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often include some hint (or very direct statement!) of receiving an offering from the church being addressed? It's as if he writes these letters to be both a blessing...and to procure their assistance as he ministers. The money, it seems, might have been used to help him travel, to help him keep up the evangelistic team that he traveled with, that allowed him to help struggling churches, etc. What TRUST people must have had in Paul--to give it into his hands and know that this man of God WILL do the right thing, as the Lord leads him.It occurred to me that we might not think to highly of him if he were on TV. We'd talk about how all he talks about is money, money, money. But it takes money to do certain things. If you want to walk to the street corner and preach, don't receive an offering. But if you are going to try to go to India--or get on some network to reach a wider audience--money will be required.I wonder if we would mock him, too?Notice that people like Mike Murdock (I know that many of you don't care for him; I do like him) often share just wonderful pieces of wisdom and direction...and then also ask for offerings (or as they usually put it, planting a seed). In other words, they are giving the listener very valuable spiritual advice (I trust)...so it shouldn't be untoward to expect the listener to respond by helping that message continue to go forth.(1 Corinthians 9:11KJV) If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?Ministers, when you preach the everlasting Word, is it untoward that those who hear you would support the continued ministry through an offering?Look closely and you'll find that Paul was not only writing deeply spiritual things to the churches, but was also having to motivate fundraising, etc. Just as the Church of God has tremendous speakers who, send them just about anywhere and they will raise significant funds for the missions, so, too, Paul was the motivational speaker, missionary, and minister all wrapped in one.

Good post.It shouldn't surprise any of us that the God who loved so much that He gave, would produce the fruit of love-motivated giving in us I'm not saved because I'm good. I'm saved because He's good!My website: www.bradfreeman.comMy blog: bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/

Money to spread the gospel ...yes. Money to build the latest monument to some man's ego......no

Money to spread the gospel ...yes. Money to build the latest monument to some man's ego......no. So pastors shouldn't buy themselves a new Buick? A new house? A new TV I'm not saved because I'm good. I'm saved because He's good!My website: www.bradfreeman.comMy blog: bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/

Money to spread the gospel ...yes. Money to build the latest monument to some man's ego......no. So pastors shouldn't buy themselves a new Buick? A new house? A new TV? Those don't constitute monuments to a man's ego. Those are basics of life. A 10,000 seat cathedral who's high water mark was 5000, and a Christian water-slide park are monuments to mans' ego

Money is necessary and causes lots of problems. it is hard to get folks to agree on how the money is spent.LDS I understand, does not pay the local church elder or leader, but tithe is sent to Jerusalem (SLC) local offerings build and pay utilities.The Catholic does give a stipend to the Priests but the majority of the monies goes to Rome (I understand). I have a childhood friend who went to Jail for a couple years because he took too much from the widows, for his mansion, Buick and yacht.I don't care for the slick preachers on TV, but there ain't a lot I can do about the money they raise and how they spend it. I just know it ain't mine.I am a Dad, GRandpa, and Great Grandpa. I have the BEST advice for my family, I KNOW IT, but they don't seem to think so. I still love the bunch of &^**#@, even though only a couple have taken my advice.It is hard to have agreement on scripture, it is also hard to have agreement on 'who raises money,' and What they do with it. I will handle mine to the best of my ability. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

Indeed, I think we ALL agree that self-aggrandizement is not what Paul was about. Nor should it be what current ministers are about. HOWEVER, my point is that it seems that just about ANYONE who asks for an offering on a TV network is belittled (at least it seems so). Yes, there's a way that we can keep from needing offerings...DO NOTHING. Stop supporting missionaries...turn off the lights...sell the church...get rid of the piano...on and on.In fact, there's even a way you can get along without a paycheck yourself! Stop eating. Sleep on the ground. Run around half-naked and never enjoy the most simple of amenities.I have a feeling that if Paul was on TBN asking for money to support missions or trips, etc., and we found that he stayed anywhere but a run-down 1-star Motel 6, there would be folks who complained (Let him go back to jail if he wants a place to sleep!)I'm just wanting to point out that motivating for an offering is not in and of itself wrong. Yes, if that's your only focus, that's a problem. And if you aren't feeding people the word, that's a problem. But if its going to be used for the right things, we should simply keep in mind that it DOES cost money to do things. You may be happy to drive a 1973 rusted-out Ford Pinto, but I would be utterly humiliated if a true man of God was made to feel that he better not have anything better than that or would be criticized.

Aaron...only man on earth who could compare mike Murdoch and Paul favorably. Thanks for the laugh.If the last 40 chapters of Each of Paul's letters promised 100 fold return on a thousand dollars...then they would be comparable.Wake-up and smell the gold dust Aaron

He had a clean conscience because he was making personal sacrifices to spread the gospel himself. Take a look again at the list of things he said he suffered. Note that he worked a side job as well so as not to be indebted to people. What is laughable is TV preachers who are asking for more sacrifices from others than they are willing to give themselves.Also, make note in Paul's writings where he warns of those who want to become rich. Did you ever hear Mike Murdoch say this?1 Timothy 6:8-10New American Standard Bible (NASB)

you take one passage out of context to portray the Apostle Paul in a post-modern concept.If you read the passage in context you will discover in vvs, 14-15 that while he justifies those who proclaim the gospel are to get their living from the gospel [keep reading] But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case...Paul could justify how anyone involved in proclaiming the gospel or teaching should be supported, but with the Corinthians he would not be in their debt, even working to keep them from receiving offerings on his behalf.Instead, his financial/material appeal concerns another issue - the need in Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:1. And he encouraged them to complete this work in 2 Corinthians 8& 9To the Philippians Paul offered kind words for their voluntary support when others did not share with him in the matter of giving and receiving. (Phil 4:15) and added, Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.To suggest these are appeal letters contradicts the mindset and ministry of the Apostle Paul The HammerMi kamocah ba'elim AdonaiWho is like you, Adonai, among the mighty? (Exodus 15:11