Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] Curing the Dilemma of Diminishing Returns. If we want to see Heaven’s floodgates opened, we must examine what compliance, what agreement, what obedience the LORD may be leading us to render.
The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast] (below)
YOUR own bank statement tells you exactly who you are. Matt 6:21
A financial investor takes your money and multiplies it for your last few years in this temporal life, right? In contrast, laborers for Christ take your support and multiply it for Christ and themselves for all eternity. In Christ’s eternal kingdom – everybody wins, all the time, forever. King Jesus reigns forever!
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Invest in Heaven and reap, be rich forever. Boom. Matt 6:19-21; 2 Cor 9:6-11
It’s interesting to observe that people will commit their money in advance for nearly anything, to anyone except the One who gave them that money. Unreal. The priorities of our hearts are openly revealed in how we spend, we put out the money God has placed in our hands.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38
Paul was not coveting any man’s money – “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” (Acts 20:33) No! He wanted God’s people to invest in Christ’s eternal kingdom – into eternal souls – and by doing so fill their “account” in Heaven. – “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Philippians 4:17)
Is God watching how much you give, monetary amount? OR is He looking for how much you kept back for self instead of giving to the Savior’s work and His people in need? Read Luke 12 and 16.
Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35. This is how disciples live.
SOLID investments get no better than Christ’s kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-21) The Only Eternal Investment.
Does the LORD get the first portion of your day, your dollar? (Mark 1:35; Proverbs 3:9-10).
In an hour when so many who claim to be saved are funding pet and political causes, will you be one who says “No! Jesus saved and sent me to spread His Gospel, to see eternal souls won into His eternal kingdom and not to fund frivolous temporal affinities! I am getting behind the teaching of HIS Word!” (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20)
Without exception, the happiest, “more blessed,” the most joyful people we meet are the givers (Acts 20:35). Their hearts are full of joy – because as they give they are freed of the sins of greed, covetousness and their hearts are filled with joy for participating in the Gospel of the One they love (Matthew 6:21).
God can split the Red Sea but an even greater miracle would be to split, to open the hearts of self-serving rebels who claim Christ as Savior but contribute nothing to His work – because THEY matter, not Him (Matt 6:21).
Those whom God has placed in your life to preach His Word into your life, to feed and equip you – are His gifts to you – and your opportunity to fund HIS work and lay up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Galatians 6:6). “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) Let’s roll saints, Jesus is coming!
When you give to our LORD’s work, you are fueling those He called out and ordained to communicate His Word, to do His work, daily. Amen. You are participating in Christ’s Great Commission, and laying up treasure in Heaven!
How much and with what heart posture we give is what the LORD looks at. Our giving to the LORD proves how much He means to us. It is shown in how we give to His kingdom people and work – the heart and the percentage (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41-44). He gave us the ability to earn money that we may have to give – which is an integral part of our worship of Him.
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18
There’s no work so important or eternal as the work of our LORD’s Gospel! Let’s fuel it saints. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
ARE YOU supporting those God says have “beautiful … feet”?
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15
Saints, any man who is called out of God and obeying HIM by endeavoring to preach the whole of His Word, is not well supported. And, this is your opportunity to obey God whose graciously given you all you have, and to lay up treasure in Heaven as Jesus instructed you to do (Matthew 6:19-21).
When Christ is truly first in our lives, His cause, His Gospel is what we support – BEFORE we support any other cause which are ALL infinitely inferior to the eternal Gospel of Jesus. Jesus Christ first, not pet or political causes. SAINTS, LET PRAY FOR AND SUPPORT THE ETERNAL WORK OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Matthew 9:35-38). Supporting political or any other cause will bring no eternal reward (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 2:49; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9; John 4:36, etc.).
You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time, energy, and seed in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches
If all our resources go to the world, what does that reveal? That reveals that we love this fleeting fallen world and not the LORD. Time to re-turn to the LORD before it’s too late.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Speaking of using what God has ALREADY given us for His glory, Charles Pray writes:
“Some have not received the Blessings of God just because they haven’t given out the blessings of God to all those around them daily!” Charles Pray
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I have had more practical needs met by people who don’t attend local churches than the people that are members of the same churches that I have been a member of. And some friends at church are audacious enough to cast judgment upon these same people that have more love in their pinky than most Christians have in their whole body. Sad, but true. What we do unto the least among us we do as unto Jesus. Not many people were/are willing to wash Jesus’ feet. Church can be more of a country club at times. Favoritism often dictates where the money goes instead of the church acting as a community like it is portrayed in Acts. Many real needs are ignored and overlooked while more money is allocated to further pad the pockets of people living in abundance.” Naomi Elliott
REPLY:
Yeah church-ers, church-goers many times say “We gave at the church.” In saying this they reveal that their life is all about a church, an organization of mere men which has deceived them to the point that they have no spontaneity of Christ’s life or conviction to give where there’s real needs. Instead they waste what the LORD gives them on funding a fraud in most cases. WHERE to Give
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I’ve had people tell me that, even attending and supporting a church for over a year, that the church they were attending would not help them in a time of crisis because they were not members of that church.” Mark C.
REPLY:
YES, have seen this same respect of persons many times brother! Sad!!! Matt 25 We shall all give full account to the One who said:
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. … 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Matthew 25:40, 45
The cross and our finances: Will we choose to part with a bit of our earthly treasure that God’s work might be supplied? What did Jesus say in Matthew 6:19-24?
SO what does it reveal about you if you spend all of your money on yourself? Are serving the god of self or the Savior? Are you serving God or mammon? Read what Jesus taught here closely in Matthew 6:19-24.
Simple question: If God’s people were putting HIM first in their stewardship, do we really believe those He’s called out to labor for Him, to feed His sheep, would be lacking in supply to do HIS work, running on fumes? – “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) God be praised for those who are participating. Are you doing your part in Christ’s work?
You are proving exactly what value you place on God and therefore His work when you give into His work He sent us to accomplish (Matthew 28:18-20, etc.). Our bank statement reveals who we love most (Matthew 6:21).
God gives more to those who first use what He has already given them (Matthew 25:14-30).
Men and families that have answered the call of God to work full time in His work, are doing you a favor. They are the ox who are treading out the corn, doing the grunt work, and you are the one benefiting just as much as they are because every believer who participates gets the same amazing, eternal reward (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). 1 Samuel 30:24 says: “as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” In other words, it simply doesn’t matter which part you play in the matter of His work – you will be fully rewarded – as much as those actually doing the sweat equity! You may wish to consider making sure they are well fueled. Starving the that treads the corn works against Christ and His people. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14. You do yourself a favor by doing so.
MGWGA = Make God’s Work Great Again …. it’s the only eternal work. See Matthew 9:35-38 and Romans 10:14-15.
SO you “don’t have money” to support the work of the God you claim is LORD of your life and yet you still waste money on junk, poisonous foods and drinks, etc?
The way we are treating the money He’s allowing us to bring in is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts (Deuteronomy 8:18).
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
THE WAY A PERSON SPENDS THEIR MONEY IS A DIRECTION REFLECTION OF THE PRIORITIES OF THEIR HEART (Matt 6:21). The reason people don’t support the LORD’s work reveals their disdain for Him who gave them life.
We cannot rightly say we are setting our house in order, readying to meet Christ, if we are not repenting and deciding to participate in His work, in the Great Commission He gave us (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28, etc.). To say we are Christ’s and yet do nothing to help HIS work, is be completely deceived (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Is it not a betrayal of God to not support His work? …out of that which comes from Him, from His hand? (1 Chronicles 29:14)
GOD has always and will always provide for His people! Ps 37:25
Are you taking care of your own business and not “the Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) If so, unlike Christ, you are all about yourself, your own self-serving business and not “the Father’s business.” The LORD created and saved you to be about His business first and foremost. How do we think that’s going to work out for you if you don’t repent and begin putting the LORD first in your life and finances? Diminishing returns. | Holes in Your Money Bags
Are we wasting our lives on this earth, spending the monies God has and is giving us, on temporal trinkets, instead of investing in eternal treasure? (Matthew 6:19-21) Do we sit and watch the work of God being done and not support it? What shall we answer the LORD when He brings us into accountability for this?
Ministry is a team effort where we all, each member of Christ’s body, gets to participate. Are you personally participating? Or is your time and are your resources simply feeding your own agenda in this fleeting world? Is God truly first or are you first? Is Jesus genuinely your “first love”? (Revelation 2:4-5) Matthew 25 God is watching.
Jesus says “A man’s life consisteth NOT in the abundance of things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In other words your worth has nothing to do with how many toys or trinkets you have or don’t have. Memorize this truth now.
Maureen writes: “Supporting a ministry, that you know is sharing the true Gospel, will bring joy to your heart. When I was still part of a NAR church, it always felt like I had to give money. Now I can’t wait to give monthly so that others can hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It’s a good and godly thing to support the work of God – the preaching of the cross and the original Gospel, all of it 2 Tim 3:16-17.
Are you personally, in an absolute scheduled fashion supporting the work of Christ – the feeding of His sheep by divinely called-out servant elders? (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-19, etc.).
Why should those who do the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth live in poverty? Are you participating in inducing poverty upon the elders who feed you? If so, do you not understand that the Almighty sees the deceit of your heart and how you’ve barricaded yourself behind lies? (Proverbs 3:27-28; 24:10-12; Matthew 25:45)
Luke 12 and 16, and James 1:26-28 give warning to all concerning the connection between the state of our hearts and how we steward what God has given us.
Do we really believe that Gospel ministries would be running on empty, barely existing, about to go under, if God’s people were rightly stewarding the money He is giving them and for which they shall give full account to Him?
Personally I support the Gospel and not pet or political causes, etc. That’s what Jesus meant when He spoke of laying up treasure in Heaven (Matt 6:19-21). Supporting political or pet causes doesn’t qualify.
The world is upside down. Proof: People will give their money to any and every thing under the sun, except the only eternal work going on in the earth and the only giving that lays up treasure in Heaven – the Gospel (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:15).
THERE IS NOTHING, no-thing, not one thing happening on planet earth that is even remotely as important as the work of the Gospel. Talk is cheap and if we truly love Jesus we get behind HIS work which is the only eternal work transpiring on His earth. Politics, political causes, and politicians are temporal. The “Father’s business” Jesus came to do was winning lost souls and edifying, equipping, growing up those He saves (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 2:49; 19:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, etc.).
As was the case with the rich religionists of Christ’s day, so today, some give lots of money but it’s a small percentage of what they have, what they temporarily possess. God sees it all. Remember the once “rich man” who is now in hell? (Luke 16:19-31) The LORD looks at 2 things concerning our lives, our giving:
1. The heart (2 Corinthians 9:7), and
2. the percentage (Mark 12:35, 41-44)
I’ll think about supporting a political or pet cause when every unborn baby is safe and when every person has heard the Gospel message and Christ’s sheep are being equipped, fed, and their souls watched for – when every true laborer of Christ is rightly supplied, supported in doing this eternal work of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-18; Matthew 9:35-38; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). In other words, personally, I exclusively supply and support the only eternal work transpiring on this planet – the communication and administration of the Word of God (Matthew 28:18-20).
WHY WOULD GOD’S PEOPLE SUPPORT THOSE INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE NOT PREACHING THE WORD, THE GOSPEL? Isn’t that why we are here? Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; 2 Timothy 4:2
WHAT are you giving to? Do they PREACH the Gospel? If not there’s no eternal value or reward. Beware of where you give. Most charity organization, the vast majority, are not preaching the Gospel and true disciples how not give to them. Let the world support them as they are part of the world system. It’s time to defund the wolves and fund those literally preaching and teaching God’s Word as Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).
Gospel laborers are the most important workers in the earth – and the least reward (for now) and most despised. They do the only eternal work – Feeding His sheep and carrying the message of Christ’s Gospel to the lost. Jesus instructed us to ask the Father to send forth His laborers into His harvest, right? Yes (Matthew 9:35-38). Are you praying for Gospel laborers and supporting them in HIS work for the feeding of His beloved sheep and winning the eternal souls of men to Him?
Lots of causes and organizations vying for your support: WHERE will you invest – in temporal or the eternal Gospel? (Matthew 6:19-21)
NEVER pity the despised, shunned, and shorted Gospel labourers … no, rather fear those who watch and do nothing to contribute. Pity them, the fruitless (Matthew 9:35-38).
ARE YOU supporting the work of Christ? Who’s feeding you? (Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18)
Saints, are we supporting our LORD’s work? 2 Cor 9:6-11
AS long as people are fed for free, most do not take responsibility to support the LORD’s work and yet they freely spend money on the frivolities of this fleeting life 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6). This is most concerning when it comes to God’s people who should be of the highest integrity before God and man. We are commanded to give and when we do, Jesus says He will make sure we are taken care of well – this is a promise and He gives the condition (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). Someone has noted that “We are never more like God than when we are giving.” He gave all for us and those who need to be reached by us, right? (John 3:16)When we support the workers of the LORD we are supporting the work of Christ. 1 Cor 9:1-14
So many pay a type of country club dues to their local church that is not preaching the cardinal doctrines of the original Gospel and has replaced it with entertainment and social programs. So, those who pay these dues, if you will, are bidding Godspeed to, supporting and condoning the very enemies of Christ and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). Scripture teaches that we are to fund where we are fed the Word of God, not where we are entertained and receive social enrichment. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate (share with) unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Galatians 6:6
The LORD has always been, is presently, and will always be your sole Provider. – “ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalms 37:25)
“Always remember it’s not so much how much you give but your heart’s motive in your giving. Do you give from your abundance or do you give from your need? Mark 12:38-44 in the King James Bible we read about the Widow’s Mite! See also in the King James Bible the following Scriptures on giving to the Lord and His work. 2 Corinthians 9:6 & 9:7, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, Luke 12:33-34, Matthew 6:19-21, Galatians 6:6-10. Amen!” Brother Charles PrayJesus assured us that NO good giving will go unrewarded! Not only will it be reward – that reward will be forever!!!
IF we supported men/ministries in the past, whom we now realize were false, should we not much more now support the preaching of the truth? Riches
MILLIONS of dollars flow freely to false ministries weekly! God is going to judge those fund the frauds – these false prophets they support. He promised. Supporting them in any way is bidding God speed to them! Time to repent. 2 John 10-11 | Where to Give
WHEN you are brought into contact with a ministry that endeavors to preach the whole counsel of God’s will, fearing no man, you can know that it is under-supported and holds great opportunity for you to be partaker (1 Corinthians 3:9; 9:1-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). For the most part, only the ear-tickling ministries are well supported, over-supported in most cases, while the LORD’s few true under-shepherds who’ve remained true to Him are shunned.
THE SUM TOTAL OF THE RICHES WE HAVE IN CHRIST IS THE EXACT, THE INFINITE MEASURE OF HOW TRULY RICH WE ARE (EPHESIANS 1-2; COLOSSIANS 1-2).
MAY God bless His people to support HIS work. Jesus is coming.
Christ taught that our hearts – heart affections – follow our giving Matthew 6:21
Praise God for the few good preachers by which we hear God’s Word Rom 10:14. Please support them saints!
Satan’s children and churches will never support the LORD’s work. God’s people will.
WHEN you literally give, you get behind Christ’s Gospel. Matthew 6:21
“But my giving is between God and I!” Sure is and HE’s watching you! He’s watching the opportunities HE gives you! HE’s going to judge you for how you give or refuse to give out of what He’s put in your hands temporarily (Matthew 25:40-46; Mark 12:42-44). Where did the once “rich man” go when he died and where is he now and forever will be? WHAT is the stated reason for where he went and is? (Luke 16:19-31)
IF we choose to obey the LORD and put HIS work first, will He not bless that? Matthew 6:33, etc.
GOD be praised for the support of the Gospel proclamation by Jesus’ people.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Giving is our privilege. It’s YOUR opportunity to show your gratefulness to the LORD for what HE has given into your hands.
THE WORLD HAS ENOUGH PANSIES IN THE PULPITS! IF YOU don’t like “in your face” (direct, no patty cake) preaching of divine truth and warning – MOVE ON. The apostolic model is PWT – Preach, WARN, Teach (Colossians 1:28). GOD is preparing a people and all those not hearing, repenting, and obeying will be excluded (Matthew 7:19-23; Luke 21:34-36; Ephesians 5:25-27; James 1:22; 1 John 2:4; 3:18-20, etc.). This page needs to be filled with REAL, authentic disciples of Jesus. Wolves entertain goats, true under-shepherds feed sheep! WHO Else is Tired of Wimpy Preachers?
God is able….. we didn’t set up His kingdom, He did in His infinite divine wisdom. And, when we simply do things His way everything just seems to flow and flourish, amen? Have you noticed? Have you engaged the LORD by putting Him first – literally? What did He say is going to happen when we do? Matthew 6:33
IF you are supporting anything but the whole counsel preaching of God’s Word, you are funding the enemies of Christ! Pure waste! Repent. 2 John 10-11
In this fallen world, everyone who works gets paid except those doing the most important and only eternal work of Christ’s Gospel. Saints, remember that money doesn’t grow on trees for Jesus’ called out ministers and neither will Satan’s children support God’s work. So, if you don’t support the LORD’s work with what resources He’s giving you in this fleeting world, it won’t get supported. God is watching (Mark 12:41-44).
IF YOU HAVE JESUS – YOU ARE RICH BEYOND DESCRIPTION! YOU HAVE EVERYTHING! (Hebrews 13:5) Life is not about you getting even more stuff than you already have. No, God gave you this life to serve Him and others, not yourself (Matt 22:37-39; Phil 2:3-5). hell is full of self-idolaters. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Tim 6:8
No, saving money is not a sin in and of itself. Yet, if we choose to keep back money that a brother or sister in Christ is in need of, what does that tell us about who and what is most important to us?
“Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Proverbs 3:28
The Bible verses referenced make it clear that loving God means we love our neighbor as ourselves.
1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
There are minuscule few who attend to the LORD’s called out “labourers”, taking responsibility to make sure they are supplied to do His work (Matthew 9:35-38; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.).
MAY God’s people in this late hour have “all things common” as far as the temporal supply of this fleeting world (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).
It’s a RARE blessing to find those who are obeying God by giving where He leads. Regrettably, so few who claim to love and know Jesus give nothing and many that give are supporting Christ’s enemies.
HEARING from people whom God is blessing due to their rightful giving to HIS work. Isn’t that exactly what He promised He’d do? Prov 3:9-10; Lk 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Mal 3:8-12. Am I missing something?
WHEN we put God “first” in our spending, only then is our conscience is clean to enjoy the remainder (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33).
How are we treating the LORD? How are we treating His work, His workers? THAT’s exactly were we are at, our true spiritual state is —seen in this (Matthew 25:40-46).
