XPost: alt.bible, alt.religion.christian.roman-catholic, alt.religion.christian   
   From: robert@no.way   
      
   On Mar 24, 2025, zebrabible@proton.me wrote   
   (Message-ID:<30m2uj1tmdb71lc4c1dneipt58q30obj9i@4ax.com>):   
      
   >   
   > I usually don't like to name names in my postings, but since you did   
   > mine, I will return the favor, Christ Rose.   
   >   
   > After all your criticizing below, you did not discuss the main theme   
   > of my posting: preaching for PROFITS. PROFITS IS THE KEY WORD.   
   >   
   > I once worked at a motel, and a Baptist preacher came in to get a   
   > room. After he left, he also left a small booklet that he forgot to   
   > take with him.   
   >   
   > It was a listing of all the expenses for his church. (Baptist) He got   
   > a high salary (much more than me) The church gave him a house to live   
   > in, and a late model car to drive. The yard workers all got paid, as   
   > well as the janitors. The choir director got a salary, as well as his   
   > or her assistance ones.   
   >   
   > Yes, he got a little nest egg. (racket) Is that what the Bible shows   
   > us for the workers need their wages? Yes, he was raking it in. You and   
   > he was ignoring Paul's example. Paul WORKED for his necessities so as   
   > not to be a burden.   
   >   
   > Notice what Paul said:   
   >   
   > "Keep on teaching these things and giving these exhortations. 3If any   
   > man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words,   
   > those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with   
   > godly devotion, 4he is puffed up [with pride], not understanding   
   > anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates   
   > about words. From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches,   
   > wicked suspicions, 5violent disputes about trifles on the part of men   
   > corrupted in mind and despoiled of the truth, thinking that godly   
   > devotion is a means of gain. 6To be sure, it is a means of great   
   > gain, [this] godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. 7For we have   
   > brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out.   
   > 8So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these   
   > things." (1 Tim 6:2-8; NWT)   
   >   
   > Notice the last part: "sustenance and covering, we shall be content   
   > with these things."   
   >   
   > That preacher was drowning in "sustenance" and had enough "covering"   
   > to last a life time. Guess where all that money came from; Yes, the   
   > hard earned money of the donors.! They were supplying him with "the   
   > rich and famous dressing", while they themselves struggled to get by.   
   > Yes, WHAT A RACKET!   
   >   
   > JW's on the other hand do not charge for their services. The yard   
   > workers volunteer their time and work. Those doing the inside cleaning   
   > do the same. Those who take the lead for the congregation's spiritual   
   > knowledge (equivalent to a pastor or priest) Earn no money for their   
   > work.   
   >   
   > Those who preside over weddings, earn no money. They have the balanced   
   > view of serving Christ. Unlike the churches view to gut the fish.   
   > There is nothing like a spirited 'hellfire' sermon to make the people   
   > dig deep. But the REAL true religion applies "you received free, give   
   > free", following the examples of Jesus and the apostle Paul.   
   >   
   > Oh yea, despite our differences, have a wonderful day. (really)   
   >   
   > Sincerely James   
      
   Seems you lack knowledge of Paul.   
      
   He requested that a collection be taken up before he got to the place he was   
   going to minister at. He knew how to live without funds and when he had funds   
   in abundance. His focus was doing the Lords work not funds. Your focus is on   
   funds in this post and threads of yours. And is based on false pride. To brag   
   about being poor as if that made one righteous, is as much a sin as those who   
   brag about wealth.   
      
   Freely get freely give is a principle of the most High. Especially in things   
   spiritual, especially with the Gifts of the Spirit, by which all profit.   
      
   --   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)