WHAT ABOUT SEEDFAITH?

I believe in giving and receiving but not giving to receive. You can give and prosper; you can also give and become poorer. It all depends on your understanding and motivation.I don’t give to prosper, I give because I’ve come into my place of inheritance in Christ Jesus where I prosper and all my needs are met. That’s different from giving from a perspective of lack. We are not poor people trying to be rich. We are rich in Christ [whether we see it at the moment or not].No matter what we may say, If we give money [or anything for that matter] in other to receive anything from God we are paying for it. God is not for sale and His gifts are free of charge to us because Jesus purchased them for us in His FINISHED WORK. We don't prosper because we are great givers, we prosper because God is a great giver.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (Act 8:12-20).

The Bible says here that Simon believed. If the Bible says that Simon believed then it’s true, Simon was a believer. Simon saw that the apostles would lay hands on people and the Holy Spirit would come upon them. He wanted this gift to lay hands, he wanted the “anointing” on their life.Thank God for Peter. You don’t “sow a seed” to “tap into the anointing”. The gift of God CANNOT be purchased with money!

Many talk about Elijah and the widow. They forget about Elisha and Naaman. If giving all you have is a formula for financial abundance, then jumping into the Jordan seven times is also formula for healing. Thank God they are not. Jesus is the “formula” for everything, nothing else, not even giving.Come to think of it. If I give because I want something, not because I want to be a blessing, then it’s selfishness.

A new generation is rising. Those who give because they love God, and His ministry. A generation that is not operating from a consciousness of lack but of the riches in glory in Christ. AMEN.

SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN...

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? (Rom 6:1).

This verse is one of the most misunderstood in the whole New Testament. Many times we read into it what we think it says not what it really says. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” is not the same thing as “if we continue in sin will grace abound?”
The first does not challenge abounding grace but only challenges our response to abounding grace. The latter, challenges abounding grace. Two totally different questions.

Let’s answer the second question. If we continue in sin will grace abound? The answer is YES! Grace always abounds. Why do I say so? Two verses before our text, Paul answers the same question.

But the Law entered so that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, (Rom 5:20).

The price that was paid is far greater than any sin that anyone can ever commit. Sin cannot stop grace because grace is the cure for sin. Man’s extremity is only God’s opportunity. You can’t out spend God’s grace, it’s inexhaustible.

Where sin abounds grace abounds much more.

Some argue that in this verse, grace means power over sin. I totally agree that grace many times mean power over sin but not in this verse. If grace means power over sin in this verse then Paul’s question would have been irrelevant. How can you ask whether we should continue in sin that grace may abound if grace is power over sin?
Grace here talks about God’s everlasting mercy, His forgiveness.

Should we continue in sin because grace always abounds? The answer is a resounding NO!
Why? Paul gives the answer.

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:2).

The reason that we do not continue in sin is not because grace will not abound. Grace always abounds. Paul says that we do not continue in sin because we are dead to sin.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus killed the old sinner on the cross. I was crucified with Christ. The cross is not just the revelation of the death of Christ. It’s the revelation of my death. The liar is dead, the fornicator is dead, and the thief was killed on the cross. The old man is dead, and buried. Dead men don’t bite.

We are dead to sin. The problem is that we are just getting to find out.


Even so see yourselves as dead to sin, but living to God in Christ Jesus. (Rom 6:11). Bbe.


In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God. (Rom 6:11). Cev

If I continue in sin will grace abound? Yes. Do I abuse this right? No. why? I’m dead to sin and I’m now getting to find out.

FILM SHOW

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:27-28).

The thought of Judgment Day used to send cold shivers down my spine. The evangelists that came to preach to us didn’t help matters at all.
I remember so well that movie, “Burning Hell”, it was always used as an “evangelistic tool” to scare us out of hell! In that movie, there was a film show on Judgment Day. Everybody’s sins were previewed IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE WORLD! What an embarrassing thought. That really got me scared of Judgment Day, the day your sins will find you out.

This verse was always quoted…

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Heb 9:27)

But like most scriptures it was always taken out of context. This companion next verse was never quoted along with it.


So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:28).

On Judgment Day it will be revealed that Christ once suffered for my sins! Those that look for HIM He shall appear NOT FOR THEIR SIN but for their salvation.

Judgment day will not reveal my sins, it will reveal my savior! Judgment day will not expose my sins, it will expose my salvation! For love covers a multitude of sins.

There will be a film show, not of my sins but of the cross!

I’m a New Testament believer, in the New Testament our sins are never remembered.“ Then I will forget about their sins and no longer remember their evil deeds." (Heb 10:17). What a covenant, so much grace, so much love.

At the coming of Christ who is our life, you will be seen with him in glory. (Col 3:4)bbe

Christ is your life dear believer. When He comes, you come. We WILL be seen with Him in glory. Since Christ is our life and Christ cannot be condemned, we can’t be condemned.

Come lord Jesus!

WHEN GOD BEGINS TO SWEAR...

For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. (Isa 54:9)kjv

For this is like the days of Noah to me: for as I took an oath that the waters of Noah would never again go over the earth, so have I taken an oath that I will not again be angry with you, or say bitter words to you. (Isa 54:9)bbe

I once promised Noah that I would never again destroy the earth by a flood. Now I have promised that I will never again get angry and punish you. (Isa 54:9)cev

When God begins to swear you better take note. The integrity of a man is determined by the reliability of his word. If I give you my word and do not fulfill it, I lose integrity before you.
The integrity of God is tied to the reliability of His word. When God says something, He means what He says, and says what He means.
In the old covenant days God made a vow concerning the coming new covenant. What did He vow to do? He said that in the days of the new covenant He will never get angry with us again. God will never ever get angry with you again. NEVER!

