Show Me The Money
I'm from Missouri, born and bred. God has sent promises that Kansas City is to be the beginning point of a revival that will change the whole expression of Christianity in one generation. (Here) There must be a reason why. I think it is our innate suspicious nature and reputation for wanting proof.
Ok, so here we go:
SHOW ME where the Bible says a church can't survive without a building.
SHOW ME where the Bible says you can say a little magical prayer and that's all it takes to be a Christian.
SHOW ME where the Bible says it's good stewardship to build giant buildings we use a couple times a week.
SHOW ME where we're relying on God to provide instead of man-made plans and schemes.
SHOW ME where it says churches should get tax deductions.
SHOW ME where it says we should be INDISTINGUISHABLE from the rest of the culture.
SHOW ME where it says we should bring in Madison Avenue consultants to help plan our building and marketing campaigns.
SHOW ME in the New Testament where it says we should tithe 10%.
SHOW ME where it says the "Senior" Pastor should also be the head and administrator and should control everything.
SHOW ME where it says you have permission to only appoint and send those missionaries you like and fit your mold, regardless of whether God called them and annointed them or not.
For that matter, if you lead a church or denomination, SHOW ME a picture of your house and your cars.
NOBODY, I mean NOBODY is getting past us again. We're going to ask the hard questions. The burden of proof has shifted from US catching YOU with your hand in the cookie jar - to YOU proving to US that you're a good return on investment. Our goals as Christians should be to take every dollar of earthly treasure and use it to buy as much Heavenly treasure as possible.
Brothers and Sisters, don't trust ANYONE to lead you unless they show real results and are personally living a Christ-like life. Pretty talk isn't going to cut it anymore! Christ would not have 30+ houses! Christ would not have a personal jet. Christ would not profess to be a servant leader and drive a Bentley. If they grieve the Spirit, they're in BIG trouble. If children of God are dying without salvation while they live it up in five star hotels - how can they NOT be grieving the Spirit?! There's going to be a LOT of crying pretty soon.
We recommend you always check:
www.MinistryWatch.org - Christian Ministry Watchdog group
www.ECFA.org - Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Any sign that they are unwilling to share their true numbers, are using multiple dummy corporations or side deals, are padding their own pockets or living a lavish lifestyle should IMMEDIATELY show you that the LOVE of money has entered in and evil has taken over.
Stop feeding the Beast!
Find someone that is storing up massive piles of treasure in Heaven and invest in THEM. Get pure. Stay Holy. Time is short.
Copyright Doug Perry 2004. Use freely - but without charge and without changes. Link to: www.fellowshipofthemartyrs.com