Saturday, January 21, 2006

First Fruits??????????

First of all, I have a tremendous love for the Truth - the One Absolute Truth - the Word of God.

I hope not to offend anyone but this is my blog and I am compelled here at 1:30 in the morning to post because I am so tired of Paula White Ministries. Every year at this time she is all over the television "preaching" on first fruits. What got me so riled up this evening (or this morning) is a blatant misinterpretation of the beginning of Acts chapter 5. Please read:

Acts 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?"
She said, "Yes, for so much."

9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. NKJV

First of all, Paula White doesn't quote the passages but proceeds to give her "paraphrase" if you will. She tries to use this scripture to promote her idea of "First Fruits" - basically trying to convince people to give their first week/month (whatever) paycheck to God (or her ministry). She proceeds to say that Ananias was struck dead for keeping back a part of the proceeds. She then says that his wife, Sapphira, later walks in and is struck dead for keeping back part. She fails to mention what Peter said to them. They were NOT struck dead for keeping anything! Read the passages and you tell me why they were struck dead? The way I understand it, it was for telling a lie. They didn't have to give ANYTHING. They could have given whatever they wanted - it's the lie that got them into trouble.

Pretty scary to know that there is an account recorded in the New Testament of two individuals being struck dead for telling a lie. People lie all the time. Little white lies - whatever. A lie is a lie.

Moving on. I get so tired of these t.v. people wanting money. Paula White claims you will financially prosper for giving your "First Fruits" to God. Why would you tell someone that? What do you tell them when they DON'T financially proper? That their faith was weak? How horrible.

Why do they charge money for people to hear the gospel? Don't they get enough money from all the givers to help spread the gospel? I would surely think so. She dresses better than me and has better nails and hair. I'm sure she has a pretty nice home. I'm not trying to say there is something wrong with her looking nice. But, if you have to charge people money to hear the gospel then you need to give up something. The gospel is for all.

We visited a local church here in our community - a very large congregation - they charge money to participate in their workshops! They claim it's to pay for materials. Quit spending all your money on elaborate buildings and stained glass windows and you could offer this for free. Isn't the saving of souls more important?

Sign up to have Paula White on your cell phone - pay this fee? Should it cost money to hear the gospel?

Man, we've gotten so far off track. Nothing gets me worked up more than the twisting of scriptures.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. NKJV

9 comments:

Anne said...

Hi Suzie Badoozie, what are you doing up? Oh, it's the weekend.

I've updated this post since you read it. I didn't give a link to her website for a reason - didn't want her to get any more publicity than I already have.

I believe that if I had to give it all up to help another brother or sister, I hope I would. Trying to live below our means so that we can help another. It ain't easy. Maybe since I have so much junk I will get more money if I have to sell it all to give to another.

Anne said...

Okay, I republished and added a link to her first fruits page. I'm not happy but I guess I need to reveal a little bit.

keesh said...

Anne - thanks, you are a honest woman who knows the truth. I don't know who she is either, but I don't think you are promoting her by giving her link, you are simply educating people. Have you heard of the movie coming out the Davinci Code?

Suzy-Q said...

Great post Annie!

I had an Aunt who supported those tv preachers. She lived a lone and no one knew how much she gave to them. It was sad because she lived like a pauper.

Yes I believe they were struck dead for their lies and deceit, not because they kept the money.

I have a pretty good giving story. Since our money has been sooooo tight I hadn't been giving to church like we should have been but decided in 2006 that was going to change. The money we had given to this point was given back to us doubled this week in an unexpected gift. Cool!

Whistle Britches said...

I ran across an article on the net that used these verses to back up the electrocution of the pastor who was doing a baptism.

I have seen this woman you speak of and yes indeed she is a false prophet along with about 95% or more of other tv "preachers".

Anne said...

Uncle Joe - It baffles my brain to think of people who actually think it's okay to do this to people and on the other hand, do it just because they can.

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. NKJV

Kish - I've heard of the Divinci Code but I didn't know there was going to be a movie.

Suzie - Let's go get her!

Auntie J - It's so important for all people to have biblical knowledge. Otherwise, how are we to know the "ravenous wolves".

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. NKJV

keesh said...

yeah, there is. Tom Hanks is in it. Which I am just suprised by for some reason...it is scary there is a movie trying to prove that point. My understanding is it is a theory that Jesus got off the cross and never resurrected...but I could be wrong.

Anne said...

Satan always knows how to mix just enough truth with a lie just as he did with Adam and Eve.

keesh said...

Aint that the truth.