Sunday Payday 704-553-7625 Tithes is always food in the Bible, so how come preachers say its now money? False Doctrine The objective of this study is to see and understand the argument behind ecclesiastical compensations that pastors or priests receive to teach the community the word of Elohim. The Bible is a book that first has to be read from a Hebraic perspective, studied from a historical and scholarly view point, internalized and applied as a person seeking to be transformed, if this is the process then there is no room for interpretation. Sha’ul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 prove all things and hold fast to that which is good. The question we will be answering is, should pastors and other ecclesiastical workers be receiving a fixed wage from their church. We will look at examples shown in the New Testament and examine how they compare to what is taking place today. For this Malki-Tzedek, king of Shalem, Priest of El `Elyon, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Shalem, which is king of peace; (Hebrews 7:1-2 RNWEB) Many religious leaders teach that because Malki-Tzedek received tithes that they are able to receive tithes claiming there ministry is in the same order as Malki-Tzedek, however is this true? without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of Elohim), remains a Priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils. They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the Priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Torah, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises (The Covenant). But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. (Talking about Abraham) Here people who die receive tithes (Talking about Levi not all men that die), but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that he lives (Talking about Malki-Tzedek). (Hebrews 7:3-8 RNWEB) The people who received tithes were Levite’s, they were in charge of the propitiation offerings when animal sacrifices were still part of the process. Once this system was disbanded and replaced by Yahshua as high priest the system of tithes was no longer required since its purpose was to provide for the priests who were not given and inheritance in the land. Levi had a covenant with the Most High that said in exchange for their service they would receive tithes (crops and livestock) from the people, This no longer applies, nor could it be transferred to anyone outside the line of Levi. When the Levitical order was done away with, so were the tithes. We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes, for he was yet in the body of his father when Malki-Tzedek met him. (Hebrews 7:9-10 RNWEB) The king of Sedom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Kedorla`omer and the kings who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). Malki-Tzedek king of Shalem brought out bread and wine: and he was priest of El `Elyon [Elohim Most High]. He blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of El `Elyon, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be El `Elyon, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all. The king of Sedom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods to yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sedom, “I have lifted up my hand to YAH, El `Elyon, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: `Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion.” (Genesis 14:17-24 RNWEB) Abram said to the king of Sedom that he didn’t want his money, or material possessions just the food the young men have eaten. The winner of the battle was entitled to the spoils of war and the custom of the time was that a tenth of that be given to the King ruling the land. Abram gave a tithe of the crops and livestock won in the battle to Malki-Tzedek king of Shalem, he then only claimed for himself the food the young men ate and the men that went with him, so no one could say they made Abram rich. The tithe was never associated with anything but crops and livestock everywhere we read about it in the bible. Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the Torah), what further need was there for another Priest to arise after the order of Malki-Tzedek, and not be called after the order of Aharon? For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the Torah. For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Master has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moshe spoke nothing concerning priesthood. This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Malki-Tzedek there arises another Priest, (Hebrews 7:11-15 RNWEB) It’s important we realize Yahshua’s priesthood was raised in the LIKENESS of Malki-Tzedek, there are foolish doctrines concerning the order and priesthood of Malki-Tzedek, many Christians claim he was Jesus. Just saying it sounds foolish, but this is just an example of how poorly Christianity understands scripture. who has been made, not after the Torah of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life: for it is testified, “You are a Priest forever, according to the order of Malki-Tzedek.” (Hebrews 7:16-17 RNWEB) It’s only Yahshua that is a priest forever, according to the likeness of Malki-Tzedek, no one else! The word “order” is an improper translation, “order” denotes a system, succession or grouping which completely changes the meaning of this verse. Paul is reciting Psalms 110:4 – YAH hath sworn, and will not repent, You art a priest forever after the ORDER [Hebrew: DIBRAHTE] of Malki-Tzedek. This verse was not properly translated into the Greek, The meaning has been changed to better support the pagan practices of the Church. So we have to see what the Hebrew word is, then extract the meaning to contextualize the verse. The Hebrew word dibrahte means likeness, manner, and similitude and we should be reading the verse as follows. For it is testified, “You are a Priest forever, according to the [likeness, manner, in the likeness of, like as] of Malki-Tzedek.” (Hebrews 7:17 RNWEB) Sha’ul was only pointing out Yahshua’s supremacy over the order [likeness] of Malki-Tzedek who was the High priest of Shalem, who the Most High used to state that he would “raise a priest after the order [likeness] of Malki-Tzedek,” meaning king of righteousness. The order of Malki-Tzedek represented a king and priest whose reign appeared to never end, because there was no birth or death record, so it gives the appearance his priesthood continues, just as Yahshua’s priesthood has not ended. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18 RNWEB) This verse is often used to justify excessive ecclesiastical compensation. There are religious leaders that teach that there flock will never raise above their religious leader in receiving carnal blessings, this is absolutely ridiculous, as are many other teachings used to fleece there flock. These are not the examples we see in scripture. True blessing from the Most High are rewards for righteousness and are not based on how much money is being given, but in our diligence in being obedient to the covenant. Now concerning the collection for the holy ones, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Yerushalayim. If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4 RNWEB) Sha’ul was asking the assembly to set aside funds just after the Sabbath convocation on the first day of the week. Remember the day ends at sundown on the Hebrew calendar so this collection was to take place at the beginning of the first day, just after the seventh had ended, the sabbath had come to a close. Why was he asking for these funds to be collected? It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the holy ones, for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared, so that I won’t by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confident boasting. I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness. Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for Elohim loves a cheerful giver. And Elohim is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. As it is written, “He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.” Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to Elohim. For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the holy ones, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to Elohim; seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify Elohim for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of the Anointed, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all; (2 Corinthians 9:1-13 RNWEB) The money that Sha’ul requested from different assemblies was being dispersed among the poor, those who had great need. The offering was to help make up for any lack among the righteous, those who weren’t making enough money to get by. Throughout the New Testament, Yahshua and the Apostles showed compassion and place great importance on helping the poor. while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of Elohim in you. Now thanks be to Elohim for his unspeakable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:14-15 RNWEB) I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an emissary were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works. For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong. (2 Corinthians 12:11-13 RNWEB) For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of Elohim. You are witnesses with Elohim, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 RNWEB) For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 RNWEB) We can see the example that Sha’ul is setting, he’s not collecting money for his personal needs from the assemblies, he’s working to make money and teaching the word of Elohim. He was very concerned about being a burden to the people and worked hard so he didn’t have to be. not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 RNWEB) Sha’ul said they had the right to ask for money, however they wanted to make themselves examples that should be imitated. Why isn’t the clergy today imitating Sha’ul’s example? Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place. We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. (1 Corinthians 4:11-12 RNWEB) It must be apparent that the doctrines and examples we see in scripture concerning wages for the clergy are very different from the practices in the Church today. Should your pastor collect a salary from the Church? If they claim to be predicating the right to be paid by the congregation on biblical doctrine then there is a problem, the examples we see in today’s Church do not align with the examples we see in the New Testament. If the church is going to deviate from the original examples and practices of scripture then they need to let everyone know what there doing and why, so the people are not being misguided into believing it’s an absolute. The so called leaders should allow the people to decide by separating the free will offering to support the facility and pastor into two separate offerings. If people want to help meet the needs of the pastor and his family it should be in a separate voluntary offering, not a high salary with perks and additional special offering taken throughout the year. After these things Sha’ul departed from Athens, and came to Korint. He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers. (Acts 18:1-3 RNWEB) Sha’ul found Aquila and his wife Priscilla were in the same trade as him, they were all tent makers. He worked with them to earn money to support himself while he was teaching the word of Elohim. Now, brothers, I entrust you to Elohim, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Master Yahshua, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:32-35 RNWEB) Yahshua sent these twelve out, and charged them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samariai. Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Yisra’el. As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. Don’t take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts. Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. (Matthew 10:5-10 RNWEB) Remember Sha’ul said they had the right to expect carnal things for there service, and here we see even Yahshua said they should not carry the bare necessities, if they were doing there job the people would freely share food and lodging out of compassion, respecting them as laborers of Elohim. So what’s different between what Yahshua said and the clergy receiving salaries for pay today? The religious leaders today teach that it’s our responsibility to provide a salary and take care of their families and households for them, this is not the doctrine set forth in scripture. It’s also completely opposite of the examples Sha’ul said we should imitate. Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on. (Matthew 10:11 RNWEB) They weren’t told to go and stay with just anyone, they had to be selective, they were to look for those who were deserving. As you enter into the household, greet it. (Matthew 10:12 RNWEB) They were to speak a blessing of peace. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you. Whoever doesn’t receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sedom and `Amorah in the day of judgment than for that city. (Matthew 10:13-15 RNWEB) Now after these things, the Master also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come. Then he said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Master of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. (Luke 10:1-6 RNWEB) Yahshua gave these instructions to the twelve apostles, and now he’s telling the same thing to the seventy. Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house. (Luke 10:7 RNWEB) Am I not free? Am I not an emissary? Haven’t I seen Yahshua the Anointed, our Master? Aren’t you my work in the Master? If to others I am not an emissary, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my office of emissary in the Master. My defense to those who examine me is this. Have we no right to eat and to drink? Have we no right to take along a wife who is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Master, and Peter? Or do only Barnabah and I have no right to refrain from working? (1 Corinthians 9:1-6 RNWEB) What’s happening is that people are questioning Sha’ul about what he has been using the free will offerings they gave him for. What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn’t eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn’t drink from the flock’s milk? Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or doesn’t the law also say the same thing? For it is written in the Torah of Moshe, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it for the oxen that Elohim cares, or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things? If others partake of this right over you, don’t we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of the Anointed. (1 Corinthians 9:7-12 RNWEB) Sha’ul said he had the right to have his basic needs met as he labored, however he never exercised this right over them. Don’t you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? (1 Corinthians 9:13 RNWEB) The priests would eat the sacrifices that the people brought in and placed on the alter. Even so the Master ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News. But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don’t preach the Good News. For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of the Anointed without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. (1 Corinthians 9:14-18 RNWEB) Sha’ul presented the good news without charge to not abuse his authority. He said he had a stewardship entrusted to him and he was not teaching the word of Elohim for gain but by the calling of the Master. This is not the example we see today, in many churches not only does the Pastor receive a very large salary, but so does the staff. There are many churches where the pastors earn substantially more than the congregants, this is not in line with the examples we see in scripture. You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. (Philippians 4:15-17 RNWEB) Sha’ul received gifts from the Philippians to continue to do the work of the ministry, which is spreading the message of the Kingdom. But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to Elohim. My Elohim will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in the Anointed Yahshua. Now to our Elohim and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amein. (Philippians 4:18-20 RNWEB) Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you Elohim’s Good News free of charge? I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you. (2 Corinthians 11:7-8 RNWEB) Sha’ul felt he was robbing assemblies by taking there free will offerings and using them to serve others. He believed the word of Elohim should be free, and the burden should not be put on the people even though he had the authority to ask for assistance. If a member of the clergy is going to take money for there own personal needs it should be by free will offering directly given to them, not a salary that comes out of the facilities general fund. People should have a choice on what they are giving there gifts for, and they shouldn’t be manipulated through false teaching to give more than they can afford, with the promise of some future blessing that scripture doesn’t support. But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3 RNWEB) They build up Tziyon with blood, and Yerushalayim with lawlessness. Her leaders judge for bribes, and her priests teach for a price, and her prophets of it tell fortunes [prophesies] for money: yet they lean on YAH, and say, “Isn’t YAH in the midst of us? No disaster will come on us.” Therefore Tziyon for your sake will be plowed like a field, and Yerushalayim will become heaps of rubble, and the mountain of the temple like the high places of a forest. (Micah 3:10-12 RNWEB) For from the least of them even to the greatest of them everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the Priest everyone deals falsely. (Jeremiah 6:13 RNWEB) We see this happening today in the Church, men and women who are great orators get in front of thousands professing to teach the word of Elohim, but are instead feeding them lies and traditions, they are dealing falsely with the people. They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says YAH. Thus says YAH, Stand you in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk [therein]. I set watchmen over you, [saying], Listen to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not listen. Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them. Hear, earth: behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. (Jeremiah 6:14-19 RNWEB) Today there are many great speakers motivating and manipulating people by there false teachings. They tickle there ears with many promises of wealth and health, they make the people feel good, but at what price, and to what end? whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain’s sake. (Titus 1:11 RNWEB) These men and women are teaching for the sake of money, making many promises. They teach lies and traditions and come in sheep’s clothing, sadly the people love them and always return to hear more. I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of the Anointed, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of Elohim which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; (1 Peter 5:1-2 RNWEB) The teachers of the assembly were not supposed to do it for gain, or under any compulsion, but willingly without malice. This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but if a man doesn’t know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of Elohim?) not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1-7 RNWEB) This is the required qualifications of a teacher or overseer. Woe, when men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26 RNWEB) This is a problem because the scriptures say mankind hates the laws of Elohim, so if were following and holding true to its principals, most people are going to have an issue with us. If they don’t we need to take a closer look at ourselves, the world is full of greed, envy, and jealousy, and these are traits that are in opposition to the word of Elohim. And having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15 RNWEB) The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. (Matthew 16:1 RNWEB) Yahshua said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” Yahshua, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6-12 RNWEB) The Pharisees and Sadducees were the religious leader of the time, and the people were being warned about their doctrine. Our lives need to be centered on the pure doctrine of the Torah, we can’t sway to the left or the right, we must stay on the narrow path. Then Yahshua spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moshe’ seat. (Matthew 23:1-2 RNWEB) This simply means they sat as authorities of doctrine and law. All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do. For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. (Matthew 23:3-4 RNWEB) Yahshua is telling the people to observe and do the instruction of the scribes and Pharisees but not to do there works and follow there traditions. He was telling them to follow all the rules and precepts set forth in the law, but not anything more, will see why in the next verse. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their tefillin broad, enlarge the tzitziyot of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men. But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Anointed, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Anointed. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven in peoples faces; neither entering yourselves nor allowing those who wish to enter to do so. (Matthew 23:5-13 RNWEB) Since the scribes and Pharisees perverted doctrine the people did not see the clear path of salvation. This is occurring every Sunday in Churches around the world. The teachers won’t enter the Kingdom and the students will be lost also because the teachers misdirected them. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehinnom as yourselves. “Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.’ You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?’ You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who was living in it. He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of Elohim, and by him who sits on it. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the Torah: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside of it may become clean also. (Matthew 23:14-26 RNWEB) This has not changed, today’s religious leaders are doing the same thing. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehinnom? Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zekharyah son of Berekhyah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. (Matthew 23:27-36 RNWEB) Yahshua when speaking of the judgment that will come is specifically speaking to his generation. Judgement came on the people in 70 AD when Titus entered Yerushalayim and killed 1.1 million Hebrews and the rest were driven from the land and put into slavery. “Yerushalayim, Yerushalayim, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of YAH!’” (Matthew 23:37-39 RNWEB) Summing Up We have looked at many examples and primarily used Sha’ul’s teaching as the benchmark for what is proper and what is not. There is no problem with a minister receiving compensations for the teaching of Elohim’s word, Yahshua’s commission was that the disciples receive whatever was offered to them, however a fixed salary or wage such as what was setup for the Levite’s is not supported in the new testament. All evangel’s should be compensated based on the free will offerings of the people.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:59:07 +0000
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