What do you do on a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon? I decided to bundle up on the couch with my dogs, a fuzzy blanket, and a book of sermons written by Charles H. Spurgeon. The name of the book is, “Spurgeon on Prayer & Spiritual Warfare.” What I love about Spurgeon is that his sermons have always upheld Biblical truth and delivered to the hearer or reader a clear sense that he loved God’s Word and had a heart-felt passion to teach its infallible truth at any cost.
Spurgeon was never a stranger to controversy. The compromise we see in the church today isn’t exactly a new thing. Ministers in centuries past, including Spurgeon, have faced their own battles with false doctrine that shipwrecks faith and leads people away from the straight and narrow and to the wide path of destruction.
While reading a sermon entitled, “Ask and Have” in the book mentioned above, I came across a snippet that I wanted to share because while this passage was written and preached in another century, it still rings as true today as the day it was written. In fact, it sounds as if Spurgeon was summing up the current state of the church visible.
Christian Competition
“First, even professed Christians may pursue desirable things by a wrong method. ‘Ye fight and war, yet ye have not.’ Have not churches tried to prosper by competing with other churches? We foolishly say, ‘At such and such a place of worship, they have a very clever minister; we must get a clever minister too. In fact, he must be a little cleverer than the other church’s hero. That is just what we need – a clever minister!’ How awful that we should live in an age in which we talk about clever ministers preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! How sad that this holy service should be thought to depend on human cleverness!
Churches have competed with each other in architecture, music, apparel, and social status. In some cases, there is a measure of bitterness in the rivalry. It is not pleasant to small minds to see other churches prospering more than their own. Other congregations may be more earnest than we are, they may be doing God’s work better, but we are too apt to turn a jealous eye toward them. We would rather they did not get along quite so well. ‘Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?’ (James 4:5) If there were a disturbance among them that caused the church to break up and die, we would not rejoice. Of course not. But nor would we suffer any real sorrow.
In some churches an evil spirit lingers. God will never bless such means and such a spirit. Those who give way to them will desire to have but will never obtain.”
Question: What are your thoughts on how God blesses or doesn’t bless the one who tithes to these (types of) churches? Or your thoughts on whether He does or doesn’t bless a tithe given to a church today that promotes contemplative speakers and/or teachers?
Annunk,
In 2 John 1:9-11, the Bible tells us not to have anything to do with false teachers…. we’re not to even let them into our homes or give them a greeting, because if we do, we are partakers in their evil deeds. I would consider financial support to be just as indicting because financially supporting them enables them to continue in their wickedness.
2 John 1:9-11:
9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
Regarding the false teaching of “paying tithes” to these man-made organizations now calling themselves “churches”. I was robbed of all my holiday pay one year – over $900! The non-christian union members took up a collection for me. However, the church superintendant simply preached from the pulpit “Brother David was a very supid man and and had all his wages stolen – now he won’t be able to pay his tithes”.
So, that’s the real “spirit” behind the doctine of tithing – GREED!
“But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. ” Luke 11: 42 – 44 KJV
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. ” Matthew 23:23 – 26 KJV
In regards to the question raised by annunk, here is the answer for The Lord Himself:
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:1 – 4 KJV
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” II Corinthians 9:6 – 11 KJV
The teaching of tithes is a false doctrine because it contradicts the words and doctrines taught by Jesus Himself to the Apostles, and which also applies to the ministers of Ten Gospel in the 21st Century:
” And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ” Luke 12:22 – 32 KJV
Good morning everyone! Looks like a good topic.
Not a surprise –just plain old human nature– “green with envy”; we’ve all got it. It’s a common denominator.
God bless all and have a great day. K
Whoa nellie! Eeegads!
Kiwi–wow!
Chrystal, this is some hot stuff going on here at Slaughter of the Sheep.
Looks like some “sacred cows” are being given the axe and some heads are rolling.
