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The Powerful Furtherance of the Gospel [podcast]

 

“The Chief Obstacle
to Heaven-Sent Revival”
O.S. Hawkins

In order for Satan to prosper he needs believers to withhold essential funds from the advance of the Gospel of Jesus and care of the souls Christ has already saved (Haggai 1; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6, etc.). Supporting the Great Commission Jesus gave to us is essential, otherwise we could be wasting the resources He gives us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).

“The principal hindrance to the advancement of the kingdom of God is greed. It is the chief obstacle to heaven-sent revival. It seems that when the back of greed is broken, the human spirit soars into regions of unselfishness. I believe that it is safe to say there can be no continuous revival without ‘hilarious’ giving. And I fear no contradiction: wherever there is ‘hilarious’ giving there will soon be revival!” — O.S. Hawkins, pastor

It is God’s people who are the only people who have the potential to change this nation or any nation (2 Chron. 7:14). The enemy is wreaking havoc on this nation due to the over-spending by believers who don’t freely give of their resources to the LORD’s work because they are ‘mortgaged to the hilt,’ rooted and grounded in this fleeting world. Those who call Jesus their LORD today are grossly lacking in the daily cross He taught (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24). Their monies are going to the world and their hearts are following their dollars as they become more and more worldly and backslidden (Matt. 6:21). Jesus help us! Deliver us LORD!

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:24-25 

Perhaps our giving should reflect the “firstfruits” biblical truth where we give the very first portion of that which we are blessed to bring in. That too rigid and disciplined? Well, we didn’t think twice about being disciplined when we called to sign up for a year’s contract with the cable TV or satellite company, did we? Why is being disciplined in our approach to the LORD and His work somehow “legalistic” or “rigid”? Could it be because our hearts are rebellious and while we call ourselves saved, there is little evidence/fruit to prove such and yet much proof to establish that we love this present, sin-filled world and are not losing our own lives in it to gain them eternally?

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17 

If we merely check or do inventory on our check register or bank statement, we will see exactly where our hearts are. We are fooling no one except ourselves:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 

The past and present priorities of our hearts are clearly seen in where we have and are choosing to put our monies.

Giving the first portion of our increase to the LORD was part of faithful Abraham’s walk with the LORD and that was long before the law of Moses (Heb. 7:6-9). Perhaps it is the basic rule of measure concerning how those who know the LORD should give.

Who could the first part of “all” our income belong to?

The “firstfruits” of all our increase could belong to the LORD who gave us life and the ability to earn money. We will give account to Him concerning how we stewarded each penny. The children of Israel were told that the first tenth part of everything they receive was not theirs, it was God’s (Lev. 27:30). The LORD had it earmarked for a special purpose and promised to bless them as they obeyed Him in giving that first portion (Prov. 3:9-10).

In keeping in mind that God loveth a cheerful giver,” and so we should give from our hearts, what part of our fruits/earnings should go to the work of the Gospel?

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

One thing is for sure – we are choosing to spend that first portion of the monies we receive on something and someone. Who is that? Who holds the importance in our lives?

“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 isable 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

It is important to honor the LORD Himself in giving to His work up front – before any other bill, etc. is paid out. This way we truly put Him first and honor Him instead of dishonoring Him by waiting till we ‘get around to it.’

God has always ordained that the free will love offerings of His people sustain those who accomplish His work in the earth on a full-time basis (Lev. 27:30-32; Deut. 14:22-28; Neh. 10:38, 1 Cor. 9:1-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18, etc.). In Israel the tenth part and offerings were given to the Levitical tribe/priesthood, one of the twelve tribes. This tribe was specifically set apart by the LORD to minister full-time before Him and to His people. The same truth continues under the New Testament (Acts 4:35-37; 6:4). The LORD has set apart certain men for His ministry and they are to be the recipients of at least part of the love offerings we give (1 Cor. 9; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18, etc.). God says “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.” (1 Cor. 9:9) Several times in this passage, the apostle Paul draws upon the Levites and the Law and its structure of giving and the purposes we give, which is to provide for those called-out to serve the LORD. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.

This great apostle of Jesus actually draws from the Levitical priesthood model and how they were to be supported financially by God’s people. So, such a principle is carried forward and authenticated under the New Covenant and that can’t be denied as one honestly reads this passage. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.

This is what the LORD accused Israel of doing – stealing what belonged to His work (Mal. 3:8-11).

God’s people backslid because they ceased giving back to Him the first portion of their increase! This is the way we thank the LORD for His provision. As our LORD Jesus says they would, their hearts followed their monies back into the world where they were now spending it.

When we give to the LORD as He prescribed, we can live with clear conscience and in the beauty of His holy fear:

Shouldn’t the first part of our increase be considered the mere starting point of what our giving should be? Someone may argue that the tithe is not a New Testament doctrine. True, and yet giving is and we are called to give all, not just some (Luke 14:33). Can we agree that the first 10% could be observed as merely elementary giving (if one chooses to view it that way)? Doesn’t the LORD own everything (100%)? (Ps. 24:1) Doesn’t it all belong to Him? As we mature in our relationship with the LORD our giving will grow and we will be freely giving to those in need and those who labor before the LORD to teach, equip, and to build up His saints and reach the lost.

The way to break off the curse of greed (hoarding) is by giving God what is rightfully His. Is it time to bring forth fruit meet for repentance (do actions and works consistent with a changed heart and inward conformity to the mind/Word of God)? If you are ready to change your ways and begin giving as the LORD gave His all for you, you may wish to get your checkbook out and write a check to the ministry(ies) you are connected with that are fulfilling God’s will according to His Word and in the power of His Spirit (Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17).

Since when is feeding Christ’s flock the only un-paid calling on the earth? Is that God’s will? No. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14

The LORD promises to bless those who obey Him in giving of their finances to His work (Prov. 3:9-10; Mal. 3:10-11, etc.).

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

The following prayer is perhaps the single most immediately important prayer believers should pray in earnest as we align our lives in obedience to the LORD.

PRAYERLORD Jesus, first and foremost, I this moment rend my heart to You. Father, into Your holy hands I commend and submit my spirit. Please forgive me for not obeying You by obediently giving my life, my heart, and  free-will offerings of all the monetary blessings You alone have blessed me with. Forgive me for the insensitivity to You and to those whom you have set apart to study and minister Your Word to me and pray and watch for my soul (Matt. 10:42, 24:40,45; Heb. 13:7, 17). I this moment return to You and renounce this disobedience and will heretofore (from here forward) give You generously the first portion of everything You choose to bless me with, and encourage others to obey You in the same. I will gladly give of what You allow to come into my hands because every good and perfect gift is form You alone. My giving will be from a cheerful heart into Your glorious work. I will freely give You the firstfruits of the work of my hands. Thank You LORD Jesus for those men of God whom you have blessed me to receive Your Word through and who are praying and working for my spiritual maturity while watching for my soul! Please bless them abundantly in every way LORD so that the influence and power of Your truth can bless more and more people in this last hour! Use me to bless them financially so that they can concern themselves only with doing Your work during this late hour of great apostasy! I love You my LORD Jesus. Amen.

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]

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The Powerful Furtherance of the Gospel [podcast]

The Worship of Giving [podcast]

Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

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Articles

The Name and Witness of Jesus Christ [podcast]


“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”  1 John 5:10

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”  1 Peter 3:15

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please sanctify my life unto Thee. Make me holy as You are holy. Please separate me and use me for Your eternal glory LORD Jesus. May Your life shine greater in and through this vessel dear LORD. I love You Jesus and right this instant commend, submit my spirit, my whole being into Thy holy hands. In Jesus’ name.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission hereThe 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 | Fellowship

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The Daily Cross in Prayer [podcast]


Prayer is inseparably connected with knowing God (John 17:3).

(Excerpt from the book I Die Daily)

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3

Let’s isolate and dismantle these words of God a bit. Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David says to the LORD:

  • That He (God) would hear his (David’s) “voice”
  • That “in the morning” the Psalmist would arise and seek God in prayer
  • Deliberately “in the morning,” he would “direct” his prayer and praying to the LORD – “in the morning … I will look up”

From this passage, we see that David planned or scheduled, in an intentional and calculated fashion, to meet with the LORD every morning. The phrase “in the morning” appears twice in this inspired transmission of the Holy Ghost. The man whose heart panted after the LORD – to behold His precious beauty – declared that he would “direct” (point) his prayer upward to the LORD “in the morning.” (Ps. 5:3; 27:4; Acts 13:22) Communing with the LORD was priority to David, and therefore occupied first place in his daily life. He sought the LORD firstly as he arose from sleep, and before he went forth into his day.

Jesus commanded that if any person will come after Him – truly follow Him – he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke. 9:23-24). There is no place that the cross applies more than in daily prayer. The moment one arises, he will choose either to seek God or dwell upon self-sentiments and such. He will seek Christ, or he will seek his own salvation or rescue from his troubles. We all make a “daily” choice:

“… choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No different from those covenant saints the LORD spoke to in this important passage, those whom we dwell among are serving self – the flesh – and yet we are called upon by the LORD to “choose” to daily serve Him rather than self. We are called to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.” (Phil. 2:15-16)

The LORD is calling us to purposefully declare Him as the LORD and Master of our lives, and this we do by making the premeditated decision to seek Him daily in prayer communion. Like Joshua, the way we “choose” to “serve” God must be premeditated, deliberate, daily, and in practicality. Daily, early morning, first fruit prayer is all three of these. It is the fruit of the crucified life – the life that is dead to self and in whom Christ dwells and reigns. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3)

To those who seek God and not their own devices, there are many benefits (Ps. 68:19).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The precious peace of the “Prince of Peace” rules and reigns and makes sound the hearts of those who deny self’s ability to overcome and solve issues and problems, and instead earnestly and diligently rely upon God’s power to do such for them (Isa. 9:6; 26:3).

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4

As we fix our whole being upon Jesus Christ, our thoughts will be upward to His “glorious high throne,” which is “the place of our sanctuary.” (Jer. 17:12)

God is calling each of His saints to give his whole being to Christ, and to those things that “are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Php. 4:8).

So, according to Philippians 4:6-8, saints are to rely upon the LORD and not self by submitting all their requests in prayer to Him who is their Source, and to think upon those things of Christ which are “true … honest … just … pure … lovely … of good report … if there be any virtue … if there be any praise.” It is upon “these things” that we are instructed to “think on.” (Phil. 4:8)

God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, and yet it is not until we become truly “crucified with Christ” that we are going to be ruled by His thoughts and peace (Isa. 55:8-9; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:6-7).

Changing the way one thinks is being done by millions of people who are not regenerated (not born again). New age and religious teachers hold this thought transformation teaching closely. Anyone can change the way they think for self-serving reasons – to stop smoking, to visualize and earn more money, to have more self-esteem, etc. However, hell still awaits all who are not born again, and that takes facing the living God and Judge in repentance for sin and placing all faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). The only renewing of the mind and thoughts that brings glory to Jesus Christ, is that which begins with one casting his whole being upon the LORD afresh – presenting himself a “living sacrifice … unto God.” Let’s look at Romans 12:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Those who are presenting their bodies to the LORD as “living sacrifice(s)” are infused and enabled by His grace to keep their minds or thoughts stayed (fixed) upon the LORD and not self, as they look for Jesus’ soon return (Col. 3:1-4). They trust Christ and not their own strength, reasoning, whims, philosophies, or wisdom. As they give themselves over to Christ and His infinite divine power, and become weak in self and self’s abilities, Jesus’ power raises them up to trust Him and rely upon Him alone – to rest the weight of their whole beings in Him who is able. They first declare that they are not able, and that only “God is able.” (Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor. 9:8) These are they who have and are finding out in a personal way that there really is nothing impossible with the LORD!

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Abraham trusted God. He is our human example of a man who walked with God – by faith believing that God would raise up that to which he died. Concerning the promise of a son being born to him and his aged wife, the Bible records these words from the LORD to His servant Abraham:

“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14

If God can and will split the Red Sea for His people, and cause a 100-year-old man and his 90-year-old wife to have a child, what in your life can’t He do? (Gen. 17:17)

Here’s yet another question posed to our hearts from the LORD:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

God requires that we die to self-will, self-help, and self-esteem, and lay our lives in His holy, perfect, and more-than-sufficient hands. He can then work in us and in our lives – raising up His holy standard and power to glorify Himself in and through His children. Nothing will be impossible for the LORD to perform in the lives of those who deny themselves and, like Abraham, trust God to raise up His solutions, answers, and blessings to bring Himself glory.

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth (makes alive) the dead, and (God) calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Romans 4:17

God called forth Isaac out of Abraham’s loins when it was an otherwise impossibility in the natural. In your life, beloved, “Is there anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen. 18:14)

Our connection with God is all about relationship, and the quality of that relationship is exemplified in our prayer lives – or lack thereof. If a person is pursuing the LORD, he has a prayer life. He lays down his own desires and life and seeks God’s life. This is perhaps in no other scrutiny seen more clearly than in the value he assigns to his prayer life, and the heart affections and time he is willing to invest in it.

In Psalms 63, the Psalmist captures the life of the person who truly has a heart after God.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:1-8

The following is an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:

“’At that day ye shall ask in My name.’ John 16:26.  We are too much given to thinking of the Cross as something we have to get through; we get through it only in order to get into it. The Cross stands for one thing only for us – a complete and entire and absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing in which this identification is realized more than in prayer.

‘Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.’ Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.

‘I say not that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.’ Have you reached such an intimacy with God that the Lord Jesus Christ’s life of prayer is the only explanation of your life of prayer? Has Our Lord’s vicarious life become your vital life? ‘At that day’ you will be so identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to fix the blame on someone else. That is always a snare of Satan. You will find there is a reason which is a deep instruction to you, not to anyone else.”

PRAYER: Father, please bless this life to honor You and Your will first and foremost in this life You have granted, by my being authentically crucified with Christ. Please unite my heart to fear Your holy name and to number with wisdom this short time on this earth as a gift from You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You for dying for my sins and for the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost You placed in us upon salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You must increase but I must decrease. This moment, if never before, I declare and deliberately decide to place You first daily in my life – I am crucified with Christ. Early will I seek Thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Capture Points

  • Discuss Psalms 5:3 along with Mark 1:35 and the importance of daily and first fruits prayer in the life of every disciple of Jesus.
  • Transcribe onto an index card and discuss Romans 12:1-2 (KJB recommended).
  • Write out on an index card Mark 10:27: “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (KJB)

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The Joy of God’s Word [podcast]


“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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