An Open Letter To Prosperity Teachers And Pastors
Clay Sikes
December 4th, 2004
The Body of Christ has suffered many distractions in its journey to Christ's return. One such distraction has swept through American churches like wildfire and occupies much of what is termed Christian Television. This false doctrine is now being taught in many foreign countries, as the hopeless, distraught, and downtrodden are being shown hope through a doctrine that promises much, but delivers little. The potential damage of this doctrine cannot be measured in words. The spirit of anti-Christ is rampant deceiving the very elect with false promises and appeals to our flesh (1 John 4:1-6). I offer this open letter to be judged, particularly by those who subscribe to the modern day prosperity message. I asked that those who read this take the liberty of God's spirit to pass it own to those who may benefit from what is written here.
Having been a disciple of "The Prosperity Message," having served in a Board capacity in one of these large ministries, and having given hundreds of thousands of dollars in adherence to these teachings, I initially felt I had an intimate understanding of this message, and yet later became mystified as I began to suffer a drastic financial demise. I had no known sin in my life and felt that I was following God's instruction with money, at least to the point of what I was being taught from this doctrine.
The emphasis of these teachings seemed always to relate to my giving, with little emphasis upon anything else. As things got worse financially we gave until it hurt; and if giving alone would suffice we would have survived with flying colors. We gave away everything but the kitchen sink in an effort to get God to move in our increasingly dire situation.
On the day of my final collapse, I clearly heard the Lord say I Samuel 6:1-13. During the years following, the Holy Spirit revealed that I could hear God for His general direction, but lacked patience to wait upon His 'how to' (the specifics within the scope of direction). Scripture tells us " with wisdom, get understanding." Wisdom is God's 'direction;' understanding is His 'how to.' The prosperity message, with its single-minded instruction (GIVE) left me with little teaching to understand my dilemma. All efforts in counsel with my Spiritual mentors produced little in the way of explanation. Some theorized I was in some type sin, or simply lacked faith. The fact that the message (doctrine) could somehow be flawed didn't seem to register with any of them. Crisis produces reality and crisis I faced! The Word (instruction) I knew and applied was having little effect. True divine revelation, when applied, will always produce divine results. The fact that the word I depended upon in the midst of a crisis produced nothing, was my first signal of 'flawed doctrine.'
I was to further realize that while I had heard of God, I didn't really know Him (Job 42:5,6). During a time of meditation upon these scriptures I realized that my relationship with God lacked intimacy I did not have a personal relationship that allowed me to go to God with any confidence. In the difficult years following, I was transformed from carnal Christian (seeing things in the natural), to spiritually discerning what God was doing in my life. I realized that what was going on inside of me was far greater than what was going on outside. I finally realized that what had happened, though extremely difficult on my flesh (going flat broke at 51 with a new baby), would eventually produce something new and exciting in my life a relationship with my creator!
I also heard another phrase that was to impact me heavily; this from 90 year old Arthur Burt, a welsh minister. I heard Arthur say in a tape, "God was not about improving me; he was about removing me!" This was the beginning of an understanding that my salvation was not about me; it was and is about Him. When my focus went from my needs getting met, to hearing and obeying God that His needs be met in the earth, things began to happen in the natural world in which I live. What I gleaned has changed my life! When I meet His needs, by hearing and obeying, He meets mine, because the greater always includes the lesser (Matthew 6:33). When I stopped chasing money (Matthew 6:32), and began to seek His face, hear and obey, His favor began to find me. Why? The "why" can be found in another teaching from my old friend Arthur; THE GREATER ALWAYS INCLUDES THE LESSER. The greater (doing His will), always includes the lesser (my needs being met). I am realizing that the greatest gift I can ever give God is myself.
Since this difficult experience and my subsequent financial recovery, I believe what I experienced and learned is revelation of a much deeper truth. I offer this word to be judged. What surfaced through this occurrence was truth beyond what I knew as "the truth." I learned that true prosperity in God extends far past money, and in fact, includes all aspects of life. What I had ascribed to as 'the truth,' was in fact a perversion of truth "Give generously and God will generously give to you." While this is "a truth," it is not necessarily "the truth." The simple 'give to get' part of "the truth," in my humble opinion, has been over emphasized by most prosperity teachers; particularly those who depend upon the Body of Christ for their living.
While many will not publicly acknowledge this, it is my heart that some at least will acknowledge the mistake of 'preaching and teaching to meet personal needs and ambitions.' Rousing sermons on 'giving' are often given during times of financial need. The manipulation and hype surrounding much of this is self-serving. It is not what we do that matters to God, but rather why we do it. If our motive is Holy Spirit inspired we are on the right track; if the motive is to simply serve self in some way, we are selfishly operating in the World's System. God is revealing His Kingdom (ways) in contrast to the World's way. These two systems are constantly competing for our affections, and the one we choose determines our ultimate outcome. A 'called man' cannot touch the World's System and find success, nor can he can fail following the Kingdom's Way (hearing God and obeying).
In concluding the points of the above paragraph, many feel their intellectual understanding and application will suffice it will not in this hour! Seminary is no more a qualification before God than tending bar. In fact, the bartender may have a better shot at hearing God than those caught up in their own self-righteousness. Those prone to religion are least prone to relationship.
We are coming to a time of distinction in understanding the difference between 'good' and 'God.' Good works are often called "God's works," when in fact God has little to do with it. IF IT DOESN'T ORIGINATE BY THE SPIRIT, IT AIN'T GOD! Do not confuse intellectual assent with the Holy Spirit! The words "preachers and programs" go together like "horse and carriage." Like all preachers, all church programs and doctrine are not Spirit inspired. Those called to the end-time remnant will discern this difference.
The Body of Christ is constantly being pummeled for more money to build unnecessary buildings, purchase unnecessary airplanes, furnish lavish homes, establish more programs, more TV time, more, more, more! Many will have to give account to God for what amounts to selfish ambition and greed. While many are quick to recognize sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies as sins of the flesh, few recognize "SELFISH AMBITION." Our society accepts and even rewards ambitious people. The Word of God is crystal clear on this subject: It (selfish ambition) is an act of "the sinful nature" and "those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Please take the time to read Galatians 5:16-21. Selfish ambition is sin and many who represent themselves as Spiritual fathers move by their own ambitious desires. We should not be ignorant of Satan's devices used to gain advantage over humans. Any ambitious effort outside the leading of the Holy Spirit is sin for me, for you, or anyone else called of God. Let me confess to all who read this I fight this daily in my own life so I can little point the finger, but hopefully this offers light!
My testimony, and what I say here match I am not teaching scripture without first walking in the revelation. It is at this point that I offer a caution TO THOSE WHO CAN RECEIVE IT: Beware of those who teach beyond what they walk in. We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). There is an anointing to covey truth based upon testimony that far exceeds any other form of spiritual man-to-man communication. Revelation isn't revelation until you hear it, believe it, walk it.
The next great move of God will be 'The Kingdom of God,' and those who are leading this move are "the Sons of God." True sons will only teach what they walk in. You will know them by the fruit of their life their life is their testimony. If a man's teachings do not line up with his life, BEWARE! As stated, the anti-Christ spirit is deceiving many today, and much of this deception is being heaped upon the Body by men whose lives do not line up with what they teach and preach. I will not digress on this point, but should you have interest in further explanation please read 'Discerning The Spirit Of Anti-Christ' at www.lighthouseprophecy.com.
From my financial demise, and many other of life's difficulties, I discovered that God indeed does bless our giving, but only if we are moving under a direct unction from the Holy Spirit. Obedience to His Spirit, whether it is giving or some other directive, invokes the favor of God. At this point, God began to focus me on Romans 8:14, "because THOSE who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." I reasoned that if there are some "THOSES" who are led by the Spirit of God, then there must be some THEMS who are not. "Those" is a word that suggests separation from the rest of the pack.
I knew that I occasionally heard God for His general direction, but the Holy Spirit revealed that I was NOT being led of the Spirit in all I undertook. I am only now beginning to see the depth of my past carnality as a Christian. My traditional thought process calls for me to answer my own questions and supply my own needs. As I move deeper into God, I am seeing His great willingness to communicate with me in both general and specific areas, as well as provide for me. Now, when I move outside the boundaries of the Spirit I can feel it. When self jumps up in me, and it often does, God in His great mercy reveals my own greed and selfishness.
Much of the modern day prosperity message appeals to our greed (carnality). It often brings to mind some form of Christian lottery. The "giving to get" syndrome is rooted in a self-serving doctrine that points to self's ability to provide instead of the sovereignty of God "You give, and God will have to give to you!" The very motive of this message is rooted in selfishness.
