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).
When we give, we must give as unto the LORD and not as unto men.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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Abiding
David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:13
May God bless His people, in their times of tribulations, to find comfort, guidance, with Holy Scripture, and may they find His peace during seasons and transitions.
The most famous biblical farewell is Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17:1–26, where He commits His disciples into the Father’s care before departing.
Classic Farewell Blessings
- The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26): “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
- The Pauline Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
- God’s Promise (Jeremiah 29:11): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
At the end of his life, David prayed to God for His kingdom and people. One source notes the following:
“King David’s life is defined by extreme highs and devastating lows. Rising from a humble shepherd to an unbeatable warrior-king who established Jerusalem, he suffered catastrophic personal failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah, and tragic family calamity that culminated in his son Absalom’s rebellion.”
At the end of his life on earth, David, the man after God’s own heart, prayed.
Of this magnificent kingdom prayer of David, one source notes the following:
“King David’s famous prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 (King James Version) is a profound declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty, majesty, and ownership of all creation. Spoken near the end of his life, it serves as a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication for the materials gathered to build the Temple.
Summary of Key Verses (1 Chronicles 29:10-19 KJV)
- Verses 10-13: David blesses God, declaring His greatness, power, and glory. He affirms that God owns all things in heaven and earth, including riches and honor.
- Verses 14-16: David expresses humility, noting that all gifts come from God and that human life is short and temporary.
- Verses 17-19: He prays for the people’s continued devotion and asks for Solomon to have a “perfect heart” to keep God’s commandments and build the temple.”
1 Chronicles 29
David Prays in the Assembly
10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:”
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Articles
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38
Water Baptism (PDF)
(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)
Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism does not save – but is only for those already saved. The blood of Jesus saves – upon repentance and faith. In short, water baptism symbolizes/illustrates the life in Christ we now have – where daily, we are dying and buried and risen in new life with Christ. Concerning water baptism, one disciple writes: “We must faith thru many mini-daily-baptisms in which we are immersed into calamities and the old self is drowned.”
SATAN wants people trusting in water and not the BLOOD of Jesus. Beware. We are saved by the blood of Jesus – water baptism is for those who have already repented and believed upon Jesus Christ. It’s an outward profession of the inward work of regeneration God has already done! (Titus 3:5-7)
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22
ANY person who claims sinners are justified by water instead of the BLOOD of Jesus, is an antichrist.
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9
Salvation should never be complicated.
We are saved, justified by grace through faith.
Can you find the word water in the following passage? No.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Thief on the cross. Philippian jailer. Acts 16:30-31; Faith. Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Raised to New Life with Christ
“Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2
The LORD seems to have given His New Testament church 2 ordinances: 1. Water baptism – to depict our own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and 2. Communion – where we are brought into remembrance of our LORD’s death – broken body and shed blood – which alone redeems us.
Note in this passage below that no water is even mentioned and yet this is exactly what water baptism is symbolic of:
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4
WATER BAPTISM: What it is and what it’s not. In some cases, water baptism has become a ritual among those who are a part of the visible, apostate church world. In those circles, water baptism seems to be a type of right of passage in a fleshly way. Water baptism is useless unless it’s connected with Christ, that is, in His redemption – death, burial and resurrection. He alone redeemed us and yet, He calls us to deny self, and allow Him who is the resurrection and the life to raise us upward (John 11:25; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). Water baptism – going down under that water – is meant to be the symbolism of dying, being buried, and being raised up into a new life with Christ who is “the life” (John 14:6). The old man is dead and buried! See Colossians 3:3, and read Romans 6:3-4. Water baptism was never intended to become a ritual but rather the symbol of that which begun at the instant Christ saved us. The crucified, dead, buried, and raised up life comes at the moment Jesus saves us, We are dead and He now lives in us as Redeemer, Ruler and King, Savior, and Friend. The life of the crucified believe is symbolized at water baptism (Galatians 2:20). Water baptism is a representation of what is to be a life lived allowing Christ to reign in place. It’s symbolic of the daily cross! – Where Christ alone reigns supreme!
Water baptism saves no one. No, it’s merely a picture of your life now that Christ saved you – your personal daily death, burial, resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). God saved you the moment you repented and believed on Jesus (Acts 20:21, etc.). And now He’s ordained that you “walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
“Water baptism symbolizes your spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The water does not itself join you to or identify you with Christ. It is only a symbol. It’s not even a requirement yet important due to the importance of what it is representative of. Water baptism is not a law like circumcision was. It is not essential. The thief on cross next to Christ was never water baptized but he was baptized in spiritual fact.”
One of the main points here on topics like this is priority, putting the first things first and not adding to what is essential to salvation. And yet it is biblically accurate that water baptism should be put forth as something Jesus commands, because He does.
Beware of the baptismal regeneration heresy. A thorough reading of the New Testament Scriptures reveals to us that water baptism saves no one. Saying people are saved by being water baptized is just another fake salvation – another excuse not to have to repent, lay down the life in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus – on His stated terms, right? Sinners are in darkness and the unrepentant love to hear that they are not required to repent which means to change course, to give one’s life up to the LORD who made us all.
So “saved” doesn’t mean saved in Acts 16:31? Where O Where is the water? The water baptism didn’t happen till after the jailer and his family were “saved” (Acts 16:33). “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31
“By faith” appears 37 times in the Word of God. “By water” appears 4 times.
Without what is it impossible to please God? Faith or water?
“But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6
Is salvation “by faith” in the only Redeemer, or by water? Water baptism is totally futile, a 100% complete waste without being first saved by Christ through FAITH (Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.).
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, IF thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36-37
When the Ethiopian eunuch asked to be baptized in water, Philip told him he had to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ first – as a prerequisite! – “IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST.” Also…. many of the fake “bibles” removed Acts 8:37. The devil is a liar!!!! Let’s use the King James Bible saints!!!! Let’s trash satan’s corruption.
Recently I had an in-depth conversation with a man who was over emphasizing water baptism and after a lengthy discussion he said he’d “said enough.” To him I wrote:
“You’ve certainly told me enough and showed you are misled by what you’ve stated. And you claim it came by revelation. It sure didn’t come from divine revelation.”
REPLY:
“Notice how you lifted Acts 16:33 out of it’s context. WHAT came BEFORE the water baptism and without which the water baptism was futile?
‘And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.’ Acts 16:30-33
Christ saves by faith not water. Water baptism is only effectual if the person is first saved by the blood through faith.
‘Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;’ Romans 3:24-25
Of course water baptism is important but it’s not the essential, believing is.
Satan’s agenda is to remove the focus from Christ and His blood without which there is ‘NO remission of sins’ (Hebrews 9:22). That’s what we see here.
Those who like to focus on the water do so because they are moral cowards who refuse to truly repent which is something that must occur in their hearts.”
The thief on the cross was not water baptized, yet Jesus told him “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Water baptism is only for those already saved. Here’s a New Testament example of how these disciples were first saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, only then were they water baptized.
“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:46-48
The only value that water baptism has is in identifying you with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
One disciple wrote:
“The only way to promotion is by demotion. Are you today seeking a demotion? Do you want self to be advanced, enhanced, prominent, recognized, satisfied, aggrandized, indulged, promoted, noticed, or applauded? Or do you want self demoted, crucified, and killed to all these worldly things?”
Perhaps loving obedience and gratitude to the Lord should be the foundational motives for the believer being water baptized. When a person genuinely repents of his sins and receives Jesus Christ, He is then under the command of a new Master. He is no longer a member of Satan’s kingdom, but rather has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). His past sins have been completely washed away by the blood of Christ, and God has called him by name to serve Him in sincerity and in truth (Romans 3:25; 1 Cor. 5:7-8).
