“It is not ours to question”

Sunday, September 10, 2017

In line with the first article, let’s consider a few more things to help us learn. I had mentioned about churches sending directly to the preachers they support. Paul mentioned the churches that helped him directly (II Cor. 11:8). But is this really the best way? What if you have a small country church with 15 members who are all elderly and they want to help spread the gospel. Could they not send the funds from the church to a larger church who could use that money to support preachers that they choose? No. Reason being, it is unauthorized.

Years ago when I was preaching in Canada, a government official called me inquiring about my income as a preacher. I told him that a variety of churches send money to me to preach the gospel. He then proceeded to tell me that he wants those churches to send the money to the local church I labor with, and then have the local church there support me. In that man’s eyes, this would be easier and much more simple, tax-wise. I then proceeded to tell him I couldn’t do that. After a long conversation, and a short sermon, he finally accepted what I told him.

The apostle Paul made it clear in Romans 9:20-21, that we are the clay and God is the potter and we must do what He says. It is not our place to question what we are told to do. Oh, we might ask why a certain thing is to be done such as, “Why do people need to be baptized?” That’s a good question. The answer is given, for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Yet, if someone starts to question that by saying, “Why in the world would God expect someone to be baptized in water for the remission of their sins?”, we have a serious problem.

It’s fine to ask, “What can a local church do with its funds?” It isn’t fine, once one learns the answer to the question, to turn around and question that! Remember, without respecting Biblical authority, the flood gate opens and people will do almost anything under the umbrella that it is “good work.” Even though it is not our place to question God, it is our place to question those who do question God!

Chuck 

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