Local Church Revenues

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SERIOUS QUESTIONS TO ASK CONCERNING THE APPROPRIATION OF REVENUES FLOWING INTO LOCAL CHURCHES. There is no attempt here to condemn the actions of all local fellowship organizations, but rather to probe objectively into the practices and bureaucratic systems in place, to determine how biblical they are or are not.

“For ye have the poor always with you…” Matthew 26:11

Does it seem unscriptural and unreasonable that there is little or no benevolence fund for congregants among churches in America? In most churches, there seems to be a “give-to-us-but-we-will-never-give-to-those-in-need-among-you” attitude, policy and practice. Where is the outflow of money to those who gather together in the midst of these local fellowships which are supposed to be set up according to New Testament truth? Why is there no allocation of funds to help those in need right under the noses of the ones controlling the finances? Why does it all have to go to a pastoral staff, foreign missions, and the physical building and its furnishings? Did not the early church distribute among themselves as each had need?

The Father is sending forth labourers into His bless-ed harvest! (Matthew 9:35-38) Some professing Christians give to support a church business enterprise, a type of social club, country club, instead of supporting the actual work and workers of the LORD, the labourers of Christ who actually labour in the Word daily – feeding and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-14). Wolves don’t prepare Christ’s sheep, they exploit them. Do we remember how Jesus commanded that we pray that Father would send for His labourers into the harvest which is great? (Matthew 9:35-38) The way we treat the workmen of God is the way we are treating God himself. Make no mistake, as we support the workers of God we are supporting the work of God. Jesus is coming!

There are 5 servant-leadership office gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor & teacher. Why is it that in the modern church system, only 1 of those 5 elder positions (pastor) is receiving the vast majority of finances from the people of God, while the other 4 are left with nothing to operate in their callings? Are these 5 ministry gifts of Jesus to His beloved body not all listed in plain daylight in Ephesians 4:11 and said to be for the building up and maturing of the saints “for the work of the ministry”? (v12) How can the body of Christ possibly be coming to maturity and accomplishing “the work of the ministry” without the fulness of all 5 of these ministry gifts being in place and in operation? And how can these men possibly function in their ministries when local church revenues are being hoarded and squandered by the pastors? Did the Holy Ghost lie to us in Ephesians 4 by telling us there were 5 office gifts Jesus gave to the Church? Is shutting out the other men who are divinely called to function as servant leaders/elders not a type of taking an evil preeminence like Diotrephes? (3 Jn. 9-11)

Concerning the work, workers, and building up of Christ’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.” The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (His servants) be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:8) Does this not include all the servants He ordained to build up His body and win lost souls? In the modern church world, in most cases, all or most of the money goes to the pastors who occupy physical buildings and instead of spreading it to the others who are called, many of these pastors justify the building of larger houses for themselves and ever increasingly larger church buildings (programs to expand their physical assets, not the kingdom of God). In other words they are building their own kingdoms instead of spreading the resources to each and every labourer for Christ to the building of the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of men.

Have we stopped to think of the fact that a million dollar home costs approximately $100,000 for property taxes? $100,000 could fund one or two families/ministries for a year.

God will judge those who give to the rich ministries – to further embellish these wolves – enemies of Christ and aid them in continuing to rob and mislead many! (Proverbs 22:16; 2 John 10-11)

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!

Far too much power has been given into the hands of a few men among us who are not rightly stewarding God’s resources for the expansion of His kingdom. Are we empowering these moguls to continue to more deeply embellish their already abundant lifestyles? These men will give account before a holy God for greatly hindering the advance of His kingdom. Make no mistake: Millions will be in hell due to this gross and evil injustice. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth itnot, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

Is there true community in your fellowship, or has your gathering become a place to “make merchandise” of those who gather? (2 Peter 2:1-3) Is there true Christ-centered fellowship or is it a socializing environment? Have people been trained to come, give their money, and go home?

