What can you learn from John the Baptist? No 5

Four simple lessons from John the Baptist

God works though individuals

Be quiet before the Lord

Position and prestige are unimportant in the kingdom of God

Use money properly & scripturally

[KJV] [Matthew 11:11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

NON GREATER BUT THE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN GREATER THAN HE

What were his strengths and how will we be greater?

There is much we can learn from John and apply to our lives and ministries.

1. Use money properly & scripturally
   

John’s unique ministry was to call the people to repentance in preparation for Jesus being revealed as the Messiah.

When the people asked John what they should do to repent, he deals three times with the misuse of money. (everyday people – government & official people – law enforcement people)

1. •[KJV] [Luke 3:11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
   
2. • [KJV] [Luke 3:13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
   
3. • [KJV] [Luke 3:14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
   

1. You everyday Saints Be ready to give – The liberal soul is made fat
   

[KJV] Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Why are so many professing Christians such tight fisted “stewards”? The only thing that I can come with is lack of faith. This is the most un-believed un- acted on verse in the bible:

[KJV] Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This why I love being a chubby cheerful Christian!

1. You ministers & oversight in the church. (we all minster in same way or another)
   

   When will we learn the danger of greed & the need to leave gleanings?
   

    

[KJV] Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

Why do you we think that screwing the very last drop out of ant deal or transaction that we are involved in on the grounds of being a good steward & being diligent in business? Have absolutely no comprehension of Christianity?

Have you any idea of how you extract more than is due?

1. Soldiers of the cross.
   
   1. There is so much justified “violence” – railing in un-forgiveness & resentment operating as “righteousness”.
      
   2. False accusations cause the Christian society (church) to fail. See how it important this was in the 10 commandments. When you make a false accusation you try to use your authority in Christ Jesus. It not a good thing to do. When you believe a false accusation you are deceived. Deception allows erodes faith & the truth.
      
   3. Content with your wages. Be happy with what you have: [KJV] 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
      

       

      You don’t want to be striving to gain more but rather give more.
      

John understood that using money in a way that pleases the Lord, is one of the keys to open the door for revival.

Martin Luther said it this way, “There are three conversions: the conversion of the heart, of the mind, and of the purse.”

Please remember that these things are for pre-born again. If you have more grace then the standards are far higher than these. These principles are not done away with now that you born-again. NO, they are heightened and amplified to embrace far deeper responses.

Let’s prepare for a move of God by learning from John & by handling money God’s way.

HERE THEY ARE AGIAN

God works though individuals

Be quiet before the Lord

Position and prestige are unimportant in the kingdom of God

Use money properly & scripturally

To see this as a video got you:

Your video will be live at: http://youtu.be/I7lRBXA8xac

Danny Wooldridge

Crosslife fellowship