AS we take care of GOD’s business, will He not take care of us? Matt 6:33 Do it and watch!
WHEN you encounter that rare ministry outreach that fears no man and endeavors to preach the whole counsel of God’s Word boldly, get behind it. You will thereby make the wise choice to be one of the few truth-seekers to support it.
Are you trading eternity with Jesus for the pitiful trinkets of this life? Mark chapter 10:23-25
Saints, let’s support and pray for the preaching of the original Gospel.
WHEN your life is truly given to the LORD, all you temporarily have in possession belongs to HIM. 1 Chron 29:14; Luke 6:38
The work of the Gospel is work and is the only eternal work transpiring in the earth.
ARE you taking the personal responsibility before the LORD to support His work with what HE is allowing you to earn?
The only one you are doing a favor to when you give is yourself. Jesus taught us that rich men who refuse to be charitable reveal their wicked hearts and are going to hell irrevocably (Luke 16:19-31). Seems to me that Jesus taught that IF you die with money in the bank that could have helped other believers, you are in big trouble (Luke 12, 16, etc.).
Saints, it’s our privilege to thank God for what He’s giving us by supporting needy saints and the work of Christ.
Gospel workers are dependent on individuals around them to be supported in the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” saints (1 Corinthians 3:9) Taking the opportunity to support the work of Christ in this late hour is our privilege and duty saints.
Believers don’t give an order the get and yet that doesn’t change the divine promises of God’s blessings specifically to those who give (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).
- PREACH
- WARNNNNN (for the protection of God’s people-Christ’s blood bought sheep)
- TEACH
If each believer in Christ was rightly stewarding the money He’s giving them, would there be any of the few true New Testament ministries that were impoverished?
YES, the LORD cares for you – and He wants you to obey Him. (1 John 2:3-6)
God’s Word instructs us to fund where we’re being fed (Galatians 6:6).
On your watch, are the LORD’s “labourers” that Jesus instructed us to pray would be sent forth being supplied? What will God think of our actions or inactions toward the workers HE has sent forth? (Matthew 9:35-38)
Should those elders GOD calls out to do His work full time have to trust in miracles or go without the basic things in this life? No.
Believers are commanded to compensate the elders who perform the most important and only eternal work in the earth by feeding and equipping them and helping them grow in the grace of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14
God only holds us accountable to give out of what we have and not what we don’t have. Check out 2 Corinthians 8:12:
“Thank you for continuing to patronize and support my wolves!”~SATAN
Anna Lisa writes: “Misguided ‘Christians’ who AREN’T SEEKING GOD are putting their tithes and offerings into the FAKE, COUNTERFEIT churches (buildings, religion) instead of giving to the REAL TEMPLE, the REAL BODY of Christ where it is needed.”
YOU’RE not vested in the Gospel till you give to it. Matt 6:19-21
WHAT follows what? Read Jesus’ words here …“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) When we obey the LORD by laying up treasure in Heaven and not on earth, He makes us to flourish. Our hearts flourish in Christ! Giving
WHY did Jesus say the once “rich man” was sent to hell, irrevocably? Luke 16:19-31
ARE we feeding or muzzling the mouth of the LORD’s called-out oxen who plow the harvest fields of men’s hearts by feeding Christ’s sheep and preaching to lost souls? How does God view how we are treating those He’s called out to help us grow in grace? (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1-6)
SO you earn $1,000 and don’t have enough of GOD in you to apportion $20 month to HIS work?
IF you aren’t intently reading God’s Word and obeying Him, you will not be with Him. You simply do not love Jesus. “Going to church” has nothing to do with your walk with LORD. True fellowship as defined by Scripture, yes but not what we call “church” today. We’ve been mislead and it’s time to return humbly in authentic repentance to Christ, yes Christ! Remember Him? You know, the ONE the modern frauds we call “pastors” won’t spend any time preaching about? No, they’re too busy tickling your ears, coddling you in your sins, withholding the truth, etc., so they can take your money to build their own kingdom. You won’t hear the essential doctrines of the original Gospel such as repentance, holiness, the cross-crucified life, judgment, hell, or the return of Jesus for His spotless Bride!
He’s been prompting you and is waiting for you to respond in true repentance and obedience.
“Judgment to come”, “eternal judgment” is coming (Acts 24:25; Hebrews 6:2). Ready or not.
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]
THOSE running from the biblical reality of stewardship are evading the repentance that would otherwise bring refreshing! Acts 3:19
The apostate churches ARE NEVER going to support the preaching of the original Gospel! Only the LORD’s remnant can do that!
JESUS plainly taught that the way you are treating others in your stewardship reveals exactly how you are treating Jesus and exactly where you will spend eternity (Matthew 25:40-41, 46). Judgment Day! Are you going to run from His truth and thereby sprint into eternal damnation? Or, are you going to stop your life, get before God in true repentance, crying out for Him to break you before it’s too late? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found…” (Isaiah 55:6) Riches
The way we steward the resources temporarily in our possession identifies where our hearts truly are – as opposed to where we may think they are. Matt 6:19-21
We should all wonder why it’s “okay” that any called out Gospel ministry is under-funded. It’s not okay with God (1 Cor 9:1-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18). We should all ask ourselves if we ourselves are doing our part and consider using the opportunity to be part of the solution as God has instructed and out of a “cheerful” heart (2 Cor 9:6-11).
“I marvel to think of all the things we do in vain, for no purpose or gain for Christ and His Kingdom!” Charles Pray
ARE YOU taking personal responsibility to take care of God’s business? WHEN we take care of God’s business, will He not take care of ours? Giving God’s Way
Ministering is a body, a team effort: “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
IDOLATERS HATE stewardship preaching from Scripture (Ephesians 5:3-6).
Do YOU spend all your money on your god – self? If you aren’t a giver, that seems to be the case.
If you aren’t cheerfully giving, it’s because your heart is not right with God who gave His all for you and the world (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
DOES God or the god of self come first when you get paid? Regular, scheduled giving keeps the soul-damning sin of greed at bay (Prov 3:9-10).
THOSE who are someday going to “get around to” reading the Bible never do. THOSE who are going to “get around to” putting God first in their finances never do (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:9-10).
I know, I know, I’m the “bad guy.” (Gal 6:14) I pray this truth preaching will lead to at least 1 person truly repenting which will always lead to a laid down life and a giving heart and had. 1 Chron 29:14
ARE YOU supporting a church busine$$ or the preaching of the kingdom Gospel?
IF you support apostate wolves it’s only because you are apostate and will be damned with them (2 John 10-11).
MANY have their wallet ready to pull out for any temporal trinket that comes along. Yet, they grip it tightly when GOD shows them opportunity to lay up treasure in Heaven – which Jesus commanded His people to do (Matthew 6:19-21).
Speaking of using what God has ALREADY given us for His glory, Charles Pray writes:
“Some have not received the Blessings of God just because they haven’t given out the blessings of God to all those around them daily!” Charles Pray
The way one spends, stewards the money allotted him in this life is the real litmus test of the true spiritual state and priorities of his life (Matthew 6:19-21). God told us He’s watching (Mark 12:41-44).
PREACHING the raw, whole counsel of Holy Scriptures brings conviction of sin and scatters the many counterfeits who feign to be saved. THAT convicting preaching is the very reason there is no conviction in the vatican apostate modern so-called “churches.” They want your money and approval, yet you must reject Christ to “bid Godspeed” to these very wolves Christ and His holy apostles so often warned us to beware of. The LORD is not a liar. He promised that in the final days “iniquity shall abound, (and) the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12) And “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous …. lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; … evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:2, 4, 13)
IF you can’t give up, give out a small portion of the money GOD GOD GOD gave you, money is your god and it cannot save (Matthew 6:19-24).
When we give – We are doing no one a favor except ourselves and those our love offering help – lost souls and fed saints! Matt 6:19-21
God ordained ministries should never have to do fund raisers. No, if those claiming to know Jesus are correctly, obediently stewarding the money HE gives them, the LORD’s ministers will have what is needed to do His Work (Acts 4:32-35).
EVERYTHING else is scheduled in to your expenditures, WHY isn’t God? Like clock work, bills get paid for temporal possessions, but what about putting God first as He instructed? – “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Most who claim faith in Christ will commit monthly to anything, except the Gospel.
IS the LORD a 1st or 2nd class citizen in your life? Look at where your money goes for the real answer to this question (Matthew 6:19-24).
Some are praying and hoping that God straightens out their finances and yet they aren’t putting HIM first (Proverbs 3:9-10).
YOU can get them to throw money at anything under the sun – except the Gospel. Giving
SAINTS, when we give, it’s our privilege to simply take the first portion of what God gives into our hands and worship HIM with it (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Some don’t support God’s work because the LORD isn’t important to them. Simple.
DID God not repeatedly promise blessings to those who give? Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.
A sister in Christ said: “When I became a widow, my church would not allow me to use their food pantry…it broke my heart!”
WHY do you still “give at the church” or really give to a circus operated by overpaid frauds? Making Merchandise of You
WHEN a man is prepared by the LORD and answers the call of God to obediently endeavors to preach His full counsel, that man will be financially ruined. Why? People claiming to know and love Jesus will gladly spend all their money on the trinkets of this fleeting world that they love, and give little or nothing to Christ’s work.
The most important and only eternal work in the earth is the least rewarded or not rewarded at all. Why? Are you supporting the preaching of the kingdom Gospel, which begins with the divine, essential command to repent?
