Category: extortion in religion

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #117

Saturday, September 19, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Once, I asked a local religious leader about an infamous clergyman in his denomination who had recently cheated parishioners out of millions of dollars. He had enjoyed a life of opulence in a mansion and was now under investigation for personally spending that money meant for charity. The local religious leader with whom I was conversing expressed no disapproval or disgust (perhaps he was guilty of the same?!), but retorted sarcastically, “I wish ___ would give up his mansion!” He named a notorious false teacher whom he had wrongly assumed I supported, so, imagine his utter shock and absolute silence once he heard my sudden answer: “I wish he would, too!” Beloved, let it be distinctly understood that pointing fingers at one extortionist in no way diminishes or pardons the transgressions of another. Both are avaricious charlatans, and, one day, both will stand before Almighty God to account for every last penny they embezzled “in the name of Jesus.”

Early in my ministry, a young preacher related an interesting story to me. Several years before, he had grown up in a church where their pastor had been involved in underhanded bookkeeping just before retiring and moving far away. Incidentally, a few years later, I went to a Bible conference at that same building—and the retired pastor was a guest speaker. Walking in the parking lot, I noticed he was driving a very expensive vehicle. My mind wondered if that high-priced car had been purchased with the money he was accused of pilfering! After listening to his sermons and reading his books, I realized he should have spent more time studying and believing sound Bible doctrine than indulging in the sins of the flesh. He had taken some extremely bizarre positions, and deceived me for a short time.

When preaching on giving, a pastor friend of mine mentioned how there were people in the room who wanted to give to God’s work, but could not because they were too much in debt (having spent all their money on sin/Satan). Of course, at the other extreme is people who can give but give nothing because of worldly-mindedness. Frankly, in light of eternity, both categories are most foolish….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #116

Friday, September 18, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Like the tiny Book of Jude, the epistle of 2 Peter is devoted almost exclusively to exposing false teachers (those who communicate bad or untruthful information, chiefly in the religious realm). Their various characteristics are enumerated so those interested in the truth can be competent in identifying these participants of the Antichrist’s campaign (yet future, when Satan’s lie program reaches its apex). How the Devil interacted with God’s people Israel in time past will be repeated in the ages to come; there is a looping effect, large-scale events having been previewed or rehearsed on a smaller scale as far back as centuries or millennia prior.

In Numbers chapter 22, Balaam was a quasi-false prophet whom Moabite King Balak had hired to curse Israel (Balak feared Israel would defeat him militarily, so he resorted to this underhanded tactic to destroy them). However, the LORD prevented Balaam from saying what sinful words he had been paid/rewarded to speak. Prophetically, standing for the Antichrist is Balak, and representing the False Prophet is Balaam (cf. Revelation 2:12-14,20-24 [cf. Numbers 25:1-3]; Revelation 13:1-18). While all the details of these phenomena are beyond the scope of this study, suffice it to say that—again—there is an appetite for gain (money, fame, whatever). Take Peter’s commentary first: “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:15,16). Draw your attention to “loved the wages of unrighteousness,” as in delighted to receive compensation for committing sin. Now, compare that to Jude’s statements: “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core” (Jude 11). Did you see “greedily” and “reward?”

Like back then, and what will be again, business-minded men are using religion to worship and promote self (and all sorts of other idols too). For the sake of our own spiritual health, we ought to be on the alert even in mystery….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #115

Thursday, September 17, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Micah 3:11, circa 700 B.C.: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” Ancient Israel’s political and religious leaders were more concerned with receiving bribes and monetary gain than upholding and preaching the truth. Roughly 1100 B.C., the Scriptures relate: “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre [money, profit], and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:1-3).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [sneakily] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious [destructive] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned [insincere] words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:1-3). The sense of “make merchandise of you” is “use you to make a profit” (gaining your money, attention, trust, and so on—having first “coveted” [2 Peter 2:14]); it is the Greek “emporeuomai,” from whence English derived “emporium.”

