sgys banner books

WHEN TO LAUGH!

“At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.” Job 5:22

The next time you hear of destruction (war, famine, etc.) coming to your country – that’s your que to “LAUGH”!

Resurrection counteracts death and burial.
Joy counteracts depression.
Faith counteracts unbelief.
Love counteracts hatred.
Peace counteracts, overcomes unrest, anxiety, fear.

The World’s Economy or Christ’s Kingdom Economy?

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

I just read this headline shown in this graphic screen capture:

In light of the above headline, article, let us stop and think about how God has taken care of His people, most of whom do not earn anywhere near a 6-figure income. What does that say for the faithfulness of our LORD no matter what? We live under His blessing, His kingdom economy! Read Psalms 67 and 112; Philippians 4:19.

“They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” Psalms 37:19

IT’S TIME TO LAUGGGGHHHHH. Divinely sanctioned LAUGHING from Our Maker who created laughter for His purposes and our blessing.

Memorize Job 5:22 today!

God created laughter and He expects His children to enjoy it for the right reasons and in the right seasons!

Why do we laugh at destruction? – Because God is our Protector!

Why do we laugh at famine? – Because God is our Provider!

Fake, Fear-Inducing “News” is from “the prince of the power of the air (Satan).” Ephesians 2:2

There’s never a time when the devil’s children will cease their fear mongering! We trust in the living God who has no shortage of wealth – and never will! Here’s a laughable, all-too-typical, agenda-driven fake news article now trending on yahoo fake news: “The housing market is slowing down, and that’s a bad sign for the economy.” … Satan seeks to induce fear! God calls us simply to trust Him!

Remember when you were just a child? Did you ever lay in bed worrying if there was going to be provision? No. You knew your parents were going to provide. How much more shall our heavenly Father, who owns all that is, provide for us!

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you … If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:7, 11 

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:25

Now, to you who are not truly, genuinely born again: You will not be laughing but rather crying profusely for all eternity in the bowels of eternal damnation (hell) if you do not make peace with your Maker who is the Judge of your eternal soul. Go here and make peace with God so that He will save, forgive, and fill your heart with joy! Peace with God

As long as we’re on this earth there will be fear- mongering children of the enemy seeking to induce fear into our hearts. They broadcast live around the clock, pumping fear in all who listen, all who give ear.

But the LORD says:

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

What did our LORD Jesus teach us about provision and trust?

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:25-34

Our God promises to load us daily with His “benefits.”

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalms 68:19

David was able to conquer Goliath because he was in the Spirit with the LORD. David communed with the LORD and so laughed if you will, at the idea of anything, anyone, any giant being more powerful than the Most High. Think about it: While the others in Israel were running scared to God saying “O God look at how big that giant is!” In contrast David ran to the giant and said “I’m going to show you how big my God is, boy!” 1 Samuel 17

Comforted in ALL Our Tribulation

Going through difficulties only enhances our ability to enjoy God and experience His comfort and blessing (James 1:2-4; Romans 8:18).

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 

The comfort our God’s love is never more realized than when His people endure suffering in this life.

Soon, “we shall ever be with the LORD” with no discomfort forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 21:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

ProvisionFaith

Support | STORE | Podcasts | ParentsFamily | Godly Manhood | WomenChristology | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast]The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Articles

Word Faith Detox

DETOX THE DEVIL OUT OF YOUR LIFE!

Your money doesn’t make you!

Your Mercedes doesn’t make you!

Your House doesn’t make you!

Only your Maker makes you!

— 2 EXPLOSIVE books that have ministered to many.  included is a personal testimony about being delivered from the heretical cult of the word of faith. Listen and pass this on by hitting share please.

Confessions of a False Teacher

Any preacher who is tickling your ears with the old recycled, worn out word of faith heresies is merely regurgitating what he’s learned from his wolf handlers, puppet masters. He has no life in God’s Word for himself and never has. He’s a counterfeit doing “ministry” for his own self-serving purposes as he leads others to attempt to use God to get what THEY want. There is no cross in this greed-driven, self-worshipping false gospel. These are “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19)

CONFESS THIS!