While we’re at it, we really can’t ignore the 800 lb. gorilla in the living room, huh?
K
Spurgeon is describing a church we left. They got themselves into financial trouble, for trying to keep up with the Jones’. Nowhere in scripture does it say we can go into debt, in an effort to build a bigger\better church.
Current church is somehow considering a ’3 year partnership’ with an organization that will supposedly teach the leadership how to be a ‘healthy’ church and ‘grow’. We think the head Pastor is seeing the light and leaning towards NOT partnering with them. However, the fact that they would consider it, concerns me. We’ll be watching carefully and praying for wisdom for our leadership.
Wow! I know it sounds cliched, but, the more things change, the more they stay the same….also, there is nothing new under the sun…
I love this excerpt from Spurgeon. They saw a lot in their day that we have long forgotten in our own “enlightened” times.
This isn’t simply a “charismatic” issue….it is rampant in a large number of denominations of every stripe.
As to giving to someone who misuses what you give…if done in sincerity and to honor God (and not in complete, blind foolishness)–look to the widow with the “two mites”.
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
These were the people receiving her gift who allowed the money changers in and paid Judas. Jesus commended her faith and said it would not be forgotten. Mark 12:41-44
It’s interesting that at the start of this chapter of the bible, Jesus talks about stewardship and the wicked who covet it for themselves.
Great quote. I was friends once with a lady who was executive secretary to the pastor (seriously) and her church of about 200 members split and formed a second congregation over a dispute of what color carpet was to be in their sanctuary. She remained adamant the entire time I knew her that, “Her side was right”. I could never get her to look past that.
annunk and kiwi dave:
How in the world can you even bring tithing up after reading that sermonette? pardon me for being so forward, but is that the only thing on your mind – that churches everywhere are stealing your money? Here is a hint for everyone who feels they have been robbed – take a little personal responsibility for how you steward God’s money.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Matthew 13
Most of you will recall that Spurgeon published a series of letters known as the down grade controversy. This was in the 1880′s I think. Of course Spurgoen was ousted by his denomination and ridiculed. Eventually his health was affected by the strain he was under. I find that as a former charismatic and having been involved in the prophetic movment, that the words of a British baptist preacher turned out to be very prophetic indeed judging by the state of the church over a century after Mr Spurgeons death. John MacArthurs book “Ashamed of the Gospel” really drives this home. Great post Crystal
On a side note, and very serious, a 6.3 earthquake struck the City of Christchurch during lunch hour today. The eipcenter was 10km away in the port of Lyttleton. So far 65 people have been confirmed dead. The centre of Christchurch has pretty well be destroyed due to ground liquification. Even modern buildings aren’t safe and may need to be demolished:
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/8887324/at-least-65-dead-in-christchurch-key-says/
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/8887527/half-christchurch-still-without-power/
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/8887300/horror-of-killer-quake-shown-live-on-tv/
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/8887282/quakes-just-keep-coming/
Glad you’re safe, Dave. I heard about this on the news this morning and hoped you were okay.
@ Mike A, it appears as you you have misunderstood what I said. So I’ll explain in full. I was to tired after work I fell asleep on the bus and had my wallet stolen! I was literally robbed. Having so money whatsoever, the non-christians raise about $150 for me as it was the last day of work and that’s all they could raise. The Pastor couldn’t care less! All he cared about was he wouldn’t get his Tithes! No compassion! No are you OK? No concern for me, just concern that he didn’t get his tithes!
Churches are and their pastors/clergy are getting wealthy by usinbg the oppressive and Old Testament eaching about tithing. The Apostle Paul, noted to be one of the most knowledgeable Pharisees before his conversion, states plainly (emhasis mine):
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ” II Corinthians 9:7 KJV
OR
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:7 NIV
It most certainly is compulsory expescially in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements to pay 10% of your GROSS wages to the “church” or organization you belong to. Hillsong in Australia hand out Direct Debit forms to their members that so they (the “church”) can debit your bank like the Inland revenue for whatever tithe they feel appropriate. If you don’t sign that form you can’t be a member of Hillsong!
