Christianity is now a religion of convenience - Bishop

Read Article

Comments (18)

This article is closed for comments.

Read Comments Comments (18)

PASTOR ADDAI 12 years ago

Tithing is robbing and stealing from God's people !
****************************

This is the second and hopefully the concluding part of our discussion on tithing. And let me begin by saying that this article is intende ...
read full comment

Tithing is robbing and stealing from God's people !
****************************

This is the second and hopefully the concluding part of our discussion on tithing. And let me begin by saying that this article is intended for those who want to know the truth according to the Bible, and are willing to search the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. Acts 17:10-11. In the first part, many were enlightened and some burdens were lifted off many shoulders that have been groaning under the yoke of this bondage brought into the church by greedy or ignorant preachers. Others were mad because their false doctrines and greed and love for money have been exposed. Others were simply ignorant and behaved like the proverbial ostrich that would rather hide its head in the sand than confront error. And some were very indignant, insulting and cursing instead of proving their position by the Scriptures.

As said in the previous post, I used to teach and preach tithing, and when I did, the people just got up and parted with their money. One time, at a church here in Atlanta, Georgia, a pastor friend complained bitterly about the low financial position of his church and invited me to come and speak on tithing, saying his congregation didn't like tithing, and that even weekly offerings were very low. I told him, " Well, it's going to be different on Sunday." Then he asked me, " How ? " I said, " You wait and see ! " As you can imagine, the offering was over and above by about 1000 % the next Sunday. Those who didn't have cash wrote cheques like crazy, and I was proud to coerce them to bring out their money, telling them how they've robbed God and denied themselves blessings, using the "curse" of Malachi 3:9, for good measure ! Finally, I exhorted and commanded them, " Bring all the tithes into the storehouse.....! " I could see the terror on some faces and a lady was literally shaking as she wrote her cheque !

Lord, be merciful to us and forgive us for our many transgressions, twisting Your Word, misapplying Scriptures and abusing Your congregation with our greed and love for money ! Thank You for Your mercy and for Your blood which cleanses us from all sin ! I have repented and cannot in all good conscience preach or teach tithing again, because it is not for the New Testament church ! After carefully studying the Scriptures, I realized that Malachi was talking about corrupt priests in the Old Testament and not the New Testament believers, but these Scriptures in Malachi 3:8-12, have been used for generations to "scam" the Lord's people into parting with their money. Certainly, there are preachers who have been speaking against this abuse of Scriptures and "scamming" the Lord's people, but they have been looked upon with disdain and scorn and venom, but it is better for us to be scorned by mortal men than to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31. " Woe to the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 23:1.

AM I UNDER A CURSE IF I DON'T TITHE ?

No, my beloved, you're not cursed if you don't tithe, and neither are you blessed if you do; God does not need your money in order to bless you ! Abraham was already blessed by God before he ever thought of giving tithes, and so don't let any sakawa prophet, pastor, apostle, bishop, archbishop, or whoever intimidate you by twisting Scriptures to steal your money. The believer should give cheerfully, out of love for the Lord and His work, and not be pressured or threatened or cursed into giving. Our giving could be 10%, 100%, 1000%, 1% or zero %. according to our ability ! The Lord is more interested in our motivation than in the amount we give. Do you remember the widow's mite ? Luke 21:1-4.

What is your motivation for giving money or property to the church ? Is it so that you could be elevated in the church by your pastor ? Is it so that people would know that you are the highest giver in the church ? Is it to support the Lord's work or do you want favours from your pastor or prophet or whatever they call themselves ? Are you under a guilty conscience and do you think giving money to the church would ease the pain ? Did you rob or steal or commit adultery or fornication and expect the pastor to take your money and pray for you ? Remember, the Lord says, " I hate robbery for burnt offering." Isaiah 61:8. He does not delight in "stinking" or blood money ! Alas, many preachers are so greedy for money that they don't even care how you got the money, and would put curses on you instead of blessings.

DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT TITHING ?

Yes, in Matthew 23:23, He acknowledged that tithing was an obligation under the Old Covenant, but even so He taught the Pharisees to show mercy and kindness and faith. Besides, the Old Covenant was still in effect, and Jesus spoke to them as under the Law. The New Covenant was only ratified after His blood was shed on the cross. Jesus did not collect tithes from anyone, though He came to die for all mankind, therefore don't allow any greedy or ignorant pastor, prophet, apostle, bishop or archbishop to bamboozle you into paying tithes.

WARNING TO FALSE PROPHETS AND PASTORS

All over Ghana, churches are springing up everywhere like mushrooms and this is a good thing only if the motivation is right. But the truth is many are in the ministry not because the Lord has called them, but because they want to make easy money from gullible people who don't know the Bible. They love your money more than they love your soul. They are in it for the money; it's all about the money. God has not sent many of them yet they run, giving false prophesies and vain promises to helpless people. Jeremiah 23:21; Ezekiel 13:1-23. The Lord will deliver His people out of their hands, but the people need to be wise, and stop giving their money to greedy wolves in sheep's clothing. These false pastors and prophets need to start their own businesses to make their money, and stop fleecing the people in the name of the Lord for judgment is coming and has come !

BLESSED OR CURSED ?

Finally, if anyone feels they are being blessed for giving tithes, good for them, and they can continue to do so if they like. But if you feel you're under a curse, I can assure you that it is not because you don't pay tithes, but it could be something else. The Lord Jesus became a curse for us so that the blessings of Abraham shall be our portion. Galatians 3:13-14. If there is any sin in your life, confess it before the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Change your ways and do what is pleasing to the Lord and let His blessings follow you.

Brother Amartey

Contact: brotheramartey@gmail.com
May Sailors 12 years ago

Pastor Addai, Why are you so fixated on Amartey's sermon on tithes?

Are you a Christian?

Is the Christianity (you know) all about not paying tithes?

How does not paying tithes help the church to evangelize the worl ...
read full comment

Pastor Addai, Why are you so fixated on Amartey's sermon on tithes?

Are you a Christian?

Is the Christianity (you know) all about not paying tithes?

How does not paying tithes help the church to evangelize the world?
PASTOR ADDAI 12 years ago

How does not paying tithes help the church to evangelize the world?

JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES SPREAD THE WORD FAR AND WIDE WITHOUT TAKING TITHES FROM ANYONE. THE WORD OF GOD WOULD KEP ON BEING PROPAGATED WITHOUT SAKAWA PASTOR ...
read full comment

How does not paying tithes help the church to evangelize the world?

JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES SPREAD THE WORD FAR AND WIDE WITHOUT TAKING TITHES FROM ANYONE. THE WORD OF GOD WOULD KEP ON BEING PROPAGATED WITHOUT SAKAWA PASTORS MANIPULATING THE BIBLE TO ROB TYHE CHILDREN OF GOD.

TALLING PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE DUNDER A CURSE IF THEY DONT POBEY THE LAW OF TITHES IS SINFUL AND MANIPULATIVE. THE BIBLE SAYS THE BLOOD OF CHRIST DESTROYED THE CURSE OF THE LAW. HENCE BOCS OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS NO BOEN AGAIN CHRISTIAN IS UNDER ANY CURSE.

MY FELLOE PASTORS SHOULD STOP TAKING TITHES. IT IS UNBIBLICAL. IT IS SINFUL, IT IS GREEDY AND EXPLOITATIVE.
Asiwome 12 years ago

In this age when the family circle is becoming smaller and smaller, it is important to address the issue of giving. In the Old Testament, provision is made for priests because they did not have land. Jesus addressed the issue ...
read full comment

In this age when the family circle is becoming smaller and smaller, it is important to address the issue of giving. In the Old Testament, provision is made for priests because they did not have land. Jesus addressed the issue of giving several times. He told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor(this story is in all three gospels); he encouraged people to take care of their parents, Mark 7:11; he commended a widow for giving a small gift, Luke 21:2. The apostle Peter was harsh on Ananias and his wife for not giving all that they had. The church like Israel is a family, and all members must be willing to help others in need at all times. This means saving money in the form of tithes in times of plenty. These issues must not be left to church leaders alone.
PASTOR ADDAI 12 years ago

In the Old Testament, provision is made for priests because they did not have land.

THE TITHE WAS FOR THE ORPHASN, THE WIDOWS, THE POOR AND THE LEVITES. PASTORS TODAY ARE NOT LEVITES SO THEY CANNOT TAKE TITHES. THE LEVITES ...
read full comment

In the Old Testament, provision is made for priests because they did not have land.

THE TITHE WAS FOR THE ORPHASN, THE WIDOWS, THE POOR AND THE LEVITES. PASTORS TODAY ARE NOT LEVITES SO THEY CANNOT TAKE TITHES. THE LEVITES DID NOT OWN PROPERTY AND DID NOT HAVE BUSINESSES. PASTORS TODAY OWN PROPERTIES.

and all members must be willing to help others in need at all times.

ASSIST THE CHURCH AND OTHERS THROUGH FREE WILL OFFERING. THAT IS LAWFUL. IT IS FROM YOUR HEART. THE IS NO FIXED AMOUNT. TITHE IS OMLY FOR THE POOR AND LEVITES , NOT PASTORS TODAY. LEVITES WERE FROM THE TIBE OF LEVI. PASTORS ARE NOT LEVITES.

This means saving money in the form of tithes in times of plenty.

THAT IS NOT BIBLICAL. THAT IS NOT THE LAW OF GOD. TITHE WAS ONLY FOR THE POOR AND LEVITES OF THE TRIBE OF LEVI. TITHE WAS NEVER MONEY. TITHE WAS ONLY PASID BY FARMERS AND HERDERS. FISHERMEN DID NOT PAY TIHTES.

PASTORS TAKING TITHES IS A SIN AND UNBIBLICAL.
Joe 12 years ago

So those that do go to church are not sinners??

So those that do go to church are not sinners??
Asiwome 12 years ago

Church is not for sinners. A person must repent of his o her sins in order to become a part of the church. This does not mean that church goes do not sometimes backslide.

Church is not for sinners. A person must repent of his o her sins in order to become a part of the church. This does not mean that church goes do not sometimes backslide.
Dayan 12 years ago

It's because the leaders of today are only interested in money, material wealth and selfishness, and I mean church leaders, calling themselves Doctors, Bishops etc. they do not preach salvation it's prosperity all the way, a ...
read full comment

It's because the leaders of today are only interested in money, material wealth and selfishness, and I mean church leaders, calling themselves Doctors, Bishops etc. they do not preach salvation it's prosperity all the way, asking poor members to give in dollars and pounds, the day of reckoning is near when the Almighy GOD will send them where they belong.
Zoobie-Zoobie 12 years ago

too many fake men of God... corrupt and self-seeking

too many fake men of God... corrupt and self-seeking
ghanaba 12 years ago

pastor addai what is unbiblical is deconfirming what is biblical. tithe is mentioned in the bible so it is biblical. it is the outcome (as far as humanity is in charge). these churches have contributed a lot to our infrastruc ...
read full comment

pastor addai what is unbiblical is deconfirming what is biblical. tithe is mentioned in the bible so it is biblical. it is the outcome (as far as humanity is in charge). these churches have contributed a lot to our infrastructures and we are to give honour where honour is due. out of frustration and our lean thinking, we become that one who has answers and solutions to every human puzzle, and even unto mysteries. jesus has made his church, the lieu or ideal place of rendezvous, between himself as a spirit and his spiritual bride the church. so mr. joe, please, the pastor is talking about the spiritual church goers as there are no spiritual terminologies. after all, prophet isaiah said who has believed our word. if there were to be spiritual terminologies, there would have been transformed into invocations, that is why at the mention of the name jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, that jesus is the Lord. Jesus is unique; for at least he could answer the two simple questions that humanity has never been able to answer. he knew about his birth and his death. ask satan about how he came into being, of course he knows what awaits him in the near future according to the owner of his calendar, but even the date of his final destruction eludes him. to mr, dayan, your argument is not new neither to the bible nor the world outside the bible.(there is a life of righteousness in the bible unto whoever might believe in the gospel of hope) it is a permanent problem to humanity and all for the purpose of his glory, i mean the glory of God, which is established forever. we can never save ourselves. our destructive salvation is ridiculous. we save by destroying others, while waiting for revenge or simple retaliation. since adam had his concocted answer, his generations after him are codedand reduced into copy-right and copy wrong. be strong in the Lord, dear reader, for unveiling our weaknesses by faith, God has promised to make us stronger all for the purpose of the glory of his kingdom. amen. dear pastor addai, mr. joe and mr. dayan, i used your comments as diagonal analysis and never think of any personal attack. let me murmure to myself that to err is human and to forgive is divine.

Nicholas J Bedzo 12 years ago

ls now a pride to Christians that they
belong to this church but not doing the work expected from them.Evangelisym is the main works, go
and spread the words to the people.

ls now a pride to Christians that they
belong to this church but not doing the work expected from them.Evangelisym is the main works, go
and spread the words to the people.
Bro Godwin Aniteye 12 years ago

The average Ghanaian practices Judaism unconsciously; in that he doesn't want to let go his traditions,customs and culture but practices Christianity along with them. The church needs spirit filled and matured Sunday school ...
read full comment

The average Ghanaian practices Judaism unconsciously; in that he doesn't want to let go his traditions,customs and culture but practices Christianity along with them. The church needs spirit filled and matured Sunday school teachers to set them free from their bondage.Galatians 5:1
(2)In God's eternal plan,His destination is the New Jerusalem where the saints will reign with Jesus during His millennial ministry, so we must gather souls for that purpose. If we don't move God will not move(Mark 16:15 and our punishment will be 1000 years imprisonment in total darkness.Mathew 8:12,Revelation 20:5
Lord Jesus have mercy.
visit www.pclm1.blogspot.com
Asiwome 12 years ago

.

.
Asiwome 12 years ago

We must not split the message of the Bible. The apostles in the New Testament made reference to the Law of God when they preached. It is important to revise the message when we evangelize. Make the churches places of educati ...
read full comment

We must not split the message of the Bible. The apostles in the New Testament made reference to the Law of God when they preached. It is important to revise the message when we evangelize. Make the churches places of education as Jesus did and leave them open.
Nana Yaw 12 years ago

Indeed, all orginised religion are false, the Abrahamic religions are also fraud!

Indeed, all orginised religion are false, the Abrahamic religions are also fraud!
kululu 12 years ago

When salt loses its taste, it no longer holds value. unless xtians polish their lifestyle to reflect Christ, they had better convert their sunday gathering to a credit union meeting than later.

When salt loses its taste, it no longer holds value. unless xtians polish their lifestyle to reflect Christ, they had better convert their sunday gathering to a credit union meeting than later.
Nana Egyir Aggrey 12 years ago

Do we really have Christians in Ghana?I don't think so;-what we have in Ghana is not Christianity,-it is Churchianity or church goers.You have preacher men in the country who are worse than Judas,some judges who call themselv ...
read full comment

Do we really have Christians in Ghana?I don't think so;-what we have in Ghana is not Christianity,-it is Churchianity or church goers.You have preacher men in the country who are worse than Judas,some judges who call themselves christians are satan incarnate.How do you visit the shrines and preach about Christ.I am not being judgemental papa Bishop;-but there are criminals in your church who are public servants and politicians who steal from the people and donate some of the stolen money to your church as bribe.Tell your members that Ghana will be a better place if they stop stealing and show compassion and 'LOVE'which is the greatest religion.'Religion is for the people who are afraid of going to hell.Spirituality is for those who have already been there.-A qoutation by Vine Delolia-Sioux-Nana Egyir Aggrey Snr citizen
akos 12 years ago

GO OUT AND PREACH THE GOSPEL FOR WHOEVER HAS EAR LET THEM HEAR

GO OUT AND PREACH THE GOSPEL FOR WHOEVER HAS EAR LET THEM HEAR

18 Comments

Welcome,

SIGN IN

Welcome,

RESET PASSWORD

Hello,

Terms and conditions

REGISTER

Christianity is now a religion of convenience - Bishop

Read Comments .st0{display:none;fill:#14BDD3;} .st1{display:none;} .st2{display:inline;fill:#FC0F0F;} .st3{display:inline;fill:#FFFFFF;} .st4{display:inline;fill:none;stroke:#000000;stroke-width:6;stroke-miterlimit:10;} Comments (18)

Read Comments Comments (18)