Cindy

🤔 What do U think #Christians ~ Is it ok to charge a fee/earn a living, for dispensing #Christian related activities, information etc?

Some of these #goodsandservices may include bible commentary #books , #sermons , clothing w/ #bible messages, #mentoring etc.

Did our lord #JesusChrist charge an entry fee for his #sermononthemount ? Did #prophetElijah require money from his successor #prophetElisha , for passing on his acquired #knowledge #experience #skills in the #propheticword & #ministry ?

Dec 29, 2023 at 12:41pmMastodon for Android
Show threadChiaChatterDec 29, 2023
@TrueBlue4THREE I am strongly on the side of Matthew and the others. At the same time, it is the obligation of the family of Christ to support those who "freely give" (which people tend to forget when preaching about how servants should serve "for free").
Show threadCindyDec 31, 2023
@ChiaChatter There are many things to look at, w/what U address.
Somewhere in time, some leaders in some Christian churches have come to feel ENTITLED; taking freely from church donations... To support themselves, pay for groceries/housing etc. Nowhere in the new testament, is it ok for pastors, elders etc to do this. This is a teaching of man. Its not the church's responsibility to pay for their living expenses. Offering VOLUNTARY monetary gifts does show our appreciation for their work though.
Show threadCindyDec 31, 2023
@ChiaChatter Apostle Paul was a special minister sent to the nations by Jesus himself. Paul had the godly jurisdiction to receive support on every level, from the churches he visited; Paul worked as a tent maker though, choosing to earn his own way versus receiving the provisions he was entitled to receive from churches.
In the old testament, God set some apart (Levites, prophets etc) for the spiritual edification of His people. Israel prospered ONLY when they supported God's special messengers.
Show threadCindyDec 31, 2023
@ChiaChatter It's vital to discern our individual practices in these areas... God's leaders past & present weren't/aren't supposed to be paid, by the body of believers but are cared for/supported by the flock on varying levels. Each of us will render an account on these matters, whether we're handling God's word of truth aright. God knows whether we're a cheerful giver or not/2Cor 9:7 & He sees clearly whether we genuinely serve others in Jesus' name or are a worker of lawlessness/Matt 7:21-23.