Firstly I rightfully do not endorse Christians trying to make money of the gospel, asking for money or any of the supposedly Christian adds, for the Bibles, books, tapes listed here for sale too.. Jesus said as you freely received so freely give. Greedy Hirelings do not do this. http://groups.msn.com/AFOLLOWEROFCHRIST/advrt.msnw
Index1: Bible verse for the week(Job 14:14 KJV) If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.2: Bible study for the weekThe need of our learning to wait upon the Lord Jesus ChristThe personal need of our learning to wait upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and not do it on our own is a need for all persons too.In today's fast food age, and wrongfully help your self fast age, waiting is becoming a lost art for some?While we seem to be impatient to wait, the crooks, the wicked, the prostitutes also do seem to be ready and willing to wait to catch their prey(Psa 10:9 KJV) He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.(Psa 56:6 KJV) They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.(Psa 59:3 KJV) For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.(Jer 5:26 KJV) For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.(Jer 9:8 KJV) Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.(Psa 71:10 KJV) For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,(Micah 7:2 KJV) The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.(Luke 11:54 KJV) Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.(Lam 4:19 KJV) Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.(Lam 3:10 KJV) He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.(Hosea 6:9 KJV) And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.(Hosea 7:6 KJV) For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.(Prov 1:18 KJV) And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.(Prov 7:12 KJV) Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.(Prov 23:28 KJV) She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.(Prov 1:11 KJV) If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: 16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. 20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:(Prov 12:6 KJV) The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.(Acts 20:19 KJV) Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:(Acts 23:16 KJV) And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.(Acts 23:21 KJV) But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.(Acts 23:30 KJV) And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.(Acts 25:3 KJV) And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.(Prov 24:15 KJV) Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.(Eph 4:14 KJV) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;The Old Testament priests had learend the need of wating before God in the Holy palce.(Num 3:10 KJV) And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.(Num 8:24 KJV) This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:(1 Chr 23:28 KJV) Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;(2 Chr 5:11 KJV) And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:(2 Chr 13:10 KJV) But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business:(2 Ki 6:33 KJV) And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?God wants us also personally to wait upon him daily to supply our needs, to give us our instructions(Psa 25:3 KJV) Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.(Psa 25:5 KJV) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.(Psa 25:21 KJV) Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.(Psa 27:14 KJV) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.(Psa 37:7 KJV) Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.(Psa 37:9 KJV) For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.(Psa 37:34 KJV) Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.(Psa 39:7 KJV) And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.(Psa 52:9 KJV) I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.(Psa 59:9 KJV) Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.(Psa 62:5 KJV) My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.(Psa 69:3 KJV) I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.(Psa 69:6 KJV) Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.(Psa 104:27 KJV) These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.(Psa 123:2 KJV) Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.(Psa 130:5 KJV) I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.(Psa 145:15 KJV) The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.(Prov 20:22 KJV) Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.(Isa 8:17 KJV) And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.(Isa 30:18 KJV) And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.(Isa 40:31 KJV) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.(Isa 42:4 KJV) He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.(Isa 49:23 KJV) And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.(Isa 51:5 KJV) My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.(Isa 60:9 KJV) Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.(Jer 14:22 KJV) Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.(Lam 3:25 KJV) The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.(Lam 3:26 KJV) It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.(Hosea 12:6 KJV) Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.(Micah 7:7 KJV) Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.(Hab 2:3 KJV) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.(Zep 3:8 KJV) Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.(Luke 12:36 KJV) And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.(Acts 1:4 KJV) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.(Rom 8:25 KJV) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.(Rom 12:7 KJV) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;(1 Cor 9:13 KJV) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?(Gal 5:5 KJV) For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.(1 Th 1:10 KJV) And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
God answering our prayers involves us talking to God as well as listening as to what we should pray for, and praying it by faith, obedience to God's revealed word of promise to us. God answering our prayers It is also conditional to us walking humbly and rightfully before God as well. Many persons make the mistake that because God automatically hears all their prayers, means he will also answer them, and they do still neglect God's conditionals. Then they also seem to want to know why God does not respond to their prayer? While God still asks them to respond to his terms..
(Psa 1:1 KJV) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
(Psa 25:8 KJV) Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.HERE IS ANOTHER GREAT PROMISE OF GOD..HE WILL TEACH EVEN SINNERS IN HIS WAY!(1 John 1:9 KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.(1 John 2:1 KJV) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
It was the Winter of 1991, and I was making a return trip from Jordan Station, Ontario, my hometown, to Timmins, Ontario, where I was preaching at the time. It was a trip of approximately 500 miles almost due North. For the first 250 miles I drove through a torrential rain storm, but for the last half of the trip I traveled through the worst snow storm I have ever had the displeasure to drive through. I literally could not see more than a few feet in front of my car. I was in wilderness, and to pull over, I am certain, would have risked my life. There was nothing to do but follow the tire tracks I could see in front of me. I prayed that whoever this was that I was following, hopefully, would know where they were going.
