This is interesting. However, people do not generally give joyfully on a regular basis, which appears to be your solution. There still exists a duty (perhaps a lay-priestly duty) to be financially responsible for the infrastructure and for the consultants hired (pastor, etc.). So you may be correct in your thesis (I need more time to think on these things), but the expression in reality will be more empty church buildings in the neighborhood .
@bigfishmustfry "people do not generally give joyfully on a regular basis.." - then church folk are the blame for not following this bible principle when the principle is in place to be followed. When a Christian does not give joyfully a heart check is in order.
"...but the expression in reality will be more empty church buildings in the neighborhood." - not necessarily, but if folks remain cheap and don't financially have ownership in their buildings by supporting it, then it may happen.
@bigfishmustfry No where in the New Testament does Jesus or the Apostles demand, request or even want a church/temple building like in the OT. So that is where we , today have got it wrong. The money is going to buildings and paying for musicians , pastors etc and not to God nor the poor ( as per the OT) anyway. Let the buildings fall down, we don't need them - they have become idols and entertainment for the sheep.
@tassiespirit - I do not know where you live, but in these here parts, it gets mighty cold five months of the year. Back then, there were plenty of temples, which Jesus & the gang attended, participated, & even spoke. The disciples were strong on supporting the various churches and not being a burden to them. The churches were strong in giving freely to the itinerants. What I mourn is the loss of the small neighborhood churches, serving the close neighborhood. I dislike the megachurches.
@bigfishmustfry Hi again, sorry to come over harsh, I did not mean too, if I did. I live in Tasmania( southern state of OZ), and it has snow on the highlands now. I know they spoke, but in Jerusleum, it was to convert the Jews in the temple court yard , not in the temple to preach. I agree on the dislike for mega churches- they don't serve the people or God, but themselves. I was brought up in a small methodist church and I miss that home. In OZ we have Hillsong in Sydney too big.
@bigfishmustfry Not always so. From a very young age he was found in the temple astounding the rabbis w/ his knowledge & wisdom. On of his most famous speeches was in the temple starting thusly: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me . . . You were not harsh at all, very factual. It is not uncommon for large churches to have an audiovisual budget five times that which is set aside for the poor. Seats filled and T&O are the benchmarks instead of incarnate living.
I am an ELCA Lutheran from South Carolina. Today is August 24, which is the Festival of St. Bartholomew, Apostle. Exodus 19: 1-6 is read as the Old Testament Lesson for this day.
This is interesting. However, people do not generally give joyfully on a regular basis, which appears to be your solution. There still exists a duty (perhaps a lay-priestly duty) to be financially responsible for the infrastructure and for the consultants hired (pastor, etc.). So you may be correct in your thesis (I need more time to think on these things), but the expression in reality will be more empty church buildings in the neighborhood .
bigfishmustfry 1 year ago
@bigfishmustfry "people do not generally give joyfully on a regular basis.." - then church folk are the blame for not following this bible principle when the principle is in place to be followed. When a Christian does not give joyfully a heart check is in order.
"...but the expression in reality will be more empty church buildings in the neighborhood." - not necessarily, but if folks remain cheap and don't financially have ownership in their buildings by supporting it, then it may happen.
YhwhKhai 1 year ago
@bigfishmustfry No where in the New Testament does Jesus or the Apostles demand, request or even want a church/temple building like in the OT. So that is where we , today have got it wrong. The money is going to buildings and paying for musicians , pastors etc and not to God nor the poor ( as per the OT) anyway. Let the buildings fall down, we don't need them - they have become idols and entertainment for the sheep.
tassiespirit 7 months ago
@tassiespirit - I do not know where you live, but in these here parts, it gets mighty cold five months of the year. Back then, there were plenty of temples, which Jesus & the gang attended, participated, & even spoke. The disciples were strong on supporting the various churches and not being a burden to them. The churches were strong in giving freely to the itinerants. What I mourn is the loss of the small neighborhood churches, serving the close neighborhood. I dislike the megachurches.
bigfishmustfry 7 months ago
@bigfishmustfry Hi again, sorry to come over harsh, I did not mean too, if I did. I live in Tasmania( southern state of OZ), and it has snow on the highlands now. I know they spoke, but in Jerusleum, it was to convert the Jews in the temple court yard , not in the temple to preach. I agree on the dislike for mega churches- they don't serve the people or God, but themselves. I was brought up in a small methodist church and I miss that home. In OZ we have Hillsong in Sydney too big.
tassiespirit 7 months ago
@bigfishmustfry Not always so. From a very young age he was found in the temple astounding the rabbis w/ his knowledge & wisdom. On of his most famous speeches was in the temple starting thusly: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me . . . You were not harsh at all, very factual. It is not uncommon for large churches to have an audiovisual budget five times that which is set aside for the poor. Seats filled and T&O are the benchmarks instead of incarnate living.
bigfishmustfry 7 months ago
I am an ELCA Lutheran from South Carolina. Today is August 24, which is the Festival of St. Bartholomew, Apostle. Exodus 19: 1-6 is read as the Old Testament Lesson for this day.
mkl62 1 year ago
Amen
DumblyBrilliant 2 years ago
SEND MONEY.....Thanks, Ted Haggard
perfectbark 3 years ago