2 Corinthians 2:17 (NKJV) "For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ."
1 Peter 5:1-4 (NKJV) "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,
not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."
This pastor was able to transfer church funds into his personal account, fraudulently take money from congregants that was meant for the church, but used it in his real estate business, and personal use.
He lied to his congregation and he stole from the very people entrusted into his care.
In his Bible study, he talked about the “anointing.”
The use of the word “anointing," always draws the gullible to do things that the Bible doesn’t say.
Did you know that in the NT (NKJV), the word “anoint” and “anointing” is only mentioned 17 times?
Proverbs 14:15 is there for a reason.
"The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps."
The last thing I need is any trouble with the Lord and the authorities.
This was in 2023.
Sadly, this is what happens when you don't do your due diligence when it comes to church finances.
Years ago, when I was a young believer in the Lord in Zion Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, led by the late Reverend Dr. Benjamin James Lowry.
According to the church's Bylaws, Zion would meet twice a year and the financial report would be read.
The report was prepared by each auxiliary group and accepted into the church record. The church trustees would also be prepared to give the balance in the general fund account. All the expenditures would be available if anyone requested that report.
The purpose was so that people would be confident in knowing how much money was received and what it was spent on.
The members would be present and of course, if any member weren't present, we all knew how news gets around. People would communicate the specifics of the meeting.
During the pastor's tenure, and afterwards, there was never a question about the church's finances.
Unfortunately, in this and other local churches, people don't know what's going on with the finances. What's gross is that pastor took advantage of the unsuspecting.
How?
2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV) "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words..."
He took advantage of the hearers that probably never questioned him. He felt safe that if they were to ask him, he would calm their fears. The church has become one of the easiest places to exploit people.
This pastor also took church money to repair his house and now, he will be spending 5 years in the house of the criminal. But even worse, if he fails to repent and place faith on the Lord Jesus, he will face the Lord in judgment (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Today, there's no excuse. It's very easy to email a report and if anyone wants a report, it only takes a few moments to answer the question.
More importantly, true pastors avoid the gimmicks.
We don't need to engage in gimmicks to get money.
And if people would just exercise scrutiny, be skeptical, examine, and investigate, a lot of people would be confident in giving and less people would be exploited.
Never drop your guard in church.
In God we trust. All others are expected to be held to account.
Besides.
You don't have to give if you don't want to or you can't for whatever reason (see 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9).
Please read the link provided here.
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