GOD'S KINGDOM ECONOMIC
Our future potential threatens the enemy...
It has been said, "The devil is more threatens by what we have the potential of doing in the future then what we may be doing in the present. This is why the spiritual attack from the enemy in our lives is proportionate to the threat we pose to the enemy vis-à-vis God's call on our lives.”
The early Church was a threat to Satan’s domain, his reign on earth. The early Church was persecuted not only for proclaiming the gospel of Christ's resurrected but also for applying the Kingdom economic guidelines taught by Jesus to His disciples during His 3 ½ years with them. In Satan’s domain, money is used to control the mass while the rules of good stewardship give freedom.
If we Christians would put into practice these principles of good stewardship now in our lives, it would change the present financial institutions which are controlled by Satan. You will experience its immediate effect in your life and in turn, would be reflected in your community. This is what Satan fears the most, to lose control over the mass. This is why he teaches deceptions within the divided churches, teaching false doctrines to suppress the truth pertaining to God’s Kingdom economy. This is why Satan would do everything to stop you from applying them.
This is what Satan does not want you to know and what he does not want you to apply.
Immediately after Jesus’ teaching on the parable of the lost son to His disciples in (Luke 15:11), He went on teaching the parable of the unjust steward. I think that it is significant. The older brother was angry toward his younger brother who returned after spending his inheritance to usury only to find his father welcome him back with a feast. The father was glad and celebrated his return. Is that the end of it? No, we learned that the younger son would not be reinstated at the same level of stewardship as his older brother.
“And he (the father) said to him (the older son), ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found,’” Luke 15:31-32.“All that I have is yours,”... meaning that the older son owns his father’s entire domain. His brother would receive none of his father's inheritance.
Some Christians have the assumption that God rewards His children equally since He loves us all equally. This is not so! God is a God of justice and love. God is NOT a socialist, and there is no partiality with Him.
“And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him,” Ephesians 6:9.First, soon after our resurrection, we are all going to be judged for the choices made throughout our lives, the good and the bad works will be judged and rewarded accordingly. (Acts 10:42, 2 Timothy 4:1).
Here is one area of God’s judging authority:
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:8.
This special crown of righteousness that Paul is describing is for those who are anticipating Jesus' return. They are the one who depends completely on the act of mercy and grace and understands that they will never measure up. Their desire is for the day when they can no longer sin.
They are watchful for the signs of His return. They pray diligently for His soon return, “Let Thy Kingdom Come”. If you are not looking forward to His return, and mindful of His signs, this crown will not be your reward. Additionally, you will be caught by surprise at Jesus appearance;
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief,” 1 Thessalonians 5:4
Salvation is available equally to every soul, no matter how sinful one might be as written in (Romans 3:23, and John 3:16). It is available to the whole world and to whoever believes in the Son of God no matter when received in their lifetime. In the book of Matthew in Chapter 20 verses 1-16, this parable represents working in the vineyard as going through life after receiving salvation as agreed. Those called early have bear the responsibility of harvesting under the heat of the day, the life challenge of a Christian’s life, (2 Cor 4:8). Those called late received the same gift, eternal life who bear fewer burdens.
Verse 16, Jesus’ statement “So the last will be first, and the first last,” reflects Jesus’ righteous judgement toward those who received salvation at the end of their life. Take for instance the example of the criminal crucified adjacent to Jesus in the book of Luke chapter 23, verse 42, who confessed that Jesus is Lord and believed Jesus' testimony of the resurrection day, (Romans 10:9). It is Jesus' way of saying that it doesn’t matter when you believed and accepted Jesus as Lord in your life, you receive the same wage as anybody else who has believed whenever during their lifetime - which is eternal life, (Eph 2:8-9). If you think that Jesus is unfair as accused by the labourers called to work early in the vineyard, take the argument to our Lord. After all, He makes the rules, (1 Sam 3:18, and the whole book of Job).
Verse 16, Jesus’ statement “So the last will be first, and the first last,” reflects Jesus’ righteous judgement toward those who received salvation at the end of their life. Take for instance the example of the criminal crucified adjacent to Jesus in the book of Luke chapter 23, verse 42, who confessed that Jesus is Lord and believed Jesus' testimony of the resurrection day, (Romans 10:9). It is Jesus' way of saying that it doesn’t matter when you believed and accepted Jesus as Lord in your life, you receive the same wage as anybody else who has believed whenever during their lifetime - which is eternal life, (Eph 2:8-9). If you think that Jesus is unfair as accused by the labourers called to work early in the vineyard, take the argument to our Lord. After all, He makes the rules, (1 Sam 3:18, and the whole book of Job).
Although by grace we are all saved, by Jesus’ work on the cross, we will be judged accordingly for all our works done for Him, (Ephesians 2:10). We will receive either praise for the good work done for Jesus or disapproval for the work that you thought was for Jesus but was not:
“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward,” 1 Corinthians 3:9-14.
