Just when we had gotten over one well-known spiritual leader saying God was going to kill him if we didn’t give him $8 million, another one says they collected $75 million and spent the same $75 million all in that same year. Then, these so-called pastors from “Preachers of L.A.” and “Preachers of Detroit” are telling us that they were not going apologize for owning Bentleys, sporting multiple high-end time pieces (if its more than $10,000 I’m sorry it’s no longer a watch), living in multi-room estates and now we have one asking his congregation for $65 million to buy a new luxury personal jet!
He said just like a carpenter needs a $5 hammer, he needs a $65 million jet to do his work.
I am through. These affluent lifestyles are a travesty and must stop. At least someone gave Dr. Price his.
At a time when the whole country is fighting so many cultural changing issues that are to shape the future of the country for the next 20-50 years, this.
If you read my article last week, number three comes to mind.
There is absolutely no way you can convince me that every saint in that congregation has no financial issues. Oh, my bad, like they said, the church is not a welfare office.
So I guess the Atlanta area has completely fixed all its societal issues and is so on point spiritually that he needs a $65 million jet to travel, hmm. I just can’t seem to wrap my head around this and this is one of the major issues in the church that causes saints to decide not to join, come to services or leave before the multiple offerings. They are tired of hearing that they will be cursed they don’t give until it hurts.
Malachi was a prophet and a member of the children of Israel, not the body of Christ. Yes, there is a huge difference. There are Jews and gentiles plain and simple. There are two testaments, old which was established for the children of Israel and the new testament, given to the Gentiles and spawned the Apostle Paul’s ministry on the Damascus road after his conversion from persecutor to preacher, prophet, and protector of the gentiles.
This issue of money, tithes and offerings and giving in the church is one that has been tearing up the church for ages and it doesn’t seem to get any better. The church should not be divided with the haves and the have nots.
Acts 2:44-45 English Standard Version (ESV)
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 King James Version (KJV)
32 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.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 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,
35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Giving is essential in order for a church to function in its natural capacity of preaching and teaching the principles and standards of Jesus but when you decide that you are gonna use scriptures as a form of scare tactics to make saints feel that God’s wrath is gonna come down on them if they don’t give ten percent every time they give, it’s just wrong and not scripturally based unless they are Jews.
Before God placed a purpose into each of us, He prepared provisions for us to ensure His purpose would be fulfilled when we accepted our calling.
Luke 6:38 English Standard Version (ESV)
38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully [a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Galatians 6:10 English Standard Version (ESV)
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Proverbs 22:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
9 Whoever has a bountiful [a] eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
These scriptures say nothing about having to give a certain percentage or you will be cursed, but they do make it clear in order for you to be blessed you must give something.
Neither does it say that the church is to give only; it just speaks about what does happen if one gives.
Casio, Timex and Seiko are still quality watch brands, and so Cadillac, Lexus, Buick and Lincoln for automobiles.
Till next week,
God Bless.
Rev. Dr. Rob Harrison, Ph.D. – pastorrobharrison@gmail.com, @drrobharrison
Chaplain – Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Pinellas
Open Door Church of God & True Holiness – 2800 41st Ave. N., St. Pete
