I want to use this occasion to bless you all for believing in me and supporting my calling and ministry. I feel so honoured when I receive your tithes and offerings every week. It is yet another Thanksgiving and Pastor’s appreciation Sunday, (1st Sunday in December) and I want to take time to teach you the truth.
We are not organizing this Thanksgiving and pastor’s appreciation Sunday because I desire a gift from you. You yourselves know what manner of man I have been among you since the day I came to Ga-East to do my missionary work:
- You know that these hands of mine have ministered to both my necessities and that of those with me.
- You know I have not coveted any man’s silver or gold or clothes.
- You know I have learned to live in want and abundance.
- You know I have not eaten any man’s bread for nothing.
- You know that I have not robbed nor cheated any of you of your reward or heritage.
[Philippians 4:10, 17 KJV] “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.”
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”
We are not organizing this event because I desire a gift. We are organizing this event because I desire fruit that may abound to your account. My true joy is to see you prosper; though many of you seem to “rule as kings and you prosper without us.”
[3 John 1] “I wish above all things that you will prosper and be in health, even as your souls prosper”
It is however important for me to emphasize that sending me an offering or tithe is not a gift; it is my entitlement. My apostolic rights and privileges, as clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 9. My emphasis is on 1 Corinthians 9:11 and the reference is Galatians 6:6. According to the text, those who preach the gospel must live by the gospel.
[1 Corinthians 9:7-9; 12-14 KJV] “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”
[8] “Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”
[12] “If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”
[13] “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? [14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
In this text, my apostolic rights and privileges include, but not limited to:
- Food and drink
- Full paid trips for me and my wife
- Reimbursement for all expenses I incur in the discharge of my Apostolic duties
- Paying for the up-keep of those who serve with me full time (my office staff and team)
Indeed, I can say with Apostle Paul that I have not abused this power. I preach the gospel willing and have not regretted doing so.
I am only offering us the occasion to sow into my life and ministry; so that we fulfill all righteousness for a good and prosperous new year. “Do not be deceived, whatsoever a man sow, so shall he reap.”
I rejoice greatly when I receive your appreciation. May the Lord give every one of you the grace to give and to sow into my life and ministry.
As you bring your offerings, please remember these;
1. An elder who rules well is worthy of double honour; especially those who labour in the word;
Do I rule well? Do I labour in the word? Answer it yourself and do fulfill that spiritual condition of sowing into my life for a good and prosperous new year.
Honestly, I don’t think we have to wait for a whole year to honour our pastor. It must have been something we do always. Some of us do it but we must all learn to do it (See 1 Timothy 5:17-18)
2. If we have sown to you spiritual things, it such a big deal to reap your carnal things:
I pray for understanding for all of you. I pray that you will allow me to reap your carnal things; I want you to fulfill this spiritual law so that you can step into a good and prosperous new year. (See 1 Corinthians 9:11)
3. It is robbery to serve you and not allow you to sow into my life:
I must give you the opportunity and this is that opportunity to pull the trigger that brings prosperity. Let all of us take advantage of this window and get blessed. (2Corinthians 11:8-9)
4. No man goes to war at his own expense:
If I am doing so, I am only showing an example of loving the Lord. This is what it means to love God and to serve Him with gladness.
5. Finally, remember God loves a cheerful giver:
Let us purpose, plan, and give with joy and smiles; I love you.
May the Lord supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, as you purpose, plan, and give to show your love and appreciation of my ministry to you.
Stay blessed, I love you!