Paul explained that once saved on the foundation of Jesus, we would be given accountability for the kind of works, which was added to His foundation. It is easy to understand now why the younger son, in the parable of the lost son, had not been reinstated at the same level of stewardship as his older brother. His works were tested and destroyed by fire yet he is still part of the family. Our works are also been tested. In (1 Corinthians 3:9-14), Paul writes about receiving rewards for the works we did for Jesus. In our lives, work not for Jesus is destroyed by fire. We are still part of the family of God, but we are not receiving the same level of governance as a reward. You can’t blame your minister or say that you did what you were told. Everybody will be accountability for his/her work and rewarded accordingly.
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God,” Romans 14:12.
It is so important that you test all things, by questioning all that is being taught to you, (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1). There is no excuse. We have the Bible available to cross-reference any minister’s teaching. We do not live in the Dark Ages when a church had control over its followers by teaching the doctrine of man instead. You will be given accountability with no one to represent you. Jesus warned us not to be deceived, (Matthew 24:5). There are so many who choose to stay with a church that teaches the doctrine of men just because it is the traditional church of their youth. Test all teaching, (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1). Judgement is worst when told to you and you do not heed His instruction just because it was not popular to do so. Do you get it?
In (Romans 14:12), Paul is talking to believers in Rome; therefore, Paul is not teaching about salvation, but about receiving rewards. Paul using the Olympics as an analogy, explained to the Corinthians that once they qualified to run, they ran to win a medal. Jesus is the one who qualified us to take part in the race through believing in His death and resurrection; therefore, we do not run to receive salvation but rewards, medals, and crowns.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown,” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown,” Revelation 3:11.
Earning crowns has nothing to do with keeping salvation. You could lose your crown but never your salvation. Have no fear of losing your salvation as some do. That is very unfortunate that so many fear losing it. Backsliding is false theology.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand,” John 10:27-29.
“they shall never perish” means “never”. If you do not believe that Jesus and the Father are responsible for keeping you from perishing even when you fall back into your old habit, you are making a liar out of Jesus. Either you’re saved, or you are not. However, once saved you’re always saved. Fearing losing your salvation and working to keep it is dead work. That is not good stewardship.
In this commentary, we will learn the rule of stewardship for the purpose of receiving rewards and crowns, which is a position of governance. In the parable of the talent, (Matthew 25:14-30), God rewards the stewardship of those who have received a different measure of faith and in return added to it. You can read about it in my commentary title, “Faith Applied Is Faith Invested”
In the Bible, we can identify five crowns in total. The Everlasting Crown (Victory) in (1 Cor 9:25), the Crown of the Soul Winner in (Phil 4:1 and 1 Thes 2:19), the Crown of Righteousness in (2 Tim 4:8) in which I just described, the Crown of Life in (Jas 1:12 and Rev 2:10), and the Crown of Glory in (1 Peter 5:4). These crowns are awarded to us at the Bema Seat judgment “judgment seat” that follows the Rapture.
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name,” Revelation 3:11-12.
Look at the BIG picture: we are to reign with Jesus for eternity. In (Exodus 13:21-22), a pillar is the symbol of God's righteous authority and leadership. God leads His people Israel through the wilderness as a pillar of fire by night and of clouds by day. Those who are steadfast in obedience to God’s words and instructions, like Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel and many more show a good example of Godly leadership, Psalm 99. They were not born leaders, they were taught, and prepared by God for His purpose. That is our destiny, and our inheritance, to become kings and priests. The Church is a pillar, (1 Timothy 3:15). Salvation is only the beginning of a wonderful life of ruling the earth with Jesus for a thousand years followed by an eternal reign in the presence of our Father on a New Earth, (Rev 21:1-4). As it is written:
“and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen,” Revelation 1:6.
“And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth,” Revelation 5:10.
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” James 2:5.
The one thousand years reign with Jesus, Kings of kings, on earth is only the beginning. Our destiny is to reign over God’s dominion for Eternity. That is the intent of the parable of the unjust steward. It is to prepare our minds now for our inheritance. In Jesus' own words, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand,” meaning set your mind on what is coming.
The Rules Of Stewardship – A Way Of Life To True Riches
Lessons Of The Parable of the Unjust Steward - Luke 16
He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
This steward has his hand caught in the cookie jar that didn’t belong to him. He was probably claiming personal expenses over what he was allocated. Therefore, the rich man asked the steward to justify his expenses before the termination of his position. Now, that gave the steward time to plan for his future.
3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’
The plan was to take advantage of the time left to falsify the master account book while he has still access to it. His scheme was about reducing the debts from the master debtors; in return, the debtors would give credit to him in a different form of reimbursement.
5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
The reaction of the master surprised me; he admired the steward. Jesus' teaching doesn’t help either, it made it somewhat difficult to comprehend the benefit of being honest when someone is complimented for being dishonest.
8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly.
