Otseng states the following: "No, being rich is not bad. We have many rich men in the Bible (Abraham, Joseph, Job, David, Solomon, Matthew, Joseph of Arimathea, etc.) and they were not condemned for being rich."
Otseng, and myself, had a recent discussion about Jesus's mention of the rich. He ultimately expressed the above. In an effort to keep the other topic on track, I'm making this new one.
For debate:
1. Is being 'rich' a relative term, or is it instead objective when Jesus/God identifies you as 'rich'?
2. How do you know if Jesus/God deems you as rich or not?
3. Seems Otseng is saying that being rich can change your focus. Money instead becomes your numero uno, or God. And this is why he tells folks to get rid of it, so they no longer prioritize the money/possessions over God. Is this the gist of it here?
4. If being rich is okay, why did Jesus choose to be "poor"? Or did he even have a choice?
5. Would Jesus rather you be rich or poor, and why? Would he choose for you to instead be poor because he knows you may covet these material possessions over him? If so, isn't being rich worse than being poor, according to Jesus?
6. If being rich is such a high risk for no longer keeping your focus on numero uno, (Jesus), then why do so many Christians strive to become rich?
Money!
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Re: Money!
Post #62If you are referring to the rich young man that asked what should he do to be perfect, why do you think it was to all his true followers? And why do you think it means no Christian can own anything ever?TRANSPONDER wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 7:58 am I have already done so - but your excuse is that Jesus is no longer on earth, so you can ignore what he said to do, if it doesn't suit you. But that's what Christian do, anyway. There is also Matthew on the birds and lilies and giving no thought to tomorrow, and parables about not storing up treasure on earth but treasure in heaven. But when it is inconvenient for you, you ignore, deny or 'Interpret' it so it doesn't inconvenience you.
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Re: Money!
Post #63Because the advice to one wealthy person applies to all, doesn't it? And because Jesus clarified it with a command to give all one has to the poor and follow him.1213 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 4:05 amIf you are referring to the rich young man that asked what should he do to be perfect, why do you think it was to all his true followers? And why do you think it means no Christian can own anything ever?TRANSPONDER wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 7:58 am I have already done so - but your excuse is that Jesus is no longer on earth, so you can ignore what he said to do, if it doesn't suit you. But that's what Christian do, anyway. There is also Matthew on the birds and lilies and giving no thought to tomorrow, and parables about not storing up treasure on earth but treasure in heaven. But when it is inconvenient for you, you ignore, deny or 'Interpret' it so it doesn't inconvenience you.
And though you argued Jesus isn't on earth anymore, the principle still applies to following the religion as much as Jesus in person.
And Acts (Ananus ans Sapphira) rams the point home - the practical way to do this is give every darn penny to the Church and keep nothing back. Or one is worthy of death. Of course, you can disregard what the Bible actually orders. Christians generally do.
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Re: Money!
Post #64
In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."
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Re: Money!
Post #65Yes, if you would want to be perfect, you do the same. The problem obviously in this case is that you can't do the thing, because Jesus is not on earth. It simply is not possible to go to Jesus and follow him like when he was on earth. It is amazing how difficult that scripture is for you to understand.TRANSPONDER wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 9:57 am Because the advice to one wealthy person applies to all, doesn't it?
The story shows disciples of Jesus didn't have to give their property.TRANSPONDER wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 9:57 amAnd Acts (Ananus ans Sapphira) rams the point home - the practical way to do this is give every darn penny to the Church and keep nothing back. Or one is worthy of death. Of course, you can disregard what the Bible actually orders. Christians generally do.
