Hi Phazel
In terms of money and the church I believe if they really believed scripture then the modern day business money making churches would not be as they are today, if they have faith in God , God says if we submit ourselves to God he will grant the desires of our heart.
But I don’t believe a lot of modern day church institutions really believe this. Ray does not ask for any donations but many of us are compelled to give, even without him asking us, God just puts it in the hearts of those of us, and we give to Ray without being pushed. Because he gives to us freely.
In Matt 6 shown below says
6:30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat ? or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ?
6:32
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
6:34
If we would just believe this scripture, I know sometimes we are all guilty of not remembering this scripture when the going gets tough. Most of the modern day churches do not believe these scripture or as Kat mentioned earlier, there would not be a welfare system and the church would take care of these needs.
I can testify that when you really seek God he does supply all your needs, that even in the mist of not knowing where the next money will come from and in the mist of difficult times he has been there for me. And as well as being part of bible truths, believe it or not God has allowed me to come across another positive organisation which is not like the conventional church. I have joined this organisation as they are helping people from all walks of life get back on their feet and a reason to hope again. This organisation aids in all different areas of peoples lives such as health, fitness, dieting, relationships, personal development , spiritual, charity etc and at the same time helping these same people get out of debt, off welfare, off drugs and living a life they would have never thought possible. They have brought nations and cultures and people from all different backgrounds together to help one another. I have attended quite a few of their seminars which are international. I was just thinking to myself if the church, had a system like this in churches. instead of a hierarchy , where only the Pastors and Deacons and what not, get the most wealth, whilst the rest of the church and the nation around them remains poor , then things would be a lot better. And this organisation has only been going for two years but is international and is changing lives worldwide just like bible-truths except they do not profess to be Christians, Muslims, Buddhists etc, but their philosophy is if you help others and develop yourself mentally, then you will be helped but their approach is a more hands on of helping others. These churches could learn a lot from this as I would rather attend and be a part of that organisation than attend any of these money making business orientated churches any day.
God Bless
Selina