THE BLESSINGS OF GODEphesians 1:3 Blessed be
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
BLESSINGS or BLESSING...
This scripture is only scripture verse in New Testament of Bible, where word "Blessings" is used. However, this word has become a much different thing in teachings of Christian church today. As discussed in "The Gospel of Convenience", and "Investing Christian" articles here on this site, American Christianity teaches that money, possessions, stock market holdings, "toys" and all manner of material possessions are "the blessings of God". We too used to accept this as truth. We have recently been convicted by Holy Spirit , and instructed by God, to speak out against this principal as a heresy, and a deception of Devil, that it has taken some 30 - 40 years for our enemy to foster into church doctrine. We have encountered some truly amazing responses in this endeavor, in form of, in some cases, condemnation from fellow Christians. We have been told we are "lost", "out there", "unthankful to God".
The concepts of "blessings of God", and "stewardship" are now doctrines in church. They include teaching that your possessions are bestowed "blessings", or "gifts" from God, and that it is you're duty as a Christian, to be a faithful "steward" of those things (I.E. that you are to maintain them, upgrade them, increase them, or nurture (love) them.) However, word "blessings" only appears in above scripture, and in following verses, as "blessing"...
Luke 24:53 And were continually in temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Romans 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in fullness of blessing of gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not communion of blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not communion of body of Christ?
Galatians 3:14 That blessing of Abraham might come on Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of Spirit through faith.
Hebrews 6:7 For earth which drinks in rain that cometh oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God:
Hebrews 6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
James 3:10 Out of same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on earth, and under earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sits upon throne, and unto Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelation 7:12 Saying, Amen: blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
4 times word is used as meaning "Praise or Worship", ( Luke 24:53,Revelation 5:12,5:13, and 7:12). 4 times it is used as meaning "salvation" ( Romans 15:29, 1 Corinthians 10:16, Galatians 3:14,and second use in 1 Peter 3:9). 3 times it is used as meaning "Approval" or "Love" ( James 3:10, Hebrews 6:7 and first use in 1 Peter 3:9). In last 2 uses, ( Hebrews 6:14, and in Hebrews 12:17), Paul was discussing Old Testament patriarchs, and circumstances surrounding their "inheritances" which as we know, were "blessing" (anointing) of God, as rightful leaders of Israel.
In no context in scripture, other than context of ancient Israel, which we all know WAS in fact an earthly kingdom, is word "blessing" used to indicate land, or material possessions. So use of "blessings" as a doctrine in which people are given material wealth, possessions, and increase, as a gift of God, is out of context with Church of Jesus Christ, (a Spiritual kingdom), and with Bible as a whole. Since Old (earthly) covenant is fulfilled in Christ, its principals do not apply to Church, except where Jesus expanded on them.
STEWARD OR STEWARDSHIP...
Also, in entire New Testament, word "Steward", only appears in following verses...
Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, lord of vineyard saith unto his steward, Call laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from last unto first.
Luke 8:3 And Joanna wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Luke 12:42 And Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou may be no longer steward.
