Stop Selling Your Birthright: A Grievous Sin in the Modern Church

💰 Stop Selling Your Birthright: A Grievous Sin in the Modern Church

✝️ In today's Christian landscape, some ministers are exchanging their spiritual birthrights for financial gain, similar to Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew. This grievous act involves charging money and fees, creating systems where believers feel pressured to give out of necessity, contrary to the biblical command to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). This shift distorts the nature of true Christian giving, turning it into a transaction instead of an act of worship and love.

Additionally, some ministries are charging membership fees and giving preferential treatment to those who contribute larger sums. This creates an unbiblical hierarchy where the wealthy gain access to greater privileges, while others are marginalized. James 2:1-9 clearly condemns favoritism in the church, warning that partiality contradicts the law of love. The church should be a place where every believer, regardless of financial status, is welcomed and honored equally.

Worse yet, many churches have begun charging admittance fees for ministry events, a practice akin to selling spiritual gifts. This is not only a betrayal of God's Word but also a direct affront to the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:18-20, Simon the sorcerer was rebuked for trying to buy the gifts of the Spirit with money, a stark reminder that the power of God is not for sale. The church is not to prostitute itself by attaching a price tag to ministry or making it a business venture. This "harlot" behavior grieves God and quenches the Spirit, closing the windows of heaven that should pour out blessings (Malachi 3:8-10).

God’s gifts are meant to be given freely, just as they have been freely received (Matthew 10:8). The Holy Spirit and the grace of God cannot be bought or sold. Ministries that engage in such practices are not only robbing God but also exploiting His people for "filthy lucre" (1 Peter 5:2). They turn the sacred into the profane, prioritizing profit over purity. This commercialization of the Gospel is a direct violation of the church’s calling and must be repented of.

In conclusion, the church must repent from using worldly methods to generate profit and return to a biblical model of charity, humility, and freely giving. Ministers are stewards of God's grace, not merchants of His gifts. The church must remember that her foundation is not in wealth or influence but in Christ alone. Only then can the true power and blessing of the Holy Spirit flow freely, without hindrance.

Do not charge money for this type of event!

Do not pay money for this type of event! 

Example.

https://www.bennyhinn.org/pastor-benny-hinns-50th-year-anniversary-party/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFFzktleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZrqVYWNqSYk98oA0jZq74vBYnBJ09iKx77tAUo37YYlSOjnOksAkIRi6g_aem_uaur2_CAA9Vv1pLKpfWb9A

The Sinners Prayer

🙏Title: The Sinner's Prayer: Embracing Faith in Jesus Christ

The Sinner's Prayer has long been a cornerstone of Christian tradition, offering believers a heartfelt expression of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Rooted in the conviction of trusting in Jesus and relying on the eternal truth of God's Word, it serves as a profound declaration of one's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice for redemption.

At its core, the Sinner's Prayer embodies a sincere acknowledgment of human fallibility and a humble plea for divine mercy. It signifies a turning point in an individual's spiritual journey, where they consciously choose to surrender their lives to Christ and seek forgiveness for their sins.

The prayer itself is a simple yet profound affirmation of faith, often personalized by individuals as they pour out their hearts before God. It acknowledges Jesus as the Savior, trusting in His word and the unfailing truth of Scripture. It embraces the belief in Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for the atonement of sins, His resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of God.

Central to the Sinner's Prayer is the recognition of Jesus as the propitiation for sin, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It is an expression of gratitude for His boundless love and grace, which offers salvation to all who believe.

Moreover, the Sinner's Prayer underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them to live a life pleasing to God. Through faith in Christ, individuals become adopted as sons and daughters of God, heirs to His kingdom and recipients of His unmerited favor.

In essence, the Sinner's Prayer encapsulates the essence of Christian faith—a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, a declaration of trust in Jesus Christ, and a commitment to follow Him faithfully. It is a profound act of surrender, paving the way for a life transformed by the redeeming love of God.