FINANCING THE TRUTH
eBook Rémi CAILLAUX
TABLE DES MATIERES
Welcome to this incredible teaching titled ‘Financing the Truth,’ an ebook that explores the biblical principles of financial stewardship and generosity, inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28.
As followers of Christ, we are called to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This mission requires not only spiritual preparation and dedication, but also practical resources and funding. In this ebook, we will delve into the role of money and wealth in fulfilling the Great Commission, and how we can use them for God’s glory and kingdom purposes.
At the heart of our discussion is the concept of stewardship, which is the responsible management of all the resources that God has entrusted to us, including our finances. Stewardship is not just a matter of budgeting, saving, or investing, but also a matter of faith and obedience. As we seek to follow Jesus and fulfill His mission, we must learn to use our money and resources in a way that reflects His values and priorities, and that advances His kingdom agenda.
In this ebook, we will explore various topics related to financing the truth, such as biblical principles of giving, tithing, offerings, budgeting, investing, and generosity. We will draw insights from the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as well as from the examples of faithful stewards throughout history and around the world. Our goal is to equip and inspire you to become a wise and generous steward of your finances, and to invest them in the eternal work of God.
So, whether you are a seasoned financial expert or a novice in this area, we invite you to join us in this journey of discovering the joy and power of financing the truth. May this ebook be a source of encouragement, inspiration, and practical guidance for your financial life and your spiritual walk. Let us begin!
As we explore the topic of financing the truth, we also acknowledge the critical role of the ministry of finance in supporting and sustaining the work of God’s kingdom. Whether it’s through funding missions, building churches, supporting ministries, or meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable, the ministry of finance plays a vital part in fulfilling the Great Commission and demonstrating God’s love to the world.
In this ebook, we will examine the biblical foundations of the ministry of finance and how it can be used as a tool for advancing God’s purposes on earth. We will look at the examples of godly financiers in the Bible, such as Joseph, who used his gift of financial wisdom to save a nation from famine, and the unnamed woman who gave her all to support Jesus’ ministry. We will also draw insights from modern-day pioneers of the ministry of finance, who have used their wealth and resources to make a difference in the world and leave a lasting legacy.
Furthermore, we will delve into the practical aspects of the ministry of finance, such as budgeting, fundraising, investment strategies, and accountability. We will address common challenges and misconceptions related to money and stewardship, and provide practical tips and tools for managing your finances in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.
So, whether you are a pastor, a ministry leader, a business owner, or an individual seeking to make a difference, we invite you to join us in this exploration of the ministry of finance. May this ebook be a source of inspiration, wisdom, and encouragement for your financial journey and your calling to finance the truth. »
I have been tasked with discussing the funding of God’s work, specifically the idea of becoming ministers of finance.
However, this terminology is not commonly used in the church due to its religious connotations. For the past 30 years, I have been working to make the church less religious in its language and practices.
This term ‘financing the kingdom of God’s work’ is uncommon in the religious sphere, where we strive to de-religiousize the church and introduce vital concepts such as the ministry of finance, which is foreign to the church.
Despite encountering some difficulties, the concept of the ministry of finance remains largely unfamiliar to the church.
The religious organization, commonly known as the church, has been striving to establish a worldwide administrative and diplomatic institution by relying on the contributions of its followers known as tithes and offerings.
However, building something sustainable using individual emotions, perceptions, and relationships seems challenging.
That’s why numerous churches are still battling financial issues, and some can’t accomplish their objectives in society. The properties owned by the churches have become a trap of the devil because money remains the most critical power on this planet.
Many churches struggle with financial constraints and cannot adequately execute their community work, mainly because they depend on offerings that are often unstable.
It’s unfortunate that a poverty mentality pervades the church, which is, in fact, a strategy of the devil. We need to realize that money is essential, and the love of money is indeed the root of all evil, as the Bible teaches.
Therefore, we urge you to understand that whatever problem you face in the world is ultimately traceable back to money. It could be a lack of it or an excessive desire for it.
