The Doctrine Of Stewardship
Part Two
Please allow me to say up front that this teaching is NOT a plea for the financial support of the BATMQ.NET ministry. My ministry does NOT solicit or receive financial support, as it is personally funded. I enjoy the freedom from the temptation to temper the content of my teachings in order to favor financial gain. There are practical advantages of an Internet-based ministry. The overhead expense is minimal and the pastor teacher is not tempted to water down his message or adjust it for the acceptance and/or financial support of those who hear it. Job security is not an issue, affording the pastor the freedom to say what has to be said and let the chips fall where they may. I do appreciate the prayer support of those who are inclined to pray for the success of this ministry. That being said, let us now continue with the Doctrine of Stewardship and examine the issue of managing our money.
- Pastor Doug Laird
- Pastor Doug Laird
The Stewardship Of Money
The Lord Jesus Christ taught that wherever one's treasure is, there his/her heart is also. Accordingly, what we do with what money we have reveals much about what lies beneath the surface in our hearts of hearts. Maintaining the Biblical balance that Scripture offers, the Lord Jesus Christ also taught that that He does not want us to neglect our earthly responsibilities when it comes to giving to the Lord.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6: 21 NASB)."
"...but you (Pharisees = religious police of that day) say, "if a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say) given to God," you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother (or dependents); thus invalidating the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down, and you do many things such as that (Mark 7: 13 NASB)."
The Lord Jesus Christ taught that wherever one's treasure is, there his/her heart is also. Accordingly, what we do with what money we have reveals much about what lies beneath the surface in our hearts of hearts. Maintaining the Biblical balance that Scripture offers, the Lord Jesus Christ also taught that that He does not want us to neglect our earthly responsibilities when it comes to giving to the Lord.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6: 21 NASB)."
"...but you (Pharisees = religious police of that day) say, "if a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say) given to God," you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother (or dependents); thus invalidating the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down, and you do many things such as that (Mark 7: 13 NASB)."
During the OLD TESTAMENT dispensation (period of time) tithing (giving 10% of what you earned or received to God) for the support of the Temple and its functions WAS in place. In addition to the tithe, believers could also other specific goods as thank and drink offerings. Many pulpits misuse this Old Testament precept to pressure (and in some cases demand) that its members continue this practice in support of their local assemblies or ministries.
Here, in the Church Age, the Old Testament precept of tithing is no more valid than the animal sacrifices that DID have a place and purpose during the Old Testament dispensation.
At the same time, Scripture does teach that the pulpits of the Church Age should be financially supported by those who benefit from the edification that it offers.
"The elders (believers in positions of authority) are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and The Laborer is worthy of his wages (1Tim. 5: 18 NASB)." There were times when the Apostle Paul received financial support and there were times that he had to do secular work to support himself. Paul also took charge of collecting funds in support of the local Church in Jerusalem at a time when it was facing very hard times.
Believers should financially support their local assembly or ministry, but the amount that one chooses to give to the Lord or to the things of the Lord, is NOT to be the result pressure being put on them or based on the Old Testament precept of tithing 10% of their income (2Cor. 9: 7). Nor is one's financial support to be the basis of one's "standing with the Church" or eligibility to receive ANY of its services. The things of God are NOT to be bought with or provided for with money (Acts 8: 20 NASB). "..."may your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money." Note that it is just as wrong to receive money that is given for the wrong reason(s) as it is to offer it.
As of END of the Apostolic (First Century) of the Church Age, the administrative and teaching authority became that of the pastor teacher of each and every independent local assembly. The primary teaching and administrative authority and responsibility is on the shoulders on the pastor-teacher. The pastor teacher may appoint and delegate limited authority to Biblically qualified deacons to assist him in various functions of the ministry, but the responsibility for all that goes on within or in the name (authority) of the local assembly or ministry remains his own.
Blaming "denominational" requirements for the way that a pastor manages the local assembly that he serves will not be entertained in the Court of Heaven, as God placed no such authority over the pastor in the Church that He designed. Pastors are to receive double honor (1Tim. 5: 18), but along with double honor comes the double accountability. Pastors will not only give an account (to God) of the personal life he led in the capacity of a believer (Romans 14: 12 ), as ALL believers will, but will give an account o(to God) of how he functioned in the capacity of a pastor-teacher (James 3: 1). The primary focus of a pastor's evaluation will be based on the quantity and the accuracy of the doctrine that he taught to his congregation on an ONGOING and REGULAR basis. Neither the evaluations of the believer nor of the pastor have ANYTHING to do with obtaining or retaining salvation, but have everything to do with certain rewards and accompanying privileges that will be received by some and forfeited by others (1Cor. 3: 12-15).
