1 Corinthians 9:14-19
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? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 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. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Apostle Paul is speaking to the Corinthians in the above scripture, telling them that although God ordained preachers to be supported in their ministries, he was not about to beg for support. He loved the gospel so much. Imagine walking with Jesus and seeing first hand the miracles that He did and feeling the love coming from His eyes when He looked at you, knowing that you used to kill, massacre, and oppress His people? Paul had a huge dose of humility and repentance in his heart which opened him up for the flooding of love, joy and peace in his soul. Much given, much is required and he saw God help him through the hard times. His resume in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 tells of the harshness of ministry. He was left dead and expected to die numerous times. Yet, he continued to minister the gospel. He was let down in baskets in certain cities as not to be killed for preaching. Yet he continued on. We continue on ourselves today knowing that Jesus Christ is returning for us soon and it will be all over. Don’t give up. Stay the course. Finish well. The Charlotte North Carolina Police has stopped a Chaplain from praying in the name of Jesus. It is beginning now and I believe that it will have the snowball effect quicker than we once believed. See link: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/18842567/police-chaplains-in-north-carolina-told-to-stop-invoking-jesus
Today we see ministries who have no testimonies or healings, no good news going on in their lives, neither do they distribute good news but they are quick to ask for financial help. They want bigger churches and buildings. The disciples themselves in Matthew 24:1-2 was showing off to Jesus by bragging about their buildings. Jesus had to tell them that even those stones will fall in the last days. Salvation is more than a big roster and a huge church. Some use church as an insurance policy just so that they can have a pastor to preach at their funeral. Some have 1/8th of what they report according to their rosters.
In verse 15 Paul states that he didn’t take advantage of the law that ministers should get ‘paid’ or ‘supported’ through their ministries. He said that he didn’t want any man to take the glory away from God. There are some who do these things. Imagine someone trying to say that “if it weren’t for” them, the Apostle Paul would have never made it. Those are glory-robbers. I tell you now, in New Birth, no one can steal God’s glory because the most of what we do is out-of-pocket. A few times a year, someone will think of us and donate and we are thankful. Our Donate button is so sparesly used that we once thought about removing it. We pray for those who give and ask a special blessing over them for thinking about us. We don’t receive thousands, nor hundreds for that matter. God carries us through. He helps us through and forgives our mistakes. He blesses us just in the nick of time and we are appreciative. God knows just how much we can handle. He is our Provider…..Jehovah Jireh.
We have had an online ministry since 2003 when we first opened up as “New Birth Interceders” from which many well-known ministers came from. Naming is not important. We are just glad that we were used to open those avenues. Some are even on television and radio now. We were once labeled as one of the largest online groups at that time. For that we are thankful. The members then spread throughout the years to our Blogs, our Videos, various social media that we use, not to mention NBBI (New Birth Bible Institute) that is going a little better than we expected. We started with a charge and felt convicted therefore we dropped all the charges just like Jesus did for us and now it is free. If it goes any better, we will have to pray for help. That’s how good God is. From ink for our computers to electric to stamps and envelopes to bibles, it is all paid for by our Heavenly Father. God doesn’t order anything that He can’t pay for and He has taken care of us extremely well. When we send bibles to other countries, it is out-of-pocket. We have no “special fund” to do so. We’ve tried all of that but to no avail, so…..by the Grace of God go we! We once spent $20.00 to send an $80.00 teaching bible to Spain. It was such a good feeling knowing that we were distributing the Word across the world. The recipient now teaches at a huge College in Spain and their students follow us online through various routes and paths. New Birth has chapters in various countries whether it be churches, orphanages or shelters. We just don’t advertise daily.
Pray for us as we pray for you. And as Jabez once asked, “Stretch our borders Lord.” We are so thankful for all of you who have joined in with us as we travel along this journey with Jesus. One day, we shall behold Him. Let nothing stop you from preaching/teaching/spreading the Word. Whichever term that you agree upon…..just do it. Whether or not you receive, preach it anyhow.
Rev Esther R. Scott
revessie.com
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/newbirthministries