Jesus commands all of His disciples to be baptized in water. In demonstration of our love for Him, every believer should obey and follow the LORD in water baptism. He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
1. As seen in Scripture, what does the actual act of being water baptized consist of – in the literal sense? Acts 8:38 Please read this verse in the King James Bible and check one of the following.
_____ splashing with water
_____ sprinkling with water as an infant
_____ fully submerging the body under water
Notice that Philip and the eunuch “went down both into the water” (Acts 8:38). The English word “baptize” comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to dip, submerge; to make whelmed, fully wet. Baptism is a burial.
Water baptism should always be in actual water and not sprinkling or pouring water on the new believer being baptized. This is because of what it represents; not a mere sprinkling but rather a whole immersion, a going under and being completely whelmed – representing being now dead, buried, and raised up.
2. Read 1 Peter 3:21 closely. Note here that water baptism does not cleanse one from the “filth of the flesh (sin).” Trust in that which baptism is a “figure” of, does cleanse from sin and save the soul. The word “figure” is the key to understanding this verse. Read it again. Being dipped in water does not save the soul. What saves the soul is faith in what water baptism is figurative or symbolic of – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism merely answers to the already blood-washed conscience of the Believer. It is an outward testimony of the inward work of God in making the repentant person completely new from the inside out (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
Christ must reign in the daily life of every believer and He is “Holy, holy, holy” and so sinfulness must be put away so that the believer can spring forth into the fullness of Christ’s resurrection life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Baptism in water is the figure of this process. It’s a death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is symbolic of death to the sinful nature and resurrection into a life lived in the nature of Jesus and out of God’s abundant grace which fills the believer’s heart.
3. Did Jesus submit Himself to water baptism? Matthew 3:13-16
_______YES
_______NO
Water baptism was practiced by the Son of God.
4. How old was Jesus when He was baptized? Luke 3:21-23
____________________________________________________
Notice here that Jesus was a full grown adult when water baptized. Only those who are of age to understand and partake of the salvation of God are candidates for water baptism. Infant baptism or sprinkling is un-scriptural.
5. Did Jesus’ disciples practice water baptism in their ministry? John 4:1, 2
_______YES
_______NO
Jesus’ disciples and the early Church believers water baptised all new converts.
6. Jesus sent His disciples forth to “teach all nations.” What else did He command them to do? Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16
____________________________________________________
Mark 16:16 does NOT say “he that is not baptized shall not be saved.” No Jesus says “he that believeth not shall be damned.” He put the essential on believing, not water baptism. Here are Christ’s words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The believing is the essential, not water baptism, otherwise Jesus would have said “he that believeth and is not baptized shall be damned.” He did not.
7. In what names did Jesus command His disciples to baptize? Matthew 28:18-19
____________________________________________________
The name of Jesus Christ equals the authority of Jesus Christ.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
Here in Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus authorized baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. When Scripture speaks of baptism in Jesus’ Name, it is referring to baptism by His authority. So, some disciples safely perform water baptism by saying: “You are now being baptized in the name, in the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does this not cover all basis? I think so.
8. What were the three fundamental New Testament experiences preached and practiced by the early Church? Acts 2:38
A.____________________________________________________
B.____________________________________________________
C.____________________________________________________
9. Has God changed since Acts 2:38? Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8
_______YES
_______NO
Note that God, by the mouth of Peter, commanded the new believers to “Repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38).
10. What experience did the three thousand new converts partake of when they received the Word of God that Peter preached? Acts 2:41
____________________________________________________
As was clearly understood by the early followers of Jesus, the first step in discipling a new convert is to baptize him in water. This is the Lord’s first commandment to new believers. God seals the faith of the new convert at the time of water baptism. The new believer makes a statement of trust toward God in his water baptism experience and is confirmed in the faith by the Holy Spirit through this New Testament practice.