There are individuals who believe that the devil is a malevolent being. However, the reality is that the term « devil » used in the Bible does not solely refer to an evil entity. Instead, the scripture teaches that the root of all evil is the love of money, and the devil is just a manifestation of that. Essentially, this statement implies that whatever challenge or issue one might face worldwide, can often be traced back to money. It is like a common denominator, and if something is not working as expected on this planet, it usually boils down to either an insufficient amount of money or an excessive attachment to it. This is supported by the Bible passage in Matthew 28, and now it comes to you to reflect on it.
Let’s reflect on the Book of Matthew 28, where we aim to dispel the misconceptions that exist around the women witnessing the resurrection of Jesus. We need to comprehend the importance of financial innocence and grasp the critical role money plays in our lives.
Throughout my life, as the child of a minister, I have heard many pastors preach that the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection were women, particularly Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and the other Mary. They would often explain that these women ran to tell the disciples what they had seen, and this was how the news of the resurrection spread during Easter. However, it’s vital to note that this is not what the Bible actually teaches. In fact, financial innocence verse 11 provides important context for this topic. Before I continue reading, I ask that you pause and consider the setup so that you can fully grasp the context being discussed.
To see the setting, refer back to verse 27, and in your bible or on your iPad, please turn to Matthew 27:62. The passage reads, « The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, « After three days I will rise again. » So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.’ Pay close attention to the response, and underline this section in your bible. Is the phrase « take a guard » present in your bible?
Highlight the phrase « take the guard » as you read this statement. Typically, this phrase might evoke imagery of a soldier wearing a Roman suit of armor. However, it is essential to correct this misconception and tie it back to the Ministry of Finance. We should focus on its meaning and context. The intended audience for the statement is Pilate.
Pilate, the Roman governor, was the one who halted their conversation. The purpose was to ensure the tomb’s security. Pilate instructed them to take a guard and secure the tomb to the best of their ability. Afterwards, the guard was posted and the tomb was sealed, making it secure.
« It’s important to understand the role of the Ministry of Finance, as everyone urged to explain the concept of the ‘guard’. In the Roman army, a ‘guard’ referred to a unit of 60 to 600 soldiers, and not an individual. Hence, when Pilate ordered for a ‘guard’, he was referring to a small army platoon. »
In the Roman army, a platoon was called a « contubernium » and consisted of eight soldiers who lived and fought together as a unit. They were often referred to as a « small army » because of their close-knit structure and the fact that they could operate independently in the field. Each contubernium was led by a decanus, who was responsible for the discipline and training of the soldiers under his command.
Let’s consider that this is not merely the doing of one individual, but rather a collective effort involving a minimum of 60 individuals. To help you understand the gravity of the situation, let’s take the example of a deceased man. To provide some leniency, let’s assume that we are going to refer to an approximate number of people involved, based on the study of historical records and military statistics of the Roman Empire.
The minimum rank for a guard in the 600 is 60. Any rank beyond that qualifies for other titles such as legions, centurions, centuries, and more. Therefore, let’s move on to the dominion.
Would it be fair to assume 300 soldiers, or we could even consider the minimum number of 60 soldiers equipped with weapons, armor, horses, shields, and daggers marching towards a cemetery to guard the tomb of a deceased person? The tomb is sealed with a wax seal bearing the signature of Caesar on the table to ensure the protection of the dead person.
It’s absurd that some of you don’t trust me when Matthew 28, verse 20 clearly states what occurs after the Sabbath, on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. Mary Magdalene and Mary visited the tomb and experienced a violent earthquake.
If you come across that statement, make sure to pay attention to the details in the Bible. It describes a violent earthquake that caused the destruction of the whole area. During those times, people used a tool to bury someone in a cave. They would dig a hole in the rock or sometimes find a natural cave, then put the body inside and place a large stone in front to seal the tomb. That’s how they buried people back in the day.
Do you realize that having an earthquake occur in a cemetery where you constructed caves 2000 years ago would be a nightmare? The reason being that the caves would crumble and prevent you from visiting the final resting place of your dear ones due to the aftermath of the earthquake causing destruction.
Take a moment to ponder this scenario: around 300 men are gathered in this region, surrounded by hills. Some of you may have accompanied me on my trip to Israel and witnessed the terrain – rocky, hilly, and marked by holes in the rock where people are buried.
Imagine a sight of 300 guards positioned in front of these tombs, some stationed atop the hills, some at the bottom, and a few others standing aside in the garden area. The presence of all these men is undeniable!
I am certain that they are conversing because they are highly trained and powerful soldiers from the Roman military, which is known for producing some of the best-trained soldiers in the world. It’s impossible to defeat them, and they even commented on their current situation, saying, « Hey Jairus, this is dumb, » and « I know. I already lost my son, and now I’m dealing with a corpse all day. I’m going to lose respect with my wife. » They are standing there, unable to move, due to the two oaths that Roman soldiers hold each other to. These oaths require them to never abandon their post under any circumstance, and it’s a law in Roman society.
Studying the Roman history of their soldiers reveals that what made them formidable was their dedication to duty, even if it meant risking their lives by refusing to abandon their posts.
Additionally, the soldiers made two crucial oaths: firstly, they swore to never abandon their post, and secondly, they pledged to never let their prisoner escape – a solemn vow in the military. Thus, both of these oaths carry immense significance for the soldiers.
You may recall the time when Peter was imprisoned and guarded by Roman soldiers. An earthquake occurred and the gates, being under Richard’s supervision, fell open. You may also remember what happened to the guard. He turned around and was afraid that the prisoners had escaped. In response, he took out his knife. But why did he do so?
The soldiers took an oath that if they failed to keep their prisoners, they had to take their own life. This left about 300 men, including children, standing in front of a lifeless body without the option to leave. They had to make sure that their captive remained in custody, as failure to do so would result in their own demise.
They have a fascinating captive who unfortunately has passed away. However, they see this as an advantage since they no longer have to worry about losing him. The downside is that their own lives are now on the line and they cannot leave without facing certain death. They seem to be sharing this tale for a reason, as if to convey a message. Suddenly, an earthquake strikes and everything starts to tremble.
To save time, let’s quickly read about the guards. They were standing in front of a dead body in a garden with 300 powerful soldiers equipped with armor and weapons stationed all over the hills. Suddenly, there was a violent earthquake and an angel descended from heaven, rolled back the stone at the tomb, and lightning flashed as the angel’s clothes turned as white as snow. The guards were frightened by the angel.
Who saw the angel that caused the guards to shake and become like dead men? the guards
who saw the stone stone rolled away ? the guards By whom was the stone rolled away? The guards witnessed it.
They are awake, not dreaming or fading, but their fear makes them vigilant. Can you believe there are guards watching everything? Hey, lobbyist, look! That guard is moving the stone by himself. Don’t turn around, but he is right behind you. Oh, he just walked past you. Did you see him?
Having patience is crucial in this context. If you desire others to believe your tale, it’s imperative that you don’t rely on someone with a personal connection to you to support your claims. The credibility of a testimony is determined by the law, which mandates that a witness who can gain something from the trial must not be called to testify. This principle is true not only in this country but all around the world. Using a witness who can jeopardize the integrity of your defense must be avoided at all costs.
This is why, during a trial, a lawyer would advise you not to speak and incriminate yourself as a witness. The guards were aware that they couldn’t rely on any of Jesus’ disciples for testimony as people might assume that they were lying to protect their master. Hence, to avoid suspicion, they had to enlist the help of non-believers or pagans who were not associated with Jesus in any way.
They have a belief in multiple guards, who happen to be Romans, displaying hatred towards Jews. These guards seem to have no vested interest, and they were involved in the killing. From a guard’s perspective, they can be considered as perfect witnesses. Additionally, they cannot abandon their posts, and Jesus knew that they were destined to lose their prison. These guards are proven witnesses, even though they were scared. Moving on to verse 11, while the women were moving towards their destination.
A group of guards entered the city, but they overlooked a warning to avoid reading the Bible files. They failed to find a specific page among the numerous ones present. Knowing that they should depart, they discussed among themselves and eventually reached a consensus that the century was better. Though they were apprehensive about leaving, they realized they had to do so and account for their actions. The outcome would depend on their approach, and they deemed it vital not to delegate the responsibility of explaining to Pilate to their fellow guards.
Consider that the guards are Roman soldiers who follow the pagan belief system. It’s unlikely that they would place much importance on the Jewish account of the situation. Thus, if they were to report to centurion or Pilate that Jesus had risen from the dead and an angel was involved, it would not suffice as a convincing explanation. In fact, it could lead to them being punished or even executed. Ergo, they would not be able to report back to the governor with this information.
I’m narrating strange tales of eerie occurrences. As soldiers, it’s expected of you to maintain a serious and professional demeanor, without indulging in frivolous discussions. It’s alarming to note that some individuals are hesitant to confide in their respective governments, given the enigmatic nature of these incidents. The reality of the situation is embedded in the spiritual realm, which makes it all the more perplexing for them to comprehend.
Remember that the Romans and Jewish leadership do not mix and do not communicate. Some souls were afraid to talk to the high priest, but they were sent anyway. Perhaps he can explain what happened, and we can then relay the information to the father.
He sought an explanation as to why they wouldn’t risk their lives, given that they had just borne witness to the resurrection. This event had invalidated all the prior arguments against Jesus and could have even persuaded Rome that Jesus was divine.
The message conveyed by these men was the most influential on earth, and their credibility as witnesses cannot be denied.
Now, turning our attention to the Ministry of Finance, it appears that the chief priest, after meeting with the eldest, devised the plan that is going to be implemented.
A statement in scripture confirms this plan in the passage regarding mercy. The following text mentions that while the women were traveling, some of the guards went to the tomb and later returned to Jerusalem. Then, the subsequent statement implies that they did something, but what was it exactly?
Do you know what the people said? There was a guard at the site of the Resurrection, and they testified to the religious leaders with empirical evidence. It’s important to note that the priests had no reason to doubt the truthfulness of their account, as they weren’t benefiting in any way from lying. The guards simply had nothing to gain by deceiving them, so we can trust that they relayed the pure and honest truth about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. »
Afterward, it is mentioned that the chief priests held a meeting with the elders, where they conspired a plan to offer money to the soldiers to prevent the spreading of the message.
Ensure that you are receiving significant amounts of money for instructing and dictating what to preach. You must claim that his followers arrived in secrecy during the night, and we will compensate you for disseminating this falsehood. Note that we are paying a considerable sum of money to deceive the masses and authorities, stating that Christ’s disciples pilfered his body while he slumbered. Refer to verse 14 and beware of this information reaching the ruling entity.
According to them, instead of seeking satisfaction after securing one’s life, one should continue to deceive and maintain financial stability. This is why they aim to prevent the spreading of truth from being financially viable. They believe that telling lies is the path to accumulating wealth. This may explain the growth of Islam in certain countries and the billions of dollars in financing from Saudi Arabia towards building mosques and other Islamic institutions, often accused of propagating false information.
Why is there no oil on your property but oil is present on Muslim property? It’s because Satan is funding the lie. Why do Muslims have banks, but the same cannot be said for others? It’s because Satan finances the lie. This meeting is crucial because the only way to counter this strategy is by funding a large sum of money to finance the truth.
As your job is to oversee the ministry of finance, the most effective approach to combating this issue is to allocate larger amounts of funding towards it. According to the book of Romans, chapter 12, the challenge for Christians, particularly those focused on the Kingdom message, lies in their ability to acquire financial resources. The Kingdom message holds great power and is considered the most dangerous message on the planet. As a result, Satan will use any means necessary to prevent its messengers from accessing financial resources.
He plans to fill your church with a thousand impoverished individuals and claims that all lawyers and doctors are Muslims. This is why you need to alter your approach and focus on attracting wealthy individuals. Additionally, you must ensure that those who appear unattainable within your church become affluent. Start teaching them how to establish businesses, build investment portfolios, and think creatively about revenue generation to support the truth.
By the way, the Apostle Paul was actually very wealthy, so don’t make the mistake of assuming he was poor. The same goes for Peter, James, and John – they were not poor either. They were actually business owners who owned Zebedee Fisheries International. It’s a common misconception that Jesus only chose religious figures to be on his team, but in reality, they were all successful business people.
Matthew, being an accountant, ensured precise management of the funds while Luke, the doctor, looked after the team’s health. Every individual had their profession, establishing their financial stability. It’s not possible to finance God’s work if you struggle financially. It’s worth noting; despite their roles, he wasn’t unintelligent, rather he required money.
Here’s a possible rewrite: « It’s an oft-overlooked fact that Jesus once addressed a crowd of over 5,000 men, plus women and children. Facing this hungry throng, he turned to his disciples and commanded them to feed the multitude. However, when Peter pointed out that they didn’t have enough bread on hand, he suggested they go to the nearest town to buy more
You thought they were penniless, but in reality, they had enough funds to purchase sufficient food for 12,000 individuals. It appears that your lack of biblical knowledge has resulted in a poor mindset, leading you to believe that they were destitute.
Having money, they were eager to purchase something, but religion disrupts our thinking. However, Christ intervened and commanded to feed them instantly without buying anything. He miraculously multiplied the bread, an act that displayed his knowledge of scientific principles such as splitting atoms.
Take a look at Romans 12, verse three. Paul emphasizes the importance of not overestimating yourself. This message is significant because Paul is about to confront an issue prevalent in the modern-day church, where some individuals believe they are superior to others.
An instance could be that some individuals in the church, such as the pastor, assistant pastor, worship leader, usher or deacon, may believe they hold a superior position or are better than you. However, the speaker advises against having an inflated sense of self-importance and suggests practicing modesty and good judgment based on their belief system, as indicated by the phrase « in accordance with the faith, God has distributed to each of you. » Subsequently, verse four further elaborates on this concept.
As each individual has a body comprising several parts with distinct functions, similarly, in Christ, we, though being many, form one body, with each member belonging to one another. We possess diverse talents, and not every one of us shares the same skillset. For instance, someone who is unwell may not be able to perform all their bodily functions smoothly. To illustrate, we have various endowments, and each person’s gift is unique, bestowed upon them according to the grace they have received.
Grace is the subject here, and it refers to the ability that comes with the gifts that God has given to us. Since everyone has different abilities, not everyone has the same grace that accompanies their gifts. The speaker then goes on to mention some of the gifts that people receive, and quotes the King James version by saying, « if a man’s gift is prophesied, let him prophesy.
Please stop gazing at me and pay attention. Paul is about to enumerate some of the gifts in the community. One of these gifts is the ability to prophesy, so if you possess this gift, feel free to prophesy. Let’s all repeat this statement. In this context, ‘let them’ means allowing those who have the gift of prophecy to exercise it. kindly note down this information.
Paul says if a man has the gift of prophecy, then he should be given an opportunity to prophesy. If there is a meeting where someone has a prophecy, we should give them the microphone and listen in silence. This gift should be respected and received from God. Similarly, if a man’s gift is serving, he should be allowed to serve in the ministry of helps. For example, if someone is going to sing a solo, we should listen to the song and give them time to sing. Everyone should sit down and let them use their gift. Therefore, we should allow people to use their gifts and serve in the body of Christ.
Let’s move on to the seventh verse. If a person has the gift of teaching, they should use it. And that’s exactly what I’m doing right now – teaching. And it’s great that you’re listening because you’re allowing me to use my gift, which ultimately benefits you. By giving me time and space in the meeting, you provide me with a platform to teach. Similarly, you give musicians and singers time and a place to minister, and prophets time and space to prophesy. All these are valuable gifts that should be given equal importance.
