The Life of Christ (11)

1. The Life of Christ (11) Merchandising the Word of God Scriptures Ephesians 2:8–9 (NASB95) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Matthew 21:12 (NASB95) 12And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 2 Corinthians 2:17 (NASB95) 17For we are not like many, peddling (selling) the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB95) 7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. The Life of Christ (11)

2. The Life of Christ (11) • Merchandising the Word of God • God’s plan is based on the principle of grace, which denotes His unmerited (not deserved) favor and goodwill apart from human works. • The human race receives salvation as a gift from God by means of the work of Christ on the cross, not based on anything one has done to earn or deserve it. Eph. 2:9. • When people are forced to pay for information regarding God’s plan with either money, goods, or work this negates (denies) the grace of God and constitutes merchandising (selling) the Word of God. • Examples of merchandising the Word of God: • The moneychangers in the temple. Matt. 21:12. • People who sell doctrinal information (books, tapes, videos, CDs, DVDs) for a price. • People who claim to have special ministries and promote their programs by selling their services: music, health, counseling, etc. • Selling “religious” artifacts like crosses, prayer cloths, holy water, saint medals. Selling of religious relics on Ebay. The Life of Christ (11)

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4. The Life of Christ (11) • Merchandising the Word of God • Examples of merchandising the Word of God: (cont.) • People who charge for attending meetings where doctrine is taught. In general, conferences are not biblical since a shepherd (pastor-teacher) is not to teach other men’s sheep and sheep are not to be listening to multiple teachers. • Charging for forgiving sin(s); the Catholic Church calls this indulgences and they still practice it today. • It is the responsibility of the local church to provide Bible Doctrine free of charge to anyone who attends (believers and unbelievers). • Financial support of the church is a believer’s responsibility, but believers should not be pressured to give or made to feel guilty so they will give. IICor. 9:7 • Rather, it should be left up to the free will of the believer as he is led to apply based on Bible doctrine in the soul; the doctrine comes first, financial (and other) applications come later. The Life of Christ (11)

5. The Life of Christ (11) • Merchandising the Word of God • The practice of taking an offering at a “evangelistic crusade” is a violation since the audience is going to include many unbelievers. • New believers should not be pressured about finances, but need to grow in grace and the applications will come naturally. • The Local church should not resort to gimmicks to raise money, like car washes, bake sales, or any type of fund raising; one should never ask unbelievers to support God’s plan. • Also, tithing is part of the Old Testament Mosaic Law and was abolished for the Church Age; one may choose to give 10%, but it is not mandatory. The Life of Christ (11)