Wendy Duncan tipped me off to this article. Because as a former member of the Trinity Foundation, she and others would like to know what’s going on with the money there. Given Ole is having others investigated by the government.

(The following article is best read in full by clicking the link below.)

Turning the Tables on Trinity Foundation … Former Ole-ites contacted the Dallas Observer to point out that, in fairness, Grassley should ask Anthony the same questions. The media watchdog demands transparency of other ministries, but the foundation, they say, has had its own serious financial problems. … Doug Duncan describes Trinity’s most egregious financial transgression as defaulting on $42 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds issued in 1998 for the organization’s purchase of 13 apartment complexes in Oklahoma City. … Trinity defaulted on the bonds in 2000. According to The Bond Buyer, a trade publication, Trinity officials told the management company it hired to divert rents from the project to Trinity’s accounts instead of depositing the money into the revenue fund as required. … Samples of additional financial questions suggested by former Trinity members: “How much of members’ tithes and offerings and other donations have been spent for Ole Anthony’s pain medications for the last 20 years? “Please provide the credit card statements for all credit cards used by Ole Anthony from 1987 to 2007. “How much does the foundation pay annually to rent properties from its directors? “The 2005 tax statement indicates that $40,306 dollars were expended for ‘management expenses.’ What are these expenses and who received these funds? “Were the trips, cruises and vacations given to Anthony by ABC News and others ever reported as income? “The 2005 tax statement indicates approximately $40,000 paid in utilities. Is the foundation using tax-exempt donations to pay utility bills of the homes of its elders and directors? “When was the last certified audit done of Trinity Foundation?”

Looks like Ole is asking to see the numbers of others, while he’s asking people AND EVEN THE GOVERNMENT for cash and playing close to the vest with his own figures. (Even the biggest pimps can say they’ve had outside audits performed.) Not exactly keeping to Matthew 7:1-5. Ole Anthony should have his Trinity Foundation open their own books for scrutiny.

2 Corinthians 8:21 (New American Standard Bible) 21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Related post: Ole Anthony (Trinity Foundation) Shades of a Cult!

Now here’s the deal, if someone who does not claim the Lord’s name does not desire to say “Merry Christmas” to me, I’m not going to get uptight at all. I’ll see if there is an opportunity to speak to them about Christ and more than a simple “Christmas” story. Because more is needed than the holiday made up by the Vatican. Someone saying “Merry Christmas” is not going to save a soul. Even if someone is Christian, they can opt not to acknowledge the holiday made up by the Vatican, while still having full faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t follow a “pope”, I’m not beholden to the Vatican, but just the same I’m OK with the Christmas holiday. I think whether one decides to acknowledge it comes down their own decision on the matter.

Romans 14:5-6 (New American Standard Bible) 5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.

And we know from Colossians 2, that no one is to be judged in respect to a festival, day of the week like the Sabbath or a holiday observance. But for those who wish to claim the Lord’s name and acknowledge Christmas, than by all means do it for the Lord. Don’t water it down with claims of things like “Happy Holidays”.

Let’s be straight up frank about this, the other events getting ready to take place are not trying to acknowledge the Lord for who we now full well know He is. Hanukkah I’m not against, because it’s based on observance of a miracle from almighty God, but most observing that holiday knowingly forsake the Lord Jesus Christ. They forsake the triune nature of God, although it is in Hebrew scripture. They forsake the work of Christ. So we work to evangelize to Jews the message of Christ, because we love them. Then there is Kwanzaa, which I’m totally against and have detailed why already. We work to evangelize to all the message of Christ, because we love them.

I’d never want to cause any confusion by using a term such as “Happy Holidays” at this time of year, given I observe Christmas and want to carry that message beyond the story of Christ’s birth in flesh. Jesus existed before time began, was crucified for our sins, resurrected and sits on the right hand of the Father. Having had His Father send His Holy Spirit for we who love Him, as our comforter. Just the “Christmas story” is not sufficient, but I’ve got no problem with recognizing when He came to earth in flesh. Although no where in scripture are we told to make a holiday out of it and the early church never made a holiday of it. I could get into the pagan Winter festival aspects, but the bottom line is that I celebrate the Lord everyday and don’t have an issue with acknowledging a day as special remembrance of His coming to earth in flesh because of God’s love for us.

