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To: PastorBooks

I believe it was “The Normal Christian Church Life” published by Intervarsity Press in the early ‘70’s.

Transformational book in my my life and ministry. The Lord clearly told me when about 25 to leave full-time “professional” ministry (supported by finances from others) and to follow Paul’s and the Lord Jesus’ example - by being self-supporting, never asking for support (receiving support occasionally, but never as a result of requesting it).

The only collection Paul ever took was not for himself or his “ministry”, but for the starving saints in Jerusalem going through famine.

The calling to ministry never changed - just that I was to never look to saints for my supply, but only to the Lord and the work of “my own hands.” I can say that for almost 50 years, He has never failed to supply. He is faithful.

It is one of the worst of all contradictions for a man serving God to on one hand say, “God is faithful and will supply all of your needs” to others - but then on the other hand, reach out to others for provision for himself, his ministry, or his church (no man dared call a church “his church” in the Bible). I believe in essence it effectually destroys the credibility of his whole ministry and is one of the worst examples of the practice of hypocrisy.


57 posted on 04/30/2013 5:04:01 AM PDT by Arlis (.)
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To: Arlis

Amen! Wonderful post!


73 posted on 04/30/2013 6:50:17 PM PDT by PastorBooks
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