Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1
For some inexplicable reason, almost all radio and television preachers have chosen to ignore these Scriptures and made it a habit to ask for donations to their ministries (good or bad).
When Jesus sent forth His twelve disciples (eleven of whom would eventually become apostles) he not only empowered them to heal every kind of sickness and disease, including leprosy, but also to cast out demons, and to raise the dead. Those were tremendous capabilities, yet they were to be used without money and without price. That corresponds to the offer of salvation in Isaiah, which is also without money and without price. This is all because of God’s grace, which is abundant and free.
So how is it that those who minister the Word do not apply this fundamental Gospel principle? Not only do many of them fail to apply it, but then some go on to manipulate their audiences, and eventually take those Christians contributions and make them into their personal wealth. After that many wallow in self-indulgence, and purchase expensive houses, cars, goods, and luxuries (just like the rich man in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man), while poor beggars gather crumbs and poor Christians struggle to survive worldwide. As a result, Christianity has acquired a bad name because of a handful of parasites parading as preachers.
When the Lord entered the temple at Jerusalem on two occasions – one at the beginning and one at the end of His earthly ministry – He took a scourge and drove off all those who were abusing the temple precincts to make a huge profit. However, His judgment is held in abeyance now, until He comes to judge the earth. But the world mocks Christianity by pointing to preachers who do not obey the Lord.
There is no question that genuine evangelists, pastors, and teachers should be financially supported within their local churches. But those who step out in faith cannot ask for any donations at any time, and must simply leave the matter in God’s hands. George Mueller of Bristol is a good example for all preachers, since God did provide for the orphans and Christians schools under his care by whatever means He chose. Mueller never once asked for financial support from people but always directly from the Lord. There are very few preachers who follow his example, which is quite amazing.
A closely related matter is Christian giving within the churches, and how it is not being taught properly. The Old Covenant principle was to give tithes for the work of the temple, and in fact the amounts added up to more than ten percent. But Christian giving under the New Covenant operates on a different principle – sacrificial giving by “living sacrifices”. Which could translate in many cases to giving the Lord 90% and retaining just 10% (or less) for the necessities of life. But then a tremendous responsibility rests on the shoulders of elders and deacons that not a single penny should be squandered or abused.
The New Testament makes it clear that the gifts and offerings of Christians should be applied to (a) assisting needy brothers and sisters in their hour of need, (b) supporting widows and orphans with no other means, (c) compensating those within the church who labor in the Word and doctrine – pastors and elders who minister the Word and don’t waste their time in administration (which is the responsibility of deacons), and (d) supporting missionaries as they travel to take the Gospel to far off lands. However, pouring cash into ornate buildings and “cathedrals” was never the plan. And supporting the lavish lifestyles of those who would make merchandise of the Gospel would be considered an abomination.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1
For some inexplicable reason, almost all radio and television preachers have chosen to ignore these Scriptures and made it a habit to ask for donations to their ministries (good or bad).
When Jesus sent forth His twelve disciples (eleven of whom would eventually become apostles) he not only empowered them to heal every kind of sickness and disease, including leprosy, but also to cast out demons, and to raise the dead. Those were tremendous capabilities, yet they were to be used without money and without price. That corresponds to the offer of salvation in Isaiah, which is also without money and without price. This is all because of God’s grace, which is abundant and free.
So how is it that those who minister the Word do not apply this fundamental Gospel principle? Not only do many of them fail to apply it, but then some go on to manipulate their audiences, and eventually take those Christians contributions and make them into their personal wealth. After that many wallow in self-indulgence, and purchase expensive houses, cars, goods, and luxuries (just like the rich man in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man), while poor beggars gather crumbs and poor Christians struggle to survive worldwide. As a result, Christianity has acquired a bad name because of a handful of parasites parading as preachers.
When the Lord entered the temple at Jerusalem on two occasions – one at the beginning and one at the end of His earthly ministry – He took a scourge and drove off all those who were abusing the temple precincts to make a huge profit. However, His judgment is held in abeyance now, until He comes to judge the earth. But the world mocks Christianity by pointing to preachers who do not obey the Lord.
There is no question that genuine evangelists, pastors, and teachers should be financially supported within their local churches. But those who step out in faith cannot ask for any donations at any time, and must simply leave the matter in God’s hands. George Mueller of Bristol is a good example for all preachers, since God did provide for the orphans and Christians schools under his care by whatever means He chose. Mueller never once asked for financial support from people but always directly from the Lord. There are very few preachers who follow his example, which is quite amazing.
A closely related matter is Christian giving within the churches, and how it is not being taught properly. The Old Covenant principle was to give tithes for the work of the temple, and in fact the amounts added up to more than ten percent. But Christian giving under the New Covenant operates on a different principle – sacrificial giving by “living sacrifices”. Which could translate in many cases to giving the Lord 90% and retaining just 10% (or less) for the necessities of life. But then a tremendous responsibility rests on the shoulders of elders and deacons that not a single penny should be squandered or abused.
The New Testament makes it clear that the gifts and offerings of Christians should be applied to (a) assisting needy brothers and sisters in their hour of need, (b) supporting widows and orphans with no other means, (c) compensating those within the church who labor in the Word and doctrine – pastors and elders who minister the Word and don’t waste their time in administration (which is the responsibility of deacons), and (d) supporting missionaries as they travel to take the Gospel to far off lands. However, pouring cash into ornate buildings and “cathedrals” was never the plan. And supporting the lavish lifestyles of those who would make merchandise of the Gospel would be considered an abomination.