These words ring out as an indictment against the American Christian Church.
2 Corinthians 8:15 As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."
Had nothing left over? Even our most struggling churches in terms of cash flow often have large amounts of money sitting in a bank somewhere. Many of our other churches have huge investments, large endowments, and various honey holes that they are just sitting on. All of these just sitting waiting for the down pour of the proverbial rainy day.
And all the while, there are many parts of the church that gather little. There are projects that cannot be done. The faithful lack basic physical necessities. Even copies of the life-giving Word are not present.
It is an indictment against the American church that those who have gathered much have much left over while those who have gathered little have lack.
2 Corinthians 8:7-9 But as you excel in everything- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you- see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Phil,
Just a question. Does this mean that congregations with extra should give to those without means or without the desire to give?
Yes to the first. No to the second.
Phil,
First off, there is NO American Church, nor should there be.
Secondly, why do you assume that because churches have endowments (from people who gave it to them) or reserves or an investment fund are hoarding it? What evidence (not anecdotal things you’ve heard; I”m going to demand evidence) do you have that suggests that the churches are NOT doing the charitable acts which have been associated with Christianity since its inception?
Third, and this is where I think you really miss the point, whose money is it? If that money belongs to God (which I believe it does), why are you presuming to dictate what should be done with it? My church has an icon fund now worth $20,000 all given by generous bequests and donations. Should we dispense with that money to fund the baptists down the street to build a church for them? Whenever you get into redistribution of wealth (and protest as you may, this is EXACTLY what you are suggesting), who are you to say who should have what? That reeks of “holier than thouism.”
Chris,
In my eyes I believe what pastor Philip is employing, I could be wrong but there are a lot of huge churches out there in the world with multi million dollar designs. The point I’m going to make, actually 2 points is that while a church can suffer financially and another thrive beyond its wildest dreams with no intention for mission trips, neighborhood get together or anything relating to the spreading of the word of God.
My second point is why attack his thoughts on the issue? Those are inspiring words he wrote with good intentions and the glory of the Lord in mind. How is it he is made out to be an enemy of the church by your vicious attack? I’m sorry Chris but good intentions are always looked upon by God and condemning the words of another man based on his own love for the Lord is not scriptural.
Chris I applause your passion but your anger steers away open ears. That’s basic psychology. No need to yell.
And Phillip,
How are you? We grew up in the same elementary school. Congrats!
My question is do you think that there are a lot of churches through the fifty states that have a corrupted infrastructure? I believe they do am I wrong to think this way? I see myself teeter tottering from liking non denominational but despising the “glorious, magnificent, huge new multi million dollar churches because its never been about style and charisma. Our lives aren’t dedicated to the finer things….but for the Lord our God who could literally care less the look of the church. In my eyes just because there is a tiny place to call Gods home, we call this church, doesn’t mean that his Church does not consist of everything in this universe. Am I wrong or what can I do to revamp my opinions on these big churches/banks?