Gospel

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There seems to be a growing trend within the charismatic movement of televangelist that is both disturbing, and destructive. The movement is the constant involvement of money, and the claim that who so ever sends the money will be blessed, and in this writers view, this is a fallacy that should be corrected, or it will become a thorn in the side of those who really want to spread the true Gospel of Christ Jesus.

So why is some of the church going towards money? It is simple, money is power. Money gives luxuries, and freedom. Money also can be used to help others who are in need. Money is a shelter (Ecclesiastes 7:12). Ecclesiastes goes on to say, “...money is the answer for everything (Ecclesiastes 10:19).” Money can buy time on radio and TV, so their gospel can be spread abroad, and with destructive merit, they sow their seed. They say God will bless you if you send them money, so people far and wide send their money in, just so they can get more money. However this is wrong, and should stop. Paul states, “Everything is permissible'-but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'-but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).”

So is it good to teach others how to use the laws of God to become rich, but at the same time they are starving, because the bread of life is being withheld from them? In this writers opinion-no. The law of sowing and reaping has been established since the beginning of creation. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and who ever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6).” This is fact, and many peoples of many ethnic backgrounds know of this law, and use it. But is this feeding the soul? Is this giving life to those that hear the message? Only the Gospel of Christ Jesus can give life. Only he can supply the way, for God is unapproachable, and holy; however, through Jesus we have a open door way to the Holy of Holies, the Lord God Almighty, let His name be praised forever and ever, amen.

This brings this message to the point. Is preaching about money wrong? Well it's according to the intent of the speaker. Money can be used to do great good, and it can be used to do great evil. Paul said: “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Paul goes on to say, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that (1 Timothy 6:6-8). So who has ever heard this statement from the men and women who preach prosperity? This writer has yet to hear from their mouths, because this statement would be a thorn in their wallets. So with this said, let us continue with Paul's statement: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:9-10s).”

So is teaching about money, and how to use God's laws for your own benefit wrong? Yes, especially if it takes away from the meat of the Gospel, and that is Christ Jesus. Only He can save! Only He is the way! Money is only temporary! Luxuries will soon disappear, and only Jesus Christ is forever! So do as he commanded and preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and that Gospel is the repentance and forgiveness of sin in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him, and through him we are born again, not of flesh and blood, but of Spirit and power, for the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation; not your pocket book.

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