In Acts 8:9-25, Simon the sorcerer had so captivated the Samaritans with “miracles” that they assumed this servant of Satan was a servant of God! (His “witchcraft ministry” actually previews the Antichrist.) When Simon noticed how Apostles Peter and John imparted the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, he offered them money to “buy” that power from them. It is a reasonable inference that Simon had extorted much wealth from the Samaritans, so he had plenty to give Peter and John (who nevertheless declined)!

Again, let us be wise about money matters….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #114

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

God’s ministry needs funding, so we can and should give of our resources (money, time, energy) to support it as we are able. Yet, this is not tithing! If the Word of God’s Grace works in us, if His Holy Spirit fills us, then we will give cheerfully—exactly as in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 (never once does the word “tithe” appear in those passages). Regrettably, leaders tend to steal those supplies simply to build manmade denominational systems on the backs of ignorant, gullible people. They teach false doctrine and extort money from spiritual children. Religion is big bu$ine$$—and this should not surprise us in the least because it was big bu$ine$$ over 2,000 years ago in New Testament times. Judaism, God’s religion, had been corrupted, transformed into a money-making scheme: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses [cheating widows out of everything they own by offering to pray for their dead husbands at a steep price!!], and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Matthew 23:14; cf. Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47).

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:12,13; cf. Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45,46). As Jews from other nations came to worship for the feasts of Judaism, they brought foreign currencies to the Jerusalem Temple. These heathen monies would be converted to the Jewish shekel, and, in the process, the visitors were given less than what they were owed while the (corrupt) moneychangers took more than what they were owed. Jesus cleansing the Temple infuriated those religious leaders to the point they wanted to kill Him, for He had eliminated their source of (dishonest) income (Mark 11:18; Luke 19:47,48)!!

Of course, it should not astonish us when religionists and denominationalists violently react as we share sound Bible doctrine now….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #113

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Materialism and covetousness are so widespread in countless churches and “Christian” schools that people wonder if they should fund the preacher’s/teacher’s lavish lifestyle or pay their own bills. They suppose they can add another “0” to their donation so as to avert God’s disfavor. Or, consider the man who gave $10,000 (!) a (!) month (!) to his megachurch. He told his Christian stepmother that he had to give it to get to Heaven (what was he learning at that “church?!”). She tried in vain to convince him otherwise. As far as we know, he died in his sins… just as lost as the poorest pauper in Adam!

It is nobody’s business what amount we give to God’s ministry. Nevertheless, denominational boards have presumptuously reviewed personal financial/tax records to see who is giving what—and to reprimand contributors who fall short of that anticipated precious 10%! A man once explained how he, in frustration, stopped attending his feel-good megachurch. They had just constructed a 3,000-seat auditorium, so the preacher constantly begged for tithes and offerings to pay it off. A dear Christian friend informed me that his denominational church (which he has since left) placed the names of large financial donors on a sign for everyone to notice. If the praise of men is our incentive to give to God’s ministry, beloved, we should not give a single penny. A gift donated with that attitude—even if billions of dollars—will be absolutely worthless at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Are they really upholding sound Bible doctrine when they refer to “raising money” for “ministry” and “missions?” Or, are they just seeking funds for the proselytization of people so their denominations can increase membership (which individuals are still unsaved!). We should always cheerfully give of our resources to support God’s ministry, but let us be sure that we are backing God’s work rather than the Devil’s! It should be a legitimate grace ministry, teaching the Word of God rightly divided and clearly preaching the Message of Grace. If not, we ought not waste one cent giving there or one second going there….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #112

Monday, September 14, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Reflecting on Christendom’s boundless confusion, we must realize that they know more than we assume. For instance, the pastor of the last denominational church I attended was aware of the truth about tithing; after all, I had taught him. Yet, his exact words when we met in private were: “Do not tell my people they are not under the tithe. They do not give enough as it is!” (By the way, he had allowed old, domineering, wealthy women in his congregation to bully a senior citizen on a fixed income to “give more!”) Hearing those words with my own ears forever settled in my mind that more denominational leaders know the truth about tithing (and other issues) than we suppose, but they choose to be silent. They will not openly embrace or preach the truth because it would divide their little social club of food, fun, fellowship, and foolishness!

