Zone1 What knowledge does the Holy Spirit lead us into?

[Woodznutz]

Build something with it. I'm planning on leaving nothing, and being buried in a cardboard box. Can't take it with you, so do something good with it while you're alive.

I may do something worthwhile when retire. I have to get my bonafide's in order first.

 

[EdwinAMartin]

I may do something worthwhile when retire. I have to get my bonafide's in order first.

'bonafides' just reminded me of those little girls in 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou'.

'Bonafides' scene from Oh Borther Where ART Thou - Search Videos

Watch videos instantly on Bing—enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.

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One of my favorite scenes.

 

[Clyde 154]

My needs are easily met as well as my wants. I'm a minimalist who lives a spartan lifestyle as well as having few activity interests. Those interests that I do have are inexpensive. I do have a lot of money, but my kids and grandkids will get that. To me it's just numbers.

Its the LOVE of MONEY/wealth that leads to sin. Money is nothing but a tool constructed by man, it can be used righteously or abused. The Christ pointed this out in scripture......when the wealthy man turned away from Jesus because he had great wealth. Jesus did not tell the merchant to GIVE everything to the poor.......just to sell what he has, aka. liquidate.....and give some of it to those of less fortune. (Mark 10:17-22)

A great many mistranslate the passage about wealth and the eye of the needle. Most place a literal interpretation to the needle in question. In reality, the needle was an entry for merchants in major walled cities where anyone carrying goods for trade had to pass through this certain entry way..........when loaded heavy the pack animal, camel ...etc, had to be trained to bend its knees in order to pass through without removing cargo. Thus, "Its easier to pass through the eye of the needle than for a wealthy person to enter into the kingdom of God..." (Matt. 19:24)

Some declare, because there's no archaeology to support this translation.......it can't be true. But, in reality: lack of evidence is not proof of evidence.

The fact that the scriptures include wealthy men supporting Jesus excludes the eye of the needle parable from being taken literally. Example Luke: 19:1-9. Matt. 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-53, Acts 10, Acts 16: 14-15, 40.

 

[Woodznutz]

Its the LOVE of MONEY/wealth that leads to sin. Money is nothing but a tool constructed by man, it can be used righteously or abused. The Christ pointed this out in scripture......when the wealthy man turned away from Jesus because he had great wealth. Jesus did not tell the merchant to GIVE everything to the poor.......just to sell what he has, aka. liquidate.....and give some of it to those of less fortune. (Mark 10:17-22)

A great many mistranslate the passage about wealth and the eye of the needle. Most place a literal interpretation to the needle in question. In reality, the needle was an entry for merchants in major walled cities where anyone carrying goods for trade had to pass through this certain entry way..........when loaded heavy the pack animal, camel ...etc, had to be trained to bend its knees in order to pass through without removing cargo. Thus, "Its easier to pass through the eye of the needle than for a wealthy person to enter into the kingdom of God..." (Matt. 19:24)

Some declare, because there's no archaeology to support this translation.......it can't be true. But, in reality: lack of evidence is not proof of evidence.

The fact that the scriptures include wealthy men supporting Jesus excludes the eye of the needle parable from being taken literally. Example Luke: 19:1-9. Matt. 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-53, Acts 10, Acts 16: 14-15, 40.

My wealth is like a tool laying in toolbox. It is neither being used for anything constructive, or destructive (by me anyway). It's just waiting, at the ready. In the meantime, others are using it, what for is anyone's guess.

 

[Clyde 154]

My wealth is like a tool laying in toolbox. It is neither being used for anything constructive, or destructive (by me anyway). It's just waiting, at the ready. In the meantime, others are using it, what for is anyone's guess.

If its not being used.....then its a useless tool. When there is much good that could be accomplished via proper use. There are sins of "omission" as well as "commission".

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." -- James 4:17

 

[Cougarbear]

When one's needs and wants are met they do tend to think of others more. That said there's nothing wrong with caring for one's own needs first.

Absolutely! That’s who we are. Think about it. When you give a gift, what are you thinking? That you hope they like “your” gift. Just a fact.

 

[Cougarbear]

All giving is voluntary, even in the LDS church. However, more 'pressure' is put on members of "tithing" churches than those who simply pass the plate.

Not at all. The Lord gave the commandment to pay a tenth of our increase. We can either comply or not freely. Blessings will come to those who do because as Malachi stated, we aren’t robbing God. You think putting a $20 in the plate at Mass is tithing? LOL!
Here’s some info about LDS Bishops and other callings at the local areas. No one is paid to do the Lord’s work! Hmmm…

 

[Cougarbear]

lol I never brought that up. In any case, the majority of churches are small and there is no money to be had; the pastors are usually full time workers at regular jobs, except the Catholics. The wealthy ones are usually making their dough from selling books, not from the collection plates. Joel Osteen, for example, the guy everyone loves to hate, gets $14 million advances from publishers up front, and has over 40 best sellers and takes zero money from his church. Many don't, a 'tradition' started by Billy Graham.

