The Fear Of The Lord

Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.

The Fear Of The Lord 

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

Love is a word that is very commonly talked about in Christian circles. Jesus said,

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34

No serious Christian could ever argue about the genuine love of God for us and that we should also love one another as Christ loves us. The apostle John also said,

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 

1 John 4:18

However, we need to be very careful here. Fear and love, in the above verse, appear to be opposites. But we need to examine ALL of scripture and we need to understand what Jesus and the Holy Spirit through John are saying. 

NO ONE is maturing in the Lord without the proper fear of the Lord made real within him. The enemy knows this; therefore the enemy distorts many scriptures to try to dispel the fear of the Lord. Most of the "modern" translations change the word "fear" of the Lord to "respect" or "reverence." That kind of change is a tragedy! We should NOT fear anything or anyone EXCEPT the Lord Himself.

A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is Mine honour? And if I be a master, where is My fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise My name, And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Malachi 1:6

But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2

Just in case someone may say that scripture is in the Old Testament and no longer applies, consider what Jesus said:

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell? Only the Lord Himself! There are MANY verses in the New Testament that talk about the fear of the Lord. Here again, we need to be very careful. The fear of the Lord does NOT invoke a picture of Someone who has a big stick and is ready to pounce on us if we make a mistake. Moreover, just because something "bad" happens does NOT necessarily mean that we have done something wrong. Losses and sufferings happen to good people. We must always ask the Lord what we need to hear from Him regarding our difficulty. Then, let us journey on in the Lord. What God takes away from us is not important; what is important is WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT IS LEFT! A very familiar verse is:

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. Psalm 19:9

This "clean" fear is the awe and reverence which a man feels in the presence of God. It also includes a determination not to grieve the Lord through our thoughts or actions. 

The verse in Malachi 1:6 indicates that the people no longer had a fear of the Lord. The reason was because they had become apostate ... everything had been reduced to a form, a ritual, a tradition. These two events go together ... apostasy and a lack of a fear of the Lord. Moreover, when there is no fear of the Lord, the door is opened to all manner of sin, off-center doctrines, and worse. That is what happened to the Church at Corinth. That is what we see TODAY in His church ... sin, off-center doctrines, and worse. Could it be that we have lost the understanding of the fear of the Lord? Perhaps the most important key to understanding the ways of the Lord is the fear of the Lord.

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways.

Psalm 128:1

That verse clearly shows a relationship between fearing the Lord and understanding His ways. For until we understand His ways we cannot walk in His ways.

The fear of the Lord is also intimately related to wisdom. Oh how the body of Christ today needs the wisdom of God!

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

Solomon is generally regarded as a man who had much wisdom from God.

Lo, I [the Lord] have given thee [Solomon] a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 1 Kings 3:12

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 1 Kings 4:29

Listen to what Solomon had to say about fearing the Lord:

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

The fear of the Lord is also closely related to obedience.

And he [the angel of the Lord] said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Genesis 22:12

Now we need to have some understanding concerning what IS the fear of the Lord. Certainly one big aspect of the fear of the Lord is:

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13

Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. Psalm 33:8 

So the fear of the Lord means we hate that which the Lord hates, desiring to walk only in His ways. We stand in awe of the holiness of God. God is love, life, and light. The Light of God represents His holiness, which includes His judgment of sin.

Let not thy heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. Proverbs 23:17

Hating that which God hates should govern our thoughts, our actions, and our lives. We should hate anything that is not God's truth. The REASON we should hate sin is because the fear of God has gripped our lives. No one readily does what they hate. We will stop sinning when we hate it. The first verse in the Bible that addresses this fact occurs after Cain had killed Abel.


6 Then the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?

7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it. 

Genesis 4:6-7 (New American Standard)

Immorality runs rampant in the world today. People in the world do not have the fear of God within them. Therefore it is now an accepted way of life for a man and a woman to live together and even have children together outside of marriage. Americans today sing "God Bless America" at many events. Can God really bless America when there is so much sin in this country?

The November, 2001, issue of Maoz Israel, published by Messianic Jews, states:

Is America aware that one of the things that gives fuel to extremist fanatical Islamic sects is the loose sexual and materialistic lifestyle of the American people as exported by movies, videos, TV, music, magazines and books? And now Internet! America has introduced the world to hi-tech sin. Many Muslim regimes do not allow Western television in their country. They explain that they do not want their people exposed to the West's degrading morality.

Unfortunately this same immorality has invaded even charismatic circles. I remember a young woman and a young man kissing and almost fondling each other during a formal house church meeting many years ago. Christians also need to be very careful of how they dress. Some young Christian woman dress very provocatively. The fear of the Lord is the answer to all problems with respect to the opposite sex.

11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:11-14

When the fear of God grips you, you will be supernaturally natural, godly, and walk in holiness.


2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:2-5

The Lord promises a multitude of blessings if we walk in the fear of the Lord. The following are only a few of those blessings. There are MANY more!

(1) Salvation

Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:9

(2) Mercy

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them who fear Him. Psalm 103:11,17

(3) Companionship of God

I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts. Psalm 119:63

(4) Prolonged days

The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. Proverbs 10:27

(5) Provision for all needs

O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.

Psalm 34:9

(6) Guidance

What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose. Psalm 25:12

(7) Protection

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7

(8) Revelation

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will shew them His covenant. Psalm 25:14

(9) Riches, honor, and life

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 22:4

(10) Blessed

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments. Psalm 112:1

(11) Fulfilled desires

He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He will also hear their cry, and will save them. Psalm 145:19

(12) Acceptable to God

But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. Acts 10:35

(13) God takes pleasure in us

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that trust in His mercy. 

Psalm 147:11

(14) Know the goodness of God

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee. 

Psalm 31:19

(15) Taught of the Lord

What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose. Psalm 25:12

(16) Healing

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings. Malachi 4:2

There is a need for healing in the body of Christ. That verse gives the prerequisite for healing ... the fear of the Lord. May His Son arise upon us!

(17) Place of refuge

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:25

(18) A fountain of life

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:26

(19) Wisdom

And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

Let us consider Solomon, whose heart was so "right" when he first became king (although he was still involved, unknowingly, in mixture, according to 1 Kings 3:1-3). The Lord appeared unto Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask, what I shall give thee" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon's response was:

9 Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

12 Behold I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

14 And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 1 Kings 3:9-14

Note that a wise and understanding heart is intimately related to the ability to discern between good and bad or to discern righteous judgment.

(20) Discernment and salvation

16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that thought upon His name.

17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.

Malachi 3:16-18

The last blessing above, concerning discernment and salvation, is one that our fellowship used to read together every Sunday night, as a group. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, when the fear of the Lord is real in our hearts, Malachi 3:16 says that the Lord hearkens and hears us. The Lord hearkens to us! Note also that they who fear the Lord speak OFTEN one to another. This is not talking about a formal meeting. This is talking about lifting up the Lord in our conversations within day-to-day activities.

There is a clear relationship between the fear of the Lord and discernment, as stated in Malachi 3:18. Discernment is sadly lacking in the body of Christ today. All you have to do to prove that is look around at all of the tens of thousands of charismatic believers who have been pulled into one off-center doctrine after another. Many genuine believers have been sorely wounded because of their participation in so many off-center doctrines and "movements." We spoke about that lack of discernment in our last two messages.

All of the word and all of the verses we have shared clearly indicate that we CANNOT progress in the Lord unless the fear of the Lord is real within our hearts. Lord, open our eyes, our hearts, and our understanding that we might fear You! that we might discern between the righteous and the wicked, and between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Lord, we stand in your presence with awe and reverence.

In our next few messages we plan to share with you on the much-needed topic of hearing the voice of the Lord for yourself.

Until then, may you continue to seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Amen.

The Christian and Money

Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.

The Christian and Money 

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

Immediately after the Lord apprehended me, He emphasized two things to me ... the sovereignty of God and the proper relationship of the Christian with money. The lack of understanding of the place of money in the life of a believer is a topic that needs MUCH revelation. Even the majority of so-called mature Christian ministers do not seem to understand what God is after when it comes to money.

This topic needs to be carefully presented, with much wisdom from the Lord because it is SO easy to misunderstand. To the best of my knowledge I have spoken publicly about the topic of money only TWICE since the Lord apprehended me in 1967. However it is time to be silent NO MORE about the things of the Lord. The Lord's people have been seduced for too long away from the truth of how a Christian should look at money. In this first part of this message, we will focus on the need to understand the Scriptural relationship of the Christian and money. Unless we see a need, we will continue to follow the traditions of men.

The spirit of Balaam runs rampant, unchecked in the church world today. Balaam was a prophet who lived in Midian and who was hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the people of Israel (Numbers 22-24). Apparently, Balaam had made quite a reputation for himself and made a profitable living by "selling" his prophecies. Balaam had a strong self-will and went back to the Lord several times in an effort to reap a reward from Balak; but he DID have SOME kind of relationship with the Lord because he finally would speak only that which the Lord told him to speak. Balaam is called a false prophet because his focus was on self. Peter speaks of Balaam as an example of those who walk after the flesh and are self-willed.

2 Peter 2:13-16, "Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children; Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet." 

If a dumb ass speaks to you with a man's voice, that will get ANY one's attention!

Suppose I were to tell you that I have a word from the Lord for you and that I will tell you what it is if you give me $100 (or ANY amount of money). Does that sound absurd to you? I sure hope so! Now what is the difference in principle between that scenario and charging you $25 for a Christian book? or charging you $125 to attend a "great" prophetic conference, where "important prophetic revelation comes forth at this significant gatherings [sic]" (quoted from one of many such real advertisements)? Let me state VERY clearly and EMPHATICALLY ... if ANYONE charges money to hear any kind of prophetic revelation, then I am NOT interested; it is too tainted with flesh. You can NOT mix the ways of the Lord with the ways of the world! Oil and water do NOT mix! If someone wants to charge $25 for a secular book on art or politics, that is fine. However, the last time I checked, the word of God is free. A number of years ago I heard that a Christian I know had paid $147 to attend a weekend "prophetic conference." I contacted that person and said I will give you $147 if you don't go to that conference.

