When the people came out to see and hear Jesus, Jesus spoke freely to them. He did not receive a speaking fee….nor a paycheck from His followers. He did not demand payment for services rendered. Jesus freely healed those who came to Him in faith. He cast out devils and raised the dead. He fed them and cared for them as the true Shepherd keeps the sheep.
He did not pass around collection plates for money from those who attended His sermons. The only baskets that came around were those 12 baskets to gather up the fragments of bread and fish that were left over from feeding the 5000. Jesus fed the people with the Word of Truth and did not feed Himself only.
The “apostle” (meaning “SENT”) of Jesus follows the directives of Jesus. Jesus clearly stated that we are to freely give as we have freely received. This is NOT a popular message for today as many do not follow His directives for being "sent" out to preach His Word.
We are to preach His good news WITHOUT the money gatherings. Jesus did not go about building grand church buildings and starting up denominations and bringing people into bondage. He told many people to “go their way”…as the Truth set them free.
Matthew 10
(7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
The Greek word for “provide” in Matthew 10:9 means “TO GET, ACQUIRE”. He sent/sends (“apostle”= “sent”) out His disciples to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and NOT to go out to ACQUIRE “gold, silver, nor brass” in our “purses” as they preach.
The purpose of being “sent” is NOT to preach for money….gathering money for preaching the Word…but to preach it so that the gospel has free course and not be blasphemed by those who will see the money gathering. Freely give as we have freely received.
“Provide”= “TO GET, ACQUIRE”. We are not “sent” out by Him to acquire money from our hearers as we preach His Word. How clever of translators to present this as "provide" when it really means not to acquire these things.
(9) Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
We are NOT to take things to gather money in…..nor “2 coats”….that is, speaking flattering words to men as a cover for covetousness ( in order to get gain from those we flatter).
Neither are we to take “shoes”….a PRODUCT to sell the spiritually poor. Jesus did not send His disciples out to sell religious books or sermons or music or services in order to lead people astray from walking on the path of righteousness. Nor are we to take “staves”….that is, a rod to rule with. He sends His apostles out as SERVANTS and not “kings” that hold scepters of power in their hands in order to keep people serving them.
(10) Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
The workman is “worthy of his meat”….that is, worthy of respect …..to be shown brotherly love. This is not about receiving money just as Jesus tells us not to go out to acquire it in our preaching. The minister of God is worthy of brotherly love…the only thing we are to owe man. This is NOT about paying him money….but paying him love continually. A "ruler" is a SERVANT of the Lord for the good of others.
Romans 13
(1) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
(3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
(6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
(7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
(8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
But MANY are retailing the Word of God for money as they wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction. They are not working with their own hands to support their own necessities. They are living as “kings” as they exercise lordship over their congregations….when Jesus said not to take “staves”….that is, a rod of rulership.
They that exercise their authority over their congregations are called “benefactors”… that is, ”workers of good”. The people love to be ruled over by them as men bring them into their bondage.
As Paul says: For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. And yet, they are consider “benefactors” in the eyes of their congregations.
Their “kings” go out to war with other denominations about which of them are accounted the greatest.
Luke 22:24-27 KJV
(24) And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
(25) And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But Jesus says it is just the opposite. He is among us as He that serves. His apostles are also to be servants and not kings who collect money from their subjects and put them to work in their kingdoms.
They are to work with their own hands for their own necessities as they preach the Word to others. Paul was a tentmaker. All of the apostles…the Lord’s SERVANTS… labored night and day so that they may preach His Word unhindered…and they are THE example for us to follow.
(26) But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve
(27) For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
But many desire to be under the rule of a king-pastor. What does a “king” pastor do to his subjects as he rules over them?
1 Samuel 8:7-22 KJV
(7) And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
(8) According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
(9) Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
(10) And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
The “king” puts them to work in his “kingdom”. The “king” collects “taxes”….tithes….money from his subjects as they serve him.
(11) And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
We are put to his work in order to bring others into the “kingdom” that we work for so that more money (taxes) can be gathered in. The subjects are kept under control in the kingdom by the commandments and doctrines of men.
(12) And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
(13) And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
(14) And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
(15) And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
(16) And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
If we desire a king-pastor over us, we shall be his “servants” rather than the servants of the Lord who is to be our KING instead.
(17) He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
(18) And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
(19) Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
The “king” goes out to fight the battle for their denominations: they strive over which church is accounted the greatest among us.
(20) That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
(21) And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
(22) And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
The people love it so….seeing as they are so “wise”.
2 Corinthians 11:19-20 KJV
(19) For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
(20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
Paul has shown the overseers of the church all things. He did not preach for money….coveting after other’s “silver, gold or apparel”. Paul was not a “king”…but an apostle and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. His hands labored for his own necessities.