Share your facts about this…

 

[EdwinAMartin]

Not at all. The Lord gave the commandment to pay a tenth of our increase. We can either comply or not freely. Blessings will come to those who do because as Malachi stated, we aren’t robbing God. You think putting a $20 in the plate at Mass is tithing? LOL!
Here’s some info about LDS Bishops and other callings at the local areas. No one is paid to do the Lord’s work! Hmmm…

And what if they were paid? There is no prohibition against being paid for full time ministry and church works.

[10 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

 

[EdwinAMartin]

• 1 Corinthians 9:14 (NIV) – “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
  
• 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NIV) – “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’”
  
• 1 Corinthians 9:7-12 (NIV) – “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?”
  
• 1 Corinthians 9:1-6 (NIV) – “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephasa? Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?”

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3, NIV).

 

[EdwinAMartin]

Share your facts about this…

For starters:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/contributor/joel-osteen/_/N-2kcp

Have Joel Osteen's book royalties and publishing deals...

Executive summary Joel Osteen continued to earn substantial income from book advances and royalties through 2025; multiple 2024–2025 profiles and wealth ...

factually.co

Joel Osteen Best Selling Books 2026

Discover Joel Osteen's best-selling books and their impact in 2026. Explore themes of positivity, self-empowerment, and prosperity. Click to find top titles and related inspirational products.

www.accio.com

And contrary to what some claim, pastors do indeed pay taxes on their incomes. And he gives a lot away as well.

 

[Cougarbear]

And what if they were paid? There is no prohibition against being paid for full time ministry and church works.

[10 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

Nothing about being paid for preaching or doing the work for the Lord other than the hospitality for people feeding you. Yes, they probably did things to earn funds to survive. But that is on the side. Not for preaching. See, there is another scripture about saying smooth things for pay. Filthy lucre.

 

[Cougarbear]

For starters:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/contributor/joel-osteen/_/N-2kcp

Have Joel Osteen's book royalties and publishing deals...

Executive summary Joel Osteen continued to earn substantial income from book advances and royalties through 2025; multiple 2024–2025 profiles and wealth ...

factually.co

Joel Osteen Best Selling Books 2026

Discover Joel Osteen's best-selling books and their impact in 2026. Explore themes of positivity, self-empowerment, and prosperity. Click to find top titles and related inspirational products.

www.accio.com

And contrary to what some claim, pastors do indeed pay taxes on their incomes. And he gives a lot away as well.

Cherry picking again… 40,000 different sects because they can’t agree on doctrine and interpretation.

 

[EdwinAMartin]

Nothing about being paid for preaching or doing the work for the Lord other than the hospitality for people feeding you. Yes, they probably did things to earn funds to survive. But that is on the side. Not for preaching. See, there is another scripture about saying smooth things for pay. Filthy lucre.

Actually some of them do say being paid like any other laborer for their work. You just choose to ignore it is all. It gives you and excuse to exalt what you personally believe as opposed to what is actually written.

 

[EdwinAMartin]

Cherry picking again… 40,000 different sects because they can’t agree on doctrine and interpretation.

So read the chapters those verses are in. No need for me to paste entire chapters, you just don't know what you're talking about is all. It's you doing the cherry picking.

 

[EdwinAMartin]

because they can’t agree on doctrine and interpretation.

And you are Exhibit A, answering your own question; you just don't see it.

 

[luiza]

Its the LOVE of MONEY/wealth that leads to sin. Money is nothing but a tool constructed by man, it can be used righteously or abused. The Christ pointed this out in scripture......when the wealthy man turned away from Jesus because he had great wealth. Jesus did not tell the merchant to GIVE everything to the poor.......just to sell what he has, aka. liquidate.....and give some of it to those of less fortune. (Mark 10:17-22)

A great many mistranslate the passage about wealth and the eye of the needle. Most place a literal interpretation to the needle in question. In reality, the needle was an entry for merchants in major walled cities where anyone carrying goods for trade had to pass through this certain entry way..........when loaded heavy the pack animal, camel ...etc, had to be trained to bend its knees in order to pass through without removing cargo. Thus, "Its easier to pass through the eye of the needle than for a wealthy person to enter into the kingdom of God..." (Matt. 19:24)

Some declare, because there's no archaeology to support this translation.......it can't be true. But, in reality: lack of evidence is not proof of evidence.

The fact that the scriptures include wealthy men supporting Jesus excludes the eye of the needle parable from being taken literally. Example Luke: 19:1-9. Matt. 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-53, Acts 10, Acts 16: 14-15, 40.

The sooner this make believe character of Jesus is laughed off the planet , the greater the scope for progress .
In the future I can picture people laughing at the times when people worshipped a low life who disappeared for over 2000 years and followers used the excuse of him having to do jobs for his father and walk round their garden — all non stop .
You could not invent such an absurd story and keep a straight face .