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Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/2/2008 7:55:35 PM
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Cloak
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By observing a number of Christian leaders, preachers and speakers in the US, one can notice that the majority of them are not just well-off, but rather millionaire and multimillionaire. Without naming specific names, many of them live in mansions and lead a very luxurious life.
Now there is nothing wrong with being well-off or comfortable financially or having enough $$$ to sustain you when you get older.
However, do you think Being Very wealthy in an excessive way (millionaire and multimillionaire) is an asset or a must for a Christian?
I believe when we have too much of $$$$, we tend to lose our faith or the least pray less...
Although the Bible is filled with characters who were wealthy (Job, Abraham, Boaz and others); yet their wealth was Not in access like the way it is in America.
Your comments and thoughts!
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Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 11:13:32 AM
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uncabeeil
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From: Joisey. Got a problem wit dat?
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quote:
do you think Being Very wealthy in an excessive way (millionaire and multimillionaire) is an asset or a must for a Christian? Ummmmm, considering Jesus said to give up everything and follow Him, I'd have to say the answer is obvious. Treasures in heaven and all that, ya know?
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I don't recall all of the details
But I know life is better when shared. -Jon Troast
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 3:23:05 PM
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miasma
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Quite the opposite.
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 3:24:49 PM
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zoebob
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I would disagree that the MAJORITY of Christian leaders are millionares
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L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 3:44:45 PM
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Cloak
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zoebob
I would disagree that the MAJORITY of Christian leaders are millionares
Well, let's say that a good number of them is Very wealthy (millionaires)!
_____________________________
Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 3:48:12 PM
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uncabeeil
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From: Joisey. Got a problem wit dat?
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For every Joel Osteen (I ain't afraid, I'll name them) and TD Jakes there are probably a thousand pastors, ministers, and priests out there living at or below (way below) the poverty line. So your theory ain't holdin' any water with me.
_____________________________
I don't recall all of the details
But I know life is better when shared. -Jon Troast
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 6:21:11 PM
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prolifepj
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quote:
ORIGINAL: uncabeeil
For every Joel Osteen (I ain't afraid, I'll name them) and TD Jakes there are probably a thousand pastors, ministers, and priests out there living at or below (way below) the poverty line.
I'd have to agree - I work for a televangelist who sort breaks the mold when it comes to typical 'televangelists'. He's not at all an extraordinarily wealthy man, but he's not broke either and preaches adamantly against excessive wealth when there is so much need. Some of the most anointed ministers we have come in contact with are those who are totally unknown living in a 3rd world country somewhere - not destitute, but not wealthy either.
HOWEVER, to bring a balance, there are quite a few wealthy ones out there who are still living integral lives. One would have to consider that sometimes they aren't only doing ministry - some ministers are also business folk. I can name several off the top of my head who are well known and are also property investors, restaurant owners, etc. MANY are authors of best selling books, hence the wealth. Some are just good at business and many of these strongly support the causes of the Kingdom. But when there is excess wealth flaunted and the message becomes 'it's all about me and what I can get out of it', which certainly happens, then it's flat wrong, I don't care who the preacher/leader is. Some people can handle great wealth, some cannot, but I certainly do not believe that it is a must for a ministry leader.
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Sho nuff honey chile - Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to!
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/3/2008 8:40:01 PM
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Cloak
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quote:
ORIGINAL: uncabeeil
For every Joel Osteen (I ain't afraid, I'll name them) and TD Jakes there are probably a thousand pastors, ministers, and priests out there living at or below (way below) the poverty line. So your theory ain't holdin' any water with me.
Which I believe are both in excess and Unbiblical!
_____________________________
Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/4/2008 4:52:23 PM
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kernsfamily
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quote:
I'd have to agree - I work for a televangelist who sort breaks the mold when it comes to typical 'televangelists'. He's not at all an extraordinarily wealthy man, but he's not broke either and preaches adamantly against excessive wealth when there is so much need. Some of the most anointed ministers we have come in contact with are those who are totally unknown living in a 3rd world country somewhere - not destitute, but not wealthy either.
HOWEVER, to bring a balance, there are quite a few wealthy ones out there who are still living integral lives.
Very true.
My pastor is not only the Sr. Pastor at our church, but he is on television and radio....and writes books....He's not a "typical televangelist"....as the "television/radio" thing is NOT the "primary focus"....those just serve as the means to "Get the Word out"....his primary focus is on our church.
Is he wealthy? Yes. He certainly earns every penny what he makes, and he's worth it. Over the past 19 years, he's been an extraordinary leader for the church (we've only been at the church for 6 years)...I am not even sure of his "salary", or if he even takes a salary from the church.....
Excessively wealthy? Hmmm....how would someone define that?
By some people's definitions I am 'excessively wealthy'.....so, it depends on whose opinion you ask.
Our church has an annual budget of around $40 million. Within that, is salary for pastoral, ministry and "support" staff.....and, salaries are a small fraction of the overall budget (I just have never bothered taking the time to get the "itemized"/line-by-line, budget....)....
He's got a gorgeous home....in an awesome neighborhood....but, many church members live there, as well.
