Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

Prosperity preaching has its place to a degree. Jesus said that if we forsake houses and lands in this life we shall receive the same back one hundred fold IN THIS LIFE. He did say it. But, the prosperity preaching seems to lean towards a one track mind.

I recently flipped through some TV channels and saw Mike Murdock, for several days in a row, talking about nothing except how much people will get back money in many many manners simply because they gave money. You know, the old thing that turns sinners off so much from TV preachers. It was nauseating. I believe God has and will do this! But that is all these guys talk about! They make it to the the ultimate message anyone can preach. Unbelievable.

Anyway, I thought of something. Jesus came out on the short end of the stick if we give for the sole purpose of receiving back again to ourselves. He gave His LIFE for every single person who would ever live and who has ever lived. But how many will end up saved? (Now, you know what I think about Universal Reconciliation -- it's wrong! lol) A very FEW ever find the strait and narrow way. A MINORITY.

The HIGHEST form of giving is known as AGAPE/LOVE giving. Giving to not expect anything back. The cross showed THAT form of giving.

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

Amen. I have absolutely no tolerance for the "Prosperity Message". Not Biblical.

Blessings, Rhoni

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

GOD'S LOVE TO THE WORLD WILL NOT RETURN VOID, YOU PREACH A WEAK AND ANEMIC GOD!!

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

Am I wrong to question whether this even implies money and material wealth in this life??? These TV solicitors make no secret of the promise of high dollar dividends.

Christ gave all. He rose triumphant in this life, but show me the money...

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

In "Christianity" we now preach a doctrine about giving that is a 180 degree reversal of the biblical postition. We have evolved from a doctrine that "it is better to give than to receive" to a doctrine of "give so you can receive".
This is just another sad example of the selfishness that has replaced selflessness in society and sadly in the church as well.

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

Absolutely right!!!!

It is so tiresome when so many are only giving as a means to "test God." If they aren't showered with blessings (usually only seen in financial terms), then they think God has somehow failed them or hasn't fulfilled His obligations.

God will bless us, but we should not expect it, rather we should be thankful when it does happen.

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

I fully believe in prosperity. I live prosperously. I live prosperously because I give and ALSO because I spend less than I make and I am faithful to my employer (the church) and am faithful in other areas.

It sickens me to hear people say the THE way to prosperity is to SOW into THEIR ministry because THAT ministry is GOOD soil, therefore you will receive a good return. It's like other ministries are not good soil or not as good soil. I personally believe that this doctrine is ONLY contrived for those who preach it. THEY are the ones who benefit the most from its preaching.

Murdock says over and over that the key to prosperity is to give to HIM!! Hmmmmm....I wonder who benefits from THAT? If any ministry starts to pull the shenanigan of the "soil" garbage, they lost my offering that I would otherwise have been happy to give. I give to things I believe I should NOT to get a return from. GOD will give to me when I give from the heart for the right reason and the right reason is not to GET a return. I believe God will give back. His word says so and my life's experience prove it.

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

Some say if you do not believe the Prosperity doctrine then what is your's the poverty doctrine.

No! My problem with the prosperity doctrine as it is preached!

You need to sow your way to health, prosperity and happiness.

I would have more respect for this doctrine if the ministry asked you to sow your seed into another ministry.

It is self advancement for the ministry for someone to tell you to sow to their ministry for your miracle.

God does want us to be happy, prosperious and healthy.

It is not tied to the money we put in the plate.

With the illness we have lived through with our son.

I would have given everything I had to see him healthy.

I have paid out of my pocket with the best insurance.

OVer $150,000.00 in the past 4 years.

He had to go out of state for the Bone Marrow Transplant.

We did it without fundraisers, donations etc.

We did it by faith, we did not send in a seed to Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen or Kenneth Copeland.

We got on our knee's and asked the Lord for direction and hope.

We then got into the understanding of the treatments and at each stage we shared our faith with the doctor's and the support staff.

We shared Christ and our faith.

That is where the miracles of his treatment, continued life and healings have come.

I do not understand, these same ministers tell us all we have to do is believe for the greatest miracle of all....Salvation.

But for continued miracles and happiness we have to produce works of giving money...

It makes no sense and is a doctrine of self advancement.

It the church were to take each seed sown in this manner and then paid it forward 100% into the lives of those in need.

Then the idea of seed would work.

In most cases we have no idea where this faith money is used...

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

You are so right!!! They say, "God is going to bless you, so send in your SEED to ME!" I may have been born at night, but I was NOT born last night! I may be some dumb, but I ain't plumb dumb!!! :D

Re: Prosperity is not the only reason to give
 

The guilt trip is then played. Why do you not want to use the economy of God?

Tell me what family is in need.

What family is facing a medical crisis.

Give me a good place to put my seed.

Not just into a plate that in most cases we have not idea where it is going.

I want my seed of faith to directly bless someone in need.

Someone the church has overlooked.

We are told to watch our giving to other charities..

Why not the church...