From the book I Die Daily

“Them that Seduce You” 1 John 2:26

“He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” Matthew 27:42

“Come down from the cross” is the cry of the enemy of all souls. Here he inspired God-less men to tempt Christ to not complete the work of redemption. In the same way, today, God-less pulpiteers and writers say nothing of the daily cross Christ commanded to be taken up by any person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). These are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ” Paul warned us about (Philippians 3:18-19). Of this phenomenon, a disciple writes:

“Satan works both angles. First, he tried to keep Jesus (and us as His body) from going to or staying on the cross. On the other hand, he puts us on the cross as per what he did through Judas, the high priests of Judaism, and Pilate, and the Romans. Satan is somewhat schizophrenic as to this. But 1 Corinthians 2:8 is making the point that had he, the main prince and his underling princes, if they had known what they were doing (defeating themselves as a house divided), they would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. Satan’s house is a house divided against itself and is therefore laid waste by his own forces just as Jesus stated in Matthew 12. Peter himself reviled Jesus when Christ told him He would be going to the cross. Jesus attributed that work to Satan.”

When Peter, being used of Satan spoke, the Son of God turned, and said to Peter…

“Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:23-26

Here Jesus spoke not only of the necessity of His own redeeming cross, but also of the daily cross to be taken up by each and every one of those who would follow Him. This should forever underscore and cement in our understanding the necessity of the daily cross.

One preacher wrote:

“Galatians 2:20 says, ‘I am crucified with Christ,’ and Romans 6:5 says, ‘For if we have been planted (united) together in the likeness of His death.’ These are both in the Greek perfect verb tense.

This indicates a past event WITH CONTINUING EFFECTS. So, it could literally say ‘I have been and continue to be crucified with Christ’ and ‘For if we have been and continue to be planted ….’ Romans 8:36, 2 Corinthians 4:10, and 1 Corinthians 15:31 clearly speak of a daily death with Christ.

Ephesians 4:22-24 talks of a continual putting off (death) of the old man, as does 2 Corinthians 4:16. Martin Luther taught of a daily Spirit baptism and called it ‘dying upward.’ These people who teach otherwise resist the daily cross. This is the error of triumphalism.

As we appropriate the finished work daily, we become more
and more what we already are. We possess our possessions.
Compare Colossians 3:3 with Colossians 3:5.

Let’s take the advice above and put together verses 3 and 5
of Colossians 3: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ
in God … Mortify therefore your members which are upon the
earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil
concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

T. Austin-Sparks stated the following:

We have not to die; we are dead. What we have to do is to
accept our death … In baptism … we simply step in there and
say, ‘That position which God has settled with reference to
me is the one which I now accept, and I testify here in this
way to the fact that I have accepted God’s position for me,
namely, that in the Cross I have been brought to an end.’
The true disciple is always “delivered unto death for Jesus’
sake” (2 Cor. 4:11.) He has “crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts” (Gal. 5:24). He is daily putting to death
“the deeds of the body” and being “raised up” by the power of
the same Holy Spirit “that raised up Christ from the dead”
(Rom. 8:11, 13). He rejoices in “Christ Jesus” and has “no
confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).

“I die daily … Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake … that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians
4:10-12

Concerning the raising up process of the Gospel of God, T. Austin-Sparks wrote:

“The unalterable basis of an open heaven is a grave, and a
crisis at which you come to an end of your own self-life. It is
the crisis of real experiential identification with Christ in His
death.”

Though we entered into His death upon initial salvation, accepting and experiencing that death is still a daily choice, an individual decision to be made on an ongoing basis. One’s choice to continue to persevere, following Christ as He clearly prescribed, will determine his eternal destination (Luke 9:62; 19:13; 21:19; Romans 6:16; Galatians 6:7-9).

The insidious circumventing of the cross can come in many clandestine ways that are masked with pious outer garb. Today, while refusing to utter the full counsel of the One they claim to be representing, smiling and charismatic men stand in sheep’s clothing, promising heavenly life to those who live in sin. They only prosper due to the volitional biblical illiteracy of the masses. Ignorance of the truth is a choice with eternal consequences (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Many like to hide behind works they do in and surrounding their local church home. They relish singing in the choir, ushering, doing drama or being a part of the technical team, helping in various ways, or even preaching a message, and yet the life of Christ is not manifesting in their personal lives as they go out into their world daily. His light in them is not bright enough to shine into the darkened hearts of men through personal evangelism. They have been steeped in a mere formula of godliness that does not manifest the evidential fruit of one who is truly in Christ, radiant by His glory, and flourishing in His life. A. W. Tozer wrote:

Another substitute for discipleship is: Our Lord referred to
this when He reproached the Pharisees for their habit of
tithing mint and anise and cumin while at the same time
omitting the weightier matters of the Law such as justice,
mercy and faith. Literalism manifests itself among us in
many ways, but it can always be identified in that it lives by
the letter of the Word while ignoring its spirit. It habitually
fails to apprehend the inward meaning of Christ’s words,
and contents itself with external compliance with the text.

If Christ commands baptism, for instance, it finds
fulfillment in the act of water baptism, but the radical
meaning of the act as explained in Romans 6 is completely
overlooked. It reads the Scriptures regularly, contributes
consistently to religious work, attends church every Sunday
and otherwise carries on the common duties of a Christian
and for this it is to be commended. Its tragic breakdown is
its failure to comprehend the Lordship of Christ, the
believer’s discipleship, separation from the world and the
crucifixion of the natural man.

Literalism attempts to build a holy temple upon the sandy
foundation of the religious self. It will suffer, sacrifice and
labor, but it will not die. It is Adam at his pious best, but it
has never denied self to take up the cross and follow Christ.”

Prayer—Forgive me, Lord, for trying to follow You without taking up that self-death instrument daily.

Yet another way the depraved heart, cloaked fully in a mere form of religion, seeks to circumvent the work of the cross, is by denying or ignoring that there is a cross to take up “daily.” The one whose theology is undergirded and poisoned with the unconditional eternal security lie, must resist all personal responsibility. He must take the line of least resistance. He is a moral coward, who while feigning to be walking in grace, has actually acquiesced to such a mythical position in order to avoid dying the death.

He refuses to buy into the truth of the Gospel when it threatens his own personal comfort zone he has built around himself, using half-truths and twisted and convoluted blends of philosophy, clichés, and Scripture. At all cost, he must remain intoxicated with the lie that he can do nothing to violate and fail the grace of God, and forfeit his place with God, which he erroneously believes is eternally secure—no matter what rebellion he may choose to commit against Him who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). So, he must fight the truth violently using his keyboard, pulpit, or pen to defend his paper-thin position. He must at all costs make sure anyone he leads believes that “God requires nothing of him, that salvation is of the LORD, and there is absolutely never any personal responsibility placed upon the individual recipient of salvation.”

What a tragic, fraudulent lie this deceiver is casting upon those naïve enough to give him ear! The bowels of hell have been nourished by millions who have bought this lie and have descended into the gaping and inescapable abyss (Isaiah 5:14). God forbid that anyone under the care of the “grace” deceiver be burdened with the slightest incentive or motivation to live holy, because in his evil theology, God Himself is no longer holy and just and doesn’t punish sin in His own people. Using whatever deceptive means and even Scripture-twisting, the deceiver will do away with all thought of personal responsibility from among his flock. He further seeks to lull them asleep with himself, as they bask in the lukewarmness of hell-bound Laodicea and those “at ease in Zion,” refusing to hear and hearken to the severe warning to turn back to the LORD—“Repent” and “Woe to them” (Amos 6:1; Revelation 3:14-21).

Circumventing Schemes

In order to accomplish keeping his flock asleep, the beguiler must only acknowledge the positional cross, while seeking to deny the experiential or daily cross Christ commanded His followers to take up (Matthew 10:38-39; Mark 8:34-39; Luke 9:23-24). Those who deny the “daily” cross Christ commanded, deny Christ (Mark 8:34-38). To deny His words is to deny Him (Mark 8:38; John 8:47; 14:21). Those who do not teach Christ’s command to deny self and take up the cross daily, hold a position of lawlessness; such are false teachers, “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (a license for sin)” (Romans 6:1-2, 15; Jude 3-4). We are to “earnestly contend” against them and the heresies they spread.

Concerning the “remnant” which is a descriptive word defining the only people to be eternally with Christ, Isaiah 37:31 says: “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.” No one can “bear fruit upward” unless he is willing to humble himself “under the mighty hand of God.”

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:6

The Last Days

God’s Word forewarns us that only a few among those once righteous will be in Heaven. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18).

With all the popular last days type books in print, it is regrettable that few of them if any deal with readiness as the Scriptures present it. The human authors seem to completely overlook such an essential truth, because they have been schooled in this cross-denying way themselves. They completely overlook Christ’s severe words of warning in Luke 21:34-36. The typical modern church posture is that if one has at some moment in the past received Christ, he is forever and indelibly secure for Heaven no matter what, with no possibility of losing out with God. Is this what the Bible teaches us?

Great tribulation is coming, such as has never been experienced upon the earth. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

We are told by the Son of God that only those with the oil of God in their vessels will be admitted into the marriage feast of the Lamb (Matthew 25:1-13). Only those who are intently connected with Jesus Christ, foregoing the things that would hinder their relationship with Him, will “escape all these things that shall come to pass.”

“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 21:34-36

He told us that if we will overcome and be with Him, we must “be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” By this we know that some shall not “escape.”

The LORD Jesus beckoned those who would follow Him to the end, to be waiting and ready for His imminent and pending return:

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:35-40

The enduring saints must discern keenly, and the only way to do such is to fully repent, love Him personally and supremely, and cast off all worldly ties that draw us from the Bridegroom (Revelation 3:14-18).

In order to escape this promised and epidemic onslaught of the enemy of God, one must be daily “crucified with Christ,” being separate from iniquity and abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6; Galatians 2:20). It is only in being “dead” that we are “hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). It is only in experiencing His “death” that His “life” can work in us and through us to others (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). It is only in taking “root downward” that He will raise us up to “bear fruit upward” (Isaiah 37:31).

As was prophesied, the enemy’s seduction of souls is in full swing and ever-increasing as the time of the return of Jesus draws nigh:

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the
devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because
he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:12

In the above passage, those who are already safe with Him in Heaven are told to “rejoice,” while those who remain upon the earth in this last hour are solemnly warned to beware because “the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Perhaps there would yet remain among us some who are still ignorant of the devices of the enemy, and not so sure about the activities he is perpetrating among the remnant. Listen closely to what Jesus says concerning the final days which we are now living in:

These things have I written unto you concerning them that
seduce you (this is John’s inspired reason for writing to us). But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth (remains)
in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same
anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
These things have I written unto you concerning them that
seduce you (this is John’s inspired reason for writing to us). But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth (remains)
in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same
anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now,
little children, abide (remain) in him; that, when he shall
appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before
him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that
every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what
manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth
us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we
shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him
(the hope of Christ’s soon return) purifieth himself, even as he
is pure. 1 John 2:26-3:3

According to these Holy Spirit inspired words penned by John the apostle, there are “many deceivers” seeking to “seduce you” (1 John 2:26; 2 John 7-11). One of the most insidious ways these wolves, who “lie in wait to deceive,” operate, is by refraining from preaching the true Gospel which includes the taking up of the daily cross (Matthew 16:24-27; Luke 9:23-24). If one will be safe in heavenly glory, never to suffer another iota of pain for all the eternal future, he must stay clear of the “many deceivers” who have answered the call of evil, and are sent forth to “deceive” those who would be prey due to:

• Having a lack of knowledge—not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29)
• Not watching and praying (Matthew 26:41)
• Not submitting to God (James 4:7)
• Not being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
• Not being “dead” and having their lives “hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3)
• Not having their affections set upon things above (Colossians 3:1-4)
• Minding earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19)

There is abundant proof that so many today vainly believe they can have the benefits of the cross without the responsibility of the cross. They want the crown but not the cross. They are self-serving (“whose god is their belly”) and so desire to feel secure by trusting that because Christ died and was buried and rose again, they are safe.

As was long ago foretold, many in this deceived generation are trusting in Christ’s atoning death without their own personal participation. They call Him “Lord, Lord,” but in the end will hear the horrific words of termination, “Depart from me”  (Matthew 7:21-23.) From His blessed presence they will be forever alienated, vanquished into “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).

“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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness).” Matthew 7:21-23

So many who claim the name of Christ conveniently ignore what Jesus said about taking up the cross and following Him to the end. In the riveting words listed in the above passage, did Jesus not tell us that only “he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” will be allowed into His Heaven? The daily denial of self, taking up the cross, and following Him is at the heart of the Gospel Jesus gave us.

According to the Son of God, overcomers will be allowed into Heaven and no one else (Revelation 2-3).

Readiness test:

• Are you daily taking up your cross? (Matthew 16:24-25)
• Do you daily deny yourself so that Christ can reign in your mortal body? (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:11-12)
• Are you following Christ in the way He prescribed? (Matthew 7:21; John 8:47; 1 John 2:3-6)
• Are you purifying your life of all that offends God? (Acts 15:9; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3)
• Are you coming out from this sinful world system and the apostate religious system? (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 John 2:14-17)
• In obedience to the LORD, are you remaining clear of any and all wolves, who preach or pen a cross-less gospel? (2 Corinthians. 11:2-5; Philippians 3:18-19)
• Are you learning yet more and more to hate this sinful and rebellious world system, lest you become the enemy of God? (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17)
• Are you daily in the Word so the Word is getting into you and washing your heart and mind of all that is not according to the mind of Christ? (Psalms 119:9, 11; Proverbs 4:4, 21; Jeremiah 15:16; John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26)
• Are you keeping your lamp full by daily communion with Jesus? (Matthew 25:1-13; 1 John 1:3-9)
• Are you abstaining from fleshly lusts and departing from all iniquity? (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11)
• Are you overcoming the wiles of the enemy who seeks to seduce you from self-denial? (1 John 2:26-3:3)
• Are you watching and praying, so as to be blessed to take up your cross daily and not be seduced from essential obedience in following Christ? (Matthew 26:41; Luke 12:35-40)
• Are you watching and praying so as to escape all sin and remain ever ready for Christ’s soon appearing? (Proverbs 8:34; Matthew 26:41; Luke 21:34 -36)
• Are you calling others to come to the Fountain of living waters from which all life flows, and in which all blessings abide? (Revelation 22:17)

