1 Corinthians 9:9-11 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
 

One word - Amen!
 

I cannot begin to express how deeply this both angers me as well as grieves me. If I say more, I will need to repent myself.
 

If this were a news story, the televangelist and "gift-givers" would be named.

As it is, this is just shameful gossip.

All gossips say, "Keep this a secret but..."
 

I Cor 9:9-11 is correct...but when an ox is full, it will not continue to eat. All to often, these ministries seem to think that gluttony is ok.
HarryO
 

Is it the amount or the concept ? Most of us give money and gifts to family and friends that don't really need the money or gifts. What they do with it is between them and the Lord. So I wonder if we are upset by the amount or the concept. If those involved with the giving had given $100 or $1000 would we be discussing this. Does this sound familiar, have we seen this in scripture ? Did someone think someone else was going overboard when the woman gave an expensive gift to Jesus ?? What if I sent you a gift would you reject it ? Probably not. But the important question might be what did you do with it ? Even what you do with it is not my business. The Lord is capable of dealing with anything that does not please Him.
 

Indeed 1 Cor. 9:9-11 is speaking of a hungry ox, or hungry oxen. A rich man does not constitute being compared to a hungry ox. Most of God's Word deals with the hungry, the sick, the unrighteous. But there are a few places where he does speak about the rich and the rich rulers. Why are we so guilty today of twisting God's Word to say and mean, what makes us feel good? If we beg/ask for money, we've become beggars. If we are required to give an account for what we are given, how much more for what we take from others?
 

1 Kings 10:10 (New Living Translation) Then she gave the king a gift of 9,000 pounds of gold, great quantities of spices, and precious jewels. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

$640 x 16 ounces (a pound) = $10,240 a pound

$10,240 x 9,000 pounds = $92,160,000

If my estimation is correct, queen Sheba gave king Solomon about $90 million dollars in gold, not counting everything else...
 

Nowhere and no way does 1 Corinthians 9: 9-11 condone this level of support for ministers.

The Bible does make it clear anyone who enters the ministry has a right to expect and receive money for their support, But two million!?

In both the OT and NT it shows clearly what happens when the priest's of God run amuck financially as well as spiritually and morally. It is not a pretty picture.

Oh, and why is it the Bible often states it is the "poor" not the "rich" that will receive salvation and enter the Kingdom of God? Hmmm?

Come soon Lord Jesus.
 

OK, one thing this article does not spell out. When these offererings were raised, were the people specifically told that this would be a birthday gift for this man? If that is the case, while I still don't like it... I have to recant and say that there is no "abuse" here. Still, the question must be asked, "Is this appropriate?" This will become an issue in the media, if it gets picked up by them. But more importantly, we are talking about a man who already is very wealthy, and doesn't it seem to be a shame when their are so many desperate needs out there?
There are times we need to guard ourselves from the appearance of evil, and in my opinion, this is one of those times.
 

The get-rich gospel exists because of human greed, but also because of stupidity. Just look at some of the posts here. As long as people are so stupid you will have this sort of thing going on, but stupidity is not a defense in a criminal case or with God.
 

In the article the writer stated, "I've heard too many stories of fat-cat preachers..."

Maybe it is time to openly expose these people? Too often those in authority in the body of Christ and those in the Christian media have remained mostly silent about such things. Except when a minister's sin specifically becomes widely public knowledge.

Silence and lack of action convey approval. This is the way the world sees it.

Jesus makes it clear when He says we must "judge righteous judgement" and not judge situations and people as they appear.

Ephesians 5: 1-11 (see next paragraph) makes it quite clear that we are to expose the works of darkness. Please note the passage speaks of a Christian's lack of moral behaviour.

"1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not associate with them; 8for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

Elsewhere Paul makes it very clear we are not even to eat or fellowship with any Christian who practices a sinful lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 5: 6-13, "6 Stop being proud! Don't you know how a little yeast can spread through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast!...9 In my other letter I told you not to have anything to do with immoral people. 10 But I wasn't talking about the people of this world. You would have to leave this world to get away from everyone who is immoral or greedy or who cheats or worships idols. 11 I was talking about your own people who are immoral or greedy or worship idols or curse others or get drunk or cheat. Don't even eat with them! 12 Why should I judge outsiders? Aren't we supposed to judge only church members? 13 God judges everyone else. The Scriptures say, "Chase away any of your own people who are (i.e. doing) evil."

Indeed it is time for judgment on the house of God (i.e. true believers)1 Peter 4:17.
 

Many Christians struggle with trusting God with their tithes and it only hinders them when their tithes and offerings are not being used appropriately.
 

I tend to go along with the writer .this kind of money transfer seems sick ,sick sick ...in no way can it be justfied even amongst the so called christian jetset .sow some my way and i"d make a whole lot of africans happy.
 

What world are we talking about ! is this christianity or mafia business from where do they get the money from !
We better not tell the non beliver to knows ! From a french pastor payed 800$ a month!
 

1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Would you rather they get their money under the table? Some gladly give and spread the gospel by satellite, building mega-churches, working as hard as CEOs. Others are envious, and just complain, when they should be happy that that someone is prospering like Job, Joseph, Daniel and numerous others.
 

To judge righteously is rendering a decision based on true facts. We are forbidden to judge in any other manner. Since the article is more of a gossip... I read a story, without any proof the story was correct how can anyone who reads this make a righteous judgment?
 

For those of you wondering about the truth of this story, visit: http://mondaymorninginsight.com/index.php/site/comments/what_gift_do_you_give_a_televangelist_who_has_everything/ and http://www.biblebeltblogger.com/biblebelt/2007/01/what_do_you_giv.html
 

MY,MY,MY,,,, BLESEED ARE THOSE THAT CAN GIVE. i GUESS THE RECIEVING END IS ALWAYS THE BEST.
 

Wow! I wonder how many people had to give to reach that amount?
What would Jesus do? I recall Matthew 26:6-13, that the disciples were indignant with the woman's extravagance and the money should have been given to the poor.
May the Lord bless those who give generously out of the goodness of their hearts, may we leaders learn to give generously back to the people.
Lilian
 

Please, please come up with a list of which ministries donated money. I would like to know for the sake of making informed and wise giving decisions. I would much rather give to a ministry that is run by individuals who have "kingdom priorities."

James 5:1-6 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
 

Doesn't this just evoke righteous anger in you? I have seen gifts not as great, but still in the tens of thousands. It happened in my former church more times than I care to count. I'm the pastor over the homeless program in our city and that offering could have provided rental deposits for apartments for over 1500 families. We're talking about people who live on the sidewalks, beaches and bushes who have absolutely NOTHING! Enough or I too shall have to repent.
 

I wish that you would name names. Perhaps there would be an opening for some legal action. But, I AM tired of the no named comments unless somone crosses the line & CNN finds out. How can we make a difference if you do not tell the body of Christ WHO this evnagelist was.
 

I am reminded of when Jesus was anointed with the burial perfume oil and many (including Judas) were upset since it could be sold for a years wages and given to the poor.

Judas wanted the money since he carried the money purse and his heart was bad. Take a look into the mirror those of you who are mad about the large gift and see why.
 

I wonder if there is some jealousy here. Romans 2:1 says Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself. In Romans 14 4Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. And in James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? Clearly those of us who would judge the servant that is not ours are guilty of rebellion to God's Word ourselves. I wonder how many souls have been saved through this evangelists and how many souls the rest of us have lead to the Lord. Perhaps if a ratio of dollars per person lead to the Lord were used we would find that giving to the evangelist is much better stewardship than giving to one of these complainers.
 

I would hate to see what "The Ministry Report" editorial would have said about the prophet who said: "...but make me thereof a little cake first...". He would no doubt have been labelled insensitive, money grubbing and fat cat or some such thing. But who am I to disagree with the one who has more ink and paper than I do. It must be so because the editorialists' opinion says so! Pardon my ignorance.
 

A well written article. And I think 1 Cor.9:9-11 is being grossly misapplied when used in the context of this type of hypocrisy in ministry. What disturbs me is that you omitted the names of the culprits. Was this deed a public affair? If so then those involved need to be known. If they raised this offering up from the pews even more so. And how immature that others would applaud this type of shenanigans.
 

I agree that this article was written as "gossip". If it was a righteous thing to do, why the secrecy? No one can make a good decision without the whole truth. I refuse to comment for fear of adding to the confusion--which is not of God.
 

such are the ways of the
of the "so-called"
superstars in the "word of faith"
clan
how many children could this have fed
or elderly taken care of
what we are called to do

not today in this "bless me
and bless me again"
the justifying on here is typical
of this frightning mind set
how they sleep at night knowing they have enough money to really do something really useful
is past my understanding
debbie
 

This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
 

Another point that crossed my mind; If the persons who gave the money did so because they wanted to, what business is it of anyone else? In a free church and nation, it seems that people do have a right to do what they want to. Unless of course, we are willing to say that our neighbor has no rights to do as they wish with their own unless we happen to agree. Just a thought.
 

