Questions and Answers With Jake

I am not convinced that tithes are ‘supposed to be paid’. That makes our giving to God an obligation rather than a gift to him. In my view every Old Covenant thing is only a shadow of a greater reality that the New Covenant allows us to participate in. The Old Covenant mandated tithing. The New Testament offers us a life of generosity (2 Cor 7-9). Instead of giving because we have to, we give because our hearts spill over with God’s passion, for the needy or to help his kingdom be extended to the world.

Instead of offering God 10% and freely doing what we want with the rest, we recognize that all that we have comes from him and belongs to him. In this view, living in God’s generosity we will be giving significantly more than 10% of our income. That is only a shadow of a greater way to live. Paul also mentions that this may be seasonal. In times you might have great abundance so that you can share with others. At other times you might have very little, and then you will be blessed by others. Paul didn’t encourage people to give what they do not have.

Where can you give to God? Wherever he leads you. If you know of people in need, share with them. If there are people you know extending their lives to others in the kingdom that you would like to support, give it to them. I will add this, however. If you go to one of those things we call ‘church’ and benefit from the building and programs that you frequent, you need to know that it takes a significant number of people giving 10% of their income to pay for all of that. If you’re not willing to help carry the load, then you might reconsider your involvement.

I hope that helps... That’s the way I see it anyway, and am convinced the New Testament apostles did as well.

Jake

Dear Jake,

I have noticed the story has stalled and wonder as to whether there will be a continuation. I can't help but cringe a little when I hear the remarks that brand the organized church as being so decrepit. I know my healing only occurs as I am led by the Spirit and God uses me. I can not however sense a way God will use me outside His body. Is it possible that to judge the organized church one might be pulling up wheat along with tares. I don't believe one can claim any denomination as the (True Church) but question the thought that brands all congregations that are a part of an organized denomination as errant. Does that not presume the body does not exist there? I am praying and studying in the area of the works and gifts of the Holy Spirit. I feel the Word is saying the new creation each believer is, is defined in the body by the participation of God in the believers life to work as a part of that body. Truly we are individuals but also part of Christ. I look forward to the continuation of this intriguing story. Thank you for your work.

Hank

Thanks for writing. The story has not stalled, I just don’t have to the time to get it in print like I had hoped. I am finishing up another chapter right now. I will get the story told. I’m sorry to frustrate people with its speed, or lack thereof.

I hope you are reading the story carefully enough, because I full agree that God will use us inside his body, it’s just that our thinking of the organized church as that body may not be the reality. Certainly some of his family are there, but I’m afraid its priorities, methodologies and rituals reflect man’s thinking far more than God’s. It just may be that what we call church is not what Father calls church and that confusion can lead us to waste tons of doing to serve that which may not be Father’s priority...

I think that will be clearer as the story unfolds.

Jake

Thanks for your honest and thought-provoking story. My husband and I have just left the organized church after 22 yrs. of commitment and service. God is in the midst of melting down religious mindsets in us, and we know that He is changing our direction regarding Body life. This is a very "tender" time for me since I now feel a bit "disconnected" and still struggle with some guilt about how I feel about the structured church. This story of Jake helps. Thoughts will assault my mind telling me that I'm in rebellion and on a wrong path.... after all, how could so many people seem to be satisfied with the "religious" structure? It just feels so foreign to me to be walking a new path that I know in my heart is directed by the Lord, and find myself rather alone in it right now. Thank you for Jake..... it speaks truth and I look forward to hearing more.

Going through a time of disorientation is very common in this process. Guilt and loneliness are two of the ropes religion uses to tie us in. It is no wonder that people go through some times of struggle with those as God is setting us free from religious illusions to teach us how to live deeply in him. I think that’s why Jesus warned us how narrow the way is, so when we see the crowds that are contented with a brief does of Christianity every week and our hearts hunger for something more real and more dynamic, we wouldn’t be discouraged. I know how thought this road is, but I gotta tell you as you get through this time you will find more joy and freedom in loving him and his people than you ever dreamed was possible. It is so worth it.

So, Gayle, keep putting yourself before your loving Father. Listen to his words over the sound bytes that play in your mind from all the religious chatter you’ve heard. Then you will discover how awesome this God is and how much you belong to him. I am blessed by your courage to move forward even in the face of our second-thoughts. Few people find the courage to walk against the status quo, but unfortunately that’s where his life is. I pray God will lead you ever- close to him and show you the wonder of life in his kingdom.

Jake

True, about God wanting to teach me to relate to him as his daughter but can I ask the maybe dumb question of how? I know that I can't make it happen but it doesn’t seem right to just sit around and do nothing either as that isnt working. I am definitely out of the performance thing now in relation to church, but as for relating to him, well, that is my big struggle. I don’t even know what relating to God looks like anymore. I think that is why I attempt to go to church every now and again. That and to try and connect with a few more Christians. I just don’t get how to relate to him anymore and I don’t feel like I am progressing. Any clues on that one?

Hi Julie,

Repeat after me: “There are no dumb questions!” That’s what my wife says and as far as growth in this kingdom goes, she is right!

I think that our relationship with Jesus is 90% controlled by him and probably way less than 10% from us. If you are going to have a relationship with a 2 year old child, who will do most of the work? You or them? Of course it is you. You will have to get down at their level, engage yourself in their world and connect. God does the same with us. The only difference is we have freedom of will, so the part we add is the choosing.

“Father I want to know you as you really are and follow you however you would lead me. Would you teach me how?” I pray that kind of prayer a lot and then follow through with whatever he seems to put on my heart. What to be reading, who to talk to, how I should live! This is all stuff God wants to do in you. What we add to the process is specific focus and willingness. Ask him to show you how he reveals himself to Julie. This life isn’t about laying around doing nothing, nor is it a frenzied attempt to earn his attention. It is, however, a steadily growing relationship with the omnipotent God, Maker of Heaven and earth, who wants to love you like a Dad loves a two-year old playing in his lap. Think less about what you have to DO to earn that, but rather what he is doing in you to free you to enjoy it. I know that is easier said than done, and easier to type than it might be to understand. But ask him and he will show you.

Jake

So many of us talk about not going to church. I believe this is why! rev. 18:4 God himself is calling us out. why? She " The system" has become Babylon. She is prophesied of in Ezekiel 16 & in Isaiah 47. Please make a study of this & let me know what you think. I'm sure there are many other references. In chapter 19:1&2 named her, v.1. a great voice of much people in heaven saying, read it all but scip to v.2. he hath judged the great whore which did corupt the earth with her fornication. I don't believe these scriptures are talking of the world or the great catholic church. I could go on & on, but I will stop & wait for your reply.

Hi Pat...

I have considered it, actually. And though I see much in our religious systems that smack of Babylon, I do not think the two directly coincide. Babylon is the world’s way of doing things that crush the innocent and exalt the wicked. It uses expedience to captivate people and exploits them for its own success. Much in our religious institutions follow that script and yes we should distance ourselves from that as far as we can.

While many so-called churches operate in that system, not all of them do. I know many wonderful, humble, God-pursuing people who continue to love him and love each other in some of those institutions. The church of Jesus Christ is built on this one foundation: God knows those who are his. Some are inside, some are outside, but all those who put their trust in him are still his....

So in my view Babylon isn’t Rome, nor is it institutional Christianity. It is that world-system that dishonors God as it seeks to please itself. We all live in the midst of her ravings, but do not have to be a part of her. Whether I find her in the worldly institution, a religious institution, or even in my baser thoughts and motives, I am like you, wanting to come out of her and have nothing more to do with her, regardless of what that might cost me...

For what it is worth,

Jake

Hello. My wife and I have started a house church a few months ago. I have a quick question. Is there a full-time minister in the New Testament? If I were to ask a church building person or even a staff member that question, is there a particular scripture they would go pull out and show me?

Sorry to take so long to respond... I’ve been a bit busy around here and only have so much time to give to email. I have a hard time answering your question because ‘full time minister’ is not New Testament terminology. Certainly there were those for whom God provided while they obeyed him in helping others live in the freedom of God’s life, but the New Testament sees all believers as ‘full time’ members of the kingdom and thus servants for others around them. I think the view of ‘full time ministry’ is a major distraction and hindrance to God’s work today. Living in his love and serving others however God might give us opportunity is one reality God invites us to embrace. As we do so he promises to provide for us. That doesn’t mean we can do that and derive a salary. It means as we follow him, he will make certain of our provision. That will often by through other kinds of work God assigns to us, or that may include times when God provides for us through the fruits of our service or even from the monetary support of other brothers and sisters who sense God’s desire to make us more available than we might be holding a regular vocation.

This latter bit must always be seen as sacrifice and not privilege or right. The person who lives that way need not ‘raise money’ from others, but simply trust God’s provision. As we do what God asks, he will show us how in any given season he wants to provide for us. Sometimes that may free people in certain seasons to not have other vocational distractions. Those who do so, however, will feel no more ‘full time’ in his kingdom than any other brother or sister who are enjoying the fullness of this life in him!

I hope that is helpful,

Jake

Your writings have been a real help and comfort to me. Do you ever reply to questions via email? I have struggled with church issues for so long it's almost become a part of me. I finally decided to give up on it for a while much to the horror of my family. It's hard because my family is really starting to question if I'm a Christian. It doesn't matter to them that I still pray and have a relationship with God--they feel that since I'm not in church I can't be that serious and definitely am not growing.

My church stuff is way too long and complicated to understand. I just know that have tried to work this out for years. Basically I pretty much have panic attacks when I go. I think I've tried every church in the city with the same results. My family(husband & kids) are understanding. My extended family on both my and my husbands sides doesn't understand and feel that I am just making excuses. When I stopped going to church, I feel like something in me started healing. I can't explain it. But the hardest part is my extended family and that they have a hard time taking my christianity seriously any more. This is more than I intended to write. I just really want to thank you.

It’s quite possible, S, that you are seeing this much more clearly than others in your extended family.

All I need to hear is that “When I stopped going to church, I feel like something in me started healing.” What a statement! Live in the freedom of that reality. There is very little in ‘church’ today that is what Jesus intended. But I am discovering more every day that his church is all over the world, scattered in hearts who love him. I love it when he connects us together so we can celebrate the joy of his family without getting caught up on the machinery of organized religion. I have loved that freedom.

One of the other freedoms you’ll find God working in you is the freedom from other people’s approval. I’m convinced that’s what keeps people tethered to organized religion. If you conform, people can’t say enough great stuff about you. If you don’t go, people are afraid you’ve fallen out of the kingdom. It’s that approval that keeps people hooked. I suspect God’s taken you on a marvelous journey to set you free of it. It’s painful. It’s no fun having your family think you’ve backslidden, but just remember when you’re following Jesus time and light are on your side. Be as gentle with them as possible, “I know this doesn’t fit what you think I should do, but I am really finding more life in Jesus right now than I ever have before. Who knows where that will lead me for fellowship, but I do appreciate your concern for me.” When you just keep growing in Jesus they won’t know what to do with you.

In the meantime you’ll find your need for other people’s approval will wither up and die. I’m convinced this is one of God’s greatest gifts. To love others without trying to win their approval is an incredible joy. It won’t make you independent, it will just let you live free.

So stay on the course, Tami. I think you’ve found God’s heart and you’ll find the healing and the freedom to be so worth it.

In his love,

Jake

Though I haven't been a Christian very long, and believe me it wasn't because I didn't want to know God. It was because I took some off path into a cult that did not reveal to me who he was until I found myself being a Jehovah Witness for 20 years. The Lord in His Grace and His time brought me low, so I could soar in trust and dependency on Him .I did not find answers in Church (the body) but in the wilderness, at home alone, in the presence of the Holy Spirit and before the throne of God's Grace. It wasn't that I didn't want to have my questions answered; it was that I looked to men to show me the way. Oh yeah and by the way, I got more confused at each turn I took toward men. And I have come to understand and trust that it is only by the power of the Holy Sprit that any of us can know God and understand His Word.

I pray you will finish this story as to reveal what you describe as a wonderful walk that Christians should know about. I shared your website as well as have printed it up for a few of my Christian brothers and each person that has read it saw different revelations to them. One sister said it was one of those life changing understandings that the saints seem to be experiencing all around the world. I want to encourage you to complete the writing and reveal who you are. By the Grace of God he has settled me in His rest and has taught me the wonders of His Grace. Thank you for your story. And get to writing. We out here in internet land are in anticipation of hearing the rest of the story

Karen,

I do read emails... Amazing isn’t it? ;-) What a story and what a journey! Thanks for taking time to share it with me. I even took a brief look at your website and your husbands! He’s quite an artiste and you are quite a writer. Thanks for bringing your passions and gifts to the world.

Your story really touched me. I’m blessed that God has led you out of the ‘religions of men’ and into the freedom of his family. It’s not just the Jehovah Witnesses who have missed out on God’s life by their own works, plenty of other religious institutions miss that mark as well. It is so tragic too. Now we can understand why Paul didn’t come with “persuasive words of speech, so that your faith might not rest on man’s wisdom but on God’s power.” (I Cor 2) He wanted people dependent on the incredible mercy of God, not on “the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph 4)

Thanks for your encouragement as well. I’ve not forgotten the story and want to get it done as soon as possible. I’m just not in control of my life at that point. But I think I have some time now to get after it...

May the Lord continue to bless you and lead you into ever-wider spaces of freedom and joy...

Jake