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Sell Your Possessions and Properties

shunyadragon

shunyadragon
Premium Member
. . . . and you carry your baggage with you where ever you go, and with nothing material you rely on others to support you.
 

whirlingmerc

Well-Known Member
All believers are called to sell their possessions and properties. Read this bible study on why this is so, and why this mandate has not changed, Sell Your Possessions and Properties | Wisdom of God .

The bible study is also available in Spanish here Vende Tus Posesiones y Propiedades | Sabiduría de Dios .

It might refer to excesses and hoarding. In other places such as Timothy, Paul says parents should save for their children. In the end a believer's treasure is God, if something else gets in the way it's an idol.

Believers should use things thankfully and always be willing to give them up, but nothing wrong with enjoying things properly
 
It might refer to excesses and hoarding. In other places such as Timothy, Paul says parents should save for their children. In the end a believer's treasure is God, if something else gets in the way it's an idol.

Believers should use things thankfully and always be willing to give them up, but nothing wrong with enjoying things properly

If you don't give them up then you are not "willing" to give them up, because we are commanded to "sell your possessions". Providing for our children does not mean having an abundance of possessions, it means providing for their needs. You confuse these things to justify the refusal to not sell possessions. We are all commanded to reduce ourselves to necessities.
 

whirlingmerc

Well-Known Member
If you don't give them up then you are not "willing" to give them up, because we are commanded to "sell your possessions". Providing for our children does not mean having an abundance of possessions, it means providing for their needs. You confuse these things to justify the refusal to not sell possessions. We are all commanded to reduce ourselves to necessities.

It's a heart and treasure issue. What is your real treasure.

Your possessions should not 'own you' I would agree

Churches met in private homes often in the Bible as an example of keeping possessions... in modern terms one might according to conscience have a residence, a car, save for children's eduction and one's retirement. But when is one's pleasure unhealthily selfish that should give you pause. Things may be enjoyed with thankfulness according to Titus.... I'm going to leave that to conscience. If things are going bad through nonuse then that is a hint that there might be too much stuff that could be used in a more generous manner. Some even don't get insurance because they feel its expensive and say that's not trusting God ... but I think in good conscience insurance is fine and responsible

Hoarding wealth because you're insecure, inwardly fearful and don't trust God is not good I would agree

Ananias and Saphira were told by Peter it was their choice to sell or not and they sold but were dishonist and ended badly
 
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InChrist

Free4ever
All believers are called to sell their possessions and properties. Read this bible study on why this is so, and why this mandate has not changed, Sell Your Possessions and Properties | Wisdom of God .

The bible study is also available in Spanish here Vende Tus Posesiones y Propiedades | Sabiduría de Dios .

In light of the overall teachings of the Bible, from my perspective the bible study from that website is false teaching.

I would be careful of the websites you get your information from. I looked over the "Wisdom of God" website and it appears to be full of false teachings which contradict the scriptures. It is very poor ( and deceptive) teaching and interpretation to take verses here and there out of context from the entirety of the whole counsel of God, the whole Bible and come up with unique doctrines which are never intended and then attempt to impose them on others as if they are biblical. It is also important to be aware that many cults want their followers to sell everything. join, and follow them. I noticed this in the statement of faith from the "Wisdom of God" site you posted...
"As new believers sell their possessions and properties and join the assemblies, they should be ready to share their money and distribute to those in need in the assemblies. In this way no one will be lacking in the assemblies and will imitate the practices of the assemblies of the apostles, and demonstrate great love for each other. Acts 2:45, Acts 4:34-35."

The few verses in the NT speaking about selling possessions were highlighting specific individuals and situations. While the principle of having a heart willing to give one's all for the kingdom of God and to bless others is for each believer, there is no way without mishandling the scriptures to make claim that there is a blanket commandment for every Christian to sell everything. That would be no different than saying the Bible teaches that every believer must drink wine for their stomach's sake because Paul told Timothy to do so. It is ridiculous to take verses like that out of context and apply them to everyone!

Clearly, even the disciples of Jesus DID NOT sell all their possessions or property, as shown in the scripture account below..

Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the a handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. John 20:6-10

And as whirlingmerc pointed out and the scriptures show, the early believers met in homes. They had property and possessions and felt no mandate to sell everything, but instead used their possessions and lives for God's glory.
 

IndigoChild5559

Loving God and my neighbor as myself.
All believers are called to sell their possessions and properties. Read this bible study on why this is so, and why this mandate has not changed, Sell Your Possessions and Properties | Wisdom of God .

The bible study is also available in Spanish here Vende Tus Posesiones y Propiedades | Sabiduría de Dios .
Jesus was known for using hyperbole. It is not that he expected people to live on the street begging for their supper. After all, if everyone lived that way, who would feed us?

Rather, it is the knowledge that the reality is, nothing we have is ours. Everything we "own" actually belongs to God, and He allows us to use it, to enjoy it, and to share it. Indeed, a certain portion of it actually belongs to the poor and is entrusted to us on their behalf -- our job is to make sure that it gets to them. When the knowledge that what we have is not our own really sinks deep into our soul, we live differently.
 
In light of the overall teachings of the Bible, from my perspective the bible study from that website is false teaching.

I would be careful of the websites you get your information from. I looked over the "Wisdom of God" website and it appears to be full of false teachings which contradict the scriptures. It is very poor ( and deceptive) teaching and interpretation to take verses here and there out of context from the entirety of the whole counsel of God, the whole Bible and come up with unique doctrines which are never intended and then attempt to impose them on others as if they are biblical. It is also important to be aware that many cults want their followers to sell everything. join, and follow them. I noticed this in the statement of faith from the "Wisdom of God" site you posted...
"As new believers sell their possessions and properties and join the assemblies, they should be ready to share their money and distribute to those in need in the assemblies. In this way no one will be lacking in the assemblies and will imitate the practices of the assemblies of the apostles, and demonstrate great love for each other. Acts 2:45, Acts 4:34-35."

The few verses in the NT speaking about selling possessions were highlighting specific individuals and situations. While the principle of having a heart willing to give one's all for the kingdom of God and to bless others is for each believer, there is no way without mishandling the scriptures to make claim that there is a blanket commandment for every Christian to sell everything. That would be no different than saying the Bible teaches that every believer must drink wine for their stomach's sake because Paul told Timothy to do so. It is ridiculous to take verses like that out of context and apply them to everyone!

Clearly, even the disciples of Jesus DID NOT sell all their possessions or property, as shown in the scripture account below..

Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the a handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. John 20:6-10

And as whirlingmerc pointed out and the scriptures show, the early believers met in homes. They had property and possessions and felt no mandate to sell everything, but instead used their possessions and lives for God's glory.

Sell your possessions means "reduce yourself to necessities". I address why this is in the bible study. Some will reduce themselves more than others, but all must fulfill "sell your possessions". And all believers must sell all their properties, no believer is permitted to own land. The houses the former believers lived in they rented, after they sold their properties. To teach contrary to this is false teaching, which is why there are Joel Osteens of the world, flying in private jets and living in mansions, doing the opposite of what every believer is called to do.
 

InChrist

Free4ever
Sell your possessions means "reduce yourself to necessities". I address why this is in the bible study. Some will reduce themselves more than others, but all must fulfill "sell your possessions". And all believers must sell all their properties, no believer is permitted to own land. The houses the former believers lived in they rented, after they sold their properties. To teach contrary to this is false teaching, which is why there are Joel Osteens of the world, flying in private jets and living in mansions, doing the opposite of what every believer is called to do.
The teachings of Joel Osteen and other name it and claim it, health and wealth teachers are surely false, but so are yours if you are making blanket claims that believers are to sell all property. There is no scriptural support that a believer may not own land. You are imposing extra-biblical burdens upon Christians that conflict with the scriptures and the clear gospel message. You have no way of knowing that all early believers lived only in rented homes. That is pure speculation. Yet, throughout the NT there are passages and examples which show that Christians did own and retain possessions and property. God calls believers into a personal relationship with Himself and each believer is to seek God's wisdom and be led by the Holy Spirit daily in all matters of life, including use of their possessions. Each circumstance will look different as God uses His followers for His purposes in their various situations, in different cultures, and periods of history.
I believe it is very wrong to lay extra burdens on believers, but that is what happens when someone has a legalistic religion, another gospel, rather than walking in newness of life found in a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
The teachings of Joel Osteen and other name it and claim it, health and wealth teachers are surely false, but so are yours if you are making blanket claims that believers are to sell all property. There is no scriptural support that a believer may not own land. You are imposing extra-biblical burdens upon Christians that conflict with the scriptures and the clear gospel message. You have no way of knowing that all early believers lived only in rented homes. That is pure speculation. Yet, throughout the NT there are passages and examples which show that Christians did own and retain possessions and property. God calls believers into a personal relationship with Himself and each believer is to seek God's wisdom and be led by the Holy Spirit daily in all matters of life, including use of their possessions. Each circumstance will look different as God uses His followers for His purposes in their various situations, in different cultures, and periods of history.
I believe it is very wrong to lay extra burdens on believers, but that is what happens when someone has a legalistic religion, another gospel, rather than walking in newness of life found in a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

So therefore every one of you who does not give up all that he himself possesses, is not able to be my disciple.
Luke 14:33

Yeshuah answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21

When Yeshuah heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 18:22

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33

Looking at the man, Yeshuah felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21

They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Acts 2:45

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit aeonial life?” And Yeshuah said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Yeshuah heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Yeshuah, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:18-25

Looks pretty clear to me what we must do. Also, Paul rented, and since we know the believers all sold their properties, yet still lived in houses, then we know they rented also. Someone who is about to inherit land cannot own land. This is a conflict of interest. Either you own land now, or you will inherit land later. Pick one.
 

InChrist

Free4ever
So therefore every one of you who does not give up all that he himself possesses, is not able to be my disciple.
Luke 14:33

Yeshuah answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21

When Yeshuah heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 18:22

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33

Looking at the man, Yeshuah felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21

They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Acts 2:45

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit aeonial life?” And Yeshuah said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Yeshuah heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Yeshuah, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:18-25

Looks pretty clear to me what we must do. Also, Paul rented, and since we know the believers all sold their properties, yet still lived in houses, then we know they rented also. Someone who is about to inherit land cannot own land. This is a conflict of interest. Either you own land now, or you will inherit land later. Pick one.

I'm not looking to inherit land because my citizenship is in heaven with Jesus and unless you are Jewish you will not be inheriting land in Israel either.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Phil. 3:20-21
 

Remté

Active Member
If you don't give them up then you are not "willing" to give them up, because we are commanded to "sell your possessions". Providing for our children does not mean having an abundance of possessions, it means providing for their needs. You confuse these things to justify the refusal to not sell possessions. We are all commanded to reduce ourselves to necessities.
Commanded by who?
 
I'm not looking to inherit land because my citizenship is in heaven with Jesus and unless you are Jewish you will not be inheriting land in Israel either.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Phil. 3:20-21

The scriptures declare, "the meek shall inherit the earth" and "they will rule the earth for a thousand years", so quite the contrary, the true land of our inheritance is the entire earth, not going to heaven as your false teachers love to preach. This is why a believer cannot own land, because he is about to inherit the land at the second coming of the Messiah.
 
Commanded by who?

By Yeshuah,

So therefore every one of you who does not give up all that he himself possesses, is not able to be my disciple.
Luke 14:33

Yeshuah answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21

When Yeshuah heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 18:22

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33

Looking at the man, Yeshuah felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21

They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Acts 2:45

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit aeonial life?” And Yeshuah said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Yeshuah heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Yeshuah, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:18-25
 

Remté

Active Member
By Yeshuah,

So therefore every one of you who does not give up all that he himself possesses, is not able to be my disciple.
Luke 14:33

Yeshuah answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21

When Yeshuah heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 18:22

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33

Looking at the man, Yeshuah felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21

They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Acts 2:45

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit aeonial life?” And Yeshuah said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Yeshuah heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Yeshuah, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:18-25
Are you sure he's not talking about that situation?
 