WE can know we are backslidden when we whip out our wallets for some new gadget or service yet hold it tight when the opportunity to help the Gospel sits at our feet.
Tares run from those who preach the divine truth that causes them conviction of their sin. Yep, they run back to their damnation by migrating back to the “many” prophesied ear-tickling wolves (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:2-4). Stewardship
Those who preach the Word to you, warning you of judgment to come, perform the infinitely most important and only eternal work in your life. They get paid little to nothing in this life due to the very sin they are warning of – covetousness, greed, idolatry, and the love of this passing world. If they were in it for the money instead of Christ, they’d have quit long ago – there is no money in it due to the “few” who obey God in this life. A preacher must lie to people, tickle their ears, coddle them in their sin in order to get paid in this life (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
IF those claiming to know Jesus were obeying HIS stewardship instructions, would true ministries be destitute?
Most people claiming to be saved spend more money on candy and trash drinks monthly than they do on the work of the Gospel.
Are you ready to change your ways so God can do a new, greater work in you? Nothing happens till we repent and obey (Isaiah 1:18-19). NOT enduring sound doctrine – running from the conviction instead of returning to the LORD and confessing – is apostasy (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
HAS GOD EVER ONCE failed you?
Is this difficult? Why? Could it be plainer? WHAT are you vested in?
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 | Stewardship
EVER wonder what would happen if you actually gave God the first portion of what HE alone allows you to earn? You willing to trying it?
NEVER feel sorry for the LORD’s labourers, no, instead you may want to pray for and pity those who are fed and do nothing to contribute to the furtherance of the Gospel of the One they claim to be saved by.
Yesterday I saw a guy who does political videos and he currently he has a growing list of nearly 500 people who monthly support his work. Yet, true New Testament ministries today go unfunded. This is apostasy.
This is a truth we should read, study, memorize and meditate on today. This helps us see this temporal world the the eyes of the LORD, His kingdom. Perspective! “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life (value, substance) consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15
God addresses rich Christians, instructing them to be generous, and yet He makes it clear that no disciple of Christ should desire to be rich or pursue the riches of this fleeting world. He warns that great peril and the danger of eternal damnation lie in such a trap. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-17. | Riches
TODAY: Thank you for praying for the 2 David’s and Chris who have recently received ministry! Follow up under way! Part of this includes giving them the Born Again and What Next! books! Jesus is moving in the hearts of men in this late hour and – “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” in this matter! (1 Corinthians 3:6-9; Matthew 9:35-38) Because You Care
Simply put: IF God’s people don’t support HIS work, it doesn’t get supported. 1 Cor 3:9
THE type ministry you support clearly reveals exactly who you are (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Are you supporting the preaching of the whole counsel of God’s Word or “another (“accursed”) gospel”? (Galatians 1:6-9)
IF the stewarding of what GOD is giving you isn’t in order, it proves your life isn’t in order. “It is MORE blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
ARE YOU doing your part? “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9
ARE you support the preaching of the original Gospel or a fraud? Discernment: Where to Give
It’s our privilege to support our LORD’s work and on top of that He promises to reward us for doing so (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
Those who love the LORD’s truth should support the preaching of it.
God’s work is furthered by disciples who make the quality, obedience decision to put God first with what He allows them to bring in (Proverbs 3:9-10).
When you see a ministry endeavoring to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God, know that that ministry is under-supported. Also, such is the occasion and your opportunity and privilege to jump in and be a part of the Word of the kingdom of Christ being communicated into the hearts of men – both saints and sinners. No work on the earth is as important! 1 Cor 3:9
If earthly riches are an indication of godliness, Jesus Christ and His apostles certainly were ungodly. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5. Any person equating earthly wealth with heavenly faith or godliness, is a complete devil. Run! Filthy Rich [podcast]
THIS fallen world will reward ANY and EVERY work under the sun – except God’s work – which is the only eternal work transpiring today in the earth. Are you supporting the Gospel work of the One you say saved your soul? (Matt 6:19-21) Real Success
God’s Word says that “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” (Psalms 62:10) When more money comes in, a raise or a settlement or inheritance, the LORD instructs us to increase our standing of giving and not our standard of living. We are simply passing through. This is not our home.
Jesus came and died for the eternal souls of men! Many waste their lives on the pursuit of temporal treasures. Hell awaits. Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12, 16
People can do nearly anything in this world and be paid for doing so – except the infinitely and most important and only eternal work of the Gospel. No, not getting a job at a “church” and misleading people. Rather, doing to true work of endeavoring the preach the whole counsel of God’s Word. Such will lead to utter poverty in this world. Such is a shame – a shame on those who are fed and refuse to support the work of the One they claim to love and claim to be serving. Riches
Supporting Christ’s work is the privilege and mandate of every one of His true disciples.
Saints, according to Scripture, may we today be exhorted to 1. take care of those in need among God’s people (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and 2. support His work (1 Corinthians 9:1-14). Empty barns will be filled! Presses shall burst forth with new wine! (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Holy Scripture repeatedly promises that those who give as unto the LORD shall never lack. Prov 3:9-10; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11
ARE you supporting a Sunday morning circus act OR the work of the Gospel? Because You Care
IF you truly trust God, why not obey Him by giving the first of what He gives you Prov 3:9-10
Don’t bother giving if you can’t do it out of a cheerful (thankful, hilarious) heart – because. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7) What God’s Word says about Giving
Being called out by God to minister full-time puts a man in a precarious place because giving is voluntary and few participate.
Worried about your finances? Why not try putting God first?
When needs arise among the people of God and when there are ministries before us preaching the Gospel truth … this is our opportunity from God, our privilege to support (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).
The lost will never support God’s work Jesus sent US to do 1 Cor 3:9
No one has ever been hurt when obeying God by supporting His work Matt 6:19-21
Supporting the work of Christ is laying up treasure in Heaven as Jesus instructed Matt 6:19-21 Because You Care
You going to worship God for real with what HE has given you? 1 Chron 29:14
May God raise up those who will pray for His “labourers” to go forth and also support HIS work (Matthew 9:35-38).
The devil’s children will certainly never support the work of Christ. Will you?
Talk is cheap. Do! James 1:22; 1 John 3:18
A parable is an earthy story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus’ parable of the talents is a teaching and severe warning of stewardship and the eternal consequences of obeying or disobeying God in the matter of our handling of His resources in this fleeting life.
WHEN you choose to take care of God’s business, do you not think HE will take care of yours? Matt 6:33
Are you laying up treasure in Heaven, or wasting God’s resources? Matt 6:19-21
WHEN we literally put God first in our expenditures, are we not blessed to have the priceless gift of a clear conscience?
There’s a time when some whom God has called out to ministry, must do it full time (Acts 6:4; 2 Tim 2:4). He is then at the mercy of those who support, or not. God is able saints. If we take care of His business, He takes care of ours – and He’s told us that throughout His Word (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 6:37; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, etc.).
IF God’s people don’t support HIS work, it simply does not get supported.
You know if God is truly first in your life when you get paid – and what you do with that money HE allowed you to bring in. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the FIRSTfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
Does He not promise to replenish and fill up those who give out of what He gives? Proverbs 3:9-10 Riches
ARE you wasting your life and resources helping someone build a church busine$$ OR are you building the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of men by supporting the preaching of the whole counsel of God’s Word?
If God could get those who claim to love him to give up their lives in this world, they’d cheerfully put Him first in their finances and the Gospel workers He told us He sends forth would not be hindered by lack of supply to do His work. … Saints. God will resurrect our finances if we by faith literally obey His stewardship instructions (Proverbs 3:9-10; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Riches
Certainly we don’t expect religious organizations to support the true Gospel. No, they never will. Supporting the preaching of the original Gospel is solely reserved as a privilege for the remnant of Christ’s elect.
Truth preaching ministries are only supported by those who agree and are fed by them. Satan’s children, including the many tare religionists are not going to support the truth saints. Counterfeits support their ear-tickling wolves (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
God only requires you to give out of what you have – and that’s everything to him! Remember the woman who gave the 2 mites? Jesus was fully pleased and said she gave all out of her own poverty! Mk 12:41-44 Because You Care
DO WE really think that the few “labourers” Christ has sent out would be scraping up pennies if God’s people who are being fed were biblically stewarding the resources He is giving them? (Matthew 9:35-38)
YOU can only give what you can give – out of what you have – and yet, that’s all God requires. 2 Cor 8:12 says: “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”
The widow with the 2 mites (equals less than a penny) gave all and will be forever rewarded for such (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus celebrated her giving and condemned the wealthy who gave large amounts monetarily yet kept back much for themselves. In the divine economy it’s percentage and God looks for a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
IF you’ve been given much you are that much accountable. When God increases you financially, it’s not to expand your own portfolio but rather your giving. Read Christ’s severe warning on this in Luke 12. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)
Phil Butler writes: “Don’t let your lack of faith rob you of the amazing blessings God wants for you. Sure the bills being paid is nice. But what’s even better is when God blesses you with Himself . For the word of God is quick (alive) and powerful ,and sharper than any twoedged sword,piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intent of the heart. Heb. 4:12.”
EVER notice how self-serving cross-less counterfeits use this following verse to greedily run after the fleeting riches of this fallen world….. ignoring the many Bible teachings that warn against doing so? – Proverbs 13:22 “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
“If anyone thinks God has Blessed them to be selfishness is totally deceived.” Tina H.
From time to time the topic of dirty money comes up…… see what you think and feel free to comment beloved saints….. Perhaps this is God’s answer….
