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| Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel in his private jet |
I want to write something that will probably anger a lot of people out there and I will probably be crucified for this but after seeing what I saw yesterday, I want to speak my mind.
I try as much as possible to stay away from religious issues on this blog because it's a very sensitive subject and so many people take it very personal. But like I said, I saw something yesterday that got to me...and since I've been given a voice (my blog), I want to be heard.
Let me start by saying that I am utterly disgusted by the way some Men of God in this our generation carry on. Private Jets, Yachts, media empires etc...and you wonder; is this what Christianity is all about now? Acquisition of wealth? Are some of these Men of God supposed to be keepers of faith or men who milk from their congregation to fund and maintain their lavish lifestyles?
I've said this before and I will say it again...I will NEVER pay tithe to the Church. Not if my money is going to be used to pay for a private jet. I know it's not a good thing to say publicly but that's my position on the matter and if these Men of God aren't uncomfortable or embarrassed to be seen 'living the life', then why should I be embarrassed to say I'm not going to fund it?
I am more than convinced that God will be disappointed in me if I gave 10% of the little money I make to men who already have so much when I can give it to that young child who hasn't eaten for days..or maybe even contribute to money needed to keep a sick person alive.
I sincerely feel that if Jesus came back today, he would weep at what some people have turned his church into. He would be disgusted as I am because He definitely didn't establish religion as an instrument for acquiring material wealth.
My bible tells me that when Jesus dwelt among us, he didn't hobnob with the rich, he didn't acquire material wealth, he didn't ride in the finest horses, he didn't drink the finest wines...instead he embraced modesty, lived amongst the ordinary and poor and was satisfied with that life. So why are these Men of God not following in his footsteps? Why are they acquiring wealth like it's about to go out of fashion?
Acquiring excessive wealth is morally reprehensible in a society like ours where there's a big gap between the rich and the poor. Nigerians are dying of hunger..literarily. I passed Oyingbo early yesterday morning and I've not been able get over what I witnessed there. Please somebody drive down to Oyingbo, at the refuse dump there and see what is going on in our country. I saw two boys picking something from the dump and putting in their mouth. And our Men of God are buying private jets? My God! Do you know how much it costs to acquire and maintain one? Do you know how many poor, homeless, hungry and sick people that kind of money can help? Are you calculating?
What does anyone want with so much money? How can you serve God and Money at the same time? There's a place in the bible where a certain rich young man turned down Jesus’ invitation to follow him because he was unwilling to leave his money behind. Jesus commented, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God”. (Luke 18:24) What was Jesus trying to say here?
Oh and there's more - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
More - "Do not wear yourself out to get rich: have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle" (Proverbs 23:4-5)
I can quote more from the bible but let's move on. See, I'm not against the church, I go to Church as much as the next guy. I'm not against being rich either, I am only against excessive wealth. Excessive being the imperative word. I'm not against Men of God, I just do not approve of some of their methods.
Men of God engaging in pre-marital sex, Men of God engaging in homosexual acts, Men of God molesting young boys in the church, Men of God building business empires and acquiring material wealth like they are competing with greedy politicians.
And let's not even talk about the trade going on in the Church today. The selling of CD's, books, tapes and et al. We all know how angry Jesus was when he witnessed the trade going in the temple in the ancient times and what he did about it
I could go on and on but let me stop here. I'm not judging, I'm just saddened by the things these Men of God are doing and the things they've failed to do.
I've said my piece and my apologies to anyone who finds it offensive..but until you know what it feels like to see two young children eating from a refuse dump, don't talk shit to me!
274 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 274 of 274Ignorance is a disease is all i can say!!!
Linda Ikeji so so so so sad for you
We should watch what we say ooooo
You have indeed crossed the line Linda . Ignorance is not an excuse. Its so sad. I ve lost every respect for you. You fall my hand big time. Ignorance is not an excuse i say again and be careful with what you say . Be careful i say AGAIN!
LINDA GET UR FACT RITE B4 U PUT IN UP, D CHURCH HAD 2 PRIVATE JETS AND NOT DAVID OYEDEPO, BUT DUE 2 LACK OF FUNDS THEY COULDN'T MAINTAIN IT, THE JETS ARE 4 MISSIONARY WORK WHICH MY SIS IN CU CONFIRMED DAT EVEN WHEN HE TRAVELS OUT OF D COUNTRY, HE HAS 2 B BACK BY SUNDAY 4 SERVICE,D CHURCH MEMBERS R NOT COMPLAINING, Y SHUD U, AS LONG AS HE IS USING IT 4 MISSIONARY WORK , I DNT AV ANY PROBLEM. OR IS IT UR MONEY. JUDGE NOT SO DAT U WNT B JUDGED.
Please leave linda alone abt tithing its her choice haba .. she is not claiming 2 b a perfect xtian she said what she felt 4 all of u dat dnt like it close her page n buzz off.my cozin works 4 a boss dat never pays his workers but pays millions 2 his church as tithe... what kind of world r we living in. Abeg make una leave d girl alone. If u r interested in charity do check up on what ey r using ur money 4 dnt dump it on thier laps n xpect them not 2 spend it msscheeeew
PPL r actualy telln linda that she will feel d wrath of God cos of what she said .. who died n made u his PA. rubbish, pls d last time i checked there is freedom of speech, these churches r registered under CAMA so 2 me its a business venture be it limited by Gaurantee or whatever ( tho there is enuff money 2 buy jets n co ) 9ja pls wake up we have slept 4 long now.Linda biko rock on if u like where donkey tails its ur hard earned money dem dey vex say u no give am "daddy"
@September 7, 2010 12:42 PM, wow,you must really have a bitter heart..reading your comment makes me sad.serious only God knows the truth and that is it.
First remove the log in ur eyes before you remove the spec in ur neighbours eyes.....
Christianity is a personal race....RUN ON UR OWN WISELY....
whoa, so many comments! Linda, do u see what u have caused...hahaha
Anyway, Linda, pick up your Bible and read. I want you to fully understand why you are doing something. Majority of people who give don't even know or understand why they are giving. Doing it out of tradition or bcos your mama or daddy said it and u don't understand why you are doing it, is even worse than someone saying she doesn't give tithe. At least, Linda wants to understand first.
If you give half of your fortune to the church but don't live a lifestyle that pleases Christ, it means nothing. People are funny, making it seem like if you don't give your tithe you are going to hell or smth, that's not the case.