Once we get acquainted with our own greed, we then open ourselves up yet another lesson - Being our own provision! I heard the Holy Spirit say that a needy man can chase money just like a greedy man. In my hour of greatest need my search for money was intense, and at its height the Lord spoke Matthew 6:31,32 to me. "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Chasing money when our needs are great is a natural thing to do, but only the rest of God will produce the provision of God. As God once said to me, "When you stop, I start. When you start, I stop!" I was soon to learn that true rest in God (Hebrews 4) produces trust and obedience, and trust and obedience produces the provision of God. During this period I also got a John 5:30 revelation "Of my own self, I can do nothing." For years everything I tried turned to manure until I simply quit trying and started obeying.
Another grave and carnal error by many in the Body of Christ is in following 'THE LAW' in tithes and offerings. When we engage the law as a lawful act instead of hearing the witness of the Spirit in our giving, we forfeit the grace to hear God for His specific instructions (Galatians 5:1-4). As I disengaged from the law (in my giving) I was released from the curse that the law brought upon me (Galatians 3:13,14). Amazingly, I began to hear God clearly with reference to giving. I also realized that God owned a 100% of every dime I am ever provided, not 10%. If He indeed owns it all, He is indeed willing and able to tell me what to do with it all. Once I learned that God owns it all, not the tenth I had been taught, my stewardship responsibilities took on new meaning. I entered into a new and deeper understanding of stewardship.
True stewardship is all encompassing; it involves all, not part, BUT ALL. As a brief conclusion to this point, let me say again that tithing, as a law will produce a curse upon your finances. Test this word. Try praying and hearing God in your giving and see God's hand in your life in new and exciting ways. Read and meditate the above-mentioned scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. God intensely desires to commune with His people, but our traditions make the word of God to no effect (Matthew 15:6). What does this really mean? Our tradition or our way is to consult self, to depend upon self for answers; to be directed by our soul, when God desires that we hear from His Spirit within us. As amazing as this is, many of us know little of hearing His Spirit speak to us. Hence, we are bound by our own traditions. Often the unGodly counsel we take is from ourselves. Read Psalm 1 to understand why failure is so widespread among Christians.
Part of the false doctrine taught by many Word of Faith ministers is found in making the Bible God. The emphasis seems to always be upon reading the Word, with little emphasis upon getting before God, seeking His face, hearing and obeying. Meditating before God is an incredible missing link in the Body of Christ today! God's spoken word to us is masterfully confirmed by His written word, but when we do not first hear the Spirit on 'the Word,' we simply substitute our lack of an intimate relationship with Bible reading. This also contributes to the powerless state of the Church.
Intellectual assent is no substitute for an intimate relationship. Please understand that I am not saying the Bible is not the Word of God it is! But what I am saying is that with a right relationship with God, "His sheep hear His voice," which is often His specific instruction to us apart from the logos. God desires to speak to us in specifics. In business, He will often give me specific direction relative to a real estate transaction. This type communication cannot always be found in the Bible, though often God will confirm specific instruction through His written Word.
I sense that we have gotten off base in our priorities. Instead of teaching the Body of Christ the prosperity message and good stewardship, we should first teach 'Sonship;' how to hear the Holy Spirit for ones self (Romans 8:14). Once intimacy is established, God and man can move in complete synchronization. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." It should not come as a shock that the Spirit does not lead every Christian?
We must lead the Body of Christ into hearing and obeying God. When enough individuals are hearing and obeying, an Army will arise whose commander and chief is God. The corporate Body will begin to operate in a power never seen before in this earth. Sonship will begin to dictate stewardship and every other aspect of our being. The emphasis will shift from 'doing' to 'being.' Individuals moving in synchronization with God's Spirit will connect to other parts of the Body to which they are called. As these parts unify, strength will come as properly connected parts begin to operate in the order and power of God THE BODY OF CHRIST WILL ARISE!
God is beginning to birth His Church in preparation for His return. SONSHIP IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IN THE CHURCH TODAY!
What is God's purpose for the local church? To vest His corporate authority upon His Church; an authority that exudes the character, revelation, and power of God to all who come in contact with it. What is the believer's objective in the local church? To BECOME a Body/Church that is without spot or wrinkle a work that is pleasing to the Father, which is totally controlled by the Holy Spirit. Every man must hear God as to his part in this work.
