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Good news is free
A televangelist program was hawking a book about the end of the world.
“For a donation of only $15.95,” the announcer said, “you can learn to read
the signs of the times. Jesus is coming very soon.” The TV screen displayed
the $15.95 suggested donation along with an 800 number. “Operators are
standing by,” the announcer said.
So one gutsy man dialed the 800 number and asked them to send him the
book for free.
He was told that they couldn’t do that. The suggested donation was $15.95
and he could simply give them his credit card number…
“But why are you asking for money at all?” the man said. If you really
believe Jesus is coming very soon, then you won’t need any more money. You
should be giving the books away.”
With that, the operator was no longer “standing by…”
So the man changed the channel and saw another televangelist who was
billing himself as a prophet, and even claiming to see and hear what is
going on with our deceased loved ones.
This time, he channel surfed on by.
Jesus warned that there would be people who would claim to be speaking in
his name, but who would be charlatans, seeking their own ends, not his.
Hebrews 1:1-2 says: “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through
the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days
he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and
through whom he made the universe.”
Since Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, he is the only one we need to
pay attention to. Anyone who tells you to send them a donation because they
have unlocked the secrets of end time prophecy, or because they know for
certain that Jesus is about to return, is wrong, pure and simple. Now that
Jesus has come, as we just read in Hebrews, God speaks through him. He
doesn’t speak through self-appointed prophets.
We have the written testimony about Jesus, of his words and
teachings, and those of the apostles he appointed. We should listen to
people who teach faithfully from that written record, not to those who claim
they have some new and special message from God.
Don’t be taken in by charlatans. Whatever ministry you support, be sure
you are not being asked to pay for the good news, but that you are
only giving to participate with Christ to spread the gospel, and doing so
without coercion or promises that you will receive some kind of special
financial blessing. The gospel is good news, not a money making scheme.
I’m Joseph Tkach, speaking of LIFE.
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