Coercive Cons! Beware [podcast]
Can We Discuss How Agenda Driven Wolves Operate?
“The church is not a business. It’s a body. But when that body becomes a business, it’s prostitution.” unknown
Corralling people using weekly “services” in a physical building doesn’t make any man a true prophet unto the LORD. The only thing this ascertains is that such a man is a real estate manager who is conducting a business.
A physical so-called “church building” is the base of operation for so many of today’s false prophets who make merchandise of the people exactly as Peter warned us (2 Peter 2:1-3). So, unsuspecting, undiscerning souls walk into these “houses of worship” and are recruited to participate. By doing so, in so many cases, they therefore jeopardize all – their souls, their treasure, time, and talents, etc.
Satan’s “ministers” operate within and behind structures, systems they create and can be discerned thereby (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15). They peddle tradition and error instead of truth (Matthew 23; Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; 3 John 9-10, etc.). While pretending to represent Christ, they instead subvert His truth to mislead their prey.
YOUR PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I come to You now, asking You to grant me the knowledge of Your Word and Your ability to discern Your enemies. In Jesus’ Name.
Building their constituency is key to repeat customer$ and so, like the good salesmen they are, pastors today push church membership to their club that we see no one push in the New Testament canon of Scripture, except it be for the hell bound Pharisees (Matthew 23:15).
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 23:15
Most churches have done nothing but make Christianity another religion. Some call this “churchianity.” They’ve ruined what God ordained to be an abiding relationship between Himself and His people – for whom Jesus gave His very life! (John 15, 17) Sickening! (Matthew 23) Run!
Jesus Christ didn’t come and die for you so that you could be somebody’s good church member. Jesus saved you to be His disciple, His ambassador – to follow Him! (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!
Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?
Christ’s remnant is learning to gather organically, to avoid the commercialization of the original Gospel which is a fulfillment of prophecy – the great apostasy. Acts 2:42-47
NO such thing as an “official” seminarian credentialed pastor or preacher in the early church! Beware. Satan’s seminary system exposed.
Most evangelical church organizations today are grossly over-organized. Red flag!
“The over organizing of churches are distractions for people to be more committed to their agenda than to remain single-hearted and focused on Christ alone.” Joe Reyes Meno
JESUS and His apostles never collected a penny to build a “church building.” As He modeled for us in His own ministry, Jesus sent His disciples OUT to the people (Matthew 10:1-8; Mark 16:15-20; Acts 8:4; 10:38, etc.). They went out to the people and didn’t expect the people to come to them. Also, creating this whole physical building bureaucracy is the recipe for waste untold and the diverting of energies, time, and funds from the work of our LORD’s kingdom. “Pastors” today do not reflect what we see in Christ and His holy apostles. “Church” leaders today are little more than real estate managers, entertainers, and funds collectors.
The fact that most of the visible modern “church” meetings in “church” buildings are corrupted, in no way negates the need to gather for fellowship according to the model we see in Acts 2:42-46; Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:25, etc.
True New Testament fellowship does not equal going to a “church building” on Sunday morning – specifically if that gathering is not Christ-centered, fiercely Biblical, and full of God’s love and strict adherence to His Holy, written Word.
Are you doing the church thing or walking with Jesus? Are you participating in a staged production or a genuine, humble, obedient, daily walk with Heaven’s KING who bled and rose again to save you to Himself?
Do the four simple elements seen in Acts 2:42 exist in the fellowship you attend? Also, what’s been added?
Church membership produces church members with no good fruit. Being truly born again and humbly abiding obedient in Christ produces the good fruit that clearly proves one is truly in Christ (John 15).
The church system, including church membership, has produced horrible fruit, counterfeits, backsliders. Fellowship and seeking God is limited to their so-called “church attendance.” Instead of being the church (people of God), they replace it with “going to church” or “service.” It becomes what people trust in. Their “worship” is simply going to church. This is completely un-scriptural. Jesus says “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 7:6). Modern Church Exposed
We need to align our perspective on fellowship by what we read in Holy Scripture (Acts 2:42-47). The record of Scripture reveals the importance of kingdom fellowship while most modern pastors have made it all about their “church” busine$$ they are building. Beware.
Indeed, there are multitudes of starving Christians who go from church to church today trying to find their place. In the end, many of them give up even seeking a good church—because they are determined there are none. At such a juncture, perhaps it’s time to just be the church – the people of God. And to gather with one or more for fellowship, according to the model found Acts 2:42.
Those selling you on the idea that ministry happens in their “church building” are the very frauds Jesus warns us about so often. READ GOD’S WORD FOR YOURSELF. As you do, ask: “Where did the vast majority (if not nearly all) of ministry occur with Jesus and His apostles? Answer: In towns, in between towns, in houses, on the mount, on Mars Hill, nearly everywhere except a so-called church building. There were synagogues and yes they preached there until they were thrown out. The “church building” scam as we see it today didn’t come into play until the third to fourth century when the antichrist Roman Catholic cult was forming. (The book “Pagan Christianity” comes to mind as a real eye opener.)
Church Membership and Money [podcast]
“They want you to become members so you will be obligated to give to tithe to pay the pastor’s mortgage.” Darrel Moore
“Church” attendance was never ordained by God to displace, to replace the personal study of His Word. Church membership endears the people, the prey, to the organization and it’s leaders and members and not to the LORD Himself. This has displaced the individual priesthood and fellowship God ordained for each and every individual believer. Lots of people replace personally diligently seeking the LORD with going to “church.” They either merely dabble with or don’t even personally study God’s Word for themselves and yet are members in good standing at these local entertainment centers many call “church.” The pastors have sold them on this lifestyle by promoting and emphasizing church membership and not discipleship.
