What would Jesus Really do?

Question

If Jesus were here today I dont believe that he would be rich like the pastors that we see in our Mega-Churches and on Tv. Why is it that these churches feel like a pyramid scheme? By the way, I am a Christian as in I believe in God and what the Bible says. But I do have a problem with organized religion. Do you think it is wrong for these pastors to prey on the poor ,who have barely any money, by telling them that if they tithe God will bless them. Come on, these guys are RICH. When Jesus walked the earth he did not have a mansion. He did not charge for his sermon. I just dont agree with it. I feel like many of our churches are becoming corrupt. A tithe is good if its put into the right hands, to assist the poor, or less fortunate. If put into the wrong hands it is nothing more than a pyramid scheme. I know I may be bashed for this but I just see it with my own eyes. What do other Christians think, am I wrong for feeling this way?

waterloo said......
you're getting stumbled because you focus to the people around you.. why don't you set your eyes on Jesus alone.. that's all that matters anyway..

My response......
How can a woman like myself, who believes in God, rightly give my money to a church that is not doing the works of God. Why would I put my money into the devils hands to feed his greed? My money is for God.
My eyes are on Jesus to bad I cant hand my money straight to him too.

Sleek said......................
He'd tell you to focus your faith on Him like He told Peter when Peter saw Jesus do the impossible amongst insurmountable odds. You don't like what waterloo said but it is true. You have to have the right SPIRIT. The flesh is almost always wrong without fail. Peace, sister. I'm a Christian, too.
(Give your 10th and let God distribute it. It's a TRUST thing.)

my reply..........
So I should just give my tenth even though I know its not goingto the right place? How about I give my tenth to people that I know are in need. I mean, does it matter? Or did God say that I have to give it to a pastor?

Answer 1

I was Catholic..not any longer..just kinda floating good person..or trying to be:) The money/church thing is just another reason organized religion should be banned..think about all the Non-profit organizations...they really are not all NON profit..they pay salaries..some huge ones...just like the TV evangalists.......Its just a easy way to dupe people into giving more and more....the promise of puffy white clouds and heavenly delights is especially appealing to the elderly living on tight budgets...but their end is much nearer and they feel they are investing in their afterllife....ITS SO SAD>>>

Answer 2

He'd tell you to focus your faith on Him like He told Peter when Peter saw Jesus do the impossible amongst insurmountable odds. You don't like what waterloo said but it is true. You have to have the right SPIRIT. The flesh is almost always wrong without fail. Peace, sister. I'm a Christian, too.
(Give your 10th and let God distribute it. It's a TRUST thing.)

Answer 3

I think a lot of Christians feel like you do, that being said... I don't deny a pastor or church worker the right to earn a living. I do agree that the more money you have, the harder it seems to live without the money controlling you. But, even some of these church's use their financial resources to help the poor and afflicted, and I do believe God blesses some with money so that they will be obedient with their finances to God's desires.

Answer 4

I agree you 100%, the way the churches are today and if a person is poor they shouldn't expect them to give, and I believe the Jesus will bless them even if they don't have anything to give...If they have a willing heart and they give that to Jesus, then Jesus will except them with open arms and Bless them with His Love..I teach my grandkids at a Baptist church, beings they have no other church they go to and they really don't get taught anywhere else, if it wasn't for the kids I wouldn't go to the church..It seems like alot of them are out just for the money and by the looks of their homes as well as the cars they don't seem to be hurting any...You know what just came ot me? The chapter in the Bible, where Jesus came into the temple, and cast them all out and overthrew the tables of money-changers..Then He said My house shall be called the house of prayer..Matthew 21:12-13..I can see Him do that..You think you will be bashed for this one huh? will I won't bash you could I see it as well, and am sure many others sees it too..God Bless

Answer 5

The church needs money. The cost of the pedophile priest victims law suits are skyrocketing. And the new evangelistic techniques pioneered by Ted Haggard are also very expensive. Financing the male hookers, the meth, the high end silicone base lube, the million dollars houses etc... All that costs an arm and a leg. So keep the money flowing, donate, tithe, give, just keep it flowing.

Answer 6

It is more of a blessing to give than to receive.
Give to those in need and give to those who are working to give to you. Just because a church is wealthy doesn't necessarily mean they are ripping people off. It's not an obligation.It is a privilage and it all comes back to you if it is given in the right spirit. Jesus didn't only minister to the poor. He was class-less and so should we be.
Some wealthy people are poorer in spirit than the poor. It's not about money anyway, it's about being a blessing to everyone God puts in your life. I don't think you should give to a church if you have proof that they are using the money for bad purposes, but where is your proof and why don't you go to them and talk to them about it?

Answer 7

No I think you have a valid point. But to be truly honest with you tithing was originally done under OT law...when Abraham initiated the "first fruits offering" unto the LORD. He tithe to the High Priest Melchizedek one tenth of his first fruits harvested.

But when Jesus came on the scene he came to fulfill the law by the grace of God. And our pattern of giving was now to be done in a more excellent way. By sowing and reaping, and giving as the LORD prospers us to give willingly, and as unto the LORD., not unto men.

There's a lot of erroneous teachings about tithing and many spiritual leaders have corrupted their congregations by putting them back into bondage according to the law of tithing as written in the Book of Malachi.

It's sad that these practices are continuing today in many mega churches and the pastors are still pimping the church and the Lord's gospel for filthy lucre sake and with mammon or (money).

We must continue to pray that the LORD corrects this heresy in His body, and pray that the congregations seek renewal of their minds and deliverance through the WORD of GOD!

Peace,

Hope

Answer 8

I've heard this before..but what exactly is unorganized religion.....i can't ever figure out.
God is very "organized" therefore anything having to do with the sovereign God of the universe must be organized also.
Personally, I hate anything that is done without planning and thought.
I also don't get the thing about money. Money is not evil.
Its the Love of money that is evil. Money is necessary and everyone thinks so, otherwise we wouldn't be working so hard to get it!

Answer 9

Organised religion is mega business. No one is bothered with spiritual upliftment. It is not only the churches but the temples/gurudwaras in India are also making money and so called servants of God are fighting for the control of them--not because they are truly worried about religion but to make money for themselves.

In this day and age of materialism, money is the reigning God. I shun the religious places because of it. I remember my God at my home anytime and everytime. And, for the Christ, he will be crucified again if he comes down.

Answer 10

NO your not wrong your seeing the start of the great apostasy our Lord is not happy and he is sending judgement to the house of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 (King James Version)

2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

1 Peter 4:17(KJV)
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?