Acts 20:33-35 KJV
(33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
(34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
He showed us all things….how that laboring with our own hands to support our necessities will support the “weak”…that is, the weak-minded who will blaspheme His name by the preaching for money. The outside world blasphemes His name because of the money gathering of preachers that they can readily see. It is more blessed to give than to receive…..the words of Jesus to the overseers of the church who are charged with feeding His sheep the Word of Truth.
(35) I have shewed 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.
The Word of the Lord is to have “free course” and be glorified. When men are preaching for money, the Word is being vilified by the outside world. They are finding fault with this. There is an obstacle in the way for the Word being glorified in the world today….the preaching for money.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-15 KJV
(1) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
(2) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
(3) But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
(4) And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
(5) And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
We are COMMANDED in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to withdraw ourselves from EVERY brother that walks “disorderly” and not after the transmission (tradition) that we have received from the TRUE APOSTLES.
(6) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
We know how we ought to follow the true APOSTLES (sent by Christ) as they LABORED night and day to support their own needs. They were not sent out by Him to collect money as kings…..eating other’s bread for nothing. They were His SERVANTS.
(7) For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
(8) Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
“Pastors”….preachers…are to follow the example of the apostles and work with their own hands to support their own needs and not collect money from their congregations. If they do not work with their own hands, then they shall not eat.
(9) Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
(10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
(11) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
(12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
(13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
If any will not obey their word by this letter, we are to note that man and have no company with them. They will prove to be false “apostles”….falsely sent for they will not follow His directives in being servants in the Word.
(14) And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet, we are to always be well doing and be weary in it….even when they will prove themselves as false apostles because they will refuse to hear the commandment to work with their own hands. We are not to count them as an enemy but admonish them as brothers.
(15) Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
They will prove that they do not SERVE our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly for money….covetousness = the abomination of desolation. They use good words and fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple as they lead them astray from the Way of righteousness and down the path to the destruction of the flesh so that their spirits may be saved. They bring with them "2 coats" in order to deceive. They bring their "purse" so that they may gather money in as they sell their religious products to their followers.
Romans 16:17-18 KJV
(17) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
(18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Many will not renounce the hidden things of dishonesty as they will continue to “preach themselves” as kings.
2 Corinthians 4:1-5 KJV
(1) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
(2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
The good news is hid to those who are perishing from off the earth. Jesus came into this world so that we may have life in this world…..to have “eternal life” in the here and now as we are to be transformed into His image NOW in this life. His life is to be made MANIFEST…to SHINE…in our mortal flesh in the here and now.
Yet, those who are preaching for money can NOT see this as the knowledge of the Scriptures is hid from their understanding. The god of this age has blinded their minds lest they should understand and turn and be healed. They preach for money and gather up riches unto their own destruction. They drown in perdition and destruction for these things.
(3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
(4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The true apostle does not preach himself as king….but Christ Jesus THE LORD… and ourselves your SERVANTS for Jesus’ sake. We are to be SERVANTS in the Word by not gathering money for preaching. Instead, we are to work with our own hands to support our own needs so that the Word not be vilified by others.
(5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
As a roaring lion and a ranging bear….so is a wicked ruler (those who preach for money ) over the “poor” people.
Proverbs 28:15-16 KJV
(15) As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
The prince that lacks understanding is also a great oppressor….for the flesh of those who follow after them are not being saved as the life of Jesus that is to be made manifest in our mortal flesh is being prevented from appearing. But those who hate covetousness shall prolong his days…..that is, the life of Jesus shall appear in their mortal flesh in the here and now….having “eternal life.”
(16) The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
From the least of them even unto the greatest of them is given to covetousness. The false prophets predict “peace, peace” unto their followers…but there is NO PEACE in their company. There is envy, strife, divisions, decay of the mortal body and death. His life is not being made manifest in any of their gatherings as people are led astray from having love for one another and down the path of destruction of the flesh so that their spirits may be saved.
Jeremiah 6:13-14 KJV
(13) For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
(14) They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Woe be to the shepherds who feed only themselves and not the flocks. They fatten themselves in the day of slaughter....for the life of Jesus is not being made manifest in their followers....the "poor".
Ezekiel 34:1-16 KJV
(1) And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
(2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
(3) Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
The diseased have not been strengthened nor have they healed that which is sick. Their followers are still perishing just like the rest of the world. The sickness of decay and death is not being healed as the life of Jesus is not being made manifest in our mortal flesh in the here and now.
(4) The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
(5) And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
(6) My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
(7) Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
(8) As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
(9) Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
(10) Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
But the Lord shall send His disciples out WITHOUT scrip, purse, 2 coats, shoes, etc in order to seek for the sheep that are LOST....PERISHING SHEEP...among the shepherds who have scattered the flock and have not fed them with the Word of Truth.
(11) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
(12) As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
(13) And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
(14) I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
(15) I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
(16) I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
He did not pass around collection plates for money from those who attended His sermons. The only baskets that came around were those 12 baskets to gather up the fragments of bread and fish that were left over from feeding the 5000. Jesus fed the people with the Word of Truth and did not feed Himself only.
The “apostle” (meaning “SENT”) of Jesus follows the directives of Jesus. Jesus clearly stated that we are to freely give as we have freely received. This is NOT a popular message for today as many do not follow His directives for being "sent" out to preach His Word.
We are to preach His good news WITHOUT the money gatherings. Jesus did not go about building grand church buildings and starting up denominations and bringing people into bondage. He told many people to “go their way”…as the Truth set them free.
Matthew 10
(7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
The Greek word for “provide” in Matthew 10:9 means “TO GET, ACQUIRE”. He sent/sends (“apostle”= “sent”) out His disciples to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and NOT to go out to ACQUIRE “gold, silver, nor brass” in our “purses” as they preach.
The purpose of being “sent” is NOT to preach for money….gathering money for preaching the Word…but to preach it so that the gospel has free course and not be blasphemed by those who will see the money gathering. Freely give as we have freely received.
“Provide”= “TO GET, ACQUIRE”. We are not “sent” out by Him to acquire money from our hearers as we preach His Word. How clever of translators to present this as "provide" when it really means not to acquire these things.
(9) Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
We are NOT to take things to gather money in…..nor “2 coats”….that is, speaking flattering words to men as a cover for covetousness ( in order to get gain from those we flatter).
Neither are we to take “shoes”….a PRODUCT to sell the spiritually poor. Jesus did not send His disciples out to sell religious books or sermons or music or services in order to lead people astray from walking on the path of righteousness. Nor are we to take “staves”….that is, a rod to rule with. He sends His apostles out as SERVANTS and not “kings” that hold scepters of power in their hands in order to keep people serving them.
(10) Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
The workman is “worthy of his meat”….that is, worthy of respect …..to be shown brotherly love. This is not about receiving money just as Jesus tells us not to go out to acquire it in our preaching. The minister of God is worthy of brotherly love…the only thing we are to owe man. This is NOT about paying him money….but paying him love continually. A "ruler" is a SERVANT of the Lord for the good of others.
Romans 13
(1) Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
(3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
(6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
(7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
(8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
But MANY are retailing the Word of God for money as they wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction. They are not working with their own hands to support their own necessities. They are living as “kings” as they exercise lordship over their congregations….when Jesus said not to take “staves”….that is, a rod of rulership.
They that exercise their authority over their congregations are called “benefactors”… that is, ”workers of good”. The people love to be ruled over by them as men bring them into their bondage.
As Paul says: For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. And yet, they are consider “benefactors” in the eyes of their congregations.
Their “kings” go out to war with other denominations about which of them are accounted the greatest.
Luke 22:24-27 KJV
(24) And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
(25) And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But Jesus says it is just the opposite. He is among us as He that serves. His apostles are also to be servants and not kings who collect money from their subjects and put them to work in their kingdoms.
They are to work with their own hands for their own necessities as they preach the Word to others. Paul was a tentmaker. All of the apostles…the Lord’s SERVANTS… labored night and day so that they may preach His Word unhindered…and they are THE example for us to follow.
(26) But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve
(27) For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
But many desire to be under the rule of a king-pastor. What does a “king” pastor do to his subjects as he rules over them?
1 Samuel 8:7-22 KJV
(7) And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
(8) According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
(9) Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
(10) And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
The “king” puts them to work in his “kingdom”. The “king” collects “taxes”….tithes….money from his subjects as they serve him.
(11) And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
We are put to his work in order to bring others into the “kingdom” that we work for so that more money (taxes) can be gathered in. The subjects are kept under control in the kingdom by the commandments and doctrines of men.
(12) And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
(13) And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
(14) And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
(15) And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
(16) And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
If we desire a king-pastor over us, we shall be his “servants” rather than the servants of the Lord who is to be our KING instead.
(17) He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
(18) And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
(19) Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
The “king” goes out to fight the battle for their denominations: they strive over which church is accounted the greatest among us.
(20) That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
(21) And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
(22) And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
The people love it so….seeing as they are so “wise”.
2 Corinthians 11:19-20 KJV
(19) For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
(20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
Paul has shown the overseers of the church all things. He did not preach for money….coveting after other’s “silver, gold or apparel”. Paul was not a “king”…but an apostle and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. His hands labored for his own necessities.