Not only did the master compliment the steward but Jesus made a comparison between the steward and Christians. The steward is smarter, sharper, more astute, and wiser than most Christians are.
For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.
Jesus points out that seculars act more shrewdly in this world than the sons of light (Christians) have toward the Kingdom of God. Most Christians act indifferently toward the Kingdom of God to come. The secular concentrates all their energies on leaving a legacy in their lifetime, while Christians waste their time and energy not seeking God’s rewards, which is a position of governance in the coming Kingdom of God. Christians are not preparing for it. Worst, most Christians act no differently than the secular. Most Christians are caught up in the cares of this world, (Matthew 13:22). The main reason for their lack of interest toward the kingdom of God is ignorance, (Hosea 4:6). Very few denominations teach about the coming Kingdom of God and its rewards.
In (1 Corinthians 3:9), Paul explained; “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building,” workers meaning stewards, field meaning the Church (parable of the tares), and building meaning the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. As a steward, He entrusts us with the position of guardian over all His sphere of influence, spiritually and materially.
That is why I find it so sad when I see Christians wasting their lifetime working for their salvation, not understanding that Jesus did all the works of salvation on the cross once and for all time. The Roman Catholic Church clergies and many protestant denominations alike keep their followers uninformed and in a state of repentance at all times, in the fear of losing salvation, which is unprofitable work.
Moreover, it is sad to see Christians living in meaningless secular conditions for treasures on earth. The first thing you know is that we are caught up in the care of this world with all its frustrations. It is very unfruitful. I have my fair share of experiencing anxiety due to financial downfall.
“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful,” Matthew 13:22.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Matthew 6:19-21.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you,” Matthew 6:33.
Jesus proceeds in teaching the principles which are to be applied for good stewardship so that we may qualify for a level of governance in heaven. Some man-made principles have snuck into the Church. You would be surprised to see that tithing is one of them, a man-made false doctrine, part of the prosperity gospel scheme and scam. Tithing has everything to do with indulgences, which is a process used to accumulate wealth by many protestant institutions. No one can buy God’s gift of eternal life, it is given freely to whoever believes in the Son of God, whose name is Jesus of Nazareth. No one can use their money to appease God like pagan does toward his or her gods. No one can use their money to buy favours from God either.
*The rule of good stewardship is what our Lord had appointed the Church to obey and that is what I will share with you.
First principle:
“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home,” Luke 16:9.
In the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), we read it in this matter:
“Now what I say to you is this: use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it gives out, you may be welcomed into the eternal home,” Luke 16:9.
I want to take the time to point out the reason I use different bible versions at some points. The New King James, it is full of * special notes to further give it a correct interpretation. In the verse, the New King James stipulates “that when you fail” the “you” should be “it” instead and should be read “that when it fails”. As a result, I use CJB to confirm its interpretation. The Greek version is ἐκλίπῃ, 3rd Person Singular; in English, it is translated, as ‘it’ fails.
The eternal home or the everlasting home is heaven, the Kingdom of God. Remember when we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come”, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. God’s kingdom is in heaven and we pray that it would be established here on earth. When does the mammon fail? It is when you die. You cannot bring your wealth into the kingdom of God.
Jesus instructs us to use anything and everything we own to make friends, not necessarily with money alone. Mammon, worldly wealth, is whatever belongs to you, share it, give it away. Make friends with it. Yes, Jesus is saying that you can buy friendship. The only condition is not to expect to receive it back now on Earth. Let Jesus explain it further:
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil,” Luke 6:32-35.
Jesus is very specific; give, and lend to your enemies, the ones that you do not love or like. Give, and lend to those people that we treat and look at as enemies. They are the ones that we look at with prejudice. They are anyone that we dislike. In our outward appearance, we act as if we have no prejudice, but in our hearts and minds, we do. Our tongue gave us away.
“Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away,” Matthew 5:42.
So many Christians are holding on to their wealth with dear life. Why? It is simply because we do not trust God and do not take Jesus' words seriously. Let us be honest with ourselves. We don’t trust God. We teach our children to share their toys with others but we ourselves don’t set the example.
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (Treasures in heaven).
Remember the foundation built by Jesus in (1 Corinthians 3:9-14, 1 Timothy 6,) Timothy is giving instruction on how to build on it. Let us admit our weakness of not trusting God. Keep reading (Proverbs 3:5-6) over and over again. Grow in faith. Do you get it?
No matter how rich or poor we are, God instructs us to share our wealth, no matter how small or how big it might be. God instructs Isaiah to testify to the Israelites who were giving more importance in the act of fasting than to share their wealth:
6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:To loose the bonds of wickedness,To undo the heavy burdens,To let the oppressed go free,And that you break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;When you see the naked, that you cover him,And not hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,Your healing shall spring forth speedily,And your righteousness shall go before you;The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’“If you take away the yoke from your midst,The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,10 If you extend your soul to the hungryAnd satisfy the afflicted soul,Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,And your darkness shall be as the noonday.” Isaiah 58:6-10
Christians, do you get the point?