I have observed that a lot people in the world, and even some of my brethren, seem to live their lives in a similar fashion. they have placed their eyes firmly upon another person, and wherever that person goes they follow. We watched in horror a few months ago as "Do" and his followers were taken in body bags from their rented home in San Diego. "Do" had determined it was time for he, and his followers, to end their earthly lives, and by so doing connect with a space craft he believed to be in the tail of the Hale-Bop comet. Several years ago we saw the terrible end of David Koresh, and his followers, the "Branch Davidian". Many of us can remember the mass suicide in Jonestown, Guyana, where Jim Jones, the leader of several hundred followers ordered them to commit suicide. In my own family, I have a cousin who follows the supposed reincarnate Christ, the "Reverend" Sun Myung Moon. Perhaps hundreds of thousands of other gullible men and women follow this blasphemous, false teacher.
Why? Why do people so often follow other people? I don't know! I do not claim to be learned in the ways of psychology, nor do I particularly want to be. I do believe that there is something fundamentally missing from these peoples lives, and that they there- fore feel a need to follow another. I also believe that Satan, who ever looks into the hearts of this world's population for weaknesses, takes advantage of these lost souls. In truth Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seekingwhom he may devour."
As sad as it is to see people in the world caught up in the error of men following men, to me it is sadder by far to see men and women in the church of our Lord doing the very same thing. What is even sadder perhaps is that oftentimes it is done unawares. The scriptures teach us that the Berean brethren were a more noble people that those who lived in Thessalonica. Unlike the Thessalonicans, these brethren eagerly received the word that Paul taught them, but rather than just accept it as God's word, they did something else first, they "searched thescriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11b). I can't imagine a brother or sister in Christ who is not impressed with this attitude of heart. The Bereans wanted to make sure that what they believed, and therefore what they would practice and teach to others, was in truth the will of God.
This is indeed a most noble quality. But how often do we find ourselves, when faced with uncertainty about any given subject, searching our library to find out the opinion of a respected brother? How often is the phone picked up to call a brother for the very same purpose. Is it wrong to do this? I believe that depends on the heart of the individual searching the library, or making the phone call.
It is easy to fall into the trap of letting others do the thinking for us. Study can be hard work, and often is very time consuming, and it is very tempting to let someone else do the thinking for us. After all, as I have had pointed out to me in times past,"You're the preacher, and that's what you're paid to do." But brethren, study, and the convictions that come from that study, needs to be individual in nature. The Bereans understood that truth. Though Paul was an apostle of the Lord, even his word would not be taken without investigation.
As Paul was making his way back to Jerusalem in Acts 20, he stopped in Miletus, and sent for the elders from Ephesus. When they arrived he shared these words with them, "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves" (Acts 20:28-30). Paul warned these elders that they needed to be careful of false teachers from without, and even from among themselves. The danger was that there would be those who would follow these deceptive teachers.
There is an obvious risk when men follow men instead of God. That is, of course, that men are not perfect, and are capable, even honestly, of believing and teaching that which is false. Far too often the cry goes out today, "Thus says brother so and so," rather than "Thus says the Lord!" Paul wrote and instructed Timothy to: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy. 2:15). It is only logical that Paul would instruct Timothy to do this, especially in light of these words which were also penned by his hand, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" ( 2 Corinthians. 5:10).
One day each of us will stand before the greatest of all judges. A judge who is not limited in knowledge or wisdom, but rather one who has all wisdom, and who will be aware of every movement we have ever made. Knowing this then, it is only logical that we should make sure that what we are doing is in harmony with the will of this great judge. The Bereans were not content to face Him based upon the words of an infallible man (albeit an apostle of the Lord), so why should we be content to face Him based on the words of infallible men today? Certainly there is no harm in seeking the wisdom and guidance of men and women in whom we have the deepest respect, but there is a problem when their counsel is taken as "Gospel."
I have often sought the guidance of others in whom I felt confidence, but I have always been especially impressed with those who have made it a point to impress on my mind that what they were sharing with me was their opinion, and that I needed to come to my own conclusions on the topic at hand.
Countless men and women have gone to their graves having lived their lives based upon the convictions of others. How foolish! Jeremiah wrote, "O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah.10:23). If we want to get through life, and do so successfully, we need to follow God, and listen to man only when he speaks, "as the oracles of God" (1 Peter. 4:11).
