Automatic Transcript Generated:
Wendy:
Steph is asking, why didn’t the Apostle Paul ask for any financial support from the particular churches that he began?
Tina:
Alright, my friend Step, I think that you’re referring to what Paul writes in one Corinthians chapter nine in verses one through 15. He kind of goes on about basically that he is an Apostle, but he’s not asking for my financial means. He has every right to, but he doesn’t. And I won’t read that whole passage of the Bible.
Tina:
You can go ahead and read it for yourself in one Corinthians nine verses one to 15. But I will say that the answer is in this close to the end of that passage. And so basically, like I said, Paul is saying, I’m an Apostle and I do the work of the gospel. And in the Old Testament and Old times the priest lived off their work for God, and he’s like, but I’m not even doing that. And he gives us a reason.
Tina:
In verse twelve, it says if others be partakers of this power over you are not we rather nevertheless, we have not used this power or this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. So basically Paul felt that if he were to ask for financial means or money from people to do the gospel, it would hinder the work because it would basically put a bad name to Christians. And we see that so much today. I think that these televangelists are some of the biggest hindrances for people giving their hearts to Christ because they’re using the gospel as a way to gain means and get rich and have money.
Tina:
And that’s wrong.
Tina:
The gospel was never meant as to be a source of income and luxury in any way. We preach the gospel or we share the gospel, not because we get anything out of it, but simply because of our love for God. And when people see like, hey, you’re doing this just as a volunteer. You’re doing this just out of your cheer love for this cause that speaks volumes. And so I really think that that was more of Paul’s reasoning for not accepting means to work as a gospel worker.
Tina:
He instead was a tentmaker and he had a job. He made his own money. He supported himself. And I think that self supporting ministries, that’s the model that God wants for us. And it’s okay to ask a Ministry to ask for money and people to give, especially if they’re already in the Church.
Tina:
But to go out. And I don’t know, just try to really if that’s your focus of the Ministry to get income and to get finances, obviously that you’re losing sight of what’s the whole purpose of the gospel, which is to share the good news of Jesus Christ and His love with others. And just as a side note, Bible asked, we are volunteers. I can make nothing at all from being a volunteer with Bible. Ask Jane, Wendy, they don’t get any finances either.
Tina:
We simply do this because we love God. We love the Bible. We want to share it with others because it has given us a source of joy and peace in our lives. And to me, that speaks volumes as well. Just when you’re not in things for the money and you’re doing things because it’s important to you when you see value in it.
Tina:
And I think that’s why Paul was so completely sold out. I mean, he had money before he was preaching the gospel, and he humbled himself to basically a very poor means person in order to just do what he felt called to do, which was to serve God and preach his word all over the world. And so that’s where you see these really true missionaries who go out and serve God, not seeking anything of this world, but seeking only the glory of God. And, Wendy, any other thoughts on that?
Jay:
No.
Tina:
Wow. That’s so well said. Praise God.
Jay:
Such a blessing to be able to be a part of this Ministry.
Tina:
Oh, man, God is so good. I praise God because I’ve been praying Lord. I just want to share your word. I just want to talk about your Bible. I love it.
Tina:
And I am so grateful when he opens the doors to be able to share his words. I pay money to do. I would pay even more to share God’s word. And it’s worth your time to give God everything you have because he’s worthy.
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