Should ill-gotten gain be given to the work of the LORD? Apparently not. “Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deuteronomy 23:18
WHEN we spend all our money on ourselves, we simply feed the god of self. Repentance necessary.
The way we are stewarding God’s resources reveals who we really are – regardless of what we merely claim with our lips (Matthew 6:19-21).
PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, I come to You now in repentance for having squandered Your resources, for being hardened in heart, for not truly trusting You to replenish what You gave as I give it out. Please forgive my sins. Right now, if never before, I lay my life into Your holy hands, I release my spirit unto You now LORD and all that is in my temporal possession in this brief life. In Jesus’ name.
The LORD replenishes… those who sow the seed they presently have 2 Cor 9:6-11
Provision for Christ’s work happens when His people obey Him by giving out of what He’s given them (1 Chron 29:14; Prov 3:9-10; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11; etc.).
Saints, let us worship God in gratitude by giving out of what He gives (1 Chronicles 29:14).
God’s people, those who love the whole truth, should support His work. Satan’s counterfeits certainly won’t!
WHEN we give of what He gives us, we express our allegiance and worship to the LORD.
“Do not be anxious about the future. Use your life and all its resources for God, and he will care for you. No tongue can exaggerate the goodness and mercy which God lays up for them that trust in Him before the sons of men.” FB Meyer
Instead of boasting that everything we have comes from the LORD, we’d better be spreading it around like He commanded. He’s watching! What happened to the once “rich man” who didn’t spread around what he’d been given? He’s been irrevocably in hell for at least 2,000 years, right? Right! (Luke 16:19-31)
If you love the truth, put your money where your mouth is and support the truth (Matthew 6:19-21).
ARE WE willing to do for the truth what counterfeits do for lies?
MONEY HAS WINGS – AND LOTS OF PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE CHRISTIANS ARE COVETING IT: “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5) Wisdom in stewardship
“Those who do the least complain the most.” unknown
GOD does not hold the world accountable for supporting His Great Commission He gave us but rather His own people – and He even set up an eternal investment fund for them to reap eternal rewards for doing so (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).
ARE YOU giving to the LORD out of that which HE alone allows you to bring in OR are you spending all on the god of self? Do you know and obey the Word of God given us in Proverbs 3:9-10? …. Are you freeloading? It’s quite amazing how people can and do spend money on everything under the sun except the furthering of the kingdom of Christ.
Saints, let’s please pray for more people to take the personal responsibility to make sure the LORD’s work/workers are fully supplied. The hour is late.
INSTEAD of prayerfully, obediently looking where to support Christ’s Gospel work, the counterfeit looks to further embellish his flesh, his own reputation, and entrench himself in this fleeting world – Read Luke 12:15-21.
People could care less that the work of the God they claim to know is being done! Most who claim to be saved care only for their own little trinkets in this fleeting world. Their earthly treasures will perish with them (Luke 12, 16, etc.).
WE must become so deeply dead and buried with Christ that we are truly “hid with Christ in God” from the snare, the lure of lusting after this world’s treasures and trinkets (Colossians 3:1-4). It’s for our souls! Read Luke 12 and 16.
If you have money tied up in the bank, in any account or possession that could be used to help God’s people and work, He’s going to hold your eternal soul accountable for it and hell awaits! (Luke 12, 16; Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
SB writes: “Sad but very true as the majority that are deceived are constantly giving pearls ($) to the swine, instead of investing in those who are actually preaching the true word!”
IF you lend to your brother, do not charge interest: “Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury: 20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Deuteronomy 23:19-20
WOULD any true Gospel work be lacking if those who claim to serve Christ put Him first in their hearts and therefore finances?
“ALL things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
YOU cannot out give God. Try it. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
When’s your next pay day? What ministry/ies are you supplying so Christ’s true Gospel work can be done in this late hour as we look for His soon return? 1 Cor 3:9
WHEN God is “FIRST” He’s first in everything and not an afterthought (Matthew 6:33).
Giving to the poor or even going so far as to give your body to be burned, will save no one from sin and hell. God’s love in us can only come from intimate relationship with Christ. Do you truly know Him?
“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned
, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3
Would to God more men would take their place in supporting Christ’s work.
“WHERE” did Jesus tell us our hearts are? – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
YOU CLAIM to worship Jesus but contribute nothing to Jesus’ work?
Did Jesus instruct us to lay up treasure? If so, where?
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:19-20
WE prove what we think about God’s work by how we support it. 1 Cor 3:9
WHEN in doubt, just “GIVE”! Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35
NEVER pity those who are called out of Christ into His full-time ministry. Instead, pity those who sit there and contribute zilch to the work of the One who bled to save them, the very Once they claim to love, serve, and be saved by.
IN the richest country in human history, we have a very few God-fearing preachers and they are broke due to lack of support! Unreal saints, unreal apostasy. Now do we see what Jesus meant when He told us only a “few” will enter glory? (Matt 7:13-14)
REMEMBER that when you give, you are doing no one a favor except yourself (2 Cor 9:6-11).
There is no virtue in being poor financially. The simple observation is that if a man is called out of God and that man does not compromise but rather endeavors to preach the whole counsel of the Word, he will most likely be supported by the “few” and broke. He will also be “poor, yet making many rich.” (1 Tim 6:10) Even people who claim to love God will do nothing to support Christ’s work (2 Tim 4:2-4). Many will waste their money on any and everything under the sun and not give $20 month out of the thousands they earn monthly. Matthew 6:21 says it all. The only ministers who get paid are those who feed the flesh, tickle the ears of the unrepentant hearts who refuse the cross and to “endure sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Stewardship
Seems like the Bible teaches that if we put God first in our giving then our conscience will be clear in spending the rest and He will fill our barns with plenty. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 9 and 10
So you have money in the bank or other investments while believers go without? How are you going to explain that to Jesus who gave all … and gave into your possession those things He is holding you personally responsible for rightly stewarding?
When you look at/view an occasion to give, see it as YOUR opportunity. It’s your privilege to jump in and help others.
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
Concerning stewardship, Phil Butler writes: “’Oh, but I can’t afford to!’ Uh-uh—you can’t afford not to. Lesson learned! And I have peace and confidence about my future even though bills went unpaid. I haven’t lost anything. Nothing has been shut off. He always miraculously comes through. He disciplined me hard two weeks ago when I thought, ‘I better hold on to this just in case.’ Well praise God that ‘just in case’ formed into the chastising hand of God, and this young one got a huge smack on the butt by my Father. It was then that I truly knew the loving hand of my Father…in the form of a good ol’ spanking. I’m living right now in the peaceable fruit it produced. I’ve never felt this sure that God truly is my Father. I’m excited to see what direction He’s going to move me next. Wow! Hallelujah Jesus! So yes, honor God. The peace and confidence in a renewed relationship with Him outweighs any ‘just in case’ I might be considering.”
The poor in our midst (especially God’s people) and those who oversee, equip, and feed us the Word, are God’s gift to us – our opportunity to participate in His worship-filled giving plan. NEW Testament giving is our privilege: to the poor and the LORD’s true ministers – 1 Cor 9:1-14; 16:1-2; Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18.
WHAT needy saint and Gospel ministry are you giving to this week? You got paid right?
Regrettably, Jesus is the last Person in mind when some get paid. Wow! Proverbs 3:9-10
ARE you giving? IF SO, what is your giving supporting? God is watching. The idea that God is pleased no matter where you give is false.
JUST WHAT does it tell us that the same people who give when a basket is passed have no conviction to support Christ’s work? Giving when a basket is passed is usually the occasion to give to a temporal building instead of the building up of Christ’s body (Matthew 16:18)
LET us never abandon a biblical truth because some have abused or misused it.
God’s servants are to be supplied, not millionaire wolves. Are you participating? (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18)
Often, we hear people brag, proudly proclaim that everything they have came from the LORD. It’s almost like they are saying “Look at how special I am! God gave me these things and so that proves I am special!” Not so. Yes, everything we have comes from the hand of God AND He is holding us personally accountable for our stewardship of it. Material and financial gain does not equal godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-5 KJB). If that were the case, the largest cults in the world would have to be considered to be godly.
IF something is in God’s Word, why would we evade it or be uncomfortable/convicted about it?
SO you are getting FED but you’re not FUNDING? Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18
The only reason we’d be uncomfortable about a Bible topic is that we’re not obeying (1 John 5:3).
Regrettably, the vast majority of those who say they’ve given their lives over to Christ, do little in obedience to Him.
IGNORANT OBJECTION: “BUT brother, you are in the ministry, why don’t you just give everything away?” REPLY: “Sure thing. Will be glad to: Now I need YOU to just give that support to the ministry so we will be ABLE TO GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY!” …. unreal blindness. We cannot possibly give what we have not received – That’s YOUR part! …. Please pray for the support of this outreach beloved saints. Thank you kindly, in Jesus’ name. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
MYTH BUSTED: IF a true servant of Christ, called out of God, were in it for the money, WHY would he even be in the ministry? Such a notion is laughable – BECAUSE those who are true to Christ preach the whole counsel of His Word and are therefore shunned and shorted by the many who have departed from the faith, do not “endure sound doctrine,” and simply flock to those who tickle their ears (2 Timothy 4:2-4). They are broken much less getting rich. Such a notion is pure lunacy.
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Articles
“Blessed are the Poor In Spirit” [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount.