I was lucky; I made it through the aforementioned blizzard without any mishaps. What normally took about four hours took more than seven, but I made it! I followed another man who fortunately knew his way. How many are not so fortunate?
There are, sadly, many who will continue to follow men, and I suppose will do so until the great day when our Lord will return. We need to make it a point in our lives not to be caught up in this foolishness.
The next time we are faced with uncertainty about God's will, let's turn to His word, and search for the truth ourselves. It will most certainly help us to grow stronger in our faith. It will help increase our own personal convictions as we search and find the answer we have been looking for. And, certainly, it is as God would have it, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen" (2 Peter. 3:18).
by John F. Maddocks http://www.aloha.net/~jselten/html/problem.html
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(Rom 14:1 KJV) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.(Heb 10:38 KJV) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.(Gal 3:3 KJV) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?(Gal 3:5 KJV) He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Some Christians sadly have not learned as to what it really means to walk by faith, they are on dangerous grounds, they are rather trying to achieve God's will, God;s kingdom by their own efforts, their own work.. they also by their own works hope to earn, inusre aplace, or a beter place in heaven for them(Acts 8:18 KJV) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.Sadly there are even many persons in the he Ministry who see the Ministry as a career, a paying job, where they can earn an income, better themselves financially as well. They are firstly, selfishly, mainly looking after their own good welfare and not the good welfare of God's flock. Jesus referred to them as false shepherds, Hirelings.(John 10:12 KJV) But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.(Luke 11:39 KJV) And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.(Luke 9:46 KJV) Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.(Mark 10:42 KJV) But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.(Isa 31:1 KJV) Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! 2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.(Job 31:24 KJV) If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;(Job 31:25 KJV) If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;(Zec 4:6 KJV) Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.(2 Cor 4:7 KJV) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.(Isa 30:15 KJV) For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.(Prov 14:26 KJV) In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.(Isa 58:1 KJV) Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. 3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: 11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. 13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. 4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.(Mal 3:18 KJV) Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.(John 13:35 KJV) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.(Jer 22:16 KJV) He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.The Church today tends to use a secular approach, it sends out request and asks, or begs for monies, INSTEAD OF GETTING ON THEIR KNEES AND PRAYING FOR IT. The Church today sadly mostly does not live by faith.(Heb 10:38 KJV) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.Also 25 years ago God told me that the Pastors themselves were too often stealing the tithes.. next yesterday God confirmed to me that the Book of Malachi was firstly about the bad pastors abusing the tithes by even not using it in the manner God wanted.When I want to see the evidence of how spiritual someone is, even Pastors, writers I still do rightfully look first to see how they personally themselves do now really treat the poor persons, other Christians, to see what they do firstly themselves do to help practically the poor persons, especially the poor believers.. and I do not merely look at what they claim they do or promise to do as well. The love of money in contrast is still the root of all evil and an evidence of the existence of their evil too.
(John 13:35 KJV) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (Jer 22:16 KJV) He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.Still I have to say that I am also still shocked that like in all other issues, healing, prophecy, baptism of the Holy Spirit, giving alms to the poor and now even Malachi or tithing is now too often not being Biblically, being honestly presented. I have never heard a full honest explanation of tithing in any evangelical church even the last 40 years, but only mostly biblical verses taken out of context, distorted and why is that now too?(Psa 37:25 KJV) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.God has not called anyone into a New Testament Ministry of raising funds. or wrongfully begging for them. and sadly still it is the crooked people, bad pastors often use supposedly valid issues as an excuse to get mere of the funding from God's people.. so it can not be used for God's real Ministry. This is demonic!!I do not agree about anyone asking us for money.. no one.. not to one single person. I generally reply that they ask God to help them and not man, that they look to God for help and not me.. this is a rightful approach..God has supplied all of my needs, God alone, I have never asked man to help me in the lord's work. This is the right way. when I expect any man or women to do it I will, am disappointed rather they show me how unfaithful they are.. and rightfully so. cause I am trusting in man to help me and not God.. the just shall live by faith in God , includes all persons now too.A friend of mine told me that he was looking for a new computer chair. I also then thought it was time for me also to get a new one. The two chairs that I had were no longer comfortable, they were well used, and they needed to be repaired even replaced. This time I though I would get a good chair one that does not break so easily. I looked in the catalogue, flyers and I noticed that chairs costs from $59 but next a good chair cost about $259.00. I thought to myself well at that price the good chair is more than what I ever wanted to pay so I better wait and God will provide the money for it or the chair it if I really need it. Within four days a neighbour rang my door bell and asked if I wanted freely a good computer chair.. His own landlord no longer had place to store it and had offered it to him, but he immediately thought of me that it would be more suitable for me... so God provide the good chair.. in a manner quickly and beyond my own expectations too.