As the $1,200 stimulus checks sent out by the U.S. government begin to deposit in millions of Americans’ bank accounts, most of us have those earmarked for necessities like rent or food. But one notorious Louisiana pastor is insisting that you send your stimulus check straight to the house of God.
Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, released a video last week announcing the #PastorSpellStimulusChallenge, in which he suggests we should all donate our stimulus checks towards evangelists and missionaries who “haven’t had an offering in a month”. And if you don’t have specific evangelists in mind you’d like to donate to, Pastor Spell leaves his website address and says he wouldn’t mind taking your stimulus check off your hands.
The video, which has been viewed over 350,000 times, did not go over well with the public at large, with many calling it a shameless cash grab. Currently, it sits at over 21,000 dislikes on YouTube - and just over 200 likes.
Even in the face of such outrage, Pastor Spell isn’t backing down.
Stimulus for Me, Not for Thee
On Sunday, Pastor Spell made an appearance on CNN to defend his challenge from the torrent of abuse it received online. CNN’s Victor Blackwell asked Pastor Spell why he’s requesting stimulus money from people in poor financial positions – some of whom Pastor Spell acknowledges do not have vehicles or even an internet connection. “Why isn’t this a time for the church to give to those who do not have?” Blackwell asked.
Pastor Spell offered a rebuke, insisting that this church is giving back to the community, though he didn’t give any specifics. Even as the news anchor pointed out that churches are eligible for small business loans from the government to stay afloat, Spell said he doesn’t want the federal government to “give us a dime.”
Rather, it seems he’d prefer his congregation give him what little they have left.
Spell, meanwhile, has thus far refused to obey social distancing orders, holding a large church service as recently as Easter Sunday, in which roughly 130 parishioners showed up. Pastor Spell joins a long line of evangelists and church leaders who’ve defied social distancing guidelines from state governors and held in-person church services during the coronavirus outbreak. And now, an elderly member of the congregation has died from coronavirus, and Pastor Spell's lawyer, who also attends his church services, is currently battling a COVID-19 infection. Spell denies anyone has gotten infected at his worship service.
Old Dog, New Tricks
Pastor Tony Spell seems to be putting a timely twist on a very old preaching style: prosperity gospel. Prosperity preachers teach that if you give money to them, you will be rewarded financially and spiritually by God in return. And while this particular brand of religion might seem small in comparison to other denominations, its influence is anything but. One of the most prominent prosperity preachers in the country, Paula White, is a close friend of President Trump and last year joined the White House as a staffer.
Pastor Spell seems to have a similar philosophy. No matter how poor, you should give your stimulus check to evangelists and missionaries. In return, you receive the comfort of knowing that your offering will please God.
It’s difficult to see Pastor Spell’s challenge as anything but a cynical money grab from people struggling to stay afloat. After all, churches are eligible for Small Business Administration loans to cover clergy salaries during the coronavirus shutdown.
And yet, churches have been hit hard by the shutdown, with most unable to collect weekly offerings they previously relied on. Clearly the issue is not asking for donations, it's bundling that request with pressure to follow "God's will" – and targeting it at vulnerable populations who likely need the money to take care of basic expenses.
What do you think of Pastor Spell’s fundraising strategy? Is there any merit to prosperity gospel teachings, or is the whole enterprise a naked money-making scheme?
72 comments
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
I received my stimulus yesterday, and donated the entire thing to the holy church of www.Amazon.com. We be eatin' high on the hog this month ; some real fancy vittles.
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Alexander Clarke
As well you should! Enjoy the feast. I am still awaiting my check but when I get it it will go to the Amazon and HSN and QVC churches.
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The Heretic Hour
Believe we should go back to "Mind Your Own Business" printed/stamped on U.S. currency instead of the 1954 message of "In God We Trust." Really says it all. No judging.
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Mark Hannon
Ministers are usually the biggest expense at most churches.
Are ministers routinely laid off? If the church pays into unemployment insurance for the church workers I think they should just furlough the minister, too. I've never heard of this happening and the few churches I have belonged to never did this.
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Minister Carlos Ricardo Walls
This stimulus check isn't going to fix this tragic situation.Only God can cure this problem.
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Lionheart
Oh, thats really wonderful to know, thank you. Being as I haven't seen any deity step up to the plate to stop people from dying yet, perhaps you can tell me how he/she is going to do it, or shall we just wait until any omnipotent deity shows up and sorts it all out? I hope it's before many more pass away with it. In the meantime, I guess we'll just have to wait for mans scientific efforts to help us as best it can.
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pjm
@Lionheart, I'm just curious as to why you are trolling a church forum with nastiness and sarcasm?
