Bible Studies
PART 1 - Money use in the book of Acts
On August 2nd, 1999, I received a prophecy driving home from the Apostle Gary Kosiki's (Muskeegon MI.) house. Most of the word was things I understood, but I didn't understand the part that stated "The new churches you will be planting will not be organized according to man's ways, as most are now, for I am tired of the money changers, the incorporators, the controllers and profiteers in my house."
On August 5th, after worshipping with my wife Mary, I again prophesied, and the Lord told me He would take me into the Word and reveal how He wanted the churches to be set up and how finances would be handled. This is because I am called to the office of Apostle, and the money is laid at the Apostle's feet. How presumptious this sounds as I type it out! Oh well.
I think the key is that we get back to God's pattern and away from the current "Sunday Church-ianity".
I would like to predicate this by saying I do not judge any minister or organization as to how they handle finances, not until they are within my measure of rule. However God is preparing His Bride in these last days, and She will be pure; God will require us all to look at our situation and ask sincerely with listening hearts; "God, is this being done right? Do I need to make changes?" Then of course we must obey what He says.
The Study
I begin in the book of Acts. I will say initially that Jesus had a "Money bag" in His ministry, and it was simply "For the poor". There was no building fund, etc. What a concept; open air or in-home ministry, and every cent collected was (By the by- He never asked for a nickel, NOT ONCE) given to poor folks. Think on that dear reader.
The first mention of Money in Acts is the field bought by Judas' money for his burial. Not applicable to this study I hope!
The first applicable scripture is Acts 2:44-45. The scene is set in the preceding scriptures. The Apostles are doing signs and wonders, people are being saved, and the number of believers in this city is growing into the thousands. Then it says (vs. 44) All that believed were together and had all things in common; (45) and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need.
Any way you slice it that says community. We know that many of these people had houses, and it is reasonable to say they kept a home to live in, but the extra homes, chariots, etc. were sold and given to the leaders; Apostles. Those that had simply shared with those who had not. Having been a hippy for 4 years I know this is possible even without God's Grace.
Vs. 46 says they (context unclear; but believers for sure) went from house to house, which indicates they weren't all in some big commune; they had homes.
The next reference to money is Acts 3:6 Where Peter and John heal a lame man. The man is begging, and they say "Silver and Gold have we none". Now I doubt the Apostles lied, so they were not carrying money. They could have said; "Come home with us to the treasury". I believe we have to accept they didn't need money. They lived in a close community where they could use whatever they needed, food lodging, it wasn't like today (I guess) we will need a few bucks in our pocket, until the computer "Mark of the Beast" money system kicks in. Having preached on the streets a lot, I can say it's better to have a full stomach and an empty wallet when preaching on the streets.
Now Acts 4:32 repeats the theme of 2:44 only with more detail; "...the multitude of believers were of one heart and one soul, neither said any that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common".
How many ways I've heard religious (usually well to do) people try to explain this away. I've learned that when God takes the time to repeat something, you had better pay attention. Nowhere in any New Testament scripture do any Apostles apologize for this! They never say, "It was a nice thought but it didn't work!!"
Verse 33; " And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all". You can bet I won't lay my money at the feet of anybody without great power!
Verse 34: "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many among them as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold." (35) And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Then it tells of Joses, who sold land and laid the money at the Apostles' feet. (Vs. 36 & 37)
What can I add to that?
Chapter 5 tells the famous story of Ananias and Sapphira. The key to this is verse 8. After Ananias dropped dead, Peter asks Sapphira the (presumably same) question he (must have) asked Ananias, her husband; "Did you sell the land for this much?" To which she lied "Yes" and promptly died also.
I think if God is instituting a New Testament order for money handling again as in the days of old, we'll see this kind of thing happen. This would be convincing to me. I wouldn't lie to a brother about finances anyway, but I have withheld information from people I felt had no business knowing certain details about my business.
Verse 9 Peter says "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the lord?" I think we need to understand the severity of using God's funds for self, and dealing lightly with Apostles.
Another key is verse 4 concerning the land sold: "While it remained was it not thine own? And after it was sold was it not in thine power?" The thing was they weren't being pressed or even asked by the Apostles for any money; they were lying about this gift, joining a community and keeping a part back. The issue was lying to God's Spirit. Peter didn't say "You lied to an Apostle" He knew he was nothing alone. This is a lesson to me of the critical importance; yes life and death importance of handling God's funds, and Apostolic order. We can't take this lightly, can we?
Verses 11 & 12 go on to say that great fear fell upon all, (Duh!) and great signs and wonders were done by the Apostles. I again say I am not laying my money down at the feet of someone who says they are an Apostle, and I don't suggest you do, until we see the evidence. Also they had better be right in line with the Word of God, because in the ned times many false prophets will arise and lead many astray; just look at L. Ron Hubbard, to name but one of many!
Verse 13 has always been a favorite of mine "And of the rest dared no man join himself to them : but the people magnified them". Wow; what a difference from our churches today, where every con man and bum hustles us for spare change, and the church is full of witches. The people today laugh at the church; we're the butt of jokes, movies, songs: would they magnified us!!
Addendum; later (and repeatedly) the Apostles were beaten, put to death etc. I think we need to look for that kind of commitment before selling our house and giving a preacher our money! However there are other kinds of persecution even in the U.S. today, and as God reveals true Apostles we would do well to give honor not to man, but what God is doing in this day in the 5-fold ministry offices of Apostle and Prophet.
Another word of wisdom. I have seen some blessed men of God trying to stand in the office of Apostle either prematurely or for the wrong reason. This is folly. Others I've seen plant churches or do great works, and they or the people around them start tagging them "Apostle". This is like putting a red cape on a man in a bull farm. Don't do him that favor! We need to find our calling in God and do it joyfully. There is no glory in being this or that, I'd rather be in my place changing diapers in an orphanage than out of my place in any office. Add to that the responsibility of a true Apostle, Prophet etc. and it is folly to try and be what you are not. But the subject is money...
Chapter 6 tells of the first deacons picked by the people and ordained by the Apostles (or Elders - another study). This touches on money because the Apostles decided it was better they did not work, but dedicated themselves to the Word and prayer. Since we know Paul worked with his hands we can say this is a right, but not always the best choice for an Apostle. I know of no place where Pastors are given the option to not hold a job (or business, which is better, but that's another study!). Boy I lost some fans there, but please, if you have New Testament on Pastors not working, let me know; and I don't mean loose alegories of "Shepherds fleecing the sheep".
FOCUS THOUGHT
I want to reiterate; the purpose of this study is to examine a prophecy I was given that the church, at least in respect to new plantings of the Lord in this next move of God, (and maybe accross the board) will not have incorporation, tax exempt status, records, salaries, etc. as we know today. I was impressed that I would be given understanding how this will work in a real world sense by studying finances in the book of Acts, and the New Testament in general. I am focusing on scriptures relating how money was used by Jesus and the Apostles.
Acts 9; 36-43 tells the story of Dorcas. This widow was loved by many Believers in her city, because she spent her time making clothes for others. Again I see a community of believers who lived in houses among the lost, but were caring and sharing. It ends verse 43 "Peter tarried many days with one Simon, a tanner. I bet he worked with Simon! I just can't see Peter sitting extolling the stories of "Life with Jesus" while this guy worked away. Every true Apostle I knew was excited about some business or other> They are always trying to get the brothers going in the right direction financially.
Chapter 11:27-30 has an interesting tidbit about the Jerusalem Prophets, and Agabus' prophecy saying there was a drought coming to the area. This moved the disciples who all chipped in "every man according to his ability" sent relief to the brethren there in Judea I guess where it was felt the most. The money was sent by Barnabas and Saul (not yet an Apostle- Barnabas may have been considered an Apostle at this juncture) to the Elders. So this is key: There were Elders in a city who were responsible for distributing money and goods to the Christians there.
I have to take a revelation detour here. One group of elders appointed by Apostles over all believers in the city. How different from today. I am reminded of when my son had his heart transplant. We were 1000 miles from home, trying to care for a newly transplanted baby who was breathing thru a trach tube which required 24 hour care. 12 hours for mom and 12 for dad. We were saving the taxpayers about $20,000 a month keeping him out of the hospital.
God bless the people from our local church, but they were sending money hither and yon, to the denomination and wherever. They couldn't afford to help us. I had to send fund raising letters to all these different churches, kiwanis clubs, etc. God got us through, thanks to the government food stamps, etc. Wouldn't this be a lot simpler? We have a godless government in the US taking $100 tax money for the welfare of the poor, spending $65 to make the machine work (middle class government worker's jobs), and $35 goes to the poor. There has to be a better way. I believe it is hidden like a gem for us in these pages we call the New Testament.
Another aside here; The Proverbs, as well as the entire Bible, are full of business advice. God gives men knowledge to build witty inventions, etc. America is a very rich country due to following God's principles. Where are the givers? I guess they are giving to the "faith" hypers, or denominational deacon boards. This is going to be a hobby horse and I'm getting off.
Acts 15: 2-4 has an interesting point .There was authority in the 12 Apostles at Jerusalem. Verse 4 speaks of The church, the Elders and the Apostles. I will jump to a conclusion here which is another study in itslef, but if accepted (if not; get out your exhaustive concordance) will clarify some things. Apostle is a gift, an office, a ministry. Elder is a maturity. An Apostle can be called and be a new convert, or a mature Elder. Elder also denotes a position of authority from God. to clarify this I made a graph:
Maturity | gift: Apostle - Prophet - Evangelist - Pastor - Teacher
Level |
1)New born x
2) disciple x
3) deacon x
4) Elder x
(Please remember the church is a body and cannot be "graphed" this is only for revelation; not division!)
This shows that a person can be called to a gift, and be at different maturity, or authority levels. The first 'x' could be Peter when he said to Jesus "You are the Christ, son of the living God". the 2nd 'x' could be John the revelator first following Jesus. I think you will find everyone fits into some gift, many not listed here. I think what the New testament is saying is that mature Apostles rule (as servants) and distribute money across large regions, while Elders disperse it locally as needed.
Again Acts 15:6 says "The Apostles and Elders came together to consider this matter."
This is all important, because the issue of money is partly; who decides what to do with it. I think we see it being given to Apostles by people in the fear of God, then given to Elders in cities (and/or local Apostles) and the actual distribution back to the people by deacons. Notice deacons didn't get together and decide who got what; they just passed out dinner!
FOCUS
Still I am troubled by the word I got. I ask the Lord "How do we handle large contributions?" I can see how easy it would be NOT to have a big worship building. Meetings in people's homes, small offerings, etc. but what if a man sold his home and gave me a check for $100,000? Do I deposit in my bank and call it income? How do I dispurse it without a non-profit corporation? Maybe the answer is partly; if I can't do it now, how will I do it when the mark of the beast is in force?
Another question is the giver's deduction. Will men be willing to give without getting a "tax receipt". I just can't see this yet! God help us! Can we be the church without government aid? We are a church on welfare! Didn't Jesus say give in secret? This is a hard word. It would be a lot simpler to assume I'm a false Prophet and stone myself!
We do not see the Apostles having any record keeping going on; no reports to the government. I wonder in all the persecution why there isn't accusations against the Apostles, or the church in the first century AD about "misapropriation of funds?". I guess they were so radical about the message of the cross and souls that the demons were too busy. Well let's keep digging.
Here's an idea. Maybe it's just too radical. Why not pay taxes? Why do we have to have a "tax deductible 501-c-3 yada yada". If a man gives me $100,000 and is willing to not get a tax break, am I too greedy to pay the taxes? If he gives me cash, and I dispurse it to the poor, I may not tell Ceasar at all, but if I put it in a bank, and pay taxes, is that so bad?
Let's say Joe sells his 2nd house which he owns free and clear. He gets $100,000
and pays $20k tax. He gives me $80k, I deposit it in my account. I pay $16k income tax. I give the $64,000 to poor people in small unmarked bills. The US Govt. gets $36k. Is that so bad? Isn't this "One nation under God"? If we have a revival and handle our finances like this, we could be a debt free nation? Is this too radical for you? OK, keep your 501-c-3 and when the rapture doesn't happen when you think it should, you'll do it anyway.
Focus Matt. OK let's review the scriptures. The men sold homes and laid it at the Apostle's feet. They had tax collectors, did they not? They must have paid the tax! Maybe we need to take a look at our Nation's tax system, but that's politics. So they paid the taxes and gave the rest to the Apostles or (Heaven forbid!) they just blew off the tax collectors. Not very good computers at the IRS office back then...and what about the Apostle's income tax; did they pay on the gross? I doubt it. We know Jesus said "Render to Ceasar what is Ceasars and God what is God's" perhaps they figured the money was for God's work.
