Why do you think this scripture is ignored by the "professional" ministers?

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   celafoeposted 10 years ago

   Why do you think this scripture is ignored by the "professional" ministers?
   
   2 Cor 4:  5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

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   PlanksandNailsposted 10 years ago

   "Professional" means that these ministers were created by man and their traditions, not by the working power of the Holy Spirit. Professional ministers need payment for what they do. They please man; they serve for salary.
   
   A true minister will glorify Jesus Christ, not himself. They will serve because it is the working of grace in them, not working for the monetary. 
   
   If you are salaried to serve you have already disqualified yourself from true ministry because you are doing it for monetary gain.
   
   Did Jesus Christ ever say that you must make a living off of the Good News of the Gospel that must be dispensed from pulpits by salaried professionals?
   
   A professional minister is an oxymoron.

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      BuffaloGal1960posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The Bible does say a workman is worth his hire. While there are many who beg for money and some who mishandle money, always has been, probably always will be, I d on't think we should lump all ministers together.

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      PlanksandNailsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Both Jesus and Paul say the laborer is worthy of his wages, but the context is about being sustained with food, drink and shelter, not a salary.Yes we can lump all salaried ministers (hirelings) who have made a career of giftings and the Gospel.

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      graceinusposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      PandN Great answer. You are correct in so many ways.

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      celafoeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      P&N -- I agree 100%

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   graceinusposted 10 years ago

   I believe the best example of a true minister is our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a carpenter by trade. Which is how He had earned a living while on this earth. No where in the bible does it state that our Lord took money for His ministry. And still He manage to spread the Gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead and feed 5000 at least once or twice and this list goes on. These were the great signs of His grace.
   
   You wouldn't get a so called minister now days to do all that for free. They want MONEY.

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      celafoeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thats the curse of being a "professional "  instead of a "Bond Slave"  as our example were.

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   Get Thin for Goodposted 10 years ago

   Many are too busy following after their own selfish lusts. Some are not even saved. The Holy Spirit should be able to speak through them. They shouldn't have to prepare their own notes, but should rather spend time in His presence so that His Spirit can do the work through them.

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      celafoeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes  you are correct

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   Oscarlitesposted 10 years ago

   So much I could say. Ministry is a calling. one of the requirements Jesus once told the disciples to go out without script or bread.  I think from this we hear him saying, "I want you to rely on me".  In another place when we read, " muzzle not the Ox that treadeth out the corn".   however certain ministries today barely even subtly teach your answer is waiting in the size of the ($) "seed" that you plant!.  One thing that I'm sure of is that in the early church, the ministry shared the offering, and tithes. no one lacked. What came in to the church was shared by all. In some scriptures it suggests they had all things common. I'm sure the elders watched over the proceedings, and yes slowly it became clear that some were greedy. some were seeking to benefit. There has been a great turnaround to the bad I believe in our modern licensed churches. They present the idea that there is a class separation in the church. It is very obvious in many churches that someone "rules" and all else are to follow, or be ostracized. through my life I have witnessed so much greed through religion that its appalling. I've seen individuals declare, "that money is all mine because I am the pastor".   I've seen the group worship the leader like he was God or close to it. Respect and Reverance can get out of control. When the one who is biblically the "Shepherd" he is to use all of his resources and energy to lead and help the "sheep".  Jesus is actually the True Shepherd.  Just because you are a pastor or a leader in the church doesn't give you special "class" rights of society. As your reference Scripture, Paul states "we don't preach about ourselves, We preach Jesus, and Him crucified!".  Other scriptures show that these Gospel Apostles, and disciples took their calling seriously. They left all to Follow Christ. Some today rather follow for what they can get.  No, its not necessary if you are a minister to take an oath of poverty. But you better well be Serving others and have a heart of giving. For that is what the Gospel is all about. Peter at the Gate beautiful to a man who was lame. reaching out to take his hand, spoke his conviction "silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I unto thee.  In the Name of Jesus Christ, ( the Son of God), Rise up and Walk!)"    I admit, its very hard sometimes to walk in a manner worthy that God will honor your works and your words, but Peter apparently had that kind of relationship, to see those miracles happen.

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      celafoeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with all you say with the exception that there were NO tithes in the early church a there are No tithes in the true church today.   They were only for the levites and only under the law which was fulfulled by Jesus.  so, invalid for 2000yrs

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   Deepes Mindposted 10 years ago

   There is a lot that could be said for this. There is a difference between a minister called by God and a minister called by self. Those called by themselves use the bible to push their particular agenda in an effort to gain control over others for personal gain. These ministers avoid scriptures that might endanger that effort

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      celafoeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      agreed

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