Jesus Christ vs the Evangelical Tithe

Jesus Christ vs the Evangelical Tithe

# 40: John wrote, “Many of His disciples…. said, ‘This is a hard saying.’ “ Jesus spoke many “sayings” that were hard to hear, accept and digest. John continues, “Many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” Being a disciple of Christ isn’t for wimps. A “saying” (statement) should not be judged by its severity but its validity. Evangelical, brace yourself for a “hard saying”…..

Not ONE pastor throughout evangelicalism can be considered a New Testament christian (one who endeavours to live by New Testament instructions and precedents). Said another way, EVERY pastor throughout evangelicalism can be considered a contemporary christian. (A contemporary – culturalized, modernized – christian is one who lives by what is considered normal and acceptable today.)

A New Testament pastor is appointed by Jesus (Ephesians 4:11: “He Himself gave some to be…. pastors”), gifted by the Holy Spirit with the ability and heart to nurture young and troubled christians. He is not the leader of an organized, institutionalized congregation…. not credentialed…. not compensated…. not titled. And he bonds with the those he oversees. This Ephesians 4:11 pastor abides in Christ and points others to Christ. Never would he demand or even accept a salary. (Jesus: “Freely you have received, freely give.”)

Adversely, a contemporary pastor is titled, salaried, appointed by man. He controls a non-biblical board-of-elders…. rejects “one another” ministry…. has almost zero interest in Christ’s Great Commission…. is relationally distant from his congregants.