The Prophecy
Let's take a look at the word I gave, at the specific part about money:
"These new Apostles and Prophets will establish 5-fold ministry and my church in homes, cities and regions. They will not look to ordination papers, or corporation structures; they will be successful in me. I will provide supernaturally for these ministers. Others I will finance through witty businesses. There will be no price tag on these ministers, they will go where I send them. There will be no paperwork associated with these home churches; they will be underground, and not tracked by any government agency. they will be true to their father planters and will be very organized; in an effective new testament 5-fold order, but not on paper."
I actually don't see a command not to have a 501-c-3 organization. I just have a sense (recurring over a decade or so!) that the time will come when we can't, so why not get ready.
It is possible I guess to be obedient to this word and have a 501-c-3 Organization set up. Maybe just "Poor folks fund, inc." or such. The word speaks specifically of home or cell churches being organized on paper. It also speaks of leader's motives.
Should a temporary fund be set up for passing money through, I would be curious what the 501-c-3 status requires in record keeping. Names and adresses of the "poor folks" who are helped? I'll check it out. I hope you understand I have always planned on starting a non-profit for helping itinerant ministers. This word re-shuffles my deck as much as yours.
I believe the core message here from God to us is this: What is our motive in matters of money, and how scriptural is our financial set-up? How dependent are we upon a government that is almost totally corrupt? What are we, the leaders of God's people in this new 5-fold theocratic government going to do with money? We could just let the accountants handle it, but that's a cop-out; we need to take a stand based on New Testament pattern!
More Scripture; Acts 20:33-35. Here is the true Apostle's attitude about money and minstry: " I have coveted no man's silver or gold or apparel. (34) Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (35) I have shown you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Wow.
1 Timothy 5 and 6 get into a lot of money issues. There is the aspect of caring for widows. The church wholey supported widows over 60 years old who were pious (and there were some details of piety; not just any old woman!), as long as they had not Godly relatives; these were first responsible. 5:17 "Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor; especially those who labor in the word and doctrine".This is taken by most in context (verse 18; "muzzle not the ox...") meaning 2x the normal financial status.
I think it is critical to note; there was never a price associated with ministry. This is hwat the prophecy was about (partly). I cringe when I walk though a church and see a flyer, available to any passerby that says "Prophetic conference; $25". This is an abomination. Period. So also the "Jesus festival" selling every imaginable t-shirt, CD, etc; this is Babylon, pure and simple; it must not be.
The profile of the 1st century church was this; a community with it's act together; power and care for the poor. Money matters were handled in house by the leaders. The giving was all voluntary and never co-erced; I see not 1 request to open audiences for funds. Only in the gathering of believers was money requested and that always for some disaster relief or help for the poor. We have got to get this right people!!! I bless you who have been true to Christ in finances! If you have not; the time is now to repent.
1 Tim. 6;5 talks of men preaching "gain is godliness; from such turn away!" I know God's word is full of wisdom to prosper, and prosperity is His will, but this money grabbing 'faith' deception is a dangerous area we had better be right in line with the whole teaching of scripture when we get in that area. There is a lot of deception in this area. Balance is my admonition. Verse 9 "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare" we had better submit our hearts to God and others; is our motive right for that big faith vision we have? Or is it our own "filthy dream" as warned by Jude. Verse 10 " for the love of money is the root of all evil, some having coveted after have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows". Wow.
I know God gives men big visions, and he doesn't mind spilling costly ointment on His Son's feet. I believe myself for a very big vision that will channel I believe millions, possibly Billions of dollars, but I'm not skimming the top! And the money will all go to the furhterance of His kingdom; not mine! Paul goes on exhorting young Timothy in verse 17; "Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in ...God...(18) that they...be rich in good works...ready to distribute, willing to communicate" and "God gives us all things richly to enjoy". What a balanced teacher Paul is!
EPILOGUE
In conclusion The book of Acts shows us a church that handles finances in a pretty stark contrast to the way most US "Churches" do today. There are similarities of course; most folks in ministry are doing the best with the knowledge and resources they have. The onus I feel is upon us to pray about how to handle finances in a New Testament pattern. If we are going to do this fully, then we are going to have to line up with the New Testament pattern of leadership; 5 - fold ministry, Apostles and Prophets, Elders over cities, etc. One cannot happen in full blessing without the other.
I submit this teaching to true Apostles and Prophets who are elders in the Church of Jesus Christ for discernment. Please contact me with any words of wisdom you feel I need to hear.
Sincerely,
Matthew William Pittaway
www.HisHouseMedia.com
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