Wed, Jul 28th - 5:47PM

GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS FOR THERE IS NO OTHER KIND

Mt. chapter 13 study

Dearly beloveds, thanks and praises and the totality of our worship be to our blessed Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, who has washed us and forever cleansed us in His own sinless blood that we and all who believe are in Him and to Him and for Him because of Him. By Jesus Christ our faithful Shepherd of the flock we can trust Him to guide, guard, and keep us safely in the narrow way of life, for none can do it without Him or by themselves. Lord Jesus is faithful and totally trustworthy and all powerful, and we are strengthened in Him and kept by Him:

The secular world,  brethren, turns its back in error on the biblical doctrine of evil people as “quaint and out dated myth”, nevertheless some clinicians believe evil people exist and specify what makes them so and why they are so dangerous:   

Why Psychopaths Are Evil | Psychopathyawareness's Blog

psychopathyawareness.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/...

We tend to distinguish between being evil and making wrong decisions in life that result in harmful consequences. This distinction applies to most people, who don’t engage in a pattern of intentional harm. However, in the article below, Dr. Liane Leedom explains why sociopaths and psychopaths ARE evil. In their case, there is no distinction between wrong choices and being evil because they systematically and intentionally choose to hurt others or to disregard their feelings.

Then there are other clinicians who do not believe evil people exist, or that it is due to brain dysfunction, or even that there are good psychopaths as well as evil psychopaths.

Most people accept that evil people exist on many levels but may see evil more readily in the violent evil person, and find it difficult to see it in a “nice” person, one who closely resembles them in some way in terms of race, economic status or high ranking positions.

We know that there is absolutely no confusion within the Bible, holy people. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but wants them to repent and turn away from evil to turn to God and do good, (  Eze 33:11;    2Pe 3:9.  As God’s people we fully agree with Him for He is always right all the time. However, God is not passive concerning evil people, nor does He command the righteous to enable or tolerate evil people to harm us or others, seeing that God  Himself has ordained authority on earth to punish evil, and protect victims from them, and has straightly commanded us as to how to deal with those in the church.

Evil people are in the world, can be a family member, neighbor, boss, stranger, friend, and amongst the true brethren. Paul describes examples:  2Co 11:26

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

Gal 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

We notice that Paul does not wax touchy feely, warm and fuzzy or wishy washy or shows empathy with the robbers, and others whom he is in danger from. We just are not going to find sympathy for the devil or with evil people in the scriptures. God holds every human being accountable and responsible to Him for their deeds without exception. The Bible clearly teaches us that evil people are never benign or harmless. Evil people can and will do evil, not because they have to but because they want to and love to do evil: Jhn 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

love, serola

Tue, Jul 27th - 5:32PM

GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS THERE IS NO OTHER KIND

Mt. chapter 13 study

Brothers and sisters, let us give continual Glory, honor, thanks and praise to our Great God and Father, and to God His Son Jesus Christ our eternal Saviour and Lord, Lion of Judah, Mediator, Redeemer, Deliverer, High Priest, and Head of the church, His body and His people.

It is impossible to know or talk or even teach about tares’ vs wheat without understanding God’s standard by which both are measured and determined to be without error. Some people believe and teach that the standard for salvation is based on how a person dresses, or by what name the church building they attend is called, or their color, or what denomination they adhere to etc.

The Bible we know teaches all that there is only One Standard ( Isa 59:19; and One way that is eternally fixed into eternal life, which is absolutely eternally straight. The standard is impervious by human efforts to change it in any manner whatsoever and the Way never has any zigs, zags, cross hatches, waves, curls, curves, slants nor deviations nor variances of any kind. The standard and the way into eternal life is perfectly straight, it is not a thing but the very person of Jesus Christ the Lord who is the Life, the Way, the Truth, and Sole Saviour of all who believe and do His will.