GIVING TITHE OR GOING TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY OR TALKING ABOUT GOD IS NOT TICKET TO HEAVEN.
Ok, money, jets, cars, is not sign of God's blessings, because spiritual wealth worth so much more than the physical wealth. Tell me how many times when blessings was mentioned in the Bible and it said, David, Solomon, Paul, Peter were blessed with millions of dollars or jets to show God's blessings in their lives.
The Bible is a big supporter of wealth but not the greedy kind of wealth that people have turned it into.
I can't believe people are still buying into stuff like pastors buy jets so they can fly around to preach the gospel or do you want your pastor to be poor...seriously? lol
Can these people give me evidences or examples of situations like that. People, WAKE UP!
HUMMMM Linda you are absolutely right about this so called money hungry pastors.That is the problem we have in nigeria people want to showoff in church like ohhh am richer than you and most pastors use that as a n excuse to ask for more money everytime.would there be a day that a pastor wont ask for more money apart from oferring and titthes.Well in some church some female pastors wear jewelries as if they are worshipping god of iron and is this so called pastors that want channel bags,clutches,cars houses ,lands for gift,am not objecting people doing things for pastors but let it be a free will.
All those cursing becos of pastor Oyedepo are you serving God OR THE PASTOR remember we are all going to be judged individually not that ohhh i attend winners chapel or RCCG.Just like an adage in yoruba that says ijo ru alufa sonra.People should use their brains and not their asses.example people like to SHOWOFF like ohhh i want the pastor to notice my family or i want to become a deacon/pastor by donating everytime.fleshy things,God help we nigerians.
Linda pls dont feel guilty or sad by your post becos its PURE TRUTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.Sad that people worship human pastor unconsciously without them knowing.The bible says take care of your house first be4 coming to my house to worship,ITS TIME WE ALL WAKE UP AND FIND THE TRUTH,My former pastors children are all in the United states in different colleges which am not against but sounds fishy,how do you want the congregation to feel about their own kids too.i remembered be4 i left the church pastor telling the church he wants a jeep for his birthday and other pastors scrambling and begging for money from other members of the church ,after jeep came and gone here comes the pastor again ohhh jeep doe not reign anymore i want so and so car.then a house and so on .Lord have mercy on all of us.We shd all go to church with the mind of worshipping the father almighty pay your offering and tithes and then if you so wish, do more but not at the expense of your family.
Linda well done, you have said it all exaclty as you saw it and I for one salute your courage. I disagree with a lil of your premise (tithing). You said you stopped paying tithes altogether?
Well, its not just a Christian concept, its even a secular concept that is seriously practised without fail and that has led to the success of many businesses on this earth including microsoft and even facebook... More on that formula will take a whole new blog. *I havent read all the comments in response to this blog, so apologies if someone has covered that :)*
Apart from that, the main gist of your blog is well understood
Christianity in Nigeria is a walking contradiction. The place with the most churches still has the most crime? Nigeria as a whole is a very religious country yet is still amongst the most corrupt in the entire universe? Something stinks!
Stick by your convictions because trust me, Nigerians do not like hearing the truth.
Some posters will try to scare one or 'curse' others.
Are we so scared now that we cant say things as we see it?
Am all for education and enlightenment particularly in regards to spiritual growth but dont attempt to shut me down with fear, cus e no go work.
That is by the way side, a few of us have posted various notes in social newtorking websites, on our take to this same topic, and lets just say we have direct experience of the kind of replies to expect.
Its probably worse in here cus it seems ppl who like to curse others instead of engaging in an intelligent conversation, also cowardly hide behind 'anonymous'. Dont be discouraged just keep reading the word of God, read the bible and the truth will be clearer and clearer day by day.Its so simple, but people have added lies and have trained on manipulation and deceipt so that something simple and straightforward as 'coldblooded murder by a pastor' now looks hard/or excusable. PEOPLE CANT SPEAK THE TRUTH IN THEIR OWN NAME ANYMORE? Not me!
You know the worse part to this? There is no defence in silence/indifference/siddon look! Even the fencesitters will still be punished.
Yes oh, the fact that my silence in 'so called' wisdom (I do not want to be involved) will still have its punishment and the fact that Pray...er is not always the key (i.e if I am not not righteous, who the heck am I fooling by saying lets just pray about *speaking to myself now*)
Please read these notes and draw what you can from it, so you can engage with those who actually want to reason and learn.:)
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-1.html :uing bible verses to demonstrate how even the silent or indifferent Christian still has consequences to face.
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-2.html : showing how people have always used the Lords name in vain. It was written by an erudite scholar and a serious practising Christian Seun Kolade.
God bless us all in this as we say it as it is
@ Skank: I trust you, chop knuckle
xxx
Mena
People are replacing God with gods and kings..so much so that they even accord repect to these god of men instead of the Word of God and the preachings pf Christ.
The signs are there that we are in a new religious revolution in Nigeria. Just remember the following passages: Isaiah 6:
1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”
Its best we speak out like this but with love and open minds and a sound knowledge of our bibles for ourselves. Work out your own salvation! ehen!
@ Linda: dont know if you got my last comment (it was long sha) But please read these notes and draw what you can from it, so you can engage with those who actually want to reason and learn.:)
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-1.html :uing bible verses to demonstrate how even the silent or indifferent Christian still has consequences to face.
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-2.html : showing how people have always used the Lords name in vain. It was written by an erudite scholar and a serious practising Christian Seun Kolade.
God bless us all in this as we say it as it is
@ Skank: I trust you, chop knuckle
xxx
Mena
Hmm, the amount of insults people are pouring becuase one spoke her mind. Its ironic as its her blog, in her name--not anonymous, only she will approve this insultive comments or delete it as she pleases..who is now the fool?
Even if Linda is a sinner, you that is a saint where is that so called love you have in you? I honestly expected people to say God loves you and I love you and will pray for you..instead the insults were so bitter you wonder if it was devil followers that were commenting cus God doesnt talk like that.
The man in the photo on this blog ran away from Uk because he was invited by the police, this is who you are worshipping now?
And as for the jet, how many souls have the jet won now? LIARS
Pastors that perform fake miracles, have sex with equally desperate followers (fruitof the womb). One pastor was caught on camera telling a young girl that the only way she can remove her demon possession was by sex? IS THIS RIGHT?
Pastors that have broken the 10 commandments and even more. Sleeping with their neighbours wives and having abortions around the place, your god of men, has replaced 'God'
All the time these fake people have spent locating and commenting on a 'bald headed gossip' blog that lie they have no respect for, couldnt they have been spent it producing more fake oil? or practising the drama they will perform when suddenly 'healed from being a crippled?' or sleeping with their pastors who purchase these same weaves and more for them? cus these are certainly no true Christians..True Christians are knows by their fruits-love, there is no love in the anumanu comments thus far, so abeg, make we hear word
CHINWE....My dear,Linda.leave them.its btwn them and God.One big problem is that people worship this men of God more than God himself.for me,i just pay my tithe,if u like talk from 2010 till 2100 am not bringing out anymore kobo.
Ya know! I have a post up featuring google and its idea of what Nigerians are.
I think Google should add to the list, "NIGERIANS ARE DEATHLY AFRAID OF THEIR PASTORS!"
Scratch that.....make that Africans in general.
My oh my!!
But since I am more in tuned with Naija, I can only speak more about that.
Ya see this whole church business in Nigeria is starting to look more and more like a cult to me every passing day.
My church is better than yours.
My pastor is more powerful than yours.
And DEATH be to any person who DARES to THINK or question anything our pastor does/says.
Yup! Sounds like a cult to me.
Now i refuse to go on a rant tirade but i find it rather amusing how Nigerians claim to be d most religious people on earth, yet the most vile things happen there.
Are u pissed yet?
Kindly go chew rocks :)
Some coo-koo folks came on here chanting about the Wrath of God cos Linda dared 2 think? lol
No wonder d number of Atheists and agnostics are on the rise.
All this preach of doom---only makes u come off like u need a psychiatrist ASAP!
Now Are u aware that u my friend(s) are worshiping false idols?
Yes! U may not know this but u are literally worshiping a fellow human being like urself.
I ain't scared of no pastor, BUT I do give them d respect they deserve as an elderly but I will NOT, NEVER rid myself of the ability to THINK for myself.
I guess I am too Americanized & sorry 2 burst ur bubble but this I shall pass down to my children and children's children. :)
I thank God for my mother sha!
----
A man I know counted 10gs and gave it to one of ur popular pastors who came here for a visit. 10,000 dollars!
How many times do u see Nigerians shell out that amount for the poor? People who need it the most!
If they give 20 dollars sef, u go thank God!
But a man with a bible, comes, preaches for 2 hours and then uses d remaining 3 to convince people why they need to give up their paycheck & more to him & VA VOOM! Money wey no dey, go begin show.
And this is y u'll never see me jumping around from church to church.
Most people who join d church of d moment bandwagon, end up becoming a looney! #realtalk....as can be seen from some of d comments on this post :), Plus I know firsthand from vicarious experiences.
My high school principal always used 2 say, a rolling stone gathers no moss and ya know! it makes a whole lot more sense to me now than it did back then.
Some of u are so far up ur pastors _____ that if he/she were 2 tell u 2moro that ur own mother...d woman who loved u unconditionally for all ur years is a witch, U would believe in a heartbeat.
#Howsad
I have no personal vendetta against any pastor. Quite frankly, I don't really know them and I am all for doing what pleases one's soul but please for d life of me, UNDERSTAND that It is OKAY for one not to see things the way u and ur pastor do.
As for me, I like to keep my relationship with God between him and I. No pastor/prophet in between.
Only he knows my heart and quite frankly that's all I care about and so NO I will NOT pay tithe to any church if my heart is not in it.
I can go to religious advisers for advice, directions and things of that nature but once I smell a rat,.....that's it!
As humans, We have our occasional doubts for a reason and 7/10 our instincts are usually right, if we allow ourselves be..that is!
On that note, peace 2 all!
*sprinkles holy water*
lol
Linda
Check out these scriptures on tithing:Genesis chapter 14 verses 17 to 20;Hebrews chapter 7 verses 1 to 10.God bless you as you do so(i pray that you learn more than just about tithing).Amen.Please check out my blog:http://henryik2009.wordpress.com.
*Please leave a comment.
BLESS YOUR HEART, DEAR GIRL! SAY IT AS IT IS!NO HOLDS BARRED! THEY FORGET THE SON OF MAN HAD NO PLACE TO LAY HIS HEAD! HE WAS MORE OR LESS A NORMAD! LET THEM CARRY ON! WE ALL KNOW NEMESIS CAN BE A BITCH
LINDA FIRSTLY U NEED TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE SWEAR WORDS AND EXPLETIVES ON THIS BLOG AND TAKE THEM DOWN..U ARE LOSING A LOT OF CREDIBILITY BY INCLUDING POSTS WITH THESE WORDS. ALL THE PPL AGREEING WITH U ARE COMPLETELY CLUELESS..AND DONT BE CARRIED AWAY BY IT...I DONT UNDERSTAND UR ILL CONCEIVED ANGER...NIJA IS A CORRUPT COUNTRY FULL OF CORRUPT GOVT OFFICIALS WHO TAKE TAXPAYERS MONEY AND PILLAGE THE NATION, BUT U HAVE NEVER SPOKEN UP AND U SAY U HAVE A VOICE!!! U HAVE NO AUTHORITY ON THIS SUBJECT AND U NEED TO GET UR FACTS STRAIGHT DONT PRETEND TO BE ANGRY ABOUT WHAT U DONT KNOW ABOUT!!,,STICK TO UR PRAISE SINGING AND WORSHIP OF CARNAL PPL LIKE OLUCHI, PSQUARE, AND ALL THE LOCAL CHAMPION FORCING GUY WANNABES U CELEBRATE!!! THERE ARE PPL WHO ABUSE THE NAME OF GOD COMMIT ADULTERY AND SO ON...BUT DEFINITELY NOT BISHOP OYEDEPO!!!!..HE HAS GREAT INTEGRITY AND IS NOT SCANDALOUS...TO POST HIS PICTURE IS AN INSULT, AND THE CONSEQUENCES COULD BE DIRE!!!
Kiky,shame! u re so so sad!!!! sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1Lind this is tit u know i luv u,i luv u veryy plenty,stay off this track ,ok,dont mind all these pple o,dont let them mis lead u,in ur closet just tell God u re sorry ok,i still love u sha
i think the issue of tithe paying is biblical and not any of these men of God created the bible. it's very wrong of you to judge any man of God cuz the bible says 'Thou shall not judge',why don't you leave them to their God to judge them.
Hi Linda
I wasn't going to comment on this post, but as I was reading my Bible this morning, I came across the following verses;
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
For you will be treated as you treat others.
The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
Hypocrite!
First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
Matt 7: 1-5
As for where Tithing is in the Bible:
Malachi 3
8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!
“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’
“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.
9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple.
If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!
Try it! Put me to the test!
11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease.[a] Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Leviticus 27:30
'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
LINDA YOUR PASSION AND HONEST TRUTH IS NOTED!YOU ARE REALLY HELPING WITH YOUR POINT... I AM KIND OF CONFUSED BUT MAY BE GOD IS TRYING TO USE THAT PICTURE THROUTH YOU TO PIN SOME POINTS ABOUT MOST MEN OF GOD!.. DADDY OYEDEPO IS MY MENTOR IN GOD'S WORD... I WILL HAVE LOVE YOU TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:(1) HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO THIS MAN IN PICTURE? HIS MORAL LIFE.. FINANCIAL LIFE... HIS CHARITY .. ETC.(2) ARE YOU TRY LEAN ON YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE THEREBY BREAKING GOD'S COVENANT ABOUT TITHING....YOU MAY SHORT-CIRCUIT YOUR BOUNDLESS LIMITS BY DOING SO.. THERE IS STILL ROOM AT THE TOP FOR YOU. ...GOD SAID BRING YE ALL TITHES TO MY(GOD)HOUSE THAT THERE MAY BE MEAT IN MY(GOD)STORE HOUSE.... REMEMBER THE COVENANT BLESSING THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS! IMAGINE WHEN HEAVE OPEN WITH A BLANK CHEQUE.. LIKE THE DAYS OF KING SOLOMON WHERE GOD HIMSELF PRONOUNCE DIVINE BLESSING UPON YOU AND YOUR HOUSE HOLD... PLS LINDA AS A FRIEND TO FRIEND.. I WILL ADVISE YOU TO START PAYING YOUR TITHES FROM NOW AND LEAVE THOSE AT THE RECIEVING END WITH WHAT THEY USE IT FOR... YOUR OWN IS TO DO WHAT GOD SAY AND BE BLESS BY GOD OF MAN AND NOT MAN OF GOD!
NOTE: THERE IS AN AVENUE TO MAKE CHARITY TO THE OPHANS.GOD HIMSELF SAID IF YOU CLOSE YOUR HEARS FROM THE CRYING OF THE POOR, IN THE DAY OF ADVERSITY GOD SAYS HE WILL NOT HEAR TOO! .. PLS CHECK THE BOOK OF PROVER 20 ABOUT HELPING THE POOR... GOD BLESS YOU
I LOVE YOUR POST. MY NAME IS AWE ABIOLA EMMANUEL FROM LAGOS
using powerpoint presentations and projectors during service in church...enough said. Na wa
Emmanuel, that's a really good post and that's what Christians should sound like.
Linda well done, you have said it all exaclty as you saw it and I for one salute your courage. I disagree with a lil of your premise (tithing). You said you stopped paying tithes altogether?
Well, its not just a Christian concept, its even a secular concept that is seriously practised without fail and that has led to the success of many businesses on this earth including microsoft and even facebook... More on that formula will take a whole new blog. *I havent read all the comments in response to this blog, so apologies if someone has covered that :)*
Apart from that, the main gist of your blog is well understood
Christianity in Nigeria is a walking contradiction. The place with the most churches still has the most crime? Nigeria as a whole is a very religious country yet is still amongst the most corrupt in the entire universe? Something stinks!
Stick by your convictions because trust me, Nigerians do not like hearing the truth.
Some posters will try to scare one or 'curse' others.
Are we so scared now that we cant say things as we see it?
Am all for education and enlightenment particularly in regards to spiritual growth but dont attempt to shut me down with fear, cus e no go work.
That is by the way side, a few of us have posted various notes in social newtorking websites, on our take to this same topic, and lets just say we have direct experience of the kind of replies to expect.
Its probably worse in here cus it seems ppl who like to curse others instead of engaging in an intelligent conversation, also cowardly hide behind 'anonymous'. Dont be discouraged just keep reading the word of God, read the bible and the truth will be clearer and clearer day by day.Its so simple, but people have added lies and have trained on manipulation and deceipt so that something simple and straightforward as 'coldblooded murder by a pastor' now looks hard/or excusable. PEOPLE CANT SPEAK THE TRUTH IN THEIR OWN NAME ANYMORE? Not me!
You know the worse part to this? There is no defence in silence/indifference/siddon look! Even the fencesitters will still be punished.
Yes oh, the fact that my silence in 'so called' wisdom (I do not want to be involved) will still have its punishment and the fact that Pray...er is not always the key (i.e if I am not not righteous, who the heck am I fooling by saying lets just pray about *speaking to myself now*)
Please read these notes and draw what you can from it, so you can engage with those who actually want to reason and learn.:)
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-1.html :uing bible verses to demonstrate how even the silent or indifferent Christian still has consequences to face.
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-2.html : showing how people have always used the Lords name in vain. It was written by an erudite scholar and a serious practising Christian Seun Kolade.
God bless us all in this as we say it as it is
Linda well done, you have said it all exaclty as you saw it and I for one salute your courage. I disagree with a lil of your premise (tithing). You said you stopped paying tithes altogether?
Well, its not just a Christian concept, its even a secular concept that is seriously practised without fail and that has led to the success of many businesses on this earth including microsoft and even facebook... More on that formula will take a whole new blog. *I havent read all the comments in response to this blog, so apologies if someone has covered that :)*
Apart from that, the main gist of your blog is well understood
Christianity in Nigeria is a walking contradiction. Nigeria as a whole is a very religious country yet is still amongst the most corrupt in the entire universe? Something stinks!
Stick by your convictions because trust me, Nigerians do not like hearing the truth.
Some posters will try to scare one or 'curse' others.
Am all for education and enlightenment particularly in regards to spiritual growth but dont attempt to shut me down with fear, cus e no go work.
it seems ppl who like to curse others instead of engaging in an intelligent conversation, also cowardly hide behind 'anonymous'. Dont be discouraged just keep reading the word of God, read the bible and the truth will be clearer and clearer day by day.Its so simple, but people have added lies and have trained on manipulation and deceipt so that something simple and straightforward as 'coldblooded murder by a pastor' now looks hard/or excusable. PEOPLE CANT SPEAK THE TRUTH IN THEIR OWN NAME ANYMORE? Not me!
