this is something somebody had to do a study on. I could have told you for half the price.

…

Creflo Dollar left a message on my answering machine just last week, talking about me coming to service at Madison Square Garden.

…..who is surprised here?? Pulpit Pimps…..I’m surprise they are not all marching around with Joe Jackson! These guys are going to get what is coming to them for teach lies and pagan doctrine…read The Two Babylons..you will be shocked at what is going on in the church.

I know that’s right wedidn’t need a study for this crap..But I will say this is BS, because my pastor had a real job, hell he was a teacher at my high school…I didn’t grow up in a small town either, so he had to work… I don’t get it do people think that the more you give these men the more you will have a chance to get into the gates. There is no damn way i am giving more than I am suppose to and their is no way you should be getting paid this kindof money for what you called your calling…That’s sad!

There is nothing wrong with tithing and giving generously to the church. As a matter of fact, it is very scriptural to do so. I think that church giving gets such a bad rap because too many churches are irresponsible with the donations. For example, a church cannot keep taking up a building fund for twenty years, and no one ever sees a brick get laid. I am a tither, and my church has fresh paint, nice buildings, several community outreach programs and has even helped me financially in the past when I needed it. A church should be truly transparent with its finances because that’s the only way people will ever trust them with the money that is donated.

i think its only fair and logical for ALL people to scrutinize contributions to an endless “roof fund” that every damn church seems to have. its as old as time.

You need to stop giving so much if your minister is living better than you and all he doing is ‘minister-ing’ with no outside job.

In the religious group I grew up in, the minister worked TWO jobs to feed his family, just like my own parents.

@Des

Well said. I don’t want to see your pics on TMZ hugged up with Judge Mathis and Michael Jordan at a celebrity golf tournament…

I am not surprised. When I moved to Atl in 2000 I could not believe the stories I heard about these mega churches. It’s like a cult. These stupid women will pay their tithes before their gas bill.

Every church I visited had a 70% female congregation. You could tell that most of them were single. These women worship preachers like husbands. That 30% male population was half sissies & the other half were old men trying to get right before their time was up.

Why don’t straight, young black men go to church. Michael Baisden said it best. GAME RECOGNIZE GAME

I have a problem with megachurches in general. I’m sure many of them are doing good work, but to me, the bad apples have spoiled the whole bunch.

I AM SO GLAD THAT LIGHT IS FINALLY BEING SHED ON THIS ISSUE-SO MANY CHURCHES MORE SPECIFICALLY THEIR PASTOR’S WHO SAY THEY ARE WORKING FOR THE LORD ARE DRIVING AROUND IN EXPENSIVE CARS AND LIVING IN BIG BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND COURTESY OF MONEY GIVEN TO THE CHURCH IN THE COLLECTION PLATE ON SUNDAYS

IT’S TIME FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

I predict 1000 comments today cause blogs pertaining to religion will always set it off………

This is so unfortuanate…very common in the Black church…my only issue with the 420 billion dollar tax free money is that the church only shares with very few indivuals…ie. the pastor, his kids, wife and oh some of the decons…this is pitiful…with that kind of money…every church member should be debt free, houses/cars paid off with the current + next generation….

BOY THEY GO SO HARD-IT USE TO BE GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE NOW THEY HAVE THE AUDACITY TO SET A CERTAIN AMOUNT THEY WANT EVERYONE TO GIVE DESPITE THEIR OWN FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

I STRUGGLE WITH THIS PRACTICE-I GIVE WHAT I CAN AND I DO MAKE A SACRIFICE BUT GOD GAVE ME FIVE SENSES AND I AM GOING TO USE THEM-I BE DAMN IF I AM GOING TO GIVE YOU MY UTILITIES BILL OR FOOD MONEY AND BE LOOKING LIKE DOPEY DO WHEN I CAN’T EAT AND THE LIGHTS AREN’T ON

My take on big churches……if you are a faithful member whether you are paying tithes or not and the Pastor does not know your name….IT IS TRULY TIME FOR YOU TO FIND ANOTHER CHURCH HOME.

@intensemocha

thats what i am sayin too! (love the five senses reference…LOL) there’s been enough corruption, particularly in the catholic church (my “religion”) that i have a hard time going without so an alter boy gets some hush money or the pastor gets to take a better vacay than me. yer right!

The word says that tithing can also be be used for the poor & widowed; I’d rather give my tithes to my mother who is on a fixed income, or my little sister, who is in college or my own children struggling to finish college…pastors make you believe that tithe = heaven…you can buy heaven, and you WILL NOT miss heaven if you don’t tithe…. TRUTH

*can’t buy heaven

Whatever I give I give to God and not man and if U understand that then U would not look at it so negatively because when U need help U guess who U will call on…

@Resurrected….God owns all the money all the riches in the land…he don’t need your money…I understand that the lights, gas for the church is needed….take up a collection for that and pay the pastor a salary…. each member should be able to be given advances, bonuses of the money that was given thoughout the years spend at a church…ALL children should be given money for their education…(the entire college education)

There’s nothing wrong with giving generously to your religous institution if they’re going to use that money to re-invest into the communities and really be of good services to those who need them. I’ve always questioned the validity of a lot of these churches. Especially when you can go to any black neighborhood accross the nation and find 3 or 4 churches on every other block. But yet the crime rates are still soaring, poverty is still rampant, and no one seems to be saved or even trying to live a saved life. The black church is a mess and has been for a very long time.

@Resurrected…share the wealth….one of the seven deadly sins…….GREED, all too often seen in black churches….

They’re called mega-churches because they have a large congregation. People who attend those churches go for one reason or another and I’m not one to determine why. That’s between you and the man above. If you feel like that his ministry is helping you to grow and become a better person in the Lord then you’ll support his ministry by giving. Again, what you give is between you and God. No amount of giving is wrong because those of us who understand what it means to give know that one it’s not all about money and two we know where it starts. If you have to think about it or worry about it then you’re giving with the wrong attitude and the seed that you gave won’t grow.

I feel if U think that not giving your tithes to a church or preacher is a good enough reason to because U think that they are spending the money in properly then what is your real relationship with GOD… U you believe for God to be your vindicator of all wrong done to U then what are U worrying about. God will always be bigger than man and he will right all your wrongs in time if that is the case…

I think that there is no problem with the church having a lot of money, but the church must do something with all of that money. They need to help the community and give back as God directs them to.

@Resurrected….I know your kind…you are brainwashed…so many black churches want you to believe that the MORE you give the MORE you will receive…HogWash…giving means more than giving MONEY. One can give of their time too…. Charity starts at home….if you give more of your time to the church than to your own family…it’s a sin….TRUTH.

@ Lady J

It is all for the Kingdom of GOd but only his saints can understand this fully… People talk first and research last… Knowledge is power… I will keep on giving because I never go to church for the purpose of man.. As U learn and feels GOd great love for U then U start to care less about what the world as to say about anything… People are starting to be just like the devil deeming themselves as there own God and we see what happen to him…

I can’t speak for down south but in NY there is a store front church on every damn block – kinda like the damn liquor store or bodega and I know that they are robbing people blind. They pop up and go away and start the cycle all over again.

Yes! I agree that what you give is between you and God and if a ministry is helping you to grow and become a better person in the Lord then it’s ok to support that ministry by giving. But what I have a problem with is; all of the money that these mega-churches are recieving puts them in a GREAT position to be able to reach back and help their own communities prosper and develope. Instead, it seems like most mega institutions are choosing not to take that road.

Lady J

I am far from brainwashed and know nothing about to so me say much at all, but ok cool whatever… See I have a personal relationship with God which is far above the opinion of U…

I have always had an issue with this. At the church I used to attend, there were only a handful of members, mostly older people on fixed incomes but, we were expected to donate a certain amount. If the collection plate was passed and there wasn’t “enough” money in it, The plate would be passed again until there was enough. The kicker for me was when our Pastor and her husband announced that they owed money on their income tax return and that the congregation would have to pay it for them! They both have careers outside of the church! I was so done then.

Giving is more than giving of your money people…someone (the one who benefits the most) equated giving = money…this is false doctrine

@sexual chocolate. Everyone has an opinion, but your statement is stright ignorance.

Why complain so hard about $420B over 29 years? What about the 2 Trillion spent on drug usage in the Black Community since 1980??? Its tax free and what have we to show for it??? Lives and families destroyed, millions incarcerated, generations lost. If these congressmen are so concerned with the Black Community then they should do something about the “Tax Free” flow of drugs into our community.

What I do legally with my money is my business. Let’s look at the illegal stuff first.

So now that we are in the mist of all these theiving CEO’s, etc. (the majority not black) everyone is looking into EVERYONE’s money now. I say – SO WHAT the church got that much money. How much money has the goverment received since 1980 and gave away to people who didn’t deserve MY TAX dollars – rich people. Probably – a TRILLION and we in all kinds of debts. Are the churches in debt???? These people need to stop trying to take the focus of their theiving azzes. People don’t be fooled about the money the church gets. When you go – you want to GIVE – no body makes you. So don’t let these fools fool you into dissing your church, financially. How many churches are they speaking about anyway. They know which churches are strictly for black people. I didn’t know any still existed.

@ resurrected…you are….people who are brain washed don’t know that they are….

“It is all for the Kingdom of GOD”….this is a brain washed statement…. HIS kingdom is already build in heaven….

Are they doing a study on the Catholic Church or the Church of Scientology? I think the numbers are pale in comparison. I’m not advocating the mega spending in churches, I’m just saying, other churches have way more than the combined 420 Billion they are citing in the Black churches.

@ Resurrect…what “YOU” are building is bigger cars, houses, buying fancy suits for the pastor, and struggling paying your bills and avoiding saving 20% of your income for your retirement….

I don’t recall Jesus rolling around in Bentleys, Rolls Royces, wearing designer shades, a $3,000 linen cloth and golden sandals while ministering to people. He was humble and modest. Did we ever read in the bible where he was financially supported by his parishoners? People didn’t pay him to preach to them, Jesus did it free. I really believe that these pastors should have secular jobs and not be paid to preach. If you have trouble paying your light bill, putting food on your table and struggling to pay your mortgage while your pastor is living in a million dollar home that you have given him money for then that is not the definition of Christian love. It’s time for some of these so churces to stop fleecing their own flocks.

Lady J

Say what U want but I have never been a follower and I will not start with U and your words… I can accept or reject any information that is presented to me I am far from dump and I have a very sound mind…That is your opinion and this is mine plus what U eat don’t make me S**T so it is all cool…

My grandmother gave to the churh and died a poor woman financially….when she needed money the church wasn’t there to help with bills…so many members share this same story…I will give to my family FIRST before I give to the building….”the Church” are the people…not the edifice…check your word…it’s there. you can’t buy heaven…

Creflo Dollar sounds like a crooked name/person. Tithes should be between you and GOD. I can only give what I can afford. What upsets me the most is how some pastors can pull up driving the latest vehicle and most of the churchgoers are hurting financially.They are getting all this money and their community is suffering.

I have given to single mothers money for their children, I have given to my daughters trying to finish their college, I have given to my mom to help pay her bills and car note….CHARITY starts at HOME….that’s the word….

@ Lady J

@ Resurrect…what “YOU” are building is bigger cars, houses, buying fancy suits for the pastor, and struggling paying your bills and avoiding saving 20% of your income for your retirement….
_______________________________________________

I am doing no9 such thing but having faith in an unseen system but that is my choice it is as benefit me very well in life and there is still more to come… See U are saying this like I know my life and gifts but U don’t just all assumptions.. But as the bible says never argue with a fool so this is not point of trying to converse U of much.. It your life and your choices U make yours and I will make mine just commenting on the topic in general…Holla…

@Gimmeabreak78

I agree with you. When I was growing up in my small church, you gave what you had. The less fortunate gave when they could, and the fortunate gave a little more. And there was full accountability for the money taken in…like free lunch for poor kids in the summer that had depended on the subsidized lunch programs at school. Or a pantry where the hungry could receive canned goods during rough times. Or a new wing to house the sunday school program and serve the homeless dinner twice a week. The money collected should be for maintenance, the betterment of the congregation and outreach to those outside the congregation that need help. It is nice for the leadship to “live large” or golf with celebrities.

This is a damn shame!

And I do believe is one!

It is a hustle…

‘this’

sorry – i meant “it is NOT for the leadship to “live large” or golf with celebrities.”

With a Senate investigation into the finances of several mega churches underway.

Is this a combined investigation of all religeous entities or just the Black churches?

Now I am not saying that a preacher should misuse the money and step out balling but no one know if this man has other personal investment or not U just asume that it is from the church… A smart man will have his revenue in many other venture which the bible does state…

when will people wake up to the false prophets

I mean the Catholic church can molest children and no one is auditing them for investing the church people love to use the black church as the scapegoat and this is exactly have persecution starts right here one side think that they are better than the other to cast judgment…

Sanjor**Always Stealing A Moment of Pleasure With My Black Husband, Because He’s got That Swagger

I don’t recall Jesus rolling around in Bentleys, Rolls Royces, wearing designer shades, a $3,000 linen cloth and golden sandals while ministering to people. He was humble and modest. Did we ever read in the bible where he was financially supported by his parishoners? People didn’t pay him to preach to them, Jesus did it free. I really believe that these pastors should have secular jobs and not be paid to preach. If you have trouble paying your light bill, putting food on your table and struggling to pay your mortgage while your pastor is living in a million dollar home that you have given him money for then that is not the definition of Christian love. It’s time for some of these so churces to stop fleecing their own flocks.

