The Christian and Money
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| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
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,
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?
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.
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:
Therefore it should be no surprise when Jesus said:
That verse clearly states there is much more to a tithe than material possessions.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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."
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,
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?"
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,
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,
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
In effect, the Lord says to every Christian, "Give me all of your heart and I will take care of all of the rest."
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.
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 9:7I 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?"
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.
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 22:1-223 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 10:8Labor 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 55:1But 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."
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