Battle scars: When the church wounds its own, part 4

Praise the Lord saints.

WOW !

I took a few weeks off from this subject matter and boom, one of the most incredible public events in all of Christendom occurs.

If you haven’t heard or seen the many YouTube videos and Podcasts then you have to keep you head out of the sand.

As if these aren’t still fractured with New Birth, here we go with another example that has the very appearance of to quote from Jerry McGuire, “Show me the money!”

A visiting well known pastor spoke after Pastor Bryant spoke and Kanye had his “event,” and offerings had already been taken up, he then calls for another offering.  If that wasn’t bad enough, he declares that he was going to start it out by donating the first $1,000.

He tried to prompt the audience to clap their hands because there was a dead silence when he asked for 20 people to give $1,000. Well, 19 because as I stated, he declared he was going to be the first to donate $1,000.

To rub more salt in the wound and attempt to pull on the emotional heart strings of the innocent saints who hang on the very words that come from us spiritual leaders who are to represent Jesus Christ, Pastor Bryant proceeds to declare that he has a $20 million debt that he apparently agreed to accept when he took the position as pastor. WOW!

I remember when we restarted the St. Pete branch of the NAACP back in 2015, state leaders told us that we were going to be responsible for a $20,000 debt that was left from the previous leadership, which got shut down because of it.

I will say this, I don’t believe there was one member that was silent and said, “Ok, when do we start and how much does each have to pay?”  That’s putting it mildly.

It would appear to be quite hard to focus on Jesus and saving souls when you know you have a $20 million debt hanging over your head every service. I’m still at a loss as to why an individual, who built his church from the ground up inherited from your dad and from like 20 saints to over 15,000 then this opportunity comes and you turn your back on the very individuals  that “made” you who you are today.

Some would say for growth others, selfish and ungrateful.

I also heard that Pastor Bryant stated a laundry list of things the ministry has done over the years but if you have over 30,000 members…

Also, when you boast of doing church work in foreign lands, I kind of have an issue with this.

Wanna know why? I’ll let the scriptures tell you.

Acts 2:43-47 Amplified Bible (AMP)

43 A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole]. 45 AND THEY BEGAN SELLING THEIR PROPERTY AND POSSESSIONS AND WERE SHARING THE PROCEEDS WITH ALL [THE OTHER BELIEVERS], AS ANYONE HAD NEED.

Acts 4: 32-35 Amplified Bible (AMP)

32 Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was [exclusively] his own, but everything was common property and for the use of all. 33 And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable loving kindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all. 34 THERE WAS NOT A NEEDY PERSON AMONG THEM, BECAUSE THOSE WHO WERE OWNERS OF LAND OR HOUSES WERE SELLING THEM, AND BRINGING THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALES 35 AND PLACING THE MONEY DOWN AT THE APOSTLES’ FEET. THEN IT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO EACH AS ANYONE HAD NEED.

So, when you boast about doing for others that are not of your fold and those that are of your fold, visiting your place of worship weekly, giving their support weekly, acknowledge you as their spiritual leader for years, and they run into a shortcoming financially and you do nothing, kinda rubs me the wrong way.

Oh, I’ve heard that some have said the church ain’t no welfare office and we can’t help everyone. I’m just gonna let that one marinate for a bit.

My bad, did I forget to mention that the purpose the visiting pastor asked for the “SPECIAL” offering was that T.I. and his wife Tiny and friend had walked in to the service remember AFTER both Pastor Bryant and the visiting pastor had already closed and offerings were already collected.

T.I. detailed it blow by blow and was furious because he felt they were targeted and equated to Dolla Bill ringing the red light at the Player’s Club.

Oh, like yall don’t know what I’m talking ‘bout. Fine, Bernie Mac played a Strip club owner and whenever a big celebrity or high roller came into the club, he would hit this red button in his office that rang a bell and red light signaling to the women that there was big money in the house. Just like Friday, it’s a black classic.

Man, I’m outta space.  I planned to break down Eph 34 but I guess next week.

Till next week,

Blessings Bishop Elect Dr. Rob Harrison

PS – Please support the Golf Tournament we are co-sponsoring with Chief Holloway and SPPD.  It’s a first! Please look at the flyer for details.

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