—————————————————

Jesus died so that you might live a life of

abundance and fullfillment.

A person who dedicates his life to the glory of God

should expect no less from the God who supplies

all our needs and even our desires that are in line with his plan for us

To God, the metal that makes a Bentley is no

different from the metal that makes an Accord.

John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If you want a Bentley……folllow Gods plan for your life……ask in his name……if it’s in his plan for you……you will have it. Simple.

God Bless you!

All ministers are not doing what they should but some are.

Money is not the determining factor in that.

God came to earth and went through the things that
he did so you don’t have to……………that’s

why he didn’t drive a Bentley

Not everone is false but it is a personal decision so if it is not coming out of your pocket then why care, if U do not particate in these actions then why care?

NEWSFLASH……..you don’t need a pastor to talk to God. They are nothing but thieves.

Lady J

All I know is that it does not reflect my life so if does not matter to me but the world is the author of all the chaos that it sees and feels…And sweetie I am blessed I don’t need another human being to tell me about my blessings…

God also says Charity starts at home…so will you deny giving to your home versus a man who drives a bently???? You are foolish….

—————————————————

your not giving it to the man who drives the Bentley you are putting it in a designated area because of what God told tou to do…..not because the preacher told you……..now if he steals it that’s on him……..you are still in line with what God told you to do

btw tithes are for the church to do things like keep the lights on…..help people in need……provide for the homeless….purchase bibles etc

even if the preacher does steal it do you wanna give that answer to God when he ask you why you disobeyed him……..don’t blame the pracher cause you don’t wanna obey God

Den

NEWSFLASH……..you don’t need a pastor to talk to God. They are nothing but thieves.
__________________________________________________

Why do anyone has to explain there religious practices to anyone for real it does not require anything from U to make it be something to someone else…The man/ preacher is just a teacher and if U were really following your bible U would not need anyone to educate U or feed U God words but people don’t do that now do they…

@rome
I know why Jesus died, he offered himself as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, and yes there are some preachers out there who are good. Yet, I strongly believe that preachers lifestyle shouldn’t be supported by the congregation, I don’t care whether its a bentley or a hyundai.

@Tiger wood….don’t be fooled….God calls for YOU to be WISE…..take heed to the word…of course you can help the lights to stay on, purchas bibles ect. BUT when a church ask for a donation say….5000k to the building fund that’s foolish…God DOESN”T need money…He is a spirit people!!! He’s nothing of this world… don’t equate physical money with giving it to GOD doesn’t make sense and It aint biblical….ps. I was raised in church….

OK, here we go again….have we forgotten that all churches have boards designated to finances and such.It should be a group concensus about how much money to allot for salary and how money is spent in general. Some groups are just a bit more generous than others in favor of the pastor, and in some cases he might be pulling the strings in his favor and this is not right. But remember, it is a right of each tither to confront or question if there is actually a board and to question the board concerning finances and if something is fishy,by all means- leave immediately. Take your tithe to a more responsible organization. But the church should not be allowed to function without accountability. And with the mega church people seem to forget that the reason they are “mega” is because the pastor is actually good! He is drawing people to Christ through his gifts and because of of his gift, he can usually go and use that gift for more money through seminars, books,associations,etc. Tiger woods makes all his money through endorsements, not by salary from golf and it works the same way for these mega church leaders. Some of them,like TD Jakes I believe, don’t even collect a salary from church. He lives off of all the money he makes elsewhere.Just as you wouldn’t expect a talented athlete to drive a hyundai, why would you expect this talented speaker not to live according to his worth? If you can spend insane amounts on jordans which is going directly into MJ endorsement, I cant see how you would have such a problem with tithing.

Lady J

So U are saying that GOd does not have the power to reward a follower in big ways?

On one point U talk as if U have some knowledge on having a close relationship with God and then U sound against his plan… I never follow man but if I see someone who is giving a good Godly message and I believe that is it safe I will take it in but ask God to know me the truth always…

@shhhh….Baby, go to church, any church, just go. If you did, you would know that the church is not run by the Pastor. It is ran by the elected board members from within the congregation. Yhey decide the Pastos salary, not the Pastor. If you go to a church that is set up differently, find another church.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Baby, I do go to church…this is from experience…and the people who you mentioned who “controls the money” is usually their best friends, sister-in laws, friend of friends….close network of people…In fact, I know things from behind the scene….Note: I don’t just speak just to be saying something….The bottom line is…you will not gain finacial wealth in a church(unless you are the pastor, his wife, children ect) Spiritual wealth doesn’t count because one can’t buy heaven or spiritual wealth…

It always starts with good intentions and it ends with bad intentions. I have been to churches where pastors would sort through the tithes and offerings and take money out. The Pastor use to get mad because the people were not giving as much for special offerings. The Church actually bought the Pastor a mercedes when most of them were driving hoopty’s

nonposter and Tiger wood

Thanks for the support because God does states to not go by your own understanding we all can follow God differently and that is why most people that does go to church will not meet God because being connected to him is far beyond going to church… I do feel that a lot of false prophets are coming to the surface but if U read the bible if does state all of this… All I can say is just don’t sleep on the devil and his manipulation ways trying to make man fall just as he did being selfish and very deceitful.. He wants a salve of people to exult him and many will be there…

Lady J

@Tiger wood….don’t be fooled….God calls for YOU to be WISE…..take heed to the word…of course you can help the lights to stay on, purchas bibles ect. BUT when a church ask for a donation say….5000k to the building fund that’s foolish…God DOESN”T need money…He is a spirit people!!! He’s nothing of this world… don’t equate physical money with giving it to GOD doesn’t make sense and It aint biblical….ps. I was raised in church….

————————————————–

I understand you completely…..but we are talkin about tithes….God specifically said give ten percent.

No other verse in the bible tells you not

too…..be wise does not either

Offering is just that….an offering if God has blessed you with 30 billion….then offering 5000 is nothing

if you can’t give it then don’t. Simple

you are brain washed

Sanjor**Always Stealing A Moment of Pleasure With My Black Husband, Because He’s got That Swagger

@rome
I know why Jesus died, he offered himself as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins,
————————————————–

He died for way more than that!

Listen resurrented….Your reward is not on earth…It was NEVER about earthly things…MAN told you that and now people are constantly comparing their rewards to earthly things…it’s unfortuanate…I have a relationship with Christ…but I have also grown WISE….I will give if my heart is lead to do so, but I will give to my family first….and I will save for my retirement…20%…

Whatever pastor moves you then thats your guy or gal. Everybody has different views about the qualities they like to see in a pastor. It could be one has bigger biceps than the other…lol, or maybe one looks better than the other but most of all the presentation and clarity of the message will ultimately help people decide their choice.
Give whatever you want if you get something out of it. Hey, if your pastor has millions in contributions then more power to him because somebody has to fill that void and apparently thats what millions of people do every sunday…tithe. I personally prefer rev A.R.Bernard of christion cultural center.

IMO religions are just another way to keep the masses in check and ignorant. How many of you actually live by the words written in your holy books?

one day the people of the world will realize that all religions are b.s. no disrespect but there are too many religions that go too far back, and all books of faith were writen by man not GOD. we all know whats right and wrong, we were born with it, follow that instead. btw, i was also raised in the church

I understand you completely…..but we are talkin about tithes….God specifically said give ten percent.

No other verse in the bible tells you not

too…..be wise does not either

Offering is just that….an offering if God has blessed you with 30 billion….then offering 5000 is nothing

if you can’t give it then don’t. Simple

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Says who????? I know about the 10% scripture…but MAN has equated giving tithes = getting into HEAVEN….false…they do it all the time…. play mind games… if you have your rent money in your hand…have faith, put it in the offering and tomorrow you will have it doubled….CHARITY/GIVING STARTS AT HOME….Now that is the WORD….

This comes as a suprise????

And it has nothing to do with the color of the congregation….these abuses are just as common in white churches as well as in temples and mosques.

@ Smooth – what does it matter if my pastor is broke or on my level??? What does his worth have to do with the words he teaches, or the life he lives?

Your whole statement makes no sense. You’re acting as if what a pastor’s material possessions are indicate what kind of man of God he is. That’s just crazy.

Kenny

I have never experienced that but I do not just go to the first church that I see I check them out and church hope before I made my decision… At the end of the day I trust GOd and that is it, if I do get taken advantage of I expect him to right anyone wrong to me… I spend a lot of time along with just me and God so I never depend on man taht much for what I learn but there are some preacher that I also like to learn from as well… No matter if many do call it brainwash I think the media is very brainwashing but no one turns that mess off… I hear all of U but it does not change my mind in the end…

I will give if my heart is lead to do so, but I will give to my family first….and I will save for my retirement…20%…
————————————————–

…..and you will answer to God for disobeying his word in all your infinite wisdom.

God said “I will supply all your needs”

not “you supply for all your needs by disobeying my commands and putting 20% of you income away for retirement”..

After all….without out his grace which allows you to brethe every day you wouldn’t be around long enough to see a retirement….

Give God his…..he’s a selfish God all he wants is for you to obey him and to exhault his name….

when you disobey his word….it means you don’t believe what he says will happen…will

that’s why people don’t tithe….no other reason

Why are you people even debating this? Arguing about a religion that was used to opress you and justify your second class existence but you want to talk about this is the way to salvation please people get a life. These preachers are crooks stealing your money in the Name of JESUS CHRIST and buying crazy things while the congregation is using foodstamps living in subsidized housing please. Also people just cause the catholic church molest little boys doesnot mean that we can’t point out our own short comings you. Black people stop comparing yourself to other folks.

@ Sooth….Do you really think a preacher can buy a Bently with your five dollar offering? I don’t know where you try to serve, but, I know, when you die, you have TWO choices, heaven or hell. What ya’ll need to do is just seek God and for your anointed, appointed, preacher. God is salvation, why would you want your man of God to be on your level or broke. How can you tell me God is all awesome preacher but you broke, sick, struggling, busted, and digusted

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a foolish statement!!!! Are you sure Creflo isn’t your GOD???….It’s evident that he is your GOD…. Beware…God will have no other God’s before HIM….

How much wealth did jesus christ display?

Question for everyone

Wall Street took and misused many people money but I don’t see them getting the third degree form the main stream of everyday people… What is the differece other than GOd being apart of the mix? I never put life important decision in anyone hands but I have some to have a very close connection with the God that I believe in and I do pray for guidance..

And a church is where two or more gather, if I have that right – the size of it has nothing to do with its holiness. My church does not have an “official” building – we meet in an arts center in my city. We’ve actually had people refuse to come to worship with us because “ya’ll don’t have a real building with pews.”

So – what are you REALLY going to church for when you make statements like that? The word – or how comfortable your butt is or how big the pews/pulpit are???

@Tiger….

and you will answer to God for disobeying his word in all your infinite wisdom.

God said “I will supply all your needs”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is not a commandment baby…………Read your word… YOU CANT BUY HEAVEN!!!!

not “you supply for all your needs by disobeying my commands and putting 20% of you income away for retirement”..

@Tiger….what about the word Charity starts at home???????? YOU CANT BUY HEAVEN….no matter how much you give…..

AMEN @ Lady J – obviously, folks are worshipping pastor’s vs. seeking their salvation in God.

If this is true then the “white church” as received at least ten, prolly’ 20 times more.

Save 20% for retirement….God will still love you…give to your mother…God will still love you….help your family…God will still love you….in this order…..

Lady J

I understand you completely…..but we are talkin about tithes….God specifically said give ten percent.

No other verse in the bible tells you not

too…..be wise does not either

Offering is just that….an offering if God has blessed you with 30 billion….then offering 5000 is nothing

if you can’t give it then don’t. Simple

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Says who????? I know about the 10% scripture…but MAN has equated giving tithes = getting into HEAVEN….false…they do it all the time…. play mind games… if you have your rent money in your hand…have faith, put it in the offering and tomorrow you will have it doubled….CHARITY/GIVING STARTS AT HOME….Now that is the WORD….

—————————————————

Do you go to church for man or God?

I don’t really care what man has equated to anything……..

But I know what “thus sayeth the lord”.

If it ain’t biblical I don’t really have an answer for you

Matthew 5:6
” Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst” after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

in other words if you wanna know the truth “read”.

Gimme some scriptures to support what your sayin I don’t debate with the ideas of men….sorry

one day the people of the world will realize that all religions are b.s. no disrespect but there are too many religions that go too far back,for any one religion to be right and all books of faith were writen by man not GOD. we all know whats right and wrong, we were born with it, follow that instead. btw, i was also raised in the church

Okay, some pastors are over the top, but this should not change a Christian’s beliefs as far as what God instructed him or her to do. The Bible says to bring all tithes and offerings to the Lord’s house so that there may be meat in my store house. As far as the pastors going into a frenzy, well, that’s another issue that is to be left to God. I also agree with what someone else said earlier when they said that other churches receive just as much. It isn’t just the black church. It’s whatever churches that believe in tithing. I don’t know about anyone else, but I attend a mega church and I love it. I feel that I am being spiritually fed there, and that’s where I am going to stay. However, it is not about the size of the church, but about the message that is being delivered within the church. I would never claim to be holier than thou, but I will say that when I tithe, God keeps his promise to me. He blesses me in unexpected ways, and when I don’t tithe, I can see the difference.

P.S. What’s up everybody?

@Sanjor….THANK YOU FOR THE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW that is the TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course they rake in money like that w/o paying taxes. Separation of church and state makes that possible in America. Churches are the most highly profitable institutions in our nation that don’t pay taxes.

