tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25862165836737317352024-03-13T07:51:07.000-07:00Honor Yahweh's Word"Those who HONOR me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained." "YAHWEH's every WORD is flawless..." (1 Samuel 2:30, Proverbs 30:5)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-77946224316923623792015-07-21T13:14:00.031-07:002022-05-01T06:39:43.969-07:00Today's Church vs Biblical Ekklesia <p><b><i>by </i></b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Neil Jennings Braithwaite </span><b><br /></b></p><p><b>What most people today
recognize and define as "church,"including their various doctrines, creeds and traditions, in most aspects, have no resemblance to the biblical model of the <i><a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/p/ekklesia.html">"ekklesia"</a> </i>(Called-out Assembly) <a href="https://yrm.org/lets-put-yah-back-yeshua/" target="_blank"><i>Yahshua</i></a> (Jesus) Christ </b><b>said he would build; which is the model he and his Apostles lived and taught.</b><br />
</p><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Rom-15-4" id="en-NASB-28308"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-NASB-23691"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;">Yahshua said:</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i><i><span class="text Rom-15-4" id="en-NASB-28308"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-NASB-23691"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"> "...upon this rock I will build My <a href="http://biblesuite.com/greek/1577.htm">ekklesia</a>; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.</span></span></span><span style="color: red;">"</span></span></i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016:18&version=NASB"> </a></span></span></i></b><span class="text Rom-15-4" id="en-NASB-28308"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016:18&version=NASB">Matthew 16:18</a></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
Traditional Churches in America today embrace a man-made"<a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/2014/08/church-wars-consequence-of-being-out-of.html"><i>corporate/institutional</i></a>" model rather than the Biblical model of the "<b><i>ekklesia</i></b>" Yahshua Christ <i>personally established.</i> <br />
<br />
After the Apostolic age, the ekklesia established by Yahshua gradually evolved into man-made corporate institutions. Today's churches operate under a
<i>hierarchy of authority and power</i> that negates the intended <i>equality and unity</i> of individual disciples taught by Christ. These corporate institutions also promote <i>division and competition </i>within the body of Christ. Within each corporate church people are intentionally divided into two distinct <i>"<a href="https://setfreefromtheic.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/churchianity-the-clergy-laity-lie/">classes</a>" </i>of Christians known as <i>clergy </i>and<i> </i><i><i><i><i>laity</i></i></i></i> - better<i><i><i><i> </i></i></i></i>defined today as <i>"pastor"</i> and "<i>congregation</i>."<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The term ‘laity’ is one of the worst in the vocabulary of religion and ought to be banished from the Christian conversation.</i>" ~ Karl Barth</blockquote>
<div class="widget-content">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The clergy-laity tradition has done more to undermine New Testament authority than most heresies.</i>" ~ James D.G. Dunn</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>The
clergy-laity dichotomy is a direct carry-over from pre-Reformation
Roman Catholicism and a throwback to the Old Testament priesthood. It
is one of the principal obstacles to the church effectively being God’s
agent of the kingdom today because it creates a false idea that only
‘holy men,’ namely, ordained ministers, are really qualified and
responsible for leadership and significant ministry. In the New
Testament, there are functional distinctions between various kinds of
ministries but no hierarchical division between clergy and laity.</i>" ~ Howard Snyder<br />
</blockquote></div><a name='more'></a><br />
The majority of man-made churches in America take institutionalization a step further through their collusion with the State/government. Once a body of believers incorporates as a "<i>legal entity</i>" under the <a href="http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/501-church.html">501(c)(3)</a>
IRS code,
the State literally replaces Yahshua Christ as the head of the "church," and
the freedoms
once held in Christ become shackled by the chains of unholy State
regulations. Shockingly, the bondage of these State regulations not only
supersede the word of Yahweh (The God of the Bible), but churches willingly and openly agree
to the legal bondage of <i>compliance and submission</i> to the supreme authority of the State through the written contractual
agreement of a <a href="http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/501-church.html">501(c)(3)</a>. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>He
[Yahshua] is also head of the body, the ekklesia; and He is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first
place in everything.</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A18&version=NASB">Colossians 1:18</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj">"</span></span></i></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span class="text Gal-2-4" id="en-NASB-29086">But <i>it was</i>
because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in
to spy out our liberty which we have in </span></span></span></i></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span class="text Gal-2-4" id="en-NASB-29086">Yahshua Messiah, in order to bring
us into bondage." </span></span></span></i></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span class="text Gal-2-4" id="en-NASB-29086"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%202%3A4&version=NASB"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Galatians 2:4</span></a></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span class="text Gal-2-4" id="en-NASB-29086">Do
not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have
righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with
darkness? </span></span></span></i></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span class="text Gal-2-4" id="en-NASB-29086"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%206%3A14-16&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2 Corinthians 6:14</span></a></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
Besides establishing a man-made hierarchy, the unity Yahshua taught as the foundation to his ekklesia is virtually non-existent today. The ekklesia has been divided into literally thousands of competing brands of both <a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/p/the-gospel-ofjesus-records-that-he.html">denominational</a> and independent churches; with each "church" being separated by different doctrines, creeds and traditions. Consequently, rather than the unity Yahshua commanded of his followers in scripture, today's corporate churches have created division among believers. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-ISV-24632">Yahshua called his disciples and told them, <span class="woj">“You know that those who are recognized as rulers among the unbelievers</span><span class="woj"> lord it over them, and their superiors act like tyrants over them. </span></span></b></span></i></span><span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-ISV-24632"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-10-43" id="en-ISV-24633"><span class="woj"><u>That’s not the way it should be among you</u>. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.</span></span>" </span></span></b></span></i></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2010%3A42&version=NASB;YLT;ISV;ESV">Mark:10:42</a> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">"The gospel of </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">Yahshua records that He built one </span><span style="font-size: small;">ekklesia and that all saved people
were in that </span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>ekklesia. He prayed for unity and rebuked division.
Denominations as we know them did not exist till centuries later.
Yet today hundreds of denominations exist in the name of
Christianity, claiming to be Christian. They are divided and
contradict one another."</i> <b>~ </b><a href="http://www.gospelway.com/copyrite.htm" target="_blank">David E.Pratte</a></span> </blockquote>
Besides being run like a worldly hierarchical corporation unequally yoked with the State and being divided by different man-made denominations, the majority of churches today also embrace many man-made unbiblical
doctrines and traditions.<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-NASB-23691"><span class="woj"><span class="text 2Tim-4-3" id="en-NASB-29874"> </span></span></span></i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-NASB-23691"><span class="woj"><span class="text 2Tim-4-3" id="en-NASB-29874">"For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers in accordance to their own desires, a</span><span class="text 2Tim-4-4" id="en-NASB-29875">nd will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." </span></span></span></i></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A3-4&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-NASB-23691"><span class="woj"><span class="text 2Tim-4-4" id="en-NASB-29875">2 Timothy 4:3-4</span></span></span></span></a></span> </blockquote>
Corruption of Yahshua's and the Apostle's teachings through man-made doctrines, creeds and traditions are clearly evident in the New Testament. While these corruptions began during the Apostolic era, they escalated greatly in the post-Apostolic era; culminating with "church" leaders colluding with Roman rulers in the early fourth century to create the original State sponsored "Christian" church - aptly called the <i>Roman Catholic Church</i>.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, even after the so-called "reformation" movement took place in the sixteenth century, where many Christians broke away from the Catholic Church, the majority of newly formed "<i>protestant</i>" Christian churches continued to keep and adhere to most Roman Catholic Church doctrines, creeds and traditions - and do so even to this day. <span class="text Matt-24-11" id="en-NASB-23969"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-7-15"><span class="woj"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves"</b></span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A15-16&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 7:15</a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-24-11" id="en-NASB-23969"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>"Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many."</b></i></span> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-24-11" id="en-NASB-23969"><span class="woj"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A11&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 24:11</a></span></span> </blockquote>
The tragic consequences of these divisions in the ekklesia and deviations from Yahshua's
teachings compromise and imperil the spirituality and welfare of
Christians and are highly detrimental to the message and ministry of the
gospel. These negative effects resemble closely today what the Apostle Paul
warned about in some of his his letters as being a "<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:12&version=NASB">hindrance</a></i>" to the gospel and a financial "<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%202:9&version=NASB">burden</a></i>" on the ekklesia.<span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> </b></span></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Now
I exhort you, brethren, by the name of </b></span></i></span><span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Yahshua Messiah, that you
all agree and THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS AMONG YOU, but that you be made
complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.</b></span></i></span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201:10&version=NASB">1 Corinthians 1:10 </a><b> </b></blockquote>
<b>Remember </b><b>Yahshua and his Apostles <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">WARNED</span></i> over and over in scripture</b> (<i>See the exhaustive list in the column at the side of this blog</i>) that the <i><b>complete</b></i> Gospel had been <i><b>fully delivered</b></i> to the saints "<b><i>once for all</i></b>," and no one should ever be deceived by any <i>additional</i> worldly doctrines, traditions and teachings of men,
which are a corruption of both the gospel message and the ekklesia.* <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Gal-1-6"> </span></i></span></b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Gal-1-6">I AM AMAZED that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Yahshua Messiah, for a DIFFERENT GOSPEL;</span> <span class="text Gal-1-7" id="en-NASB-29065">which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Yahshua Messiah.</span> <span class="text Gal-1-8" id="en-NASB-29066">BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, SHOULD PREACH TO YOU A GOSPEL CONTRARY TO WHAT WE <u>HAVE PREACHED TO YOU</u>, HE IS TO BE <u>ACCURSED</u>!</span> </i></span></b><span class="text Gal-1-9" id="en-NASB-29067"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>As we have said before, so I SAY AGAIN NOW, if any man is preaching to you a gospel CONTRARY TO WHAT YOU ALREADY RECEIVED, <u>he is to be ACCURSED</u>!</i></span></b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A6-9&version=NASB" target="_blank">Galatians 1:6-9</a></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-15-1">Now I make known to you, brethren, THE GOSPEL WHICH I PREACHED TO YOU, WHICH ALSO YOU RECEIVED, in which also you stand,</span> <span class="text 1Cor-15-2" id="en-NASB-28721">by which also you are saved, if you HOLD FAST TO THE WORD WHICH I PREACHED TO YOU, unless you believed in vain.</span></b></i></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A1-2&version=NASB" target="_blank">I Corinthians 15:1-2</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was ONCE FOR ALL HANDED DOWN TO THE SAINTS.</b></i></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A3&version=NASB" target="_blank">Jude 1:30</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-7-15"><span class="woj"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves"</b></span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A15-16&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 7:15</a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-NASB-29503"><span class="text 2Cor-11-3" id="en-NASB-28993">But
I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your
minds will be corrupted from the simplicity and purity <i>that is in the</i> Yahshua Messiah.</span> </span></i></b></span></span></span></i></span></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2011%3A3&version=NASB"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj">2 Corinthians 11:3</span></span></span></a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-NASB-29503">See to it tha</span></i></b></span></span></span></i></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-NASB-29503">t
no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary
principles of the world, rather than according to Yahshua Messiah.</span></i></b></span> </span></span></i></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text John-16-13" id="en-NASB-26740"><span class="woj"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8&version=NASB">Colossians 2:8</a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Jas-1-21" id="en-NASB-30288"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>...in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.</b></i></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A21&version=NASB" target="_blank">James 1:21b</a></span> </blockquote>
*<i>Please remember to always search the scriptures in the Holy Spirit for discernment and
confirmation of the truth in all things - including the teachings found on this blog or any links provided. </i><span class="text Matt-7-15"><span class="woj"><span class="text 1John-2-26" id="en-NASB-30577"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-7-15"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-2-26" id="en-NASB-30577">These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.</span> </b></i></span><span class="text 1John-2-27" id="en-NASB-30578"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.</b></i></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A26-27&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 John 2:26-27</a></span></span></span> <br /></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-45229005465860477112015-07-21T08:46:00.081-07:002023-01-12T06:41:31.680-08:00Today's "Church" - A Brief Historical Perspective<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>by</i> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Neil Jennings Braithwaite</span> <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By the late third century, the "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A18&version=WEB" target="_blank"><i>ekklesia</i></a>"
that Yahshua (Jesus) Messiah said he would build had been renamed "<i>church</i>"
and </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">systematically</span> transformed</span> by its leaders into a man-made <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1785/the-separation-of-christianity-from-judaism/" target="_blank">100% non-Jewish</a> hierarchical corporate religious institution</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">under</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the st<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">rong</span></span> influenc<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">e of </span>Greek government, culture, and philosop<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">h</span>y, as well as</span> Gnosticism and paganism. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
The "<i>institutionalized</i>" Christian <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">church</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">systematically</span> stripped away every vestige of the historical <i>Hebrew/Jewish</i> Messiah<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">while</span> diminish<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ing </span>and distort<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ing</span> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">t</span>he Hebrew and New Testament scriptures<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> rega<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">rding </span></span>the Messiah's very nature, purpose and message to better <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">align</span> with <i>"official"<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></i>church<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> doctrines, <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">traditions</span> and teachings</span>. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
By the early fourth century Christian church leaders had formally colluded with the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">pagan sympathizer and <a href="http://www.heretication.info/_jews.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">anti-Semitic</span> </a></span>Roman Emperor Constantine, who esse<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ntially </span>"<i>legalized</i>" Christianity in an effort to stabilize both a crumbling Roman empire <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">and </span>a church
in turmoil, which <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">had </span>becom<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">e</span> sharply divided over doctrinal issues - specifically, the debate over
the<i> deity</i> of the Messiah. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">H</span>istory clearly shows</span></span> that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">f</span>rom the time of <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">E</span>mperor</span> Constantine<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span>the
burgeoning "<i>Roman</i> <i>Catholic</i> <i>Church</i>" was heavily
influenced not only by the politics of their collusion with the Roman
government and its emperors, but by Greek philosophers and paganism as
well. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I</span>t is clearly <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">evident that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">t</span></span>he Roman Catholic Church fell prey to those powerful
and evil corrupting influences as <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">it</span> developed and implemented <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">an</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><i>institutional structure</i> and</span> <a href="http://trinitylies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">man-made religious doctrines</a>, creeds and traditions; all of which <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">succeeded</span> in push<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ing</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">it</span> further and furthe<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">r </span>away from
the <i>true</i> historical <i>Hebrew/Jewish<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></i>Messiah<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> and </span>his teachings - including the pure gospel message of Yahweh's plan of salvation for mankind and <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">his </span>promise of the
coming Kingdom of Yahweh. </span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I</span>n the late fourth century a very <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">aggressive</span> Emperor Theodosius I made
Christianity the "<i>State</i>" religion and the Catholic <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>hurch bec<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ame</span> the "<i>official</i>" <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>hurch of Rome. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Emperor Theodosius I</span>
also presided over the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD which confirmed <i>deity status</i>
to the Holy Spirit<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> -</span> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">making the Holy Spirit the third "<i>person</i>" of the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">"<i>Godhead</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">.</span>" </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">This new <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">divine</span> "<i>third person</i>" formally created wh<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">at we<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> know today as the </span></span><i>T</i></span><i>rinity</i>;<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> which includ<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">es</span> </span></span></span></span><i>"God the Father</i>, <i>God the Son</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">, and <i>God the </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><i>Holy Spirit</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">." Both <i>God the Father</i> and <i>God the Son</i> </span></span></span>had already been formally recognized </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">at the Council of <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Nicaea</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">i<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">n </span></span>325 AD<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">as co-equal "<i>persons</i>" of d<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">eity</span> that make-up the "<i>Godhead</i>." (It should be noted that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">it</span> was <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Council of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Constantinople that </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"<i>officially</i>" establ<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ished </span></span></span></span></span>the "<i>Trinity Doctrine</i>" <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">- <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">NOT</span> the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>ouncil of Nicaea<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">.</span>) </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">'s very important for Christians to unders<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">tand </span></span>that the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">T</span>rinity doctrine is <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">NOT</span> the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">product of the very best biblical "<i>Christian<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span>thinking</i>" of the first three centu<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ries<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">.</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">R</span>ather, the standard Trinitarian model, <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">as identified by the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>ouncil of <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Constantinople</span>, </span>became the <a href="https://www.ccel.org/creeds/athanasian.creed.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">religious</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="https://www.ccel.org/creeds/athanasian.creed.html" target="_blank"><i> law of the land</i></a> mostly by </span>dominant <a href="http://trinities.org/blog/podcast-131-10-apologists-mistakes-trinity/" target="_blank"><i>imperial force</i></a>. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Emperor Theodosius made it possible for the Catholic Church to make</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">T</span>rinity doctrine</span> <i>mandatory</i> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">for all</span> Christians to believe and adhere to<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">, o</span></span>r else be
subject to the consequences of excommunication, banishment, torture or death by the emperor's sword. Backed by </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Emperor Theodosius, t</span></span></span></span></span>he Catholic Church had the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">power to order <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">any<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> "Christian" person or group</span> </span>who taught or professed any doctrine other than <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">T</span>rinity to be <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">forcibly</span> banished <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">and have their places of worship <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">either confiscated or destroyed<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">.</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">It should also be noted that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">un<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">der </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Emperor Theodosius, any <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">religious</span> and historical writings<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">t</span></span>hat did not conf<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">orm to <i>official</i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Catholic Church</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> doctrin<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">es and teachings were also <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">confiscated</span> and/or destroyed.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span>It was under
these <b><i>heavy-ha<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">nded </span>imperial conditions,</i></b> provided by the collusion between the the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Catholic Church and The Roman government, that Catholic </span>doctrines and traditions were established, and the "</span><i>history</i>" of Christianity began to be <i>revised</i> in order
to accommodate <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">all</span> <i>official</i> <a href="http://trinitylies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Catholic Church doctrines</a> and traditions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">A</span>t the direction of the newly appointed religious power brokers of the Roman
Catholic Church, the ekklesia th<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">e Jewish Messiah </span>said he would build was <i>officially</i>
transformed into something that no longer resembled his biblical bride, or the
gospel message both he and his Apostles lived and taught. The pure spiritual
and practical teachings of Yahshua and his Apostles had become corrupted by the worldly
influences of </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">prestige, power and wealth</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">of</span> </span>the Roman Government<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> as well as the </span>worldly philosophy<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> and</span> paganism of the Greek/Roman culture.</span></div>
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The arrangement between the Catholic Church and Rome to keep order and control
in both the Roman empire and the Catholic <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>hurch was strongly favored by emperor Constantine, his successors and the Church Bishops.</span></div>
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The Catholic Church Bishops benefited greatly from their </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">their <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">newly</span> established</span> political connections and </span>collusion with Rome and <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the</span>
opportunistic emperors' <i>Constantine</i> and </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Theodosius</span></i>. Catholic Church
Bishops enjoyed prominent stature and respect in their respective communit<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ies</span> along with special living <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">accommodations</span>, wealth and <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">seemingly</span> limitless power and control over the masses of people that belonged to "<i>their</i>"
church.</span></div>
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Acting on its newly acquired power and influence, the "<i>official</i>"
Church of the Roman Empire could now successfully espouse and defend its Greek
and pagan influenced <i>false teachings and doctrine</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">s<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">,</span></span> grow in number, wealth,
power, influence and stature, and most importantly, keep all of its "<i>members</i>" obedient and under control. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">In </span>393 C.E. the <i>Council of Hippo</i> sanctioned 27 books for the New Testament<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> and four years later the <i>Council of </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><i>Cartage</i> </span></span>confirmed the same 27 books as "<i>the authoritative </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><i>scriptures</i>" <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">of the Roman Catholic Church. </span></span>To help protect their power and <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">influential</span> statu<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">s<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span>Catholic Church Bishops kept the truth of the
written word of the newly sanctioned scriptures <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">- the </span>Bible - out of the hands of the people/<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">laity for the next <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bernard-starr/why-christians-were-denied-access-to-their-bible-for-1000-years_b_3303545.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">one-thousand</span> years</a></span>. This time period is very important because it was a clear attempt to <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">separate</span> the Catholic "<i>Christian</i>" <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>hurch from its "<i>Hebrew/Jewish</i>" heritage. Historians agree the disdain and contempt of Hebrews/Jews by Rome perpetuated this purging of </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jewish religious heritage </span>in Catholic Church. During this time, <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">new "<i>Christian doctrines</i>" were devised and implemented into the Catholic Church, where t</span>hese new doctrines essentially transformed Yahshua from a "<i>Jewish Messiah</i>" into a Catholic Church "<i>Christian Savior</i>."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Bishops</span> also used the
backing of the Roman emperors and the<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> brutal </span>strong arm of the Roman government to help enforce
Church doctrines and punish any Church members that did not adhere strictly to its doctrines. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>ompliance <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">with</span> Church doctrines by its <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">members</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">was upheld by threats of </span>punishments ranging from exclusion from the Church building and/or holy sacraments, excommunication, banishment, and even physical harm; involv<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ing</span> torture,
burning at the stake or death by the sword. It's easy to see how the Roma<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">n </span>Catholic Church quickly grew into a<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> prominent</span> influential </span>religious and political power<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> in the age of the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">R</span>oman Empire.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span><br />
This major development within the "Christian" community was very similar to what Jewish
leaders had previously done in Yahshua's day through their <i>collusion</i>
with that same Roman government.</span></div>
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Th<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">e</span> collusion between the Jewish leaders and Rome during Yahshua's day was never more evident than when<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span>Pharisees conspired with a
particular party of Jew<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ish </span>Roman government sympathizers called "<i><a href="http://www.compellingtruth.org/Herodians.html"><span style="color: blue;">Herodians</span></a></i>"
to "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+3%3A6&version=NASB"><i><span style="color: blue;">destroy</span></i></a>" Yahshua after he healed a man's
withered hand in a synagogue.</span></div>
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This conspiracy with Roman rulers by the Pharisees and Herodians continued for the duration of
Yahshua's ministry as indicated in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A15-22&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 22:15-22</span></a> where representatives of both
groups tried to trap Yahshua with a question about taxes.</span></div>
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Yahshua even made a point to address this conspiracy between the Pharisees and
Herodians when he warned his disciples in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+8%3A15&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Mark 8:15</span></a> to, “<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Watch
out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the<u> <b>leaven of Herod</b></u>.</span></i>”
</span></div>
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Shortly after the incident regarding taxes with the Pharisees and Herodians, we
read Yahshua's scathing list of indictments in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 23</span></a> against the corrupt Jewish leaders of
his day.<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></i></b>Yahshua spoke
directly concerning the worldly influences that had corrupted the Jewish
leaders; denouncing their leadership as selfish conceit, and their deeds as
heavy burdens placed on the shoulders of those they were charged by Yahweh
to oversee and protect.</span></div>
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Yahshua held no punches when it came to calling-out those Jewish leaders
regarding their worldly ways. He openly called them ALL "fools,"
"blind guides," "lawless," "serpents,"
"vipers," "murderers," "sons of Hell" and
"hypocrites." Yahshua even went as far as to question how those
Jewish leaders could "escape the sentence of Hell" for their words and deeds. </span></div>
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Yahshua's condemning indictments of those Jewish leaders who had colluded with the Roman <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">government</span> would also be applicable to the "<i>Christian</i>" leaders of the <i>newly established</i> Roman
Catholic Church<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> who <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">also colluded with the Roman government<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> to establish their power and influence among the people.</span></span></span> And Yahshua's words to th<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">se Jewish leaders </span></span>would also be just as applicable today in 2019
to the leaders of protestant and evangelical denominational churches </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(which are
really nothing more than off-shoots of the Roman Catholic Church) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">that have collu<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ded with the the United States <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">G</span>overnment<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">by entering into</span> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">501c3 IRS corporate contracts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
The "<i>leaven of Herod</i>" ha<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">s</span> so taken hold of Christianity in America today that you will be hard-pressed to find any "Christian
church" of any denomination or creed that doesn't adhere to many of the
<i>same corrupt doctrines and traditions</i> established by the Roman Catholic Church. </span></div>
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Today's churches are also structured and governed in a similar worldly manor of ungodly collusion by
the hands of powerful church "<i>leaders.</i>" In fact, almost every
church in America today has openly colluded with the State by means of signing
a <i><b>501c3</b></i> IRS corporate contract<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">; <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">despite the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">fact</span> that "churches" are protected by the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><i><b>First <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Amendment</span></b></i> and <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://hushmoney.org/501c3-myths.htm" target="_blank"><i>D</i></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://hushmoney.org/501c3-myths.htm" target="_blank"><i>O NOT</i></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span></span>have to sign any "<i>lega</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><i>l</i>" agreement to operate <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">as a church or attain tax-exempt status.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b> </b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."</b></i> </blockquote>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Congress
shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof - See more at:
http://constitution.findlaw.com/amendment1.html#sthash.U5ARnDgH.dpuf</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The First Amendment is very clear; "SHALL MAKE NO LAW" literally means "NO LAW." No corporate law, no tax law, NO LAW!!! And any Church <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">that</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">agrees to <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">operate under a </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm" target="_blank">501c3 IRS</a> corporate contract (LAW) not only doesn't understand the First Amendment, they also <b><i>willingly</i></b> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">cede</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Yahshua Messiah's supreme authority as
head of the ekklesia (Their Church) to the directives and authority of the State. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Further historical facts:</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">U</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">nder</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Roman Catholic</span> </b><a href="http://www.heretication.info/_jews.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">imperial <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">religious</span> </span>conditions</a><b><i> </i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">a powerful and <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">progressive</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://vlib.iue.it/carrie/texts/carrie_books/seaver/text.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">anti-Semitic</span> movement</a> began. Roman <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">p</span></span></span>ersecution of Jews increased while the </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">new government sponsored "Christian" <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Catholic</span> faith </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">eliminated the </span></span></span></span></span>histori<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">cal Hebrew heritage of <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the Messiah. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The Rom<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">an government's</span> </span></span></span></span>hatred of Jews <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">allowed the Catholic Church to purg<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">e <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the</span> "Jewi<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">sh" <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Messiah</span> and replace him <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">with a new<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span>"Christian" Messiah. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The Jewish Messiah</span> was <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">transformed</span> from a devout Jew named Yahshua (Yahweh's Salvation) to the founder of <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">a "</span>Greek" Christian</span> </span></span></span></span>religion and given a new Greek name - </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Iésous (Jesus). <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">While never taught in Sunday School or preached from the pulpit, <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">the fact remains <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">that </span>b</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">oth the Rom<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">an government</span> and the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>atholic Church wanted to <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">separate themselves completely from the Jews and their faith. Both Rome and the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">C</span>atholic Church</span> treated Jews as less than second<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">-</span>class citizens<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> and their Jewish faith with total disdain,<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> while the Catholic Church g<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">rew and prospered unchallenged by the truth <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">for many <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">centuries</span>.</span></span></span></span> Sadly, this tradition carried on even after the Protestant movement and does so to this day within most <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Protestant</span> churches.</span></span> Noted Jewish historian and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZKgDfucwF8" target="_blank">Rabbi Tovia S<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">i</span>nger</a> said "Raw </span></span></span><cite class="_Rm">antisemitism</cite><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> was born in Rome" an<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">d "Christianity gave birth to real raw a</span></span></span></span></span><cite class="_Rm">ntisemitism</cite><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">."</span></span></span></span></span></span><b> </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>The<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> church</span> even accepted</b> the wrongly translated </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Greek name </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="toptitle2"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2424.htm" target="_blank">I</a><a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/2424.htm" target="_blank">ēsoús</a>, which later became anglicized into the name Jesus, instead of the correct </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Hebrew name <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3091.htm" target="_blank">Yahshua</a> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">- which</span> Yahweh instructed both <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Mary and Joseph to name</span> their son<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> - which literally means "<a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3091.htm" target="_blank">Yahweh<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> is</span> salvation</a>." </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="toptitle2">The<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> church </span>also continued the practice of removing/hiding the personal name of the God of Israel - <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3068.htm" target="_blank">YAHWEH</a> - from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="toptitle2"> </span> </span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Long before the Messiah was born</b>, Hebrew scribes removed the personal, eternal and memorial name (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3%3A15&version=LEB" target="_blank">Exodus 3:15</a>) of <span class="text Exod-3-16" id="en-NASB-1596">the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob</span> (YHWH) from the Hebrew Scriptures and replaced it with generic titles such as Lord and God.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Believing
that the name YHWH (Sometimes YHVH) (Pronounced YaH-WeH) was to holy to write or
speak, <span>Rabbinic Judaism refer to it in conversation as "<a href="http://www.hebrew-streams.org/works/hebrew/hashem.html" target="_blank">haShem</a>" which literally means "The Name." Following the custom of Rabbinic </span>Judaism, who substituted the name <i>Adonai</i> for Yahweh in the Greek Septuagint, most Bibles substituted <i>generic titles</i> such as "LORD" and God
for YHWH/Yahweh 6,823 times in the Old Testament. This deliberate action
virtually eliminates the name Yahweh from the Bible - the personal name given to Moses in Exodus
3:15 by our creator. </span></span><span class="text Exod-3-13" id="en-NASB-1593"> </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Exod-3-13" id="en-NASB-1593">Then Moses said to God,
“Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The
God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, <i><b>‘What
is His name?’ What shall I say to them?</b></i>”</span> <span class="text Exod-3-14" id="en-NASB-1594">God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”</span> <span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘<b><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">YAHWEH</span></u><i>, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’</i></b> </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><i><b><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This is </span></span></b></i><u><b><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY NAME FOREVER</span></span></b></u><i><b><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span style="color: #cc0000;">, and this is </span></span><u><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY MEMORIAL-NAME TO ALL GENERATIONS</span></span></u><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span> </span></b></i></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus+3%3A13-15&version=NASB" target="_blank">Exodus 3:13-15</a><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"> </span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">It
can't be more strongly emphasized that when asked by Moses about His name, God
specifically told him that His personal name was <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>YHWH </b><span style="color: black;">(meaning "<b><i>I am that I am</i></b>")</span></span>. Yahweh followed that pronouncement by emphasizing to Moses that the name Yahweh was "<i><b>forever</b>,"</i> and was to be <b><i>remembered and used</i></b> for "<b><i>all generations</i></b>" by His people. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">There
is nothing in the context of Exodus 3, or anywhere else in the bible for that matter, to indicate that Yahweh didn't want His name written or spoken. Likewise,
nowhere in the bible is there any indication that there was ever going
to be any other name, other than Yahweh, used to address </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><b><i>"the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. </i></b></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><b><i>Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘<u>This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.</u>’ You shall tell them, ‘<span style="color: #cc0000;">Yahweh</span> bless you, and keep you. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Yahweh</span> make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Yahweh</span> lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’ “<span style="color: #cc0000;">So they shall put <u>MY NAME</u> on the children of Israel; and <u>I WILL BLESS THEM</u>.</span>”</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+6%3A22-27&version=WEB" target="_blank">Numbers 6:22-27</a></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">In a similar manor, with respect to the name Yahweh gave to His only begotten son, it didn't take long after the Apostolic age that the Hebrew name </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><b>Yahshua</b> (</span></span></span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">meaning </span><i><b>"Yahweh is salvation"),</b></i></span> </span></span>was discarded and changed to the <i>incorrectly</i> transliterated Greek name "Iesous." Incorrect because the Greek pronunciation of "Iesous" is not even close to the pronunciation of Yahshua - and most definitely does NOT have the same <i>meaning</i> of the Hebrew name Yahshua. The <i>erroneous </i>Greek name </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">Iesous </span>was then later transliterated into Latin and finally into English - originally as "Iesus." Interestingly, it wasn't until about 400 years ago (16th century) that the letter "J" was put
into the English alphabet; changing the English spelling of Iesus to Jesus. As verified by simple historical and biblical research, the name Jesus comes from a wrong transliteration of the Hebrew name Yahshua. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">Interestingly, Yahshua (Joshua), </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><i>the name Yahweh gave to His son</i>, </span>is the same name Moses gave to the Hoshea, Son of Nun, before sending him to spy out the land of Canaan. (see <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+13%3A16&version=LEB" target="_blank">Numbers 13:16</a>) Hoshea became <i>Yashua, son of Nun</i> - the same Yahshua, son of Nun that Yahweh told to lead the Israelites into the promised land. </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A1-2&version=LEB" target="_blank">Joshua 1:1</a>) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">Notwithstanding the undeniable historical fact that Yahshua </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"> </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">(Literally the same name of the OT book translated as Joshua) </span></span></span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">was the <b><i>Hebrew</i></b> name Yahweh gave to His son - which was the </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">name used by his parents, family and friends for his entire life. Interestingly, you will find very few people today that even know the true <i>personal name</i> of their Messiah is in fact Yahshua. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">It should be troubling to anyone who discovers that the name Jesus, </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">which scripture clearly tells us is the "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A9&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>name above all names</i></a>," is NOT the true Hebrew name that Yahweh gave to His son. Jesus is NOT the <i>name above all names</i> - Yahshua IS the <i>name above all names</i>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"> </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">It's
an astonishing and sometimes shocking fact to learn that the true names of
both our creator (Yahweh) and His son (Yahshua) are nowhere to be found
in most bible translations today. And that those two names are rarely, if ever, written, spoken or referenced by the very people
who profess to be their followers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595">What's
also astonishing is that the facts of this issue has been known since the apostolic
age, and were even written about in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the
New Testament. There are prophesies and warnings regarding this issue that appear
throughout the bible, yet religious scholars and preachers choose to