There were times when the Apostle Paul received financial and logistical support, and there were times when he engaged in secular employment.
Financially or otherwise supporting any local assembly or ministry makes those who do so a "partner" in the good (or evil) that it produces or promotes.
For this reason, this partnership is a double-edged sword. While it qualifies the contributors to share in the blessings it receives, it also makes contributors partners in whatever "evil" it promotes as well. Evil, in this sense refers to teachings and/or practices that run contrary to what is revealed in the Word of God. Failing to detect and to address the evil within the places of worship in both the Old and the New Testament dispensations has been the downfall of God's people right along. We tend to think of the evil being promoted is talking about the Church down the street, and fail to see the error(s) of our own.
I always found it odd, although what is commonly referred to as the Lord's Prayer or the Our Father is frequently recited, believers pray to be "delivered from evil", while in the very places where evil is being unwittingly promoted on a regular basis.
Contributing financially and benefiting spiritually is a two-way street. Local assemblies/ministries should not expect to receive financial support if it does not do its part to provide its contributors with the means to worship God as He desires to be worshiped (John 4: 23), such as the means for the contributors to continually (John 8: 31) grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Pet. 3: 18). Contributors should not expect at the least the traditional style of local assemblies or ministries to function if they are not financially supported.
It is NOT God's desire that one seeks out, attend, or support a "denomination." God desires that one identifies a local assembly or ministry where he/she can, "....grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Pet. 3: 18)", as it is in or through such a local assembly or ministry he/she worships God in a manner that He desires (John 4:23).
Such discernment will be experienced ONLY by those believers who "CONTINUE" (John 8: 32) in the Word of God. Just as a baby in the natural realm is fed on milk and gradually introduced to more solid food, so it is with the spiritual appetite and "metabolism" of an advancing disciple (1Cor. 3:2). "Good enough" is never good enough for an advancing disciple. The advancing disciple wants the best and is more than willing to support his/her means to secure it.
The devil has a plan to diminish and destroy the production of divine good that ANY believer or groups of believers have the potential to [produce. The financial needs of any given local assembly will be on the list of targets to be hit in the midst of spiritual warfare. The devil, perhaps even better the ones he has deceived, knows that when financially hard times strike, the positions (if any) that God and the things of God held on one's list of priorities will be the first to go.
Could it be that one's choice of where, when, and how to worship was not really providing much spiritual food in the first place? One should not wait for a financial crisis to discern and to address such issues.
The Matthew 16: 18 assurance that the "church" would endure throughout the dispensation of the Church Age must be understood in light of what the "Church" was/is that the Lord was speaking of when this verse of Scripture was inspired. The Church (on Earth) that God designed consists of the collective souls of every born again believer. ONe becomes a born again believer and a member of the Church that God designed IF and when any given soul chooses to BELIEVE (John 3: 18) in a presentation of the TRUE Gospel Message. The Church that God designed has got NOTHING todo with tangible assets such as buildings, physical altars, etc..
The "rock" was NOT the person of Peter, but the statement of faith that Peter made (Matt. 16: 16), expressing his personal belief in Who and What the Lord Jesus was and is. It is on the basis of making this same statement of faith that a soul becomes a member of the "Church".
Right from the very beginning, there was a need for local assemblies to raise and share the means for the financial needs of the local assemblies. The promise of Matthew 16: 18 applies to the Church (1Cor. 3: 16) at large and NOT to ANY specific local assembly, ministry, or denomination.
Some of the more elegant ancient cathedrals and beautiful modern-day places of worship (in God's eyes) are no more than monuments to the evil they represent. Many were and are built on false and/or misleading promises made to contributors. God is NOT the only one who has the power to prosper individuals or groups of individuals who knowingy or unwitingly promote a favorable agenda (Luke 4: 6). God the Holy Spirit will see to it that the financial needs for any ministry that He desires to work through (John 15:5) needs (not wants) is provided. God the Holy Spirit will also allow or cause the closing down of ANY local assembly or ministry that HE desires to be removed in order to achieve a divine objective. Being a good steward of the finances and assets that any local assembly has is a part of the administrative authority and function that a pastor teacher has been given, but functionally is often delegated to deacons in larger local assemblies. Function(s) can be delegated, but responsibilities cannot.
