Yes, Judas was the appointed treasurer in our LORD’s earthly ministry. And so what does that tell us?
Jesus and the apostles did receive love offerings. Jesus taught His people, us, to “give” and so why would He turn away love offerings which He was going to use to give eternal treasure to those who gave – laying it up in Heaven for them, the ultimate eternal dividends? (Matthew 6:19-21) Why would Christ and His holy apostles want to rob His people from laying up eternal treasure? After all, that’s exactly what they taught us to do. Jesus would not have had a treasurer if there was no money to handle.
Have you ever heard that one? Let’s examine it against Holy Scripture, shall we?
From time to time we see folk who do ministry touting, virtue signaling that they “don’t take donations” as if allowing the body of Christ to obey Jesus by laying up treasure in Heaven is a bad thing (Matthew 6:19-21). SMH at this ridiculousness. THINK: If allowing people to give to a ministry of Christ is a sin or is wrong, that would make Jesus Christ a sinner – because the Son of God had a treasurer who handled the love offerings that were given to Christ’s ministry. Anyone ever heard of Judas? Hint: If Jesus had a treasurer, that meant there was money to handle (John 12:6; 13:29).
God’s Word tell us that Judas “had the bag.” The term “had the bag” in John 12:6 and 13:29 simply means he, Judas, handled the money.
The fact that Jesus and His holy apostles had a treasurer means they received offerings.
Seems that those self-righteous ministers who don’t believe God’s people should be giving to God’s work don’t truly believe they themselves are doing God’s work. Think about that. If they genuinely believed they were doing God’s work, if they were crucified with Christ and therefore separated unto the LORD and not making their work their identity, why would they be so uneasy about people funding GOD’s work? Perhaps they see their work as THEIRS – THEIR work and not God’s. Selah.
There is a big difference between those in ministry who are in it for the money (2 Peter 2:1-3) and those who simply and humbly receive the money given by God’s people to do HIS work. Ultimately, the work of God is God’s work, not man’s. The LORD simply uses the men He calls out and prepares as instruments in His work (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5; 3:6-9; 9:1-14, etc.).
Isn’t it interesting that Judas was a thief, the betrayer of the Son of God, and as such He misdirected, misappropriated those funds? So, Judas took from our LORD’s Gospel work. Seems to me that those attempting to hinder God’s people from giving to His work as he commanded them to do, are stealing from them and from Christ and cheating them out of blessings God intends to give them.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Clearly, to hinder someone from giving to Jesus’ work is to deprive them of the associated divine blessings.
Flash Point: God has no will, desire, directive, or command for His people that does not come with a divine blessing attached to it! (Psalms 68:19; 103:2; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.) How is God going to release that blessing to His people if there’s no ability to meet that condition? If there’s no way for them to fulfill it?
Some will even take Matthew 10:8 our of context. They will declare “Freely ye have received, freely give.” So, in this they are saying that we only give. We don’t receive but we only give. But if we haven’t received, if we don’t possess something, how can we give it out? Please tell us which comes first in this verse (Matthew 10:8 above) – receiving or giving? Receiving. One has to receive in order to “have to give”, right? Right (Ephesians 4:28).
“This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare (carried) what was put therein.” John 12:6
Also, remember that “Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury”… So if having a place people could give was a sin, was wrong, WHY did Jesus not tell us so right here? After all, the unchanging Son of God is in the place where the people of God gather and He’s specifically sitting and watching how people gave. If allowing people to give to GOD’s work, not man’s, is wrong, is a sin, then Jesus Christ was participating in sin by not stopping it. Read Mark 12:41-44.
Where does Jesus sit in our midst?
What does Jesus watch for?
Jesus is watching how we are stewarding His resources. He watches what percentage we give to His work and ouT of which heart (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
The proof that God is working in our lives, that we are truly following Jesus, is that we are becoming less and less vested in this fleeting, fallen world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). And that we, our good works and giving are more and more invested in eternity – in the eternal kingdom of Christ, laying up treasures in Heaven, sending them before us for us, relinquishing the things of this world and putting them to work for the eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ – for saints to be built up and the lost to hear the Word of God! (Matthew 6:19-21)
The LORD incentivizes His people to sow bountifully and yet it must be done out of the right heart. The LORD loves it when we give hilariously – worshipfully with exuberant thanksgiving and joy as He gives into our hands.