The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It means pauper, beggar, poor…..desperate and spiritually impoverished. Christ looks to desperate, hungry and thirsty people who want more of Him (Is. 66:2). Their hearts pant for more of Him (Ps. 42:1-2). They deeply desire more of His presence and Word. | Sin: Man’s Core Problem
Of this pillar truth of being “poor in spirit”, F.B. Meyer says:
“Note the passive side of the blessed life. To be poor in spirit, that is, to be lowly in one’s self-estimate; to be meek, not always interested in one’s rights; to mourn for the evils of one’s own heart and for the sin and sorrow around; to hunger and thirst after Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. These dispositions do not purchase blessedness, but to cultivate them is to be blessed. On the positive side are mercy, purity, peace and willingness to suffer all things for Christ. Here is 1Co_13:1-13 anticipated!”
Of this foundational cornerstone biblical essential, William MacDonald writes:
“This first blessing is pronounced on the poor in spirit. This does not refer to natural disposition, but to one’s deliberate choice and discipline. The poor in spirit are those who acknowledge their own helplessness and rely on God’s omnipotence. They sense their spiritual need and find it supplied in the Lord. The kingdom of heaven, where self-sufficiency is no virtue and self-exaltation is a vice, belongs to such people.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Jesus said: “without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
“The more we know Christ the more we are aware we NEED Him!” Anita Villarreal
The path to victory is humbling ourselves in repentance and announcing our own utter poverty!
“But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
The absence of a “poor” or desperate for more of Christ “spirit” is the clear indicator that the self-righteous person is trusting in self and not Christ.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (desperate, beggar, pauper): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
The phrase “poor in spirit” speaks of being in a perpetual heart posture of being desperate for the LORD, being fully dependent upon Him as a beggar, a pauper.
“We never feel Christ to be a reality, until we feel Him to be a necessity.” Austin Phelps
God allowed Judas to betray Jesus and God allows our enemies to bless us to be broken. Judas the betrayer, was instrumental in Christ being delivered to be crucified, in His body being broken and blood poured out for the sins of the world.
The betrayal of our enemies also allows us to be broken.
“I have been to this place more than once. It has only been me and Jesus! It is a hard place to be. I have said ‘Jesus if You don’t help me, I am not going to make it!’ Looking back I can see that He has shown up, every time, even though at the time I wasn’t seeing it. Jesus has saved my life!! For that I am very grateful! Thank You Jesus!” Karen Cochran
Jesus commands us to love our enemies and oh how much easier this is to do when we realize how He is using our enemies to bring us to the bless-ed place of brokenness (Matthew 5:44).
“God uses the bad things that happen to us to save, sanctify and glorify us.”
The LORD has no interest in the empty worship of men or religion which is vastly prevalent today as it was in Christ’s day.
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:6-9
No other sin so grieved the Savior as un-engaged religious pride and worship which actually insulated men from Him. Religious groups where this is found misrepresent Christ while claiming to be the only way to Him. No other group received more harsh and dooming words from Jesus Christ as those who were the very leaders of the religion He started 2 thousand years earlier (Judaism). The Jewish system of religion is the only religion God ever started or ever will start, and it is now obsolete. Christ came to bring all people into a personal relationship with Him and the Father and Holy Spirit (John 14:6, 17:3, 1 John 1:3, 7…).
Though it may appear outwardly to be different, today we have so much empty “worship” in the modern church world and this is why true disciples are coming out of her by the millions – “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Rev. 18:4). If Jesus commanded those who will be His to “Come out of her,” there must be something to come out of! The Son of God is no lunatic – He is “the Great Shepherd of the sheep,” who gave His life for His people and seeks to feed them with His pure Word and protect them (Ps. 23; Jn. 10; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:2).
Relevant?
In today’s everything-and-anything-goes, trying-to-be-relevant-instead-of-Christ-like, church world of ungrounded people, a myriad of things have replaced Christ and His holy Word. In the world of evangelical religion today, there is anything but the pure Word of God. Here are some of the things that have crept in and are in full blown emphasis today in the modern church:
- a thrust to be “relevant” – a cloaked word used often by the emergent/seeker-friendly movement which boils down to being just like the world in order to win the world. Win them to what?! – to aself-serving “form of godliness” that denies Jesus instead of self?
- new Bible versions which are taken from corrupt manuscripts and are weak at best (see Amos 8:11 and BIBLE VERSIONS)
- fictional books from fad authors who misrepresent the Almighty through their caricatures and have and are leading many into idolatry as a result.
- soft, spineless leaders who do not present the biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ with repentance, the holiness of God, and necessity of personal holiness, hell, and judgment to come, etc.
- an emphasis on entertainment using music and arts at the expense of declaring divine truth in its pure form
Does the LORD call His true people to be like the world (relevant), or to follow Christ and be unlike the lost? Think about this: what are the lost being won to if the church world is no different than they are?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (conditional), And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Jesus Didn’t Lie to Us
In this late hour, just as He foretold numerous times, “many” are being led astray by false prophets who have come in sheep’s clothing and are deceiving “many.” (Matt. 7:15; 24:3-5, 11, 24; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:13; 4:2-4; Jude 3-4, etc.) Eternal damnation awaits (2 Pet. 3).
The prophecies of the final days are dancing on stage in our faces.
In the vast majority of modern assemblies of “worship,” Jesus is no longer tended to or bothered with, much less elevated as the Creator, Redeemer, and “Head of the body.”(Col. 1:15-18; 2:18-19) No, instead, men and women who having “itching ears” are making popular false prophets who tell them what their sinful hearts desire to hear (2 Tim. 4:2-5).
Why should we be surprised? This was all foretold. The adulterous emphasis in the apostate church world, perpetrated by wolves who wear sheep’s clothing, is clearly enumerated as it is shown in resume’ form in 2 Timothy 3:1-7. – They are leading astray those who are just like themselves – “lovers of their own selves…lovers of pleasures MORE than lovers of God…”
Christ told us differently. Who are you following? Jesus said: “If ANY (that includes you)man will come after me, let him DENY himself, and take up his cross daily (die), and follow ME. For whosoever will save (preserve) his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it….So likewise, WHOSOEVER he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Lk. 9:23-24; 14:33) These are the very words of the Alpha and Omega – when is the last time your pastor preached these words?
Instead of laid down lives, studying His Word to know and find out more about Him, self-serving and idolatrous emphasis bombard the people as they are constantly asserted by false leaders. “How to Get Rich,” “How to Live a More Fulfilled Life,” “How to Use God’s Word to get what YOU Want,” “12 Steps to a Better Life,” “How to have Better Relationships,” “How to Have Your Best Life Now,” “How to get Your Miracle from God,” “7 Keys to a New You,” “How to be a better Husband/Wife/Father/Mother,” “How to Get More for ME, Me, Me!!!,” etc. To the un-discerning eye, these things may seem harmless, but they are deadly. A man-centered gospel is a false, soul-damning heresy (Gal. 1:6-10; 2 Pet. 2:1-3). One can get a miracle, become a better wife or daddy, learn conflict resolution, read polluted fad “Christian” books, and use principles to get some self-help, and still die and go to hell. God is calling His people to become more intimate with Him, to repent of our sins, to know Him, to turn fully to Him, to become His disciples, and all else will follow (2 Chron. 7:14; Matt. 6:33; Jn. 17:3).
Jesus Christ is the Supreme God and Divine Creator of All that Is – the Whole Universe
“For by him (Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17
Whenever and wherever the living and eternal Word, the divine Person of Jesus Christ, is NOT being sought after, studied, emphasized, worshipped, upheld, elevated, adored, praised, feared, and obeyed, false teachers are the leaders (Col. 1-2). Walking in these things nurtures saints and fosters in them a heart after God (Acts 13:22). Read Colossians 1-2 closely and prayerfully.
We have but a mere “form of godliness” if we have not presently chosen to crave more of Jesus, crying from our hearts and mouths – “He MUST increase, but I MUST decrease.”(Jn. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:5) One can be actively involved in a local church environment while “ever learning,” and yet “never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:1-7) All worship that does not elevate the Person of Christ is evil idolatry. Spiritual adultery is being spread in the hearts of men wherever Jesus Christ is not being peered into, loved, obeyed, and sought after with a whole heart! Any and all spiritual activity that does not begin and end with Jesus Christ is unadulterated idolatry. – “Thou shalt have NO other gods before me.” (Exod. 20:3)
Jesus is the Only Head of His True Body
“In whom (Christ) are hid ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. BEWARE lest ANY man spoil (ruin) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in HIM, which is the head of all principality and power…Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:3, 6-10, 18-19
It’s not how it makes us feel friend – it’s whether or not its biblical that matters! God forgive our sins! It’s time to repent, elevate Jesus Christ, and die to self that Christ might reign gloriously. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3) The kingdom of God is all about Jesus, not me or you or any other mere man. IF in fact you are going to be apart of His eternal kingdom, you must die – if you don’t He won’t live in you and you will not be with Him eternally. – “they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal. 5:24) You must suffer the death of your personal will and self-life or you will not be an overcomer (Rev. 2-3). You will consequently die and go to hell with all other rebels (Rom. 6; 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
Embracing the Cross
The overcoming disciple must cling to that old rugged cross. He must die the death that Christ ordained Him to die and set the example for us to behold – “not my will, but thine, be done.” (Lk. 22:42) He must of necessity resist the ease of the modern church program which makes church attendees instead of making disciples. He must possess a love for divine truth as he refuses to buy into the un-biblical falsity of modern religionist who rob Christ of His due glory. He must “buy the truth and sell it not.” (Prov. 23:23)
Only those who choose to daily die to self that Christ – the Greater One – might reign in their mortal bodies, will escape the horrific times to come where many are promised to fall away (Matt. 24:10-13, 24; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-7; 4:2-4).
Listen closely to what Jesus said concerning being ready to meet Him as we face these final days in which we now live:
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:33-36
The from moral coward runs from the cross which represents Christ’s sacrifice. He flees the life of a true disciple which demands laying down one’s own way, will, and life to love Jesus. He runs to the entertainment and the feeling of ease and would rather be told things that demand no repentance or sacrifice. He loves the wolves who don sheep’s clothing and their smooth messages (2 Tim. 4:3-4). This is the false form of Christianity (completely foreign to Scripture) that has lulled him to sleep in the first place. He denies Christ instead of self and His command for us to die to the self life. No, instead he relishes the temporal pleasures of this fleeting life. Like Esau, he is giving up his eternal birthright (Heaven) for a temporary fix (bowl of soup).
If you are going to be with Jesus, you must at once RUN from any leader who is not preaching the cross – he isn’t even saved (1 Cor. 1:18; Phil. 3:17-18). He’s an imposter. He’s part of the diabolical conspiracy against the LORD Almighty. He’s a counterfeit – in league with those who are “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:18)
First, make sure you are coming to the LORD daily in prayer and worship and His Precepts. When gathering with other believers, bring a heart that is hungering for more of Jesus.
Any “church attendance” or “worship” that is not producing in your heart a desperate hunger and thirst for more of Jesus Christ, is completely misguided and being led by a person who has either never been saved or is backslidden! Run beloved, run for your life! Find true remnant disciples and flourish in worshipping the one true God, holding fast to His holy Word. Cease to further the cause of wolf ministries! Stop (by your attendance) endorsing and supporting with your finances ministries that are leading people away from Jesus instead of to Him!
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
In these precious words recorded in Matthew 5:3, the Master was saying that those who are desperately impoverished in their hearts, realizing their utter need for Him are “blessed.” Undue loyalty to the organizations and futile programs of mere men invariably taint and hinder the personal relationship He made us to experience with Him. LORD, please bless us to know and love You and You alone! We will have “no other gods before You.” (Exodus 20:3-4)
In Genesis 32 we read of Jacob wrestling with God. The LORD broke Jacob and as a result a “poor in spirit” disposition possessed him…
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.” Genesis 32:10
Without a heart after God, all we have is a mere “form of godliness.” (Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:5)
PRAYER: LORD, with deep resolve, I this moment make the obedient decision to come out of the antichrist, out of the apostate religious system where mere men, machinery, masters degrees, and programs are elevated in place of You! This moment I return to You O LORD and submit my spirit and whole being into Your holy and perfect hands! I love You LORD Jesus. Please forgive my sin of idolatry and spiritual adultery and fill me with Your Holy Spirit afresh. Please cleanse me by Your blood right now LORD. Please send me forth and make my life a fruitful field to Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Here’s how the blessing of knowing Him happens. Am I that weary and thirsty traveler in the hot, dry desert, panting after that glass of cold water laid before me? In other words, am I currently and personally seeking the LORD with outright abandonment and absolute desperation?
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for THEY shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Q Who did Christ say were “blessed”?
A “they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness”
Q Who did Christ promise would “be filled”?
A “they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness”
One must “hunger and thirst” after the LORD, after His righteousness, in order to be “filled.”
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Anyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus and does not choose to have a heart after the LORD like David, does not “hunger and thirst after righteousness”, has nothing but dead religion, is lukewarm, and is going to be rejected from Christ unless he repents (Revelation 3:15-16).
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1-2
“This psalm, Psalm 42, is a desperate plea to know God deeper. There’s a deep hunger in our inner most parts of our being. I ask You Jesus to come and clean me so You can then fill me in my inner most places that I don’t yet know You. Thank You Jesus because I know You will hear my prayer.” Karen Cochran
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, please forgive me for the sin of not seeking You with a whole heart, for being self-absorbed and deceived. I utterly need You with every fiber of my being – every moment. You made me, died for and came and found and saved me while I was in my sin. Please forgive me for allowing the cares of this world, deceitfulness of temporal riches, lust for things other than You, and religion, consume me because I wasn’t seeking and being filled with more of You. I begin this moment to set my heart affections upon You alone and find my whole identity and purpose in You. May Your presence in me increase as You fill me afresh with Your Holy Ghost. Please increase in me Jesus and I choose to decrease, purging all that does not belong to You. I love You my LORD Jesus Christ. Praise Your holy name forevermore.
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Abiding
Having a Pure Heart Requires the Cross Life [podcast]

“Great Podcast. Thank you. When I think about Mat 5:8 I think of Psalm 24 3 “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?” 4 “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” Who is worthy to stand in God’s holy presence? Only those who are living holy and righteous lives! Those disciples who are free from pride and sin and are maintaining inner purity. With no idolatry, hypocrisy and deceit in their hearts! They hungry and thirst for the righteousness of God! Matthew 5:6. And are living in a New Jerusalem state of mind!”
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“We either allow God to throw us into the fire of affliction, using His fullers’ soap to cleanse, purify, and burn away the dross (impurities) and refine our character, or we will be thrown into the flames of eternal hell forever on the day of Judgment. Only the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Better to burn now in the refiner’s fire so you don’t burn forever in the fire that will not be quenched!
Mark 9:49 “For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.”
“Everyone will be salted with fire in one of two ways: (1) either by fiery tribulation in this life, which comes to those who genuinely follow Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33-34; John 15:18-21), or (2) by the fire of hell in the next life, which comes to those who reject Jesus in this life (vv 47-48).” Life in the Spirit Study Bible.
We must endure hardships and remain faithful until the end of our lives! And who shall stand when He appears? Only those who endure until the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13). And receive final salvation!” Karen Cochran
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
Hebrews 12
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Galatians 5:17-18
“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Proverbs 20:11
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:16-21
David, a man of God said to have a heart after the LORD, had fallen into gross sin and was in desperate danger and need of repentance and mercy from God. Here’s a portion of that prayer of repentance:
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thytender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiterthan snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” Psalms 51:1-8
If your life is not all about CHRIST, you are in trouble. Stop. Re-turn afresh to the LORD. Declare JESUS CHRIST as the LORD, Savior, Master, First Love of your life in this world! Do it with force! Memorize Galatians 6:14.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” Galatians 6:14
Only the “pure in heart … shall see God”, shall be with God.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” Psalms 51:4
You must come clean, completely clean. Get honest or go to hell. You have a choice to make.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Genesis 3 – Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Neither blamed themself.
“And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” Genesis 3:12-13
Nothing has changed.
“How few ingenuously confess their own sin! They see not their guilt. They are continually making excuses for their crimes; the strength and subtlety of the tempter, the natural weakness of their own minds, the unfavorable circumstances in which they were placed, etc., etc., are all pleaded as excuses for their sins, and thus the possibility of repentance is precluded; for till a man take his sin to himself, till he acknowledge that he alone is guilty, he cannot be humbled, and consequently cannot be saved. Reader, till thou accuse thyself, and thyself only, and feel that thou alone art responsible for all thy iniquities, there is no hope of thy salvation.” Adam Clarke
Of the 4 types of heart soil that the Word of God lands on, only the 4th is right with God and will be with Him eternally.
“in an honest and good heart”
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15
Prayer: Precious holy Father, please have mercy upon me for my sin of not putting You first, not honoring You. I repent, I return now to You Jesus and denounce self-idolatry and spiritual adultery. I love You supremely LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Articles
Is Hell Forever or Temporal? [podcast]

The original Gospel prominently includes the judgment of hell coming to every person who dies on sin (Mark 9:43-49, etc.). EVERY preacher not preaching hell is a false prophet who is preaching “another gospel” and is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Jesus and His holy apostles taught it and there’s no excuse for not doing the same. Repent now self-serving coward.
Are Hell and the Lake of Fire Eternal or Temporal?
As an eternal memorial of the holiness of God, the pit of hell will be an open, visible display of what happens to those who do things their own way instead of living in relationship to their just Maker.
“And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die (consciousness never ceases), neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” Isaiah 66:24
Anyone who wonders why God is going to damn all rebels to hell does not understand or begin to appreciate the depths of the depravity of man in the eyes of a holy God nor does He begin to understand the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God.
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Hebrews 2:3
PRAYER: Holy Father, in Jesus’ name, help us preach hell so hot that those separated from you can feel the flames and smell the smoke! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MAY God bless us to preach hell so hot that sinners can feel the flames and smell the smoke!!!!
“True and righteous are thy judgments”
You think God is harsh, unjust? You going to sit there and arrogantly judge the Almighty? Humble yourself. He’s super merciful and it’s proven in that we – you and I – are not in hell! WE’VE LIED, STOLEN, USED HIS HOLY NAME IN VAIN, ETC.
“And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ARE HIS JUDGMENTS.” Revelation 16:7
Judgment Day nears…. Yet, because God is “not willing that ANY” of us “should perish” we have this time, today, to repent and make things right with Him, to settle out of court – before it’s too late (2 Pet 3:9). He wants to drop all the charges you racked up against yourself. Making Peace with God – before it’s too late.
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
It’s all fun and games until you die and go to hell – to be forever incarcerated in the lake of fire, consciously tormented world without end.
You know you are dealing with an antichrist cult when they deny eternal conscious suffering – NEVER ending! How do we now this? Great question….. keep reading! Listen to the podcast here above.
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with EVERLASTING destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
v. 9 The fact that “destruction” is spoken of here as “everlasting” clearly proves that annihilation is a lie. The Greek word for “destruction” is olethros ol’-eth-ros and means to ruin. This is like the biblical word “perish” where it refers to being ruined or spoiled and not annihilated or not completely done away with. Again, the term “everlasting destruction” means that this destruction in hell which will be experienced by all who die in sin instead of in Christ, will last for ever – will be “EVERlasting.”
“Who shall be punished with EVERLASTING destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” 2 Thessalonians 1:9
Jesus warns us to fear God who is able to send us to hell:
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
What did Jesus teach about eternal punishment? In Mark 9, Jesus repeatedly uses the term – “their worm dieth not” – “worm” here is an idiom for consciousness which He says will never end. Lost souls will suffer unending torment. Annihilation is a lie. Here Jesus is warning us to get rid of all sin lest we be cast into hell, separated eternally from He who is “Holy, holy, holy” and commanded us to “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8).
“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into THE FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED: 44 Where THEIR WORM (consciousness) DIETH NOT, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into THE FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED: 46 Where THEIR WORM (conscious feelings) DIETH NOT, and THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where THEIR WORM DIETH NOT, and THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire (preserved in suffering), and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.” Mark 9:43-49
“Salted with fire” refers to preservation. This further exposes the annihilation lie. Notice how these cultists are amateurishly obvious in their selective, seductive theology as they seek to do away with the plainly stated eternal divine retribution that is coming on all wicked souls. Is salt not obviously a preservative? Well, is Jesus not confirming and reiterating the rest of what He is saying here with the obvious truth that all sacrifices in hell will be salted to preserve them from being annihilated so they can be tormented consciously as a just reward for rejecting the very precious blood of Jesus? The Father didn’t send His only begotten Son to die in vain.
HELL IS FOREVER AND SO IS THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF EVERY OCCUPANT OF HELL. They will never cease to feel the horrific pain.
In light of this Mark 9 passage, Jesus, the only Savior, preached hell and commanded His people to preach hell in order to warn men to not go there. Hell is the justice of a holy God and is a vital component of the original Gospel message preached by Jesus and is a manifestation of God’s love. Only wolves in sheep’s clothing leave it out of their messages!
“You only live once” on earth but you will live eternally in Heaven or hell. By default, as being fully guilty, you are going to hell as a sinner to pay for your own sins – unless you repent and receive Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. … 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-10, 13
From an eternal perspective, no person who dies and goes to hell is a success but rather a total failure, a rebel who will never escape the conscious torment of the domain of the damned. Are you born again and presently abiding in Christ? If not, the flames of eternal damnation will feed upon your soul forever. Repent now sinner and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins – before it’s too late.
Unleash Heaven’s holy fury on sin by preaching the consequence of dying in sin – eternal hell!
False teachers also ignore the simple idiom Jesus uses here in saying that “their worm dieth NOT.” This refers to their consciousness which makes sense.
This passage begs the question of Why O Why would the Son of God give such a severe warning if the penalty for violating it weren’t so severe and eternal? That is, if those who die without Christ are just going to be annihilated? After all, Jesus tells us here that it would be better, that is more profitable, to literally cut off our hand, to cut off our foot, and to even pluck out our eye if these members cause us to violate the holiness of God.
This message demonstrates as an example, that no Greek or Hebrew is needed and is certainly not the main rule of interpretation. We must take God’s preserved Word for what it clearly states in our own language, as we compile, compound, put together Scripture with Scripture (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13). This is the method of priority in apprehending truth, the highest, stated rule of interpreting truth.
If conscious suffering in hell isn’t unending, the Son of God is a liar. Only cults teach this temporal punishment heresy. When you hear someone teach such, you know he’s an agent of Satan.
Heavenly Father, please grant to Your children an eternal perspective, in Jesus’ name. Amen dear LORD.
Damned sinners of the past are “Set forth for an example” …. “Eternal Fire”
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of ETERNAL FIRE.” Jude 7
- “suffering”
- “vengeance”
- “ETERNAL (unending) fire”
3 Things in Mark 9:42-49 that Jesus says to Establish that Eternal Suffering is Never Ending
- “their worm (consciousness) dieth not”
- “the fire that NEVER shall be quenched”
- “every one shall be salted with fire”
“ETERNAL judgment” is one of the six foundational truths of Christ according to Hebrews 6:2. We see the LORD Jesus using the term “ETERNAL damnation” as recorded in Mark 3:29.
“shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10)
According to Revelation 20, at the Great White Throne Judgment of the wicked, death and hell shall be cast into the lake of fire.
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:10-15
In Revelation 20:10 above, the Bible assures that those tormented in hell “shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Hell is the righteous judgment of the one true and holy God and awaits all who are not 100% in Christ when they die.
Concerning the unrepentant wicked, David prayed: “Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them” (Psalms 55:15). May the flames of eternal damnation envelop the unrepentant enemies of God as He said they would (Psalms 9:16-17).
Of all who take the mark of the beast, sealing their eternal doom with all other unrepentant souls, the Bible states:
“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:10-13
Notice v11 – “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up FOR EVER AND EVER: and they have no rest day nor night” … this is not someone who ceases to exist but rather someone who is preserved to be consciously tormented, to be “salted with fire” (preserved in suffering).
Those who use dishonest means to come to the conclusion that the suffering in hell of the wicked will ever end, do so because they are sensual, determining what they believe based on their own feelings. This seems to reveal that they serve the god of self and not the Savior who was crystal clear on this matter.
The Bible never hints that hell and the lake of fire (which it will be cast into) are temporary. Throughout Scripture they are revealed to be eternal in their duration.
Wolves across the globe, seek to explain away the complete and crystal clear meaning from God’s Word concerning the conscious everlasting torment that awaits all who leave this earth outside of a born again, abiding relationship with the one Redeemer, Jesus Christ. They seek to take away from God’s Word which, by itself, brings the plagues of Revelation; including the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). They do as they are led by their father the devil who did the same thing to the first man and woman. Satan did this by adding one 3-letter word to the Word of God. God told the man that if he sinned, “Thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). Satan then told the woman “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). In other words, the enemy of our souls told the woman that she would not suffer consequences for sinning against God. Yet, the LORD kept His Word and forced the man and woman out of His presence and pronounced many curses on them. Satan still seeks to diminish the severity of the divine warning of coming judgment. Look at this sample of what the Bible says lies just ahead for all who die outside of Christ – in sin:
In light of the fact that Christ-denying rebels seek to soften the blow and thereby lower the defense against sin, let’s look at a menu of the eternal consequences for dying in sin:
- A place of complete consciousness (all feelings)………..…Luke 16:25
- Torment with fire and brimstone……………………….……Rev. 14:10
- Weeping and gnashing of teeth…………………….………..Matt. 8:12
- A place of eternal remorse (devastating regret)……….……Luke 16:25
- A place of torments………………………………………….Luke 16:23
- No rest day or night forever (eternal misery)……….……….Rev. 14:11
- A furnace of fire with wailing………………….………..….Matt. 13:42
- A place of everlasting burnings………………..…………..Isaiah 33:14
- A lake (ocean) of fire…………………………….………….Rev. 20:15
- Unquenchable fire (ferocious flames)……………….………Mark 9:45
- Outer darkness (blinding loneliness)……………………….Matt. 22:13
- No 2nd chance to escape (utter hopelessness)…….…..……..Luke 16:26
- A place of sorrows (seething remorse and despair)…………….Ps. 18:5
- A place of everlasting destruction………………………….2 Thess. 1:9
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
Questions answered concerning where the lost soul goes at the moment of death:
Many are in hell right now. Judgment begins at the moment one dies (Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27). The unregenerate dead go to the rightful place they deserve as divinely just judgment is exacted upon them at the instant they die (Luke 16:19-31). Read these passages closely: Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:20-23; Revelation 22:11. At the Great White Throne judgment, God will dredge up from hell all who died in sin and then cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
Annihilation heretics today try to make “death” and “perish” mean to no longer exist, to cease to exist. They don’t understand that “death” means separation. According to the whole and clear counsel of Holy Scripture, “death” means separation from God eternally in hell. Instead of looking objectively at the whole of what Scripture teaches, they make the error of hyper-defining certain words to fit this heresy.
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
Notice: “the body without the spirit is dead” … at death the body and spirit separate. The spirit goes to glory or hell immediately upon death – when the spirit leaves the temporal earthly body.
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus speaks of a “CERTAIN MAN” which casts doubt upon this being a parable. Either way, Jesus is teaching and the Son of God speaks of one man who died and went to a place of comfort while the other went to a place of torment.
“For as the body without the spirit is dead – There can be no more a genuine faith without good works, than there can be a living human body without a soul.” Adam Clarke
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
In the verse above, the apostle Paul clearly conveys that when he leaves his body at death, he will be “present with the Lord.” Now, notice below how Paul speaks of the certainty of being “with Christ” when he departs from his earthly body at death.
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Philippians 1:23
A just God must have a penalty for sin. A loving God paid the ultimate price for that sin.
We owe a debt we cannot pay – He paid a debt He did not owe.
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:15-17
In eternity, do you want to be glad you sought the LORD during your days on earth or regret in remorse that you refused to?
Peace with God | More on Hell here
SHOULD “GEHENNA” BE TRANSLATED “HELL”?
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