"What does the Bible say about patience/endurance?"
In James 5:7 we read - "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." In Galatians 6:9 we read - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
The art of patience is rare to find in our high paced go get it life. Many cry out to G-d and say G-d give me patience but, I want it now! We live in the rat race of go for it. We have fast food, quick print shops, faster and faster computers, express oil changes, expressways, instant pictures (One hour photos), instant cocoa, instant coffee, microwaves, overnight delivery, express mail, instant messenger, and cell phones to talk with others right now. We see our society moving a mile a minute and thinking it’s good for us! Our society applauds the "Type A" personality as the way of success the person to be. Yet our society has far more heart attacks that kill in one year than in other countries. Why? We have the “Hurry up sickness” the “Busy as a bee mindset” and it’s killing us. We do not believe in a day of rest because we have been deceived into thinking we must do more! It is not our job but G-d's to provide us with our daily bread and to turn the situation into a blessing for us!
In a world that offers quick solutions and instant results, the timeless virtue of patience is all but forgotten but, patience is truly a godly attribute. Margaret Thatcher once said, “I am extraordinarily patient provided I get my own way in the end.” When everything is going your way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic; when we are treated unfairly; when our finds or family say something evil about us, when we can not have what we want right now!. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of these delays, irritations and trials. Impatience seems like "righteous" anger but it is from the devil himself. The Bible, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced for all followers of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience reveals our faith in G-d’s timing, omnipotence, and love.
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Patience does not develop overnight. G-d’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in G-d’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7). Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” (James 5:7-8). “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25).
We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with G-d. James points us to the prophets “as our example of patience in the face of suffering” (James 5:10). He also refers to Job, whose perseverance was rewarded by what the “Lord finally brought about” (James 5:11). Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:15). Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of G-d” (Hebrews 12:2).
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank G-d. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in G-d’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6). Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes G-d puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things G-d works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” especially include the things that try our patience.
In John 8:47 we read: "Whoever is of G-d hears the words of G-d. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of G-d.” In 1 Peter 2:20 we read: "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of G-d." In James 5:10-11 we read: "As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."
In 1 Timothy 6:10-11 we read: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of G-d, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." In James 1:2-4 we read: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." In Revelation 14:12 we read: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of G-d, and the faith of Jesus."
In 1 Peter 4:12 we read: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." In Hebrews 12:7 we read: "It is for discipline that you have to endure. G-d is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" In Romans 5:3-4 we read: "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope," In James 1:12-18 we read: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which G-d has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by G-d,” for G-d cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." In Hebrews 10:36 we read: "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of G-d you may receive what is promised."
The next time you are in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, or forced once again to wait upon the Lord - how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, impatience, hatred, frustration and unbelief. Instead of harming yourself and your relationship with the Lord, start to praise G-d that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17). Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in our Father’s power, promise and purpose. Because “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Romans 2:7).
Is the lack of endurance truly an unforgivable "Sin"?
In Matthew 10:22 we read: "And ye shall be hated of all men for My Name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" Jesus warning contains very stern Words, especially to those who have already confessed that they have trusted Jesus Christ for Eternal Salvation. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). You may ask, "Don't you believe in the Eternal Security of the Believer?" Most certainly, I do. "And I give unto them Eternal Life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand" (John 10:28). But, we are nowhere to confuse the Security of the Believer with the Insecurity that Rightfully Belongs to ANY Sinner. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him" (1John 3:6). The self-deception of sin persuades the one who professes to know Jesus Christ that they have already been saved, even though they presently continue in unrepented sin. "In this the children of G-d are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of G-d, neither he that loveth not his brother" (1John 3:10).
Peter truly denied Jesus thee times because he was relying on himself rather than Himself - after Peter received power from G-d in the form of the Holy Spirit - "Peter" could finally stand still and receive the Lord's salvation - as we all will when we rely only upon G-d to keep us from falling. In John 21:14 - 20 we read: "This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify G-d. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." And Peter did finally deny himself and allowed Himself to carry Peter so that Peter could finally follow Jesus to the cross and there Peter too glorified G-d.
Well fellow Traveler, are you headed in the right direction? Or do you really still want everything to go your own way? Remember that the word "lived" is simply the "devil" backwards........
Love one another!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Why do you want your greedy desires over G-d's perfect will?
Why do you want your greedy desires over G-d's perfect will?
The 7 Deadly Sins, also known as the Cardinal Sins, is a classification of objectionable vices that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin. The currently recognized version of the sins are usually given as wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. Greed is Truly the Mother of All Sins. Many world religions say greed is the stuff the other deadly sins are made of.
The New Testament of the Bible tells of two kingdoms - the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of G-d.
The kingdom of this world is under the direct influence of Satan (Luke 4:5-6, John 14:30-31, 1 John 5:18-20, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The dominant values of the world include greed or wealth, power, pleasure, revenge, fame, vanity and status. These things are most important to people who perceive no power or purpose beyond themselves. Worldly values promote sexual pleasures, jealousies, resentments and conflicts among people in accordance with the purposes of Satan (John 8:44, Acts 5:3, Romans 16:17-20, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:25-32, 2 Timothy 2:22-26, 1 John 3:8-10) .
The kingdom of G-d (also known as the kingdom of heaven) exists within the world among those people who put their faith, trust and loyalty in G-d (Luke 17:20-21). The values of the kingdom of G-d are the opposite of worldly values: kindness and respect for all people instead of power; humility instead of status, fame and vanity; honesty and generosity instead of wealth; self-control instead of pleasure; forgiveness instead of revenge. Christian values promote love, peace and good will among people in accordance with the purposes of G-d.
The people of the Old Testament times often lapsed into worship of idols or false gods, anything that takes the place of our total devotion to G-d becomes an idol or false god, and that is expressly forbidden by the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-6). Jesus particularly singled out love of wealth as a false god (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13), and other Bible passages cleanly mention greed, covetousness, arrogance, gluttony and pride as being equivalent to idolatry. In today's world, many things compete against G-d for our devotion. These are some of the things that can become modern-day idolatry if we let them become too important to us: Excessive attention to material things such as houses, cars, clothes, gambling, collections, sports, jewelry, physical appearance, entertainment, etc. - Pursuit of wealth, sex, power, fame, pleasure or status - Excessive devotion to self, job, hobbies, country, ideologies, heroes, leaders, religion, even family. Anything that is more important to us than G-d. Jesus clearly taught us not to seek to have our own will be done but to ask only that the Father's will be done in our lives.
Paul said, "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel" (Acts 20: 33). Rather than being guilty of covetousness and greed, Paul assisted others (vs. 34). In so doing, he serves as an example (vs. 35). Even preachers can be guilty of greed (1 Tim. 6: 5-11). Some are greedy because they incorrectly think/believe materialism/thrift/goals are the answer. Jesus addressed some greedy people when he said, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12: 15). Jesus then described a greedy farmer and the waste that characterized him (vs. 16-21). Greed precludes contentment (Heb. 13: 5). Moreover, greed is the most prolific cause of all evil. "The love of money is the root of all evil," penned Paul (1 Tim. 6: 10). The Bible contrasts the greedy and the giver. In describing the greedy the wise man wrote, "He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not" (Prov. 21: 26). The greedy multiply their problems (Prov. 21: 25, 26).
Everywhere people are trying to "make theirs" (WAM - what about me?) and anyone who tries to stand in the way of me and my getting "mine" had better look out. The main character of the film "Wall Street" a few years ago pronounced, "Greed works. Greed is good." And don't be deceived into thinking that greed was confined to the Republican administrations. Greed, for many "Christian" people today, is still working and is still "good." Greed is not good or new. This is not a subject about which the Bible is silent because it is some latter day phenomenon. Greed is as old as man. In the Ten Commandments, G-d instructed man, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Ex. 20:17). Most of the 10 Commandments are examples of G-d trying to curb man's Greed.
Greed was still very prevalent in the days of Jesus: "And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when he heard these things, he became very sad; for he was extremely rich" (Lk. 18:22-23). The rich young ruler is easy to hold up to ridicule, for he is "extremely rich." On the other hand, I have very little. It is only natural that I should want "just a little bit more" (that is how one of the world's richest man, J. Paul Getty's answered the question, "How much money is enough?").
One of the most condemning factors involved in greed is that it causes us to despise the blessings from G-d that we already have. We have our faith, our Lord, our health, our families, most of us still have jobs, food in the refrigerator and cupboard, we live in air conditioned homes, drive in our air conditioned cars to our air conditioned offices and shopping malls and church buildings, where we sing, "Living below in this old sinful world, hardly a comfort can afford." Can we honestly say that we are not immensely blessed by G-d especially in this country?
The truth is, few of us are satisfied with the great blessings and abundance we already have. We want new cars, new homes, new clothes, new boats, bigger televisions, faster computers, new toys, new this and new that. And we are simply ignore the apostle's words in Philippians 4, ". . . I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need" (vv. 11-12). What was Paul's secret? Read one more verse: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (v. 13). Paul's secret was the same as the one he gave Timothy, "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on G-d, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Tim. 6:17). Paul's secret was that he trusted in his G-d, and not in whatever he had, be it humble or rich.
Jesus clearly taught. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). You can simply not serve both our one G-d and the demonic Mammon!
The uncertainty of earthly wealth is far too fragile on which to fix our hope. Hope must be moored to something eternally great and powerful and strong. Our hope must be fixed on Jesus, who gives us the gift of eternal life in His sacrifice for us. While it is true that "money can't buy happiness," it is even more true that money can't buy salvation. Only our faith in Jesus Christ can give us such hope. Only our trust in His promise that he would give us our daily bead and this same G-d who takes care of Paul will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus - will bring us into contentment and faith and trust in Him who gives us peace not as the world gives!
While you should truly look to G-d to give you your daily bread (your needs) - you should not demand that He instantly give you all your needs, all of your desires, all of your wishes and all of your wants for the rest of your lives in advance, much less that He must do so today! The Babylonian Church currently teaches greed in the form of the prosperity gospel - also known as the “Word of Faith,” the "beLIEver" is told to use G-d (G-d's name backwards is dog) to get what they want, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite—G-d uses the believer to do what He wants ("Not my way but thine be done."). The Word of Faith or prosperity theology teaches that you can manipulate G-d, Jesus and the the Holy Spirit to get whatever you - the "beLIEver" demands. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do G-d's will - not that we are ever to manipulate G-d into giving us what we want - that truly is witchcraft. The prosperity gospel movement closely resembles some of the destructive greed sects that infiltrated the early church. Paul and the other apostles were not accommodating to or conciliatory with the false teachers who propagated such heresy. They identified them as dangerous false teachers and urged Christians to avoid them. No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."
Paul warned Timothy about such men in 1 Timothy 6:5, 9-11. These men of “corrupt mind” supposed godliness was a means of gain and their desire for riches was a trap that brought them “into ruin and destruction” (v. 9). The pursuit of wealth is a dangerous path for Christians and one which G-d warns about: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (v. 10). If riches were a reasonable goal for the godly, Jesus would have personally pursued it. But He did not, preferring instead to have no place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20) and teaching His disciples to do the same. It should also be remembered that the only disciple that Jesus had that was concerned with wealth was Judas.
Paul said covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5) and instructed the Ephesians to avoid anyone who brought a message of immorality or covetousness (Ephesians 5:6-7). Prosperity teaching prohibits G-d from working on His own, meaning that G-d is not Lord of all because He cannot work until we release Him to do so. Faith, according to the Word of Faith doctrine, is not submissive trust in G-d; faith is a formula by which we manipulate the spiritual laws that prosperity teachers believe govern the universe. As the name “Word of Faith” implies, this movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than whom we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm in our hearts.
A favorite term in the prosperity teaches or the Word of Faith movement is “positive confession.” This refers to the teaching that words themselves have creative power. What you say, Word of Faith teachers claim, determines everything that happens to you. Your confessions, especially the requests and favors you demand of G-d, must all be stated positively and without wavering. Then G-d is required to answer (as though man could legitimately require anything of G-d!). Thus, G-d's ability to bless us supposedly hangs on our "faith" or greedy confession. James 4:13-16 clearly contradicts this teaching: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Far from speaking things into existence in the future, we do not even know what tomorrow will bring or even whether we will be alive.
Instead of stressing the importance of wealth, the Bible clearly warns against pursuing it. Believers, especially leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3), are to be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). The love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). In sharp contrast to the prosperity teachers and/or the "Word of Faith" emphasis on gaining money and earthly possessions in this life, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The irreconcilable contradictions between prosperity teaching and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is best summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both G-d and Mammon.”
Mammon is a term, derived from the Christian Bible, used to describe material wealth or greed, most often personified as a deity, and sometimes included in the seven princes of Hell. The final and crowning temptation that the devil offered Jesus was "All the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them." That's the most riches anybody had ever been offered--the whole World! The Devil said, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." Jesus answered, "Get thee hence, Satan: For it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord Thy G-d, and Him only shalt thou serve!"--The worship of the riches of this life is Devil-worship! (Mt.4:8-10). The word devil backwards is "lived" and evil backwards is "live"! Do you really want to live life your way!
Jesus clearly said in Matthew chapter 6:19-34: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." He says don't bury your heart in those treasures, because those treasures will vanish away or get stolen, rust, corrupt or rot--along with your heart.--They'll corrupt your heart!
"No man can serve two masters: For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve G-d and Mammon!" (Mt.6:24) Now what is Mammon?--Money, pure and simple. Mammon was literally the god of wealth, and if you love and serve money then you're loving and serving the Devil!
"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on."--Don't even worry about the necessities of life! "Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" "Behold the fowls of the air: For they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they?" He says, "If I can feed the birds, don't you think I'm going to feed you?" "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."--"Look at the lilies: G-d makes them, G-d clothes them, and they don't even work for it! So certainly G-d's going to take care of you!"
"Wherefore, if G-d so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought."--That means fretting, anxious thought.--Don't worry about "What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek."
That's all the worldly people live for, that's all they care for, that's all they love, that's all they work for! They're slaves of things! You can be a slave of things! They can and will own you, instead of you owning them! You can and will be working for them, instead of them working for you!
"But seek ye first the Kingdom of G-d and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you!" G-d's Kingdom is whatever the King reigns and rules over! -- The Church! -- It's souls, people, His people! -- Not a building nor a denomination nor an organization! -- It's His children - They are His Kingdom and His Church and His People! Now compare this Kingdom of Righteousness and Love with the worldly Babylonian Church of Greed:
Revelation 18; 1 -24: And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and G-d hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord G-d who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for G-d hath avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues!" Choose this day who you will serve dear one - G-d or Mammon! And Love one another!
The 7 Deadly Sins, also known as the Cardinal Sins, is a classification of objectionable vices that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin. The currently recognized version of the sins are usually given as wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. Greed is Truly the Mother of All Sins. Many world religions say greed is the stuff the other deadly sins are made of.
The New Testament of the Bible tells of two kingdoms - the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of G-d.
The kingdom of this world is under the direct influence of Satan (Luke 4:5-6, John 14:30-31, 1 John 5:18-20, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The dominant values of the world include greed or wealth, power, pleasure, revenge, fame, vanity and status. These things are most important to people who perceive no power or purpose beyond themselves. Worldly values promote sexual pleasures, jealousies, resentments and conflicts among people in accordance with the purposes of Satan (John 8:44, Acts 5:3, Romans 16:17-20, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:25-32, 2 Timothy 2:22-26, 1 John 3:8-10) .
The kingdom of G-d (also known as the kingdom of heaven) exists within the world among those people who put their faith, trust and loyalty in G-d (Luke 17:20-21). The values of the kingdom of G-d are the opposite of worldly values: kindness and respect for all people instead of power; humility instead of status, fame and vanity; honesty and generosity instead of wealth; self-control instead of pleasure; forgiveness instead of revenge. Christian values promote love, peace and good will among people in accordance with the purposes of G-d.
The people of the Old Testament times often lapsed into worship of idols or false gods, anything that takes the place of our total devotion to G-d becomes an idol or false god, and that is expressly forbidden by the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-6). Jesus particularly singled out love of wealth as a false god (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13), and other Bible passages cleanly mention greed, covetousness, arrogance, gluttony and pride as being equivalent to idolatry. In today's world, many things compete against G-d for our devotion. These are some of the things that can become modern-day idolatry if we let them become too important to us: Excessive attention to material things such as houses, cars, clothes, gambling, collections, sports, jewelry, physical appearance, entertainment, etc. - Pursuit of wealth, sex, power, fame, pleasure or status - Excessive devotion to self, job, hobbies, country, ideologies, heroes, leaders, religion, even family. Anything that is more important to us than G-d. Jesus clearly taught us not to seek to have our own will be done but to ask only that the Father's will be done in our lives.
Paul said, "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel" (Acts 20: 33). Rather than being guilty of covetousness and greed, Paul assisted others (vs. 34). In so doing, he serves as an example (vs. 35). Even preachers can be guilty of greed (1 Tim. 6: 5-11). Some are greedy because they incorrectly think/believe materialism/thrift/goals are the answer. Jesus addressed some greedy people when he said, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12: 15). Jesus then described a greedy farmer and the waste that characterized him (vs. 16-21). Greed precludes contentment (Heb. 13: 5). Moreover, greed is the most prolific cause of all evil. "The love of money is the root of all evil," penned Paul (1 Tim. 6: 10). The Bible contrasts the greedy and the giver. In describing the greedy the wise man wrote, "He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not" (Prov. 21: 26). The greedy multiply their problems (Prov. 21: 25, 26).
Everywhere people are trying to "make theirs" (WAM - what about me?) and anyone who tries to stand in the way of me and my getting "mine" had better look out. The main character of the film "Wall Street" a few years ago pronounced, "Greed works. Greed is good." And don't be deceived into thinking that greed was confined to the Republican administrations. Greed, for many "Christian" people today, is still working and is still "good." Greed is not good or new. This is not a subject about which the Bible is silent because it is some latter day phenomenon. Greed is as old as man. In the Ten Commandments, G-d instructed man, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Ex. 20:17). Most of the 10 Commandments are examples of G-d trying to curb man's Greed.
Greed was still very prevalent in the days of Jesus: "And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when he heard these things, he became very sad; for he was extremely rich" (Lk. 18:22-23). The rich young ruler is easy to hold up to ridicule, for he is "extremely rich." On the other hand, I have very little. It is only natural that I should want "just a little bit more" (that is how one of the world's richest man, J. Paul Getty's answered the question, "How much money is enough?").
One of the most condemning factors involved in greed is that it causes us to despise the blessings from G-d that we already have. We have our faith, our Lord, our health, our families, most of us still have jobs, food in the refrigerator and cupboard, we live in air conditioned homes, drive in our air conditioned cars to our air conditioned offices and shopping malls and church buildings, where we sing, "Living below in this old sinful world, hardly a comfort can afford." Can we honestly say that we are not immensely blessed by G-d especially in this country?
The truth is, few of us are satisfied with the great blessings and abundance we already have. We want new cars, new homes, new clothes, new boats, bigger televisions, faster computers, new toys, new this and new that. And we are simply ignore the apostle's words in Philippians 4, ". . . I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need" (vv. 11-12). What was Paul's secret? Read one more verse: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (v. 13). Paul's secret was the same as the one he gave Timothy, "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on G-d, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Tim. 6:17). Paul's secret was that he trusted in his G-d, and not in whatever he had, be it humble or rich.
Jesus clearly taught. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). You can simply not serve both our one G-d and the demonic Mammon!
The uncertainty of earthly wealth is far too fragile on which to fix our hope. Hope must be moored to something eternally great and powerful and strong. Our hope must be fixed on Jesus, who gives us the gift of eternal life in His sacrifice for us. While it is true that "money can't buy happiness," it is even more true that money can't buy salvation. Only our faith in Jesus Christ can give us such hope. Only our trust in His promise that he would give us our daily bead and this same G-d who takes care of Paul will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus - will bring us into contentment and faith and trust in Him who gives us peace not as the world gives!
While you should truly look to G-d to give you your daily bread (your needs) - you should not demand that He instantly give you all your needs, all of your desires, all of your wishes and all of your wants for the rest of your lives in advance, much less that He must do so today! The Babylonian Church currently teaches greed in the form of the prosperity gospel - also known as the “Word of Faith,” the "beLIEver" is told to use G-d (G-d's name backwards is dog) to get what they want, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite—G-d uses the believer to do what He wants ("Not my way but thine be done."). The Word of Faith or prosperity theology teaches that you can manipulate G-d, Jesus and the the Holy Spirit to get whatever you - the "beLIEver" demands. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do G-d's will - not that we are ever to manipulate G-d into giving us what we want - that truly is witchcraft. The prosperity gospel movement closely resembles some of the destructive greed sects that infiltrated the early church. Paul and the other apostles were not accommodating to or conciliatory with the false teachers who propagated such heresy. They identified them as dangerous false teachers and urged Christians to avoid them. No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."
Paul warned Timothy about such men in 1 Timothy 6:5, 9-11. These men of “corrupt mind” supposed godliness was a means of gain and their desire for riches was a trap that brought them “into ruin and destruction” (v. 9). The pursuit of wealth is a dangerous path for Christians and one which G-d warns about: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (v. 10). If riches were a reasonable goal for the godly, Jesus would have personally pursued it. But He did not, preferring instead to have no place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20) and teaching His disciples to do the same. It should also be remembered that the only disciple that Jesus had that was concerned with wealth was Judas.
Paul said covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5) and instructed the Ephesians to avoid anyone who brought a message of immorality or covetousness (Ephesians 5:6-7). Prosperity teaching prohibits G-d from working on His own, meaning that G-d is not Lord of all because He cannot work until we release Him to do so. Faith, according to the Word of Faith doctrine, is not submissive trust in G-d; faith is a formula by which we manipulate the spiritual laws that prosperity teachers believe govern the universe. As the name “Word of Faith” implies, this movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than whom we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm in our hearts.
A favorite term in the prosperity teaches or the Word of Faith movement is “positive confession.” This refers to the teaching that words themselves have creative power. What you say, Word of Faith teachers claim, determines everything that happens to you. Your confessions, especially the requests and favors you demand of G-d, must all be stated positively and without wavering. Then G-d is required to answer (as though man could legitimately require anything of G-d!). Thus, G-d's ability to bless us supposedly hangs on our "faith" or greedy confession. James 4:13-16 clearly contradicts this teaching: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Far from speaking things into existence in the future, we do not even know what tomorrow will bring or even whether we will be alive.
Instead of stressing the importance of wealth, the Bible clearly warns against pursuing it. Believers, especially leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3), are to be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). The love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). In sharp contrast to the prosperity teachers and/or the "Word of Faith" emphasis on gaining money and earthly possessions in this life, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The irreconcilable contradictions between prosperity teaching and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is best summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both G-d and Mammon.”
Mammon is a term, derived from the Christian Bible, used to describe material wealth or greed, most often personified as a deity, and sometimes included in the seven princes of Hell. The final and crowning temptation that the devil offered Jesus was "All the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them." That's the most riches anybody had ever been offered--the whole World! The Devil said, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." Jesus answered, "Get thee hence, Satan: For it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord Thy G-d, and Him only shalt thou serve!"--The worship of the riches of this life is Devil-worship! (Mt.4:8-10). The word devil backwards is "lived" and evil backwards is "live"! Do you really want to live life your way!
Jesus clearly said in Matthew chapter 6:19-34: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." He says don't bury your heart in those treasures, because those treasures will vanish away or get stolen, rust, corrupt or rot--along with your heart.--They'll corrupt your heart!
"No man can serve two masters: For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve G-d and Mammon!" (Mt.6:24) Now what is Mammon?--Money, pure and simple. Mammon was literally the god of wealth, and if you love and serve money then you're loving and serving the Devil!
"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on."--Don't even worry about the necessities of life! "Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" "Behold the fowls of the air: For they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they?" He says, "If I can feed the birds, don't you think I'm going to feed you?" "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."--"Look at the lilies: G-d makes them, G-d clothes them, and they don't even work for it! So certainly G-d's going to take care of you!"
"Wherefore, if G-d so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought."--That means fretting, anxious thought.--Don't worry about "What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek."
That's all the worldly people live for, that's all they care for, that's all they love, that's all they work for! They're slaves of things! You can be a slave of things! They can and will own you, instead of you owning them! You can and will be working for them, instead of them working for you!
"But seek ye first the Kingdom of G-d and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you!" G-d's Kingdom is whatever the King reigns and rules over! -- The Church! -- It's souls, people, His people! -- Not a building nor a denomination nor an organization! -- It's His children - They are His Kingdom and His Church and His People! Now compare this Kingdom of Righteousness and Love with the worldly Babylonian Church of Greed:
Revelation 18; 1 -24: And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and G-d hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord G-d who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for G-d hath avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues!" Choose this day who you will serve dear one - G-d or Mammon! And Love one another!
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