What seed? v23n15

What seed?

V23n15

What exactly is that you have faith in? If you ask this question to Christians, the majority will answer that they have faith in God and His Word, the Bible. However, if the truth be known, most often that which they are attributing to God and His Word, is in reality based on or after man’ traditions and doctrines, and this is what they are adhering to, rather then the Word. (2Tim 4:3-4) They gather to themselves teachers or preachers that say that which they want to hear. Those that will speak to them smooth things. Why is this? How does this happen?

It is taught and often pictured in many church buildings, that there were three wise men at the manger. (Matt 2:11) Yet, even though God’s Word is quite clear on this matter, how many continue to allow this lie to be told? Some for that matter, even promote it. (I even had one preacher justify this, by telling me that it made for a better story. Is that all the Bible is to some, just a collection of nice stories?) In continuing with this fallacy (whether by silence or direct participation) they are giving direct support to that which opposes the very Word of God. How many Christians do you know, that will take a firm stand against this lie? Is it that there are so few Christians (Matt 7:13-14) that know how to rightly divide the Word of truth? (Heb 5:14).

If the above portrayal was only an isolated incident, it would not be quite as hard to take. (Though myself, I will not be silent or still for any misrepresentation of God’s Word). Much of what is presently being taught in these church buildings today, center and play on a persons emotions, and in some instances one’s greed. Can you tell me why this is?

One teaching that is very prominent in and among the faith circles today, is that you make your money a seed, and plant it in the preachers work or ministry, and they tell you that God will bless it, and give a person up to a one hundred fold return on their investment. (Mark 10:29-30) Could someone please show me the scriptural soundness of this message or teaching? The reference that they use from the gospel of Mark, makes absolutely no reference to money, nor to seeds. Could it be that they are reading from one of these modern translations? One that adjusts the teaching to suit and please society, rather then to be pleasing to God? (2Cor9:6-7)

Luke 8:11, Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. KJV

1 Peter 1:23, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. KJV

Gal 3:16, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (KJV)

The seed, is the Word of God, who is Christ! In all of the teachings the Lord gave to us and recorded within the gospels, the seed is the Word of God. It is not dollar bills, checks or credit card charges, contrary to what many are teaching and preaching. Can you show me where exactly it is in the Bible, that Jesus Christ used this method to extort money from the people? Or where He had to beg, plead with, or coerce the people to give to Him, so that His ministry would not be a failure?

Paul in writing to the Church at Corinth, (some twenty plus years after the Lord’s resurrection) makes a very bold, and thought provoking statement, that many people do not want to hear, or perhaps not able to hear.

2 Corinthians 2:17, For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. KJV

Definition for corrupt: 2585 kapeleuo- 1) to be a retailer, to peddle 2) to make money by selling anything a) to get sordid gain by dealing in anything, to do a thing for base gain b) to "trade" (traffic) in the word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth c) to corrupt, to adulterate; peddlers were in the habit of adulterating their commodities for the sake of gain.

2Cor 2: 17 We are; for, unlike most teachers, we are not fraudulent hucksters of God's Message; but with transparent motives, as commissioned by God, in God's presence and in communion with Christ, so we speak. (Weymouth translation)

Note, that Paul is quite clear and precise to say that he is not as the many teachers or preachers of his time, that were in it for the money! Most were in it to make a good or comfortable living from it. They would peddle or make merchandise of the gospel message, just as many preachers do today, and would use whatever means necessary, that would allow them to make a monetary gain for themselves.

What about many of the churches and ministries today, are they really any different then the ones that Paul talks about and describes? They have numerous items that they have for sale. Anything from tapes, books, anointed cloths, or vials of holy water or oil. Still others will promote “their” new buildings, by selling you bricks or pieces of glass for your part in supporting “their” work. Isn’t this the exact reason for which Jesus Christ drove the moneychangers from the temple? (Matt 21:12, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46, John 2:14-17).

Paul stated it quite clearly, that he was to make known the gospel of Jesus Christ without charge. Yet today, we hear preachers constantly selling “their” latest revelation from God, for a gift of $29.99; or you can get an autographed copy for a gift of $20 more. What if God were to charge us for His Word, would there be anyone that could afford to pay that which it is worth? How is it that the Church has fallen for all of these gimmicks?

People are quick to say that they are seeking the truth, but more often then not, they are embracing some man’s traditions, doctrines or rituals, instead of the Word of God. The Bible tells us quite clearly, that it is His people that perish, or are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. They are ever learning, but never able to come to a working knowledge of the truth of God’s Word. This is why the Word tells us that some will depart from the faith (the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ), giving heed to seducing spirits (antichrist) and doctrines of devils. (Whatever is not of faith {the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ} is sin!).

Yet, when these misrepresentations of the Word are brought up to or before the people, they will defend the pastor or the teacher, instead of taking a stand for the Word of God. Doesn’t the Word tells us, that we should hold God to be true, and every man a liar? (Rom 3:3-4) One should be studying for His approval, so that you never have reason to be ashamed when you stand before Him.

What kind of seed have you been planting or spreading? What is it that happens to those that have a part in leading anyone astray? (Luke 17:1-2). How many have read that there is but One who sows? (John 4:37). Remember earlier, we mentioned what the seed is? The seed is the Word of God. It does not matter what anyone else says that it is, God in His Word clearly tells us that the seed is His Word. Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians, (Gal 3:16) that the seed is Christ. Yet, who do people believe for an explanation of what the seed is, God or man?

Galatians 6:7-8, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. KJV

If one will continue in the faith, (the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ), laying the good foundation (1Cor 3:11) that is established on “the Rock” which is immovable, (Col 1:23), Christ in you, the hope of glory. This very Word of God that was sent to all of the world. How can you improve on that which God has already done?

You are to be that example of the believer, that is, one that follows the doctrine of Christ. Who’s, or what message are you following?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka