The heart of the prudent gets knowledge and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge Proverbs 18:15

Speaker John Bonacorsi Title: For Rich People Only!

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Date: Oct. 14, 2012

James 5:1-6 (NIV) Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

1. JAMES HARSHLY ADDRESSES RICH PEOPLE Your wealth will result in pain (vs 1) Not utilizing all your stuff (vs 2) Corroded translated from poison / hoarding is judged (vs 3) Lack of generosity testifies against us (vs 4) You fattened yourself and condemned innocent people (vs 5-6) 2. DID THEY FORGET OR NEVER KNOW WHY? They thought the extra was for them (Lk 12:18-19) When you have been given more than you need, maybe it is not your need that God has in mind. (Selah!) James is sayingwhen you die, dont have clothes in your closet you have never worn as that will be a source of embarrassment when you stand before God some day.

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THREE FOLD PLAN TO AVOID GREED A. Percentage giving

Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.

B. Make that percentage a priority

Proverbs 3:9-10 (TLB) Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.

C. Be open to progressing that percentage and remember and reaping..

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Gods law of sowing

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (TLB) But remember this--if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much. 7 Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don't force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. 8 God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others. 9 It is as the Scriptures say: "The godly man gives generously to the poor. His good deeds will be an honor to him forever." 10 For God, who gives seed to the farmer to plant, and later on good crops to harvest and eat, will give you more and more seed to plant and will make it grow so that you can give away more and more fruit from your harvest. 11 Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help.