<i>willfully ignore</i></span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><i> biblical and historical facts </i>and use generic titles such as LORD and God for Yahweh, and the literally made-up name Jesus for Yahweh's son Yahshua.</span> </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><span class="text Jer-8-8" id="en-WEB-19162"> </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><i><b><span class="text Jer-8-8" id="en-WEB-19162">“‘How do you say, “We are wise, and Yahweh’s law is with us?”</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-8-8">But, behold, <span style="color: #990000;">the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie.</span></span></span></b></i></span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+8%3A8&version=WEB" target="_blank"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-8-8"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b> </b></i></span>Jeremiah 8:8</span></span></a> </span><span class="text Exod-3-15" id="en-NASB-1595"> </span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's interesting that historians go to great lengths to discover evidence regarding specific names of people from the distant past. And the evidence they find regarding personal names is of the utmost importance when it comes to establishing credible dates, times and events of the past. So, whenever a personal name is discovered and verified by historical evidence, that name, as written, becomes a <i>relational focal point of specific historical data</i>. That specific name can then be <i>transliterated</i> into any language so it can be written and pronounced as close to the original as possible. From that point of discovery forward, historians can identify that individual person by their <b><i>true</i></b> name as it was originally written and spoken. Historians also go to great lengths to not only preserve the original text of the name, but they also go to great lengths to try to pronounce that name as it was pronounced in its original language of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hebrew historians (And Rabbis) will tell you that the <i>personal name</i> of the God of Israel in the the Hebrew Scriptures is YHWH (Pronounced YaHWeH). Those same historians will also tell you that the name Jesus is NOT the original Hebrew name given to the first son born to Mary as recorded in the New Testament. Historians will tell you that his given "Hebrew" name is Yahshua - the same name in Hebrew scriptures transliterated in English as Joshua. They will also tell you that, properly <i>translated</i>, the name <b>Yahshua</b> has <i>two distinct parts</i>; the first part <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3050.htm" target="_blank">"YAH</a>" is an abbreviation of YHWH, and the second part "shua" is derived from the Hebrew word <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3444.htm" target="_blank">yeshua,</a> which means <i>salvation</i>. Put together, <b>YAH</b> and <b>yeshua</b> literally mean "<a href="https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3091.htm" target="_blank"><b>Yahweh is salvation</b></a>" or "<b>Yahweh's salvation</b>." It makes perfect sense that Yahweh would name His only begotten son after Himself (YAH) and also have within that name his literal purpose as the savior of all mankind (yeshua).<br />
<br />
Any reputable historian knows that the name Jesus is derived originally from Greek and Latin, and does NOT have the same meaning as Yahshua. In fact, <i>the name Jesus has no
real meaning at all</i>! Which, if used in the historical time that he lived, would not only have been a personal insult to Yahshua, but to his entire family regarding their Hebrew roots. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Think about it from Mary's perspective. She is visited by an angel who tells her she will give birth to a son and to specifically name him Yahshua. The angel then explains to Mary that her son Yahshua "<i>...<span class="text Luke-1-32" id="en-NASB-24919">will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and Yahweh will give Him the throne of His father David;</span> </i><span class="text Luke-1-33" id="en-NASB-24920"><i>and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end</i>." What rational person would believe Mary could ever forget what the angel told her about her son - that he was the literal son of God who would reign over the house of Jacob forever? Or that every time Mary called out his name or heard his name that she would be reminded that her son was Yahweh's salvation? No, we can be absolutely certain that Mary called her son Yahshua - but never Jesus.</span> <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But even more important than Mary's memory and understanding of the name Yahshua, using the name "Jesus" would be an even greater personal insult to YaHshua's Father - Yahweh, the one true God of Israel; who
literally bestowed His personal "<i>eternal and memorial</i>" name on His son when <i>He named him</i> <b>YaH</b>shua.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>Hebrew historians and rabbis will tell you that in Hebrew culture NAMES MEAN EVERYTHING. But sadly, when it came to "<i>the name above all names</i>" early Christian fathers and translators got it totally wrong.</b></div>
<i></i></div><p>
<br />
So the big questions is - do names really matter? And more importantly, what does Yahweh think about "names?"</p><p><span class="text Jer-16-21" id="en-LEB-19357"></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: red;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-16-21" id="en-LEB-19357">“<span class="idiom trans-change">Therefore</span> look, I <span class="trans-change">am</span> about to let them know,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-16-21">this time I am going to let them know</span></span><br /><span class="text Jer-16-21">my <span class="idiom trans-change">power</span> and my might,</span><br /></b></i></span><span class="indent-1"><span style="color: red;"><i><b><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></b></i></span><span class="text Jer-16-21"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>and <u>they will know that my name <span class="trans-change">is</span> Yahweh</u>.”</b></i></span> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+16%3A21&version=LEB" target="_blank">Jeremiah 16:21</a>)</span></span></blockquote><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-16-21"></span></span>
<p></p><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Who has ascended into heaven and descended?<br />Who has gathered the wind in his fists?<br />Who has wrapped the waters in his garment?<br />Who has established all the ends of the earth?<br /><span style="font-size: large;">What is His <u>NAME</u> or His son's <u>NAME</u>?<br /><u>Surely you know</u>?</span></i></b></span><br />
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A4&version=NASB">Proverbs 30:4</a></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #990000;"></span></div>
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Yahshua made it clear that <i>names do matter</i> when he said:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">"<span style="color: red;"><b><i>I have come IN my Father's <u>NAME</u>...</i></b></span>" <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+5%3A43&version=WEB">John 5:43</a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
King David made it clear that <i>names do matter</i> when he said:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">"<i><b><span style="color: red;">Blessed is he who comes in Yahweh's </span></b><u><b><span style="color: red;">NAME</span></b></u><b><span style="color: red;">.</span></b></i>" <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+118%3A26&version=WEB">Psalms 118:26</a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the multitudes made it clear that <i>names do matter</i> when they shouted:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">"<b><span style="color: red;"><i>Hosanna </i></span></b><span style="color: red;"><i>(Oh, save us now)</i></span><b><span style="color: red;"><i> son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the<u> NAME</u> of Yahweh! </i></span></b><a href="http://biblehub.com/interlinear/matthew/21-9.htm">Matthew 21:9</a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">This is not to say that using the name Jesus or calling Yahweh "God" is of any consequence to one's salvation. (Or maybe it is) But since the names <b>YHWH (Yahweh)</b> and <b>Yahshua</b>
have been known to be historically accurate since they were originally
written; why, <b>out of respect for revealed truth</b>, would Christians want
to continue to use any other names? </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text John-4-24" id="en-NASB-26181"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>"Yahweh is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A24&version=NASB">John 4:24</a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<b>Study the scripture regarding these two names and discover for yourself that is says over and over that these two names - Yahweh and Yahshua - are the most important names in all eternity! </b><i> </i><br />
<br />
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<b><i>So the BIG Question Is: <span style="color: red;">What is your heart, your conscience,
and most importantly, the Holy Spirit residing in you , telling you right now. If you are happy and content calling our creator by a generic title such as God or Lord and His son the Greek name Jesus, then so be it. But it
doesn't change the fact that our creator's <u>true name</u> is YAHWEH and His son's <u>true name</u> is </span></i><i><span style="color: red;">Yahshua (Yahweh's salvation)</span></i><i><span style="color: red;"> - and that you have now been informed of this truth.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<b><i>There are many links on this site that will help in your study of this important issue.</i></b><br />
<br />Also a good resource: <a href="https://21stcr.org/" target="_blank">21st CENTURY REFORMATION</a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-1573337847338033002014-08-03T18:31:00.089-07:002024-01-15T07:01:06.558-08:00The Apostle Paul on Personal Rights and the Gospel (Exposing the myth that paid pastors is Biblical)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>by </i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Neil Jennings Braithwaite</span><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>When
referring to "pastor" and "church" in this post, please understand the concern is not with the men themselves, or the congregations that employ them, but with the biblical legitimacy of the position of vocational (Paid/Salaried) pastor
and today's hierarchical corporate church model.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">(<i>For the purpose of this study, the term "<a href="http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/churchianity-today.html" target="_blank">church"</a> will refer to the design of today's hierarchical corporate church model, and the term "<a href="http://www.unveiling.org/articles/church.html" target="_blank">ekklesia</a>" will refer to the biblical and historical design and model of the body of Christ as defined by </i></span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> and all the writers of the New Testament</i>)</span> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>"Our rights end where the gospel of Christ begins"</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">While traveling to Jerusalem, t</span>he Apostle Paul <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">sent for the elders at Ephesus to meet with him </span>at <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:17-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">Miletus</a> for what turned out to be an
emotional and tearful <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:38&version=NASB" target="_blank">last goodbye</a>. In that final meeting,
Paul reviewed several specific details of his almost three year <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:17-38&version=NASB" target="_blank">long ministry</a>
at Ephesus; exhorting the elders to follow his examples in "<i>everything</i> <i>he showed
them</i>," and to "<i>be on guard</i>" against "<i>savage wolves</i>" (false teachers) that would find their way in and also rise up from within the congregation of believers. Paul basically warned those men to be very careful and to stay the course he had set for them. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB-27661"><span class="text Acts-20-25" id="en-NASB-27652">“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-26" id="en-NASB-27653">Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-27" id="en-NASB-27654">For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-28" id="en-NASB-27655"><b>Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock</b>, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.</span> <b><span class="text Acts-20-29" id="en-NASB-27656">I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;</span> <span class="text Acts-20-30" id="en-NASB-27657">and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.</span></b> <span class="text Acts-20-31" id="en-NASB-27658">Therefore
be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three
years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-32" id="en-NASB-27659">And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build <i>you</i> up and to give <i>you</i> the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.</span></span>"
</i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A25-32&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20:26-32</a> </span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">At
the conclusion of their meeting Paul makes a statement to the elders
that sums up his ministry objective. Paul clearly exhorts the elders to
<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:17&version=NASB" target="_blank">follow</a></i> the life, ministry and especially the model of a <i>servant</i> of Christ he had demonstrated
before them for the past three years. He also reminded them to "<i>work hard</i>" and to "<i>help the weak</i>." But it's the simple quote from </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua which Paul used that underscores his most important directive to those elders<i> - "<span style="color: red;"><b>It is more blessed to give than to receive</b>.</span>"</i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>"<b>...you must help
the weak </b>and <b>remember the words of<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span>Yahshua Messiah</b>, that He Himself said, "<span style="color: red;"><b>It is more blessed to give than to receive</b></span>." </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>
</i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A33-38&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20:35</a> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul
could have cited numerous quotes from </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua at that moment, but
he chose to seal his parting words to the elders with </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua's simple, yet
powerful, words; "<span style="color: red;"><b><i>It is more blessed to give than receive</i></b><i>.</i></span>" </span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Using those words of Yahshua, Paul reiterates to the elders the moral and spiritual superiority of giving over receiving - of serving over being served - of focusing on the needs of others rather than your own. Those words of Yahshua truly epitomize Paul's life and model of service to the Yahshua Christ and his Father in Heaven, Yahweh; which formed the unshakable foundation of his entire ministry. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-17">From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-18" id="en-NASB-27645">And when they had come to him, he said to them: </span></i><span class="text Acts-20-18" id="en-NASB-27645"><i><span class="text Acts-20-18">"You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time,</span> <span class="text Acts-20-19" id="en-NASB-27646">serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews;</span> <span class="text Acts-20-20" id="en-NASB-27647">how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,</span> <span class="text Acts-20-21" id="en-NASB-27648">solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord </span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Acts-20-18" id="en-NASB-27645"><i><span class="text Acts-20-21" id="en-NASB-27648">Yahshua <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messiah</span>.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-22" id="en-NASB-27649">And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,</span> <span class="text Acts-20-23" id="en-NASB-27650">except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.</span> </i><span class="text Acts-20-24" id="en-NASB-27651"><i><b><u>But
I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself</u>, so that I
may finish my course and the <u>ministry which I received from the Lord
</u></b></i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Acts-20-18" id="en-NASB-27645"><span class="text Acts-20-24" id="en-NASB-27651"><i><b><u>Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</u>, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.</b>"</i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A17-24&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20:17-24</a></span></span> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's words to those elders at Ephesus imply that he also wanted them to be aware
of the many trials and tribulations that lay ahead for them as ambassadors
for <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua Messiah</span>. Paul<span class="text Matt-23-12" id="en-NASB-23931"><span class="woj"> also </span></span>wanted
to leave
no doubt in their minds that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"<i>leadership</i>" positions,</span></span> by any worldly standard or definition, do NOT exist within the Ekklesia, rather, only <i>positions
of service</i>; and that being a servant does NOT carry with it any formal title used to distinguish them as greater or
above any other believer, but simply men who embrace service to the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia as a <i>sacrificial gift to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></i>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">There is no
better example of Paul's ministry as an Apostle and devoted servant of Christ than this
account in Acts 20 written by Luke, Paul's beloved friend, brother and fellow minister of the gospel of Christ. Luke's words are a great testimony to Paul's example of integrity and influence among the Ekklesia as a minister and servant of the gospel of Christ. In this three year account of Paul's life, Luke
summarizes in great detail how he lived and served as Yahshua Messiah's ambassador
among the Ekklesia at Ephesus. Luke's account speaks clearly of Paul's
dedication and devotion to the preaching and preservation of the "<i>whole will of God</i>," serving the saints, helping the poor and less fortunate, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">and more importantly, seeking the lost. </span></span>This account also leaves no doubt regarding
Paul's great faith and love for <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> and His beloved son </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua. <span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>But of great importance to the main point of this study</i></b>, yet rarely ever mentioned by advocates for paid pastors within today's corporate church model, is what Paul specifically told the elders regarding how he and his companions took care of their own personal needs and accommodations during their three year stay in Ephesus. <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Acts-20-32" id="en-NASB1995-27659"></span></b><b><blockquote><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text Acts-20-32" id="en-NASB1995-27659">And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-33" id="en-NASB1995-27660">I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB1995-27661">You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-35" id="en-NASB1995-27662">In
everything I showed you that by working hard <b>in this manner</b> you must
help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself
said, <span class="woj">‘<span style="color: red;">It is more blessed to give than to receive</span>.’</span>”</span></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20%3A32-35&version=NASB1995" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Acts 20:32-35</span></a><br /></blockquote></b></i></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul prefaces the conclusion of his parting message with a spiritual admonition to the elders. <br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-32" id="en-NASB1995-27659"><blockquote>And
now I <u>entrust</u> you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to
build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are
sanctified.</blockquote></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul emphasizes to the elders' that their ultimate responsibility is to <i>God and His word</i> as the <i>foundation of their service</i> to Him as <i>examples</i> to fellow believers and their community. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul follows up this spiritual admonition with a reminder of how he specifically provided accommodations and personal needs for himself and his companions during their three year stay:</span></span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-33" id="en-NASB-27660">I HAVE COVETED NO ONE'S SILVER OR GOLD OR CLOTHES.</span> <span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB-27661">You yourselves know that THESE [MY] HANDS MINISTERED <u>TO MY OWN NEEDS</u> and <u>TO THE MEN WHO WERE WITH ME</u>."</span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20%3A29-34&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20:33-34</a></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the context of Paul's parting words to the elders, this specific sentence </span></span>begs a rather intriguing question. How does one's service to God as an evangelist or elder (Pastor by today's corporate church definition) have anything to do with one's personal needs and accommodations? What message was Paul trying to convey to these men in their service as ministers of the Gospel? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's next sentence clearly answers this intreaguing question. <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text Acts-20-35" id="en-NASB1995-27662"></span></span></b></i></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><u><span class="text Acts-20-35" id="en-NASB1995-27662">IN EVERYTHING I SHOWED YOU</span></u><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text Acts-20-35" id="en-NASB1995-27662"> that by <u>WORKING HARD IN THIS MANNER</u> <b>you MUST</b> <u>HELP THE WEAK</u> and <u>REMEMBER THE WORDS OF YAHSHUA MESSIAH</u>, that He Himself
said, <span class="woj">‘<span style="color: red;">IT IS <u><b>MORE BLESSED</b></u> TO <u><b>GIVE THAN RECEIVE</b></u></span>.’</span>”</span></span></b></i></span></span> </blockquote></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And there you have it! It doesn't get any clearer than this when it comes to what one should expect if one desires to be an evangelist or elder in a local congregation of believers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Just put yourself in the shoes of these elders Paul was speaking to and try to contemplate what they understood Paul was trying to convey to them. And remember, Paul and his companions were there with them for three long years. <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Do you think those elders understood Paul was alluding to anything that remotely resembled the corporate church model today? Do you think they were eager to assemble the congregation and discuss who would hold the position of head pastor and associate pastors? Do you think they discussed the purchase of some land to erect a building large enough to accommodate the congregation for weekly worship services, personal "pastoral" office space, Sunday school classrooms, kitchen and eating accommodations, and a recreational wing? Do you think they discussed a budget to support </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">building construction, property maintenance, marketing, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">advertising</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">and most importantly, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">salaries </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">and benefits </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">for pastors to support themselves and their family's personal needs? </span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's
clear from Paul's </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">example and teaching </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Christ's words and life examples had the greatest influence on</span></span></span></span> his service of ministry. For example, when s</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">peaking to His disciples on the
issue of leadership, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul was fully aware that Yahshua made it
very clear that their ministries were NOT going to be
like anything the world had ever seen before. </span></span></span></span>In d</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">escribing the worldly (Gentile) hierarchy model of leadership, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua said that while "<i>great</i>" men have positions as "<i>rulers</i>" and exercise "<i>authority</i>" over their subjects, <u><i>it would NOT be this way among His disciples</i></u>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span></span>'s words imply that there will be NO hierarchy with ruling positions of authority among His disciples - only <i>servants</i> who <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">live</span> as an example to others<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> -</span> and with that, those who wish to be "<i>first</i>" among them are to become not only <i>servants</i> but <i>slaves</i> to all. <br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="text Matt-20-28" id="en-NASB-23821"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-NASB-24631"><i>But he [</i></span></span></span></i></span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="text Matt-20-28" id="en-NASB-23821"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-NASB-24631"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span></span>] told them, “The kings of the unbelievers <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2961.htm">rule over</a> [Have authority] them,
and those who exercise authority over them are called <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2110.htm">benefactors</a> [Title of honor]. <u><b>BUT YOU [Disciples] ARE NOT TO DO SO</b></u>. On the contrary,
whoever <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2309.htm">desires</a> to be
greatest among you should become like the <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/3501.htm">youngest</a>, and
the one who leads should become like the one who <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/1247.htm">serves</a>. Because who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who
serves? It is the one at the table, isn’t it? <u>But I’m [An example] among you as one
who serves</u>. </i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A25-27&version=NASB;YLT;ISV">Luke
22:25-27</a></span></span></span></span></i></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="text Matt-20-28" id="en-NASB-23821"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-NASB-24631">
</span></span></span></i></span></b> </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>"</i></b></span><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span class="text Matt-23-10" id="en-NASB-23929"><span class="woj"><u>DO NOT BE CALLED LEADERS</u>; for <u>ONE</u> is your leader, that is, <u>CHRIST</u>.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-23-11" id="en-NASB-23930"><span class="woj">But THE GREATEST AMONG YOU SHALL BE YOUR <u>SERVANT</u>.</span></span> </i></b></span><span class="text Matt-23-12" id="en-NASB-23931"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23%3A10-12&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 23:10-12</a></span></span></span></span></blockquote><p>The apostle Peter also made it perfectly clear where he stood on the issue of church leaders as "<i>paid</i>" servants of Christ and their conduct toward the congregation.</p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span class="text 1Pet-5-1-1Pet-5-3">I have a special concern for you
church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s
sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care
for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. <u>Not because you
have to, but because you want to please God. <span style="color: red;">Not calculating what material reward you
can get out of it</span>, but acting spontaneously</u>. Not as overbearing, telling others
what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.</span></b></i></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="font-family: arial;">"</span> </b></i></span>(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A2-3&version=MSG" target="_blank">1 Pet. 5:2-3</a>)</span> </span></span> </blockquote><p></p></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately, the position of
<i>paid vocational</i> "<i>pastor</i>" within the corporate church system today is synonymous with
the worldly hierarchy leadership model that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">spoke against.<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span>And even more unfortunate is that<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> today's</span> worldly model </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">is widely accepted by a majority of
Christians as a biblical standard<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">; even though it is <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">c</span></span>learly at odds with the examples and teachings of both </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua
and Paul. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">T</span>oday's </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">corporate church system </span></span></span>should be exposed for what it <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">truly</span> is - <i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">an</span> unbiblical man-made counterfeit worldly system</i>. <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The account </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">of Paul's ministry at Ephesus </span></span>in </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">the book of Acts </span></span>corresponds in detail with Paul's own letters to the
Thessalonians regarding the example <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he</span> set of <i>working selflessly</i> <i>with
his own hands to support himself</i>, while <i>also</i> proclaiming the
gospel and serving others by ministering to their needs. It should be
noted in 2 Thessalonians that Paul takes his example a step further by <u>commanding</u> "<i>in the name of </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Yahshua <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messia<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">h</span></span></i>;" <u>if a brother does not work he is not to eat</u>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul goes even
further<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> by</span> admonishing believers not to associate with such a person who
does not work. Paul's
words, "<b><i>command and exhort in the name of our lord <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y</span></i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">eshua</span></span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mes<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">siah</span></span></i></b>,"
show just how serious he was that ALL believers <b>IMITATE HIS EXAMPLE</b> in
this matter - that ALL believers must work with their own hands. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And that </span>being the case, there is no doubt that Paul was speaking to ALL
believers regarding this matter -
including elders, pastors, teachers, etc. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Note that Paul ends his first letter to the Thessalonians
by telling them to have his letter read to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A27&version=NASB" target="_blank">"<i>ALL the brethren.</i>"</a> </span></span>This is also evidenced by his use
of the word "<b><i>anyone</i></b>" in 2 Thessalonians 3:14. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Thess-2-9" id="en-NASB-29580">For you recall, brethren,</span><b><span class="text 1Thess-2-9" id="en-NASB-29580"> our LABOR and HARDSHIP, how WORKING NIGHT AND DAY so as not to be a <u>BURDEN</u> to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.</span></b> <span class="text 1Thess-2-10" id="en-NASB-29581">You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers;</span> <span class="text 1Thess-2-11" id="en-NASB-29582">just as <b>you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring</b> each one of you as a father would his own children,</span> <span class="text 1Thess-2-12" id="en-NASB-29583"><b>so that YOU would WALK IN A MANOR worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory</b>.</span></i><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+2%3A9-12&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 2:9-12</a><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-6" id="en-NASB-29685"> </span></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Thess-5-12">But
we request of you, brethren, that you <b>appreciate those who diligently
labor among you</b>, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you
instruction,</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-13" id="en-NASB-29635">and that you <b>esteem them very highly in love</b> because of their work. Live in peace with one another.</span></i><span class="text 1Thess-2-9" id="en-NASB-29580"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A12-13&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:12-13</a></span><i><span class="text 1Thess-2-9" id="en-NASB-29580"> </span></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-6" id="en-NASB-29685">Now we <b>COMMAND you, brethren, in the name of our Lord </b></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-6" id="en-NASB-29685"><b>Yahshua Christ</b>, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life </span><span class="text 2Thess-3-6" id="en-NASB-29685">and not according to the instruction which you received <b>FROM US</b>.</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-7" id="en-NASB-29686">For <b>you yourselves know how you ought to IMITATE OUR EXAMPLE</b>, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-8" id="en-NASB-29687"><b>nor did we eat anyone’s bread WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT</b>, <b>but with LABOR and HARDSHIP we KEPT WORKING NIGHT and DAY so that we would NOT BE A <u>BURDEN</u> TO ANY OF YOU</b>;</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-9" id="en-NASB-29688">not because we do not have the <b>RIGHT</b> to this, <b>but in order to OFFER OURSELVES AS A MODEL FOR YOU, so that YOU would IMITATE OUR EXAMPLE</b>.</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-10" id="en-NASB-29689">For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: <b>if <u>ANYONE</u> is NOT willing to work, then he is NOT to eat, either</b>.</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-11" id="en-NASB-29690">For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NASB-29691">Now such persons <b>WE COMMAND and exhort</b> <b>in the Lord </b></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-12" id="en-NASB-29691"><b>Yahshua Christ</b> to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-13" id="en-NASB-29692">But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. </span><span class="text 2Thess-3-14" id="en-NASB-29693"><b>If <u>ANYONE</u> does not <u>obey our instruction</u> in this letter, take special note of that person and DO NOT associate with him</b>, so that he will be put to shame. </span></i><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-14" id="en-NASB-29693"><i>Yet</i> do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. </span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6-15&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="text 2Thess-3-14" id="en-NASB-29693">2 Thessalonians 3:6-1<i>5</i></span></a><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-14" id="en-NASB-29693"><br /></span></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-32" id="en-NASB-27659">And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build <i>you</i> up and to give <i>you</i> the inheritance among all those who are sanctified<b>.</b></span><b> <span class="text Acts-20-33" id="en-NASB-27660">I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes.</span> </b><span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB-27661"><b>You yourselves know that THESE HANDS MINISTERED TO MY OWN NEEDS <u>and</u> TO THE MEN WHO WERE WITH ME</b>. </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB-27661"><span class="text Acts-20-35" id="en-NASB1995-27662">In everything I
showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak
and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, <span class="woj">‘<span style="color: red;">It is more blessed to give than to receive</span>.'</span></span></span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20%3A29-34&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20:32-35</a></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <br /></span></span></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It is expected that paid vocational pastors today will object to this interpretation of Paul's words<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> on the grounds that <i>they</i> are <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">exempt from working a "<i>worldly</i>" job to support themselves and their family because <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">it would somehow <i>interfere</i> with their <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"<i>call</i>" to preach the gospel<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> "<i>full</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>-time</i>." </span></span></span></span></span></span>Evidently, being a "pastor" today is far more time consuming and carries a more grueling schedule than Paul ever experienced. By today's measure, Paul would have been considered a "<i>part-time</i>" pastor because he spent time "<i>working</i>" a secular job. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To defend their position, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">vocational pastors site </span></span>a passage </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">in Paul's first letter to Timothy</span></span> that they believe offers evidence Paul <i>instructed</i> the local <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia to pay their "<i>elders</i>" a <u><i>monetary</i></u> <i>"wage" (Salary).<i><span class="text 1Tim-5-17"> </span></i></i>But there is absolutely no indication within the context of this passage that the word "<i>honor</i>" means anything other than paying<i> <u>respect or homage</u></i> to elders who "<i>rule well</i>" serving their local congregation.<i><i><span class="text 1Tim-5-17"> </span></i></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><i><span class="text 1Tim-5-17">The <b>elders who rule well</b> are to be considered worthy of <b>double honor</b>, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.</span> <span class="text 1Tim-5-18" id="en-NASB-29782">For the Scripture says, “<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing</span>,” and “The laborer is worthy of his <b>wages</b>.</span> </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%205%3A17-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Timothy 5:17-18</a></i> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the first place, by literal scriptural definition, the term "<i>elder</i>" in this passage can't refer to what the majority of today's "<i>churches</i>" define as a "<i>full-time pastor</i>" because no such <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"<i>paid</i>" position</span> ever exist<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ed</span> in the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ekklesia as defined in the </span>New Testament. In the second place, if in fact the word <i>"wages," </i>by analogy, is synonymous with "<i>honor,</i>" then the context of the passage clearly implies that <u>ALL</u> "<i>elders</i>" are to be paid a <i>wage </i>- with certain elders who "<i>rule well</i>" deserving a <i>"double"</i> <i>wage</i>. In which case, paying a <i>double</i> <i>wage</i> would pose <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">quite an</span> interesting dilemma<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> to any congregation <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">in </span></span>trying to establish qualifying criteria for an elder to be paid a<i> </i><i>double wage</i> (Bonus) for "<i>ruling well</i>." This idea of paying a <i>double wage</i> would further complicate the matter because there are no specific
scriptural references in the New Testament regarding the criteria needed to
determine who actually does "<i>rules well</i>." <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A further examination that would complicate this idea is found within the context of Pau<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">l's teachings </span></span></span>in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A3&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Timothy 5:3</a>
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">where <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he</span></span></span></span> wrote</span></span> that "<i>widows</i>" are to be "<i>honored<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">.</span></i>" In this passage Paul <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">used </span>the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">s</span>ame word<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> here for <i>honor </i>that he used in his letter to Timothy,</span> but you w<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ill</span> be hard pressed to
find any pastors today making the same argument to <i>pay</i> widows in their
churches. In the third place, the context of the passage also indicates that "<i>elders who rule well</i>" don't necessarily even have to "<i>preach</i>" or "<i>teach</i>" to be eligible to receive "<i>double honor</i>;"
which is completely contrary to the job description for a vocational pastor in most
churches today. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Most importantly, there is absolutely no reason to believe that Paul
didn't clearly understand the meaning of the two words "<i>honor</i>" and "<i>wages</i>." So why, if Paul did support monetary compensation for pastors/ministers, would he decide to <i>encrypt</i> a teaching dealing with something as
important and foundational to the planting and establishment of local <i>congregations</i> as the<i> "who, what, how and why" </i>regarding the material/monetary "<i>compensation</i>"
of elders for their ministry service. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It stands to reason that if Paul actually supported compensating those in the ministry, and had intended to address the highly vital issue of elders being paid "<i>wages</i>" in this passage, he would have simply said "<i>double wages</i>" instead of "<i>double honor</i>" when referencing something <u><i>tangible</i></u> (money or material goods) that <i>elders </i>were to<i> "receive"</i> for their services. But he didn't! Paul used two completely different Greek words in this passage; for <b><i>honor</i></b>, he used <b><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/5092.htm" target="_blank"><i>timé</i></a>:</b> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(<u><i>Something non-tangible - To pay respect, perceived value or worth, especially as perceived honor – i.e. what has value in the eyes of the beholder</i></u>), and for <i><b>wages</b>, </i>he used <b><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank"><i>misthos</i></a>:</b> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(<u><i>Something tangible </i>- <i>A reward that appropriately compensates a particular decision or action</i></u>). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It is of great importance here to also note that while the word </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>timé</i> </b>can be used as a "<i>description</i>" of money or currency (Acts 5:2,3 & 7:16), the word </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>timé </i></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">itself is <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/time__5092.htm" target="_blank">never used</a></span></span><u> in the New Testament as a <i>definition</i> of money or currency</u>. Contextually, the dissimilarity of these two words implies that Paul did NOT intend to
represent to Timothy that local elders, or today's vocational pastors as
interpreted by some, should receive a<i> </i><i>wage/reward/money </i>for
their
services. This premise can further be inferred from Paul's three years
of ceaseless and <i>non-compensated</i> ministry in Ephesus. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For the duration of his ministry, Paul
continued preaching and teaching amidst relentless persecution,
all-the-while accepting
absolutely nothing in the form of monetary or material compensation as a
reward<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">;</span> but working hard with
his own hands as an example to everyone, Paul not only provided for his
own personal needs, but also for the needs of
his ministry team as well (see Acts 20). So why would Paul tell Timothy that
the elders in Ephesus, who he specifically exhorted to <b>follow his personal example</b>, were now deserving of some sort of material compensation in the form of a <i>double wage </i>if they<i> <i>ruled well</i>?</i> It simply wouldn't make any sense. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's letter clearly implies that elders who <i>rule well</i>, <u>as he instructed them to do</u>, were deserving of <i>double honor; </i>a recognized and appreciated act of exemplary service within the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia, rewarded with the expression of <i>great r</i><i>espect, </i><i>homage and high esteem - </i>NOT <i>wages/money.</i>
This conclusion is validated by Paul's own words in 1 Thessalonians
when he again refers to those who "<i>labor</i>" in their ministries among the
brethren, requesting that they should be "<i>appreciated</i>" and were worthy of "<i>very
high esteem</i>" for their "<i>work</i>." Curiously absent from this passage is a reminder from Paul to make sure and pay those elders their hard-earned wages. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Thess-5-12">But we request of you, brethren, that you <b>APPRECIATE THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY LABOR AMONG YOU</b>, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,</span> </i><span class="text 1Thess-5-13" id="en-NASB-29635"><i>and <b>THAT YOU ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE BECAUSE OF THEIR WORK</b>. Live in peace with one another.</i> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">1 Thessalonians 5:12-13</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This all makes perfect sense when you consider the only <i>reward</i> Paul said
he sought for his services as a minister of the Gospel was to offer the
gospel "<i>without charge</i>" (</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/77.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>adapanos</i></b></a><i>: without expense, free of charge).</i> Paul understood that the <i>cost</i> of being a minister of the gospel <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">was</span> <i><b>working hard</b></i> and <b><i>enduring all things for the sake of the gospel</i></b>, which very often involved the burden of extreme
difficulties, persecution and hardships - and sometimes even death. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I</span>n his first letter to Timothy, </span></span>Paul
used the <i>rewards</i> of an "<i>ox</i>" and a "<i>laborer</i>" as analogies for <i>rewards</i> for elder's who "<i>rule well</i>" in their <i>ministries - </i>specifically<i> </i>because both the <i>ox</i> and <i>laborer</i> <b><i>work hard</i></b> <b><i>under a heavy burden</i></b>.<i> </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559">It <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">must</span> be understood that Paul's analogy serves to call attention to the <i><u>concept or idea</u> </i>of a material reward for a service<i> </i>performed under extremely difficult conditions, not an argument for a <i><u>literal</u></i> material reward. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">C</span>ontextually,</span></span></span></span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">t</span>his analogy corresponds entirely with Paul's ministry philosophy regarding any kind of <i>material compensation</i> or <i>reward</i> for service as a minister of the gospel.</span></span><span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB-27661"> </span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b><u>WHAT
THEN IS <span style="color: red;">MY REWARD</span></u> </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><b>(<a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank">Misthos</a>: </b></span></i></span></span>pay, wages, salary<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><b>)</b></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b>? That, when I preach the gospel, <u>I MAY OFFER THE
GOSPEL <span style="color: red;">WITHOUT CHARGE</span></u> </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/77.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>adapanos</i></b></a><i>: without expense, free of charge, </i></span></span><i>for which nothing has to be paid</i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>)</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b>, so as not to make full use of my right in the
gospel.</b></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:18</a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-20-34" id="en-NASB-27661">"<b>You yourselves know that <span style="color: red;"><u>THESE HANDS MINISTERED TO MY OWN NEEDS AND TO THE MEN WHO WORK WITH ME</u></span>.</b></span><b> </b></i><span class="text Acts-20-35" id="en-NASB-27662"><i><b>In
everything <span style="color: red;"><u>I SHOWED YOU</u></span> that by <u>WORKING HARD</u> in this manor</b>...</i> " <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20%3A34-35&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20:34-35</a></span><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"> </span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559">Interestingly, when Paul does use the term "<b><i>wages</i></b>" (<i>Misthos</i>) as a "<i>reward</i>" for his ministry services (<i>The exact term for wages Paul used for the "laborer" in 1 Timothy 5:18</i> and Jude uses in 1:11), he specifically defined that the "<i>wages</i>" he expected to receive were "<b>offering the gospel WITHOUT CHARGE</b>!" Sadly, it would be impossible to define the "<i>reward</i>" Paul sought for his ministry as the <i>material</i> <i>wages</i> today's vocational pastors seek as compen<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">sation for their ministries</span>. </span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><u><b>What then is my <span style="color: red;">REWARD</span></b></u> <b>(<a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank">Misthos</a>: </b></span></i></span></span>pay, wages, salary<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><b>)</b>? </span></i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b>That, when I preach the gospel, <u>I may offer the gospel <span style="color: red;">WITHOUT CHARGE</span></u> </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/77.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>adapanos</i></b></a><i>: without expense, free of charge, </i></span></span><i>for which nothing has to be paid</i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>)</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b>, so as NOT to make full use of MY RIGHT in the gospel.</b></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:18</a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It is obvious that using a passage from Paul's first letter to Timothy as a "<i>proof</i>" text to justify paying <i>anyone</i> within a local congregation of believers a <i>wage/salary</i> goes far beyond contextual reason by contradicting <i>all</i>
of Paul's other writings on the issue of ministry compensation. This
is further evidenced by the fact that Timothy knew full well that Paul
worked secular jobs <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">for material compensation <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">and that he </span></span>never
accepted a regular <i>wage/salary</i> for his ministry from congregations - only occasional gifts<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">. Timothy also knew Paul well enough that any material or monetary gift <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">given to him was seen by Paul as simply a blessing - not a reward or compensation for his <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ministry of the gospel</span>. It should be noted that Paul's writings also indicate that he <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">credited <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ANY</span> personal circumstance<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> or condition he was in as a blessing<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> - whether <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">it be <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">a</span> physical need<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">, tr<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ib<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ulation or persecution.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Timothy knew that Paul was not motivated <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">to have all his needs met; rather, he was motivated to meet the needs of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">his brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the needs of the poor<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">-</span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> no matter the cost to him personally. </span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="first-line-none">
<i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="text Phil-4-10"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>How
I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you
have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to
help me.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NLT-29414"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NLT-29415"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>I
know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned
the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full
stomach or empty, with plenty or little.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NLT-29416"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-14" id="en-NLT-29417"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="text Phil-4-15" id="en-NLT-29418"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>As
you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help
when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from
Macedonia. No other church did this.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-16" id="en-NLT-29419"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-17" id="en-NLT-29420"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup><b>I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.</b></span></span></i><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><i><span class="text Phil-4-18" id="en-NLT-29421"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>At
the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with
the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling
sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.</span> </i><span class="text Phil-4-19" id="en-NLT-29422"><i><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>And
this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his
glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.</i> (Philippians 4)</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Timothy worked
and traveled with Paul in his ministry and was with him at Ephesus,
where he was urged by Paul to "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A3&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>remain on</i></a>" and instruct "<i>certain men</i>"
in doctrinal issues. It's quite obvious that Timothy was aware of
Paul's instructions to those same elders upon his departure (Acts 20)
where Paul told the elders to
follow his examples and work with their own hands to meet their own
personal needs <i>and</i> also the needs of the poor. In which case, Timothy
would be well
aware of Paul's teachings and instructions to the elders on the issue of compensation, which would
also make it highly illogical to believe that Timothy would in any way
interpret Paul's letter as an instruction to pay local elders, a <i>wage/salary</i>.<i><span class="text Acts-20-33" id="en-NASB-27660"> </span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In
fact, the context of Paul's letters to Timothy and the Thessalonians
had nothing to do with financial/material compensation for elders (or anyone else<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">)</span> because it was clearly not an issue. In those
letters, Paul doesn't address specific issues regarding elders receiving
