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Dylan Robson

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When my husband hears them asking for money...and saying -"Give, and God will repay you ten fold.. increase your giving and you'll get more back.."

He says ..Well we can tell they are lying, because IF they believed it , they would give their money to the congregation during " offering time"...and trust the Lord to increase their money tenfold."

But no, they lie, they preach 'faith', but have none. :(

I am so happy to see this come up because it is also one of the more frequently asked questions or should I say complaints in ministry, let me start off with the fact that the offering was one of the reasons I stopped going to church in my younger years, I felt that all the church wanted was money. Wow to live and to learn has and still is an incredible journey, bare with me here and I will explain. Preachers over and above the fact that they give hours and hours each day of their time to study the word, prepare sermons, teach and guide the brethren in the church during services and in private meetings, as well as giving financially to the church and poor, know something, they know that the keys of the kingdom that we are given mentioned in (matthew 16:19KJV And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.) are spiritual law, the world was created from and by the spirit so everything falls under it. When Jesus told the sea to calm down and rebuked the storm he was operating in the spirit (Matthew 8:23-27 (KJV) And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!). The natural physical world had no choice but to obey his word. Now spiritual law is given by God, in the bible, now this will refer to every word in the bible said by Jesus or written by prophets. In the offering side of things, (Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.) Now if all you see here is giving money that is not right, the message of this passage is to be generous, with everything to all people, give of your time, give what you have and it will be given to you more. It says that you can never out do God, while you are giving he will give to you, corresponding scripture reference to (Acts 20:35 KJV I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.) This shows how important it is to give, and to be generous because you will never give more than God will, in your attempt to out do God he will out do you. This is why the giver is more blessed than the receiver.
Now something very important to note here you are not receiving because you are giving, see that is the problem today, people give in order to receive, (2 corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.) God doesn't want you to give with resentment or begrudgingly. You receive because God said so, his word says so. If he had said do something else and you will receive then you would, what he has said is be generous and be a giver and good measure will be given unto you, like two sides to a coin you cannot have one without the other. This is spiritual law and we are shown the manner in which we should give. This is all very important. In the old testament the lamb that was sacrificed had to be perfect without blemish, again the manner or state in which the sacrifice was offered. You are not giving to get you are giving to honor the Lord, if you were to honor the king with a gift would it be shriveled, wilted damaged or poorly wrapped and would you give it with a scowl on your face? No you wouldn't. Especially if that king has given you everything good in your life. We honor God by giving to the church and to the less fortunate around us by helping our neighbors and people in the street. I have not met a person who didn't recommend the movie pay it forward yet when it comes to the teachings in the bible it instructs us not to just do one act it says that should be our way of life. And it feels good to help one another doesn't it. Now some of you may think yeah brother Dylan not at my church they walk out of there on Sunday and wouldn't lift their hand to help their own mother up. Then those are the people you need to pray for and to show even more love to because eventually it will cause change. One of the parables Jesus taught (Matthew 25 KJV
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.)
So be kind to everyone be generous in your giving and love to those around you even if you don't know them and especially if they have done you wrong. Why? because that is God's way and the way he wants us to be. (Matthew 5KJV
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.)
May the Lord richly Bless you and guide you all the days of your life.
 
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Dylan Robson

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I must Agree, well said! I accepted the GIFT of Salvation, by the hearing of the Word, unto Faith! OK, and then I was on Fire, to tell everyone, you know, so I watched the, PTL, all the Christian channels, MAN I wanted the word anyway I could get it, and all I got was Sucked In, I would read the NT, and then see nothing that was remotely in tune with the Word. All I can say about these certain Preachers, is beware of what Spirit they are OF! For Satan can appear as a Messenger of light, Paul also stated 2000 yrs ago that he was the god of His age, which I believe satan is today, until all our Gods enemies are made His footstool, Satan was defeated, but he still roams this world seeking whom he may devour!
As to keep within the OP, I am very careful, and cautious about what I see in the Arena of tel-Evangelists. That's Who I Are.
I can agree with much of what you have to say and for that very reason the bible is the source of reference. No words taken out of context or misinterpreted. We have all the tools to sort the truth from the lies in the bible, we have KJV, amplified and message as well as the access to the original text to further analyse sentence construction. There are training courses where you can further study the history of the church as well as world history in order to better understand the times different parts of the bible were written in which will then further add to your understanding of why certain things were specifically mentioned as we grow in the full and intimate knowledge of God. Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.


 

Helen

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I am so happy to see this come up because it is also one of the more frequently asked questions or should I say complaints in ministry,

I so dislike posts that think somehow that they "win" some prize by quoting lots of scripture...and somehow, that wins some argument for them!!

I did not mention, my husband IS a pastor.
When we lived back in in England we started our church from scratch.
Just four people...and over a year it grew to 80.

We NEVER once ASKED for money. We agreed that before we even started.
If GOD is calling a person to the ministry...then GOD will keep that ministry going. We put a box at the back of the hall. And people either dropped a few coins in the box , or not.
As most of the members were between 15-18, that was mostly NOT!!

God started it, God anointed it, and God kept it going. One of the young men that came to the Lord at 15 is now the senior pastor at Kingdom Culture Church in Australia , he is now 57 ...I would take a bet that he never had any money to put in the box...along with the others.

If God calls, God supplies. Our old pastor taught us that when we wee young christians. And we have lived by it.
The 'church' now has a dirty name BECAUSE of all the money grabbing ministry who I could list here..but we all know them, and their Jests, limo's, and houses,,, I believe they preach "Strange fire"...as in Lev 10
" And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, "

What is being dished up these days is not God's doing.
 
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Windmillcharge

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I have seen many that teach their own words instead of the words of God

You have seen people and have been miraculusly healed. I am please for you.

As you know words are cheap, which is why I have challenged you to prove what you claim.

I was listening to a South African Lady who works among the poor in a township in SA. She commented that there are many churches that teach the prosperity gospel. The pastors are rich, but are surrounded by despartly poor people.

Why is that? You claim that Jesus came that we might be wealthy.
There are many people suffering the affects of hiv/aids in SA, why aren't they healed?
 
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JesusIsFaithful

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Tha

Thank you for taking the time to reply so extensively to my post. It seems you have a lot of questions, I would be more than happy to talk more with you if it is truly answers you are looking for. It seemed as though many of your replies were more toward statement than question however I am free if you would like to drop me a message or mail. God bless.

What is your message for those that are sick and have not been healed? How can they know it is the Father's will or not to remain as they are?

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

What is your message for those that are poor and not blessed as much as you have been and yet they had prayed?

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

What is your message to those that suffer grief with no justice nor relief coming in sight?

1 Peter 4:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

What is your message about where our minds should be set on?

Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Is God an ATM for blessings to enjoy this life that we may become snared and not want to leave it when the Bridegroom comes?

Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

How does your message compare with the message below?

1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Thank you for your time in reading my concerns about your message to our fellow believers. It is my hope that you will check with Him if certain clarifications should be made here, because what you are proposing does not line up with all of His words in the N.T.

We can pray, but upon it being the Father's will, not ours.

We can be thankful for what we do have to be content.

We can lean on Him to help us set our hearts and minds on the things above where our treasure can never fade away nor be stolen.

Proverbs 16:9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 19:3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.....21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.


 
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Dylan Robson

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You are all entitled to believe whatever it is that you wish to believe, at the end of the day just as scripture has been quoted from both myself and yourselves it remains in the bible and in the context it is written cannot be argued, much text is case specific and does not apply as a way of life today, The fact remains that when Jesus left he said that anything you ask of the father in his name that he will do. He also mentioned sending us the holy spirit, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead that will quicken our mortal bodies as well as the signs that will follow the christian in the years after him that they will lay hands on the sick and they Will be healed, that they will do all the miracles he did and greater. Personally I choose to believe what he said. I am not here to argue with anyone so if your aim is to try to prove your point then you are talking to the wrong person. Scripture is not intended for division but more for unity. May God richly bless you all and I hope you have a wonderful day.
 
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JesusIsFaithful

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You are all entitled to believe whatever it is that you wish to believe, at the end of the day just as scripture has been quoted from both myself and yourselves it remains in the bible and in the context it is written cannot be argued, much text is case specific and does not apply as a way of life today, The fact remains that when Jesus left he said that anything you ask of the father in his name that he will do.

Providing the Father says yes to that prayer request for the Son to answer for the Father to be glorified in the Son for answers to prayers; not you to be glorified by those answers to prayer; John 14:13-14

He also mentioned sending us the holy spirit, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead that will quicken our mortal bodies

The promise of the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:9-13 & good things in Matthew 7:7-11 that is sent by the Father is in regard to knocking at the door of Jesus Christ at our salvation. He is not talking about a repeated supernatural phenomenon that will occur at every request from a believer.

as well as the signs that will follow the christian in the years after him that they will lay hands on the sick and they Will be healed, that they will do all the miracles he did and greater.

Some believers applied those verses literally with their lives by dying from venomous snake bites. So again, you have to weigh His words in light of His other words like... do not test the Lord.

