Do you believe in the separation of church and state? Or do you think of it as an attack to weaken the power of the church? Don’t be quick to give your enemies credit for this. It was my idea first. In the theocratic state of ancient Israel I forbid the kings to burn incense on my altar, since this was the job of the priests. In the New Testament I spoke of paying tribute saying, render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. In saying this I implied that these are different things. If no man can serve two masters, then neither can a church. My church is not free to serve me alone if it is a state bureaucracy.

Do you think of money as inert, detached, and objective, or do you think it can carry intention? Consider my story of the widow and the mites she gave. I said it was more than the wealthy gave because they gave of their abundance and she out of her lack. Consider those who put me to death. They deemed the thirty pieces of silver as unable to go back into the temple treasury because it was the price of blood. Never mind that they were OK with making it the price of blood when it came out of the temple treasury. So money does carry intention, and I love a cheerful giver. What intention does your money carry?

You live in a consumer culture and this affects the way you think. Does this influence extend to your spiritual life? Have you ever left a church? As a consumer you can select which stores you do business with and which you do not as a matter of preference for any reason. But you are part of a church rather than just a customer. I consider this matter serious enough to refer to my church as a body comprised of members, and members that are part of a body do not come and go at will. All of this is not to say that you can never leave a church, but your reasons should be better than consumer preference.

What is your view of the end times? There are multitudes to choose from, and from talking to your fellow believers you may conclude that it is very important to choose the right one. Believers will defend their positions fiercely on this question. Does your view of the end times make you more generous, kind and loving today? Do you know anyone for whom this is true? If it doesn’t, then what is the advantage of holding it? Everyone has been wrong about the timing so far. Will you be the one to get it right? I don’t expect you to. Come and follow me and you will be ready when the time comes.