vg songs

The role of Money in Ministry
The righteousness of God, one of the most prominent attributes of God in the Scriptures, is also one of the most elusive. Initially, distinguishing the righteousness of God from His holiness or His goodness seems difficult. In addition, the righteousness of God is virtually.

Money plays avital role in the Modernministry; this is not like the ancient days…The reason may be nowadays people are more interest on the outer appearance than the inner most appearance of themselves and their Ministries. Hence, to do the right ministry in the right way will be very difficult to run on.

Nowadays people don’t want to suffer, willing to worship with super comfortable sophisticated situation and more interest on outer joyful even with the presence of deep inner darkness in their life. Even without knowing to forgive others by being proud but, simply asking forgiveness from God is meaningless. It is the real critical situation that we face across the world.

When Jesus in His mighty ministries replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Luke 9:58. Also, Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Acts 3:6, but is it true today among us.

So, Paul encourages Timothy “I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: .Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4 1.5
The Dangers of the Last Days

You should know this, Timothy that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 2 Timothy 3 .1.7
Is it okay for pastors to be paid for ministry?

Yes, it is okay for pastors to be paid and receive money for preaching and teaching the gospel. But it isn’t getting paid to preach that is the issue. Rather, it is being supported by the work that the pastor performs (of which preaching is only one part), work that is often 50+ hours a week. But some will say that pastors should not receive any compensation at all, and that they should follow the admonition of Jesus who said “freely you received, freely give,” (Matt. 10:8). Furthermore, people also say that pastors who are truly spiritual should decline being paid. These two arguments might sound good, but are they valid? Let’s take a look. First, let’s examine the context of Jesus’ words in Matt. 10:8:

“These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, and freely give. “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. “And into whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it; and abide there until you go away,” (Matt. 10:5-11).

The context of Jesus saying “freely you received, freely give,” is dealing with healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, and casting out demons. What is interesting is that in the next two verses Jesus said take along no money (gold or silver), then he says in verse 10, “for the worker is worthy of the support.” The implication is that those who are preaching the gospel and performing the ministry that Christ has given them should be supported by those people to whom they minister.

Jesus told the disciples to accept the support offered them in their ministry; that is, they were to enter a house and stay there. If they were not being formally paid, then they must be housed and fed. Should we conclude that ministers of the word should stay with the people they preach to and be supported by them? Not at all. Jesus was telling the disciples to trust God as they ministered. In fact, we find that when Jesus was carrying out his earthly ministry, he and his disciples had a money box (John 12:6; 13:29) that, unfortunately, Judas would steal from.

Jesus’ ministry was dependent only on the Holy Spirit. He did accept gifts of money from His followers for His work (Luke 8:2, 3). But He never asked anyone at any time for money and He never made His financial needs known to anyone but His Father. This is the way that any ministry that honors God will work even today. Jesus was the first physical “Body of Christ” on earth. Today we in the church are called the spiritual “Body of Christ”. And so we seek to follow the example that Jesus Himself set for us in the matter of finances, during His earthly life.

A pastoral minister is the clergyman who supervises and co-ordinates the pastoral ministry. The main duty of the pastoral ministry is to provide the body of Christ with the necessary tools to become disciple-makers for Jesus Christ. They also promote the congregation’s involvement in the local community.

Money In Jesus Ministry.

But, remember Jesus never asked for offering while doing His Ministries, although Hehad no money to pay tax for Him and Peter. Judas may be just collecting the money voluntarily but; Jesus did not use His Carpenter tools or to buy his own home appliance, neither buys a donkey for His ministry. For instance, if Jesus decides to buy donkeys for his Ministries, He would buy twelve, plus one for himself. Today preachers are not willing to run moral ministries but, eagerly willing to run modern ministries unlike Jesus.

Further, everyone wanted to earn avery high expensive Car from the offerings received from the poor. This is the very critical situation across the world among the Christian community. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

Jesus says in Matthew 6.25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? But today’s servant of God and preachers worry to build Modern architecture church than to build the Body of Christ they also worry to build a modern high sophisticated house in City. Stay back stop remember and judge yourself.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s. 1 Timothy 6 .7-10

Please understand the way how Jesus used the money in His mighty ministrylet usfollow our Master.

Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. John 13:29

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you,] but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her. “Matthew 26:6-13

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why weren’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. John 12:4-8. It proves Jesus used money to care for the poorer and further purely for His simple Gospelexpenditure further He never asked a single penny for his personal use.

Be remember Paul’s righteousness word

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything 1 Corinthians 6.12. “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1Corinthians .10:23. Receiving the offering is not a problem but, it is God’s own money be conscious in your way of spending. Don’t make people were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt .Don’t be act as Eli’s Wicked Sons.

This sin of the young men (Eli’s Wicked Sons) was very great in the Lord’s sight; for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt. 1 Samuel 2 17
The man who brought the news replied, “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and he was heavy. He had led[b] Israel forty years. 1Samuel 4:17-18

Paul has several things to say about following Christ and money. Let’s take a look.2 Thess. 3:9-10, “not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”

1 Tim. 5:17-18, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The labourer is worthy of his wages.”

1 Cor. 9:3-18, Mydefense to those who examine me is this: 4 Don’t we not have a right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? 7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? 8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? 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 should 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, that we may 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 with the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things that it may be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.

16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.

18 What then is my reward?That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
Does It Take Money To Spread The Gospel?

But does it really take money to spread the Gospel? Really?To which I’d have to answer, with a resounding, “NO!” It does not take money to spread the Gospel! If it does, Jesus would not have sent out His disciples to preach the Gospel without money. Twice, not once, when Jesus sent out His disciples to preach the Gospel, (first the twelve and then the seventy disciples — Luke 9:1-6 and Luke 10:1-30); He told them not to take anything with them for the journey. Not money, not extra clothes, not extra shoes, not food, etc.

You know that sounds more like God, because it’s contrary to what we would do in the natural. Remember, His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways… (Isaiah 55:8). Conventional wisdom, on the other hand, says that you need, and should take these things before embarking on a journey. But Jesus said don’t take these things.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus would tell His disciples not to take basic necessities with them when they went out to preach? Perhaps the reason Jesus said don’t take these things was because He knew that these things, rather than be an aid to the Gospel, could easily become a distraction to the Gospel.
I mean, common-sense dictates that you at least take money, even if you don’t take the other things, because you can buy the other things with money. But “faith-sense” says that you trust the One sending you on such a journey to provide and meet all your needs — everything necessary to accomplish the task. That is His responsibility.

Therefore, if God sends you on a mission or an assignment, it is His responsibility to provide for you while on the assignment. After all, it is His assignment. So, you don’t need to come up with tricks or gimmicks or marketing strategies on how to provide for yourself.

You say, “But Paul asked the Corinthians for money to support his ministry. Why do you say that it doesn’t take money to spread the Gospel?” No! Paul did not ask the Corinthians for money to support his ministry. Rather, he reminded them of the promise they made to support the other saints (2 Corinthians 9:5). The money was meant to meet the needs of the other saints in need (2 Corinthians 9:1, 12). Not for spreading the Gospel. There’s a difference (Read the whole of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9). This was similar to what the Early Christians did in Acts 2:41-47 and 4:33-37.

You know that Paul did not beg for money to because in his first letter to the Corinthians he wrote to them concerning giving, and whether a minister of the Gospel should be compensated for his efforts, saying:
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?

Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void…What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:11-15 & 18
Preachers say something like this, “the Gospel is free but someone has to put in the plumbing work to get it to the people.” True. But that’s for God to worry about. I don’t believe that a preacher has to beg for money to help put in the “plumbing work.”

You say, “But how would the people know that there’s a need if you don’t tell them?” To which I say, “By the Holy Spirit.” Whenever and wherever there’s a need in the Body of Christ or a church, God moves upon the hearts of people to meet the need. God knows a need even before we know there’s a need. That’s why He makes sure that He moves on the heart of the people to meet the need. But I guess we don’t trust God enough to meet our needs that way.

