“…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (Luk 12:48)
October 25, 2020
The Worldwide Ministry Outreach
The first century apostles of the Christian faith covered the world with the gospel message after Christ’s ascension and many nations have retained some form of Christianity since that time. Americans who primarily spread the gospel by outreach call themselves evangelicals. From early evangelism in America by Jonathan Edwards to the more recent nationwide campaigns of the late Rev. Billy Graham, America has had a long history of getting the message of Christ out to the nation and around the world.
From the First Great Awakening that hit Europe and America in the 18th century, people came to understand that there was much more to learn about their faith in God than what they were limited to in their church group. Evangelical messages crossed denominational lines to affect believers of the Catholic Church; Protestant faiths of Baptists, Pentecostals and its offshoots of the Holiness Movement; unbelievers and non-Christian religions. Spiritual knowledge became readily available to believers through radio, television, camp meetings, and books. Christians began to educate themselves and grow spiritually in the mainline churches, causing their churches to evolve whether they wanted to or not. Evangelicals were instrumental in getting new knowledge moved through denominational lines as laypersons were willing to try God afresh; i.e. speaking in tongues, spirituals gifts, miracles, revivals. Secular life, rationalism and demands for organization have a way of quenching the Spirit’s move and inhibiting the plan of God until the next move.
The 20th century media outreach of evangelicals brought finances to reach more people through camp meetings, telethons, television programming and conferences nationwide that provided for layperson study tapes, videos and books. Jesus said: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Mat 24:14).” Churches did indeed attempt to send the message around the world but it remains to be determined if that scripture has been fulfilled. Jesus said “this” gospel, which indicates the message He taught was what had to be disseminated around the world. The question today is whether or not the true message that Jesus taught was transmitted. Present day discouragement would argue no. The message Jesus Christ and the apostles taught changed people, nations and the world for the better. It did not project discrimination, greed or nationalism. When we look at religious programming going around the world today and the condition of the church and world, we would have reason to question what is indeed being taught and is it the same gospel. The gospel is pure but the motive of men is not always pure. Jesus portrayed this for us and said “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth (Joh 17:19).”
Literature Exposing Evangelical Motives
There have been some very revealing books written recently that call out the motive behind the evangelical and prosperity movements. Jesus did not come with a political agenda nor did He teach the church to have one. His mission was one of sacrifice to provide restoration for the people. He spoke of a spiritual kingdom, not white nationalism. He spoke of storing up in heaven, not here on earth. Jesus had a financial treasurer but His focus was on souls rather than the gold. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy…”(1Ti 6:17). Apostle Peter had to be rebuked by Apostle Paul over a spirit that was both hypocritical and prejudiced to favor his own culture.
We have seen evangelicals do the good work of teaching about Jesus and sending their message around the world; but we have also seen their personal focus on money, life style, and racial supremacy distort the true message of Christ. It is noteworthy that the Jews could not qualify as priesthood to the world because they could not overcome similar personal sins. The primary message taught through evangelical outreach is confess Jesus and give them money to be blessed like them. That is not the message Christ taught while on earth! It is understandable that that message has not much improved our world. True Christian disciples are supposed to teach, walk out and be the message they proclaim; but the witness is lost if the minister’s life lies. The first apostles both witnessed the message with their work and lives. Their testimonies withstood until the end. No one is perfect but actions betray the heart.
Some of the books recently written by white authors expose the true motive of the evangelical movement as one that is purposed on gaining political power, riches and acclaim for themselves. Evangelicals have rallied its people from the days of Jerry Falwell, Sr. Moral Majority behind racial motives, fighting abortion and gay rights, and promoting white political power. Even though some of their focus was on true Christian goals like maintaining family values, their failure to self-correct and racial prejudice polluted their righteous goals. For the sake of balance, criticism of the religious right does not signify promotion of the cause of the liberal left. The church is called to correct the church, not the world. “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person (1Co 5:12-13).” Let’s turn our discussion to the evangelical emphasis to promoting white power, white race and nationalism.
The Jew First, Then the Greek (Gentiles)
First of all, Jesus made it clear that His gospel message was sent to the Jew first and that they were the chosen people of God. Jesus came to restore the people of Israel and fulfill the promise made to Abraham that his descendants would be a chosen priesthood to the world.
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Mat 15:24
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom 1:16
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Mat 10:5-6
The Old Testament taught the Messiah would come to both Jew and gentile but first to restore His own people as priesthood to the world. Apostle Paul was a special emissary to the gentile nations but even he went to the Jew first. It’s important to our subject to realize that the special people the Messiah chose were His own people, born from on the African continent who were dark-skinned people like the first biblical families, not white skinned. It is also important to note that Jesus is not coming back for skin, but for clean hearts. The evangelical quest for racial superiority denies this fact and promotes a lie spun by Satan. The quest for racial purity was already defeated in Adolf Hitler, which concept he stole from the example of racial prejudice in America. It is the truth that sets us free and it cannot be glossed over. Elevating the truth rather than a lie will help people grow beyond the lie. Paul clearly taught the gentiles about this stumbling block of high-mindedness in Rom. 11/1Ti 6:17. Jesus taught about a people chosen because of a love covenant made to Abraham due to his faith in God. It was about faith and obedience, not racial supremacy. In Deu 7:7, God made it clear that Israel was not chosen because they were special but because He made an oath with their fathers. In Ex 32:9, God called them a “stiffnecked people” and in Exo 33:3 He threatened to cut them off. He later did cut them off and turned His favor toward the gentiles. All nations are blessed and brought to inclusion through faith in Christ.
Blessings vs. Prosperity Message
A major lie that evangelicals have propagated that should be dispelled is the prosperity message. It is harmful because in Deu 28, God spoke a blessing and favor for man based on obedience to His voice and a curse for disobedience. Any person, good or evil, can give money to a minister but that does not make the person blessed even if he receives a windfall. Jesus spoke of the odds against a rich man entering heaven. Abraham was not blessed because he offered burnt sacrifices. He was blessed because he believed God. He followed God’s voice into a strange land, believed for conception of a child in his old age and was willing to sacrifice his only son. “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rom 4:3). Poor believers have been told they will be blessed by giving money to the ministers when Jesus actually practiced and told His ministers to give money and food to the poor.
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. Joh 13:29
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. Mat 14:16
The children of Israel coming out of Egyptian bondage were told by God to give back to Him once they came into their blessing in the Promised Land.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you, Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD. Num 15:18-19
We also saw Apostle Paul taking up money from the congregation of gentiles to give to the poorer members of the Jewish congregation.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. Rom 15:26-27
Deliverance for Poor Blacks and Whites
We both saw and were told that Jesus came to bring deliverance to those that were bound (Is 61). Those that were sick, impoverished, hungry, ignorant, grieved, demonized or lost were ministered help from Christ. Christ came to restore God’s children to wholeness and the church was commanded to do the same. The rich man of Mat 19:22 missed out because he would not give his money to the poor. The prosperity teaching of white evangelicals is particularly harmful if they have failed to share the responsibility of their people to help their own poor because an outcry has gone out from them that has disrupted the order of society. Poor whites have long accused black people of taking their place and resources, where in fact their own white leaders have failed to care for them as the scriptures require. God takes particular notice of the neglect of the poor (whom He has commanded the church and the rich to help) and He responds to their cry. Charity does begin at home. Apostle Paul taught that if a man does not take care of the people of his own household, he is worse than an infidel (1Ti 5:8). This teaching requires us to care for our own family first and afterward we minister help to those outside. White American evangelicals have gone around the world to feed the hungry when there are poor and hungry people in their own backyards. We observe in the scriptures that the first thing the upper room believers did was to share their means with each other until all needs were met; and God greatly blessed their fellowship.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Act 2:44-45
Racial Conflict Solutions
One of the major problems we are contending with today in our society is that some poor whites are fearful and willing to fight to prevent losing their possessions or rights to other minorities when; in fact, the white race holds the majority power and wealth of America and can feed their poor and others whenever they want. The lack that is being experienced in this pandemic is the need for resources to feed, clothe, house, school and uphold the poor and failing businesses because of a mismanagement by white authority at the head of our government who are counseled by white Christian evangelicals. Even though money has been approved in the House of Representatives for the emergency needs of the people, the mostly white Republicans in the Senate are refusing to provide the resources for the needy. They have instead decided to withhold provision from the poor and enlarge their own and their friends’ coffers. Jesus rebuked the Jewish Temple leaders for the oppression of their own people whom He came to set free. These temple leaders were not long afterward expelled. We saw in the Old Testament destruction of Korah and Sodom and Gomorrah, a plague of the Egyptian Pharaoh with pestilences, and Israel at war brought on by the sins of the people. God might well ease our suffering in this pandemic if Christians would insist on us and our leaders doing that which is right. It has been reported that the U.S. stock market is exploding for the wealthy while others in the pandemic are losing homes, businesses and their children’s education. Early in my Christian walk, the Spirit of God revealed to me in scripture His financial plan for the church as a result of my agonizing over finances needed for personal life, church and government. If such information was available to a babe in Christ, surely mature evangelicals and church leaders must know.
The above information is important because it was Christian evangelicals that sponsored, even laid hands on, the president who is at the root of the worse man-made economic crisis in America’s history. At the root of our current crisis of faith, politics, economics, race, failing society, and even voter suppression are evangelicals who are in religious error, greedy for money, racist and who refuse to repent or be corrected. They marvel at their knowledge of God’s man and plan but cannot see their way through the storm. Their agenda is not that of God because nowhere in scripture does God condone racial hatred, suppression of the poor/immigrant, caging of babies, lying, stealing, multiple marriages, adultery or promotion of the evil which are all popular with the republicans. The problem is, Donald Trump is all of those things but yet has a Christian backing from a large group of churches/mega churches with wealthy and well-known pastors who claim they know Jesus, that same Jesus who fed the hungry. They claim they know the Jesus who said, “give ye them something to eat.” They claim they know the Jesus who healed the sick, rather than send them off for exorbitant medical expense. They claim that know the Jesus who had pity on the poor and traveled from heaven to earth to relieve the poor, afflicted, bound, fearful, imprisoned, immigrant, brokenhearted and lost. They claim God has sent them their Cyrus but Cyrus was an ungodly king used by God to help His disobedient people sentenced to bondage. The claim is not something to boast of. I submit that these evangelicals have lied to their congregations, to the President of the United States, to the people of America and those around the world. Many of them are well cared for with their own wealth while many of the citizens of America are sick or dying, hungry, homeless, distressed, losing businesses and weary over the future of their families. The place where many American Christians have given their wealth and heart has failed to help them in time of crisis because their ministers prepared their own cupboards for crisis rather than teach the people how to prepare for this bible prophesied hour. While the people have their hands out toward the government for help and are being teased or denied, some of the first ones in line to be helped are their wealthy mega church leaders and wealthy businesses. God is observing it all. I submit that God has allowed the set up in high office one very much like them, whose sins are in the open though evangelicals do not see them through their rose-colored glasses that only identify wealth and power. These “Christian leaders” have mocked God by their worldly agenda, evil associates, controversy with scripture and have brought cause for one to wonder if they ever possessed salvation. I submit that this is their time and cause to repent if by chance they can see their error.
These evangelicals have lied about the gospel message and associated with evil. They have denied Christ’s call for support for the poor. They have failed to respond with Christ’s love to settle the racial crisis where poor whites blame black people for wanting their fair share after over 400 years of white oppression. They have professed fear and ignorance in knowing how to deal with these problems that are so clearly spelled out in scripture with God’s solution. The coming of Christ directly deals with every single one of the emerging problems and their unpreparedness reveals they are not in touch with the Lord. They have added to the problem by promoting this President, someone they claim is Christian but who has no evidence, and by promoting his racist policies with the ballot. While the evangelicals should be called out for their treachery to the cross and the people, they have remained silent while sheltered from the crisis by the nest of their wealth. When all the trouble clears, they will still be wealthy, in power and ready to resume their message of prosperity through receiving the people’s wealth. Jesus stated “The hireling fleeth” when the wolf/trouble comes (Joh 10:13).
These evangelical leaders have polluted the gospel message and sought their heaven here on earth as the scriptures foretold:
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2Ti 3:4-7).
End time Deception
The bible is replete with prophetic messages from Daniel, John and Jesus who foretold or rebuked false leaders purposing unity of church and civil government for false leadership to deceive and control end time believers. Now is the time when believers need to search out the word and concentrate on what they said:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Joh 10:1
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. Joh 10:1-14
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mat 24:4-5
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Dan 11:32
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 1Jn 2:18
The crucifixion of Christ gave every person access to the Father and tore down all fleshly barriers that would prevent one from entering the kingdom of God by faith. Every soul with breath is welcome to come to Christ. He made it clear He would be coming back for His body made up of many nations. He also taught that a house divided could not stand. These are basic truths that every Christian believer should know. If evangelicals cannot teach and live by these truths, how can they qualify as teachers or if they have not first healed their own house? They cannot do by government leadership that which God ordained His ministers promote through transformed lives and changed hearts. Where is the scripture stating the government or president would will heal the land? II Chron. 7:14 clearly calls His people to repent of their sin so God could heal the land. Where does God tell the New Testament church to fill the court with judges to make the people more moral by law? “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jn 2:15)”. It is still not too late to believe the Lord. Jesus saved one man after nailed to the cross. Nineveh was saved after pronouncement of destruction. No problem or need is too great for God. Whatever the problem, God can turn it around. He is still the miracle worker. He is the shelter we can run to when everything seems to be coming apart. He is that Rock and sure foundation on which one can stand and not fall. He is the only one that will never leave or forsake you. Jesus gave plenty of warning to the believer about the evil of this world but He promised to be with the believer. Let’s not get distracted in this season by looking to man rather than Christ. It is Jesus Christ that we need in this hour!
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mat 11:28-30
Truth and Life Ministries of Christ with Apostle Joyce Reba Payne 