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Lionheart
Thank you for your concern Peter. First, everything is relative. Look at the statement above that reads "Only God can cure this problem". Here is a fallacious statement that I assume you think is okay because you believe there is a god, and you believe the statement is correct, and so you now believe, because I think differently, that my comments are nasty and sarcastic. But in reality, my statements are in fact based on truth, so how can they be sarcastic? What is not true with my saying no god has yet stepped up to the plate to stop people dying? Are you seeing somehow that some deity is helping to sort this mess out? If you are, please help me see where, with demonstrable evidence. Second, this is not a church blog, its a monastical spiritual blog where people of all beliefs, even Pagan, Wiccan, Buddhist, polytheists etc., and also no religion at all, can air their views. I'm sorry you see my comments based on logic and reason as trolling. Not everyone thinks and believes as you do. I wish you well Peter during this difficult time.
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Ty Ford
There are snakes in every garden.
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Dan Anderson
Ty - Hey! Stop insulting snakes. They have a purpose to get rid of rodents and other bad things. These "ministers" are not worthy of the title of "snake". Remember, too, that the serpent in the Garden of Eden told the truth!
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Rev. D.H. Zielinski
Jesus did not ask for money, He said" Give unto Ceaser what is Ceasears and give unto God what is God's" He walked the fields and valleys of Jerusalem and Syria in his sandaled feet preaching on hillsides, by the shore and in peoples homes. He did not ask for money He asked for love!
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Anthony Micheal Amaral
That is exactly what Jesus did tithing is not in the new testament and the church on acts 1 and 2 did not get money this pastor should be ashamed of himself
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Richard K Sellars
No, he's just one of the many parasites trying to feed off of the people who are already suffering.
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Brien
For all of you who are true blue bible people, would you please quote chapter and verse where GOD, not Jesus because he was a man, but GOD asks you to send money. If you actually find the request for money from GOD somewhere in that questionable book, I remind you that the book was written by.....man. Please for once, take the "holier than tho" routine out of the discussion and try....COMMON SENSE. It will serve you much better.
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Lawrence Jarlath Miller
Jesus is God
Gospel of John 1:1 In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God.
Further on “and the WORD became flesh and dwelt amongst us.
Plenty more I could refer but I don’t want to deny you the wonderful voyage of discovery that reading the New Testament will be for you.
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Brien
Seriously? So the word became flesh....please share what you are smoking. I think that most organized religions, especially the one you quote from, are based on lies and superstition. They were used to control masses of people, a way to bring continuity to chaos. At the time those superstitions ruled over mankind and therefore it was easy to control the masses. Look, I could care less if you chose to be brainwashed, but do not confuse brainwashing with faith. Peace.
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Ty Ford
There are snakes in every garden.
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Tom Thackrey
Pastors who are more interested in getting your money than helping the needy are heretics.
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Woodrow
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Double judgement for your trouble. Your bosom is the seat of your emotions.
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Brien
So does that mean you will be sending in your money? Just curious. It is one thing to quote programming, fiction o r otherwise. It is another thing all together if you allow yourself to be fooled so easily.
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Tannette M. Medica
It's not that God wants your money! If he wanted your money he would take it, He is God! God gave you a spirit of choice for you to choose, so you can choose to be with God or with the world! God doesn't want your money and yes some pastor's make to much money, but to be called to be a pastor is a life you MUST be called to do! Most pastor's make around poverty level. They say church-goers tithe, well about 10% maybe less actually tithe regularly. So the money you do give to the church helps your community in times like these! That is what my church does that I attend! If your church isn't doing that, maybe you should look for another church and find a church that is our giving HOPE to your COMMUNITY!
If I do receive a check yes I will tithe my 10% to where I tithe my too! I do not tithe to random people or churches I do not know!
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Beth
Didn't Jesus say "Wherever 4000-5000 of you are gathered in My name, there is COVID?"
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Carla Webb
I believe the more attention you give to something like caronna virus the more power you give it. The virus is such a negative energy and we all have opinions where it came from and whoose driving it. Their is power in words and what we spak out often. comes to pass.
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Richard Lee Cornell
How many four letter words can Itype out to this creep. Maybe the IRS should see what this guys up to and do a aduit of his books.
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Albert A Hernandez
If you're a believer and belong to a church, you give to your church, no one else. Churches right now are hurting for tithes and offerings because of the Coronavirus Crisis. When the economy hurts, so does the church. That's why this "pastor" wants your money.