Against the clear counsel of Holy Scripture, some in ministry today over-value their place of serving and begin controlling, exploiting God’s people – and He specifically instructed believers to submit first and foremost to God and then to other believers (1 Corinthians 3:6-9; 2 Corinthians 8:5; 1 Peter 5:1-6). Watch this:
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but FIRST gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:5
Many pastors today have taken too large a role in the lives of God’s people. Instead of being “overseers,” guiding and helping His saints to grow in His grace, many of them have become nicolaitan over-lords! (1 Peter 5:1-6; Revelation 2:6, 15) Nico-laitan = Conquer the laity (the people)!
“With force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4
Remember saints, you were purchased by the very blood of the Son of God – for HIS purpose, not man’s.
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
Seeking to have or to exercise dominion over others, over their faith, is witchcraft!
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Paul cared first for the LORD, then His people, then himself. He never put undue burden on them but rather sought to be the wind underneath their wings concerning their lives with Christ.
Is church membership, as is conducted today in local churches, a tool to coral and control people unduly? The question is: Did or did not the LORD’s apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus, ever once sign people up as members of a church as we do today?
Not once.
What could be the purpose or intention of signing people up for church membership other than leadership’s desire to use, to exploit, to control the people? If leadership was truly trusting in God, they would honor the fact that each individual has God-given free will to come and go as they please – to continue with Christ or not to. Jesus died for His people and He alone is their “Head” (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18; 2:18-19, etc.). Jesus is the only “mediator between God and men,” and any man who dares place himself between God and His people is an antichrist or one who puts his sinful self between the LORD and His people. Such a demonically controlled man is under divine judgment.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5
Church membership = control.
History of Church Membership: The history of church membership in Protestant and Evangelical churches begins with the Catholic Church, which implements its discipline over all the baptized (christened, water sprinkled), through a tradition-based sacramental system, governing the lives of their captors from cradle to grave. Essentially, in this way the Roman cult corrals and coerces the insistence of membership upon every initiated, water-sprinkled/christened Catholic child. Without that cult-initiation rite, that membership to the Roman religion, that person is considered outside of salvation, outside of the “one true church.” Through church membership in the Catholic church, the completely un-biblical sacramental system is enforced. The Catholic sacramental system is the creation, the strategy of devils, designed to strengthen the piety of the Catholic faithful throughout their lives, guiding them safely into the bowels of eternal damnation. Jesus died and rose again that He alone might have preeminence over His true worldwide body. Church membership to a local church or church organization is perpetrated by cross-less wolves and is a direct affront to the Headship of the one, nail-scarred Savior (Colossians 1:18; 2:18-19, etc.).
Further evidence of the cultic nature of this scenario where leaders indoctrinate and put a spell on the people, is that even good men who are biblical are prone to fall into this heresy, to be led into it, and say nothing as they simply go with the flow (Exodus 23:2). This is proof of an evil spirit at work, just as it happened to the Galatians who were “bewitched” (Galatians 3:1).
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” Galatians 3:1
So many today are submitted to mere men and not to God. Tragic!
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
“Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” 2 Corinthians 12:14-15
These verses above are a mere sampling. As you read through Scripture, be watching for this theme – where Paul, unlike many ministries today, elevates the people of God, not himself or His ministry. See 1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5.
Religious men, men of pride, are insatiably attempting to build something, something that is not of God – and they do this on the backs of God’s people. Upon sand foundations of futility, they build their own kingdoms, structures, and systems.
Jesus says “I will build MY church” and He uses crucified vessels to assist in that all-important, eternal work (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9).
Men who genuinely walk with Christ (as opposed to the many frauds who misrepresent Him) are crucified with Christ (2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3). They have no personal agenda (Luke 22:42; John 5:30; 6:38; Philippians 3:18-19). | The Crucified Life
Here are some discernment keys concerning how hirelings build and fortify themselves by making proselytes who hold to the party line instead of Scripture.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 23:15
This is why God gave us His written Word – to protect His people in His truth (Psalms 17:4; Proverbs 30:5-6).
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16
God’s written Word is final divine authority, not traditions.
“Let God be true, but every man a liar.” Romans 3:4
Wolves love the systems they’ve created which insulate them from personal accountability. Jesus gave a three-phase protocol to correct any of us who name His name (Matthew 18:15-17). Christ’s corrective protocol is circumvented by the systems set up in local churches today.
“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:19-20
While they claim that God’s Word is the highest authority, they do otherwise. Tradition, much of which is heresy, trumps truth. They give mere lip service to the LORD while putting something else above the plain Word of God. This is the definition of taking His holy name in vain. Listen to what Jesus says of such men:
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. … 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:6-9, 13
Hirelings are not submitted to God in the daily cross and therefore have their own agenda – something outside of Holy Scripture. They are lawless. Watch what Paul says:
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19
The following two phrases are key: These make it clear that the “enemies of the cross of Christ” operate according to their own agenda because their “God is their belly.”
This is in part how wolves operate. May God increase the discernment of His remnant.
The Bereans were said of God to be “more noble” and it’s because they stood individually upon God’s Word, never allowing any man or men to usurp their individual priesthood Christ died to grant them.
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
ALL doctrine must be testED against God’s Word and no man is above the law or exempt from having what he teaches tested. Any man who acts like this is an arrogant wolf – a Diotrephes! (See 3 John 9-10.)
“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
There are constantly mutating heresies. The body of Christ must converse on these things in order to learn together.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
How to Discern Good and Evil [podcast] (below)
Support | STORE | | Podcasts | Fellowship God’s Way | Beware of the “I Love My Church” Deception [podcast] | Un-Biblical Local Church Structures [podcast] |
Nourished Up in God’s Word [1 Minute Video] | One Body in Christ | Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]
Ministries and Ministers have become Idols: IDOL SHEPHERDS [podcast]
Apostasy
“WHY Don’t Christian Authors Just Give Away Their Books?”
HINT: 1. It costs the ministry for each and every book from the publisher. 2. There is no money tree given to Gospel laborers. In fact, those who preached the LORD’s truth will be shunned, despised, attached, and shorted. 3. The outreach sends books to prisoners every month and that costs. 4. If you’re going to complain, you will be confronted with the request that YOU supply the ministry with the needed funds to operate on so that all the books can then be free. Get a clue!
FYI: The book format, is simply another communication medium, another way to reach more people, to get the Word of God out to the people for whom Jesus died…. a message from Scripture on each page, full of Holy Scripture, always bolded. The small amount that is brought into the ministry on books simply goes into dropping these books into prisons and to ministries. Along with King James Bibles. The ministry outreach is supported by individual saints of Christ who desire to see more people reached with God’s love and Word in this late hour. | Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” house
For the record, due to amazon charging us for each book, we do charge for books. By God’s grace, we also give many books away locally, nationally, and send them into prisons. In part, this is made possible when believers are blessed to pay for a ministry book (Acts 20:35). None of us here are independently wealthy and so cannot possibly afford to fund the whole operation. “Wisdom is justified of her children” (Luke 7:35). I’ve also come to the understanding that when people pay for something, including believers, they then value it and read it more (Matthew 6:21). Also, believers spend money in this world EVERY day on frivolous foolish waste, so they can certainly help the work of Christ. If they balk that everything’s not free, that’s their own heart issue. What I tell them is “Well, we’d be glad to give all the books away from now on. That would be great. In order to do that. we need you to personally write a check to fund that project. Here’s our mailing address. When should we expect to receive your offering?”
The opportunity, the privilege of supporting God’s work is the very gift of God to bless your heart to be nearer to Him and to lay up eternal treasure in Heaven with your name on it! (See Matthew 6:19-21.) Do not miss the blessing God ordained for you (Acts 20:35). Each of us has an “account” in Heaven (Philippians 4:17). What’s in yours?
When people pay for something, they value it as their hearts follow their giving. Read Christ’s words in Matt 6:21 closely. Thanks for listening friends.
The Scripture-rich ministry books are merely a medium of communication, a format whereby a message is conveyed, which is what a pulpit is, right? …. Just as is the podcasts and the website platform itself or merely mediums of exchange of a message. We lose money on the books each month because the books are sent to the incarcerated weekly, those who sit in darkness and need the light of God’s truth (though in the past we’ve sent Bibles, all prisoners have Bibles given them by the chaplains). When people purchase the books that’s what helps fund the sending forth of the Born Again book and others to those in prison. Trust me, this ministry never has or ever will have the problem of having too much funding 😉
If we’re going to stop preaching and teaching God’s Word via books, the book format, that means we must cease preaching His Word on the internet, social media platforms, from pulpits, and radio. Right? The medium of exchange isn’t what matters. What matters is the purity of the message. Daniel prophesied of this day of increased communication technology (Daniel 12:4).
At times we hear ministers boasting that they take no royalties for the books they’ve penned as if to pat themselves on the back. Yet, what they aren’t telling you is that they receive enough funding to do such and they live off of that along with being able to forego royalties from their book sales. Or, in rare cases, those ministers are independently wealthy. Either way, the compensation of Christ’s ministers is clearly biblical and allows for other members of His body to participate in this blessed opportunity and receive rewards both now and forever (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).
Elders who labor in God’s Word which is sound doctrine, to feed His blessed flock, warn, and teach and equip them, are to be well compensated for this most infinitely important work Jesus prepared and called them out to do (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.). Those who are fed by a ministry are to participate by funding that ministry (Galatians 6:6).
Every so often we receive a fiery message rebuking us for having to charge for the Scripture-rich materials the ministry has produced to help feed, teach, and equip Christ’s body.
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.
In Christ’s kingdom, what’s the most, the “MORE blessed” position, giving or receiving?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Perhaps we should ask the general question: Why don’t all Christian ministries just do everything for free? Answer: First off, only a very few ministries were begun by those who are financially independent. Many or most ministries are being operated by simply obedient, humble servants who are obeying Christ’s call for them to do His work.
Question to the Misguided Attackers: If you are so concerned about ministries being able to just give, give, give away everything for free then why don’t YOU write a check right now and give an offering to that particular ministry in question so they will be able to give everything away according to how much you give? Fair enough? Isn’t it time you became a part of the solution and not the problem … a contributor and not a detractor? … a giver and not a taker? …
Never be concerned about the LORD’s servants who are in need more than you are for the eternal souls who sit there and do nothing to support Christ’s servants and work. Those apostate souls are in great jeopardy of soul, make no mistake about that (Matthew 25:30; Luke 12:15-21; 16:19-31).
INTERESTING QUESTION RECEIVED:
“Hello Todd, I have a question for you and hope you will answer. I am not going to refer to anyone in particular but why would a preacher, teacher and that is a Christian sell their Books, especially when it is about the last days, etc? If a person wants folks to know, why would they sell? Thank you.”
REPLY:
Hello. Well, fair question. It’s real simple, one person (Christian, author, called out servant of Jesus) can’t possibly daily and endlessly study, write, collate, order, edit, publish, prepare and teach God’s Word, win and disciple souls, bring food and clothes to the poor, etc., and then work 8-10 hours per day and be expected to foot the bill ….. would he have time to sleep? Does God expect him to do such or has He set up a perfect plan for all His people to participate in and be rewarded for? Are you personally participating in that plan?
You are correct friend…. it is the last days and this is the reason even more so that all of God’s people must be about the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission His only begotten Son gave us – to win souls and equip His blessed saints (Like 2:49).
For the record: The LORD be thanked for those few who do obediently support the His work in this late hour. This humble ministry has given away dozens upon dozens of books over the last 3 years. That money/provision has to come from somewhere, right? Also, appr. 150 souls have been won to Christ and are being discipled. God is good!
The true Christian author of today (New Testament scribe Matthew 13:52) is simply a divinely called out servant of Jesus Christ, a minister of His love and truth. That servant simply uses the book format to communicate to Christ’s saints and perhaps also lost souls.
As a called out servant, I would love to give the books our ministry has away for free. All we’d need is for you or someone else to make a substantial donation in order to underwrite the cost of doing ministry.
Now, I agree that giving everything away would be great and preferred. So, if anyone wishes to endow this ministry work or any other New Testament (Great Commission) ministry with a ample donation, please do. And, you are welcome to request that we begin to give away all the materials by using that money for such. That would be fair but until then, we will inch along.
Most people understandably do not understand how this all works and so it’s a blessing that this question has come in. In fact, we have gotten this same type question in the past. As a Christian author, let me say that the ministry has to pay for each book that is ordered. There’s not much profit per book and yet the profit goes to support so that we can “stay afloat” per se and be afforded the opportunity to continue doing Christ’s work. Some of us are homeless if that helps.
QUESTION:
“But doesn’t the Bible say to ‘Buy the truth and sell it not’? (Proverbs 23:23)”
REPLY:
Yes “Buy the truth and sell it not” is referring to obtaining, procuring, grabbing the truth and believing and owning it. That truth is not speaking of paying money for something.
People in ministry do not have a money tree. In fact, if a person is endeavoring to tell the whole counsel truth of God’s Word, they will most likely desperately need your support because not many will support because not many want the whole truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4). They only have what people give in most cases…..that’s the point…. being in true New Testament, Great Commission ministry is not at all to make money but rather to be able to pay for what was already paid for by the ministry and be able to get more Gospel communications done. People in the full time ministry usually have no money because they’ve abandoned themselves to the work of Christ, in obedience to His calling them out, and have little or no income. So for the called out minister to have to have all the money and do all the work is a ridiculous notion, No, in fact, their lack is the gift of God presented as an opportunity to those who know of that outreach….. so they also can participate. Problem is, most people have signed up for and waste most of the money God has allowed them to bring in and will give account before Him. If you read Luke 16:19-31 and Matthew 25:30 you will see that divine judgment will be severe upon those who do not use the LORD’s resources for His glory, that is, a portion of it. What happened to the man who buried – did not use – the resources the LORD gave him? (Matthew 25:30) This is why first portion/fruit giving is such a blessed opportunity. Prov. 3:9-10
OKAY, AS IS THE SUBJECT MATTER HERE, SOME ASK THIS QUESTION: “WHY CAN’T CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES AND AUTHORS JUST GIVE THEIR MATERIALS AWAY?”
My question in return is: Did you ask the managers at the movie theater why they didn’t offer their movies and snacks for free? If not why not? WHY do some believe, of all entities, that ministries should give everything away? How about the grocery store: Do these same people ask the store they shop at for food why they don’t give their food away free? If not, why not?
More questions …. WHY is it that some only expect the ministries of Christ to give away their materials? Where is this coming from? What spirit is behind this? WHY do some find no hesitation or problem with whoring out their wallet/money/checkbook to every peddler of temporal wares who comes along and yet balk when they see a Great Commission ministry that intends to take in a little money for the purpose of winning and discipling souls in obedience to Christ? And, this involves endless hours of labor?
If a person is going to ask the question as to why Christian authors don’t just give away for free all their materials, why wouldn’t that same person be asking why others aren’t giving away all their materials?
What do you do for a living? Do you work for free? Does the company you work for or own give everything away? Is that company and its product and service even considered important in contrast to the winning and care of eternal souls in Christ’s work of the Gospel?
I would ask those who have such a diabolical perspective: “Do you get some kind of sadistic thrill out of seeing God’s servants suffer?”
SAINTS, THE MONEY HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE, RIGHT? IF GOD’S PEOPLE GAVE AS THEY ARE COMMANDED TO DO AND WILL GIVE ACCOUNT FOR, DO YOU BELIEVE ANY GOOD NEW TESTAMENT MINISTRY IN THIS LATE HOUR WOULD HAVE LACK? WHOSE FAULT IS THE LACK? IS IT THE WATCHMEN OR THE PEOPLE WHO STAND BACK AND SAY “AMEN” WITHOUT PRACTICALLY SUPPORTING THAT NEW TESTAMENT WORK?
ANOTHER MESSAGE RECEIVED ON THIS SUBJECT:
“AMEN………..I know some excellent men of GOD who sell their books, but I also know that some of those men have offered those books free to those who could not afford it because they wanted to reach, preach and teach and it’s not about the money for them. My husband and I have no problem buying these books, it is a wise investment for us.
As far as wasting a lot of money eating out, well thankfully I cook better than most restaurants (everyone has gifting’s……praise the LORD this happens to be mine, hubby calls it the gift of hospitality too). We rarely watch anything because we don’t have cable, I dislike concerts or anything secular……the obvious thing is to invest in our spiritual growth and I truly trust the LORD to lead us to what we need to know. Give me a godly book, my morning coffee on my patio or sitting quietly in my room any day…….the rewards are endless in such a simple thing…….Praise the LORD. Pastor Randy spoke highly of one of your books …….ummmm Predators in Our Pulpits I believe or something like that.”
REPLY:
The apostle Paul clearly and outrightly makes the case for those who are called out to do the infinitely most important work in the earth to be support. Anyone who has a problem with that has greed and gold as their god and are in rebellion against the Almighty.
We must look from a much larger perspective than our own self-serving position or need or especially in respect to the many charlatans which reap millions of $ and buy mansions and expensive cars and church buildings, etc. There’s a world to be reached and the monies received from those who buy the books/materials help fund the GREAT COMMISSION Jesus sent us to accomplish. And yes those who contribute in ANY way are going to be rewarded eternally by Him (John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
The monies received from those who buy the books/materials:
1) Support the minister (s) and ministries so they can pay basic bills and stay afloat (or try to) and KEEP DOING GOD’S WORK. Let’s get a clue saints.
2) That ministry/author/minister can give away books and materials for free to those who can’t afford the materials/books.
Those paying for those materials are contributing to the LORD’s MINISTRY WORK. If they don’t want to pay for it, then they have the choice to not buy the materials. Yet, those same people, perhaps, waste money on the god of self, entertaining and pampering that false god. Yet those self-righteous hypocrites balk to “pay” for a book that elevates Jesus Christ, the One they falsely claim to serve. Yet they don’t think twice to buy desert, expensive meals out, and many other things that have no eternal value. Utterly hypocritical.
For sure Laurellynne. Thank you for your reply. A disciple of Jesus who has labored in God’s Word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18) is worthy of double honor which means financial reward. That’s God’s Word (Galatians 6:6). So, for someone to pay 15.00 – 20.00 for a book that has taken that man many years or decades to produce is a very small price. Also, they can pass it along to help others. Now, the average Christian who drinks coffee spends 15.00 – 20.00 per week (or more) on coffee which has no godly or eternal value.
There’s nothing sinful about going to a restaurant or buying coffee, etc. Yet, we must examine ourselves if we have money to throw here and there and are tipping God or not giving to His work at all. That’s indicative of the lack of Jesus as first love (Revelation 2:4-5). My concern is for Christ’s flock and that they repent and obey Him in their stewardship for which He will bring them into account on that Day. See Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25. I could care less if some who are misguided take offense.
We should never abandon the truth because some have perverted it. For example: Some false shepherds have abused the sheep by teaching them false doctrine and leading them to do things for their own self-serving purposes (that of the wolves). This in no way removes the responsibility of the true under shepherds to rightly shepherd Christ’s sheep (1 Peter 5:1-6). In the same way, just because greedy wolves have made merchandise of the people (taken money to build their own kingdoms instead of Christ’s) in no way negates the LORD’s program and privilege to involve all of His people in His work. It is the privilege of the individual believer to contribute to Christ’s work. The Bible even tells us that “the LORD loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver” and He even incentivizes us in that those who sow much will reap much (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).”
Money Tree?
Do you have a money tree? If so, please mail one here or at least the seed to grow one to the true New Testament ministries you know of.
The money has to come from somewhere and that’s exactly why God, from the beginning, set up a program where His people are privileged to give back to Him/His work out of which He has given them and then on top of all that, He is going to reward them here and in eternity. Study stewardship in Scripture and the Levites. Begin in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18. Those whom God Himself has called out to do the infinitely most important and only eternally substantial work in the earth are “worthy of their hire” which means they are worthy to be paid for what they do (1 Corinthians 9, etc.). When Jesus sent forth His disciples to do His work, He said “… for the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). In fact, in the days of the prophets, God’s people had forsaken Him and spent their resources building their own “ceiled houses” and “temples” (Haggai 1; Hosea 8:14). Read Malachi 3 also. The LORD was very angered and brought judgment on them. We see the same today. People who claim to be following Christ who spend the vast percentage of their monies on frivolous waste for their own self-serving entertainment and temporal comfort and give little or nothing to Christ’s work. This is a betrayal of the LORD who gave them the ability to earn that money and the opportunity to be a good steward over it (Matthew 25 – parable of the talents). Just think: If a small percentage of those claiming to be lovers of the truth and following Christ would give a certain percentage of the “firstfruits” of all they earn into God’s work (Proverbs 3:9-10) … then those ministries Jesus has called out could actually function, pay their bills, and perhaps give materials away.
STEP BACK AND CONSIDER THAT PERHAPS IT’S NOT THOSE CALLED OUT WHO ARE IN SIN, IT’S THOSE WHO ARE BEING FED BY THEM AND STANDING ON THE SIDELINES DOING NOTHING (NOT GIVING) WHO ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE SPIRITUALLY. I’M TALKING ABOUT THE OBEDIENT, HUMBLE WATCHMEN WHO HAVE AND ARE ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD TO TEACH, WARN, AND PREACH TO HIS FLOCK (COLOSSIANS 1:28: ACTS 20:27-32; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16, ETC.). PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE FEW WHO SUPPORT THE GREAT COMMISSION WORKERS IN THIS LAST HOUR BEFORE CHRIST’S SOON RETURN.
Reader, do you work for free?
Do you get paid for your work so that you can pay your monthly living expenses?
How long would you continue doing the work you do if you no longer were paid for it?
To that person who still has a problem with men of God being compensated, I would ask: Have you also complained that attorneys, plumbers, accountants, waitresses, and cooks also get paid for what they do?
Why is it that those doing the most important work in the earth are questioned over getting paid by the freely given love offerings of God’s people? Why is it wrong in the minds of some that those answering the divine call to serve can actually pay their bills? Paul had this same railing accusation and question and gave answer to it in 1 Corinthians 9:1-4. Go read that. Some reading this need to de-ignorantize themselves with this knowledge 😉
You see, it’s usually not the Christian author or minister’s fault that he can’t just give away books or materials. No, it’s usually the fact that he can’t survive much less thrive in the LORD’s ministry work due to the refusal of so many to give to Christ’s work. Does this include you? Are you giving regularly to the work of Jesus’ Great Commission? So many will read, learn, be convicted and rebuked by, be equipped for ministry, be sharpened and spiritually nourished yet have no heart or energy to give. Yet these very same people can perhaps be found wasting money on expensive daily coffees and many other frivolous wasteful spending. Example: $3.50 coffee per day x 30 days in a month = $105. They have monies to throw out and to commit to earthly things and yet haven’t committed to Christ by signing up to give a monthly gift to His work. Many who claim Christ as LORD won’t give $10 or $20 per month to Jesus’ Great Commission work. Where is their heart? Jesus tells us exactly where their heart is when He says: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Those who support the Great Commission of Jesus are few and yet so very important! Thank God for them!