In fact, when I was an infant, my family went to one local assembly. A certain deacon seemed to be the “most spiritual” of everyone there. HA! Once I reached adulthood and learned dispensational Bible truth, I confronted him about tithing, thinking I would bring him some light. I was surprised to hear him say: “I have longtime known that we are not under the tithe, but I never told your family or anyone else at our former church because it would have been too controversial!” Again, this is my firsthand knowledge that denominationalists comprehend more than we think. Beloved, it ought to bother us, alarm us, that this deception has been going on in our churches for centuries… all in the name of “Jesus,” of course!

Denominationalists cry out, “We literally cannot afford to tolerate or tell the truth; it will drive us out of bu$ine$$! We are not going to challenge or change our long-held traditions, no matter how wrong they are and no matter how wrong we are!” Demetrius confessed something similar in Acts 19:23-27. He understood Paul’s preaching would dry up his income and collapse his city’s economy that depended on idol-making!

Let us keep exploring and correcting the misunderstandings about money matters in Christendom….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #111

Sunday, September 13, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Doubtless, tithing is Scriptural—but is it dispensational? To wit, is it God’s Word to and about us? No! Even if we wanted to, it is impossible to give a biblical tithe today. There is no functioning Levitical priesthood, no Jerusalem Temple, no Mosaic Law, and no Israel in God’s current relations with man. Furthermore, no biblical tithe would ever fund manmade denominations!

Israel’s tithing was to prove God’s faithfulness to bless in response to obedience (or, His faithfulness to curse in reaction to disobedience!). However, giving under Grace (God’s present dealings with us) is to prove our gratitude to God for Him blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Tithing is driven by fear and guilt, but giving under Grace originates from love and thankfulness. Mark it well: God’s grace is not against giving; it is against tithing!

The Bible is clear that local churches should financially support their pastors and teachers as much as they are able, for those leaders do the work of the ministry (1 Corinthians 9:1-18; 2 Corinthians 11:9; Galatians 6:6,10; Philippians 4:10-18; 1 Timothy 5:17,18). Alas, there is so much abuse, as staggering sums of money have been taken—and are still being taken—under fraudulent pretenses. For centuries upon centuries, denominational people have been giving out of guilt and fear (Law, not Grace), thinking they will receive material riches from God in return (“prosperity theology”). Such extortion has proliferated substantially since the advent of telecommunications (radio, television, and internet). The Scriptures foretold in 1 Timothy 6:3-19 about multimillionaire preachers and multimillionaire teachers—and those who lacked enough spiritual sense to avoid being scammed have no one to blame but themselves.

After a brother came to understand the Bible dispensationally, learning how we are not obligated to tithe but are free to give under Grace, he told me, “All these denominational churches are about is money!” Sure! It took him only 60 years to figure that out. Unfortunately, before he graduated to Heaven, he wound up back at a church of his former denomination! (His case is not isolated.)

Let us see if we can drive out even more Bible ignorance….

The Misunderstood Messiah #5

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

“Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God” (John 8:41 KJV).

Did you ever notice the magnitude of the insult put forth toward Jesus Christ in today’s Scripture?

Once Christ replied with sound doctrine (verses 42-47), Israel’s religious leaders simply resorted to name-calling again (verse 48): “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” A Samaritan was half-Jew/half-Gentile, and “the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). Notice Jesus was insulted twice more—they called Him a “Samaritan” and “devil possessed.” Throughout the rest of John chapter 8, Israel’s religious leaders continue arguing with Jesus and nearly stone Him to death (verse 59)!

Why did Jesus not simply “zap” these religionists and instantly throw them into hellfire? They belittled and blasphemed Him several times in this one account, and then attempted to murder Him, but rather than Jesus killing them with His spoken word (which would have been justified), He only conversed with them. Why?

Remember, when the Apostles James and John saw how the Samaritans refused to accommodate Jesus, they asked Him if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven and consume those sinners, He replied, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:55,56). This First Coming of Christ was His “meek and lowly” coming: He did not come to judge man’s sins, but to die for them!

