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To: Dr. Eckleburg; metmom; RnMomof7; 1000 silverlings; Quix; HarleyD; Alex Murphy; Gamecock
Have you ever heard of the parable of the talents? Christ says increase is good because with it we help our fellow man.

Most patristic scholars understood the talents in the parable as the gift of faith and similar virtues, not as material wealth. This is not how the Presbyterians understand it? No surprise then you speak like you never heard the Gospel.

JEROME; Calling together the Apostles, He gave them the Gospel doctrine, to one more, to another less, not as of His own bounty or scanting, but as meeting the capacity of the receivers, as the Apostle says, that he fed with milk those that were unable to take solid food. In the five, two, and one talent, we recognize the diversity of gifts wherewith we have been entrusted.

Catena Aurea Matthew 25

If you use your increase for charity then it is good. If you build a three car garage, and listen to Joel Olsteen on tape, like your regular fat American, then such "increase" does you damage.

go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. [22] And when the young man had heard this word, he went away sad: for he had great possessions. [23] Then Jesus said to his disciples: Amen, I say to you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [24] And again I say to you: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19)

A good Christian does not boast of of his prosperity.
102 posted on 09/21/2010 6:20:28 AM PDT by annalex
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To: annalex
No one is "boasting of his property." Boasting would be done by the man who didn't increase his talents for the common good; instead he boasts of his own reward.

Rome doesn't understand the parable of the talents just like it doesn't understand so much of God's word.

Increase. We are commanded to increase. To increase in spiritual discernment, in obedience to His name, in faithfulness to His mercy for His salvation, in gratitude for His free gift of grace through faith, and to spread the Gospel to all men, confident that just as the Gospel has prospered our lives and families and knowledge of God, so, too, will it prosper all who are His children, "the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

It's Rome who elevates tangible wealth to something that should be draped over its pastors. Protestants believe in a Godly work ethic. Everything they do, in thought, word, and deed, held captive to Jesus Christ, their Savior, Lord and Redeemer.

The shoes of the Fisherman were not Prada.

190 posted on 09/21/2010 12:25:39 PM PDT by Dr. Eckleburg (("I don't think they want my respect; I think they want my submission." - Flemming Rose)
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