The heads thereof [of the houses of Jacob and Israel] judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us. Micah 3:11 

That is called deception.

It seems that far too many ministers have never learned that our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). So they proceed to "help God out" when it comes to their income.

About 20 years ago I heard of one minister that charged $2000 to pray for someone! And far too many ministries "sell" the word of God and have become materially rich thereby. Far too many ministries beg and plead for their audiences to give them money. Meanwhile the Lord grieves and waits for us to repent in order to bless us in ways which FAR exceed our imagination! How do I know? been there, done that. I know from the word of God and from personal experience!

I NEVER made much money in the 46 years that I worked in secular jobs. The most money I ever made in my life was $51,000 a year, before taxes and other deductions. My wife only worked temporarily for six months at about $5 per hour when we were first married. My wife was disinherited by her father because she became a Christian. Her rightful share of his estate was more than $500,000, but she did not receive one penny. I received no money from my family's estate. I had to pay for the burial of both my mother and my aunt. One year I gave 100% of my paycheck to my mother and thousands more to my aunt over a period of several years. We put four children through college without borrowing money; we hosted rather elaborate weddings for all three of our daughters; our utility bills are consistently lower than those of other Christians in our same area in the same kind of house (a number of years ago I made specific comparisons). I seriously doubt if there are many Christians who have given away a higher percentage of their income than we have. Then we have given away free almost 12,000 Christian books which we have self-published through a commercial book printer. The Lord knows that is NOT a boast! I only say these things to personally substantiate the ways and the faithfulness of the Lord. I only boast in the Lord, who He is, and what He can do. I can testify from my experience that God can manufacture more money faster than the U.S. Treasury. If the Lord calls you to a specific ministry then He must and will provide every penny that you need to fulfill that ministry, provided that your heart is right before Him. And you will never have to ask for money from others.

Psalm 37:25, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

Do you remember the very FIRST thing that Jesus did upon His entry into Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday? He went into the temple of God, cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of them that sold doves (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:11, Luke 19:45, and John 2:15). Jesus said, "Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise." Doves were a necessary part of sacrifice under the Jewish law. So why did Jesus overthrow the seats of them that sold doves? because they were preying on the people to make money for themselves. Today, professing Christians have more merchandise for sell than Carter has little liver pills. A number of years ago I came very, very close to overthrowing the table of a professing Christian moneychanger who had his wares (books and tapes) for sale on a table.

6 He [Amaziah] hired also a hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.

7 But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.

8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. 2 Chronicles 25:6-9

Unfortunately, there are many believers today like Amaziah and like Ananias and Saphirra in Acts 5 who just do not understand the ways of the Lord when it comes to money.

Then there are those who have a very legalistic approach to things involving money. Many years ago, the Lord gave me a dream about a certain brother. In the dream, it was obvious that this brother had a real hang-up in things pertaining to money. I never would have believed that the brother had such a hang-up because I am essentially positive that the same brother tithed his income. But man looks on the external appearances while God looks on the heart. I believe that the Lord gave me that dream so that I could pray for that brother in a very specific way. In like manner, the following two verses are certainly both true, but it is our approach to verses like these that make a difference.

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 Corinthians 9:7

I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

It is NOT possible to understand the truth of God concerning money without laying a firm foundation first. It is our ATTITUDE, the state of our heart, that MUST be right before we can understand what the Lord is after with respect to money. When Jesus was tempted by the Pharisees and Herodians concerning tribute money, Jesus replied:

Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Mark 12:17

We might add to that verse, "but don't ever mix the two." Many ministers today use the best ways of the world to try to enhance their ministry. I have seen it up close with my natural eyes many times. When Peter was asked whether Jesus paid tribute money, Jesus said:

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. 

Matthew 17:27

Yes, today we live in a world that still requires tribute to Caesar. Jesus commanded us to do that. Most historians believe that the earliest money pieces came into existence about 700 B.C. It seems a certainty that coined money first originated with heathen nations. Jesus said:


10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? Mark 16:10-11

Please reflect on those verses long and hard! As a minimum, that seems to tell us that we better know how to appropriate the use of money.

It is true that today we can seldom avoid the use of money to buy and sell. However the time is approaching, quickly approaching, when we can no longer buy or sell. You don't want to even THINK about the alternative!!! It is just a question of time before the economy in the United States collapses and NO man can buy or sell without using the world-wide money system.

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:17

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:20

Therefore it is IMPERATIVE that we understand the truth of God concerning money and that we allow the Holy Spirit to develop within us the right attitude toward money.

The big faith and prosperity teachers have seduced far too many Christians concerning money. Oh, what they preach has a small element of legalistic truth. But Christianity does NOT consist of following rules and laws. Moreover, Christianity does NOT consist of blindly following what some faith preacher interprets (wrongly) as the word of God. I am extremely weary of hearing false ministers tell listeners to "sow your seed." Back in the 1970's one man in our New Testament house church said that he had been tithing for years, but when was he going to get his money back in abundance? Obviously his heart was not right.

Years ago I heard a man that some considered to be an apostle say, "If I don't travel, the money does not come in." How sad! I also knew very well another man that many considered to be an apostle. For years he refused to ask for money. But after a number of years the offerings from other Christians started drying up. Some of his Christian friends persuaded him that it was OK to ask for money. He put in writing that he was then starting to ask for money. When I read that, I said to my wife, "That is the end of his ministry." That is exactly what happened. A few years later, after I heard him teach at a weekend convention, he literally said, "Now it is time to take up an offering for me."

In effect, when we have to beg others to give us money so "we can continue this great ministry," we are actually trusting man, not God.

One TV evangelist, based in Atlanta, a few years ago told his mega-church congregation that the Lord told him he needed a $77 million dollar jet aircraft so he could "spread the gospel faster." Of course his undiscerning congregation bought him the aircraft. Almost every TV evangelist begs for money so they can continue their great ministry. Most of them are multi-millionaires. I have yet to see any TV evangelist who has not been tainted with money. That is a major reason why I never watch TV evangelists. One megachurch in our geographical area several years ago spent more than $185 million dollars on their church structure and parking lot. Of course most of the TV evangelists and mega-church pastors rationalize their receiving millions of dollars from undiscerning Christians by affirming that the Lord is blessing them because of their great ministry. That is pure deception of the highest order.

Whatever happened to Philippians 4:6, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." 

Note that verse does NOT say, let your requests be known unto men. The Holy Ghost said through Paul,

1 Timothy 6:6-11, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."

The love of money actually stems from a focus on SELF. That implies that we trust self more than we trust the Lord. There was no such thing as money when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden. Money today, however, is certainly the biggest driving force behind the desire to exalt self.

Then we have some young men (young in both age and spiritual maturity) who believe they have been called to do "the Lord's work." Therefore they quit their secular jobs and expect that "the Lord will provide." But then they solicit money from their friends and relatives. Paul had something to say about that to the churches at Thessalonica and to us:

2 Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."

Even the great apostle Paul had a tent-making job.

As long as I am motivated by "what do I get?" or "what's in it for ME?" my heart is not right before God. Yes, it is true that if I give freely to others, then I will receive a much bigger blessing in return from the Lord. But ONLY if my attitude and motivations are correct. As long as I am self-seeking I will greatly hinder the Lord's blessings in my life.

Let us consider Abraham. Abraham certainly needed some refinement in his understanding a number of different times in his life. After defeating the four "good" kings and rescuing Lot,

1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward,

2 And Abram said, Lord God, what will thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? Genesis 15:1-2

The Lord had just told Abram that the Lord Himself was Abram's great reward. The Lord plus what else is sufficient for us? Could this immature attitude have been part of the reason why Abram had to wait another 15 years for the promise of God which came in the person of Isaac?

I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

Jesus said, in Luke 12:33-34, "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Although every Christian would nod in agreement with those verses, the reality of the practice of those verses is practically non-existent.

Now, what about the Tithe? The first mention of a tithe occurs in Genesis 14:20.

And he [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek] tithes of all.

Please note that at that time there was no such thing as money as we know it today. So the tithe consisted of animals, foodstuffs, etc. The Lord told Moses:

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. Deuteronomy 14:22

Therefore it should be no surprise when Jesus said:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 

Matthew 23:23

That verse clearly states there is much more to a tithe than material possessions.

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

There are those who quote the verses in Malachi 3 in an attempt to mentally and emotionally coerce believers into giving them money. This approach is commonly mixed with preaching a prosperity doctrine. Such, of course, are false teachers.

Further, I do not see any scriptural basis for passing a collection plate. In the New Testament house church that we were part of for 12 years back in the late 1960's until May 1980, the church never passed a collection plate one time. Some friends of ours said they stopped going to a big Assembly of God church near us when they passed the collection plate four times during one service.

Jesus said, in Matthew 6:1-4, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 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. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." 

Some have said that the practice of tithing is never mentioned in the New Testament. That is basically correct, except for the times when Jesus addressed the Jews who were still trying to abide by the law. We believe that the tithe is part of the LAW. More importantly, the tithe does not really exist under the New Covenant because every true believer is a minister. Instead of tithing to the Levitical priesthood, our giving now is based upon need, not ministry. Two verses confirm that: Acts 2:45 and Acts 4:35.

In the days of the house church in Northern Virginia back in the late 1960's and 1970's, we had a guiding principle with respect to the corporate distribution of money from the church. We almost NEVER gave money to any minister who asked for money. We preferred to provide financial support for those whose heart was more pure.

Should a Christian tithe? Perhaps, but only as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ ... UNTIL the day dawn, and the day star arise in our hearts. There is a place for taking heed and taking heed and taking heed. But unless you see what the Lord is REALLY after then all of our taking heed amounts to little more than walking in the Mosaic law. Whenever you KNOW that everything that we are and seem to have belongs to the Lord, then the law has no more effect. If you feel led to tithe your income, the next question becomes "Where do you give your money?" 

Have you ever heard anyone say, "You should pay tithes where you are fed"? Many churches promote that saying in order to extract more dollars from the "fold." If you are going to abide by the legalistic tithe concept, then that is a reasonable statement. What do you do, however, if you are fed by the LORD, not by man?

Many years ago, a precious brother in the Lord, who was also an accountant and prepared tax returns for many people, made the following observation. He said that he had noticed that when people had very few charitable contributions on their tax returns, they had a lot of other expenses, like medical bills, etc. He also said that when people had a lot of charitable deductions, then they had very few other expenses. In other words, he said that the tithe belonged to the Lord. Either we could voluntarily tithe or the Lord would take it some other way. Perhaps there was a lot of truth in his observations, but what about those believers who give freely to others and never claim it on their income tax return? We will go into great detail about that shortly.

So what should our approach be to the mammon of unrighteousness? It starts (and ends) with the Lord Jesus.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and the poor meet together: The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-2

23 Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord Which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24

To the best of our knowledge, there is no place in scripture, which explicitly refers to a "gift of giving." Yet we believe very much that there is such a gift. Every ministry and every gift was and is embodied in the Person of the Lord Jesus. Jesus certainly demonstrated a ministry of giving.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. 

2 Corinthians 8:9

We have known several brethren who seemed to have such a gift. About 25 years ago I was talking with one brother with such a gift. He said that many years ago, a verse jumped out to him about giving.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. Proverbs 19:17

The brother was deeply impressed with how it could be possible to "lend unto the Lord," considering the fact that our God owns "the cattle upon a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10). That is something worth pondering. Jesus gives an answer:

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40



1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2 How that in great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

And so God does not need and does not want our money. He wants YOU and ME!

Once we give ourselves to the Lord, everything else, including the gift of giving will follow. If I am providing some service to you, I should do so as unto the Lord, with absolutely NO thought as to what, if anything, I might get from you in return. Likewise, if I am receiving some service from you, I should ask the Lord what I should give you and be obedient with joy.

For example, a Christian plumber, when doing some plumbing project for another Christian, if asked what price he/she expects for the work, should say, "I will leave that entirely between you and the Lord."

Freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8

Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23:4

Now is there anything wrong with being rich? Not if the Lord makes you rich! However, if the Lord makes you rich without you seeking riches, then the Lord has a reason. You MUST ask the Lord how He wants you to use the riches! Genesis 13 is the first place that wealth is mentioned in the Bible. Abram had riches (Genesis 13:2) but the riches did not have Abram. Moses, likewise, esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Hebrews 11:26). Abram's eyes were on the promises, while the things of earth grew strangely dim. Abram had flocks but the flocks did not have him. Lot also had flocks (Genesis 13:5) but the flocks possessed him. It is a terrible thing when a Christian is possessed by his possessions.

If riches are honestly obtained, held as belonging to God, and used by us as good stewards, they are right. But if they are falsely gained and/or held and used for unrighteous self, they are wrong. Lot's riches were the occasion of strife (Genesis 13:7-8). Since he represents a believer he will have to learn by losing them all. A faithful God will see that they are taken away from him, with the intent that his heart will return to the Lord.

Some time ago I heard a true story. During a meeting of Christian believers, a man stood up and gave his personal testimony. He said that at one point in his life he had very little money. But at one point he felt led to give most of his money to another needy believer. Then the Lord told him to give it all to that needy man, so he did. Then he testified how the Lord over a period of time made him into a millionaire. At that point a woman in the gathering spoke up and said, "I dare you to do it again."

The Lord knows our heart. We must make sure that our boast is always in the Lord, Who He is and what He has done and can do.

In the world, many musical "artists" have made millions of dollars through their musical gifts, from their concerts and recording albums. So it has seemed "normal" that Christians pursue the same. Many Christian vocalists have also made millions of dollars through the gift given to them by God. Is that wrong? Well we are in no position to judge anyone. However, even the world recognizes the awesome beauty of the gift and then moves to pull the gift into the world's system. In the process, the gift becomes polluted and compromised. However we do believe that in music, as in all other areas, there is a more excellent way. We have not been given gifts by God just to use them in the same manner that those in the world use their gifts with the corresponding monetary rewards! Certainly we should all seek the Lord as to how HE would have us to use the gifts that God has given to each one.

