tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post5040196985050835051..comments2024-01-17T10:24:25.719-05:00Comments on The Latter Days: Therefore...Latter Days Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405696673350225699noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post-86090709329262548842010-10-14T08:31:06.917-04:002010-10-14T08:31:06.917-04:00thank you for your feedback, very well put. It'...thank you for your feedback, very well put. It's good to give and to do so cheerfully and for the sharing/flourishing of the gospel.Esthernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post-74043407847722183592010-10-13T13:10:23.833-04:002010-10-13T13:10:23.833-04:00I think I should add that I have always considered...I think I should add that I have always considered it an honor and a privilege to support the ministry and minister of the church to which I belong. If someone is doing God's work, why would we not want to support that (and them)? Indeed, shouldn't all that we have belong to the Lord to accomplish His will?<br /><br />Paul also accepted support from other congregations, although it seems he did not demand it. However, the way that some are fleecing the sheep, it bears note what Paul's attitude was about this right. Likewise, to see others following Paul's example in establishing churches is refreshing.<br /><br />So, I don't want people to think that they should not give. Quite the opposite. I would hope that those who give <b>and</b> those who receive would look to God in how to manage such things.Latter Days Ministryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405696673350225699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post-35389892651023911352010-10-13T11:55:22.323-04:002010-10-13T11:55:22.323-04:00Hi Esther,
I didn't take Pastor Poonen's ...Hi Esther,<br /><br />I didn't take Pastor Poonen's comments as saying it is wrong for ministers to be paid for ministry, but rather that men should not look to ministry as a means by which to make money or live. I think it is able about the motives and intent, or as you say the heart.<br /><br />I agree completely that a minister has a right to be supported by those to whom he ministers. And conversely, that people have an obligation to support those who minister to them.<br /><br />Yet, I also think it is telling that - although such a right exists - Paul didn't avail himself of it. In reading the text in I Corinthians Chapter 9, it seems like his reasons were more than just not being criticized.<br /><br /><b>He did not want such to be a hindrance to people receiving the Gospel.</b> <br /><br />"If others share in this rightful claim upon you, do not we [have a still better and greater claim]? However, we have never exercised this right, but we endure everything rather than put a hindrance in the way [of the spread] of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ." I Corinthians 9:12<br /><br /><b>He considered it part of his personal obligation in fulfilling God's call to preach the gospel.</b><br /><br />"But I have not made use of any of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me [now]. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone make void and deprive me of my [ground for] glorifying [in this matter].For if I [merely] preach the Gospel, that gives me no reason to boast, for I feel compelled of necessity to do it. Woe is me if I do not preach the glad tidings (the Gospel)! For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have my pay (my reward); but if it is not of my own will, but is done reluctantly and under compulsion, I am [still] entrusted with a [sacred] trusteeship and commission." I Corinthians 9:15-17<br /><br /><b>He valued his reward in that the Gospel was being preached freely, without cost to those who received it <i>more</i> than he valued the right to demand support.</b><br /><br />"What then is the [actual] reward that I get? Just this: that in my preaching the good news (the Gospel), I may offer it [absolutely] free of expense [to anybody], not taking advantage of my rights and privileges [as a preacher] of the Gospel." I Corinthians 9:18<br /><br /><b>He believed he could win more souls in not doing so.</b><br /><br />"For although I am free in every way from anyone's control, I have made myself a bond servant to everyone, so that I might gain the more for Christ." I Corinthians 9:19<br /><br />In case it helps to shed light on Pastor Poonen's position, I believe that neither he nor the elders at those affiliated churches request any support from their churches, although there is an offering box in the back where people can give,<br /><br />Again, I think he is speaking primarily from a perspective of people who are looking to profit from the Gospel and are misusing Scripture and God's people to justify such.Latter Days Ministryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405696673350225699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post-64231321933292764872010-10-13T10:55:16.829-04:002010-10-13T10:55:16.829-04:00is it really wrong to be paid for being a full tim...is it really wrong to be paid for being a full time minister? especially in light of 1 cor 9:14 where it says that the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of it. <br />Of course, we bless God for Apostle Paul's example cause he was able to work whilst being a minister and so avoid any 'criticism'. But there is nothing wrong with being a full-time minister and being paid for this. I guess the most important thing which Jesus sees is the heart, is it to serve self or to serve God?Esthernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post-78570524501344464082010-10-12T21:00:50.231-04:002010-10-12T21:00:50.231-04:00Hi Godsproperty,
May God be glorified for any goo...Hi Godsproperty,<br /><br />May God be glorified for any good from this. I am thankful to Him for the wonderful men and women of faith who often inspire these posts. He always has a word for His children, to encourage us in the way and help us to grow. If anything, this blog is a journal of my own growth in the Lord as I share what He is teaching me. His love for us leaves me speechless. :-)<br /><br />God bless you too!Latter Days Ministryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405696673350225699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-793573695603056525.post-77986135933537854272010-10-12T20:12:39.383-04:002010-10-12T20:12:39.383-04:00Once again, an awesome post! I thank God for your ...Once again, an awesome post! I thank God for your ministry, it has introduced me to so much in a span of one year that has changed my life forever. Thank you for always posting the TRUTH! God Bless you!Godspropertynoreply@blogger.com