CHURCH BUSINESS

CHURCH BUSINESS

"Freely ye received, freely give." Matt. 10:8

For many churches seeking membership according to the ways of the world they seek leaders instead of servants as Christ. He warns them there is only One Leader in the church (Matt. 23:10). Notice the actions of our One Leader in Luke 22:17-22. As soon as He made His display as their Leader, they argue who is the greatest among them. As He listens to those leaders of the church age, He teaches them in vs. 27: "For who is greater, the one who reclines at table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as one who serves." For in vs. 26 He taught: "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant." Both are the lowest in rank [youngest-servant]. Willingness to serve and suffer, where todays Americanized leaders want those below them to do both of those tasks while they bask on a smoother and higher plane receiving reward for the labor and pain of those below. Our service is not to be for success or profit. Although business must make a profit, the church freely gives as they were taught by their Leader. Profit but for the sake of those we serve, expecting nothing in return. This is the law of Christian service. Freely we are to pour out of our best in sacrifice, in order to be in true co-operation with Him.

As far as the first part of vs.8 where it says to "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons…” there were only two parties that was commanded to do the sign miracles and Isa 35:5-6 as well as Matt 10:8 names those parties. This command was given to the Son of Man in Cf. Isa 35:5-6 to announce the soon appearing of the Kingdom. He passes this on to His twelve apostles and them only. See Matt 7:22. Abuses Matt 24:23-24. Church never was given this command. For many this is a business enterprise where they amass wealth through offerings. Therefore the judgment of Matt 7:22-23 will be received by many.

Cf. Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 2:12; Eph. 1:6.