Again, holy people, say it with me and read the scriptures aloud that follows after with your hearts and minds in faith: Jesus Christ the sole and eternal Saviour appointed by God, is God’s fixed eternal, perfect way and standard by whom He will judge the world: Acts 17:   29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Dearly beloveds, again, God commands everyone to grasp, believe, trust, comprehend that God has appointed Jesus Christ who is the final, fixed eternal standard and way wherein He judges and declares those who are righteous and those who are evil. For when we comprehend Jesus Christ as God’s sole eternal fixed standard, remaining fully persuaded, convicted, convinced, that God who cannot lie always speaks eternal truth; then we will not be ignorant, gullible, deceived nor tricked by false standards of righteousness or unrighteousness or led out of the way by false teachers. Yes, some preach error ignorantly, however, the righteous will repent be corrected and turn to the truth, but the wicked never will.

Love, serola

Wed, Jul 21st - 3:17PM

_{GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS FOR THERE IS NO OTHER KIND}

_{Mt chapter 13 study}

_{Holy people, let us give praises, blessings, and thanks always to God our Father, and to God His Son Jesus Christ, our eternal Saviour who gave Himself for us-for all who believe and obey, and made us a part of His eternal family. Let us watch ourselves and keep our motives pure in all that we say and do. Let us reflect our God in all our character, conduct and conversation in a lost and dying world. Let us walk steadfast in His truth, and love God and one another and all men fervently even as our God who first loved us.}

_{24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.}

_{Brothers and sisters, we know that are some who preach and teach a false Jesus, a false Saviour that never created a hell or that is “too Good” and entirely nonviolent, who  never preached anything about hell,  would never condemn any man to hell, or if He did it would be only temporary until the persons were very sorry for their sins, whereupon God would take them from hell and bring them to heaven. Some go even further in their lies teaching a psychologized hell wherein the fire in hell is not actually fire, but the over whelming mental/emotional torment and fiery pains of grief and regret that people in hell feel because they rejected Christ.}

_{Holy people, we know it is impossible for God to lie for He is absolute truth. Jesus only speaks the truth here is what He warns the whole world about hell so that all should know  AVOID HELL DON’T DIE WITHOUT CHRIST!  However, for those who ignore this command and surely will wind up in hell-it is going to hurt really, really bad, and there is no get out of hell free card, because it is eternal PHYSICAL torment PHYSICAL, pain PHYSICAL suffering for the wicked who reject the free gift of salvation.}

_{DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE!!}

 _{Mat 13:41 - The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;}

_{Mat 13:42 - And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.}

_{Mat 13:43 - Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.}

_{Luk 12:5 - But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.}

_{Our Lord and Saviour through His servants sends the word out continually in the earth to all people, the rich, the poor, the middle class, every class, every race, every tongue, every nation, male and female, the felon, the man who lives clean. The word of God falls on people in every condition, situation, and circumstances, in peace, in war, in plenty, in famine. NEVERTHELESS, THE SEED WILL ALWAYS BREED TRUE TO ITSELF WITHOUT CORRUTPTION OR ILL MUTATION WHEN IT FALLS ON GOOD GROUND. THE SEED CAN NEVER PRODUCE A TARE. TARES HAVE ONLY ONE SOURCE OF ORIGIN-THE DEVIL.}

Mon, Jul 19th - 3:51PM

GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS THERE IS NO OTHER KIND

Mt. chapter 13 study

 23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, believe the gospel of Jesus Christ with all your heart, confess the gospel of Jesus Christ with your mouth, obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, God proven in good fruit and good; works these are not steps but form the whole of our salvation in Jesus Christ:  Eph 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We note the absence of qualifiers, brethren, such as one needs optimum good conditions of environ, or one needs the absence of hindrances in the same such as no temptations, harsh or hostilities in order to have a good outcome i.e., in order to be saved.

Whenever the word is sown and does not produce good fruit it is proof positive that the soil on which it fell was incapable (unwilling) to receive it. More on this later.