I think it fair to say that as this victorious assembly begins to emerge, the attacks of the anti-Christ spirit will continually test and expose true motives in the hearts of men. Prosperity or any other doctrine will NOT be permitted to come ahead of God's plan for His Body. As the Corporate Christ begins to come together as a remnant Body, the "called," will be separated from the "chosen" (Matthew 22:14).
If we are to be part of the promised seed of God we must distinguish between that which is blessed of God and that which is "chosen." There are many ministries today which are anointed and blessed but are still works of the flesh, having their origin in the minds and strivings of men, not in the heart of God. Like Saul, they may lead the church for a while but they will soon pass into oblivion. While Saul enjoyed the blessing and following of the people, David appeared cursed, and so it is until the appointed time (Galatians 4:1-7). Saul could not tolerate God's chosen heir to the throne just as Ishmael could not endure Isaac and taunted him. There is enmity between that which is born of the flesh and that which is born of the Spirit.
What then is the difference between the "called" and the "chosen?" The distinguishing feature between flesh and spirit is that the fear of the Lord (obedience) is greater than the fear of men or circumstances. One of the ultimate tests of being chosen is deciding who we fear the most, men and circumstances, or God. The spiritual nature of man must rule over the soulish nature. Spirit draws unto Spirit and soul draws unto soul (flesh). God's "chosen" always yield to that which is spirit. Those who love self-promotion and men's approval more than the things of the Spirit will always reject truth. The "chosen" of God are those who fear Him the most. Their emphasis is not prosperity or getting blessed, but obeying the living God and fulfilling their role and destiny in God's great plan for the age in which we now live.
As God separates us from the ways of men and those who practice such ways, we will soon find ourselves in a unique company of believers who share common beliefs in coming out of the Babylonian World's System (Revelation 18:4). It is in this unique company (assembly) that God will release His power. Let us not be sidetracked by the teachings of big name TV evangelist or pastors alike. Lord, grant us the wisdom the see this distraction for what it is, and have the courage to stand against it. Let us all ask the question, Is it prosperity or Sonship that we should be seeking? Is it prosperity or Sonship that we should be teaching? Judge this word!
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Comments: 'Open Letter To Prosperity Teachers' Various Dec 9, 2004 |
Dear List Members,
The subject of "The Prosperity Message" strikes a cord with many of us. The abuses of this message are many, but truth seems to be finding its way into our hearts.
I also took the liberty of sending this word to some of my old friends who make their living espousing this message. Their replies (to me personally) have been interesting. Of some interest to this discussion, there seems to be some understanding of past errors, but as yet, and unacceptance of wholesale change.
In Him,
Clay
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Clay,
I left one of those churches also. I am in a great well balanced Church now with an Awesome pastor. Its unfortunate how many people are stuck in this kind of "Money Cometh" teaching. Its also a shame that the majority of them that do decide to leave are not going to any church after this so they just go back to what they were doing before they got saved. Thanks for passing it.
In The Secret Place,
Elaine
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Hi Clay,
Good article.
Have you seen this one lately?
John
Title: The Holy Bible, King James Version 2 Pet 2:3 (KJV)
3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
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Clay,
I want to commend you for your stand for the TRUTH in God's word. I have been an ordained minister, but due to all the garbage that has been and is still being taught from the pulpits of churches across this nation, I have refused to allow myself to be a part of this flim flam. I turned in my papers years ago, and said "no more" to this farce that is being perpetrated on God's people. I have recently left an independent church, in which I have served a pastor and the flock for 17 years in various capacities. This man has been led astray several times by people who have come to the church with ways to get rich.
The first was a woman who successfully fleeced a number of the flock, then flew the coop, costing not only lost monies, but a full three-fourths of the congregation. Another was an admitted con-man, who duped another several of the flock out of nearly one MILLION dollars. He wound up in jail, but NONE of the money was recovered. Some bank account off-shore we are sure. I stayed through the both of these hoping that Pastor had learned his lesson, as he refused to pay heed to all the warnings from a great number of voices prior to the first two rascals that came through. I had been part of the church leadership during the first two incidents, but left as the pastor embraced the third party to come along. I had given him a written word that I am positive that I received from God. It was a very strong word, but He refused it. Others in the leadership, including his son, the asst. pastor, said that it was a true word. The word was ALSO given him by two other men who moved in the prophetic gifts, a FULL YEAR after I had first delivered it to Pastor. He refused to hear them also. Shortly after that I left the church. My wife and I have been having bible studies in our home since then, and God has surely opened our eyes to the error that is being taught from the pulpits across America.