When offering support there is NO legitimate tithe requirement for the Church Age, nor is there any specific money amount dictated in New Testament Scripture. Religious institutions may want or demand your cash, but God does not want, nor does He need money that you either don't have or must spend on legitimate lifetime expenses (Mark 7: 11-13). At the same time, there is something wrong when we spend more money on our entertainment, recreation, vacations, coffee shops, and tips, etc., than we offer to God on a regular basis. When spending our money on the things of this world, one would be wise to consider what activities are being promoted with the money that he/she contributes! This includes the doctrines of one's local assembly, ministry, or denomination. Many supporters have no clue as to what their chosen local assembly, ministry, or denomination actually promote.
Most households in the USA pay hundreds of dollars every month to receive cable TV and/or other forms of "entertainment" that promote all kinds of ungodly material, while " not having the money" to contribute to God and the things of God. We all have bills that have to be paid, but it is on what spend or invest our other money on that speaks volumes about out stewardship when it comes to money.
The devil's world (Luke 4:6) is designed to use or tie up as much of the believer's time, talents, and money, as possible. The devil is allowed to do this within the parameters of the spiritual combat, providing the believer with choices to be made that will either favor God, self, or the devil. Neither we nor our money can serve two masters.
How much of one's money or assets that a Church Age believer desires to devote to God and/or the things of God is between that believer and the Lord, but it will be an indication of where the heart of the believer truly is. God loves the "cheerful" giver, and not offerings that are given under compulsion (2Cor. 9: 7).
"Each one must do as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion (e.g. tithing), for God loves a
cheerful giver (2Cor.9: 7 NASB/parenthesis mine)."
People and/or their parents will make all kinds of sacrifices to provide themselves or others with a secular education as part of their plan to make the best of the here and now, but how many would consider making similar sacrifices to provide themselves and/or others with a Bibically edified soul structure?
God is NOT opposed to legitimately secured earthly prosperity (3John 1: 2), but on the other hand, God also points out the foolishness of gaining all that then world has to offer if one neglects the spiritual issues of life in the process (Mark 8: 36). The advancing disciple is more concerned about the balance of his account in Heaven that ANY form of riches that this world has to offer (Matt. 6: 19, 20, 21) that will one day be ALL gone!
No matter how much (Luke 16: 19) or how little (Luke 21-4) money that one has, what one chooses to do with it (Luke 16:19/Luke 21:2) reveals much about where the heart of the individual is at any given time (Luke 21: 1-4).
Here, in the Church Age, the Old Testament precept of tithing is no more valid than the animal sacrifices that DID have a place and purpose during the Old Testament dispensation.
At the same time, Scripture does teach that the pulpits of the Church Age should be financially supported by those who benefit from the edification that it offers.
"The elders (believers in positions of authority) are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and The Laborer is worthy of his wages (1Tim. 5: 18 NASB)." There were times when the Apostle Paul received financial support and there were times that he had to do secular work to support himself. Paul also took charge of collecting funds in support of the local Church in Jerusalem at a time when it was facing very hard times.
Believers should financially support their local assembly or ministry, but the amount that one chooses to give to the Lord or to the things of the Lord, is NOT to be the result pressure being put on them or based on the Old Testament precept of tithing 10% of their income (2Cor. 9: 7). Nor is one's financial support to be the basis of one's "standing with the Church" or eligibility to receive ANY of its services. The things of God are NOT to be bought with or provided for with money (Acts 8: 20 NASB). "..."may your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money." Note that it is just as wrong to receive money that is given for the wrong reason(s) as it is to offer it.
As of END of the Apostolic (First Century) of the Church Age, the administrative and teaching authority became that of the pastor teacher of each and every independent local assembly. The primary teaching and administrative authority and responsibility is on the shoulders on the pastor-teacher. The pastor teacher may appoint and delegate limited authority to Biblically qualified deacons to assist him in various functions of the ministry, but the responsibility for all that goes on within or in the name (authority) of the local assembly or ministry remains his own.
Blaming "denominational" requirements for the way that a pastor manages the local assembly that he serves will not be entertained in the Court of Heaven, as God placed no such authority over the pastor in the Church that He designed. Pastors are to receive double honor (1Tim. 5: 18), but along with double honor comes the double accountability. Pastors will not only give an account (to God) of the personal life he led in the capacity of a believer (Romans 14: 12 ), as ALL believers will, but will give an account o(to God) of how he functioned in the capacity of a pastor-teacher (James 3: 1). The primary focus of a pastor's evaluation will be based on the quantity and the accuracy of the doctrine that he taught to his congregation on an ONGOING and REGULAR basis. Neither the evaluations of the believer nor of the pastor have ANYTHING to do with obtaining or retaining salvation, but have everything to do with certain rewards and accompanying privileges that will be received by some and forfeited by others (1Cor. 3: 12-15).