I believe that one of the reasons most ministries or ministers come up with all kinds of schemes to raise money is because they over-stretch their ministries, all in the name of acting out in faith. And when they are not able to meet their enormous bills, they resort to all kinds of tricks and schemes. Another reason is just due to their sheer extravagance, in the name of making God look ‘good.’ You often see such unnecessary extravagance in multi-million dollar church buildings or ministry buildings or campuses.

Therefore, one age-old scam churches and preachers have been running for years is having church building funds, where they ask the people to give above and beyond their tithes and offerings to build what they call “God’s House.” First of all, let me say that God does not dwell in temples made by hands (Acts 17:24). Rather, He dwells in the hearts of men. We are His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)!

Second of all, God doesn’t care about where we worship; whether we worship under a tree, in a tent, a school or a cathedral. He only cares about our worship, i.e., how we worship Him –- in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). He only cares about being resident in our hearts, not in brick and mortar.
That’s why Jesus told His disciples when they were caught up admiring the beauty of the temple at Jerusalem that the temple would soon be destroyed. (Mark 13:1-2).

Perhaps, you say, “But how about in the Old Testament, where God told Moses to tell the people to bring their gold, silver, etc. to build the tabernacle?” (Exodus 25:1-3) That’s true. That was in the Old Testament, and that’s why it’s the Old Testament! It does not apply to us in the New Testament, in the dispensation of Grace.

Remember that the tabernacle was a make-shift, collapsible tent. It was a temporary structure. God had to dwell in the tabernacle because in the Old Testament, God’s Spirit couldn’t reside in man because Jesus had not yet come and man had not been redeemed yet.
Even when King Solomon built the first temple, he acknowledged the fact that heaven could not contain God, much less for Him to dwell in a temple (1 Kings 8:27).

So, don’t let anyone con you into giving into a building fund. If the Lord lays it on your heart to do so, you may. But don’t be cajoled or pressured to give by any sweet-talking salesperson, in the name of a preacher, to give to a church building fund.

“The reason we think that it takes money to spread the Gospel is because we’d rather throw money at a problem than be personally involved.”
Anyway, moving right along…

So, if it does not take money to spread the Gospel, what does it take and how is the Gospel going to reach the outermost parts of the world? The same way the Gospel got to us through Jesus and His disciples. The same way the Gospel reached the world in biblical days – by each one reaching one.

There is no evident in the Bible would you find anyone beg the people for money to help spread the Gospel. And please don’t tell me that things have changed since biblical times. Or that today, it takes more money to spread the Gospel than it did in biblical times. Lie! Nothing has changed. At least, not as it relates to spreading the Gospel. The same old-fashioned way of each one reach one will still get the job done, today and in the future!

The reason we think that it takes money to spread the Gospel is because we’d rather throw money at a problem than be personally involved. We’d rather send money or use electronic media to go where we ought to go. We think that when Jesus said that the end of the world shall not come until the Gospel has been preached in all parts of the world (Matthew 24:14), that he meant by radio, TV, newspaper, books, telephone, fax, internet, etc. No! He meant by each one reaching one. He meant each one of us personally preaching the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

Sure, using the media is good. It makes evangelism easier. I have nothing against it. Thank God for radio, TV, the internet, etc. There’s nothing wrong with them. But that’s not the primary way we are to spread the Gospel. It’s definitely not a reason to beg for money. If it is God’s ministry, He would find a way to support His ministry. You can’t stop God’s work. Sadly, many respected preachers of the Gospel and Christian ministry leaders have resorted to raising money this way.

Now, am I saying don’t give to the work of the Lord? No! All I’m saying is that it should be a wilful offering, from the heart. Not because someone begged for it, but because the Holy Spirit prompted you. Matter of fact, I’ll go as far as saying that if someone has to beg or ask for it, chances are it’s not for the work of the Lord. Rather, it’s the work of man – to make the person look good or save face.

If it is truly the work of the Lord, the Lord will prompt you by His Spirit. Just as He prompted the Philippians to give to Paul’s ministry without him asking them. In fact, Paul said that they begged him to take their gift (2 Corinthians 8:4). If you are truly born of God’s Spirit and filled with God’s Spirit, you will be prompted to give! And if you really love the Lord, you can’t help but give to the work of the Lord. But let your giving come from the heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7).
So again I ask, “Does it take money to spread the Gospel?” Again, I say, “No!” What it takes is a yielded and willing vessel. All it takes is each one reaching one. That was how the Gospel got to us; that is how we ought to get the Gospel to the outermost parts of the world!
Now, the question is, “Are you a yielded and willing vessel?”
Money as hindrance from God

Jesus Gives Investment Advice…
“Now my advice to you is to use ‘money’, tainted as it is, to make yourselves friends, so that when it comes to an end, they may welcome you into the houses of eternity. The man who is faithful in the little things will be faithful in the big things. So that if you are not fit to be trusted to deal with the wicked wealth of this world, who will trust you with true riches?” Luke 16:9-11 (Phi)
Play Money

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings… If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” Luke 16:9-12 (NIV)

“When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14 (NIV)”No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Mat 6:24 (NIV)”Sell your possessions and give to the poor… “Luke 12:33 (NIV)

He Who Dies With the Most Toys… Loses!

“Be on your guard against covetousness in any shape or form. For a man’s real life in no way depends upon the number of his possessions… A rich man’s farmland produced heavy crops. So he said to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have no room to store this harvest of mine?’ Then he said, ‘I know what I’ll do.

I’ll pull down my barns and build bigger ones where I can store all my grain and my goods and I can say to my soul, Soul, you have plenty of good things stored up there for years to come. Relax! Eat, drink, and have a good time!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this very night you will be asked for YOUR SOUL…’ That is what happens to the man who hoards things for himself and is not rich in the eyes of God.” Luke 12:15-21

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus… The beggar died and angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died… In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up… ‘I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony…’ ‘Then I beg you… I have five brothers… warn them so that they will not come to this place of torment.’ ‘They have Moses and the Prophets, let them listen to them.'” Luke 16:19-31 (NIV)

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendour of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendour will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed–and men praise you when you prosper–he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. Ps 49:16-19 (NIV)

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a labourer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune… Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs…Ecc 5:10-15 (NIV)

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death… Whoever trusts in his riches will fall…Prov 11:4,28 (NIV)
Christians hope in eternal security, and God would have us give up “carnal security” to get it. The flesh wants the security of money. It wants to be in control, to be master, to “be god”. So we dream of and cling to money because we don’t want to be totally dependent on God…

“If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained… then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.” Job 31:24-25,28 (NIV)

“Thus says the Lord God, ‘Because your heart is lifted up and you have said, ‘I am a God…’ yet you are a man and not God, although you make your heart like the heart of God… You have acquired riches for yourself… and your heart is lifted up because of your riches–Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you… and they will draw their swords… and defile your splendour… and you will die… Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of your slayer, although you are a man and not God, in the hands of those who wound you?'”Eze 28:2-10 (NAS)…

What in The World is wrong with the Televangelists?

1 Thes 2:5 (Jer) …Never at any time have our speeches been simply flattery or a cover for trying to get money.
2 Cor 2:17 (NEB) At least we do not go hawking the word of God about, as so many do…
2 Cor 2:17 (NIV) .Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.
2 Cor 2:17 (LB). We are not like those hucksters–and there are many of them–whose idea in getting out the Gospel is to make a good living out of it.
1 Tim 6:5 (Phi) …among men of warped minds who have lost their real hold on the truth but hope to make some profit out of the Christian religion.
1 Tim 6:5 (TEB) …They think religion is a way to become rich.

1 Tim 6:5-9 (NIV) …men, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

1 Tim 6:10-12 (NIV). For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many grieves. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

The Risks of Wealth…

Mark 4:18-19 (Phi) “Then there are the seeds which were sown among the thorn bushes. These are the people who hear the message, but the worries of this world and the false glamour of riches and all sorts of other ambitions creep in and choke the life out of what they have heard, and it produces no crop in their lives.”

Luke 8:14 (Phi) “And the seed sown among the thorns represents the people who hear the message and go on their way, and with the worries and riches and pleasures of living, the life is choked out of them, and in the end they produce nothing.”

