NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 6
One other observation that we can make from the 19th chapter of Acts is to take notice of special miracles wrought by the SPIRIT of GOD through the Apostle Paul. We learn that many of the sick were healed and others delivered from demon possession by coming into contact with pieces of cloth which Paul had touched. The conduct of the apostles is quite in contrast with the modern day “miracle workers” who wouldn’t miss such an opportunity to extort money from the “believers”. Not only do these modern day prophets of Baal corrupt the gospel but they seek to turn a nice profit in the process by selling prayer cloths, bottles of water, vials of sand and who knows what else under the guise of imparting a blessing thereby. The only “miracles” wrought by these contemporary charlatans is being able to get sane people to give them money. Woe be to those who make such merchandise upon the backs of GOD’s people. Even some who teach relatively sound doctrine have adopted their ways and attach a price to their preaching and teaching in one way or another. It has become acceptable among most churches and “ministries” (so called) to sell their wares like the dime store. Neither Paul, nor any of the other Apostles ever sold anything or charged for something which had to do with the gospel or the manifestations of the gifts of the SPIRIT which were wrought in them.
With this very thought in mind we now take a look at what Paul said to the Ephesian elders as they came to Miletus to visit with him. (see Acts 20:17,18) His main counsel to them was to beware of the fact that false prophets would arise, even of their own number. Secondarily and perhaps related to this very tendency he reminded them that he had not coveted any man’s money nor did he serve among them at any time for money. He made special emphasis of the fact that he labored with his own hands not only to supply his own needs but also for those that were traveling with him.
It seems quite clear from his teaching throughout his epistles that he thought it was proper for those who are ministered to, (having a sense of the value of that which they have received), to be willing to pay those who labored in their midst to teach them sound doctrine. He even uses the Old Testament example of not muzzling the ox that treadeth out the corn in teaching that it is not improper for a man to expect that he should be compensated for his labor. (see I Cor.9:1-13; I Tim.5:17,18) I believe that the scripture clearly indicates that it is proper and incumbent upon the LORD’s people to see that those who thus bestow labor and blessing upon them, through diligent service and ministry, are taken care of in material blessings. It is a shameful thing for a people to receive the labors of a man’s life and despise it or count it a worthless thing by allowing those who bestow such labor to have any lack when it is within their power to supply it. “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? “ (1Cor. 9:11)
So there are two dynamics at work in the teaching of the apostle. When he is speaking to the elders he is admonishing them to provide for their own needs without demanding payment for their services in order that there be no hindrance to the gospel or at the very least instructing them that this is a wise course. In this fashion the critics will be silenced and those who would accuse them of serving for money would have no grounds upon which to build such an argument. On the other hand when he is speaking to those who are the recipients of the labor and diligence of those whom GOD has called to this work, then they must not expect that they are owed such service. To do so is to place a small value upon that which they have received. The spirit of the LORD’s people should be akin to that of David at the threshing floor of Araunah when he said, “Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (II Sam. 24:24)
Those who have been called to this work should do it as unto the LORD demanding nothing in return. Yea even as Paul said woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel. Do those who are called to this work have any other choice? Those who are ministered to (on the other hand) should gladly be willing to pay for that which they have received as they would anything else that they place a value upon. It is odd that a person would be willing to pay someone to mow their grass or cut their hair; even tipping them beyond the actual cost of the service, yet feel no debt to those who have labored in their behalf to provide sustenance of a lasting kind. I believe that what men spend their money for is a good indicator of that which they value. That which a man places a high priority upon is that which he is always willing to pay for. To bless a man with material things who has provided one with benefit is not a gift unto the LORD rather it is a means of demonstrating the value one places on that which he has received. If nothing of value is received then nothing of value should be expended.
If we see the teaching of Paul as being correct then how should this be carried out? Should a “church” draw up a contract and pay a man a salary in order that he might “serve” them? There is nothing in the scripture to indicate that such an arrangement ever existed in the early church nor that it should in the present time. In the first place the “church” is not an “organization” or “club” which has the power to enter into such agreements or contracts. The church is an assembly of the saints, a gathering together of GOD’s people, so they have no scriptural grounds upon which to “organize” themselves beyond that which the HEAD has directed them to in HIS word, even if such arrangements are “convenient” and orderly. It seems that the way in which this should be done is that each member of the body should supply that which they are able to and according to the value which they have received. They should wait upon no one else to supply that which GOD directs them to provide or withhold as the case may be. It is not necessary that this money be cast into a common treasury but can be bestowed individually as one sees fit. To our own MASTER we stand or fall, we are kings and priests in the earth. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Rom 12:17)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-part 5
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - What are we to give to?-(cont.)