Acts 20:33-35 KJV
(33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
(34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
He showed us all things….how that laboring with our own hands to support our necessities will support the “weak”…that is, the weak-minded who will blaspheme His name by the preaching for money. The outside world blasphemes His name because of the money gathering of preachers that they can readily see. It is more blessed to give than to receive…..the words of Jesus to the overseers of the church who are charged with feeding His sheep the Word of Truth.
(35) I have shewed 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.
The Word of the Lord is to have “free course” and be glorified. When men are preaching for money, the Word is being vilified by the outside world. They are finding fault with this. There is an obstacle in the way for the Word being glorified in the world today….the preaching for money.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-15 KJV
(1) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
(2) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
(3) But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
(4) And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
(5) And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
We are COMMANDED in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to withdraw ourselves from EVERY brother that walks “disorderly” and not after the transmission (tradition) that we have received from the TRUE APOSTLES.
(6) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
We know how we ought to follow the true APOSTLES (sent by Christ) as they LABORED night and day to support their own needs. They were not sent out by Him to collect money as kings…..eating other’s bread for nothing. They were His SERVANTS.
(7) For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
(8) Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
“Pastors”….preachers…are to follow the example of the apostles and work with their own hands to support their own needs and not collect money from their congregations. If they do not work with their own hands, then they shall not eat.
(9) Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
(10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
(11) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
(12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
(13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
If any will not obey their word by this letter, we are to note that man and have no company with them. They will prove to be false “apostles”….falsely sent for they will not follow His directives in being servants in the Word.
(14) And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet, we are to always be well doing and be weary in it….even when they will prove themselves as false apostles because they will refuse to hear the commandment to work with their own hands. We are not to count them as an enemy but admonish them as brothers.
(15) Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
They will prove that they do not SERVE our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly for money….covetousness = the abomination of desolation. They use good words and fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple as they lead them astray from the Way of righteousness and down the path to the destruction of the flesh so that their spirits may be saved. They bring with them "2 coats" in order to deceive. They bring their "purse" so that they may gather money in as they sell their religious products to their followers.
Romans 16:17-18 KJV
(17) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
(18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Many will not renounce the hidden things of dishonesty as they will continue to “preach themselves” as kings.
2 Corinthians 4:1-5 KJV
(1) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
(2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
The good news is hid to those who are perishing from off the earth. Jesus came into this world so that we may have life in this world…..to have “eternal life” in the here and now as we are to be transformed into His image NOW in this life. His life is to be made MANIFEST…to SHINE…in our mortal flesh in the here and now.
Yet, those who are preaching for money can NOT see this as the knowledge of the Scriptures is hid from their understanding. The god of this age has blinded their minds lest they should understand and turn and be healed. They preach for money and gather up riches unto their own destruction. They drown in perdition and destruction for these things.
(3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
(4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The true apostle does not preach himself as king….but Christ Jesus THE LORD… and ourselves your SERVANTS for Jesus’ sake. We are to be SERVANTS in the Word by not gathering money for preaching. Instead, we are to work with our own hands to support our own needs so that the Word not be vilified by others.
(5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
As a roaring lion and a ranging bear….so is a wicked ruler (those who preach for money ) over the “poor” people.
Proverbs 28:15-16 KJV
(15) As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
The prince that lacks understanding is also a great oppressor….for the flesh of those who follow after them are not being saved as the life of Jesus that is to be made manifest in our mortal flesh is being prevented from appearing. But those who hate covetousness shall prolong his days…..that is, the life of Jesus shall appear in their mortal flesh in the here and now….having “eternal life.”
(16) The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
From the least of them even unto the greatest of them is given to covetousness. The false prophets predict “peace, peace” unto their followers…but there is NO PEACE in their company. There is envy, strife, divisions, decay of the mortal body and death. His life is not being made manifest in any of their gatherings as people are led astray from having love for one another and down the path of destruction of the flesh so that their spirits may be saved.
Jeremiah 6:13-14 KJV
(13) For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
(14) They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Woe be to the shepherds who feed only themselves and not the flocks. They fatten themselves in the day of slaughter....for the life of Jesus is not being made manifest in their followers....the "poor".
Ezekiel 34:1-16 KJV
(1) And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
(2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
(3) Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
The diseased have not been strengthened nor have they healed that which is sick. Their followers are still perishing just like the rest of the world. The sickness of decay and death is not being healed as the life of Jesus is not being made manifest in our mortal flesh in the here and now.
(4) The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
(5) And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
(6) My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
(7) Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
(8) As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
(9) Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
(10) Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
But the Lord shall send His disciples out WITHOUT scrip, purse, 2 coats, shoes, etc in order to seek for the sheep that are LOST....PERISHING SHEEP...among the shepherds who have scattered the flock and have not fed them with the Word of Truth.
(11) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
(12) As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
(13) And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
(14) I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
(15) I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
(16) I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.