If a man’s gift is encouragement, he should use it to uplift others by allowing them to share their testimonies. By giving them time and space in the program, we show patience and support. Similarly, if someone has the gift of giving, Paul lists it alongside gifts like pastor, teacher, prophet, musician, and singer. We should embrace these gifts and allow people to use them for the benefit of the church. Failure to do so may contribute to the church’s financial struggles. So, we must recognize and affirm the diverse gifts and talents within our congregation.
Do you understand why your church often struggles financially? It may be due to consistently having angry members in attendance who withhold their contributions during offering. However, there are always those who have the financial resources to pay the church’s bills, yet they are not given the time or recognition they deserve. We acknowledge and allow prophets to preach and pastors to lead, and we celebrate the singers, but we often fail to show appreciation for the givers.
Pay attention, the conversation isn’t about the congregation. It’s about individuals who possess a unique talent for making money, and the speaker suggests they are creating a massive financial structure. According to him, this is similar to a prophet prophesying, a preacher preaching, a teacher teaching, or a singer singing, as each of these roles represents a specific talent. Therefore, it’s crucial to allow these people ample time to carry out their calling.
To put it differently, God doesn’t intend for his work to be funded by the congregation that is already struggling. Instead, he wants it to be financed by those who have the ability to give generously. Interestingly, these individuals are usually the ones who are dissatisfied with the way things are being handled. Pastors who spend hours pressuring their broke congregants for offerings and using Scripture as a way to guilt them must stop lying. There are people in the congregation who are fed up with this approach, and it’s time to listen to their concerns. It’s alarming that only two people are being paid for an entire project, and the pastor must acknowledge this reality.
The issue lies in your disregard for our presence, assuming we are among those who caused damage. Do you comprehend the essence of my message? Recently, we had to resurface our parking area, which demanded a whopping $30,000. I assured my pastors that there was no need to panic and promised to generate funds. Consequently, I rallied a group of thirty individuals, each contributing a thousand dollars, and we completed the task in just fifteen minutes, with the gathering brimming with people.
I don’t want anyone who is financially struggling to contribute. Instead, I desire to receive the gift of anointing to give from those who are able. Let those who can come forward with applause. Jesus demonstrated this kind of giving when the tax collectors came to collect money and he wasn’t worried about being broke.
I will personally cover the group’s expenses. As we go out to fish, whoever catches the first fish will have money in its mouth, and that’s why I prefer to deposit my money and go for bigger fish. There are big opportunities in this room right now. Instead of collecting money from everyone, one person can pay for the entire group. It’s important to note that only 20% of the church tithes, but we should accept that 20% as a gift to give back. My presence here is financed by those gifted individuals, not by the people down there. It’s important to note that the devil knows that by keeping money from the truth, lies will continue to expand. Islam is expanding so quickly because it’s being financed. We need to shock them by announcing that we’ll be opening a Kingdom Bank in this city in the next four years.
We operate a Kingdom Credit Union and a Kingdom Food Store, with prices that are manageable for everyone’s benefit. If you’re not clapping, you may be feeling a bit nervous.
Our goal is to establish a Kingdom Water Plant that sells water exclusively to our own community.
The beauty of it is that if you’re a gifted giver, and the church permits you to operate your gift, God will continually multiply your business because you comprehend the purpose of prosperity. Your business will constantly grow and expand.
Dear Father, in this auspicious moment, we seek your blessings to expose the lies fabricated by the devil at the time of resurrection. We aim to spread the truth to the world, and for this, we need financial support. I pray that the expenses for this event be borne by a few individuals, demonstrating our sense of responsibility and dedication towards this cause. May we give them the space to contribute, and together, let us defeat the devil’s deceit.
In the name of Jesus, we will make it an extraordinary event. However, there is an issue we need to address. We sometimes have a negative mindset where we do not want to inform others about our contributions. We need to change this mindset. We should declare that nobody should be secretive about prophesying, teaching, or singing. Let them come up boldly and showcase their talents just as freely as we let the guards prophesy. This will intimidate the devil.
