If God walks among the poor and down trodden then why?

I do wish there were a way to ask Joel Osteen and the others exactly that -- and make them answer in public!

The truth is, money is necessary for organized religion, especially religion with a charitable aspect, to operate -- rent has to be paid, and to share your goods you have to have some yourself -- but imo, there is so much more good that can be done with the money that televangelists make and spend on themselves. It's good to have pleasant things, but there is a point where you have to say, "Meh, no more. This is enough."

In just you town or city, have you already been to where the poor and the homeless are? Do you know the population of the poor in you "neighborhood?" Do you know how many children go to school without having any breakfast, without clean clothes, and without having electricity in their homes that baths or showers are cold and not hot?

If you choose not to give to Tel Evangelists that ask for money, I suggest you listen to the Billy Graham Crusades. In over 50 years, Billy Graham has NEVER EVER ONCE asked you to send them money. Yet, Billy Graham's Foundation has reached entire countries-------not just individuals.

I would, suggest, also that you work in your local homeless shelters for one winter, show up under the bridges, by the bus stops in your "downtowns". If you are not going to lessen the burden and curse of poverty for those who are within an arm's reach, then why worry about those who try to accomplish that task on a world-wide scope?

Because tele-evangelists, well most of them, are out to make money. It's obvious by how much they beg for it. These are not truly men of God. You will find God's presence among the poor who trust in Him for everything and who give to God's work, not to that of tele-evangelists.

Because Joel Osteen and people like that probably tithe 10%. God says He will bless those who tithe. You have to give to receive and that's probably why there are alot of well-off Christians. Joel Osteen probably is rich because of his church though---have you seen the size of that thing?! :)

You need to come to the understanding that our life on earth is short and temporary. Our riches await us in heaven for those who folllow and accept Jesus as their savior.

Someone who lives in a cardboard box, but is a Christian and has Jesus living inside them, is richer than Bill Gates, because you can;t buy salvation with all the money in the world. It's not for sale, but it is free to anyone who wants to have eternal life with Jesus, just by repenting of your sins, acknowledging that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, inviting Him to live inside your heart and life and change your sinful ways. This is not a part time position in life, it is a full time position. So you must work hard at walking on the straight and narrow and rightous path for Jesus.

A poor Christian person knows what kind of weath they truly have. And thtey can't hold it in their hands, but they hold it in their hearts. Earthly posessions are temporary just like the artificial joy that comes with them. But the riches and joy you get from a relationship with Jesus lasts for and eternity and you can take that with you to heaven. Praise the Lord!!!

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God

Give & it will be given back to you.

God is the God of more than enouph with plenty left over. If you study those who are rich, there is 2 ways to get there. Be charitable & receive God's promises.

Or get it through lawlessness. Those who get it through lawlessness sometimes have given their soul to the devil to get all that money.

It probably is a sin to live a good life... not just the "nice car" lifestyle, but any Western lifestyle. I mean, how many people have iPods? Why do we need iPods when people are starving?

They are prospering. Money is the root of all evil. (it doesn't say money is evil). But you make a good point that I like to argue, that the wisest man (Solomon) even warned about being rich.

What make you think that (most) TV evangelists teach the truth? or think that the Word is stronger then the almighty buck?

Why does everyone equate God's love with money and posessions. God gives what He gives and to whom much is given much is asked.