About Faith in God Ministry

 Institutionalized church refers to the organized form of church governance and structure, where specific protocols, hierarchies, and administrative systems are established. It typically encompasses a centralized authority and various formal procedures within religious organizations. 

  No, we are not "Christian" in the traditional sense.

The term "Christian" was initially used as a mockery by outsiders, not by King Jesus or His disciples. In fact, King Jesus never referred to His followers as Christians. He called them "disciples"—students of His teachings, those who would follow Him closely and live out His principles. Acts 11:26 mentions that "the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch," but this was a label given by others, not one claimed by King Jesus or His followers.

Over time, the name "Christian" has been attached to many different beliefs and practices. Today, there are over 45,000 denominations of Christianity worldwide, many of which contradict or oppose one another. These divisions are often rooted in man-made traditions, rituals, and doctrines that stray from the original teachings of Christ. This fragmentation highlights the challenges of maintaining unity under the banner of "Christianity" when so many differing beliefs exist.

At Faith in God Ministry, we prefer to identify as practicing disciples of Christ—those who follow the true teachings of King Jesus as He intended. We focus on living according to the principles King Jesus laid out, free from the layers of traditions and doctrines that have divided "Christianity" into various opposing factions. Our goal is to be faithful to Kingdom principles and to follow the example of Christ without the labels or divisions created by man-made systems.

We call ourselves "practicing disciples" or "students of Christ."

Just as a physician practices medicine or an attorney practices law, we are constantly practicing being disciples of Christ—learning and growing in our understanding of His teachings and striving to apply them daily.

In the New Testament, King Jesus referred to His followers as disciples, meaning students or learners. Discipleship is an ongoing journey of following King Jesus' example, absorbing His teachings, and living them out in our lives. It’s not about adhering to a label or title, but about actively practicing what King Jesus taught.

Unlike the term "Christian," which has been interpreted in many ways and often tied to man-made traditions, being a disciple of Christ emphasizes a living, active relationship with King Jesus. It’s about continuous growth, obedience, and transformation. We are committed to practicing and living out His teachings, just as a doctor practices medicine with the goal of becoming better each day.

In this way, our lives are a reflection of Kingdom principles, and we work daily to align our actions, thoughts, and hearts with the example set by King Jesus. We don't just learn about Him; we practice what He taught—becoming better disciples every day.

No, we do not tithe because tithing is not a Kingdom requirement. Instead, the Kingdom of God operates as a commonwealth.

In the Gospels and the Book of Acts, we see a different model of resource sharing among believers than the Old Testament practice of tithing. A commonwealth refers to a system where the resources and wealth of the community are shared for the benefit of all members. It is not based on a percentage or mandatory giving but on voluntary generosity and mutual care, where everyone contributes to meet the needs of others.

In today's economy, it may seem challenging to fully embrace this Kingdom principle, as the pressure of financial obligations, inflation, and the cost of living can make it difficult for individuals to feel they have enough to give freely. Many people live paycheck to paycheck, and the idea of sharing resources without a fixed percentage may feel risky or impossible. However, the principle of the commonwealth system is still essential. Even in times of financial strain, the Kingdom of God calls us to trust in God's provision and to give out of love, not out of legalistic obligation. The challenge lies in shifting our mindset from one of scarcity to one of faith and abundance in God's care.

King Jesus taught about giving freely and caring for one another’s needs. This is reflected in the commonwealth spirit we see in Acts. In the Kingdom of God, as revealed in the New Testament, the focus is on selfless giving out of love, rather than a legal obligation to give a specific percentage of income. 

In Acts 4:32-35, the early church lived out the principle of a commonwealth:

 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common... Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

This passage shows that believers shared their resources with one another, so that no one was in need. It wasn’t about giving a fixed 10% (tithe); it was about giving as needed, ensuring the well-being of the entire community. This system reflects the heart of the Kingdom—selfless giving, communal care, and meeting the needs of others.

Conversely, in Acts 5, the story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a warning about the dangers of deception and greed. While they sold property, they lied about the amount they were giving. Their sin was not that they gave too little, but that they deceived the community for personal gain, showing that the focus in Kingdom living is honesty, integrity, and the willingness to give freely.

In summary, the Kingdom operates as a commonwealth where resources are shared generously for the good of all. Though it may be challenging to practice this in today's economic climate, we are still called to trust in God's provision and participate in selfless, voluntary giving. We do not tithe in a legalistic sense, but rather we practice the principle of voluntary giving—offering what we have for the benefit of others, just as the early church did in Acts.

At Faith in God Ministry, we operate as a Kingdom Embassy, a servant of the citizens of God's Kingdom. We are here to meet the needs of others, not to be served, but to serve. Our mission is to equip disciples to be agents of change in their communities and beyond, using their God-given resources to make a positive impact.

We believe that donations are purpose-driven. This means that if we ever receive donations, they are directed toward specific causes that advance the mission of the Kingdom. These donations are not used for the ministry's overhead but rather to serve the needs of others directly. Whether it’s helping a community project, funding educational initiatives, or supporting a cause that creates positive change, donations are used solely to fulfill the Kingdom mandate.

As for the ministry itself, our needs are met by the Kingdom of Heaven. We rely on the provision of God to sustain the ministry, just as King Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

We teach His students to use their resources purposefully for the causes they are led to support. Whether through time, talents, or financial resources, each student is encouraged to be the hands and feet of Christ, making an impact where God has placed them.

As a Kingdom Embassy, we reflect the heart of King Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). We follow this model, trusting that as we serve others, the Kingdom will supply every need.