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world,” James 1:27.
We act like Christians by going to church and giving a tithe. However, do we apply Jesus teaching? In (Isaiah 58), God views tithing in the same deceptive category as fasting. We miss the boat altogether especially those who diligently tithe to churches. Tithing to sustain a building and the salary of a captain, a pastor, a minister, or a priest is not ordained by Jesus. It takes away your freedom to give to those who are in need, especially to the needs of your immediate family, your children, your father and mother, your relatives who are in need, aunts and uncles in need, your close Christians friends, orphans, widows and anyone else who need assistance. The need for the children is not about spoiling them with toys, and to give whatever their heart desires. It is sad to see a parent surrendering to a temper tantrum for a child's wishes. It is time that parent teach these same principles of stewardship to their children. Prepare them for an adult life of responsibility as God is preparing us to reign with Him.
“Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,And honor Me with their lips,But their heart is far from Me.9 And in vain they worship Me,Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:1-9
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth,” Ephesians 6:2-3.
“Honor your father and mother,” is not about being nice and respectful toward our parents. It is about taking care of them in old age when they retire. In our Western industrial society, this commandment is not implemented by many Christians and is not taught by the Church. In our Western society, old people receive a pension from the government and subsidies to live-in residents who take care of them. In Canada, the Federal Government and the provincial government are the ones that honour their father and mother, not the family members. On rare occasions do parents live with the family. It is sad because children won’t benefit from their grandparents' influence over them.
Now, the scribes and Pharisees allowed an exemption to those with a father and mother. The money was given to the scribes and Pharisees, representative of God’s authority. Jesus is very clear, it is wrong. Man’s tradition does not supersede God’s law. How many needs are neglected like the poor and the family because of the tithing ordinance that is imposed by churches on their members? Many ministries are asking their member to hand over their estate to them in their Wills. It is called Estate Planning Commercial. These ministries encourage you and your members to honour God through their estate plan so that it could have a lasting impact on the lives of countless souls, so they say. This is the same fraud used by scribes and Pharisees, (Matthew 15:1-9). Your estate should be going to your family first and foremost.
The Church is not under the Mosaic covenant, therefore, tithing is not mandatory. It is a lie to teach tithing as part of God’s law to the Church. The Holy Spirit abides in us, and not in a building. Where is your reward if you give money to a minister to do all the work on your behalf, while you know of someone who needs assistance? Tithing is dead work.
Tithing is done away as explained in Hebrews 7:18-19:
18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Does tithing bring you closer to God? It does make someone proud to walk into a beautiful building made possible through someone's faithful tithe. Is this profitable work when the need for those in your family and someone in your community is ignored? We tend to close our eyes toward the poor since we justify that we did our part in fulfilling God’s commandment by tithing.
“And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:23.
Think about this; Throughout all your Christian life you were told that you were doing God’s will only to be told by Jesus Himself that it was all dead works, unprofitable. What’s worse? There are Christians who believe that they are saved, yet are not. They believe in the watered-down gospel or in the heavy-burden work gospel. They never question what they were taught. False gospel like those presented by members of the Mormon, the Jehovah's Witness, the Roman Catholic Church and many more. Read your Bible! Take Jesus by His words.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” Proverbs 9:10.That is what motivates me, fear. I do my research studying Jesus' teaching to His disciples. After all, He taught His disciples for three and a half years plus 40 days after His resurrection, pertaining to the kingdom of God. His teaching supersedes all men’s teachings and traditions.
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,” Acts 1:1-3.
Those who teach that tithing is mandatory have deceived you. It is a tradition of man; therefore, you are under a curse. You testified that since you tithed, only blessing have you received. Satan is the one that deceived you not God. God’s word teaches that you are under a curse.
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” Galatians 3:13.
“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever,” Hebrews 7:26-28.
The Levi priesthood is done away; therefore, tithing is done away also. Jesus asked Peter,
“From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free," Matthew 17:25-26
We are sons of God, therefore free from tithing... However, the commandment of sharing your wealth was never abolished. Much more is expected from you as Jesus taught. It is part of being a good steward. As a steward, you will grow in faith and responsibility. There will be some circumstances in life where you will likely give much more than you would in tithing.
Nevertheless, it is important that you use discernment.
“Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away,” Matthew 5:42.
Stay away from all TV evangelists. Be cautious of Web sites with a ‘donation button’, which entails you to give “ if you are led by the Holy Spirit.” Stay away from any ministries of any kind and anyone asking for money claiming that in return God will fulfill your unanswered prayers, especially healing. You cannot buy a favour from God. There is a reason God doesn’t answer your prayers.
“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up,” 1 Peter 5:6.
Stop sinning and repent. Unconfessed sin hinders your relationship with God. Blessing is being held back.