A similar area has to do with books and tapes. Many people in the world have made millions of dollars writing books. So since everybody does it, Christians have assumed that it is OK for them likewise to write Christian books and make millions of dollars in the process. This probably gets rationalized by Christian authors as a way that God has blessed them for using their understanding of scripture and their gift of writing. Again, we do NOT want to seem like we are judging Christian authors who sell their books for the normal going price. But again, we must insist that there is a higher, more excellent way! Such Christian authors need to honestly ask the Lord whether they are writing books for a mixed motive that INCLUDES personal fame and fortune. Yes, we are aware that, the Scripture saith, 

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. 1 Timothy 5:18

But we need to be very careful here. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I do not find ANY scripture that says that we should TAKE! The Scripture does NOT say that we are to extract money from our fellow believers! The attitude ... the motivation ... is CRITICAL! I should be MORE than willing to share with you that which I have received with NO thought on my part as to what I may get in return. We believe that the word of God is free!

Any ministry, in whatever form it expresses itself, whether preaching, teaching, intercession, healing, deliverance, books, tapes, music, etc., should be freely shared with no thought of "what do I get in return?"


41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury.

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44

No serious Christian could ever doubt whether or not Jesus provided for that poor widow's material needs the rest of her life on earth.

It is very important to understand that under the New Covenant the Lord is no longer saying, "Thou shall do this and thou shall not do that." That is Judaism or legalism of the highest order. Instead, the Lord is saying, "This is where I will bring you to if you allow me to change your heart." No man is going to have his heart changed by following lots of dogmatic, legalistic rules. But if we allow the Lord to change our heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, then we will soon see that the things of this world will grow slowly but surely dim.

I will not go into what we have received from the Lord and walked in for 50 years concerning the Christian and credit cards, life insurance, a retirement program, and buying a house. But if anyone is interested I will be happy to share with you in detail about these areas. However, I do believe it is important to share what we have received concerning Religious Contributions and Tax Deductions. That is undoubtedly one of the most controversial aspects of this message on "The Christian and Money." Let us state our thesis very clearly. We see NO place for the Christian, whether individually or corporately, to itemize tax deductions for contributions to religious organizations. When Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek he did not ask for a tax receipt. Neither did Jesus and Peter when they paid tribute money. This whole issue can be resolved by a church group not adopting a "name;" for without a name you cannot get a bank account or an IRS tax-deductible number. I have been waiting and hoping for 50 years that the Federal Government would eliminate the 501C tax exemption for churches and tax all religious organizations. After all, most churches today are big businesses. Jesus said,

1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

2 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.

Matthew 6:1-3

At tax reporting time, what does the typical Christian do? He sits down with all of his tax deductible receipts from religious organizations in the left hand and enters those as deductions on a tax form with the right hand. So the left hand knows EXACTLY what the right hand is doing! Jesus said,

Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. Matthew 22:21

Again, we might add to that verse, "but don't ever mix them up." Oil and water do not mix. The things of the world do NOT mix with the things of the Lord! The Church today has very little power BECAUSE the Church has allowed all sorts of mixture to co-exist within its ranks. Many years ago I read an apparently true conversation between a former pope and Thomas Aquinas.

The pope, as he was counting a large sum of money, said, "See, Thomas, the church can no longer say silver and gold have I none." Aquinas answered, "Neither can we say rise up and walk."

Yes, I know the typical response. I even heard with my natural ears an elder of a New Testament church give this response. "But it is perfectly legal to take a tax deduction for contributions to religious organizations. If I take the tax deduction I will have more money to give to the Lord's work." That response is a product of logical reasoning ... a product of the carnal mind. Did you forget that our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills? Did you forget that Jesus told Peter to go take up the first fish that comes up and you will find a piece of money in the mouth of the fish? The little bit of money that you "save" as a result of taking a tax deduction is PEANUTS compared to that which the Lord is ready to pour out upon you if you walk in His ways. How do I know? from revelation, not reason; and from personal experience. I could go into GREAT detail about that last statement but I will not do so here.

The problem, of course, is that Christian man is always trying to reason how we can DO more FOR God. But God wants to do a work WITHIN us! Lord have mercy on us!

The End of the Matter About Money

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

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

In effect, the Lord says to every Christian, "Give me all of your heart and I will take care of all of the rest."

The Five Offerings in the Book of Leviticus

Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.

The Five Offerings in the Book of Leviticus 

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

The Book of Leviticus is the book of worship, just as the Book of Exodus is the book of redemption. The first seven chapters of Leviticus describe in great detail the construction and use of the five major Jewish offerings ... the burnt offering, meal offering, peace offering, sin offering, and trespass offering in that order. Under the Old Covenant, between God and man, the construction and use of those offerings were to be strictly followed in the natural realm. Under the New Covenant, between the Father and the Son, they no longer exist in the natural realm, but they are very important in the realm of the Spirit. The five offerings speak prophetically of their spiritual counterpart for the Church, the Body of Christ, not for unregenerated man and not for the orthodox Jew. Perhaps we should add here that there is no such thing as Judeo-Christianity, which speaks of a mixture. The five offerings have very little relationship if any, to what Christians today call tithes and offerings. Please keep in mind that all of the offerings speak about worship, which we defined, from Genesis 22, as the voluntary, unquestioned obedience to the rhema word of the Lord through the Holy Spirit.

All the offerings were what God had first given to man; only such can be accepted by Him. Deep calleth unto deep (Psalm 42:7). To be more specific, natural man can never worship God in a manner pleasing to Him. It is only the Christ within us that can truly worship God.

Christ fulfilled all of the offerings; Christ IS the fulfilment of all of the offerings. The Holy Spirit is not once named in Leviticus, though referred to in all the other books of the Pentateuch, because all here relates to Christ; and it is the Spirit's work to glorify Christ. 

He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. 

John 16:14

Leviticus 1 speaks of the burnt offering; Leviticus 2 details the meal offering; Leviticus 3 describes the peace offering; Leviticus 4-5 sets forth the sin offering; and Leviticus 6-7 speaks of the trespass offering. Man begins with the sin offering and hopefully ends with the burnt offering. The word of God in Leviticus begins with the burnt offering and ends with the sin offering. Why? because, as we will see shortly, the Lord is first of all looking for our total and complete, all-consuming commitment and devotion to Him.

The sin offering was a mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin, confession of sin, forgiveness of sin, and cleansing from defilement. The sin offering is prophetic of the finished work of Christ at Calvary, and is thus associated with salvation. In addition, it represents an offering if we sin after we are born again, where we define sin as disobedience to God.

The trespass offering was a mandatory atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution plus a 20% fine; for example, if a man accidentally killed another man's cow or sheep.

The burnt offering, meal offering, and peace offering were voluntary, sweet smelling offerings, not because of sin. The burnt offering is the oldest offering mentioned in the Bible. It was also the first and therefore the most important of the five major offerings under the Mosaic Law. The burnt offering was voluntary and was completely consumed. It was to be offered twice every day, continually (Exodus 29:42-43) and offered only to the Lord (Judges 13:16). The burnt offering speaks of a voluntary act of worship ... an expression of devotion, commitment, and complete surrender to God.

The burnt offering required a male animal because Christ was/is the only One who could fulfill the burnt offering, which was the only offering where the sacrifice was totally consumed by fire. The burnt offering and an altar are first mentioned in Genesis 8:20, when Noah offered burnt offerings on the altar, after the flood was over and he came out of the ark. That was long before the law was given to Moses. How did Noah know to do that? There is no indication that he was taught that by another man. The Lord must have told him.

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20

The Hebrew word for burnt offering is olah, which means to cause to ascend, as the flame and smoke ascend by burning, symbolizing worship and prayer as its aroma ascended to the Lord. The Greek word is holocausts, which conveys the meaning of being wholly burnt.

The peace offering is described in detail in Leviticus 3. The peace offering was a voluntary act of worship consisting of thanksgiving and fellowship and included a communal meal. Two basic ideas are included in the peace offering: peace and fellowship. This offering symbolizes peace between God and man as well as the inward peace that results. The peace offering was the only sacrifice of which the offerer might eat a part. Fellowship was involved because the offerer, on the basis of the sacrifice, had fellowship with God and with the priest, who also ate part of the offering. The peace offering represents communion, fellowship or peace between the Lord and His people when the people live in conformity with their covenant obligations. Note that the peace offering is described after the burnt offering and the meal offering. That implies that we cannot have true fellowship or peace with God until we have voluntarily become a burnt offering and a meal offering. 400 different verses in Scripture speak of peace, such as the following:

For He is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Ephesians 2:14

 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

 

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17

Romans 14:17 seems to particularly relate to the three voluntary offerings: the burnt offering, meal offering, and peace offering. Salvation is free, but to enter into the kingdom of God costs us our self life, which we must voluntarily offer to the Lord.

The meal offering speaks of Christ in His human perfection, purity, tested through suffering. It also speaks of the body of Christ walking in a pure anointed life. Although the King James Version of the Bible speaks about a meat offering, there was never any meat in it. It should more accurately be called a meal offering.

Jesus was the first to become both the meal offering and drink offering in that He emptied Himself and poured Himself out. By law, the drink offering was never to be drunk by any man, but poured out unto the Lord. The drink offering speaks of a life of devotion. We (all Christians) are to identify with Jesus in every respect. We are likewise to become a meal offering and a drink offering. That is our reasonable service or worship.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service [or worship]. Romans 12:1

The ingredients in the meal offering, from Leviticus 2:1, were fine flour, oil, and frankincense, seasoned with salt. Leviticus 2:11 says that the meal offering includes no honey (natural sweetener) or leaven (sin). Nothing of the natural man is acceptable to God, and sin cannot remain in the presence of God. The fine flour was made out of grain, particularly corn.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12:24

Jesus is the corn of wheat. 

28 Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen.

29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, Which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. Isaiah 28:28-29

Bread corn (sons) is bruised (crushed or pulverized). Verse 29 says it is the working of God.

Leviticus 2:14-16 describes how we are to make the fine flour. First of all the meal offering is made by fire unto the Lord. That fire is no ordinary fire; it is the fire of the Holy Ghost. Further, the offering is unto the Lord. Everything that we say or do must be as unto the Lord.

