I came across a post from one of my family members a few days ago that asked people to Cash App him for a blessing. At first, it saddened me to see this. I felt tears stinging my eyes but then I became angry, no I was livid. I started fussing about it out loud in my room alone. I asked God why do they do this? Do they not know, or do they not care? The answer may very well be both.
So, I sent my family member some information about tithing from a teacher who shares directly from the Bible. I hoped that my family member would at least try the video. It’s a quick listen. So far, the message has not resonated with him. I read his social media page and saw more of the same. And all the worst, many are following him, sending him money, asking him for an old-fashioned revival with tarrying and purging. One of the comments I read stuck with me.
There was a woman asking for dates and times for this “revival”. She was sick of people teaching “this ‘get it quick’ salvation. This woman did not have to explain what that means. Everyone on that thread was fully aware and I am sure completely believes that salvation comes from the work you do and not the death and resurrection of Christ.
I had to put my phone away. Yes, I was crying that hard. It felt like a death. It is a death. Because once you trust in yourself for salvation, trust in the things you must do for it, you have rejected the sacrifice of Christ as if it is not good enough.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:8
For those of you who do not know, tarrying is a ritual that was once common in the black Christian and a few Southern white communities. Tarrying is accomplished when the church brings the unsaved individuals to the front of the congregation, sit them in chairs or on their knees and make them clap their hands and call the name of Jesus until the Holy Ghost came. It was no doubt passed to slaves by their “Christian” owners as part of their effort to fulfill their Christian duty and “spread the gospel”. The practice started to fade some years ago when people started to either read the Bible in context or just left the Christian faith altogether.
Yep, I know. Sounds like witchcraft, right?
Anyway, I have never been quite clear on how they knew the Holy Ghost came. I know when I did it as a child, I just screamed ‘thank you Jesus for saving me’ because my friends said it. The truth was I wasn’t saved because I had not trusted in Christ alone. I was just doing what was expected.
Now, I will not pretend to know what’s in anyone’s heart. But my family member and his followers who are asking for this tarrying service to work for their salvation are probably not saved.
My dear family and friends, Jesus said, “It is finished.” What more do you need? He literally gave His blood and if you or I could do better, He would not have had to get on the cross.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Hebrews 10:10-11
As for the Cash App requests, you cannot pay or “sew a seed” for a blessing. If you know anything about the Bible at all, you know that the blessings and miracles over time have been to show people the evidence of the presence of God. Can God work miracles and give blessings? Of course! He is GOD. But the Lord has given us everything we need to survive here until He calls our souls home.
I have heard a lot of churches use Philippians 4:19 (But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus) to claim that God wants us to be rich. But, read this scripture in its context. The excerpt “according to his riches in glory” does not mean Jesus is concerned about any of us storing the paper our government prints or anything on this earth. (Remember, He plans to destroy the earth in the end anyway.)
Beloved, you give to ministry but you give what your heart desires and what your budget allows (2 Corinthians 9:7) and not 10% or any other set amount that was required of Israel when they were under the law and had to pay their priests (before grace) or what your pastor or priest requires. God is not at all concerned with anything material. He is concerned for your soul, the one thing that will not die.
Again, our works do not produce our salvation; they are evidence of our salvation. Once you accept this, the Holy Spirit gives discernment and dear heart, you will see the word of God in all its truth and love. And I would say to the face of anyone who teaches differently: How dare you lead these people down a path to an eternity without God!
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:23
Beloved, when Jesus died on the cross, He took your sins with him. When Jesus was resurrected, He conquered death for all who believe in Him. Jesus has done all of this, yet you believe that sitting in a chair and screaming His name over and over until you foam at the mouth, tops that and secures your salvation. Do not be fooled. Trust in His completed work, not your own.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