You know the worse part to this? There is no defence in silence/indifference/siddon look! Even the fencesitters will still be punished.
Please read these notes and draw what you can from it, so you can engage with those who actually want to reason and learn.:)
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-1.html :uing bible verses to demonstrate how even the silent or indifferent Christian still has consequences to face.
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-2.html : showing how people have always used the Lords name in vain. It was written by an erudite scholar and a serious practising Christian Seun Kolade.
God bless us all in this as we say it as it is
Linda well done, I salute your courage. I disagree with a lil of your premise (tithing)
Well, its not just a Christian concept, its even a secular concept that is seriously practised without fail and that has led to the success of many businesses on this earth including microsoft and even facebook... More on that formula will take a whole new blog. *I havent read all the comments in response to this blog, so apologies if someone has covered that :)*
Apart from that, the main gist of your blog is well understood
Christianity in Nigeria is a walking contradiction. The place with the most churches still has the most crime? Nigeria as a whole is a very religious country yet is still amongst the most corrupt in the entire universe? Something stinks!
It seems ppl who like to curse others instead of engaging in an intelligent conversation, also cowardly hide behind 'anonymous'. Dont be discouraged just keep reading the word of God, read the bible and the truth will be clearer and clearer day by day.Its so simple, but people have added lies and have trained on manipulation and deceipt so that something simple and straightforward as 'coldblooded murder by a pastor' now looks hard/or excusable. PEOPLE CANT SPEAK THE TRUTH IN THEIR OWN NAME ANYMORE? Not me!
You know the worse part to this? There is no defence in silence/indifference/siddon look! Even the fencesitters will still be punished.
Please read these notes and draw what you can from it, so you can engage with those who actually want to reason and learn.:)
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-1.html :uing bible verses to demonstrate how even the silent or indifferent Christian still has consequences to face.
http://efemenaoreoluwa.blogspot.com/2010/09/dedicated-to-indifferent-christian-2.html : showing how people have always used the Lords name in vain. It was written by an erudite scholar and a serious practising Christian Seun Kolade.
God bless us all in this as we say it as it is
Nigerians will never cease to amaze me. People are so caught up in religion, they can no longer tell their left from their right. It's like a cult!
Anyway, Linda....u have said it all and i 100% agree with you. Stand by what you have written and don't be fazed by these threats of doom and curses.
233 comments? wow!
@those who want to know what i did for the boys at the dump. Nothing actually. I wasn't carrying a dime on me that Saturday morning. Planning to go back there when I'm able to help properly.
@Those saying i'm judging, i'm not! I'm just an unhappy churchgoer...it just breaks my heart to see what Christianity is now all about.
@those asking me to take the pic down...why? if it's not wrong and u have a ready explanation for it, why are u fretting? Besides this is not about him...that was the only pic I could find to buttress my point.
@those directly and indirectly threatening me...how low of u. and u call urselves Christians. U don't know how far i've gone to seek God, so back off!
@those talking about wrath of God...wrath of God because I spoke my mind? u obviously don't know how God operates...
@those saying i'm ignorant...u must not be reading the same bible that I am reading..because the bible I read talks against whats happening now in the house of God...so shhh with all that ignorant talk.
@those who have lost respect for me...unhappy about that, but I understand.
@those who agree with me, who like and respect me more now for speaking my mind...God bless u all! U touch my life in ways I can't even begin to describe. may God almighty strengthen u all more and more.
one love!
Linda Ikeji said... @those directly and indirectly threatening me...how low of u. and u call urselves Christians. U don't know how far i've gone to seek God, so back off!***WORD! Naija never ceases to amaze me.. We are all sinners in the face of Jehovah and everybody is entitled to express him/herself in his/her own way. Its a free and equal world.
Linda...I commented before but I'll comment again!
Linda may God bless you for this post. In Jesus name
It has troubled me that a man of God feels totally comfortable to live in EXCESSIVE LUXURY while the people of God go hungry.
I totally understand loving and respecting Men of God BUT the point is my dear brothers and sisters they are but men...clay fashioned like us. Sometimes it is very difficult to discern who is genuine and who is not BUT by their fruits you will know them!
We will all face judgement and our deeds and intentions will stand before God...not your pastor's
He will have to face God and be questioned on if he/she set a worthy example for his flock and if they taught erroneously.
My people work out YOUR salvation in fear and trembling.Leave Linda alone..even if you disagree with her, I don't see how the Christian response is to call her names.
Money is a blessing...it can also very easily be a curse because it makes men haughty and can erode your anointing if your heart begins to cling to the luxuries it affords you.
REMEMBER;
We are all human not God and still sin ...Linda, you, me, the Pope, Oyedepo e.t.c.
'The main the main' disciples who lived and knew Jesus were never multi-millionaires in their time but they literally lived and died for the Gospel
You must recognise that only God is God and that if you put pastors, priests on a pedestal, one day, their actions will shake your faith. Put all your faith and trust in God who is the only one perfect
If one chooses to give their tithe as alms to the people of God I don't see how that can be displeasing to the Lord....We are temples of the Holy Spirit, we the people are the church and money collected in the early Church was used for the upkeep of the poor.
Finally, Jesus loves you!
Linda, you should realize that there are 3 types of knowledge:
1. The one you know and can share with people. 2. the one you can only share with people who are like yourself alone. 3. The knowledge you keep for yourself alone. And 4th, the one you never share with a soul coz its gonna lead to your crucifiction.
Anyways girl, im still your big fan. I got hooked since I found my friends pouring through your blog a year ago...keep blogging, but dont go to religious. Its a ground filled with lotta land mines. Okay?
Linda , you have absolutely no right to judge any one much more an annointed man of God!!
You know nothing about him, you see his pix somewhere and you proceed to put it up on ur joke of a blog and utter all manner of trash.
I always advise people, never write or respond to anything when your emotions are raging, go home do some proper research and thinking and believe me u'll come up with something constructive, logical, reasonable and intelligent, and you'll pass accross your message without sounding as ignorant as you have just potrayed your self LINDA!!
My advice to you, go back and read your bible carefully(sincerely doubt you have one at this rate)especially about tithing, then maybe somethings will be clearer to you and you'll think twice before putting up such profanities.