Personally I choose to believe what he said. I am not here to argue with anyone so if your aim is to try to prove your point then you are talking to the wrong person. Scripture is not intended for division but more for unity. May God richly bless you all and I hope you have a wonderful day.

But you sow division when you misled believers into thinking they can have the same kind of "blessed" life you are living, and yet receive it not.

How are they suppose to feel or believe other than that God does not keep His promises to them no matter how much they believe, which will obviously lead them into thinking that maybe God does not really love them or worse, they think that they are not saved which would be an explanation for why God has not heard their prayers?

Jesus said all those things, but you are not weighing it with the rest of His words about it being in according to the Father's will, not your desires or wants.

So I ask you; are you glorifying yourself with these visitations of the Holy Spirit & power that you assume is happening apart from salvation? How do you keep the foot of pride away from yourself or to NOT think higher than you ought to think of yourself? How can anyone NOT think of you higher than they ought to think? Scripture testify that the real indwelling Holy Spirit and His disciples that follow Him ( John 15:26-27 & John 16:13-14 ) would never draw attention to themselves, as they would decrease so that He, the Bridegroom, aka Jesus Christ, may increase by testifying of Him in seeking His glory as the faithful witness ( John 5:31 & John 7:18 )

I certainly need His help in following Him; power belongs to God and it is to His glory for why we all shall give Him praise & thanksgiving for His mercy towards us & His goodness in us.
 
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Frank Lee

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My daughter Joanna was killed in 1997.she was an excellent student and like her father loved to write. I regret not getting to see what she could have accomplished. I look forward to our eternal family reunion though.

My other daughter Laura was very devastated by her sisters death. It was a horrible time for all us.

In prayer the Lord spoke to me and said "the anointing that was upon Joanna I am giving also to Laura so that she will have a double portion".

Since that time I've see it bloom into the truth of God's word to me. She graduated summa c. Laude with a double major in history and English. Before changing majors in her junior year her major had been Spanish. The Spanish professor gave her an award remarking that she was the best Spanish student he'd had in 20 years. She was already reading novels in Castillian Spanish.

Her last job had 55 applicants and she was hired over them. She just started a new job today as a ministry in organizing volunteers for state social service work.

Volunteer Coordinator at the Office of Community Engagement for the State of Arkansas

Yes you're pleased with your children's accomplishments but I said all of that to say this. When God anoints you to do something it is wonderfully easy to do. Oh it may be a trial with hardships but the doing of whatever it is He makes to be a breeze because it's Him NOT YOU.

Stop giving Him the glory and watch the anointing depart! The ability will leave fast!

The anointing can be for anything God wants. So often it is with our professions. Everyone can't be a preacher, pastor or missionary. God called me to draw and as an adult I had an industrial consulting company where I designed equipment for industry. So often I laughed to myself as I sat in meetings where I was the only one in the room without at least a BSME.
When God calls you to something His anointing puts you at the head of the line. He will give you jobs that others are more qualified for by education and experience. God puts one down and raises another.

The scripture puts it like this;

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 KJVS
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called :
[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

We see that president Trump has received the anointing from the Lord to be the chief executive officer of America. The world doesn't understand these things but as Christians baptized in the Holy Spirit we see things clearly. As the scripture states;

1 Corinthians 2:15 NASB
But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

What is your gift and anointing? Everyone called by God is gifted, anointed for certain things. When we see a great man of God we can know that only God's election of that person qualifies them for the position.

Once I went to get information and facts regarding an accident in a limestone mine in north Arkansas. After awhile I was called to give a deposition before a group of professionals. There were lawyers representing the company, the injured man and the equipment. There was also a physics professor from Georgia Tech University. I felt outnumbered to say the least.

One set of lawyers asked questions then another set rephrased them and asked me more. If it hadn't have been for the Lord I could have easily buckled under the pressure! A court stenographer was typing all the while.

After the grilling I began to tell these men about what Jesus had done in my life. I carried a several gospel tracts I had written and I have a fond memory of all the hands of those professional men reaching out to get one, including the college professor. God uses the foolish to confound the wise.

Prophet or president give God all the glory for He has elected and promoted us and not we ourselves. Amen
 
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Dylan Robson

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I am so grateful you have shared this with us all, you are absolutely right, I am reminded of the altar that God gave instruction to build, with no steps, and with stone untouched by tools. For it is not by our own effort but God alone. Here is a video I just watched that I think you will all like as well, Lion of Judah also has another one about the death and resurrection that was really quite beautiful. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you all the days of your life.
 
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