Please use discernment. When Jesus instructs us to give to him who asks and from him who wants to borrow from us, it is to those who are directly involved in our lives. Your community is where you shine as a light, a witness of Jesus' instruction. Part of the Church's new covenant is "Freely you have received, freely give," Matthew 10:8b.
“Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. “And everyone knows that the more important person always blesses the less important person”,” Hebrews 7:7
There are exceptions to give to those who live in a far community such as described in (Romans 15:26).
“For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem,” Romans 15:26.
The saints mention in Romans 15:26, are not ministries, but rather poor Christians.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem,” 1 Corinthians 16:1-3.
Unfortunately, today the clergies will use this verse in context with tithing each Sunday. In this circumstance, Paul was giving instructions on how to go about collecting donations that the Corinthians agreed in order to support the poor saints in Jerusalem.
“And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have, 2 Corinthians 8:10-11.
The Corinthian heard about the misery and living conditions of the saints in Jerusalem. Saint is a term used for believers in Christ, Christians. The Corinthians were eager to help. They did not know how to go about doing so, therefore, Paul gave them instructions. This was a free and willing donation, not to be a weekly obligation. Paul gave an example of this free will to give through the generosity of the Macedonians:
“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well,” 2 Corinthians 8:1-6.
The Macedonians desired to give assistance to the poor saints in Jerusalem and asked Paul to administer the offering. What a wonderful example of stewardship they gave. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians gave instructions in what manner of preparedness the collection was to be taken.
“Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation,” 2 Corinthians 9:5.
Some will say, “But we need to assemble, a place to worship” and would quote (Hebrews 10:24-25):
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
They are right to say so. Christian Jews met in synagogues until Jews rejected them. Then they met as the Gentile Christians did; they gathered in someone’s home or public place. My advice for today's Christians who want to assemble... rent a building. The support through finance for a full-time clergy, a building, and living quarters is dead works and will be burned.
Next principle
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much,” Luke 16:10.
In the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) we read it this way:
“Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things. Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too,” Luke 16:10.
In the parable of the unjust steward, the rich man although he complimented the steward's action as shrewd, fired the steward. The steward could not be trusted anymore. There was a time when you could prove yourself to be trusted in a junior position in a company; the manager would more likely promote you to a higher position. Trust must be built upon. In today’s businesses, education and a good portfolio take precedence over integrity. Let us take it to a more personal level. Are you honest in all aspects of your finances? When no one is watching, God is watching. Your Kingdom master is looking at you and writing everything in a book. Can God trust you to manage His Kingdom?
“Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” Luke 16: 11-12
In the kingdom of God, one receives true riches. Now that you are aware of the purpose of a Christian’s life, which is to prepare yourself to reign with Jesus, would you not be more conscious of your activities here on earth? One day, God will appoint you to what is your own, in a position of responsibility to govern in His domain. Your destiny is not to play a musical instrument on a cloud. What is being prepared for us is an unimaginable and grandiose future.
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” Matthew 25:34.
The origin of the word mansion is "the chief residence of a lord." Keep in mind; that Jesus is the King of kings. Are you faithful and honest to what belongs to another person? Do you return what you borrowed from your friends? Do you faithfully pay your rent, mortgage, and taxes at all levels? Do you return an item from the grocery store that you omit to pay for? What motivates you, the fear of being caught, or the desire to do what is right? Can God trust you with His domain? Who will give you what ought to belong to you? God will. You have an inheritance being prepared for you in heaven. The level of governance that you will inherit depends on how you manage what God has given you to oversee here on earth.
Next principle:
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon,” Luke 16:13.
The mammon, wealth belongs to God. When you serve mammon it means that you work for money, to gain wealth to satisfy your desire. It will only fulfill your immediate want. If not met, it brings frustration and discontent. If your goal on earth is to obtain wealth, to be like the Jones, you will never be satisfied. So many have built a legacy to be or trying to be remembered by, nonetheless is forgotten. Someone comments at a funeral home that the deceased was a hard worker and died a millionaire. He was wrong, the deceased died just like a poor with nothing in his grave. Do you get my point? Focus on serving God. Work for God, not for money. Surrender all your belonging to Him, by recognizing that they are His after all. Work for Him the owner of mammon; do not work for mammon alone.
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him,” Colossians 1:16.
“You cannot serve God and mammon”. All mammon was created for Him, therefore, serve Him. Look at the example of Joseph and Daniel. They all started as junior positions, by obeying God’s principles. Joseph ends up serving the Pharaoh, and Daniel ends up serving King Nebuchadnezzar. Both were greatly rewarded. Love God with all you have by recognizing that it is not yours after all but His. It is God to give and it is to God to take it back, (Job 1:20).
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
“Do all things without complaining and disputing,” Philippians 2:14.
This last instruction is especially a tough one for me, and I bet that I am not the only one.
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” Colossians 3:17.