I long for the day that I have opportunity to teach to others outside our small group, the truths that we have found in our Revelation studies. God sure has a way to de-bunk so much of what has been taught in error for so long. God bless you and the ministry that you oversee, for many will be enlightened by this letter that you have sent out.
I know that there will be critical voices raised in protest, but these are the ones who are blinded by the lust for the riches of the world, rather than the riches of the Kingdom of God.
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Hurray!!!! Thank God, somebody finally said it!!
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Shalom Brother Sikes,
I saw your open letter posted on InJesus. I did not have to judge it, because it is something my wife and I have been living the past 8 years. I am sure you already know the most terrifying thing you could say in the midst of these kind of organizations. The spoken word as it is given to you by Ruach HaKodosh and to start to teach others the same. This teaching is seldom met with open defiance and in many cases when first presented it is received. The rub comes many times not from leadership but followers who realize they themselves are responsible to walk as He walked.
There are many who still seek an earthly king to follow. In due time leadership will show you the door. This is pervasive through out Christendom where ever legalism, tradition, or personal power is involved. One thing you wrote struck a cord. That was your reference to David and how he was perceived and treated. One more thing, do a word study on Nicolaitanes, you will find it strikes true to what you have seen. Be encouraged and enter into His rest.
Thank for your obedience it encouraged us. Shalom Andy and Nancy Tapins- FireFall Christian Redemption Ministries.
Contact Information :
Andy and Nancy Tapins
antwise@sbcglobal.net
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YOU GO CLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you and God bless you as you bless and glorify Him, Linda Spagnola
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AWESOME WORD AS A PASTOR IN SOUTH TEXAS IN A STORE FRONT ASSEMBLY WE ARE THE SONS OF A MIGHTY GOD RECEIVING A WORD FROM HEAVEN NOT HANDLED BY WORKS OF THE FLESH PRAISE GOD FOR THE MOVING OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT AND THE VOICE OF TRUTH THAT SETS US FREE!! PASTOR CANTU
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Hello Clay,
Glory to our mighty awesome risen king: Jesus!
If you wanted a response--"judge"-- please let me. I'm feeling chatty and grateful.
I was surprised by God in 2000---and through a series of wonders ended up pastoring the church my granpa built the year I was born. Dad had stewarded a remnant of five.....When I agreed, my siblings returned and we hover at 11. And here I am again measuring the stupid stuff. This was never even a dream of mine...but it has become a willingness.
No matter what the text, HE has me teach on hearing Him and becoming a people of whom it is said, "behold how they love each other." Hear Him, obey Him........I speak it at least once every Sunday, often more. I talk about hearing each other on the telephone and knowing who it is at the first word or two and we do that by spending time with each other, by being intimate. And it is essential that we do the same with HIM because we will be deceived otherwise.
I taught "the Crucified Ones" for five months and every week it was.......hear HIm; obey Him. They decided to do a verse-by-verse of the Revelation of Jesus and it's still, hear Him, obey Him!
Three of His people are over 80 and have known Him all their life but week after week they don't think they even saw His hand, much less heard His voice. The ones in their 60's are so overwhelmed by their families troubles and lack of any evidence of God (addictions) that ............. I'm seeing them speak His word every now and then; with authority and humility as tho' they were quoting Him. Makes me nearly cry.
They all now know love isn't pretty but it IS vital and it makes us like HIM. For a while I had them read Paul's love chapter. I still send them to Romans 8; 1 often. I teach them fairly regularly that tithing doesn't cut it if HE said to give more or none.......and Voting is of little consequence if you don't hear God before you pull the lever.
I find myself nagging when I'm away from them (they're 160 miles round trip from my house) by all the time telling people I will no longer say, "Lord, stop me if this isn't You." They have so many good things that God didn't tell me to do.
Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is an amazing thing and I'm not talking about big deal stuff (yet). I don't heal or deliver yet (in HIM, of course) but after an entire hour of hiccups I did hear enough to ask my 86 year-old to pray for someone's finger so his hiccups would leave (we'd prayed, given him sugar, breathing exercises....when you're small you can.) Thank God for His deliverance and healing even if it did take a while. I've had no income since 2000 and am current on all the bills, lacking nothing. And I sense HE's changing this but haven't heard how yet.
