TUESDAY February 27, 2018
Financial Blamelessness
Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. - 1 Corinthians 9:14-15
Notice how Paul declared to the Corinthians that those who preached the Gospel should live by the Gospel. Yet, he chose to never receive or use any of those means. Paul wanted to remain blameless; he never sent out any letters for support––he would rather die than to see a valid accusation stand against him.
Churches that receive financial support from God’s people must remain blameless. Churches must have a Board of accountability for their financial business. In fact, the Church Board should be the ones responsible to set the pastor’s salary. Any pastor responsible for overseeing a church will need to have godly people on his Board to give him godly advice and wisdom.
We have auditors come every year to Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, to verify that everything is done correctly. Anyone who tithes at our church can look at their tithing records for accuracy. We are blown away by the Lord’s provision. He is moving us ahead, as we continue to be faithful stewards. We are able to continue to use the offerings to support the operation of our church and spread the Gospel.
Sadly, there are churches that have abused their offerings. When they get caught, they are in big trouble. This is why it is so important to have a Board of accountability to make sure churches are blameless and to avoid them going bankrupt. Everything financial needs to be taken care of legally. Otherwise people will be hurt––big time.
We must make every effort to be above all suspicion in the matters of finances and statistics. We are not only accountable to God’s people, but also to our Master.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