11. After Phillip preached the Gospel, what did the believers at Samaria do to openly declare their faith in Jesus? Acts 8:12
____________________________________________________
12. After Philip preached Jesus, what was the Ethiopian eunuch’s immediate question? Acts 8:35, 36
____________________________________________________
The Ethiopian eunuch had obviously made a heart-felt decision to believe on Jesus. He instantly desired to be baptized in water to exhibit his new found faith.
13. What did Philip tell the eunuch that he must do before he could be water baptized? Acts 8:37
____________________________________________________
The Bible only authorizes water baptism after the born again experience. Philip told the eunuch that the prerequisite for water baptism is to be born into the kingdom of God by personally receiving Jesus Christ. Here is another proof that the early Church disciples only baptized those who had already received Jesus.
God set forth as a pattern in the first century Church, believers who were zealous to baptize new converts in water. This solidifies the new converts’ faith in Jesus. Water baptism is the first command given to the new believer, and is therefore the responsibility of the members of the Body of Christ to see that every new believer is baptized.
14. What did the apostle Peter “command” the new Gentile converts to do after they had believed on Jesus and also received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:43-48
v48 __________________________________________________
15. What did Paul and Silas do to the Philippian jailor who believed on the Lord after the jailbreak? Acts 16:25-34
____________________________________________________
Note that Paul and Silas baptized these new believers without delay and in the middle of the night. This very act makes two authoritative statements: (1) If at all possible, disciples should water baptize new converts immediately following their salvation experience, and (2) The apostles counted water baptism very important, it was an integral part of the Gospel they preached and administered.
16. When “many” of the Corinthian’s “believed”, what followed? Acts 18:8
____________________________________________________
17. As followers of Jesus what are we baptized into? Romans 6:3
____________________________________________________
To the believer the water grave signifies that the time of living after the sinful nature of the flesh is over. This burial represents death to the nature of sin and resurrection into the life of God. Jesus Himself was baptized to signify His own death, burial, and resurrection. The follower of Jesus in like manner is to be baptized, signifying death to the old man and resurrection into the new nature of God resident within him. Sin lost its power at Calvary, and loses its dominion over the believer when he identifies with Christ in water baptism. In water baptism, the believer identifies with Jesus. All true disciples are crucified with Christ and water baptism is the marked beginning of this state of existence (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; Rom. 6:11). It is his announcement to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus.
18. What is the believer to “walk in” after God raises him from the dead? Romans 6:4
____________________________________________________
Beloved, God has called you to “walk in newness of life.” The believer must be “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Water baptism is so very important because it introduces the new believer into the life to which God has called him – a life of death and resurrection. The old person and his deeds are dead. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The disciple is to live separate from sin. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God” 2 (Corinthians 5 :17,18).
19. What are two reasons that we are to be “crucified” with Jesus? Romans 6:6
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
Water baptism is a public announcement of your decrease and His increase (John 3:30). God can only raise up those things that are dead. To resurrect is to raise to life again – to cause something or someone once alive to live again. One must die to the things of this world to live in the resurrected life of Jesus. This is a must if one will be His disciple (John 12:24-26). To live in the resurrection life of God one must be dead to the sins of the flesh. The definition of being “dead” to sin, is living life as if sin didn’t even exist in the sense that one is separate from it – you do not partake of it in spirit, soul, or body.
Water baptism is the beginning of the life lived after the Spirit instead of after the flesh. It’s a heartfelt broadcast to the Lord, the world, and the devil that you are now going to be true to the Most High God by living in holy conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the moment of baptism God imparts a sufficient measure of grace to enable the believer to walk out his new life in Christ.
20. Why do you personally believe that baptism in water is so important in God’s eyes?
____________________________________________________
God has saved you and has set you apart to live after His nature that He has imparted to you (Rom. 6, 8). You are a new creature in Christ Jesus and God requires that you make this known (Matthew 10:32, 33). Jesus was fearless and unashamed when He came to the earth to do His Father’s will and die for the sins of the world. He requires that His disciples be bold and unashamed in testifying of His work of redemption. Water baptism should be the first act of obedience rendered by the disciple of Jesus.
21. What does Jesus do for all who “confess” Him before men? Matthew 10:32
____________________________________________________
22. What does Jesus do to all those who “deny” Him before men? Matthew 10:33
____________________________________________________
Water baptism is an open declaration of one’s identification with and faith in Jesus. Water baptism is generally the new believer’s first act of confession before men. It should be the personal and spoken testimony of the believer about to be baptized. The new convert should be given time to give account of his born again experience and God’s work presently in progress in his life.
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BEEN WATER BAPTIZED, OBEY THE LORD BY ARRANGING A TIME AND PLACE TO PUBLICLY TESTIFY OF YOUR NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST BY BEING BAPTIZED.
ASSIGNMENT:
In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc.) Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Matthew 28:19
It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.
Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).
STUDY GUIDES
Evangelism
Holy Word of God
The Blood of Jesus
Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word
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Study Guides | Bible School | Bible/Word of God Category
Apostasy
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Does John 10:27-29 Prove “Eternal Security”?
WHO are Jesus’ Sheep? Defined by, in God’s Word.
John 10:27-29
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” ~ John 10:27-29
Verse 27 is the condition necessary to appropriate the promises of verses 28-29.
Those who believe that a man can never lose his salvation, use this John 10:28-29 text but ignore the prerequisite, the divinely given condition – v27. Watch this:
Firstly, in this passage Jesus identifies those sheep whom He makes the security promise to. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” In this we see one part divine and two parts the responsibility of the individual:
- “I know them”—the divine part toward those who are truly in Christ, presently abiding (v. 27)
- Those who are His sheep “hear” His “voice” and “follow” Him—the individual’s responsibility (v. 27)
The promise to be kept is a conditional promise which requires that we choose to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” mythology.
The problem for the eternal securists is that v27 has been intentionally been ignored…. It’s the actual condition Jesus gives for receiving the assurance promises He then gives in v28-29.
Those who seek to spread the “once saved always saved” heresy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ignore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27. Verses 28-29 are promises of security to those who have been genuinely born again and are currently abiding in Christ – hearing His voice and following Him (John 15:1-6). Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v. 27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being secure in Christ—knowing Him—which requires continuing to abide in Him, hear His voice and follow Him (see also John 15).
“Jesus will neither leave us nor forsake us, but we can leave and forsake Him by choosing our sins OVER His love, grace and mercy!” Dino Filardo
Eternal securists have been taught to selectively interpret Scripture while ignoring mountains of Bible truth, in order to come to a predetermined conclusion.
Many a false teacher has built his own ministry empire dishonestly peddling this passage. Take a closer look. Anchor the promise to be kept in verses 28-29 on verse 27 where Jesus identifies who His sheep are – those who hear and continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him (present tense). The promise to be kept is a glorious and yet conditional promise which requires that the individual recipient of the salvation gift of God chooses to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29 of John 10. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” or otherwise called “once saved always saved” mythology. Beware as this was the first lie Satan told mankind, which led to the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Instead of synthesizing the whole of Scripture, false teachers isolate certain verses for their own self-serving agenda and purpose (2 Corinthians 2:17, etc.).
The sheep Jesus’ promises are going to be kept are those who endure to the end, abide (remain) with Him (John 15:1-6). The Great Shepherd defines His sheep as those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him (present tense). John 10:27-29
It’s not difficult to mislead people in the direction of the sinful nature of their hearts – because then they can evade truly repenting which is a major life change and necessity for salvation. This is why Paul foretold of this hour and how men would “heap to themselves (false) teachers having itching ears.” (2 Timothy 4:3) “Itching ears” here represents unrepentant hearts.
OSAS people make a vain attempt at redefining the words of Scripture to fit their own self-serving agenda of lukewarmness, cross-less rebellion. For example they hyper-focus on “eternal” in the term “eternal life” while intentionally refusing to synthesize the whole of what Scripture states. They hyper-focus on the word “gift” and teach that a gift could never be lost which the rest of Scripture does not agree with. They then take the word “sealed” and make it to be permanent which it cannot possibly be because the same Greek word for “sealed” is used of Jesus’ tomb which we all know was NOT permanently sealed (Matthew 27:66). In this they bear false witness against the LORD and act like some Scriptures are more divinely inspired than others. This practice reveals the evil and deceit of their own hearts. Not just some Scripture in the Bible but rather “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It must all be synthesized, put together, compared (1 Corinthians 2:13). Error will result in the hearts and lives of those who do not search, study, and revere “ALL scripture” in God’s Word.
Eternal security deceivers don’t want to talk about Bible verses that contradict and expose their proof texts. You see, they don’t want to get awaken by the truth to the scam they’ve bought into. The wolves who they gullibly believe instead of God’s Word, taught them to cry “context, context” all while THEY are the beguilers who are taking Scripture out of context. Just like the demonic democrats in America, they accuse their adversaries of the exact thing THEY themselves are guilty of (Romans 2:1-3).
YOU are defending OSAS and yet you gave no Bible verses? Self-deception. If “once saved always saved” were true, WHY O WHY didn’t God tell us? Such a term, phrase, or concept appear no where in Scripture and the verses you use to “prove” it are taken out of their context. OSAS is undeniably the very first lie Satan ever told and it led to the fall of mankind from a HOLY God (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). If OSAS isn’t a doctrine of devils, nothing is! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Is the unchanging, Almighty God no longer “Holy, holy, holy” now that He sent His only begotten Son? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) If He’s still holy, no unrepentant person with sin will enter His holy Heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
HOW is it that so many treat the words of JESUS recorded in John 10 more divinely authoritative than the words of JESUS recorded in John 15? False teachers.
Most of the dupes who cite John 10:28-29 to “prove” they can never lose their salvation, 1. Don’t even know what the preceding verse says (v27), and 2. Have no clue what JESUS says in John 15:6.
“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal security crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely at verse 27 to see who Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” “They” refers to those who “hear my voice” and “follow me.” According to verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assurance of salvation is only to those who are presently following Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2) known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ.
“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22
WHO did Jesus say His true sheep are?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn. 10:27). According to these words of Christ, those who “know” Jesus and “follow” Him are given the promise that they will “never perish.” As long as the follower hears His voice and follows Him, they are assured “eternal life.” This is exactly what the Son of God taught just a few chapters later in John 15 where He says that if a branch that is in Him does not remain or abide in Him, that person will be cut off and cast into the fire (hell).
Those who abide or remain under the shadow of His holy and protective wing shall remain secure in Him (Ps. 91:1). The Good Shepherd here said: “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” No man can pluck us out of His protection except ourselves by our own decisions. We who are abiding are protected from the snare of other men drawing us away as we remain walking with the Son of God. If you’re tucked, you won’t get plucked. If you’re not tucked under the wing of intimacy with Jesus, you will, can, and are likely to be plucked out of His holy hand by your own sinful unbelief. The LORD told us “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).
It’s also notable that those who emphasize John 10 to convince themselves and others that they are “eternally secure”, don’t even know much less acknowledge the words of the Savior in John 15:1-6.
Telling.
“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
Jesus taught repeatedly that some would not continue to follow Him (“abide”) and hear His voice and would consequently “fall away.” There is record of some who once believed and then stopped believing (Lk. 8:13; 13:23-30; Jn. 6:66; Acts 8:14-23).
