Preaching the Gospel of Wealth..
Just recently there has been an investigation by a Senator Charles Grassmere from Iowa on six of the largest churches who teach the “Gospel of Prosperity”. As we all know churches have a tax-exempt status (non-profit) where there is no tax imposed on the tithes and offerings that people (like myself and others) give freely to them. Read excerpt: “Proponents call it a biblically sound message of hope. Others say it is a distortion that makes evangelists rich and preys on the vulnerable. They say it has evolved from "it's all right to make money" to it's all right for the pastor to drive a Bentley, live in an oceanside home and travel by private jet.”
Everyone has their own opinion on this and I reserve mine to myself. But now big government has stepped in and wants some answers. Some have said that some preachers have been taking advantage of people who turn to them for Biblical knowledge and wisdom and who’ve given them more money then they can afford.
There are some who have welcomed this probe into these so called mega-churches where the preachers spend money lavishly upon themselves and others in their inner circle. We all one day will have to stand before our Maker and have to answer to whatever we’ve done good or bad. We should understand whatever comes of this “investigation” that ALL of these people are human just like us.
I’m following this closely. I’m just curious as to what direction this is heading. My thoughts on this probe is how deep will they go? Another is the government IMO just wants to know where all that money is going as they are not getting any tax money from it. If they were getting ”paid” I don’t think this probe would be happening. What do you think? Read article below:
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Robert,
If it is like most government investigations it will take at least two or three years they will waste millions of dollars and countless hours that could have been spent on more useful tasks and then they will put out a 300 page report that will be in the news for two days and then go away .
Spending money for no good reason. Does that not sound like our government.
I believe that the Lord will judge those who distort the word of God to get rich.....
The Gov. is one way the Lord is trying to open Preachers eyes... sin IS sin..
greed and loving money ARE wrong...
This is not done yet....
It has not started Alexander. Not by a long shot. Be Blessed.
ROBERT: I remember a scandal in NC years ago...involving the Bakers. What I know is this...IF someone is abusing the position God has given them...I would not want to be in their position. Whatever the government decides is nothing compared to the punishment of God. GBU!!
Robert,
I do not think the government should single out mega churches.However, I have no problem with everyone paying taxes. If during a routine audit problems come up then investigate where the problem lies.
Elizabeth. They will be held to a higher standard. I believe they know that or i hope they know it.
Michael. Now we know they wont do it that way. It sounds too easy.
I'm not going to judge the "prosperity Gospel" preachers, but if there was anyone who could've lived a hundred times better that Solomon, it was Jesus. And he rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. He showed complete humility. No rolex, no $2,000 suits.
If there is impropriety, I hope they get to the bottom of it!
Good post, Robert!
Armando. We can't judge lest we be judged the same. God will take care of the rest.
Robert, the Apostle Paul said something interesting about judging;
Paul did say it eloquently. That's why he was 1 of my favorites in the Bible.
I agree with some things you say. We all have our opinions. I also know God will deal with them accordingly.
Robert,
First, I don't like the Government messing with the Church. I know these preachers and have listened to them many times. I believe they do help a lot of people. I believe their hearts are sincere. I also do not believe that what they teach is within the realm of Christian Theological Orhodoxy.
Jesus preached to people so that they would be drawn to the Father. We are to do likewise. So, it's not that we follow Jesus to get something in return--like a new BMW. The prosperity gospel is a perversion of the true gospel of Christ. How is it that Peter, Paul and the other apostles were not rich?
These preachers take liberty with the scripture and twist it a bit to suit their own purposes and ultimately, it is what "itching ears want to hear" They appear more to me like inspirational speakers who do give some good advice, and yet appeal to our base human emotions--greed.
BeBlessed my brother
PS I added you as an associate and subscribed to your blog
Good point John. Everyone has to answer to God for whatever they do. Good or bad.
Well Robert, I'm a little late on this post. It is a good, thought provoking post. As a former CPA that specialized in investigating fraud, I know that some people make mistakes and rationalize their sins. More often than not, they are grateful when caught. If the persons calling for the investigations has reason to believe that there is something illegal going on, then I hope they can help get the problem resolved. If not, shame on them.
I'm trying really hard not to judge, especially since I do not know all of the details.....but, think how many ministries that the money spent on a Rolex or luxury car might be able to help finance. I believe that God wants us to be responsible with our financial resources and that if we have wealth, we should use it to further glorify Him and to help take care of His sheep.
Grace and Peace.
Sondra. I think the main reason is because the govt receives no money from them. As we knoe millions flow thru these churches. If they are doing something wrong the Lord will take care of it.