Do not incure upon urself the wrath of God, choose your battles before you begin fighting in an arena you have absolutely no knowledge about.
I was invited to a church service and the pastor said to his congregation "... the church is my business and you the congregation, are my customers. Am only doing the work of my Father in Heaven ..." What more do you want him to say?
Well done Linda U must be feeling so cool with urself 233 comments and u r excited at least u r more popular . Well i will say this again and again ignorance is not an excuse simple! I ve lost every respect for you and yea i knw you understand.
Please dont take the picture down @ least it makes more people know about him and his ministry o and will be saved.http://www.davidoyedepoministries.org.Visit the site and your life will never remain the same!
Judjing from the numerous comments the writing has generated, it is plain to see that the subject is a pertinent and omnipresent one.
However, I am perplexed at comments like:
1- Remove Odedepo's picture: The photo was not fabricated, it's real. Why be incensed at it? If you are proud of his lifestyle, the photo should make you even prouder. Or, are you embarased he is living the way a christian shouldn't?
2- Do not judge: In the bible, there is a clear demarcation between right & wrong. When you call something wrong when it actually is or right when it is so, are you judging? God gave us the capacity to distinguish bad from good. Utilizing that gift is not judjing.
3- You must pay your tithe: Tithing was a requirement for the Israelites of old who were mainly agricultural. It is not a christian requirement. There is no mention of Jesus or his disciples paying or requesting the payment of tithes. The christian way is give whatever you want when you want: cheerful & heartfelt giving. I think in this, the Jehovah's Witnesses set a sterling example and I have acquaintances who attend their services not because they necessarily want to be full members (their requirements are not so easy to meet) but as they say, 'It's the closest there is to what Jesus taught & lived'.
Dear friends, study your bibles so you won't be deceived.
God will hold those counterfeit preachers responsible. Still, he will not spare those who gave tacit or expressed support to the 'wolves in sheep skins'.
"Get out of her, my people", the Holy Scriptures admonish.
@anon 2:17. I don't know what u call judging...I just made a comment or in this case wrote an article based on my observations. i didn't call them names or brand anyone. and talking about touch not my anointed...who says i'm not anointed too? so why are touching me? talking about wrath of God upon me,..u better be careful what u say before the wrath of God descends upon u too. (now how does that feel? :-))
and sweetie i do read the bible and if i remember correctly, there's a place where Jesus said, u will heal people with my name but when u come b4 my father, i will deny u! so lets all wait till
@anon8:54...so sad i lost ur respect. *cry* i will understand if u don't come on my blog again. God bless!
I'm still not convinced about the tithe thingy...I feel MoG emphasize on things that are beneficial to them..like tithing. who talks about salvation anymore? but anyway I've resolved to give more to the less privileged.
God bless us all!
Lets keep a little balance here. Nothing wrong with wealth (excessive or otherwise)because we are all just caretakers of God's resources. Now I don't know what God's work these Pastors have or have not done with the money God put into their care. However if its not being used according to God's instructions then they have to answer unto God for that.
However, if a "Man of God" is taking advantage of his position for personal gain then lets admonish him like the Bible says, however we should be careful not to judge because that is for God alone.
@anon 4:48pm sept 7, I think that you are missing the point. True religion is taking care of the widows and orphans. The poor you always have with you; is part of the gospel. The good news (gospel) is for the poor. So please assist the poor in any means possible that you can. Please search the scriptures for yourself, and in it you will find life. Thank you.
Christians, very wonderful people. No wonder Ghandi said he likes Jesus Christ but its the attitude of Christains that stopped him from converting! Christians piling insults on someone's page? Oh my gosh, if people have lost respect for Linda, they should log off her page ne? which wan be announcemnet inside? worse under anonymous, meanwhile you know all about Linda as she did not do an anonymous blog. SHAME ON YOU MAYBE YOU WANT TO USE FEAR OF CURSES TO SUAVE MORE PEOPLE RIGHT? SORRY BUT YOUR TIME IS ALMOST UP, WE WONT BE STOPPED.
Everywhere else in the world, leaders are seriously cutting costs in response to the current economic downturn. These are nations VISIBLY MORE WELL TO DO THAN IMPOVERISHED NIGERIA.
The activities in the church have gone unchallenged for so long because we have buried our heads in the sand.From selling fake hankys to fake miracles. People's lives ruined bcos of 'my pastor'. People have alientaed family members bcos 'my pastor said he/she is the witch attacking me, he /she must die die die die.'
WICKED PEOPLE! God have mercy and may He arise so that all these wicked people posing as pastors, should SCATTER
so many sides to the story.
not tithing is not a sin according to the bible. However tithing and going beyond it is a good seed you sow, it's kind of honoring God with your possessions. That being said, I hope we all know that you don't have to tithe to a church? I tithe at different times, to unknown missionaries in whereever, to Christian organizations that I can see working, using their money to advance God's kingdom and to provide for the needs of all people regardless of creed. The 5000 people that Jesus fed, did they separate them into those that believed him vs not?
In taking a stance, make sure u still honor God and leave him to judge those men of God. It is true that some of them have personal business, it is true that some do so much for people (in the midst of fraud & deception), and we should also understand that the bigger u get, u need more grace to take a breath and look beyond what ur advisers that surround you suggest to you.
Besides Linda said she doesnt tithe to church not that she doesnt tithe.
Dear Linda,Jesus was rich you know. Infact, the reason the soildiers were fighting for his cloth when he was on c cross was because it was expensive.(Everybody needs to read beyond d bible) #justsaying. Don't have much to say bout the lavish spending of pastors. Let God be the judge. Same way a private jet seems lavish to u is d same way ur car seems lavish to some who think u should be able to help them. Live and let live. Byee
That is why i like the muslims! Do you know that muslims pay 2.5% of thier net income as ZAKAT? Do you also know that even the greatest of Imams dears not tell anyone how to spend it ie if to give it to the mosque or go look for people in need? It is left for you to decide how it will be spent. You give whomever you choose to give. There is no bribery in the form of feeding you with eternal damnation in HELL!
A LIL EDUCATION LINDA. YOU GIVE UR TITHE TO GOD NOT TO MAN. LISTEN A TITHE IS A TEST OF YOUR LOVE NOT A PUNISHMENT. SOME MOG ARE CROOKS NO DOUBT BUT THE BIBLE ALREADY TOLD U THEY WOULD COME. ABRAHAM WAS FILTHY RICH N PAID TITHE. BESIDES WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN ASPIRE TO THE FINEST THINGS IN LIFE BUT NOT A MAN OF GOD.THE REASON JESUS WAS ANGRY WAS BECOS THEY WERE NOT DOING THE FATHER'S BUSINESS. WHY DID YOU BUY A BIBLE? WOULD YOU NOT BUY A BOOK WRITTEN BY JESUS? PLS DON'T SENSATIONALIZE MATTERS.IF JESUS WERE ALIVE,DO YOU THINK HE WOULD BE USING A VOLKWAGEN BETTLE? WOULD EVERY GOVERNMENT NOT BE SCRAMBLING TO BUY HIM A JET SO HE COME TO THEIR COUNTRY? BEFORE YOU TEAR PEOPLE DOWN GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR LIVES TOUCHED, FOR MISSIONS YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IN COUNTRIES LIKE THOSE IN S/LEONE AND GAMBIA. DO YOUR RESEARCH WELL. IF THE DEVIL MAKES PEOPLE RICH AKWAM GOD CAN MAKE YOU RICHER. WALK IN HIS GRACE AND YOU WILL SEE. COS THE BIBLE SAYS THE POOR SHALL NOT CEASE OUT OF THE LAND(Deut 15:11) do you best for those kids and leave the rest. Linda pls dont pay tithe till you believe in it and understand how it works thats why many people do not see result.
regards from the US
Well, at least he did not use your tithes. Most of these people you criticize are the biggest givers in the church. At the end of the day, they give towards the work and expansion of the ministry of Jesus Christ and the people who are giving increase in their businesses and personal lives.
We need to refrain from commenting on what we don't have full knowledge about. Not everything we think needs to be said out loud.
If anyone thinks that being a Christian is quite demanding, let the person try Satanism.
I suggest y'all leave the deep things of the spirit to the ultimate judge (God)...trust me, you don't want to meddle with them.
Hi Linda: I must say you a heluva of a woman. I applaud your integrity and standard. Not all Nigerian women are as capable to the truth as you are, as stated, only the truth shall set you free.
I read and see your point. Not only in our country do pastors manipulates their congregation, talkng down on them as if if they are cacases. I have my own share and witness of some holier than thou atitude. I don't crap and I refused to bow to no one but my God and Jesus Christ. I recently went to a church my daugher mistakenly took for another Church n L.A. and asked me to go to, the paster though idiomatic himself had an atitude that need to be singular out. After few times of selling Gov's. food lying they got it through shipping from somewhere I got there their tricks and left. Be sure sinners won't go free. Pray for them they need your prayers than you need theirs.
Blessings, Keep up the good work. lajo se agbe e o.
It is so unfortunate, how some people hides behind the internet to write nonesense on spmeone else's blog. treatening people on the internet is a cowardice way of doing anything, If you don't lke what you read let it be.
Linda Ikeji has written what she felt on tiths which is paramount of her opinion, she is not in fight with any one either so what is the headache here?
Come on guys why can't we be civil with one another?
If I may ask who is an authority on the subject? Any christian is an authority as far as i'm concerned. We do not need a cleric to tell us there's so much wrong in some churches today and Nigeria being riddled with poverty is good breeding ground.
I live in the UK and I can tell you that those who serve God here do it because they truely love him. A lot of Nigerians go to church and I say go because of poverty, home trouble etc so when a so called MOG dazzles them with what is right there in the Bible which they can see themselves, they forget who they should be worshipping.
Linda tithing is biblical!!!
The truth is so many of our MOG are far removed from the common man in 9ger, I attend Elim pentecostal UK where the pastor (a white man) gets the hoover himself and starts cleaning the hall before any member thinks of it, can anyone tell me a pastor in 9ger that will stoop so low?
When I had my baby he came to me to ask when I would like to dedicate her, if it was Nigeria I would have had to seek audience with the PA to pastor 1st before getting an appointment to see Daddy. It's nonsense I tell u. We have made MOG gods in 9ger, pls respect them but remeber it is God we serve not men.
P.S any church members contributing to buy private jet etc for pastor have you fed the hungry sister, brother or child sitting beside you in church???
Stop threatening Linda you are not God and should be ashamed for calling yourself a christian.
Some of this so called Pastors and Imams have been known to take advantage of wives-girlfriends who came seeking advice on mending problems in their relationships...
Linda as much as i love your blog and agree with freedom of speech i've all i've got to say is you, myself and matter of fact no one is in the position to judge what a man of God does...Touch not my annointed and do my prophet no harm. judge is still the same as touching. The church does not need any individual's money so regardless if you give or not if God has said that these men will have a jet to spread the word all over the world it will still happen. Like someone mentioned b4 Bishop Oyedepo travel out of the country almost evey week not for his own sake but for ministering in several churches around the world. As for your tithe do your research again. And also one thing you should know the Bible says there will always be the poor among us so no matter how much each pastors or individual give there will see be the poor among us...All fingers are not equal boo...Anywaz still luv ya gurl...Take care!
@MENA my sister chop knuckle too. all these ynash flies no go stop their mumu-rity.
linda....tell them. if they don't like it... they shouldn't come here again.
Daing Linda!! lol!! I get your view on things but this is the main reason why we as Christians are supposed to lean on God and not man. The bible says that in the end days, there will be preachers who are not of Him. The only thing we have to do is see God as our God. Many people are leaving Christianity because they have put their faith and trust in man. Man who is not perfect. Yes, i am still going to give tithes because the word of God tells me to and yes I will continue to pray that my hard earned money will be used to the glory of God. As long as I have done what God commands, it doesn't matter to me what the preacher does with the money because God knows and saw me do my part. Each of us will be judged according to what we do. On another note, Jesus Christ had a treasurer so that to me means he was stinking rich too but like I said, I get what you are saying. Let them do what they want. Judgment is inevitable and me, I want to get to Heaven!!!!!
Linda and others like her are in my view on the way to HELL...just to put it mildly. The Bible say that you should not open ur mouth to rebuke the "men of God"...Whether they do right or wrong ...cus it is to God they do it..and it is to HIM they will give account. Please act responsible in your area of influence...Not where u don't know the whole story. If you are not happy with them go away from their church to another or why can't God not use too Sister...yes u too bros?
Linda why?
All the people threatening Linda there is nothing wrong in using your brains plsss?
If you really care about people you will not want them to be misled.
Linda is asking questions not judging and she is not abusing anybody like those kids did in the Bible and Elijah cursed them.
Linda carry go but pls no pics and no names . Just be extremely blunt. Bill Gates no dey pay tithes, the guy is rich, Oprah no dey pay, she is rich, so tithes ONLY does not bring riches.
We only tithe to cater for our pastors but MOST PEOPLE IGNORE THE NEEDY AND FOCUS ON PASTORS WHO ARE NOT NEEDY. Those people they ignored represent Jesus.
Why universities when you can give to existing ones?
@MENA my sister chop knuckle too. all these ynash flies no go stop their mumu-rity.
linda....tell them. if they don't like it... they shouldn't come here again.
Christians, na wa for people that call themselves christians...shekpeing for linda because she expressed her opinions. if you are true christians, you would correct her with love, answer her questions and direct her in the right way. I just tire for some of the comments i v read. pple do worship their pastors and it is pathetic, do u think ur pastor would reply the way you did...(just in case with these moG you never know), do you think Jesus would reply the way you did to linda's comments? please people shine your eyes... I am a catholic and i speak the truth when i say that sometimes we would go home after mass and all we would complain about is that all they talked about in church is harvest and contribute money and how they want to build a church that they have been building for the last 5 years that has refused to be completed cos it just seems like it's a drain pipe.
I tell u the catholic church is becoming very craetive in the ways that they seek for funds from their congregation. I used to go to a protestant church and i stopped because I just could not understand why they psyched students like me into sowing their phones, tv and any/everything so that they could but a birthday gift for the pastor or sow into his life. it just seemed most cruel to me.
I have been through a lot and I learnt to pay my tithes, i do not pay it to my church though I pay it to the priest of a ministry that is struggling and i feel blessed when i do and i know that i have entered a convenant with God and because he is a convenant keeping God and he has lined out all those promises in malachi3, he would not forget me. I also have faith that because of this convenant my vine would not cast it's fruit before it's time and he would rebuke the devourer for my sake., i constsntly confess this as I have been struggling to get pregnant and now that I am it just seems like there's danger everywhere, there's peace in knowing that I can remind him of his promises and as unfaithful as i am, i am faithful in tithing.
sorry for the long story but this struck a nerve and it just made me see that fellow christians can be so hypocritical.
Linda Dearie, please pay your tithe, it's and obligation that you do in addition to giving alms and offerings. My husband does not pay his tithes to the church because he believes he can pay give it to the needy, I do not think its too much to Give to the needy and also help a ministry or a moG that you can see his sincerity and his gift in action, I tell my husband this everyday and because he feels blessed now that im preggers i believe he would start paying his tithes.
I stiil love your blog and heart you and this is by fay the most meaningful and constructive thing i have read on your blog, cos sometimes I dey tire for all the stories u put here.
Nice one, Linda. You're so ON POINT!!!
It is obvious you are ignorant. Did you see Oyedepo going to bahams with that Jet? In fact, that Picture was his mission trip to Zambia. Everybody is shouting, he is stealing money! Do you know it is on ground that no child in winners will ever miss out on Primary and Secondary education? Also Papa met someone at the airport who had cancer and at the end of the day, paid 23,000 euros for that person bill, will any of you do that. Apart from the church scholarship, papa and mama each have their own scholarship foundations.Also, there is Cannanland Empowerment Scheme that gives interest free loans to people to start business. About the massive welfare scheme. Bloody ignoramus you are!!Papa travels almost every week preaching around the world and he still returns on Sunday to preac at Faith Tabernacle! May God forgive you and grant you a repentant heart!Don't give, it is to your detriment!
God say we should give 10% to the church... So, as Christians, is the church a Pastor, the building or the people? Hellooooo??? It's the people. So, if I give my 10% to the less fortunate in the church, it still applies. Imagine what the money spent on those jet could get for the poor. CHrist preached against the elders misusing temple funds; it's applicable here, too. He also gave them the great commission: on a mission, depend on the goodwill of others and take nothing for yourself.
So what if they have other businesses? Can't they also be Christians and give abundantly?
Apostle Paul and other apostles needed to get the gospel around. Did they get a private ship or donkey or carmel or whatever means of transportation was used then? I feel emphasis is placed on riches in nowadays church, pentecostal and orthodox alike. Linda is not talking about Bishop Oyedepo alone, it is most churches in Nigeria. A lot of focus is on salvation of the body and not of the mind. Do we even think about eternity anymore. I can't remember hearing a sermon on redemption of our souls for a while now. It is on and on about how poverty is a curse. True, but that is not all Christ came to die for. Linda might not be hundred % correct about her opinions but who is? Let's not be hypocrites.
It is easy to get upset looking at what pastors do with church funds. But the truth is it not only happens here in Nigeria, it happens abroad especially the USA. A London church was probed by the charity commission when the found out the church had stashed several millions away in the bank. The church bought the senior pastor a house and the also had cars bought for him with church funds not to talk of his air miles etc. Now to the USA you listen to popular pentecostal american preachers on TV and they will often tell you tell you to sow for example $10,000 for a 10 minute miracle and lots of people fall for it for whatever reasons. I was once at a service in London when a pastor asked the whole church to sow a £5000 seed ofering for an instant miracle. This makes me think there is no difference between these pastors and yahoo scam artists. A good church will never levy its members for anything. There are still good churches out there but you just need to look with a microscope set to magnify... During a really trying period when I was quite little my family once benefitted from sponsorship from a church we attended in Accra, Ghana, we had our accomodation taken care of by the church and guess what? We paid back when we finally got sorted out. Finally tithe is a biblical command. What the church now uses the money to do is up to them (helping the needy through sponsorships, providing scholarships or buying private jets)... Linda, i love your article by the way, very bold...
Easy to judge others and forgetting the fact that you equally have a role to play. If those two boys you saw at Oyingbo refuse dump were not cleaned up by you. Then you are no better than the Men of God with their excessive wealth. Correct me if i am wrong on your wealth or income status...Kettle calling pot Black
the primary objective of the church is to affect d life of the less privillage in the church and society at large,to truely represent God and demostrate the character,potentials & atributes of our lord jesus Christ just as he did during his ministry here on earth. We are in the endtime now so one would not be suprised by what we hear and see avery day. May Almighty God in hs infinite mercy see us through.
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