"Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:26-27)
~To withhold crucial biblical information is a serious crime. To not wish to share Biblical knowledge with people unless they pay for it is like withholding free medicine from those who are in need. In a digital world, it is tempting for writers and preachers to try to make some money out of ebooks or mp3s, so that people can't download the stuff unless they are willing to pay or "donate". But, it's certain that such a lure of lucre is not from Christ. He said, "Freely you have received, freely give." Some preachers do not share because they are afraid they'll lose the surprise-element from their preaching and they can't speak the same sermon in another place. If one sows sparingly, one will reap sparingly. Jesus taught the same things again and again. Some are desperate for credit. I once saw two preachers featured in news releases, one of whom accused the other of not giving him the due credit for a recent prophetic discovery he made. Both of them may be wrong, but I wonder what's the pleasure in desiring people to know that one is the discovery guy! Some are afraid that others will use their material. But, is it "their" material? How foolish and wicked for a messenger to not deliver the message that the Master commissions him to deliver! Of course, we are called to be stewards of the mysteries of God. However, stewardship doesn't mean merchandising. Give and it shall be given unto you!
~To withhold crucial biblical information is a serious crime. To not wish to share Biblical knowledge with people unless they pay for it is like withholding free medicine from those who are in need. In a digital world, it is tempting for writers and preachers to try to make some money out of ebooks or mp3s, so that people can't download the stuff unless they are willing to pay or "donate". But, it's certain that such a lure of lucre is not from Christ. He said, "Freely you have received, freely give." Some preachers do not share because they are afraid they'll lose the surprise-element from their preaching and they can't speak the same sermon in another place. If one sows sparingly, one will reap sparingly. Jesus taught the same things again and again. Some are desperate for credit. I once saw two preachers featured in news releases, one of whom accused the other of not giving him the due credit for a recent prophetic discovery he made. Both of them may be wrong, but I wonder what's the pleasure in desiring people to know that one is the discovery guy! Some are afraid that others will use their material. But, is it "their" material? How foolish and wicked for a messenger to not deliver the message that the Master commissions him to deliver! Of course, we are called to be stewards of the mysteries of God. However, stewardship doesn't mean merchandising. Give and it shall be given unto you!
Comments
Post a Comment