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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

AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT?

By Stacy Strother

AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT!?

The Bible doesn’t mention AI by name, but its warnings about deception, control, and false images in the last days speak directly to the dangers technology could bring.

Look at Revelation 13:14-15 (KJB):

“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles… saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast… And he had power to give life unto the IMAGE of the beast, that the IMAGE of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the IMAGE of the beast should be killed.”

In the original Greek, “IMAGE” (eikon) means a likeness, simulation, or even an artificial representation. The text says this image is given “breath” (pneuma) so it can speak. Today, that sounds like AI—an artificial system that can “speak” and even influence or control people, becoming something people look to for answers or even authority.

REFUTE THIS PLEASE!

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 (KJV):

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall DECEIVE the very elect.”

The Greek for “deceive” (planao) means to lead astray or seduce—exactly what can happen if the masses start trusting an AI system that doesn’t actually know truth, only what’s common or popular.

Almost sounds like cultish celebrity followings, right?

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1, 7 (KJB):

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come… Ever learning, and NEVER ABLE to COME to the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH.”

This describes our world—where knowledge explodes, but discernment and real truth get lost. AI can gather endless information but cannot provide spiritual wisdom, EVEN THOUGH, people will flock to it to get it!

Daniel prophesied in Daniel 12:4 (KJB):

“…Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

The Hebrew word for “knowledge” (da‘ath) means skill and discernment, but today we see more INFORMATION than ever—without the FOUNDATION of truth.

All of these passages warn us: the last days will be MARKED by artificial IMAGES, persuasive DECEPTION, and overwhelming INFORMATION without wisdom.

AI fits right into this picture—a tool that could be used by the “beast system” to control, deceive, and subtly SHIFT doctrine AWAY FROM the truth.

AGAIN—It’s a reminder to walk in the Spirit and test everything by God’s unchanging Word, not by artificial intelligence.

Stay Blessed!
If you are not ready to meet the Lord, please call on Him today and then pray for wisdom and discernment!

Blessings!

Stacy
SWSPUB
@highlight

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Despicable Dogs and Stabbing Swine [podcast]


Matthew 7:6

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

God’s wisdom is that you have to get rid of the “SCORNER” in order to get rid of the “STRIFE”.

“Cast out the SCORNER, and contention shall go out; yea, STRIFE and reproach shall cease.” Proverbs 22:10 

How do we know when someone has truly repented?

“… to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20

When someone has truly repented, their changed life will be full of the fruit of the Spirit.

“Bring forth fruits meet for repentance” simply means prove you’ve repented with the corresponding restitution of making things right (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 19:8-9, etc.).

Luke 17

1  Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2  It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Jesus saw the heart and proof of Zacchaeus’ repentance and granted him salvation.

“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:8-10 

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Rich in Faith [podcast]


“Them that Love Him”

——WHAT one temporarily has in this fleeting world or doesn’t have, has NOTHING to do with that person’s spiritual state. This is what Jesus taught: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In fact James says:

“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

James says God chooses those for His eternal kingdom “that love him,” namely “the poor of this world.”  We are justified by “faith” and not by what we do or do not temporarily possess in this fleeting life.

IF in your mind you rate people by what they have or don’t have in this fleeting sinful world, you are deeply deceived and in utter need of repentance and the washing of water by the Word of God. You are carnally minded (Romans 8:5-6).

Regrettably, it seems that most people professing to be following Christ, the One who gave all, are not the least bit concerned if their brother or sister has a need. God have mercy upon us and grant us repentance in Jesus’ Name! Are these people truly saved?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19

“If we are in Jesus we have the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran

Some have tens of thousands in the bank and could care less to find out if a sister or brother has a need. The Bible assures us that they are not saved. If you have even a little to give and don’t, it’s because you simply have chosen not to know and abide in Christ.

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17

The financial institutions and their salesmen are vying for your money. They want your money to invest so that you and they earn a financial gain in this life. Christians in need, orphans, and Gospel workers are also available to invest in. To help them is to invest in the LORD’s kingdom and be repaid dividends for eternity. Oh, and your heart will follow where you choose to place your money. Jesus says “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me and make me Your authentic follower. Jesus I love You. Let me walk as You walked, live as You lived, love as You love. Bless this life You gave to be truly crucified with You – dead, buried, and raised up – a vessel of honor for Your glory! In Jesus’ name.

Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18).  It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.

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