Like it or not, we are going to have to choose: Covid-19 or the Economy? The lives of thousands or the lives of millions? We can't control the virus but we can control how we choose. It's a hard decision, but we're going to have to make it sooner or later. We cannot let a "virus" dictate our lives. And don't believe everything Gupta and Fauci tell you; they have their cozy jobs with lucrative salaries; they could care less whether you can pay your bills or not. We cannot allow those in high places to determine our choices. Viruses will always exist and kill no matter what. But if people don't get back to work soon, we are going to have much bigger problems than the virus itself. That mask, that social-distancing, and that stay-at-home nonsense will not save you, nor will it even make a difference (people by the thousands are still dying). On the contrary, these only make your life more miserable. The choice is ours.
JUST AN OPINION.
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Tannette M. Medica
It's not that God wants your money! If he wanted your money he would take it, He is God! God gave you a spirit of choice for you to choose, so you can choose to be with God or with the world! God doesn't want your money and yes some pastor's make to much money, but to be called to be a pastor is a life you MUST be called to do! Most pastor's make around poverty level. They say church-goers tithe, well about 10% maybe less actually tithe regularly. So the money you do give to the church helps your community in times like these! That is what my church does that I attend! If your church isn't doing that, maybe you should look for another church and find a church that is our giving HOPE to your COMMUNITY!
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Aleta Schulz
Conman wearing a cleric's collar. A minister's job is to use teachings of faith to minister to spiritual needs especially during a time of crises. Our mission is to stimulate and cultivate faith, hope, and courage to transcend the hardships and come out stronger and better than before.
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Maria
All I have to say is GO OUT AND GET A REAL JOB like everyone else! GOD is everywhere! People don’t be fooled by anyone who says God is only in a building. GOD hears you praying no matter where you are! Keep your money and feed your families!
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Lionheart
I know you mean well Maria but how is your god everywhere? He can’t even show up for those who need him. He can’t even show up to prove other deities wrong. If he exists at all, and is real, he’s one pathetic deity for not being able to prove his omnipresence and omnipotence.
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Reverend Buzz
Well said Lionheart.
A loving and caring father will do all within his power to protect and care for the wellbeing of his children, without them having to beg/pray for him to do so. Recently the archbishop of Charleston sent out a message to his parishioners, asking them to make contributions to keep the utilities on in church facilities. It reminded me of a modification to one of JFK’s famous sayings; Ask not what your church can do for you, but what you can do for the richest church in the world. Do that which is right.
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Brien
I could care less what a lemming does with his/her money. If you are so easily programmed then by all means give away your money. If I ask God to bless you you can send me your money, I will make sure that God gets it 😉😁
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Michael Spinelli
We were told to watch out for people trying to scam people.
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Lionheart
Too late! Religion has has already scammed most of the people on earth, and that religious virus continues to spread. It is however slowly being abated with the antidotes of common sense, logic, and reason. 🤪. Fortunately, the angel-of-death from that religious virus has passed over my home and I didn't even have to daub my doorway with blood, which is a good thing because its only just had a new coat of paint.
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Dr. Darryl G Dykes
My personal opinion is; If you feel to then only give 10% no more. When wolfs like Mr. Spell tell you to give all your money to them, may he receive nothing. I highly dislike the attitude that your money is theirs that you give is totally insane. People received this money from our taxes as means to get thru this time. So if Mr. Spell wants to everyone to give their money to him he should pay taxes for everything his church owns.
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Tannette M. Medica
Its not that I feel to give 10% God says to give a tenth of your first fruits. According to Leviticus 27:30 (TLB), “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord's, and is holy.” Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
DAVE RAMSEY SAYS THIS: tithes and offerings are often grouped together, but they’re definitely not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) that you give first, and an offering is anything extra that you give beyond that. DAVE RAMSEY SAYS WHY TITHE? The Bible tells us that tithing is a way to show that we trust God with our lives and our finances. But the tithe wasn’t put in place for God’s benefit—He already owns everything. He doesn’t need our money. Instead, tithing is meant for our benefit because sacrificing a portion of our income helps us look outside our selfishness and makes us more aware of the needs of others.
In fact, one of the main purposes of tithing is to support the needs of pastors and the work of the local church. Tithes help pay the pastor’s salary, keep the church’s lights on, and meet the needs of the community.
Tithing is an act of faith that helps us keep our priorities straight. It reminds us that we don’t own anything in this life. God is in control, and we’re only managers of what He’s given us.
Ever notice how unselfish people tend to make better spouses, friends, relatives, employees and employers? Yeah, they usually have better finances too! That’s the beauty of tithing. We don’t give to get, but God often blesses us with more if we’re good managers of what we already have. Tithing recognizes that God is our provider and that we will prosper with more than just money if we rely on Him.
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Master Wolf KSC
“If it ain’t got snakes, it ain’t religion” -Cledus Jeremiah Jones. I find most of prosperity gospel to be a convoluted way to get the victims to blame themselves for their own misfortune.
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Amber M. Castleman
God gave us money to survive on even in crisis like now and God gave his services free of charge and helped communities in need. A Pastor's job is the same to help the needy not take from them any Pastor who thinks of himself and not of others demanding money and not giving it should not be a Pastor they are not doing God's Will they are only doing what they want so when a Pastor demands money like this and robs people of their survival he is robbing God too and it clearly states in every religion one of the ten commandments thou shalt not steal which this Pastor is clearly doing but is using God to do it this Pastor is going to be punished for this.
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Amber Fry
This is one sick and twisted pastor. Is he going to turn around and use those checks to help the poor and the sick and the needy? That's supposed to be the point of such funds after all... Meanwhile many of these church leaders get yet another car, or room added onto their already sizable house, or a jet or helicopter to "service God and the church" and go eat in the finest restaurants and hire someone to clean their homes... oh... uh... and the church, sure.
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Summer Bree Nichols
Here’s the thing about this in this time and place it’s are responsibly to aid others the best we can and see that everyone is safe if people want to donate a little of there money to their church so it can help others that’s a great idea but I wouldn’t ask a person to give all they got they need to pay there bills and but food on the table as we shame on that pastor fo asking for all
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Monekeo Allen
I do not believe the church should be asking for tithes and offering right now. I believe the church should be helping people in these hard times.
Many people are losing their jobs or at the very least not working full hours. The church will ask that you trust God in times like these so I’d ask the church to live by their own words.
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Rev. Elizabeth
It is this kind of thievery that angers me. So many people will comply too. There is nothing that can be done either. He makes us Ministers look so very bad. I’m praying on this right now.
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Mark Anthony Miller
he should be ashamed of him self .people are dying and he is trying to get rich. I hope he dose not minister to many people .money grabber.
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Stacey Owens
I would like to find out if any one can tell, who's image do you see when you are at church? The image of Jesus Christ or the church?
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Robert S Evans
No it is not Gods plan for you to give your stimulus check to a church unless God puts that on your heart to do so Paul says God loves a cheerful giver And we are to give what we are able to afford and to put your family first or if you don’t have a family your needs first, it blows my mind that some people will go to any extent to try and rob people of there good fortune there are a lot of people hurting financially right now and I’m pretty positive God doesn’t want You to give to a church aka building because some pastors live way beyond there means. God bless and everyone take care of yourselves and your families 🙏
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Stephen Kosovich
Amen!
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Robert N Clarkson
is this any worse than the government diverting isolation relief money in the form of grants to already fully funded social service agencies, political activist organizations, land-grant colleges, and not-for-profit medical facilities?
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Janice M Ashby
People like Tony Spell is what makes intelligent people turn away from the church. Anyone who buys into his greed, (and those like him), or even his preaching is just stupid and that's on them. But it does make me angry that there are pastors like him and people follow these pastors. Why? Are they that weak in spirit that they can't see what's going on?
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David A. Edmond
Any clergy/pastor who tries to dictate to people what they should do with their stimulus check is sick and unfit to shepherd the shepherd of God's flock, especially those who lost their jobs, have mortgages, utility bills, food and the like. God doesn't need our money. This country has removed him from the equation of life and living and politicized his spirit. Such hatred, and lack of concern for the poor and destitute. He is sending a message to the leaders of the world but sometimes it seems that they are working for the enemy's army not His.
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Karrie Thornhill
Sadly, I think he believes that he’s doing the right thing...which is all the more dangerous, in my opinion. I’m not supportive of organized religion, and I’m extremely concerned that he and many others like him, are still holding gatherings. I don’t value what anyone “believe in” if it directly puts others at risk. Fanatics like him scare me. I grew up in a religious environment like what he perpetuates and I’m so thankful to have been emancipated from the crazy brainwashing.
My heart goes out to anyone affected by situations like this. xx
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Father Rick
wrong on so many levels.it's a shame the way these so called men of God treat their followers.
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David Ciambrone
The two biggest money whores are universities and churches. NOT all churches but churches like his and a lot of others.
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The Rev. William C, Millhouse
He is nothing but a Money grubbing hypocrite
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Tannette M. Medica
I can and will not judge him for that is for God to decide! Matthew 7:1-3 New Testament for Everyone (NTE) On Judging Others 7 ‘Don’t judge people, and you won’t be judged yourself. 2 You’ll be judged, you see, by the judgment you use to judge others! You’ll be measured by the measuring-rod you use to measure others! 3 Why do you stare at the splinter in your neighbour’s eye, but ignore the plank in your own?
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John Palmer
No, I don't think God needs my stimulus check. Asked and answered, no other response necessary. Aloha
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CB Cuff
I believe it's safe to say churches are businesses, and prime environments to 'legally' launder money, emotionally abuse the elderly, and exploit the naive and ill informed. Sounds a bit nasty, and it is nasty what some of these people use the church for. There are those who are quite the opposite, for sure. Capitalistic greed is what drives the likes of this piece of work just like the ever expanding list including the Benny Hinns, the Paula Whites, the JIm Bakkers, the Pat Robertsons, the Franklin Grahams, the Ken Hams, the Kent Hovinds, the Joyce Meyers, the Roxella Van Impes, the Kenneth Copelands.... whew I'm gonna stop there. All the above belong to the same gene pool, and shouldn't be allowed to procreate. The world would be a better place.
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Connie Ridenour
Men/women like this are the reason I left mainstream religion, sought my own path and became a polythesis minister. It is my responsibiility to shed light but not my responsibility push or drag people down the path. Do I feel he is wrong in what he is doing? Yes, but I believe it is not my responsible to judge another man whether minister or layman so I release my feelings to the Divine. Men's hearts can be clouded by greed. The neediness of others to find purpose in their lives or validation of their lives reach out to god through a building and can be easily be duped by a man who claims to be of God. I was raised to believe pastors were directly send by God and the words that came from their mouths was absolute true. I went through an awakening when the pastor of my church was revealed to be doing the things he had been preaching against. If you are angered by what he is doing, think about how much more so his god is and the wrath he will endure on the day of reckoning, not only for his selfishness and greed, but for misleading the people under his care. Examine your own hearts. What does it do to harbor malcontent there concerning this man? Does it change him? No. Pray for him.
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Hazel
SCAM. If that's God's plan then "God" must be the biggest scammer on earth.
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Davy Dee Murphy
Romans 16:18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
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Lionheart
Personally, I much prefer the Lord of Logic and Reason. Each to our own I guess!
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Rev Ned
Time to PTL!! Pass The Loot!!!!
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Scott Singley
I don't care how NICE a person or appears or how LIKEABLE he is.... THUS SAITH THE LORD
2 Peter 2:1-3 KJV But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
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Lionheart
Personally, I think there are better verses written in the Harry Potter series of books than the one you quote from, and I think the ending is much better. It’s not so blood thirsty, and it’s much better for children to read.
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Anthony Micheal Amaral
This is discussing shame on you spelling this is spiritual abuse you make me sick people like you make christianity look bad you should be fired and lose your license please people leave that abuse please pray for those people who go to that church they are famous for talking their money away from all the people this should not be able to happen
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Stacey Owens
Who's image do you see when you are at church? The image of Jesus Christ or the church (pastor)?
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Kevin Michael Meyer
Titus 1:10-16, “For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-and that for the sake of DISHONEST GAIN. Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. To the pure, all things are pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
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Kevin Michael Meyer
Sorry I made some copying errors on these verses but hopefully you hear the message
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Michelle
Oh boy, isn’t this title correct. God doesn’t need our money, this greedy sucker does. Maybe someone should check out his wardrobe closet & see if he’s not just the same as a Donald Trump or Rudy Giuliani... Con artists come in all forms. Unfortunately, it’s too prevalent in the so-called “religious” & “spiritual” leaders.
This is not a call to spread a message. This is a call in hard time to line their own pocket.
Disgusting.-
Michelle
Sorry, there was some autocorrect errors in this post...
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Matthew Arzano
I feel that if a person feels that the god of their heart is moving them to give anything, it should be a personal decision based on personal faith, not a move initiated by guilt or by manipulating the sensitive relationship of pastor and congregant for personal gain. Unfortunately there are some dishonest people running houses of worship and take advantage of good, honest peop!e who only want to do "that which is right". I am a firm believer in " what goes around, comes around". With that said, I'm still wary of judging a person who might honestly feel that "God" directed them to suggest making that particular offering. I only know what has been said about this minister. I don't know the particulars of the church's financial situation or even the man himself. On the surface it looks bad and if he's a dishonest man, shame on him!
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Thomas William Cornfield
What the heck The lord god almighty whats your love and .compation for others and to evlove above a caveman mentality .. This individual has a money problem and want others to pay him for his inability to preach the Lord god almighty words for free (The way Jesus did) I do not want to judge but the lord will
God does not need your check take care of yourselves God has no need of money
What Rodney said.