Brothers and sisters, it is given to all who are saved ( Eph 2:8) to know the mysteries of God now revealed in His Son our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the Word of God. In His mercy Jesus never ceases to sow His seed to everyone regardless of their situation, circumstances, or conditions whether their environ is peaceful, hostile, or harsh. It matters not at all, because the seed which is Christ Himself is eternally perfect, incapable of mutations of any kind, is indestructible, His DNA cannot mutate or corrupt, or be perverted to anything unlike or alien from Himself and always bears good fruit without exception, when it is sown on good ground: Col 1:27 - To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

The seed, again, brothers and sisters, we know, and the Bible declares is Christ Himself- the Word of God. Jesus is the gospel in its entirety-the gospel is perfect and incorruptible, again, it always bears good fruit when it is sown on good ground, without exception, regardless of the situation, circumstances, or conditions around it. Persecution, or harsh conditions will not stop the seed from growing and producing such fruit as it can even under harsh or hostile conditions. (Rom 10:9-17). 

Gal 3:16 - Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

1Pe 1:23 - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Jesus declares that everyone should be careful as to how they hear the word of God. The word of God is absolute; therefore, none should listen to, hear or understand the word of God as though it were a mere suggestion, or a polite request, or even in the sense that anyone has the authority to substitute his or her own private or personal opinion as having any or equal validity with the eternal gospel of Jesus Christ.

God states clearly that all are absolutely forbidden to mess with the word of God. Do not add to it, do not take away from it. Do not preach another gospel, do not fellowship with those who unrepentantly preach another gospel: Gal 1:8; Gal 1:9; 2Jo 1:10-11.

Heb 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

We do not deceive ourselves or allow anyone to do so, God is not accepting of or pleased with anyone who doubts His word and is continually unstable in faith.

Mat 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Sun, Jul 18th - 5:48PM

GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS THERE IS NO OTHER KIND

Mt. chapter 13 study

Blessed be Lord Jesus and God our Father and the Holy Spirit who lives in us and all who believe and do His will, past, present and future.

(Mark 4:13-20)

18Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 

Some hear the word, brothers and sisters and don’t understand it in the sense that they do not believe it or see it as having any value, which leaves an opening for the devil to hinder them from further consideration of the word. There are those, holy people, who hear the word, but never do the word. Everyone in the world has and will arrive at some points of difficulties, persecutions, temptations and trials of various kinds.

Brethren, none of the aforementioned persons in Jesus’s parable are Christians for they are not.  

There is nothing here to indicate that such persons will never be saved. However, what is explicitly stated here by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is that that none of these persons in this parable were proven to ever have true authentic steadfast faith that stands firm at all costs-which is the true fruit of sincere repentance and evidenced in good works.

We can take it as a heads-up from our Lord Jesus Christ, that even truly saved persons will have some or even all these experiences: sufferings; persecution; tribulation; temptations; trials, etc. God does not send them but allows these things which tests our faith. These things can never destroy any of God’s true people or separate any of them from Him;  instead, we are built up and strengthened by God in them and through them and despite them. Feel free to study suffering and persecutions on your own if you like: 1Pe 5:10; 2Co 1:4-5; Rom 5:4; Rom 8:18; 2Co 4:17; Rom 8:35;  1Pe 4:1; 1Pe 3:14; Phl 1:29-many more.

Thu, Jul 15th - 1:59PM

GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS THERE IS NO OTHER KIND

Mt. chapter 13 study

10Then the disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the crowds in parables?” 11Jesus replied to them, “To you it has been granted to know the [b]mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12For whoever has [spiritual wisdom because he is receptive to God’s word], to him more will be given, and he will be richly and abundantly supplied; but whoever does not have [spiritual wisdom because he has devalued God’s word], even what he has will be taken away from him. 13This is the reason I speak to the crowds in parables: because while [having the power of] seeing they do not see, and while [having the power of] hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand and grasp [spiritual things]. 14In them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

‘YOU WILL HEAR and KEEP ON HEARING, BUT NEVER UNDERSTAND;

AND YOU WILL LOOK and KEEP ON LOOKING, BUT NEVER COMPREHEND;

15FOR THIS NATION’S HEART HAS GROWN HARD,

AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR,

AND THEY HAVE [tightly] CLOSED THEIR EYES,

OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES,

AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,

AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND TURN [to Me]

AND I WOULD HEAL THEM [spiritually].’ 16But blessed [spiritually aware, and favored by God] are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Holy people, let us give continual thanks, and praises to our Lord and Saviour who has given to us- all that believe His bountiful, eternal, marvelous entirely free gift of salvation.