Having said all that, I would expect a person who claims the Lord’s name, to at least be able to say “Merry Christmas”, if they put a holiday greeting on their web site today. Same if they do so today and the greeting pictures them putting an ornament on a tree. Not that a pine tree is a special Christian symbol, we know it has a history of pagan origins, but putting a decorated tree in your house is not going to harm your relationship with God, if you don’t look to a false god. Today a decorated pine tree is not generally viewed as anything pagan, so it should not harm anyone’s conscience. Still if you want to send a greeting today and it has such an image and you wish to do things as unto the Lord, best to direct it towards something that acknowledges Christ and say “Merry Christmas”. That’s just what I would hope to see when someone who claims the Lord’s name might put up their greeting that is acknowledging a holiday this time of year.

So look at what our friend reader Solideogloriafella found when going to Paula White’s web site today:

Now I really didn’t want to jump on Paula White again so soon after noting how her new book is a terrible thing to give to anyone including yourself, but this being time sensitive material I had to put it up now. I’m just saying, since she did this as part of “Paula White Ministries” it would seem you would not want anyone to think you’re observing something that is anti-Christ like Kwanzaa. Not that she has any place to claim church leadership in the first place for so many reasons, but this really shows how she desires to stand for secularism and not Christ.

update 11/30/2007 10:51AM: A reader of this blog named Evette left the following tip:

Juanita Bynum’s website also says Happy Holidays.

I’ve checked Juanita Bynum’s web site and sure enough, she’s got this huge “Happy Holidays” graphic as her front page background and even puts her signature on it.

Just perhaps all this will help someone who follows after them to see what they are about.

update 11/30/2007 3:51PM: A reader of the blog using the handle kkia left this comment:

I just went to Paula’s site and it now says “Merry Christmas”. Very interesting…

I just checked and confirmed, Paula White’s folks have changed the wording under the graphic to say “Merry Christmas”.  Hey Paula, do you mind changing the wording inside your new book now too?  Turn from that prosperity doctrine heresy you spew.  Just step down and repent woman.

And he’s even getting involved in anti-domestic violence efforts. I am now convinced these two vipers should get back together, because no one else should have to endure them. But the implosion of the Bynum-Week’s Corp. continues.

 

Bishop Thomas Weeks, III “NEW NLL PARTNERSHIP INFO”.
Viper Weeks hopes you’ll keep sending him money!

 

Thomas Weeks Claims He Never Hit Juanita Bynum in 5 Years.
Interview to set the stage for his press conference.

Full Thomas Weeks Press Conference.
Basically he says it’s all her fault and he can prove it.

 

For the Cause of Christ? Thomas Weeks Shows Off Old Mansion

Isn’t it interesting HOW PEOPLE WHO DON’T CLAIM THE LORD’S NAME CAN HAVE MARITAL ISSUES AND REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES BETTER THAN THESE 2? That should help you understand that neither Juanita Bynum or Thomas Weeks are to be taken seriously. They make mockery of the Lord’s name continually.Here were some notes I took of interesting things said by Weeks during his hour long press conference and I include some of my thoughts as well:

• I can’t beleive he brought up that old Martin Lawrence movie. But we do need to recognize that Bynum refused to let the police take the pictures and ran off to have one of her friends take the pictures later. So who knows who might be honest about the bruises. We’ve seen Bynum has witnesses, Weeks says he’ll tell more in court.
• Best thing he said “I’ll deal with that in court”. He should have kept his mouth SHUT and dealt with all during his trial for the fight in January.
• Says Bynum chocked him in the past and he has a witness.
• Claims he was never evicted from the house.
• Claims Bynum is jelous and that along with a lack of privacy is why they might not be able to ever reconcile.
• Claims he never chocked Lorraine Robinson. If it never was such a big deal, then why did he file a police report? He never says anything about the police report that he filed.
• Weeks said he would apologize to Bynum right then and there if she was there. Legally, he can’t get near her. But he makes it appear as if he’s got practically nothing to apologize for…
• Claims he has witnesses who say Bynum has made it clear she’s out to destroy him.
• Claims she told Star Jones that his father counciled her 12 times about prior domestic violence. Why would someone go to the abuser’s father for counceling? Just sounds odd.
• Basically says that he wishes he never married her and “I’d never wish this, even on the devil”. He does not realize that he continues to dance with the devil in that false prosperity doctrine, that is a proven failure.
• Says Bynum asked to marry him via telephone.
• While trying to otherwise speak in proper English phrases, Weeks said: “My Name is on Blast”.
• He’s getting “emotional counseling” because his name is in newspapers. Could this be another sign the prosperity doctrine is bogus? I think so! They tell us to give them money and we would be free from all problems, but he’s in “emotional counseling”.
• Says he does not want any of her money. As if either of them have money .
• They kept their assets seperate. Not exactly an attribute of a union.
• Weeks’ divorce attorney claims the magazine article has “set us back”. He is hoping to get the divorce resolved with no trial.

Well as I said before, The Implosion of a Pulpit Pimp Empire! Weeks vs. Bynum. Weeks Speaks. Gives Lesson on How NOT to Reconcile a Marriage.

In all this, the real good is that somebody is turning from them both and now keeping Christ as their High Priest!

Hebrews 4:14-16 (New American Standard Bible) 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You don’t need to run to some pulpit pimp, that tells you they feel your pain and want you to give them some money. Which they take and run off to live lavish in one of the best country clubs around. You need to hold fast to THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

If you want an unbeliever to get more caught up in themselves and know less about Christ. Paula White’s new book titled “You’re All That!” makes for the perfect gift!

See Paula White telling Larry King how unbelievers won’t find the message of salvation through Christ in her new book, in the video below.

 

Paula White, Her New Book is Not About Salvation via Christ

Some interesting items from the video:

• She has no problem with a cult member (Mormon) running for President. But when you run a money scam called a house of “prosperity doctrine” what would one expect her to say?
• Calls herself a “synergistic triune being”. Personally, I’m a body with a spirit, but Paula desires to play up her little god dreams. So the only time she comes close to speaking with Larry King about a trinity is in reference to HERSELF!
• She says God is “a spirit”. God is spirit, but “a spirit”. God is GOD. She speaks of God basically being her big strong buddy. No real reverence for Him as almighty and Lord. Of course there was an opportunity there to speak of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and explain salvation through Christ to Larry King. But then again, Paula White just fails to handle herself like a Christian in front of Larry King.
• She and Randy White have had plastic surgery and Larry King being the unbeliever that he is can’t consider 1 Peter 3:1-7. Notice that scripture also mentions prayers being hindered. But Paula White thinks that God is tuned into anyone’s prayer. Notice the focus on Y-O-U. As if God is here for you, rather than the other way around.
• She claims she’s being conformed to Christ, but it’s obvious she’s being conformed to a dollar bill! She’ll say anything for a buck and that’s why people like Donald Trump love her so much, Luke 16:13.

Paula White tells Larry King how heathens will gain so much from her book about themselves and says nothing of the book being in any way an effort to help anyone find the Lord Jesus Christ. Which makes the book worthless. It’s nothing but the indulgence of self glory, while failing to express that submission to Christ is the only way to salvation. It fails to tell how that without Christ we are nothing.

See how God had the apostle Paul address the saints at the churches in Corinth for our benefit in 1 Corinthians 2. God had Paul to instruct against things that don’t stick to CHRIST.

Colossians 2:8 (New American Standard Bible) 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

Paula White uses the Lord’s name for personal profit. Not to honestly help those in need of the Savior, the one and Only Lord Jesus Christ.

Do not look for Christ in Paula, He is not there. Begin reading the Holy Bible for yourself and learning of who Jesus Christ really is and how He is the ONLY HOPE for your soul.

Related posts:

• Paula White Cold Cocked by Paul Edwards (*Updated*)
• Paula White Trashes the Words of Paul and Empowers Greed.

update 11/29/2007 11:44AM: And check this out.

update 11/30/2007 4:08PM: There will always be the accuser who claims that any video clip I make of one of these pimps is a misrepresentation of their words, that can be clearly seen and heard in the video. Here is the full CNN transcript, where you can read more from viper Paula White. There are some things that are embarrassing for her that I didn’t even put in the video clips. Other things that expose her as a fraud.

Just little big stakes in US companies now and take the rest later.

Citi Sells Stake to Abu Dhabi Fund NEW YORK (AP) — Citigroup said late Monday that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority will invest $7.5 billion in the nation’s largest bank, offering needed capital to offset big losses from mortgages and other investments. The cash from the sovereign investment fund of the Gulf Arab state, which has been a beneficiary of this year’s surge in oil prices, will be convertible into no more than 4.9 percent of Citigroup Inc.’s equity. Citigroup characterized the investment as passive and said the fund will not be able to name any board members to the bank. The Investment Authority would become one of Citi’s largest shareholders. … Dubai International Capital, which is owned by the ruler of that booming Persian Gulf city-state, announced earlier Monday that it has acquired a stake of undisclosed size in the Japanese electronics and media company Sony Corp. Its other investments this year included acquiring a 3.12 percent of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., which builds Airbus commercial planes and military aircraft. The firm also holds stakes in Daimler AG and British bank HSBC Holdings PLC. Many companies have welcomed such investments because the funds tend to be stable investors, but some U.S. officials have expressed concern that their acquisitions could target sensitive industries with links to national security. Abu Dhabi’s move recalls the early 1990s investment in Citi made by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. After Citi made some losing bets on U.S. real estate and Latin America, Alwaleed bought a stake in the bank for less than $600 million that has since ballooned into several billions of dollars. …

So the banks gave money to people who really had terrible credit to begin with, back when Liberals cried that banks need to give out more loans. Then it all comes back to bite and the banks sell stakes to Arab Muslim nations. The unspoken truth is that Mexico has leverage over America because of outstanding bank deals, that could go belly up if America ever did something like close the southern border to illegal entry. How much leverage will Arabs have in the future, when some future President feels a need to go after a terrorist king pin in an Arab nation after a major terrorist attack?

American sovereignty slipping away daily…

And how do the Arabs get the money to buy up America? The oil. I still think America needs to work harder on clean liquid coal.

Just a great video.

 

The Heresy of Oneness/Jesus only preaching

Wouldn’t you just love to be at his house when the so-called Jehovah’s Witnesses (they are false witnesses) or the Mormons visit him ? Personally, I never let them cross my doorstep and rebuke them from the front door.

2 John 1:10-11 (New American Standard Bible) 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

Some who are into false doctrines spread untruths about some historical events and teaching about God being triune. Read, The Nicene Council, what was it really about?

Related post: The Trinity, a Godhead of 3 Persons, 3 That are the One True God, Proven via Hebrew Scripture

The blog Gay Christian Movement Watch notes Obama’s plans to spread heresy. This Liberal US Presidential candidate is not only trying to promote admonition via government. He’s trying to outright change church doctrine. Read the word of warning in the post titled: Pastors: Keep Obama Balaam out of your pulpit! Seeing Obama’s actual plans and considering 1 Corinthians 5:11. It seems to me, that all church elders/pastors would do well to deny Obama any communication, that is made as part of his political campaigning. And you know I’m totally against politicians being given special time and special treatment in church assemblies.

What Obama and others like him are doing is a fierce attack on the church. No it’s not physically violent, but if you read the post at Gay Christian Movement Watch titled, Methods used to spread gay theology, you’ll know why the methods being utilized by people like Obama could be the most poisonous of all. Satan’s children know the only place a righteous standard will be maintained is in the church and they’re working to tear down the church, with tactics on par with Satan in the Garden of Eden.

And Religious Industry big wig Bobby Jones is showing he’s not a man standing on sound doctrine. Just another of the many who will do most anything for personal fame and fortune. See the Gay Christian Movement Watch post titled Gospel’s Dr. Bobby Jones appearing in gay movie. The movie “Dirty Laundry” is winning big awards at “Black” and “Gay” film festivals. Gay Blacks are so happy about this movie. (No pun intended.) The director of the movie is noted in this post on a pro-homosexual blog with the following:

You may know Maurice Jamal as the lead actor, writer and director of the “The Ski Trip,” the first black gay feature-length film on television, which now appears regularly on the Logo channel. But Maurice, whose directing credits also include Chappelle Show, is not resting on his laurels. Instead, he’s gearing up for production of his next big film, “Dirty Laundry,” with a much bigger budget.

