I am quite familiar with the verse of 1Timothy 6:10 warning against the dangers of idolizing money. This verse has been used in the past by some Christian sects to convince adherents to take a vow of poverty. The passage has been misinterpreted by both proponents of extreme views that being wealthy is a sin and poverty is a curse. I often encounter this verse during debates about the “prosperity gospel” that is popular among some prominent celebrity pastors. There irony is that the apologists of the prosperity gospel get the initial interpretation right that being rich is not a sin, but ignore the warning that chasing after riches should not be your number one goal.
I agree that 1 Timothy 6:10 is widely abused today. The author effectively and positively covered the post requirements and class instructions. The author, Terren, began by identifying the Bible verse analyzed. The author effectively related the verse to areal life scenario. From the verse, it is evident that the passage by St. Paul to Timothy has come to pass. According to the post, many Christian sects have mushroomed, yet their real intentions are monetary rather than preaching the gospel. Such sects preach just the gospel of prosperity, where money is idolized. The congregations are told what is sweet to the ears.
The post analyzes the prophetic nature of 1Timothy 6:10. The verse warns against focus on riches at the expense of the gospel. However, the post articulates that the real intention of the verse has been ignored. To draw a large audience, the churches portray poverty as a curse, while riches are depicted as signs of blessings from God.
I support the post because of the experiential element and reliability of the material used to support the position. In the post, the author effectively and successfully related the verse with real life issues. The post is thus more reliable since it is based on a firsthand experience by the author. Terren supports the arguments presented against the preaching by the emerging churches and sects by relating the same to debates that he had been engaged in. In the debates, the issue of gospel of property always emerges. The author has even witnessed pastors who exhibit pop star lifestyles.
I agree with Robert on the assertion that 2 Chronicles 7:14 has been misused by the preachers and other religious bodies. While the verse calls for repentance and return to the Lord, many preachers have taken it literary without giving it deep thought. The main point of misuse comes when the American preachers argue that the nation addressed in the verse is America. The author validates the argument by citing the reading from Bargerhuff. The research evidence states that the American nation was founded on Christian principles and foundations, and the citizenry must recognize this fact. American constitution is founded on a belief in God, but not a given religion. Therefore, Bargerhuff and Robert are correct to argue that the verse has been misused by the American pastors and preachers.
Bibliography
Bargerhuff, Eric J. The Most Misused Verses in the Bible: Surprising Ways God's Word Is
Misunderstood. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2012.