The Bible paints a chilling, horrific scenario in the crowd’s reaction to the teaching of Lord Jesus. We note that while some may give excuses or reasons for rejecting Christ;  the Lord gives no one any excuse for rejecting Him and/or His message, (Rom 1:20).  

The lesson here, dearly beloveds, is that as back then and even today, if God himself witnessed to some people, they would still stop their ears, harden their hearts and refuse to receive or believe truth of God, because they see it as worthless.  Lord Jesus will address the consequences without remedy related to those who reject Him, further on in this chapter.

Although the crowd did not voice any overt disbelief, Jesus Christ read their hearts for nothing can be hidden from Him. 

Although God is not willing that any should perish ( 2Pe 3:9), He nevertheless will not reveal Himself to those who refuse to trust and have faith in Him (  Heb 11:6).  The Bible remains an unrevealed closed book to all  without the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ.

God explicitly/exhaustively and absolutely defines and declares who are His children-those who receive His Son Jesus Christ and submit to His discipline, remaining open to correction, and willing to obey out of love and trust in Him  (Heb 12:6).      God corrects His children, but bastards are rejected, ( Heb 12:8).

Luk 8:18 - Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Amp Luke 8: 18So be careful how you listen; for whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a longing for truth], even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

love, serola

Tue, Jul 13th - 3:08PM

GOD ONLY PLANTS GOOD SEEDS THERE IS NO OTHER KIND

Mt. chapter 13 study

 (Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-15)

1The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

3And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Blessed be the name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, Deliverer, High Priest and King, who has given us to His Father God and made us His very own. Therefore, saints (G40 hagios), and holy brethren, let us continually put our trust in Him, and bless Him continually in lavish love offerings, thank offerings and praises, as priests under His High Priesthood.

It eternally matters how anyone perceives and understands the word of God. The teaching of scripture is that the word of God, correctly interpreted, must absolutely be received, believed, evidenced in fruit of the hearer, as the explicit, exhaustive, exclusive, final, finished, complete, absolute penultimate only eternal truth from our righteous God and Saviour that prevails over all contradictions, circumstances, situations, conditions, and doctrines of the world. Those who hold to the truth of scripture as ordained by God in believing and trusting Jesus for their salvation, according to His complete atoning work for our sins, have complete assurance that they are the good seed, just as Jesus our Lord and Saviour declares and confirms.

Keep them in your prayers and encouragement, brethren, those who are restoring their churches to be led by elders and looking to the word of God not men to order the body of Christ.

Fri, Jul 9th - 5:06PM

SHOULD A PASTOR BE PAID A SALARY? END NOTES

Holy people, it was very surprising to me initially to hear teachings that it was unbiblical to pay a pastor for serving the church. I used to believe that paying a salary to pastors was biblical and God honoring. Having heard pros and cons from many others I knew it was necessary to search the scriptures which ends all controversy. The Bible has many examples of supporting pastors/churches in a limited way, but there are no examples of nor anything in the New Covenant commanding that any church pays a salary to a pastor to serve the church. the Bible is clear the church of Jesus Christ under His New Covenant is to be elder led volunteers, not a single pastor or hireling(s) doing all the work of the church, but teach, guide, aid and direct all members in doing the work of Jesus Christ in service to one another, sharing the gospel and other good works.

All the biblical commands in the New Covenant for God’s able bodied people to work does not exclude elders.

There are biblical examples of overseers/churches receiving limited support, but nothing commanding that any be paid a salary. We have to know this is true in that none of the elders were excluded in: 1 Ti 5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

1Th 4:11 - And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

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

2Th 3:11 - 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.

2Th 3:14 - 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. 15 - Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

1Co 9:18 - What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Wed, Jul 7th - 12:39PM

SHOULD PASTORS BE PAID A SALARY?