In (Luke 16:13), “No servant can serve two masters” is not only about loving money more than God. Being financially successful is not sinful. It is about being a steward of God’s property. Everything belongs to God. Everything! He is the one who sustains all life, all living beings. Your own soul belongs to God. You are the one who decides who you want to serve for eternity. When we accept Jesus as our saviour, we change masters. Satan was our old master, and his motto was “They must not believe.” The Big Bang Theory is Satan’s lie so that no one would acknowledge that God is the Creator and provider of all things.
“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:22-24.
Now Jesus is our master. Every material object, our house, our clothes, our food, our jobs, all belongs to God. Basically, we are stewards of all that He gave us. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, (Haggai 2:8). Even our debts belong to God. Somebody else belonging that we manage also belongs to God. “And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16: 11-12). When you are in debt to the bank, you are in debt to God. A bondservant is today’s employee. You are to work for your employer as if you were working for God. In reality, you are working for God and you will be rewarded. Are you shrewd like the unfaithful steward or are you faithful and honest even through tough times? Integrity is a character; the character has to do with doing what is right in any given circumstance even when nobody would know you have done wrong.
It is not only about honesty, but it is also about your state of mind. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches), is understanding that God invites you to serve Him by looking after His possessions and to enjoy them by doing so. You do all things with Him, for him and receive in return rewards in heaven and on earth, now.
Lessons To Apply
Jesus and the Rich Man of (Mark 10:17-22) is an example of living under these principles:
“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
At the time of this lesson, the rich man was under the Mosaic Law. Observing the Law of Moses was essential to obtain eternal life. It was impossible to keep them at all times, therefore the Leviticus priesthood ritual sacrifices were required to pay for the penalty of sins. Today Jesus had fulfilled that requirement for the last time at His death at the cross.
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Jesus was asking the rich man to acknowledge that all things belong to God by giving it to the poor. At that time, the presence of the Holy Spirit to understand was not with the disciples yet. The young man was at a loss of understanding. He thought, for himself that he could have been a good financial resource for spreading the gospel, he was rich. He could help in the funding of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus surprised him by telling him that He didn’t need the young man’s money and influence. Remember that with wealth also comes influence in high places, (Acts 16:14-15, 40). Jesus did not totally turn him down. Jesus would gladly accept him as a disciple. The rich young man had proven good stewardship. Jesus made the invitation to sell all he has for true riches in heaven. Without God’s Holy Spirit, the young man couldn’t understand, and neither did the disciples.
“Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,
30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life,” Mark 10:23-30.
“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches (mammon) to enter the kingdom of God! It is not impossible but hard to understand, and hard to let go of our way of thinking that we are in control. God is in control because all things belong to God. We trust in riches, but not the provider of the riches; we worship the creation, not the creator. Do you get my point? And the answer to verse 26,“Who then can be saved?”
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life,” John 5:24.
Jesus didn’t say that we were to live a life of poverty. He is saying to let go of controlling your riches as if it was yours in the first place, and you will receive a hundredfold now in this time. Wealth causes some to reject the gift of eternal life. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children are the cause for some to reject the gift of eternal life. I heard a story about parents who received salvation but were threatened with being disowned by their own daughter, therefore rescinding their faith. For some, it would be the fear of losing their job. The gospel changes people. Spouses left their other half because they were not the same person they married after receiving the gospel.
Jesus points out that it is important to let go of your dependence on your mother, your father, your brother, sister and children. Depends on God only. Trust Him. He will never disappoint you. Members of your family are not always dependable and will disappoint you in times of need.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me,” John 14:1.
Accepting our loss by acknowledging that all that we have is God’s, Jesus instructed us that we would receive riches now:
Jesus said, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms because of me and because of the good news, will receive one hundred times as much now in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and farms (with harassment)—and in the coming age, eternal life, Mark 10:29-30, Common English Bible.
Job’s experience is an example of Jesus' lesson that if you let go of everything, you will receive one hundred times as much now in this life.
“Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys,” Job 42:12.
Job lost everything. He lost his sons and daughters that he loved dearly. He was afflicted with a dreadful disease. His distraught wife, who couldn’t understand, coaxed Job to curse God and die. Job loss and affliction were also his wife. She was deeply suffering her loss. The word curse is wrongly interpreted. She did not intend to have Job turned against God by asking Job to speak bad things about God. No! The word curse is actually ‘bless’. Bless God and die, was her intent to start over and married. All neighbouring friends including his own brothers and sisters shunned Job. He had a few friends but without God’s Holy Spirit dwelling in them, they couldn’t encourage him. They couldn’t understand. Job was alone in his affliction. Job couldn’t comprehend what had happened in such little time. He couldn’t rely on anyone for answers. His friend kept reproaching Job for sinning.
