There have been many times in my life when I have struggled to understand the concept of sin. However the concept of sin is very important for all of us  to understand because the way we choose to respond to sin has major implications upon not only our personal well-being as individuals, but also the well-being of our society, communities, our children, and the generations to come. Though there are many definitions of sin found in the bible, I have come to understand sin in general as a violation of Gods divine rule or law. Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 tells us “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:27 tells us “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.” God is therefore Sovereign over the entire universe as the Creator, which mean He has supreme independent authority over the entire universe and its inhabitants by creation rights. What helps me to understand the concept and consequences of sin is to look at sin within the context of countries or kingdoms, Governments, and systems of law.


Every country has laws that govern its citizens. The supreme law of the United States of America is called the U.S. Constitution. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States. The Supreme law of the kingdom of God is Holy Scripture - the Bible. It is reveals Gods written framework for the organization of the heavens and the earth and for the relationship between God and mankind. In the United States there are many laws and therefore many consequences for violating those laws.


In Gods kingdom there are many laws and many consequences for violating them. Those violations of Gods laws are called sins.

The greek word “hamartia” means:
a) to be without a share in
b) to miss the mark
c) to err, be mistaken
d) to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
e) to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin
2) that which is done wrong, sin, an offence, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act
3) collectively, the complex or aggregate of sins committed either by a single person or by many.#
This word “hamartia” is the same word used for sin found in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.” The word used for death there is the greek word “thanatos” which can be defined: “the misery of the soul arising from sin, which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body in hell.” The word for eternal used in Romans 23 is the greek word “aiōnios”, which can be defined:  without end, never to cease, everlasting. Revelations 21:1-8 reveals “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Holy Scripture is revealing to us that all of us have life after physical death and that God has an amazing eternal life planned out for those of us who are found innocent in Christ Jesus! It also reveals that God is a just God and must punish those who die without receiving forgiveness for their sins! This applies to all of us!

Proverbs 24:9 says “the thought of foolishness is sin.” Have you ever thought foolishly? 1:John 3:4 says “transgression of law” or violation of law is sin. Have you ever violated the law? 1:John 5:17 says “all unrighteousness” is sin. Have you ever done wrong? James 4:17 says not doing what you know to be right is sin. Have you ever failed to do something that you knew was right to do?

Romans 14:23 says doubting and not believing is sin. Have you ever doubted God? The bad news is that we all have sinned. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - Romans 3:23. The good news is that if you are alive right now, this is your moment to receive forgiveness from your sins! Romans 10:9 says that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”! Just remember, when the time comes for us to give account for our lives according to Romans 14:12, saying “Lord I didn’t know” will not save us. Ignorance of the law will be no excuse.

The Kind Of Questions That Give Your Life Perspective...
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

One day a series of questions were asked...

"If you had 6 months left to live, what would be your last wishes?" Who would they involve? What legacy would you want to leave? What change would you want to see take place in the world? How would you like to be a part of that change?What about your country? What about your City and State? What about in your community? What about in your family? What about in your self? What one positive impact would you have liked to have on your peers? What about your children and/or the next generation looking up to you and your peers? What would you have wanted to instill in them? How would you want to be remembered? Who would you have wanted to make proud? At the end of your physical life how will God have used your life for His glory? What about your life caused others to love God? What would make God look over you life and say "Well done my good and faithful servant!?"

Have you ever been asked questions like that?

Have you ever bothered to answer?

What did you come up with?

please respond...

Platinum Coach,

Fard A. Bell

By Fard Bell 2-1-2011

When I was a child I remember attending my first funeral. Growing up I remember being told and believing that God is always good. And that when people die they go with God yet at my first funeral I remember seeing everyone crying and weeping, and wondering to myself, if when people die they go with God, then how can that be sad? As I looked around, it was as if a voice inside of me was whispering to me “some are sad because they are going to miss their friend, and some are sad and angry because they don't understand.” That was the day I realized not even adults know everything. That was also part of the process of me having many conversations with God from then, and knowing I could always go to God with questions and He would always have the answer. As a child in those moments, I was experiencing the power of God's omniscience. He gave me revelation when I had questions I couldn't ask my parents. Since then, there are three things I have learned His omniscience:

1) God's knowledge is absolute and unquestionable, 2) God foreordains situations and events according to His omniscience, and 3) God is incapable of error or omission.

