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?
2 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.
3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?
5 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?
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
7 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?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 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 | Podcasts | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Where 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 Dialogue | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom! | Waste | Stewardship | Giving
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.



Abiding
Overcoming the Antichrists Among You [podcast]

Anti as in antichrist means in place of: It’s the “spirit of antichrist” working through Satan’s false ministers that robs the glory from Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Colossians 1:18; 2:8-10, 18-19; 1 John 4:1-3, etc.).
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 1 John 2:18
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1 John 2:22
“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:3
“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” 1 John 2:18-19
anti – a. Against, opposed to. b. Before, predating. c. Usurping, in place of.
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 1:7
We know when “that spirit of antichrist” is working through a rebel when he speaks contrary to God’s Word (John 8:47; 1 John 4:3). “That spirit of antichrist” – anti (in place of) Christ is anything that contradicts His what God’s Word says, working to subvert divinely stated truth while posing as Christ’s minister (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).
OBSERVATION: Jesus, the prophets, and Christ’s apostles never sought to change or reform the false leaders. They rebuked and exposed them and went about the Father’s kingdom business. See Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 15:14; 23; Acts; 2 Peter 2; Jude 1. There was the hope of the false leader repenting yet only after being rebuked (Titus 1:13).
It’s a futile endeavor, a waste of the precious resources of our time and energy.
“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15:14
More on Antichrists
Overcoming the Beast Within [podcast] | Support | STORE | Podcasts | Light of the World | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ


Antichrist
THE ANTICHRISTS ARE MULTIPLYING [podcast]

Jesus’ apostle John told us there were “MANY antichrists” in His day (1 John 2:18). THOSE FLAMING HERETICS WHO DENY THAT JESUS CHRIST IS GOD ARE ANTICHRISTS OF THE MOST PROFOUND DEGREE. SUCH REBELS DO NOT KNOW HIM. John the apostle also writes: “…Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20,21). Read that again. Memorize it.
How can we know who the “many antichrists” are among us? (1 John 2:18)
“Antichrist” means against and in place of. An “antichrist” puts something in front of “the doctrine of Christ” given us in the record of Holy Scripture. They replace what Scripture records with something, anything else.
Doctrine – a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.
The Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, “the Word was Made Flesh, and Dwelt Among Us.”
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“God was manifest in the flesh.“ 1 Timothy 3:16
Since human blood had been contaminated by sin, of necessity it had to be divine blood shed for mankind’s sin – hence the prophetic utterances and fulfullment of a virgin conceiving by the Holy Spirit – and the Word, the “mighty God” Himself being made flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Matthew 1:21-23, etc.).
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
The biblical doctrine of the deity of Christ is simply that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh (John 1; 1 Timothy 3:16, etc.).
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ IS COME IN THE FLESH is of God:
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ IS COME IN THE FLESH is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 John 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ IS COME IN THE FLESH. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
“Immanuel”
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23
Of necessity, perfect blood had to be shed to atone for the sins of fallen mankind and this required that God do such Himself – hence Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word, came to the earth, born of a virgin, and was “God with us.” He alone qualified. No man, no sinner qualified (Isaiah 59:16; Ezekiel 22:30). There was no other way.
“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.” Isaiah 59:16
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30
Jesus Christ is God’s man to redeem man. We owe a debt we cannot pay. He came and paid a debt He did not owe.
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
What does God’s Word say about the deity of Jesus Christ? – Jesus Christ is equal to and identical with God.
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Philippians 2:6
“That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father (because the Son is also God). He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” John 5:23
The Eternal God, the Word, was by a miracle conceived and born of a virgin – “A virgin shall conceive.”
“A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 9:6-7
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16
Three times the Bible tells us that “Jesus Christ IS COME IN THE FLESH” (1 John 4:2-3; 2 John 7). In other words “GOD was manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16).
From the inception of the New Testament church, the antichrist Gnostics and Origen and other heretics taught that Jesus Christ was not God. The same evil spirit that possessed them possesses the modern antichrists who go about as a roving band to make twofold children of hell after themselves (Matthew 23:15).
You will notice also how these antichrists HATE the real Bible, the King James Bible. Why? The devil himself possesses them and it was the devil who empowered evil men to concoct the fake “bibles” so many today read – “bibles” which deny the deity of Christ. Here’s but one example of such:
1 Timothy 3:16
KJB: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
NIV: Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
ESV: Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
NLT: Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.
In this one example, we see here that the KJB clearly states that it was God who was manifested in the flesh while the modern translations obscure the passage by removing and replacing “God” with “He.” He appeared in a body? Well, just who appeared in a body? We’ve all appeared in a body. Come on now. Also, these are new age “bibles,” concocted by Satan, that are preparing people to receive the antichrist and so they had to steal the identity and glory of the real Christ!
What does it reveal to us that Satan’s children are attacking the King James Bible and the deity of Jesus Christ? Hmmmmm.
Whenever you see the most evil of Satan’s children hating these things, you can deduce that it’s Satan himself behind it all. And have you noticed that they make accusations without any evidence?
EMAIL RECEIVED:
“Since I’m still on your email list…. why are you mistreating women truthseekers on Facebook? It’s very disturbing. You are insulting the spirit while claiming you are 💯 without any theological error. YOU ARE WRONG.
Your beloved KJV has errors. I just went through that eye opening study. Holy GHOST 👻??? This is a serious mistranslation among hundreds of others. The TRINITY? The anointed Messiah Christ King Jesus did not claim to be the Almighty. There is ONE God who can’t die or be tempted and is not a man.
At least treat other believers with more respect, drop the pride and study YOUR BIBLE again. You are absolutely NOT getting it all right.
In truth,” Jennifer
REPLY:
Communicating God’s truth, Word, is not “mistreating women” or men or anyone else. Yet you are using this occasion to make this look sexist? Truth is only “disturbing” to you because you are a vile, demonic heretic who wouldn’t know Jesus if He stood in your rebellious face.
God is calling you to repent.
You are an antichrist…. For denying the deity of Jesus Christ.
Repent now sinner.
JESUS SAYS:
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY.” Revelation 1:8
Jesus Christ is God – and anyone who denies such is the most evil of antichrists. | See Jesus Christ is God
To be saved, one must repent and believe on Christ according to “the record that God gave of his Son.”
“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
Rebels love butchered, toned down, satanically stripped fake “bibles”. The King James Bible uses “Holy Ghost” and because they’ve been demonized to ridiculously think that the word “ghost” always refers to demons. They are trained by Hollywood and so they can’t understand that He, the Spirit of God, is the “HOLY Ghost” and not any other ghost, spirit. There are spirits, evil spirits, and there is the “HOLY Spirit.” She foolishly conflates and assumes any and all spirits are unholy. Not.
“Holy Ghost” appears 183 times in God’s Word. Yet as you will see for yourself, this antichrist woman, who denies Jesus Christ is God, has foolishly listened to antichrists and pretends to know better than the unspeakably educated scholars who translated the King James Bible as they were guided by the Holy Ghost Himself – in fulfillment of the prophecy of Psalms 12:6-7. See 2 Peter 1:19-21.
You will notice that she doesn’t even respect the LORD enough to capitalize “Spirit” as in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost. Take a look.
“The antichrist spirit is strong in that woman. Just plain nonsense in her comment. She made it clear who her god is and it’s not Jesus Christ or the Father. She doesn’t even know who the Holy Spirit is.” B.
Keep in mind saints that people like Jennifer, above, have been sent “strong delusion” from God Himself for not loving His truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). This is all “after the working of SATAN” himself. When you read this important passage, you will witness how God actually takes it personally when people do not receive the love of His truth.
Some Gnostics adamantly deny that the supreme being, God Almighty, came in the flesh, claiming Jesus to be merely a human who attained enlightenment through gnosis and taught his disciples to do the same.
One writer notes:
“Make no mistake, however: There are professing Christians who reject essential doctrine about the person and work of Jesus Christ and who can therefore rightly be labelled heretics. I recently read a two-views book, which centred on the question of whether or not Jesus is God. Both writers claim to be Christian. Both, in fact, claimed to be evangelical Christians. By his rejection of Jesus Christ as divine, however, one of the authors negated his claim to being Christian. Christians do not reject the divinity of Jesus Christ. But that is exactly the error into which the Gnostics fell.
The Gnostics ‘denie[d] that Jesus is the Christ.’ John and his fellow apostles preached Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. The Gnostics rejected this teaching and, as such, minimised the biblical teaching on the person and work of Christ. And their teaching invalidated their claims that they were Christian.”
John did not consider these Christ-denying “antichrists” to never have been Christians. No, they only departed from the body of Christ because they departed from the faith which Scripture tells us some would do (1 Timothy 4:1). Instead he says that “they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19).
They only departed from the true believers because they chose not to “abideth (does not continue) … in the doctrine of Christ” and the fact that Jesus Christ the Messiah is God is abundantly obvious from Genesis to Revelation. See Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:21-23, etc.).
2 John 9 is key. Memorize it.
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9-11
Nothing could be more integral concerning “the doctrine of Christ” than that He is God Almighty. Any person denying such is a child of the devil, 100%.
In 1 John 2:19, interestingly, the word “never” does not appear in this verse above which is so often used to “prove” OSAS. Let’s read it again with an objective mind. And, also remember what Jesus says about the primary importance of His teaching of the seed and the soil, the sower and the Word:
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” Mark 4:13
For more on 1 John 2:19, go here.
Warning Concerning Antichrists – Read this Closely
1 John 2:18-27
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Light of the World | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ | Fake “bibles” Exposed |



Abiding
What Eternal Security Wolves Refuse to Teach [podcast]

THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.
The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.
We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)
There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:
-
Lust
-
Idolatry
-
Fornication
-
Tempting Christ
-
Murmuring
This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.
Fornication Defiles
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.
Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.
Case closed.
1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.
7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The cross. Christ raises up those who are crcified with Him – outside of which no man can overcome sin. Romans 6.
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).
The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).
“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16
Die or death always means separation.
OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..
The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:7-9
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3
“Psalms 51:1-19
Psalm 51: Sweet Perfumes of Penitence
Alexander Maclaren once said, ‘The alchemy of divine love can extract sweet perfumes of penitence and praise out of the filth of sin.’ We have an illustration of this in Psalm 51. As the heading explains, it was written by David after Nathan the prophet had boldly exposed him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering Uriah. Utterly convicted of his sin, David pours out this torrent of penitence from his broken and contrite heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Read and pray Psalm 51.
Prayer of Returning: Holy Father, You gave all when You gave Your only begotten Son who came and died for our sins. You’ve also called me to lay down my life, to lose my life in this fleeting world. I have not done well at giving over my life to You … You alone who are worthy of my full, unreserved worship. Right this moment I ask You to forgive my sin of having another god before You which is self idolatry and spiritual adultery. I have alienated the affections of my heart away from You LORD and onto myself. For this I ask You to forgive me and I right here and now turn to You Jesus. Right this moment I lay my life in Your holy hands LORD. Into Your hands I submit my spirit – my whole being. Not my will but Thine be done LORD Jesus! I am no longer my own. I am Yours. I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God. I love You Jesus and am ceaselessly grateful that You bought me with the price of Your own blood! You must increase but I must decrease. I ask You to unite my heart to fear Thy holy name! Teach me daily to lay myself aside and to give the reins over to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?
Support | STORE | | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] | Eternal Security Exposed | Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Sound Doctrine for a Glorious Church



-
America7 months ago
The Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True