There are many at this very instant who are experiencing total loss. You may be one of them right now; you are alone and desperate to make sense of what is happening. If not you, others are suffering and are being ignored. They are the homeless, the elders confined in a special home care facility. They lose their home, and their spouse, and are bed-restricted. No one in their family visits them. No one in the community of Christians encourages them. When visiting them, we are at a loss for words to say anything encouraging. We comfort ourselves by justifying that the government assistance program is taking care of them. Many cities in the United States are shunning the homeless and forbidding handouts from passers-by. We justify our inaction by reasoning that we did our part by giving tithe and offering to a church so that a trained minister has the responsibility to give counsel. Did you know that in hospitals and old age residents, the patient at registration must state which religion and denomination he/she is affiliated with to receive a visit from a clergy? If not, no religious representative will visit them. Is this how we shine our light in a dark world? No wonder that so many seculars are turned off by churchgoers. No wonder we Christians are not blessed and are afflicted with all kinds of troubles.
“For you have the poor with you always,” Matthew 26:11a.
Some will read this verse and conclude that it is out of their hands, and whatever we do, there will always be poor, therefore do nothing. Jesus is testing us. He sent angels disguised as strangers in our lives, unknown persons who will be knocking at the door of our hearts and wallets. Be a light in your community first. Most charitable agencies that make phone calls to receive donations for a particular charitable organization get up to 40% of the collection for services rendered. Turn off your TV, your iPod, and your laptop, for God's sake and go for a walk downtown.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels,” Hebrews 13:2.
There was a time when someone in need would be knocking at your door offering to do a bit of work for food. In most Western nations this practice is forbidden since you are liable if something happens to them, and in some states and provinces, it is against the labour law. Isn’t that sad?
Apply those principles now
Once we receive salvation, accepting Jesus' death on the cross, we need to accept Him as our new Master. We are no longer Satan's slaves. We are God’s stewards. We are to surrender our house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms (your job or business) to Jesus immediately to start receiving the benefit. Let go of controlling your life to reach your personal goal. God knows what will make us happy. As a steward, we manage God’s domain, Jesus’ estate. Some act as if Jesus is their business partner; it is a mistake to view God as such. God is our master, the Boss. Apply His teaching. Apply the same mindset as the early Church; they recognized that everything that they possessed belonged to God.
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common,” Acts 4:32.
Follow Abraham's example. He obeyed God and left everything behind, God blessed him:
“Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things,” Genesis 24:1.
David recognized where all things came from
“Now therefore, our God,We thank YouAnd praise Your glorious name.14 But who am I, and who are my people,That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?For all things come from You,And of Your own we have given You,” 1 Chronicles 29:13-14.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-15) describes “The Cheerful Steward” – Remember, we are to share our wealth:
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad,He has given to the poor;His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
It is sad that many ministries use these verses to defraud their followers into giving generously on the offering plate.
Paul's teachings have nothing to do with tithing. If it is in your heart to give a tithe in the offering, do so by understanding that it is your choice to do so. It could be more it could be less. It is a scam to use these verses to implement tithing doctrine and offerings from Christians. Those who do are lying to Christians are stealing from them. These verses have everything to do with applying the rule of good stewardship and nothing to do with giving to the church. We share all things with the needy within the church and with unbelievers. It serves the purpose of shining our light and confessing the gospel. It is to prepare us for our destiny to reign as kings and priests in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, let us shine in this dark world. If your desire is for renewal and healing for your nation, this is the way according to the rule of good stewardship.
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,” Ephesians 1:11.
“Let all things be done decently and in order,” 1 Corinthians 14:40.
We are God’s stewards. Let us put our minds as such. All that we have has been given to us by God to administer and share. If it is difficult to manage, ask for wisdom, and God will provide an increase.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him,” James 1:5.
Don’t you go to your boss or manager when you face a problem at work? Jesus is instructing you to do the same, go to Him and discuss all things with Him, especially difficulties:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 7:7-12.
Daniel prayed three times a day. I’m sure that he was discussing his function as a ruler over the Babylon kingdom.
In anything you do, which is overwhelming and difficult, ask God in the name of Jesus to help you go through it. Do not allow frustration and disappointment to get the best of you. You are working for a loving boss who will support you and encourage you in all difficulties. It is His responsibility. Consult Him, as you will do in the coming kingdom as king. After all, Jesus is the King of kings.
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” Colossians 3:17.
Start now acting as if you were a king and a priest. Practice managing God’s domain, now, here on earth. The physical universe and heaven are being prepared for us. Jesus is looking forward to sharing all He has with us, His saints at His coming.
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” Galatians 6:6-10.
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” This is an instruction given to support and encourage those who take the time to learn and to teach God’s word. It could be anyone with the gift of prophecies, a teacher and an evangelist. Understand this, we are all responsible for sharing our blessed hope with anyone who asks. It is not restricted to a particular appointed individual to make a living out of spreading the word. If the teacher is in need, help him out. Paul was a teacher yet required little assistance since he had a trade in tent making.
Being a good steward in our community gave us the opportunity to share the gospel when asked.
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching,” 2 Timothy 4:2.