Luke 9:25 (NIV) “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?”
The Prosperity “Fat Cats” Bite The Dust…

Many of us have been fervently praying that God would turn the church upside down and vigorously shake it (Heb 12:25-29). When this happens, those who love money and have lost their grip on the truth will be the first to fall.

1 Cor 4:8-21 (NIV) Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings–and that without us! How I wish you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you!.. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honoured, we are dishonoured! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, and we are homeless… Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children… I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with punishment, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

James 5:1-3,5 (TEB) And now, you rich people [see James 2:2-7], listen to me! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches have rotted away, and your clothes have been eaten by moths. Your gold and silver are covered with rust, and this rust will be a witness against you, and eat up your flesh like fire. You have piled up riches in these last days… Your life here on earth has been full of luxury and pleasure. You have made yourselves fat for the day of slaughter.

Jer 5:27-29 (NIV) …”They have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek… they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. Should I not punish them for this?” declares the Lord.

The Nobility of Poverty?

James 1:9-11 (Jer) It is right for the poor brother to be proud of his high rank, and the rich one to be thankful that he has been humbled, because riches last no longer than the flowers in the grass; the scorching sun comes up, and the grass withers, the flower falls; what looked so beautiful now disappears. It is the same with the rich man: his business goes on; he himself perishes.
James 1:9-11 (Phi) The brother who is in need may be proud because God has raised him to the true riches. The rich may be proud that God has shown him his spiritual poverty… Just as surely will the rich man and his ways fall into the blight of decay!.

Advice on Security Investing

1 Tim 6:17-19 (Phi) Tell those who are rich in this present world not to be contemptuous of others, and not to rest the weight of their confidence on the transitory power of wealth but on the living God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do well, to be rich in kindly actions, to be ready to give to others and to sympathize with those in distress.

Their security should be invested in the life to come, so that they may be sure of holding a share in the life which is real and permanent. Luke 12:29-34 (Phi) “You must not set your heart on what you eat or drink, nor must you live in a state of anxiety.

The whole heathen world is busy about getting food and drink, and your Father knows well enough that you need such things. No, set your heart on his kingdom, and your food and drink will come as a matter of course… Sell your possessions and give the money away to those in need. Get yourselves purses that never grow old, inexhaustible treasure in Heaven, where no thief can ever reach it, or moth destroy it. For where your treasure is, you may be certain that your heart will be there too!”

1 Tim 6:8-10 (Phi) Surely then, as far as physical things are concerned, it is sufficient for us to keep our bodies fed and clothed. For men who set their hearts on being wealthy expose themselves to temptation. They fall into a trap and lay themselves open to all sorts of silly and wicked desires, which are quite capable of utterly ruining and destroying their souls. For loving money leads to all kinds of evil, and some men in the struggle to be rich have lost their faith and caused themselves untold agonies of mind.

Jer 9:23-24 (NAS) Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom… let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this, that he understands and knows Me… ”

Now You Know…

1 Jn 3:16-18 (Phi).We know what love is because Christ laid down his life for us. We must in turn lay down our lives for our brothers. But as for the well-to-do man who sees his brother in want but shuts his heart against him, how could anyone believe that the love of God lives in him? My Children, let us love not merely in theory or in words–let us love in sincerity and in practice! (2 Cor 8:9)

Luke 12:47-48 (NIV) “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Prov 28:20 (NIV) The faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Rev 3:17-19 (Phi) [Jesus] “While you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and there is nothing that I need,’ you have no eyes to see that you are wretched, pitiable, poverty-stricken, blind and naked. My advice to you is to buy from me that gold which is refined in the furnace so that you may be rich, and white garments to wear so that you may hide the shame of your nakedness, and salve to put on your eyes to make you see. All those whom I love I correct and discipline. Therefore, shake off your complacency and repent.”

