Firecracker

By Ken Parks, September 11, 2014

Some thirteen years ago, a dream came to this old dreamer, you might say a “vision.” That vision was of horror, a city set ablaze by the means of aircraft and the resulting smoke.

I had predicted this two weeks in advance, not knowing when, where or exactly how it was going to happen. I had told others that this would happen. And once it did, one astonished co-worker stated, “You KNEW it was going to happen!”

On September 11, 2001... it happened!

Thirteen years later, I have something else to reveal. It came to me in a dream a while back and now is the time to allow others to be aware and understand my dream.

Terrorist will find a may to either build or acquire a nuclear bomb. They will reassemble the bomb, piece-by-piece, in a high-floored office of a sky-scraper building, and then... they will set it off.

The resulting destruction of the city and the aftermath will kill countless millions and bring a major disruption to the infrastructure and to the economy of the United States and perhaps the rest of the world.

What happened to NYC on September 11, 2001 is a firecracker in comparison to the massive destruction yet to happen.

The city in my dream could be NYC. I don't know! But going out on a limb, I would speculate it to be such.

Worry Not!

By Ken Parks, 06/22/2014, Sunday

Throughout our lives storms come and go. As Jesus said, it rains on the just and unjust alike.

One of the storms in my life was a divorce whereby the proceedings lasted nearly 18 months, including a child custody issue. In retrospect, I view this past as one of the most difficult times of my life, filled with worry, anxiety, depression, and physical ailments as a result of the former issues.

The adulterous wife behind my back and in secret had a long term affair with the cousin of Calvin Simmons, the leader of a cult type religious business. I had discovered this affair after my brother told me that something is going on and you should find out. 

I placed a voice-activated tape recorder on the home telephone line. The discovery took place upon the first recording. I made further recordings, and discovered her intent to get rid of me in favor of her lover, Mike McClure.

Other factors contributed to the depression, worry, anxiety and physical ailments. I was a mess. It wasn't until years later, that I had determined to be clinically depressed during that time. I had to find a way to recover. Instead of seeking doctors, counselors, and psychologists with the possibility of having to take medicines, I resorted to Scriptures to get me through this mess.

I learned from the Master, Jesus my Lord and Savior. I applied His teachings.

I found out that the word “worry” comes from an old English word that means “to strangle.” And, that's what worry does to a person, it strangles their thought process, creates a suffocating havoc and can easily lead to medical ailments.

I realized that I had to supersede “worry” (the thoughts of Satan) with God's Word and His command, “Do not worry.” This was not a one time fix, but rather a continual spiritual battle, moment by moment. I was being attacked from all sides, even when I thought things were going okay. A whiff of a perfume, a certain song, and a location would be a reminder of how things used to be and how they should be. I would cry... cry uncontrollably!

The Word of God became more alive to me while I went through the worry, anxiety, and depression.The first thing: Make my need known to God. I prayed.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. - Phil. 4:6, NIV

It is through prayer and praise that I recognized that only God, though His Word, will I be able to win this continual battle through the divorce, custody issue, and the resultant “single-Dad” trauma. I had to completely place my trust in my Lord and Savior.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

This massive burden was overwhelming.

All of the Positive Thinking books that I had read back in the 70's was like putting a band-aid on a severed leg. I had come to realize all of the humanism practiced by so-called pastors on the subject of “Positive Thinking” was not going to resolve my problems.

Other Scriptures came to surface during these stressful times. The father of lies is out to steal, kill, and destroy. He had used the wife of my youth, a cult, and others to inflict their hatred, their deeds of darkness, and their secret filthy plans, all of which they think they were doing the will of God . I found out who were my friends and who were my enemies.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

About my Life: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

About my Provisions: So do not worry , saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” - Matthew 6:31 I discover through His Word that uncompromising love for Christ banishes “worry” from my mind and soul. But perfect love drives out fear. – 1 John 4:18 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. - Phil. 4:19

About my future: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34 This does not mean to have concern and be prepared for the future. The emphasis is “do not worry.” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. - Ephesians 6:10 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. - Matthew 28:20

It should be noted from the Scriptures that not only does “worry” have a devastating and destructive effect upon us, but it is a sin against God. “Worry” is open rebellion and disobedience to the will of God. Worry is sinful on three (3) counts.

1. Worry doubts God's love.
2. Worry shuts down God's wisdom
3. Worry attacks God's power

The Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as his son. – Hebrews 12:6

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11

The calamities and adversities we face do not simply happen by chance. They are the visible revelation of God's merciful providence. For it has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. - Phil. 1:29

No temptation has seized you accept what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. - 1 Cor. 10:13

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. – Psalms 34:19

Living through the worry, anxiety, and depression... studying and applying the Scriptures, I managed to come up with a 10-point list as follows:

1. Renounce all “worry” (audible) and pray specifically with contentment to God the Father. (Phil. 4:6)
2. Give God permission to guard your heart. (Phil. 4:7)
3. Think about positive righteous (Godly) things. (Phil. 4:8)
4. Focus your thoughts on God. (Isa. 26:3)
5. Use your spiritual weapons. (2 Cor. 10:4-6)
6. Exercise your faith in God (apply what you have learned). (Matt. 6:25-24, 7:7-11)
7. Put on the spiritual protection of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
8. Live and walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-26)
9. Do not cast away confidence. (Heb. 3:6, 12-14, 10:19-23)
10. Give God your burden. (1 Peter 5:7)

Therefore... worry not.

Ashamed

There has been a noticeable trend among church businesses. The removal of the cross from their buildings and in some cases within their alters and/or their inner chambers of worship. It has become the decision of the pastors or leaders to remove the cross because it offends the “unchurched”; it makes them feel uncomfortable to attend a place that has a religious atmosphere. The leaders of these religious businesses feel it is more important to make these “unchurched” attendees more comfortable with the removal of the cross, and allow to win them over.

Lakewood Church, the preaching grounds of Joel Osteen, does not have a cross on the building or inside .

Win them over to what?

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28, NKJV)

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26, NKJV)

The religious businesses removal of the cross, the symbol of our Faith, are telling us (paraphrasing), “It is more important not to offend the sinner in lieu of the cross and what Jesus did for us on Calvary.” The leaders of these church businesses are concerned about appearances from the masses of the “unchurched.” They are bowing down to political correctness or the opinions of others outside of the Faith. And to what end?

What is the real reason for denying the display of the cross?

It comes down to money and power. The more attendees and members, the more wallets and contributors to the tithe doctrine. And the more power the church business can have within the community. This is the operation of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. They don't display the cross on their church business building, logo, or within the confines thereof. By adapting the cross-removal policy, they can now attract more and more people unfamiliar with the real teachings of Jesus. The members are deceived by omission, and are then lead into further deceptions, rock-n-roll so-called worship music, and fed humanism such as how to be successful, how to manage your money, how to have a successful marriage and so forth. They have even gone so far as to introduce yoga (Hinduism) to the mindless youth.

Their precious leader of whom they often refer to as a wonderful preacher and omit the preeminence of Christ in the same boastful comments, lives in a multimillion dollar home in a gated community, drives expensive cars and has a lifestyle of the rich and famous. Joel Osteen lives in a $10.1 million mansion

Andy Stanley will have a lot to answer to on the glorious day of Christ's coming.

In essence, the church businesses removal of the cross is not so much about the winning of souls, but it's primary goal is money and power. The realization of Christ is dismissed in favor of false teachings, man’s doctrines and regulations, humanism, and false hope.

By the way, North Point Community Church, by which I often refer to as “North Pointless” is the second largest church business in the United States and still growing in membership.

In a manner of speaking there does not seem to be much difference to the way these church businesses appear in comparison to a country club; they are worldly and members maintain the attitude of conforming to the ways of the world, including rock-n-roll music, pride, and other fleshly desires. There is no true representation of Christ within their souls. Many fall under the description of those pleading to Christ as in Matthew 7:21-23, another inconvenient truth that many church businesses refuse to teach.

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:34-38, NKJV)

The pleading may follow:

Lord, Lord, have we not sang wonderful rock-n-roll songs in your name? And, Jesus, we didn't want to offend the 'unchurched' and have them not know you, so we removed the cross from our building so they would feel more at ease.

And based upon Matthew 7:21-24, we know what Jesus is going to say and do to the cross-removers... they will be sent to a place where there will weeping and gnashing of teeth.

It comes down to this: If you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ, then you would not be ashamed of Him in any form or capacity, including but not limited of the Cross. The Holy Spirit gives us, the True Member of Ekklesia, boldness to speak of Him and Him alone. We know to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (refer to Ephesians 5:11).

We are living in a time where disciples of Jesus are being ever increasingly persecuted. The U.S. Government will not allow the display of the Ten Commandments in public areas, pray in public or in government schools, display the name of Jesus in public, allow the Bible to be in government Courtrooms, and /or state that Jesus is Lord in public because it might offend atheist, Muslims, Buddhist, or some other religious sect/cult.

Are we to subscribe and bow down to “political correctness?” Have we become wimps, afraid to show the power who lives in us while in public areas, restaurants, and/or any location? Are we to be pushed around by the government who dictate to what the members of Ekklesia are to say, do and display?

I know that we, as members of the real Church, Ekklesia, will be held accountable as to our lack of boldness or being ashamed of Him in any form or capacity.

Regardless of the false pastors' claims about the removal of the cross, the “unchurched” say about being offended, and the unbelievers' desire to ridicule His disciples...

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15, NKJV)

What is your decision? Bold, ashamed, or don't even care?

---------------------------- Ground Zero Cross --------------------------------------------

 Ground Zero Cross: 

Court presses atheist group to explain why artifact is 'offensive'

 

 

A federal appeals court said this week that an atheist group trying to keep the so-called Ground Zero Cross out of the National September 11 Memorial Museum must better explain how displaying the artifact is “offensive” and violates members’ constitutional rights.

The 17-foot-tall, steel beam “cross” was found in the rubble of the World Trade Center twin towers in New York that fell during the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

The cross became a sort of shrine or place of comfort for first responders who often prayed there and left messages or flowers. It was moved away from the debris a few weeks later and became a tourist attraction through several years of reconstruction.

American Atheists filed the suit in 2011, which was thrown out last year by a federal judge in the Southern District of New York.

The appeals court ruling Thursday cites an amicus brief filed by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a nonprofit law firm that specializes in church-state law and protecting the free expression of all religious traditions.

“We’re thrilled that the court picked up on this issue,” said group lawyer Eric Baxter, whose brief argued that American Atheists had no right to bring a lawsuit in the first place. “Courts should not allow people to sue just because they claim to get ‘dyspepsia’ over a historical artifact displayed in a museum.”

The museum officially opened on May 21.

The judge has now given the plaintiffs until July 14 to file supplemental legal briefs before deciding whether the case will proceed. Among the questions that must be answered in the new filings is how the offensiveness of the cross, which the plaintiffs view as a Christian symbol for all 9-11 victims, becomes a “constitutional injury.”

The other question is -- if the plaintiffs indeed feel displaying the cross “marginalizes them as American citizens” -- then how is that a “particular and concrete injury" compared to just “the abstract stigmatization of atheists generally.”

The judge has also asked the plaintiffs to substantiate their claim the museum and Sept. 11 memorial are getting taxpayer dollars.

“Taking personal offense is not an injury that warrants invoking the power of the courts to shut down everything you disagree with,” Baxter also said. “The Constitution is not a personal tool for censoring everyone’s beliefs but your own.”

Secular Music at North Point

This has become the latest trend in organized religion: Secular Worship.

The second largest religious business in the U.S., Northpoint Community Church (herein called “North Pointless”) has taken on the role of playing secular rock-n-roll among the nearly 38,000 of its weekly attendees. The secular music, the entertainment, is acceptable to the itching ears of Andy Stanley's following. It's become increasingly obvious; the music selection in the religious businesses today is aimed at the works of darkness rather than the glory and light of Jesus Christ.

North Pointless entertains with the worldly music of Aerosmith

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. ~ John 4:23-24 (NKJV)

The question: Is this true worship? The people who attend confess that it is true worship. When Jesus stated that “Many will be deceived,” the prophecy has become true. In all appearance, the Andy Stanley troopers are so deceived that they cannot see how they are involved in the practice of iniquity or lawlessness. What we have here is simply the blind leading the blind.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

How is it that these 38,000 in weekly attendance could see the truth, can see the noble, the just, the pure and whatever is lovely, of good report and anything of virtue or praiseworthy? Perhaps this comes from the heart of the matter – they are still worldly.

There are two videos on the internet that outright display the worldliness of their music. You might say it's a thriller to dream on.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" performed at North Pointless

North Pointless community church has put their musical efforts in performing songs from the likes of Elton John (homosexual), The Beatles, Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Maroon 5, Whitney Houston, and several others. What do all these entertainers have in common? They are all singers of worldliness. The music they produce has NOTHING to do with Jesus Christ. They are lovers of the world and the things in the world, weather it be homosexual, lovers of money, self-centered lovers of themselves, idolaters, and/or anything that is represented in the darkness of this world.

However, North Pointless and Andy Stanley seems to see fit to entertain their followers with the message to practice lawlessness.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

Perhaps, they feel the need to go outside the Scriptures to preach and sing the message of love, the attendance of the youth and the so-called “unchurched” by the means of something that soothes the itching ears.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ~ 2 Timothy 4:3-4

The message and music of worship is to be Christ-centered for the purpose of building up the disciples of Christ. It is not to hinder the Gospel of Christ. It is not to be a mixture of humanism and worldly advice. The real Church (Ekklesia) is centered strictly on that which edifies the saints in both music and preaching. It is not to conform to the world and make the so-called “unchurched” entertained through the things of this world.

In some respects this can be seen as using the honey of this world to draw in the cubs. The only way to keep them in attendance is to provide the same honey and more of it.

Without the “unchurched” where will they find the wallets to pay for Andy Stanley's $1.1 million mansion? I would say he has a very successful religious business by the standards of this world. But by the standards Jesus has portrayed, He would have something else to say about it.

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ~ Matthew 7:21-23

Most people at North Pointless will be saying things such as, “Lord, Lord have we not sang songs to bring glory to Your name, and in Your name brought in many of the 'unchurched,' and in Your name done many marvelous works.”

Personally, I would not feel comfortable in placing any bets on them being allowed to enter into His Kingdom. I think most of their mindset is based on the passions of this world which they never released and their ignorance of the Scriptures. Perhaps they might understand the worldly and uncaring remarks of Jerry Seinfeld, “That's a shame.”

Gospel

Ken Parks, March 6, 2014

Gospel means “good news.” And there is no better news than this: Jesus offered himself up as a living sacrifice so all of us have the ability to “believe” in Him, to be rescued from the dreadful life of sin and death, and by forgiving us that we might have eternal life through Him.

There is no other Gospel that can offer or provide.

On the other hand, we have religious businesses that offer other gospels, such as health and wealth doctrine, social club activities, and humanism/philosophy... all in the name of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul shared only one thing, and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He did not develop the gospel of chariot racing, javelin throwing, and any other sports of his time. He did not teach humanism or blend the Gospel of Christ with worldly philosophies. He did not set up day-care centers, vacation bible studies, and Christian yoga classes. As he was cutting the flesh and the ways of the world, he taught salvation, righteousness, and the Truth.

The Truth is often an interference to the life-style of many members of religious businesses. They want their ears tickled with humanism, entertaining stories, and other things that makes their memebers feel good. The Truth? The Truth is far from these inane preachings.

Listen closely to the words of the leaders of religious businesses (those organizations that bow down to the IRS by participating as a 501c3 business). You will see how they persuade the masses with words that are easy on the ears of their members. The easier the words, the more members come and listen. In some respects, this is a form of entertainment and NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If the Apostle Paul taught today as he did 2,000 years ago, he would have a lot of discontented religious people to face, gritting their teeth and casting derogatory comments at him. “You're a demon! You're the one causing contention against the church!” And so on...

Paul's teaching of the Gospel of Christ would not be accepted by the leaders of religious businesses of today. He would not be allowed to speak before their gatherings. He would be shunned in favor of golden-tongue preachers who graduated with an MBA and seminary teachings. He would be too judgmental for today's religious members.

For the most part, the teachings of Paul, especially the teaching concerning these leaders being lazy, not working and supporting their families, being a burden and consequently a hindrance to the Gospel of Christ, would not be acceptable. The above teaching is avoided at all cost by these religious leaders. They expect to be paid from the “tithes and offerings” on the merit that they are working full-time as a minister.

The Apostle Paul worked both day and night, supporting himself and paying his way through his missions. He did not take any “tithes and offering” to support him, but sent any monetary gifts to the church in Jerusalem and other church areas of need. His primary message was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He set himself as a living example and so stated within the epistles to the Thessalonians.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the primary and only gospel. It's a crying shame that so many church businesses teach other gospels and ignoring the teachings of the Truth.

I've said this so many times, quoting Jesus, “Many who say 'Lord, Lord' will not enter into the Kingdom!” There are many fakes, many false teachers, pastors, ministers, and etc. who purport to be anointed. They often teach another gospel(s) which is NOT the Gospel of Jesus.

I prefer to emulate the Apostle Paul... work both day and night supporting my family... and teach the Truth, be prepared to identify falsehood and deception, and to do exactly what Jesus told us concerning good fruit and bad fruit. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news, especially for those who earnestly seek the Truth.

Hindrance

By Ken Parks, March 4, 2014

There are many things that are a hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Previously, I mentioned in the article “Burden” about how purported ministers have placed a burden on their church business members to financially support them. Paul wrote that this act is a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

The hindrance that Paul talks about is for the most part
an interference in growing in the grace and knowledge of
Jesus Christ.

There are other hindrances. One of the church businesses major form of a hindrance is the “wealth doctrine.” I often refer to this as the “Greed Doctrine.” Several TV ministers continue to beg for donations by claiming they are financially anointed. Then they con others to give them money and in return will receive a blessing of 100 fold. That's right! Give to the greedy instead of the needy. This is outrageous! We are to give to the needy and NOT to the greedy.

This is what these con men say, “God is a god of increase.” They use this as a primary reason that God is to provide a financial increase... “a super positive.”

These con men are very convincing especially to those who are ignorant of the Word of God. This is nothing but a greedy doctrine and a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Unbelievers watch these con men on TV and remark, “There ya go! Churches wanting money and promising a financial windfall. What a crock!”

The good news of Jesus is thrown aside all because the religious con men place a hindrance in the path of righteousness. They promise a “miracle of wealth.” They promise an increase of one-hundred fold. They promise blessings of material wealth. Even unbelievers can see through this facade.

Unbelievers are less likely wanting to see the error of their ways and turn in faith to a God of salvation. They are disgusted in the teachings derived from so-called church. And they don't want anything to do with religion.

A spiritual lock and chain becomes the devils tools to hinder
ones growth in Christ. Self-centered ego supersedes above those
things of God, and it becomes a lock-hold in advancing the fruits
of the Spirit.

The con men attempt to persuade with “miracle spring water” and deliverance from poor health and an increase in wealth. The fake ministers proclaim how great these financial blessings are happening with many wonderful stories. And of course, you have to promote their “miracle spring water” in order to increase in YOUR financial well being. Then they pray in the name of Jesus that all of this will be accomplished.

It sounds too good to be true. God is a wishing well... as long as you give your hard working money to these religious con men.

Jesus and his disciples never taught such craziness. They brought forth the teaching of salvation. They became witnesses of the Word of God. They never taught the wealth doctrine. Jesus recognized the fakes by proclaiming that many will come to Him in that day saying, “Lord, Lord, we have done many wonderful works in your name.” And Jesus will tell them, “I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

If they don't turn from their evil ways, hindering the gospel of Christ, these false ministers will find themselves on that day of being separated from Christ, not allowed to enter His Kingdom, and worse, facing a fiery eternal death. Not very comforting.

Yes, they have their heyday on earth, ripping people off in the name of Jesus, all for the almighty dollar. Whether they are delusional or for whatever reason, they must know that there is an ultimate separation, the same place that Jesus described as “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

There is a price to pay for causing the hindrance of the gospel of Christ.

Burden

By Ken Parks, 02/18/2014

Most of us take on responsibilities of supporting our families and ourselves without becoming a burden on society. The Apostle Paul felt the same way and had written in his epistles his actions of being an example of a worker both in labor and in ministry. 

Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. (1 Thessalonian 2:9, NIV)

Paul had a great concern for the Thessalonian people. He performed physical labor in the making and mending of tents. Although this letter does not specify the type of work, but we know from Acts 18:3 that Paul was a tent-maker. So, the presumption is that he used this vocation to support himself. He bought his own food, paid for a place to lay his head at night, and any other expenses.

He was not a burden.

He did not ask for “tithes and offerings.” And as Paul labored , he ministered the word of God. He did not establish or participate in javelin or discus throwing ministry or chariot racing ministry. He did not set up a singing or music ministry. He did not create a tea ministry. And, he did not provide a water ministry.

Most purported ministers often beg for money via the tithe doctrine.

Paul, as a good steward, brought forth only one ministry, the ministry to preach everlasting life through Jesus Christ. And he did so without being a burden to others. He did not try to take advantage of others by means of “contributions” or “donations.” He did not write his epistles for the purpose of producing copies to sell for financial gain.

Paul was productive; he contributed to being self-supportive. The Thessalonian saw this as an example of not being a burden to their people.

nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. (2 Thessalonian 3:8, NIV)

The message here is simple: We are not to be a financial burden to others while ministering the Word of God.

For the most part, so-called ministers believe in the tithe doctrine. They expect to be paid for the service of preaching. And they pressure the members of their religious organization to open their wallets and contribute to their cause, “Come on people! This is a business!”

A $3.8 million pipe organ was built into the church business' place
of worship. 

Most people may not know this small bit of information: More than 80% of the contributions by means of “tithe and offerings” goes toward the salary of the preacher and his staff. The balance goes to pay for the utilities, the building fund or whatever. And less than 3% is used to give to the needy.

I have a saying, “Give to the needy... not the greedy.”

Paul wrote and explained that if we reap material things from others and not be self-supportive, then we hinder the gospel of Christ. Please refer to 1 Corinthians 9:11. Today, most so-called ministers fail to see the importance of Paul's teaching on this important subject. Instead, they are a continual financial burden and bring disgrace to the gospel of Christ.

The Apostle Paul set up an example for real Christians, those who are part of Ekklesia, to not be a financial burden to others.

Mickey Mouse Doctrine - By Ken Parks

The church businesses in the metro Atlanta area seem to maintain consistency in avoiding some key scriptures. One of these religious organizations recently offered a 16-week set of sermons on “The Sermon on the Mount.” And, they did not disappoint in regards to avoiding key scripture. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR1Yc4QIb4Q

The last of the sixteen sermons was based on the latter part of “The Sermon on the Mount,” specifically Matthew 7:13 through 29. The beginning of the sermon concentrated on entering into the gate.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. ~ Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

The leader of this religious business went on to describe entry into Disney World theme park, and as he was trying to find similarities to the above ascribed verses, the pianist played “It's a Small World,” one of Disney's popular songs. The five-minute discourse seemed to be a far cry from the “narrow gate” that Jesus described. If anyone has visited Disney World, there is not a narrow gate; there are many gates. And getting into the theme park is not difficult. The only similarity I found was that there was a gate, and many who find it as a wide gate.

After jokingly making the attempted similarity, and I might add, failing at that, the leader skipped Matthew 7:15-23 and went on, without missing a beat, to Matthew 7:24-29.

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ~ Matthew 7:15-23


I consider Matthew 7:15-23 a very important set of scripture, warnings, and a clarification of those who are real followers as compared to the fakes. Sixteen weeks of sermons can easily be taught just on these set of verses.


The five minutes of the Mickey Mouse Doctrine superseded even the thought of reading out loud of Matthew 7:15-21. Perhaps, the skipping of these verses was to avoid any controversy about how the prophets, today's leaders of religious businesses, are false pastors, teachers, scribes (authors), and the “wolves in sheep clothing.” Jesus summed it up by saying that these “many” who say “Lord, Lord” will not make it into His Kingdom.

And He plainly tells them, “I never knew you.”