He drives a Chrysler 300C....not "extravagant" by any means.....at least not to me.....considering we see new Bentley's, Hummers, Aston's and the occasional Lamborghini in our church parking lot on Sunday morning.
BUT, is being a "millionaire" a "must"???? absolutely not. never heard that before in church EVER...and if I did, I'd be outta there in a second....
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/5/2008 2:16:47 PM
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stamper_ben
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(Man, here's proof again that I should have got in on the design end of the trade...) 
But what was said goes hand in hand with what I believe. A pastor should not live more lavishly than his flock does.
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We will be known as His by the love we show one another.
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/6/2008 9:17:31 AM
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kernsfamily
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stamper_ben
(Man, here's proof again that I should have got in on the design end of the trade...)
But what was said goes hand in hand with what I believe. A pastor should not live more lavishly than his flock does.
well, I am more "middle class" than anything....BUT, compared to how I grew up (lower middle class in an inner city neighborhood in Detroit), and how my father grew up (in poverty in Northern West Virginia), Iam "excessively wealthy".....you should hear the "put downs" and "resentment" that comes from some of those within my family....the way they talk, you'd think I was Bill Gates or Warren Buffet (not there's anything wrong with that!)...
but, around here...in Dallas....personally, sometimes it is I who feels "dirt poor".....
it's all relative to your situation.
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/8/2008 8:23:50 PM
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litfire2000
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
but, around here...in Dallas....personally, sometimes it is I who feels "dirt poor".....
it's all relative to your situation.
I can identify, we lived in Plano for a while, so I know what you're saying...but, I also know that there are an awful lot of 50 cent "millionaires" around Dallas
_____________________________
Ps. 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/8/2008 10:28:56 PM
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OneOfHisJewels
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What are 50 cent millionaires?
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/8/2008 10:31:47 PM
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OneOfHisJewels
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From: California
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quote:
But what was said goes hand in hand with what I believe. A pastor should not live more lavishly than his flock does.
Nor should he be given a starvation salary...or expected to be the poorest member of the church..A pastor with a seminary degree (MDiv) has still earned the privilege of making more than the member in his congregation who dropped out of high school, and has to do menial jobs.
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/8/2008 11:23:48 PM
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Focusing
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Cloak
By observing a number of Christian leaders, preachers and speakers in the US, one can notice that the majority of them are not just well-off, but rather millionaire and multimillionaire. Without naming specific names, many of them live in mansions and lead a very luxurious life.
No, I would not say the majority are wealthy, but receive salaries that place them right in with their congregations. My pastor makes less than I do. I know he used to make considerably more where he came from (same area where I used to live and also made considerably more).
Just like the news, I think things are biased in what we "see" ... meaning, those on television and those who are published authors and those who have radio ministries. Just like any other career, imo.
< Message edited by Focusing -- 11/9/2008 9:15:49 AM >
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Instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend. That would be giving as the angels give.
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/9/2008 3:00:53 AM
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SamsonUSA
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" It is not a sin to be wealthy. But I believe it is a sin to die wealthy."
Rick Warren
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Knowledge humbles great men, astonishes the common man, and puffs up the little man
Chubby babies rock!
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/9/2008 9:40:02 AM
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litfire2000
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quote:
ORIGINAL: OneOfHisJewels
What are 50 cent millionaires?
Basically they are those who do not have the means to support a lavish lifestyle but live lavishly anyway or try to make others think they live lavishly. They may be completely broke but want others to think they are wealthy.
_____________________________
Ps. 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/9/2008 2:34:29 PM
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Cloak
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quote:
ORIGINAL: litfire2000
quote:
ORIGINAL: OneOfHisJewels
What are 50 cent millionaires?
Basically they are those who do not have the means to support a lavish lifestyle but live lavishly anyway or try to make others think they live lavishly. They may be completely broke but want others to think they are wealthy.
Good point litfire2000. We always let appearance deceive us and think that things are what they look when in truth the world is full of mask-wearers.
_____________________________
Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/9/2008 2:37:56 PM
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Cloak
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SamsonUSA
But I believe it is a sin to die wealthy."
Rick Warren
As long as the wealthy Christian spent it on others Not just on himself.
_____________________________
Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/16/2008 4:28:26 AM
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android125
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No its definitely not a must.
Jesus was definitely not wealthy, nor was Paul.
If a pastor preaches that message then its plain wrong.
There is nothing wrong with a pastor being wealthy as long as it does not diminish his
effectiveness in preaching the Gospel.
_____________________________
Gonna walk in heaven one day...............
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RE: Is becoming a millionaire Christian a Must? - 11/16/2008 8:46:44 PM
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delete123
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It is sad that this is protrayed alot. I had a Christian tell me that I was not in God's will because I did not have $5.00 to go and have a burger with her. On several attempts she has even tried to make me a charity case.
However she never asked why my circumstance was as such. If she had she would have learned why.
But by far I am Rich not in financial gain, but riches that are worth more.
Let the poor say that I am rich
Let the blind say I can see
let the weak say I am strong
for what the Lord has done in Me!
(Hillside Christian Center: The Lamb that was Slain)
The Lord has totally made me far richer than these folks who think He is their personal banker.
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