As it is written:
“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. ” Matthew 23:1 – 4 KJV
Tithing, hot button issue….. unfortunately the article had nothing to do with it. Appreciated Spurgeon’s comments about using mans wisdom to increase the church. We need to remember it is Christ’s church and He is ultimately responsible for the growth. We only need to follow the mandate He gave us; Luke 24:47
Along the tithing issue- the Old Testament tithe ONLY came from the land, never money. The tithe was taken by the common people to 13 specified cities for storage. It was taken to the temple only by Levites in support of the priesthood at the temple during their regular service rotation. A good study on the matter can be found at http://www.tithing-russkelly.com/index.html
When I read a post like this, I think of my church, how we compare with what Spurgeon wrote…and we’re fine. We are a small church, and I don’t recall ever hearing anything resembling ‘competing’ with other churches in our area. We just had our annual meeting Sunday night, and it was a quiet, mellow time with no conflicts. I think that possibly larger churches would compete for ‘clever ministers’ or church attendance numbers.
@ Kiwi Dave
My apologies – ’twas a misunderstanding.
Fleecing th eflock is wrong, but I still think those fleeced should read their bibles and see what God has to say about tithes – then they would do what most of us have done and RUN OUT THE DOOR.
BTW – that is absolutely pathetic that a so called “minister” would place that kind of condemnation on you – as a matter of fact it reminds me of the one who goes around condemning people (satan) – but you have obviously already been there and done that.
Glad all is well.
Mike A
Hi Chrystal, thanks for asking. I live in Auckland in the North Island and the first I knew of it was when my guitar teacher from Texas got a phone call from a friend of his in Kentucky checking to see if he was OK.
Thanks Randy for explaining the correct teachings and history on tithing. I think the issue came up because as Charles Surgeon wrote on competition between the churches and denominations and “who has the biggest and best church”, today’s Mega Churches can only be made possible by being perpetually funded though the false doctrine of tithing.
Kiwi– yes I know, I left you a comment. You’re OK, yes?
Beracah–where’ve you been? Did you have a good holiday? All well? K
In the same vein, try reading J. Gresham Machens “Liberalism and Christianity”. If you did not know when it was written, you would think it was 2005-10 instead of early 20th century.
I had a pastor years ago who put a basket at the back of the sanctuary and only made a fleeting reference each week in which he said something like “There is a basket at the back. If you feel God wants you to give here go ahead.”
No pressure. No pleading. No offering song… simple. I have never forgotten and have been leery of anything more ever since.
He told me once that it was God’s business whether the church continued or not. Not his. He would preach and teach and leave the rest up to God. they threw him out a year or so later and now the church is dead.
Maybe it was his fault, I was young in the Lord then so I may have missed some things but I will never forget the lesson and have tried to apply it to my own life ever since. I do all I know to follow and obey the rest is up to Him.
My wife and I traveled and ministered for a few years mostly having no place to call home yet He always provided shelter and food and we tried to always remain greatful. Now I am disabled yet He still provides in ways that amaze me.
Example: I have had some problems with weight gain in the past few years because I was being given the wrong medication. I put on over 100 pounds in three years. I was down to one pair of ratty pants and a couple of shirts when I received a package with several new pants and shirts from a friend for whom I knew it was a sacrifice.
I know He is going to bless her for her willingness to sacrifice for another’s sake. that is just His way. That is the prosperity gospel to me.
@ Mike A, sorry for not getting back to you sooner. The “minister” that made that comment was actually the Superintendant of that particular organization. He gave me a Gretsch guitar that was all busted up, and after I had it restored (paid for by myself) and he found out it’s value as a vintage instrument, he demanded it back and told me in no uncertain terms that “if I didn’t return the guitar that night he would revoke my minister’s licence!” I returned the guitar, came hoem and tore/burnt/destroyed all literature and anything else connected to that organization! Obviosuly I resigned as a minister as well. This same man told another young preacher that had missed the first two days of the annual conference one year after visting his father that was recovering from a serious heart attack: “WHERE WERE YOU!! LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD!! YOUR DUTY IS TO THE CHURCH FIRST!!! No exaggeration either as he was screaming his head off!! That young man went back to the world! If any “man of God” or “minister” yells at you like that – he does NOT have the Spirit of Christ!! There was no concern, no “I hope your father is getting better”. Just the verbal abuse.
So, you can see after living though that, and being hurt so deeply that certain subjects annoy me espescially when good, honest, God fearing people get hurt and used. However, I learnt this. I carried that hurt for years and was miserable. I was miserable and it was my own fault! You know why? I didn’t until one day the still, small voice of the Lord said, “David, you refuse to be comforted!” I never understood the meaning of the scrptures, even though I could quote them backwards:
“”I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?” Isaiah 51:12 & 13 KJV
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16 & 17
There’s a reason why Jesus referred to the Holy Sprit as The Comforter. We are to cast our burdens on The Lord, and we wants us to, because he is our Father, and He loves us and wants to comfort us, his adopted children:
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:6 & 7
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:4 – 8 KJV
Kiwi Dave, great story! Wow, wickedness in high places. Sorry about the guitar. When it comes to money, the true colours come out in quick order, don’t they?
I think this very wise saying applies to you:
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot.
You gave up your guitar and then you gave up your resentment to gain eternal life. Praise be to God for setting you free! God Bless you brother!!!
Mike A–the “accuser of the bretheren”, huh? Good point. Kiwi, sorry, very sad story, but you are bigger in Christ and healthier emotionally to dismiss the silliness, yes?
Just talking about that one this morning–so rampant and even within the precious Body of Christ; all that finger pointing and slandering, disgraceful and pathetic. While we’re at it, it’s awfully manipulating.
Let’s be encouraged and be encouraging–build one another up in Christ. K
Kiwi Dave-
I am so sorry you had to go through that. I am also so glad you have been able to get some healing over it. We also had an experience where the leader of the organization we were a part of became abusive.
after encouraging us to marry in the first place and helping us move to the city where they lived to disciple us there, eventually came a point where we felt it was time to strike out on our own. My wife and I sought the Lord and He confirmed it rather dramatically.
The leader said nothing until sometime later when we were ministering at a summer camp I got a letter in which he made it clear that if I did not leave my wife I would never get into my calling. I burned the letter and never let my wife read it though we did discuss it later.
It took me some time to get the hurt healed as this man was not just a mentor but had been my best friend. We also burned our ordination papers and asked Daddy to break soul ties-not in the Bible but an oppression that had hung over us for some time lifted immediately so …
He eventually repented and we have a casual email relationship with him. Spiritual abuse is very strong in the church. Many pastors do it without even realizing it. Speaking of unbiblical…does anyone see scripture for the whole joining a membership roster in The Word?
Oh, oh, oh–Ephrayim, I’m happy you do not believe that garbage.
Lord, your experience is upsetting, but it is rampant. You are correct.
Praise our God, I know, the stupidity of those in the pastoral leadership, when misdirected is devastating. I have a different take on the recognizing of their understanding, or misunderstanding– many do know what’s going on and alot pretend. Sad, very sad.
I am relieved you did not leave your darling wife; do not believe the lies of the Deceiver– his job is to destroy your union and make the word of God to no effect.
You have a great testimony, Ephrayim.
I have an idea, ask our Father to direct your paths, possibly renew or refresh your ordination, only as our Father directs, only, give it time… God bless you and keep you.
Make sure your desires line-up with our Father’s word– go in peace.
Sister Kate
@Rev’s Kate & Rich M
Thank you for your gracious comments. That was in the first two or three years of our marriage. We will have been married 16 years in March. Most of our struggles today are health related and we fall more in love with each other every day, and yes she is my darling wife indeed.
As to ordination, God would really have to work with me on that since I have come to believe that the hierarchical structure of the church is unscriptural. Jesus said we are to serve one another not rule over one another. No disrespect intended that is where I am now. If He told me to so that it would open some doors then I, of course would obey. I actually have considered buying black ordination certificates so if God told me to we would give them to those who are anointed.
Since , in essence it is just an acknowledgement of the call on a persons life by those in spiritual authority. Since SA only comes from Daddy and not men I would sign off for those He revealed that I should. He hasn’t let me do that yet but I am hoping.
Once the structure of the church begins to disinigrate so God can have the body He intends without all the fleshly overtones we have now it won’t matter if someone has a piece of paper or not. In fact it might just be a liability when we are set up for persecution.
Blessings
Hi Ephryaim– what church organization are you with? Not being nosy, just wondering.
If your connection is causing more grief than peace, I can understand your pulling away. Our Father God will direct your paths.
I am so touched by your loving words about your wife–it seems to be a rarity today.
She is blessed… you are blessed, Happy Anniversary.
K
K-
I have pretty much left organized church. Because we a Sabbath keepers and we live in a small town to be close to family it has been difficult to find people to fellowship with. We try to watch services on the internet on Fridays and Saturdays. We listen to a variety because I do not believe that anyone has all the truth in the church. Even those with whom I regularly disagree I will occasionally listen to in order to see if there is any change.
I will probably never fit in an organization as I do not see them in scripture. My heart is for community. Where we are involved in each others lives. Where we know each other personally and deeply. Where people know us well enough that they can come to me if they see something in my life that needs correction. Since we would have relationship relationship there would be trust.
I just can’t sit in a pew, chair for two hours a week watching the pastor’s little dog and pony show. What I see in scripture is that rarely did someone preach but that church was a shared thing where all individuals and all ages are encouraged to participate.
Where you share the afternoon together talking about life and The Word. Where you share a meal and perhaps a glass or two of wine after communion.
Where children are taught that we are to take a day of rest each week on Sabbath not hurry to get to some service. Where we can show up in our pajamas if we want as there is scripture about just spending the day resting and fellowshipping.
That is my hope one day. Eventually to take it on the road in a caravan and go from city to city with young people preaching the gospel in the streets and wherever wlse we can. There is so much more but that is enough for now.
E– God bless, the road away from the wolves can be and is very, very hard; as long as we keep our noses in the Word, He will direct our paths.
Keep praising Him, stay close with your family and your fellowship group– keep your eyes open and don’t allow any weirdness in as Satan would love that.
K
Take care
Cathedrals were egregious expressions of “church” competition in Europe. People, non-believers and believers alike, admire their grandeur and historical significance. Local businesses and travel agencies thrive off the revenue they still attract. They took many decades to build, bankrupted communities and took the lives of the laborers who died from the hard work and accidents building them caused. With this sort of legacy, is it any wonder there are modern cathedrals and mega churches still being spawned to the so-called “the glory of God?” The pride of life is all these architectural wonders represent spiritually, yet they were funded and built under the delusion they were for “God’s glory.”
How does the Lord tell us the glory of God is to be expressed in the earth for men to see? Is it not for the good works they see in the lives of those God transforms? Is it not to save the “Zacchaeuses” of the world from their oppressive ways and covetousness to become zealous of good works such as to give to the poor brother or sister in need and restore what they took by fraud, or to pray for those who despitefully use them, or to stand alone against error and endure persecution for Jesus’ sake, or to serve God faithfully whether or not they ever see a dime for it? What do cathedrals and megachurch complexes and other such ambitions have to do with those divine things? Nothing: Such things are not in the Father, just as we were told by the apostle.