Rom 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God---what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect |
John 10:9 I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for--will freely go in and out, and find pasture. 10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. ( Message Bible )
Joh 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ( MKJV )
A passage of Scripture that is so often used to describe the fact that, followers of Christ – should experience abundance in their lives. It is a passage often quoted during the Offering messages, to confirm and reiterate the fact that in our giving and because we are followers of Christ, we should be living in abundance.
Nothing wrong with that statement either. Of course Jesus came so that we may experience a better life, that we may have a life of hope and a future.
The question that comes to mind then is this: “If Scripture promises us a life of abundance, of prosperity, of lacking nothing! Why is it then that the churches are not filled, with prosperous, well to do givers. Why is there, in so many instance, still a lack in the lives of so many, well meaning, honest and sincere givers. Why is it that some experience the promise of abundant living, wealth and prosperity, and still, others are struggling to get ahead in life? Yet, they give into offerings, they supply finances to worthy causes in the church, they give gifts and, do what is right, according to what they know.”
“when you experience too much month at the end of your money”.
Is it not perhaps, because there is a set of rules to be followed, principles to be adhered to, before one will experience the abundance.
Just about every fact or facet of Godly living, is governed by rules, rules that were set out by a very loving and caring Father, who went about the setting of these rules, in order for us, to have fruitful lives. Rules that are there, not to restrict us, but to protect us.
Why then, would there be no rules, when it comes to finances?
Perhaps there exists, in Scripture, a guideline or guidelines, which we need to follow, before we can access the “storehouse of heaven”.
I believe firmly, that God has set in place, as for everything in life, certain, rules, precedents and principles, which we need to, apply and adhere to, before we can reap the benefits.
I believe that, in order to receive the blessing, like many other brothers and sisters in Christ, who are living “in the blessings”, we perhaps need to first discover these principles and rules, if you will, in order to master the art of finances in God’s Kingdom.
Surely one can not attempt to play one sport based on the rules of another sport. You can not play tennis, on the rules of soccer or boxing based on the rules of chess. It would be ridiculous and would create a lot of confusion.
So then, let us investigate what the Word of God would say on the rules of finances. But, let us do this prayerfully and with the guidance of His Holy Spirit and let us use the Bible to interpret the Bible. Let us also look at what many other well read and learned men and women of God have to say on the subject.
True prosperity is the ability to meet the needs of mankind in any realm of life:
We must renew our minds to what true prosperity is (Romans 12:1, 2).
Prosperity starts with your soul (3 John 2).
Prosperity means to excel to the place desired.
Prosperity means making good progress in the pursuit of anything desired.
True prosperity will always go away from selfishness and extend toward others.
Prosperity is an inward attitude, not just an outward gathering of possessions.
Prosperity deals with every area of life—spirit, soul and body
The word “prosperity” in the original Hebrew was used as a parting utterance:
The original definition was ‘to be on the right path and have a successful journey in life.’
God wants Believers to have a prosperous journey in life (Genesis 24:21; Romans 1:10).
Usage of the word prosperity changed over time to mean success in profitability and material gain (1 Corinthians 16:2).
The word prosperity should now be used to mean wholeness and continued well being in every area of life.
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