FOR the majority of the leaders feigning to be serving Christ, it’s a business to make money. Fool yourself no longer! They say and keep saying and withhold the things that get people in and keep them in. With the numbers comes the nickels! (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Hirelings build their buildings, programs, and egos and not the kingdom of God by sending forth laborers into the harvest (Matthew 9:35-38). They are zealous to go to any length to create building fund programs and gain the support of their audiences in the absence of seeking to fund the real work of the Gospel which does not include the New Testament model of advancing the Word of God in the earth through the funding of ministries and missionaries (Matthew 9:36-39).

We really don’t yet get it: We still gullibly believe that any man calling himself a pastor is of God. After all, he has a “church building,” right?

Only those who are truly born again and presently seeking the LORD in His Word, prayer, and a life in the Holy Spirit, will see Satan’s wolves operating as Christ’s ministers (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). All others are willingly deceived, blind and will be damned due to having a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

When peering a little deeper than the surface at what is represented so often before the people when fund-raising programs are rolled out, one may find that the focus does not align with the New Testament Gospel. So many who are at the helm of the organized church, occupying buildings, are simply misusing revenues to perpetuate their own existence and in place of the advancement of the kingdom of Christ – the One they claim to represent.

THIS is how Christ’s true body operates….

Acts 2:40-47 “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Does it seem a bit funny that all money is to flow to the local establishment which is controlled by a handful of men – men who are not following the Scriptural mandate for distribution of funds?

THERE are children of God who are behind on bills. There are called-out men of God preaching Christ’s whole Gospel fearlessly, and grossly under-supported. And, you STILL support a multi-millionaire wolf who is making merchandise of the people to make himself even richer in this fleeting world? (2 Peter 2:1-3) God is calling you to repent. You are in darkness, a lost soul.

These greed-grubbers are the tool through which Satan is robbing the body of Christ. How should the wealth, collections be distributed? (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) Here it is – “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:35 …. THIS is how the true body of Christ operates. Most building based “churches” today are set up in rebellion. This isn’t happening due to the large salaries and all the money it takes to run the modern church stages shows.

“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.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

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 modern church houses been hi-jacked by a band of deceivers with supposed credentials and qualifications? Have you compared your local fellowship with the New Testament model?

Let’s face it, why are we surprised at the way God’s money is or is not being distributed in the modern church arena when the LORD Himself told us that most of those in leadership were “blind”, which means they cannot see from the LORD’s perspective.

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way (self-serving), every one for his gain (personal gain), from his quarter (their own little deal is all that matters). Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” (Isaiah 56:10-12) Has much changed since the prophet Isaiah’s day? It is obvious that the overwhelming majority of those who hold positions of leadership in the modern church do not possess a kingdom revelation and mindset – the mindset of Jesus and His apostles and the early Church. The “apostles doctrine” consists of the spread and establishment of the kingdom of God (glorifying Christ alone and not men), and not being entrenched in some little self-serving building program, which is to continue to deepen roots in this fleeting world (Acts 2:41-47; 8:4). With the overwhelming majority of leaders today, it seems to be more about further embellishing temporal buildings that are already overdone, than it does about being about the Father’s business by feeding His sheep and seeking to save the lost (Lk. 2:49; 19:10; 1 Pet. 5:2).

Is it time that the remnant begin to support true and uncompromising remnant works and cease to build the sinful dreams and empires of false prophets?

Acts 4:29-35 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 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; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 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, And laidthem down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

Did you see the sequence here? Notice the power of God where there is the exalting of Jesus Christ as first love and genuine unity based upon divine truth and charity. These early believers showed their love by sharing with fellow believers. Note: This writer does not believe it is a sin to be rich, but it is a sin to be rich and not be charitable and hell awaits all who live in this sinful state (Mk. 10:25; Lk. 16:19-31; 1 Tim. 6:17-19). Everyone has something to share, especially in the western world.

