John F Avanzini - John Avanzini answers your questions about biblical economics

We dedicate this book to Patrick Ondrey , our faithful son in the Lord.

John & Pat Avanzini

Contents

Introduction

Answering the questions of God's people is a legitimate biblical function of the five-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11). Scripture tells us the Apostle Paul answered people's questions.

Now about those questions you asked in your last letter: my answer is ....

1 Corinthians 7:1 TLB

I thank God for the new interest Christians are showing in getting biblical answers to the questions of life. It is evident that the true children of God have grown tired of the canned answers they have been receiving from so-called religious leaders. God's people are now insisting on fresh manna from His Word. They want straight answers, backed up by Scripture.

In this book, you will find my answers to the twenty most-asked questions about money. They range from questions about the tithe all the way to whether or not a Christian should use a credit card.

The answers on these pages are not the mere thoughts of John Avanzini . To the best of my ability, I have based them on God's Word. If I had not, they would be of little value to you, for the Scripture says:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16 ,17

I have tried my best to mix sound biblical interpretation with practical, common sense, for Scripture warns us to avoid Bible teachers who give great discourses on unimportant trivia.

... charge ... that they teach no other doctrine,

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies,

which minister questions, rather than godly edifying....

1 Timothy 1:3 ,4

In selecting which questions to deal with, I have avoided the foolish ones, for the Word of God warns against answering them.

... avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Titus 3:9

Before you begin to read the contents of this book, please allow me one courtesy. If, for some reason, you do not agree with some of my answers, I most humbly ask you not to judge me too harshly. I have not written this book to divide us, but simply to answer your questions. Now, let me begin.

Question 1

Why should I obey the Bible about how I spend my money?

Recently a man from Miami wrote, "Why should I let the Bible tell me how I am supposed to spend my money? I feel that if I earned it, I ought to have the right to spend it the way I want."

I would like you to consider some facts before you agree with this person's conclusion. As you know, it is important for Christians to look at the Word of God as it pertains to every part of their lives. We must do this because the Bible is God's word of instruction to those He has saved. We are told that it is to be:

... a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Your Money Is Important to Gods Will

Since God's Word shows us how to live the Christian life, and seeing that the way we use our money is a large part of our lives, it is imperative that we allow the Bible to guide us in the spending of our money. In fact, the Bible must be the final authority in all of our money matters, for the very money we earn comes to us through God's power.

That's right! Money comes to us by God's power, and not by our own.

... thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth....

Deuteronomy 8:18

There is no question about it. You did invest your time and energy in earning your money. However, you must remember that you are not like the children of this world. You have been "bought with a price ..." (1 Corinthians 6:20). You are no longer your own.

... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Yes, you did spend your time to get an education. You have worked hard to develop your own business. You have vigorously participated in getting every dollar you have. However, if you are in Christ, your finances have come to you through a process totally different from the method of the world. The Bible says you receive your money through a supernatural miracle power that God has placed in your hands. Not only did He give you the supernatural power to get your wealth, He was also careful to tell you exactly how He wants you to spend it.

Please notice that in the same verse that tells of our God-given power to get wealth, God also tells us why we have that power.

... [He] giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 8:18

Let's start looking at it God's way. He has given you the power to obtain wealth for the specific purpose of funding the end-time harvest. If the Christians of this end time don't soon come into an understanding of this truth, some great problems will arise in the future.

God Will File Embezzlement Charges

Please note that I am not speaking only of the problems that a lack of funds will cause. I am also speaking of the problems the Christians of our era will face when they stand in the judgment of God.

As most of you know, it is impossible to have a proper judgment without filing an indictment against the accused. With all of my heart, I believe the charge God will bring against most Christians will be that of embezzlement. Simply stated, God will accuse them of taking that which belonged to Him, and using it for their own selfish purposes.

Seek Out God's Purposes

Since your power to get money comes from God, it is important for you to seek out carefully how He wants you to spend it. It is obvious from Scripture that you should spend a part of everything you earn to fulfill God's purpose. You will never be able to receive full satisfaction and happiness from the money you earn until you have met God's expectations for it. Remember, sorrow-free money comes from God's own hand.

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22

Now, that's what I call good news! However, please notice that something totally different happens to the person who gathers money for the wrong purposes.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:9

The Scripture is clear. Money gained for the wrong reason eventually leads to much sorrow and eternal damnation.

God Has a Right to Speak

With these things said, it becomes evident that God has a right to speak to you about how you spend your money. First, He has that right because He gives you the power to get wealth. Second, if you gather and disburse money improperly, it will be a big detriment to your happiness and well being .

Remember, God has a purpose for every dollar He places in your hands.

Become a Steward

I must say one last thing about this subject. It is important for every Christian to acknowledge that the Bible is the only authorized manual for living the proper Christian life. As you read God's Word, it will become evident that He doesn't look upon you as a proprietor. He looks upon you as His steward. As we all know, Christian stewards handle God's money, not their own.

Now don't let this truth trouble you, for God always generously rewards His faithful stewards.

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant [steward]: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things....

Why should I obey the Bible about how I spend my money?