material or monetary compensation. <b> </b></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Side Note:</b> With regard to Paul's urging that Timothy "<i>remain on</i>" at Ephesus: It is the position of the corporate church that <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A3&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:3</a> is evidence that Timothy was appointed by Paul as either "<i>Senior</i>" elder/pastor or bishop of the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia at Ephesus, and that this passage also supports men coming from "<i>outside</i>" the local <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia
as leaders. However, there is absolutely no scriptural evidence to
support this position. In fact, Timothy is never called a bishop, pastor
or an elder in the New Testament - and neither is Titus. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The
real reason there is any debate today about compensation for pastors comes from those people who defend the corporate church's long standing tradition of financially compensating pastors. These corporate church apologists are obviously trying to use Paul's letters, and any other scrip<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ture they can find<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">,</span></span> to support
the idea of paying pastors a monetary salary by reading something into the text that simply is not there. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Are vocational/paid pastors grifters? <br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span></b><blockquote><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A grifter </span></span></b><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><b>is a con artist</b>: someone who swindles people out of money through fraud.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span><br /></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><u><b>What then is my <span style="color: red;">REWARD</span></b></u> <b>(<a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank">Misthos</a>: </b></span></i></span></span>pay, wages, salary<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><b>)</b>? </span></i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b>That, when I preach the gospel, <u>I may offer the gospel <span style="color: red;">WITHOUT CHARGE</span></u> </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/77.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>adapanos</i></b></a><i>: without expense, free of charge, </i></span></span><i>for which nothing has to be paid</i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>)</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><i><b>, so as NOT to make full use of MY RIGHT in the gospel.</b></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:18</a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b> <br /></b></span></span></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span></b><blockquote></blockquote><p></p>While<b> </b>preaching the gospel of Christ is a good thing, and may be your calling, <i>it's not the con</i>. The con is convincing people to pay you to preach the gospel so you don't have to "work" as a means to meet the personal needs of yourself and your family. The <i>fraud</i> is telling people that getting paid to preach the gospel is Biblical. Obviously, the "<i>reward</i>" of a grifter usually boils down to money, whereas, Paul said his reward was preaching the gospel "<i>without charge</i>." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Clearly Paul's actions and words recorded in Acts, along with all of his letters, speak for themselves about any issue he may have had concerning compensation for the service of ministry. And the "<i>compensation</i>" Paul had in mind had nothing to do with a regular monetary salary paid for services rendered, but had everything to do with sacrificial service of ministry to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">the Messiah</span> and his <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia.<b> </b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately, corporate church with all its man-made traditions is so established in mainstream Christianity that going back to the model of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua's</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia is probably not going to happen any time soon. With regard to pastors and their salaries, <b>Upton Sinclair</b> said it best:</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his livelihood and salary depends upon his NOT understanding it."</i></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span> </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Reading </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua's indictment against the Scribes and
Pharisees in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23&version=NASB" target="_blank">Mathew 23</a> clearly shows what results when men decide to inject <i>worldly </i>traditions
and teachings into <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s word to validate those man-made doctrines and traditions;
and that's exactly what's happening on many levels in today's corporate
churches - especially in the area of financial compensation for pastors.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">R</span>efer<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ring </span>to the letter <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1&version=NASB" target="_blank">Jude</a> wrote to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">the believers<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">;</span> he warned sternly about </span>persons who had already "<i>crept in</i>" to the assembly with selfish motives<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> that were</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">creating <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">turmoil</span> and divisions.</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">T</span>ak<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e </span>careful note of the word Jude used to define what <i>motivated</i> these men<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">'s selfish ambition. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">T</span>he word <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he</span> used was "<b><i>misthos</i></b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">;</span>" which is the same word Paul used to define <i>wages or salary</i> - literally, something Paul said he had no desire to receive. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Jude-1-11" id="en-NASB-30685"><i><b>Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for <u><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">PAY</span></u> (<a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank">misthos</a>) they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.</b></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1&version=NASB" target="_blank">Ju<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">de 1<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">:11</span></span></a></span></span> </span> </span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The difference for Paul, however, was that <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">the</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"<i>misthos</i>" <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">sought</span> </span>for preaching the gospel was to preach the gospel "<i>without charg</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>e</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">," <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">w</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">hereas Jude points out in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A16&version=NASB" target="_blank">verse 16</a> that these men were "</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Jude-1-16" id="en-NASB-30690"><i>following after their own lusts<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">,</span> </span>speaking arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining a<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Jude-1-16" id="en-NASB-30690"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/5622.htm" target="_blank"><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="toptitle2">ópheleia</span></span></b></a> (Greek: Profit).</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It seems that Paul unders<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">t</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559">ood </span></span></span></span>the temptation <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">of material compensation and the danger it posed to the ekklesia<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> and that he wanted nothing to do with it. Paul knew exactly what Yahshua mean<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">t w<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">hen he said<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the
other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. <u>You
cannot serve both God and money</u>." </span></i></b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A24&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Matthew 6:24</span></a></span></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A24&version=NASB" target="_blank"> </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Based on Paul's example and teachings, I believe he would agree that allowing money, especially as some sort of regular compensation, to be an integral part of one's ministry is simply asking for trouble.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the case of today's church, monetary compensation is the main goal of 99.99% of every person who chooses to enter into the ministry as a pastor. Their goal is to get a job and make a living as a PAID (vocational) pastor, and hopefully work their way up the financial ladder with enough compensation to take care of not only themselves, but their entire family as well. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The concept of a monetary compensation in the "<i>ministry</i>" is clearly understood within today's church system and even taught in seminaries. And many men today have a hope of one day being the pastor of a mega church which includes great monetary rewards. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As scripture clearly reveals, all of Paul's examples and writings that address the
issue of monetary compensation for preaching the gospel consistently come to the same
conclusion. They confirm that Paul's ministry model, for any who would follow in his footsteps, was to support
themselves by working with "<b><i>their own hands</i></b>" in an effort to
not "<b><i>hinder the gospel</i></b>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:12&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:12</a>) or become a "<b><i>burden</i></b>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%202:9&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a> & <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A8&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:8</a>) to the Ekklesia. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's use of the words "<b><i>hinder</i></b>" and "<b><i>burden</i></b>"
are of great significance with respect to his assertion of their
consequential meaning within the context of his letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians. His <i>words</i> and <i>actions</i> should serve as an example and compelling
evidence and warning to anyone who would consider preaching the gospel for
financial or material gain. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul even went as far as telling the Corinthian Christians that he would <b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:15&version=NASB" target="_blank">rather die</a></b> than allow any
perception whatsoever that he would ever "<b><i>charge</i></b>" for preaching the
gospel. Paul did not want to give the impression that his ministry was
anything close to a worldly vocation that he would only provide if he was compensated in a worldly manor. <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28543"><blockquote><i>But I have used none of
these things. And I have not written these things so that it will be
done so in my case; for <u><b>it would be better for me to die than that</b></u>. No one shall make my boast an empty one! </i>(1 Corinthians 9:15)<br /></blockquote></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Like any person alive, Paul had
needs to provide for the necessities of life, but he wanted no part of
financial or material <i>compensation</i> for his ministry to meet those needs. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Scripture clearly indicate<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">s that Paul <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">d<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">id</span></span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">secular</span> work for <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">monetary </span>wages as he traveled and preached the gospel. Paul made it clear that <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">while he did</span></span></span> accept monetary gifts to help meet <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">his</span> needs, he never for one minute associated or
credited those gifts as worldly compensation for his ministry, rather, Paul counted those gifts as offerings
of love from his fellow believers. And Paul <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">made a point to pay for what worldly necessities he needed <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">with the money he earned from his secular work so he wouldn't be a "<i>burden</i>" to anyone. He also made sure to tell them that every aspect of his minsirty was an example to </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"i</span>mitate</i>" </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">for anyone who chose to follow his footsteps. </span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-7" id="en-WEB-29687"><b><u>For you know how you ought to imitate us</u></b>. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, </span><span class="text 2Thess-3-8" id="en-WEB-29688"><span><b>neither
did we eat bread from anyone’s hand <u>without paying for it</u>, but in labor
and travail worked night and day, that we <u>might not burden any of you</u></b></span>; </span></i><span class="text 2Thess-3-9" id="en-WEB-29689"><i><span style="color: red;">not because we don’t have the right*</span>, but <b><u>to make ourselves an EXAMPLE TO YOU</u></b>, <u><b>that YOU SHOULD IMITATE US</b></u>.</i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A7-9&version=WEB" target="_blank">(2 Thessalonians 3:7-9</a></span>) </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <br /></span></span></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;">*</span> (<b>Note here</b> that this sentence fragment is used as a "<i>proof text</i>" to support the "<i>Biblical</i>" idea of vocational pastors, i.e., that they have a Biblical "<i>right</i>" to compensation for preaching the Gospel. But as can be plainly inferred from the immediate context, and also Paul's example and teachings, nothing could be further from the truth.)<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Acts chapter 20 records that during
his three year ministry at Ephesus, Paul not only practiced what he
preached by working for his keep with his own hands, he also went the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:34&version=NASB" target="_blank">extra mile</a> by working with his own hands to help support his
<i>entire</i> ministry team<span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28556">!</span><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28556"> </span></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28556"><b><span class="text 1Cor-9-11" id="en-NASB-28552">If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?</span></b> <span class="text 1Cor-9-12" id="en-NASB-28553">If others share the right over you, do we not more? <b>Nevertheless, <u>we did not use this right</u>, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.</b></span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-13" id="en-NASB-28554">Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the <i>food</i> of the temple, <i>and</i> those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-14" id="en-NASB-28555">So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.</span> <b>But I have used NONE of these things.</b> (Received compensation "material things" for preaching the gospel) <b>And I am NOT writing these things so that it will
be done so in my case;</b> <b>for it would be BETTER FOR ME TO DIE</b> <b>than have
any man make my boast an empty one.</b> </span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A15&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28556">1 Corinthians 9:15</span></a> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Vocational (Paid) pastor apologists argue that Paul's statements in 1 Corinthians imply that because they preach the gospel, thus "<i>sow spiritual things,</i>" some have a personal
"<i>right</i>" to "<i>reap material things</i>" and "<i>get
their living</i>" from preaching the gospel. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">First of all, we must define
who Paul was writing about. If Paul is referring to <i>anyone</i> who "<i>proclaims the gospel</i>,"
of course, that would mean that he was referring to <i>every</i> believer who
ever shares the gospel. And if that's the case, <i>all </i>of them "<i>should get their
living by the gospel</i>." Obviously, that's not what Paul meant.
If, on the other hand, Paul is referring to a "<i>group</i>" who "<i>proclaim the gospel</i>,"
which specific group would he be referring to? In this case, there are only a
couple of choices: Either Paul specifies the group in the context of this
passage, or <i>we</i>
the reader get to choose the group. And since the context of Paul’s own words identify the specific group
in the beginning of 1 Corinthians 9, his choice is the only logical answer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul
clearly tells us that he is speaking specifically about people who<i> travel</i>
to proclaim the gospel, i.e., apostles and itinerant preachers. The "<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:11-12&version=NASB" target="_blank">we</a></i>" Paul refers to in the passage clearly does NOT include "<i>non-itinerant</i>" ministries such as local
elders, pastors, or teachers. In fact, there is no mention in the
context of 1 Corinthians 9 of local elders, pastors or teachers. More
importantly, this passage also indicates that the "<b><i>we</i></b>" (Paul, other Apostles and itinerant preachers) "<b><i>did NOT use the right</i></b>" <b>to receive material or financial rewards for
preaching the gospel</b> - specifically because it would cause a "<i><u><b>hindrance</b></u><b> to the gospel of Yahshua Messiah.</b></i>" </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>NOTE:</b>The "<i><b>we</b></i>"
in this passage also serves to help dispel any notion that the Apostle
Paul was the exception among the Apostles who refused to accept pay as a
minister of the gospel. <i> </i></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>If WE <u>sowed
spiritual things</u> in you, is it too much if WE <u>reap material things</u> from you? If others share the
right over you, do WE not more</b>?
Nevertheless, <u><b>WE</b>
<b>DID NOT USE THIS RIGHT</b></u>, but<b> WE endure
all things</b> <u><b>so that</b></u> <b>WE</b> <b>will </b><u><b>CAUSE NO HINDRANCE</b> <b>to the gospel of Christ</b></u>.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:11-12&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:11-12</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Interestingly,
and
contrary to what this passage clearly implies, corporate church leaders
and the majority of their congregation members contend that vocational
(Salaried and non-itinerant) pastors of local congregations are, in
fact, a part of the group Paul identified as having a <i>personal right</i> to <i>get
their living</i> from the gospel. However, their strongly held belief on
this issue does not nullify the facts of Paul's teachings on this
matter
or his clear warning to itinerant preachers, local vocational
pastors or anyone who may feel called to "<i>the ministry</i>" regarding the
negative consequences that exercising one's personal right to
compensation
may have on the gospel and the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia (I.e.<i> <b>hinder</b> the gospel of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> and <b>burden</b> the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia</i>). </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
Some will also argue that Paul
taught that the Apostles and itinerant preachers (The "<b><i>we</i></b>" in 1 Corinthians 9:12 and 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9) not only have a personal right to receive a
salary, but are<i> entitled</i> to one. But that would be taking Paul
completely out of context on this issue. Reading chapter 9 in context,
Paul went much further, by word and deed, as an example to
clearly demonstrate that he believed <b>a personal right to compensation
for preaching the gospel ends where the gospel of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> Messiah begins,</b> (Paul uses "<i>food</i>" in a similar example in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+8&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 8</a>). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul puts the compensation issue into perspective as a "<i>personal right</i>" in the
second half of chapter 9 by focusing the issue on leaders/servants within the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia having to <i>endure
all things</i> in complete submission to the gospel, not how the church should
accommodate one's personal right to reap material or financial benefits to make a
living from the gospel. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul explains in detail that exercising the right
to compensation "<i><b>hinders</b>" </i>the gospel. Also, in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%202:9&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>, Paul considered compensation to be a financial
"<b><i>burden</i></b>" on the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. So examining the full context of all of Paul's
words and actions
on the issue, it's obvious that he wanted no part of
anything, including the exercising of one's personal rights, which
would, in any way, hinder the gospel message and become a financial
burden on the ekklesia. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-7" id="en-NASB-29686"><b>For you yourselves know how you ought to <u>follow our example</u></b>, because <b>WE </b>did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,</span> <span class="text 2Thess-3-8" id="en-NASB-29687">nor did <b>WE </b>eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with <b>LABOR and HARDSHIP WE kept WORKING NIGHT AND DAY so that WE would NOT BE A <u>BURDEN</u> to any of you</b>;</span><span class="text 2Thess-3-9" id="en-NASB-29688"> not because </span><span class="text 2Thess-3-9" id="en-NASB-29688"><b>WE</b></span><span class="text 2Thess-3-9" id="en-NASB-29688"> do not have the <b>right</b> to this, but <b>in order to offer OURSELVES</b> <b>as a </b><b><u>MODEL</u> </b>(</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 2Thess-3-9" id="en-NASB-29688"><i>týpos</i> – a <i>model</i> forged by <i>repetition</i>; <i>reliable precedent</i> for others to <i>imitate - </i>i.e. the right <i>example</i>, a proper <i>pattern</i>)<b> FOR YOU</b>, <b>so that you would IMITATE OUR EXAMPLE</b>.</span></i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A8-9&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 </a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">But
there are many today who will point to 1 Corinthians 9:14 that says, "<i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> ordered'</b> </i>(</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/1299.htm" target="_blank"><i>Diatássō</i></a></b></i>)<i> that those who proclaim
the gospel were <b>'to live' </b></i>(<b><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2198.htm" target="_blank">Z</a></i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2198.htm" target="_blank"><i><b>áō:</b> literally, to stay alive</i></a></i>)<i><b> </b>by the gospel</i>." And that's a legitimate point. What follower of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> would ever choose to disregard a specific <i>order</i> of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>? That being said, is it possible that the
man who wrote those words, and was also personally <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:24&version=NASB" target="_blank">ordained by </a></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:24&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span></span></a> as an Apostle and
minister of the gospel, would <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ta<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ke</span></span> an <i>order</i> of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">as</span> <b><i>optional</i></b>? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Did the Apostle Paul not understand what he had written; that he was <i>"ordered</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">" </span>by <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> "<i>to live</i>" by the gospel? Why would Paul disobey Yahweh and refuse material compensation for his ministry and instead "<i>work with his own hands</i>" <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">to provide for his (and his fellow ministers) personal needs</span>? <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If</span> this truly is the case, then
where does Paul derive his authority to pick and choose which of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s <i>orders</i> or commands he will obey?</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-14" id="en-YLT-28555"> </span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-14" id="en-YLT-28555"><i>So also did the Lord (Kurios = Yahweh) direct [order] to those proclaiming the good news: of the good news <b>to live</b>.</i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209%3A14&version=NASB;YLT;ISV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:15</a> (YLT)</span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The
only <a href="http://tithingtruth.com/general-article/6-ministers-being-paid-preach" target="_blank">logical conclusion</a> of this passage is that Paul wasn't talking to the Corinthians about receiving compensation in the form of a regular monetary salary or wage for his ministry, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he was talking specifically about receiving "<i>hospitality"- </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><i>záō, </i></b></i>which means <i>"</i></span></span><i>to live."</i> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Hospitality</i>, in this case, is best defined as <i>living sustenance</i> in the form of food and shelter. And this concept was not Paul's idea, he knew </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua had instructed <i>(ordered</i>) the twelve disciples and seventy itinerant preachers (</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Matthew 10 and Luke 10</i>) </span></span>to preach the good news and "<i>freely</i>" accept hospitality offerings of food and shelter from any who would offer it <i>freely</i>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The "<i>order</i>" was not to the people <i>giving
</i>the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">hospitality offering, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">but to the disciples <i>receiving</i> it - which again, was only to be accepted from people giving it "<i>freely</i>." It should also be noted that the <i>order</i> to freely receive a hospitality offering did NOT include anyone except the specific disciples and itinerant preachers who traveled and shared the gospel message. So anyone other than traveling itinerant preachers receiving </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">a hospitality offering w</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ould be unscriptural. In any case, this example of hospitality does not represent the regular salary paid to pastors/preachers today by the churches who employ them. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
In </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://tithingtruth.com/general-article/6-ministers-being-paid-preach" target="_blank">Matthew 10</a>, </span></span>"This passage does not
give any suggestion that anyone ever paid </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua a salary to minister, and </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua
was certainly not telling the apostles and itinerant preachers that they could expect a salary for
preaching the gospel. Yahshua</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span>, as a rabbi, would never have taken money for
preaching. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua was simply telling the apostles and anyone who traveled as
itinerant preachers (I.e. sent out ones) they were entitled to receive <i>"support" (</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/5160.htm" target="_blank"><b>trophé</b>: food, nourishment</a>) </i>
in the form of <b>hospitality</b> - that which was <b>freely</b> <b>offered </b>by
those to whom they ministered." In this passage, Yahshua</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span> refers to those
sent out, telling them to "<i>eat</i>" what is set before them, implying that
the hospitality of shelter also included food provisions. There is no
evidence </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua told them to ask for money, or to accept money as
support. It is of great importance to understand that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua told His disciples to not only "<b><i>freely</i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i> (</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/1432.htm" target="_blank"><b>dórean</b></a>: a free gift, without payment)</i><b><i> </i></b></span></span></i> <b><i>receive</i></b>," but also to "<b><i>freely</i></b><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>give</i></b>." And since the disciples had been sent out with nothing but the cloths on their backs, the only thing they had to "<i>give</i>" anyone was the gospel message. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
In </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://tithingtruth.com/general-article/6-ministers-being-paid-preach" target="_blank">Luke 10</a>, </span></span>"This
passage
conclusively defines what the "<i>wages</i>" were that Yahshua </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">was referring to as
being
appropriate. The "<i>wages</i>" were clearly described as food/sustenance and shelter, not money. This would be the same as the wages which were to be
supplied in
ALL other cases - as confirmed by their context. And as this passage points out, the "<i>order</i>" given in 1 Corinthians 9:14 was given to the
Apostles when they were itinerant... a right to receive what was freely
offered. It is NOT a right to demand support, and it is NOT directed at
the people as an "<i>obligation</i>" to give!" The word for "support" Paul uses in verse 10 is "</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>trophé</i></b>," specifically means food, nourishment or maintenance, which implies Paul was NOT talking about money as pay or a salary. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
So scripture clearly indicates that Paul was not acting in disobedience
to the
Yahweh's orders, nor was he confused in his writings on the issue in any way. As examples for elders and all others to follow, Paul,
and the rest of the Apostles (The "<b><i>we</i></b>" in 1 Corinthians 9:11-12), were
simply setting aside their <i>right</i> to material compensation and
enduring, for the sake of the gospel and the salvation of lost souls, the hardship of having to work with their own
hands to meet their personal needs. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
</span></span></span>While scripture indicates that the Apostle Paul never received a regular salary or fee-for-service for his ministry, it does show that he occasionally received material "gifts" from some local congregations to help meet his needs. However, it's important to note that Paul said he never <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">"solicited"</a> or "contracted" with any individual or congregation to receive those material gifts, and that he understood those gifts were "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">freely</a>" given by those he ministered to out of gratitude and love for the gospel message; and that those gifts did not in any way, or by any stretch of the imagination, constitute a "regular" payment/salary for his ministry "services." And as stated earlier, Paul credited those material and/or monetary gifts as a blessing - not compensation or rewards.<br /> <br /> In 1 Corinthians 9:15-18 Paul describes two completely different approaches to preaching the gospel and the two different "rewards" expected from each approach. <br /> <br /> The first approach describes preaching "voluntarily" (The Greek word hekṓn: willing) with Paul describing the reward for a voluntary approach as, "offering the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel." <br /> <br /> This reward seems rather odd, but within the context of this passage and other scripture, it implies a spiritual rather than material reward; which is most probably based on Paul's understanding and adherence to Yahshua's warning about not becoming a "stumbling-block" to anyone. In this case, Paul believes being seen as preaching the gospel for monetary/material rewards could raise questions about one's motives for preaching the gospel and could possibly become a stumbling-block to both believers and the lost.<br /> <br /> The second approach describes the exact opposite of voluntary preaching; "not voluntarily" (NIV) (ákōn: unwilling), with Paul describing this approach as an "entrusted (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">pisteúō</a>: believe or have faith in) stewardship (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">oikonomía</a>: management or administration of another's affairs)" (NAS); which, by today's corporate church standard, is basically placing one's faith in a "contractual agreement" to manage the affairs of a congregation in return for a predetermined monetary/material reward or compensation (Pay/salary/benefits/etc.). <br /> <br /> Obviously, Paul understood the non-voluntary stewardship relationship between a local congregation and an elder would constitute an "employer-employee" relationship, which by nature establishes a criteria of performance to be met by the employee to "earn" the agreed upon material compensation/reward by both parties. This is the exact type of relationship vocational pastors have today with their churches. And this is the exact kind of relationship Paul wanted to avoid and also warned against because he knew it would cause a "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">hindrance</a>" (Vs. 9) to the gospel and "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">burden</a>" on the local ekklesia. In fact, in verse 15 Paul said he would "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">rather die</a>" than have anyone perceive that he was preaching the gospel non-voluntarily - for material compensation. <br /> <br /> By avoiding this kind of relationship as a preacher of the gospel, Paul could honestly "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">boast</a>" that he was not a hindrance, financial burden or stumbling-block - because he preached the gospel voluntarily, that is, "without charge." It's obvious that Paul understood and followed Yahshua's teachings and example of storing up treasures in heaven rather than worldly rewards that have no eternal value. <br /> <blockquote> But I have used NONE OF THESE THINGS, And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to DIE than have any man make my boast an empty one. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. For if I do this VOLUNTARILY, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a STEWARDSHIP entrusted to me. WHAT THEN IS MY REWARD? That, when I preach the gospel, I may OFFER THE GOSPEL WITHOUT CHARGE, so as NOT to make full use of my RIGHT in the gospel. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">1 Corinthians 9:15-18</a> Vocational pastors should study and determine exactly what "rewards" Yahshua and His Apostles were storing up for themselves during their time on this earth, and then honestly ask themselves, as Yahshua's disciples, what rewards they choose to store up for themselves - worldly or eternal?</blockquote> Notwithstanding Paul's understanding and teachings on this issue, there is absolutely nothing unscriptural in giving material "gifts" to anyone within the ekklesia as a gracious gift of thanks for their ministry efforts to edify the ekklesia and further the gospel. But again, as Paul warns, the relationships between those who shepherd and teach and others within the ekklesia must never evolve into an "employer-employee" relationship and risk becoming a stumbling-block to both believers and the lost. <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
In keeping with his principles on the matter, in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 20</a>, Paul told the Ephesus Elders, “<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2020:33-34&version=NASB" target="_blank">I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or
clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to
the men who were with me.</a>”</i> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For almost three full years at Ephesus Paul
taught the elders and the assembly by
example. And he wanted to exhort the elders one final time before he departed to understand that those
who are
called among the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia to be ministers of the gospel should be careful to do so <i>voluntarily</i>, with purity of
conviction and passionate compulsion, and without personal consideration of their
<i>rights</i> to receive material rewards. Likewise, in his first letter to the
Corinthian <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia, Paul clearly stated that he served as a minister of
the gospel "<b><i>voluntarily</i></b>" and "<b><i>without charge</i></b>," specifically for <i>spiritual rewards stored up in Heaven</i>, NOT </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>worldly material rewards received </i>as a </span></span>"<b><i>stewardship</i></b>" <u>in exchange for a service</u> that could potentially hinder the gospel and burden the local <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's model of service in Ephesus exemplified the <i>true nature</i> of what it means to be a servant of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span><i>. </i>Unfortunately, today's vocational pastors will only consider serving as a minister of the gospel in an employer-employee relationship. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sadly, today's pastors demand a written contractual agreement,</span></span> including guaranteed financial and material compensation (For themselves and their families), before they will even consider accepting a ministry position at a church. <i> </i></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28556">But I have used
none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will
be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have
any man make my boast an empty one.</span> For <span class="text 1Cor-9-16" id="en-NASB-28557"></span> if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to
boast of, <b>for I am under compulsion</b>; for woe is
me if I do not preach the gospel. <u>For if I do this VOLUNTARILY, I have a
reward; but if against my will, I have a STEWARDSHIP entrusted to me</u>. <b>WHAT THEN IS MY REWARD? That, when I preach the gospel,</b> <b>I
may OFFER THE GOSPEL WITHOUT CHARGE, so as NOT to make full use of my RIGHT in
the gospel</b>. </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A15-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:15-18</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In
the next chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks to the personal "<i>rights</i>" issue in
general, implying his concern regarding the possible negative effects that exercising personal
rights could have on the gospel:<i> </i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>All things are lawful, <b>but NOT all things are PROFITABLE</b>. All things are lawful, <b>but NOT all things EDIFY</b>.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:23&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:23</a></span></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">A
closer look at Paul’s statements on this issue will show that his weight of
concern was focused more on one's accountability, responsibility and expedience in
exercising personal <i>rights</i> for the sake of the gospel, rather than the
who, what, where or why regarding a pastors personal provisions and
necessities for life. This concern of Paul's is consistent with how he
addressed other personal rights issues; ranging from temptations and desires,
to lawsuits and eating meat. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul addressed those <i>rights </i>issues
specifically with regard to how they <i>affect</i> both individuals and the
gospel. Suffice it to say, Paul’s <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Yahweh</i></span> inspired words and examples
regarding personal rights are recorded in scripture specifically
for our
edification. And given Paul's anointed apostleship, experience,
authority,
wisdom, and understanding of spiritual matters regarding the gospel,
choosing
to follow his examples and teachings warrants very serious consideration
- especially for those who feel led to follow in his footsteps as <i>itinerant</i> preachers of the gospel.<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">P</span>roponents </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">vocational</span>
pastors </span></span></span>also use 2 Corinthians 11: 7-9 to argue that Paul received a
regular salary or wage from certain churches. They like to point out Paul’s use of the
word “<i>wage</i>” in the passage, arguing that he admitted that he received a wage or
salary for his ministry. However, while many Bible translations use the word
“<i>wage</i>” for the Greek word “<i>opsōnion</i>” in verse 8, a better English translation
of the term is “<i>support,</i>” as used in the ESV and NIV. The definition of
<a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/3800.htm" target="_blank"><i>opsōnion</i></a> is: <i>(from opson, "meat" and onemoai, "purchase") –
properly, the purchase of meat (food); later, "ration-money paid to
soldiers;" hence, wages ("fitting compensation"). </i>While
opsōnion defines “<i>receiving</i>” something in return for a service, the original
definition of the term as Paul would have used in this passage, in no way correlates
with today’s definition of a pastor's contractual wage or salary. Opsōnion was “<i>later</i>” defined as
“<i>ration-money paid to soldiers</i>,” meaning that the money was used specifically
for “<i>food,</i>” and nothing else. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The term “<i>wages</i>” or “<i>fitting compensation</i>,” in
keeping with the definition, would mean providing enough food as “<i>fitting</i>” for one’s daily sustenance. So nothing in the “<i>original</i>” definition of the term
can be construed to mean anything other than receiving either meat/food, or
funds to purchase meat/food. <i>This is in keeping with the specific instructions </i></span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">a</span>shua</span></span> gave the twelve and seventy regarding receiving the hospitality of food and shelter from anyone willing to freely give it.</i> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There is absolutely no doubt that the salaries
and benefits received by today’s pastors go far beyond the original definition of the word Paul used in this passage. So </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">using this passage to support those kinds of regular salaries and benefits </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">for pastors is not a valid argument</span></span></span></span></span></span>. Add to this, that the Apostle Paul was often times without any provisions, that Paul said
he preached the gospel out of “<i>compulsion</i>” rather than a “<i>stewardship</i>”
out of obligation for compensation, that Paul said his “<i>reward</i>” for preaching the
gospel was preaching the gospel “<i>without charge</i>,” that Paul said he would
rather die than be accused of preaching the gospel for compensation, that Paul
was more concerned about not being a “<i>burden</i>” to anyone than receiving any kind
of compensation, that Paul was more concerned that his actions not “<i>hinder</i>” the
gospel message, that Paul’s other writings on this matter would be
contradictory if he proposed or supported receiving a regular salary in this
passage rather than voluntary gifts, that Paul said he did not seek the “<i>gifts</i>”
themselves, but when he did receive gifts, he was more grateful for the heart
of the giver and the blessings they would receive for their generosity than for
the gift itself. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It can never be said of the Apostle Paul that he
considered his ministry of the gospel as a “<i>vocation</i>" that included compensation of a
regular salary and benefits of the kind we see today's vocational pastors receiving for their ministry positions. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Or
did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, <u><b>because I
preached the gospel of God to you<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span style="color: red;">without charge</span></b></u>? I robbed other churches by
taking <b>support</b> from them to serve you; and when I was present with you and was
<b>in need</b>, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from
Macedonia they fully supplied <b>my need</b>, and in everything I kept myself from
being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.</i>,” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+11%3A7-9&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:7-9</a></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>You
yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel,
after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and
receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a <b>gift</b> more than
once for <b>my needs</b>. 17 <b>Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the
profit which increases to your account</b>.</i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A15-17&version=NASB" target="_blank">Philippians 4:15-17</a></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If
using
a specific word/term from this passage is paramount to the arguments of
those who wish to justify paying pastors a salary, then maybe a more
compelling word for them to examine would be Paul's use of the word “<i>husteréma</i>” (in need) in the 2
Corinthians passage. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Translated in English as, “<i>in need</i>.” Paul used this word
when referring to the type of support he received, and specifically, as the word’s
definition implies, what that support actually accomplished in his life and
ministry. The definition of <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/5303.htm" target="_blank"><i>husteréma</i></a> is: <i>(a) of things or persons: that which
is lacking, a defect or shortcoming, (b) want, poverty.</i> In using this word,
Paul humbly admits to the Corinthians that </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">he used the support of
others to help meet his needs borne </span></span></span>out of his “<i>poverty</i>." </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Supporters of vocational pastors need to let that sink in a little bit
as they contemplate their argument for compensating pastors today. By
any worldly standard today, the Apostle Paul lived in
poverty! Scripture indicates that he probably owned only the clothes on
his back, and maybe some kind of
traveling bag to hold and carry some personal belongings and writing
implements; other than that, Paul probably didn't have much more in
the way of material possessions. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The interesting and important thing to
note about how Paul lived and traveled as a minister of the gospel is
that it models almost exactly how </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span> lived and how <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he</span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A1-11&version=NASB" target="_blank">sent out the twelve/seventy disciples</a> on their first ministry journey. </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
there is no indication in scripture that any of the other Apostles, or
disciples of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mes<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">siah</span></span>, traveled, lived and ministered any differently than
Paul.</span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-4-9" id="en-NASB-28443">For, I think, <b>God has exhibited <u>US APOSTLES</u> last of all, as men CONDEMNED TO DEATH</b>; because <b>WE</b> have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-4-10" id="en-NASB-28444"><b>WE</b>
are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; <b>WE</b> are
weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but <b>WE</b> are without
honor.</span> <b><span class="text 1Cor-4-11" id="en-NASB-28445">To this present hour WE are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless;</span> </b><span class="text 1Cor-4-12" id="en-NASB-28446"><b>and WE toil, <u>WORKING WITH OUR OWN HANDS</u></b>; when <b>WE</b> are reviled, <b>WE</b> bless; when <b>WE</b> are persecuted, <b>WE</b> endure;</span> <span class="text 1Cor-4-13" id="en-NASB-28447">when <b>WE</b> are slandered, <b>WE</b> try to conciliate; <b>WE have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, EVEN UNTIL NOW.</b></span></i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+4%3A9-13&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 4:9-13</a></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notice that t</span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">he pronouns "<i>we</i>, used thirteen times, along with "<i>us</i>" and "<i>our</i>,"</span></span></span> </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">in Paul's letter to the Corinthians, </span></span></span>emphatically imply that Paul was referring to ALL of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">the</span> Apostles - not just himself. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Can vocational pastors of corporate churches today relate in any way shape or form with Paul's description of an Apostle's life and ministry? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">vocational pastors of corporate churches today think that <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> has exhibited them last of all, as men condemned to death? Do they believe they have become spectacles of the world, and d</span></span></span>o they consider themselves fools for <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messiah</span>, weak and without honor? To this present hour are vocational pastors </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-4-11" id="en-NASB-28445">both hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, and roughly treated? </span></span></span>Are they homeless and do they toil, working with their own hands? Do vocational pastors believe they are reviled, persecuted and slandered, and do they believe they have become as the scum of the world and dregs of all things in society - even to this day?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">While there are <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">many ministers of the gospel<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> in</span></span> certain places around the world that could answer yes to much of the above description, you will be hard pressed to find a vocational pastor in America today that could honestly answer yes to any specific description above. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Galatians 6:6 is another proof-text used by vocational
pastors to support their receiving a salary or wage for their ministry
services. However, with regard to the original Greek translation and meaning of Galatians 6:6, the important question is, does it refer to fellow believers joining together and <i>"sharing in</i>" all that is “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inherently good,</i>” or to "<i>sharing one’s </i><i>goods</i>” with a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pastor</i>, as some translations seem to indicate?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sadly, vocational pastors <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">today</span> will only <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">serve as ministers of the gospel if they<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> are compensate<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">d for their services. And if that compensation ceases to be provided, or falls short of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">meeting "their" needs in any way, vocational pastors quickly move on to the next <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"church<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">" that will contractually promise</span></span></span> to meet their needs. Interestingly, vocational pastors refer to th<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">is kind of behavior as </span>being "led" by <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> to another "ministry."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">So, regarding this behavior, </span>just who, or what, are vocational pastors really serving first<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> - <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Messiah, </span>the gospel, or themselves?</span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A closer look at the context of the passage (Verses 3-10),
with the original Greek applied to Galatians 6:6, points to the former as the
correct interpretation:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3 For if anyone thinks
he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must
examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to
himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own
load. <b>6</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The one who is taught the word
is to <span style="color: red;">share in</span> (Koinōnéō) all that is <span style="color: red;">inherently good </span>(Agathós) with
the one who teaches. </b>7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever
a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh
will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will
from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for
in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 <u>So then, while we have
opportunity, let us <b>do good </b></u></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Agathós) </b></i></span></span></span>to all people, and especially to those who are of
the household of the faith.</u> (NASB)</i> </span></span></span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notice in verse 6 that the Greek word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/2841.htm" target="_blank">Koinōnéō</a></i> </b>means: “To<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
participate, share in or fellowship with as an associate partaker.”</i> This
word does NOT mean to pay material compensation for a service. Also notice that the Greek
word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/18.htm" target="_blank">Agathós</a>
</i></b>means: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inherently (intrinsically)
good – described as what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their
life.”</i> This word does NOT mean one’s "<i>personal goods or belongings</i>,<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">" <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">and is the exact same word Paul used in verse 10 that summarizes the context of the passage.</span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Apostle Paul wrote in Greek, and as can be seen,
Galatians 6:6 takes on quite a different meaning when it is translated using
the original Greek. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Sharing in"</i> all
that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"inherently good"</i> with one’s
teacher is very different than sharing one’s “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">goods</i>” with their teacher. This verse and passage have absolutely
nothing to do with paying a pastor a wage or salary for their ministry service.
