Is the Holy Spirit for Sale? The "Expertise" Loophole
In this video, we explore the historical and biblical concept of simony, which is the act of purchasing or selling spiritual goods or gifts with money. Drawing from the command in Matthew 10:8 to "freely give" and historical texts like the Didache, we discuss why church history has strongly rebuked the commoditization of spiritual blessings such as healing, prophecy, and deliverance. The conversation examines how modern ministries might be falling into this trap by requiring compensation for prayer or spiritual services.
We also address common justifications for charging fees in ministry, such as the distinction between selling a spiritual gift and charging for "expertise" or the administrative costs of an institution. The discussion highlights the potential hypocrisy when ministries charge for seminars while claiming the gospel remains free, comparing these modern practices to the biblical accounts of Simon Magus and Gehazi. We further explore how "celebrity Christianity" and the high demand for certain speakers can lead to the use of price tags as a means of limiting access, which often serves as a justification for the sin of simony.
Finally, we look at practical alternatives for the local church, demonstrating how conferences and resources can be provided for free through hospitality and trust in God’s provision. We highlight examples like Keith Green and The Bible Project to show that even large-scale ministries can operate without charging for spiritual content. Join us as we seek to define a true historic doctrine of simony and apply it to the church today.
Video credit:
@TheRemnantRadio on simony: https://youtu.be/D_CqQ7xpFMI
LEARN MORE
https://sellingjesus.org
https://copy.church
https://thedoreanprinciple.org
We also address common justifications for charging fees in ministry, such as the distinction between selling a spiritual gift and charging for "expertise" or the administrative costs of an institution. The discussion highlights the potential hypocrisy when ministries charge for seminars while claiming the gospel remains free, comparing these modern practices to the biblical accounts of Simon Magus and Gehazi. We further explore how "celebrity Christianity" and the high demand for certain speakers can lead to the use of price tags as a means of limiting access, which often serves as a justification for the sin of simony.
Finally, we look at practical alternatives for the local church, demonstrating how conferences and resources can be provided for free through hospitality and trust in God’s provision. We highlight examples like Keith Green and The Bible Project to show that even large-scale ministries can operate without charging for spiritual content. Join us as we seek to define a true historic doctrine of simony and apply it to the church today.
Video credit:
@TheRemnantRadio on simony: https://youtu.be/D_CqQ7xpFMI
LEARN MORE
https://sellingjesus.org
https://copy.church
https://thedoreanprinciple.org