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"Flim-Flam Faith" by Duane Brush
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1 Those who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and the teaching will not be brought into disrepute. 2 And those who have believing masters are not to show them less respect on the ground that they are brothers; on the contrary, they should serve all the more diligently, since those benefiting from their service are believers whom they love.
Teach and exhort people about these things. 3 If anyone teaches differently and does not agree to the sound precepts of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah and to the doctrine that is in keeping with godliness, 4 he is swollen with conceit and understands nothing. Instead, he has a morbid desire for controversies and word-battles, out of which come jealousy, dissension, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and constant wrangling among people whose minds no longer function properly and who have been deprived of the truth, so that they imagine that religion is a road to riches. 6 Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world; and we can take nothing out of it; 8 so if we have food and clothing, we will be satisfied with these. 9 Furthermore, those whose goal is to be rich fall into temptation; they get trapped in many foolish and hurtful ambitions which plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all the evils; because of this craving, some people have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves to the heart with many pains.
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In Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Professor Harold Hill convinces the citizens of River City that they have a problem with juvenile delinquency. Professor Hill has the solution, a boy’s band, and he just happens to sell the instruments and uniforms! He promises to instruct the boys and whip them together into a first-rate band. The problem is Professor Hill is a huckster who collects the money, delivers shoddy instruments and uniforms, and departs before anyone can demand a refund.
Religious hucksters had befallen the Christian community in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul’s first letter to Pastor Timothy addresses this problem. He writes how they “have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels” (1 Timothy 6:4b). Their purpose is financial gain. Sadly, the Church has never quite rid itself of these flim-flam artists.
"Bur godliness with contentment is great gain" 1 Timothy 6:6). The kingdom of God works on a different economy. It recognizes that “we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). Striving after riches is a trap, "for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:7). Christians find contentment in God’s provision, living in obedience to His will, and enjoying His care.
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Hymn for Today: "A Child of the King" by Harriet E. Buell
1. My Father is rich in houses and lands,
He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!
Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,
His coffers are full, He has riches untold.
Chorus:
I'm a child of the King,
A child of the King;
With Jesus my Savior,
I'm a child of the King.
2. My Father's own Son the Savior of men,
Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them;
But now He is pleading our pardon on high,
That we may be His when He comes by and by.
Chorus:
I'm a child of the King,
A child of the King;
With Jesus my Savior,
I'm a child of the King.
3. I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice, and an alien by birth,
But I've been adopted, my name's written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe, and a crown.
Chorus:
I'm a child of the King,
A child of the King;
With Jesus my Savior,
I'm a child of the King.
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Thought of the Day: Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Rwanda.
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Thought of the Day: Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Rwanda.
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