The first thing I learned about God is that His knowledge is absolute and unquestionable. In the story of Job, God's hedge of protection was removed from him and he lost almost everything, short of his life. Starting in Chapter 6, Job complains about his suffering, trying to make sense of his circumstances without knowing that what was really going on was between God and Satan. Because He was all-knowing, He knew that He would place Job's experience in the Bible and use it for the benefit of believers thousands of years later. Even though Job did not know that his experience and temporary suffering would impact generations of believers, through God's omniscience, He knew better. Job could only see how his circumstances affected his personal life, but he could not see outside of his present time as God does, who sits outside of time. In Chapter 38:17 God challenges the knowledge of Job as compared to the knowledge of God... “Have the gates of the depth been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell me if you know all this.” God makes it clear that His knowledge is absolute and unquestionable. Isaiah 55:8-9 states, “'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'”

Next, I learned that God foreordains situations and events according to His omniscience. In Genesis 41, God foreordained that there were going to be seven years of great plenty, and seven years of famine in the land of Egypt, and that Pharaoh would select a “discerning and wise man” over the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:29-33). Long before these events took place God, in His omniscience, began making provisions. In Genesis 37, when Joseph was 19 years old, God began speaking to him in his sleep. Joseph shared those dreams with his brothers. His brothers had no clue that his “insulting” dreams were actually symbolic of foreordained events setup for their own good. They didn't know that his vision of them “bowing down to earth before him” (Genesis 37:10) would literally save not only their lives, but preserve the children of Israel. In their ignorance and jealousy, Joseph's brothers sold him to slavery and passed him off as dead to their father. Through the course of events, God eventually positioned Joseph as that “wise and discerning man” selected by Pharaoh as governor over the land of Egypt to provide for His people during those seven years of famine (Genesis 42:6). God knew His plans for Joseph and His people long before the events ever took place.

Finally, I learned that God is incapable of error or omission1. Everything came to pass that God showed Joseph in his dreams. In Genesis 37:7, Joseph shared his dream with his family. In Genesis 37:10, his father rebuked him and said to him, “what is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down before you?” His father saw no evidence of why they would ever bow down to him. By Genesis 42:6b, what God had revealed to Joseph came to pass exactly as God showed it years earlier. Although at the time that God spoke to Joseph it seemed to his family that the dream was in error, God was never mistaken, He showed them exactly what was to come.







1The Foundations of Christian Doctrine, by Kevin J. Conner.

Fard A. Bell
March 1, 2011

Throughout history, there has been one book that has withstood the test of time against all odds.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and time and time again, God has put people in place to preserve
His Word and translate His Word so that all nations can receive the gospel from generation to
generation. It is His commitment to that cause that has brought us the King James translation of the
Bible. Ephesians 3:1-4 reads “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles, if
indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that
by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you
read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).” God's commitment to our
understanding of His Word is unwavering. I appreciate what great lengths God has taken to deliver the
King James Bible to us in a language we can all understand.


The history of how the King James Bible was developed can be best summarized by “The
Foundations of Christian Doctrine, by Kevin J. Connor:


“The Bible has had a truly remarkable history. Over the last 3500 years it has not
only been the most loved but also the most hated book in existence. No book has
ever suffered the persistent opposition that the Bible has, Roman emperors issued
edicts ordering its annihilation. Untold thousands of Bibles have been burned and
countless Christians have been executed for possessing a copy of it. It has been
rejected, corrupted and challenged. Its infallibility and authority have been attacked
from every angle. However, through the centuries the Bible has survived all these
storms and triumphed over them to remain the most significant book in human
history. Gods miraculous preservation of His Word is another proof of its
inspiration.” (p 35)


I recognize the efforts that many have gone through to get something so precious, the most
valuable resource in the world, into our hands. I will never look at the Bible the same way knowing
what I know now about how it got to me in English form. People died to get this book to me. There are
so many who have bore the cross to deliver to us the infallible Word of God, in spite of constant violent
opposition. Three of these men are John Wycliff, Martin Luther, and William Tyndale.


When I first learned about John Wycliff, I was amazed at how God used him to help get the
gospel to the people it was being kept from. Wycliff was an English theologian who was an advocate
for translating the Bible into the common language of the people. He translated the Vulgate, the 4thcentury
Latin version of the Bible, into English in 1382 at a time when the Bible was not written in the
language of every day people. The Roman Catholic church did not want the Bible translated to English
and they had the translated Bibles banned and burned. John Wycliff was one of the first brave scholars
willing to go against the Roman Catholic church to further God's work. He was definitely a catalyst
toward the development of the King James Bible.


Another scholar that got my attention was Martin Luther. Luther was a German priest and a
theology professor who initiated the Protestant Reformation. At a time when the Roman Catholic
church was selling indulgences, an idea which expressed that God's pardon from certain sin could be
purchased with money, he spoke out against it in his “Ninety-Five Thesis” in 1517. He also was
responsible for translating the Bible into German, which made a major impact upon other scholars who
later helped in the development of the King James Bible. When Martin Luther refused to retract all of
his writings he was excommunicated by the pope and condemned as an outlaw by the emperor.


A third scholar who stood out to me was William Tyndale. Tyndale was one of those scholars
who was influenced by the work of Martin Luther. He moved to Germany to translate the Bible from
Hebrew and Greek to English at a time when he could not get permission to do so from England. This
was perfect timing because printing machines were now available which made wide its distribution
possible. He had to risk his own life by smuggling the translated Bible back into England in corn sacks
in order to deliver the Bibles to the masses who had no translation of their own to read. He felt like the
Word was for the people, not just royalty. In 1535, Tyndale was arrested by church authorities and
jailed for over a year. He was tried for heresy, strangled and burned at the stake in 1536.


God has always gone through great lengths to preserve His Word even to this day. He has made
us promises that He has never broken. He has promised to preserve His Words: “The Words of the
LORD are pure Words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them,
O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (Psalms 12:6-7) He has commanded
us to neither add to, nor take away from His Words: “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes
and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the
land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the Word which I
command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the
LORD your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:1-2) He has shown that He cares about each
and every one of His Words: “Every Word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in
him. Add thou not unto his Words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)
He said His Words will never pass away: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my Words shall not
pass away.” (Mark 13:31) He said He would curse anyone who changed His Words: “For I testify unto
every man that heareth the Words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,
God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from
the Words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of
the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)


In summary, these men answered to God's divine call to make sure His Word has reached us. They
gave their lives to that call - Tyndale gave his life to that call literally. God used them to fulfill His work in the preservation of the Bible.
Reading about these three men makes me reflect on what gifts and resources I have been given to
continue Gods divine work both within me and through my life. No opposition in the world will stop
God from getting His Word to us. The Bible is indeed God's miraculous preservation.

By Fard Bell 3-29-2011




God reveals Himself to all mankind through nature, through our conscience, and even through history in ways that make it pretty obvious that there is a Creator at work. Psalms 19:1 says “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork. ”According to Kevin J. Connor, author of The Foundations of Christian Doctrine, these are known as “General Revelations” of God. Although these “General Revelations” each contain layers of amazing evidence that point to God as our Creator, they do not reveal to us however, who God is entirely and therefore, are insufficient to provide us with a complete revelation of God. It is not enough to know that God exists. Even a child can perceive that we were both created and have a Creator. What is more important is that we know not only that God exists, but also who He is and what His divine desire and plan is for us. There are however, several “Special Revelations” which refer to those acts of God whereby He reveals Himself and His will to specific people. I wish to illuminate two of those special revelations, including the revelation of God in personal experience and the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. I agree with Connor when he said, “Christ is the sum total of the revelation of God including His will, His nature, His person and character. To look at Christ is to look at God, for Christ is the expressed revelation of God in human form.” John 1:1-5 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” When I read the Bible and look at the personal experience that Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) had, and His revelation of God in Christ, and even my own personal experience, it reminds me that a revelation of God without a revelation of Christ is an incomplete revelation of God.

For the first example, let's take a look at Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) and his personal experience with God in Acts 9:1-9.

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”




Notice how God not only reveals who He is to Saul, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” but also His desire and plan for Saul, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” This is a classic example of a Revelation of God through personal experience and a Revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

Saul, a scholarly Pharisee, had a revelation of God without a revelation of God through Christ, and one absent of personal experience. With all of his knowledge as a Pharisee, his education was not suffice to truly know who God truly was and what His desire was until God was revealed to him through Christ, in a personal experience. He actually thought he was serving God by arresting and murdering those who had a true revelation of God through Jesus Christ.

In Galatians 1:13-14 Paul later admits, “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.”

Saul's story reminds me of my own personal experience with God. As a child I remember feeling the presence of God through the birds and the trees and sunshine. I remember His divine protection miraculously stopping a truck from running over me, healing me from asthma, giving me special knowledge and insight when no one else's answers would satisfy my curious mind. I remember having complete strangers pray with me and verbalize the secrets of my heart through prophecies. I remember God delivering a bible to me on my 7th birthday although I did not attend church and being comforted by scriptures such as Psalm 23 when I was afraid of the dark. I remember being forced to watch movies like “Jesus of Nazareth” and “King of Kings” with my dad. When I look back over my life in retrospect, I can see God progressively revealing Himself to me every step of the way. But none of those experiences compare to my personal experience with God when He revealed Himself to me in a dream and said “I am with you, and I am pleased.” That personal experience with God left me with an unbreakable relationship with my God and caused me to seek Him even more diligently. In February 2001, while attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., God sent His servant by the name of Osaze Murray to approach me and ask me about my relationship with Christ. At that time I had a revelation of God without a complete revelation of Jesus Christ. Osaze challenged me to ask God to reveal Christ to me. I did so and God was gracious enough to grant my request. One month later I was overtaken by His Holy Spirit which opened my mind and heart to receive the revelation that Jesus Christ truly is the Son of God and I forever acknowledge Him as my Lord and King!

If you have yet to receive a revelation of God, look at the magnificence of nature and the universe He created for you and marvel. Listen as the conscience He gave you gives you a sense of what is right and wrong. Look at God's hand through history – how He produced, preserved, and protected the Bible, His God inspired, infallible Holy Scriptures just to deliver His Word to you. Be awed by His miracles and fulfilled prophecies! Remember that in some cases God will reveal Himself to you instantaneously, and in many others, as in my life He is revealing Himself to you progressively, each revelation building upon the other. Believe that He would not have given you the mental and spiritual capacity to receive revelation from Him unless He intended for you to receive it. Pray for God to reveal Himself to you in a personal way and look closely at your life as He shows you an instantaneous or progressive revelation of Himself! In the words of Connor1, The purpose of all the revelation of God is that man may come to know God in a personal way. It is not enough for men to say they know God in nature, conscience, history, miracles, or prophecy. Man must come to know God in an experiential way. From the fall of man unto this day, there have been millions of people who have known God in a personal way. Most of all remember that Christ is the sum total of the revelation of God including His will, His nature, His person and character. To look at Christ is to look at God, for Christ is the expressed revelation of God in human form. A revelation of God without a revelation of Christ, is an incomplete revelation of God.

1Connor, Kevin J., The Foundations of Christian Doctrine,   

Dear Fard & Friends, 

Remember the grass always LOOKS greener on the other side... That is, until you get into the new grass and see the imperfections. Remember the 80/20 rule. At times what we already have is 80% pleasant and maybe 20% unpleasant. Then another 20% comes along and we risk losing the 80% to go after the 20%. Let's be wiser than that. Let's BECOME MORE grateful and more faithful with that which we already have, so we can be trusted with the more that is to come. Luke 16:10-12 


Your P.L.A.T.I.N.U.M. Coach,

Fard A. Bell

Does God Want Us To Be Poor?

