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Good morning. This week's video Make Merchandise, is on the topic of many false teachers who are fleecing the flock of God and making merchandise of them. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. Job 1:6-9 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (7) And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (KJV)
We shared previously about our place in heaven and the opportunity to go before the throne of grace to find what we need; that first and foremost being the spiritual need. As we also discussed, there is an enemy that patrols the heavenly realm seeking whom he can devour. A wolf, or to use another example, a lion in the physical realm will seek its prey by sight and sound looking for a weakness or weak area to prey on and then take advantage of that. Our enemy to the Christian works in a similar way; while the Lord says we are seated in the heavenly places and able to operate in a realm above and beyond this fallen realm of the world, the enemy is listening in from time to time to find a weakness in God’s flock and to see if he can take advantage of it. While many have wondered at times what happened to Job and why would God test him that way, or so they think God tests His people, remember the scriptures are given for our advantage to learn from and not make the same mistakes; and as we read on further we will see that what happened to Job happens to others who don’t hold their position in the Lord, holding fast their profession of faith without wavering. 2 Timothy 2:12-13 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (13) If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. (KJV) Know this also, that the enemy is described in Revelation 12:10 as the accuser of the brethren, basically running a smear campaign before the Lord to see if the mud he is slinging at them sticks. If it turns out that a believer has fallen and entered back into the fallen realm of the flesh and the enemy challenges their position, God cannot lie, even when it involves one of His people. It is vital that we keep a watch over our mouth making sure the words we speak are Spirit and life, not words that will separate us from our right standing with God. This is why it is so important that you as a believer in Christ know your rights and authority in the word of God so that you can continue strong in the Lord and not become easy prey for the wicked one. Job 1:10-12 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (KJV) Did Job fear God for nought or nothing? Well obviously there was a fracture in the relationship because God could not lie and deny the fact that Job had put himself in the enemy’s realm and was no longer holding to a position of faith. God does not randomly pick His people to go through trials like this just to teach them a lesson, that’s nonsense, but rather it was Job that put himself in this position. Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. (5) And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. (KJV) So right before Job’s trouble, obviously there was an area of concern in his life, one that involved his own children, one he continually claimed involved sin and cursing. If we read the rest of this chapter we see the enemy had a field day against Job and even his grown children, which is what the enemy preyed on, his weakness and fear. Why would the word fear have anything to do with this? Job 3:24-26 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. (25) For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. (26) I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. (KJV) Ahh hah, all that roaring and sighing that had been pouring out of him; the end result of his calamities then was not God trying to teach him a lesson but rather the fear and doubt he allowed into his life which resulted in the enemy hearing the prey and then pouncing on it like a wounded animal. Are there things in your life that are entering the heart and coming forth in the form of words, words that are not building up but rather tearing down? Do you know how to pray effectively, or have you become an ineffective prey of the wicked one? 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) The Word says we should be resisting steadfast in the faith, not giving the enemy an open door or a clear shot with his fiery darts. The enemy walks about seeking and listening, especially to God’s people to see and hear where they are at in their walk and if there is any weakness that can be used against them. The devil doesn’t have any power to pull you out of the kingdom of God, however if he can introduce doubt and get the believer to fall for a lie and then their own words will put them on his turf, that which is the artificial turf of this fallen world. Like a lion, as described in the book of Peter, a toothless one to those that know their rights in the Word, while others will be off and running to and fro at the roars of a loud mouth lying beast. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) This confidence, boldness, and access we have is located in the heavenly realm and is available now to those that choose to operate in it and realize that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. The more you hold your heavenly position the less likely you will be entangled in the affairs of this life. Will you resist steadfast in the faith, or will you be running to and fro with every wind and roaring doctrine of the enemy? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (KJV)
You know, of all the things God has asked of mankind here is the one thing they have done, and that is being fruitful and replenishing this earth. In fact they have become so fruitful that in the last 30 years or so they have erected clinics to undo some of this fruitfulness, which has drawn much protest and interest from those that truly realize the ramifications of these practices. For those that have the eyes of their understanding opened and enlightened to the realm of the Spirit they see that these verses have a deeper meaning; so while mankind thinks bearing more offspring is being fruitful, the Lord is asking His people to be more fruitful, in other words bearing the fruit of the Spirit. So while people are protesting abortions that take place in the carnal realm, how many are taking place in the spiritual realm, the unseen realm of man but totally visible to our Lord? While mankind considers abortion the ultimate crime against humanity because it takes the life of a young baby, how many realize the new life that has begun in the believers, and how the spiritual thief has been allowed to perform spiritual abortions on many new born babes in Christ? And how few even realize this practice is taking place right in front of them? John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV) You know, a new life has begun