Rev. Cecil Thorn
Let me share a recent experience that deeply impacted me. Not long ago, I encountered someone dedicated to outreach among the homeless—feeding them, sharing the gospel, offering salvation. They approached me seeking advice on how to proceed.
They mentioned giving out free Bibles to those they reached, but then came a crucial question: Our discussion turned to discipleship, and a significant hurdle emerged: they lacked funds for structured study materials.
I took it upon myself to search online for affordable resources. Sadly, even the cheapest options were beyond their means—$10 per book was simply too much. Frustration mounted as I realized the financial barrier preventing us from providing essential guidance without cost.
Determined to make a difference, I resolved to write a comprehensive discipleship training program myself. I compiled it and handed it over to them, free of charge. This experience crystallized for me the essence of the gospel: it’s about giving generously, not receiving.
Reflecting on my own work as an author, I decided to remove my books from platforms like Amazon. If my message truly reflects the gospel, it shouldn’t come with a price tag. Instead, I now offer them freely on my website, ensuring anyone can access them without cost.
This highlights the challenges faced in ministry and the commitment to providing resources freely, in line with the spirit of the gospel.
Regarding the Gospel Message:
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV): “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Jesus commands his disciples to spread the gospel to all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey his commands. The central message is to share the message of salvation
Matthew 10:8-9 (KJV), Jesus instructs his disciples, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses.”
These words underscore a profound principle: the gospel message and the spiritual gifts we receive from God are not commodities to be bought or sold for personal gain. Jesus specifically commands his disciples to freely share these gifts, without seeking material compensation. This challenges us to consider whether charging for aspects closely tied to the gospel, such as books, teachings, or spiritual services, aligns with the spirit of Jesus’ teachings. It’s essential to ensure that the core message of God’s grace and love remains accessible to all, without financial barriers.
Regarding Money:
Mark 11:15-17 (KJV):“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV): “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:24 (KJV): “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Jesus warns against prioritizing earthly wealth and material possessions over spiritual values. He emphasizes the spiritual and eternal significance of serving God rather than pursuing riches, cautioning against the dual allegiance to God and money.
Contemporary Issues:
In modern times, there are concerns about financial exploitation within Christian ministries, where leaders may solicit money for various goods and services, including books, seminars, revivals, concerts, and more:
Critics argue: Some leaders may exploit their positions of influence, urging followers to donate money under the guise of spiritual blessings or rewards. This can potentially contradict Jesus’ call to freely share the gospel and prioritize spiritual growth over financial gain.
Biblical perspective: The Bible condemns using ministry for personal enrichment or exploiting believers for monetary gain. It emphasizes integrity, humility, and genuine care for others in all aspects of ministry.
Divine Justice:
Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV): “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Jesus warns that outward acts in his name do not guarantee entrance into the kingdom of heaven if they are tainted by greed or self-interest. Those who misuse their ministry for personal gain may face severe judgment.
God’s Care and Justice:
The Bible assures that God is just and will hold everyone accountable for their actions, including those within Christian leadership. Those who exploit others for personal wealth or status will face consequences.
1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV): “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
This verse underscores the danger of placing money and wealth above spiritual values. It warns against the love of money, which can lead to moral and spiritual downfall.
In conclusion, Jesus’ teachings call for spreading the gospel freely and prioritizing spiritual values over material gain. The Bible condemns exploitation in ministry and emphasizes God’s justice and care for those who misuse their positions. It urges believers to uphold integrity, humility, and genuine care for others, ensuring that ministry focuses on serving God and others rather than personal enrichment.
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