(Psa 84:11 KJV) For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.Each person now should pray to God, not beg to any man.. they should also pray to God to(Mat 6:11 KJV) Give us this day our daily bread.(Mat 6:13 KJV) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.God is no respecter of persons, he provides to his faithful followers.. he provided to George Mueller hundred of thousands without George Mueller ever asking others for any of the money.A godly shepherd, which is the role for all Pastors, they are to care about the welfare of his flock both spiritual and physically and tells the whole truth too.. (Prov 27:23 KJV) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? and that includes (Psa 112:9 KJV) He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.Now Further even in in regards to tithing, a portion of which was to be given to the local poor persons too not everyone could received the tithe.. only priests and poor persons who owned no land.. Not this important rule. The Old Testament Levites, the poor persons clearly specified that those who next enjoyed the benefits of the tithes did not own any land, a house. The Lord God stated that the Levites would have no inheritance of land but would be given the tithe instead. Numbers 18:20 (NIV) 20 The LORD said to Aaron, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites..In accordance with that principle the pastors who own a home cannot use the benefit of the tithe today as well.Many Pastors lie and say that all of the tithe was to be given to the local storehouse.. this was not what the Bible itself taught..Now God clearly speaks to me and when he tells me to give money to someone that is my business, and it is still only between me and God and no one else... it is not forced upon me.. I still give only where God tells me to give, not even where I may want to give.. and there are still many, many people I had wanted, do still want to help but God would not allow it..(2 Cor 9:5 KJV) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up before hand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.(2 Cor 9:8 KJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.(1 Cor 16:1 KJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (1 Cor 16:2 KJV) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (1 Cor 16:3 KJV) And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.Note that this collection given to the storehouse firstly is for the saints too.. and it is still the money as we can afford to give too, it also has to be distributed to the poor by even the persons we personally do approve off, we know will not steal, abuse the monies now as it happens too often..(Gal 6:10 KJV) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.In addition in the Old testament the tithe was paid directly to the storehouse only every 3rd year? and the other two years the tither enjoyed the tithes himself by feasting on it? (Deu 12:17 KJV) Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: (Deu 14:23 KJV) And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.Imagine that sated REALITY you can use a portion of the tithe to have a feast of rejoicing before the LORD for yourself and your family.. and the poor persons.All Tithing in the new Testament is an option, personal decision and is not mandatory at all.The poor people must also still be included in your giving same as in the old testament tithing laws, patterns.(Gal 2:9 KJV) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.)
The earth is the Lord's, and every thing in it, the world, and all who live in it… (Psalm 24:1).
(Deu 15:11 KJV) For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God, I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it (Psalm 50:7-12).
‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty (Haggai 2:8).
“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” (Romans 11:35).
(Gal 2:16 KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Much has been said and not said about "tithing" by all kind of persons.. and most of it is distorted lies,
Here are a few basic facts, truths from the Bible that need also to be considered. The "tithe" itself is reserved for certain functions, persons , the old testament Jews now as well.. and no man can still force any one to tithe.The message of Jesus is that God is first not in need of money but of your humble, sacrificial spirit.
(Mat 17:24 KJV) And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Acts 5:4
(2 Cor 9:7 KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 8 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.`10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Furthermore only the persons who did not own any land, a house the Old Testament Levites, the poor enjoyed the benefits of the third year tithes and not the rich...
Numbers 18:20 (NIV) The LORD said to Aaron, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites
A portion of of the Biblical tithe was to be given directly to the local poor persons in the old testament
Deuteronomy 26:12-15 (NIV) When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied
Deuteronomy 14: 27 And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own.28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
In the Old testament 10 percent of tithe only was paid directly to the storehouse and only every 3rd year.. and what about the rest?
Neh. 10:37-38 "...to bring the firstfruits... and to bring the tithes of our land to the Levites, for the Levites should receive the tithes in all our farming communities. And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms of the storehouse."
and the other two years the tither and his family enjoyed the tithes by even feasting on it. The people of Israel were required to assemble three times a year at Jerusalem (as the place chosen by the Lord) for the major feasts.
(Deu 12:17 KJV) Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
(Deu 14:23 KJV) And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
The Israelite was not commanded to tithe on everything he obtained and used throughout the year, but only on his increase at the end of the year. ( The increase minus his actual expenditures during the year, or the final year end profit?)
Deut.14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows” (Malachi 3:10).
There were four tithes in Israel under the Old Covenant. Which one is referred to here?
And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes, and the Levites shall bring up the tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse (Nehemiah 10:38).
Malachi is is rebuking the Levites. The tithe payable by the Levites, not the tithes payable by the people was the unpaid tithe here. Ironic that the tithe collection is still being abused too often today as well by the Church
priests, pastors.
The Mosaic Law of Tithing was never 10% of everything you get.
The Temple (now considered to be the church-house) did not receive all of the tithes that were given by the Israelites.
Tithing was neither commanded nor fully observed in the early church.
Tithing as a covenant of prosperity is effective only for those who seek to be justified by keeping all of the Law which is not possible anyway.
Those who demand 10% of everything you get, are still identified with the Scribes and the Pharisees, who were still the historic enemies of Christ.(Mat 7:22 KJV) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Jer 2:8 KJV) The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
(Deu 10:12 KJV) And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,and why now have most of the pastors not even mentioned this too in all honesty?For most of the evangelical pastors to still say that they are now truthful why do the pastors now clearly mostly withheld wrongfully the more important verses related to tithing in the Bible and do not teach, preach it.Furthermore even a pastor with a true faith produces real love for others, is concerned about their spiritual as well as physical well being.. and it tells the truth, not partial truths, or even clear lies..The Churches now Giving receipts for Tax exempt donations firstly is not them now living by faith in God to provide and also is not a Biblical requirement, rather it contradicts the Bible, for the Bible says you and anyone else are not to know how much you give... to keep no record of it..(Mat 6:2 KJV) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.I really know why God had me write this all it is cause I have too often seen firsthand the last 20 years how much of the money that was to be given to God's workers, the poor has been stolen, abused rather by the supposedly Christian persons entrusted with the monies too.There are also now much too many professional Christian beggars who ask for help. I know firsthand of one Church deaconess, who asked money from me for her husband and she had $350,000 dollars in the bank she kept for reserved. I know firsthand of another women who had $25,000 in the bank and she ask my church to giver her money cause she was poor, they foolishly gave her $4,500. I firsthand know of a pastor who had $80,000 in the bank, owned 2 homes and he asked me and the poor people for money.. and that is just a par too the too often monetary corruptions in the Church even that I saw firsthand now too. I know that many people lie as to how much money they really haveAlmost every person who asks me for some money, pastors included, I can see that they are really not right with God, they are still in real sin that they need to deal with as well, but not all. If God is not providing the first sins I look for in others are stealing.. lying.. abusing others. Thus I always pray if I should help any person first.. and pray a prayer of repentance with them as well.I can also tell you that I had lived by faith with Bible students, living by faith that God alone supplied our needs, and he did for 5 months until one of the persons started to lie, and steal the food for his friends.. God stopped providing for us.. and told me what too.All Pastors should be teaching people to pray to God first. I agree that we should give money to help first the poor people in our church, and in other churches first, but we are not obligated to do this, we do this according to what god has laid on our hearts..Each person firstly they can and should rather ask us for prayer even so we can also pray even as to what God wants them to do next.. they should also learn to hear God speaking to them too...God has to be included in all Giving(Phil 4:10 KJV) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.(Phil 4:11 KJV) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.(Phil 4:12 KJV) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.(Phil 4:13 KJV) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(Phil 4:14 KJV) Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.(Phil 4:15 KJV) Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.(Phil 4:16 KJV) For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.(Phil 4:17 KJV) Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.(Phil 4:18 KJV) But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.(Phil 4:19 KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.(Phil 4:20 KJV) Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.When Pastors do in reality look adequately after the people God will supply also all of the pastor's needs as well in the manner he wants to as well.. and not man way's.... Pastors too have to walk by faith in God, also for God to provide for their needs by faith, and not just teach others to do it.All Pastors can still accept any donations though and still speak out if they want too. But the pastors wrongfully worry that if they do not have tax exempt privileges then next people will not give money to them.. and that is another one of their false concern it seems..the continuance of their salaries and the income money.. and this monetary concerns really is not living by faith in God.. anyway the people who give for tax return are really not lead by the Spirit of God anyway..Well I do not worry about speaking our or about not being involved in politics for I do not issue tax receipts.. and I have no problem in speaking out as God tells me to do so too. Anyway all Churches should firstly not be involved too much in politics but in the Ministry.. in real prayer now as well and preaching the Gospel to all.(Jer 2:13 KJV) For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water
(Isa 1:18 KJV) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
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