Mt 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Saints, (G40 hagios), let us cast off every yoke of the world and wholeheartedly put on the yoke of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His sure nail scarred hands will safely guide all who trust in Him. Brothers and sisters, we know absolutely that it is impossible for God to lie, so we should be quick to believe and do all that He commands of us His people.

Some churches, brethren, have abolished or are abolishing paid or salaried ministries as unbiblical, unaffordable, and detrimental to the church. The all volunteer elders of a local church decided to hire a paid pastor to take over the functioning of guiding the church as they felt this was best for the church, although the congregation did not sit well with this decision. Things did not go well. Congregational singing was mainly abolished, as the pastor hired and brought in a band and singers. When the congregation tried to sing, they were drowned out by the band with its singers and weaponized mikes. The complaint from the congregation that the band was too loud and hearing damaging did not register with the pastor.

The pastor decided that an additional building was to be built, which the congregation felt was too expensive for a poor church to do and did not want to try and get a loan for this purpose.  Next the pastor started a recovery group for all addictions. Members soon noticed that people in these groups never showed up in congregational worship or Bible study. Making matters worse, arrests were made in the parking lot because some from the addictions group had damaged cars while driving under the influence.

The elders came to realize that they could not pay the churches bills and the pastor and the band with its singers too, so decided to let them all go. The elders later addressed the real problem in the church which was that they needed more elders to support the ongoing needs of the church. Congregational singing was restored, and the addictions group disbanded, but were warmly invited and encouraged to participate in congregational worship and Bible study.

Support for overseers is not the same thing as a salary. We see clearly in scriptures examples for us to follow of the abundant work of God’s people who gave help to overseers and churches without creating dependency.

Christians are free to give guided by scripture. Giving for the Christian is only between the Christian and God. No  mere human being has authority to demand how much or even that a Christian give. Jesus exempted poor people from giving. He accused rightly the Levitical priesthood of robbing the poor by making them give. 

Christians have the command of God to give His way. Only that which we freely give to Him from our hearts is acceptable and pleasing to Him. Our giving does not only pertain to money, but to our service, love, care to/for others, and our reflection of Him in our character, conversation, and conduct privately and publicly.  2Co 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2Co 9:6 - But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Holy people, let us give God’s way and not let any mere man or woman dictate or interfere with our freedom to give God’s way from our hearts out of love for Him.

Tue, Jul 6th - 8:24PM

SHOULD A PASTOR BE PAID A SALARY?

1Ti 3:2 - A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1Ti 3:3 - Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Tit 1:7 - For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre

1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Brothers and sisters, the biblical qualification for overseers or anyone else in the church never includes a paid salary anywhere in the New Covenant.

We find no instance where any overseer is commanded to receive a salary or to rely solely on the finances of others for the support of themselves and/or their families. Paying a pastor, or overseers a salary is a manmade doctrine; often justified on the basis that the pastor/or overseers do so much work for the church. Even if the pastor does a lot of work, it is not the work of a single or a few persons to perform the work of the whole church, but the elders along with all the people ministering the word and to one another along with charitable works.

Brethren, many churches where the overseers or pastor is paid a salary, the members are required to pay to belong to it. Members are required to “make a covenant” which often includes a pledge to financially support the ministry. But feel free to explore this further on your own if you desire. Those who sign these “covenants” are often unaware that they can have a profound legal impact on their private lives. Christians have only one covenant acceptable to God which is the New Covenant of Jesus Christ which is absolutely free to all who believe in Him.

Brothers and sisters, some might believe that “missionaries” should receive a salary from the church. Certainly, some sincerely believe this, but it is not supported by scripture. Some misapply the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ that He gave to His apostolic ministry/disciples who while going from city to city were to lodge in one home of those willing to receive and support them: Jesus commands His disciples:  Luk 10:7 - And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Clearly, dearly beloveds, Jesus did not give any of His apostles or disciples the right to demand a salary. They were to be content to receive only such as the householder was able and willing to give. When some overseers had need of help it was because of some hardship: see Act 11:28-30. This support was only to be given by those willing to give, it was never demanded of them.

Another example in which churches received help is to the Macedonian churches, however it was never given as a salary or permanent income: 2Co 8:13 - For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: Co 8:14 - But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15 - As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Salaried pastors, dearly beloveds, is unbiblical although it appears to be the norm in many places in America and it is spread to other countries as well. These are distorted inverted ministries with a few people at the top reaping the benefits and are not likely to change anytime soon, but will give account to God, unless they repent. Nevertheless, holy people, most Christians as they always have, continue to do good works not seeking a payment or salary to do so in the world, but out of love for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Mon, Jul 5th - 2:19PM

SHOULD PASTORS BE PAID A SALARY?

Brothers and sisters, there was a young man who quit a good paying job to go to seminary so that he could become a Bible teacher. Graduating in debt, he failed to obtain work in a church, so he set up a podcast and started teaching, but failed to get much financial support from his listeners. One day he decided to “put his foot down” and in anger told his audience that he was tired of not getting much support for all the work he was doing for them and his teachings which he felt was better than anyone else’s. 

He gave a weekly pod cast which he felt was “a lot of work” because he had to hire technicians and cameras to make his show look professional, plus all the “hard work” he had to do to study and create a teaching for his one hour a week show.  He said he had bills to pay and a family to support and he was tired of not getting the money he deserved from his listeners so that he could take care of his family and pay his bills. He demanded his audience send him the money he deserved as was his right for teaching them so well.

It is said that some leave the ministry due to their salary being too low.

There is nothing in the Bible that commands or instructs any believers to pay thousands of dollars to learn the Bible to teach it. In fact, it is the responsibility of overseers, along with the body general of Lord Jesus Christ to help teach all believers the scriptures, wherein we come into unity of the faith.

The Bible clearly teaches we should support the poor and disabled, it nevertheless  commands all others to support themselves and pay whatever they owe, it is not the responsibility of someone else. Even the Old Testament teaches us we are responsible for our own debt and warns us not to take the responsibility of or agree be a guarantor of paying someone else’s debts should they fail to pay or for any reason:  Pro 17:18 - A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Prov 22:26Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 27If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Pro 22:7 - The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Rom 13:8 - Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Jesus Christ speaks explicitly regarding the hireling: Jhn 10:12 - But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 the hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

Other than the poor and disabled, no one is exempted from the responsibility of taking care of his own family and paying their own debt.  Yet, the Bible does clearly address supporting overseers among others in some way at times let us look more into scripture on this. However, the lone star single overseer, or churches filled to the brim with paid staff is not supported by scripture.

Sat, Jul 3rd - 9:35PM

SHOULD PASTORS BE PAID A SALARY?

Lord Jesus, blessed be your Holy Name, our hearts and minds will ever be fixed on you trusting in you for your everlasting loving kindness, mercy, strength, and faithfulness:

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

The world  hates us, brothers and sisters, Jesus forewarned us of the world. Nevertheless, the warped pitiful useless crumbs that the world calls love cannot compare to the eternal rich love of Lord Jesus for His people. Jesus Christ our Lord has given us the command and the delight that we must love Him and love one another. We are fully complete in Lord Jesus Christ lacking nothing:  Col 2:10 - And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Brothers and sisters, although many of us know this, it is hoped that this study will aid those who do not know whether a pastor should be supported, and it might also help those who do not attend church out of concern that they may be pressured to financially support a pastor in a way that might be damaging to their own financial health.

Some churches, dearly beloveds, avoid the issue of paying the pastor or anyone in the church because they are all volunteers, which also avoids having the IRS involved in their ministry. These all -volunteer churches do not have a collection plate and refuse all donations of money but accept donations of food and other items to give without charge to the poor. Each member will also purchase what he or she can and contribute food or other items into a common pantry to be given as needed to the poor. Most of them work or have some means of personal income.

Some of these all-volunteer churches, holy people, meet in homes or public places such as school assembly halls, libraries, or even in public parks. Some have buildings, but these are simply owned by individuals who pay to maintain them and allow the church to meet in them without cost. The focus of these churches is worship, Bible study, teaching, making disciples, service to the poor, one another, other charitable services, and fellowshipping as the family of God not just when they gather, but ongoing in various ways afterwards. Some of these all-volunteer churches are one hundred plus years in existence.