The Reason for this Page

Money is an issue that needs clarification. The viewpoint of most people with respect to money is not correct—including the viewpoint of many Christians who think they are following the Bible’s teachings. In fact, although slavery is not a term we think about much today, there are probably more people in financial slavery today than our Earth has ever seen before. Still, although money is involved, this financial slavery is not connected to the amount of money people have. The relationship we have with our money (compared to our relationship with God) is what is important. You see, God wants to remove anything that gets in the way of a personal relationship with Him. (If the idea of a relationship with God sounds strange, click on this sentence.)

The Eye of a NeedleThere is one Bible story dealing with wealth that is misused and misunderstood more than any other. Unfortunately, many people read this story and believe that Jesus is teaching that it is best to be poor (where we got the title of this page). The same story appears in Matthew chapter 19, verses 16 to 30; Mark chapter 10, verses 17 to 31; and Luke chapter 18, verses 18 to 30. Let’s look at the account recorded in Mark.

Mark 10
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is,God.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,
30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

What do you think? Does it look like Jesus is implying that everyone should give away all of their money and live like a homeless person? Many do, but they should not. Let’s look at the following points:

Jesus looked at this man and loved him.

It would have been obvious in those days if someone was rich, perhaps more so than today. (You were considered rich if you had more than food, clothing, and shelter.) Notice that Jesus did not criticize the man for being rich—He loved him. It is obvious that having great wealth was not the man’s “problem” in this story.

When Jesus told his disciples (followers) that the rich would have a hard time getting to heaven, their response was, “Who then can be saved?”

The disciples were surprised to hear that rich people would have trouble getting into heaven. The reason is that in their culture, people believed that the rich were being blessed by God, and therefore the most likely to go to heaven. The following verse is one of many that shows us why.

Deuteronomy 8
18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Many of the people obviously approved by God in the Old Testament were wealthy. Job, Abraham, Jacob (Israel), and Solomon are good examples. If God wanted His “best” people to stay poor, would the following scene have taken place?

1 Kings 3
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant* David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,
12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.
13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

*Here King Solomon refers to his father King David and himself as “servants.” That was a way of showing submission and respect in that culture.

Since God rewarded Solomon’s request with wealth (and many other things), those people reasoned that God rewarded “good” people with wealth. Therefore, people thought that being wealthy was the sign of being approved by God. This is the opposite of what many people believe today. Notice in both cases how the focus is still on money and not on God.

The Meaning of the Story

With those two points in mind, it should be clear that the rich man’s problem was not that he was a bad person, nor that he was rich. His problem was that he loved his money above everything else—and even thought it proved he had a “ticket to heaven.” His question to Jesus may have been to confirm to himself what a great guy he was . . . and he was badly disappointed.

The reason it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God is because most rich people are too much in love with their money to enter the kingdom of God. They are not being kept out, they are keeping themselves out. The point of the story therefore is not that money is bad, but that the rich man’s focus was wrong. To prove that, notice how differently God treated Solomon. God was pleased not only because Solomon did not ask for money, but also because he did not ask for other self-centered things, either. Then God turned around and rewarded Solomon greatly. Solomon’s focus was clearly on what God would want (for all of His people).

Notice that Jesus confirmed that people would be rewarded richly for anything they give up for Him and the gospel—now and in heaven (Mark 10:29,30). God doesn’t want you wealthy or poor, he wants you to follow Him. He will then reward you appropriately. If you have money problems, your relationship with God may not be as perfect as you think it is.

A Personal Story That You May Relate WithYears ago, I earned my living as a “commission only” salesman. That is, I only made money if I sold something. It was possible to go all month and earn nothing—something that happened many times. It was a stressful time for both my wife and myself.

Each year I would usually have one larger-than-average sale that would supply between a quarter and a half of our yearly income (depending on how good the year was and the size of the sale). One year, a customer that was satisfied with a small purchase from me decided to follow it with a large order. When their buyer called, the owner of my company happened to answer the phone. Later, the owner told me that the buyer made the purchase because they knew each other. Although it violated our contract, the owner did not pay me any commission (about $12,000 US dollars). He took two international vacations shortly afterward—something he had not done any other year that I had been there.

