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MINISTRY #9 YOUTH MINISTER...2B OR NOT 2B |
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MINISTRY #8 WHAT ABOUT NUMBERS |
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THE CHURCH ON HIGHER GROUND |
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HOMEPAGE |
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SERMON NETS HOMEPAGE |
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SERMON NETS MENU |
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SERMON NETS ON MINISTRY |
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MINISTRY #1 |
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MINISTRY #2 MINISTRY OR INDUSTRY? |
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MINISTRY #3 personal and corporate |
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MINISTRY #4 personal and corporate |
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MINISTRY #5 personal and corporate |
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MINISTRY #6 personal and corporarte |
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MINISTRY #7 WEB MINISTRY |
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SIMPLE LIVING #1
#1 TRUE CONTENTMENT
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#1 TRUE CONTENTMENT
How much material gain would it take to satisfy you? If those who live around us are a gauge, there isn't enough in this world to satisfy anyone. The rich are always wanting to be richer, the powerful are always wanting more power. Alexander the Great reportedly sat down and cried because there were no other kingdoms to conquer. The heart of man is like a torn sack, it can never be filled. Even when offered that which satisfies, the greedy will go away sad because they cling to things that can rust, rot and be ripped off. (Lk.18:18-29)
Jesus said some very strange things, like; "...blessed are the poor..." (Lk.6:20) and "...lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth..." (Mt.6:19-24) Today we are being told to be rich in the things of this world, although God warned the rich that their piling up treasures would be a witness against them. (Ja.5:1-6) We are being told that God wants us to be wealthy, although that is the sign of the apostate church of the end times. (Re.3:14-22) People are sacrificing their families on the alters of power, prestige and prosperity. If God entrusts wealth to a person, it is not for that person to live in luxury, but for the purpose of reaching the lost, serving fellow believers and helping the needy. That is the way it was and is and always will be in this world.
Satisfaction is found in a right relationship with God, and the life of godliness resulting from that life. "But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction." (I Ti.6:6-9) We need to accept what God says about riches as much as we do about salvation.
Christians are being encouraged to get rich and be successful in order to finance high dollar ministries and keep pastors living like the CEO of a fortune 500 business. It is time we quit loving the world and the things of the world, for those who love these things, do not love God. (I Jn.2:15-17).
I am not saying there is virtue in poverty and simplicity. Pride comes in a variety of portfolios. All I am saying is that we should allow God's standards, not men's, to direct our lives. As the old saying is, "Joy is found in loving people and using things, not in loving things and using people."
If I can help you in your walk with Jesus, contact me. I care about your service to Him. If this page is a blessing, let others know too.
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