In this late hour, may God bless each of us—His children—to be in fellowship with those who are embracing instead of evading the daily cross, and who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

As we were long ago forewarned, the “great wrath” of the one who “knoweth that he hath but a short (brief) time” has “come down” upon us through an epidemic of apostate leaders, who like the deceivers of old, erroneously promise His eternal life to those who refuse to take up their crosses to follow Him (Jeremiah 23:17; Amos 9:10; 2 Peter 2; Jude 3-4). Beware! “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

PRAYER: Jesus, please deeply quicken Your holy fear in my inner most being. From this instant forward, I look fervently for Your soon return. Heavenly Father, I beg You to unite my heart to fear Thy name and make ultra-sensitive my conscience—to be so easily convicted upon the slightest thought that varies from Your holy will. Into Your hands, I now commend my spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Capture Points

• Read and discuss Matthew 27:43 and how it applied to Christ when He was on the cross, and how this same temptation applies to the believer in his daily walk with Jesus.
• Transcribe 1 Peter 4:18 on an index card and discuss. (KJB recommended)
• Read and discuss Luke 12:35-40. (KJB recommended)

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Are Money Collections Biblical?

Yes, yet what should money be collected to do?

1 Corinthians 16:1

KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE: Money collections to do GOD’s work are not a sin but rather an opportunity for God’s people to crucify, to put off the sins of greed and covetousness and to lay up treasure in Heaven as He commanded (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 5:7-9). Also, to say that allowing people to support GOD’s work is wrong, is to declare Jesus to be a sinner because He had a treasurer which could only mean that people chose to support the work.

Recently the subject of giving has arisen several times in a short period of time so I wanted to treat it with God’s Word. When the topic of the Word of Faith prosperity pimps came up recently, a few people raised the question as to whether money should be collected by anyone today (any ministry). In addressing the question as to whether or not it is right or wrong for a ministry to facilitate the collection of money, the following reply was given.

Okay, let me insert this: ANYone who doesn’t like ministers speaking about money has money as their god and are not saved according to Jesus because they have chosen money/mammon over God (Matthew 6:24). Those who truly serve the One who gives all good gifts delight in giving Him the first portion of what He gives them (Proverbs 3:10-11). By doing so they continue to establish that He alone is LORD and Master of their lives!

Collections were taken up in the early church (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Jesus’ apostle Paul wrote:

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-3

First off, this tells us that Paul set in order, set up the order, he had “given order to the churches” to collect, to take up a “collection for the saints” when they gathered. He instructs Christ’s saints to “let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” There is much in this revelation. The saints of Christ are to be intentional and order the wealth God gives them, according “as God hath prospered” them. They are to “lay be him in store” or store up, to set aside that which they are going to give. The implication seems that we are to do such deliberately, and with joy as God prospers us.

According to the Word of God and the pattern and teaching of the apostles and early church, each disciple of Jesus should weekly and cheerfully set aside money, etc. to give. He/she is to “lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Note that the “collection” was “for the saints” and not to be wasted on building a physical building of an enterprising pastor or to buy him a million dollar home, expensive cars, and watches, not to mention the extravagant accessories lavished upon many modern pastor’s wives. Oh, don’t forget that in the modern apostate church world, while some struggle to make ends meet and others go under financially, we must not forget to throw the pastor a birthday party and give him an expensive gift, right?

So, obviously collections are ordained of God to grant privilege and opportunity to those who would choose to give to His cause of helping Christians who lack and ministers of His Gospel. The collections are a blessing to us and yet, what we give to is the question. Supporting true, Great Commission, New Testament ministries is very important lest we fund a work that is not fulfilling the mandate of Christ and in doing so waste the resources He put in our temporal of  care.

John Wesley writes:

“Let every one – Not the rich only: let him also that hath little, gladly give of that little. According as he hath been prospered – Increasing his alms as God increases his substance. According to this lowest rule of Christian prudence, if a man when he has or gains one pound give a tenth to God, when he has or gains an hundred he will give the tenth of this also. And yet I show unto you a more excellent way. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Stint yourself to no proportion at all. But lend to God all you can.”

Anthony Terry writes:

“Scripture is clear on the gatherings of the saints. They are for the saints only. They are to bring their offerings into the gatherings so when a need arises it can be met. Scripture also tells us that those with earthly goods should sell them when a saint is in need and to supply that need. This also is not done today. Too many are storing up treasures here and not in the kingdom. Scripture says if you have the ability to meet a need and don’t do it then how can you say God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)”

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED IN THE MODERN HOUSES OF EXTORTION THAT SOME CALL “CHURCHES” THAT THE PASTORS WILL OFTEN SAY THINGS LIKE “WE’RE FAMILY” AND YET, WHEN YOU HAVE A NEED, THEY COULD CARE LESS? THEY ONLY CARE FOR YOU INASMUCH AS YOU ARE GIVING TO THEM! BUT THE BIBLE TEACHES EQUALITY AND EVEN DISTRIBUTION, ESPECIALLY AMONG THOSE WHO ARE TRULY WORKING AND DILIGENTLY OBEDIENT (ACTS 2:44-45; 4:32-35; EPHESIANS 4:28; 1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12; 2 THESSALONIANS 3, ETC.).

To illustrate the gross misuse of money in the modern church world, please allow me to relate the following true story:

An example comes to mind that was related to me by a good friend. The story goes …. This brother and his family (close friends of mine) were struggling financially and were on the brink of their second foreclosure. Their house was getting ready to be foreclosed on and a few members of the leadership fully knew this. Yet, during this same time period those very leaders organized and solicited the people of that particular local church to chip in to buy the pastor a $30,000 watch for his birthday. They totally ignored the needy brother’s necessity/lack and so that brother’s house was foreclosed on. This is an example of unthinkable inequity and brazen disobedience to God’s Word where one member of the body of Christ was elevated unduly above the other members. Among the earliest believers there was equity. Take note to what was transpiring just after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost at the end of Acts 2. Compare. Take close note to the blessed and exemplary state of the church before the greedy, self-serving wolves and their thieving practices entered in among the people of God (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).

Now, the above is a revelation to most today who have been duped into believing that all the giving must be done to some “official” mere man or board of mere sinful men who have set up their church franchise businesses all over our cities. Before we move forward, let’s expand that revelation:

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45

Notice in the above passage that “EVERY MAN” mattered and not just some group of thieving wolves who were collecting and squandering the money on their own self-serving lusts!

While the collection of money is biblical the misuse of the money collected is sin. And for this reason, we must learn from God’s Word what that collected money is to be used for.

WE MUST STOP FEEDING THE WOLVES FRIENDS! FIND INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE NEEDS AND GIVE TO TRUE GOSPEL WORKERS/MINISTRIES. THAT’S THE TRUE NEW TESTAMENT WAY!

To further establish that collections were always allowed and encouraged in the gatherings of our LORD’s people, check out this explosive message titled Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

Here’s more early church practice that we must model/follow:

“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own (they understood that God owns all and they were just stewards); but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:32-35

Compare. You will want to read this passage prayerfully and several times, remembering where it is to share with others. Note in the above passage that “they had all things common.” In other words, as each individual saint had need, they would share. Today, we have multi-millionaire wolves who parade and flaunt their lavish riches before their prey who many times can’t even pay their bills. Go figure!

Collecting and giving are a vital part of the divine economy from Genesis to Revelation but not in order to misuse – to misappropriate those funds. That’s what covetous charlatans have always done and are doing today. Yet, such evil does zilch to negate the God-given personal responsibility the LORD has given every individual believer to be a giver – of their lives which will translate into the giving of their substance.

Now, so far we have exposed the greedy wolves we are so often warned about in the Scriptures. Yet, before someone gets the idea that God wants His honest, true workers broke, think again. The LORD says that those elders (Gospel workers, servants of God) are to “be counted worthy of double honour” which refers to a good financial reward. This would be at or a bit above the average income of the median earning man that that Gospel worker feeds/tends to.  Paul also inserted in his longest discourse on this very topic that those who are called out to labor for Christ can have a wife and family which of course requires more income to support (1 Corinthians 9:5).

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Did you note that those who “rule well” is a condition and it is defined as “they who labour in the word and doctrine“? True Gospel work must involve diligently getting God’s Word into the hearts of men, especially God’s own people. It is never ending because there are always saints to edify, help mature, pray for, teach the Word to, etc. It never ends and neither does the need to reach lost souls.

Because so many wolves have devoured people’s lives and finances, some want to forbid any and all provision from going to God’s workers which would be unscriptural and certainly to Satan’s advantage. The distribution of resources is to go to all of God’s people, not just the people collecting the money, which is what the modern, apostate church is doing. Compare what they are doing to Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. It’s a scam. People should study this topic in their Bible as the article link above seeks to help them do. We cannot exclude the provision of those God calls out into full-time serving. The apostles gave themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) The Word of God sets forth the clear argument and case for provision for divinely called-out servants – those called out to give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of God’s Word. There’s no other calling so important in the earth or with eternal consequences. We must rightly divide and not overcompensate because others have abused. God bless you all.

Some people like to throw around cliches that are not direct Bible quotes such as, “Where God guides, God provides.” While that is generally true, we must be careful of blocking full-counsel Bible learning by cliches that are only half-truths. To stand on ANY cliches is a dangerous endeavor to the truth-seeking disciple. Stand on God’s Word alone which is what David said it is:  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)  Of our Father’s written Word, Christ said “Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

God’s people are divinely called and are to be allowed and granted the blessed opportunity to give to HIS work – not forcefully coerced but given opportunity (2 Corinthians 9:7). This is clear in Scripture.  When we give, we thereby learn to trust Him who replenishes our supply as He so often promised to do (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). It would be wrong to disallow God’s people from giving actually. Moses did not stop God’s people from giving until there was so much given by God’s people that there was nowhere else to contain it! He had to tell them to stop bringing their things to the work of the LORD because they had nowhere else to store it – there was too much of it (Exodus 35). To tell people not to give to God’s work(ers) would mean he forbade them from doing what the LORD told His people to do from the beginning – give. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel set forth to continually worship and serve the LORD and His people and Paul, Christ’s apostle, draws from this very truth/fact in 1 Corinthians 9 – below.

God provides, yes, and His stated desire to supply, at least in part, is through His body – and that is so that they partake of the blessings both now and eternally (Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). A proper and more thorough view of God’s kingdom reveals that to shut off the opportunity of giving and forbid His children from giving, stifles blessings.

The apostle Paul’s case for provision being given to called-out servants of Christ is clearly and profoundly set forth below.

1 Corinthians 9

1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

² If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

³ Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

⁴ Have we not power to eat and to drink?

⁵ Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

⁶ Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

⁷ Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

⁸ Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

⁹ For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

¹⁰ Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

¹¹ If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

¹² If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

¹³ Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

¹⁴ Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

The above passage makes it abundantly clear that God wants those He calls out to serve Him full-time supplied.

Collecting money is biblical – for the right use and reason which the LORD reveals in His Word. We must simply make sure that the collection is going to bless the people of God and not just one or a few staged deceivers who are running an entertainment business they have set up and call “church.”

One problem we see today is the defense of these beguiling, thieving wolves by the covetous, greedy folks who support them. These deceived people are full of self and “love to have it so.” (Jeremiah 5:31) In other words they love the greedy, covetous wolves they have submitted themselves to because these worldly rich wolves model the lifestyle their greedy, self-serving audience want (Hosea 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:1-6; 4:2-4).

There is a correct use of collections. Receiving money for true Gospel ministry work is according to the apostolic doctrine which we are to continue “stedfastly in.” (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Philippians 4, Acts 2:42, etc.) Now, manipulating people – making merchandise of them – is the work of “false prophets,” Peter told us (2 Peter 2:1-3). Yet, that doesn’t negate the opportunity given to disciples of Christ to lay up treasure in Heaven by giving to God’s true work (Matthew 6:19-21). The key is simply to make sure the ministry is doing the Word and not just entertaining and keeping folks biblically illiterate in order to be able to continue to control them.

It’s time to get biblically learned, astute and cease being ignorant! – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

Further, Paul gave the divine promise that God would supply all the needs of those who gave (Philippians 4). That promise and blessing of divine provision is specifically to those who had given to Paul who was a Gospel worker.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Philippians 4:10

Taking care of those whom the LORD has called out – not self-appointed but God-appointed – is the privilege of the saints. Those giving are the blessed ones according to Jesus (Acts 20:35). If you can’t give out of a “cheerful” (joyful, generous, thankful) heart then don’t bother – you are wasting your money. The Bible reveals to us that Jesus actually watches each one of us and how we give (Mark 12:41-44). He looks at the heart posture and percentage that we give (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

You want to be blessed? If so, find a true Gospel worker and begin giving into his life and work. In fact, a lady called this week who said that as she gave to a certain Gospel ministry, God blessed her. This is biblical. It doesn’t matter if some have collected and wasted money. The true Gospel worker is “worthy of his reward” and not just honor but “double honour” which means sufficient supply, pay, and a bit more (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Anyone who doesn’t like that needs to take up their beef with the LORD. Getting a biblical foundation in this subject by thorough study of the Scriptures on this topic is essential. Begin with 1 Corinthians 9:1-14. Those who do the infinitely most important and only eternal work on the earth are the most worthy souls on earth to be sustained, and supplied – so they can continue to fruitfully serve the LORD and His blessed people, equipping them to “do the work of the ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-12) This is God’s program and anyone who participates in it is going to be blessed – now and eternally!

The LORD told us He would fill the barns and overflow with blessings the person who puts His “firstfruits” into His cause (Proverbs 3:9-10).

“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

It’s not a sin or wrong to facilitate what the Bible teaches – giving. The early believers in Jesus went so far as to sell off the things they didn’t need in order to liquidate and turn those properties, etc., into cash to help the other believers who were in need and surely a bit of that went to the apostles to sustain them as they gave themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) See Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35.  The apostles didn’t tell those people to take their money back because giving is an integral part of serving God who “So loved the world that he gave” (John 3:16) In fact, Christ says that “It is MORE blessed to GIVE than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) It would be wrong to disallow God’s people from giving actually.

Jesus Christ was betrayed by a thieving wolf!

Extorting thieves are nothing new. Jesus had one in His ministry while on earth.  The fact that charlatans have misused money they collected from gullible people who didn’t discern correctly does not make giving wrong. The people who give must examine, best they can, if that ministry is fulfilling a New Testament purpose. Most people don’t even know the Bible, regrettably, so they have little to go by. A good place to begin is to see what Jesus’ commission to His church is (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). After reading Christ’s commission, one should begin to examine the fruit of any ministry they are thinking of giving to – such as 1) are they endeavoring to teach the whole counsel of God’s Word in His holy fear and with no fear of any mere man (Matthew 28:18-20), 2) are they reaching out to lost souls (Mark 16:15-20).

Notice for example that the Word of Faith wolves don’t bother to give money to the general body of Christ – individual saints. That’s obvious in that they take that money to themselves in undue fashion and build mansions. Most of them have several mansions, fly over the the world on their own jets, stay at the most elite hotels, etc. This is complete misuse of resources given to them by people and fulfilling what Peter wrote about.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

We have the divine promise here that God is going to eternally judge those who “make merchandise” of others. There are some extorting wolves operating as pastors, evangelists, etc., but that doesn’t mean His disciples shouldn’t give!

STEWARDSHIP IS SAID TO BE THE MOST PREVALENT OR FREQUENTLY OCCURRING SUBJECT IN GOD’S WORD. ACTUALLY, ABOUT HALF OF JESUS’ PARABLES DEALT WITH STEWARDSHIP. THIS IS A HUGE TOPIC AND VERY IMPORTANT TO THE LORD. HE TOLD US THAT WE ARE TO BE “RICH TOWARD GOD” AND THAT OUR VERY “HEART” AFFECTIONS WOULD FOLLOW WHERE WE PUT OUR “TREASURE.”(MATTHEW 6:19-24; LUKE 12:15-20, ETC.) OUR LORD EVEN TOLD US THROUGH JAMES THAT IF WE HOARD INSTEAD OF FREELY GIVING, THAT WHICH WE HAVE LAID UP WILL FRIGHTENINGLY BE A WITNESS AGAINST US IN THE JUDGMENT (JAMES 5:2-3).

Some hide their own greed behind exposing the obvious greedy wolves who hold ministry positions. They use those beguiling thieves as an excuse to stop giving altogether. Don’t cease giving just because you were deceived by a wolf. If you do, you will hurt and hinder the work of our LORD Jesus in this late hour. Continue to obey God by giving Him your whole being and will daily. Your treasure will be His as long as you are truly His (Matthew 6:19-24). Just pray for more discernment and stay in the Word. Measure everything according to His Word (Acts 17:11). Be ready to help other Christians in need all around you and prayerfully find a good called-out brother in Christ who fears the LORD truly and preaches His pure Word and begin giving to his life and work – God’s work!  The LORD promises to bless you for doing so.

Where you give is very important. You should ask: Is this ministry or church fully vested in Christ and His mission to save souls and feed His flock and teach HIS pure Word? Such a question eliminates 95% of all ministries which are nothing more than a flesh-flattering entity designed to rob the resources Christ ordains to go directly into His work and workers. There is no work on earth today that has eternal ramifications except the work of Christ. Are you a contributor? Why did He give you a way or ways to earn money? See in Ephesians 4:28 and begin supporting His true Gospel work – His Great Commission.

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More on Stewardship here.

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Sending Up Treasures to Heaven “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 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 and energy in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches There’s no heavenly treasure to be gained by giving to political causes. Sending support overseas? Did you know there is a priority laid out in God’s Word as to where we are to give? First, we should only fund full-counsel Christ-centered ministries. Then, we are […]

Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

WHAT is Jesus Looking at in Your Life? GOD sees what you leave behind, what you keep in store for your “safety”, what percentage you keep, the waste. Read Luke 12, 16. WHAT did Jesus mean when He said that the woman who gave all, a mere two mites, gave the most? HOW could she possibly have given more than those who gave thousands when all she gave was a mere two mites which equal less than a penny in today’s economy? Jesus Never Changes because He is Divine and Eternal Perfection Read this account carefully: “And Jesus sat over […]

Lay Up For Yourselves Treasures in Heaven [podcast]

  “LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES” Money Has Wings “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 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 Instruction: “Labour not to be rich” v4 Instruction: “cease from thine own wisdom” v4 Question?: “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?” v5 Wisdom to ponder: “for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” v5 Note this phrase in v5 (please read carefully) – “riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as […]

HINT: 1. It costs the ministry for each and every book from the publisher. 2. There is no money tree given to Gospel laborers. In fact, those who preached the LORD’s truth will be shunned, despised, attached, and shorted. 3. The outreach sends books to prisoners every month and that costs. 4. If you’re going to complain, you will be confronted with the request that YOU supply the ministry with the needed funds to operate on so that all the books can then be free. Get a clue!

FYI: The book format, is simply another communication medium, another way to reach more people, to get the Word of God out to the people for whom Jesus died…. a message from Scripture on each page, full of Holy Scripture, always bolded. The small amount that is brought into the ministry on books simply goes into dropping these books into prisons and to ministries. Along with King James Bibles. The ministry outreach is supported by individual saints of Christ who desire to see more people reached with God’s love and Word in this late hour. | Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” house

At times we hear ministers boasting that they take no royalties for the books they’ve penned as if to pat themselves on the back. Yet, what they aren’t telling you is that they receive enough funding to do such and they live off of that along with being able to forego royalties from their book sales. Or, in rare cases, those ministers are independently wealthy. Either way, the compensation of Christ’s ministers is clearly biblical and allows for other members of His body to participate in this blessed opportunity and receive rewards both now and forever (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). 

Elders who labor in God’s Word which is sound doctrine, to feed His blessed flock, warn, and teach and equip them, are to be well compensated for this most infinitely important work Jesus prepared and called them out to do (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.). Those who are fed by a ministry are to participate by funding that ministry (Galatians 6:6).

Every so often we receive a fiery message rebuking us for having to charge for the Scripture-rich materials the ministry has produced to help feed, teach, and equip Christ’s body.

KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE

Money collections to do GOD’s work are not a sin but rather an opportunity for God’s people to crucify, to put off the sins of greed and covetousness and to lay up treasure in Heaven as He commanded (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 5:7-9). Also, to say that allowing people to support GOD’s work is wrong, is to declare Jesus to be a sinner because He had a treasurer which could only mean that people chose to support the work.

Perhaps we should ask the general question: Why don’t all Christian ministries just do everything for free? Answer: First off, only a very few ministries were begun by those who are financially independent. Many or most ministries are being operated by simply obedient, humble servants who are obeying Christ’s call for them to do His work.

Question to the Misguided Attackers: If you are so concerned about ministries being able to just give, give, give away everything for free then why don’t YOU write a check right now and give an offering to that particular ministry in question so they will be able to give everything away according to how much you give? Fair enough? Isn’t it time you became a part of the solution and not the problem … a contributor and not a detractor? … a giver and not a taker? …

Never be concerned about the LORD’s servants who are in need more than you are for the eternal souls who sit there and do nothing to support Christ’s servants and work. Those apostate souls are in great jeopardy of soul, make no mistake about that (Matthew 25:30; Luke 12:15-21; 16:19-31).

INTERESTING QUESTION RECEIVED:

“Hello Todd, I have a question for you and hope you will answer. I am not going to refer to anyone in particular but why would a preacher, teacher and that is a Christian sell their Books, especially when it is about the last days, etc? If a person wants folks to know, why would they sell? Thank you.”

REPLY:

Hello. Well, fair question. It’s real simple, one person (Christian, author, called out servant of Jesus) can’t possibly daily and endlessly study, write, collate, order, edit, publish, prepare and teach God’s Word, win and disciple souls, bring food and clothes to the poor, etc., and then work 8-10 hours per day and be expected to foot the bill ….. would he have time to sleep? Does God expect him to do such or has He set up a perfect plan for all His people to participate in and be rewarded for? Are you personally participating in that plan?

You are correct friend…. it is the last days and this is the reason even more so that all of God’s people must be about the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission His only begotten Son gave us – to win souls and equip His blessed saints (Like 2:49).

For the record: The LORD be thanked for those few who do obediently support the His work in this late hour. This humble ministry has given away dozens upon dozens of books over the last 3 years. That money/provision has to come from somewhere, right? Also, appr. 150 souls have been won to Christ and are being discipled. God is good!

The true Christian author of today (New Testament scribe Matthew 13:52) is simply a divinely called out servant of Jesus Christ, a minister of His love and truth. That servant simply uses the book format to communicate to Christ’s saints and perhaps also lost souls.

As a called out servant, I would love to give the books our ministry has away for free. All we’d need is for you or someone else to make a substantial donation in order to underwrite the cost of doing ministry.

Now, I agree that giving everything away would be great and preferred. So, if anyone wishes to endow this ministry work or any other New Testament (Great Commission) ministry with a ample donation, please do. And, you are welcome to request that we begin to give away all the materials by using that money for such. That would be fair but until then, we will inch along.

Most people understandably do not understand how this all works and so it’s a blessing that this question has come in. In fact, we have gotten this same type question in the past. As a Christian author, let me say that the ministry has to pay for each book that is ordered. There’s not much profit per book and yet the profit goes to support so that we can “stay afloat” per se and be afforded the opportunity to continue doing Christ’s work. Some of us are homeless if that helps.

QUESTION:

“But doesn’t the Bible say to ‘Buy the truth and sell it not’? (Proverbs 23:23)”

REPLY:

Yes “Buy the truth and sell it not” is referring to obtaining, procuring, grabbing the truth and believing and owning it. That truth is not speaking of paying money for something.

People in ministry do not have a money tree. In fact, if a person is endeavoring to tell the whole counsel truth of God’s Word, they will most likely desperately need your support because not many will support because not many want the whole truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4). They only have what people give in most cases…..that’s the point…. being in true New Testament, Great Commission ministry is not at all to make money but rather to be able to pay for what was already paid for by the ministry and be able to get more Gospel communications done. People in the full time ministry usually have no money because they’ve abandoned themselves to the work of Christ, in obedience to His calling them out, and have little or no income. So for the called out minister to have to have all the money and do all the work is a ridiculous notion, No, in fact, their lack is the gift of God presented as an opportunity to those who know of that outreach….. so they also can participate. Problem is, most people have signed up for and waste most of the money God has allowed them to bring in and will give account before Him. If you read Luke 16:19-31 and Matthew 25:30 you will see that divine judgment will be severe upon those who do not use the LORD’s resources for His glory, that is, a portion of it. What happened to the man who buried – did not use – the resources the LORD gave him? (Matthew 25:30) This is why first portion/fruit giving is such a blessed opportunity. Prov. 3:9-10

OKAY, AS IS THE SUBJECT MATTER HERE, SOME ASK THIS QUESTION: “WHY CAN’T CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES AND AUTHORS JUST GIVE THEIR MATERIALS AWAY?”

My question in return is: Did you ask the managers at the movie theater why they didn’t offer their movies and snacks for free? If not why not? WHY do some believe, of all entities, that ministries should give everything away? How about the grocery store: Do these same people ask the store they shop at for food why they don’t give their food away free? If not, why not?

More questions …. WHY is it that some only expect the ministries of Christ to give away their materials? Where is this coming from? What spirit is behind this? WHY do some find no hesitation or problem with whoring out their wallet/money/checkbook to every peddler of temporal wares who comes along and yet balk when they see a Great Commission ministry that intends to take in a little money for the purpose of winning and discipling souls in obedience to Christ? And, this involves endless hours of labor?

If a person is going to ask the question as to why Christian authors don’t just give away for free all their materials, why wouldn’t that same person be asking why others aren’t giving away all their materials?

What do you do for a living? Do you work for free? Does the company you work for or own give everything away? Is that company and its product and service even considered important in contrast to the winning and care of eternal souls in Christ’s work of the Gospel?

I would ask those who have such a diabolical perspective: “Do you get some kind of sadistic thrill out of seeing God’s servants suffer?”

SAINTS, THE MONEY HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE, RIGHT? IF GOD’S PEOPLE GAVE AS THEY ARE COMMANDED TO DO AND WILL GIVE ACCOUNT FOR, DO YOU BELIEVE ANY GOOD NEW TESTAMENT MINISTRY IN THIS LATE HOUR WOULD HAVE LACK? WHOSE FAULT IS THE LACK? IS IT THE WATCHMEN OR THE PEOPLE WHO STAND BACK AND SAY “AMEN” WITHOUT PRACTICALLY SUPPORTING THAT NEW TESTAMENT WORK?

ANOTHER MESSAGE RECEIVED ON THIS SUBJECT:

“AMEN………..I know some excellent men of GOD who sell their books,  but I also know that some of those men have offered those books free to those who could not afford it because they wanted to reach, preach and teach and it’s not about the money for them. My husband and I have no problem buying these books, it is a wise investment for us.

As far as wasting a lot of money eating out, well thankfully I cook better than most restaurants (everyone has gifting’s……praise the LORD this happens to be mine, hubby calls it the gift of hospitality too). We rarely watch anything because we don’t have cable, I dislike concerts or anything secular……the obvious thing is to invest in our spiritual growth and I truly trust the LORD to lead us to what we need to know. Give me a godly book, my morning coffee on my patio or sitting quietly in my room any day…….the rewards are endless in such a simple thing…….Praise the LORD. Pastor Randy spoke highly of one of your books …….ummmm Predators in Our Pulpits I believe or something like that.”

REPLY:

The apostle Paul clearly and outrightly makes the case for those who are called out to do the infinitely most important work in the earth to be support. Anyone who has a problem with that has greed and gold as their god and are in rebellion against the Almighty.

We must look from a much larger perspective than our own self-serving position or need or especially in respect to the many charlatans which reap millions of $ and buy mansions and expensive cars and church buildings, etc. There’s a world to be reached and the monies received from those who buy the books/materials help fund the GREAT COMMISSION Jesus sent us to accomplish. And yes those who contribute in ANY way are going to be rewarded eternally by Him (John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

The monies received from those who buy the books/materials:

1) Support the minister (s) and ministries so they can pay basic bills and stay afloat (or try to) and KEEP DOING GOD’S WORK. Let’s get a clue saints.

2) That ministry/author/minister can give away books and materials for free to those who can’t afford the materials/books.

Those paying for those materials are contributing to the LORD’s MINISTRY WORK. If they don’t want to pay for it, then they have the choice to not buy the materials. Yet, those same people, perhaps, waste money on the god of self, entertaining and pampering that false god. Yet those self-righteous hypocrites balk to “pay” for a book that elevates Jesus Christ, the One they falsely claim to serve. Yet they don’t think twice to buy desert, expensive meals out, and many other things that have no eternal value. Utterly hypocritical.

For sure Laurellynne. Thank you for your reply. A disciple of Jesus who has labored in God’s Word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18) is worthy of double honor which means financial reward. That’s God’s Word (Galatians 6:6). So, for someone to pay 15.00 – 20.00 for a book that has taken that man many years or decades to produce is a very small price. Also, they can pass it along to help others. Now, the average Christian who drinks coffee spends 15.00 – 20.00 per week (or more) on coffee which has no godly or eternal value.

There’s nothing sinful about going to a restaurant or buying coffee, etc. Yet, we must examine ourselves if we have money to throw here and there and are tipping God or not giving to His work at all. That’s indicative of the lack of Jesus as first love (Revelation 2:4-5). My concern is for Christ’s flock and that they repent and obey Him in their stewardship for which He will bring them into account on that Day. See Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25. I could care less if some who are misguided take offense.

We should never abandon the truth because some have perverted it. For example: Some false shepherds have abused the sheep by teaching them false doctrine and leading them to do things for their own self-serving purposes (that of the wolves). This in no way removes the responsibility of the true under shepherds to rightly shepherd Christ’s sheep (1 Peter 5:1-6). In the same way, just because greedy wolves have made merchandise of the people (taken money to build their own kingdoms instead of Christ’s) in no way negates the LORD’s program and privilege to involve all of His people in His work. It is the privilege of the individual believer to contribute to Christ’s work. The Bible even tells us that “the LORD loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver” and He even incentivizes us in that those who sow much will reap much (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).”

Money Tree?

Do you have a money tree? If so, please mail one here or at least the seed to grow one to the true New Testament ministries you know of.

The money has to come from somewhere and that’s exactly why God, from the beginning, set up a program where His people are privileged to give back to Him/His work out of which He has given them and then on top of all that, He is going to reward them here and in eternity. Study stewardship in Scripture and the Levites. Begin in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18. Those whom God Himself has called out to do the infinitely most important and only eternally substantial work in the earth are “worthy of their hire” which means they are worthy to be paid for what they do (1 Corinthians 9, etc.). When Jesus sent forth His disciples to do His work, He said “… for the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). In fact, in the days of the prophets, God’s people had forsaken Him and spent their resources building their own “ceiled houses” and “temples” (Haggai 1; Hosea 8:14). Read Malachi 3 also. The LORD was very angered and brought judgment on them. We see the same today. People who claim to be following Christ who spend the vast percentage of their monies on frivolous waste for their own self-serving entertainment and temporal comfort and give little or nothing to Christ’s work. This is a betrayal of the LORD who gave them the ability to earn that money and the opportunity to be a good steward over it (Matthew 25 – parable of the talents). Just think: If a small percentage of those claiming to be lovers of the truth and following Christ would give a certain percentage of the “firstfruits” of all they earn into God’s work (Proverbs 3:9-10) … then those ministries Jesus has called out could actually function, pay their bills, and perhaps give materials away.

STEP BACK AND CONSIDER THAT PERHAPS IT’S NOT THOSE CALLED OUT WHO ARE IN SIN, IT’S THOSE WHO ARE BEING FED BY THEM AND STANDING ON THE SIDELINES DOING NOTHING (NOT GIVING) WHO ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE SPIRITUALLY. I’M TALKING ABOUT THE OBEDIENT, HUMBLE WATCHMEN WHO HAVE AND ARE ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD TO TEACH, WARN, AND PREACH TO HIS FLOCK (COLOSSIANS 1:28: ACTS 20:27-32; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16, ETC.). PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE FEW WHO SUPPORT THE GREAT COMMISSION WORKERS IN THIS LAST HOUR BEFORE CHRIST’S SOON RETURN.

Reader, do you work for free?

Do you get paid for your work so that you can pay your monthly living expenses?

How long would you continue doing the work you do if you no longer were paid for it?

To that person who still has a problem with men of God being compensated, I would ask: Have you also complained that attorneys, plumbers, accountants, waitresses, and cooks also get paid for what they do?

Why is it that those doing the most important work in the earth are questioned over getting paid by the freely given love offerings of God’s people? Why is it wrong in the minds of some that those answering the divine call to serve can actually pay their bills? Paul had this same railing accusation and question and gave answer to it in 1 Corinthians 9:1-4. Go read that. Some reading this need to de-ignorantize themselves with this knowledge 😉

You see, it’s usually not the Christian author or minister’s fault that he can’t just give away books or materials. No, it’s usually the fact that he can’t survive much less thrive in the LORD’s ministry work due to the refusal of so many to give to Christ’s work. Does this include you? Are you giving regularly to the work of Jesus’ Great Commission? So many will read, learn, be convicted and rebuked by, be equipped for ministry, be sharpened and spiritually nourished yet have no heart or energy to give. Yet these very same people can perhaps be found wasting money on expensive daily coffees and many other frivolous wasteful spending. Example: $3.50 coffee per day x 30 days in a month = $105. They have monies to throw out and to commit to earthly things and yet haven’t committed to Christ by signing up to give a monthly gift to His work. Many who claim Christ as LORD won’t give $10 or $20 per month to Jesus’ Great Commission work. Where is their heart? Jesus tells us exactly where their heart is when He says: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Those who support the Great Commission of Jesus are few and yet so very important! Thank God for them!

Be sure of this: No true ministry work of Christ has the problem of having too much money. Regrettably those few who are truly doing His Great Commission work are starving … and won’t tell you. Don’t ask them. Don’t wonder. Just obey God and give to their work. They have to pay their bills too friend! What we do to them we are doing to JESUS (Matthew 25:40-46, etc.). May God give us a clue today in Jesus’ Name!

To those who don’t give or give a mere tip to God out of that which He has allowed them to bring in, the LORD would say …… “Consider your ways” (Read Haggai 1). If you repent and choose to begin giving, the LORD may just fill your barns so you can give more to His work. One man once wisely stated that “If God can get it through you, He will get more to you.”  Consider Your Ways Audio Message

“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

Recap: You see, today, the divinely called out pastoral watchmen are starving. They can’t pay their bills due to 1) people claiming to be serving Jesus who do not repent and begin to steward the resources He puts in their hands His way, and 2) many give to false ministries. So, the called out disciple, called to not entangle himself with the affairs of this life can’t pay his bills – because God’s people (or those claiming such) are not giving to His work. So, the Gospel worker is left to do God’s work (never ending lines of people to be served) and also somehow come up with the money to pay his bills. This is not God’s program. Those who know true Gospel workers who are doing the Great Commission Jesus gave us and equipping the saints to do the same (Ephesians 4:11-12) are to give to those ministries. It’s sickening how people can throw money at renting movies, sun tanning, vacations, buying more clothes and shoes they don’t need, getting their hair and nails done, etc., and yet give nothing to the LORD’s work … you know, the nail scarred, risen Savior they claim to love ….

The LORD doesn’t give His called out servants a money tree…..they cannot get away from the divine calling and yet subject to the disobedience, the crass and ruthless omissions of His people who are rejecting HIM in their hearts …. if they were truly worshipping Him, there would be a cheerful giving back to Him of what He gives them – “ALL things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chron. 29:14). People have no idea the fate, the sufferings that have happened due to the lack suffered by answering God’s call. Ministry is a body operation where each member of Christ’s body does their part. The ministry here has a certain lady who faithfully gives and she thinks she is doing nothing and yet, she has no clue as to how that we have no money to put gas in the vehicle, to buy Bibles and Gospel tracts and food for the hurting unless she gives. She has no clue as to how much her part plays. I’ve laughingly considered getting a cheap body cam lately so she can get a glimpse of those being saved and saints being equipped and the hungry being fed, etc.

I’ve got a book coming out LORD willing that will touch on what happens when people don’t give ….. it’s a personal testimony and hopefully will wake a few up so they give to those who are literally doing the Great Commission….. instead of building their own church business, sitting in a stupid building, wasting tens of thousands of dollars (in many cases monthly) heating and cooling a building ….. no, Jesus, the apostles and today’s true, divinely equipped and called out workers go to the people instead of expecting people to come to them. Jesus left Heaven and came to us. He never told us to come to Heaven to Him. Such would be impossible. Think about this: We are to “Go” as He told us and to do as He did for us – serve the lost.

WATCHMEN ARE PEOPLE TOO AND THEY NEED MONEY TO PAY THEIR BILLS LIKE ANYONE ELSE. REGRETTABLY,  IT SEEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE WANT THE LORD’S WATCHMEN PUNISHED ALL BECAUSE THEY ARE ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD TO MINISTER HIS WORD. THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT SPIRIT IS BEHIND SUCH? THOSE PEOPLE NEED TO REPENT AND BEGIN DOING THEIR PART. THERE ARE SENDERS AND GOERS (ROMANS 10:14-15).

Jesus told us that unfaithful stewards go to eternal damnation (Matthew 25:30, 41, etc.). There’s a “certain man” who was once rich (temporarily in this short life) who has been burning in conscious torment in the flames of hell for some 2,000 years. Go read Luke 16:19-31 and find out exactly why that man is irrevocably in hell and in a million years will still be in hell, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).

Each individual is granted by God the opportunity to be as the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan. We must ask ourselves: WHO AM I IN THIS PARABOLIC teaching of the One I claim to be serving? Am I the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan? God bless us to humbly and honestly examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). The priest and Levite (religionists without Christ) walked right by the man who was in need, making excuse as to why they were “justified” in not helping him. In contrast, like Christ and His few true followers, the Good Samaritan stopped his life and used his resources to help the man who had been ravaged by the world. The Good Samaritan asked no questions but rather simply jumped to the aid of the man in need. THAT man was JESUS – “Inasmuch as ye HAVE DONE IT unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

The priest and the Levite walked right by JESUS when they refused to render aid: “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. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Mathew 25:45-46).

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30

This week, a guy that the LORD saved a few months ago and is being discipled, called me. He needed a little money. Well, regrettably there’s not much in the coffer. We still gave it to him and yet, hundreds of dollars in bills have stacked up. The ministry is months behind on bills and this is not due to poor stewardship but rather due to the lack of funds. Anyone who gives is not doing God (or this ministry or myself) a favor. No, they are doing themselves a favor (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:9-10, etc.).

If you are reading this message and claim to be seeking the perfect will of God, I want to exhort you to get before God and to repent of all bad stewardship, including endorsing and furthering the cause of hireling thieves who are building their own church business and using Christ’s name in vain to do so (2 John 7:1-11). Get your slate cleaned afresh saint (1 John 1:3-2:2). Then, find a true called out ministry and give. A ministry work that is glorifying God isn’t wasting HIS money on buildings and the upkeep of them. No, instead that ministry work is actually and literally doing the Great Commission Jesus irrevocably gave us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47, etc.). In doing this alone, you will begin to be participating in HIS work. Stop giving HIS money to the wolves who do nothing more than entertain the unrepentant goats.

Regrettably, every worker on this planet gets paid for his work except those who do the infinitely most important work of leading eternal souls out of sin and eternal hell and into glory forevermore.  Are you a part of the problem or the solution?

Go ahead and take your anger out on me. I don’t mind. You are actually in rebellion to the LORD Himself because He commands you to “give.” What He’s calling you to do is to truly repent before it’s too late. Your heart is out of His will if these truths convict you and the only wise response is to repent and change your ways. Attacking His messenger will not change your life or destiny.

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FEEDBACK:

“Well said with regard to the giving away of ministerial books for free.  I think there’s another question that should be raised.  Why are the authors who publish books that tickle the ears of God’s people by telling them what they prefer to hear about laying up treasures on earth being bought in the millions to become best sellers without questioning their cost of sale while those who are publishing truth of scripture that focuses on laying up treasures in heaven through warnings, corrections, and instructions in righteousness go begging and their authors are questioned about covering their costs of sale?   Could it be that the vast majority of God’s people haven’t set their affections on things above but on things of this earth?

Those whose affections are set on the things of this earth, are focused on earthly pleasures, and laying up treasures on earth buy books which tell them what they want to hear regarding earthly pleasures and prosperity regardless the price because these books foster the carnal errors they hold dear which appeal to the lust of their flesh, the lust of their eye, and their pride of life.  They don’t question the authors of these books regarding the prices they charge since these books readily support those things they want to hear.  People are willing to pay the price for that which they value most.

If God’s people really had their affections set on things above and valued their eternal destination in heaven above a temporal 70+ year life span here on earth they would be more than willing to pay the price of a book which publishes the truth knowing that there’s nothing they have or will accumulate on earth that they can take with them into eternity where the treasures they have laid up in heaven will be the only assets they will enjoy on a forever basis.  If God’s people had singleness of eye and would set their affections exclusively on things above and regard godliness with contentment as great gain rather than being in a  lukewarm state by trying to serve both God and mammon, they could save more than enough money to buy the necessary books that will help them to lay up treasures in heaven and the question of cost would become moot.” Paul Roberts

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