The next time we see money mentioned in connection with the early disciples is when Simon(Magus) the sorcerer offered Peter and John money for the ability to confer the gift of the HOLY GHOST. Peter rebuked him for thinking that the gifts of GOD could be purchased. Yet I have heard men teach that the principle of tithing is such that even the ungodly who tithe will be blessed with material blessings if they are faithful to tithe (especially if they give the money to the one doing the teaching). They shall perish with their money for the blessings of GOD cannot be bought with sums of money and those who think they can are as Simon, in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.
Then we travel with Barnabas and Paul down to Antioch where the scripture tells us that “the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea.” (Acts 11:29) This passage is interesting for what it does not say as much as it is for what it does. There is no record here of any man being coerced or even exhorted to give money to this effort to send financial help to the brethren in Judea. There was a report given by Agabus, a prophet, that there was to be (or perhaps already was) a famine or dearth coming upon the earth. There is no record that anyone made a specific appeal for relief. This is quite a novel concept in light of the constant pleading for money and those who feel it necessary to make everyone aware of “opportunities for service”. etc. which are quite rampant today. Many are amazed to find out that the LORD can (and does from time to time) lay it upon the heart of HIS people to supply a need without anyone else having to make them aware of it. I am not saying that this is always the case nor that the LORD does not move upon men to supply needs which are brought before them by another man, only that HE is not powerless in these things to work without human instrumentality.
We notice in this instance that men gave according to their ability rather than according to a fixed formula. We have no record of anyone exhorting them to give more nor do we find a certain goal set which they strove to meet. Giving for the relief of the brethren is one of the specific things that GOD’s people are to be concerned with in giving the funds with which the LORD has blessed them. When the saints of GOD are in a place of need which they cannot supply by their own effort or ability, it is incumbent upon those who are their brethren to consider their needs as their own as the LORD enables them. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) Paul knowing the sinful nature of men followed this admonition up with “For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Gal 6:5) lest any should abuse this and let laziness rather than true lack be the moving factor of “need”. (see 2 Thes.3:10-12)
This money was evidently pooled together (rather than deposited in a general fund) and placed in the hands of Barnabas and Paul for the specific purpose of the saints relief. We have no record of any votes being taken nor of any committee that was consulted, much less of any of those funds gathered for this reason being used for some other purpose.. They saw a need, gave as GOD enabled them, and made arrangements to see that which they had given, safely and efficiently placed into the hands of those in need. Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem and having accomplished the task they were sent to perform they returned back to Antioch. (see Acts 12:25)
The next time that we come across the subject of money is in Acts 18:3 where we find the apostle Paul busy working with his own hands to provide for his needs. This too, is a novel concept among many churches today as the ministry of the Word has become a paid profession more than a calling. Paul did not demand that he be supported and even brought attention to the fact that he preferred not to take a salary from those he ministered to. His desire was to be chargeable (i.e.; a financial liablility) to no one. (see 1 Thes.2:9, 2 Thes.3:8) It is clear that Paul was not reluctant to provide his own support and gave no consideration to money in determining where he was to minister the gifts GOD had given him. The modern practice of selling one’s services to the highest bidder is nothing more or less than making merchandise of the gospel. Even as a child I observed that most so called preachers determined where the LORD was “calling” them by looking at the salary offered. We hope to address this whole matter in more detail later but suffice it to say that Paul’s example is disregarded by the professionals.
An amazing occurrence took place in Ephesus as Paul preached there and the HOLY SPIRIT was convincing men of sin and bringing them to repentance. (see Acts 19:19) Evidently many in that city were involved in some sort of witchcraft which they were convicted by the SPIRIT was evil. They manifested repentance by bringing the books which they used in this practice and burning them, even though their value was 50,000 pieces of silver. This is a princely sum but it illustrates the comparative worthlessness of money, in the mind of GOD’s people, compared to spiritual truth and it demonstrates the willingness of the true children of GOD to part with that which men deem very valuable for the cause of CHRIST. Some more pragmatic and “wise” teachers today would probably have had them liquidate their collections of books and give the proceeds to their “ministry” since they always seem to be in short supply.
It was also here in Ephesus and related to this very event that Demetrius the silversmith arose with the concern that his and other workmen’s livelihoods were in danger of being disrupted. The power of CHRIST to change men’s lives and practices is evident in this testimony from an unconverted man who observed this power in operation even though he had no love nor understanding of it.
(to be continued, DV) mam
The next time we see money mentioned in connection with the early disciples is when Simon(Magus) the sorcerer offered Peter and John money for the ability to confer the gift of the HOLY GHOST. Peter rebuked him for thinking that the gifts of GOD could be purchased. Yet I have heard men teach that the principle of tithing is such that even the ungodly who tithe will be blessed with material blessings if they are faithful to tithe (especially if they give the money to the one doing the teaching). They shall perish with their money for the blessings of GOD cannot be bought with sums of money and those who think they can are as Simon, in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.
Then we travel with Barnabas and Paul down to Antioch where the scripture tells us that “the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea.” (Acts 11:29) This passage is interesting for what it does not say as much as it is for what it does. There is no record here of any man being coerced or even exhorted to give money to this effort to send financial help to the brethren in Judea. There was a report given by Agabus, a prophet, that there was to be (or perhaps already was) a famine or dearth coming upon the earth. There is no record that anyone made a specific appeal for relief. This is quite a novel concept in light of the constant pleading for money and those who feel it necessary to make everyone aware of “opportunities for service”. etc. which are quite rampant today. Many are amazed to find out that the LORD can (and does from time to time) lay it upon the heart of HIS people to supply a need without anyone else having to make them aware of it. I am not saying that this is always the case nor that the LORD does not move upon men to supply needs which are brought before them by another man, only that HE is not powerless in these things to work without human instrumentality.
We notice in this instance that men gave according to their ability rather than according to a fixed formula. We have no record of anyone exhorting them to give more nor do we find a certain goal set which they strove to meet. Giving for the relief of the brethren is one of the specific things that GOD’s people are to be concerned with in giving the funds with which the LORD has blessed them. When the saints of GOD are in a place of need which they cannot supply by their own effort or ability, it is incumbent upon those who are their brethren to consider their needs as their own as the LORD enables them. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) Paul knowing the sinful nature of men followed this admonition up with “For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Gal 6:5) lest any should abuse this and let laziness rather than true lack be the moving factor of “need”. (see 2 Thes.3:10-12)
This money was evidently pooled together (rather than deposited in a general fund) and placed in the hands of Barnabas and Paul for the specific purpose of the saints relief. We have no record of any votes being taken nor of any committee that was consulted, much less of any of those funds gathered for this reason being used for some other purpose.. They saw a need, gave as GOD enabled them, and made arrangements to see that which they had given, safely and efficiently placed into the hands of those in need. Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem and having accomplished the task they were sent to perform they returned back to Antioch. (see Acts 12:25)
The next time that we come across the subject of money is in Acts 18:3 where we find the apostle Paul busy working with his own hands to provide for his needs. This too, is a novel concept among many churches today as the ministry of the Word has become a paid profession more than a calling. Paul did not demand that he be supported and even brought attention to the fact that he preferred not to take a salary from those he ministered to. His desire was to be chargeable (i.e.; a financial liablility) to no one. (see 1 Thes.2:9, 2 Thes.3:8) It is clear that Paul was not reluctant to provide his own support and gave no consideration to money in determining where he was to minister the gifts GOD had given him. The modern practice of selling one’s services to the highest bidder is nothing more or less than making merchandise of the gospel. Even as a child I observed that most so called preachers determined where the LORD was “calling” them by looking at the salary offered. We hope to address this whole matter in more detail later but suffice it to say that Paul’s example is disregarded by the professionals.
An amazing occurrence took place in Ephesus as Paul preached there and the HOLY SPIRIT was convincing men of sin and bringing them to repentance. (see Acts 19:19) Evidently many in that city were involved in some sort of witchcraft which they were convicted by the SPIRIT was evil. They manifested repentance by bringing the books which they used in this practice and burning them, even though their value was 50,000 pieces of silver. This is a princely sum but it illustrates the comparative worthlessness of money, in the mind of GOD’s people, compared to spiritual truth and it demonstrates the willingness of the true children of GOD to part with that which men deem very valuable for the cause of CHRIST. Some more pragmatic and “wise” teachers today would probably have had them liquidate their collections of books and give the proceeds to their “ministry” since they always seem to be in short supply.
It was also here in Ephesus and related to this very event that Demetrius the silversmith arose with the concern that his and other workmen’s livelihoods were in danger of being disrupted. The power of CHRIST to change men’s lives and practices is evident in this testimony from an unconverted man who observed this power in operation even though he had no love nor understanding of it.
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-part 4
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - What are we to give to?
If we are taught to be cheerful givers, exactly what are we supposed to give our money for? The only place we can find a reliable answer is in the word of GOD, the Bible. If we listen to the appeals of the “money changers and tax collectors” we might be convinced of the necessity to give to a multitude of causes which have no scriptural foundation.
At the outset let me say that the “church” is not a “depository” for the money of the saints nor can it be proven from the scripture that any New Testament church had an ongoing regular treasury. Some have taught that the only way that a person can properly “give” of their funds to the LORD is to bring them to the “local church” so that they might be deposited in that organization’s bank account. This idea is generally built on the old testament concept of bringing all the tithes into the “storehouse”.(see Mal.3:10) The problem with this teaching is that nowhere can a parallel be made between the New Testament assembly of the saints and the Old Testament treasury or storehouse. Nor can it be shown that the New Testament church is an “organization” (which is a whole new topic to be discussed at another time). On top of that there is no command in the new testament requiring or asking GOD’s people to tithe their money or any example of an ongoing and regular collection of funds in the assembly of the saints. This is probably quite a shocking statement to those who have long sat under ministries which spend a great deal of time emphasizing “ten percent” giving even to the point of promising great reward to those who do and certain leanness to those who don’t. Modern day “offertories” are a complete figment of the fertile imaginations of those interested in perpetuating kingdoms which have been established by flesh and blood which are dependent on money.
It is outside the scope of these articles to discuss tithing in detail but it is beneficial to read all of the old testament passages which mention tithing and see that tithing in the scripture is not always mentioned in the context of paying a ten percent sum of money. (see Dt.14:22-28 for example) If “tithing” is a “requirement” and as many teach, carries with it the prospect of great blessings of a financial nature, how does that fit with what the LORD said, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)? If it is a “requirement” (as some erroneously teach,) how can there be with it the expectation of financial reward. This is just a ploy on the part of the “money changers” to persuade and entice men into giving greater sums of money. Never once did Paul or any of the apostles ever teach such doctrine or encourage men to give for the purpose of personal gain.
The first record of, the saints in the New Testament, giving of their funds can be found in Acts 2:42-46; 4:32-37. The early church in Jerusalem was under great persecution and the livelihoods of many had been disrupted. The HOLY SPIRIT moved upon some of them to sell their lands and possessions and give the money from that sale for the general provision of all of the brethren gathered there. This was an unusual situation which was evidently not repeated in other places in the same fashion. At least it is not recorded for us if it did. Circumstances could arise at any time (and no doubt have since this era) where the need for such selflessness toward the brethren would be repeated, but this example is not one which is set forth before us in order that we might duplicate it on a regular basis. Rather, it stands as an illustration of the great love that these early believers had for one another and serves as a pattern for our regard for those who are called with us. They counted the well-being of their brethren of more value than their earthly possessions. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.’ (Phil 2:3)
The flesh always tries to counterfeit true spirituality, so it should come as no shock to us that Ananais and Sapphira (see Acts 5:1-11) thought they could garner favor among the apostles by claiming to be giving the complete proceeds from a possession which they sold. Some men still seem to think they can impress the HOLY SPIRIT with their feigned liberality. Most “tithe gatherers” are impressed and obsessed with the amount someone gives but there is no indication in the scripture that notice is ever made of individual generosity (most certainly not coupled with promises of material blessing). This incident should stand as a stark reminder that the blessings of GOD are bestowed by HIS sovereign will and cannot be purchased. (see Acts 8:18-20)
The next reference to money in the early church has to do with concern for its disbursement rather than its collection. (see Acts 6:1) As the number of disciples grew so also did the normal problems associated with sinful humanity. Even the church is not free from hypocrites and impostors. By nature men are complainers and usually find reasons to murmur and whine unless restrained by the HOLY GHOST.
There arose among the Gentile believers some who thought they were being discriminated against in the disbursement of funds from the common treasury. This was primarily noted by them as a neglect of their widows (who had no livelihood) who were being provided for by the brethren. Evidently there was already a shift away from everyone taking their living out of a common fund, supplied by those who had wealth of one sort or other, to that of supplying the needs of the truly poor. In any event one of the first “problems” that arose in the early church had to do with money. The apostles deemed it a serious enough dilemma that they appointed seven men to oversee this matter. We have little information about this situation but the lack of further mention of it seems to indicate that the ministry of these seven solved this problem.
(to be continued, DV) mam
If we are taught to be cheerful givers, exactly what are we supposed to give our money for? The only place we can find a reliable answer is in the word of GOD, the Bible. If we listen to the appeals of the “money changers and tax collectors” we might be convinced of the necessity to give to a multitude of causes which have no scriptural foundation.
At the outset let me say that the “church” is not a “depository” for the money of the saints nor can it be proven from the scripture that any New Testament church had an ongoing regular treasury. Some have taught that the only way that a person can properly “give” of their funds to the LORD is to bring them to the “local church” so that they might be deposited in that organization’s bank account. This idea is generally built on the old testament concept of bringing all the tithes into the “storehouse”.(see Mal.3:10) The problem with this teaching is that nowhere can a parallel be made between the New Testament assembly of the saints and the Old Testament treasury or storehouse. Nor can it be shown that the New Testament church is an “organization” (which is a whole new topic to be discussed at another time). On top of that there is no command in the new testament requiring or asking GOD’s people to tithe their money or any example of an ongoing and regular collection of funds in the assembly of the saints. This is probably quite a shocking statement to those who have long sat under ministries which spend a great deal of time emphasizing “ten percent” giving even to the point of promising great reward to those who do and certain leanness to those who don’t. Modern day “offertories” are a complete figment of the fertile imaginations of those interested in perpetuating kingdoms which have been established by flesh and blood which are dependent on money.
It is outside the scope of these articles to discuss tithing in detail but it is beneficial to read all of the old testament passages which mention tithing and see that tithing in the scripture is not always mentioned in the context of paying a ten percent sum of money. (see Dt.14:22-28 for example) If “tithing” is a “requirement” and as many teach, carries with it the prospect of great blessings of a financial nature, how does that fit with what the LORD said, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)? If it is a “requirement” (as some erroneously teach,) how can there be with it the expectation of financial reward. This is just a ploy on the part of the “money changers” to persuade and entice men into giving greater sums of money. Never once did Paul or any of the apostles ever teach such doctrine or encourage men to give for the purpose of personal gain.
The first record of, the saints in the New Testament, giving of their funds can be found in Acts 2:42-46; 4:32-37. The early church in Jerusalem was under great persecution and the livelihoods of many had been disrupted. The HOLY SPIRIT moved upon some of them to sell their lands and possessions and give the money from that sale for the general provision of all of the brethren gathered there. This was an unusual situation which was evidently not repeated in other places in the same fashion. At least it is not recorded for us if it did. Circumstances could arise at any time (and no doubt have since this era) where the need for such selflessness toward the brethren would be repeated, but this example is not one which is set forth before us in order that we might duplicate it on a regular basis. Rather, it stands as an illustration of the great love that these early believers had for one another and serves as a pattern for our regard for those who are called with us. They counted the well-being of their brethren of more value than their earthly possessions. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.’ (Phil 2:3)
The flesh always tries to counterfeit true spirituality, so it should come as no shock to us that Ananais and Sapphira (see Acts 5:1-11) thought they could garner favor among the apostles by claiming to be giving the complete proceeds from a possession which they sold. Some men still seem to think they can impress the HOLY SPIRIT with their feigned liberality. Most “tithe gatherers” are impressed and obsessed with the amount someone gives but there is no indication in the scripture that notice is ever made of individual generosity (most certainly not coupled with promises of material blessing). This incident should stand as a stark reminder that the blessings of GOD are bestowed by HIS sovereign will and cannot be purchased. (see Acts 8:18-20)
The next reference to money in the early church has to do with concern for its disbursement rather than its collection. (see Acts 6:1) As the number of disciples grew so also did the normal problems associated with sinful humanity. Even the church is not free from hypocrites and impostors. By nature men are complainers and usually find reasons to murmur and whine unless restrained by the HOLY GHOST.
There arose among the Gentile believers some who thought they were being discriminated against in the disbursement of funds from the common treasury. This was primarily noted by them as a neglect of their widows (who had no livelihood) who were being provided for by the brethren. Evidently there was already a shift away from everyone taking their living out of a common fund, supplied by those who had wealth of one sort or other, to that of supplying the needs of the truly poor. In any event one of the first “problems” that arose in the early church had to do with money. The apostles deemed it a serious enough dilemma that they appointed seven men to oversee this matter. We have little information about this situation but the lack of further mention of it seems to indicate that the ministry of these seven solved this problem.
(to be continued, DV) mam
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