And when translated correctly from the original Greek, this particular verse not only fits perfectly within
the context of the passage, it also fits perfectly within Paul’s philosophy of the ministry across
all of his writings as a willing and voluntary servant of the gospel who never
asked for, or received, material compensation in the form of wages or a salary.<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In light of all the horrible and dangerous things the Apostle Paul had to endure for the sake of the gospel, and how his
ministry affected every aspect of his personal life up until the day he was martyred in Rome by beheading, anyone
who supports salaries, benefits and comfortable lifestyles for pastors should be embarrassed, and yes,
even ashamed, to have the audacity to use the Apostle Paul’s examples and words to justify their receiving
anything remotely close to what pastors receive as compensation for their
ministries today. It is the hope of this writer that this study will convince vocational pastors to reconsider their position on the issue of compensation. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
Paul’s writings clearly indicate that he didn’t concern himself with the
basic necessities and provisions of life; how much money he had in his pocket
at any given time, where he would get his next meal or the clothes on his back,
or even where he would lay his head to sleep each night. Clearly Paul had taken to
heart </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>'s reply when someone said to Him, "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209:57-58&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>I will follow You wherever You go</i></a>." </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>'s reply was, "<i><span style="color: red;">The foxes have holes
and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His
head</span></i>.” Obviously, by </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>'s reply, Paul understood that if the
"<i>Son of Man</i>" had no place to lay His head, then he shouldn't expect
to have any better personal accommodations by following in </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">'s footsteps as a
minister of the gospel. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
Paul had surrendered <i>everything</i> to become an <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:20&version=NIV" target="_blank">ambassador for Messiah</a>. He had a deep reverence
and abiding love for the gospel that manifested itself as an enormous personal
burden of urgency and responsibility to try and reach as many living souls for <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messiah</span> as possible. It can be safely argued that Paul’s first and only concern
in life was serving Yahweh and His son by preaching the gospel – to the exclusion of <i>ALL
other things. </i><span class="text Col-1-24" id="en-NASB-29490"> </span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Col-1-24" id="en-NASB-29490"><b>NOW I REJOICE IN MY SUFFERINGS <span style="color: red;">for your sake</span>, and in my flesh <span style="color: red;">I do my share on behalf of His body</span>, which is the church, IN FILLING UP WHAT IS LACKING IN CHRIST'S AFFLICTIONS</b>.</span> <span class="text Col-1-25" id="en-NASB-29491"><b>Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me <span style="color: red;">for your benefit</span>, SO THAT I MIGHT <u>FULLY CARRY OUT</u> THE PREACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD</b>,</span> <span class="text Col-1-26" id="en-NASB-29492">that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,</span> <span class="text Col-1-27" id="en-NASB-29493">to
whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.</span> <b><span class="text Col-1-28" id="en-NASB-29494"><span style="color: red;">We proclaim Him</span>, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, <span style="color: red;">so that we may present</span> <span style="color: red;">every man complete in Christ</span>.</span></b> </i><span class="text Col-1-29" id="en-NASB-29495"><b><i>FOR THIS PURPOSE also <span style="color: red;">I labor, striving</span> according to His power, which mightily works within me.</i></b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A24-29&version=NASB" target="_blank">Colossians 1:24-29</a></span></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>For though I am free from all men, <b>I have made myself a <u><span style="color: red;">SLAVE TO ALL</span></u>*, so that I may WIN more</b>.
To the Jews I became as a Jew, so <b>that I might WIN Jews</b>;
to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under
the Law, so <b>that I might WIN those who are under the
Law</b>; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being
without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so <b>that
I might WIN those who are without law</b>. To the weak I became weak, <b>that I might SAVE the weak;</b> <b>I have become all
things to all men, so that I may by <u>ALL MEANS</u> SAVE SOME</b>. <u><b>I do ALL THINGS for the SAKE OF THE GOSPEL</b></u>, so
that I may become a fellow partaker of it. </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:19-23&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:19-23</a> </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Mark-10-43" id="en-NASB-24632"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: black;">*</span></b></span></span></span></i><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Mark-10-43" id="en-NASB-24632"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: black;">NOTE: Paul uses the exact words of<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Mark-10-43" id="en-NASB-24632"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+10%3A44&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">slave to all</span></a>," indicating that he obeys and teaches the words of Christ.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span><i><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Mark-10-43" id="en-NASB-24632"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span>"...whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;</b></span></span><b><span class="text Mark-10-44" id="en-NASB-24633"><span class="woj"> and whoever wishes to be first among you shall BE SLAVE TO ALL." </span></span></b></span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+10%3A43-44&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="text Mark-10-44" id="en-NASB-24633"><span class="woj">Mark 10:43-44</span></span></a></span></span> </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>But I DO NOT CONSIDER MY LIFE OF ANY ACCOUNT as dear to myself</b>, <b>SO THAT</b> <b>I may <u>finish my course
and the ministry</u> which I received from the Lord </b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, to testify solemnly of
the gospel of the grace of God</b>.</i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2020:24&version=NASB" target="_blank"> Acts 20:24</a> </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>But whatever things were
gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More
than that, <b>I count ALL things to be loss</b> in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> my
Lord, for whom <b>I have suffered the loss of ALL things</b>, and <b>count them
but RUBBISH</b> <b>so that I may gain Christ</b>..."</i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:7-11&version=NASB" target="_blank">Philippians 3:7-11</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And by submitting his life in service to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> <b>above everything</b> <b>else</b>, Paul willingly and
humbly <b>endured ALL circumstances</b> <b>for the sake of the gospel</b> - both the
<i>good and the bad.</i></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Behold, now is “<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">the
acceptable time</span>,” behold, now is “<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">the
day of salvation</span>”<b> giving no cause
for offense IN ANYTHING</b>, <b>so that the ministry WILL NOT BE DISCREDITED</b>,
<b>but IN EVERYTHING commending ourselves as SERVANTS of God, in MUCH ENDURANCE,</b>
<b>in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in
tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger</b>, in purity, in knowledge, in
patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of
truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand
and the left, by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded
as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we
live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as
poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%206:2-10&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:2-10</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In
light
of Paul's view and understanding of the cost and ultimate sacrifice of
surrendering ALL for the sake of the ministry of the gospel, relative to
his personal needs and
circumstances, it would be a stretch to perceive <i>any</i> of his statements or examples on the issue as
an endorsement for anyone insisting on exercising their perceived “<i>right</i>” to expect or demand a salary as compensation for preaching the
gospel. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">On the contrary, Paul offers deeper insight into the issue by expounding on the ominous
underlying aspects of compensation, clearly warning of the negative consequences that
exercising the <i>right </i>to compensation would have on the gospel message. Moreover,
Paul's spiritual interpretation of how this issue ultimately
affects the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia clearly indicate that he was highly sensitive to both the positive and
negative effects that a "leader's" actions or inaction could have on the
gospel message, the brethren, and
ultimately the health and welfare of the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
So where did Paul get such deep spiritual insight and discernment regarding
personal rights and how they can affect the gospel?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To begin with, as a pharisee and scriptural scholar, it can be confidently assumed that Paul knew <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> had addressed
this issue through the prophet Ezekiel when <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> called-out the "<i>shepherds of Israel</i>"
for their self-serving and harmful leadership practices. The prophetic
words from
<b>Ezekiel (34:1-16)</b> probably served as a red-flag to Paul with regard to his
ministry philosophy. And they should serve as an eye-opening warning for
today's vocational
pastors/shepherds who make a living off of the congregation/flock - "<i><b>FEEDING THEMSELVES</b></i><b>,</b>"<b> and NOT <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s flock</b>! Ezekiel's <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(Yahweh</span>'s) words help illuminate what Paul meant by not wanting to take advantage of "<i>his</i>" rights, and thus "<i><b>hinder</b></i>" the Gospel or be a "<i><b>burden</b></i>" on the Ekklesia. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Ezek-34-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span><blockquote><span class="text Ezek-34-1"> <b><span class="text Ezek-34-2" id="en-LEB-21315"><sup>1</sup></span>And the word of Yahweh <span class="idiom trans-change">came</span> to me, <span class="idiom trans-change">saying</span>, </b></span><b> <span class="text Ezek-34-2" id="en-LEB-21315"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>“Son of man,
prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and you must say to
them, to the shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “<u>Woe <span class="trans-change">to</span> the shepherds of Israel who were feeding themselves! Must not the shepherds feed the flock?</u> </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-3" id="en-LEB-21316"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup><span>The fat you eat, and you clothe <span class="trans-change">yourself</span> <span class="trans-change">with</span> the wool; the well-nourished <span class="trans-change">animals</span> you slaughter, <span class="trans-change">but</span> you do not feed the flock. </span></span><span> <span class="text Ezek-34-4" id="en-LEB-21317"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>The weak you <span class="trans-change">have</span> not strengthened, and the sick you <span class="trans-change">have</span> not healed, and <span class="idiom trans-change">with respect to</span> the hurt you have not bound <span class="trans-change">them up</span>, and you <span class="trans-change">have</span> not brought back the scattered, and you <span class="trans-change">have</span> not sought the lost, but <span class="trans-change">rather</span> you ruled over them with force and with ruthlessness. </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-5" id="en-LEB-21318"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>And they were scattered <span class="idiom trans-change">without</span> a shepherd, and they were as food for all the animals of the field <span class="trans-change">when</span> they were scattered. </span> </span><span class="text Ezek-34-6" id="en-LEB-21319"><span><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>My flock went astray upon all of the mountains and on every high hill, and <span class="trans-change">so</span> upon all the surface of the world my flock were scattered, and <span class="idiom trans-change">there was no one seeking them</span>, and <span class="idiom trans-change">there was no one searching for them</span>.”</span> </span><span> <span class="text Ezek-34-7" id="en-LEB-21320"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Therefore, hear, <span class="trans-change">O</span> shepherds, the word of Yahweh: </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-8" id="en-LEB-21321"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>“<span class="idiom trans-change">As I live</span>,” <span class="idiom trans-change">declares</span> the Lord Yahweh, “<span class="idiom trans-change">Surely</span> because my flock have become as plunder, and my flock became as food to all the animals of the field, since there was not a shepherd, <span class="trans-change">since</span> my shepherds <span class="trans-change">have</span> not sought my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and they fed not my flock,’” </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-9" id="en-LEB-21322"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh, </span> </span><span class="text Ezek-34-10" id="en-LEB-21323"><span><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “Look! <u>I <span class="trans-change">am</span>
against the shepherds</u>, and I will seek my flock from their hand, </span>and <u>I
will put an end to them from shepherding flocks, and the shepherds will <span class="idiom trans-change">no longer</span> feed themselves, and I will deliver my flocks from their mouth, so that they will not be as food for them</u>.”</span></b> <p><b><span class="text Ezek-34-11" id="en-LEB-21324"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>“‘For thus says the Lord Yahweh: “Look! I, even I, will seek my flock, and I will look after them, </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-12" id="en-LEB-21325"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup><span class="trans-change">just</span> like <span class="trans-change">the</span> caring of a shepherd <span class="trans-change">for</span> his herd on
the day when he is in the midst of his scattered flock. Thus I will
look after my flock, and I will deliver them from all the places <span class="idiom trans-change">to which they were scattered</span> on <span class="trans-change">the</span> day <span class="idiom trans-change">of storm and stress</span>. </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-13" id="en-LEB-21326"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>And
I will bring them out from the peoples, and I will gather them from the
countries, and I will bring them to their soil, and I will feed them on
the mountains of Israel, in the valleys, and in all of the settlements
of the land. </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-14" id="en-LEB-21327"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>I
will feed them in good pasture, and their pasture will be on the
mountains of the heights of Israel; there they will lie down in good
pasture, and <span class="trans-change">on</span> lush pasture they will feed on the mountains of Israel. </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-15" id="en-LEB-21328"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup><span class="idiom trans-change">I myself</span> will feed my flock and <span class="idiom trans-change">I myself</span> will allow them to lie down,” <span class="idiom trans-change">declares</span> the Lord Yahweh. </span> <span class="text Ezek-34-16" id="en-LEB-21329"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the scattered, and I will bind <span class="trans-change">up</span> the one hurt, and I will strengthen the sick; and <u>the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed her with justice</u>.” </span></b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+34%3A+1-16&version=LEB" target="_blank"><span class="text Ezek-34-16" id="en-LEB-21329"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Ezekiel (34:1-16)</b></span></span></span></a></span></p></blockquote><p><span class="text Ezek-34-16" id="en-LEB-21329"></span></p><br />
"Paul understood that the ekklesia/community that Yahshua established with his death and resurrection did away with officials who preside or rule over believers. Yahshua Messiah is now the only official office holder in his ekklesia (Hebrews 7:18-25); with each and every one of his individual followers serving in the position of "royal priest" (1 Peter 2:9). <br /> <br /> There is no room for a special class of pastor/clergy to govern the body of priests that are Yahshua’s followers. As the High Priest, Yahshua Messiah is the only special class of priest we will ever need. Anyone who claims a special office or position over the Messiah's royal priesthood is mistaken. <br /> <br /> The clergy have stolen and assumed a title that describes Yahweh’s entire family—all believers are priests. The clergy is responsible for creating the same kind of religious system Yahshua found among the Jews in his day. It is a system that wears negatively on people's emotions, spirituality and finances. <br /> <br /> The following is a prophecy from Scripture about Yahweh’s extinction of the office of priest (clergy) and Yahweh's role as our true and only shepherd. Our Yahweh and Messiah Yahshua fulfilled Ezekiel’s prophecy when he said, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me” (John. 10:14). The Good Shepherd also said, “I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace…” (Ezekiel 34:15). The Messiah said that he himself would teach those who accept him as their Lord; no one would again ever need a human leader to teach about him." (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">From: Soul Rape/Shean Smith</a>)<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As a Pharisee, it can also be assumed that Paul was well acquainted with and gained great personal insight from </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>'s speech to the Scribes and Pharisees in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 23</a>; where </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> addressed the many negative worldly elements that had crept into the hearts and minds of those men </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(Including Paul) </span></span>who </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span> sarcastically said had "<i>sat themselves on the seat of Moses</i>" (There was no such thing/position as a "seat of Moses). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In His indictment, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> called these men "<i>hypocrites</i>" no less than seven times, while listing the many ways and means by which these men had become corrupted <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">-</span> prospering and exalting themselves above all those they were charged by <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> to <i>serve</i>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> called these men who were entrusted with <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh's</span> holy word "<i>arrogant,</i> <i>blind guides, self-indulgent, thieves, lawless, unclean, plunderers</i>, <i>serpents, brood of vipers</i>" and even "<i>sons of Satan</i>." </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> said these men were more interested in the money of the Temple than<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Yahweh</span>'s purpose and intent for the Temple, and more interested in the offerings laid on the altar than the altar itself. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> even wondered if it was possible for these men to "<i>escape the sentence of Hell</i>," as a result of all they had become and were perpetrating on <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s people. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul also knew that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> told these men, and all who were there listening (Including the 12 disciples/apostles), that they were NOT to call themselves <i>teachers </i>and <i>leaders</i> because <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> was their only teacher and </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> was their only leader. Paul knew that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> told these men they were to be <i>servants</i>; in the sense that every person has equal standing in the kingdom of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, and that there is NO hierarchy among the chosen people (<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia) of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The impact of this speech on Paul can be seen in how he conducted both his life and ministry after his conversion. </span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Given Paul's position as a Pharisee, and the speech </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> directed to that order of men in Matthew 23, it's very understandable how Paul's </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">extraordinary experience with </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> on the road to Damascus led to great </span></span>spiritual insight and discernment regarding how one should conduct every aspect of their lives as a minister of the gospel. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
As stated by Ananias in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209:10-14&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 9:10-14</a>, Paul had been given the
authority - “<i>from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your </i>(</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>’s)<i>
name.</i>” Obviously, Paul understood he had the<i> right</i> to act on that
authority, so he was on the way to Damascus to bind anyone who called on the
name of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
It was on the road to Damascus that Paul was confronted by </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> regarding his
persecution of Him. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yeshua</span></span> blinded Paul there – but did not kill him. At that
moment, Paul clearly understood that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> was, in fact, the true Messiah. Paul
also understood that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> had every <i>right</i> to kill him on the spot for
persecuting Him, but decided to spare his life instead.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
So Paul is left blinded by </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> for three long days. In those three days, Paul
obviously contemplates the contrast between his and </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>’s understanding of
personal rights and Godly justice. Simply put, Paul was intent on exercising
his right to administer what he believed to be Godly justice to the followers
of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> in Damascus. But when Paul was confronted by </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> on the way to
exercise his rights, he learned a valuable lesson regarding one's personal
rights versus <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh's</span> justice. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Rather than vaporizing Paul immediately for
persecuting Him, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> chose to set aside His authoritative right to do so and
extended grace and forgiveness to Paul instead. In fact, rather than receiving
what Paul would have probably considered "just" punishment for his
actions from </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, he received a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2020:24&version=NASB" target="_blank">personal call to ministry</a> from Him instead.
Clearly, this event changed Paul’s entire understanding of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh's</span> justice, and
how it relates to one's personal rights, specifically with respect to being called as a
minister of the gospel of the true Messiah - Yahshu<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">a</span>. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Tim-1-12" id="en-NASB-29709">I thank </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Tim-1-12" id="en-NASB-29709"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua our Messiah</span></span></span></span></span>, who has strengthened me, because <b>He considered me faithful, PUTTING ME INTO SERVICE,</b></span><b> </b><span class="text 1Tim-1-13" id="en-NASB-29710"><b>even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.</b> Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;</span> <span class="text 1Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29711">and <b>the grace of our <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> was more than abundant</b>, with the faith and love which are found in </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Tim-1-14" id="en-NASB-29711"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> Messiah.</span> <span class="text 1Tim-1-15" id="en-NASB-29712">It
is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Tim-1-15" id="en-NASB-29712"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua Messiah</span></span></span></span></span> came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.</span> </i><span class="text 1Tim-1-16" id="en-NASB-29713"><i><b>Yet for
this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Tim-1-16" id="en-NASB-29713"><i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messiah</span>
might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would
believe in Him for eternal life.</b></i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A12-16&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:12-16</a> </span> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A microcosm of Paul’s philosophy on personal rights can be found
in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%208&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 8</a>. In this passage, Paul addresses a specific problem some Corinthians
believers were having regarding eating meat sacrificed to idols. While addressing
this specific problem, Paul takes advantage of the teachable moment and
contrasts the <i>spiritual</i> and <i>carnal</i> elements of Christian liberties/rights in general<i>. </i>(<i>Paul reiterates this in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14%3A13-21&version=NASB" target="_blank">Romans 14:13-21</a></i>)<i><span class="text 1Cor-8-1"> </span></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-8-1">Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” <b>But knowledge makes arrogant while love builds up.</b></span> <b><u>THOSE WHO THINK</u></b><u> </u><b><u>THEY KNOW SOMETHING DO NOT YET KNOW</u> AS THEY OUGHT TO KNOW.</b> <span class="text 1Cor-8-3" id="en-NIV-28531">But whoever loves <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> is known by <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></span></i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+8%3A1-3&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 8:1-3</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul makes a couple of profound statements in verse 1 summarizing his
beliefs regarding the <i>spiritual</i> aspect of the personal rights issue. He first says, “<i>Knowledge makes
arrogant, but love edifies</i>.” Here Paul associates knowledge with personal
rights in verse 9; and based on his introduction of the chapter, he
emphatically places love <i>above</i> knowledge and personal rights. Then when Paul says "<i><span class="text 1Cor-8-2" id="en-NIV-28530">Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know,"</span></i><span class="text 1Cor-8-2" id="en-NIV-28530">
pay particular attention to the contrast of the subject of "knowledge."
Paul implies there are some who "think they know something," when in
fact they </span><span class="text 1Cor-8-2" id="en-NIV-28530"><i><span class="text 1Cor-8-2" id="en-NIV-28530">"do not yet know as they ought to know.</span></i>" These people are the ones Paul is identifying as "<i>arrogant</i>" in their "<i>knowledge</i>" - to the possible detriment of others who are less knowledgeable. </span>Specifically, Paul is saying that one's <i>knowledge/rights</i>
are to be handled very carefully when it comes to how it may affect
other brothers and sisters in <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yah<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">shua</span></span> - and all people in general. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul
obviously believes that Christians should always be willing to set aside
their
<i>personal rights</i> (knowledge) for expedience sake and put on the love of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> whenever necessary for the
protection and edification
of the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. With regard to those who defend a person's <i>right</i> to receive compensation for preaching the gospel, Paul demonstrates by his words and example that while they "<i>think they know something</i>," they "<i>do not yet know as they ought to know." </i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-8-9" id="en-NIV-28537"><b><u>Be careful</u>, however, that the EXERCISE OF YOUR <u>RIGHTS</u></b> <b>DOES NOT BECOME A STUMBLING BLOCK TO THE WEAK</b>.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-8-10" id="en-NIV-28538">For
if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge,
eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what
is sacrificed to idols?</span> <span class="text 1Cor-8-11" id="en-NIV-28539">So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, <b>is DESTROYED by your knowledge [rights]</b>.</span> </i><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NIV-28540"><i>When <b>YOU SIN against them</b> in this way and wound their weak conscience, <u><b>YOU SIN AGAINST CHRIST</b></u>.</i> </span><i><b>Therefore,
if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will NEVER eat meat again, SO THAT I will not cause them to fall</b>.</i> <span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NIV-28540"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+8%3A9-12&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 8:9-12</a></span> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In this particular case, Paul’s example to the Corinthians was
that he would never eat meat again if it meant harming a fellow believer! But
what was his broader meaning in this statement? Specifically, that believers should always be careful to set
aside their rights - in all things - for the sake of the gospel - so as not to
be responsible for what Paul referred to as "<b><i>ruin</i></b>" for "<span class="text 1Cor-8-11" id="en-NASB-28539"><i>the brother for whose sake <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messiah</span> died</i>.</span>" Paul goes much further in verse 12 saying, "...<span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"><b>by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, <u>you sin against the Messiah</u></b>." </span><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540">Paul admonishes believers to be especially careful not to </span><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540">exercise their personal rights at the eternal expense of fellow
believers, with </span></span>the
possibility of sinning against Yahshua Messiah serving as a stern warning for believers
who consider impunity in exercising their personal rights. </span><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540">As
far as Paul is concerned, the seriousness of the personal rights issue
can not be overstated in this passage, especially considering the definition of the Greek word </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540">Paul used that is translated as "<i>ruin</i>." </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540">The word "<a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/622.htm" target="_blank"><i>apollumi</i></a>"
means: kill, destroyed, lost, perished or certain death. Paul's
description of the dire consequences that exercising one's rights could
have on a believing brother or sister should be sobering to anyone who
believes their rights are their personal business. </span></span></span>Paul's deep spiritual message to all believers in the context of
this passage is </span><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-NASB-28540">that
personal rights can only serve <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s greater purpose when they are
exercised in consideration of that purpose and are willingly set aside
for the sake of the gospel of the kingdom of Yahweh. </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's
words imply that <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y</span>ahweh's</span> interest is far greater for a believer's
spiritual vulnerability and genuine need, than His interest in someone
exercising their perceived carnal rights.
We can assume, in the broader sense of the gospel, that <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> also intends
this
same attitude be exhibited not just toward fellow believers, but toward
every lost soul as well? This is
the same attitude <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua Messiah</span> exhibited in His ministry as an example to
anyone who would follow <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">h</span>im – to
always consider the needs of others before considering your <i>perceived</i> rights. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/1Cor.8.7-1Cor.8.13" target="_blank">Matthew Henry's Commentary</a>
pulls no punches to explain the seriousness of the personal rights
issue in 1 Corinthians 8. He leaves no doubt that our personal rights
end where the gospel of Christ begins. <i> </i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>"Those whom Christ hath redeemed with his most precious blood should be
very precious and dear to us. <b>If Christ had such compassion as to die
for
them, that they might not perish, we should have so much compassion for
them as to DENY OURSELVES, FOR THEIR SAKES, in various instances,
and NOT USE OUR RIGHTS TO THEIR HURT, to occasion their stumbling, or
hazard their ruin.</b> <b>THAT MAN HAS VERY LITTLE OF THE SPIRIT OF THE
REDEEMER WHO HAD RATHER HIS BROTHER SHOULD PERISH THAN HIMSELF BE
ABRIDGED, IN ANY RESPECT, OF <u>HIS RIGHTS</u>.</b> Injuries done to Christians are injuries to Christ... </i><i>Shall we sin against Christ who suffered for us? Shall we set ourselves
to defeat his gracious designs, and help to ruin those whom he died to
save?"</i> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Beginning
in 1 Corinthians 8, Paul carries this premise across three full
chapters, illuminating fully the context of the personal rights issue,
concluding in chapter 10 with this summary:<i> </i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Whether, then, you eat or drink <b>or <span style="color: red;">WHATEVER you do</span></b>, <b>do all
to the glory of God</b>. <b>GIVE NO OFFENSE either to Jews or to Greeks or to the
church of God</b>; <b>just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking MY OWN PROFIT but the profit of the many, SO THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.</b></i> <a href="http://v/" target="_blank">1 Corinthians10:31-33</a></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the face of considerable scriptural evidence to the contrary, corporate church leaders and vocational pastors continue to use
the Apostle Paul's words to defend the <i>right </i>of pastors to
receive a regular salary for preaching the gospel. In doing so, they have chosen to discount
and ignore proper biblical <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/exegesis" target="_blank"><i>exegesis</i></a> regarding the clear scriptural teachings of Paul on compensation as it relates to one's personal rights. They also seem to gloss over the specific
warnings Paul gives for why he chose <i>not to charge</i>
<i>a fee</i> for preaching the gospel; specifically because he knew that being paid a <i>wage</i> or <i>salary</i> would "<b><i>hinder</i></b>"
the gospel message and financially "<b><i>burden</i></b>" the efforts of the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia to spread the gospel, minister to the saints, and care for the weak and needy. In fact, by choosing to
ignore Paul's example and words of warning on the issue of personal rights and compensation, corporate church leaders and vocational pastors essentially have
to agree that the <i>right</i> to receive a wage or salary by pastors supersedes any and all of
Paul's teachings and concerns about the negative effects it has on the gospel and the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. <span class="text Mark-7-8" id="en-NASB-24472"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Mark-7-8" id="en-NASB-24472"><span class="woj"><b>"Neglecting the COMMANDMENT of God, you hold to the TRADITION OF MEN</b>.” </span></span></span><span class="text Mark-7-9" id="en-NASB-24473"><b>He (</b></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Mark-7-9" id="en-NASB-24473"><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>) was also saying to them,</b> <span style="color: red;"><span class="woj">“<b>You are <u>EXPERTS</u> AT SETTING ASIDE THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD </b><b>in order to KEEP YOUR TRADITION</b>."</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+7%3A8-9&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="text Mark-7-9" id="en-NASB-24473"><span class="woj">Mark 7:8-9</span></span></a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+7%3A8-9&version=NASB" target="_blank"> </a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Conversely, </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> understood that exercising His rights as the Son of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> might not
always be profitable or edifying. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> fully
understood His right to rain down condemnation and destruction on all of
His
enemies of the day - but He held back. A good example of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> setting
aside His rights was when the crowd came to seize him in the Garden of
Gethsemane. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Matt-26-51" id="en-NASB-24106">And
behold, one of those who were with </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Matt-26-51" id="en-NASB-24106"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> reached and drew out his
sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.</span> <span class="text Matt-26-52" id="en-NASB-24107">Then </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Matt-26-52" id="en-NASB-24107"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> *said to him, <span style="color: red;"><span class="woj">“Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.</span></span></span><span style="color: red;"> <b><span class="text Matt-26-53" id="en-NASB-24108"><span class="woj">Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?</span></span></b> </span></i><span class="text Matt-26-54" id="en-NASB-24109"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><i>How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?</i>”</span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A51-54&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 26:51-54</a></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> chose to set
aside His rights as the Son of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> in favor of the gospel message of
forgiveness and redemption. All-the-while knowing that choosing to set aside
His rights would put Him on a path leading to torment, torture, and ultimately,
death - <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209:22&version=NASB" target="_blank">at the hands of those same enemies</a>.
But because of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>'s unconditional love for mankind and His total commitment
to the gospel of the kingdom of Yahweh, He voluntarily chose to set aside His <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">personal </span>rights and walk that path anyway.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> also knew He could have exercised His right as the Son of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> to
establish His kingdom on earth, and reign as the Head of the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ekklesia</span> for all
eternity. In fact, in their carnal thinking, His disciples thought that's
exactly what </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> had in mind all along. But they soon found out that <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055:9&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s ways and thoughts</a> were much
higher than theirs - just as Paul found out the same on the road to Damascus.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's
clear
that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>'s words and examples had a profound impact on Paul's
ministry, specifically regarding the exercising of one's personal
rights.
Paul understood that if </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> had exercised His rights, specifically in
the Garden of Gethsemane incident, the salvation of mankind would never
have been possible, and the fate of mankind would have been total ruin (<a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/622.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>apollumi</i></b></a>). In the following passage, Paul exemplifies clear spiritual insight and
understanding of the personal <i>rights</i> issue that he learned from the life
and teachings of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>. Understanding that </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> "<i>emptied Himself</i>" of his <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/space/thegospeltruth/trinity/verses/Php2_6-2.html" target="_blank"><i>divinely inspired</i></a> prerogatives for the sake of the gospel as an example for His
followers to be <b>willing to empty themselves of their earthly <i>rights</i> for the
sake of the gospel - regardless of how it affects their personal circumstances
and welfare.</b></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><u>Have this attitude in yourselves which was
also in Christ </u></b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not
regard equality with God a thing to be grasped</b>, <b>but EMPTIED HIMSELF, taking the form of a BOND-SERVANT, and being made in the
likeness of men.</b> Being found in appearance as a man, <b>He HUMBLED HIMSELF by
becoming OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, even death on a cross</b>. </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:5-8&version=NASB" target="_blank">Philippians 2:5-8</a> </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>For even <b>Christ did NOT please Himself</b>; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A3&version=NASB" target="_blank">Romans 15:3</a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-NASB-24631">Calling them to Himself, </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Mark-10-42" id="en-NASB-24631"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> said to them, <span style="color: red;"><span class="woj">“You
know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it
over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.</span></span></span><span style="color: red;"> <span class="text Mark-10-43" id="en-NASB-24632"><span class="woj">But it is not this way among you, but <b>whoever wishes to become great among you shall be YOUR SERVANT;</b></span></span><b><span class="text Mark-10-44" id="en-NASB-24633"><span class="woj"> and whoever wishes to be first among you shall BE SLAVE TO ALL.</span></span></b> </span></i><span class="text Mark-10-45" id="en-NASB-24634"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><i>For even <b>the Son of Man did NOT come to be served, BUT TO SERVE, and to GIVE HIS LIFE a ransom for many</b>."</i></span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+10%3A42-45&version=NASB" target="_blank">Mark 10:42-45</a></span></span> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As
a follower and imitator of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, the Apostle Paul's ministry began on the road
to Damascus, but tragically ended the same way </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">'s did - martyred. In fact,
New Testament and credible historical records show that most, if not all, of
the Apostles' ministries ended in the same manor. It can be safely assumed that
these men never put their personal rights or considerations ahead of the gospel - and as history shows, not even ahead of their lives. Paul, and the
other apostles, literally emptied themselves of everything to become
bond-servants of Yahshua Messiah and ministers of the gospel - humbling themselves in total obedience to the gospel
- even to the point of death.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fortunately,
for
all of humanity, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> and the Apostles never allowed their personal
rights
to hinder the gospel or burden the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. Unfortunately, for the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia as we know it today,
setting aside the right to receive a salary is never really a
consideration
of most men who choose full-time ministry. They perceive their
ministries as a legitimate vocation, regarding financial and lifestyle
equality with their
fellow man as their biblical right. And why shouldn't they, they've been
brought up in a corporate church system that embraces vocational
pastors. The
fact is, you would be hard pressed to find a church in American that
doesn't pay
its pastor a salary. And with that, many churches today have revolving
doors filled with pastors coming and going; always ready when the
need arises, to find another church willing to meet their ever-growing
financial and lifestyle needs. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And
therein lays a major concern with the corporate church model and its vocational
pastors - their mutual dependence on each other. Better explained in theory as
a "<i><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Mutual+dependence" target="_blank">symbiotic</a></i>"
relationship; defining an association
between
two different entities that need each other, but don't necessarily
benefit each other. Churches need pastors and pastors need churches to
be able
to survive and perpetuate the corporate church model. Unfortunately,
because churches
are either growing, shrinking or stagnant, and pastors have ever
changing (Mostly growing)
financial needs, it's almost impossible to establish a consistent
healthy relationship
between the two for any extended length of time. Thus, within the
corporate church system today, churches
(congregations) and pastors often find themselves in an unhealthy state
of
flux and uncertainty; mostly due to the growing financial needs of
pastors and the
churches ability or inability to continue to meet those needs.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">While
there is no biblical evidence of anyone serving a local <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia in any capacity ever receiving a salary,
unfortunately, paying a pastor a salary has been an accepted practice since man transformed the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia into a corporate hierarchical institution called "church" <a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/p/the-head-pastor-is-fundamental-figure.html" target="_blank">over seventeen hundred years ago</a>. And in most cases
today, vocational pastors will only accept a position <i>after</i> they have
negotiated a salary and benefits that meets their <i>worldly</i>
financial needs. Unfortunately, holding as a priority receiving worldly compensation as a precondition to render ministry service not only goes against the tenants of selfless service taught by </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> and the Apostles, it also plays into the hands of the ruler of this world's efforts to use man's inherent fleshy desires to tempt them away from the truth and freedom of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>'s word. <i><span class="text Rom-8-2" id="en-NASB-28119"> </span></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Rom-8-2" id="en-NASB-28119">For the law of the Spirit of life in </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Rom-8-2" id="en-NASB-28119"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua Messia<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">h</span></span></span></span></span></span> has set you free from the law of sin and of death.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-3" id="en-NASB-28120">For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,</span> <span class="text Rom-8-4" id="en-NASB-28121">so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.</span> <b><span class="text Rom-8-5" id="en-NASB-28122">For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-6" id="en-NASB-28123">For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,</span> </b><span class="text Rom-8-7" id="en-NASB-28124"><b>because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></b>; for it does not subject itself to the law of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, for it is not even able to do so,</span> <span class="text Rom-8-8" id="en-NASB-28125">and <b>those who are in the flesh cannot please <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></b>.</span> </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A2-8&version=NASB" target="_blank">Romans 8:2-8</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As long as a vocational pastor's financial needs continue to be met
by their
negotiated salary with a church, they usually remain in that
position. However, if a church ceases to meet the growing financial
needs of their
pastors,
as noted earlier, their pastors will soon begin to make arrangements to
move
on to another church
(Calling) that will agree to meet their financial needs. In almost every
case, the financial needs of vocational pastors eventually outgrow the
ability of their church to pay them, and when it gets to the point where
the pastor's financial needs supersede the needs of the church, they
simply move
on to the next
church
willing to meet those ever-growing financial needs. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Depending
on the research you read on the subject, the average stay at a church for a
pastor is between 3 and 5 years - several years longer for senior pastors of
large churches. Interestingly, <a href="http://www.greymatterresearch.com/index_files/Job_Changes.htm" target="_blank">research results</a>
from one study
concluded that the most common reason pastors change churches is for "<i>a
promotion</i>" - financial gain. The shocking opening quote of that
particular
study of 872 Protestant church pastors actually states: "<i>Research shows
[that] it's more common for a pastor to take a job at a different church <b>due
to a promotion</b> than it is for a pastor to move to a new church because of
feeling God's call or leading</i>." <i><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NASB-23307"><span class="woj"> </span></span></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NASB-23307"><span class="woj"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua said: </span></span></span></span></span>“<b>No
one can serve two masters</b>; for either he will hate the one and love the
other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. </span></span><b><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NASB-23307"><span class="woj">You cannot
serve [both] <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> and wealth (Money)</span></span></b></span><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NASB-23307"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;">."</span> </span></span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A24&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="text Matt-6-24" id="en-NASB-23307"><span class="woj">Matthew 6:24</span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately,
the
carnal desire for pastors to change churches simply for financial gain
and
lifestyle stability only serves to validate the assumptions of many
people that any given "<i>church</i>" is a business, and that pastors, while
they may be sincere in their ministries, are also in it for the money -
just like anyone else with a job who expects to be paid for their
service. It also gives clear meaning to the term "<i><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A11-15&version=NASB" target="_blank">hireling</a></b></i>,"
a term </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> used to refer to those shepherds who are more concerned
about their compensation and well-being than the sheep they were hired
to watch over and protect. This is exactly the kind of thing Paul warned
about in his writings regarding compensation for preaching the gospel -
and
precisely the reason Paul gave for never wanting to accept a salary
himself - because it hinders the gospel. This is also why Paul strongly
exhorted other leaders to follow his
example - which he personally learned from Yahshua Messiah. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span class="text John-10-11" id="en-NASB-26493"><span class="woj">“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.</span></span> <span class="text John-10-12" id="en-NASB-26494"><span class="woj">He who is a HIRELING, and not a shepherd,
who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the
sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.</span></span> <span class="text John-10-13" id="en-NASB-26495"><span class="woj">He flees because he is a HIRELING and is not concerned about the sheep.</span></span> <span class="text John-10-14" id="en-NASB-26496"><span class="woj">I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,</span></span> </i></b></span><span class="text John-10-15" id="en-NASB-26497"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+10%3A11-15&version=NASB" target="_blank">John 10:11-15</a></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As we have seen, more often than not, pastors' moving from one church
to another
has more to do with pursuing financial and lifestyle stability for themselves and their families, and
less to do
with being called as a servant of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>. And their moves are usually predicated on a
guarantee by a prospective church to have their financial needs met, which
unfortunately, often leaves any <i>faith </i>component
of their "<i>calling</i>" to a new ministry in question. The bottom-line is,
even if a pastor feels a "<i>call</i>" to serve elsewhere, unless "<i>elsewhere</i>"
guarantees a salary to meet his needs, he won't be answering that call.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br />
</b>On the other hand, the ministries of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yah<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">shua</span></span> and the Apostles had everything to
do with being called through a deep <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">faith in Yahweh and his beloved son</span> to spread the gospel, and absolutely
nothing to do with pursuing financial gain or lifestyle stability. And because
their ministries were not motivated by the pursuit of material or financial compensation,
their commitment and motivation for preaching the gospel was always <i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%203:1-3&version=NASB" target="_blank">above reproach</a></i> and could not be impugned
by fellow believers, or those outside the church. As Paul clearly points out, the
practice of preaching the gospel "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:17&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>voluntarily</i></a>" mitigates the
perception of being motivated by financial gain to preach the gospel,
and eliminates any chance of that practice becoming a "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:12&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i><b>hindrance</b> to the gospel of Yahshua Messiah</i></a>"
and a <i><b>"<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A8-9&version=NASB" target="_blank">burden</a></b>" on the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia</i>. And yes, Paul said he would <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:15&version=NASB" target="_blank">rather die</a> than to allow even a hint of a perception that he <i>sought</i> material gain as a minister of the gospel. To help
make his point in this, Paul stated eight verses later in that same passage, "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:23&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>I do ALL things for the sake of the
gospel...</i></a>" - and offering the gospel "<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:18&version=NASB" target="_blank">without charge</a></i>" definitely
falls under the category of "<i>all things</i>." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul
also said that preaching the gospel for monetary consideration reduces the act
of ministry from pure "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:16&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>compulsion</i></a>" to mere "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:17&version=NASB" target="_blank"><i>stewardship</i></a>" for that
compensation. So the entrapment of today's corporate church model, and the yoke
of a pastoral salary, reduces the service of a vocational pastoral ministry to mere <i>stewardship</i>
of a legal contractual agreement, with the <i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:1-24&version=NASB" target="_blank">full reward</a></i> for that stewardship being
a paycheck.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And
Paul was not the only Apostle who held the philosophy that
ministry was a <i>service</i> to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> and not a <i>worldly vocation</i> with expected monetary compensation. The Apostle
Peter's words directed to elders within
the local <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia echo Paul's philosophy on this issue: <span class="text 1Pet-5-1"> </span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Pet-5-1">Therefore, </span><b><span class="text 1Pet-5-1">I exhort the elders among you</span></b><span class="text 1Pet-5-1">, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Yahshua Messiah, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,</span> <span class="text 1Pet-5-2" id="en-NASB-30468">shepherd the flock of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> among you, <b>exercising oversight not under compulsion, but VOLUNTARILY, according to the will of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></b>; and <b>NOT for base/greedy gain (money - profits), but with eagerness</b>...</span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%205%3A2&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Peter 5:2</a> </span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Notice
the similarities between Peter and Paul's position on the issue of
compensation, (1 Corinthians 9:16-18) as Peter points out (Specifically,
elder to elder) that being an elder/shepherd is a </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ministry rendered </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"<i>voluntarily,</i>" </span></span>out of "<i>eagerness</i>," which is </span></span>"<i>according to the will of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></i>," and certainly not a position with expected financial gain. And that an elder's hopeful reward for their <i>voluntary</i> service is an "<i>unfading crown of glory</i>,"
not money. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Take into account that Peter was among the Apostles in the
beginning that presided over the monetary proceeds from the property
being sold by the new believers and laid at their feet. Yet when Peter
and John were confronted by the lame beggar at the gate of the Temple,
Peter told the him that he possessed NO silver or gold, but instead,
Peter offered to give him what he said they did possess, the healing
power of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua Me<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ssiah</span></span>! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As overseers of such a successful and
prosperous ministry you would expect that Peter and John would have at
least had a little spending cash in their pockets, but they didn't, and
that's the central point! To Peter and John, and the rest of the
Apostles, the ministry of the gospel wasn't viewed as a "<i>vocation</i>,"
it was clearly understood to be a service. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">From all accounts, after
receiving the Holy Spirit, the Apostles finally seemed to understand the
difference between worldly leadership and <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">truly </span>serv<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ing Yahweh</span>. Through the
Holy Spirit, they understood fully the teachings of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>, turning their
backs on worldly ambitions and possessions, and surrendering everything
to serve <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> by serving their fellow man. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Mark-9-34" id="en-NASB-24573">But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.</span> <span class="text Mark-9-35" id="en-NASB-24574">Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, <span style="color: red;"><span class="woj">“<b>If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.</b>”</span></span></span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9%3A34-35&version=NASB" target="_blank">Mark 9:34-35</a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Mark-9-34" id="en-NASB-24573"><span style="color: red;"><span class="text John-14-25" id="en-NASB-26694"><span class="woj">“These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you.</span></span> </span><span class="text John-14-26" id="en-NASB-26695"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;">But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, <b>He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.</b>"</span> </span></span></span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A25-26&version=NASB" target="_blank">John 14:25-26</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For
the Apostles, they no longer saw their ministry through the eyes of the
world. It was no longer about what the world had to offer them as
compensation for their service to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua Messiah</span>. It wasn't about leadership or
who would sit on </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>'s right or left, and it wasn't about having their
personal needs met or preaching the gospel as a vocation. It was all
about continuing the work of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> and saving lost souls! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The
book of Acts clearly shows that the Apostles were merely acting as a
conduit to get ALL the money and goods out to people who were in need
while spreading the gospel message. However, strangely missing from the
model shown is the book of Acts is any mention of constructing or
leasing a "<i>building</i>" for the "<i>church</i>," or putting together a search committee to hire seminary trained pastors to p</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">reach on Sundays and also act as CEO's over this new ecclesiastical corporate enterprise. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-4-32">And
the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and
not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but
all things were common property to them.</span> <span class="text Acts-4-33" id="en-NASB-27056">And
with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection
of the Lord </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-4-33" id="en-NASB-27056"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, and abundant grace was upon them all.</span> <span class="text Acts-4-34" id="en-NASB-27057">For
there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of
land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales</span> </i><span class="text Acts-4-35" id="en-NASB-27058"><i>and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?st=2&utm_expid=13466113-11.e_eljl4ZQueab2zC5ghezw.2&search=Acts+4%3A33-35&version=NASB&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fst%3D2%26search%3DActs%25204%26version%3DNASB" target="_blank">Acts 4:33-35</a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-3-1">Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.</span> <span class="text Acts-3-2" id="en-NASB-26999">And
a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along,
whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is
called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the
temple.</span> <span class="text Acts-3-3" id="en-NASB-27000">When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.</span> <span class="text Acts-3-4" id="en-NASB-27001">But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!”</span> <span class="text Acts-3-5" id="en-NASB-27002">And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.</span> <span class="text Acts-3-6" id="en-NASB-27003">But
Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I
give to you: In the name of </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Acts-3-6" id="en-NASB-27003"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> Christ the Nazarene—walk!”</span> <span class="text Acts-3-7" id="en-NASB-27004">And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.</span></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?st=2&utm_expid=13466113-11.e_eljl4ZQueab2zC5ghezw.2&search=Acts+3%3A1-7&version=NASB&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fst%3D2%26search%3DActs%2B4%253A33-35%26version%3DNASB" target="_blank">Acts 3:1-7</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Obviously, both Peter and Paul understood the distinct difference between a "<i>stewardship</i>," which entails material and/or monetary compensation as a reward for a service,
and "<i>voluntary,</i>" which never takes into account<i> monetary gain</i> as consideration for a service. In this passage, Peter likens the act of taking money for being an elder as "<i>base gain</i>," which the original Greek term <a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/147.htm" target="_blank"><i>aischrokerdós</i></a>
defines as "<i>greedy</i>." In which case, Peter implies that elders who take
money from the pockets of the people they are supposed to shepherd,
simply for being their shepherd, are being GREEDY. Scriptural evidence
clearly shows that both Paul and Peter always set aside their <i>
personal rights</i> for material compensation and opted for the eternal
spiritual reward for their <i>voluntary</i> service as ministers of the gospel. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As
far as how the <i>"world"</i> views today's <i>"church</i>," because the
majority of churches are set up as a State run 501(c)(3) corporate
hierarchy; including salaried pastors, real estate holdings and ongoing
marketing campaigns, the world sees the church no differently than any
other corporation, with the pastor's position as nothing
more than a secular career like any other corporate executive job in
America. And when pastors say they are "<i>called</i>" to ministry at a
specific church, under the world's view of the corporate church model,
it's seen as no different than searching for a job and being hired like
any other
secular professional executive - banker, doctor, lawyer, etc.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
Understanding the world's carnal view of <i>everything</i>, and specifically
its view of the "church," and all religious institutions for that matter,
it's obvious why Paul was so
concerned that those who serve in ministry NOT be seen by the world as preaching the
gospel for material and monetary gain. Paul
understood that the "<i>secular</i>" world would <i>always</i> watch and scrutinize
every move of the "<i>Holy</i>" <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. Specifically, Paul knew that many
people would then, as they do today, perceive that preachers are
only in the ministry "<i>profession</i>" for money and power - thus <b><i>hindering</i></b>
the purity of the gospel message. Again,
sharing his serious concern on the issue of being compensated for preaching
the gospel, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:15 that he would rather <i>die</i>
than allow any opportunity for <i>this</i> perception to take hold among the disciples of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua Messiah</span> and especially the lost. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Seriously, <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">s</span></span>hould Paul's concern on the issue of compensation also be a concern of corporate churches and vocational pastors
today?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul
indirectly touched on that question in his letter to the Philippians when he
offered to send Timothy to help serve their needs: </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Phil-2-19">But I hope in the </span></b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Phil-2-19"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yeshua Messiah</span></span> to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.</span> For
I have <u>NO ONE ELSE</u> of kindred spirit who will GENUINELY BE CONCERNED</b> <b>for YOUR WELFARE. For they ALL SEEK AFTER <u>THEIR OWN INTERESTS</u>, NOT those of<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua Messiah</span></span></span></span></span></b>.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:20-21&version=NASB" target="_blank">Philippians 2:20-21</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Was
there truly "<i>no one else</i>" Paul could count on who would "<i>genuinely
be concerned"</i> for the welfare of those believers?" Were they <i>all </i>(Leaders)
really seeking after "<i>their own interests, [and] not those of </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>?" </i>If this truly was the case, then an attitude of <i>personal self-interest</i>
is what separated Timothy from <i>ALL</i> the rest. So the big question is: On
which side of this personal issue do today's churches and pastors
see themselves; on the side of Paul and Timothy, or on the side of <i>personal
self-interest</i> with <i>ALL</i> the others? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Finally,
if the argument for receiving a salary for preaching the gospel is that Paul's
teachings and examples are only <i>his</i> "<i>opinion</i>," and that
not taking a salary was his <i>"personal choice</i>;" then give
prayerful consideration to Paul's responses regarding both his opinions and
examples as an Apostle and preacher of the gospel in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%207:25&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:25</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011:1&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:1</a>. As for how Paul
expects anyone to weigh his opinions, he says, "<i><b>...I give an opinion as
one who by the mercy of the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> is trustworthy</b>.</i>" And as for how
Paul perceives his own <i>examples</i>, Paul couldn't be any clearer when he says,
"<i><b>Be imitators of me</b>, <b>just as I also am of Yah<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">shua Messiah</span></b></i>." Scripture shows that not only did Paul NOT receive a salary, neither did any of the other Apostles or elders. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's
compelling
statements below should be enough to convince any believer to give Paul
the highest regard in both wisdom and <b>authority</b>, with respect to <b>his
</b> exhortations to <a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_11.html" target="_blank"><b>imitate</b></a> <b>his</b> personal examples and teachings on <i>any</i> issue concerning the gospel. And Paul used the word "<i>imitate</i>" (Mistranslated in many bible versions) in his writings; a much stronger and definitive word than "<i>follow</i>." (<a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_11.html" target="_blank"><i>Read more on this issue</i></a>) </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text Gal-1-1">1 Paul, an apostle, not sent from men or by a man, but by </span></i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text Gal-1-1"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> the Messiah, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead</span>... 11</i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text Gal-1-11"> For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin. </span><span class="text Gal-1-12" id="en-ISV-29065">12 For I did not receive it from a man, nor was I taught it, but it was revealed to me by </span></i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text Gal-1-12" id="en-ISV-29065"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> the Messiah." </span></i></b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%201&version=ISV" target="_blank">Galatians 1</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>For
if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have
many fathers, for in Christ </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <b>I became your father through the
gospel</b>. Therefore <b>I exhort you, be IMITATORS OF ME</b>. For this reason I have sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and <b>he will remind you of MY WAYS which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church</b>.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%204:15-17&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 4:15-17</a></span></span> </blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>Be IMITATORS of ME, just as
I also am of Christ</i><i>.</i></b><i> </i><i>Now I
praise you because you remember me in everything and </i><b><i>HOLD FIRMLY
to the teachings/instructions, just as I DELIVERED THEM TO YOU</i></b><i><b>.</b></i><span style="color: #660000;"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011:1&version=NASB">1
Corinthians 11:1</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>
</b><i><b>WE have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are
doing and will continue to do what WE COMMAND. For you yourselves know how you
ought to IMITATE OUR EXAMPLE</b>, because we did not act in an undisciplined
manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying
for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we
would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to
this, <b>but in order to offer ourselves as a <u>MODEL</u> </b><i><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt;">(týpos – a model
forged by repetition; reliable precedent for others to imitate -
i.e. the right example, a proper pattern)</span></i><b><i><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt;"><b> FOR YOU</b>, so that you would<b>
IMITATE OUR EXAMPLE</b>.</span></i> FOR YOU,
so that you would IMITATE OUR EXAMPLE. If anyone does not OBEY OUR INSTRUCTION in this
letter,</b> take special note of that person
and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet
do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thessalonians%203:7-9&version=NASB">2
Thessalonians 3:4,7-9,14-15</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>You (Thessalonians) also <b>became IMITATORS of US and the Lord </b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></b>,
having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy
Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia
and in Achaia </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:6-7&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:6-7&version=NASB" target="_blank"> 1:6-7</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
<i>Brethren, <b>join in following MY EXAMPLE</b>,
and observe those who walk according to <b>the PATTERN you
have in US</b>. </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:17&version=NASB">Philippians
3:17</a> </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
<i><b>The things YOU HAVE LEARNED and RECEIVED and HEARD and SEEN in ME</b>, <b><u>PRACTICE THESE THINGS</u>, and the God of peace will be with you</b>. </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:9&version=NASB">Philippians
4:9</a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Brethren,Keep on growing to maturity. <b>Keep listening to MY Appeals</b>. Continue agreeing with each other and living in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+13%3A11&version=ISV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:13</a> </span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
<i>For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most
eminent apostles. But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet<b> I am not so in knowledge; in
fact, IN EVERY WAY, WE HAVE MADE THIS EVIDENT TO YOU IN ALL THINGS.</b>
</i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2011:5-6&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:5-6</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul's
teachings
and warnings on this issue deserve serious consideration by vocational
pastors, or anyone considering becoming a pastor, with regard to
receiving financial compensation as a reward for preaching the gospel.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-16" id="en-NASB-28557">For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-17" id="en-NASB-28558">For <b>if I do this <u>VOLUNTARILY</u>, I have a REWARD</b>; but if against my will (For compensation), I have a stewardship entrusted to me.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><b>WHAT
THEN IS MY REWARD? That, when I preach the gospel, I MAY OFFER THE
GOSPEL WITHOUT CHARGE, so as NOT to make full use of MY RIGHT in the
gospel</b>. </span></i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A16-18&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559">1 Corinthians 9:16-18</span></a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>For we are not like many, PEDDLING the word of God</b>, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.</i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+2%3A17&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 2:17</a> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Having
a clear understanding of Paul's motives and model as a preacher of the gospel, it's crucial that men today consider both the <i>
carnal and spiritual</i>
<i>elements that motivate them to enter the ministry. </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately,
financial compensation is one specific carnal aspect of the decision
making process that has been set aside or
overlooked by today's corporate
churches, seminaries, vocational pastors and those contemplating
full-time
ministry. Financial compensation for pastors today
is something that's expected by those on both sides of the paycheck. In
fact, compensation is not even considered a "<i>carnal</i>" motivational
factor today - despite the fact that a salary with benefits to meet worldly needs can be
defined in no other way. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Compensation for pastors has evolved into a
consecrated biblical <i>personal right</i>. And there are many informative <a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-how-to/166425-matthew-hoskinson-pastors-should-talk-about-their-pay.html" target="_blank">web sites</a> and <a href="http://www.wts.edu/students/services/careerplacementhandbook/ordainedministry/candidating.html" target="_blank">seminaries</a> today that offer instruction and council on all
aspects
of pastoral compensation; from salary, benefits and contract negotiating, to financial
planning and retirement designed to help vocational pastors meet their worldly needs. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2014:25-35&version=NASB" target="_blank">Luke 14</a>, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> addresses this issue
head on with an admonition to His disciples to "<i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2014:28&version=NASB" target="_blank">count the cost</a></i>" of their
decision to follow Him. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> said that any who would follow Him should <b><i>hate</i></b>
his mother and father, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, and
yes, even their own life. His figurative use of the word "<i>hate</i>"
suggests that, as His disciple, He is to be the first priority in the
relationship. And to follow </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> means just that - to follow ONLY </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, not
anyone or <i>anything</i> else. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This teaching of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> to His disciples
obviously carries far more weight to anyone considering a paid position
in a church. Total loyalty to </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> and the gospel is crucial, given
the inevitability of attacks by Satan through the carnal lure of worldly
things - especially money. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If paid pastors
care more about the financial stability of their families than they do
about </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> and the
gospel, when pressed in on all sides to choose between the two, chances
are great they will choose financial stability over the gospel.
Especially when they believe that it's their <i>biblical right </i>to receive
monetary compensation for their services. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> voiced his concern and
warning on this matter, clearly stating that the carnal desire for money
will separate people from their true Master. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;"><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua said: </span></span></span></span></span></b>“</span><b><span style="color: red;">NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS.
Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the
one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE BOTH <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">YAHWEH</span> AND MONEY.</span></b>"
</i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A24&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:24</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">despite clear warnings from </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span> and Paul about the danger of mixing money and ministry, v</span></span>ocational
pastors have made a decision to take money and other benefits in
exchange for preaching the
gospel. In doing so, they have defiled the purity of their allegiance to
the Gospel with worldly goods. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">There is no getting around the fact that
financial compensation
is a major factor in a vocational pastor's ministry. And what makes
setting aside what they believe is their personal right to compensation
such a very difficult
decision is that it ultimately means having to work with
their own
hands and minister to their own needs while shepherding a flock. And the
toughest part in all this for
them is having to admit that they bought-in to today’s worldly unbiblical corporate
church
model that justifies putting money between them and <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, especially
after
repeated warnings from scripture regarding the issue. But that's the
exact example </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, Paul, and the rest of the Apostles set and taught.<i> </i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;">"<b>So then, none of you can
be My disciple who does not GIVE UP ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS</b>. Therefore,
salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be
seasoned? It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is
thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”</span> </i><span class="text 1Cor-9-12" id="en-NASB-28553"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2014:33-34&version=NASB" target="_blank">Luke 14:33-34 </a></span><span class="text 1Cor-9-12" id="en-NASB-28553"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-9-12" id="en-NASB-28553"><i>If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, <b>WE did NOT use this right,</b> but <b>WE ENDURE ALL THINGS so that we will CAUSE NO <u>HINDRANCE</u> to the gospel of Christ. </b></i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:12&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:12</a></span> </span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Tim-1-5" id="en-NASB-29702"><b>But the goal of OUR INSTRUCTION is LOVE</b> from a <b>pure heart</b> and a <b>good conscience</b> and a <b>sincere faith</b>. </span></i><b><i><span class="text 1Tim-1-5" id="en-NASB-29702"> </span></i></b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A5&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:5</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If
you
are a vocational pastor now, or someone who is contemplating a paid
ministry position, Paul's example and words are as clear and direct to
you
today in the scriptures as they were to the elders and disciples of</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua's</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> time.<i> </i></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>But thanks be to God, who always leads us in
triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of
Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are
being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death
to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. <b>And WHO is SUFFICIENT for these things? For we are
not like many, PEDDLING the word of God, but as
from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God</b>.
</i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%202:14-17&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 2:14-17</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In
these words from 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul points out several important
things about his ministry team; that they are led exclusively by <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, that
their motivation and message is pure, that they don't draw a salary, and that
their ministry is open and transparent, "<i>in the sight of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></i>,"
for all the world to see and for anyone to challenge. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul goes further by making
a comparison between his ministry team's motive of sincerity and compulsion for
preaching the gospel, and others who sought material gain from their
ministries. Paul's bold question in the midst of this passage is, "<i>Who
is <span style="color: red;">sufficient</span> (<a href="http://biblesuite.com/greek/2425.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Hikanos</span></a>) for these things?</i>" The obvious
answer of course would be - not many - and certainly not those who were "<b><i>peddling
the word of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span></i></b>" for material gain. (Note that the Greek term '<i><span style="color: red;">hikanos</span></i>' can also mean: <i>worthy, suitable,
adequate, qualified, fit or competent</i>)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
Upon prayer and personal reflection, vocational pastors (Or anyone contemplating vocational ministry) should seriously
contemplate and honestly answer Paul's bold question: are they <b><i>'hikanos'</i></b>
for these things? In that answer, they must decide whether to embrace the
Apostle Paul's words and imitate his examples to become a "<i>...sweet
aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place</i>" and "<i>a fragrance
of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Messiah</span> to <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> among those who are being saved</i>," or set his words and examples aside
and continue in their vocational ministries, <i>"seeking after their own
interests?"</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>In conclusion</b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">:</span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">T</span>he Apostle Paul made it abundantly clear that the ONLY reward he sought for
preaching the Gospel of<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Yahs<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">hua Messiah</span></span> was not of a worldly material/monetary temporal nature, but a true reward of a<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span>spiritual nature having eternal value. That's why Paul <b>always</b> chose to set aside his <i>right</i>s and <i>voluntarily</i> serve the kingdom of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span> by <i>offering the gospel without charge. In doing so, </i>Paul knew (And taught) that by setting aside his rights, he would never <i>hinder</i> the gospel of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ah</span>shua</span></span></span></span></span>, or become a financial <i>burden</i>
to the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">e</span>kklesia. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Paul set an example for all through his unrelenting and selfless efforts to encourage and strengthen Christ's disciples, and preach the gospel at any costs to save the lost. As for all the other Apostles, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">the New Testament<acronym title="New Testament"></acronym> does not specifically spell it out
exactly how they acted; but one thing is for certain, there is no scriptural or historical evidence whatsoever of any of them ever receiving material/monetary compensation as ministers of the gospel. </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"If
your ministry isn't about monetary rewards, but you still expect to be paid
for your services, there's only one logical conclusion - it's about YOUR rights"</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">See also: </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://tithingtruth.com/general-article/6-ministers-being-paid-preach" target="_blank">"Ministers Being Paid to Preach"</a></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">*This article may be copied and quoted in full or in part by permission - with credit to the author. Thank You... </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>HonorGodsWord.com</i> </span></b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-58012873212419994882014-08-03T18:30:00.013-07:002022-11-28T11:07:52.488-08:00Church Wars: The consequence of being out of God's will<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p><i>by</i> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Neil Jennings Braithwaite </span><br /></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Rom-12-4" id="en-NASB-28250">For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,</span> <span class="text Rom-12-5" id="en-NASB-28251"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #444444;">so <span style="color: red;">we, who are many</span></span><span style="color: red;">,</span></span> are ONE body in Christ</span>, and individually members one of another.</span> </b></i>Romans 12:4-5</span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Scripture clearly teaches that <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:19" target="_blank">disciples</a> of Yahshua are <i><b>equal members</b></i> of just <b><i>one body</i></b> - the Body of Christ - defined specifically by </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> as the <a href="http://biblesuite.com/greek/1577.htm" target="_blank">ekklesia</a>. Unfortunately, what most people consider the Body of Christ today
are actually <b><i>separate</i> <i>and competing</i></b> non-profit religious organizations that brand themselves “<i>Chri<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">s</span>tian</i> <i>churches</i>." </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua inten<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ded his ekklesia to be united as one body and grounded in <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">his teachings, but </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">a closer look at today's church <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">reveals that it is the exact opposite. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">With </span></span></span></span>respect to the<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> facts<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">, </span></span>the word/term church today literally means <b><i>division</i></b>. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;"><b><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-YLT-23691">"And
I also say to you [Peter], that you are a petros [Small stone], and on
this petra [Huge boulder] <u>I will build MY ekklesia</u> [called-out assembly/community], and gates of Hades shall not prevail against it</span>."</b> </span></i><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+16%3A18&version=NASB;YLT;ISV" target="_blank">Matthew 16:18</a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-YLT-23691"><span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374">Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord </span></span></b></i></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-YLT-23691"><span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> Christ, <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">that you all agree and </span><u>that there be no divisions among you</u></span>, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.</span></span></b> </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">1 Corinthians 1:10</span></a> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-11-17" id="en-NASB-28618">But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, <span style="color: red;">because you come together not for the better but for the worse</span>.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-11-18" id="en-NASB-28619">For, in the first place, when you come together as an ekklesia, <u><span style="color: red;">I hear that </span></u></span><u><span class="text 1Cor-11-18" id="en-NASB-28619"><span style="color: red;">divisions</span></span></u><span class="text 1Cor-11-18" id="en-NASB-28619"><u><span style="color: red;"> exist among you</span></u>; and in part I believe it. ...</span></b></i><span class="text 1Cor-11-22" id="en-NASB-28623"><i><b>What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.</b></i> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A17-22&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:17,18,22</a></span> </span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Besides</span> being a division in Christ's ekklesia, based on scriptural and doctrinal/traditional differences, a "<i>church</i>" also becomes a <a href="http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/501-church.html" target="_blank">government created and regulated "<i>entity</i>"</a>
once it attains a 501(c)(3) IRS status. At which point, what probably began as a
local group of Christians assembling together regularly as an integral part
of the Body of Christ becomes transformed into a
<i>distinct and separate</i> <b>legal entity</b> (<i>Legally referred to as a "person"</i>) called "<i>church</i>." As an entity/person created
solely by the State, the State becomes the formal "<i>legal sovereign</i>" (</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Having supreme authority</i>) </span>of the newly formed "<i>church</i>." </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">No longer existing as the ekklesia created by </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> designed as a called-out unified community of believers (Assembled or not) with
Christ as their head and serving under
the direction of the Holy Spirit and answering only to God's word; the
<u>newly created government entity</u> called "<i>church</i>" is now totally subject to the legal sovereign authority of the State, </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">like
every other religious non-profit entity/organization in America,</span> and must conform to all
501(c)(3) IRS rules and regulations, regardless if those rules and regulations go against biblical doctrine and teachings. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>Corporation - 501(c)(3):</b>
An artificial person or legal entity <u>created by/under the authority
of the laws of a State</u>. An association of persons created by statute as a
legal entity.</i> Blacks Law Dictionary. 7 Ed. </span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately,
the misguided and misinformed leadership of these corporate
churches continue to believe and declare that Christ is the head of
"<i>their</i>" church, when in fact, because their congregations have
entered into a legally binding pact with the State, they are now bound
to conduct ALL of their "<i>church</i>" business and activities under
the
strict direction of
the State - not God's Word. And they are legally bound<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> as a <i>new</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> "<i>legal entity by/under </i></span></span><i>the authority of the laws of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">a</span> State</i>" to adhere to
specific State rules and regulations; including limits on their speech
and
actions - regardless of what scripture commands. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Acting in direct
disobedience to God's word, these
churches have willingly cut themselves off from the Body of Christ by
subordinating the biblical headship (Christ) of their assemblies to the
State; with any and all biblical directives being subordinate to
501(c)(3)
regulations.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Here is what a well known Christian leader had to say about the 501(c)(3) law and how it effects "his" church: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Take
the last presidential election. There were numbers of things that I
knew that <b>I was <u>never able to say from the pulpit</u> because if you advance
the cause of one candidate or impede the cause of the other</b> <span style="color: red;"><b>you can
lose your tax exemption</b></span>. That would have been disastrous not
only for
the church, but for our school and our seminary, everything. <b>So you are
gagged</b>. You cannot do that. The IRS, a branch of our government, has
succeeded in gagging Christians."</i> <b>Rev. D. James Kennedy</b></span> </span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Seriously!? Mr. Kennedy believes it would be "<i>disastrous</i>" for his church to lose their "<i>tax exemption</i>"
for speaking his mind from the pulpit? That statement alone tells us
plainly exactly who or what it is that Mr. Kennedy believes holds
sovereignty over "<i>his</i>" church. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And it also tells us that Mr. Kennedy is more than a little concerned about the money issue as well. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It can probably safely be assumed that most pastors of State regulated 501(c)(3) churches believe and feel the same as Mr. Kennedy regarding their 501c3 tax exemption.</span></span> </span>And Mr. Kennedy, and all the other pastors, are shocked that the government is doing exactly what the 501(c)(3) law stipulates? What
Mr. Kennedy failed to mention in his quote was that his church's
potentially disastrous situation with the government is completely
<b><i>self-imposed</i></b> because they entered into the 501(c)(3) with
the State voluntarily.
Regardless of their ignorance of the law or of their rights as a church
under the Constitution, Kennedy's, and all other churches that have
entered into a 501(c)(3), have
absolutely no one to blame but themselves for their situation. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's easy to see by Kennedy's statement that fear of
retribution by the State, especially the possibility of losing their non-profit
status, creates and maintains a strong motivation for churches to strictly comply with
every letter of the 501(c)(3) law. Compliance through fear is how corporate churches allow the <a href="http://goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/spiritual/the_organized_church/501c3.htm" target="_blank">State to leverage its power</a>
over their congregations in America today. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This coercion today is very
similar to how Rome leveraged its power over the Jewish church
in </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s time and beyond. While there is no evidence of any written
agreement
between Jewish leaders of the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=xSOdBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=sanhedrin+court+was+political&source=bl&ots=k_ouV-5wm9&sig=miGYjU8-Ts9ZhrdrqL8Q5TRGfHU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DCvrVOHfOYGBgwTvwIGQAg&ved=0CFYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=sanhedrin%20court%20was%20political&f=false" target="_blank"><i>Sanhedrin</i></a> and the State of Rome, both contemporary and biblical
history clearly demonstrate there was a mutually beneficial "<i>political</i>"
relationship between the two in </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s day. And historical facts
clearly show the consequences of that relationship resulted in the Jews
forcing a falsely accused </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> to defend himself before Roman State
officials. The farce trial that ensued resulted in condemning </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> to a
brutal beating and his eventual death by crucifixion at the hand of the
same Roman Government the Jewish leaders had consorted with.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua </span>specifically warned the
twelve disciples about his concern for the J<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ewish leaders' </span>collusion with the Roman government when <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">he</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> made the following statement to his
disciples in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+8%3A14-21&version=NIV" target="_blank">Mark 8:14-21</a>; “<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Be careful… Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees
<u>and that of Herod</u></i></span>.” But after making that statement, the twelve disciples still
didn’t have a clue about what </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> was talking about, but it’s kind of hard to blame them.
</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">The
disciples probably knew the Jewish leaders
had political agreements with local Roman governors to keep peace and
order in
return for freedom to worship and practice their faith, but beyond that,
they
were probably not aware of how deep the relationship between the two had
become. The twelve were obviously unaware that the collusion between
the
Jewish leaders and Roman Governors was a deadly mix and would ultimately
lead
to </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>’s death by a Roman court at the behest of Jewish leaders to have
him crucified.
Shockingly, to accomplish their goal of having </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> killed, the Jewish
leaders
even went so far as to pledge allegiance to Caesar before the court
yelling, </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+19%3A15&version=NIV" target="_blank"><i>We have no king but Caesar,</i></a>"</span></span>
in an effort to seal </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s fate of crucifixion.</span></span> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">For
Christians today, having the advantage of 2000 years of hind-sight helps make it clear
that </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s statement in the gospel of Mark about the "</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>yeast of the Pharisees
and that of Herod</i></span></span>" was not only a reference to the
evil political collusion between the Sanhedrin and the Roman government
that would bring about his death, but it was also a prophesy about the </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">future evil collusion between
ruling church Bishops and the Roman government (Specifically emperor
Constantine) and the evil and destructive consequences that collusion
would have
on the e</span>kklesia </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> said he would build - even to this present day. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">T</span>he <b><i>Edict of Milan</i></b> legalized Christianity in Rome in 313 and later in 380 Christianity became the State religion of
Rome. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s prophesy had been fulfilled, and the </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">great evil collusion between church and State had begun. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Once the "church" became the official Roman State religion, politics
became the leading force of governance for all church business and
activities; paving the way for many false doctrines and heinous actions
perpetrated by church leaders in the name of God. And yet among today's
protestant/evangelical churches, many of the
doctrines they continue to follow and teach were devised by those same
Bishops and leaders of the Catholic Church in political collusion with
the Roman government in the fourth and fifth centuries<b>.</b></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christ's ekklesia had not converted Rome - Rome had converted Christ's ekklesia.</b></span></i></span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The evil that transpired as a result of
the
unholy collusion between God's chosen people and the State of Rome to
have </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> crucified should be a clear
warning for today's churches and their leaders regarding the dangers
and evil involved in entering into an un-biblical legal and binding
relationship with the
State by choosing to register their church congregations as 501(c)(3)
organizations.<i><b><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483"> </span></b></i><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483">Unfortunately,
the majority of today's churches in America have registered as
501(c)(3) organizations. Again, this can be traced back to </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s
prophecy in the gospel of Mark. And if we add in the collusion that
created the Church of England, the well known commercial expression </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483">"<i>just keeps on giving</i>" </span></span>might be the best way to describe this prophecy of </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NASB-29483">He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.</span> <span class="text Col-1-18" id="en-NASB-29484"><span style="color: red;">He is also head of the body, the church</span>; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, <span style="color: red;">so that He Himself will come to have <u>first place in EVERYTHING</u></span>.</span> </b></i>Colossians 1:17-18</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>"Rivkin
states that Josephus and the New Testament refer to a political
Sanhedrin. This was a loosely organized group that dealt with public and
State [Roman] matters under the presidency of the high priest. It was
this Sanhedrin, acting as the 'stooge' for the Romans during the first
century AD that was responsible for the trial of </i></b></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>... The high
priest and his supporters aided the Romans in administering political
affairs."</i> </b><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=xSOdBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=sanhedrin+court+was+political&source=bl&ots=k_ouV-5wm9&sig=miGYjU8-Ts9ZhrdrqL8Q5TRGfHU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DCvrVOHfOYGBgwTvwIGQAg&ved=0CFYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=sanhedrin%20court%20was%20political&f=false" target="_blank">Powers and Politics in Palestine: The Jews and the governing of their land, 100BC-AD70</a> James S. McLaren </span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Apostle Paul addresses the issue when he warned the Corinthians of becoming "<b><i>bound together with unbelievers</i></b>" and having a "<b><i>partnership</i></b>" with the lawless. Clearly, the State and Federal <i>government
</i> can't be defined as being a part of the Body of Christ can it? But
organizing as a 501(c)(3) absolutely and unequivocally <b>binds </b>a "<i>church</i>" and the State via a <u><i>LEGAL and BINDING</i></u> contractual <b>partnership</b>.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-14" id="en-NASB-28913"><b>Do not be BOUND TOGETHER with unbelievers</b>; for <b>what PARTNERSHIP have righteousness and lawlessness</b>, or what fellowship has light with darkness?</span> <span class="text 2Cor-6-15" id="en-NASB-28914">Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?</span> <span class="text 2Cor-6-16" id="en-NASB-28915">Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,</span></span></i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-16">“I <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">will</span> <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">dwell in them and</span> <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">walk among them</span>;</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-16"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">And I will be their God, and they shall be My people</span>.</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-17" id="en-NASB-28916">“Therefore, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">come out from their midst and be separate</span>,” says Yahweh.</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-17">“<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">And do not touch what is unclean</span>;</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-17">And I will welcome you.</span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-18" id="en-NASB-28917">“And I will be a father to you,</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-18">And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-18">Says Yahweh Almighty. </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 2Cor-6-18"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A14-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14-18</a></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">So what are the results if a church incorporates and
surrenders itself to the jurisdiction of the State? </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Church is no longer considered a real institution, but
it goes through a transformation and becomes a fictitious (State created)
person or institution.</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Church comes under the jurisdiction of the State and
therefore surrenders its headship to the state.</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Church’s chief officers become official representatives
of the State by virtue of their corporate charter.</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Church must open its books and all practices to the
investigation of the State.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> This would include:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Church membership roles</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Christian school record</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Regulations on all functions of the church and any of its
ministries</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Church financial records, including all tithing records
(names, addresses and amounts)</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Ministers and churches in courts of law are considered wards
of the state by virtue of their charter, including all church members (adults
and children).</span></li>
</ul>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> “<a href="http://hushmoney.org/TransformChurch.htm" target="_blank">The Transformation of the Church (From Reality to Fiction)</a>” Kenneth Talbot, Ph.D.</span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>The most unfortunate aspect of this situation is that our Constitution's First Amendment clearly guarantees <i>ALL</i>
churches full protection under the law, and there is absolutely no need
or reason for any church to seek further protection by incorporating as
a 501(c)(3).</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Sadly, what most church leaders and Christians don't fully
understand is that once a church registers as a 501(c)(3) with the
State, there is no easy way to reverse that course. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unlike the
Jewish church of </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span>'s day, there will be historical evidence that
today's churches did, in fact, <i>willingly enter into a written contract with the State</i>, replacing </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Christ</span> with the State, thus giving the State legal jurisdiction as head of the church. (Read: "<a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/p/the-truth-about-church-incorporation.html" target="_blank">The Truth About Church Incorporation</a>" for a full explanation) </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>"Did the church
ever need to seek permission from the government to be exempt from
taxes? Were churches prior to 1954 taxable? No, churches have never been
taxable. To be taxable a church would first need to be under the
jurisdiction, and therefore under the taxing authority, of the
government. The First Amendment clearly places the church outside the
jurisdiction of the civil government: <b>"Congress shall make NO LAW
respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free
exercise thereof."</b></i><b> </b><a href="http://hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm" target="_blank">HushMoney.org<i> </i></a></span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , "swiss" ,;"><b>Any person that believes a local "church" needs the </b></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , "swiss" ,;"><b>legal authority of the</b></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , "swiss" ,;"><b> State to exist in America is, in reality, making a
<i>public proclamation</i> that </b></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , "swiss" ,;"><b>Yahweh is no longer sovereign over their "church," nor is He competent to govern, provide for, and protect his own ekklesia.</b> </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , "swiss" ,;"> </span> </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">An
alarming and detrimental consequence of the unholy alliance between the
church and the State is the competition it creates between corporate
churches for "<i>members</i>" in their efforts to grow, support, finance and maintain their exclusive church
"<i>brands</i>."</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The corporate church model promotes
and perpetuates ungodly
spiritual warfare among the body of believers in a relentless and almost
cutthroat competition for members - all in the name of
Christ. And it's evident that the battle for membership growth is a top
priority for the exclusive corporate church brand. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The corporate church
strategy includes slick marketing campaigns to lure new members from
other churches in their geographic area, where <a href="http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/how-will-the-shocking-decline-of-christianity-in-america-affect-the-future-of-this-nation" target="_blank">studies</a>
show that 96% of church growth comes from transferring members from
other churches. You will see T-shirts, bumper-stickers, and billboards
promoting specific church brands all over your town. Unfortunately,
rarely will you see the name of Christ in those brands, just the
occasional use of the common term "<i>church</i>;" as if that term denotes God's stamp of approval or some sort of unity among Christians as "<i>church-goers</i>." </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The
competition for members between denominational and independent brands
creates a very harmful and divisive wedge
of
separation within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, out of either
ignorance or a willful disregard for scriptural truth, most Christians
and corporate
church leaders don’t see it that way. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Church leaders seem to believe that the
corporate hierarchical church model
is a natural progression of biblical design and represents how God
intended to organize and
structure the church body in the 21st century. But nothing
could be further from the truth. Scripture couldn't be more clear on
this issue. God never intended His ekklesia to be made up of thousands
of <i>divided
groups of believers</i> in constant competition with each other for "<i>members</i>." And </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> clearly warned of the consequences of a divided kingdom.<span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><b> </b></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><b>Now
I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord </b></i></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-1-10" id="en-NASB-28374"><i><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> Christ, that you
all agree and THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS AMONG YOU, but that you be made
complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.</b></i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 1</a></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A10&version=NASB" target="_blank">:10</a></span><br />
<br />
<i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-12-25" id="en-NASB-23515">And knowing their thoughts </span></span></span></i><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-12-25" id="en-NASB-23515"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> said to them, <span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><b>ANY KINGDOM <u>DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF</u> IS LAID WASTE</b>; and any city or house divided against itself <b>WILL NOT STAND</b>."</span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A25&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 12:25</a></span></span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Church
"<i>membership</i>" </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">is a tool designed to divide Christians into </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">specific denominational or congregational brand</span></span>s. Membership also serves as </span>a man-made classification of
Christians created by the corporate church to help monitor and maintain
their level of activity and financial support. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Membership is of utmost importance to the corporate
church's practical existence. Corporate church leaders
(pastors, elders and board members) understand the urgency today of
getting people to "<i>sign-up</i>" as
members of "<i>their</i>" respective churches, specifically because statistical
<a href="http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/how-will-the-shocking-decline-of-christianity-in-america-affect-the-future-of-this-nation" target="_blank">trends</a> show the percentage of Americans who regularly attend church is projected to drop a <a href="http://www.theamericanchurch.org/facts/27.htm" target="_blank">startling 50%</a> by 2050.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Corporate
church leaders understand the basic tendencies of most church members; that after
several years of loyal membership, most members become both
financially and
emotionally invested in "<i>their</i>" church brand. So the ultimate
battle strategy of every
corporate church is to recruit and retain as many new members as
possible to
help gain and retain financial support and grow and maintain their
exclusive church brands. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately, the competitive corporate church mentality only
serves to benefit a <i>single</i> church brand, to the exclusion of all other churches. Sadly, the corporate church has taken the divisive path of
exclusivity as the ekklesia in Galatia did, and embraced the plunder/greed and self-indulgence of the Scribes and Pharisees. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Gal-4-17" id="en-NASB-29149"><i>"They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out <u><b>so that you will seek them</b>.</u>" </i></span><span class="text Gal-4-17" id="en-NASB-29149">Galatians 4:17</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Gal-4-17" id="en-NASB-29149"><span class="text Matt-23-25" id="en-ESV-23940"><span class="woj">“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, <u><b>but inside they are full of plunder/greed and self-indulgence</b></u>."</span></span></span></span></i> Matthew 23:25 </span></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Jude-1-11" id="en-NASB-30685"><i><b></b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Jude-1-11" id="en-NASB-30685"><i>Woe to them! <b><u>For they have gone the way of Cain, and for <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">PAY</span></u></b> (<a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank">misthos </a></i></span></span><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/3408.htm" target="_blank">pay, wages, salary<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559">)</span></i></span></span></a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Jude-1-11" id="en-NASB-30685"><i>) <u>they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam</u>, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.</i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1&version=NASB" target="_blank">Ju<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">de 1<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">:11</span></span></a></span></span> </span></blockquote><p></p>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The
financial model of the corporate church is also very disturbing.
Under the corporate church model, money is gathered from loyal members
to support and operate the
“<i>church</i>” business. Churches have ongoing weekly monetary collections,
with occasional special financial capital campaigns designed to meet
their ever increasing budget funding goals.
They market their churches in the name of both independent and
denominational brands, competing mostly for
wavering members of other churches in their area - where studies show
that about <a href="http://mikebreen.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/obituary-for-the-american-church/" target="_blank">96%</a> of their (financial)
growth comes from transferring members from other churches.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In keeping with corporate style marketing strategies, you won't find much, if any,
professional courtesy among denominational churches in the highly competitive
membership market. Evidently, in the battle for new members among
corporate churches, all IS fair in love and war. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You won't find
"<i>professional courtesy</i>" disclosures on any church marketing materials
or promotions suggesting that people NOT respond to their advertisement style invitations
to visit or join if they are <i>already</i> members of another church. And for
good
reason, according to a recent <a href="http://givingusa.org/" target="_blank">"GivingUSA"</a> report, America’s churches bring in just over <a href="http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/2011-giving-estimated-at-298-42b/" target="_blank">$95</a> Billion in revenue annually from their members. Consequently, competition is taken very seriously because
membership numbers are seen as the financial life-blood of every corporate
church, so it's easy to understand that gaining or losing members greatly
affects the revenue bottom line. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Unfortunately, of the $95
Billion in revenue generated annually from church members, most of
that revenue is used to maintain the corporate elements of those churches. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Along with their annual revenue, corporate churches also hold combined
real estate assets valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Unfortunately,
those
billions of dollars in revenue and assets are primarily used for the <a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-apostle-paul-on-personal-rights-and.html" target="_blank">carnal comforts and conveniences</a>
of their members - not the scriptural directives of Christ and the Apostles for
the church. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">According to a recent <a href="https://www.eccu.org/resources/advisorypanel/2013/surveyreports20" target="_blank">study by the Evangelical Credit Union</a> of annual church budgets,<b> <i>82 percent</i></b> of those budgets were allocated toward administrative, building and marketing costs. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The fact that similar nonprofit organizations like the </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">American Red Cross, </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">World Vision </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">and Compassion International only use an average of <b><i>12.5 percent</i></b> of their annual budgets on similar costs should raise some serious questions regarding the</span> astounding discrepancy in budget spending by churches. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Another shocking fact regarding institutional churches is </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://www.eccu.org/community/ministryresources/fraud-in-the-church-is-growing" target="_blank">fraud in the church</a>. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">According to the <a data-external-link="true" data-no-turbolink="true" data-target="#external-link-189b8110-f90c-4c67-b3f2-a0f3ae947e6c" data-toggle="modal" href="http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/Center-for-the-Study-of-Global-Christianity.cfm" target="_blank">Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary</a> who published the <a data-external-link="true" data-no-turbolink="true" data-target="#external-link-eb1d3c79-6743-439a-8846-a7c34955ef1c" data-toggle="modal" href="http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/statusofglobalmission.pdf" target="_blank">Status of Global Mission</a>, there was $35 billion in fraud in 2012, with </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">that
number estimated to hit $60 billion in 2025 if the same trends
continue. These staggering statistics tell a very sad story of highly
questionable stewardship within the institutional church.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text 1John-3-17" id="en-NASB-30597">But whoever has the
world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against
him, how does the love of God abide in him?</span></b></i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">1 John 3:17</span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Mark-16-15" id="en-NASB-24889">And He said to them, <span class="woj">“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. </span></span></b></i><span class="text Mark-16-15" id="en-NASB-24889"><span class="woj">Mark 16:15</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">As you can see, the
grievous consequence of dividing the bride of Christ into literally
thousands of separate man-made organizations has created a destructive battleground of competition among
the body of Christ in America today, all of which goes totally against
God’s will for true unity among the body of believers, and continues to
do great harm to the gospel of Christ.<span class="text 1Cor-1-12" id="en-NASB-28376"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-1-12" id="en-NASB-28376">Sadly,
while many local churches are separated by only a few miles, it may as
well be a thousand miles, given that rarely, if ever, will individual
congregations come together for any purpose, especially that of communal
worship. And with such stiff competition for members, local pastors are
often left serving for years in the vacuum of their exclusive church
community without ever speaking or associating with any other local
pastors or believers. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-1-12" id="en-NASB-28376">Likewise, local Christians may have acquaintances or even close
friendships with other Christians in the community, but because they
are members of different churches, rarely, if ever, will they worship
together in each others' church. Again, this divisive dynamic is a
direct result of the corporate church model, and is exactly what is
warned against in scripture. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-1-12" id="en-NASB-28376">Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”</span> </b></i><span class="text 1Cor-1-13" id="en-NASB-28377"><i><b>Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?</b></i> 1 Corinthians 1:12-13</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text 1Cor-1-13" id="en-NASB-28377">Maybe a better translation for today might be:</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>Now
I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am a
Baptist,” and “I am a Catholic,” and “I am of a specific pastor,” and “I
am of
Christ.” Has Christ been divided? A denomination or pastor was not
crucified for you, were they? Or were you baptized in the name of your
"church" or pastor?</b></i></span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This behavior is a consequence of man’s carnal desire for
control, power and money. And the only solution to this situation is to follow God’s
original plan for His ekklesia as laid out in the New Testament. All other
solutions are against God's will and destined to fail. <span class="text 1Pet-5-1"> </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text 1Pet-5-1">Therefore,
I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be
revealed,</span> <span class="text 1Pet-5-2" id="en-NASB-30468">shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, <span style="color: red;">but voluntarily</span>, according to the will of God; and <span style="color: red;">not for sordid gain</span>, but with eagerness;</span> <span class="text 1Pet-5-3" id="en-NASB-30469"><span style="color: red;">nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge</span>, but proving to be examples to the flock.</span></b></i> 1 Peter 5:1-3 </span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>For <span style="color: red;">the love of money</span> is a root of all sorts of evil, and some <span style="color: red;">by longing for it</span> have wandered away from the faith and <span style="color: red;">pierced themselves with many griefs</span>.</b></i></span> <br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 Timothy 6:10 </span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And
not only does God address this issue in the New Testament, He
called-out the "shepherds" in the Old Testament for their self-serving
ways as well. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Ezek-34-1"> </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Ezek-34-1">Then the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to me saying,</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-2" id="en-NASB-21316">"<b>Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel</b>. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, “<b>Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been FEEDING THEMSELVES!</b> <b>Should not the shepherds FEED THE FLOCK?</b></span> <span class="text Ezek-34-3" id="en-NASB-21317">You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep <b>without feeding the flock</b>.</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-4" id="en-NASB-21318">Those
who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not
healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not
brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; <b>but with force and with severity you have DOMINATED THEM</b>.</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-5" id="en-NASB-21319">They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.</span><span class="text Ezek-34-6" id="en-NASB-21320">
My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My
flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no
one to search or seek for them.”’” </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Ezek-34-7" id="en-NASB-21321">Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>:</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-8" id="en-NASB-21322">“As I live,” declares the Lord <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, “surely because My flock has become a prey,
My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack
of a shepherd, and <b>My shepherds did NOT search for My flock, but rather the shepherds FED THEMSELVES and did NOT feed My flock</b>;</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-9" id="en-NASB-21323">therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>:</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-10" id="en-NASB-21324">‘Thus says the Lord <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, “<b>Behold, I am AGAINST the shepherds</b>, and I will demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep. <b>So the shepherds will NOT feed themselves anymore, but I WILL DELIVER MY FLOCK FROM <u>THEIR</u> MOUTH, so that they will NOT be food for them</b>.”’” </span></span></i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+34%3A1-10&version=NASB" target="_blank">Ezekiel 34:1-10 </a></span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Understanding
all of this, do you think </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> would agree today's corporate church
model promotes unity, harmony and good
financial stewardship within His body? Would He approve of the divisive,
self-serving and competitive corporate church model? Does He weep and
morn
for His bride as He watches her tear herself into thousands of denominational pieces in pursuit of
power, control and financial gain on the backs of His brothers and
sisters for His namesake?</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fortunately, every year
millions of believers are opening their eyes to the self-destructive
nature of the man-made corporate church and beginning to heed
God’s
call to come out of that counterfeit church system and unite as one body
into the fullness of Christ's bride - the ekklesia.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text John-17-22"><span class="woj">The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, <span style="color: red;">that they may be ONE, just as We are ONE</span>;</span></span> </i><span class="text John-17-23" id="en-NASB-26783"><span class="woj"><i>I in them and You in Me, <span style="color: red;">that they may be perfected in UNITY</span>, SO THAT <span style="color: red;"><u>the world may know</u> that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.</span></i> </span></span></b><span class="text John-17-23" id="en-NASB-26783"><span class="woj">John 17:22-23</span></span> </span></blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">To
those who hold the power to perpetuate these highly destructive
divisions in the body of Christ: Take heed of God's admonition... <span class="text Rev-3-1"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><span class="text Rev-3-1"><span class="woj">I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.</span></span> <span class="text Rev-3-2" id="en-NLT-30710"><span class="woj">Wake
up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost
dead. <span style="color: red;">I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.</span></span></span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span class="text Rev-3-3" id="en-NLT-30711"><span class="woj"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">Go
back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly.</span></u> <span style="color: red;">Repent
and turn to me again.</span> If you don’t wake up, I will come to you
suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.</span></span></b></i> Revelation 3:1-3</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text Rev-2-2" id="en-NASB-30721"><span class="woj">‘I
know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot
tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves
apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;</span></span> <span class="text Rev-2-3" id="en-NASB-30722"><span class="woj">and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.</span></span> <span style="color: red;"><span class="text Rev-2-4" id="en-NASB-30723"><span class="woj">But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.</span></span></span></i></b><span class="text Rev-2-5" id="en-NASB-30724"><span class="woj"><b><i> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Therefore
remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you
did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand
out of its place—unless you repent</span></u>.</span></span></i></b> Revelation 2:1-5</span></span></span> </blockquote>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> ...and also God's encouragement: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i><span class="text Rom-15-4" id="en-NASB-28308">For whatever
was written in earlier times was <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;">written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might
have hope</span>.</span></span></span> <span class="text Rom-15-5" id="en-NASB-28309">Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of <span style="color: red;">the same mind</span> with one another according to Christ Jesus,</span> </i></b><span class="text Rom-15-6" id="en-NASB-28310"><b><i>so that with <u><span style="color: red;">ONE ACCORD</span></u> you may with <span style="color: red;"><u>ONE VOICE</u> </span></i><span style="color: red;"><i>glorify the God and Father of our Lord </i></span></b></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="text Rom-15-6" id="en-NASB-28310"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahshua</span> Christ</i>.</span> </b>Romans 15:4-6</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">*This article may be copied and quoted in full or in part by permission - with credit to the author. Thank You... </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <b>HonorGodsWord</b></span></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-76253533977360462952013-09-03T17:22:00.007-07:002022-11-29T07:01:34.535-08:00Shepherding Backwards<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p><i>by</i> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Neil Jennings Braithwaite </span><br /></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><span class="text John-10-11" id="en-NASB-26493"><span class="woj">“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.</span></span> <span class="text John-10-12" id="en-NASB-26494"><span class="woj">He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd,
who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the
sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.</span></span> <span class="text John-10-13" id="en-NASB-26495"><span class="woj">He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.</span></span> <span class="text John-10-14" id="en-NASB-26496"><span class="woj">I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,</span></span> <span class="text John-10-15" id="en-NASB-26497"><span class="woj">even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2010:11-15&version=NASB" target="_blank">John 10:11-15</a></span></span></i></span> </span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately, today's corporate church
model has the biblical shepherding concept completely backwards. Under today's corporate church model, the needs of the shepherd and the institution come first and always supersede the needs of the sheep. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Under today's corporate church model, the sheep meet the
needs of the </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">shepherd and the </span></span>entire corporate entity first, and then, budget
permitting, the needs of the sheep can be addressed. And to that extent, the needs of many people in the<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> church</span> body go unmet. And this is exactly what the Apostle Paul referred to
as a "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%202:9&version=NASB" target="_blank">burden</a>" on the church. </span></span></div>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Under today's corporate church model, many people (both Christian and non-Christian) view the church no differently than any other secular corporate business, </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in competition with other churches</span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for a larger market share. The pastor acts as the CEO and work<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">s</span> to grow the business and make his way up the financial corporate ladder. And to that extent, that's why many lost souls want nothing to do with the "church," and why thousands continue to leave the church every year; sighting the corporate church model as being more concerned with maintaining its existence and image than helping the needy members of the body of Christ and the community at large. And this is
exactly what the Apostle Paul referred to as a "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:12&version=NASB" target="_blank">hindrance</a>" to the gospel. </span></span></div>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No amount of
justification can dismiss these two grievous realities and the tragic negative effects
they continue to have on the </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">gospel message and the </span></span>body of Christ today. And that's why the Apostle Paul went so far as to say that he would <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:15-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">rather die</a> than be seen by any man as personally benefiting financially as a <i>paid</i> minister of the gospel of Christ. <br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28543"><sup class="versenum"></sup></span></p><blockquote><span class="text 1Cor-9-15" id="en-NASB-28543"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup><u><i><b>But I have
used none of these things</b></i></u>. And I have not written these things so that
it will be done so in my case; <i><b>for it would be better for me <u>TO DIE</u> than
that</b></i>. No one shall make my boast an empty one!</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-16" id="en-NASB-28544"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast <i>about</i>, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-17" id="en-NASB-28545"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a commission <i>nonetheless</i>.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28546"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup><b><i><u>What, then, is my reward</u>? That, when I preach the gospel, <u>I may offer the gospel WITHOUT CHARGE</u>, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.</i></b></span> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:15-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:15-18</a>)<br /></blockquote><p></p>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The fact is, there is <a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/2015/07/speaking-out-for-renewal-to-christs.html" target="_blank">NO evidence</a> in the
New Testament of today's corporate church model. See also</span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> "</span><a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-church-in-historical-perspective.html" target="_blank"><i>Today's "Church" - A Brief Historical Perspective</i></a>"<br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Warning: </span></b>All pastors/shepherds who financially benefit on the backs of the flocks while many in those same flocks remain in need - t</i></span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>ake heed </i></span></span>to the <a href="http://honorgodsword.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-apostle-paul-on-personal-rights-and_3.html" target="_blank">Apostle Paul's words</a> and examples and also the following passage from God's prophet Ezekiel:</i> </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Ezek-34-1">Then the word of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Y<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">ahweh</span></span> came to me saying,</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-2" id="en-NASB-21316">"<b>Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel</b>. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, “<b>Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been FEEDING THEMSELVES!</b> <b>Should not the shepherds FEED THE FLOCK?</b></span> <span class="text Ezek-34-3" id="en-NASB-21317">You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep <b>without feeding the flock</b>.</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-4" id="en-NASB-21318">Those
who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not
healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not
brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; <b>but with force and with severity you have DOMINATED THEM</b>.</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-5" id="en-NASB-21319">They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.</span><span class="text Ezek-34-6" id="en-NASB-21320">
My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My
flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no
one to search or seek for them.”’” </span><span class="text Ezek-34-7" id="en-NASB-21321">Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Yahweh:</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-8" id="en-NASB-21322">“As I live,” declares <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, “surely because My flock has become a prey,
My flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack
of a shepherd, and <span style="color: red;"><b>My shepherds did NOT search for My flock, but rather the shepherds FED THEMSELVES and did NOT feed My flock</b></span>;</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-9" id="en-NASB-21323">therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>:</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-10" id="en-NASB-21324">‘Thus says <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>, “<b>Behold, I am AGAINST the shepherds</b>, and I will demand My sheep from them and make them cease from feeding sheep. <b>So the shepherds will NOT feed themselves anymore, but I WILL DELIVER MY FLOCK FROM <u>THEIR</u> MOUTH, so that they will NOT be food for them</b>...”’ <span style="color: red;"><b>"...</b></span></span></i></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><span class="text Ezek-34-10" id="en-NASB-21324"><span style="color: red;"><b><span class="text Ezek-34-15" id="en-NASB-21329">I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest,” declares the <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Yahweh</span>.</span> <span class="text Ezek-34-16" id="en-NASB-21330">“I
will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and
strengthen the sick; BUT THE FAT AND THE STRONG I WILL DESTROY. I WILL FEED THEM WITH JUDGMENT.</span>”</b></span> </span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+34%3A1-10&version=NASB" target="_blank">Ezekiel 34:1-10,15-16 </a></span> </span></blockquote>
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<i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This article may be copied and quoted in full or in part by permission - with credit to the author. Thank You...</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">HonorGodsWord</span></b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-18872602748117257802013-08-16T12:34:00.001-07:002016-04-30T05:59:39.414-07:00"Tithing and Clergy Salaries" <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>"<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+2%3A17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Unlike
so many, we do</a></i><i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+2%3A17&version=NIV" target="_blank"> not peddle the word of God for profit...</a>" <br />-The Apostle Paul </i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“</span>Will a man
rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How do we rob you? In tithes and
offerings. You are under curse - the whole nation of you - because you are robbing
me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my
house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw
open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not
have room enough for it.”</i></div>
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This passage from Malachi Chapter 3 seems to be many a
pastor's favorite Bible text. Especially when church giving is at low tide. If
you have spent any time in the modern church, you have heard this passage
thundered from the pulpit on numerous occasions. I have had it pushed down my
throat so many times I have lost count. </div>
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Consider some of the rhetoric that goes with it: </div>
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<i>"God has commanded you to faithfully give your
tithes. If you do not tithe, you are robbing God Almighty, and you put yourself
under a curse." </i></div>
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<i>"Let's repeat the 'Tither's Creed' together shall
we? `The tithe is the Lord's. In truth we learned it. In faith we believe it.
In joy we give it. The tithe!'" </i></div>
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<i>"Your tithes and offerings are necessary if God's
work will go on!" </i>("God's work," of course, means having a salaried
pastoral staff and footing the monthly electric bill to keep the building
afloat.) </div>
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What is the result of this sort of pressure? God's people
are guilted into giving one-tenth of their incomes every week. When they do,
they feel they have made God happy. And they can expect Him to bless them
financially. When they fail, they feel they are being disobedient, and a
financial curse looms over them. </div>
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But let us take a few steps backward and ask the penetrating
question: <i>"Does the Bible teach us to tithe? And ... are we spiritually
obligated to fund the pastor and his staff? " </i></div>
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The answer to these two questions is shocking. (If you are a
pastor, it is arresting. So you may want to take out your heart medicine now!)<br />
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<b>Is Tithing Biblical? </b></div>
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Tithing <i>does </i>appear in the Bible. So yes, tithing is
Biblical. But it is <i>not </i>Christian. The tithe belongs to ancient Israel.
It was essentially their income tax. Never do you find first-century Christians
tithing in the NT. </div>
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Most Christians do not have the foggiest idea about what the
Bible teaches regarding the tithe. So let us look at it. The word
"tithe" simply means the tenth part.' The Lord instituted three kinds
of tithes for Israel as part of their taxation system. They are: </div>
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<li>A tithe of
the produce of the land to support the Levites who had no inheritance in
Canaan.' </li>
<li>A tithe of
the produce of the land to sponsor religious festivals in Jerusalem. If the
produce was too burdensome for a family to carry to Jerusalem, they could
convert it into money.' </li>
<li>A tithe of
the produce of the land collected every third year for the local Levites,
orphans, strangers, and widows.' </li>
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This was the Biblical tithe. Notice that God commanded
Israel to give 23.3% of their income every year, as opposed to 10%.<sup>6</sup>
These tithes consisted of the produce of the land - which is, the seed of the
land, the fruit of the land, and the herd or the flock. It was the product of
the land, not money. </div>
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A clear parallel can be seen between Israel's tithing system
and the modern taxation system present in America. Israel was obligated to
support their national workers (priests), their holidays (festivals), and their
poor (strangers, widows, and orphans) by their annual tithes. Most modern tax
systems serve the same purpose. </div>
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With the death of Jesus, all ceremonial, governmental, and
religious codes that belonged to the Jews were nailed to His cross and buried .
. . never to come out again to condemn us. For this reason, we never see
Christians tithing in the NT. No more than we see those sacrificing goats and
bulls to cover their sins! </div>
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Paul writes, <i>"And when you were dead in your
transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together
with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the
certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to
us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross . . .
Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect
to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of
what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ."' </i></div>
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Tithing belonged exclusively to Israel under the Law. When
it comes to financial stewardship, we see the first-century saints giving
cheerfully according to their ability - not dutifully out of a command.<sup>'</sup>
Giving in the early church was voluntary.' And those who benefited from it were
the poor, orphans, widows, sick, prisoners, and strangers.<sup>10</sup> </div>
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I can hear someone making the following objection right now:
<i>"But what about Abraham? He lived before the Law. And we see him
tithing to the high priest Melchizedek.<sup>"</sup> Does this not overturn
your argument that the tithe is part of the Mosaic Law? " </i></div>
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No it does not. First, Abraham's tithe was completely
voluntary. It was not compulsory. God did not command it as He did with the
tithe for Israel. </div>
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Second, Abraham tithed out of the spoils that he acquired
after a particular battle he fought. He did not tithe out of his own regular
income or property. Abraham's act of tithing would be akin to you winning the
lottery, a mega jackpot, or receiving a work-bonus, then tithing it. </div>
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Third, and most important, this is the only time that
Abraham tithed out of his 175 years of life on this earth. We have no evidence
that he ever did such a thing again. Consequently, if you wish to use Abraham
as a "proof text" to argue that Christians must tithe, then you are
only obligated to tithe one time!<sup>'2</sup> </div>
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This brings us back to that oft-quoted text in Malachi 3.
What was God saying there? First, this passage was directed to ancient Israel
when they were under the Mosaic Law. God's people were holding back their
tithes and offerings. Consider what would happen if a large portion of
Americans refused to pay their income taxes. American law views this as
robbery.<sup>13</sup> Those found guilty would be punished for stealing from
the government. </div>
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In the same way, when Israel held back her taxes (tithes),
she was stealing from God—the One who instituted the tithing system. The Lord
then commanded His people to bring their tithes into the storehouse. The
storehouse was located in the chambers of the temple. The chambers were set
apart to hold the tithes (which was produce, not money) for the support of the
Levites, the poor, the strangers, and the widows.<sup>14</sup> </div>
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Notice the context of Malachi-3:8-10: In verse 5, the Lord
says that He will judge those who oppress the widow, the fatherless, and the
stranger. He says, <i>"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be
a quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those
who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless,
and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me." </i></div>
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The widows, fatherless, and strangers were the rightful recipients
of the tithe. Because Israel was withholding her tithes, she was guilty of
oppressing these three groups. Herein is the heart of God in Malachi 3:8-10: <i>Oppression
to the poor. </i></div>
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How many times have you heard preachers point this out when
they harangued you with Malachi 3? Out of the scores of sermons I have heard on
tithing, I never once heard a whisper about what the passage was actually
talking about. That is, tithes were for the purpose of supporting the widows,
the fatherless, the strangers, and the Levites (who owned nothing). This is
what the Lord's word in Malachi 3 has in view. </div>
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<b>The Origin of the Tithe and the Clergy Salary </b></div>
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Cyprian (200-258) is the first Christian writer to mention
the practice of financially supporting the clergy. He argued that just as the
Levites were supported by the tithe, so the Christian clergy should be
supported by the tithe.<sup>15</sup> But this is misguided thinking. Today, the
Levitical system has been abolished. We are all priests now. So if a priest
demands a tithe, then all Christians should tithe to one another! Cyprian's
plea was exceedingly rare for his time. It was neither picked up nor echoed by
the Christian populace until much later.<sup>16</sup> Other than Cyprian, no
Christian writer before Constantine ever used Old Testament references to
advocate tithing." It was not until the fourth century, 300 years after
Christ, that <i>some </i>Christian leaders began to advocate tithing as a
Christian practice to support the clergy.<sup>18</sup> But it did not become
widespread among Christians until the eighth century! <sup>19 </sup>According
to one scholar, <i>"For the first seven hundred years they [tithes] are
hardly ever mentioned."<sup>20 </sup></i></div>
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Charting the history of Christian tithing is a fascinating
exercise. Tithing evolved from the State to the church. Giving a tenth of one's
produce was the customary rent-charge for lands that were leased in Western
Europe. As the church increased its ownership of land across Europe, the 10%
rent-charge was given to the church. This gave the 10% rent-charge a new
meaning. It came to be identified with the Levitical tithe!<sup>21</sup>
Consequently, the Christian tithe as an institution was based on a fusion of
Old Testament practice and pagan institution.<sup>22</sup> </div>
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By the eighth century, the tithe became required by law in
many areas of Western Europe.<sup>23</sup> By the end of the tenth century, the
distinction of the tithe as a rent-charge and a moral requirement supported by
the Old Testament had faded.<sup>24</sup> The tithe became mandatory throughout
Christian Europe.<sup>25</sup> </div>
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To put it another way, before the eighth century the tithe
was practiced as a voluntary offering.<sup>26</sup> But by the end of the tenth
century, it had devolved into a legal requirement to fund the State church - demanded by the clergy and enforced by the secular authorities!<sup>27</sup>
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Thankfully, most modern churches have done away with the
tithe as a legal requirement.<sup>28</sup> But the practice of tithing is as
much alive today as it was when it was legally binding. Sure, you may not be
physically punished if you fail to tithe. But if you are not a tither in most
modern churches, you will be barred from a slew of ministry positions. And you
will be forever guilted from the pulpit!<sup>29</sup> </div>
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As far as clergy salaries go, ministers were unsalaried for
the first three centuries. But when Constantine appeared, he instituted the
practice of paying a fixed salary to the clergy from church </div>
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funds and municipal and imperial treasuries.<sup>30</sup>
Thus was born the clergy salary, a harmful practice that has no root in the NT.<sup>31</sup>
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<b>The Root of All Evil </b></div>
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If a believer wishes to tithe out of personal decision or
conviction, that is fine. Tithing becomes a problem when it is rep-resented as
God's command, binding upon every believer. </div>
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Mandatory tithing equals oppression to the poor.<sup>32</sup>
Not a few poor Christians have been thrown headlong into further poverty
because they have been told that if they do not tithe, they are robbing God.<sup>33</sup>
When tithing is taught as God's command, Christians who can barely make ends
meet are guilted into deeper poverty. In this way, tithing evacuates the gospel
from being "good news to the poor."<sup>34</sup> Rather than good
news, it becomes a heavy burden. Instead of liberty, it becomes oppression. We
are so apt to forget that the original tithe that God established for Israel
was to benefit the poor, not hurt them! </div>
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Conversely, modern tithing is good news to the rich. To a
high-earner, 10% is but a paltry sum. Tithing, therefore, appeases the
consciences of the rich, while it has no significant impact on their
lifestyles. Not a few wealthy Christians are deluded into thinking they are
"obeying God" because they throw a measly 10% of their income into
the offering plate. </div>
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But God has a very different view of giving. Recall the
parable of the widow's mite: <i>"Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts
into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper
coins. `I tell you the truth, ' He said, `this poor widow has put in more than
all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she
out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." </i></div>
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Sadly, tithing is often viewed as a litmus test for discipleship.
If you are a good Christian, you will tithe (so it is thought). But this is a
bogus application. Tithing is no sign of Christian devotion. If it were, all
first-century Christians would be condemned as being undevoted! </div>
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The lingering root behind the sustained push for tithing in
the modern church is the clergy salary. Not a few pastors feel that they must
preach tithing to remind their congregation of its obligation to support them
and their programs. And they will use the promise of financial blessing or the
fear of a financial curse to ensure that the tithes keep rolling in. </div>
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In this way, modern tithing is the equivalent of a Christian
lottery. Pay the tithe, and God will give you more money in return. Refuse to
tithe, and God will punish you. Such thoughts rip at the heart of the good news
of the gospel. </div>
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The same can be said about the clergy salary. It too has no
NT merit. In fact, the clergy salary runs against the grain of the entire New
Covenant.<sup>36</sup> Elders (shepherds) in the first century were never
salaried.<sup>37</sup> They were men with an earthly vocation.<sup>38</sup>
They gave to the flock rather than took from it.<sup>39</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salaries make pastors paid professionals. It elevates
them above the rest of God's people. It creates a clerical caste that turns the
living Body of Christ into a business. Since the pastor and his staff are
"paid" to do ministry - they are the paid professionals. The rest of
the church lapses into a state of passive dependence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If every Christian got in touch with the call that lies upon
them to be functioning priests in the Lord's house (and they were permitted to
exercise that call), the question would immediately arise: <i>"What on
earth are we paying our pastor for!? " </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in the presence of a passive priesthood, such questions
never arise.<sup>40</sup> On the contrary, when the church functions as she
should, a professional clergy becomes unnecessary. Suddenly, the thought that
says, <i>"that is the job of the pastor<sup>"</sup> </i>looks
heretical. Put simply, a professional clergy fosters the pacifying illusion
that the Word of God is classified (and dangerous) material that only
card-carrying experts can handle.<sup>41</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that is not all. Paying a pastor forces him to be a
man-pleaser. It makes him the slave of men. His meal-ticket is attached to how
well his congregation likes him. Thus he is not free to speak freely without
the fear that he may lose some heavy tithers. Herein lies the scourge of the
pastor system. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A further peril of the paid pastor system is that it
produces men who are void of any skill—something we inherited from the pagan
Greeks.<sup>42</sup> For this reason, it takes a man of tremendous courage to
step out of the pastorate. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, most of God's people are deeply naive about
the overwhelming power of the pastor system. It is a faceless system that does
not tire of chewing up and spitting out its young.<sup>43</sup> Again, God
never intended the professional pastorate to exist. There is no Scriptural
mandate or justification for such a thing. In fact, it is impossible to
construct a Biblical defense for it.<sup>44</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most frequently, ushers are called upon to handle the
reception of the money during the church service. Typically, they do so by
passing a "collection plate" to the congregation. The practice of
passing the collection plate is another post-apostolic invention. It began in
1662. Although alms dishes and alms chests were present before then.<sup>45</sup>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The usher originated from Queen Elizabeth I's (1533-1603)
reorganization of the liturgy of the church of England. Ushers had the job of
seeing where the people sat, collecting the offering, and keeping records of
who took communion. The predecessor of the usher is the church "porter.<sup>"</sup>
The porter was a minor order (lesser clergy) tracing back to the third century.<sup>46</sup>
Porters had the duty of superintending lock up and opening of church doors,
keeping order in the building, and the general direction of the deacons.<sup>47</sup>
Porters were replaced by "churchwardens<sup>"</sup> in England before
and during the Reformation period.<sup>48</sup> Out of the churchwarden grew
the usher. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Conclusion </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In conclusion, tithing, while Biblical, is not Christian.
Jesus Christ did not affirm it. The first-century Christians did not observe
it. And for 300 years, God's people did not practice it. Tithing did not become
a widely accepted practice among Christians until the eighth century! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Giving in the NT was according to one's ability. Christians
gave to help other believers as well as to support apostolic workers, enabling
them to travel and plant churches.<sup>49</sup> One of the most outstanding
testimonies of the early church has to do with how liberal the Christians were
to the poor and needy.<sup>50</sup> This is what provoked outsiders, including
the philosopher Galen, to watch the awesome, winsome power of the early church
and say: <i>"Behold how they love one another </i><sup>"51 </sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tithing is only mentioned four times in the NT. But none of
these instances applies to Christians.<sup>52</sup> Again, tithing belongs to
the Old Testament era where a taxation system was needed to support the poor
and where a special priesthood was set apart to minister to the Lord. With the
coming of Jesus Christ, there has been a "change of law" - the old has
been "set aside" and rendered obsolete by the new.<sup>53</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We are all priests now - free to function in God's house. The
Law, the old priesthood, and the tithe have all been crucified. There is now no
temple curtain, no temple tax, and no special priesthood that stands between
God and man. You, dear Christian, have been set free from the bondage of
tithing and from the obligation to support an un-biblical clergy system. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This study has been excerpted from: <b><i>Pagan Christianity: The Origins of Our Modern Church Practices</i> by </b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Frank
Viola</span></b><i><b>.</b>
</i>The original chapter contains 53 footnotes supporting the statements in the
article. You may order the book at: <a href="http://ptmin.org/pagan.htm">www.ptmin.org/pagan.htm</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-7999453953904474522013-06-14T12:10:00.001-07:002021-01-03T07:26:41.728-08:00The Rich Young Pastor<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="215" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ml8bQDnnkKk" width="460"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>by</i> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Neil Jennings Braithwaite </span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span> met a pastor who
had grown-up in the church, attended Christian college and seminary, and
upon graduation, moved from church to church working his way up the
corporate ecclesiastical ladder. The man started his career as an associate youth pastor for a mere
$20,000 per year salary, and finally at age forty, he became senior pastor of a
large denominational church making over $75,000 a year, including full benefits and a
generous retirement package. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The pastor told </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> he had been working
very hard since Christian college and seminary and felt greatly blessed to have been called as a pastor, on
every occasion, to a church offering a larger salary and better
benefits to meet the needs of his growing family. He also told </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> he was looking forward to his rest and reward in
heaven for a life of sacrificial service as a full-time pastor and
preacher of the gospel. The pastor also told </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> he had done his best to
follow all His commands and examples and asked </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> if there was
anything at all he could do with the rest of his life to please Him
more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> said to the pastor, truly I say to you, as a "<i>vocational</i>"
pastor <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:17&version=NASB">you receive your reward in full with each pay check</a>. If you truly want to please me, stop accepting a monetary reward for preaching the gospel and find work to financially support yourself and your family, and continue to shepherd my flock and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:18&version=NASB">preach the gospel at no charge</a> – and then you will have <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:19-21&version=NASB">treasure in heaven</a>. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> went on to remind the rich young pastor that <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:24&version=NASB">you cannot serve both God and money</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2020:33-35&version=NASB">it is more blessed to give than receive</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:8&version=NASB">freely you have received – freely you should give</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When the pastor heard these words from </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> he went away grieving
because making his living by preaching the gospel was all he ever wanted
to do - and was all that he knew how to do. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The rich young pastor wasn’t about throw away all he had
worked so hard for by <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thessalonians%203:7-9&version=NASB">giving up his right to charge for his services as a minister of the gospel</a>. So he went on his way - getting paid by the flock to preach the free gift of the gospel to them on Sunday mornings.</span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412"> </span></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412">"</span></span></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412"><span class="text 1Cor-9-16" id="en-NASB-28557">For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-17" id="en-NASB-28558">For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><b><span style="color: red;">What
then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the
gospel WITHOUT CHARGE, so as NOT to make full use of MY RIGHT in the
gospel.</span></b>" <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A16-18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:16-18</a> </span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559">"</span></span></span></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span class="text Phil-2-19">But I hope in the Lord </span></span></span></span></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"><span class="text Phil-2-19"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span> to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. </span>For </span>I [Paul] have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your [believers'] welfare.</span> <span class="text Phil-2-21" id="en-NASB-29413"><span style="color: red;"><b>For they ALL seek after THEIR OWN interests, [and] NOT those of Christ </b></span></span></span></span></span></i><i><span class="text Luke-11-39" id="en-NASB-25445" style="font-size: small;"><span class="woj"><span class="woj"><span class="text Phil-2-21" id="en-NASB-29413"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Yahshua</span></span></span></b></span>.</span>" <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:20-21&version=NASB">Philippians 2:20-21</a><span class="text Phil-2-20" id="en-NASB-29412"><span class="text 1Cor-9-18" id="en-NASB-28559"> </span></span></span> </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Luke-11-39" id="en-NASB-25445" style="font-size: small;"><span class="woj">"Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, <span style="color: red;">you are full of robbery and wickedness</span>.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="text Luke-11-40" id="en-NASB-25446"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also?</span></span> <span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: red;">But give that which is within as CHARITY, and then all things are clean for you</span></b><span style="color: red;">.</span>" <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011:39-41&version=NASB">Luke 11:39-41</a></span></span></span></i><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><span class="text" style="font-size: small;">Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, <b><span style="color: red;">we have left EVERYTHING and followed You</span></b>; what then will there be for us?”</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="text">And Yahshua said to them, </span><span class="woj">“Truly
I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when
the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon
twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.</span> <span class="woj">And
everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother
or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as
much, and will inherit eternal life.<sup> </sup>But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:27-30&version=NASB">Matthew 19:27-30</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">*This article may be quoted in full or in part by permission - with proper credit to the author. Thank You... </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>HonorGodsWord</i></span></b></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Luke-11-41" id="en-NASB-25447"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </span></span></span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-67462487075485238442013-05-04T21:38:00.002-07:002015-10-01T06:20:01.704-07:00"The Thessalonian Road to Self-Support" <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: left;">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What pay do I get, then? It is
the privilege of preaching the Good News without </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">charging for it and without
claiming my rights in my work for the Gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:18</i></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
The Bible says that we cannot love God and money at the same time. We
must love one and hate the other. There is no middle ground. The ways of
the world constantly creep into our thinking about money, even though we
are Christians. From earliest childhood we learn that money is essential
to our happiness, and the more of it the better. It takes a great deal
of effort to unlearn this false concept. As Jesus said, we must become
like little children again if we are to be effective in the kingdom of
God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard pastoral ministry
described as a “profession.” For nearly 35 years of teaching in
Christian universities and seminaries I have seen students earn M. Div.
degrees for no other reason than to be sufficiently “credentialed” to be
hired by a local church. Somehow our wealth blinds us to basic biblical
principles. The church in America is particularly blessed. Pastors often
have better salaries than many of their parishioners. God has made the
United States the richest nation on earth. To those whom much is given,
much is also required. I believe that God is beginning to ask for an
accounting from the American church about how we have used His money.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
To all who would follow Him, Jesus gave the same basic message. We must
willingly accept inconvenience, suffering, and uncertainty. No genuine
follower of Jesus can put comfort, family ties, or security ahead of His
kingdom. Jesus never apologized for calling His disciples to a life of
sacrifice. Throughout the New Testament you will find that those who
followed Jesus often paid a very high price, even with their lives. One
such person is the apostle Paul. He sought to serve Jesus and it cost
him everything. Not only did he give up all the privileges of his Jewish
upbringing, but he surrendered his rights as a Christian apostle to be
supported in his church planting ministry. The Bible says that he
willingly worked with his own hands night and day so as not to be a
financial burden to other Christians. Paul exemplifies what true
Christian ministry is. <i>It is a positive sacrifice for the good of
others.</i> His life is an example of the proper attitude a servant of
Jesus Christ should have today. His teaching about self-support mocks
our convenience store Christianity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Just how did we get from the kind of sacrificial service modeled by
Paul’s ministry to the modern professionalized clergy? This radical
paradigm shift took place very early in the history of the church.
Within 300 years of the resurrection, the church of Jesus Christ began
to look to the Old Testament for its models of ministry. It began to
combine the kingdom of God with the kingdoms of this world. This new
hybridized form of Christianity – often referred to as the
“Constantinian Compromise” because of the role that Emperor Constantine
played in its development – began to teach that God had instituted class
distinctions among Christians. In New Testament Christianity, <i>all</i>
believers are priests and are asked to serve the kingdom willingly and
voluntarily. This is true even of church leaders, whom Peter commanded,
“Do your work, not for pay, but from a real desire to serve. Do not try
to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to
the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2b-3). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
With the advent of Constantinian Christianity, however, all of this
changed. Rather than taking every aspect of Jesus’ teaching literally
and seriously, Christian leaders began to see ministry more as a
profession than as an act of voluntary service. The church became
clericalized, professionalized, and institutionalized. Christians no
longer accepted voluntary servanthood as normative. I believe one of the
reasons God called Paul to be an apostle is because He knew that Paul
would set an example for others. He was the “chief of sinners” (1 Tim.
1:15), yet by the power of the Holy Spirit he lived an incredible life.
Wherever he went, people could not forget his example and the impact he
made on their lives. To me, this is one of the most encouraging things
about Paul’s life. You see, Paul was an ordinary vessel just like you
and me. In 1 Cor. 4:7 he tells us, “We who have this spiritual treasure
are just like common pots of clay, in order to show that the supreme
power comes from God and not from us.” Here we have a man whose greatest
desire was to live as a humble bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ. The
question to ask is, Are you and I willing to do the same? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Paul was a missionary doing pioneer evangelism and church planting
throughout the Mediterranean world. What a rebuke his life is to the
disobedience and greed of so many Christians and churches today. We need
to rediscover his method of doing ministry if we are to achieve
financial health today. I believe that his instructions to the church in
Thessalonica present us with an unmistakably clear pattern of ministry.
As you read these instructions my hope is that you will come to realize
that self-supporting ministry is not only biblical but healthy. Paul
shows us that the greatest joy in ministry is not found in material
possessions. In fact, one may even serve Jesus in utter poverty.
Instead, joy in ministry is found when we remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, who said “There is more happiness in giving than in getting”
(Acts 20:35).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Paul’s teaching about ministry finances is found in several passages in
1-2 Thessalonians, which we will now briefly examine. How different this
model of ministry is from the methods that pass themselves off as
biblical in today’s church. When we look at the life of the apostle
Paul, we are amazed at how important he considered working for a living.
He ministered among the Thessalonians at his own expense, even though he
had the right to be supported by others. He spent whole days and nights
working so as not to be a burden to others. The tragedy of our day is
that so few followers of Jesus have the burden to follow this example.
To understand Paul’s method of self-support, we must begin with his
words in 1 Thess. 2:7-10:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you, we
were gentle when we were with you, like a mother who tenderly cares for
her children. Because of our love for you we were willing to share with
you not only the Good News from God but even our very own lives, for you
had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, our brothers and sisters,
how we labored and toiled, working night and day so that we would not be
a burden to you as we preached to you the Good News from God. You are
our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who are
believers was pure, right, and without blame of any kind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Every Christian who is concerned about the spiritual life of the church
in America ought to read and re-read this passage. What Paul says is
astonishing. Rather than asking for support from his fellow Christians,
which was his right as an apostle, Paul joyfully and willingly supported
himself when he was in Thessalonica. Here is a highly educated,
brilliant man eking out a living by performing manual labor. The key
verse that explains Paul’s motive is 1 Thess. 2:10: “…so that we would
not be a burden to you as we preached to you the Good News from God.”
“Not be a burden”! Does this statement make you feel a little
uncomfortable? Most missionaries today would never think of going to the
mission field without first being supported. Of course, such support is
not sinful. But why couldn’t this money be used to support foreign
nationals who are better able to reach their nations for Christ? Why
couldn’t this money be spent on helping the needy or providing health
care for the poor in the name of Jesus? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Something is very wrong when our foreign missionaries do not even
consider the possibility of becoming tentmakers. Paul knew it was wrong
for him to become a financial burden on his fellow Christians when he
could work for his own living. Until we accept self-denial, as Paul did,
we will never see the Great Commission fulfilled in our generation. We
will always find ourselves following the pattern of financial dependence
that has become the norm of our missionary culture. I’m convinced that
one of the main reasons we are not reaching the world for Christ today
is our refusal to follow Paul’s example. We feel we cannot be
missionaries unless we are fully supported by others. In light of all of
this, I ask a simple question: When did God change His pattern of doing
missionary work?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
This concept of self-support is further developed in our next passage, 1
Thess. 4:11-12. If there was any doubt about Paul’s high view of work,
it evaporates with this text. Here he commands the Thessalonian
believers:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to
earn your own living, just as we told you before. By doing this you will
win the respect of non-believers, and you will not have to depend on
anyone for your needs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
There are few passages of Scripture that are clearer than this one. Is
it any wonder that I am an advocate of self-supporting missions? There
are many practical ways to flesh out this teaching. At the very least we
can all agree that sloth and laziness have no place in the life of a
Christian. Every able-bodied person ought to earn his or her own living
– a point that Paul emphasized time and again when he was in
Thessalonica. Why should this principle become null and void just
because a person today enters so-called “fulltime Christian ministry”? A
high work ethic is not reserved only for “laypeople.” It is for every
believer, whatever your calling, whatever your vocation, and whatever
your circumstances. God has ordained that we demonstrate to a watching
world the highest standards of personal responsibility. He wills for us
to mind our own business and work for a living. If we don’t, we will
lose the respect of non-believers, plain and simple.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
When I was in college a good friend of mine went off to seminary and
then decided to go to Japan under the auspices of a well-known foreign
mission board. His experience has to be the missionary’s greatest
nightmare. And I need to tell his story here because I think it
illustrates vividly what Paul was trying to teach the Thessalonian
believers. As with every other missionary sent out by this particular
mission board, my friend had first to undergo deputation in order to
raise his financial support. After a long and arduous process of
fundraising, he arrived in Japan, where his assignment was to reach
Japanese businessmen with the Gospel. For four years he labored in vain.
Not a single soul was converted, not a single church planted. And the
reason soon became painfully obvious. The news that he was a salaried
“missionary” was an insuperable stumbling block to these hard-working
Japanese businessmen. They simply could not believe that the person
talking to them was not gainfully employed. Greatly discouraged, my
friend left the mission field, returned to the States, and resigned from
the mission board. Then he immediately returned to Japan and got a job
in a Japanese company that specialized in teaching English to Japanese
businessmen. Within months he had led several of his students to Christ,
and eventually a small church was formed. In the meantime, he had
learned to speak fluent Japanese and had taken a Japanese bride.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
I believe there may be people reading these words whom God is calling to
go to the “uttermost parts of the world.” I am convinced that God wants
to send forth thousands upon thousands of believers from our shores.
Have you gotten down on your knees and asked the Lord how He could use
your God-given gifts and abilities as a tentmaker? Tentmakers are
incredibly effective. Their work provides a natural entrée for
establishing a network of relationships in which the seed of the Gospel
can be sown. Most importantly, in sharing your faith you can never be
accused of “being paid to do it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Some people might object by saying, “When Paul says we are to earn our
own living, surely he is excluding fulltime salaried missionaries and
pastors.” To this I have two responses. The first is that there is
nothing in this text that would limit Paul’s injunction to so-called
laypeople. My second response is really a question: How could the
apostle require from the believers in Thessalonica what he himself did
not practice? As we read passages like 1 Thess. 4:10-11, there is a
tendency, I believe, to dismiss their application to missionaries and
pastors. This is partly due to a faulty view of “fulltime ministry.” For
example, we often speak of “laypeople” who work behind the scenes at
“secular” jobs to help support missions. I think a more biblical way of
viewing the matter is this: <i>Every</i> Christian is to be a fulltime
missionary wherever he or she is. This means that even if you never end
up on the foreign mission field, you can still be sold-out to missions.
You can still be committed to living a missional lifestyle. In all of
his writings, Paul seems to accept a life of sacrifice for the sake of
the Gospel as both normal and necessary. “The only thing that matters,”
he writes in Phil. 1:27, “is that your citizenship should be as the
Gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and
see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose,
and that with one desire you are struggling together for the faith of
the Gospel.” Here Paul urges every believer to become a “Great
Commission Christian.” He himself had made a conscious choice to deny
the rights due him as an apostle and instead chose a life of suffering
and incessant physical labor for the sake of the Gospel. Just look at
the terrible list of sufferings he describes in 2 Cor. 11:23-29. These
afflictions included, not surprisingly, “labor and toil” (v. 27) – yet
another reference to Paul’s commitment to self-support. Indeed, his very
first boast vis-à-vis the false apostles is, “I have worked harder than
they have!” (v. 23). I encourage you to read Paul’s catalog of
sufferings in 2 Cor. 11:23-29 slowly and carefully. I might have
expected Paul to say, “Since I am suffering so much for the Gospel,
surely others will want to increase their financial support so that I
will not have to work so hard.” This is precisely what Paul does <i>not</i>
say. When he boasts that he has worked harder than his opponents, he is
not implying that his commitment to self-support was a mistake!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
I often hear the complaint, “Thousands of missionaries are ready to go
to the unreached if only support were available.” This is not the
greatest need facing missions, however. It is outstripped by the untold
thousands of opportunities to reach the lost millions through tentmaking
evangelism. Praise the Lord for my friend who went to Japan to serve in
“fulltime Christian service” as a layman! God may not be calling you to
Japan. But wherever you live and wherever you go, you can find ways of
participating in this great work of world evangelization.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Paul’s next reference to work in 1 Thessalonians is in chapter 5, where
he writes (5:12-13):</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
We urge you, our brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among
you, who guide and instruct you. Treat them with the greatest respect
and love because of the work they do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Traditionally, the “work” described here has been interpreted to refer
to the spiritual work of church leaders. I once held to this view
myself. Today I am convinced that Paul had manual labor in mind when he
wrote these words. Earlier he had insisted that the Thessalonians earn
their own living by “working with your own hands” (4:11). And here in
5:12-13 there is nothing in the context that would require us to see
these workers as the fulltime paid staff of a church. I may be wrong,
but it seems to me that Paul is continuing his emphasis on the necessity
of work as an expression of our Christian faith and as a witness to
outsiders who are always suspicious of religious hucksters whose sole
motive in ministry is greed. Paul, in fact, was quick to defend himself
against such a charge in 1 Thess. 2:5: “You know very well that we did
not come to you with flattering speech, nor did we use words to cover up
greed – God is our witness!” Clearly, Paul was above reproach when it
came to finances. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Our final passage is 2 Thess. 3:6-12. It is absolutely brilliant in the
Greek. Here it is in translation:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Our brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ to keep away from all of your brothers and sisters who are living
a lazy life and who fail to follow the instructions we gave them. You
yourselves know very well that you should act just like we did. We were
not lazy when we were with you. We did not accept anyone’s food without
first paying for it. Instead, we labored and toiled, working night and
day so as not to be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we
do not have the right to demand our support. We did it to be an example
for you to follow. When we were with you, we kept on telling you over
and over again, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” We say
this because we hear that there are some people among you who are lazy
and who do nothing but meddle in other people’s lives. In the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, we command these people and warn them to lead
orderly lives and to earn their own living.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
I believe all of us – myself included – need to learn to live the
lifestyle we read about in this wonderful passage. If you are living for
Christ, you must be a responsible worker. A greedy, self-indulgent
lifestyle is simply out of the question. As Christians, how can we ever
be lazy and fail to work to supply our own needs? How can we say Jesus
is Lord unless we are quick to obey Paul’s instructions in this passage?
Notice that Paul does not exclude the church leaders from this
exhortation. The command is clear: Those Thessalonians who were mooching
off the charity of the church must stop it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
This passage is a coal of fire on our heads. Our first reaction, I
suppose, should be to fall on our knees in repentance. Next, we need to
seriously ask ourselves whether it is right to support those who <i>do</i>
not work because they <i>will</i> not work. I am convinced that the
tremendous material resources of the United States would be better used
to address the crying demands of the unfinished missionary task. I
believe that 2 Thess. 3:6-12 teaches us that we are <i>all</i>
responsible to lead orderly lives and to earn our own living. It is
obvious that Jesus will have no one among His followers who wants to be
financially dependent when they could be supporting themselves. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Of course, I am not speaking about people with genuine needs. Jesus
obviously loved the needy. To all those who would follow Him, He gave
them an example of helping the helpless. Paul, too, was emphatic about
this. He wrote to the Galatians that “we should remember the needy…,
which is the very thing I have been eager to do” (Gal. 2:10). For
Christians, then, there can be no other option when confronted with the
needy than to do everything we can to help them. Paul himself was
willing to receive temporary monetary supplements to his income when the
need occasioned it. Clearly, however, this was the exception to the
rule. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
We need to ask ourselves, What does the Lord Jesus think of our church
budgets that are bloated with unnecessary expenses when that money could
go to help the truly needy? A look at our ledgers reveals not a body of
sacrificial givers but a society of getters. As someone once said, “We
tithe to ourselves,” meaning that our church offerings are used mostly
for things that will make <i>our</i> lives more comfortable. There is a
principle at work here: <i>Self-centered Christians cannot and will not
put into practice biblical priorities </i>– priorities such as those
found in Phil. 2:3-4 (“Always consider others as more important than
yourselves; look out for another’s interests, not just your own”) or
Rom. 12:13 (“Share what you have with God’s people who are in need”).
The Thessalonian road to financial health requires that we voluntarily
go out of our way to put the genuine needs of others before own. How
many millions of dollars are wasted each year because we are preoccupied
with the fleshpots of Egypt when we should be content with manna from
heaven? Why, like the Pharisees, are we consumed with cleaning the
outside of pots and forgetting the agony of the lost and dying? </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
The conclusion is inescapable: In light of the commands of Jesus (Matt.
28:19-20; Mark 16:15) and the consistent example of Paul, and in view of
the lost condition of billions of people in this world, churches must
give everything above basic necessities to the cause of world
evangelization. In his talk to the pastors of the Ephesian church, Paul
said:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves
know that with these hands of mine I have worked to provide everything
my companions and I needed. I have given you an example that by working
hard like this we must help the weak, remembering the words that the
Lord Jesus Himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in
getting.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Paul’s teaching about Christian finances has always offended people.
What makes it so difficult is that it is not simply a theological
doctrine but a way of life. Paul was one of the greatest apostles who
ever lived, yet he didn’t demand his rights – least of all his right to
financial support. It is important that we understand that Paul’s
instructions about support make sense only to those who have accepted
Jesus’ radical teachings about self-denial. “Anyone who does not forsake
everything cannot be My disciple,” He said (Luke 14:33). You see, the
American church will have to answer to God for what we did about a lost
world. Jesus Himself will demand an accounting from what He has given us
to invest. What kind of stewards are we being with the blessings He has
showered upon us? This, I believe, is the question of the hour.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
I urge you to listen carefully – not to anything I have said, but to the
voice of the Lord Jesus as He speaks to you through His Word. He has the
power to change anybody who is weary of half-hearted Christianity and is
unafraid to take a giant step of faith. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">David Alan Black is the editor
of <a href="http://www.daveblackonline.com/">www.daveblackonline.com</a>.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-2850590731721502542013-05-04T20:01:00.004-07:002015-10-01T06:20:14.353-07:00"An Obstacle to the Gospel" <i><span style="color: #006600;">For it is written in the Law
of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is
it for oxen that God is concerned? (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1Co 9.9" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Co%209.9" target="_blank">1Co 9:9</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
When it comes to this topic, there are two places
where people who are advocates of the traditional view of paying pastors
instinctively turn. One is <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1 Timothy 5.17-18" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Timothy%205.17-18" target="_blank">1 Timothy 5:17-18</a> and the other is found in 1 Corinthians 9. I want to look at 1 Timothy 5 first.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #006600;">Let
the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor,
especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture
says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and,
“The laborer deserves his wages.” (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1 Timothy 5.17-18" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Timothy%205.17-18" target="_blank">1 Timothy 5:17-18</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
Of
course there are several major problems as it pertains to applying
these passages to paying vocational pastors. The first of course is that
it doesn’t actually say anything about paying pastors. That is a pretty
big problem. I found that the study notes on this passage in the ESV
Study Bible interesting. The notes for this section read:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">The role of elder (pastor) involves authority, particularly in preaching and teaching. Labor (Gk. kopiaō), translated “toil” in </span><a href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=1+Tim+4%3A10"><span style="color: #006600;">4:10</span></a><span style="color: #006600;">,
implies hard work that makes a person tired. Such exertion in
“preaching and teaching” calls for double honor, which could include
financial remuneration.</span><br />
<br />
Notice that the comment is that it
“could” include financial remuneration, which is a pretty weak
statement and is not at all clear from the verse. But then it makes this
bold claim:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">“Double” could imply
ample provision, or financial provision in addition to proper respect. Paul does not actually require that pastors be paid a double
amount, but Paul clearly indicates that pastors should receive generous
remuneration.</span><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Clearly</b>? Really? So it
“could” include financial remuneration in addition to respect but then
the comment assumes that it does and demands a generous remuneration
(what does “generous” mean?). I also found it interesting that the ESV
Study Bible uses the word “remuneration” which is a perfectly good word
but one that many people have never seen or used, and certainly is not a
word that people outside of human resources or the legal profession
would use commonly. I wonder why they chose remuneration instead of
commonly used and understood words like “pay”, “salary” or perhaps the
most applicable word: “compensation”?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Then there is the problem
of paying some elders and not others. Those who “rule well” are to get
double honor, especially those who preach and teach. I would say that in
most plural elder churches, not all of the elders are paid a salary. If
elders who preach well are due double-honor and we assume that
honor equals salary, doesn’t that imply that those who are mediocre teachers
deserve at least "single" honor? I don’t know of a plural elder led church
where every elder is paid. So at best we are traditionally pretty
selective in how we apply this passage.<br />
<br />
Another problem is this idea of “honor” because earlier in the same chapter we are told to honor widows who are truly widows (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1 Tim 5.3" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%205.3" target="_blank">1 Tim 5:3</a>). Should widows get a salary? We know that widows got a daily distribution (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Acts 6.1" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%206.1" target="_blank">Acts 6:1</a>).
Should we provide for elders, honor them in other words, in the same
way as widows? Conversely, shouldn’t the church honor widows the same
way it traditionally does pastors, i.e. by paying them regularly?<br />
<br />
I just don’t see the natural reading of <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1 Tim 5. 17-18" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%205.%2017-18" target="_blank">1 Tim 5: 17-18</a>
leading us to a permanent, regular salary with benefits for one or a
couple of men in a local gathering of the church. In fact, the only way to get
there is if the word honor is defined unequivocally as a monetary salary; implying that Paul specifically had in mind men who have a vocation of exclusively serving in the local church.
Given Paul's personal beliefs and sentiment with regard to preaching the gospel "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209:18&version=NASB" target="_blank">without cost</a>," it's quite a stretch to believe that the text supports that assumption.<br />
<br />
The next place people
turn is 1 Corinthians 9. Let me clarify that, 1 Corinthians 9
selectively read. 1 Cor 9 seems to be read by skipping from one verse to
another while ignoring the verses in between. How we traditionally read
1 Corinthians 9 is to read verses 1-halfway through 12 and then skip to
verses 13-14 and finally on to verse 16. Verse 14 is the biggie.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #006600;">In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1Co 9.14" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Co%209.14" target="_blank">1Co 9:14</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
Well that seems pretty clear and straightforward, right? Sure, prooftexting <b>always</b>
does. When we ask the question, what is the bigger argument, what is
Paul saying from beginning to end, we get a far different answer.<br />
<br />
Twice we see Paul making a clarifying comment regarding his financial support.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #006600;">If
others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything
rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1Co 9.12" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Co%209.12" target="_blank">1Co 9:12</a>)<br /><br />But
I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these
things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have
anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1Co 9.15" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Co%209.15" target="_blank">1Co 9:15</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
Paul would rather endure anything, <b>even death</b>,
rather than give up his boasting in the Gospel - and his boasting was not
his sweet compensation package. It is odd that people skip verses 12
and 15 in order to race to verse 14 especially because verses 12 and 15
are pivotal to the argument Paul is making. Why did Paul refuse to make
use of his right to get paid? Was he independently wealthy and didn't
need the money? Not hardly. Paul made himself an enemy of the culture
and the state by being a vocal evangelist for Jesus Christ. His job
prospects were dramatically hampered by his public stand for Christ. As a
spokesperson and a frequent target and also as an apostle, Paul had
more right than anyone to demand "remuneration" for preaching - but he
didn’t. And that's a major stumbling block for those men who will preach the gospel for no less than commensurate monetary compensation. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">Why?</span></b><br />
<br />
Paul
refused to take pay to preach the Gospel and instead worked and
supported himself (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2020:34&version=NASB" target="_blank">and those who traveled with him</a>) by the work of his hands because he contends that
being paid to preach the Gospel is an obstacle to the very Gospel we are
called to preach. Did you catch that? <b>Exercising the right to get paid is an obstacle to the preaching of the Gospel.</b> If someone claims to be in the “Gospel ministry”, shouldn’t that be a sobering statement?<br />
<br />
For
Paul, the reward of preaching is not getting paid a salary or even
intermittent financial support. It is the pure joy of the Gospel and
indeed he found his reward in preaching the Gospel free of charge which
he summarizes in verse 18:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #006600;">What
then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of
charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="1 Cor 9.18" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%209.18" target="_blank">1 Cor 9:18</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
That
is the capstone to Paul’s entire argument in 1 Corinthians 9. Paul is
echoing something in this topic that we see elsewhere in the New
Testament, that for the sake of the Gospel our rights are set aside. The
right to get paid. The right to defend self and property against
evildoers and lawsuits. These rights and others are placed aside because
compared to the Gospel they are counted as nothing. For the pastor who
says “I have the right to get paid!”, my reply would be that perhaps you
do but does that mean you should exercise it, especially if Paul is
correct and that being paid to preach is an obstacle to the Gospel? I
can understand why this is problematic. After living the dream of going
to seminary, spending a bunch of time and money to get a M.Div. and then
going to work as a pastor in a church, the prospect of abandoning that
to work a secular job while still serving the church can be daunting.
Being a pastor doesn’t translate to the secular job market very
smoothly.<br />
<br />
Conversely, the example of Paul working for a living
elsewhere in Scripture provides a more explicit example of what Paul is
advocating. I think it is instructive to turn to the example of the man
who wrote the very verses used to support the paying of pastors. Besides
1 Cor 9 where Paul is boldly stating that he makes no use of the right
to be compensated (keeping in mind that Paul was not a pastor of a local
church but was instead an apostle, a traveling evangelist/missionary,
an itinerant preacher), Paul also is recorded in Acts 20 as working a
"secular" job for a living...<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #006600;">I
coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that
these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must
help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself
said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Acts 20. 33-35" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2020.%2033-35" target="_blank">Acts 20: 33-35</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
Paul
is preparing to leave and he calls the elders of Ephesus to him in
Miletus, conscious that he is never going to see them again. What does
he spend his time, after summoning the elders of Ephesus to come see
him, talking with them about? He warns them about wolves coming into the
flock with false teaching. Then he boldly declares that he took money
from no one, preferring instead to work with his own hands to provide
not only for his necessities, but for those traveling with him and also for the weak. If this issue was so
crucial to Paul that he took the time amidst the tearful farewell to
bring it up, it apparently was very important to him. This concept is
reinforced in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #006600;">Now
we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in
accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves
know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were
with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with
toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to
any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give
you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you,
we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let
him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy
at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in
the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own
living. (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="2 Thessalonians 3.6-12" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Thessalonians%203.6-12" target="_blank">2 Thessalonians 3:6-12</a>)</span></i><br />
<br />
What
is Paul saying here? Those who can work, should work and not be a
burden on the church. If a church is facing financial hardship, lots of
line items in the budget will be on the chopping block but likely not
the pastors salary. Pastors are indispensable because if you don’t have a
pastor, the church can’t function or at least that is the logic we
employ. It is hard to see pastors as a burden on the church but when the
pastor and his family depend on the giving of the church to survive,
their financial well-being takes on a whole new meaning. (Dave Black has
an <a href="http://www.daveblackonline.com/thessalonian_road_to_selfsu.htm">excellent treatment</a> of this passage that does it far more justice).<br />
<br />
Nowhere
do we see Paul advocating paying elders/pastors a permanent salary, nor
does Paul himself accept compensation from the church. Quite the
contrary, Paul works for a living and commends that lifestyle to others.
If that was true in the 1st century amidst an incredibly hostile world,
is that not equally true in America where the clergy is generally
well-respected? I can’t think of a workplace where being an elder of a
church would hurt your job prospects.<br />
<br />
The Biblical pattern that
emerges from Acts and from Paul’s letters is that Paul and his
companions traveled about the world preaching the Gospel, often staying
in one place for a while and working a “job” while there, establishing
churches and then moving on after appointing elders. We don’t see anyone
ordaining clergy, sending men to seminary or hiring believers to be
pastors. That may be the pattern that developed early on after the time
of the apostles but that doesn’t make it Biblical.<br />
<br />
Is it sinful
to pay pastors? I wouldn’t go that far. Is it unhealthy for the church
and is it unhealthy to put a disproportionate amount of the burden of a
local gathering on one man because he is getting paid? Without question.
My intent here is not to wag my finger at those who are pastors and get
paid for their efforts. I have a number of friends who are paid clergy
and I don’t hold that against them. With this topic like so many others,
my intent is to raise the hard questions and to challenge prevailing
traditions. For me, the topic of paying pastors is one of those loose
threads in the fabric of the traditional church model. When I yanked on
it a little, it started to unravel the whole thing. Far from a bad
thing, it has been a positive move. It is far easier and more profitable
to study the church when you are able to set aside the traditions that
infuse the topic. I am not so naïve as to assume that I am above
traditions or presuppositions but I am confident that I am seeing more
clearly what Scripture has to say about the church than I have been in
the past.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thesidos.blogspot.com/2010/05/obstacle-to-gospel.html" target="_blank">Arthur Sido </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-18748470417475119022013-05-02T11:18:00.003-07:002015-01-25T05:47:09.972-08:00"The Pastoral Office of the Modern Church is not Biblical"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The head pastor is a fundamental figure within the church who is met
with praise, accolades, and reliance upon to dispel the Word of God to the
masses. He is most often on the top of the hierarchical ladder, or status as
the main focal figure to render out theological interpretations within the
church institution. He is often trained and graduated as a professional from a
seminary who has met the criteria, or qualifications to maintain their
position.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What would happen if the office
of the head pastor was removed from the church altogether?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Could the church still function,
or would it completely dissolve without a prominent figure to man the helm?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What may come as a surprise is that the pastoral office in Early Church
looks quite different to the the office of the head pastor in the modern
churches today. The facts of history and Scriptural context will serve as
evidence that this is the truth. Before you read any further, it is important
to leave your personal feelings at the door because many will have friends and
family who fill the head pastoral office somewhere. This is not meant as an
attack on them as individuals, but a critical examination the office of the
head pastor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And He gave some as apostles, and
some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers. –
Ephesians 4:11</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
From the only singular verse that appears in the New Testament, there
are some important things to consider:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pastor is the Latin word for shepherd, and the Greek word for
pastors is rendered as poimenas, which also means shepherds. This would mean
that a pastor is not a professional title, but a metaphor for one of the many
functions of the church. A shepherd is a person who cares for and nurtures the
people of God, but not within the context of a professional hierarchical title.
Upon closer inspection of Ephesians 4:11, it appears that man has added to and
distorted the true definition, description, and function of a pastor, which has
created the office of the head pastor in the institutionalized churches today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The man-made idea of a prominent head pastor comes from a desire of
people to have someone revered to bring them to God who is specially trained
and is to stand out from amongst the crowd.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But two men had remained in the
camp; the name of one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit
rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had
not gone out to the tent), and they prophesied in the camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a young man ran and told Moses and said,
“Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Then Joshua the son of Nun, the
attendant of Moses from his youth, said, “Moses, my lord, restrain them.” But
Moses said to him, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Are you jealous for
my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would
put His Spirit upon them!” </b>- Numbers 11:26-29</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These verses here give an example of Moses opposing hierarchical or
"special" positions that would suppress all of God’s people from
using their giftings to the specially qualified.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wrote something to the church;
but Diotrephes, who loves <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to be first
among them</b>, does not accept what we say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he
does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he
himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire
to do so and puts them out of the church. – 3 John 9-10</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yet this you do have, that you
hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. – Revelation 2:6</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These are the words of Jesus Christ who was opposed to Nicolaitans,
which in Greek means “conquering the people.” He was opposed to making distinct
hierarchical classes of people within the church who are considered prominent
by lording themselves over others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The definition of the pastoral office in our western society is not a
Biblical concept, but a man-made one that is a distortion of a gifting. The
Early Church was led solely by the headship of Jesus Christ where His body was
recognized by men who were of all equal standing. People were recognized by
their spiritual maturity, not by their hierarchical elitism. The apostles did
not reside in the church, but were temporal as “church planters” who moved
where God called them to oversee for a time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The deviation from the biblical pastoral office can be traced to
Ignatius of Antioch (AD 35-107) and the role of the bishop. The bishop was
given complete authority and required absolute obedience in the church. In the
third century, Cyprian of Carthage made more distinct classifications of
Christians with the terms clergy and laity. He was a pagan orator who became a
“Christian” who did not abandon the pagan traditions, but incorporated them.
The position of bishop eventually evolved to the head of the church and the
delegated responsibilities went to the presbyter.The presbyter evolved into the
Catholic priest as the hierarchical structure of the church broadened. By the
fourth century, deacons took a role under the presbyters, and under them were
the laymen. By the time of the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century,
the Catholic Church practices were questioned; the bishop’s office and the
priesthood was reduced to the presbyter. What the Protestants did not do was
question the status classifications between clergy and laity, but kept them
with their own classification system. There are those who are
“special”,“called”, and who must be “ordained” into a “ministry.” In fact there
is really no distinction between the duties of the Catholic priest and a Protestant
pastor except for slightly reformed office.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The biblical among a participatory body has changed to a ruling single
pastor (sola pastora). Likewise, the bishop was raised to a status where all
power and authority from him was absolute. Ignatius said, “He that honors the
bishop is honored of God.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fallen man always has the urge for someone to mediate between them and
God. We can see this in Exodus when the Israelites wanted Moses to be their
mediator for everything. Today, we can see that the pastor takes on a similar
role, and conducts everything from baptism, marriages, sermons, and controlling
influence over other activities within the institutional church.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The hierarchical system infiltrated the church as a result of the
influential Greco-Roman culture. The church had become an institution with
“official” people doing ministry. The true Scriptural church, which was led by
the Holy Spirit was functional and shared by all believers, but soon became a
thing of the past. Pagan organizational patterns have infiltrated and became
the backbone of what is the modern institutional church.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A true follower of Jesus Christ should understand that what a person
does in everyday life is sanctified by God, there is no need for a higher
calling into the “ministry” versus a worldly vocation. The dichotomy between
what is “sacred” and what is “worldly” is a pagan conception. There are no
grounds for ordained spiritual elitism because every believer has the
discernment from God to recognize those who have particular giftings that God
has given them. In the Early Church, the term “ordain” did not mean to be put
into an official title, but rather an affirmation of the gifting and character
of an individual that is recognized. It was a blessing pertaining to the
function, not a rite. Ordination into office stems from pagan rites by
empowering an individual through divine streams to become venerable, honorable,
and separated. It is the syncretism of Old Testament priesthood with Greek
hierarchy. In contrast, each person who was part of the Early Church did not
set themselves higher than one another, but in humility served each another.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shepherd the flock of God among
you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to
the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nor yet as lording it over those allotted
to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.</b> – 1 Peter 5:2-3</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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You will find nowhere in the New Testament where preaching, baptizing,
marriage, etc... was limited to those with "special" powers and
authority. We all have immediate access to God; the true church is a collective
of believers that share the Word of God with one another, not via a singular
paid mediator to a passive audience. According to John Calvin, “The pastoral
office is necessary to preserve the church on earth in a greater way than the
sun, food, and drink are necessary to nourish and sustain the present life.” It
is clear today that that most church institutions have taken John Calvin’s
model of church, but is in no way, shape, or form the model of the Early
Church, which apostles had planted.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Both the Catholic and Protestant practices of church are built on the
same human ideologies and traditions. The modern pastoral office has become an
obstacle to the true functioning of the church. True functioning believers of
Jesus Christ are not meant to be simply ears to hear the "very words of
God" that are preached from the pulpit every Sunday morning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Greek word for minister is diakonos, which means servant. It has
become incorrectly synonymous with a pastor who is in a professionalized
salaried position.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What has the office of the head
pastor of the modern church done to followers of Jesus Christ that can be seen
in the modern churches today?</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What really stands out is the division of Christians into separate
classes where the special, or more privileged can only serve Jesus Christ in
certain ways. The man-made system suffocates the rest of the church body into
becoming complacent to a one-man-ministry that reaches to mute audience. In
contrast, the Early Church encouraged every member of the body of Christ to
function with a right and privilege in the church assembly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Are you tired of being a
spectator who feels compelled and obligated to sing, raise your hands, take
notes, and put money in the offering plate? (1 Peter 2)</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately, the office of the head pastor in the modern church has
circumvented the very headship of Jesus Christ because it has taken the
centrality and the functional headship away from other believers. When Jesus
Christ is truly the headship, it manifests as freedom and openness with
everyone contributing, and all body parts functioning as they should.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The professional, modern pastor has become slave to the office, which
oppressively manifest in many ways, such as emotional breakdown, marital
issues, stress, burnout, and even depression just to name a
few. This is not the result of the pastor, but the effect of the modern man-made office.<br />
<br />
Scripture does not support one sole individual to wear so many hats at
one time. There is a high expectation and obligation to entertain, "tickle
ears," and make everyone feel good. This is artificial Christianity at its
best, which to be blunt, is dishonest, deceptive and potentially dangerous. The modern head pastor
can be likened to a Hollywood star who wins an Oscar for the primary role as
portraying someone who is always spiritual, cheerful, perfectly dressed, and
disciplined in all areas of life. This often leads to an unapproachable and unquestioning attitude
which exposes the political nature and susceptibility to corruption of the modern-day office of pastor. This condition often leads to isolation from the congregation to just those who are also in a vocational position within the institutional church. Unfortunately, they often have no real substance
outside of that exclusive group.</div>
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Take the time to study all the scriptures and you will see that the evidence reveals that the office of the head pastor and its specific function in the modern church is unsupported and non-existent in Scripture.<br />
<br />
Copied by permission from:<a href="http://planksandnails.hubpages.com/hub/The-Pastoral-Office-is-not-Biblical" target="_blank">PlankandNails </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-11047811345346474762013-05-02T11:18:00.001-07:002015-01-25T05:48:55.987-08:00"Tithing has been Abolished"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is a favorite Bible verse that many Christian leaders tout when
the monetary is needed to fill the coffers of the church. The pastor will say
that this is a form of worship and that God has commanded us to faithfully
tithe; if we do not, we will not receive God’s blessing and His work cannot
continue to function as it should. The tithe speech has been done in so many
different ways you would think that they used the same marketing tactics as a
used car lot.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The pressure and coercion concerning tithing has put many into
unnecessary pressure and bondage. The problem is that the money that is given
goes towards paying the large overhead costs of the church building which
include the salaries of the pastoral staff.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The church could not function
without these two most important things, right?</b></div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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Fortunately, for those who feel that tithing to the modern church does
not feel quite right, you are correct. The tithe has been abolished and if
Scripture is truly heeded as God has intended, there would be no one in the
church today practicing the abolished Biblical tithe of the Old Testament.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The history of the tithe comes from ancient Israel where God instituted
a three part taxation system.</div>
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A portion from the products of the land were to support the Levite
priests because they had no inheritance in Canaan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the tithe of the people of
Israel, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the
Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have
no inheritance among the people of Israel.” – Numbers 18:24</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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A tithe from the produce of the land would go towards a festival tithe
to sponsor religious festivals that were held in Jerusalem.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You shall tithe all the yield of
your seed that comes from the field year by year. And before the LORD your God,
in the place that he will choose… - Deuteronomy 14:22-23</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thirdly, a tithe from the produce from the land would go towards
widows, orphans, strangers, and local Levites every third year.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At the end of every three years
you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it
up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance
with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow… - Deuteronomy
14:28-29</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God commanded three tithes:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On that day men were appointed
over the storerooms, the contributions, the first-fruits, and the tithes, to
gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the
Levites according to the fields of the towns… - Nehemiah 12:44</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is a similarity of the Biblical tithe of the Old Testament with
the taxation systems we have today. Their purposes are quite similar; tax money
goes towards government personnel instead of the Leviticus priests, monetary
goes towards holidays instead of Jewish festivals, and programs for the poor
and unprivileged have the same purpose as for the widows and orphans.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then Jesus Christ died on the cross, the ceremonial laws that the Jews
were obligated to uphold concerning tithing were abolished, that is why there
is no evidence of tithing in the New Testament.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And you, who were dead in your
trespasses and the un-circumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with
him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt
that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to
the cross. – Colossians 2:13-14</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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It should be clear that tithing belonged to Israel when they were under
the old covenant. In the Early Church there was a different kind of stewardship
when it came to the monetary, which was not out of duty and compulsion, but out
of a cheerful heart and one’s own ability to do so.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When a leader in the church starts preaching this verse from the
pulpit, it is important to be able discern it in the right context.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Will man rob God? Yet you are
robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and
contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole
nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food
in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will
not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until
there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not
destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to
bear, says the LORD of hosts. – Malachi 3:8-11</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">…their abundance of joy and their
extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For
they gave according to their means… - 2 Corinthians 8:2-3</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So I thought it necessary to urge
the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have
promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. – 2
Corinthians 9:5</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Each one must give as he has
decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
From these few verses in the New Testament, it is clear and distinct
that tithing from the Old Testament has no connection with the practice of the
Early Church. A closer inspection of the verses in Malachi reveal who the
recipients of the tithe are.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is the tithe to the salaried
pastors and clergy of the modern church, or was it intended for the poor,
widows, and orphans?</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The tithing message is a corrupt man-made tradition to coerce the
masses into emptying their wallets to promote the corrupt man-made traditions
of the institutionalized modern church that is run like a business. The purpose
of giving in the New Testament was never for salaries and business costs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The modern church has corrupted what cheerful giving is all about by
suppresses the love of what giving generously to all believers means. If a
pastor demands a tithe, then we are to give to each other, not to his agenda
for the congregation. The tithe is not a legal requirement or is it obligatory.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why do many ministries make
others feel that they are not following God’s command by not tithing?</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is no longer a command of God, and is not binding on an individual. The
corruption of God’s Word has oppressed many in the modern church today. Many
who are struggling with their finances feel obligated to give beyond their
means because they are being told that they are robbing God, or feed into the
delusion of the Prosperity Gospel. Even in the Old Testament, the tithe was a
blessing to the poor, not a curse. Many are being thrown deeper into poverty
all in the name of the “Good News,” while the wealthy and prosperous Christian somehow
believes that they are being “blessed” by giving ten percent or more. Tithing
makes the wealthier person feel good about themselves, but gives the poor a
guilty conscience. Unfortunately, both are in delusion believing that they are
obeying God and being “good” Christians. The reality is that tithing has
nothing to do with devotion to Jesus Christ, but is historically proven as a
means to pay the salaries of those in the institutional church offices.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Salaries run against the new covenant of Jesus Christ because it takes
from the flock.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I coveted no one’s silver or gold
or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities
and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working
hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” –
Acts 20:33-35</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When there are professional paid clergymen, the modern
institutionalized church immediately elevates them above the rest of the
believers. They are considered paid professionals within the brotherhood of
believers in Jesus Christ. All believers are “living stones” and functioning
priests in the body of Jesus Christ; therefore, a salaried minister is not
needed, and occupies an unnecessary position and unknowingly interferes and stifles
God’s plans for His church. It is time to wake up from this man-made delusion
that salaried pastoral positions are Scriptural.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
To be blunt, most salaried pastors are slave to the masses as
"people pleasers" who are always in fear of saying the wrong thing,
especially to the heavy tithers in the audience because their jobs may depend
on giving the people what they want to hear. The collateral damage on those who
are under the bondage of the modern church system can be seen in the members of
their immediate families. The idolatry to this system has wreaked havoc on
marriages and their children as well as their congregation of believers.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tithing is an Old Testament practice that no longer applies to the
church today. It is an old and obsolete practice. It is time to break free from
the oppressive system that is being promoted in the modern church. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is freedom in a group of people who want to freely and cheerfully
give to one another with no strings of guilt, obligation, or manipulation
attached to it. These are the principles that define the true body of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Copied from:<a href="http://planksandnails.hubpages.com/hub/Tithing-Has-Been-Abolished-Say-No-to-Temple-Tax" target="_blank">PlankandNails</a> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-36203715063842165062013-04-17T16:30:00.001-07:002015-10-01T06:44:11.100-07:00There is no Biblical Defense for Paid Pastors/Elders I came to believe that there was no valid support or defense for
paying the salary of a pastor or elder while I was at Southeastern
Baptist Theological Seminary. This was while I was training to become a
vocational/paid pastor! It was through my experiences at the seminary
and studying the scriptures that made me realize that just about
everything we we do in “traditional church” cannot be defended or
supported with the scriptures (try as we might). So, I have been
inspired, by a conversation with my brother-in-law, to write about the
misguided idea that pastors/elders should receive a salary. But before I
start, let me say that I am not saying it is wrong or sinful to pay a
man to teach you every Sunday morning, all I am saying is that this
practice cannot be justified using the Christian Bible. I would also say
that in most cases, paying the salary of a pastor/elder is quite often
detrimental to the maturity and growth of the church.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lewayotte.com/about/" target="_blank">Lew Ayotte </a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<h3>
1 Timothy 5:17-18</h3>
So, let us talk about the most popular verse use to support paying an elder, 1 Timothy 5:17-18…<br />
<blockquote>
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of
double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For
the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the
grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”</blockquote>
The ultimate question with this verse is what does <i>honor</i> mean… or in this case <i>double honor</i>. Many people equate <i>honor</i> with <i>wage</i>,
the laborer deserves his wage and the elder deserves his wage too.
Which does not really make sense. In essence, what Paul is saying here
is “Elders are worthy of double honor, just like oxen are worthy of
their grain, and laborers are worthy of their wage.” We cannot rightly
say that elders are worthy of their wage because laborers are… not
unless you are prepared to say that elders are worthy of their grain
too. You see, elders are not oxen and they are not laborers, they are
elders! (technically, an elder could be a laborer, if they got real jobs
to support themselves and their families)<br />
You may be inclined to say that elders work at least 40 hours a week
and are on-call 24 hours a day , 7 days a week! Surely that is a job and
quite labor intensive. And yes, I would agree with you, but that is not
an elder’s job, no where in scripture can you defend the practice of
making eldership as employment. In fact, you would be hard pressed to
find any description of an elder that prescribes the job requirements of
a modern day pastor. An elder is someone who has simply been recognized
as being mature in Christ, not someone who gets paid to perform certain
duties.<br />
There is another fundamental problem with associating the term
“double honor” with “wage” in this text. If we read a few verses from
before, 1 Timothy 5:3…<br />
<blockquote>
Honor widows who are widows indeed</blockquote>
You see, just a few lines above where Paul talks about <i>double honor</i> he says that widows are worthy of <i>single honor</i>. If we are confident that <i>double honor</i>
is the same as a laborer’s wage, then all the true widows in your
church should get half the salary that your senior pastor makes (and
half the grain).<br />
I have not heard anyone, ever, suggest that we need to pay a widow an annual salary. So what does <i>honor</i> mean here? Well, the Greek words for <i>honor</i>
(τιμἁω / τιμἡ) is used in both verses to literally mean, “respect.” In
other words, the godly people in the church deserve respect, especially
if they teach and preach — and the widows should be respected too.<br />
We should also consider a few verses that come after 1 Timothy 5:17-18, namely, 1 Timothy 6:1…<br />
<blockquote>
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their
own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our
doctrine will not be spoken against.</blockquote>
If <i>double honor</i> means that we should pay our elders a
salary, then logically speaking, slaves should pay their masters a
salary, right? And yes, this is the same Greek word τιμἡ used in 1
Timothy 5:17-18. It truly does not make sense to say that Paul meant
“honor” as one meaning in between two other uses of the same word. Not
to mention, how could a slave pay their masters a salary at all? Unless
of course these slaves were paid, which may be historically accurate,
why would they then be required to give all that money back to the
person who paid them?<br />
<br />
<h3>
1 Corinthians 9:14</h3>
Let us move onto the next verse, 1 Corinthians 9:14…<br />
<blockquote>
So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.</blockquote>
Well, this is pretty damning evidence, is it not? No, not really. Let
us consider the some of the context surrounding the verse, 1
Corinthians 9:9-18 (bolded to illustrate my point)…<br />
<blockquote>
For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not
muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” God is not concerned about oxen,
is He? Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it
was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher
to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in
you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others
share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, <b>we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.</b>
Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of
the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share
from the altar? So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel
to get their living from the gospel.<br />
<b>But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing
these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be
better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.</b>
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under
compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. For if I do
this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a
stewardship entrusted to me. <b>What then is my reward? That, when I
preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to
make full use of my right in the gospel.</b></blockquote>
You have to realize, Paul (the author of this letter) repeatedly says
that although they have the right to receive money for their work, they
did not pursue this right. They did this so they would not hinder the
gospel. Oh, and there is also an often ignored smoking gun in this
verse. Do you see it? This verse has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with
pastors or elders! This is about missionaries. Paul was not an elder or a
pastor, he was a missionary. He was travelling from town to town as a
missionary spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Now, I would be the
last person to argue that we should not support missionary work, but
Paul here says it is ideal for a missionary to find their own work and
support themselves! But we cannot deny the fact that in this context,
those who proclaim the gospel get their living from the gospel is
talking about people who are leaving their home town and travelling far
away to share about the Christ. In other words, these are people who
would, in any normal situation, have a hard time finding employment and
supporting their own physical needs.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Galatians 6:6</h3>
The next verse is pretty weak, Galatians 6:6…<br />
<blockquote>
The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.</blockquote>
I am not even sure how this verse can be used to support paying
someone a salary. Especially considering how the verse continues, 6:7-9…<br />
<blockquote>
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man
sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh
will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit
will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing
good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.</blockquote>
In other words, if you teach the word (sow), you can expect to reap
spiritual blessings from that work. This has nothing to do with money, I
think many people out there who share the gospel can speak to the
blessings they have received from the people who they have shared with
or continue to disciple.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Philippians 4:14-19</h3>
The last verse that is commonly used to support paying a pastor/elder is Philippians 4:14-19…<br />
<blockquote>
Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my
affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first
preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with
me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in
Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I
seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your
account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I
am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have
sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory
in Christ Jesus.</blockquote>
We still have to deal with the same smoking gun as above, Paul is a
missionary, not an elder/pastor. But yes, apparently the Philippians
supported Paul when he was going through a rough patch, and he
considered it a blessing. Though he did not seek the gift, he is glad
that their graciousness will profit the Philippians. I would also like
to point out that this is not a salary, it is a gift of support they
sent Paul while he was away. In other words, this verse does not support
paying a pastor/elder a salary!<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Old Testament Priests</h3>
Many people look to the Old Testament priesthood as an example or
model of how we should support our pastors and elders. There is one
hugely fundamental problem with this concept though. We are all priests,
we have direct communication with God, we do not need to go to a human
to have our sins overlooked. The priestly system was setup in a certain
way for a certain time. And that whole system was ultimately fulfilled
through Jesus (thankfully).<br />
<br />
<h3>
Final Thoughts</h3>
Of the four verses I talked about today, the only one that has any
direct bearing on elders is 1 Timothy 5:17-18. If there were a verse to
support paying a pastor a salary, it would be that one. Unfortunately,
it does not… it cannot! The fact is, the church system is not meant to
function the way that it does, the way that requires one or a few men to
teach every Sunday, to be on-call 24×7, to be the only people who visit
the sick in the hospital, the men who sets the <i>vision</i> for the
church (as if God did not already do that 2,000 years ago), etc. The
church should function in a way that we all share in the responsibility
of discipling one-another, we should love one-another, we should visit
one-another and help one-another. This responsibility should not, MUST
NOT, fall on one man (or a few men). Earlier I said that paying a
pastors salary was detrimental to the maturity and growth of the church.
What I meant was this, when we pay a man to do the stuff that we should
be doing, we fail to grow. Sure, we might learn something every now and
then as we mindlessly sit in our pews, but that is not growing or
maturing. We grow spiritually when we learn how to give up our own wants
and needs for those around us. That is extremely hard to do when we
think that paying a mans salary to do those things for us is what God
wants from us. With all that said, let me leave you with a few quotes
from the scripture that do support the ideal of being unpaid…<br />
<blockquote>
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us,
because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s
bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and
day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we
do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to
imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:
If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. - 2 Thessalonians
3:7-10</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer
the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the
gospel. – 1 Corinthians 9:18<br />
I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves
know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were
with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner
you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that
He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts
20:33-35</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory
that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising
oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will
of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; not domineering
over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. - 1 Peter
5:1-3</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586216583673731735.post-39186123196143085722013-04-17T07:48:00.002-07:002015-10-01T06:44:40.076-07:00Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct <table id="toc" summary="Table of Contents"><tbody>
<tr class="chp"><td class="chp-nmbr"></td><td class="chp-name">This book is about much more than tithing or not tithing. It's about
setting people free from a wrong, religious mindset so they can
experience the reality of New Covenant life in Christ. It's about
recovering a glorious spiritual inheritance that Christians have been
defrauded of, exposing wrong doctrines that negate Christ's finished
work on the cross. It's about living like a righteous, new-creation son
of God, born again through spiritual union with Jesus Christ by his
resurrection from the dead. This book is just a beginning. Tithing is
just the tip of the iceberg of carnal mentalities that dominate most of
Christianity.<br />
<br />
I was taught to tithe as a child and did so for many years without
question. It was never a problem to me, spiritually or financially. I
thoroughly agreed with the teaching and wasn't looking for any reason to
contradict it. However, after many years of seeking God and studying
his word, I have come to see the doctrine of tithing, and all other
financial giving as well, in a new light—the revelation of the mystery
of being in Christ.<br />
<br />
I have two objectives in writing this book. One is that Christians
would wake up and realize that tithing is part of the old carnal
religious way of life and put it aside to enter the New Covenant way of
living. The New Testament's description for this way of living is, <i>in Christ</i>.
Religious traditions that man has created are the biggest obstacle to
the glorious life of God that we were created to enjoy. Tithing is one
of those well-meaning-but-misguided traditions.<br />
<br />
Another objective is to equip Christians with a solid scriptural
foundation to answer the constant barrage of teaching that is promoting
tithing and keeping the church in a low-realm, religious mode of living.
The doctrine of tithing has been mindlessly taught and accepted for so
long that some of the most outstanding Christian leaders do not
recognize how it contradicts the very foundation of the gospel they are
preaching.<br />
<br />
This book may challenge some of your deepest beliefs. It may
contradict your most esteemed spiritual leaders. But no brother or
sister in Christ is being personally judged or attacked. I appreciate
those who have given their lives in service to the Lord and his church.
The Bible tells us to "esteem them very highly in love for their work's
sake" (1 Thess. 5:13). However, their teachings are at all times to be
examined in the light of scripture.<br />
This book exposes the error of some very popular teachings but does
not accuse those who are teaching them. No names are ever mentioned, but
you may recognize some statements. There are many well-known ministers,
whom I greatly respect, that I have to disagree with when it comes to
the subject of tithing.<br />
<br />
Paul the apostle said in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, “we know in part”
and “we see through a glass, darkly;” therefore, we can never expect
perfect doctrinal unity. However, we can pursue a better knowledge of
the truth and we can extend the love of God to one another in the
process. If we disagree, we can do so respectfully. Each person must
walk with God in the best way they know.<br />
I ask you to lay aside preconceived ideas and traditional thinking,
and prayerfully consider the message of this book. Its purpose is to
move the church toward the highest and best that God has provided in
Christ. I pray that it will be the beginning of a spiritual revolution
in your life.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr"><br /></td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/index.html" target="_blank">Matthew E. Narramore</a><br />
<br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">1</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter1.html">Trojan Horse</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">The tithing doctrine contradicts the true
message of life in Christ as a son of God and contributes to spiritual
weakness in the church by holding it in a low spiritual realm.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">2</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter2.html">Before the Law: Abraham</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">The story of Abraham and Melchizedek has been
taken out of context and distorted to create a doctrine that
contradicts the New Covenant and promotes an inferior way of living.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">3</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter3.html">Before the Law: Jacob</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">The story of the tithe in Jacob's life is an
example of ignorance, unbelief, and foolish bargaining with God. There
is no reason for a believer in Jesus Christ to follow Jacob's example.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">4</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter4.html">During the Law</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">Much of the erroneous teaching on tithing
reflects a misunderstanding of tithing during the Law. Even though
people say that they are not preaching the Law, almost every scripture
that is used to teach or promote tithing is from the Law or was speaking
to people who were under the Law, not to the church.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">5</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter5.html">After the Law</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">Inadequate study of the Bible leads to the
conclusion that tithing was after the Law and is still God's plan for us
today. The glorious way of life that God has given the church through
Jesus Christ exposes the tithing paradigm as being weak and beggarly in
comparison.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">6</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter6.html">New Covenant Giving</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">The New Covenant paradigm for financial
stewardship and giving is based on a completely different spiritual
paradigm than the tithe and is far superior to it, just as the New
Covenant in Jesus Christ is far superior to any previous relationship
between God and man.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">7</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter7.html">Disinformation I</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">The church has been defrauded of its glorious
spiritual inheritance in Christ by spiritual disinformation—wrong
doctrine that destroys the power of Christ's work on the cross.
Analysis and expose of wrong teachings such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>The tithe is the Lord's.</li>
<li>If you don't tithe you are a God-robber.</li>
<li>A curse will come on you if you don't tithe.</li>
<li>We are commanded to prove God with the tithe.</li>
<li>Tithing rebukes the devourer.</li>
<li>The tithe is the connection to the covenant.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">8</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter8.html">Disinformation II</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">Analyzing and exposing more of the popular statements that are wrongly used to teach tithing to the church, such as:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jesus tithed.</li>
<li>Jesus taught tithing.</li>
<li>The tithe redeems the other ninety-percent.</li>
<li>Tithing qualifies you as a steward to receive more from God.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">9</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter9.html">Disinformation III</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">More wrong teachings that are used to promote the doctrine of tithing, analyzed and exposed:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Tithing began in the garden of Eden.</li>
<li>When Jesus died on the cross, God was paying his tithe.</li>
<li>If you don't tithe, God will take that ten percent from you.</li>
<li>If everyone tithed, churches would have plenty of money.</li>
<li>Heaven will be shut up against you if you don't tithe.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">10</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter10.html">Righteousness</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">The born-again man has been crucified,
buried, resurrected, and seated with Christ at the Father's right hand.
He has been made the righteousness of God in Christ and is spiritually
designed for a different way of living than was known before the
resurrection.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">11</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter11.html">Sons of God</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">In Christ, we are sons of God now. The
Father's will is to bring us to the full spiritual stature of Jesus
Christ. Tithing was ordained for people who had a different kind of
relationship to God.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr">12</td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter12.html">Commencement</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">Tithing is not a neutral option. It's part of
a low-realm, obsolete, and defunct religious mentality. It hinders the
church by obscuring and negating the truth of what it means to be a son
of God through spiritual union with Jesus Christ.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr"><br /></td>
<td class="chp-name">Appendix</td>
</tr>
<tr class="chp">
<td class="chp-nmbr"><br /></td>
<td class="chp-name"><a href="http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/hebrews7.html">Hebrews 7</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="summary">
<td><br /></td>
<td class="sum-pgrph">Hebrews chapter 7 does not teach or support
the doctrine of tithing for the New Testament church. It has been
misunderstood and misrepresented.<br />
<br />
<b>By: - Matthew E. Narramore</b> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com