I have a question for you. In the middle ages the church was known for selling indulgences. Purchasing an indulgence took care of two needs. The first was a punishment for your sins, a way to make you feel bad for offending God. The second, a way to reduce your debts of sins in purgatory. Purgatory was a place after death where you paid off your sins. This strategy was marketing genius, a consistent revenue stream and overall hideous idea.
It relied on failing to see Jesus as the price paid for all sins and faith as the way to obtain forgiveness. It was in essence a material way to earn a spiritual blessing.
When we look at Jesus we never see anyone offer Him money for forgiveness or healing. The example continues with the apostles and nothing is ever exchanged for a miracle. Jesus said "Freely you have received, freely give."
Do you think the modern church deals in indulgences?
If healing and forgiveness are free, why is there such a culture of "Wrap your seed around your need."? Where is the New Testament example of giving related to a miracle? It's very easy to see the errors of the medieval church. Forgiveness was perceived as difficult to receive and money was a way to earn forgiveness, yet we know it's as simple as believing. Why do we think it necessary to give in order to receive? Isn't it as simple as belief?
The bible details a very clear example of giving to receive. Paul said with the same measure that you give you will receive but he clarifies what you receive. He said "men will give into your bosom" that means money. If you need money, sow. The bible is expressly clear on that. The church should also be expressly clear on the fact that it needs money to run. If you don't give, your church can't pay the light bill. The last time I checked you couldn't pay your power bill with happy smiles.
What drives this message of money for miracles? I could guess but one thing I know, it doesn't take your money + Jesus to get a miracle. Jesus is sufficient all on His own. In fact the man credited with having great faith in the gospels put forth the least amount of human effort. He resisted Jesus coming to his house and simply said "Speak the word and my servant will be healed." The least amount of human intervention brought the maximum amount of divine intervention.
So what do you think of wrapping your seed around your need? Is it biblical or indulgent?