We need to know God loves us “experientially” so that no matter what happens to us circumstantially, emotionally or physically, the security of His Love is always there. It’s critical to know He loves us, not just in our heads, but in our everyday life experience. We also need to have the assurance of His Love in order to move ahead in our Christian walk. Not knowing if He loves us or not, will hinder our being able to-moment-by-moment-surrender our wills and our lives to Him and love others as He desires. Many Christian have different opinion on God’s love to prove it that God loves me personally. I don’t feel it. I don’t see it. I don’t hear Him. So, how can I know and believe it’s true? What proof do I have?” were as some other God’s Love is a gift that only some people receive, not all of us are that lucky. Yes who believe we are all that lucky, and I believe, with the Holy Spirit’s help, I can prove it:

Here is some more God’s word from the scripture.

“Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3).”Since [you are] precious in my sight…and I have loved thee…Fear not: for I am with [you].”(Isaiah 43:4-5).”As the Father has loved Me [Jesus], so have I loved you.”(John 15:9.”Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” (1 John 3:1).These are just a few of the many Scriptures that tells us that God loves us personally. At the end of this article, I have listed some further Scriptures on His Love. Since God’s Word is “the Truth,” we need to believe and trust in what He says.

Listen to 1 John 4:9-10: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation simply means “to atone or make amends for.” In other words, Jesus came and died in our place (atoned for our personal sins) so that we could be freed from sin’s penalty, which is death. Jesus died so that you and I could be saved. To me, this is ultimate Love!

John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” If so, if each one who born again can tell the Gospel to anyone of them per year sincerely then automatically it will be double each years.

Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. Galatians 1:11. Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves? What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? For the Law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?

If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.

Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. 18 What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News. Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ .1 Corinthians 9.6,19

They decided to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ first themselves, and then to make disciples in obedience to the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:18-20, emphasizing the new birth, holiness of inner life, mutual love, moral purity, financial integrity and sharing God’s truth with others – founding every aspect of their lives on God’s Word alone.

This entire ministry certainly requires lot of money – and we don’t have any millionaires supporting our work in any of our churches. India might be a poor country, but we have to seek the kingdom of God first – and God will supply all our needs always.We should not judge other ministries who does things different from us. But this is the way God has led us. We have to follow the example of Jesus Himself – the first “Body of Christ” on earth. Moreover every Born-again who delivered from sin by the Blood of Jesus has the right to tell the Gospel. Throwing the money to someone is not a good practice.

If one really lovesJesus then how can he escape from telling Gospel?If you don’t gain even one person for Jesus with in three sixty five days how can you enter joyfully in to the kingdom of God? Don’t you care for even one person in the whole world? It proves that we are not truein the little things. Always encourage others and motivate them towards Jesus.

It is not the option but, it is the proof of your love on Jesus who laid his life in cross for you. Start immediately, God will appreciate your good beginning action and surely lead you throughout.And so you can give to support this ministry, we ask them to go through this checklist first:

1. Are you a born-again child of God? It is a great honor and privilege to support the work of God on earth; but that privilege is given only to His born-again children (3 John 7).

2. Do you have enough money for your family’s needs? Are you sure that your giving will not put your family under any financial strain? You must take care of your family’s needs first (1 Tim.5:8). Our Father in heaven is very rich and He (like any rich earthly father) does not want any of His children to starve or suffer in any way, just because they gave Him money for His work.

3. Do you have any large debts to repay? If so, do clear those debts first. God wants His children to live restful lives, free from all debt. We must first give to Caesar what is his, before we can give anything to God, because God does not want us to give Him Caesar’s money, or anyone else’s money (Matt.22:21; Rom.13:8).

4. Do you have a clear conscience? Have you done your best to be reconciled with those whom you have hurt in any way? God will not accept any offering from anyone who has hurt someone and still not apologised to that person (Matt.5:23, 24)

5. Are you giving freely and cheerfully – and not under pressure from any man or even from your own conscience? God loves cheerful givers, not reluctant givers. He does not want gifts from those who give under pressure, or who give in order to fulfil some obligation, or who give merely to ease their conscience, or who give in order to get some reward from Him in return (2 Cor.9:7).

Please bear with us as you go through this checklist. We are seeking to follow the example and teaching of our Lord Jesus in financial matters.
Giving to The voice of God ministries after having carefully considered the above, if you still feel you should support this ministry, you can contribute in one of the ways. It is under the heading Contribution at our

web:vgsongschristianmedia.org
God Bless you
Servant of God
Bro. David Samuel