The Church Inc., is it Scriptual?

[proskyno]

Mat 10:8-10
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses; no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

That was how Jesus told the Apostles to spread the word. How many listen to that today?


In the Old Testament the payment to the Levites, the priestly class, was well documented. Tithing was the order - a 10th of income.

Things changed with Jesus. He exhorted EVERY member of the church to spread the word. We are all ministers. There is no mention in the NT that ANYONE should be paid for. It describes Church order, but says nothing of payment.

Yet, today's Churches are ran like business and there are grand markets for 'Christian' goods. Today it is common place for preachers (Church Inc) to mis-use scriptual references to 'tithing' to squeeze money from the congregation, even if, as part of the Mosaic laws, it is not in effect anymore.

So, I'd ask, since the New Testament mentions no clergy, no payment to a clergy class, Jesus shows offense to money changers in the temple......what does that say of the Chuch today?

Does anyone know of a Christian religion, or any religion for that matter, that is worldwide and where no one in the organization gets paid or makes a profit for their work, at any level?

[charlesj]

Mat 10:8-10
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses; no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

That was how Jesus told the Apostles to spread the word. How many listen to that today?


?

Hello proskyno:
I do think there are a few cults that operate without paying their speakers, like the JW's and the group out of Salt Lake City..

Here are some thoughts that justify paying a minister or elder:

1 Timothy 5:17-18 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

I do know that some have misused the ministry and made millions. We have a preacher here in San Antonio that is known nation wide. He lives in the Dominion and the homes start at $1 million and on up. He owns the building where he preaches etc. I know this man personally and use to respect him very much. He divorced his wife and married the piano teacher years ago. He is a successful "business man." (with religion).

Thank the Lord, there are many who carry Christ's name and honor him.

When a person is born again and they become a Christian they meet other
Christian(s). If several Christians get together and decide on a work honoring
Christ they become a "church." (An assembly). They then can decide "collectively" how they want to spend their money (within the terms of the New Covenant). They can decide to pay a minister to preach. As they grow, they choose elders (pastors). The eldership will oversee their work while the minister preaches. If the group decides, they can pay their eldership (pastors) along with their preacher.

that's my 2 cents...
your servant in Christ,
charlesj

p.s. I like your name... did you choose it from the Greek word "proskuno"?

[charlesj]

I would encourage you to read the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. Swedenborg never founded a church, but worldwide a church is growing. We don't have tithing rules and we don't excommunicate. There are many that read Swedenborg's writings at home and never go to church yet they fully believe that they are in the church. Why? Swedenborg's writings go over every aspect of Bible interpretation. He does not avoid telling you how to interpret. Mostly the doctrinal system is that God is one and there is a union of good and truth. In man, this is charity and faith. When charity is not the first principle of the church, you should leave that church.


You told me to quote scripture all day (on another post) and now you say read the writings of some man born back in the 1600's? ROFL
When it comes to philosopher's I'd stay away.... sorry, my friend.

In order to recognize and find "the way" you must come to the terms of the New Covenant that God made and Jesus sealed with His Blood.
1. You MUST be born from above. Jn 3:3,5
2. You MUST confess Jesus the Christ as your savior, Rom 10:9ff
3. then be buried (by batptism) with Him and raised to walk in newness of life. Rom 6:4ff

Have a great day.
your servant in Messiah, Jesus the Christ,
charlesj