“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
Ministry Today at the Local Market in Mexico [podcast]
From brother Juan:
“Glory to God, brother! We know that the Word of God is not imprisoned. Jeremiah was in the prison courtyard, and God said, ‘Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.’ And we know that the word of God never returns empty; it always fulfills its purpose, brother. So we fully trust that God will do the work to expand His kingdom for His honor and glory. To Him be all the honor, brother. Blessings.” Juan
More Good News! Mission Mexico Part 42
IF YOU SAINTS WEREN’T SO FAITHFUL TO JESUS, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING….. So while going to bring a good supply of food and household essentials to Clara and her boys, by divine ordination I tracked and spoke God’s Word to a Holy Spirit filled sister in Christ. Her name is Maria La Luz. She eagerly took about 100 or more JESUS tracts with her to distribute! That’s how Mexican people are. If they have something good to give, they give it! Boom. Oh, and Maria LaLuz and I are in touch by phone so she will be letting […]
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
“I know so many who are so deceived by this book!! The author is a woman and she makes Jesus sound like your boyfriend who is so in love with you he can’t bare a minute without you! It is sickening! Plus she says the Bible was not enough for her. She needed more. This author died and if she did repent of her blasphemy against a holy God she is burning in hell as we speak. There are not two Jesus’s! This book presents a weak, tolerant of all your sin, pathetic, spineless ‘Jesus.’ This false ‘Jesus’ just sits in heaven google-eyed over you and how much He can’t live one minute without you in His presence! This is opposite of the fierce Christ who calls out sin and hypocrisy, who took a whip to the money changers and flipped over tables in righteous anger! Mathew 23 shows us some of the most severe rebukes in all the New Testament. This is the Jesus true disciples chose to follow! May this new documentary open the eyes of many so-called Christians to how demonic and evil this book is.” Karen Cochran
BEWARE of the Jesus Calling devotional book which is written by a full blown heretic, Sarah Young. This book continually assures things to lost souls (catholics, etc.) reserved only for the true Christian. It promises salvation, assurance, grace, mercy, the glory of God, etc to lost hell bound idolatrous sinners. Like antichrist Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life book, Jesus Calling never calls sinners to repent which is a Gospel essential and without which God will never save any soul from sin and hell (Luke 13:3, 5). You will never hear Jesus’ born again commanded or command to repent in this heretical devotional book title Jesus Calling. This monstrosity simply confirms sinners in their sin, sealing their doom in the lake of fire (Jeremiah 23:17; Lamentations 2:14, etc.).
Sarah Young is just another self-willed false prophet who does “ministry” her way, not God’s, in order to sell books and to mislead eternal souls into eternal damnation.
The blessings of God in Christ’s salvation are reserved only for those born again “in Christ,” and never for hell bound religious idolaters (John 15:7; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:1-4, etc.).
Stacy Strother writes:
“Her subtly, deceptive, doctrinally corrupt fairy tale version of what she calls bible studies for all the different ages of people, including children’s bible studies, teen and other, are found in the book stores—shelves filled full.
She is deceived, a false witness, False bible teacher, and has not heard from our Jesus—the Christ, Son of the living God, of which, is the very Word of God.
She hears from demons. Period! She needs to REPENT, and be born again! Please Lord Jesus, help her see her own demise!”
About That Jesus Calling – 10 Things You Might Not Know
ARE you seeking to experience God OR to KNOW HIM? (John 17:3)
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
by Lighthouse Trails Editors
1. Did you know that Sarah Young says she had been inspired by the “Jesus” of a book called God Calling?
2. Did you know that Christian publisher Harvest House’s book TheEncyclopedia of New Age Beliefs says that God Calling is an example of a channeled New Age book “replete with denials of biblical teaching”?1
3. Did you know that the “Jesus” of God Calling teaches that God is “in” everyone?
4. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the Jesus of the Bible?
5. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling rejects the Jesus of the Bible’s warnings about the future and tells us to “laugh” at the future?
6. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling frequently flatters his followers, which contrasts the way Jesus Christ spoke to people?
7. Did you know that Sarah Young’s “Jesus” revises the night that Jesus Christ was born and calls it a “dark night” in a “filthy stable” in “appalling conditions” even though the Bible says the shepherds rejoiced in all that they had seen that night? 2
8. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling revises the accounts of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph of the Bible?
9. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling encourages his followers to practice contemplative “listening” prayer and to have a “buffer zone of silence” with no warning about seducing spirits?3
10. Did you know that the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling emphasizes New Age terms and concepts throughout the book?
The 10 points above have been taken from Warren B. Smith’s new book, “Another Jesus” Calling. This book provides valuable information that can help you warn your family and friends how the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the biblical Jesus.
Notes:
1. John Ankerberg & John Weldon, Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1996), p. 103.
2. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, p. 376.