The blogger who made that post is Keith Boykin. Boykin and a man he sleeps with named Nathan Williams (GCM Watch notes them as male lovers) are producers of the film. Williams is an executive producer and Boykin is an associate producer on the film. So the film is saturated with homosexuals, praised by homosexuals and noted to contain filth. Filth has sadly become a staple for what are known as “Black comedy” films. It makes the films “Black” for more than just a racial description.

If seems people who desire to embrace homosexuality just can’t accept that the Lord Jesus Christ said from the beginning it’s about One man and One Woman:

Matthew 19:4-5 (New American Standard Bible) 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE,5 and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’?

God said One Man and One Woman, period!

Once upon a time, I used to really be in agreement with this bunch. But the more I read my Bible, the less I’m feeling as they do.

Check out what the American Family Association (AFA) sent me via e-mail last night:

(Any bold text is exactly where they used bold text in the original message.)

Gays challenge traditional marriage supporters: put up or shut up

Homosexual group calls for boycott of Wal-Mart, shopping at Target instead

Dear Darnell,

If Wal-Mart sales go down, gays will claim victory in support of same-sex “marriage” benefits

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest homosexual organization, has issued a challenge to pro-traditional marriage supporters saying in essence: “Put up or shut up.” They have called for a boycott of Wal-Mart while urging their supporters to buy from Target.

The reason? Wal-Mart refuses to offer “domestic benefits” (benefits given to married couples) to homosexual partners.

The homosexual organization also urged individuals to buy from Target, saying “consumers should make every effort to support” Target because Target offers “marriage” benefits to homosexual partners. (Target is the company which no longer allows the Salvation Army to solicit Christmas donations in front of their stores.)

USA Today interviewed me November 20 concerning the Wal-Mart boycott, citing–among other things–the number of HRC’s “buy and don’t buy guide” downloaded from the Internet and the billions of dollars the gays claim in buying power. I told Andrea Stone, the reporter who called, that AFA would promote a “buycott” of Wal-Mart and suggested that she look at Wal-Mart’s sales at the end of December to see who won.

However, in her article the next day there was not a single word from her interview with me. Instead, the article was basically a “puff piece” about the homosexual boycott. Homosexuals have challenged traditional marriage supporters to do battle. We will now see if traditional marriage supporters accept the challenge.

Make every effort to shop at Wal-Mart this Christmas season. The gays want Wal-Mart sales to go down so they can claim victory.

Forward this to your friends and family and urge them to buy at Wal-Mart. Announce this in your Sunday School class, at church, etc. Ask your pastor to announce in church newsletters and bulletins that the homosexuals are challenging those who support traditional marriage. Tell them about the homosexual’s efforts to force Wal-Mart to offer “marriage” benefits and Target’s support for “marriage” benefits.

Take Action! For More Information

Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution? Click here to make a donation.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association

OK, so now I’m a bad Christian if I find a good deal at Target, that gives people engaged in the abomination of homosexuality special benefits, after driving to the Target in my car that was made by a company that does the same! I’m supposed to go shop at the Wal Mart, that sells every piece of Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer garbage on prominent display to be a good Christian? Wal Mart, the company that while I’m fine with them being against Unions, which strong arm companies and were birthed from communism, goes and buys many of their goods from Communist and Christian torturing China.

The AFA is playing this silly game of dollars with the homosexual lobby. While the fact Wal Mart trades with China means nothing to them . I realize trying not to buy from China is virtually impossible. I shop where they have what I need for a good price, because they all are into mess, because they all have done whatever they felt they needed to do in order to be the biggest money changers in the nation. To try and avoid would mean to do business with none and I’m not supposed to isolate myself completely from the world.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (New American Standard Bible) 9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler–not even to eat with such a one.

