Money and the New Move of God — Esther Ibanga

This message is one of the Times Square Church pulpit series. It was recorded in the sanctuary of Times Square Church in Manhattan, New York City. You're welcome to make additional cassettes of this message for free distribution to friends.

However, for all other forms of reproduction or electronic transmission, existing copyright laws apply. We have to trust in him.

Especially now. Because that's the only thing that will keep us. Our trust in him and our faith in him. Despite what is happening around us. I want to just thank Pastor Dave and all the pastors of the ministry.

For giving me yet another opportunity to speak with you. I count it a great honor and privilege and I'm telling you I'm just so overwhelmed. And I do not take this lightly. So it is with a great sense of responsibility that I stand before you today.

And I trust the Lord to help me speak forth his word undiluted without me. Let's say a prayer. Father we thank you for this evening for the entrance of your word brings light. We thank you because you're calling us to put our faith and our trust in you.

Lord we bless your name because you will always leave for yourself a remnant. And Father we are determined to be part of that remnant. And so tonight Lord we ask that you open our eyes. The eyes of our understanding and grant us enlightenment.

Give me a chance oh God to declare your word as it is. I give you praise and glory for your help. In Jesus name. Amen. Let's open our Bibles to the book of Matthew chapter 24. We will begin to read tonight from that scripture.

Money and the End-Time Move of God

Matthew the 24th chapter. And this evening I'd like to be sharing a message with you titled. Money and the new move of God. Money and the new move of God. What is the place of money in the new move of God.

Okay. Matthew chapter 4. And I'll start reading. What did I say? Okay. The Lord will see me through. Amen. Thank you. Matthew chapter 24. And I'll begin to read from verse 4. And Jesus answered and said to them.

Take heed that no one deceives you. I will back off to verse 3. Now as he sat on the Mount of Olives. The disciples came to him privately saying. Tell us. When will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming?

And of the end of the age. And Jesus answered and said to them. Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name. Saying I am the Christ. And will deceive many. And you will hear of wars.

And rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must come to pass. But the end is not yet. And then if you jump over. To verse. Verse 24. It says. For false Christs. And false prophets would rise.

And show great signs and wonders to deceive. If possible. Even the elect. Now we have heard. You know. This morning and several other times. When Pastor Dave was preaching. About God is doing a new thing.

And the fact that we are in the end of the times. We are in the end of the age. And I totally believe that with all my heart. And we do not even need to look far. To see the things that are happening.

And to know that we are indeed in the last days. Now the disciples were very particular. And they wanted to know. When will this time be? And what will the signs be? To say that he is coming back. And to confirm that we are in the end of the age.

And Jesus did not answer them directly. He did not tell them that okay. In the years. So and so. You know. Just calculate from this time. About that time I will come. We are told that only the Father knows of that time.

But rather Jesus answered them. By telling them what is more important to them. Than knowing when he is coming. Because we need to prepare for his coming. And he said. You take heed that no one deceives you.

So if you ask me what is the sign of the end of the age. I will tell you is deception. Deception is the sign of the end of the age. Forget about all the other things that are happening. And we have seen them happen.

We have seen wars. We have seen rumors of wars. But when God talks to his people. When God talks to his call group. When God is speaking to his church. He is warning them about deception. Because that is the sign of the end of the age.

And the devil has released so much deception. Like there has never been before. And has tried to pollute and defile the church of Jesus Christ. And Jesus told us in his word. He said even the elect will be deceived.

So if there is one thing we need to watch out for. Is the spirit of deception. That creeps into the church. That brings about error and heresies. And now we are told that if you are not prosperous. Then God is not with you.

We are told that the gospel of Jesus Christ. Is the gospel of prosperity. We are told that big is success. We are told that money is our God. But that is the deception from the pits of hell. And if we are to survive the times that we are in.

We have to stand against the spirit of deception. We have to trust God for the spirit of discernment. To open our eyes to see where the enemy is coming from. And to cut off his tail so to speak. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. And there are so many kinds of deceptions that are going on in the body of Christ. And what is true has become wrong before the world. And they are selling that to us. And telling us that what we know from the word of God is not right.

And this problem is not just happening in America. Because I have seen it also happen in Nigeria. In Nigeria we believe that everything that comes from America is right. So we try to copy the Americans.

And we try to preach the gospel that they are preaching. But God is calling us to go back to his word. Because that is the truth that will endure forever. Hallelujah. One of the deceptions that we are being told right now.

Is that homosexuality and lesbianism is normal. God made them that way. But the word of God tells me something else. It says in the book of Romans that because they refused to acknowledge God. He gave them over to a reprobate mind.

That is the word of God. It says they were not thankful. They were not grateful. And their foolish hearts were darkened. That is the truth about the situation. And now we are the ones that are wrong. And we are referred to as homophobics.

We have a phobia about it. But today we are going to unveil the deception of the enemy. And we are going to learn the truth of the word of God. And we are coming to know that prosperity outside of God is bondage.

True Wealth and the Limits of Money

We are going to search the scriptures and find out what is true wealth. And what is the place of money or wealth in this new move of God. Because I am telling you the times and the seasons that God is taking us into cannot be accessed by money.

What God is going to do on the face of the earth. Money will fail. Empires will come crumbling down. The kingdoms of men will come crumbling down. Until his own kingdom be established on the face of the earth.

We need to understand the place of money. Because that is one strong weapon that the enemy has used against us. We are going to start examining the scriptures. On what exactly is true wealth. Like I mentioned earlier.

And we will start from the life of Abraham. Let's go back to Genesis the 12th chapter. Hallelujah. Thank you Jesus. Genesis chapter 12. From verse 1. Now this is a promise of God to Abraham. When the blessings of God come upon you.

It is so that you can become a blessing. God does not just bless you for you. God blesses you for someone else. And it's not just to be a blessing to that other person. When you bless that person you are propagating or spreading the kingdom of God.

That's why God blesses you. And when you have that mentality and that consciousness. Then God is able to trust you with his wealth. Because he knows that you will use it for the right purpose. So look at Abraham's response in verse 4.

Abraham departed as the Lord had spoken to him. And Lord went with him. And it happens to many of us every time God speaks to us. I call this selective obedience. Because God did not ask Abraham to go with Lord.

Lord was going to be a weight to Abraham. He said to Abraham leave your family. Leave your father's house. He knew why he said so. And a lot of times God would tell us specific things to do. But we don't want to let go of those ties that hold us to the past.

Lord represents that which is familiar. Lord represents man's own security. Lord represents the flesh. Lord represents the world. And so Abraham took Lord along with him. Now you will know that he did not come into the blessings of God.

But let's go on further you will see what happened. Come to the next chapter in chapter 13. Then Abraham went up from Egypt. He and his wife and all that he had and Lord with him. Okay. He was still there with him.

And as far as God was concerned. You still have not done what I have asked you to do. And God has spoken to many of us. But we want to bring our Lord along with us. But he says leave him behind. And we are coming to a time and a season whereby selective obedience is not enough.

You have to obey God totally and completely. Otherwise your partial obedience is regarded as disobedience. So don't pat yourself on the back and say I am doing good. At least I have done this bit. What about the other?

And he went with Lord. Look at verse 2. It says Abraham was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. Remember in chapter 12. The promise of God was futuristic to Abraham. I will bless you. You will be a blessing.

But Abraham was already rich when God showed himself up in his life. I am taking you to a place because we need to find out what is this Abraham's blessing that we are all claiming. Is it money? Is it wealth?

Abraham had money before God showed up. We are told that he was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. There was strife between Abraham and Lord. And they had to separate. Now look at verse 14.

Of the same chapter of 13. And the Lord said to Abraham. After Lord had separated from him. You will never hear God until you do what he has told you to do. And the moment you obey him completely. You will have a fresh vision.

And a new direction. And you will continue in your journey with God. After Abraham had now separated from Lord. God spoke to him. And he says lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are. Northward, southward, eastward, westward.

For all the land which you see. I give to you and your descendants. Past tense. It was done. As far as God was concerned. As at that time it was done. Because Abraham had obeyed and done what the Lord wanted him to do.

He said. And I will make your descendants. As the dust of the earth. So that if a man could number the dust of the earth. Then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise walk in the land through its length and its width.

For I give it to you. Hallelujah. Turn to Genesis 17. Verse 1. When Abraham was 99 years old. The Lord appeared to Abraham and said to him. I am almighty God. Walk before me and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you.

And will multiply you exceedingly. Abraham fell on his face. And God talked with him saying. As for me behold. My covenant is with you. And you shall be a father of many nations. Verse 6. I will make you exceedingly fruitful.

And I will make nations of you. And kings shall come from you. And we know that God went on. To establish that covenant. Through the process of circumcision. In the life of Abraham. I will take you somewhere.

Abraham’s Covenant, Faith, and Obedience

We have quite a number of scriptures to read. Genesis 22. From verse 16. Now the whole of Genesis 22. Talks about Abraham's faith tested. And Abraham was told by God. To offer a sacrifice. Of his only one begotten son.

And we are told. That Abraham obeyed. And was about to kill Isaac. That is the son he had waited for all his life. God said give it back to me. And Abraham was willing to give it back to him. But in verse 12.

God said do not lay your hand on the lad. Or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God. Since you have not withheld your son. Your only son from me. And Abraham lifted his eyes and looked. And behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns.

And he went and took the ram. And offered it for a bond sacrifice. Instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place. The Lord will provide. As it is said in this day. In the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.

Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham. A second time out of heaven and said. By myself I have sworn. Says the Lord. Because you have done this thing. And have not withheld your son. Blessing. I will bless you.

In multiplying. I will multiply your descendants. As the stars of heaven. And as the sun. Which is on the seashore. And your descendants shall possess. The gate of their enemies. In your seed. All the nations of the earth.

Shall be blessed. Because. You have obeyed. My voice. All the nations. And in him. All the earth. Or basically mankind. We are the seed of Abraham. And God had a special covenant relationship with Abraham.

As a result. Of his obedience. So when we talk about Abraham's blessing. Or Abraham's blessings. Are we talking about wealth? Abraham had wealth. Before God made him. And when God met with him. God not only gave him more than what he had.

God gave him much more than that. God established a covenant with him. And made him the father of nations. And said I will bless you. That you may be a blessing. Let's quickly turn to Galatians. That refers to this Abraham's blessing.

Galatians chapter 3. I will run that over quickly. Galatians chapter 3. From verse 13. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. Having become a curse for us. For it is written. Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.

That the blessing of Abraham. Might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus. That we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. Now this word. At least in my own version in this Bible. It tells me about the blessing of Abraham.

One. The blessing of Abraham is one. Not the blessings of Abraham. The blessing of Abraham is only one. But a lot of times when we read it. We talk about the blessings of Abraham. Because we are thinking of material possession.

In my country we even have a song. About the blessings of Abraham. Abraham's blessings are mine. Abraham's blessings are mine. I am blessed in the morning. I am blessed in the evening. Abraham's blessings are mine.

And all we are thinking about is money. But the Bible says. It is one blessing. That the blessing of Abraham. Might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus. That we might receive the promise of the spirit.

Through faith. What is the blessing of Abraham? Obedience. There can never be true wealth. Outside of obedience. You cannot be walking contrary. To God. And to his word and to his will. And say you are blessed.

The scary thing about it. Is that you might be out of God. You might even be walking contrary to God. And still prosper. But that doesn't mean that prosperity came from God. There are many things we have called prosperity.

That is nothing. Is not regarded as prosperity in the eyes of God. Prosperity has nothing to do with wealth. The blessing of Abraham. That you and I inherited. If we are to be partakers. Of the new move of God.

In this end time is obedience. That's the thing that will get us there. Because let me tell you brother. I want to be part of this end time move. I don't know about you. Maybe you are content to just obey half way.

