The Church of the Lord is the extension of His arm. Therefore, it must behave like Jesus did in His days on Earth. James, Peter, and John addressed this matter when they gave their blessing to Paul, sending him to the Gentiles: They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do. (Galatians 2.10). The churches must also do the complete work, just as Jesus did!

The fact of helping the less fortunate does not make us inferior to the brothers of the past, for Jesus gave us the example to imitate Him. We cannot say that we do not see the needy, for they have the right to be blessed like anyone else. However, those who only dedicate themselves to charity do not do good, because it is necessary to give people the instructions of divine promises (Malachi 3:8-12). Everyone should learn, for example, to give the tithe!

Today, we take advantage of the inventions of modern science. This knowledge allows us to reach various parts of the world, using technologies that, a few years ago, no one dreamed of having. With it, we can deliver a bit of the water that Jesus gives to some peoples. This water must be provided free of charge, as after receiving it, people will convert and spread the Gospel in their nation. The Lord rejoices when we are wise enough to obey the Great Commission (Mark 16.15).

On the other hand, in certain places, pastors are not enthusiastic about teaching the Lord's lessons. This happens with the missionaries who go to make donations to the churches that are in need of resources. Well, they forget that those who learn to give the tithe and the raised offerings will gain more from the Lord than those who only want to receive,‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20.35c). They harm the Church of Christ!

Once, I received a letter in which the person asked how much I would charge to baptize them in water, as a pastor had asked them for a certain amount to do so. This action shocked me because I had never heard of something like this happening to someone who understood that if they believed and were baptized, they would be saved. Many who do this will have to account for this cursed doctrine. Christ will judge them (2 Corinthians 5:10)!

The servants of God must be prepared to evade the enemy's traps. Without a doubt, the evil one will give this type of idea, as mentioned earlier, in order to lead some people to the lake of brimstone and fire, which will burn for eternity. Be a true servant of the Most High and overcome greed: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10.8).

The Bible says that it is honorable to give the pastor the prebend – a value granted by the church – so that he may live with royal dignity (1 Timothy 5:18). However, charging is wrong, and it displeases the Lord (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Therefore, stand firm in the sound doctrine that came from the lips of Jesus and never accept a gift for having prayed, and the person having received the blessing. We owe loyalty to the Heavenly Father. Be a clean servant!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares