Grassley could influence the Finance committee to consider legislation requiring 990 reporting from churches and should he do so advocates of church-state separation should scream "NO!" It is none of the government's business to collect such information on houses of worship.
But the issue is different when you look at the industrialization of the church in post-modern America. Why should a non-profit ministry set up for the purpose of publishing books, tapes, educational materials or televising the preaching of a church pastor be exempt from such reporting? Many of the kinds of abuses Sen. Grassley is reviewing would be avoided if such were the case.
It would also eliminate the deception of the tap dance done by Baptist denominational leaders to avoid making public the levels of compensation of leaders of their ministries and agencies that are not specifically houses of worship. Shareholders of Coca-Cola can read the salary of its CEO. So should members of denominations.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
McSwain Explains Implications of Grassley Investigation
Ethics Daily has published an essay by McAfee School of Theology ethicist Larry McSwain that underscores the significance and explains some of the implications of Charles Grassley's investigation into the finances of megachurch ministries. Here's a quote:
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I whole heartedly support Form 990 reporting from all 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. That does not adversely affect separation of church and state in the least.
If the misdeeds of the churches requires keeping them secret from the public, then they can forego their tax-exempt status.
Do you recall some passage about "lovers of darkness"?
I think it is High Time that men of God STAND UP and speak the truth in love in response to what the Bible says about proper Christian conduct and how a Man of God should be an example to the Church and the unbeliever.First of all I believe the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,That Jesus was born of a Virgin,That Jesus died on the cross of Calvary to provide redemption from sin,and that Jesus rose on the 3rd. day.And I also believe that Jesus Christ is THE ONLY WAY in which a man can find Salvation and eternal life and apart from faith in Jesus Christ men will be judged by God who is Holy to an eternity in Hell for their wickedness and sin.I also believe what the Lord said in
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Only those who are Born Again will be saved form God's wrath and eternal torment in hell.
Secondly the Bible clearly states that we are to consider all things by the Word of God so that we know how the Man of God should conduct himself.And the word of God says in 2 Timothy 2:15:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And the word of truth is what we are to use to conduct our lifes.And if one studies God word they will find In 2nd Timothy 3:16-17: it states
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Gods word is profitable for many wonderful things and here in particular 4 Things.
1-For doctrine 2-For reproof 3-For correction
4-For instruction in righteousness
And these 4 Things are provided by God to us for a reason because without sound doctrine,without reproof,without correction and without instruction in rightousness
Then v:17 would not be correct which says:
17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
So when some suggest that someone is judging by agreeing with what Senator Grassley is bringing out in the open about these Pastors lifestyles.
It has been reported in the US press that some of these 6 ministries Pastors under public scrunity who are Benny Hinn,Keneth Copeland,Crefflo Dollar Joyce Myers and others, that they fly in Cessana Jets,drive Rolls Royces and Bentley Convertables,live in Mansions worth from 2 Million Dollars up to 10 Million Dollars,stay in Presidentalial Suites for a sum of one Thousand Dollars up to Ten Thousand Dollars a night and have a Salary of $500,000 up to 1 Million, or 2 Million US Dollars .One of these 6 Pastors when asked on CNN IF THEY BELIEVED JESUS WOULD AGREE TO THEM HAVING A ROLLS ROYCE? HE SAID "YES Jesus would agree"
So when we look at what is taking place with Senator Grassley,s requested inquiry on ministries such as the above and in light of the scandal at Oral Roberts University where as even the President Richard Roberts resigned a couple of weeks back after his accountant informed the world that he was instructed to "cook the books" by Richard Roberts himself and the accountant was Fired.
And when you take into account that these 6 ministries teach false teachings that I Quote..
"We are all little gods" and that we have the power to create through our words,and the Properity Gospel.
Now if anyone agrees with what these above Word of Faith preachers teach,then let me ask you 3 questions.
#-1- Are you a little god?
#-2-Do you have the power to create by the words you speak?
#-3- Are you the Creator?
If you honestly answer no to any of these questions then I sincerely suggest that you check out the teachings of the above Word of Faith teachers because that is exactly what they teach.Check it out for yourself because that is not what the bible teaches at all.
Now perhaps one is being judgemental if you think that Doctrine Reproof,Correction and Instruction in Rightousness is not an appropiate measure to be guided by not only in these 6 Pastors ministries but in any Christian ministries.
And let me ask have you really dug into what The Word of Faith Movement teaches?I suggest that any one reading this finds out and become aware of what these ministries teach.The choice is yours.
It's about time that MEN OF GOD STAND UP and speak the word of truth in love and through Gods Word find Doctrine and Reproof false teachers and bring Correction so that people are not mislead and bring Instruction in righteousness so that people wiil be aware of what is happening.
I am an ordained Pentecostal minister in Regent Park -St. Jamestown Toronto.And I have a duty as a watchman of the church God has called me to lead.Here are some scriptures to that warn us of the very things we are talking about.
2nd.Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2: And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3: And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
1 Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1rst Timothy 6:3-11 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4: He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1rst Peter 5:2: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
If anyone would like to discuss what My views are on any of the above statements or on the bible in general,please feel free to respond to this email... Pastor Mike Grady info@mgrady.net
On The Grassley 6
In Canada the whole issue brought forth by the GRassley 6, which is one of integrity and not creating the appearance of evil, has basically not been taken. I wonder if the very Secular Canadian Media will only pay attention when and if, one-or-more are sent to prison.
Personally, I too want to believe their innocents. Yet, my research has brought up some very scary teaching in their movement. There is definitly an apperance of evil. That does not take a special investigator to determine and I do realize the over all complexity of the situation.
However, in my mind, maybe not yours, I can not help but think about THE USA's overwhelming response to the evil done by a Muslim monster who hijacked planes and crashed them killing innocent people on September 11. I remember that day, as all who were around to watch it on CNN would.
I think of the great first Emporer of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlamagne, who forces priest to give free education to all, and demanded that the church maintain a level of holiness. I wonder how this ancient king would handle the Grassley 6?
Personally, I have come to believe that these Grassley 6 have done something remarkable in our time. Just like I think Bin Laden did something remarkly evil in our time. The Grassley 6 like Bin Laden have managed to hijack the faith of their chosing to meet personal gains and ends.
In Canada we have the MelinChucks (spelling may be wrong for the name so forgive me) who have done the same thing. I as a pastor, have watched the results of these prosperity gospel mongrols and their followers. Perhaps, you have too, they worship them, not even wanting to question them. The reason, fear!
They fear them because they claim to be the LORDS ANNOINTED! I remember one day not many months ago, I was on a TTC bus in TORONTO, and was talking to a friend of mine about the very issues we are discussing here. Muslim, Hindu, who knows what else in a position to hear.
I made a blatant comment about Mohummed being evil and a false prophet. The Muslims which out numbered me, said nothing and ignored it. Yet, when I made a comment of concern about the Benni Hinn Ministry to my friend, a Hinn worshiper verbally assulted me. Telling me that by attacking Benni Hinn I would bring the very rath of GOD down onto me.
After about a minute or two of her "do not tuch the LORDS ANNOINTED" poorly understood theology, my friend speaks up saying, "you know he's not attacking Benni Hinn only telling me what people are saying, he too is a pastors". That same woman shrank back perhaps the very thought of attacking another of the LRODS ANNOINTED (Me being a pastor) scared her silly.
She shrank back, and we continued on with our night. What this tells me is how much power the Grassley 6 have. I know another woman who has litterally destroyed her family, finances, all in the dream of being Joyce Meyers or the next Benni Hinn. Tell me how is this GOD?
I am honestly concerned about the overwhelming reality these Grassley 6 represent. A Christianity that is now above accountability and can no longer be challenged on the basis of being the "LORDS ANNOINTED". It means that people like Benni Hinn are as dangerous as that of Binn Laden. Thank GOD on high that the Grassley 6 are more benevolent that the alternative example given.
You may rightly ask me why? Well, the answer is plain to me...I would rather someone be out for my grandmothers well intended money than her life. NOt that I am suggesting that the Grassley 6 are innocent or guilty, that only time can tell. However, if they are guilty, their crime is far less evil than that of Mohammed's follwers.
The Grassley 6, need to play the humble card. You see the world is watching and many souls are following them. My advice to the '6' give Grassley your finances, make the changes that are required, admit any wrong he suggests and repent. Following this move on with your life and hopefully, your ministry will stand the test and trial before it. By the way, count it a pleasure that you've been counted worthy by GOD TO be corrected, rebuked, tested, and persecuted because GOD only punishes those he loves...and if GOD loves you BENNI, he will correct you, or did you forget that lesson from your bible college and theology training - wait many of the Grassley 6 admit to not being trained, so I would aslo suggest training, but not at ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY!
Blessings, Pastor Joseph Vaillancourt
Toronto ONTARIO
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