Even today, God is still not pouring out His wrath on wicked mankind (2 Corinthians 5:19), creatures who still snicker at Jesus Christ, deceive others in His name, persecute His saints, ignore His Word, and “rub His nose” in their sins. Lost mankind is wasting God’s grace and mercy that He is offering so freely. When His grace is finally exhausted, the undiluted wrath that has accumulated will finally be poured out (His Second Coming). May we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour now so we have our sins forgiven now, lest we face that angry, righteous God in judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)!

For more information, you may also see our archived Bible Q&A: “Did God ‘rape’ Mary?”

The Misunderstood Messiah #5

Monday, December 30, 2024

“Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God” (John 8:41 KJV).

Did you ever notice the magnitude of the insult put forth toward Jesus Christ in today’s Scripture?

Once Christ replied with sound doctrine (verses 42-47), Israel’s religious leaders simply resorted to name-calling again (verse 48): “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” A Samaritan was half-Jew/half-Gentile, and “the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). Notice Jesus was insulted twice more—they called Him a “Samaritan” and “devil possessed.” Throughout the rest of John chapter 8, Israel’s religious leaders continue arguing with Jesus and nearly stone Him to death (verse 59)!

Why did Jesus not simply “zap” these religionists and instantly throw them into hellfire? They belittled and blasphemed Him several times in this one account, and then attempted to murder Him, but rather than Jesus killing them with His spoken word (which would have been justified), He only conversed with them. Why?

Remember, when the Apostles James and John saw how the Samaritans refused to accommodate Jesus, they asked Him if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven and consume those sinners, He replied, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:55,56). This First Coming of Christ was His “meek and lowly” coming: He did not come to judge man’s sins, but to die for them!

Even today, God is still not pouring out His wrath on wicked mankind (2 Corinthians 5:19), creatures who still snicker at Jesus Christ, deceive others in His name, persecute His saints, ignore His Word, and “rub His nose” in their sins. Lost mankind is wasting God’s grace and mercy that He is offering so freely. When His grace is finally exhausted, the undiluted wrath that has accumulated will finally be poured out (His Second Coming). May we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour now so we have our sins forgiven now, lest we face that angry, righteous God in judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)!

For more information, you may also see our archived Bible Q&A: “Did God ‘rape’ Mary?”

The Misunderstood Messiah #5

Saturday, December 30, 2023

“Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God” (John 8:41 KJV).

Did you ever notice the magnitude of the insult put forth toward Jesus Christ in today’s Scripture?

Once Christ replied with sound doctrine (verses 42-47), Israel’s religious leaders simply resorted to name-calling again (verse 48): “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” A Samaritan was half-Jew/half-Gentile, and “the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). Notice Jesus was insulted twice more—they called Him a “Samaritan” and “devil possessed.” Throughout the rest of John chapter 8, Israel’s religious leaders continue arguing with Jesus and nearly stone Him to death (verse 59)!

Why did Jesus not simply “zap” these religionists and instantly throw them into hellfire? They belittled and blasphemed Him several times in this one account, and then attempted to murder Him, but rather than Jesus killing them with His spoken word (which would have been justified), He only conversed with them. Why?

Remember, when the Apostles James and John saw how the Samaritans refused to accommodate Jesus, they asked Him if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven and consume those sinners, He replied, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:55,56). This First Coming of Christ was His “meek and lowly” coming: He did not come to judge man’s sins, but to die for them!

Even today, God is still not pouring out His wrath on wicked mankind (2 Corinthians 5:19), creatures who still snicker at Jesus Christ, deceive others in His name, persecute His saints, ignore His Word, and “rub His nose” in their sins. Lost mankind is wasting God’s grace and mercy that He is offering so freely. When His grace is finally exhausted, the undiluted wrath that has accumulated will finally be poured out (His Second Coming). May we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour now so we have our sins forgiven now, lest we face that angry, righteous God in judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)!

For more information, you may also see our archived Bible Q&A: “Did God ‘rape’ Mary?”