The only way anyone would actually know if these shelters force religion on people if they actually stayed at one of these shelters.

In "2007" we stayed in one of those shelters and a guy preaches while you are eating your dinner/meal. The shelter is providing people with free shelter, would it kill people to listen? Of course not.





Proverbs 23:9

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Can We Live As Faithful Followers of JESUS Christ and Still Be Wealthy?


No.


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No.


Sorry, the answer is YES. As I said earlier, God wants us to do or give more when we are wealthy, like those biblical people in the Old Testament and New Testament. That is, if you care what God has to say and you believe God. If you aren't a Believer of God then you probably going by your own mind instead of what God says and that is NOT what a true believer in God, is all about. Do you understand? I left many references in my earlier post that proves that many of God's people were wealthy and they did a lot to help the poor, etc.








1 Corinthians 1:18

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Matthew 19:24

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.


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I think whether one believes in god or not, one should be kind and live a fulfilling live including helping those less fortunate in need.

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Matthew 19:24

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.


Yes, Matthew 19:24 is the one that I used to use too but we need to keep reading to Matthew 19:26

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

I believe, Jesus meant: for a man to go through an eye of a needle is impossible (in man's reasoning) BUT with God, all things are possible. Therefore, God could make a man go through the eye of a needle because there is nothing impossible for God to do.

Plus there are all those godly men, whom God loved and they were filthy rich, like Job and Solomon. God made them filthy rich. Not just these guys but many more. I listed at least 10 more rich people (on my first post on this page) that God loved. Pastor says, the more you are blessed with, the more God expects for you to bless others with.

Peace to you.










1 Corinthians 1:18

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A more complete quote from that section of Matthew is below. Based on my reading of this, it seems to me that when Jesus says "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" He's talking about being saved, not about a camel going through a needle.

This whole section seems pretty explicitly against material wealth.

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

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Again, God’s real concern, is not necessarily with wealth or poverty, but with righteousness and justice.

"After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before." Job 42:10

God Grants Wisdom, Riches, Honor

"Moreover, I will give you (Solomon) what you have not asked for--both WEALTH and honor--so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."
1 Kings 3:11


THEN EXPLAIN WHY GOD GAVE THOSE PEOPLE, INCLUDING Solomon and Job WEALTH????


POVERTY DOESN'T guarantee virtue, wealth does not guarantee vice."












"And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." Mark 6:11

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From the moment we are born we are made for one thing, and one thing only...spiritual communion with God. I would therefore contend that the Biblical characters you present became wealthy strictly as an outgroth of the fact that physical wealth WASN'T the desire of their hearts. Communion with God was. So, first and foremost, the fundamental thread that ties them all together is that they all relentlessly pursued communion with God (spiritual wealth). NOT physical wealth!

As you keep repeating, God did indeed give them all great physical wealth. But he gave them all something that they specifically asked for that was far larger and far more important. Spiritual wealth (closeness to HIM). HE did indeed, give them "the desires of their hearts". But HE gave them, again, something singularly far, far more significant. Because of their individual faiths, HE changed the desires of their hearts into the same desires as those of HIS heart. Thus rendering their famous physical wealth virtually irrelevant to the overall story. Despite MUCH popular belief, they aren't noted in Biblical history because of their physical wealth. They are, in reality, noted because of their astronomically more important spiritual wealth. They are noted for the examples of their seemingly limitless and unshakeable faith in God staying completely in place whether they were rich OR poor.

So, discussing the significance of physical wealth in Bibllical history tells us virtually nothing about the character of God. It only reveals our own ongoing fight with "the desires of OUR hearts". Why? Because with great spiritual wealth (oneness with God), you have no real need for accumulating (or discussing) physical wealth in the first place. So needing to discuss it here is only an issue if deep down I am struggling with the question of which one of the two I should put my fundamental trust in.

And once again, the answer to that debate was settled on the day you were born.



No man lies so boldly as the man who is indignant.

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And once again, the answer to that debate was settled on the day you were born.