If you think that’s bad, you should look up information on the Catholic Church and the Vatican. They own and govern their own sovereign country within Rome, and have their own bank that is estimated to hold trillions of dollars.

People attend service every Sunday and donate 10% of their income to them, just to “receive the word”. People need to wake up and realize that churches aren’t places of worship, they’re businesses…tax-free businesses that operate for profit. And seeing has how your money only goes to the churches operating expenses and a few charitable acts (which is only optional by the way), their business appears to be nothing but pure profit.

Your tithes are nothing more than donations to help your preachers/priests/nuns/reverends live a modest, and in cases like “mega churches” extravagant, life where they’re in the business of selling hope to people through a book written thousands of years ago by people who never even lived to experience the events they describe in them. Not to mention this book was later doctored and filtered by both the Roman’s and the English to fit their own political and social ideologies.

I think religion in general is wrong because it preys on the fears and struggles of innocent people, and turns it into a cash cow for a business controlled by a complex network of theologies and denominations. Anyone who would blindly follow the beliefs and religious traditions of any group instead of looking within themselves for hope and the answers to life’s hardships and struggles, need not to know God because he has already left you.

Creflo obviously doing something right to have thousands of followers. The man is simply talented with the gift of clarity. When I hear a lot of the preachers who are successful I usually notice the clarity of their presentation is above average. A booming voice is one factor as well as a confident demeanor in which creflo and T.D Jakes etc have. Continue spreading the word I say to all the folks thats feelin ya.

Lady J

@Tiger….

and you will answer to God for disobeying his word in all your infinite wisdom.

God said “I will supply all your needs”
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This is not a commandment baby…………Read your word… YOU CANT BUY HEAVEN!!!!

not “you supply for all your needs by disobeying my commands and putting 20% of you income away for retirement”..

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who said anything about a commandment?

I said God’s word…..you have made a moot point.

Let me say this yes there are a lot of curruptive churches out here but that does not speak for every church that exist… U are the moral agent that has to pick the best spiritual environment for U and that takes research… If U were really following the bible U would not be that interested in giving all of your power to man…

@Tiger Hood…. Read Sanjor’s comments….it tells you….(from scriptures)

@ Sanjor**Always Stealing A Moment of Pleasure With My Black Husband, Because He’s got That Swagger

Lady J
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Do either of you tell me what dispensation this was written for?

Like Joyce Meyers I really like this woman and what she preachers but I also see her out of all the other preacher and she does use that money wisely and give money to charity all around the world…She also goes to many of these places herself…

@Sanjor….I am so glad you found the scriptures to support what I’ve been saying all along….

1) You DO NO HAVE TO GIVE 10% OF YOUR MONEY
2) Charity starts at home
3) Giving is free will

Thus….save for your retirement….give to your family first…help the poor….people…. GOD expects you to be WISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will tell you that you are reading from the “old dispensation” (old testament)….You are awaken now….It’s up to you to Tiger to accept the truth….

@ lady j and Sanjor

I am not here to argue with any one…..you have a right to believe what you choose…

I just don’t like when people who don’t go to church and have never been filled with God’s gift make general accusations against all miniters of the word…I have my beliefs you have yours God’s mission for Christians is to live as Holy a life as possible and to bring souls to christ. period.

Not tithing will not keep you from heaven….not doing a lot of things will not keep you from heaven.

Just don’t pick the wrong things not to do..

I love ya’ll and I ain’t perfect by far.

Dueces II

@ WoW….…I really can’t believe what I’m reading here! People are you serious?!?! We make celebrities richer everyday
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But they pay taxes on that money dear!!! The pastors don’t pay taxes on the money and don’t give you any of it…..Get it???? Now if you got some of the tax free money….then you would have a case….and maybe you do….Are you the preacher’s wife??? lol

@Tiger….Now, take those scriptures to your pastor now…Go and sin no more….

Be Blessed!!

Just so you know

There is no “old dispensation”…the old testament covers several dispensations.

That is crazy

No one disputes that some churches do “good” things for their communities, but to act as though they are not “big business” is a mistake too. Mega churches take in more than a million dollars each week and are enourmously powerful. They are politically and socially influential. They have power. If you pastor tells its congregation to support a certain candidate or a certain cause….it’s done.

Pulpit Pimps who take a 10% pimp fee.

I’m sorry. I’ve been to enough churches to see where this “tithe” goes to. And its definitely not back into the church or community.

But I DO see the pastors and their wives dressed to IMPRESS every Sunday.

My tithe is not going to the Lord, Himself. So why should I make MAN rich off my hard earned dollars just because this is what I am told to do?

I’d rather give my money directly to some other organization that helps the inner-city youth remodel rec centers and other things that will keep them off the streets.

I mean….why does T.D Jakes have TWO private jets??? Come ‘on now…….

Lady J

@Tiger….Now, take those scriptures to your pastor now…Go and sin no more….

Be Blessed!!

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Wow! okay…..God loves you

It’s funny how you follow something that you didn’t even know where it could be found….don’t piggy back off others……seek your own answers.

Maybe you’ll form your own opinions.

Before Katrina I use to attend Chruch everyweek faithfully and gave every week. It wasn’t until after Katrina when my pastor (Darrly Bishop fo Beacon Light) left the city and started a new chruch inHouston. He followed the where money went. He never fully returned to New Orleans, and

Why are you all so religious? Didn’t King James change the bible to suit his own political agenda?
What religion is right? Why is Budah not your god? Why not Allah? Com’on people, think outside the box for a moment….

@yep:

You said: “Pulpit Pimps who take a 10% pimp fee”.

LOL…now aint that the truth!

My spouse plays the organ/drums/piano for the church that we go to. And you WOULD NOT believe the things that I see. SMH

I dont think too many people who attend there actually have “christian hearts”, but like to play the part, though.

@ Lady J

But they pay taxes on that money dear!!! The pastors don’t pay taxes on the money and don’t give you any of it…..Get it???? Now if you got some of the tax free money….then you would have a case….and maybe you do….Are you the preacher’s wife??? lol
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No baby, I’m not the preacher’s wife…but are you the IRS since you seem to be so concerned about who’s paying their taxes & who’s not??!! For one, you don’t know how many celebs out there pay their taxes because as we now know, Ronald Isley & Wesley Snipes sure wasn’t paying theirs! And I’m sure that none of those people have sent you a “tax free” check in the mail either…have they?? lol

Just so you know

There is no “old dispensation”…the old testament covers several dispensations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Actually, I knew that….but you wanted scriptures, and you got it, and still you don’t believe…I understand. you, as well as, many Christians are brain washed…But know this, you don’t HAVE to pay 10% of your tithes… You can if you want to, you can pay 30, 40 or 50% of your money….it’s your choice….that’s my point!!!!

In fact, you don’t have to pay any tithes….that’s my point….I choose to save 20% of my income, give to my children, mother and the poor….and I am still in the will of GOD… See Sanja’s blog for scriptures….

Yep

No one disputes that some churches do “good” things for their communities, but to act as though they are not “big business” is a mistake too. Mega churches take in more than a million dollars each week and are enourmously powerful. They are politically and socially influential. They have power. If you pastor tells its congregation to support a certain candidate or a certain cause….it’s done.

Pulpit Pimps who take a 10% pimp fee.

—————————————————

If somebody is stupid enough to do something just cause a pastor says so without praying to God about it and waiting for an answer……then this subject should be about stupid people who are easily influenced…..not about just ministers cause that happens to a lot of people…..Bernie Madoff was not a minister…..was he?

@Tiger, it’s no beef, as a matter fact I enjoy reading some of your comments from time to time, you are quite intelligent, and I attend services on a regular basis, Hebrews 10:24-25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. I never said all preachers were wrong, just some.

Church is big busines here in the A.T.L. These stupid women will pay their tithes before their bills

Every church I visited had a 70% female congregation. Most were single & delusional. These women worship preachers like husbands. That 30% male congregation was half sissies & the other half were old men trying to get right before their time was up.

Why don’t STRAIGHT YOUNG black men go to church. Michael Baisden said it best. GAME RECOGNIZE GAME.

Last year my chruch mademade 700,000 and barely gave any of it away! being greedy doesn’t open the gates of heaven. I stop giving money to the chruch, I just give to those in need.

The best people to scam are those who are already conditioned to believing in the ridiculous and, unfortunately for the believers out there, it appears more and more con men on catching on to that truth. Like Bernie Madoff and Creflo Dollar.

Christianity teaches its followers that they are like sheep in need of a shepard.

Do you know why sheep need a shepard? Because they are some of the dumbest animals on the planet. If they don’t have a shepard to follow or a sheep dog to drive them, a flock of sheep will stand in the middle of a road and blissfully allow cars to run them down because they’re all trying to follow the next sheep in front of them and not one of them has the sense to get the hell out of the way of the car.

They’ve been bred to be the ultimate idiots because it makes it easier to tend to them.

That’s the sort of thinking that Christianity encourages in its followers. Don’t question, just accept it on faith. Because if you have people starting to question things that seem too good to be true then they might wonder about God himself. After all, the promise of eternal life after death in paradise for a little grovelling in this life has got to be the mother of all too-good-to-be-true offers.

Preachers make you think that if you give money to the church, you will have special favor with God.

Hey, What’s the difference between a cult and any religion?

NOTHING, except a whirlwind of followers

Free your mind…..

Lady J

Please stop telling people that they are brainwashed U are not Jesus Jr. and non of us are, they do not have to believe and follow what U follow at the end of the day… If they pray to God and have a personal relationship with God then why do they need to consult U and need your agreement? We hear your point and U hear ours but ain’t no on holding a gun to your head and U are not holding one to anyone else… It is very hard to explain God to anyone U have to want to learn and to be close to him… We can agree to disagree but to make other feel that they are wrong unless they agree with U is more like a cult in the making..

Didn’t TD Jakes son get locked up for indecent exposure? Why would folks give money to a man that can’t even keep his own son from jerking off in public? LMBAO!!!

Most black people would be better off if they put their 10% in the bank instead of their preacher’s or church’s pocket.

@Tiger,
Oh and I apologize for answering where I got it from. A few years back my Grandfather showed me this sermon when I had to do a paper with a Theological theme. One of the topics I had to choose from was Tithing. I researched the scriptures and their meaning and found them to be accurate. If there had been no scriptural support I wouldn’t have believed it. However, I will ask my pa-pa where he originally obtained the info.

I believe the biggest defenders of Christ on this blog have said that you msut have a personal relationship with God. Sometimes it is difficult to have and exchange of thoughts because of others preconcieved issues. If you give to others and bypass tithing, do you. If you no longer attend church because you followed a faulted man, do you. My issue is with the article stating thety are now investigating Black churches. The said, Black churches. Why is that?

Listen Ressy….meaning of brainwash:force to believe or do things, convert, convince, persuade…Now, I just give you the truth….You & Tiger have been “forced” to believe that one MUST pay 10% of your tithes….Convinced that (Tiger’s words) …..and you will answer to God for isobeying his word in all your infinite wisdom. God said “I will supply all your needs” not “you supply for all your needs by disobeying my commands and putting 20% of you income away for retirement” There are many churches, cults etc that give false statements… The truth hurts…I know…. It is what it is….BRAINWASHED

This older black pastor down here tried to “get me to visit” his church one time and he asked for my digits. WTF? And he was driving a Cadillac with chrome rims and wearing a top hat!

Im of the belief that Im responsible for what I DO..and the next man is responsible for what HE DOES. I give my 10% tithes and offerings faithfully, trusting that they are going to be used for the upbuilding of the Kingdom. If someone in my church is using the money wrongly THEY have to answer for God for that….but as for ME…I will serve the Lord. He has been too good to me!

Speak on it Rob G!

Your post is also on point!

I do have my own opinions on this subject, but it would be a waste of time to reiterate what most people (who I agree with) have already said.

My co-signing should indicate the perceptions and thoughts that would normally be put into a pargraph for you all to read. *wink*

Sanjor**Always Stealing A Moment of Pleasure With My Black Husband, Because He’s got That Swagger

@Tiger, it’s no beef, as a matter fact I enjoy reading some of your comments from time to time, you are quite intelligent, and I attend services on a regular basis, Hebrews 10:24-25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. I never said all preachers were wrong, just some.

—————————————————

Thanks for the compliment!………YOU’VE EAD NY COMMENTS BEFORE…..OMG!!!! Like i said ” I ain’t perfect” LOL!!!!

Homies with differnces of opinion!

what d’ya say?! lol!

Wow…you are stupid….
No baby, I’m not the preacher’s wife…but are you the IRS since you seem to be so concerned about who’s paying their taxes & who’s not??!! For one, you don’t know how many celebs out there pay their taxes because as we now know, Ronald Isley & Wesley Snipes sure wasn’t paying theirs! And I’m sure that none of those people have sent you a “tax free” check in the mail either…have they?? lol

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I dont’ even know how to respond to this blog except to say yeah???????????? I actually think we are saying the same thing here…lololol….

I believe the biggest defenders of Christ on this blog have said that you msut have a personal relationship with God. Sometimes it is difficult to have and exchange of thoughts because of others preconcieved issues. If you give to others and bypass tithing, do you. If you no longer attend church because you followed a faulted man, do you. My issue is with the article stating thety are now investigating Black churches. The said, Black churches. Why is that?
___________________________________________________

I totally feel U it is very hard to see how other people hold God and it is hard to explain how U hold him but if at the end of the day U feel that U know him then be happy with that relationship that U feel that U are building with him… I am not a please pleaser so I can care less it is really hard to share any knowledge but when God is involved it is even harder… I have learned to just enjoy his presence in my life and let people fall where they may… Even Jesus said if U try to spead my message and people reject it then knock the dirt from your feet and keep walking… Have ever U learn to hold God close if U pray he will always show U the way…

WHY IS THE SENATE INVESTIGATING WHERE MONEY GOES IN THE BLACK CHURCHES????

Lady J

Listen Ressy….meaning of brainwash:force to believe or do things, convert, convince, persuade…Now, I just give you the truth….You & Tiger have been “forced” to believe that one MUST pay 10% of your tithes….Convinced that (Tiger’s words) …..and you will answer to God for isobeying his word in all your infinite wisdom. God said “I will supply all your needs” not “you supply for all your needs by disobeying my commands and putting 20% of you income away for retirement” There are many churches, cults etc that give false statements… The truth hurts…I know…. It is what it is….BRAINWASHED

————————————————-

are you mad @ someone? you need a hug?

Yep

No one disputes that some churches do “good” things for their communities, but to act as though they are not “big business” is a mistake too. Mega churches take in more than a million dollars each week and are enourmously powerful. They are politically and socially influential. They have power. If you pastor tells its congregation to support a certain candidate or a certain cause….it’s done.

Pulpit Pimps who take a 10% pimp fee.

—————————————————

If somebody is stupid enough to do something just cause a pastor says so without praying to God about it and waiting for an answer……then this subject should be about stupid people who are easily influenced…..not about just ministers cause that happens to a lot of people…..Bernie Madoff was not a minister…..was he?
________________________________________

Bernie Madoff was not a minister, but he “targeted” Jewish religious organization and charities. People trusted him because of the religion.

I don’t think that anything is wrong with believing or tithing or whatever, it’s a personal choice. However, to focus on church like a great benevolent organization when it is a profit making business.

And what about the White church??? They do the same damn thing!!!

@ Resurrected – I’m with you sista. 100 percent.

PASTORS DESERVE TO HAVE LAVISH ITEMS BECAUSE THEY ARE BLESSINGS FROM GOD PLACED ON THIS EARTH TO GUIDE US FROM THE EVILS OF THE DEVIL! AS LONG AS MY PASTOR IS NOT SPENDING MY MONEY ON ILLEGAL ACTIVITY SUCH AS PROSTITUTES, GAMBLING, OR DRUGS I HAVE NO ISSUE WITH HIM LIVING A COMFORTABLE LIFE!

A PASTOR IS NOT TO BE QUESTIONED BECAUSE IF YOU QUESTION HIM YOU ARE QUESTIONING THE DECISIONS OF GOD! PASTORS DO NOT DECIDE TO GUIDE A CONGREGATION, THEY ARE PREDETERMINED BY GOD!

Lady J

I still don’t get your point because a person is not defined by U… I am not trying to be smart or nothing but the way that U are going about this will not change much… I feel that I have gained a lot of knowledge on this subject myself but I can not make a blind horse drink the water because I lead them there… People have the right to beleive as they may and that is why I pray for GOd to send me like mined people into my world because I don’t have time to argue about something that is not your say so in my life in the first place…

@eveinthegarden….

Im of the belief that Im responsible for what I DO..and the next man is responsible for what HE DOES. I give my 10% tithes and offerings faithfully, trusting that they are going to be used for the upbuilding of the Kingdom. If someone in my church is using the money wrongly THEY have to answer for God for that….but as for ME…I will serve the Lord. He has been too good to me!

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Do you save 20@ of your income??? I suggest you read Sanja’s blog of tithing…because if you aren’t saving at least 20%; you are doing a diservice to yourself… I mean it’s your choice to give your money to a man to help him buy a better car, bigger house and help finance his retirement fund, but you don’t HAVE to pay 10% tithes…

@ Plastic007 – Then why isn’t the Senate investigating all churches and religions that fall under the tax free rule. Why are they investigating Black Churches? Do you black people hear me?

*20%

@ Plastic007 – Then why isn’t the Senate investigating all churches and religions that fall under the tax free rule. Why are they investigating Black Churches? Do you black people hear me?

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Actually they are investigating all the churhes…It’s the Black churches that alerted the government when they start having private jets, driving their white bently, then their black bently…you know, sho’ boating….

@ Lady J

That’s not what the article states, and I have yet to see information on them investigating Scientology.

@Tiger
Thanks for the compliment!………YOU’VE EAD NY COMMENTS BEFORE…..OMG!!!! Like i said ” I ain’t perfect” LOL!!!!

Homies with differnces of opinion!

what d’ya say?! lol!
___________________________________________________
I agree, lol, I’m not perfect either (except to my hubby, lol)

They been in the making of investating the church period Creflo just was not participating with the government… They were many other preacher that was asked as well, Joyce Meyers, Kenneth Copeland and some more so gave up the info willingly and others did not and Crelfo was one of them that did not…

“- What does the black community have to show for the $350 billion in tax free dollars?

Notta dayum thing worth talking about.

Yep

Yep

No one disputes that some churches do “good” things for their communities, but to act as though they are not “big business” is a mistake too. Mega churches take in more than a million dollars each week and are enourmously powerful. They are politically and socially influential. They have power. If you pastor tells its congregation to support a certain candidate or a certain cause….it’s done.

Pulpit Pimps who take a 10% pimp fee.

—————————————————

If somebody is stupid enough to do something just cause a pastor says so without praying to God about it and waiting for an answer……then this subject should be about stupid people who are easily influenced…..not about just ministers cause that happens to a lot of people…..Bernie Madoff was not a minister…..was he?
________________________________________

Bernie Madoff was not a minister, but he “targeted” Jewish religious organization and charities. People trusted him because of the religion.

I don’t think that anything is wrong with believing or tithing or whatever, it’s a personal choice. However, to focus on church like a great benevolent organization when it is a profit making business.

—————————————————

When you find a church that you love and that church helps you in your time of need and a minister who calls you to ask you how you are and not for money and you stay there more than two weeks to see the fruits of your labor as a minister then you won’t mind giving a simple $10 out of $100..i guess you don’t have that yet

I’m not bashing the black church. I grew up in the black church. My mom goes to church three times a week. My grandmother goes four to five times a week. They love their pastor and their community of friends. They love their suppers, visiting at the nursing home, church trips to Disneyland and raising money for college scholarships. I think that it’s OK and it’s important for them. I help out too, but I just don’t “believe” like they do. That’s all. It’s just a slightly different perception.

And you know what, I might be wrong too.

@Lady J…
Im sorry…where in the Bible does it say ‘thou shalt save 20% of thy income? and who is Sanji? lol…I dont have to worry about ‘disservicing myself’ because as I am obedient to tithe, God has provided for all of my needs.

I happen to belong to a church whose Pastor takes nothing from the church. His wife supports his Ministry and tithes paid off our church mortgage. Good ground here…

This some Shhh

Scientology. Now I think that this right here is a cult… Truth can not be changed by man but with facts man changes things all of the time with to me is science in general… All the people that I hear of that is connected to Scientology are very forceful and demaning of the people that are in there lives and space…Very manipulating to me

So, is it safe to say that some pastors/deacons are also an equivalent to these rap artists/entertainers, then?

Ressy….You are being foolish right now…God calls for us to be wise not foolish…some people believe in worhshipping rocks, cows etc… there are many, many cults… I don’t want my daughter or family giving 20 to 30% of their checks to a man who told them the more you give the more you receive….I mean, If you choose to be lead by the hand, and not think for yourself….then so be it…but I like to enlighten people…to try to invest in themselves, their future, their savings…educate people on improving their future while serving GOD…. It seems like you are comfortable with being in the DARK….

Eveinthegarden

I tell U they are a trip on here right!!!! If U feel that GOd provides for U why do U need to consult with man? It like your own personal relationship with GOd is not enough in there eyes even though there words are not doing anything special in your world… It like God is the enemy to them or something…

Sanjor**Always Stealing A Moment of Pleasure With My Black Husband, Because He’s got That Swagger

@Tiger
Thanks for the compliment!………YOU’VE EAD NY COMMENTS BEFORE…..OMG!!!! Like i said ” I ain’t perfect” LOL!!!!

Homies with differnces of opinion!

what d’ya say?! lol!
___________________________________________________
I agree, lol, I’m not perfect either (except to my hubby, lol)

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I know that’s right! you go girl!

Thanks for the intelligent conversation!

Your girl Lady J needs help though……..maybe I should not have said that.

I know she gone say something…………why she gotta be so “extra”! LOL!!!!

Lady J

He does but he also give us free will and if he give us that for himself then why is it so different for U… U gave your advice not let people take it in as the may…Ok they teach them that but don’t get mad at other because of it… If they feel that they are giving the money to God then how are U going to make them feel as if they are wrong… Let me know if U just got of the phone with God on this one because U are coming off that way… Speak your wisdom people will either accept it or reject it but when see U them doing so let them…

What is foolish is to put your trust in that 401k or that mutual fund. How quickly we forget the market crash last year. God made it possible for me to have a job. He woke me up this morning..not my alarm clock. He blessed me with the mind and the skills to earn what I do. So to get stingy and not want to give God a dime out of every dollar He blessed me to make seems…I dunno…selfish AND foolish.

Resurrected

Eveinthegarden

I tell U they are a trip on here right!!!! If U feel that GOd provides for U why do U need to consult with man? It like your own personal relationship with GOd is not enough in there eyes even though there words are not doing anything special in your world… It like God is the enemy to them or something…

—————————————————

I like your input. Thanks for keeping your composure in the face of an antagonist!

well done……..

PASTORS DESERVE TO HAVE LAVISH ITEMS BECAUSE THEY ARE BLESSINGS FROM GOD PLACED ON THIS EARTH TO GUIDE US FROM THE EVILS OF THE DEVIL! AS LONG AS MY PASTOR IS NOT SPENDING MY MONEY ON ILLEGAL ACTIVITY SUCH AS PROSTITUTES, GAMBLING, OR DRUGS I HAVE NO ISSUE WITH HIM LIVING A COMFORTABLE LIFE!

A PASTOR IS NOT TO BE QUESTIONED BECAUSE IF YOU QUESTION HIM YOU ARE QUESTIONING THE DECISIONS OF GOD! PASTORS DO NOT DECIDE TO GUIDE A CONGREGATION, THEY ARE PREDETERMINED BY GOD!

—————

sxyQblondie

You can’t be that naive? If so, its no wonder why them nicca’s be living lavish. smh…I’m in the wrong business. LMAO

This is why I don’t like this board it like talking to the Pharaoh or something, most of the time the conversation lack real connections so that people can take what U are saying in and then the rest are just a bunch of cyber bullies now come on please… Anyway I am gone for the day so Holla… If U love God then keep doing so because man can never save your soul…

@Tiger….Whateva…..I’m just passionate about this subject…so many Blacks can’t save their money, bad credit, can’t save for a down payment nor their retirement….I must admit, I’m very zealous on this subject…I’ve seen too many people taken advantage of…

eveinthegarden

What is foolish is to put your trust in that 401k or that mutual fund. How quickly we forget the market crash last year. God made it possible for me to have a job. He woke me up this morning..not my alarm clock. He blessed me with the mind and the skills to earn what I do. So to get stingy and not want to give God a dime out of every dollar He blessed me to make seems…I dunno…selfish AND foolish.

————————————————–

She ain’t givin it to God she’s giving it to the minister cause she doesn’t know God……I thought you knew.

Christians don’t attack other christians because of their differnces in beliefs……

@Ressy….If U love God then keep doing so because man can never save your soul…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
this is the first time you have spoken with wisdom….

Congrats!!

In the ghetto isnt “church” a business?

Creflo Dollar, TD Jakes all of them are sellin’ false hope to poor ignorant blacks, nowhere in the bible does it say your pastor should be rich.

The God I worship isnt short on cash!

I don’t understand why people get so mad when it come to their preacher having nice cars and a house, hell we give these rappers these R&B singers our money like clock work and don’t even think twice about it. I would whether say that I go to a church where my pastor is dressing nice and have a nice car that motivates me to stay on top of my game and praying that God will allow me to do the same. We’ll pay 100’s of dollar to go to a concert, but we don’t complain about that. Man get it together, the world is so messed up right now.

@Tiger Woods

Resurrected

Eveinthegarden

I tell U they are a trip on here right!!!! If U feel that GOd provides for U why do U need to consult with man? It like your own personal relationship with GOd is not enough in there eyes even though there words are not doing anything special in your world… It like God is the enemy to them or something…

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I like your input. Thanks for keeping your composure in the face of an antagonist!

well done……..
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Thank U too my brother U are a brother right… I had to learn how to let people choice there own way… I tell they truth as I have learned it but more than it all I try to stay balance first before I I fall off track myself… I enjoy all the people post who really care and have love for God and my Lord and Savior Jesus… I am just glad to be connected by brother and when GOd is ready for my skills and talents to be release to the world he will let me know not man… Be blessed in the Lord…

ok yes give 20 -30% thast fine but wat about preaching the word and gulding ur members walking with them how the hell r they showing all those damn people the way … i smell a rat … do me a favor dop gooders follow ur pastors around for a whole week i bet ya would gag ….

What is foolish is to put your trust in that 401k or that mutual fund. How quickly we forget the market crash last year.
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Then put it into real estate….their are other options….put it in your savings account….Jeeze…what’s wrong with saving your money????? I know, since you want to give it away…I’ll take it…

Lady J

Who are U to me, I live in God wisdon everyday because I ask him for it… So please save it for someone who feels beneath U because that is not me…

@Tiger….This is so sad….that’s why Black folks can’t get ahead….You really believe that it’s not advantageous for you to save 20% of your earnings…sad, sad, sad….

