Christian Personal Finance Advice

“One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” – Jesus

The Church Is Not A Building – But It Does Own Many Of Them.

Many have come to the realization that “the church” is not a building – but it does own many of them. A building is merely materials constructed together to form a shelter for people from the elements. The Church, being committed to serving the poor, has HUGE spaces with which could be used for homelessness to end. I understand that many churches do provide shelter to those in need. But with the modern church moving toward a culture of marketing and performance, bigger spaces are being built to hold thousands of people for a Sunday morning, and are left empty, and guarded by security at night. What if that space were used for more than merely hosting a performance event? What if that space were used to do what I believe would actually make the church appealing to the world – service.

If a building is not being used to give people shelter from the elements for a night, feed those hungry, give water, and give clothing; it’s pointless and worthless having the building at all. Why are we afraid of opening our doors to those without shelter? Why are we afraid of each other?

We are not called to fear people but only God. When you fear God, all fear of people vanishes and all you can do is open your heart to others. My definition of a “spirit-filled church” has greatly changed. Much of the church views being “spirit-filled” as a feeling of atmosphere or lack of restriction in how people praise during the concert portion of the production. If I had the Goo Goo Dolls and Tony Robbins and I could create the biggest spirit filled church in the country based on those factors.

God doesn’t care how nice your facility is and whether or not the people feel comfortable there. However, much of the church has concerned themselves with tailoring their service for the new comer to feel comfortable – fear of man. This is born from a business mentality where we want new customers to buy our product. God wants you to be uncomfortable because that’s the only way this world has ever changed, and God’s will is that our world become like heaven.

Open your doors to those in need and you will really see the Spirit of God move. When did music become classified as “worship”? Sure, people worship with music, but somehow in our culture that has become the primary thing we call “time of worship.” When I walk into a building and see hands raised, people on the floor, dancing, singing, etc., I don’t think to myself “people are really worshiping here.” I don’t make an opinion at all, because that is not for me to judge. When I walk into a church where people are feeding the hungry, providing clothing, and a place to sleep, all out of a heart to simply love people with equal value to ourselves; there I know the people understand worship & love.

If God Can’t Protect You, Buy A Gun!

With the recent surge in gun sales, mainstream media coverage, social discussions on gun rights, and legislation soon to come to address the issue of gun control; I would like to write about something I have observed regarding this matter.

I find it ironic, to say the least, that the initiating contributor of a surge in gun sales, is an act of catastrophic gun violence. Many people offer claims like “guns don’t kill people, people with guns kill people”, while making their purchase of a gun.

I understand that it was not the shooting at Sandy Hook which inspired people to purchase guns in droves. The event at Sandy Hook Elementary was merely a catalyst toward a widespread fear of coming legislation which will cause greater difficulty in future gun purchases for ordinary citizens. Citizens who wish to arm themselves for their own protection. And who is the main group of people who seem to be in such fear of tyrannical government that they should seek the gun to be their defense? Christianity, at least in my observations.

From researching articles, meeting with people, church groups, and social media research, I have found that the driving force behind the pro-gun, NRA, seems to be largely based in Christianity, at least the professed form of the religion.

It seems incredibly odd to me how the evangelical Christian force in America, seems so starkly different than the one whom they claim to follow and believe – Jesus Christ. The Prince of Peace, whose USA followers are most often the most fervent supporters of war and military engagement, also cling to their guns citing causes of liberty. However, what about the many other causes of liberty, which seem to either be ignored or unknown?

To believe in Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit, is to believe that they are the sources of all Truth and power. But to believe that in order to protect yourself from the evils of this world; tyrannical government, intruders of your property, etc., you would have to believe that you yourself is the one with power to defend yourselves; thus impugning God of all power. We either believe that love has power over hate, peace has power over violence, and compassion has power over greed; or, we believe that we ourselves can take that power into our own hands, forsaking our belief in the power of God.

So, If God can’t protect you, buy a gun!

The Ol’ Hippy and the Hol’ Spirit in the Woods of Oregon

I approached my campsite in Florence, Oregon and met a man in his 70′s with long, dazzling white hair, who was reading a book. He introduced himself as “Sky” and we began to get to know each other a bit.

Sky had traveled around the world 4 times, most often without any money. He was a street musician from the 60′s era who would go from place to place playing guitar on the streets to earn his food money for the day. I spent three days of time with this person and all he spoke of was the love and freedom of God. He presented truth in an incredibly simple and non-judgmental manner that was truly refreshing. He spoke of the Holy Spirit and the limitless possibilities of what He is capable. We shared stories of what we’ve seen God do in our lives and the lives of others, shared meals, and shared revelation we’ve both received. It was an incredible three days in Florence.

There was also a homeless man there. I say “also” because Sky wasn’t homeless, his home was the earth. It was interesting viewing these two different people, in seemingly similar living circumstances. Sky had no doubt that everything he needed was always provided for by God, and he spoke with confidence in the truth. The other man was bitter towards the world and spoke of the struggles and difficulties of being homeless. I am in now way meaning that being homeless on the streets cannot be a difficult way to live, but the interesting dynamic was that Sky greatly enjoyed life, while the other man was struggling through life.