Thank you, Clay. You echo what I am learning. If HE shows you ......... please pass on any tips on teaching it.
Sha'alu shalom Yerushalayim, SaraLou
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Thank you Clay!
A much needed and timely word but one that will be reviled by the "money men"! I pray that many will follow this path to true victory and real peace.
MATTHEW 16:25-27.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for ME will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the SON OF MAN is going to come in HIS FATHER'S GLORY with HIS angels, and then HE will reward each person according to what he has done.
Too many have lost this fundamental principle in their blind pursuit of prosperity. It is not how much we have but what we have done with what we have that counts. Little is much when blessed by YHVH! Do we trust YHVH, man or self? Do we love? Do we accept the unacceptable ones? Do we put others first? Will we ever truly die to self? This and a million other servant things are truly the way to follow the principles of the KING'S servant. Be blessed, Magdala, Doorkeep for THE ARK
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Clay,
What a wonderful exhortation!! I have run across so many believers in these recent years who are being taught by the Holy Spirit Himself the very same understandings and wisdom. It is very encouraging to see it and hear it. I have experienced almost the exact same set of circumstances you have and expect many others are in the same boat. You have a tremendous ability to communicate. Please keep it up.
Your exhortation reminded me of the Rich Young Ruler in Mathew 19. His problem too was his view of "ownership". Jesus put before him many of the commandments except the first one where his real problem was located. Jesus then masked the first one (you shall have no other God before Me) by saying "If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have, give to the poor and come follow me (notice He didn't say, "Sow it into my ministry."). At that point in time, the RYR could not do it.
I hope that later he did. I know there have been times where I found many places in my life where I had said "no" as well only to have the mercy and grace of God continue to work on me.
The interesting thing is the discussion that followed as Jesus and the disciples were watching this RYR make the wrong choice and walk away. It was clear that the RYR believed that if he obeyed, he would never be "blessed" again it would all be gone forever it made him sorrowful. However, Jesus never said that. In fact, because of this RYR's view of ownership ("It's mine!"), he couldn't enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus observed and mentioned as he walked away that this was a hard thing but that with God all things were possible. He then relayed a story of a landowner in Mathew 20. With this story of the landowner, He was telling them just how possible it was and what the RYR's life as a mature SON would and could look like if he had said "yes" instead of "no" to Jesus' instruction.
All the characteristics of this landowner and the way he did business and conducted himself are indications that he went about his life in intimate relationship with the Father. He did things that were not self serving, things that do not necessarily make business sense. Instead of always wanting a good deal, he gave a good deal. He was good and knew that the goodness of God draws men unto repentance. At the same time he was steadfast and strong to others very much like Jesus on numerous occasions.
The ownership question is exactly why the Bible does not teach much, if any, about the tithe in the New Testament. It is simply because God did not want to convey to us that He only owned 10% of us. The question that always lingers in my mind when I hear "That is mine." from someone is "But whose are you?" Its only after we recognize that it is all His, and make a free, love motivated choice from the heart to give it all to Him, that we can then HAVE all that is His.
I remember God speaking as clearly as He has ever spoken to me one morning when I was studying about the tithe. I had seen what the tithe was used for which was actually a number of things but primarily for provision to orphans, widows and Levites (priesthood). The conversation went something like this: "Son, in the Old Testament, the tithe was holy unto Me.
You have seen what I used it for. Now stop and meditate on this question: If you lived back then and were a typical Jewish believer and you made $10, how much would have been Mine?" I replied, "$1.00 Lord". He then replied, "OK, forget about the other $9.00, how much of the $1.00 is Mine?" I replied, "All of it, Lord." He responded, "What I want to ask you is 'Why don't you make a choice to become that $1.00. Would you make a choice to become the tithe?' If you will, I'll then be able to use you to do the same thing I used the tithe for in the Old Testament. Namely, to minister to the orphans (those without a father Me), to widows (those without a husband Jesus), and to Levites (those who actively minister the gospel not necessarily limited to "pulpit" ministers)."