When the word pastor is mentioned it is not uncommon, dearly beloveds, for some to think it refers to one person. However, pastor in the singular is not ever mentioned in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. instead, we find the word pastors in the plural: Eph 4:11 - And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Pastors is interchangeable with bishops, presbytery, and elders, these are the overseers of the church: Act 14:23 - And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Overseers are servant leaders, not lords. They aid the body of Christ to grow in being rooted firmly in scripture as well as minister to the flock in various ways. They may appoint one of their members to preach, but all of them are equal and work together to guide the church. They ordain deacons, deaconesses and others to help carry out the work of the church. They help each member understand and use their spiritual gifts in service to the Lord and one another: 1Co 12:11 - But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Quite common in America are the one-man rule types of nominal churches led by one person called a pastor. One man rule churches with all authority resting in one man are not biblical. Usually if anyone questions the one-man rule churches, they are promptly shown the door. Today we do see several churches with a “star” pastor who has oversight of the whole church, although some may have elders they have little or no authority. One man rule church has few volunteers, but paid staff who are hired with no input from the congregation. Many of these nominal churches die out when the lone pastor dies or leaves. Just as often these nominal churches die out because the congregation can no longer carry the financial burden of them.

All the apostles, holy people, had gainful employment. In searching the New Testament, we find nothing that forbids any able-bodied overseer or anyone else from working outside of the church in some capacity to support some or all the needs of himself and or family. Here is what the apostle Paul had to say: 1Ti 5:8 - But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

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

The apostle Peter had this to say:1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain ...

Fri, Jul 2nd - 8:07PM

SHOULD PASTORS BE PAID A SALARY?

Brothers and sisters, there are many opinions concerning whether pastors should be paid a salary. As I was researching this issue, I found many pros and just as many cons regarding this issue. There are some seminarians who strongly feel that paying a salary to a pastor is unbiblical.

There are those who believe that God would not put them on the hook to pay for some guy’s house, car, wife, kids’ education, vacation, signing a note for a loan to him, just for giving a sermon a couple of times a week. There were many others who felt that giving a pastor a salary gave him the time to serve the congregation more fully.

I have posted some opinions for your viewing both pros and cons:

5 Things The Bible Says About Paying Pastors or Church Leaders

churchtechtoday.com/5-things-the-bible-says...

A pastor should get paid by the church with a fair wage. He should never determine his own payment but have outside board members come up with a fair payment for the amount of work he is doing for whatever size the actual congregation is. It’s understandable that people have become wary regarding pastors getting paid.

Should churches pay their pastor a salary?

www.compellingtruth.org/pastors-paid-salary.html

The short answer is yes. The Bible specifically states that pastors should be paid a salary. First Corinthians 9:13-14 says, "Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?

Brethren, our IRS has no problem with pastors being paid: Topic No. 417 Earnings for Clergy | Internal Revenue Service

www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc417

Topic No. 417 Earnings for Clergy. A licensed, commissioned, or ordained minister is generally the common law employee of the church, denomination, sect, or organization that employs him or her to provide ministerial services. However, there are some exceptions, such as traveling evangelists who are independent contractors (self-employed) under ...

There is no Biblical Defense for Paid Pastors/Elders - Lew Ayotte

lewayotte.com/2013/01/10/there-is-no-biblical...

Of the four verses I talked about today, the only one that has any direct bearing on elders is 1 Timothy 5:17-18. If there were a verse to support paying a pastor a salary, it would be that one. Unfortunately, it does not… it cannot!

Family First, Not the Church - Jesus-is-Savior.com

jesus-is-savior.com/Family/infidel.htm

The Bible DOES teach that we should give to the poor, and to our enemies if they thirst or hunger, and to the man of God who is faithfully preaching the Gospel, and to our children and their children; but we are no where commanded in God's Word to give our child's inheritance to a covetous pastor who is gung ho about growing "his" ministry.