I read about a man who was born in Nottingham, England, on April 10th, 1829, and was baptized in the Church of England a day or two later but did not associate with the church growing up. His childhood was one of extreme poverty. At the age of twelve, he was apprenticed to a pawnbroker in Nottingham. At the age of fifteen, he heard and understood the gospel and became a believer. He loved the Lord and wanted to share the gospel. He has been associated with different churches but became discontent with their restricted policies of whom and where the gospel was to be preached. He went on his own, and his wife to spread the gospel. He followed the example the Apostle Paul found in (2 Corinthians chapter 12). He kept to himself, and his wife of being burdensome to others, verse 9. Wherever they preached, it was not very reputable. At first, they had no desire of founding a new and separate sect and advised their converts to attend any Church they pleased. The converted drunkards, gamblers, thieves and prostitutes, however, either refused to go to any Church or were shown that they were not welcome if they did. That is when they decided to create a new Christian establishment. At first, the Church grew like a wildfire. The poor, the rejected from society, received the good news. Its membership expand worldwide. After his death, the institution became bureaucrat to a point where today its membership has withered out. The gospel no longer reaches the poor, the drunkards, the gamblers, the thieves and the prostitutes. The Church has become like many other churches, which only has an open door policy, where all sinners are invited. There is no more outreach program in the community. It has become no more than a place of worship financially supported by its members.
This man started by applying Jesus' law of good stewardship but failed to teach it to others since he couldn’t understand it. Jesus’ Church was never intended to become an institution. The Church is to consist of believers to represent God’s kingdom here on earth applying Jesus’ teaching of good stewardship. In countries where Christianity is forbidden and persecuted, Christians meet secretly and share all things as the early church did.
“But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God,” John 3:21
In this present economic uncertainty, our position as God’s steward will help to shed light on this dark world. If you don’t find it dark, it is because you are in darkness and are reflecting the Laodicean era attribute, lukewarm.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy,” 1 Timothy 6:17.
“We have the honour of sharing in all that Christ has if we continue until the end to have the sure faith we had in the beginning,” Hebrews 3:14 ERV.
“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth,” Deuteronomy 28:1. `
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor,” Proverbs 22:9.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8.
“Taste and see” means try and apply Jesus' teaching ... take Him by His word. Have we not learned from the experience of God’s people the Israelites? When Joshua and the children of God were faithful to God’s word and His will there were victories. When they abandoned His will in favour of their own genius, there was failure and frustration. It turned for the worst when they turned to other gods. Trust not in my word but trust Jesus’ own words. I shared with you what I need to learn most.
If the believers would apply the rules of good stewardship, our nations would heal. Our government social assistance program would not be used to enslave us.
“Sharing the gospel is important, the where, the when and to who that is where Christians turn out to confuse the most...
“Be ready”.... that is how simple it is.... 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season"... We are not to make a living out of preaching the gospel... be ready for any occasion.... "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear," 1 Peter 3:15
... God is doing the calling...let Him bring them to you.
If all Christians would apply these rules of stewardship, we would shine so much that so many would receive Jesus as their personal Saviour and King. The early church grew like wildfire because of these applied principles. Christians became enemies of the states. Christians were reflecting the kingdom of God on earth, which is religious and political. God’s government is not socialist, communist and neither capitalist. The nation of Israel of the Old Testament failed to live up to God’s commandment and its principles of stewardship. They were to represent God’s kingdom on earth but failed to do so. The church under a new covenant, (Jesus replaced the ritual of forgiving the sins for the last time) instructed us to be light and salt, which means live by the principle of stewardship.
Satan's government is about controlling each individual. He is to keep us enslaved to a system that deprives us of the joy of God’s entire blessing. Satan is preparing his new world order where he would reign supreme. Mammon is used to accomplish his goal. He deceives us by using our lust to satisfy our needs. Sins, not money are the cause of our financial demise and the demise of our nations. Believe and apply Jesus' teaching. Would it not be easier if we went through life by taking Yahushua – Jesus, at His word? Yes, it would!
"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water,” John 7:38.
“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself,” Proverbs 11:25.
Finally, do all things with a humble spirit. Don’t brag. Keep it to yourself. Those you helped will spread your reputation.
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3-4
Do so and start enjoying all of God’s blessing now, forever to eternity and beyond. Share Jesus’ teaching and let us shine in this dark world.
c u @ d rapture.... soon all you kings and priests
I teach best what I need to learn most... where others already have learned and are applying...
Here are 7 reasons television evangelists used for tithing
1 - Tithing and giving offering is God's plan
2 - Tithing and giving offerings is God's plan to finance the local churches and outreaches.
3 - Tithing and giving offerings is God's secret plan to bless his own people.
4 - God's plan is to help you keep him first.
5 - It is God's plan to keep your attention on heaven. Quoting Matt 6:19-21
6 - God's plan is to help you lay up treasures.
7 - It is God's plan for you to participate in world evangelism.
In their conclusion, they always insist that they do not ask for money.
andre@simplicityinthegospel.com
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Thomas
Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com.