Wow! I really had a new perspective. I really understood something about ownership that I had never seen before. I understood how to divide the Word that in Matthew 6 speaks about the birds that neither sow nor reap but are provided for, but in 2 Cor. 9 speaks that if you sow sparingly, you'll reap sparingly. It has to do with the attitude and viewpoint of ownership that we take in approaching the Father. If we view our sowing and reaping as "Kingdom sowing and reaping" as opposed to "personal sowing and reaping", it then makes all the sense in the world. But if we view it as "personal sowing and reaping" we slander the work of the cross (Phil. 4:19, 2 Cor 8:9).
Ultimately, I saw that giving is ministry (Rm 12:8, 2 Cor 8:4). I saw that if I continued to look at it as something that it was not, I would never see it for what it is. I saw what the Macedonian bunch from the churches in Phillipi saw. FIRST, they gave themselves to the Lord (became His), and then unto Paul's bunch BY THE WILL OF GOD (2 Cor 8:5). In other words, they got to a place of understanding ownership, then out of intimacy began to do that which was instructed by the Father. Its funny tome to see the difference this understanding made versus what we see today. This Macedonian bunch implored them with much urgency to receive their ministry of giving. We have back-to-front in today's church.
In our day, Paul's bunch is doing the "imploring urgently" because of wrong beliefs on all sides.
This is what is changing. I believe it with all my heart. The Holy Spirit is operating with a directive from the Father to bring this understanding to full age. Many are seeing the truth, and beginning to proclaim it but they are doing so without an agenda to hold someone up and say "You have been wrong, now repent!!!" Rather, they are doing so out of a motivation of love alone for the Father and the Family. Not for price or reward (Is 45:13).
What father would enjoy having their children shout with joy from the mountain tops, "My father provides a roof over my head, clothes for may back and food for my tummy only as I give unto him!!!" I would consider that an insult of the highest order.
"Father forgive us."
Thanks again Clay. I know I have rambled, but your exhortation brought back some great stuff to the mind of this business man. Thanks for your consecration and keep communicating the revelation you receive you a very gifted at it.
Grace To You,
Russ Gressett
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Thank you Clay Sikes!
This revelation from someone else who has been indoctrinated by the "Prosperity Message" blessed my soul. Several years ago after being in a "prosperity ministry" for almost 5 years I began to have the same thoughts as you have described in your letter. For a while I thought it was me, something was wrong with me, that if I was really doing all I was supposed to do I too would be walking in the same prosperity. I mean I am anointed too right! We gave and gave, everything we had and were "proud" to give it. We were excited as we futily awaited our return.
When I discovered it "the return" was not coming in the manner we were expecting I began to get a clue. Although I was seeking to know God with all my heart and I DID have an intimate walk with Him, something had to be amiss. I had already written a book on being intimate in the presence of God. Of course it was difficult to tell anyone else how I felt because everybody we were friends with ascribed to the same message, give to get. Then my husband's car broke down and he had to hitch hike to church 4 times a week to serve in the ministry. He came home one night from church after taking the train from work to get there and my eyes were finally opened. He was excited as he came in telling me about the $300,000 car our pastor had just purchased (cash) for his wife.
I was not excited. I said something is dreadfully wrong with this picture. Not that I begrudged the pastor or his wife getting the new car; I simply didn't understand why we were faithfully serving a ministry, giving all that we had, tithes, offering, giving to the man and woman of God, and still placing money on the pulpit steps 3 times a week, (thinking we were hearing from God) and were without transportation to continue getting there to "give to get."
It was then that I knew we were not in the will of God. We also had a ministry and I was flying all over the country preaching, many times buying my own airline tickets and paying for hotels, running up credit card debt as my pastor was teaching us that we should continue to give ourselves out of debt. As you well know that never happened.
Something was dreadfully wrong. I'm so glad that we have been liberated for several years now and thank God you have too. Sometimes the hard way seems to be the way that God teaches us, maybe so we'll never forget it I'm not sure. But I can tell you that I'll never forget that lesson; we do have a closer walk with our Father. We've learned the right principle of giving as well as the right principle of tithing. And we're no longer operating in bondage.
Thanks again, for sharing and our desire is that the Pastors and Teachers teaching this message will get the revelation as well. We do teach that God's people are to prosper, but not at the expense of the Body and a true relationship with the Father.
We will keep you in our prayers and thank God you got the REVELATION as we did.
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TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
YOU HAVE TRULY HEARD OUR LORD!!! I SALUTE YOU!!! CONTINUE IN THE
RIGHT PATH!!!! GREAT WILL BE YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN!!!