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Wealth Conundrum
Wealth
Puzzles |
Wealth, A
Biblical Perspective
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Ralph Doudera
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One of the most controversial
areas in the Christian community is the teaching on the
subject of money. These teachings range from positions of
asceticism (Christians must not have any) to prosperity
preaching. Reconciling the conflicts in my own life with
regards to money has been a life-long struggle.
In the end, I have found the greatest
rewards in my life not in making money, but in giving it
away. Earning money to make a profit so that you can give
it away is a conundrum - but it rewards well . "For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whom ever
loses his life for me will find it." - Jesus
Wealth "A Biblical Perspective" evaluates all the major
teachings of Jesus in the gospels regarding mammon (money
and materialism) and classifies them under four major topics:
1. God or mammon - choose one, only one
2. Deceitfulness of wealth
3. Judgment of those who hoard
4. Kingdom use of unrighteous mammon
Followed by some practical, transferable
suggestions to implement the teachings of Jesus in our daily
lives.
There are many other insightful
publications that have helped me find answers.
Other books that I would recommend for further
insight are as follows:
Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions
and Eternity (Tyndale House Publishers)
This book is a classic on wealth and the responsibilities
that go along with it. It includes practical guidelines
to family inheritance issues and puts the whole money thing
into perspective. If I could only read one book on the subject,
this is it.
Claude Rosenberg, Jr., Wealthy
and Wise (Little, Brown and Company)
Written from a Jewish perspective, Claude Rosenberg explains
why charitable giving is not only a sensible solution to
today's most pressing problems, but a sound personal investment
as well.
Jack Hartman, Trust God For
Your Finances (Lamplight Publications)
Written by a businessman, this book is one of the most scripturally
exhaustive books on the subject of finances I have found.
It will help people escape from financial problems. Jack
Harman was close to a nervous breakdown before he discovered
the secrets of wealth.
Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad,
Poor Dad (Warner Books and Time Warner Audio
Books)
This bestseller discusses lessons learned by a man who had
two father figures. One was highly educated and poor all
his life, and the other uneducated, but learned the secrets
of wealth. Kiyosaki had to learn whose advice worked and
why. Sound principles and easy reading, this book makes
a lot of sense, but comes up short when it comes to what
to do with it after you make it.
Richard Foster, Freedom of
Simplicity (Harper Collins Publishers)
One of the best authors on the subject, Richard Foster discusses
issues of simplifying life in a high tech world, with many
practical issues discussed. One of the major books that
changed my life and priorities.
Thank you for your interest in this topic
and I hope you will find the additional reading list helpful.
Sincerely,
Ralph Doudera
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