A Biblical Theology of Material Possessions

by Gene A. Getz, Joseph M. Stowell (Foreword by)

Overview

Some researchers estimate that evangelical Christians give an average of 2 percent of their income to further the kingdom of God. Such a practice reveals a theology of material possessions that is clearly out of line with God's Word. Gene Getz in an extensive search reveals intriguing, detailed information on the subject of material possessions based on Scripture. The synthesis of this and selected extrabiblical literature resulted in the formation of more than 120 biblical principles that can be applied by any person in any culture. Dr. Getz not only shares these principles but offers guidance for church leaders and laypeople who want to apply them in their church.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781725231412
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	04/01/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	438
File size:	62 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Gene A. Getz is director of the Center for Church Renewal and is pastor of Fellowship Bible Church, Plano, Texas. He is also an adjunct professor in pastoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Gene A. Getz is director for the Center for Church Renewal and is pastor of Fellowship Bible Church, Plano, Texas. He is also an adjunct professor in pastoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Table of Contents

Index of Graphics 9

Index of Maps 9

Foreword 11

Preface 13

Acknowledgments 20

Introduction: Gaining Perspective 21

Part 1 The Church in Jerusalem

1 Setting the Stage 31

2 Identifying with the Jewish Community 35

3 The Church in Action: Acts 2:42-6:7 43

4 Supracultural Principles 51

Part 2 The Teachings of Jesus Christ

5 The Apostles' Teaching 61

6 Jesus' Perspective on Economic Structures 65

7 The Apostles' Personal Witness 69

8 Jesus' Teachings in Matthew 5 75

9 Jesus' Teachings in Matthew 6 83

10 Jesus' Teachings in Matthew 10, 15, 19, 23 95

11 Moving from Specific to General Principles 105

Part 3 Moving Beyond Jerusalem

12 The Church Is Scattered: Acts 8:1-3 123

13 The Gospel Penetrates Samaria: Acts 8:4-25 127

14 The Ethiopian Eunuch, Dorcas, and Cornelius: Acts 8:26-11:18 133

15 The Church in Antioch: Acts 11:19-30 143

16 Supracultural Principles 147

Part 4 The Gentile Church and Its Expanded Mission

17 Gaining Perspective: The First Missionary Journey 161

18 James's Letter 167

19 Paul's Letter to the Galatians 181

Part 5 Paul's Mission: The Second Journey

20 Gaining Perspective: The Second Missionary Journey 187

21 Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians 191

22 Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians 197

23 Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 205

24 Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, 8:1-24 213

25 Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, 9:1-15 227

26 Moving from Specific to General Principles 239

Part 6 Paul's Mission: The Third Journey and Imprisonment

27 Gaining Perspective: The Third Missionary Journey 251

28 Paul's Letter to the Romans 255

29 A Biblical Perspective on Borrowing and Debt 263

30 Paul's Trip to Jerusalem and Rome 281

31 Paul's Letter to Philemon 285

32 Paul's Letters to the Ephesians and Colossians 291

33 Paul's Letter to the Philippians 299

Part 7 The Final Years of the New Testament Era

34 Paul's Pastoral Letters: 1 Timothy 311

35 Paul's Pastoral Letters: Titus, 2 Timothy 325

36 1 Peter, Hebrews 331

37 2 Peter, Jude, and 1, 2, 3 John 339

38 Revelation 347

Part 8 Applying Biblical Principles

39 Learning to Apply Supracultural Principles 355

40 A Systematic and Thematic Perspective 387

Bibliography 401

General Index 409

Scripture Index 425

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Dr. Getz is a rare breed of man devoted to the ministry of Christ who can write a theological work and make it both fascinating and interesting reading. I found his book on material possessions to be extremely informative as well as a practical tool for the local church. I especially found the format to be logical and easy to understand."
—Larry Burkett

"We are indebted to Dr. Gene Getz for his book, A Biblical Theology of Material Possessions. Nothing quite as comprehensive or challenging has appeared in recent times. I warmly commend it for three reasons:
- It is biblical. The book is rooted in the Old Testament but covers the entire New Testament.
- It is practical. It pinpoints 126 supracultural principles for personal and general application.
- It is critical. It searches "the thoughts and intents of the heart" on many matters, and it speaks to the materialism and "me-ism" of our present day.
"On a global scale, researcher David Barrett estimates that Christians give 0.017% of their income to missions. The reading and studying of this book should make a difference, not only in worldwide evangelism but in your life and mine."
—Stephen F. Olford

Editorial Reviews

"Dr. Getz is a rare breed of man devoted to the ministry of Christ who can write a theological work and make it both fascinating and interesting reading. I found his book on material possessions to be extremely informative as well as a practical tool for the local church. I especially found the format to be logical and easy to understand."
—Larry Burkett

"We are indebted to Dr. Gene Getz for his book, A Biblical Theology of Material Possessions. Nothing quite as comprehensive or challenging has appeared in recent times. I warmly commend it for three reasons:
- It is biblical. The book is rooted in the Old Testament but covers the entire New Testament.
- It is practical. It pinpoints 126 supracultural principles for personal and general application.
- It is critical. It searches "the thoughts and intents of the heart" on many matters, and it speaks to the materialism and "me-ism" of our present day.
"On a global scale, researcher David Barrett estimates that Christians give 0.017% of their income to missions. The reading and studying of this book should make a difference, not only in worldwide evangelism but in your life and mine."
—Stephen F. Olford

From the Publisher