InChrist

Free4ever
The scriptures declare, "the meek shall inherit the earth" and "they will rule the earth for a thousand years", so quite the contrary, the true land of our inheritance is the entire earth, not going to heaven as your false teachers love to preach. This is why a believer cannot own land, because he is about to inherit the land at the second coming of the Messiah.

Yes, "the meek shall inherit the earth", that's Psalm 37:11 when God was speaking to Israel and in Matthew during Jesus' sermon on the mount when He was speaking to the Jews of Israel and referring to the kingdom of God/heaven would on the earth. He was not speaking to the church made up of believers called out of this world to a heavenly home. Although, the church will be with Jesus during His 1000 year reign on the earth, Christians do not inherit land. The land promise and covenant is for the nation of Israel.
 
Yes, "the meek shall inherit the earth", that's Psalm 37:11 when God was speaking to Israel and in Matthew during Jesus' sermon on the mount when He was speaking to the Jews of Israel and referring to the kingdom of God/heaven would on the earth. He was not speaking to the church made up of believers called out of this world to a heavenly home. Although, the church will be with Jesus during His 1000 year reign on the earth, Christians do not inherit land. The land promise and covenant is for the nation of Israel.

The inheritance of the Jews is the inheritance of the Gentiles, which is why it is written, "there is no Jew nor Gentile in the Messiah", and the "Gentiles are grafted in" into the cultivated olive tree, which is Israel, and will all, thus be called "Israel", newly glorified at the second coming of the Messiah. You err in your understanding of prophecy, which is why you err in such simple matters as "sell your possessions and properties".
 

InChrist

Free4ever
The inheritance of the Jews is the inheritance of the Gentiles, which is why it is written, "there is no Jew nor Gentile in the Messiah", and the "Gentiles are grafted in" into the cultivated olive tree, which is Israel, and will all, thus be called "Israel", newly glorified at the second coming of the Messiah. You err in your understanding of prophecy, which is why you err in such simple matters as "sell your possessions and properties".
Or you are in error, confusing the church with the nation of Israel. There is no Jew or Gentile in Christ, in the church, but the church does not replace Israel, nor inherit the promises God made to Israel.

"The important distinction between Jews and Gentiles is maintained consistently throughout the Bible: "...so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth" (Ex 33:16); "...for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people that ye should be mine" (Lev:20:26); "And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his...own people for ever" (1 Chr:17:21-22 ); "...ye [Gentiles] were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God..." (Eph:2:12).


After the Cross a new entity came into existence—the church that Jesus Christ promised He would build (Mt 16:18). As a result, there are now three divisions of mankind: Jews, Gentiles and the church. Paul tells us that we are to "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" (1 Cor:10:32). It is absolutely essential to understand that these three groups exist side by side in today's world, to distinguish between them, and to recognize that God deals with each differently.


Essential also is an understanding that the church was created through offering to both Jews and Gentiles a "new covenant" relationship with God. This did not bring Gentiles under the Jewish Mosaic law (as some erroneously teach), but delivered from it those coming into the church, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul explains that Gentiles who were "aliens ...of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise" have been "made nigh [to God] by the blood of Christ" (Eph:2:13).God has "broken down the middle wall of partition between [Jew and Gentile]; having abolished in his flesh the [Mosaic] law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain [Jew and Gentile] one new man" (Eph:2:11-22 ).


These scriptures (and many others) make it clear that the church did not replace Israel, but came into existence as a new and third entity comprised of both Jews and Gentiles and distinct from each. As surely as Gentiles continue to exist outside the church, so does Israel, with all of God's promises and plans for her remaining in full force. God also has unique plans for the church, differing from those for either Israel or the Gentile nations."

"Those who teach that the church is Israel go on to claim that the church is heir to all of the promises given to Israel. This is as ludicrous as claiming that "the land of Israel" is now "the land of the church." Clearly the church has no relationship to the land God gave to Israel. Hear God's promise: "...though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee...He that scattered Israel will gather him...they shall come and sing in the height of Zion...they shall not sorrow any more at all" (Jer:30:10-11 ; 31:3-14; etc.)"


Jews, Gentiles, and the Church
 
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