God and His Poor Church
December 3rd, 2007 | Michael Q. Pink
You’ll recall from last week’s messages that I have invited John Muratori, who has recently released an important book, Rich Church — Poor Church, as our guest host. Here’s more of John’s unique perspective…
God and His Poor Church
My dad, an Italian immigrant, worked two, and sometimes three jobs to support the family. His work ethic, which he inherited from his father, was simple: Get a good job, like in a factory. Stay at that job so you never have to start at the bottom again. Strive to buy a house, then, strive to pay it off. Keep most of your money in a safe place, like under the mattress or in a shoebox hidden in your closet. Never risk a penny. A poverty mentality for sure.
My dad died at a young age, never taking much time to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Even if he had reached retirement, there still wouldn’t have been enough of a nest egg to provide even a moderately comfortable lifestyle. Hard work over long hours just wasn’t enough.
I didn’t understand that back then. I just knew my parents were doing all they could. It wasn’t until much later that I realized my dad was subject to the rules of a game he couldn’t win. A system makes these rules, but it doesn’t tell you how to play the game, let alone win it. It just sucks you in along with whole societies and cultures, governments and even religious institutions.
I grew up a devout Roman Catholic, attending church every week. Church taught me that God had nothing to say about finances, except that we were to give some of our money to the Church. Priests took a vow of poverty and never spoke about wealth building or good stewardship. How would they even know?
This same lack of a fundamental understanding of money and its wise use pervades denominational and non-denominational churches to this day. It seems that believers see spirituality and prosperity as being at odds with one another, while God sees them as totally compatible, even synergistic.
In my twenty years of ministry, I have counseled pastors up to their eyeballs in debt. I’ve dealt with churches on the verge of financial ruin and Christians incapable of growing their businesses to greater success. The poverty mentality is pervasive and chronic. It’s a cancer that must be brought under submission and eliminated.
The Church possesses the greatest book ever written on stewardship, wealth and finances-the Bible. It’s time the Church liberates itself from the “Poor Church” message and mentality.
We’ll look at how to do that in my next message.
Coming This Thursday: Details on How You Can Receive Your FREE Copy of John Muratori’s Best Selling Book, Rich Church, Poor Church
This 300 + page hardback book is crammed with insight and revelation that can revolutionize your world. John Muratori demystifies spirituality and prosperity so you can be wealthy - God’s Way. John blends decades of business experience, intensive research and proven leadership to present you with the specific laws that govern the entire spectrum of wealth generation. As a subscriber here at Selling Among Wolves, you’ll have an advance opportunity to take advantage of this special opportunity. Check your inbox early this Thursday for a limited offer you won’t want to miss.
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December 3rd, 2007 at 7:38 am
I look forward to receiving this book free and BELIEVE this is the beginning of awakening THE CHURCH on the TRUTH concerning HOW WE ARE EXPECTED TO BE LIVING IN CHRIST. III John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayest prosper even as thy soul prospereth. THE CHURCH WILL BE “TAUGHT” TRUTH through this new book…What a blessing to all!!!! THANK YOU IN CHRIST
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:15 am
The bible talks about money and possessions 2350 times in the bible, more times than it talks about salvation and heaven. Surely God places that much importance on stewardship.
We truly have a responsibility to unravel that myth of povety amongst believers.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 am
Excellent teaching piece! I cannot wait to receive the book for further insight. I would love to start a small group study at my church using this book. Thank you for your generosity and your wisdom.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:45 am
I do not know why so many churches, pastors and Godly peole are so confused on this matter. They seem to believe that God is against wealth creation. They kee quoting the Bible saying that God does not want you to accumulate wealth. A big church (a wealthy church) can make a larger imact than a small church can. Misssions cost money. The church does not shy away from asking for money, but they seem to be against you making a lot of money.
I will bet that no church would turn down my $100,000 donation.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:53 am
This book is a monumental step toward the freedom of the 21-century church. It is packed with wisdom, revelation, and truth pulled from the scriptures. This is not just some man’s opinion. I would encourage every one to make sure this book gets into the hands of every pastor, leader, missionary, that they know. As you read, you’ll see what I mean!
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 am
I am with you on that. God is the creator of all things of quality and beauty. There is such a lack of in the foundation we give our children and we as adults receive. I am working toward filling my website with useful information to help people live a luxury life that is built on God’s principles. I feel we need to start teaching children wisdom from the time they are born and keep talking and teaching for there is so much they need to know. I have an idea for a set of teaching characters called Be Wise Bears. Finding time to develop a product and aggregating the materials to help parents with this task is time consuming. It is a passion of mine so I will complte it all in good time.Keep me informed.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:44 am
I’m been waiting for God to reveal something like this all my life, but until you begin to really search for truth you will never find it. Thank-you can’t wait for Thursday.
God blessing
December 3rd, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I look forward to hearing from you as there is a trend in our church for God to be the CEO in our businesses.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:52 pm
I like what you have to say. I’m also trying to work out of a poor mentality. I’m not poor. I have my home paid off and own my car and bought my girls each a nice car which is paid for, yet I am certain that God wants us to prosper and see all that he offers as on loan anyhow. I can’t wait to get a copy!
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 pm
I want to be able to launch an all out supportive attack on our enemy by being able to heavily support the gospel for this endtime outreach which will make a profound difference for souls all over the world.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:48 am
This message is so needed; thank God He is bringing light and insight to this under-addressed issue in the church. After all, none of us are to be stewards over nothing, but plenty. I am excited to see this wealth of wisdom opened up for multitudes to be set free so they can enjoy the prosperity and exercise the influence that people of God should exemplify!
December 5th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
There is so much truth in what Muratori uncovers that it should be mandatory reading for every Christian. If anyone can untangle the confusion about true biblical prosperity it’s him!
December 6th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
This message is so needed. I teach from a lot of the same principles u are talking about… I talk at church on credit & finances all the time but there is some churches that don’t want to hear about it… I talked to a Baptish pastor that was a friend for a while until he found out I believe that God wants to body of Christ to prosper & be in good health! Also I had a $6000 dirt bike in the back of my truck and his son wanted one & he was not able to get him one at the time so that was another problem. He said, How can u have a $6000 dirt bike when people in my church and down the road don’t even have a car to get to work. Whoa!!! I couldn’t believe it and when I see him I wave but religious blinds are over his eyes… So I just pray for him and wave!
He has a 11yr old son that wants a dirt bike but he tells him to love the Lord and not want for worldly things… Whoa… That will run he kids away from the church… 
May the God of this universe open his eyes to see the truth!
Bradley Young
www.bradyoungcreditseminars.com
December 20th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
well reseached