For He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love. Ephesians 1:4

I am aware of this. Yes, God bless those people with wealth. I'll explain what I meant since you have no idea what is in my heart.

Yes, those people put their faith in God and not money. I didn't know that I had to include this. I figured since I am talking to a Christian, he or she would know this already.

But if you want to join the conversation, the more the merrier!







Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise.
1 Corinthians 3:18

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He's talking about being saved, not about a camel going through a needle.


OH, so you don't believe that God could make a camel go through the eye of a needle if He wanted to? You of little faith, nothing is impossible for God.

ONE IMPORTANT THING about God that you don't know, God DOESN'T beat around the bush, HE SAYS WHAT HE MEANS.

If God was talking about being saved, He would have said the word "SAVED" but He didn't. I am standing by the Holy Spirit in me that tells me God meant: "With God, ALL things are possible"


EVEN a camel going through the eye of a needle;
EVEN a RICH man going to Heaven.



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The Death of Lazarus

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus (RICH MAN). So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.. On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept. John 11:1-35




Jesus said.. "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

and whoever lives by believing in me will never die..." John 11:25-26


Jesus considered Lazarus as His friend and Lazarus was RICH. Yet, Jesus said "The one who believes in me will never die." Talking about everlasting life so I believe lazarus will be in Heaven, even though he was a RICH man on earth.


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I thought this was a discussion, not a lecture. And sorry, but I refuse to be lectured to by someone who calls Job, Solomon and David "rich Christian men." They are all figures from the old testament and so died years before Christ was born, so are obviously not Christians.

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They are all figures from the old testament and so died years before Christ was born, so are obviously not Christians.


What about Lazarus? He is in the New Testament and he was rich? Jesus considered Lazarus as his friend. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus helped the poor and he followed Jesus and they were after Lazarus to kill him because of Jesus.


What is a Christian? A follower of Jesus? A follower of God? A follower of God and Jesus?
"rich Christian men."
Sorry, let me rephrase: Job, Solomon and David were followers of God. Jesus is the son of God and He does the will of the one who sent Him (God). Yes, we are followers of the New Testament since we're NOT under Moses law (Old Testament). I googled the word "Christians" and to my understanding: Jesus/God's followers are all the same, are they not?

Please explain the difference between Job, Solomon and David vs the godly men in the New Testament? I thought God favored them all, did He not?

Please explain because I really want to understand where you're coming from. Thanks.











Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise.
1 Corinthians 3:18

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Being a follower of God, doesn't automatically make one a Christian. Jews are followers of God, and believers in the old testament, but are not Christians.

Muslims are followers of God too, but are not Christians

Only Christians believe that God = Christ.

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Only Christians believe that God = Christ.


I see what you mean. You are right, Jews follow the Old Testament and don't believe that the Messiah (Jesus) has come. Muslims are in their own circle too. I was actually excluding Jews and Muslims, when I mention Christians.

Suffering as Christians

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16

Followers of Jesus, should be following God's commands. "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me." John 6:38


There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil. (Job 1:1)

God chose His chosen ones before the Earth was creation. Ephesians 1:4 So whether Israelite or Gentile (Christian faith) these people are going to Heaven.

I read and heard that even after many Israelites (Jews/Hebrew) had sin greatly - God still considers them as His people. What do you know, the Christians sin greatly, too. Oh, we can't forget that Jesus was a Jew, too.






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Yes. I am a Christian and I have friends who are very wealthy. One is married former NFL star. Another is well know actor in Hollywood. The Bible has guidelines to help you live with wealth. One key thing is you worship God and not your money.

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The "Love of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself. Don't let it become your idol.
1 Timothy 6:10

And, God said, "The more that is given, the more that is expected."
Luke 12:48
If your blessed highly financially, give accordingly. Your blessing may be that you can give medicinally, a Doctor, a Teacher, an Organizer, a Tax consultant, etc.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7



Can you fly this plane?
Surely u cant be serious
I am serious,and dont call me Shirley

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If you're blessed highly financially, give accordingly.


