Sweet Discretion, I am inclined to go with you on this one. It is true, that most of these ministries are well funded. But when you look at the projectst that they sponsor, it is somewhat obvious as to how the money is spent. I'm a military brat and no matter what country I've been in, I have seen many of these ministries starting churches, ordering Bibles, funding hospitals, etc... I believe that the wealth that the Lord provides for us is to be used to further the purpose of His kingdom. If I'm not mistaken, many people use these ministries as places in which they can sow a seed (parable of sowing and reaping) for a harvest...admittedly there is a thin line between that and just sending them your entire paycheck, but that is up to the discernment and discretion of the individual. Yes God does supply our needs, but He also grants us the desire of our hearts, and blesses us exceedingly, aboundantly, above all we can ask or think (I'll have to find the exact scripture refrences for those scriptures). In Deut. 28, I believe, the Word lists the blessings and curses that come upon us as a result of our obedience, or lack there of. All I know is, according to the Word, if I am obedient, I will be blessed in every area of my life. It is important to trust God and not money. But it is also important to remember that money is not the problem...but the love of money is. Is it a sin to have money? I don't think so, neither do I think it's a sin to preach that wealth is a blessing that God has for us. On a side note, the idea of the "holy impoverished Christian" (from which many of our ideas about the "fear of wealth" come) is historically a British/Puritan concept, and is based more on their cultural beliefs than on religious background. In any event, may God CONTINUE to bless you!!!
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