in you, the believer in Christ, who has asked the Lord to take up residence within you. Be aware though, there is a spiritual thief, one that tries to steal the truth from the believer, which kills the new life that has begun in them and results in their soul being destroyed forever by being separated from God for eternity. Sometimes this thief comes in the form of a minister who claims to be of God but in reality is ministering a lethal dose of false doctrine; like with a poison it may be undetectable to the senses but lethal enough to result in death. Similar to the protesters which parade around abortion clinics and endure persecution, the same holds true spiritually for those that walk in truth and expose these deadly practices. James 4:2-5 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (KJV) You lust; you kill; so what is being killed? Well how about that new life in Christ you promised Him and how you said you would walk in truth? Instead of desiring the things of the Spirit you continue your pursuit of things of this life, you know like being lukewarm. Instead of fighting the good fight of faith keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit you are fighting and fussing over things of this temporal realm, which ends up drowning out the voice of God which you made a vow to follow. Some of these places you call a church, are nothing more than a cheap disguise for an abortion clinic, one that promises liberty but the results are deadly. You know as a Christian you would never lend your support to a clinic that aborts a baby in the flesh, yet how many are supporting spiritual abortions and don’t even realize it because of their lack of diligence in the word of God? Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, (19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (20) And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV) When you choke the Word, similar to what was written in the book of Hebrews, you are crucifying the Son of God all over again, putting Him to an open shame. If you notice in verse 19, that instead of being fruitful, keep in mind Church the fruit of the Spirit, it has now become unfruitful, barren and dead. What was once impregnated with a new life and should have been brought to term ended up terminated instead, and so will those that allow their own desires to have precedence over the things of the Spirit. Are you growing daily in the word of God and feeding your spirit man, that new life within, or have you terminated it and have decided it was a mistake? Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) Is Christ alive and well within you, growing and maturing so that you can grow up into Him? Are you aware that God’s plan of salvation is one of grace and not by our works, especially the works of the old law, the letter of the law that kills rather than brings life? Did you ever stop and think that by coming into agreement with those that still hold to the old law and its dead rituals you are actually killing rather than bringing life to the believer? Do you want to actually go before God and tell Him that the sacrifice of His Son was done in vain, that you chose not to accept it? Like with many young people that get talked into aborting their pregnancies; it’s not until afterward that the true reality of what happened hits them in the form of guilt and sorrow. Don’t be one of those who allow the enemy to distort the truth and talk you out of God’s plan of salvation, aborting a new life and spending an eternity of guilt and sorrow when it comes time to deal with the reality of your decision. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV) Be aware people, the Bible warns us about the many false prophets that promise liberty but in reality are the servants of corruption. Just like with the doctors and counselors that promise liberty to those that abort a child, what they said would bring freedom and peace to the mother actually results in a criminal act that has long lasting consequences. Those that promise liberty and peace to the believers in Christ and still hold to the letter of the old law, in essence kill the true meaning of the doctrine of Christ which was meant to bring life and not death, and will have eternal consequences as well. What are you lending your support to today; and is it based on truth, the only thing that sets one free and allows you to continue walking the path of life? Do you know the doctrine of Christ that will bring life to the believer? Because quite simply put, anything else is an abortion. Being the fact that the spiritual is greater than the physical you definitely do not want to be lending your support to these practices. In conclusion today; people abort what they call unwanted pregnancies because they decide it is too much of a burden and will interfere with their own desires. In reading the verses from today’s study we see the same holds true in the spiritual realm also. Be fruitful. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
Here we see the many again and how they responded to the calling of God. God is calling to our hearts, a spiritual calling which requires a spiritual response. So how do you know the difference? Those that have come to a working knowledge of the mystery of God are those that teach in the name of Jesus Christ, and are more concerned with the spiritual needs of the people. They are the ones that know the doctrine of Christ, and are willing to lay down their lives for the brethren so that they can teach them who they are in Christ and the completed work He has done on our behalf. Those that have not answered the call of God the way He intended are described in verse 5 as more concerned with the things of this world, putting the physical ahead of the spiritual. While they love to promise the people a better life in this world they overlook the spiritual realm and end up settling for their reward here, loving the praise of men more than God. Nothing plays to the emotions of the people and tickles the ears more than promising prosperity; which these false prophets have determined to be measured by amounts of money rather than the spiritual prosperity which is only found in Christ, the unequalled treasures of His wisdom and knowledge we have access to through His name. Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (44) For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. (45) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV) The heart will truly reveal its intentions and motives because the abundance of what is in it will be spoken by the mouth. A good tree has not been corrupted, has not allowed the thief to break through and steal the word of God from the heart; therefore their only motive and true intention is teach and preach sound doctrine. A false prophet and teacher will reveal their true motive also; so if they are not teaching and preaching the mystery of the gospel through a working knowledge of Jesus Christ then somewhere along the line there has been a breach of spirit which has gotten in and corrupted the heart. No matter how they try to twist and turn the truth, manipulate and fabricate the word of God, they have been corrupted and the heart is proclaiming an evil treasure instead of an eternal one. A tree is truly known by its fruit; just as apparent as it is in the outward realm of revealing what the tree truly is, it is just as obvious to those that have taken the time to rightly divide the word of truth; they are able to see through these false doctrines and phony intentions of the heart. Micah 3:11-12 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. (12) Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. (KJV) The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun, and that is why we need to heed the warnings, make sure we are prepared and not giving credence to things that are not of God. The Lord has been dealing with cheap hucksters throughout the Bible, so basically it is the same sin today, just different disguises. Like with a thief when they go to pull off a heist, they put on a mask so they won’t be identified. Those that know the truth and have a working knowledge of the doctrine of Christ will be able to see through these masks and easily identify the thief, and not allow him to rob them blind. Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for covetousness: 4124 pleonexia- greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice As we see again, many that have been called have decided they were more interested in building and establishing a kingdom in this world rather than establishing a firm foundation for the eternal realm. God has warned us and continues to remind us to be on the lookout for this false doctrine which has gotten in, and sad to say corrupted many of His own. Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (KJV) If you ever go through the Old Testament you will see that idolatry was practiced by many of God’s people and caused them to err, and led to their destruction. Today we see idolatry spring forth in the form of covetousness, an evil root that cannot produce good fruit no matter how it is spun, or who is preaching and teaching these doctrines. This is something we used to pursue in our old way of thinking, as verse 7 refers to, and it is something that should not be incorporated into our new life. So how are you answering the call of God today? Are you responding in the Spirit, or are you still looking for some cheap shortcut that mankind claims will bring peace and security? 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV) Paul was used of God, and answered the call of God in sincerity and in truth. He did not disguise his intentions under a cloke of covetousness, but rather was able to be used of God as he was allowed of God, because God could entrust him with His gospel. How trustworthy are you today? Can God use you and open His truth to you also because you have chosen to answer His calling in sincerity and in truth, or are you still hanging onto things of this life that are breaking through and clouding your spiritual vision? Anything or anyone we hold in higher regard than our heavenly Father is similar to idolatry, and will not pass the heavenly test, or be someone that God can use to deliver His message. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
The Lord and His people have been warning us to be on the lookout for not just a few but the many false prophets, who like wolves, prey on the wounded and the weak of the flock. Too many Christians have let their guard down; and like an unsuspecting boxer, end up getting sucker punched by someone they thought was legit. When you listen to these sermons today they focus on worldly areas that many people struggle in; and like with many infomercials you see on TV they promise quick fix solutions to people still in bondage to spiritual ailments; which if they addressed those first, then the troublesome areas in these people’s lives would be more easily overcome. Rather than focus on the spiritual (which is why it is the spirit of antichrist), the one thing that would set them free is ignored; they keep giving worldly solutions to solve a spiritual need and many then end up falling short and discouraged. If any man has not the spirit of Christ, a working knowledge of the Son of God, then He is none of His. Greater is He, Christ in you the hope of glory, than he the spirit of antichrist which is roaming this planet like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour with the cares and distractions of this life. Case in point, at times I see the headline about ministers who complain about opening their books to congress to give an account of their spending habits. These ministers claim government intrusion, the same government they bowed down to in order to get their tax exempt status. If you don’t want them intruding into your business then get out of theirs and just pay your fair share of taxes; which according to God’s word is the obligation of the Church. Wake up people and quit letting the fox guard the henhouse. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus Christ was faced with this spirit of antichrist which would have liked nothing better than to see Him change His message of salvation, soften His stance a bit, and maybe start compromising. Unlike many we see today that think they can mix and match like a buffet table, taking the things they desire and try to match them up with spiritual things, the Lord held His ground knowing that this life is temporary and that the message of salvation is eternal. The Lord knew He could not serve two masters because if He was double minded, like we see and hear in so many of mans’ sermons, then He would have become unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Are you holding fast your profession of faith this moment without wavering? Or have you been sucker punched by a worldly doctrine that you never saw coming because you weren’t watching and keeping your guard up? Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) With an unending priceless gift of spiritual blessings, have you even begun to explore all that is available to those in Christ? No wonder the devil comes a knocking. After all, he was at one time seated in the heavenly places but fell because of pride, and let go of his eternal reward. That spirit of antichrist would like nothing better than to keep you focused on the dead end things of this world so that you won’t look into the realm of the Spirit to see all that God has blessed you with. That joy and peace you have experienced is a result of an eternal plan of salvation God has for His people; and by His grace He has made it available for our benefit. So being that this plan originated in the heavenly realm and not this worldly one, then it would only be fitting to say that you can only continue in this new found joy and peace by looking to Christ and not this world. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. (34) There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (KJV) Here is an area where many let their guard down and get sucker punched. Rather than continue seeking the spiritual blessings in Christ they think the only way they will be complete is to have that special someone in their life. Now granted, God ordained marriage and it is a blessing when it is done according to who He joins together and not what our lower nature becomes attached to. Ever hear the term high maintenance? Well if you marry someone for the wrong reason, and they are still quite attached to the things of this world and not the things of God, you will find it nothing short of a distraction and a hindrance to your walk. I have seen many people who rather than realize they are complete in Christ, they try to fulfill a spiritual need with a physical one and end up bruised and beaten. Any time you look to the world or worldly people to find the answer, you will find that it did not come from God. It may look good and sound good to the outward man but inwardly it is a total abomination, a heartache that could have been avoided. Remember the devil will show you just the highlights and not the consequences. So when the party is over there will be a huge tab to pick up. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) The world and its ways are passing away, and so are those that hang onto them. Only those that do the will of God and seek those things which are above will experience a life of joy and peace above and beyond what this world could ever offer. So what is your priority today at this moment? Are you seeking the spiritual blessings or are you still chasing your tail stuck in this dead end realm of misery and heartache? Jesus Christ came that you would have life and have it more abundantly in Him so that you could avoid a world of hurt, and not end up with some cheap imitation of the devil. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:9-10 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
Today it’s time to uncover another mask that many preachers have been hiding under; their obligation when it comes to paying taxes. The reality is many are drowning because they have gone off the deep end trying to do an end run around what their obligation is concerning this topic. Church we are supposed to be an example of the believers and if we are sidestepping and tap dancing around the truth, we will find our self robbed blind. James 5:4-5 Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cried: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. (KJV) Oh that stuff in the book of James only refers to CEO’S of big corporations and not ministers. Really, well who built the road that your so called minister drove on to get to his building? How about the nice, convenient indoor plumbing fixtures that the city installed? The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that those same ministers are not shy about reminding people of their obligations when it comes time to pass the plate are they? Leviticus 19:12-14 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shall thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. 13 Thou shall not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. 14 Thou shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear thy God: I am the LORD. (KJV) Many are robbing God the opportunity to work on their behalf and supply all their need by taking a shortcut when it comes time to pay their fair share of taxes. They hide under the mask of a 501-C3 tax law thinking it allows them to be exempt. I thought the Church was supposed to live by a higher law, that being a law of faith. Jeremiah 22:12-13 But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more. 13 Woe unto him that builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor’s service without wages, and gives him not for his work; (KJV) What do you tell our Vets that are sitting in your congregations in need of assistance? Usually the buck is passed and the finger pointed at the government, but why wouldn’t you be willing to do your part and pay your fair share? Matthew 17:25-27 He saith, yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, what thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shall find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV) Given the fact that the Lord was sent to be our example then why are God’s people not following suit? The truth is they are letting the thief rob them blind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:10-13 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep. (KJV)
Many false prophets have risen up and are pulling off easy heists on people that should know better, the Christians. Many of God’s people begin with good intentions, and then get lazy and dull of hearing, looking more to man for the answer than God. Many think salvation is a meal ticket and that being a pastor is more of an occupation and not a real way of life. Those are the ones our Lord has put in the category of hirelings, the ones who when the going gets tough, usually get going in the opposite direction. Luke 8:5-8 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit a hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear let him hear. (KJV) Let’s pull the mask off one of the doctrines man tries to pawn off as truth and see for ourselves what really lies beneath all this nonsense man equates with the term hundred fold. Let me ask you this question straight up, when the Lord came along and sowed His seed, was He walking around throwing out wads of cash, or was His seed referring to something else, something spiritual? So why does mankind today associate the seed with something carnal, that being a love of money? Luke 8:9-12 And his disciples asked him, saying, what might this parable be? 10 And he said, unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (KJV) The devil is alive and on the move today equating the things of God with carnal things and robbing the people blind. As we see clearly illustrated the seed is the word of God which is described as something living and powerful. No wonder the thief tries and equate that with something other than what God intended, which is seeing His people fruitful, living, and powerful. Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV) The reality is, does God actually owe us a hundredfold return on the money you give to man’s so called ministry, or is it us that He expects a hundredfold return on the seed He has sown within us, a full harvest of the fruit of the Spirit? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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