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Saturday, August 23, 2008

Paul on Giving vs, "the other" and Accountability

A story in 2004 in the LA Times broke that shows once more how these men and in this case women fall right und the condemnation of those false prophets and teachers coming along even in the time of the Apostle Peter, John ,Paul and the rest. Here is short excerpt from it.

In the LA Times article alone, it was disclosed that Paul Crouch and his wife, Jan Crouch, earn more than $750,000 in salaries and have a collection of luxuries at their disposal, including a TBN-owned jet and some 30 homes across the US. TBN's response:
"Regarding the various real properties mentioned, all are owned by TBN, not Dr. and Mrs. Crouch, and they are used for multiple purposes, including program settings, and temporary housing for network guests, contractors and agents. In addition, such properties represent alternative investment vehicles that provide appreciably better returns then bank CDs, savings accounts, and bond funds, etc. Similarly, TBN's corporate aircraft is only utilized in the course of business. It is not unusual for Dr. Crouch, and employees traveling with him, to visit several different cities and stations over the course of a trip. The plane allows flexibility and effective time management, and avoids the impact of Dr. Crouch's status as a public person."
Are 30 homes, private jets and large salaries a good use of ministry funds? It seems to me that this is a hard-sell to the many people who give to a ministry in good faith, thinking their money is going to further the gospel.
Now there is a need for much truth to be told on the way so many of these anti-Christ bring hatred toward the true light of the Gospel.

How often these so referred as "called minsters" have quoted a portion of Corinthians out of context- specifically the passages found in I Corithians 9:9 -

"We read in the Law of Moses, " Do not muzzle and ox when you are using it to thresh the grain" Now is God concernead about the oxen" He ask a rhetorical question, Didn't he really mean us when he sadi that? Of course that was written for us- referring to the Apostles and none others- he goes on to say some very important things the wise would be good to recall- He says and lets go further so we gain the whole context of what he about to say.

I quote from the New American Standard Bible -

Yea, for our sake it was written:because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking. 11 If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more?

Now none of what he has said are posed as statements of law- like all these false teachers would have you believe- rather he poses questions, we already know from reading other passages how both Peter and Paul warned against these "messenger's of light" that were running about- first off quoting law- forgetting what Paul wrote in Galatians- READ GOD's WORD instead of letting it collect dust on your dashboard in your car or in your home's. Most folks only dust it off for a Sunday morning meeting.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse:for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. 11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident:for, The righteous shall live by faith; 12 and the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

So that there pretty much sums up some so called law of Tithing from the Old Covenant

So we know already that Paul was not teaching a law of tithing but placing rhetorical questions before this body of Christ to show what the practice of the "true Apostles" was. Let's read further: Something you will never get these false teachers and prophets to do

-If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more?

Here was the point- there were others taking advantage of them demanding a right to which wasn't there's truly because now Paul shows the way that is right to do, if we could but get the body of Christ to read the Word, instead of letting men interpret it to them, then there would be less shame on the Word of God, and how these minister's of Satan peddle the Word, they are likened unto Simon the Magician who wanted the power of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon him to do the miraculous to profit from it.

Let's read Paul's correction as always he sets the example whereby those called to preach the good news- which is each and everyone of us, now. He shows the example of a true Apostle that has a heart not of greed and profit, but one of sharing the GOOD NEWS of Christ.

Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat of the things of the temple, and they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?

Again he takes this legal question and converts it to the Grace of God.

14 Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel. 1

Once again the powers of the CATHOLIC CHURCH changed this to read as a statement when it is clear it is a rhetorical question that he will answer again in his next statement.

5 But I have used none of these things:and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorifying void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel. 17 For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward:but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me. 18

Note Paul makes very clear what His reward was from the Lord in his ministry- READ IT PREACHERS!
He answers now these rhetorical questions to once and for all to set the tone for his truth and how he always presents it with love for their correction.

What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.He closes near this last statement that these false teachers were doing to show their motive.

And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.

The question? Is the Gospel to be received by those that pay for it? Absolutely not!

Freely God gave and freely are we to give- and this doesn't mean tithing money to someone else who preaches, this means we are called to present the Gospel in such a way that no one can speak evil of us. By always presenting it without taking advantage of anyone in money or anything as far as that goes.

Let me show you Paul's efforts of accountability were when he was sending money (this gift) to the poor- NOTE: He wasn't sending this money to some "hot shot ministry" or "a pastor", or "a building fund" or "a program"- but to the poor Christians in Corinth-

Let's look how Paul avoided all aspects of false blame as well to come to them when they were going to have their gifts of love sent to Corinth what steps he took for accountabilty. You may read the Chapter ahead of this one and come to understand where and for what purpose this gift was to serve.

Note these passages - the money wasn't designed to go to a ministry, an organization or any one person- it was designed to go to the poor in Corinth and Paul being very accountable to God- he states the following:

But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches; 19 and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness: 20 Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us: 21 for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 and we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you. 2

Note: he not only sends Titus, he sends another brother in Christ as well, so NO ONE could accuse any one person of misusing or stealing or taking what wasn't theirs for their own use. TWO MIND YOU BRETHREN ARE SENT TO GUARD THE GIFT HE JUST TALKED ABOUT IN THE VERSES PREVIOUS TO THIS.
THIS MONEY AGAIN WAS MEANT TO SUPPLY THOSE WITH LESS THAN THOSE THAT HAD A SURPLUS- so that the body of Christ would share and have all things in common.

I would also have that in every case that Paul wrote a letter- if the letter was meant to be addressed to the top dogs, of an organization called a Pastor- he never once addresses any of his letters as - Dear Pastor- go tell your congregation these things!

Whoops! There goes the destruction of all of the baloney that is thrown out there to keep people under manipulation and to stir them to give their money to them- they never bother to read all of scripture and obtain the truth! Whose fault is it that these false Apostles and Teachers take advantage of them. It is their own because they are they are just too lazy to study the Word of God for themselves and generally the only time they crack open their Bibles is to read along with these False teachers in a meeting whereby he will proceed to twist scripture to manipulate the masses listening to give Him money, the program, the building or other. Such a small proportion of money taken in is actually provided to the lost and to the poor! 98% of all the money taken in is spent on the organization itself and very little to maintain the equality of material needs within the body of Christ. How many "churches" have those within their own congregation, who may be materially suffering even now.
There are those that are in the so called ministry- that surely have much more than all those they pretend to minister too and then one must ask where is the equality that Paul talks about in the Chapter before this?
Not an equality in giving to ministers, he has nullified that idea right out front here, but giving to those who have less "that their lack will be made up by the others surplus?"
It doesn't exist today that I can see.
Lies are only believed because very few people seek the truth for themselves, so then they are easily persuaded by this ADVERSARY (SATAN) who comes even as an angel (messenger)of Light.

My prayer is that each one of you would take the time to read these verses and give it great thought and then trust God and men less, and study to shew thyself approved. Then surely the gifts of those who have much that they give from will put them at equal standing with those whose lack has been supplied by their surplus.
If Christians heeded the Word of God instead of listening to those false interpreters of it- welfare would probably become non- existent in this country who claims to be "a christian nation!"

It is important that every believer understand these passages written by John the Apostle of Christ -

I John 1: 24-

24 As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. 27 And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.

May God Bless You as you seek His truth and allow the Holy Spirit within to guide you in all things that are true and to reject the teachings of these Anti-Christ liars.

Dr. J.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

True Fellowship - One To Another

Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them," (Numbers 11:29).

This is what the Priesthood of Believers is All ABOUT- this eliminates one man leadership and allows the Holy Spirit to guide and direct any fellowship that we as Believers are to have together.

Love one another (John 13:34, 35).
- Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10).
- Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10).
- Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16).
- Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13).
- Edify one another (Romans 14:19).
- Instruct (admonish) one another. (Romans 15:14).
- Accept one another (Romans 15:7).
- Have concern for one another (I Corinthians 12:25).
- Carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
- Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32).
- (Ephesians 5:21).
- Agree with one another (Philippians 4:2).
- Teach one another (Colossians 3:16).
- Encourage one another (I Thessalonians 4:18).
- Build each other up (I Thessalonians 5:11).
- Live in peace with one another (I Thessalonians 5:13).
- Be kind to each other (I Thessalonians 5:15).
- Spur one another to good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).
- Confess sins to one another (James 5:16).
- Offer hospitality to one another (I Peter 4:9).
- Serve each other (I Peter 4:10).
- Show humility to one another (I Peter 5:5).
- Have fellowship with one another (I John 1:7).

"One another" is all encompassing phrase and needs no one but Jesus Christ as the High Priest and we His Temple to come together and have relationship and fellowship as Christians with one another, no special program, no directors, or masters of ceremony, no hocus pocus, no special buildings or incorporations, no name but the wonderful name of YESHUA...JESUS THE KING!

The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher of ALL TRUTH!

If all you have is a bunch of a little ears coming to hear a Greek oration or one man speech....this is impossible, it rules out the Priesthood of Believers.

If our practices do not reflect the scripture and only the traditions of men, then they are unscriptural, anti-biblical and therefore Anti-Christ!

Isn't it interesting how easy the wolves came in and gobbeled up the sheep and relegated them to silence in a pew.....no wonder they stink!

They are dead men, doing dead men's deeds, just like the pagans and their priest in their so called times of worship....no difference.

If you want to see the restoration of the body of Christ it is time that those that refer to themselves as the EKKLESIA, translated as the Church by the evil hierarchy of Catholcism and Popery turn to practice those traditions that the Word of God and the Apostles laid down. Not the traditions of men as spelled out by Ignatius and others who began the formulation of Bishop, Priest and Pastor worship..... WE ARE TO PASTOR EVERY NEW BELIEVER...disciple them by the leading of the Holy Spirit that calls all men to count in their faith in Christ to allow Him to be their ALL and ALL!

The "church" is crying out for RESTORATION, not REVIVAL and not REFORMATION, let those things of the early Christians before the traditions of men came in be RESTORED to the leading and direction of GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT FOR WHOM HE GAVE TO THE "CALLED OUT ONE's OF GOD- the ekklesia the real word for God's people before the great kings of Popery changed it all into a misdirection of "nullifying the Commandments of God for the Traditions of Men".

Thus Paul wrote not as a chide against the believers at Corinth but as this is the practice .....
The gathering together whether by two or more gathered in His NAME it is based upon the full priesthood of all believers with mutual edification and mutual upbuilding for the purpose of personal strengthening, similar to the model that is found in

I Corinthians 14:26.

26 What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret: 28 but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern. 30 But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence. 31 For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.

Paul continues his instruction for the fellowship meeting of believers which makes clear that this is instruction- the tradition of the Apostles, and not a criticism of the way things were done, but how they are to be done. One cannot separate this verse out from the rest of his instruction of practice for the ekklesia in the rest of the following verses - that His "called out one's" when they meet to fellowshipare to do.
How the orthodox church in it's effort to replace the Holy Spirit as the director of fellowship and make a man or men the center of the meeting, amazes me how they can twist the scripture to their own destruction, and leave the Holy Spirit knocking on their building doors wanting inside to express Himself through the entire body aside from a "one man show"
Let us if we choose to come together at least be Biblical for anything other is anti-Biblical and reflects the traditions of men and their pagan practices. Let us seek and serve the High Priest and let Him express Himself through those scripture refers to as Kings and Priest unto Himself. Let us practice "one to another" and I assure you, we will "turn the world upside down" as the early body of Christ did.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The Shack- A Wonderful Book~

Readers: I have just finished reading one of the most wonderful Christian fictional books written in a very long time. It is called the "The Shack" written by William P. Young. This book will be a spiritual experience for you, it will wake you to the reality of God's grace and His love, and the part that God plays in a universe we think has gone mad, but yet, HE IS STILL IN CONTROL!
I read intensely, as I do all books that grab my attention, I hungered to hear more of so many confirmations of the truth the Lord as revealed to me in my walk with Him for over the 49 years of my walk with Him. It will stir your emotions as well as your intellect, it will give you thoughtful perspective into the reality of not only the atonement but the life of Christ available to every believer that comes to know that wonderous love of God and who he really is. He is not what man has devised in their fallen minds, but He is beyond all we can imagine or think. This book is a story of one man's pain and suffering in growing up under a religious but abusive father who he even sought to kill. It is the story of this same man, and his loss of hsi young daughter to a serial child killer. It is the story of hope, love and forgiveness offered to Christ for all of us no matter what walk we are in life, no matter what sin we have committed, no matter what religious bondage we have fallen prey to, it is story of faith, hope and love. It transcends all the mumbo jumbo religious garbage out there, and brings you to your knees before PAPA- our heavenly Father, not out of fear and bondage to fear but out of response to the MASTER OF LOVE AND PEACE. It will bring you to understand that our concept of God is so limited by our earthly minds and carnal nature. It will make you realize just how far our fallen state of mind has reduced the ETERNAL ONE, to a mere image of our fallen selves. It will make you see how the history of the institution has manipulated men, women and children to draw upon the concepts of God's love into a bitter fear and hiding that Adam must have felt in the Garden, yet there was PAPA crying out his name looking for him, not to shame him but to cover his now known darkness of his fallen self. It will awake you to the reality that HE IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL...and no evil that has befallen you or loved ones, can ever separate the fact that GOD IS LOVE!
WHAT FORGIVENESS, WHAT GRACE, WHAT WONDER....if we all could only have the experience as Mack the main character in the book had. In truth, it has been a little here and a little there, but imagine a few days in the presence of the GREAT ONE portrayed as HE walked this earth, as pure human flesh, as you and I yet, though tempted to disregard God's love and promises he held strong so that you and I can come into that very same relationship with PAPA, and through Him we might experience the power of TRUE LOVE not distorted by man's concepts of hatred and fear.
God loves us...He truly loves all of mankind and meets us on the road we are on, anytime and anyplace. The confirmations of things that the Father has taught me in this latter part of my life were wonderful to find that I wasn't alone, that this author through the portrayal of a simple fictional book could bring those to bear that I am not alone in my perception of the wonder of God's love. Read it or you will miss a wonderful blessing, that will make you cry and receive joy within your spirit. It is a gift from God that led the authors hands and mind to put words to it all that very few authors ever have, and most preachers will never be able to do so, or desire to do so, less they find themselves, unemployed, for lack of some sheep to manipulate and con. I don't say that meaning all have a heart of greed but the institution is a hierarchy which God knows nothing of. May God bless you in reading this book. Go to the website or click on the link above. See you at the Shack someday...

Dr. J.