On the subject of greed, you should check out the advertising rates charged by Ministry Today and Charisma magazines.
 

it's amazing how easy it is to stand on the outside and judge, not knowing anything.

this particluar man is one of the biggest givers in the Body of Christ...he has eliminated many church debts, and gives more to spread the Gospel (millions of dollars to ministries like Reinhard Bonnke), than anyone on this message board, much less in the entire Body of Christ.

givers recieve, get over it.
 

eThis is nothing new, except it is not know as greed, but blessing. I do not recall where Jesus took from the poor to give to the rich, but maybe I am reading the wrong translation(sarcasm).
Here is the thing though, people allow them to do it. If they were honest about what it was for, then I would not have sent a time. If they lied then you can see why the world says we are no better than them.
The person who received it should have given it back or visibly planted it into a work to show what he thought should happen. No, probably paying off a house or a car.
 

I do believe there are a lot of excesses in the prosperity teaching. Brother Hagin wrote a book to correct some of the imbalanced teaching on the subject called, "The Midas Touch". What is spoken of in the editorial may be construed as being representative of these excesses. However, knowing the generosity of Brother Copeland, I have little doubt that the funds will be properly distributed. I happen to know that's how he lives.
 

Why are so many taken up for this. This not what the Apostles did in the book of Acts. the giving to get mentality.
 

My first reaction is that all the information is not presented. When the gift was requested, did they indicate it was a gift for a pastor's 70th birthday? (your use of televangelist seems to indicate you already have a bias against these guys). If the gift was freely given with all parties knowing its intended use, then why is that an issue? How do you know that the money was not utilized in the kingdom or that the pastor at the very least tithed? That $200,000 tithe might have been mightly utilized for the kingdom. I for one do not believe that God (my Father)called us to poverty anymore than I want my 6 children living in poverty. This article seems to reflect more about who you are than the pastors for which it is written.
 

While I am not proposing a poverty mentality, and I am certainly not jealous (and neither is Matt), I still have to wonder what some small ministries who are flying under the radar (ministries such as ours) could do with that kind of an offering?

Do you know how many Vita-Meal programs could be funded in Central America? Do you know how many churches could be built in the jungle of Guyana? Do you know how many Amerindian pastors could be taken care of in a year(pastors who live off of $300.00 per year)?
 

Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. Ecclesiastes 7:7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
 

This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
 

Fear not children of God. These things must be so that scripture may be fulfilled. These false preachers represent the apostasy. Our father is in firm control of this world and appoints kings and preachers alike. While this world is under damnation of Satan, never forget for a moment that God is God. Be not afraid. But through prayer and supplication stay alert lest the master of the house return and find you asleep.
 

I All I know it that the Word tells us But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Mt 6:33...
PS you guys are wanting to name names what will this accomplish
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
 

You know in the gospels (Matt. 26:11), Jesus tells us that we will have the poor with us always whether it’s the poor in the natural or spirit. The reality of it all is that we will never overcome the poverty of the world on our own but we as Christians should do whatever we can to counteract the growing epidemic of poverty here in American and abroad. Moreover, I find this information appalling about the extravagant gift however, there's nothing wrong with having money but an excess of it shows greed. It shows that we as Christians have our minds on wealth and riches instead of advancing the Kingdom of God while dismantling the works of darkness through the authority of Jesus Christ. I see that the current trend is to milk the people of God for their money while many are one pay check away from poverty. There are many faithful Christians who give in the name of the Lord yet struggles to pay their bills every month this should not be according to Acts 4:34-35. Some of our leaders have their priorities and allegiance mixed up; our priorities, devotion, and allegiance are supposedly to be to God almighty. Furthermore, as for this story, I agree that names are not important but if this person was in a sexual moral sin like fornication, adultery or on drugs and alcohol they would have been named. In the past we have exposed our leaders took them through the ringer yet left no room for forgiveness and restoration. Now where's the focus of our Christian media?
 

This article is a tragic example of the poverty mindset that has permeated the body of Christ. You have people griping just like Judas griped over the gift that was given to Jesus, and using the same excuses that come out of a spirit of poverty and greed: namely, "Why wasn't this sold and the proceeds given to the poor?" Jesus' answer to Judas was a rebuke!

The body of Christ needs to wake up and get a reality check! People who think this is a shame that Kenneth and Gloria Copeland received a gift of $2 Million to honor them on the 40th anniversary of their ministry absolutely have no clue just how many hundreds of millions of dollars -- make that over a billion dollars -- that they have given to the work of the ministry during those 40 years.

The Copelands have lived what they preach. They live to give, and they give to live. I can't begin to count the hundreds of churches who have seen their debts paid off, their mortgages paid off in full, and ministries taken from poverty to prosperity because of the Copelands' ministry.

To suddenly gripe about them receiving $2 Million as a gift is a travesty of the highest order! My wife and I participated in the pastor's conference where this gift was given to Kenneth and Gloria. Although they live well, they both made it clear that this money won't be spent on themselves, but that they will sow this into more ministry as the Lord directs.

Reading articles like this makes me want to vomit because of the pathetic greed of the gripers who -- truth be known -- would like to have this happen to them.
 

Remove the log from your own eye, before you try and remove the splinter from others. You're all hypocrits. He's probably done a lot of work for the kingdom, what's wrong with blessing a man on his birthday? Get over yourselves.
 

It's funny how we don't mind honoring someone with a building or an expensive memorium after their gone. But we get so up in arms about honoring (the few) ministers who have given their life to the gospel, been instrumental in bringning millions into the kingdom and have led a scandel free life. It's none of my business who gives what gifts to who and it's actually none of yours either. If thousands of people wanted to honor this couple in ministry - why do you have such bitterness about it? Jealousy - possibly? The word of God says; 'give honor where honor is due.' This particular couple has spent years developing and cultivating relationships - this is the fruit of their relationships - not yours or anyone elses. Is this a Christian publication or The National Enquirer? Maybe there would be less scandels in Chrisitan leadership if we honored our leaders more.
 

I grew up watching Copeland and Hagin and all the great properity preachers. I am a holy ghost spirit filled christian. I grew up not knowing anything different then this. If these ministers want to do this, and recieve such, or give such a large amount of money, so be it. But on the other hand I will say that this kind of prosperity in action only causes rumbing and people to talk and point. It really doesn't teach the unsaved any more about Christ,etc. A great example of leadership in ministry that I have noticed the past few years is the unselfishness of Rick Warren at Saddleback Church in California. God is exploding this man into an international leader and is leading the cause for Christ like I've never seen before. What I mean is from the spotlight and notariety that he has surrounding him. Most pastors couldn't dream of the money that surrounds him. He doesn't take a paycheck from the church, he is a reverse tither; gives 90% and lives on 10%. What an example. The rich prosperity movement of the 90's is driving the younger generation of 35 and younger away from Christ. Look at any Copeland, Seville, Hagin meetings, it is the 50 and older crowd. That generation will get old and has started to become unproductive. I've come to find these people very difficult to work with in church and serve. It is clearly all about me mentality. It is this example by Pastor Rick that is bringing the younger generation back.
Food for thought.
Pastor Mark Earle
 

Wow. So many wonderful opinions here. Interesting all. The only disappointment I have here is no names were named. Is that important? Yes, because we need to know what leaders are doing what and to whom, just in case we believe we need to steer clear of them. Therefore, the person who posted the article is simply an aggitator, attempting to aggrivate our emotions, stirring them into a fever pitch, as they have already done.
Pastor's are held to a higher standard than the sheep. If you don't want to name names, then it's nothing more than useless gossep.
I refuse to get upset over this. Ministry Report is guilty of the sin of carrying tales.
 

Matt Green, editor of Ministry Today is guilty of carrying tales and aggravating the emotions of its faithful readers.

You offer information that you know would stur up the emotions and anger of your Christian readers, yet you refuse to name names that would alert flocks of their shephards' poor stewardship? Shame on you, Matt Green. You performed this naughty deed with premeditation and careful calculation. As far as we know, this whole story could be a total fabrication.
So, why didn't you name names? Afraid of a libility risk within your words? Good. You should be. You're a coward, Matt Green. You should be ashamed of yourself. You need to ask the Lord for forgiveness.
 

Why the outrage? Shouldn't ministers of the Gospel, servants of God, be allowed to receive gifts, regardless of the amount. Also, we don't know what the minister sowed over the years. If we believe the Word, and we do, we reap what we sow. And if we believe the Law of Genesis we reap in kind, ie, sow money reap money, sow love, reap love, sow service, reap service. Why don't we praise God for this man's service and the generosity and love of those who gave. If the Word tells us we're blessed for giving a servant of the Gospel a cup of water in His name, don't you thinl that those who gave, in faith, will also be blessed?
 

This type of extravagant giving seems to be emotional in nature.
Each person seeing how he can "outdo" or "outgive" the other is unhealthy. My family and I were once in a church service where an "auction-type giving" began. When the worship leader began to sing a song about money, people started jumping up and shouting what they would give. Our son, who was about 6 years old, looked up at me and said, "Mama, I don't think Jesus likes this." I answered him with a definite,"NO!" We were sitting up in the front, but we knew we had to leave immediately. Here was something we had never experienced before and not only was it hard for us to take, but our children couldn't believe someone would have what looked like an auction in church.

NO, we do not have a poverty mentality; we tithe, give offerings, and expect a harvest, but this is similar to the money changers story. Jesus cleansed the temple of people trying to make money off of God.

I think we who call ourselves Christians should take on more of a Christ-like nature and less of a corporate business one. I know it takes money to spread the Gospel; we are in full-time ministry and there are many things that we are believing God for. However, this lack of finances at any given time does not stop our MOUTHS from working. Most people are offended by ministers who put money at the forefront of their ministry. Consider how many television preachers preach about getting out of debt, then offer you a $50.00 book or tape deal. Along the way, you can accumulate interest on your credit card as you learn the godly way to beat debt. The scriptures they sell for $50 are already in the Bible you own.

This particular incident regarding the multi-million-dollar offering isn't an isolated case within the charismatic movement. Too many Christians have allowed themselves to be enticed by that which is temporal, and the legitimate blessings of God are often twisted to appeal to "itching ears."

Thank you for this story!
 

First, every commenter that extolled the virtues of "receiving gifts for ministering the Word" needs to consider what is actually being "ministered" at some of these events to which Matt Green refers.

The majority of the unnamed preachers don't emphasize Christ or the salvation message, nor do they emphasize true faith; instead, they focus on shallow, emotionally-driven "faith meetings" that make people happy but don't build true relationships with God. This segment of evangelical Christianity is grossly self-obsessed and is more interested in how they can build their own riches here instead of in the kingdom of heaven.

Does God want us to be blessed? Yes. Is it His will for us to struggle throughout our entire lives? No. But are we supposed to build our spiritual foundations on how much we've received from God?

Absolutely not.

The Money-Cometh-Prosperity Message is nothing more than an emotional stimulant that tricks Christians into thinking that they're being godly as they try to get money for themselves. The thinking preached in these pseudo-spiritual crackhouses appeals to fleshly greed as people justify their lust for riches by saying that it's "for the gospel." In reality, churchgoers essentially try to appease God with their money so that He will pour Rolls-Royces and Neiman Marcus credit cards into their laps, and the super-spiritual preacher drives away in his Rolls while his overdressed wife wastes money at Neiman Marcus.

At this point, we might as well build high places so that we can dump money in front of an idol and pray that it gives us everything we want in return. We might as well keep mindlessly chanting a couple of "faith" verses a million times a day (as opposed to a heartfelt confession of God's Word) to build enough faith so that the faith-o-meter tips over in our favor.
 

Matt, I agree with ALL your observations and points, but one criticism - why not name the Evangelist and the mob of phonies who raised the 'gracious gift'? When will we stop being so nice to big wigs that deserve to be named and 'outed'? These guys are the philosophical offspring of false preachers such as Swaggart, Baker, Hinn, and the like. The Bible encourages us to "expose darkness"; unfortunately, we spend most of our time pointing out the wrongs of the unsaved instead of revealing the errors of our own Community. Tony (Australia)
 

"philosophical offspring of false preachers such as Swaggart, Baker, Hinn, and the like"

Wile I agree with you on the later names of Baker, Hinn I think your pigeon woling tele- evavangilist because Swaggart has never preached the prosperity message on the contrary. maybe its just a stigma with tv preachers thats getting everyone bothered.

Jesus said let the blind (those Recieving the gift) lead the blind (those giving the gift).

Just my thoughts.
 

I suppose everyone in these comments has always given every birthday gift they have ever gotten to the poor and have taken the vow of poverty by choice. you are nothing but selfish because I am sure no one wants to be in poverty because then you can't help anyone. Jesus redeemed us from the curse Gal.3:13 and the last time I looked poverty and lack are under the curse so why should all the sinners get the money and do nothing but indulge in every evil work and no one says anything. It is none of our business where a birthday gift was used and the person who wrote this article God forgive him for his persecution of God's anointed. The ones who say this was to the extreme in case you havent read Eph. 3:20 God is an abundant God and goes to the extreme in everything He does. Some of you will be shocked when you get to heaven. And He did say let it be on earth as it is in heaven. God is a good God and you can only get from Him what you will believe for. as long as it is in the Word. I cant believe you people say you are one of God's children and you are attacking one of His anointed and dont even have all the facts. Shame Shame we are so quick to judge our own, where is the love.You know its not the money or healings and things like that sinners necessarily look in we Christians its the way we attack our own and are so quick to pounce on our own. It's time to wake up & take a good look at ourselves and start judging ourselves and let God take care of the rest. Yes sin should be exposed but when it is a fellow Christian it should be done in the church not in the media. But this article gave nothing but inuendos and accusations not based on the truth so everyone chill out and really get in the Word and ask God where He would like for you to renew your mind in. God Bless
 

For more than eleven years i've been studying "biblical finances" and I love the fact that God's word is true: Hosea 4.6 says, my people are destroyed cause they lack knowledge! Then he said, because they've rejected knowledge, they will be reject. The BIBLE teaches tithes and offerings but we don't teach what the BIBLE teaches concerning these. In Genesis 14 the first tithes were the spoils taken from the BATTLE OF THE KINGS" in which Abram gave a tenth to Melchizedek and the rest to the king. In Genesis 28, Jacob promised to give God a tithe of all that God would give him...not of all of what he already had. The Bible then went silent on tithing until God brought Israel out of egypt and at this time, the LAW was brought in and in Leviticus 27, "TITHING BECAME LAW"! The tithe was the SEED of the land and the FRUIT of the tree.It was the tenth (not the first) of the HERD or FLOCK which passed under the rod! In Numbers 18, the levites were given the job of the work of the tabernacle and was also given the tenth (tithe) of ALL of Israel for THEIR (the sons of Levi...ONLY!) inheritance. Even Hebrews 7.5 gives reference to this fact. Now that which was law had to be carried out and breaking the law often resulted in death. This is the key to the tithing system because as the tithe was LAW, Galatians 3.5 says we're crused if we fail to continue in the keeping of ALL the law to do it (James 2. 10-11). When did God change the tithe from seeds, fruit, oil, wine, meat, etc. to money? The anwser is...NEVER! It's not in scripture. So why do you do these things just because someone in a pulpit says this is the way it is? HOSEA 4.6. God has priciples on giving and yes we should give to our local churches. I don't tithe because we're no longer under the law to perform it and no church will accept my fruit, seed, meat, oil, wine, etc...God said HE'S THE LORD, THAT CHANGETH NOT! It must be us preachers who have changed. Yes, i,m a minister who gives liberally, not just to my church, but also to organnizations like FEED THE CHILDREN etc.One last note: 1 Tim. 6.3-10 really speaks to most of today's ministers, focusing on verses 5 and 6...supposing that "GAIN IS GODLINESS": FROM SUCH "WITHDRAW YOURSELF". But godliness with "CONTENTMENT" IS GREAT GAIN...verse 8 says "having food and clothes let us be "CONTENT! My fellow bretheren, that word (contentment) has escaped our messages. Galatians 4.16 asked...Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
 

Another comment is...when I read the other comments the fact is very clear that most of the people who see nothing wrong are people who believe there're very close to their "BREAK THROUGH". We live in a very materialistic world. God's trying to label HIS children that they look, sound, speak, and act different from the world. God tells us to come out from among them. He comands us to be not covetous. We believe just because things are in the world and the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, we feel we should have it all. God had always told us to BE HOLY FOR HE IS HOLY I.E. BE HOLY LIKE HE'S HOLY! I also agree on naming names based on Romans 16.17, 18...Paul said mark them and avoid them. God has set the pastors to be "WATCHMEN" but a lot of the watchmen are not focus on what a pastor should be doing. Pastors are shepards which tend sheep; they protect, serve, and even smell like sheep. They'll give their LIFE for the sheep (John 10.10). I know this is talking about Jesus, but we're called to be CHRISTIANS...CHRIST-LIKE. Most these ministers are almost untouchable.
 

You folks who live in developed countries cant appreciate what it means to be hugry,sick without free medical care, decent shelters,and so on.May our father not count this lifestyle against those who are involved before they repent and they should quickly do so for He cometh soon!
OLAJIDE Nigeria