Hey Lady J…bottom line, Im not concerned with things of this world. What I save God spares me to save. What I have God blessed me to have. If knowing that you have 20% in the bank gives you some greater comfort than tithing then thats on you. Just remember, the things of this world will pass away. I’d rather be like the widow Jesus commended who gave her last two mites than the rich man in hell.

@We “Blacks” Are The REAL Hebrew Israelites:

LOL..the furnace of Yahweh aka Valley of Hinnom.

You aint neva lied.

LOL @ the false “profits” statement.

Tiger

Keep U heard up in here and don’t listen to foolishness if U have identified what is being spoken to U as foolishness… Who the son sets free is free in deed and that is all that matters…

OOOoohh…she pulled out Lazarus and the rich man!!

*munching popcorn*

I, personally, would not belong to any church where the pastor drives around in a car worth more than $50k and lives in a mansion.

Most of the people who give at the church are low-to-middle income, blue-collared employees who can barely pay all of their bills. The idea that their donations (even when they can only give $5) are going in the pockets of people who are writing checks for $2K a month to cover their mortgage or $1K a month for car loans and insurance is sickening.

But hey, there’s a familiar place they all preach about that they’ll be spending eternity in pretty soon.

Eveinthegarden

Don’t let these messages currupt U, U said it right on the first post that U posted…
@Lady J, if people put there trust in God why do U feel that U know better… Like U know and here there prays or something..

and Im NOT saying anyone is going to hell…Im giving an example of how two people in the bible dealt with their finances and what the result was.

eveinthegarden…..20% of YOUR and MY income WONT MAKE US RICH!!!!!!!!!!!!! You just won’t have to work when you get in your 70′s……OMG!!! you are confused!!!! I just gave you scriptures from the very bible you read about tithing, and you still think that tithing is going to get you into heaven…..sad, sad, sad… Go in peace my dear…

ps. Try to incorporate the scriptures that charity starts at home….Now that applies to giving yourself 20% to save for your retirement…we all gon get old dear….

Plastic007

That is all true but if at the end of the day U are putting your trust into GOd then all of this does not matter only from the human prospective and that is all…God can always give U more than U have lost…

@Ressy…I put my trust in God too….I also save 20% of my income…Now, if yall too don’t, that isn’t wise…

@We “Blacks” Are The REAL Hebrew Israelites

Vaguely, have I read this, but know what you are speaking of.

Those parables can be hard to decipher!

@
Resurrected

People get all of into the wrong things when it comes to “religion”.

The bottom line is…..get to heaven.

I couldn’t care less if someone pays tithes or not…….I just hope they get to heaven……not paying tithes won’t keep you from it….

I would be more concerned about that than anything…you know?

@ we blacks
OOOoohh…she pulled out Lazarus and the rich man!!

*munching popcorn*

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LMAO!!!

Lady J

Well we are all learning everyday but I am with eveinthegarden, I will let God give me real insight on how to do that because I receive revelation from him for future events in my life… I see that it is time for me to get deeper in his word and off of the media outlet because I see nothing but landminds here…

@Resurrected
i like u …u not going off and not being real with ya self kudos my saved interenet peeps

My bad Lady J and We “Blacks” Are The REAL Hebrew Israelites

…I was ALL up in the Kool-aid and aint know the flava!

We “Blacks” Are The REAL Hebrew Israelites

OOOoohh…she pulled out Lazarus and the rich man!!

*munching popcorn*

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Good one!!!!! lol!!!

i like ur insight Resurrected real talk …

@Ressy…..If you learned today that one doesn’t HAVE to pay 10% of their earnings to the church, that it is free will, that GOD won’t condeme you if you don’t pay tithes…then my job is done….

Go in Peace

Tiger

Well I still have a lot to learn and a lot to surrender to him Will still but not only do I want to go to Heaven but I want all of my Heavenly rewards as well.. We are here to see what we would do with the temporary life we have in the world over a life of eternity… I just want to make sure that I am connected with him over people even though his commands are to love our neighbor as yourself but I am not going to let them take me to a place that is wrapped up in the mind.. God knows me best and Jesus went through all of this already…

Just imagine—you idiots–what that money could have been used for–better housing–better schools–better jobs–hell, better weed—but NO–Jesus always Jesus–nobody but Jesus–Black People–great job!!!!

Any Pastor that tells his flock that they will not be blessed or cant enter heaven unless they give a certain amount is a fraud.

Did Evander Holyfield give Creflo Dollar $20 mil, and now he’s in bankruptcy?

@Whatyomommasay:

You had BEFORE you said “hell, better weed”.

Then it just got stupid.

@ Tiger….oh baby, but I am….don’t mean to brag…I save 14k per year with 3% match and 2% half match….You do the math…. I know people who save 30% (white people)… you should try to do at least 10% though…

you had ME before…..

@Tiger….I feel hateration

Tiger Wood and Plactic007

Thanks a lot because Lady J is trying to make us all feel crazy but it all good in my hood still have luv us all… I just step away from BS that is all… Keep on loving the Lord and U will get back more in time…

Any Pastor that tells his flock that they will not be blessed or cant enter heaven unless they give a certain amount is a fraud.

Did Evander Holyfield give Creflo Dollar $20 mil, and now he’s in bankruptcy?
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Good Point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If they are going to target churches then they need to target all of them. I don’t see anything wrong with some of the ministries, as long as as they keep God first and their hearts are right with God. You do have some shady ministries out there, and they will be exposed but you have some that I believe are trying to get people to know how good GOD is. I know my God wants me to be prosperous in every area of my life, including my finances. The bible says it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil, not money is the root of all evil. My eyes are focus on God, not man.

@Tiger….lol you are funny….I ain’t got to lie…You can’t conceive of it because you don’t, can’t, won’t, will never be able to do it….you really think 20% is a lot to save????

Tiger over there starting …. u not rite and no one is coming at God fall back like my mom says live ya life and follow gods plan he will lead u in the right direction and always trust him everything will fall how its to fall …..

The true NUTS come out on religious blogs. 1000 comments as I predicted earlier.

Lady J

@Tiger….I feel hateration

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I don’t hate you……I don’t even know you to hate you. But not once did I poke fun @ or try to belittle you or your beliefs. It seems like that’s all you are about….to me? Rather childish………I’m just sayin

Don’t get it twisted Jesus wasn’t broke, check your bible.

U must think that we are your sheep and you are the shepherd or something… Do you need a flock or something for real?

@lTHOMASThe bible says it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil, not money is the root of all evil. My eyes are focus on …

OK
ok and Drake says to much a kill enough will solve ya problem

L thomas

Thanks U…. God gives U riches if U can be a good stewards over it… For much is given much is required… God teached his children first before he gives them what can currupt them later…

Lady J

@Tiger….lol you are funny….I ain’t got to lie…You can’t conceive of it because you don’t, can’t, won’t, will never be able to do it….you really think 20% is a lot to save????

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I don’t discuss personal finances on blog sites……..not smart.

I’m just sayin………..

Somer

The true NUTS come out on religious blogs. 1000 comments as I predicted earlier.

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find something else to do…..please

OKAY……U ALL SEEM AFRAID TO SAY IT…IT SEEMS…BUT DON’T YOU ALL REALISE THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PRESIDENT’S LEER JET??? AND HE USES THAT TO LOOK WAR….AND WE THE TAX PAYER’S HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT….AND ALSO…WE QUARREL WEN WE HAVE TO GIVE TITHES TO MINISTERS WHO HAVE TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD????????(CONFUSED)…

@ Plastic…
lTHOMASThe bible says it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil, not money is the root of all evil. My eyes are focus on …
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You have made a good point…many people get that scripture twisted….”The LOVE of money is the root of all evil…. Money aint evil people…

Plastic007

bible says it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil, not money is the root of all evil. My eyes are focus on …
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The money is not evil, it the people who is holding on to the money as if it is more than a tool that is to be use in this world… That is why they are now losing it because they never valued wisdom over the money… Many rich people are not happy and have the highest suicide rate in the world…

OKAY……U ALL SEEM AFRAID TO SAY IT…IT SEEMS…BUT DON’T YOU ALL REALISE THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PRESIDENT’S LEER JET??? AND HE USES THAT TO LOOK WAR….AND WE THE TAX PAYER’S HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT….AND ALSO…WE QUARREL WEN WE HAVE TO GIVE TITHES TO MINISTERS WHO HAVE TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD????????(CONFUSED)…

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Salvation is free…. He should be compensated to some degree….but not living an estravagent lifestyle….

ok i live across froma church and its a old school type of church where the pastor has and house and church all in one its so beuatiful now he lives there Tax Free average size suburb town 2,500-4,500 people ok he drives a jeep liberty i luv him he is amazing his church is always being cleaned and gardners are allways there i mean he speand the money on really nice things for the church and he’s a on council he certainly could copp any whip he wants but mnoney is nothing to him he serving god and preaching to the people and his member have money ….. tahts how its suppoose to b u can have nice thing exclusive things but we cant ignore wat many of our black churches have become….but its cool

TUPAC SAID ONCE , WHY DO GOD NEED COLOR WINDOWS & GOLD TO LET YOU TALK TO HIM

Lady J

@Tiger….lol you are funny….I ain’t got to lie…You can’t conceive of it because you don’t, can’t, won’t, will never be able to do it….you really think 20% is a lot to save????

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I don’t discuss personal finances on blog sites……..not smart.

I’m just sayin………..

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this is to inspire you….we all know what Barack makes, BEY, on so on………compared to them…we all make pennies on this blog….TRUST

Good night every one……..take it easy

I hope everyone on this blog today takes a few minutes out of their day to talk to God…..Not just talk………..but listen.

DuecesII

Bye tigey…..SAVE SOME MONEY FOR YOURSELF…..

church is cool and money is great my problem when the church stops serving the people and they become a business a smalll corperations the word isnt and wont b tainted but their mental is and money is on the mind

TUPAC SAID ONCE , WHY DO GOD NEED COLOR WINDOWS AND GOLD TO LET YOU TALK TO HIM

20% in a 401K is not the same as saving 20% of your income. You should tithe 10%, invest as much in your 401K as you employer matches, and have a minimum of 6 months of salary in the bank.

We present the tithe, 10%, to GOD, out of honor and respect! Dr. Creflo Dollar is a blessed preacher. He is just doing what God told and tells him to do. He is not my god. He is a brilliant listening man of God. When a relationship or if a relationship should be developed with GOD, you will know the importance of having a true man of GOD! True nough there are decievers of the devil out there using “God” as a front for there own purposes, which ASOLUTELY is evil. There are true men of GOD, just find yours.

@Plastic007….The church is a business…it’s there for the salvation of souls, but it is a business too…the problem is the members mix business with the word of God….to justify the gluten for money that many of these pastors display…hence the community (it’s members) aren’t served properly…with Creflo earning 420 billion dollars and the boxer filing for bankruptcy all because he gave his millions to Creflo dollar’s church …just aint right…Do you think Creflo offered to give him 30 million to help him out of his dilemma???? NOT…

@Smooth….tis, tis, tis….brainwashed!!!

Creflo didn’t earn 420 Billion. 420 billion is the estimated amount black folks have given to black churches over a period of time.

20% in a 401K is not the same as saving 20% of your income. You should tithe 10%, invest as much in your 401K as you employer matches, and have a minimum of 6 months of salary in the bank.

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Im working on it…..I presume you are there???

Lady J

20% in a 401K is not the same as saving 20% of your income. You should tithe 10%, invest as much in your 401K as you employer matches, and have a minimum of 6 months of salary in the bank.

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Im working on it…..I presume you are there???

Been there. Why you think I got time to comment on a blog.

Let me make it clear…I save 20% of my income…I give in offerings, and give to my mom, and family…mind you when I give, I don’t ask for it back….that’s true giving….but I don’t HAVE to tithe, I don’t give 10% of my money to the church, I give to my family….

I heard that!!!!

Well I think that it is up to the congregation members that attend a particular church to speak out against any perceived misappropriation of funds from collections if they feel there are any at all.

So unless the members of Creflo’s World Changers, Eddie Bishop Long’s New Birth, or TD Jakes Ministries just to name a few, speak against what they may feel is misappropriation of charitable funds then I will hold my judgment.

follow me at http://www.twitter.com/thecrypticone

a church cannot keep taking up a building fund for twenty years, and no one ever sees a brick get laid.
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@Gimmeabreak78

LMAO!!!

Lady J

Let me make it clear…I save 20% of my income…I give in offerings, and give to my mom, and family…mind you when I give, I don’t ask for it back….that’s true giving….but I don’t HAVE to tithe, I don’t give 10% of my money to the church, I give to my family….

That’s a blessing, but your comments are against those who chose to tithe. That’s just one facet of what the Lord wants you to do. That’s why I suggested the financial strategy, there is a combination of acts he wants you to achieve to rise to your higher blessings.

My kids have completed college at 21 yrs. One daughter will be going to law school and the other will be getting her doctorate in education….I will be giving to them, as well as, saving 20% of my income….

How can so many woman in church over (70% women) husbands aren’t there and their kids aint either… I’m talking about the Majority of black churches…you can’t deny the facts…something is wrong….
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@Lady J

I’ve noticed the same thing too and have wondered the same thing… And I see the same thing from state to state whenever I travel…

Dear, You just stated that these people chose to give their money to the church instead of saving it….I choose to help my children and family, as well as save 20% of my income….The truth is, most of the people on this blog (excluding you and me) DON’T SAVE even 10% of their income….that’s just reality….

@ Lady J – I would like to see everyone achieve all 3. Tithe, invest, and save.

So I guess you guys have a problem with the 3,000 people that were saved on the Day of Pentecost, was it too mega back then too? People kill me with the “I have a problem with mega churches”, so what is the pastor suppose to do when the church grows? Tell people they are not welcome and the church can not grow because “worldly people” have a problem with church? People can give their money to buying blood diamonds, designer clothes, taking expensive trips, and wasting money frivolously, but have a problem with tithing? Your tithe is between you and God and not man. You are suppose to follow God’s commands, period. People will find any excuse not to go to church and not to give to the church. I’m unemployed and still tithe and I do it cheerfully. Uncle Sam takes his cut right off the top, whether you want him to or not, and some of you guys act like God asking for a tenth of your first fruits is a lot, He is the reason that you even have the opportunity to even receive. Furthermore, why is it only that the black churches are being scrutinized?

@Shhhhhhhhhh
I would like to see everyone achieve all 3. Tithe, invest, and save.

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And I would like everyone achieve this…. 1.save 2. invest 3.Give in offerings

I never recalled Jesus asking for money!

@ Lady J – I’ve already read the post. That does not negate the fact that I tithe to my church and not to sound selfish, but I reap the rewards of it. I can try to tell you about it, but you probably won’t understand. I know what I have witnessed, so there no changing that.

Lady J

@Shhhhhhhhhh
I would like to see everyone achieve all 3. Tithe, invest, and save.

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And I would like everyone achieve this…. 1.save 2. invest 3.Give in offerings

Do you, baby, just do you.

@ slide…How can so many woman in church over (70% women) husbands aren’t there and their kids aint either… I’m talking about the Majority of black churches…you can’t deny the facts…something is wrong….
I’ve noticed the same thing too and have wondered the same thing… And I see the same thing from state to state whenever I travel…

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So, true….many of these women are married with their husbands at home and won’t even spend time with their spouses; they rather be church all day instead of spending time with their families……Marriages are often very fragile, because the woman refuses to honor her husband….

@ Lady J – I’ve already read the post. That does not negate the fact that I tithe to my church and not to sound selfish, but I reap the rewards of it. I can try to tell you about it, but you probably won’t understand. I know what I have witnessed, so there no changing that.
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I know all about “Pour out a window of blessings more than your heart can receive” (Many people believe it’s material blessings, but it’s REALLY spirtual blessings) I was raised in the Apostolic faith…believe me, I know…I also know that “He has supplied all my needs” and I don’t feel condemed…(God revealed that to me) because I choose to give to my family instead of giving my 10% to the edifice….the church is in the people…the building is not the church….my family is the church, my mom, my sis, my children is the church…so I give my money to help them…

“Your tithe is between you and God and not man. You are suppose to follow God’s commands, period. People will find any excuse not to go to church and not to give to the church”

Wrong on so many levels your statment clearly shows you have never read the bible ….Tithing is not one of gods commandments ….god doesnt want money he wants your love and for you to follow in his words, what jesus taught.And if my money is between me and god then why does this preacher need it????? Jesus gave the word of god for free no where in Mark,Mathew,Luke or JOhn did jesus ask for payment or his diciples.You have been pimped by mega churches congrats!!!!

there is so much false doctrine and misinterpretation of the word of God, and our people are suffering and failing to do for their own family…..but will give their life savings to a church…it’s sad…Ive seen it too my times…BUT I know the truth….Im out for today…

Peace

@ Lady J

……Marriages are often very fragile, because the woman refuses to honor her husband….

You said a mouthful there, sista.

the church is in the people…the building is not the church….my family is the church, my mom, my sis, my children is the church…so I give my money to help them…

All true. But it should be easy to sacrifice and do for those because they are family. Tithing teaches us to sacrifice for others, that we would normally not come into contact with. Thus increasing our blessings. I believe we are saying the same thing. I beleive you are taking issue with tithing to a particular church. If you feel that by taking your 10 percent and helping family members constitutes tithing, then that is what it is. You are tithing in the eyes of the Lord.

Rome>>>>>>>>>>> You are one of the many nuts I was talking bout.

I think someone earlier said it best, God tells you to give 10% of your income. It’s in the Bible. For real, it’s there. You can read it for yourself. These pastors arent making it up. And surprisingly, this is in the Bible several times.
I am beginning to think that the people who complain about giving are the ones that dont give. The church needs finances to pay for the mortgage, electricity, food, oh and spreading the gospel. I dont understand how people think these things are funded.
Next, World Changers, for example, has been audited by the IRS several times and leaves its finances open for any member who wishes to take a look. So if there was any impropriety, it would be discovered by now.
More importantly, let’s use health as an example. If a pastor was preaching that God wants you healthy, but he was always sick wouldnt you have questions. Btw, if a pastor taught that God wants you healthy, I doubt people would complain about that.
Lastly, let’s take a step back. If you had a child, would you want your child to be poor? I wouldnt. So, why would God want something different for his children. Do human parents care more for their children than God cares for His children? Just Sayin’

This some SHHHH

It’s like arguing with a fool…. U have made your point and then have made there but still there is this need to over power you comments and control your mind and they call us brainwashed… Everyone do U and when U need something higher may God still be there to greet U… It is all good to saving money, a responsible person will get into the habit of saving but many of us are off track… Still God is so more valuable over money and I expect that God to have a big plan for my life… I don’t mind giving to him first so that he can give to me later…

Rome>>>>>>>>>>>>I have read a few of your replies to others. U are a nut. That is why my response bothered you.

READ THE BOOK—THE TWO BABYLONS– AND THEN TELL ME IF YOU THINK THIS MAN SHOULD BE GETTING A DIME.

Pagan Rome has returned……

I am in agreement with the pastors, in some cases, being pimps in the pulpit. For instance, Paul Morton and Darryl Brister, who were both prominent ministers in the city of new Orleans prior to Katrina are no where to be found years after Katrina. Their buildings left in ruins. They havent even bothered to come and have them torn down to make the area look better. They have left these large buildings as reminders to those who have returned that they basically bilked them out of money and when the community needed them, they cut out and began anew in ATL and Texas. Is the church not supposed to be the cornerstone of the community? If these churches had come back and gathered all its people and helped to rebuild homes in their communities and their churches the city would be in a much better place. The problem with that was it was now time for the church to give back and they might not be getting as much in return. Instead they set up shop in new more affluent places and sent their prayers to New Orleans and its residents. They get on TV telling everyone to pray. It burns me up just to think about it. How is it that your mega church is surrounded by poverty on every side?

resurrected

This some SHHHH

It’s like arguing with a fool…. U have made your point and then have made there but still there is this need to over power you comments and control your mind and they call us brainwashed… Everyone do U and when U need something higher may God still be there to greet U… It is all good to saving money, a responsible person will get into the habit of saving but many of us are off track… Still God is so more valuable over money and I expect that God to have a big plan for my life… I don’t mind giving to him first so that he can give to me later…

I’m still trying to win his grace.

Some Dude, let me leave you with these scriptures. By all means please grow up with the “pimping” comments, I read the Word. Who or what pimps you? Furthermore, just because tithing is not outlined in the Ten Commandments, does not mean it is not a commandment of God. God says to give to the poor, because it is His command, is it one of the Ten, no, is it a commandment, yes! Read it in Duet 15:7-11. Since you are not well versed with the Bible I wouldn’t expect you to know that. Now did you have any facts from the Word that I can refer to, or just more of that “world talk”?

Gen 14:20
Matt 23:23
Neh 10:37
Mal 3:10
Duet 26:12

Just Sayin, you are correct the church does not get a free mortgage, gas, lights, water, etc. I wish more people understood like you do.

Jesus take the wheel and put an end to all of the perpetrators. SMDH

And He had hundreds of thousands of followers–could’ve built the biggest synagogue/church ever known to mankind and DIDN’T because He understood that HE WAS THE CHURCH AND taught that the kingdom of HEAVEN was WITHIN.
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42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[j]worth only a fraction of a penny.[k]

43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
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You are suppose to tithe. You are also responsible for knowing the word regardless of what false prophets or preachers do.

You can’t base your actions on others wrong doings because you will still go to hell.

If you don’t like your church-then leave!!!! All pastors aren’t pimps.

I keep the books and the majority of all contributions are made by a small minority. Most people in any congregation do NOT tithe.

If you don’t want to tithe then don’t!!! But don’t blame it on other people or try to discredit the church.
Most of our most distinguished leaders came out of the church!
GET REAL!!!!

Well. I’m gonna have to start preaching the word, cause DAMN O_O

Instead of going to the local welfare office and applying for foodstamps, housing, and other help, be responsible and stop mismanaging your life and self or family into the poorhouse. In fact, you should be able to ask the so-called church for help. Aren’t they suppose to help the less fortunate (widows & children). Laying hands or simple hogwash rhetoric is not enough because they are false prophets (wolves) out fleecing the sheep. Wise up rural area folks and heavily black populated areas…people love to easily pull the wool over your needy eyes and you so much want to believe that it’s true. Anyone can call themselves preacher this or that, Father or Minister so-and-so. God says trust no man for all have sin and come short of the Glory of God. They are human subject to error and in Creflo Dollar’s case Money, Greeds, and Lies. He’ll never get a dollar from me. I’m not brainwashed and foolish…hoping to buy my way closer to God. A relationship with God Almighty has nothing to do with giving 10 percent to Greedy False-Prophets who are poetic with scripture of the Bible and story telling or mindgames to control people play on your emotions. It’s a powerful thing.

400 years in a rational, technological civilization, and we’re as dumb as we were when they dragged us out of the bush.
What a hapless mob of ninnies we are.

Oh My People!!!

When will we wake up from this nightmare. If we had given the money to the dupe boys, they would have started businesses—but no—we gave it to the PIMPS. What did they do this with money? Do any of you god-bots know where little under a half trillion dollars has gone? Does jesus have it?

WHEN WILL MY PEOPLE WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

Hence why I have grown cynical about religion over the years and no longer attend church.

More than 15 years ago my mother’s church purchased some land using money pledged by its members. The pastor of the church promised that they would build a bigger church and a school on that land. Fast forward some years later and the land was sold to a real estate developer for millions. The original church is still there, raggedy as ever, but the pastor and his wife moved out of Compton and both drive extremely high-priced late model luxury cars. People (including my mother) need to wise up about what is going on with black churches. Keep your money and do God’s will by volunteering to help those who are less fortunate than you.

Thank god I’m muslim!

Tithing is a mandate from God not an option.

Questions

1. Is the Catholic church being investigated because they are far more financially secure than the black church.

2. Is the Jewish church being investigated because they require tithing and money for bar mitvah.

Thankfully, I attend a small church and my pasdtor makes an honest living by working at the Scott Mission. But Creflo Dollar and the like…I always knew they were suspect. Always pushing that gimmick holy oil, holy cloth and such. People should keep business and religion separate.

*pastor

Has there been a study on how much white churches have received? I think it needs to be done both ways.

Religion is not the problem people. Man is the problem. Most if not all religions are beautiful and if followed correctly would yield love, concern and understanding for all men on earth. However, over the years humans have altered all religions to benefit whoever they see fit. If we are to believe God is omnipresent and humans are flawed, then we will continue to have those who use religion to further their own agendas. I have chosen to build a personal relationship with God outside of any major religion. I encourage everyone to find a church, or method of worship that fits them best. There are exploit people’s faith for their own purposes. I say a church that doesn’t welcome your questions and concerns is not the church you want to be in no matter the religion.

Just my take on this…there is nothing wrong with the pastor driving a nice car and living in a mansion…. unless the congregation is piss poor…. as your pastor grows you should be growing to. … so whatever he/she is “blessed” with you better believe that you are equally entitled to the same.

@ Mz Soulful

great point!!

MASE LEAVE THAT CRAP BEHIND CUS HE KNOW THE SECRETS OF THE MUSIC BIZ SO HE MADE A WISE CHOICE TO TURN TO JESUS AND THIS SUPPOSE TO BE ROLE MODEL TELLING HIM CRAP! THEN MASE WENT BACK AND DIDNT STAY IN THE MUSIC BIZ. CREFLO EVEN TOLD THIS ONE HOLLERFIELF TO GIVE HIS TITHES TO THE CHURCH NOW HE IS BROKE CUS HE SPENDING AND GIVING MILLIONS TO THE CHURCH AND CREFLO TELLING HIM HE WILL BE BLESS!

I THINK THEY WORK SPELLS ON PEOPLE JUST LIKE TEH MUSIC BIZ, THESE PEEPS WORK ON TEH DARK SIDE DONT BE FOOL. I DONT KNOW WHY SOMEONE DONT GIVE THEM 2 GUNSHOTS WITH A SILENCER AND TEACH THEM A LESSON!THIS OTHER ONE THAT CALL HIM SELF REV AL SHARPTON WALKING WITH THIS UGLY ONE CALL MICHAEL JACKSON DAD, THAT MADE HOMEBOY MICHAEL LIFE A LIVING HELL.

BOTH LOOKING LIKE PIMPS, YOU ONLY KEEP COMPANY WITH YOUR TYPE. JOE JACKSON WAS ALSO WITH THAT FRAUD WHO CALL HIMSELF REV JESSIE JACKSON, WHAT A DISGRACE.

THEY ALL WORK UNDER THE SAME ORGANISATION AS JAYZ THE WHITES AND EVIL OF THIS WORLD CONTROLLING CHURCH, MUSIC, HOLLYWOOD EVERYTHING!

AS GOD SAYS MANY WILL BE CALL IN HIS NAME BUT FEW WILL BE CHOSEN. HE ALSO SAID ALOT WILL COME AND EVEN THE VERY ELECT WILL BE FOOLED. THESE PEOPLE ARE LOST AND WHAT A SHAME!

Im glad these “fakes” are being brought to light, i myself attend a small family oriented church and we see where the money goes, theres no reason for this dude to be driving a bently when someone in his congregation doesnt know hoe theyre pay theyre light bill, or starving…hope he drives that bently str8 to hell where he belongs

Surprise Surprise…. The Catholic church has been getting rich off the backs of the working people for centuries, why would anyone be surprised other sects of christianity havent followed the same path. It’s just sad, I hope they get punished for swindling people!

This is nothing new. Rarely do u see any of the churches giving back to the community and if they do it maybe once a year! And that maybe free donations that are given to them. I can remeber when I was riding the bus to church and barely had bus fare to get to church, and when I got to church it was the pastor’s wife birthday and he gave his wife over the tv broadcast a full length mink coat. Then for the pastor’s birthday I was able to have a car but barely had gas money to get to church. But when I got to church it was the pastor’s birthday, he they gave him a private plane for his birthday. If anyone lives in chicago they would know who I am talking about. Needless to say I stop tithe and do not attent that church anyone!! The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer. The first thing a minister says is u are giving your money to god and the church. Yeah right then why are they living so much better than us with all of these great, fancy, fablous material things!!

Greedy preachers LOVE GULLIBLE CHRISTIANS or shall I call them just “churchgoers” far from the word.

The church leaders refused to participate in Sen Grassley’s investigation as it is unconstitutional number one and number two Senator Grassley is not the IRS. If the IRS was conducting an investigation it would be a different story. It is the same as someone asking you to see your tax records. People give to the church becasue they want to help others. Our tithes anf offers are going back to the body (community) of christ in helping other people. All of the minstries shown have huge outreach minstries and I am happy to assist those minstries. When I tithe I am giving my money to my high priest JESUS not to the pastors themselves of which don’t take a salary from the church. I tithe back to God out of love as he is my source of income. The tithe exchange is a blessing exchange between man /woman and God. Read Malichi 3:10 to the end of the chapter and it will further explain. The pastors make their money through book deals and the vast majority give more than 50% back to the church. Now I will say this I feel sorry for any Pastor that steals from the church as he/she will have to deal with the wrath of God and you NEVER want God’s had against you. When I read this articale I felt compelled to explain as my family does not understand as they are not tithers. I am blessesd to be a blessing to other people and that is what being a Christian is about. Danielle

This would be a good time for many to figure out exactly what their communities need and how best the churches in their community can assis them (with the money earned from tithes) to help achieve those goals. It’s all about accountability.

TITHING AND OFFERING IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GOD.AND YOU SHOULD GIVE TO GOD WITH UR WHOLE HEART AND NOT AT LIKE YOU ARE GIVING MAN. THERE WILL BE TONS OF FALSE PROPHETS,PREACHERS,TELE EVANGELIST WHO FAVOR MONEY OVER GOD..ITS SAD.THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM OUT THERE…BUT GOD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE.SOMETIMES WE CAN OPENLY TELL THAT OUR PREACHERS ARE SPENDING CHURCH MONEY, IF U FIND THAT UNSETTLING, LEAVE THE CHURCH AND FIND SOMEWHERE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN.LET US NOT BE DECEIVED, BECAUSE SOME PASTORS STEAL MONEY OR MANY CHURCH MEMBERS ARE HYPOCRITES AND HAVE HURT US SHOULDN’T STOP US FROM SERVING GOD OR GATHERING WITH BELIEVERS.THE SAME WAY WE NEED TO USE WISDOM IN THE WORLD WE NEED TO PRAY FOR MORE OF THAT WISDOM IN DEALING WITH PEOPLE AROUND CHURCH.THE PEOPLE IN CHURCHES ARE THE MOST IMPERFECT, THAT’S WHY THEY COME SEEKING GOD FOR A CHANGE, SOME ARE JUST THERE FOR THEIR OWN REASONS ALSO,BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL. FALSE PROPHETS, THIEVES, AND NOT FORGETTING WE ALL WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO OUR HANDIWORK . IF WE KEEP GIVING TO PREACHERS THAT STEAL OUR MONEY OR HAVE STOLEN OUR MONEY IT SHOULDN’T TURN US AWAY FROM GOD. WE WILL BE SHOCKED AT HOW MANY FAMOUS PREACHERS WILL BE HEADING FOR HELL!!! ON THAT DAY. TURNING AWAY SIGNIFIES WE DON’T TRUST GOD.HE IS JUST ! EVEN ON EARTH MOST OF THEM ARE EXPOSED, NO ONE IS PERFECT. PLUS I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT CREFLO DOLLARS CHURCH….I AM NOT SAYING HE IS A FALSE PROPHET…I M NOT THE JUDGE OF THAT GOD IS

“And time after time I see people throw $3 in the offering plate while wearing fresh Nikes. That was cool when we were 8 years old but now we have real jobs now.”

I suppose we should sacrifice our own needs so the pastor can continue to fund his extravagant lifestyle?? Real job our not, I don’t feel I should be entitled to give a certain percentage. In my opinion $3 is too much, when I did attend church they were lucky to get $1 out of me. Sorry I prefer to give my money directly to charities where I can actually see it making a difference in someone’s life.

In my opinion- If YOU are NOT a tithing, regularly attending church member, you have NO right to TELL the CHURCH how they should spend their FUNDS!!!!

Bench warming HYPOCRITES!!!!

Too many of you HYPOCRITES sit there in judgment of what the members give the pastor and you guys ain’t gave a dime to nobody!!!!

All that talk about Christ being poor is just an excuse for you to flap your gum’s when you haven’t given a dime to keep the lights on or the air conditioning going!!!!

PLEASE!!!!

Yall just a bunch of lying hypocrites…I’m not understanding how you can be mad about people passing judgment when you yourself are passing judgment on all those who don’t see the church the way you do.

Mz Soulful
I’m not understanding how you can be mad about people passing judgment when you yourself are passing judgment on all those who don’t see the church the way you do.
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How can people criticize what goes on in the church when they themselves don’t attend, don’t tithe or give?

These people are hypocrites!!! I see these type of bench warmers all the time, always complaining and never supporting the church with their money, membership, or time.

If you aren’t a member in good standing- you need to shut the h*ll up!!!!

I see a lot of bench warmers pimping the church as well.

Sister so and so spends her money on her outfit, gambling, takin’ care of some man but never has money to give.

When winter comes, her gas is cut off and she wants the church to foot her bill?!!!

PEOPLE NEED TO STOP BASHING ONE ANOTHER AND STICK TO THE MATTER AT HAND AND CHRISTIANS OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE PASSING JUDGMENT ON THOSE WHO DON’T ATTEND CHURCH FOR WHATEVER REASONS-FOR ONE IT’S A SON AND FOR TWO YOU SHOULD BE WITNESSING TO THEM SO THAT THEY CAN KNOW HOW YOU TO FOUND GOD I’M CERTAIN YOU DIDN’T BECOME HOLY ROLY OVERNIGHT

THE MATTER AT HAND IS THIS, IF THE CHURCH IS COLLECTING MONEY THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOUNT FOR WHAT IS BEING DONE WITH THE $ THROUGH ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL REPORTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE CONGREGATION

I ATTEND CHURCH AND PAY TITHES AND ON A FEW DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WE WERE ASKED TO GIVE $ TO ENSURE THAT THE CHURCH WOULDN’T CLOSE DUE TO PAST DUE BILLS-AND WE ALL GAVE $ BUT ONCE THE $ WAS COLLECTED THE MONEY WAS USED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PASTOR AND NOT AS IT WAS STATED ORIGINALLY

SOME BILLS GOT PAID AND SOME DIDN’T-AND THEY PURCHASED NEW EQUIPMENT, THE PASTOR GOT A NEW CAR, AND MIND YOU THE CHURCH ALREADY PAYS THE MORTGAGE WHERE HE LIVES AND THE UTILITIES

SO TO BOTH SIDES-QUESTIONING HOW MONEY IS SPENT OR DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY DOESN’T MEAN YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD-IT’S YOUR RIGHT AND YOUR ENTITLED TO KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING-AND JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE IS A PREACHER AND CLAIMS TO SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD-DOESN’T MEAN THEY SHOULD BE HELD EXEMPT

A TRUE MAN OF GOD HAS NOTHING TO HIDE-IF YOUR PASTOR ISN’T WILLING TO SHOW YOU IN WRITING HOW YOUR MONEY IS BEING SPENT, HE’S RUNNING GAME

I don’t think everyone who chooses not to attend church is a hypocrite. Nor do I believe that everyone who tithes is wrong. However, as long as we are humans there will be abuse and neglect in everything that we do. There are many people within the church who are their for the right reasons just as there are people who are there for the wrong reasons. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just think its never right to place everyone in a box because they criticize something you believe in. There are many people who criticize the church and have good reason too. But if you believe in God, then you pray for those people and keep it moving.

@ Just Saying,

I understand your point. I am not implying that the church should not exist. We need church to keep values, morals, and ethics in tact for those that need it. Personally I have had some bad experiences with churches and have decided that they don’t work for me. I have my own relationship with god from the comfort of my own home, that doesn’t cost me a dime.

intensemocha
A TRUE MAN OF GOD HAS NOTHING TO HIDE-IF YOUR PASTOR ISN’T WILLING TO SHOW YOU IN WRITING HOW YOUR MONEY IS BEING SPENT, HE’S RUNNING GAME
________________________________________________

Exactly. The books are supposed to be open. If you are going to a GODLY church the pastor is NOT suppose to have that kind of power over the finances

@Black Borica
touche; although i take issue at your quip about Pastor Dollar.

@Rrrrroe Ski Love
Your OT recitation is correct, for the most part, but tithing does appear in the NT as well.
Matthew 23:23:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, **without neglecting the former**.” (emphasis added)

@ Just Saying no “disrespect” to anyone’s pastor or spritual advisor…I’ve just heard things about Pastor Dollar (good & bad) personally I have nothing against him or how he runs his church…I was led under the direction of Bishop T.D.Jakes before he left West Virginia therefore I know all about having to defend the actions of spiritual advisors….nothing personal.

Klepto Dollar, T D Snakes, Eddie Wrong…all of ‘em just plain crooks. no,I take that back, they just have a good con. And people allow themselves to get taken by these so-called ‘men of god’ just to reserve a spot in heaven. Tell me: does anyone know what heaven is like? Didn’t think so. So why pay a middle-man money to insure a future promise?
I guess it would take a leap a faith to educate yourselves beyond a book written by men over 400 years ago for knowledge on the real truth about religion. I’m sitting hear SMH at some of the comments that only parrot bible verses as justification for giving money away and then in the next breath judge others for not buying into the b.s…hypocrites, I say. Rather than give away your hard-earned dollars to tax-free personal investors put your money where it can directly do the most good whether to charities or for your own future use rather than letting these crooks accumulate material wealth from blind faith and devotion

damn im glad i stopped going to church. i don’t believe anything that comes out of the mouth of a person that calls him/herself a preacher reverend father rabbi fuuck that

@Not Buying It…

That’s your opinion & your certainly entitled to it, this is America….but FYI it takes a lot of money to run a Large congregation…When you have 400+ members it takes quite a bit of funds to maintain a large church, I know nothing about Creflo…but as for T.D. Jakes I’ve personally seen him with my own set of eyes give money to church members in their time of need to pay expenses as rent, mortgages etc….Also T.D.Jakes is a “New York Times” best selling author…lets not forget that..so I’m sure his funds come from his personal endeavors not from the “offering” plate at church, ya dig? So if I sold a million+ books, I’m going to live in a mansion too! Why live in a shack? God wants us to live abundantly. Did you feel “Obama” should not live within his means b/c he is president??? He’s also a Best selling offer and his money came from his books, not from the government but…Just a thought…

*author

Yall just a bunch of lying hypocrites-We as citizens have a right to complain about the church because they are not paying taxes so we are subsidizing the pastors’ lavish lifestyle. They can not continue to reside in our communities taking advantages of tax breaks for Hub zone areas and not give back to that community. Everyone else is held accountable. Other races take care of their communities.

This debate split down either tow lines of thought:

Mega church vs. Smaller church

Tithing vs. No Tithing

As someone who has attended a 15 member church and eventually a mega church, I can honestly assert there is no difference. It is just a matter of personal choice. Go where you are spiritually fed, not out of tradition, not because “mama-n-them” go. Choose a church that is assisting YOU in YOUR spiritual growth. When it longer is assisting your growth then leave and allow the spirit of God to lead you to another place.

Tithing is a spiritual practice and a choice. You can choose not to partcipate in this spiritual practice. It is primarily for your benefit. If you don’t practice, then you don’t get the benefit.

However, please keep in mind that any church large or small, requires money to operate. If you are going to a place where you are spiritually fed and never give, then you are a leach. YOu can blame the fact you are a leach on potential unproven claims of the mismanagement of funds. Nothing in life is free, including your church. This leaching entitlement mentality you display to your church probably also shows up in other areas of your life.

@LA VEGAN
We as citizens have a right to complain about the church because they are not paying taxes so we are subsidizing the pastors’ lavish lifestyle. They can not continue to reside in our communities taking advantages of tax breaks for Hub zone areas and not give back to that community. Everyone else is held accountable.
___________________________________________________

Most churches especially in my state are not in Hub zones.

Most pastors do not live lavish lifestyles and some do not take a salary.

No, the community does not have the right to dictate what happens in the church or how the church distributes it’s funds. Only it’s members do.

That’s called freedom of religion, separation of church and state.

If you want to dictate what a church does with it’s funds, then you must be a member of that church abiding by their rules.

@ NotBuyingIt

I agree with you 100%

Church is now a Billion dollar business to some of these so called “preachers” its is no longer about the WORD of God! They are just profiting off of God!!

wow… how this post has grown. But as i skim through these posts, there is one thing all the people who are against tithes have in common, they have a preoccupation with where “their money” is going and how its being used. In the big picture though ask yourself when you die what does money really mean? A secure retirement? nothing is guaranteed,it can all be taken away as some found out recently (ponci, madoff, wall street, etc) Are they looking for an inheritance for their children- Well if they are raised without a strong foundation rooted in Christ, they can be manipulated and will follow the ways of the world and consumerism and that money will eventually vanish as well.Are you attached to your money just because right now you want personal wealth, Well no matter how well insured you are, any major life circumstance, such as a major health crisis, can wipe you out. So why be so concerned about what you cannot control? Why worry about tangible and material things when they can all be taken away?

We must focus on the eternal things, that is- if you believe in God, which many on this post have said they do, yet dont pay tithes. God is the owner of your being,your days,your job, your money, even your plans. He knows you are attached to every penny of every dollar( as if YOU earned it without Him,by your own ability and not by the ability that He has placed inside of you! Lol).He knows that it is a struggle to place your faith in a church to handle your hard earned money properly,with these “pimps in the pulpit”. But yet he has commanded us to do this as an act of faith. To show that we TRUST HIM more than we distrust whoever is our spiritual leaders! This is the main purpose for this, God doesn’t need our money as many have said before,He owns it all! But he requires our faithfulness and belief in Him and the fact that He will supply our needs no matter how bleak our situation appears.And if you think about it, tithing forces us to think and plan our finances a little more carefully than just spending haphazardly.You sacrifice a little, but you really gain so much.

Well this is not shocking at all, lol. I don’t attend church personally it’s the weekend and I need to sleep and unwind from the hectic week day of going to job interviews and temp work, lol. And not to mention that the majority of the preachers are straight from the hood and many grew up poor. Not that being formerlly poor is an excuse to mooch off the members of one’s congregation, there’s no excuse for that ! Yes most of these preachers are pimpish, but in reality preachers are worse then pimps simply due to the fact that they hide under the umbrella of god and scam money and live damn good.

Yes I heard that going to church is like entering a night club, lol.

sepia830 and Carla

1.The world is filled with 2 hour Christians who go to church but never digest what, if anything,
and
2.I look at my close circle of friends and co-workers and I can honestly say that the ones who believe in God but don’t go to church have better characters than the ones who never miss a Sunday.
______________________________________________
1. The church is filled with all kinds of people…including Satan
When you read my post, I also talk about bench warmers and other pastors who are foul.
There are many people who come for entertainment, to find a man or woman etc. Some of these folk have only moved their club scene to the church.

2. I did not make the rules about church attendance. The scriptures command us to “not forsake assembly,” and there are many scriptures in regard to tithing.

There are many “good” people going to hell.
Being “good” is not the prerequisite to get to heaven.

There are NO perfect people in church. That’s why we go to receive guidance from the man of GOD. The scriptures even tell us how to go about searching for a man of GOD.

I’ve seen all kinds of statements posted as to why folks don’t attend church.

Most pastors are not pimps. If your pastor is a pimp….it’s up to YOU to find a good church.

In the long run you are still responsible for reading and following the word. If you are not following his word…you are in rebellion…

Not my words.

Sanjor are you a Jehovah’s Witness? because you straight sound like one?

@Sanjor i’m with you 100%. Tithing is no longer a requirement you guys. It was and preachers are just using that former law as a way to scam people. It’s funny how preachers hold on to the tithing command for dear life but don’t do the other commands like sacrifice bulls and lambs like before. (I wonder why). If you’re going to hold on to one command, hold on to the rest. Don’t pick and choose.
That’s why so many people are disgusted with religion today and I don’t blame them. It’s sickening. Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you have to be foolish and give all your money to the doggone preacher.(SMH)

Doesn’t the Bible say as long as it’s in your power to do good, do it? (Creflo probably doesn’t know that one)lol… Then why in the world are some of ya’ll struggling to pay bills then? You go to a church where the pastor has millions, millions of dollars, but he has yet to reach out and help those in the congregation. “God will provide” is what they say. God shouldn’t have to when we have the means to help our brother and sister. If God has allowed you to have it, why not u bless someone else? (Let me go I’m getting mad)

@Brown Sugar
but don’t do the other commands like sacrifice bulls and lambs like before. (I wonder why)
____________________________________________

You’re kidding right???

@Brown Sugar

Christian’s do not sacrifice bulls and etc because Christ BECAME the sacrifice.
read the book of John.

@You’re kidding right..

That my point. Why would preachers let go one command, but continue the tithes? (HMMMM) obviously the have an ulterior motive. To get paid and they will reap what they sow. Tithes and sacrifices went hand in hand in the Bible. The tithes was to support those priests that did the sacrifices in the temples. You’re absolutely right, No Christians don’t sacrifice bulls since Jesus gave his life, so why are they making tithing a requirement? It doesn’t make since. Think about it and read more than the book of John. It’s nothing wrong with giving, but give from the heart and out of love for God. Not begrudgingly and because you think you’re going to hell.

@Brown Sugar
It’s nothing wrong with giving, but give from the heart and out of love for God. Not begrudgingly and because you think you’re going to hell.
_______________________________________________

I was only suggesting John as a starting point.

Jesus talked about tithing, remember the widow. The tithing or “tenth ” is just a beginning.

We talk about giving out of our hearts but the reality is most churches are struggling to keep their doors open because people aren’t giving.

It’s all GOD’s money anyway. I don’t know of anyone that gives away all his money.

@Brown Sugar
But it’s not and it’s wrong to tell people that they have to give 10% when God said that you give what you can. What if they have only 5%? That widow didn’t give 10, the Bible says she gave what she had.
______________________________________________________

The bible said the widow gave ALL that she had.

Also the tithe is the “first” tenth of what you get. Christ, the new and old testament speaks volumes on money, giving, tithing, and being stingy.
So yes he does care about what you give.
If you don’t give, you miss out on your blessing…and that’s fine, but please don’t blame the members lack of giving on the pastor.
Each Christian is responsible for knowing the scripture. Blaming your behavior on the pastor or the devil will not fly when you stand before your maker.
Yes GOD will let the church close, let you fall into sin, jump off a bridge and do a whole host of things. You do have a choice.

All that she had? Isn’t that what I just said? But anyway, I’m not blaming the pastors for each persons foolish behavior or for them doing wrong. We all have BRAINS and GOOD SENSE (most of us)so therefore it’s our responsibilty to learn about God and do what we should because like the Bible says We all have to give an accounting before the throne of God. So I totally agree with you. there is no point in going to a church where you know the teaching are wrong. Look elsewhere because there is better.

But I don’t think you get what I’m saying. I’m not saying giving is wrong. We should all give, My point is using a law in the Bible that is no longer required of Christians to get what you want is very wrong sweety, point blank. They are using it for their material gain. It is very clear.
Did you not say that sacrificing bulls is no longer required after Jesus gave his life? Yes you did. Tithing was apart of that law baby and u know it.

And money is not the only way an individual can give. Neither is it the only way an individual is blessed. Yes, God does expect us to use our material possessions to praise him and take care of his house. But no one should know how much we’re giving. That’s between me and my God. And know one should say give 10. Some people don’t have 10. If I want to give 10% that’s fine, I may can give 20 the next month, or 5 the next month.
But don’t say, the Bible says you must give ten because that not true. Giving? yes. 10? no.

God assured the Israelites that the Law ‘would not be too difficult for them.’ (Deuteronomy 30:11) As long as they faithfully observed God’s commandments, including tithing, they had his promise of abundant harvests. And as a protection, an additional yearly tithe, normally consumed when the nation met for its religious festivities, was regularly set aside. Thus ‘the alien resident, the fatherless boy, and the widow’ could be satisfied.—Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; 28:1, 2, 11-14.

The Law did not specify a penalty for failing to tithe, but each Israelite was under a strong moral obligation to support true worship in this way. In fact, God accused Israelites who neglected tithing in Malachi’s day of ‘robbing him in tithes and offerings.’ (Malachi 3:8, New International Version) Could the same charge be leveled at Christians who do not tithe?

Well, consider. National laws are not normally valid outside a country’s borders. For example, the law that obliges motorists in Britain to drive on the left does not apply to drivers in France. Similarly, the law requiring tithing was part of an exclusive covenant between God and the nation of Israel. (Exodus 19:3-8; Psalm 147:19, 20) Only the Israelites were bound by that law.

In addition, although it is true that God never changes, his requirements sometimes do. (Malachi 3:6) The Bible states categorically that the sacrificial death of Jesus, in 33 C.E., “blotted out,” or “abolished,” the Law and with it the “commandment to collect tithes.”—Colossians 2:13, 14; Ephesians 2:13-15; Hebrews 7:5, 18.

Rather than specifying an amount or a percentage, Paul merely suggested that “on the first day of every week, each one . . . should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” (Italics ours; 1 Corinthians 16:2, NIV) By planning and reserving an amount on a regular basis, the Corinthians would not feel pressured into giving begrudgingly or on emotional impulse when Paul arrived. For each Christian, the decision of how much to give was to be a private matter, one that ‘he had resolved in his own heart.’—2 Corinthians 9:5, 7.

In order to reap generously, the Corinthians had to sow generously. No suggestion of giving until it hurts was ever made. ‘I do not mean for it to be hard on you,’ Paul assured them. Contributions were ‘especially acceptable according to what a person had, not according to what a person did not have.’ (2 Corinthians 8:12, 13; 9:6) In a later letter, the apostle warned: “If anyone does not provide for those . . . who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Paul did not encourage giving that violated this principle.

It is significant that Paul supervised a ‘collection for the holy ones’ who were in need. We do not read in the Scriptures about Paul or the other apostles organizing collections or receiving tithes to finance their own ministries. (Acts 3:6) Always grateful to receive the gifts that the congregations sent him, Paul conscientiously avoided imposing “an expensive burden” on his brothers.—1 Thessalonians 2:9; Philippians 4:15-18.

Their are the scriptures plan as day.

@Brown Sugar

1.Did you not say that sacrificing bulls is no longer required after Jesus gave his life? Yes you did. Tithing was apart of that law baby and u know it.
and
2.We do not read in the Scriptures about Paul or the other apostles organizing collections or receiving tithes to finance their own ministries. (Acts 3:6)
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I was surprised to come back to a wall of text. It was not my intention to get into a debate about giving between Christians.

Part of the issue I see in your arguments is you only quote part of the scripture.

1. First of all the tithes or the first tenth was the minimum that Jews were were required to give as there were as many as 17 different offerings totaling to more than 20% of their income. The Pharisees levied a heavy burden beyond what God had ordained upon the people during the time of Christ.

However the guidelines were established before then by God through the old testament.

Thus we have in Malachi what GOD told us to provide for the operation of the temple/church.
6″I the LORD do not change.”
8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ”

I think we both agree that we no longer sacrifice animals as a sin offering because Christ death became the perfect sacrifice.

But lets not also forget that Christ says “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets…” (Matthew 17-20 and notes NIV)

Jesus himself payed the “temple tax” (Matthew 17:27), and spoke about giving in the temple.

It was so important that in the few instances he spoke about the topic he chose the widow’s (extreme) giving and contrasted her giving to the wealthy (Mark 12:43)
“43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Please note all of these examples were done in public and not in secret…but not boasting as well.

Paul even highlights extreme giving (2Corinthians 8)
“2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”

and

1Corinthians 16:2 indicates there was a formula or percentage expected
2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (These gifts were to be given the the church in Jerusalem church which was believed to be suffering through a famine.)
I hope that we can agree that giving should be cheerful as it is our form of worship for all GOD has done for us.

We know most people do not tithe, giving is down everywhere. GOD only expects us to give according to what he has given us. Tithing is not a burden when we are faithful with our finances.

Ultimately, what you give is your choice. It is as you say between you and GOD as is everything we do in addition to tithing.

I don’t make the rules, but I can be faithful in his strength.

Yes church people are scandalous, lol… But the news regarding the church raking in billions of dollars is surprising yet at the time this finding isn’t shocking. But seriously, if you want to find a date, stand in front of the church and wait for the congreagation to come out of the building after Sunday services, I’m sure you’ll meet some one, lol…

Blacks in general do not SAVE period! We quick to get all emotional and spirtiual and spend whether in church or personal reasons(typically shopping clothes) image/ego/status???? We do not research anything…..we do things because it’s cool or upbringing or this group does things in a certain way and then I will follow( monkey see monkey do)! Do the math if you make 100% and 20% (ten and ten) is for the church and saving, then you only have 80% to spend on every day life expenses. Most us have or living pay check to pay check??? Because we want STUFF. WE WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE US A CHECK OR WE THINK GOD IS GOING TO FIX EVERYTHING….. Just a lazy mentality don’t won’t to invest and work for things! God doesn’t money if he OWNs everything ; however do need finances to keep the lights on!