I’m supposed to be the one going into the world and finding opportunities to reach out to the world. That does not mean I go and produce material with a trash rapper as some so-called preachers do, but the market place is the home of the money changer. If you want to avoid evil in the marketplace, you’ll have to avoid the marketplace completely. And Wal Mart being the bigger money changer, does more to support Christian torturing China. So I could as easily build a case against Wal Mart as the AFA has in support.

We’re not talking about a store that sells products I’m purchasing in order to engage in sin. Now that would be unchristian like. We’re talking about money changer who provides staple goods #1 versus #2.

And what if a Christian works at Target? Am I supposed to tell them they should quit their job and seek an opportunity at Wal Mart over this? What if Target’s sales are so low because of the AFA effort, that Christians lose their jobs? What victory has been won then?

And the AFA fails to mention, that Target has found other ways to support the Salvation Army. An organization I can give to regardless of who they are allowed to work with.

I was going to make this a simple comment in response to brother Job’s post over at Jesus Christology titled Megachurches Being Used For Capitalist Economic Development, but I felt it was time to call out this bunch in a full post here on the blog. They’re seeking to have saints do many things, not just this, that have NOTHING to do with Christian evangelism.

The Wall Street Journal’s religion reporter Suzanne Sataline has written an article, that was in today’s WSJ on page W1. I can only provide a portion of it here, but it’s one worth reading in full, if you can get access to the full article.

The Backlash Against Tithing - WSJ 11/23/2007 - by Suzanne Sataline … Anti-Tithing in the Classroom The anti-tithing movement has found support in some unlikely places: theologically conservative divinity schools and church pulpits. At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., professor Andreas Kostenberger challenges tithing in classes on the New Testament. He teaches that if you add up all taxes paid by the ancient Israelites, they exceed 10%, and that in the New Testament there’s no percentage rule. He says pastors perpetuate the 10% figure out of “pragmatism, tradition and ignorance, quite frankly.” After 25 years leading Union Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Ohio, the Rev. Bob Barbour stopped preaching about tithing a few years ago. He now promotes what he calls “grace giving” — a voluntary, unspecified amount — because, he says, it squares better with Scripture. The church still receives enough to cover expenses, he says. And if it falls short, so be it: “You can’t beat people over the heads.” …

God is going to make sure His sheep hear the truth, one way or another!

2 Corinthians 9:7 (New American Standard Bible) 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Ah, the apostle Paul never said the Lord Jesus informed him to make churches pay a fixed amount or fixed percentage. Just what they desired to give themselves or whatever they promised they would give.

Of course giving has its benefits.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (New American Standard Bible) 6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Giving does not HAVE TO BE to the church. You could be giving to needy people around you, possibly in your own family. There might be reaping in this life of some sort, but preferably the next where the rewards are greater.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (New American Standard Bible) 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

Notice God has Paul speaking to the churches at Corinth about a COLLECTION FOR SAINTS. Money was collected and given to poor saints in famine in Jerusalem, where there was a need. So fellow followers of Christ would not go hungry.

Of course we should also fund to advance ministry of the gospel and care for good elders.

1 Corinthians 9:9-14 (New American Standard Bible) 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING ” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.

The bottom line is this. While Paul often refused to exercise living off donations from the church, he made it clear that we are to support those in the ministry of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who proclaim the gospel are supposed to get their living from the gospel. Meaning the church is to support its elders that rule well. The church is to help poor saints, help maintain elders and give to others when doing outreach ministry. There are no fixed percentages, because that would be the compulsion of legalism and cause people to give grudgingly, to meet whatever fixed amount was mandated. The early church DID NOT tithe and scripture never notes that they should have. Paul never carried the Jewish custom of tithing to Gentiles, although he did instruct them to give to support the poor saints and elders.

Related post: Reconsidering the Tithe.

If you know Christ as your Lord and Savior, your ONLY HOPE for salvation and the gift of eternal life. Everyday is a day of thanksgiving and praise to God.

If you don’t know Christ. Today would be a good day, to sit down with that Christian in your family or that friend you have that is Christian and ask them to tell you more about the Lord Jesus Christ.

To you and yours, may all your thanksgivings be blessed.