Be sure of this: No true ministry work of Christ has the problem of having too much money. Regrettably those few who are truly doing His Great Commission work are starving … and won’t tell you. Don’t ask them. Don’t wonder. Just obey God and give to their work. They have to pay their bills too friend! What we do to them we are doing to JESUS (Matthew 25:40-46, etc.). May God give us a clue today in Jesus’ Name!
To those who don’t give or give a mere tip to God out of that which He has allowed them to bring in, the LORD would say …… “Consider your ways” (Read Haggai 1). If you repent and choose to begin giving, the LORD may just fill your barns so you can give more to His work. One man once wisely stated that “If God can get it through you, He will get more to you.” Consider Your Ways Audio Message
“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
Recap: You see, today, the divinely called out pastoral watchmen are starving. They can’t pay their bills due to 1) people claiming to be serving Jesus who do not repent and begin to steward the resources He puts in their hands His way, and 2) many give to false ministries. So, the called out disciple, called to not entangle himself with the affairs of this life can’t pay his bills – because God’s people (or those claiming such) are not giving to His work. So, the Gospel worker is left to do God’s work (never ending lines of people to be served) and also somehow come up with the money to pay his bills. This is not God’s program. Those who know true Gospel workers who are doing the Great Commission Jesus gave us and equipping the saints to do the same (Ephesians 4:11-12) are to give to those ministries. It’s sickening how people can throw money at renting movies, sun tanning, vacations, buying more clothes and shoes they don’t need, getting their hair and nails done, etc., and yet give nothing to the LORD’s work … you know, the nail scarred, risen Savior they claim to love ….
The LORD doesn’t give His called out servants a money tree…..they cannot get away from the divine calling and yet subject to the disobedience, the crass and ruthless omissions of His people who are rejecting HIM in their hearts …. if they were truly worshipping Him, there would be a cheerful giving back to Him of what He gives them – “ALL things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chron. 29:14). People have no idea the fate, the sufferings that have happened due to the lack suffered by answering God’s call. Ministry is a body operation where each member of Christ’s body does their part. The ministry here has a certain lady who faithfully gives and she thinks she is doing nothing and yet, she has no clue as to how that we have no money to put gas in the vehicle, to buy Bibles and Gospel tracts and food for the hurting unless she gives. She has no clue as to how much her part plays. I’ve laughingly considered getting a cheap body cam lately so she can get a glimpse of those being saved and saints being equipped and the hungry being fed, etc.
I’ve got a book coming out LORD willing that will touch on what happens when people don’t give ….. it’s a personal testimony and hopefully will wake a few up so they give to those who are literally doing the Great Commission….. instead of building their own church business, sitting in a stupid building, wasting tens of thousands of dollars (in many cases monthly) heating and cooling a building ….. no, Jesus, the apostles and today’s true, divinely equipped and called out workers go to the people instead of expecting people to come to them. Jesus left Heaven and came to us. He never told us to come to Heaven to Him. Such would be impossible. Think about this: We are to “Go” as He told us and to do as He did for us – serve the lost.
WATCHMEN ARE PEOPLE TOO AND THEY NEED MONEY TO PAY THEIR BILLS LIKE ANYONE ELSE. REGRETTABLY, IT SEEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE WANT THE LORD’S WATCHMEN PUNISHED ALL BECAUSE THEY ARE ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD TO MINISTER HIS WORD. THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT SPIRIT IS BEHIND SUCH? THOSE PEOPLE NEED TO REPENT AND BEGIN DOING THEIR PART. THERE ARE SENDERS AND GOERS (ROMANS 10:14-15).
Jesus told us that unfaithful stewards go to eternal damnation (Matthew 25:30, 41, etc.). There’s a “certain man” who was once rich (temporarily in this short life) who has been burning in conscious torment in the flames of hell for some 2,000 years. Go read Luke 16:19-31 and find out exactly why that man is irrevocably in hell and in a million years will still be in hell, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).
Each individual is granted by God the opportunity to be as the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan. We must ask ourselves: WHO AM I IN THIS PARABOLIC teaching of the One I claim to be serving? Am I the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan? God bless us to humbly and honestly examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). The priest and Levite (religionists without Christ) walked right by the man who was in need, making excuse as to why they were “justified” in not helping him. In contrast, like Christ and His few true followers, the Good Samaritan stopped his life and used his resources to help the man who had been ravaged by the world. The Good Samaritan asked no questions but rather simply jumped to the aid of the man in need. THAT man was JESUS – “Inasmuch as ye HAVE DONE IT unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
The priest and the Levite walked right by JESUS when they refused to render aid: “Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Mathew 25:45-46).
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41
“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30
This week, a guy that the LORD saved a few months ago and is being discipled, called me. He needed a little money. Well, regrettably there’s not much in the coffer. We still gave it to him and yet, hundreds of dollars in bills have stacked up. The ministry is months behind on bills and this is not due to poor stewardship but rather due to the lack of funds. Anyone who gives is not doing God (or this ministry or myself) a favor. No, they are doing themselves a favor (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:9-10, etc.).
If you are reading this message and claim to be seeking the perfect will of God, I want to exhort you to get before God and to repent of all bad stewardship, including endorsing and furthering the cause of hireling thieves who are building their own church business and using Christ’s name in vain to do so (2 John 7:1-11). Get your slate cleaned afresh saint (1 John 1:3-2:2). Then, find a true called out ministry and give. A ministry work that is glorifying God isn’t wasting HIS money on buildings and the upkeep of them. No, instead that ministry work is actually and literally doing the Great Commission Jesus irrevocably gave us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47, etc.). In doing this alone, you will begin to be participating in HIS work. Stop giving HIS money to the wolves who do nothing more than entertain the unrepentant goats.
Regrettably, every worker on this planet gets paid for his work except those who do the infinitely most important work of leading eternal souls out of sin and eternal hell and into glory forevermore. Are you a part of the problem or the solution?
Go ahead and take your anger out on me. I don’t mind. You are actually in rebellion to the LORD Himself because He commands you to “give.” What He’s calling you to do is to truly repent before it’s too late. Your heart is out of His will if these truths convict you and the only wise response is to repent and change your ways. Attacking His messenger will not change your life or destiny.
Materials/Books Offered by SafeGuardYourSoul
The Message of Haggai the Prophet: Build the House | Satan Energizes His Puppet Idols! | Stewardship
Do you want to get deeper into God’s Word? If so, send a reply requesting the “Moments with My Master” email that is sent out to edify Christ’s body. Sign up Here.
FEEDBACK:
“Well said with regard to the giving away of ministerial books for free. I think there’s another question that should be raised. Why are the authors who publish books that tickle the ears of God’s people by telling them what they prefer to hear about laying up treasures on earth being bought in the millions to become best sellers without questioning their cost of sale while those who are publishing truth of scripture that focuses on laying up treasures in heaven through warnings, corrections, and instructions in righteousness go begging and their authors are questioned about covering their costs of sale? Could it be that the vast majority of God’s people haven’t set their affections on things above but on things of this earth?
Those whose affections are set on the things of this earth, are focused on earthly pleasures, and laying up treasures on earth buy books which tell them what they want to hear regarding earthly pleasures and prosperity regardless the price because these books foster the carnal errors they hold dear which appeal to the lust of their flesh, the lust of their eye, and their pride of life. They don’t question the authors of these books regarding the prices they charge since these books readily support those things they want to hear. People are willing to pay the price for that which they value most.
If God’s people really had their affections set on things above and valued their eternal destination in heaven above a temporal 70+ year life span here on earth they would be more than willing to pay the price of a book which publishes the truth knowing that there’s nothing they have or will accumulate on earth that they can take with them into eternity where the treasures they have laid up in heaven will be the only assets they will enjoy on a forever basis. If God’s people had singleness of eye and would set their affections exclusively on things above and regard godliness with contentment as great gain rather than being in a lukewarm state by trying to serve both God and mammon, they could save more than enough money to buy the necessary books that will help them to lay up treasures in heaven and the question of cost would become moot.” Paul Roberts
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates |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 | Fellowship | Haggai | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts
Articles
“But I Can’t Understand the King James Bible” [podcast]
YOU MUST know the Author of the Bible to understand it. Friend, if you are not 100 certain you are born again and going to Heaven if you die today, it’s 100% certain that you are not born again. Making Peace with God
Someone wrote:
“I’ve tried to read the Bible, but I can’t understand it.
The Scriptures tell us that the ‘natural man’ cannon understand the things of the Spirit of God. Most Americans would find it difficult to understand the Chinese language. However a child who is born into a Chinese family can understand every word. That’s why you must be born again with God’s Spirit living within you (John 3:3). The moment you become part of God’s family, the Bible will begin to make sense.” unknown
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7
WHY would God have gone through the trouble of keeping His own promise to have His Word translated into our language if we weren’t going to be able to understand it in our own language? THAT is an indictment against the Almighty and some are foolishly making such an indictment.
“Wow I was raised in the lowest education state in the country with average grades at best and can easily understand the King James Bible…. that’s all my son heard from inception was the King James Bible and he repented and received Christ at just 4 1/2 years old. Regularly I hear college ‘educated’ people claim they can’t understand God’s Word – the King James Bible. What??!!!! Time to repent and get the devil out of your life! (James 4:7)” Todd Tomasella
Please stop with the lame “I can’t understand the King James Bible” excuse.
N o n s e n s e !
Have you considered how it sounds when you claim you can’t understand God’s Word?
“I read my 9 year old a little of the King James most nights before bed. Kids may not understand everything it says but their spirits are being fed nonetheless!” Lori Anne
REPLY:
EXACTLY. My son, was only read the KJB and asked to be saved at 4 1/2. The LORD saved him, right then and there.
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and He uses His Word to do so (John 14:26; 16:13-14; 1 John 2:20, 27).
The devil fed you that excuse – that you can’t understand God’s Word – through his seminarian wolves – his greed-driven, ease-loving false prophets. They facilitate this lie by selling you on corrupted “bibles.” Are you older than a babe? Listen:
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and HAST REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES.” Matthew 11:25
Isn’t it time to get a real Bible? Isn’t it time to exchange the plastic butter knife for the Sword of God’s Word! Without exception, all new versions are satanic corruptions. Satan is the doubt-caster, the liar from the beginning who changes God’s Word (Genesis 2:17; 3:1, 4; John 8:44).
So, even after seeing how the enemy of Christ has removed thousands of words and verses from God’s Word, some STILL keep reading a new perversion as if this blasphemous satanic attack is okay? Wow!
So is YOUR own self-serving “comfort” of reading a little fairy tale per-version of the Bible more important than Jesus Christ being attacked by Satan in the butchering of HIS Word? If so, it’s time for you to repent for real and when you do, you will lay down your life – the cross.
Content!
“I’m Afrikaans speaking, English is my second language in which i evangelize mostly. It was hard to learn an older English style in the King James Bible, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! The English of the King James Bible slams into one’s heart, harder, as a precious treasure!” Erik Van Niekerk
Natural and Spirit Food
As the creation of God, we don’t understand much of what happens when we eat physical food and yet to nourish our bodies. We don’t question it. No, we just eat food in order to satisfy our hunger and to nourish our bodies, right?
That’s how it is with God’s Word. Though our understanding is minimal, we, as Jesus’ born again saints, hunger for more of Him and know we must be filled daily with His divine nutrients. So, we ingest His Word to nourish our hearts!
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3
COMMON EXCUSE:
“But I have a hard time understanding the King James Bible.”