Obey partial. Select this and obey. Leave that one and obey. But you know since Pastor Dave has been talking about. God is doing a new thing. God is doing a new thing. And I said yes. God I know you are doing a new thing.

I want to be part of it. How can I be part of it? You will see that money will fail. Even with the so called prosperous ministries. The mega ministries. The big ministries. The ministries we have seen and turned successful.

The ministries we have tried to become. They will crumble. And then you will know. It has nothing to do with prosperity or money. Hallelujah. Praise the name of the Lord. If you turn to Deuteronomy 28.

Obedience as the Measure of Blessing

God is very very clear about that. He spoke explicitly. Deuteronomy 28. He talks about obedience. And it is so clear in this scripture. Now it shall come to pass. If you will diligently obey. The voice of the Lord your God.

To observe carefully all his commandments. Which I command you today. That the Lord your God will set you high. Above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings. Shall come upon you and overtake you.

Because you obey the voice of the Lord your God. The blessings of God is always tied up with obedience. Whatever blessings you have. Outside of obedience is not of God. Because God blesses your obedience.

And God is calling on his church to mature. To grow up. To go on to perfection. We are no more children tossed to and fro. By every wind of doctrine. Or by the sly of men. Whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

It's time we grow up. And when we grow up. If God says leave your country. You leave your country. That's it. You don't take any loss with you. God is looking for a people. That are totally sold out to him.

Whose desire is just to please him. Because I tell you. That's the only way you can press in. And access the new move of God. And you will find that from other scriptures. Who will read. That money will fail.

What else do we refer to as prosperity? Philippians chapter 3. True prosperity. I'm saying the true one. Because the world has told us so many things. That are not true. And giving us a concept of success.

That is contrary to God's definition of success. And we want to be part of this end time move of God. Philippians chapter 3 from verse 7. But what things were gained to me. These I have counted loss for Christ.

Yet indeed I also count all things loss. For the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For whom I have suffered the loss of all things. And count them as rubbish. That I may gain Christ.

That's true wealth. The knowledge of Jesus Christ. It cannot be compared. With whatever you have on this earth. Paul says I count all things as loss. I count them as junk. Some other version say. I count it as I'm ready to give up anything.

That I may know him. That the true wealth is. It's in your knowledge of Jehovah. It's in your knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ. It's receiving the revelation of who he is. That is true wealth. That I may know him.

And be found in him. Not having my own righteousness which is from the law. But that which is through faith in Christ. The righteousness which is from God. By faith. Then in verse 10 he says that I may know him.

And the power of his resurrection. And the fellowship of his sufferings. Being conformed to his death. That's the high calling. Of every one of us. In this time that we are in. And if you go to Colossians chapter 2.

Verse 1 to 3. For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you. And for those in Laodicea. And for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. That their hearts may be encouraged. Being knit together in love.

And attending to all riches. Of the full assurance of understanding. To the knowledge of the mystery of God. Both of the Father and of Christ. In whom are hidden. All the treasures. Of wisdom. And knowledge.

That's true wealth. That's the full assurance. Of understanding. Of the knowledge of the mystery. Of Jesus Christ. That is true wealth that is being described there. And if you go to Proverbs 8 verse 10.

It says receive my instruction. And not silver. Receive my instruction. And not silver. And then it also says. Receive knowledge. Rather than choice gold. So that scripture is telling us. That silver and gold are not the true wealth.

The true wealth is when you receive the instruction of God. True wealth is when you have wisdom. When you have understanding. Of the person of Jesus Christ. That is true wealth. What again is true wealth?

Joseph, Prosperity, and the Presence of God

We'll find out from the life of Joseph. Let's go back to Genesis 39. What is true wealth? You will now understand why God is going to just. Remove our focus. From building our kingdoms and our empires.

Genesis 39. And Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh. Captain of the guard and Egyptian. Brought him from the Ishmaelites. Who are taking him down there. The Lord was with Joseph.

And he was a successful man. Other versions said. The Lord was with Joseph. And he prospered. But what was the state of Joseph at that time? He was a slave. He had no money. But the Bible said. The Lord was with Joseph.

And he prospered. Prosperity is the presence of God. Any prosperity outside of the presence of God. Is not from God. Let me tell you. You can be with God. And have nothing in your pocket. And you are a most prosperous man.

Hallelujah. You don't need money to confirm. The presence of God in your life. I have seen so many people. That have the worldly wealth. And yet they don't have God. And they are the most miserable people.

On the face of the earth. To take our eyes off. What is so important to the world. Because that is not important to God. We can't be friends with the world. We can't serve mammon and serve God. We have to serve one or the other.

Hallelujah. The presence of God. Is real prosperity. The Lord was with Joseph. And he prospered. Hallelujah. We can also find that. In the life of Obed-edom. In 2nd Samuel chapter 6. Verse 11. You know what happened.

When the ark was taken by King David. And Uriah came. And you know. You know. Tried to help. The moving of the ark. King David wanted to move it to Jerusalem. And because they did not follow the order.

And the pattern. The wrath of God broke out. There is nothing there. There is nothing that God does. That he doesn't have an order and a pattern. And it is found in his word. And he expects us. To follow the order and the pattern.

God consistently. Will make a demand. On our obedience. If we are to prosper. 2nd Samuel chapter 6. I will read that quickly. 2nd Samuel chapter 6. I will just read one verse. Verse 11. You know about the story.

About the ark being brought to Jerusalem. The ark of the Lord remained. In the house of Obed-edom. The Gittite. Three months. And the Lord blessed Obed-edom. And all his household. And it was told David saying.

The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom. And all that belongs to him. Because of the ark of God. True blessings. And true wealth. Is the presence of God. You also find that. In the life of Jacob.

Jacob in the house of Laban. Was cheated several times. His salary and his wages were changed. Over 10 times. And yet the Lord. Prospered Jacob. Laban had to come to a point. Where he would say. I have learnt by experience.

That God has prospered me. Because you are in my house. And let me tell you. All these things came. From the covenant relationship of Abraham. On to Isaac. On to Jacob. The same covenant. That God made with Abraham.

He repeated to Isaac. And he repeated to Jacob. So wherever Jacob went to. God was with him. And he prospered. Even Laban recognized that fact. That his whole household changed. Because a covenant man.

Was living in his house. Now wherever you are. If there is no change. In that environment. You need to check your work with God. Because anywhere a covenant man. Or woman goes to. There is something about the presence of God.

That should bring a change to your environment. To your community. To your office. Wherever you find yourself. Hallelujah. Carry the presence of God. Into everywhere we step into. That people will recognize and know.

That things are changing. That people should look for us. To do business with. That's why the Bible says. Be ye not unequally yoked with an unbeliever. You will give him blessings that will kill him. Why don't you bless your fellow brother or sister.

Money, Business, and the Coming Shaking

Praise the name of the Lord. God is faithful. And I'm telling you. We need to come to a proper understanding. Of the place of money. Because money will fail. In this end times. And you will find it written.

I'm running out of time. I quickly have to run though. Okay. Let's go to Isaiah chapter 4. I think I will end there. Hallelujah. Blessed be God forever. I've made up my mind. I'm going to be part of the end times move of God.

No matter what it takes. You have to make your own decision. Hallelujah. Isaiah chapter 4. It says. And in that day. Seven women shall take hold of one man saying. We will eat our own food. And wear our own apparel.

Only let us be called by your name. To take away our reproach. And in that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious. And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing. For those of Israel who have escaped.

And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion. And remains in Jerusalem will be called holy. Everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion.

And porched the blood of Jerusalem from her knees. By the spirit of judgment. And by the spirit of burning. Then the Lord will create. Above every dwelling place of man Zion. And above her assemblies.

A cloud and smoke by day. And the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering. Now let me go back to verse 1. Seven women taking hold of one man saying. We will eat our own food.

And wear our own apparel. Only let us be called by your name. He is not talking about physical. Seven women just grabbing one man and say. Be our husband. Don't worry about provision. Don't worry about clothes.

Don't worry about money. We have the money we just want your name. This is a type of picture. Of the seven churches in the book of Jerusalem. In the book of Revelation. Excuse me. These churches are not interested.

In the food that will be provided by God. They said they have their own food. They are not interested in his covering. They said we have our own clothes. We will cover ourselves. Only let us bear your name.

And we take the name of the Lord in vain. And we call ourselves Christians. But we do not show forth. The character of the man we are proclaiming to worship. And we are trying to cover ourselves. This picture says.

That we will wear our own apparel. Just like Adam and Eve wore their own apparel. After they fell. The apparel of thieves. And why you want to wear your own apparel. Is because you are covering something.

But God wants to be your covering. And you are saying you don't want him to be your covering. And God spoke to one of these churches. In the book of Revelation chapter 2. I will quickly read that. Revelation chapter 2.

Excuse me. It is Revelation chapter 3 from verse 14. To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write. This thing says the Amen. The faithful and true witness. And beginning of the creation of God. I know your works.

That you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm. And neither cold nor hot. I will not open my mouth. Because you say I am rich. Have become wealthy. And have need of nothing.

And do not know that you are wretched. Miserable. Poor. Blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire. That you may be rich. And white garments. That you may be clothed. That the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.

And anoint your eyes with eye salve. That you may see. And we are no exception to this word. We want to take on the name of the Lord. But we don't want his food. We don't want his word. The woman said we have our own food.

Don't worry to give us your food. You know. They have their own word. They don't want to submit to the word of God. They don't want to submit to his covering. And that is what the church is doing. But God says I am rising against that church.

You say you are rich. And have no need of anything. But I tell you you are poor. You are naked. You are miserable. And you are wretched. And God just tore apart their definition of prosperity. Because they did not understand it.

Hallelujah. And God is committed to bringing about his purpose to pass in this last days. And we need to make up our minds that we shall be partakers of it. In Isaiah chapter 3 it says. For you have forsaken your people the house of Jacob.

Because they are filled with eastern waste. They are soothsayers like the Philistines. And they are pleased with the children of foreigners. Their land is also full of silver and gold. And there is no end to their treasures.

Their land is also full of horses. And there is no end to their chariots. Their land is also full of idols. And they worship the work of their own hands. That which their own fingers have made. People bow down and each man humbles himself.

Therefore do not forgive them. It says enter into the rock and hide in the dust. From the terror of the Lord. And from the glory of his majesty. Because the lusty looks of man shall be humbled. The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down.

And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. In that day silver and gold will fail. In that day the lusty looks of man will fall. Silver and gold will fail. In that day the empires of men will crumble.

In that day men's kingdom will fall apart. Only the name of Jehovah will stand. The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. And that is what God is saying to us. And if you quickly. I am sorry I need to read the scripture.

I have to read the scripture. Pastor I will soon be done. Let's go back to Haggai chapter 2. Haggai chapter 2. I just have to read the scripture. Verse 20. And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the 24th day of the month.

Saying speak to Zerubbabel governor of Judah. Saying I will shake heaven and earth. I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the gentile kingdoms. I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them.

The horses and their riders shall come down. Every one by the sword of his brother. Now let me quickly break the scripture. He says I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. Which means there are kingdoms apart from the kingdom of God.

And he will overthrow those kingdoms. That is the shaking that is coming upon the world. That is the shaking that is coming in this last days. This is the end time move of God. And the greatest kingdom we have is the kingdom of Mammon.

God says he will overthrow that kingdom. Hallelujah. And he says he will destroy the strength of the gentile kingdom. He says he will overthrow chariots and those who ride with them. And horses and their riders shall come down.

Now when you think about chariots what do they do? They move you from one place to the other. When you think about horses it exhibits strength. It is a vehicle of movement from one place to the other.