Tithing To Church; Robbery And Extortion

The Biblical examples of early church giving does allow the church to collect the gifts of the assembly, but the only worthy recipients of these gifts are the poor and needy. Our Bible is clear, giving to God, building treasure in heaven is giving to the poor. Today’s Pewsitter Priesthood follow in the footsteps of many generations who twist the word of God to their own advantage. This distortion is best described as extortion.  This has been going on for centuries but the word includes many clear warnings that these blind men refuse to observe. Lets take a quick look at the sin of Simon the Magician.

Philip Preaches in Samaria

NLT Act 8:4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city. 9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” 11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. 12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” 20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” 24 “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!” 25 After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.

The reasons that Simon was not fit to spread the Holy Spirit was that he thought that Gods gifts could be bought and sold. Simon was full of bitter jealousy and still captive to sin, still following his evil selfish nature.

Because he sought to buy the gift of God [and presumably sell it to others] he was cut off from God!. What is the difference between Simon and today’s “hired hand” pastors? They both try to make a living off of the distribution of God’s gifts!

False Teaching and True Riches

NLT 1 Tim 6:2 Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Looking as vs 5 again in AMP

AMP 1 Tim 6:5 And protracted wrangling and wearing discussion and perpetual friction among men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit [a moneymaking business, a means of livelihood]. From such withdraw.

We are told to withdraw from anyone who imagines that living a Godly life is a way to make a living!

John 10:1-10 contrasts good shepherds with hired hands. This passage explains that these hired hands are not coming thru Jesus. They are fence jumpers that do not come thru the gate. Are You In Christ’s Sheepfold?

Please take a look at this apparently contradictory passage. Remember the new covenant temple is not a building it is the body of Christ, his true followers.

NLT 1 Cor 9:11Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? 12If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.

13Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple[the new covenant Temple is the body of Christ’s followers 1 Cor 6:19] ? And those who serve at the altar[the new covenant altar, the place of sacrifice is the life of Chris’s followers Heb 12:4]  get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 14In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 15Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. 16Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

17If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. 18What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

19Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.

Doesn’t vs 13 really say that folks serving at the altar, those who help believers live out their lives of service and sacrifice to God are to get a share of that sacrifice. I don’t think this passage is even talking about money!

While most pastor’s point to verse 13, saying they deserve their pay, they fail to grasp Paul’s explanation that immediately follows. Paul clearly states that he is preaching as a result of God’s call. Paul goes on to explain that men can accept pay for preaching when they preach of their own volition, when they are following their own initiative. Although this situation is allowed, it is not beneficial for these self motivated preachers. Looking back at the 1 Tim 6 passage again we see that mature believers are to withdraw from these preachers who think that godliness is a way to make a living. The John 10 passage clearly explains that these hired hands, are the fence jumpers who refuse to go thru the gate, they refuse to submit to Jesus and his servant slave shepherd role [Matt 20:27] . The refuse to sacrifice their lives for the sheep[John 10:11].

Clearly anyone who claims to be preaching of their own volition is not becoming a new Creation in Christ[Gal 10:15], not allowing the word and the Holy Spirit to transform them[Rom 12:2] because the word clearly calls all followers of Christ to prophesy, to inspired preaching and teaching.

AMP 1 Cor 14:1 EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).

I can certainly understand if your are in shock and disbelief. How could this be? Take a look a look at this quote:

“With scripture mixed with the teachings of men …. is True evil accomplished …for true evil …is evil masked in good.”

http://www.godstruthtous.com/notes/churchalie.htm

If you are a new creation in Christ [Gal 10:15], if you are allowing the word and the Holy Spirit to  transform you[Rom 12:2]; you too will eventually understand.

Today’s churches are following Blind Leaders! They are The Church Nourished From The Face Of The Serpent!! We need to Know Our Leaders

Dear God

Help us to understand Simon the Magician’s sin; to be the new creation in Christ; to allow the word to correct us, to really follow your Holy Spirit, to allow him to lead us into all truth, to only follow your humble servant Leaders.

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Tithing To Church; Robbery And Extortion

Tithing To Church; Robbery And Extortion

Tithing To Church; Robbery And Extortion

Tithing To Church; Robbery And Extortion