I am going to donate fifty thousand rounds now, and then a hundred thousand rounds. Look at what I am doing, even the devil applauds! Let me tell you about how David paid for the temple. He publicly went to his bank, closed his accounts, and returned with wheelbarrows full of shackles of gold. Standing before the people, he declared, ‘Look at what I am doing to pay for the temple.’ David’s personal account gave an amount of 417 million dollars – half a billion dollars! The Bible says that when the elders saw what David did publicly, they also went to their banks and took out large sums of money. They bought it publicly before the people.
The elders provided the necessary figures by measuring the shackles, which amounted to over 800 million dollars in current currency value. As soon as the public took notice of their generosity, people hastened to their homes to buy and sell items, in order to contribute to the construction of the temple. Their inspiration came from witnessing the acts of benevolence of the elders and Pastor David. This is why many insist on giving anonymously by placing their donations in envelopes and keeping it confidential.
I’m now releasing an anointing, and if you possess the gift of giving, I invite you to stand up and lift your hands in the name of Jesus. As we respond to His presence, let us rebuke the spirit of stinginess and pray for multiplication and expansion in every business and investment represented here. May this room witness the rise of new billionaires, owners of banks, refineries, corporations, gold mines, silver mines, and diamond mines. This is not a mere confession, but a demand that it happens. So, with a big shout of praise, let’s receive this anointing and thank God for it in Jesus’ name. Thank you all.
Remember, the gift of giving is not just about donating money or resources, but also about giving your time, talents, and skills for the benefit of others. Whether you’re a business owner, an investor, or an employee, you can use your gifts to make a positive impact on the world and help others achieve their dreams. By embracing the spirit of generosity, you open yourself up to endless possibilities and blessings, and become a vessel of God’s love and provision.
So, let us continue to give with a cheerful heart, knowing that every seed we sow will bear fruit in due time. And as we do so, may we always remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. »
In conclusion, this ebook has explored the concept of the gift of giving, its biblical roots, and its practical applications in our daily lives.
We’ve seen how generosity can transform us from the inside out, and how it can make a difference in the lives of others. I hope this ebook has inspired you to cultivate a lifestyle of giving, and to embrace the abundance that comes with it. Thank you for reading, and may you continue to grow in the grace of giving.
Joseph’s story is not only a testament to God’s sovereignty and provision, but also to the power of financial wisdom and stewardship. As we saw earlier, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and manage resources made him an invaluable asset to Pharaoh and to the entire nation of Egypt. He used his gift of financial wisdom to create a plan that not only saved Egypt from famine, but also became a blessing to other nations.
But Joseph’s story is not just a historical account; it’s also a timeless lesson for us today. It teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to accomplish His purposes and make a difference in the world. It also shows us that financial wisdom is not just a secular skill, but a spiritual gift that can be used for God’s glory.
So, what can we learn from Joseph’s example of financial wisdom? Let me share with you three practical insights that we can apply to our own lives:
First, financial wisdom begins with a vision. Joseph didn’t just manage resources for the sake of it; he had a clear vision of what God wanted him to do, which was to save lives and glorify God. He knew that the famine was not just a natural disaster, but a spiritual opportunity to show God’s love and provision to the world. In the same way, we need to have a vision for our finances that aligns with God’s purpose and values. We need to ask ourselves, ‘What does God want me to do with my money and resources?’ and seek His guidance and direction.
Second, financial wisdom requires discipline and diligence. Joseph didn’t achieve his success overnight; he had to work hard and make difficult decisions along the way. He had to plan, budget, and invest wisely, and he had to resist the temptations of greed, pride, and revenge. In the same way, we need to cultivate discipline and diligence in our financial life. We need to be faithful in the small things, such as saving, giving, and avoiding debt, and we need to be wise in the big things, such as investing, planning for the future, and avoiding financial traps.
Third, financial wisdom results in generosity and impact. Joseph didn’t just save Egypt from famine; he also blessed other nations and his own family. He used his wealth and influence to provide for others, to reconcile with his brothers, and to honor his father’s legacy. In the same way, we need to use our financial blessings for the benefit of others and for the glory of God. We need to be generous and compassionate towards those in need, and we need to use our resources to advance God’s kingdom and make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, Joseph’s story is a reminder that financial wisdom is not just a worldly pursuit, but a spiritual gift that can be used to serve God and His people. May we learn from his example of vision, discipline, and generosity, and may we use our financial blessings for God’s glory and the good of others. »
Another example of financial wisdom and generosity that we see in the Bible is the story of the unnamed woman who gave her all to support Jesus’ ministry. In Mark 14, we read about how she poured an expensive jar of perfume on Jesus’ head, an act of worship and devotion that amazed those who witnessed it. Some criticized her for wasting the perfume, saying that it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended her, saying, ‘Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me… She has done what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial’ (Mark 14:6-8).
What can we learn from this unnamed woman’s act of financial wisdom and generosity? Let me share with you three insights that I believe are relevant for us today:
First, financial wisdom is not just about quantity, but about quality. The woman’s gift was not the largest or the most practical, but it was the most heartfelt and sacrificial. She gave her all, knowing that it might not make sense to others, but trusting that it was the right thing to do. In the same way, we need to be willing to give sacrificially and generously, even if it seems insignificant or impractical to others. We need to give from the heart, not just from our surplus.
Second, financial wisdom requires discernment and obedience. The woman didn’t just pour the perfume on Jesus’ head impulsively or randomly; she did it with a purpose and a sense of timing. She sensed that Jesus needed to be honored and prepared for His burial, and she acted accordingly. In the same way, we need to seek God’s guidance and direction in our giving, and we need to obey His promptings even if they don’t make sense to us or to others. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others and to the timing of God’s plan.
Third, financial wisdom leads to eternal rewards and impact. Jesus promised the woman that her act of devotion would be remembered and honored wherever the gospel is preached (Mark 14:9). Her gift was not just a temporal expression of gratitude, but an eternal investment in the kingdom of God. In the same way, our financial gifts and sacrifices have the potential to make a lasting impact and to reap eternal rewards. When we give generously and wisely, we store up treasures in heaven and become partners with God in His redemptive work.
In conclusion, the stories of Joseph and the unnamed woman remind us that financial wisdom and generosity are not just optional extras in the Christian life, but essential components of discipleship and stewardship. May we learn from their examples of sacrificial giving, discernment, and eternal perspective, and may we use our financial blessings for the glory of God and the good of others. »
My dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to reflect on the lives of modern-day pioneers of the ministry of finance, we cannot help but draw inspiration and insights from their examples. These individuals have used their wealth and resources not only to build their own empires but to make a real difference in the world and leave a lasting legacy.
One such pioneer who comes to mind is Warren Buffett. Mr. Buffett is widely regarded as one of the greatest investors of all time, but what many people may not know is that he has also been a generous philanthropist, giving away billions of dollars to various causes. Mr. Buffett has famously pledged to give away 99% of his wealth to charity during his lifetime, and his foundation, the Buffett Foundation, has donated over $41 billion to date to support education, health, and poverty reduction.
Another example of a modern-day pioneer of the ministry of finance is Bill and Melinda Gates. Through their foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, they have committed billions of dollars to support global health initiatives, education, and poverty reduction. Their work has had a significant impact in improving the lives of millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare and education is limited.
These pioneers serve as an example of how we can use our wealth and resources to make a difference in the world. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. We should not only be concerned with building our own wealth and financial security, but we should also seek to use our resources to make a positive impact in the world and leave a lasting legacy.
In the book of James, we are reminded that faith without works is dead. It is not enough for us to simply have faith and believe in God’s goodness. We must also act on our faith and put it into practice by helping others and making a positive impact in the world around us.
So let us draw inspiration from the lives of modern-day pioneers of the ministry of finance, and let us use our resources to make a difference in the world and leave a lasting legacy that honors God and blesses others. May we be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, and may our lives be a reflection of his goodness and love. Amen.