WHY do eternal securists get all upset when their fairy tale is exposed? Well, they are hiding behind the thin veneer of this heresy, feeling all secure, emboldened to live as they please, feeling assured in their lukewarmness and sin … denying Jesus instead of self, refusing to take up the cross that Jesus commanded all who would follow Him truly (Luke 9:23-24). Christ’s apostle Paul speaks of self-serving “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) What’s behind this myth? The Psychology of Eternal Security [book]
Another Example of the Twisting of Scripture
The eternal securists seek to justify their OSAS heresy by misusing the following passage…. but in this Paul is speaking of those who go to Heaven, the judgment of saints, and not those who fell away and won’t be there because they will be in hell. They will not be present when this happens….
“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-15
One More….
Common Objection to Conditional Eternal Security….
“What about Romans 8:38-39 where it says nothing can separate us from the love of God?”
REPLY:
Simple: Notice the word LOVE not life. God will love us all the way into hell if we choose not to repent. His soul will even “weep in secret places for your pride” which comes before destruction (Jeremiah 13:17). The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy,” He’s just, and He will not ever coexist with sin. See the fall of lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18). The wages of sin is still death and the LORD will damn every soul that dies in sin, with no exception (Psalms 5:4; Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 4:8; 21:8; 22:11, etc.). Read Jesus’s parable of the prodigal son Lk 15. Did the father love and miss his son? Yes. Did the father (represents God) go chase him down? No. The son who departed had to choose to return. Much truth there. Speaking of Romans, read 11:20-22. Now read 2 Peter 2:20-22 and the book of Hebrews.
1 John 2:19 is often also utilized to “prove” eternal security. Not.
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19
Interestingly, the word “never” does not appear in this verse above which is so often used to “prove” OSAS. Let’s read it again with an objective mind. And, also remember what Jesus says about the primary importance of His teaching of the seed and the soil, the sower and the Word:
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” Mark 4:13
The honest student of the whole Counsel of God’s Word knows that numerous clear Bible truths reveal that a saved person can turn away from the LORD, so we know that the apostle John could not possibly be saying that a saved person could never depart from the LORD. In my opinion, this verse is the best argument the eternal security proponent has, yet it’s not enough. There must be two or three witnesses and not just one (2 Cor. 13:1). After a closer examination of this text, one will find that verse 19 does not teach or justify “once saved always saved.” When any one verse is taken to the exclusion of the whole Word of God, one will certainly misunderstand the doctrine of the LORD which can only be apprehended by “study.” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse is like any other verse of Scripture – it must be taken in light of the entire Counsel of God. The context to be considered is 1 John 2:18-29).
In examining the context in which 1 John 2:19 is set, we see that false teachers whom John calls “many antichrists,” had come and were telling these believers that Jesus was not the Christ (v22).
Let’s look at verses 18 and 19 together:
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:18-19
Note here that it is specifically of these “antichrists” that John speaks and says that “if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
John was speaking of those who were once saved but then departed from the faith (1 Tim 4:1), they believed and then fell away (Luke 8:12-13) …. then departed from the believers in that fellowship.
Teddy Caldwell writes:
“OSAS insists that those are professing believers, but 1 John 2:18 says such people are antichrists. 1 John 2:22 says an antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who does that isn’t a believer and isn’t even trying to look like one.”
Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
“‘THEY WENT OUT FROM US.’ When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.”
Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of personal responsibility to “remain” in faithful obedience to the LORD or lose one’s place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ – the divine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)
“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condition) that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:24-25
Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19 means that someone who is at some point in right standing with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse 25 tells us that “eternal life” (not just rewards) is at stake and the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining in that “which ye have heard from the beginning” which is the Gospel. “Eternal life” is assured as long as one is remaining rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly consistent message of God’s Word.
In verse 26 John says “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” Verse 19 is written about the deceivers who sought to “seduce” these disciples John was addressing and not of true believers.
With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1 John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.
If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text (1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, beginning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13).
Go here for more on the misuse of 1 John 2:19.
Eternal Security / OSAS Exploded
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