I always wondered if the preachers and teachers who offered their sermons or teachings online have so much biblical insight to offer, why do they want to charge people to read or hear?
If their message is so important to get out to a fallen world, then why ask for payment for the message?
The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
Paul quotes the same OT passage in 1 Corinthians 9 as well. Although it was Paul's conviction to preace free-of-charge: "What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel." (v. 18) he did not impose his personal beliefs on others.
If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? ... Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. (v. 11-14)
It would appear that each individual has the liberty to make this decision as the Spirit leads. Would you agree?
Sadly, where some will object to paying for sermon or message, they will gladly pay much more for a secular DVD or CD.
Just a thought.
The reason for some charging for payment online is because it costs money to produce and ship a sermon on CD or DVD. ie printing costs, duplicating cost, materials costs etc. But when it comes to charging to read the text or free digital version I find this hard. The reasons some brothers copyright messages is to try and ensure they are not used wrongly. But I do not see Paul the Apostle copyrighting his epistles and he was spoken of evil and his words twisted but such will be the way of all true men of God who follow Jesus Christ on the narrow way.
If we believe in a brother or sister who is a full-time worker for the Lord we should not have to receive a gift of a book or CD to support their ministry. You should simply in secret give money to that individual to help support them in the work of the Gospel.
If a ministry or brother strives with worldly techniques to raise funds they can be spiritually out of the will of God but amply provided for. Such is the tragedy with many ministries today in America.
Greg, we need a "like" button. We could call it an "amen" button:) Well, amen, I liked your post:) It echoed my thoughts exactly.
We should be led of the Lord in our giving. Most churches teach tithing, and that the tithe goes to the church. The Lord is faithful to supply the needs of ministries that He has called and anointed. I agree with Brother Greg that those in the ministry that make tapes and books should be fairly compensated. Years ago I ordered some tapes from the ministry of T. Austin Sparks, and they were without charge. For several years I received many tapes and books that I didn’t order.
There are so many Christians that are planting their seed in ministries that are making big profits and enriching themselves.
"You received without paying; give without pay.”
(Matthew 10:8B)
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