I was looking for another job (and had been looking for awhile) but I could not find anything. It was what Christians call “a time of testing.” It sounds noble when it happens to someone else, but it is awful when it happens to you. My wife was temporarily disabled (repetitive stress injury) and could not work at the time, either. We were giving about $5 a week at church—about 10% of our income some months—when my wife wrote out a check for $15. I felt sort of a sinking feeling, because I knew that was about all the money we had—and I did not want to bounce a check to the church.

“Fifteen dollars?” I asked.

“In Malachi 3:10 it says that you have to give to get,” was her reply, “and we have to do something.”

“Well, I won’t stop you, but we can’t give that much on a regular basis,” I warned her.

About that time, I told a few people at church about our situation, and asked them to tell me if they knew of any job openings where they work. I never heard from any of them, and felt from the way they looked at us that they did not really care. (Maybe you have been there.) It was not their fault—they probably had “slavery problems” of their own.

As it turned out, several amazing things happened:

• I did find another job. About six months after being hired, I got an unexpected bonus of approximately $12,000.
• The customer became unhappy with something done by the owner of the business I used to work for, and demanded their money back. They later settled for a “token” refund of approximately $12,000.
• Our family income is more than before, and as a result we can easily give a weekly offering that is much larger than $15.

We believe Malachi 3:10 literally proved itself in our lives.

Putting It All TogetherThe reality is that God is the only one who really cares about your financial “health.” How do we know? The Bible refers to money more often than it refers to faith, praying, and love combined. The reason is straightforward—God does not want you focusing on or worrying about money instead of Him, so He wants your finances to be in order.

We want you to know this because we do not want anything to damage your chances of having a good relationship with God. One thing that will really help is getting your financial life straightened out, so money is no longer a priority and you do not have to think about it all the time. If you would like more information on the subject, Dave Ramsey wrote a terrific book entitled Financial Peace that we recommend. While it is not a “Christian book,” it does have a lot of solid advice—and is sold in both Christian and secular bookstores. You will not regret taking the time to read it.

Speaking of reading, someone has accessed this page 41575 times since Jan. 1, 1999. As you can see, money is not a popular topic, yet it is a thing most people constantly desire getting—in ever increasing amounts. The reason is obvious: most people are focused on themselves and their financial desires, not on God. You may not have thought about it this way, but it takes less mental work to stay a financial slave (rich or poor) than to behave responsibly. Still, congratulations are in order—you made it through this page, which sets you apart from the crowd already. We sincerely hope this page has been helpful.

A Final WarningA lot of religious fakes (usually on TV) claim that if you give money to them, that God will give money to you. Although we cited several passages that show how God will “give to givers,” God is against all people whose only interest in religion is making money. (That means that money is their “god”—get it?) Avoid money-focused religion like the plague.



Copyright © 1999 by Clarifying Christianity (SM).
Printed copies of this article may be circulated if it is reproduced in its entirety, along with this copyright notice. You may not charge for, request a donation for, or seek reimbursement from anyone for such copies. Links are OK. All rights reserved.

All Bible passages were taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All information contained in Clarifying Christianity is a resource for questions dealing with Christian issues. It is not to be taken as Christian counseling. Seek a qualified Christian counselor for help with all such issues. If you choose to work with a Christian counselor, it is your responsibility to ask pertinent questions before you begin, to assure yourself of their qualities and abilities.