Why are people taught that the tithe must be given on Sunday morning in a certain building and to a certain “official” organization? Is biblical New Testament ministry transpiring in that gathering? Or the programs and psychologies of mere men? Are they excited about God’s 66 Book Bible or some program of men or fad book full of heresy?

Why is there not the liberty to do more liberal distribution to a wider spectrum of believers and genuine NT ministries – truly fruitful works? After all, the revenues flowing into modern church houses does not seem to be getting to the end user in need. Jesus told us there will always be needs, which means there will always be blessed opportunities for Christians to be a blessing by giving.

If God’s people are not allocating the funds using His holy Word as a guide, is there something greatly amiss? If so, what?

Why are nearly all the funds received in offerings spent on those few men and their building projects? Not that a few men or a man couldn’t deal uprightly with the funds, yet it is questionable that they are operating uprightly if in fact there is no charitable giving among the people they are supposedly serving. This may be due to the pastor or staff spending it all upon themselves and physical buildings. Is the LORD glorified in this? Note: Authentic men of God are to be fully taken care of financially, so they can do the work of the ministry with no hindrances (Ezra 6:8; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).

Are there finances allocated to local evangelism? Where is the Gospel tract rack in your local fellowship’s meeting place? Any church organization without Gospel tracts on hand selfishly defies the LORD and His Great Commission command to win lost souls for whom He bled on the cross – unless they aggressively promote evangelism in other ways.. By refusing to reach out to lost souls, the leadership proves that they are in the ministry for themselves and not Christ.

Why does such a large percentage of the revenue go to pay for physical buildings when some among “the building of God” – His people – have unmet financial needs? (1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Pet. 2:5) Why is so much of the money given in local church gatherings absorbed into bureaucracy and buildings when God made it clear that His people are a “spiritual house”? (1 Pet. 2:5)

Where is the accountability of those in leadership?

Perhaps adjustment, based on a fresh understanding of the full-counsel of God, should be made in the allocation of incoming funds. May this writer humbly suggest 10-15% or so being placed in a separate charity fund to be distributed joyfully to those in need among that particular body of believers. Also, like the Good Samaritan, those in need should never be wrongly questioned and interrogated before receiving financial help, but rather, freely blessed. Perhaps in following divine principle, those who are counted least among us should be set in place to determine the appropriation of funds (1 Cor. 6:4).

Most pastors are building physical buildings and this is the extent of their productivity. Many of these men seem to misunderstand the elementary purposes of God and that Christ didn’t come to earth to die so they could have their little church profession that feeds monetary gain into their coffers and builds a name for themselves. They seem to see their position as one of opportunity to elevate self through their ministry career and in the process are neglecting those they are there to serve.

Why don’t those in leadership share their revenues with other ministries in their midst that are not pastoral, yet just as divinely called, valid, and needed as the ministry of the pastor?

Is the established bureaucracy in your local fellowship denying access of other of Christ’s children who labor in the Word and prayer? Remember Diotrephes in 3 John?

Does the way the modern church is set up resemble the early Church found in Scripture? Or, does it rather resemble the evil system set up when the church went into gross apostasy in the middle ages, where there was a monarch and central building headquarters and controlled by one or a few?

Are members of the local body of Christ being denied?

The good Samaritan didn’t question, he just served.

The Scripture tells us that If a man doesn’t work he doesn’t eat, so there are biblical parameters to be honored.

Are some being placed on a guilt trip or shamed due to not having much to give?
Giving large amounts to missions and other churches is really noble, but is it good to do this while neglecting those right in our midst?

How can we possibly be boasting about how much money we are or have given to overseas missions, when there are those who sit under the noses of leadership every Sunday morning who live in quiet desperation and destitution (severe lack), and go totally unnoticed? Absurd hypocrisy!

Should Gospel workers suffer be suffering lack with all the revenues handled by the so-called Christian churches (billions annually)?

Does a divinely called and prepared man need a pile of bricks and wood (building) to make his ministry legitimate? Does he need to operate on foreign soil to become eligible for receiving God’s money to sustain his life and further his Gospel ministry calling?

There is no record in the New Testament canon of Scripture of the early Church owning any building. They didn’t because they were mobile and advancing the kingdom and not becoming entrenched in this sinful world while building their own little kingdoms, which is what pastors today are doing. Read closely Isaiah 56:10-12 and see the self-serving nature of false shepherds exposed.

Beloved, if you still have the mindset that most leaders claiming to represent Christ are true, you are not yet thinking biblically. Though sad, it is no less true. In the complete absence of any Scripture hinting that there are many true prophets and the words of Jesus and John His apostle who stated “MANY false prophets are gone out into the world.” (Matt. 24:11; 1 Jn. 4:1)

Do American pastors feel a sense of accomplishment because they send money overseas to support mission work while they neglect the ministries the LORD has placed under their noses? And then gloat over such? Have we not “denied the faith” and become “worse than an infidel” when we have not provided for “our own”? (1 Tim. 5:8)

“Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD.” (1 Kings 18:4) Through his ministers that held high positions within the kingdom of God, the devil “cut off” the supply of finances to those prophets who remained in the truth, refusing to compromise with the system and majority. God-fearing Obadiah secretly supplied these servants of Christ with food and water to sustain their lives. Is there any new thing under the sun? No. In our day, when those few who refuse to compromise are being cut off from financial supply by those who have a stranglehold on the control of 99% of the finances flowing in the church world, we, the remnant, have been called out to be like Obadiah and supply those who remain true to the LORD in serving His people. See 1 Kings 18.

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“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Psalms 119:89

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

PRAYER: Heavenly Father please match and exceed every trial You allow me to go through with Your joy! For You said that the joy of the LORD is my strength! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Current Events and the Name of Jesus Christ [podcast]

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

IF we are praying God’s WORD in the name of JESUS CHRIST…. in His bless-ed humility, God is answering!

I don’t think we begin to realize the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ – and available exclusively to those who are HIS.

Memorize the word of our LORD Jesus recorded in John 14:13-14.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3

One commentator notes: “The universal fascination with knowing what is going on in the world has ancient roots. Knowing that Jesus is a well-known rabbi, some ask for his take on the hot news of the day. “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). Pilate, the governor, has executed some Jews while they were in the act of offering their sacrifices, mingling their blood with the animal blood. Jewish sentiment is likely strongly against Pilate, although some seem to be critical of the people who have suffered. Maybe they deserved it.”

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Articles

The Golden Rule Life: What’s that Really Mean? [podcast]

Thinking, Knowing, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus

Golden Rule living is the only way to live in glorification of our Maker. Spread this word. God calls you, yes you – to love Him supremely and to love your neighbor as you wish to be loved, treated (Matthew 7:12; 22:37-40; Philippians 2:3-5).

We must teach ourselves, our children and those around us the Golden Rule. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus is coming.

“Golden Rule, precept in the Gospel of Matthew (7:12): ‘In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .’ This rule of conduct is a summary of the Christian’s duty to his neighbour and states a fundamental ethical principle.” Unknown

Taken from the teachings of Jesus, the Golden Rule is summed up as ”treating others how you want to be treated” or, ”doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

WELCOME TO THE LAST DAYS! The self-worshiping false gospel being taught by the enemies of the cross of Christ is epidemic these days as was foretold (Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-8; 4:2-5, etc.). Beware of the self-love they are teaching. It’s the “What’s in it for me” gospel of self-love. THIS CAUSES THEIR PREY TO WALK IN SELF-SERVING HATRED, MALICE, STRIFE, ETC., NOT GOD’S LOVE.

SOBERING! DO WE REALLY GET IT? Are you omitting love, charitable acts? How are you treating Christ’s body and servants? Ready to meet Jesus today? The way you are treating His body is the exact way you are treating Jesus (Matthew 25:40-41, 46).

The way we are treating others is the exact way we are treating Jesus – who created, died for, and rose again from the dead to save those people! If our relationship with Christ isn’t translating into the love of God filling us for others, we’re departed from Him and in need of swift repentance. Matt 7:12; 22:37-39

“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.” Matthew 25:40

“The way we treat others sets the standard of how we will be treated by God. And this includes receiving God’s gifts! Amen.” C.

If you aren’t respecting someone, you aren’t walking in God’s love toward them. Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Didn’t the LORD command us to treat others BETTER than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5)? Would you like to be treated the way you are treating that person? Others?

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” V.

Would you like to be treated the way you’re treating others? Golden Rule! Live it! Would you like to be neglected or inflicted as others have done to you?

Are you elevating other people ABOVE – “BETTER than” – yourself? This is the very “mind of Christ.”

THINKING, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus

Don’t want something done to you? Then don’t do it to someone else. Don’t want something thought about you? Then why think such about another person, especially if it’s not proven? Read Exodus 23:1-2. Don’t want something said about you (slander)? Then why believe the sowing of discord among the brethren which is an “abomination” to the LORD and the work of Satan himself, the accuser of Christ’s brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 12:10) …. MEASURE THIS!

Do you truly care for people or do you only care about what they can do for you?

This must be examined in each of our hearts.

If we care only about what others can do for us, we are Christ-less and should immediately seek Him in repentance and confession of our sins. He came and died for you and me with no guarantee we’d receive Him or with any other motive but to love us by paying the full price to redeem us from our sins in which we were otherwise hopelessly cemented.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” Romans 5:6-8

Instead of asking: “What’s in it for me,” we should always ask: “What’s in it for Jesus and others?”

Contrary to what we have been led to believe, we get NO “points” from God for “going to church” or for having a good record of “church attendance.” If this is true – and it sure is – why are we wasting precious time doing things God never told us to do while we leave the things He commanded us to do undone? How long shall we live outside of His will and yet still claim to be following Jesus – who gave all (John 15:13)? How long shall we allow the hirelings to exploit us with their weekly program that has never produced an ounce of discipleship in us? The divine command to “LOVE one another” appears 12 times in the New Testament. Do we truly LOVE our neighbor as ourselves? If so, then, like the earliest of Christ’s disciples, we do not consider that what we have in our possession is our own. Read, follow, and do Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Why should I have two coats when my brother or sister has none? …… Selah!

The ultimate expression of the Golden Rule was performed by the One who gave that Golden Rule.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

He who owed no debt to us, chose to pay the debt He did not owe – the debt we owed and could not pay. Sinners can’t redeem (pay the price) for sinners – only a perfect Savior could do that (Isaiah 53)! No man on earth was found qualified to redeem mankind but God sent His prophesied Savior, the very Son of God (Genesis 3:15; Ezekiel 22:30; John 3:16). | Redemption Through Sacrifice

Jesus Christ, the eternal God, came to the earth in fulfillment of over 300 Jewish prophecies, born of a virgin, to show us His Father’s love and to die the death that would redeem mankind. That is, the price for our sins was fully paid and whosoever will, can “Come and take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The LORD still saves all who repent and receive Him as LORD and Savior (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-13). Read John 1 today.

THE GOLDEN RULE is Simple: Think about This – Do you want something believed or said or done to you that you are tempted to do to someone else? If not, then drop it and do not think it or do it toward another. Stop and pray for that person. This is exactly what Jesus told us to do and the disposition He desires us to have as of Him and His Father – love (Matthew 5:44-48).

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

“Love your enemies”
“bless them that curse you”
“do good to them that hate you”
“pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”

Read Matthew 5:44-48 prayerfully, asking the LORD to make it manifest in your heart, thinking, and life.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12

So, according to the One who gave us “The Golden Rule” (as we call it), what is the Golden Rule? Read and begin to memorize and incorporate the above verse of truth into your everyday thinking.

“The golden rule always should apply to every life! TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED! This world would be a much better place to live!” K.

EVER been used? EVER been exploited by someone? WHAT did Jesus instruct, command us to do when we are used?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44

What’s going to happen to those who maliciously wrong another? A curse is coming on that person and their household:

“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.” Proverbs 17:13

According to the divine pronouncement above, rewarding evil to someone who did you nothing but good (never harmed you), brings a curse.

The cardinal fruit of knowing God is love.

“He that loveth not, knoweth not God.” 1 John 4:8

GOD is interested in FRUIT and fruit only comes from a ROOTED abiding relationship with Jesus (Matthew 3:7-10; John 15, etc.)!

Any questions?

If you do not have God’s love manifesting in your thoughts and actions, it’s because you do not know Him. Read 1 Corinthians 13 every day this week and ask the LORD to make every bit of it a reality in your life.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8

Golden Rule Living is following Christ – the example He set when He “came NOT to be ministered unto (be served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). WHOSE interests are you living for? Your own or Christs, and therefore His people? Do you realize that if you neglect those around you in need you are neglecting and affronting Jesus (Matthew 25:40-46)? Do you realize that you and I will be judged according to this exact measure and rule?

Just WHAT does preferring others ABOVE ourselves mean? How does that work itself out in our daily lives?

Are you living according to Christ’s teachings, OR, are you deceived into thinking you are following Him who is the only way to Heaven while setting aside, neglecting, and even shunning what He taught? Check out Mark 8:38; John 14:15, 21; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:3-6. If I am to love my neighbor “as myself” (equally) and even prefer others “BETTER THAN” myself, why would I keep two houses when I knew another member of Christ’s body was without a home? WHY would I keep earthly investments or items that could be sold and the money given to those in need? I simply wouldn’t. The same goes for other possessions and money. Compare your Christianity to the earliest believers in Christ to see if you are authentic. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35.

The earliest disciples of Jesus were living according to His Word. They were preferring other believers “BETTER THAN themselves” (Golden Rule; Philippians 2:3-5). As true disciples of Jesus, they were naturally doing unto others as they would have them do to themselves if they were in the same need or situation.

Applying the Golden Rule in Your Thoughts and Attitudes Towards Others

“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10

Notice: “let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.” When your iniquitous, condemning fleshly mind, or Satan, tempts you to “imagine evil against” your brother or sister in Christ, what should you do? Read the above verse again, write it on an index card, and live by it. This qualifies exactly what Paul meant when he spoke of divine charity and its place in our lives. He stated that when we are walking in God’s love, it “thinketh no evil” inside of us, His vessels and dwelling place (1 Corinthians 13). In other words, love thinks nor concludes “no evil” against any person until it’s actually proven, and then, it shows mercy even as we are so personally and desperately in need of divine mercy – moment to moment (Titus 3:3-7; Jude 21).

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

“Imagining evil in your heart sounded foreign until I came to recognize how wretched our sins are. I pray for forgiveness when I am thinking in a wrong way. We are supposed to be forgiving and merciful to others, not having feet that are swift to do mischief.” Dana R.

The Two Great Commandments

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

1. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”

2. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”

Any person claiming to be a Christian – a follower of Christ – who does not have loving God and loving others as their highest priorities, is completely misled and deceived.

The Greatest of These is What?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

GOD PLACES the highest premium and priority on love and if you don’t, you simply do not yet understand Him nor His kingdom. Cry out to Him in confession and repentance to open the eyes of your understanding. Whatever you do, make this the priority of your life – loving God and all others – above yourself. Pouring over Philippians 2:3-5 each morning is a daily kingdom recalibration!

Pass This On.

The Mind of Christ

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“That is a wealth of wisdom. Usually I get laughed at for being too gullible. But that’s okay, I’d rather give a person the benefit of the doubt, unless they keep arguing over obvious scriptural passages, then I just pray for their eyes to open! So many who follow these Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing! I never want to be that gullible!” Diana M.

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