The starting place to make the fine flour was to take green ears of corn, dried by the fire. I really like to eat fresh corn. Many years ago as we were eating some fresh corn on the cob, I counted the number of rows of corn around the ear and then counted the approximate number of corn kernels on each row. Somewhat to my surprise, a normal ear of corn has 500-600 individual kernels of corn on the ear. All of the individual kernels of corn are unique ... no two are alike, because God never makes a copy of anything!

After drying the ears of corn by fire, the kernels are beaten off (Verse 14) out of full ears (maturity) and placed between two rather large millstones. You can Google millstones and see a picture of what they used to look like. Two grinding stones or mill stones crushed the corn in order to make the fine flour (which speaks of the purity of the life of Christ). The corn is crushed or pulverized between the two mill stones, after which it no longer looks like corn. As long as we are a kernel of corn, we have our own identity. After crushing, we lose our identity in the whole. A mill stone on the earth speaks of our individual circumstances to take out all the coarseness of our natural self-life. The mill stone above represents the sovereignty or working of God. God is the engineer. We are called according to His purpose, not our purpose.

Oil speaks of anointing or the presence of the Holy Spirit. Numerous Scriptures testify to that.

39 And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him.

40 And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto Him fom heaven, strengthening Him.

44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood, falling down to the ground. Luke 22:39-44

In Verse 40, the place (from the account in Matthew 26) was Gethsemane. Gethsemane literally means the oil press of God; a place for squeezing the oil from olives. It represents inward suffering, which is greater than the outward suffering which Jesus endured on the cross. Please read again Verse 44. That was the beginning of the oil press. I suspect that very few men, if any, have prayed so earnestly that his sweat was like great drops of blood.

Frankincense is an aromatic, gummy, white, milky sap tapped from an incision on the very scraggly but hardy Boswellia tree by slashing the bark and allowing the resins to bleed out and harden. White speaks of purity ... the holiness of God. The hardened resins are called tears. Jesus, and others, wept over Jerusalem. The oil is then obtained by steam distillation of the dry resin. The greatest incisions on any Tree were the nails through the hands and feet of Jesus as He was crucified. The fact that the Boswellia tree is very scraggly reminds us of,

He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. Isaiah 53:2

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In Matthew 2:11, frankincense, along with gold and myrrh, were among the three gifts to Jesus by the magi from out of the East. Gold speaks of Deity ... the life of Christ; myrrh is a biter herb and speaks of suffering that we all must go through to enter the kingdom of God. Esther was purified for 6 months with bitter herbs followed by 6 months of sweet-smelling herbs.

Frankincense trees are also unusual for their ability to grow in environments so unforgiving that they sometimes grow directly out of solid rock. When we believers build our house on solid rock, we are more hardy and have a more fragrant aroma to the Lord. Frankincense resin is edible and often used in various traditional medicines in Asia for digestion and healthy skin. Frankincense also has been used for hundreds of years in some parts of the world for treating almost every physical ailment known to man. You can Google "frankincense" and get a wealth of information.

Salt, of course, is a preservative. Salt, when applied to most substances, also makes them burn faster. Salt represents character ... the character of God. So salt signifies purty and devotion. The first occurrence of the word, salt, is in Leviticus 2:13.

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. Leviticus 2:13

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. Mark 9:49-50

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

The drink offering is first mentioned in Genesis 35:9-15. When Jacob poured a drink offering and oil on the stone, it was symbolic of pouring out himself unto the Lord. 

Although the drink offering is not one of the five major offerings, it almost always accompanied the meal offering. The drink offering represents a life poured out to God; a life of devotion. The drink offering varied between 1/4 of a hin of wine up to 1/2 of a hin of wine, where a hin is roughly equivalent to our gallon. The drink offering represents complete consecration or devotion to God. The drink offering was never drunk but always poured out. Nothing for me; everything for the Lord. Everyone is familiar with the account when David longed for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem. Surely David knew that the drink offering was never to be drunk (2 Samuel 23).

It is important to understand that Jesus became the drink offering. He fulfilled the drink offering, as well as all of the other offerings. 

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Philippians 2:5-7

In Verse 7, "made Himself of no reputation" can be translated as emptied Himself or poured Himself out. Paul said the same thing.

For I am now ready to be offered [poured out, or become a drink offering], and the time of my departure is at hand. 2 Timothy 4:6

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? First of all it means that we have voluntarily allowed the Holy Spirit to bring us to a place where we have become a burnt offering wherein all of self has been burned out by God, Who is a consuming fire. Then we must become a meal offering and a drink offering, which are the basis (or prerequisites) for revival or restoration. We can see that from Joel, Chapters 1:1- 2:17, all of which is very descriptive of the modern day Church in America. The question is ... who wants to become a meal offering and a drink offering as unto the Lord? In order to do that, we must first become a burnt offering ... totally committed to the Lord. Then we must become a meal offering and a drink offering. Help, Lord!

In our next message we will look at a brief overview of Joel, Chapter 1 to Joel 2:17 to see how these offerings apply to us Christians today.