I think of this scripture when I think of....
http://biblehub.com/matthew/6-4.htm





1 John 3:8

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Ironic post when the OP cited many passages that speak of Christians who had wealth.

Jesus and the rich man is not about the evil of having money, it is about putting something else above God. For the rich man, it was money that was more important than following Jesus. For someone else, it could be something else altogether.

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This is correct.

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[deleted]

Well the irony was you saying "Christians don't read their Bible and they cherry pick what they want from it," while you were intentionally ignoring quoted passages that show that the wealthy were accepted and active in the early church.

In any case, you make it clear that you think the Bible is nothing but an ancient book of stories, so why even invest the energy into the discussion?

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"unfortunately extremist christians try and force their religious caliphate and morals on the rest of us. Its a constant struggle agains them." I spent most of my life as an unbeliever. I was always able to shut down anyone who was witnessing to me. I'll teach you the secret, since it will save both you and the other person a lot of time:

"I have my beliefs and you have yours. And I hope you have a really nice day." You then give them a cheery smile, a wave, and walk away.

On social media or a message board it's even simpler -- you just keep scrolling. If you want to make sure the person is given a soapbox, you engage them. What you're doing is counterproductive to what you claim you're trying to do.

And the early church included everyone who could admit they were sinners and who believed Christ was their Saviour -- rich, poor, and middle class. The book of James spoke, in part, about NOT giving prominence to the wealthy members, but to treat all the same, since they were the same -- all were sinners saved by grace. A similar message was in Philemon, whose master/employer was adjured to treat him as a brother in Christ.

Speaking of irony, you seem not to be familiar with the various people of means referred to in Scripture, either by name or generally, in a number of books. And yet you're saying the early church was "anti rich" [sic]. Since you're not really familiar with the Bible, where did you get your information? Cherry-picking verses?

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God's real concern is that you get saved by grace through faith in the finished work of His Son on the Cross. Many rich people trust in their riches. Many nice people trust in their kindness. Many philanthropic people trust in their philanthropy. Many religious people trust in their religion. If we could do something to save ourselves, then Christ died for nothing. Doing good things is nice, but it won't save you, since the Bible tells us all our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

The obligations you count as belonging to wealthy people actually are required of saved people. God doesn't expect unsaved people to act like anything but sinners. But sinners need a Saviour. Once saved, one can do acts of righteousness that can please God, but not before.

Oh, and the tithe was given to Israel. Some Christians who can't afford it should give less -- they shouldn't take food from the mouths of their children. Some wealthy people should give more because God has given them more and they can afford it.

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Anyone who is a Christian has had to admit that they're guilty, hell-bound sinners. No, we do not think the entire world revolves around us. Anyone who says they're "saved" is saying they realized they deserved to go to hell, and that Christ saved them from that by God's grace, not because they were nice little boys and girls who went to church every Sunday. Not because they got baptized in the right water. Christians know they didn't deserve to be saved. They didn't do anything to earn it.

Where in the Bible does it say that God didn't know something until someone told Him? Or are you assuming that because God asks people/beings questions in the Bible? You've never asked someone a question you knew the answer to simply to start a dialogue, or maybe to prove to them that they're not going to tell the truth? I know I have, and if you haven't, you just haven't lived long enough, because trust me, eventually the situation will come up. Asking the question doesn't prove you don't know the answer, it only proves you want to hear their answer.

You didn't prove the Bible is untrue. You just proved that faulty reasoning will give you a faulty conclusion.

But you're correct -- quoting something doesn't prove that it's true. For years I didn't believe the Bible, either. So I know that if you've got your mind made up, you're not going to listen.

PS: It's hilarious to me when folks quote "The Big Lebowski" to make a point, as if "The Dude," as he liked to be called, was some sort of authority on all topics. Lebowski was a barely sentient stoner. He was a caricature of someone who'd burnt out his synapses from too many drugs. Writers never use that quote seriously since Lebowski was a lampoon of a burnout who thought he was smart enough to figure things out, but was the sort of schmo who never quite gets a handle on things and gets blown sideways through life.

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