Are we biblically balanced in the area of finance?

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about a biblically balanced life in the area of finances. God seems to be exposing many of the fancy “ministries” which thrive on excess, and survive by promoting the love of money. Conversely, there are millions of brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide who live way below any poverty line. Sure, we in the West may say, “these third world countries are heavily paganised and given to idols”… as if every Western country, even “Christian countries”, aren’t largely given to our own forms of idolatry and paganism. It is clear that a biblically balanced form of prosperity exists for those who are dead to self and alive in Christ. But why does the Lord prosper us and how much is enough for us before we should be sharing the wealth around? Did God not say that “it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant” (Deut 8:18)? So then, if the main reason that God wishes to prosper us with wealth is so that He can “establish His covenant” how can we justify lascivious living and selfish hording? Here are some sobering words penned by Paul the apostle which I would like to hear your thoughts on:

by Brett Jacobsen

…The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name… (John 12:23-28)

by Tom Sparks
                                                                                                                 

Today I’d like to share some things with you, on the subject of Intentional Gatherings.

I love that word - “Intentional.”  It has a ring to it that bears witness with something very deep within my spirit.  It is a term that is moving among the body of those who have come out of the traditional Church, so it’s not unique with me, but it says something very important.  For me there is a “knowing” that it is a God thing, a “deep that calls to deep” formation within me.