There were times when the Apostle Paul received financial and logistical support, and there were times when he engaged in secular employment.
Financially or otherwise supporting any local assembly or ministry makes those who do so a "partner" in the good (or evil) that it produces or promotes.
For this reason, this partnership is a double-edged sword. While it qualifies the contributors to share in the blessings it receives, it also makes contributors partners in whatever "evil" it promotes as well. Evil, in this sense refers to teachings and/or practices that run contrary to what is revealed in the Word of God. Failing to detect and to address the evil within the places of worship in both the Old and the New Testament dispensations has been the downfall of God's people right along. We tend to think of the evil being promoted is talking about the Church down the street, and fail to see the error(s) of our own.
I always found it odd, although what is commonly referred to as the Lord's Prayer or the Our Father is frequently recited, believers pray to be "delivered from evil", while in the very places where evil is being unwittingly promoted on a regular basis.
Contributing financially and benefiting spiritually is a two-way street. Local assemblies/ministries should not expect to receive financial support if it does not do its part to provide its contributors with the means to worship God as He desires to be worshiped (John 4: 23), such as the means for the contributors to continually (John 8: 31) grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Pet. 3: 18). Contributors should not expect at the least the traditional style of local assemblies or ministries to function if they are not financially supported.
It is NOT God's desire that one seeks out, attend, or support a "denomination." God desires that one identifies a local assembly or ministry where he/she can, "....grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Pet. 3: 18)", as it is in or through such a local assembly or ministry he/she worships God in a manner that He desires (John 4:23).
Such discernment will be experienced ONLY by those believers who "CONTINUE" (John 8: 32) in the Word of God. Just as a baby in the natural realm is fed on milk and gradually introduced to more solid food, so it is with the spiritual appetite and "metabolism" of an advancing disciple (1Cor. 3:2). "Good enough" is never good enough for an advancing disciple. The advancing disciple wants the best and is more than willing to support his/her means to secure it.
The devil has a plan to diminish and destroy the production of divine good that ANY believer or groups of believers have the potential to [produce. The financial needs of any given local assembly will be on the list of targets to be hit in the midst of spiritual warfare. The devil, perhaps even better the ones he has deceived, knows that when financially hard times strike, the positions (if any) that God and the things of God held on one's list of priorities will be the first to go.
Could it be that one's choice of where, when, and how to worship was not really providing much spiritual food in the first place? One should not wait for a financial crisis to discern and to address such issues.
The Matthew 16: 18 assurance that the "church" would endure throughout the dispensation of the Church Age must be understood in light of what the "Church" was/is that the Lord was speaking of when this verse of Scripture was inspired. The Church (on Earth) that God designed consists of the collective souls of every born again believer. ONe becomes a born again believer and a member of the Church that God designed IF and when any given soul chooses to BELIEVE (John 3: 18) in a presentation of the TRUE Gospel Message. The Church that God designed has got NOTHING todo with tangible assets such as buildings, physical altars, etc..
The "rock" was NOT the person of Peter, but the statement of faith that Peter made (Matt. 16: 16), expressing his personal belief in Who and What the Lord Jesus was and is. It is on the basis of making this same statement of faith that a soul becomes a member of the "Church".
Right from the very beginning, there was a need for local assemblies to raise and share the means for the financial needs of the local assemblies. The promise of Matthew 16: 18 applies to the Church (1Cor. 3: 16) at large and NOT to ANY specific local assembly, ministry, or denomination.
Some of the more elegant ancient cathedrals and beautiful modern-day places of worship (in God's eyes) are no more than monuments to the evil they represent. Many were and are built on false and/or misleading promises made to contributors. God is NOT the only one who has the power to prosper individuals or groups of individuals who knowingy or unwitingly promote a favorable agenda (Luke 4: 6). God the Holy Spirit will see to it that the financial needs for any ministry that He desires to work through (John 15:5) needs (not wants) is provided. God the Holy Spirit will also allow or cause the closing down of ANY local assembly or ministry that HE desires to be removed in order to achieve a divine objective. Being a good steward of the finances and assets that any local assembly has is a part of the administrative authority and function that a pastor teacher has been given, but functionally is often delegated to deacons in larger local assemblies. Function(s) can be delegated, but responsibilities cannot.
When offering support there is NO legitimate tithe requirement for the Church Age, nor is there any specific money amount dictated in New Testament Scripture. Religious institutions may want or demand your cash, but God does not want, nor does He need money that you either don't have or must spend on legitimate lifetime expenses (Mark 7: 11-13). At the same time, there is something wrong when we spend more money on our entertainment, recreation, vacations, coffee shops, and tips, etc., than we offer to God on a regular basis. When spending our money on the things of this world, one would be wise to consider what activities are being promoted with the money that he/she contributes! This includes the doctrines of one's local assembly, ministry, or denomination. Many supporters have no clue as to what their chosen local assembly, ministry, or denomination actually promote.
Most households in the USA pay hundreds of dollars every month to receive cable TV and/or other forms of "entertainment" that promote all kinds of ungodly material, while " not having the money" to contribute to God and the things of God. We all have bills that have to be paid, but it is on what spend or invest our other money on that speaks volumes about out stewardship when it comes to money.
The devil's world (Luke 4:6) is designed to use or tie up as much of the believer's time, talents, and money, as possible. The devil is allowed to do this within the parameters of the spiritual combat, providing the believer with choices to be made that will either favor God, self, or the devil. Neither we nor our money can serve two masters.
How much of one's money or assets that a Church Age believer desires to devote to God and/or the things of God is between that believer and the Lord, but it will be an indication of where the heart of the believer truly is. God loves the "cheerful" giver, and not offerings that are given under compulsion (2Cor. 9: 7).
"Each one must do as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion (e.g. tithing), for God loves a
cheerful giver (2Cor.9: 7 NASB/parenthesis mine)."
People and/or their parents will make all kinds of sacrifices to provide themselves or others with a secular education as part of their plan to make the best of the here and now, but how many would consider making similar sacrifices to provide themselves and/or others with a Bibically edified soul structure?
God is NOT opposed to legitimately secured earthly prosperity (3John 1: 2), but on the other hand, God also points out the foolishness of gaining all that then world has to offer if one neglects the spiritual issues of life in the process (Mark 8: 36). The advancing disciple is more concerned about the balance of his account in Heaven that ANY form of riches that this world has to offer (Matt. 6: 19, 20, 21) that will one day be ALL gone!
No matter how much (Luke 16: 19) or how little (Luke 21-4) money that one has, what one chooses to do with it (Luke 16:19/Luke 21:2) reveals much about where the heart of the individual is at any given time (Luke 21: 1-4).
"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers (2John 1:2 NASB)."
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his own soul (in the process)." Mark 8: 36 NASB/parenthesis mine.
'Do not store up for yourself treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moths nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where (in Heaven or on Earth) your treasure is stored, there(on the things of Heaven or Earth) there your heart will be also (Matt. 6: 19-21 NASB/parenthesis mine."
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his own soul (in the process)." Mark 8: 36 NASB/parenthesis mine.
'Do not store up for yourself treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moths nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where (in Heaven or on Earth) your treasure is stored, there(on the things of Heaven or Earth) there your heart will be also (Matt. 6: 19-21 NASB/parenthesis mine."
How does one make PERMANENT deposits in one's bank account that will not be diminished or stolen? Such deposits represent the 1Cor. 3: 12-15 rewards awaiting the born again believers that were used of God (John 15:5) to produce divine good. Every human being is capable and usually performs some kind and amount of HUMAN good, but human good does NOT result in eternal reward. If an atheist can do it, then it does NOT qualify as divine good, nor does it warrant eternal reward.
As great (humanly speaking) as human good can be HERE on Earth, human good may only (at best) provide for a high or higher quality of life here on Earth for the ones who produce it, and by those who benefit by it HERE on Earth. While such things are dearly sought by human beings while here on Earth, such things have NOTHING to do with the 1Cor.3: 12-15 rewards that will either be received or forfeited.
The advancing disciple will be given the opportunity, here on Earth to produce ALL the divine good (and receive a full reward-) for having done so. The ONLY thing that one's human good has to do with a born spiritual life, is that one's occupation at home or place and means of employment is WHERE on will spend at least 1/3 of the time executing one's post salvation spiritual life
Acts of human good may motivate other human beings to return the favor if one's circumstances allow, but such things must not be confused with divine good.
The classic example of "great" human good, be it at the hands of a believer, atheist, or unbeliever, is that of a talented surgeon who saves or improves the physical life of another human being. As great as this form of human good may be, it remains to be human good and does not qualify for eternal reward at the 1Cor. 3: 12-15 evaluation.
Divine good, for which God has chosen to reward, requires the Work of God the Holy Spirit, as "....apart from Me you ( you = Christian, non-Christian, religious person, atheist) can do NOTHING (in the spiritual realm)." John 15:5 NASB/parenthesis mine.
As great (humanly speaking) as human good can be HERE on Earth, human good may only (at best) provide for a high or higher quality of life here on Earth for the ones who produce it, and by those who benefit by it HERE on Earth. While such things are dearly sought by human beings while here on Earth, such things have NOTHING to do with the 1Cor.3: 12-15 rewards that will either be received or forfeited.
The advancing disciple will be given the opportunity, here on Earth to produce ALL the divine good (and receive a full reward-) for having done so. The ONLY thing that one's human good has to do with a born spiritual life, is that one's occupation at home or place and means of employment is WHERE on will spend at least 1/3 of the time executing one's post salvation spiritual life
Acts of human good may motivate other human beings to return the favor if one's circumstances allow, but such things must not be confused with divine good.
The classic example of "great" human good, be it at the hands of a believer, atheist, or unbeliever, is that of a talented surgeon who saves or improves the physical life of another human being. As great as this form of human good may be, it remains to be human good and does not qualify for eternal reward at the 1Cor. 3: 12-15 evaluation.
Divine good, for which God has chosen to reward, requires the Work of God the Holy Spirit, as "....apart from Me you ( you = Christian, non-Christian, religious person, atheist) can do NOTHING (in the spiritual realm)." John 15:5 NASB/parenthesis mine.
The divine good that God desires to produce through His people differs from one dispensation (period of time) to the next. Here in the Church Age, the divine good that God desires to produce through Church Age believers involves the proclamation of the TRUE Gospel to unbelievers and the sharing of post salvation doctrine for the development of discipleship.
OK, but what does this have to do with the stewardship of money ? If one's "heart" is in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, so will be one's treasure. Exactly where and how much of one's money he/she chooses to "invest" in the spreading of the true Gospel and in the development of discipleship is a matter between each individual and God.
Most believers are not called to be an ambassador for Christ outside of their own one-on-one daily interactions with those people in one's private, social, and labor-career environments. Accordingly, the contributing of money to ministries that do so on a much larger scale affords every believer to take part in the fulfillment of the Great Commission on a broader scale. Participating in ANY part of the post salvation spiritual life has got nothing to do with retaining or improving one's salvation, but has everything to do with glorifying God and the receiving of one's full reward in Heaven. Disciples do NOT serve God in order to be rewarded, but God has chosen to reward those in Heaven who live for Him here on Earth.
Investors, both in the secular and spiritual realm, want to know just how secure their investments are or will be in the future when it comes time to benefit from them the most. There are NO guarantees concerning the security of one's secular investments, nor does anyone have an guarantees that he/she will have the health or opportunity to enjoy what he/she is able to store up and retain. There ARE such guarantees regarding the integrity of one's salvation (John 3: 16, 18/John 5: 24 (etc.), and the security of one's 1Cor. 3: 12-15 rewards that he/she deposits in the bank in Heaven (Matt. 6: 20).
Many ministries will make promises and promote alleged and actual instances of financial blessings and prosperity by those who have contributed or will contribute to their ministries. While I do not dispute that God MAY choose to financially bless those who financially support ministries that promote the fulfillment of the Great Commission (2Cor. 9: 6), it is equally true that dedication to the same cause has, is, and will cost others who engage in this same area of spiritual everything that this world has to offer, including their own lives (Heb. 11: 37).
"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2Cor. 9:6)."
In Hebrews 11, the Chapter lists some of the blessings that the heroes of faith received while HERE on Earth, but as of vs. 35-39, it also speaks of the dear price many other believers have paid, are paying, and will pay HERE ON EARTH for being people of faith.
"...others were tortured, not accepting their release (in exchange for renouncing their faith), so that that might obtain a better (greater rewarded) resurrection; and others experienced mocking, and scourging, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill- treated, (men of whom the world was not worthy", wandering in deserts and mountains, and caves and holes in the ground. And all these (believers), having gained approval (of God) through their (acts of) faith, did not receive (HERE on EARTH) what was promised,.....(Heb. 11: 35-39 NASB-parenthesis mine)."
With a few exceptions, the Christian life here in the USA is a walk in the park in comparison with what believers is more hostile environments face every day
As noted earlier, most of us will not be called to evangelize or teach publicly to large audiences, as did/will some of the great men and woman of God in the past, present, and future periods of time here on Earth. Most believers' ambassadorships will involve the evangelizing of unbelievers and the edifying of fellow believers with whom we interact within the limited scope of our personal, social, labor, and/or recreational activities. This form of discipleship will not usually require much (if any)his/her finances to take part. Being properly trained for ambassadorship will cost one much time.
Believers, however, can choose to expand his/her personal "sowing and reaping" of divine good and rewards by financially partnering with ministries that are engaged in the ongoing promotion and fulfillment of to the Great Commission.
Rather or not one's EARTHLY experience for having done so will be one of overt blessing or one of persecution remains to be seen. From what I have studied and observed, many of God's greatest servants were among those who gave and suffered the most. I have an axe to grind with ministers and ministries that make promises of financial blessings in exchange for people's financial support of their ministries who do not tell the whole story! Those who choose to live a godly life WILL be persecuted (2TIm. 3: 12) in one way or another.
The more one chooses to advance in the TRUE post salvation spiritual life, the more of a worthy target he/she becomes for the devil and his Eph. 6: 12 forces of evil in the realm of spiritual combat. Not to be "worth the bullet" does not say much for the quality of a believer's post salvation spiritual life.
The amount of finances in the coffers and war chests of both the religious vs. the spiritual camps DOES impact the level of participation that each one can muster for the promotion of their respective agendas.
Ask a religious person if they are going to Heaven, and he/she is likely to respond with statements like, "I hope so." Ask a spiritually mature disciple the same question, and he will respond with statements like, "I know so". It's not that the spiritually mature believer thinks himself to be worthy of salvation (Romans 3: 23/James 2: 10, but because his position is based on faith in what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do for him, as opposed to ANYTHING that he has done, refrained from doing, had done, or will have done for him, in the name of man-made religion.
"Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what you have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward (2John 1: 8 NASB)."
Note that "what you have accomplished" in this verse is NOT referring to deposits that one has already made into his/her eternal bank account (Matt. 6: 20). What CAN be lost is the level of spiritual maturity and the accompanying desire to be used of God to produce additional divine good. Contrary to what religion and the devil would want us to believe, the devil and his Eph.6: 12 forces of evil can do NOTHING to take away neither one's salvation nor the rewards awaiting the believer, but can do much to diminish or stop one's forward progress in the TRUE post salvation spiritual life and the believer's ability to make additional deposits.
Religion (vs. spirituality) promotes concept of the loss of salvation in order to force those it deceives into participating and supporting its own agenda while threatening dissidents with the fire of Hell. The devil promotes the concept of loss of salvation because he knows of the negative impact it can have on the forward progress of one's post salvation spiritual life.
Truly the stewardship of one's money reveals much about what is or what is not going on in the soul, and to the faithfulness of any given ministry to the promotion of the Great Commission. Each believer will give an accounting of the stewardship of his money. Each pastor-teacher will give an accounting of the stewardship of the local assembly or ministry that he was given administrative responsibility.
Religious people make tithes.
Self-centered contributors make investments with the motive of self-gain.
Disciples make free will offerings from the heart for the advancement of God and/or the things of God, regardless of the EARTHLY outcome.
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OK, but what does this have to do with the stewardship of money ? If one's "heart" is in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, so will be one's treasure. Exactly where and how much of one's money he/she chooses to "invest" in the spreading of the true Gospel and in the development of discipleship is a matter between each individual and God.
Most believers are not called to be an ambassador for Christ outside of their own one-on-one daily interactions with those people in one's private, social, and labor-career environments. Accordingly, the contributing of money to ministries that do so on a much larger scale affords every believer to take part in the fulfillment of the Great Commission on a broader scale. Participating in ANY part of the post salvation spiritual life has got nothing to do with retaining or improving one's salvation, but has everything to do with glorifying God and the receiving of one's full reward in Heaven. Disciples do NOT serve God in order to be rewarded, but God has chosen to reward those in Heaven who live for Him here on Earth.
Investors, both in the secular and spiritual realm, want to know just how secure their investments are or will be in the future when it comes time to benefit from them the most. There are NO guarantees concerning the security of one's secular investments, nor does anyone have an guarantees that he/she will have the health or opportunity to enjoy what he/she is able to store up and retain. There ARE such guarantees regarding the integrity of one's salvation (John 3: 16, 18/John 5: 24 (etc.), and the security of one's 1Cor. 3: 12-15 rewards that he/she deposits in the bank in Heaven (Matt. 6: 20).
Many ministries will make promises and promote alleged and actual instances of financial blessings and prosperity by those who have contributed or will contribute to their ministries. While I do not dispute that God MAY choose to financially bless those who financially support ministries that promote the fulfillment of the Great Commission (2Cor. 9: 6), it is equally true that dedication to the same cause has, is, and will cost others who engage in this same area of spiritual everything that this world has to offer, including their own lives (Heb. 11: 37).
"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2Cor. 9:6)."
In Hebrews 11, the Chapter lists some of the blessings that the heroes of faith received while HERE on Earth, but as of vs. 35-39, it also speaks of the dear price many other believers have paid, are paying, and will pay HERE ON EARTH for being people of faith.
"...others were tortured, not accepting their release (in exchange for renouncing their faith), so that that might obtain a better (greater rewarded) resurrection; and others experienced mocking, and scourging, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill- treated, (men of whom the world was not worthy", wandering in deserts and mountains, and caves and holes in the ground. And all these (believers), having gained approval (of God) through their (acts of) faith, did not receive (HERE on EARTH) what was promised,.....(Heb. 11: 35-39 NASB-parenthesis mine)."
With a few exceptions, the Christian life here in the USA is a walk in the park in comparison with what believers is more hostile environments face every day
As noted earlier, most of us will not be called to evangelize or teach publicly to large audiences, as did/will some of the great men and woman of God in the past, present, and future periods of time here on Earth. Most believers' ambassadorships will involve the evangelizing of unbelievers and the edifying of fellow believers with whom we interact within the limited scope of our personal, social, labor, and/or recreational activities. This form of discipleship will not usually require much (if any)his/her finances to take part. Being properly trained for ambassadorship will cost one much time.
Believers, however, can choose to expand his/her personal "sowing and reaping" of divine good and rewards by financially partnering with ministries that are engaged in the ongoing promotion and fulfillment of to the Great Commission.
Rather or not one's EARTHLY experience for having done so will be one of overt blessing or one of persecution remains to be seen. From what I have studied and observed, many of God's greatest servants were among those who gave and suffered the most. I have an axe to grind with ministers and ministries that make promises of financial blessings in exchange for people's financial support of their ministries who do not tell the whole story! Those who choose to live a godly life WILL be persecuted (2TIm. 3: 12) in one way or another.
The more one chooses to advance in the TRUE post salvation spiritual life, the more of a worthy target he/she becomes for the devil and his Eph. 6: 12 forces of evil in the realm of spiritual combat. Not to be "worth the bullet" does not say much for the quality of a believer's post salvation spiritual life.
The amount of finances in the coffers and war chests of both the religious vs. the spiritual camps DOES impact the level of participation that each one can muster for the promotion of their respective agendas.
Ask a religious person if they are going to Heaven, and he/she is likely to respond with statements like, "I hope so." Ask a spiritually mature disciple the same question, and he will respond with statements like, "I know so". It's not that the spiritually mature believer thinks himself to be worthy of salvation (Romans 3: 23/James 2: 10, but because his position is based on faith in what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do for him, as opposed to ANYTHING that he has done, refrained from doing, had done, or will have done for him, in the name of man-made religion.
"Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what you have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward (2John 1: 8 NASB)."
Note that "what you have accomplished" in this verse is NOT referring to deposits that one has already made into his/her eternal bank account (Matt. 6: 20). What CAN be lost is the level of spiritual maturity and the accompanying desire to be used of God to produce additional divine good. Contrary to what religion and the devil would want us to believe, the devil and his Eph.6: 12 forces of evil can do NOTHING to take away neither one's salvation nor the rewards awaiting the believer, but can do much to diminish or stop one's forward progress in the TRUE post salvation spiritual life and the believer's ability to make additional deposits.
Religion (vs. spirituality) promotes concept of the loss of salvation in order to force those it deceives into participating and supporting its own agenda while threatening dissidents with the fire of Hell. The devil promotes the concept of loss of salvation because he knows of the negative impact it can have on the forward progress of one's post salvation spiritual life.
Truly the stewardship of one's money reveals much about what is or what is not going on in the soul, and to the faithfulness of any given ministry to the promotion of the Great Commission. Each believer will give an accounting of the stewardship of his money. Each pastor-teacher will give an accounting of the stewardship of the local assembly or ministry that he was given administrative responsibility.
Religious people make tithes.
Self-centered contributors make investments with the motive of self-gain.
Disciples make free will offerings from the heart for the advancement of God and/or the things of God, regardless of the EARTHLY outcome.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Click HERE to go The Doctrine of Stewardship Part Three
Click HERE to go to Home Page
Click HERE to go to ...more doctrines/presentation Page