3. Jesus Calling, June 15th entry
FEEDBACK:
“Solid Biblical refutation of the “New Age ” nonsense passing itself off as the latest thing God is doing. In our area a number of Churches have embraced this and other similar material with no discernment to the un-biblical nature of this drivel. Thank God for Warren B. Smith and others who provide an inestimable service to the Body of Christ as “watchmen on the wall.” Pastor Tom, West Harrison NY”
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” Romans 1:4 Chapter 1-16 Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience […]
How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]
Only God knows the future. Law of probability and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies: Odds of the 332 prophecies of the prophets concerning the coming Messiah, given hundreds of years prior to His arrival coming true are: 8,749,002,899,132,046,697,490,008,908,470,485,461,412,622,723,572,849,745,… 703,082,425,425,639,811,996,797,503,692,894,052,708,092,215,296 to 1 Fact: Only the Almighty could know the future and forthtell it in specific detail, long before it ever happened. THIS is how we know that the Bible is truly the Word of the one true God and that all other so-called “holy books” are frauds. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark […]
Jesus vs The Pope, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, and Ellen White [podcast]
*CORRECTION: Ellen White was the false prophet of the SDA (Seventh Day Adventists) and not the JW (Jehovah’s Witness) cult. Both the Seventh-day Adventists and the Jehovah’s Witnesses grew out of the Adventist movement of the 19th century, the Seventh-day Adventists specifically through the Millerites. Both still cults. Jesus Christ founded the Christian faith. The kingdom of Christ is revealed in the Bible which is the only divinely inspired holy Book on the planet and we know that because only God could know “the end from the beginning” which is something He declares and demonstrates in His Word (Isaiah 46:9-10). […]
What should be our view of and responsibility to God-ordained civil authorities?
In light of these truths, it seems wise to remove oneself and family from the country, state, or local jurisdiction that is not punishing evildoers as God has ordained.
CRUSHING AND SEPARATING EVIL DOERS FROM THE GOOD PEOPLE IS GOD’S ORDAINED DUTY AND WILL FOR CIVIL AUTHORITIES TO CARRY OUT.
“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26
A king or civil servant, ruler will destroy the wicked, he will truck them, he will crush them! Read the above verse again.
“The phrase ‘bringeth the wheel over them’ comes from Proverbs 20:26. It refers to the act of a wise king punishing or dealing with the wicked, particularly through the process of threshing (separating the good from the bad). The ‘wheel’ imagery suggests a thorough and often harsh application of this punishment.”
“Proverbs 20:26: Bringeth the wheel over them – He threshes them in his anger, as the wheel does the grain on the threshing-floor. Every one knows that grain was separated from its husks, in Palestine, by the feet of the oxen trampling among the sheaves, or bringing a rough-shod wheel over them. Asiatic kings often threshed their people, to bring out their property; but this is not what is intended here.” Adam Clarke
God ordained civil authorities to punish EVIL DOERS and not the good people! Any civil authority, whether an individual or the whole governmental system that punishes the good people, that weaponizes the system to destroy lawful, law abiding citizens, should be replaced. The framers of our Constitution actually set that in place.
God bless our Constitutionally abiding law enforcement which God ordains in order to punish evil doers. “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF EVILDOERS, and for the praise of them that do well.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 17:15
Read Romans 13 and notice…. Civil Rulers, including the Police, are ordained of God to punish those who do evil. They are His “ministers.” A few bad cops doesn’t change this fact. Oh, and notice how criminals all go to hell—“damnation.”
Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:12-14 …. whenever government isn’t punishing evil doers, and instead, turns and punishes well doers, that government is the antitheses, the opposite of what God ordained civil government for and should be abolished.
Submission to the Authorities
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Fulfilling the Law Through Love 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13
Truth: This priesthood of fake pastors bowed to Satan long ago. They are antichrists who bought into and even defend Satan’s fake “bibles” and teach heresies such as eternal security, etc.
Submission to civil authority has its limits and is contingent upon those authorities who are punishing evil doers and not having become the evil doers who then turn and punish the righteous.
Submission to Authority
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” 1 Peter 2:13-14
Jesus died. He shed His precious blood to redeem His people “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18). It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.
The Purpose, Limits, and Blessing of Civil Government
WHO ELSE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS DAY? “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 There […]
The Golden Rule Life: What's that Really Mean? [podcast]
Thinking, Knowing, Applying, and Doing the Golden Rule of Jesus Golden Rule living is the only way to live in glorification of our Maker. Spread this word. God calls you, yes you – to love Him supremely and to love your neighbor as you wish to be loved, treated (Matthew 7:12; 22:37-40; Philippians 2:3-5). We must teach ourselves, our children and those around us the Golden Rule. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Jesus is coming. “Golden Rule, […]
by Lighthouse Trails Editors
The 10 points above have been taken from Warren B. Smith’s new book, “Another Jesus” Calling. This book provides valuable information that can help you warn your family and friends how the “Jesus” of Jesus Calling contradicts the biblical Jesus.