REPLY:
Understand and yet do we want to read a perverted fake “bible” that is NOT the Word of our God? Can the Holy Ghost not teach us His pure Word which HE gave, breathed? My son heard nothing but the KJB from birth and was saved and 4 years old. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 …. godless perverts have added to and taken away from the words of the very LORD who came and died for us. How does He feel about us pretending that that is actually His Word? If a man is courting a lady and he reads and honors the words of her (his girlfriends) enemy, how would that make her feel?
Read Revelation 22:18-19 KJB
Can you understand the following words of Jesus? – a severe warning to anyone who would dare add to or take away from His Word?
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
Repent!
Those who truly repent understand the Word by studying it and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18; 1 John 2:20, 27, etc.).
Rupert Herdsman notes: “The King James Bible is the only English Bible not corrupted!!! I had five other versions of the bible but all of them with the exception of the King James are corrupted and missing key scriptures!”
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE KJB? | Bible Version Issue | Bible Versions
Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Bible Agnostics Exposed | How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast] | WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE KJB? [podcast] | New American Standard Version “Bible” NASV Catastrophe Exposed | The Audacity of Defending the New Versions | Do We Have God’s Word or Do You Need to Know the Original Languages? [podcast] | Bible Versions Category |
Abiding
Walking in Godly Integrity Means Paying Restitution Where Needed [podcast]
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16
Truth: The LORD is watching everything you think and do and will bring you into judgment for it all – all (Proverbs 15:3; 20:11; 23:7; Mark 12:41-44; Romans 14:10, etc.). What’s your judgment going to look like?
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Jesus taught that only the “honest” will be with Him (Luke 8:15). The dishonest, “ALL … liars” will perish irrevocably in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Those who’ve brought harm to others and have the opportunity to restore what they took (financially, emotionally, etc.) prove who they are by what they do or do not do. Those who take personal responsibility for the harm they brought on another, will be blessed. Those who don’t will be shut out, “cut off” from God (Romans 11:20-22).
“Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Godly Integrity owns up to its personal responsibility to make amends where we have caused hurt. Restitution. A man of godly integrity never runs from his personal responsibility to repair and restore where he has brought harm – with his words, attitudes, or actions. This is exactly what happens when a man truly repents and gives his life to Christ. Zacchaeus is a great example to us of this. Like Zacchaeus, when we truly repent, there will always be good fruit, amends for our wrongdoing. Watch this closely. Watch what this man does after getting right with God:
Luke 19
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 (the call and command) And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 (obedience) And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. (that’s exactly why Jesus came!)
8 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. (true repentance always brings for the fruit of restitution Matthew 3:7-10)
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.
As we see in this case with Zacchaeus when he repented, turning to Jesus the Savior, true repentance always brings for the fruit of restitution. See Matthew 3:7-10.
Zacchaeus is a great example. When, if that true repentance happens in his heart, if the sinner, the transgressor allows it, there will be a practical restitution to those he’s harmed by his sin. Soon as he repented he wanted to pay restitution to those he’d harmed.
“Verse 8 is one of the strongest in the Bible on restitution. Salvation does not relieve a person from righting the wrongs of the past. Debts contracted during one’s unconverted days are not canceled by the new birth. And if money was stolen before salvation, then a true sense of the grace of God requires that this money be repaid after a person has become a child of God.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
There’s no such thing as a person who is right with God and not making restitution for those he’s hurt.
INTEGRITY: If you owe someone $1,000 and can’t pay it all at once, show integrity and send them $ every month or week till you’ve paid them off. If you don’t, you show yourself to be a man who is without integrity (Proverbs 20:7). Soon as you begin paying back, you demonstrate the earnest of your integrity.
Jesus teaches us that we are wasting our time attempting to relate to or pray to the Father in His name if we have issues that need to be clear up with another.
God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed. In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man.
The LORD requires that His people “examine” and “judge” themselves.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine and honest judge yourself and amend your ways or God will judge you.
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
More Bible Verses on Restitution
Read Exodus 22:1-31
“If a thief be found breaking up (stealing in a burglary, home invasion), and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.” Exodus 22:2-3
“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty; 7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.” Numbers 5:6-7
“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Genesis 9:5-6
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Hebrew Hogwash | Saved by Grace or Works Righteousness? | Deliverance from Works-Righteousness | Colossal Colossians! | Beware of Dogs | Receive Ye One Another | Beware of Dogs!
Understanding Ministry-A Must for all who will be used of God [podcast]
“WHY Don’t Christian Authors Just Give Away Their Books?”
“Buried with Him by Baptism into Death” [podcast]
Are You a Follower of Jesus and Considering Moving to Mexico? [podcast]
Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?
Mission Mexico Elvita Dejected then Blessed [video]
What Did Paul mean by “Double Honour”? [podcast]
Sabbath Keeping, Justification, Sports, and Non-Essentials [podcast]
“But I Can’t Understand the King James Bible” [podcast]
What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]
Guilty of Condoning Evil Romans 1:32
“I Desire Fruit that May Abound to Your Account” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 23
Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]
Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]
What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]
“But I Can’t Understand the King James Bible” [podcast]
Conspiracy Among the False Prophets [podcast]
“WHY Don’t Christian Authors Just Give Away Their Books?”
Understanding Ministry-A Must for all who will be used of God [podcast]
What Does it Mean to Follow Christ? [podcast]
Is Romans 7 Before or After Paul’s Salvation?
Guilty of Condoning Evil Romans 1:32
Walking in Godly Integrity Means Paying Restitution Where Needed [podcast]
TIMES OF REFRESHING FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD! [video]
Sabbath Keeping, Justification, Sports, and Non-Essentials [podcast]
Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]
“Called, and Chosen, and Faithful” [podcast]
Are You a Follower of Jesus and Considering Moving to Mexico? [podcast]
Should God’s People be Allowed to Give? [podcast]
Understanding Ministry-A Must for all who will be used of God [podcast]
“WHY Don’t Christian Authors Just Give Away Their Books?”
“Buried with Him by Baptism into Death” [podcast]
-
America6 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles7 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved