Money isn’t a bad thing, but trusting in it or making it your focus in this life is. Jesus wasn’t uptight about money, how random to tell his disciples to go fish, open the fish’s mouth and pay the tax man. He just pointed out the obvious. But with riches comes domination. People who have plenty of money tend to push down, or oppress those who do not have a lot of money. One method of oppression is tyranny. Tyranny is a common trait in those who dominate others for selfish intent. Usually by utilizing fear and intimidation, someone tries to rule over others to force the general population to do what the oppressor says. Nimrod seems to be our first oppressor. We saw how people wanted to flock to Nimrod because he was a strong leader. Josephus writes about Nimrod:
CHAPTER 4.
CONCERNING THE TOWER OF BABYLON, AND THE CONFUSION OF TONGUES.
1. Now the sons of Noah were three, - Shem, Japhet, and Ham, born one hundred years before the Deluge. These first of all descended from the mountains into the plains, and fixed their habitation there; and persuaded others who were greatly afraid of the lower grounds on account of the flood, and so were very loath to come down from the higher places, to venture to follow their examples. Now the plain in which they first dwelt was called Shinar. God also commanded them to send colonies abroad, for the thorough peopling of the earth, that they might not raise seditions among themselves, but might cultivate a great part of the earth, and enjoy its fruits after a plentiful manner. But they were so ill instructed that they did not obey God; for which reason they fell into calamities, and were made sensible, by experience, of what sin they had been guilty: for when they flourished with a numerous youth, God admonished them again to send out colonies; but they, imagining the prosperity they enjoyed was not derived from the favor of God, but supposing that their own power was the proper cause of the plentiful condition they were in, did not obey him. Nay, they added to this their disobedience to the Divine will, the suspicion that they were therefore ordered to send out separate colonies, that, being divided asunder, they might the more easily be Oppressed. 2. Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, as if it was through his means they were happy, but to believe that it was their own courage which procured that happiness. He also gradually changed the government into tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power. He also said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach! and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers ! 3. Now the multitude were very ready to follow the determination of Nimrod, and to esteem it a piece of cowardice to submit to God; and they built a tower, neither sparing any pains, nor being in any degree negligent about the work: and, by reason of the multitude of hands employed in it, it grew very high, sooner than any one could expect; but the thickness of it was so great, and it was so strongly built, that thereby its great height seemed, upon the view, to be less than it really was. It was built of burnt brick, cemented together with mortar, made of bitumen, that it might not be liable to admit water. When God saw that they acted so madly, he did not resolve to destroy them utterly, since they were not grown wiser by the destruction of the former sinners; but he caused a tumult among them, by producing in them divers languages, and causing that, through the multitude of those languages, they should not be able to understand one another. The place wherein they built the tower is now called Babylon, because of the confusion of that language which they readily understood before; for the Hebrews mean by the word Babel, confusion. The Sibyl also makes mention of this tower, and of the confusion of the language, when she says thus: "When all men were of one language, some of them built a high tower, as if they would thereby ascend up to heaven, but the gods sent storms of wind and overthrew the tower, and gave every one his peculiar language; and for this reason it was that the city was called Babylon." But as to the plan of Shinar, in the country of Babylonia, Hestiaeus mentions it, when he says thus: "Such of the priests as were saved, took the sacred vessels of Jupiter Enyalius, and came to Shinar of Babylonia."
CHAPTER 5.
AFTER WHAT MANNER THE POSTERITY OF NOAH SENT OUT COLONIES, AND INHABITED THE WHOLE EARTH.
1. AFTER this they were dispersed abroad, on account of their languages, and went out by colonies every where; and each colony took possession of that land which they light upon, and unto which God led them; so that the whole continent was filled with them, both the inland and the maritime countries. There were some also who passed over the sea in ships, and inhabited the islands: and some of those nations do still retain the denominations which were given them by their first founders; but some have lost them also, and some have only admitted certain changes in them, that they might be the more intelligible to the inhabitants. And they were the Greeks who became the authors of such mutations. For when in after-ages they grew potent, they claimed to themselves the glory of antiquity; giving names to the nations that sounded well (in Greek) that they might be better understood among themselves; and setting agreeable forms of government over them, as if they were a people derived from themselves.It is interesting to note that Josephus quotes the Sybil.
God wanted the people to disburse over the land, Noah even set up by lot which area his sons and their progeny should live. Noah even pronounced a curse on anyone who would live in a land not divided to them. But as we saw previously Abraham’s father was living under Nimrod’s rule in his government. Nimrod was from Ham, Terah was from Shem. There shouldn’t have been any mixing. But in Josephus we find that the people did not want to obey God’s command to disburse abroad because of their own prosperity. So Nimrod had an open door to persuade people by convincing them their prosperity was of their own strength and because of his rulership over them. Once tyranny is established there is a false impression of the ruler being Lord or God over the people.
We see in societies there are different types of rulership but the most common factor is that early on some find a way to become rich, and then they take leadership over those who are not rich. Jesus pointed out that we would always have the poor, and this system of rulership and commerce divides people into rich, poor, and the in between. Utilizing money or wealth to put leaders in place of power is common. The problem is that that is not how God wants societies run. The rich always have a particular way of thinking, even in death, that is not submitted to God. This story is about a poor man named Lazarus. It is not a parable but a true story about two men who end up in the afterlife in very different places. The rich man’s thinking is very revealing.
Luke 16:19-31
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
The rich man lived well, but Lazarus was a crippled beggar who only aspired to eating crumbs.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
In hell the rich man saw Lazarus, who could now walk, and wanted Lazarus to serve him. Somehow rich people always think that poor people should serve them, as if that is the way God intended it to be. Rich people are served by poor people because they can pay for service; however that is not God’s plan. Abraham was a rich man who had servants but it should not be a cultural expectation for the poor to serve the rich. Jesus said, while washing the disciples feet, that the greatest leaders should be the greatest servants. If leading is to be established by service, then those with much should serve those with little. Remember II Corinthians 8 &9, where Paul talks about plurality and those who gather much should give to those who gather little. Similar to what we see in the book of Ruth.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
So Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom and he was comforted but the rich man was being tormented. There was space separating them, clearly there was no mixing between the two places. It is again interesting that in the place where Lazarus was there was sight and vision of those who were with Abraham. Neither Lazarus nor the rich man were asleep or unconscious in the grave. The reason this is a true story and not a parable is that the character of the poor man has a name. In every other parable there were descriptions of the people, but not their names.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.KJV
It is interesting that the rich man wanted his family to find out about the place where he was so that they could avoid it. Again the rich man tries to negotiate his way with Abraham. Abraham tells him that even if Lazarus went back they wouldn’t believe. Is this why Jesus said it is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle then a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.
Mark 10:25-31 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.KJV
Self reliance and self sufficiency seem to be the issue as to why the rich don’t enter the Kingdom. The eye of the needle was a small doorway at the entrance of the cities that was used at night to keep the enemies out. Camels had to bend down to be able to enter the city through this gateway after dark. It was hard to get a camel through the entry way. In God’s economy the rich don’t enter the kingdom because they rely on themselves and their wealth. They don’t need God nearly as much as someone who doesn’t know where his next meal will come from.
Another interesting quote from Jesus is about the church in Pergamos. Remember this is the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to him. Not a book written by John with his opinions.
Rev 2:12-17 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.KJV
NT:3531 Nikolaites (nik-ol-ah-ee'-tace); from NT:3532; a Nicolaite, i.e. adherent of Nicolaus: KJV - Nicolaitane.
NT:3532 Nikolaos (nik-ol'-ah-os); from NT:3534 and NT:2994; victorious over the people; Nicolaus, a heretic:KJV - Nicolaus.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
her·e·tic [n. her-i-tik; adj. her-i-tik, huh-ret-ik]–noun
1.a professed believer who maintains religious opinions contraryto those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrinesprescribed by that church.2.Roman Catholic Church . a baptized Roman Catholic whowillfully and persistently rejects any article of faith.3.anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle.
This is a church group that seemed to lead people astray from God intentionally. They had the doctrine or the ways of Balaam in their church. Balaam was a profit, not a false prophet but an unholy prophet. He couldn’t curse the Israelites himself, so he told Balak how to get them to sin to get them in trouble with God. This church leadership seemed to manipulate people to do things that were against God’s will. Could it be that the church leadership was oppressive over its people? Was the church leadership intentionally leading its people astray? It would seem so. Do we see this today? I think we do. If that weren’t enough, this church also has the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, a doctrine of being over comers of the people. Taking a victorious approach over church members seems to be something Jesus hates. But it is not only about dominating others, but that the one who is being the dominant one is a heretic, one who says he’s a believer but is really not. In this church it is obvious that there is a separation between the leadership and the common people. They seem to want to lead people to do things against God and they themselves do not believe in God. So why are these people leading a church? Money could be one reason, political gain could be another. Any large group of people has to be controlled, the question is who will do the controlling and how. This is not part of God’s plan and church should not be that way. Remember in acts where leaders were to serve the tables of the widows? Isn’t that the first priority of our financial giving as well? Our giving should be first to the widows, orphans, the poor, and then Levites who don’t won property or possessions.
Let me stir up some controversy, do your church leaders own property and possessions? That is not the way God intended his ministers to serve his body is it? Even Peter and Paul had professions that helped support themselves. Money always brings division. A pastor’s wife once told the wives of the church staff that they were not to be seen in Wal-mart as that was beneath them. Yet I would bet that the entire congregation shopped at Wal-mart to be able to save money to give more to the church. The sad thing is the church members’ giving goes first to salaries, then to building, its maintenance, then to programs within the church, then finally to widows, orphans, and the poor. But the church leaders many times own nicer property, homes, cars, and clothing, then their congregates do. Additionally many churches have rules that state, if you want to be a leader you must tithe. Some even check tax returns to be sure you have been giving enough. It boils down to tyranny, you must pay the church, then give of your time and expense to serve there, or else you can’t be a leader. What? That is not how God expects his house of worship to operate.
Jesus wasn’t opposed to money or banks; utilizing what you have to earn more is not evil. It is the intent you have in your gain that is in question.
Matt 25:27
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.KJV
NT:5133 trapezites (trap-ed-zee'-tace); from NT:5132; a money-broker or banker: KJV - exchanger.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:5110 tokos (tok'-os); from the base of NT:5088; interest on money loaned (as a produce): KJV - usury.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Capitalism is not God’s best plan for humanity, it creates an imbalance in power, money, and social status that effects every part of our lives. It turns churches into money making businesses and creates a cast system within our houses of worship. Remember James tells us that if we have a rich man come to our house he should not have a place of honor over a poor man. Capitalism breeds an erroneous attitude within us. We favor those who can help promote us because of their status and disregard those who can’t because of their status. Now that is not to say that in the market place it is all evil, ingenuity and drive can cause someone to succeed and overcome social barriers, but the dark side is that those with the most money can control the world. Nikola Tesla is a prime example of what happens in the dark side of capitalism. He wanted subtle energy to be free but his backer JP Morgan could not make a profit on free energy so he pulled his funding. Thomas Edison found a way to make electricity profitable. It is the same with combustible energy, there are many ways to make oil more efficient or alternatives to using oil, however those who have the money make it so that those ideas fall by the way side. They then artificially create a shortage to raise the prices. The funny thing is that God knows their behavior, just like he knew the rich man’s behavior. Again the absence of God in their lives is evident in the way they live.
All those people who have been running the world systems on our planet will one day be out of their positions as Jesus will be the one who will rule and reign, but in the mean time there is continued whispers about secret societies and a new world order. I have included a link to a book called None Dare Call It Conspiracy, it is free on line, and this will give a good background on the subject of the Illuminati. I’ve read several other books on the subject but one always has to be suspicious as to the information written about. If someone claims they have all the answers and they wrote it all in a book, they will not be telling you everything. The reason is no one can publish or market a book with all the truth in it. If someone says they decoded all the secrets, they didn’t, that kind of information will not be allowed to be open to the public. Most of it will be misleading, intentionally so that the reader will always be kept off track. But in light of the times we live in, yes there is a plan for a new world order, a new way of leading countries, a new form of currency and a new philosophy for the world to buy into. Most of the new world philosophy is written on the Georgia Guide Stones. Continental currencies have already been minted and some are in use like the Euro. The Amero is awaiting its debut. This is really not about one group worshiping false gods, or pagan rituals. It is about the continued domination of the world. By using disasters as opportunities for change, anyone secretly ruling the world would be ready at any given time to institute new procedures. Making order out of chaos, either natural or manmade chaos is the creed of all controlling secret societies.
If you’ve been thrown off track by buying into secret societies and what they will do, I suggest you look backwards and see what they have already done. Seems silly to worry about the future because God is still on the throne and satan’s lease is almost up. Jesus will return and establish his kingdom on earth. This is why I don’t get my undies in a bundle over secret societies. They really aren’t that smart because they cannot control God. Simply these are people who don’t fear God. Just like we saw when studying Lucifer, the kings of the earth will marvel that Lucifer will be in hell with them and that he has become just like they are. They may be following Lucifer but they aren’t very smart. They may have bought into deception because being rich feels good, but before selling their souls they should have done the research.
Jesus however was not concerned by secret societies, or new world orders. Yes they did exist in his day. Instead he told us to pay our taxes and Paul wrote to pray for our leaders and those in authority so that we may live quiet and peaceable lives. Our world may not be run the way God would want it run, but it is our personal responsibility to live the way God wants us to live. Next week we will start with the baby Abram and another mystery place on earth.
End Notes
Fractional Banking
None Dare Call It Conspiracy