      In 1994, as a 14 year old trumpet player and a student of the Fine Arts, God was developing within me what would become a tremendous respect for the amazing gifts & talents that He instills within His children. He had already instilled within me compassion, a burning desire, and a vision to uplift His people, but at 14 I wasn't quite prepared to take action and I didn't even have a plan to begin with. One day I saw my dad watching a video about how wise people were acquiring income producing assets. For someone who had only received an eighth grade formal education, it still tickles me today that my dad was, and still is, one of the most studied and knowledgeable men I have ever met in my life. Even at 14 years old something about that video he was watching grabbed my attention enough that I began to ask questions about it. The example I was given was simple - "If you have 10 income producing assets, each generating $300 a month, that would create $3000 a month in income that you don't have to work for..." "Brilliant!" I thought. "This is a way for me to focus on empowering people without having to spend the majority of my life focused on making more money!" God was helping me put the plan together. That was the first time I can remember being introduced to the concept of passive income, and that day began my quest to gain the skills I would need to leverage my paycheck and live out my purpose! After school, driven by this idea, I studied every audio, video, and workbook I could get my hands on. Over the years I earned, saved, & went to free seminars, and purchased the systems of people who had already created passive income. Many people were there to “get rich,” I was there to get a plan.
     
     As a sophomore in college just before my 20th birthday, I was introduced to a system that made more sense than any other that I’d seen and studied before. It was like everything I had done up until that point was God testing my faithfulness over what He’d already given me, before He could entrust me with what He had for me next. During that time I was also introduced to a book series (more like a financial curriculum) that begins with a book called "Rich Dad Poor Dad," by Robert Kiyosaki. It was a breath of fresh air! I felt like I'd been introduced to my twin brother from another mother. The author seemed just as passionate as I was about not only letting people know they have a right to become financially free, but also leading the way. Sometimes it’s just when we feel like we’re the only one carrying the torch, God shows us how He’s working through people in places we wouldn’t have even thought to look.

     Earlier that year, although I didn't have any money to invest, nor the competence or confidence to use other people's money to invest, I had begun investing my time & efforts. I made the tough decision to dedicate 10 hours a week of my time toward building income producing assets (even when I had school full-time, even when I had work full time, even when I felt like I had no time I remained consistent with my commitment). It paid off… By 2002, now 22 years old (and never having received my college degree) my “asset column” (as Rich Dad Poor Dad would call it) was consistently generating more income, before I got out of my bed, than a good job would have paid me with a college degree! I felt like I had graduated from undergrad, and now entering the "real world". The real world of working on my purpose instead of having to work for a paycheck! I wish that kind of blessing upon all of Gods children. In January of 2003, like an early 23rd birthday present at the luxurious Scottsdale Princess resort in Arizona, I got a chance to celebrate my departure from the “rat race” in the presence of several of my mentors including the authors of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert & Kim Kiyosaki! As my education & skills have increased so has our asset column. Today I continue to dedicate at least 10 hours each week to building income producing assets. A large part of my ministry now includes coaching others who are interested in going full-time in their calling. The difference is I have "leveraged my paychecks" and I am free to live out my passion & purpose full-time. Although the journey hasn't always been easy, the sense of freedom I've been blessed to enjoy, the quality time with God and my wife, the ability to travel on a moments notice, the peace of mind, and actually living out the plan and purpose God has placed in my heart has made it all worth it!

     There are many types of income producing assets that already exist, and many more to be created (maybe by you). God gave us a mind to think and create with the expectation that we would use it. Creating an income producing asset is only limited to your imagination, your resolve, & your resourcefulness to bring your idea to fruition. This article is not intended to recommend any particular type of income producing asset, but to inspire you to dedicate 7-10 hours each week to acquire & utilize the skills to leverage your paycheck to live out your purpose. Before you invest in anything it is wise to make an investment in your education 1st. Reading the “Rich Dad Poor Dad" series by Robert Kiyosaki, along with "Purpose Driven Life," by Rick Warren and connecting with the PLATINUM Movement at http://thePlatinumMovement.ning.com are excellent places to start. Position yourself around people who have been successful and serve them, interview them, make the decision to be free, and then take consistent action! It's yours!

John 10:10 says "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." - Jesus Christ

Put Mathew 6:25-33 to the test and remember - “Wealth Follows Wisdom.” (Not the other way around). Until next time...

Your PLATINUM Coach,
Fard A. Bell

If you would like more coaching resources like this one, or you have questions or comments, let us know how we can better serve you at [email protected]

Copyright 2009 Fard A. Bell