It doesn’t matter what you did, it doesn’t matter what you are doing, it doesn’t matter what you’ll ever do, God will never get mad at you.

God is not surprised when you miss it. All the sins you’ve ever committed and all the sins you’ll ever commit are like past tense before Him. He saw them before they ever happened. God lives in the past, present, and future today! He’s never taken by surprise. Relax, don’t try to impress Him, He’s God, remember?

Justice has been satisfied. Two thousand years ago, Jesus paid the entire price for the sins of the whole world. His anger fell on Jesus once and for all times. The debt that we owed God has been paid. God is no longer angry because He has no right to be angry.

This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Heb 10:16-17)kjv

In the new covenant, God does not remember our sins. There is nothing to get angry about. God doesn’t remember your sins, why remind him of them.

If God does not remember your sins, you have no right to remember them. If God is not angry with you, why get angry with yourself.

Forget the past, move forward. God is not angry.

PHARISEE ALERT

Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And [when they come] from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, [as] the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. (Mark 7:1-7).

It’s a simple issue, isn’t it? Jesus should have just told His disciples to wash their hands before they eat. That would have just solved the problems, wouldn’t it? At least obeying this tradition would solve problems of hygiene .
Jesus refused to take the easy route. Tradition no matter how good is not gospel. The elders are great people but “sayings of the elders” doesn’t translate to the gospel.
It’s a pharisaic attitude to think that cultural standards are automatically gospel standards. Jesus said that if you teach for doctrine the commands of men your worship is in vain. Jesus expanded this thought in verse 15 of the same text.

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. (Mar 7:15)kjv
There is nothing outside the man which, going into him, is able to make him unclean: but the things which come out of the man are those which make the man unclean. (Mar 7:15)BBE



Pharisees emphasize the externals. Men shouldn’t put on earrings or should they? We should all put on formal clothes in “church” or should we? Jeans or suits, whichever, whatever. Signs of the Pharisee spirit. Guys shouldn’t cover their heads while praying or God will get angry? All externals. All Pharisee.

One key word in life is the word “respect”. Let’s leave people to live. Wear what you want. Music? Fast ,slow, rock, reggae whichever, whatever your beat is the beat.
My tastes are different from yours. Different strokes for different folks. Be yourself. The fact that I don’t like boiled eggs doesn’t mean I should stop you from having them.

Jesus left us His love not His accent not His dress style. There is no Christian dress style but moderation [even that is relative].

Live and let’s live. I don’t want to be a Pharisee, do you?

FREELY RECEIVED

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (Mat 10:8).
Freely you have received , freely you give. We normally quote this portion of scripture when we want to take offerings in church. Even though it may apply to offerings, Jesus wasn’t talking about offerings’ in this verse. He was talking about healing the sick and demonstrating God’s power.

Jesus said that the ability to heal the sick and demonstrate God’s power is FREELY RECEIVED and should be FREELY GIVEN.

It’s because we don’t know that the power to do miracles is freely received that’s why we “backslide” when a big man of God fall’s. We don’t seem to understand why such a “great man of God” would have sin in His life. Nobody does miracles because He’s a great man of God. Those who do miracles do it because God is a great God of grace!
That man of God is not doing miracles because he paid the price; he is doing it because Jesus paid the price! These great men are human just like you, if you doubt me ask their wives! Don’t get me wrong. I’m not writing this to glorify imperfection; I’m writing it because of you, because of me. God can use you. He can use us in spite of our imperfections.

I wish this next point would dawn on us in church. The demonstration of God’s power should be freely given. Nowadays, we are giving offerings to receive everything from God. “If you want to be healed, so a seed”, “if you want a job, sow a seed”, “if you want a wife, sow a seed”, Jesus didn’t minister like this. He didn’t tell blind Bartimaeus to sow any seed, did he? Miracle ability is received freely and should be demonstrated freely. My God is not for sale.

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Rom 8:32).
Freely given us ALL THINGS. How many things? ALL THINGS. In Christ, ALL THINGS ARE FREE. Christianity is the revelation of the free things that God has given to us in Christ. There are no price tags on God’s gifts. If God’s best gift, Jesus is free, He won’t charge for lesser gifts. If you sell what doesn’t belong to you, you are a thief. Let’s not make God’s house a den of thieves.

Freely we have received. Let’s give freely. Thanks.

THE TITHE THEY WONT PREACH

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay [it] up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.(Deu 14:22-29)

Many who teach tithing from the law always seem to neglect some verses in the book of Deuteronomy. The concept of tithing even evolved during the period when the law was in effect.
For two years the Jew was commanded by God to EAT his tithe, if He lived far from the "HOLY PLACE" he was even commanded to convert his tithe to money[they never tithed money] , use it to buy whatever he wanted [including strong drink], and basically enjoy himself with his tithe!
In the third year, he was to give the tithe of that year to the levites, the strangers, orphans and widows.
If you want to teach and obey the law OBEY EVERYTHING IT SAYS!
iF YOU CAN'T TRY GRACE!
let's start eating our tithes! Ha ha ha!