My Personal Testimony of Being Delivered from being a False Teacher

FEEDBACK:

“Man this guy is good! He hit the nail on the head on every point!” Mike C.

“Thanks. I have not followed their ministries for many years since we became wise to their wrong ways but I was slack in getting rid of the tapes etc. Really gives one a wakeup call though.” Gloria G.

Question Received:

“Don’t you think it takes money to preach the gospel and take the gospel to all nations? I am seriously wanting to know, I am not being funny. I am having questions since you are calling preachers I listen to wolves. Please explain, I am interested in your take on it.” Tammy

Reply:

Hi Tammy. Yes, it sure does take money to publish the original Gospel, namely on certain platforms, that is, communication mediums. Yet, we are often warned of “false prophets” who “make merchandise” of people for their own self-serving purposes (2 Peter 2:1-3; Philippians 3:18-19; Isaiah 56:10-12, etc.). The word of faith wolves are NOT preaching the original Gospel as given us in the New Testament Scriptures and so they are raising money under false pretense and to make themselves rich on that money – not to spread the original Gospel of Jesus which begins with the repent to “repent.” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19, etc.). We are actually mandated to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” in the original Gospel and so, we are to “contend” against these wolves, not fund them! To fund these deceivers is to bid them God speed and become the enemy of the LORD (2 John 2:7-11; 2 Chronicles 19:2).

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Word of Faith Wolves and Delusion ExposedConfess ThisPersonal Testimony of Todd TomasellaBeware of False Promises and Half TruthsExposing the False Prophetic Movement [podcast]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Apostasy

“The Collection for the Saints”

Are Money Collections Biblical?

Yes, yet what should money be collected to do?

1 Corinthians 16:1

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

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

There were collections among the saints in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 16:1-3), Jesus had a treasurer in case people wanted to participate and lay up treasure in Heaven…. yet the prosperity scammers falsely teach people to give in order to get God to bless them instead of giving out of love, obedience, gratitude, and worship to the LORD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Wesley writes:

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

Anthony Terry writes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 9

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

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

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

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

Jesus Christ was betrayed by a thieving wolf!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up here to receive the Moments with My Master email sent out to edify the body of Christ.

QUESTION:

“Should those in ministry take up collections? Is that biblical? Also, should those who write books have to pay for the whole funding of those books and for that matter, should they have to fund the LORD’s work themselves?” What does God’s Word tell us about money?”

ANSWER:

So, where are true ministries supposed to get their money/resources? Question: Is that not our privilege and opportunity to give and thereby support the work of Jesus? In fact, is this not exactly why God gave us an income – to support His work? And, on top of that He puts money into an eternal investment “account” in Heaven? Wow! Philippians 4:17; Matthew 6:19-21.

“Collections” are biblical yes and they are the privilege of the giver much more than the mere human servants receiving the treasures to be stored up in Heaven for their own eternal benefit (Matthew 6:19-21). Giving also keep idolatry and greed away from the one who gives, securing his eternal soul with Christ. These are clearly soul damning sins specifically listed in Holy Scripture as such (Ephesians 5:5-7; Revelation 21:8, etc.).

Is it a sin for a person in ministry to not have enough money to pay for everything? No, that’s not a sin at all and in fact, it’s a blessing to those ministered to by that outreach. God actually ordains it that way usually so that other of His people can lay up treasures in Heaven, just like Jesus told us to do (Matthew 6:19-21). In fact, the apostle Paul cared much about the heavenly “accounts” of those he ministered to and so should we – “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Philippians 4:17) Most men in ministry have not studied biblical stewardship very closely and for instance, do not even know about the verse posted in the previous sentence. God told us here that we have an “ACCOUNT” in Heaven. Now the question is, what’s in our “account”? What have we given into His true New Testament work?

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Some are misled by their own situations, opinions, and impartial knowledge of this important subject …. go read about some people Jesus actually puts in His trophy case in what we call “The Hall of Faith” …. read Heb. 11:37-39 and let’s talk about that.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) Notice that it’s not that most people don’t have at least some knowledge of a topic and yet that can be deadly. God is good….. a little knowledge is enough to kill us all.

Getting a tad of knowledge can be deadly …. if we don’t keep studying the topic all the way through Scripture to gain a thorough biblical knowledge on that subject and thereby be blessed to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom!Waste | Stewardship | Giving

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

More on Stewardship here.

Continue Reading

Articles

Was Jesus Rich While on Earth? [podcast]


DID JESUS have a Vehicle, Bed, or a Bunch of Money?

Beware of those who want to fabricate the unfounded, erroneous idea that Jesus was rich in this world when He walked the earth. This they do in order to justify their own covetous greed for the things of this leading world. This clearly proves they are ungodly and hell bound (Ephesians 5:5-6).

Word of Faith Wolves have stated the following:

“Jesus was a rich man. He had to have been, in order to have supported his disciples and their families during his ministry.” T.D. Jakes

“God wants us to prosper financially, to have plenty of money, to fulfil the destiny He has laid out for us.” Joel Osteen

“Jesus had a nice house, a big house – big enough to have company stay the night with Him at the house. Let me show you His house. Go over to John the first chapter and I’ll show you His house. . . .Now, child of God, that’s a house big enough to have company stay the night in. There’s His house.” John Avanzini, “Believers Voice of Victory” program on TBN (20, January 1991).

“Jesus was handling big money because that treasurer He had was a thief. Now you can’t tell me that a ministry with a treasurer that’s a thief can operate on a few pennies. It took big money to operate that ministry because Judas was stealing out of that bag.” Avanzini on “Praise the Lord” program on TBN (15, September 1988).

“John 19 tells us that Jesus wore designer clothes. Well, what else you gonna call it? Designer clothes – that’s blasphemy. No, that’s what we call them today. I mean, you didn’t get the stuff He wore off the rack. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. No, this was custom stuff. It was the kind of a garment that kings and rich merchants wore. Kings and rich merchants wore that garment.” Avanzini, “Believers Voice of Victory” program on TBN (20, September 1991).

“The apostles were businessmen. They were rich men and had plenty of money. I’m going to show you that Jesus was a wealthy man, had plenty of money…” Fred Price

Joyce Meyer says: “You’re on the brink of a miracle. Go to the phone and give $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $1,000,000; go to the phone. God has a miracle waiting on your response.” / “The anointing is tangible; some of you should leave your televisions on TBN all night when you’re asleep to get the anointing.” / “This is inspiration, Oh! I heard you Holy Ghost! God is teaching you right now how to hear His voice. Go to your phone!” / “I believe that there are 10 people that need to match that $10,000. You’re believing for the greatest miracle of your life, then sow the greatest seed of your life.” / “You’re not going to your phone; you can hear me while you’re on the phone! Your miracle is waiting! Your deliverance is waiting!” / ” Why are all these heretic hunters trying to get people to know God by criticizing people by name?” / ” I won’t get to the text until you get to the phone.” (TBN, March 31, 2004)

Joyce Meyer says: “God said, ‘you can sow for whatever your soul lusteth after.’ Sow $2,000 …” (TBN, April 6, 2003)

Joyce Meyer says: “I just love to talk about your money. Let me be very clear. I want your money. I deserve it. This church deserves it.” (“An Empire Of Souls”, Page 35)

Does God’s Word Reveal that Jesus was Rich in His Earthly Life?

The most utilized “proof” text used by those who seek to promulgate the false notion that Jesus was a rich man while on earth, is found right here:

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus enjoyed His divine riches before He came to the earth where we all live – to die for us (Philippians 2). He came on a mission from His Father to die “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). “While we were yet sinners”“poor” – Jesus came and died and rose again to redeem us and make us “rich” with His “eternal salvation” (Romans 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Hebrews 5:9).

The sum total of the riches we have in Christ is the exact measure of how truly rich we are (Ephesians 1-2; Colossians 1-2).

While here on earth Christ made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2), had no vehicle other than one he borrowed one time (Matthew 21:1-11), had to do a miracle to pay the taxes (Matthew 17:24-27), and had no where to lay His beautiful head at times (Luke 9:58)….. Jesus didn’t come to do anything except His Father’s will. Abundance of earthly riches would have hindered that mission.

The Cost of Following Jesus – You’ll be eternally glad you did it HIS way!

“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62 

Those who believe the false prosperity gospel are saying that Jesus came to the earth to make His people rich in this fleeting world instead of to die for the sins of the world. You are bearing false witness against the LORD who says “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Prosperity 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all SPIRITUAL blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” Ephesians 1:3

Here in Ephesians 1:3, God’s Word informs us that Jesus came and died to give “SPIRITUAL blessings IN HEAVENLY (not earthly) places in Christ” and not to make us rich in this world. Such would contradict, would counteract His command that we love Him supremely and hate the greed and covetousness of this sinful, fallen world (Mark 10:23-25; Luke 12, 16, etc.).

DID JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES BECOME RICH IN THIS FLEETING WORLD BY DOING GOD’S WORK? Chapters and verses please? If not, HOW could any true child of God condone or defend such?

In our day, who best mirrors Jesus and His apostles? 1. The rich salaried preachers or, 2. The poor preachers …..

—GOD’S WORD INSTRUCTS US TO RUN FROM ANY COUNTERFEIT WHO EQUATES MONEY WITH KNOWING AND BEING BLESSED BY GOD (1 TIMOTHY 6:3-5 KJB). “men of corrupt minds … destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself (1 Timothy 6:3-5). SUCH A PERSON IS NOT SAVED. THEY HAVE NOT TRULY REPENTED AND THEREFORE ARE STILL SERVING SELF AND THEREFORE MONEY INSTEAD OF CHRIST (MATTHEW 6:19-24). THIS INCLUDES THE JOEL OSTEEN IDOLATERS AND ALL WORD OF FAITH WOLVES AND THEIR GULLIBLE, GREEDY, COUNTERFEIT FOLLOWERS (LUKE 12:15-21).

“HEARKEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?” JAMES 2:5

IF YOU SOMEHOW VAINLY BELIEVE THAT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY OR POSSESSIONS A PERSON POSSESSES HAS ANYTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THAT PERSON, YOUR THINKING IS UTTERLY AMISS FRIEND.

JESUS SAYS THAT “A MAN’S LIFE CONSISTETH NOT IN THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS HE POSSESSES” (LUKE 12:15). GOD LOOKS AT HOW RICH WE ARE TOWARD HIM. READ LUKE 12 AND 16 CLOSELY AND PRAYERFULLY AND YOU WILL BE VASTLY EDUCATED IN THE KING’S CRITERIA.

IF MONEY MAKES THE MAN OR MINISTRY, THE SON OF GOD IS INDICTED AS A FRAUD.

JESUS and His holy apostles did not seek or choose to be rich in this world: Therefore we know that any preacher who is rich in this world is not of Christ at all! Case Closed! …namely rich from money people gave for them to do GOD’s work! Wolves!

If you still want to defend this un-biblical notion that preachers are not supposed to humbly serve God, and His people, but rather serve themselves by using ministry money to live lavishly, here’s why: These greed-driven covetous wolves are only deceiving you – because you are in utter need of true repentance and to study God’s Word FOR YOURSELF as we are instructed to do – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Many are being told that Jesus was a rich man while on earth. Is that biblical?

WHILE ON THIS EARTH THAT HE CREATED, JESUS HAD NO VEHICLE (LUKE 19:28-35), HAD NOWHERE TO LAY HIS BEAUTIFUL HEAD (LUKE 9:58), AND HAD VERY LITTLE MONEY IN HIS POCKET OR ACCOUNT (LUKE 17:24-27).

Any questions? Beware of the Word of Faith beguilers who teach the lie that Jesus was rich while on earth to justify their greed and covetousness (2 Peter 2:1-3). Learn the above verses and share them with those who have been misled by the greed mongers to believe that Jesus was rich in His earthly life.

YES, there are rich (in this world) Christians (1 Timothy 6:17-19) and they are told to be very generous, but no man in ministry for Christ is to make himself rich in this world ON THE MONEY GIVEN FOR GOD’S WORK!

WHEN you see a man who is using GOD’s money – the money given to do the work of the GOSPEL – on himself, you’d better run now! That’s a devil!

What does it reveal to us that Jesus chose not to be rich in His earthly life? It proves that the Gospel can be spread with little money although money certainly is a tool, this is a rebuke to those who overemphasize money. They overemphasize money in order to justify their own greed, which makes them idolaters and unfit to enter the kingdom of Heaven (Ephesians 5:5-9).

People are now saying that Mary and Joseph were rich. To say such is to use no Scripture in context. They want to be able to chase, to greedily covet the riches of this world and are therefore willing to vainly attempt to impose things on Scripture, into the Word that simply are not there. There is no evidence that Joseph and Mary were rich. Laughable. Such is purely sinful human reasoning. There is simply no Scripture to establish that Joseph and Mary were rich nor that Christ or His apostles were rich in this world. So, the use of verses like Deuteronomy 8:18 are out of context. Paul addresses, and warns rich Christians and yet that does not prove Jesus, His parents, or the apostles were rich in this world (1 Timothy 6). Jesus gave severe warnings about being rich in this world (Mark 10:23,25, etc.). Greedy, covetous people are hell bound.

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-6

To teach that Jesus was rich in His earthly life is a technique, a strategy or scam perpetrated by those who want to make merchandise of the gullible (biblically illiterate).

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

The Word of Faith wolves are teaching that Jesus was rich on earth to justify being rich by fleecing the flock for their own lavish greed and wealth (2 Peter 2:1-3).  Wolves teach that Jesus was rich in His life on earth in order to justify their own lavish riches and to dangle the carrot of enticement to the covetous, greedy-hearted masses.  Wolf Exposé | Word of Faith Detox (My Personal Testimony on Audio)

ACCORDING TO JESUS, GREEDY HOARDERS ARE IDOLATERS Are AS SURE FOR HELL AS IF THEY WERE ALREADY THERE.

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God (eternal judgment) upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7

Is having a car sin? No. Yet, “excess” is sin in the eyes of a holy God and clearly demonstrates that one is not laying down his life in this fleeting world.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” Matthew 23:25

Compare your life with the earliest believers whom when the LORD saved them, they liquidated and gave to those Christians in need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).

Jesus and His apostles often warned against the many dangers of coveting earthly riches. Here’s a mere sampling:

“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-25

“But godliness with contentment is great gain (riches). 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:6-11

PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You now in the name of Jesus, asking You to forgive my sin of self-righteousness, self-dependence, self-idolatry, for not loving, worshipping, and obeying You supremely as the first love, the first priority of my life. Please forgive my sin of wasting the resources You put into my hands – by not supporting Your work. Please do a deeper work of circumcision in my heart and teach me to live the crucified life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“That is the perks for working for GOD. Exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, Can you imagine what it would be like at retirement in Heaven?”

RESPONSE:

Please tell us where we see Jesus making Himself rich in this world? And, if not, how can we justify doing such ourselves? What did Jesus teach about earthly riches and how they can prevent eternal glory? – “And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! Mar 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23-25

Also, please give us chapters and verses to prove that even one of Christ’s apostles made themself rich in this world. …. it’s time to truly repent, get into God’s Word for yourself, lay down your life in this world and follow Jesus.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Catholic church“MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” [podcast] | Did Mary Die for Our Sins? [podcast] | SATAN IN THE VATICAN | The Chosen and Jonathan Roumie Exposed [podcast]Peace with God

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending