₦airaland Forum

Pastor TT Edun of Christ Embassy Asaba visited the Abuja zonal church today, and as part of his sermon on Your Seed and You, he said "your tithe is not part of your seed as it is not yours in the first place. You pay your tithe. Your seeds are other givings you do".

I find this to be a pervasion and pity those who pay or give tithe. I consider it a real sacrifice but the pastor apparently doesn't see it so. At the programmed he told church members to give their best cars, land and a thousand dollars for God to bless them. People did.

I was just laughing cos I know the game. The man didn't sound convincing. I really pitied the church members today, many of whom just paid their first fruits in Januar, paid Tithes and offerings consistetly, given for the zonal pastor's bithday. And now this: they must give their best cars, choiced land and thousands of dollars to be reckoned with by God! Christ Embassy is becoming a joke. Scam upon scam! Lol!!!!

Emyogalanya:
Op has one simple problem "c[/color]omprehension" within the context of this sermon i've a solution though: go back to school

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The import of the message is that the saved man, Christian, does not need Jesus Christ. That Christ is not the mediator btw the saved man, Christian and God. He said it clearly that Christians don't need a mediator since we are bonafide offspring. I wonder in whose name we pray. Even as Christians we pray in the name of Jesus Christ who's the mediator btw us and God.

You’re The Way .
Tuesday, May 19th .
Pastor Chris
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:21).
It’s important to understand what Jesus meant when He said, “...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Jesus isn’t the Christian’s way to the Father. In fact, a Christian isn’t on the way to the Father; he doesn’t need that. The sinners need “the way” to the Father, and Jesus is that way. When you were born again, you were born in God’s presence. Jesus was the way through which you were brought into God’s presence. You’re there now; you don’t need the way anymore. You’re now to show others the way!
Understand this: Jesus came as man’s intermediary, as a mediator between God and human beings. That’s why He brought salvation, and now that He’s brought salvation, and we’ve received that salvation, we’re now the bona fide offsprings of God; we don’t need a mediator anymore! However, the world, the non-Christians, need a mediator, and that’s why we’ve been given the ministry of reconciliation, to lead them to Christ. Therefore, we’re now the mediators, working together with the Lord to bring men into salvation.
Never become oblivious of what the Lord has made you. As you preach the Gospel, and reconcile people to Christ, you’re fulfilling your ministry, as a saviour from Zion. Remember, He said, “...saviours shall come upon mount Zion...” (Obadiah 1:21); not “a Saviour,” which would have meant the Lord Himself; but “saviours,” referring to you and me. He saved us to save others. As the Father sent Jesus, so has Jesus sent us to lead men to righteousness. Live for this cause.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for calling me into the glorious ministry of reconciliation. You’ve made me a saviour from Zion, and I experience the demonstration of the character of your Spirit as I bring others into the Way, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: Obadiah 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s. ;
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 8:48-59,
2 Kings 1-3
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 11:12-26,
Numbers 22

The post-election crisis rocking the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) reached a crescendo Tuesday evening when the party’s National Chairman Adamu Muazu was literally bundled out of a meeting meant for State Governors, the Nigerian Times was reliably told.

Muazu who was an uninvited guest at the Akwa Ibom State Lodge, Asokoro Abuja venue of the PDP governors’ meeting was shocked when some of the governors began to charge at him accusing him of betraying the party at the just concluded presidential elections.

Nigerian Times also learnt that the angry governors led by a governor from the South-West and another from the South-South began to scream at him: “what are you doing here after you have betrayed us? Leave here now!”

The bewildered party chairman while making attempt to appeal to the governors’ for understanding was pushed out by the two governors who were too angry to pay him any attention.

Stories have been making the round that there are plans by members of the party’s leadership to remove Muazu from his position if he fails to resign voluntarily after leading the party to a woeful outing in the just concluded elections.

It is however not clear what will be the next line of action of the governors, National Working committee, Board of Trustees and even the embattled chairman but pundits believe that Muazu’s days as chairman is numbered.

Recall that he became chairman after such feeling of incompetence greeted his predecessor Bamanga Tukur who was later removed in an inglorious manner.

http://nigeriantimes.ng/news/exclusive-adamu-muazu-bundled-out-of-pdp-governors-meeting/

JESUS

I hav been off Nairaland for a while, I run my own firm and so do not have the luxury of chatting endlessly. So I ahve missed some issues arising from my earlier posts.

Let me deal with a few here.

I am a member of Christ Embassy based in Abuja and until a few years ago was like Gombs, who would defend any negative issue about the church and pastor even if it is the truth. After a while, I became disillusioned with the church especially with their penchant for giving targets and making money (''giving'') the centre of their worship. For instance, if a pastor meets a member of another branch of the church and wants to find out about his level of commitment and growth, he would normally ask that branch pastor, about the level of giving of that brother or sister. I thought this was petty and unchristianly, that the focus of the gospel has been reduced to how much one is giving or able to give. So if I give big but a fraudster it is ok with the church as far i am not caught! In fact, i would likely win awards at the yearly prize-giving day with Pst Chris. I believe this ungodly and has led many brethren to commit attrocious acst all in the name of giving.

My wife made this obvious to me when she spent money I gave her to keep for me on a pastor's birthday (Hundreds of thousands). I was furious but forgave her. But it made me to wonder the kind of message that was taught her which made her to spend what didnt belong to her. It is the ungodly message of giving, giving and giving and more giving. That is the lifestyle my wife has chosen, in spite my warning. Today after five years of working and being paid salary, she does not have one kobo to her name. Instead she is owing banks, owing coperatives and depend on me for everything. Sometimes, i tease he about her harvest and why she is broke in spite of all the promises Oyaks makes to those who give until they are broke. Apart from the money she took from me (stole is really a better word), on another pastor's birthday, she collected a loan to give in order to meet her target. How can this be godly? Meanwhile she has relatives who are in need of help, a father who is sick etc.

Thats one area i disagreed with the church. Money is not the central message of Christ and to be poor is not a sin as it is often preached in CE.

Another area is making Oyaks the orthodoxy of the church. No testimony or service is complete without the mention of Pst Chris. How he said this or that. I believe it is wrong, that we should focus on Christ, like Christ directed all praise to his father. In CE, Pst Chris is the orthodoxy. It doesnt matter what the bible says, what matters is the spin giving by Oyaks. E.g The Lords Prayers is not for Christians of today etc.

Also before the controversy btw Pst Chris and his wife happened, I knew something was not right. But members (Joeagbaje, Gombs and co) defended him furiously. I recall Joeagbaje saying there was no issue there as the man used to sneak out now and then to be with his wife. It was all lies. The burble burst when the woman said Oyaks had shirked his marital duties for years and had inappropriate relationships with the single femal pastrors that often hang around him. Imagine if somebody was bold enough to intervene early enough and called a spade a spade. It would probably have saved the marriage. But no one dares question Pst Chris. So if he teaches a gospel that is not of Christ, they would only say it is a new revelation.

In spite of that, I think Pst Chris is a gifted preacher, that is if you are able to sieve the wheat from the shaft of his message. The church is also good at motivating and inspiring one to suucess.

On the PHD issue, there should not be any controversy here. It should be as simple as abc --mentioning the school, and time he receieved the degree. And if members do not know, there is nothing wrong in saying so. Attacking the personality of the person that asked the question is a fallacy, we laernt that in Philosophy 101. Pst Chris doesnt require a PhD to be a gifted preacher and to be respected. Members idolised him before he showed up with one. But since he claims to have earned one, where did he get it from? Thank you and God bless you all, including Gombs et al who insulted me.

There are actually some Nigerians who cant think, cant read the bible and are slaves to the doctrine of a church. May God help us.

I really didnt want this to become controversial, just wanted a quick answer to a question I have pondered for a while. But apparently there is no easy answer. Gombs is now talking of his right to privacy and all that. It is not as he has been accused of something bad and he rquires to keep his mouth shut. I mean he claims to have a PhD and the simple question is where did he get that from?

If my class teacher just shows up one day with a PHD by the side of his name, it is normal to wantto know where he got it from. And if the teacher has nothing to hide, he should be glad to tell the students. Nothing controversial, except he has something to hide. Lol

Gombs, I suggest you travel overseas. Go to Europe and see how churches are run, outside the charismatic set-up that is. Even orthodox churches in Nigeria are better run. They make public thier financial dealings. Among charismatics, it is a one man show. Every thing goes to the HQ while other churches are starved of funds. They in turn put pressure on their brethren for funds. Reason why you rarely find a CE church that owns its own buildings.

There is nothing bad if the church makes public how much it receives and how it is spent. They give targets upon targets but you rarely know how much it receieves and how the money is spent. This is very wrong, very wrong.

As for me, I do not trust the church leadership in Lagos, especially with the allegation of infidelity and corruption. So I have decided not to give a kobo to the HQ. I support my local church. I partner with my local church, but not a dime goes to the Chris gang.

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Gombs:
Excuse me!

Example of what the church is secretive about?. You want them to publish statement of account, announce donors or what?

As for his degree being 'secretive', I believe he ha a right to privacy as enshrined in the constitution, h has no obligations whatsoever to announce to you his graduation or academic prowesses.

And yeah, you are a church member, nice meeting you.

I am shocked you actually said this. Shocked. So the church does not have an obligation to members who donate to it! This is a slave mentality. After a while, the slave gets use to his obnoxious environment and actually defend his masters. May God help Nigerian christians if such mentality is prevalent.

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WinsomeX:
Atleast now we know where Oyakhilome got his "PHD" from.

Marchman, how come you are a member of CE and open this kind of thread?

Too many reasons. The church is too secretive and not accountable in the least. Such info should be a common knowledge, but lai lai.

To ask question is perceived as sin. Oyakhilome, not the bible, is the orthodoxy. Sad.

Everyone including most Pastors want to be called with bogus titles. I came across the article below highlighting how some pastors go to any length to earn or perhaps buy a 'doctorate degree' to flaunt it in the face of their church members.
Why do some people including pastors who are not specialized in a particular field, go about with such doctorate degrees?[i][/i]


I believe phony doctorates are a moral scandal in the church today. Many ministers are deliberately misrepresenting their academic qualifications with fake degrees.

There are two sources for these illegitimate titles: honorary doctorates and diploma mills. Honorary doctorates may be a nice gesture toward a respected person (as well as a good way to get donations), but these gestures are abused when recipients subsequently call themselves "Dr.", implying they have done the necessary academic work to receive such a title and that the quality of such work was verified by authorities in that field.

Oral Roberts University has been especially liberal in handing out honorary doctorates throughout the charismatic world and many recipients use the title as though it were an earned one.
Honorary doctorates have been given to such esteemed recipients as Kermit the Frog, whose "doctorate" was bestowed upon him by Southampton College in New York. "Dr." Kermit delivered the commencement address, passing along the bit of swamp-wisdom
Kermit has the very same academic qualifications as many notables in the church, including the late "Dr." Jerry Falwell, whose formal education after high school was limited to an undergraduate degree at an unaccredited Bible College.

One can be a very good pastor or evangelist without having a doctorate. I am not demeaning those who do not have such a degree, nor am I trying to imply that self-education is invalid. Still, "Dr." is supposed to mean something commonly understood.
I consider it unethical to treat an honorary title as though it were a legitimate one. If someone is given a "key to the city," they are not thereby authorized to enter any building they choose whenever they want. Honorary doctorates do not qualify recipients to work in the field designated on the diploma. No one wants an honorary doctor to perform heart surgery on them. Diploma mills, the other source of phony degrees, usually have small campuses but impressive websites.

They always lack respectable accreditation. Legitimate seminaries maintain rigid standards for awarding a doctoral degree and these standards are confirmed by respected accrediting agencies. These agencies are private corporations even though they are responsible to government agencies themselves. The government does not dictate what courses should be taught in a properly accredited seminary.

The diploma mill typically awards its degrees to people who complete a token of easy coursework (one diploma mill reportedly hands out "doctorates" in exchange for the reading of one book and the payment of $600). The mill's overhead is minimal as those who run it do not have to maintain the kind of facilities or qualified staff real schools do. They consequently charge the "student" a small fee for their "course work."
There are phony accrediting agencies that these unethical organizations use, so a "schools" "accreditation" may be as phony as their degrees. There are many diploma mills churning out degrees to undeserving ministers in a practice Christian author Steve Levicoff has referred to as "name it and frame it."

"Dr. Dino," (Kent Hovind), spoke in many churches, always calling himself "Dr.," though his formal education past high school consisted of an undergraduate degree from an unaccredited Bible College, and a "doctorate" from a diploma mill run out of the modest home of a man named Lonnie Skinner. Since awarding Hovind's "doctorate," Skinner has named his business "Patriot Bible University," and relocated to a small but separate building. Unfortunately for Hovind, he used similar ethics in paying his taxes and is now in prison for tax evasion.

One, prominent diploma mill for ministers is "Friends International Christian University." This "school" awards doctorates to candidates who, after completing very minimal prerequisites, finish eight, easy correspondence classes. A diligent high school graduate can have his or her "doctorate" in less than a year.

The average, real, earned doctorate takes over eight years to obtain after earning a bachelors and then a master's degree. Doctorates from Friends International Christian University have been awarded to ministers such as "Dr." Fred Price, "Dr." T. D. Jakes, "Dr." Ron Kenoly, and "Dr." Stephen Wiley.

Perhaps no diploma mill has been more successful than "Life Christian University," which consists of a group of people with mostly phony degrees who have awarded "doctorates" to dignitaries such as “Dr.” Rodney Howard-Browne, “Dr.” Joyce Meyer, “Dr.” Kenneth Copeland, “Dr.” Norvel Hayes, “Dr.” Kevin McNulty, "Dr. Billye Brim, and “Dr.” Benny Hinn. Whether these "doctorates" are "earned" or honorary is not clear -- though the difference would be little more than a technicality.

Some diploma mills for ministers make no pretense to legitimacy. American Fellowship Church sells an honorary "Doctorate of Divinity degree" for $50. The Universal Life Church offers a free "Doctorate of Divinity degree" for anyone who receives their rubber-stamp ordination. "Cambridge Theological Seminary," also offers "free" doctorates" but if one wishes to have an actual diploma, fees will be assessed, including ones for "transcripted application," “permanent records," and “state-approved institutional registration." This mill casts aspersions on competing mills and titillates potential clients with the promise of the added prestige one will have using their phony title:

The above quote from this "seminary" website appeals to the apparent motive behind the purchase of fake degrees -- the desire to have an undeserved air of academic respectability. Labeling oneself with a phony doctorate is dishonest. I am convinced that deceiving the church about one's academic credentials in this way is a form of lying to the Holy Spirit.
Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?" (Acts 5:3 NASB)
Ananias had "exaggerated" about the percentage of his income he had given, and this deception was less serious than that of most modern, academic, "exaggeration."
"...These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless." (Revelation 14:4-5 NASB).

by David Kowalski
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/2794-name-it-and-frame-it-phony-doctorates-in-the-church

I have checked carefully and could not find any evidence that Pst Chris attended ORal Roberts University. If he did and graduated with a PhD, this a reason for celebrations. To earn a PhD is a big deal. More so that you are already using it. But so far no proof that he attended. I am a member of Christ Embassy and nobody i know, not even pastors are aware. of.

Oral roberts University? That's good to know. Would check if his name is on the website. It is also strange that mention of this was made up till sometime last year when he started showing up with a PHD. Would check.

You mean there's no one that knows? This is really interesting. Why should I ask Google or send a question to the Ce websit? What's secretive about a degree? Adeboye's academic records are public knowledge. Same for Oyedepo. The PhD doesn't even validate Pat Chris for he's a gifted preache. But where and when did he get the damn degree from? Its not out of place to scrutinise our religious leaders. Its in fact godly to probe them. If he had claimed to be a doctor I wouldn't have mins d cos it could be honorary doctorate degree but a PhD is a different matte. So where did he get it from?

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jascon1:
[color=#006600]Anybody can wake up n be anything in this country. If u look well well it could be fake, or forge. But no be my mouth u go take hear say e don take when I don day ask this question way u day ask so

I really wish to know bc getting a PHD is not a piece of cake. It takes real hard work and intellectual rigour. In Nigeria it could take up to ten years. If a man who is not a pastor just shows up claiming to be a PHD we will really scrutinize him but pastors get easy pass. I also know that there are degree mills, that will dash you a professorship for the right amount. Similarly unrecognised theology colleges dash out ''PHDs" as if it is running out of fashion. So where exactly did he get his?

CC Gombs, Joagbaje, Pastorkun, Winsomex et al

Do you mean University of Benin? When did he get it and in which area of study?

This is not to generate unnecccessary controversies. But the Pastor just showed up with a PhD by the side of his name with no one being aware that he was he even pursuing an academic degree. A Phd suggests he went to a university and EARNED a degree, not just an honorary doctorate degree that is cheap and plenty in Nigeria. Since Pst Chris is a public figure it is not out of place to ask where and when he got that degree. There should be no controversy here. A degree should be a public record. We basically know a lot about our political leaders but for religious leaders they seem to hide a lot about themselves. This should not be the case.

When did Pastor Chris get his degree? Which institution awarded it and in which area of study? CE members should please answer these questions without insulting or cursing anyone. These are clear enough questions that dont even require biblical verses to answer. God bless you!

[quote author=Gombs post=31983949]Vice Presidential candidate of the APC has a terrible past that claimed the lives of many kids in the Pfizer/Kano State Government Meningitis story. Not to mention the sums involved.

Boy! I am stunned.

will try getting the video on youtube. Is this the Change they are clamoring for? [/quote

The Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiP95YSRjHo

This is the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiP95YSRjHo

Dot

PTDF breaks cultural barrier, produces Katsina’s first female pilot


Ruqayya Suleiman from Bakori Local government area of Katsina State has become the first female pilot from the state.

She is one of the 15 pilots trained in South Africa under the full scholarship programme of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) as international certified commercial pilots.

According to Raqayya's father, her dream of becoming a pilot could not have come true without the scholarship and emotional support from the PTDF. Today, a joyful Mr. Suleiman is excited that his young daughter has broken the cultural barrier that often hold girls from her region back from acquiring higher education.


The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Femi Ajayi, explained that the aim of the scholarship is to create capacity for the Oil and Gas sector and that with the support of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Allison-Mudueke, the agency is fulfilling its mission.

Helicopter pilots are key professionals in the Oil and Gas sector.

Corroborating the Executive Secretary, the head, Industry collaboration Unit of the PTDF, Barrister Timipre Wolo said before the establishment of the agency, the industry was dominated by expatriates.

“The country needed to build its indigenous capacity to make sure it fills up the available vacancies.

“Mostly, oil and gas activities in Nigeria are offshore and even those onshore; one has to fly to the locations because of the terrain of the Niger Delta. So helicopters became the major means of transportation,” she said.

Another beneficiary of the scheme, Angel Odumodu from Port Harcourt in Rivers State said he was shocked when he got the call from the PTDF. “I wasn't expecting it but now I am a pilot and the whole family is excited”.


Also Ogoromsi Apiri from Ogbia in Bayelsa State, a beneficiary, said he had always been curious to know how jets and helicopters fly, but that his dream of becoming a pilot seemed impossible when his father died. But the PTDF came to his rescue with the scholarship.

From Kaduna is 18 year-old Tosin Ajibola, an indigene of Kwara State who is one of the 20 children of his father with four wives.

He said: “I wanted to be a pilot but I realized it will cost me between 12 to 20M Naira to study abroad. My father who has 20 of us to take care of would not be able to afford the cost, so I told myself that I may has as well let go the dream”.

Today, he is grateful to the scheme that has made him Nigeria’s youngest pilot.

And from Zaria in Kaduna State is Jesuleke Elizabeth Babatunde, an indigene of Ondo State who disclosed that she and her husband had searched on-line a fruitlessly for such a scholarship until PTDF offered her the lifeline.


With the success achieved with this first batch, Mr. Ajayi, PTDF's Executive Sectary believes that this is a dream come true for the trainees as the agency has given them a rare opportunity to improve their lives.

Nigerians condemn Buhari for dodging debate

Nigerians have condemned the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammed Buhari, for his refusal to participate in any debate which is the customary practice before a major election.

Nigeria’s presidential election is scheduled for February 14th with nine candidates vying for the presidency.

Gen Buhari’s party, the APC had earlier rejected the debate being organised by the Nigeria Election Debate Group, a body made up of the Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and other reputable government and private-sector bodies, accusing the group of being biased in favour of President Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement by Garba Shehu, APC’s Presidential Campaign Director for Media and Publicity, the party stated that “a salutary inspection of the composition of NEGD brings into focus the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), National Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the African Independent Television.

“And going by the avalanche of inflammatory statements, misinformation and blatant lies being propagated by some of these media against our party and candidates contrary to the Koffi Annan brokered Abuja Peace Accord, and the failure of these aggressors to desist and apologise, have left the APC Campaign with no option than to steer clear of any premeditated smear campaign that could be inimical to our prospective electoral success.”

However real trouble began for the Buhari campaign group after a new body led by Channels Television, noted for its professionalism, proposed another presidential debate. Apparently running out of excuses, the Buhari campaign this time did not issue an official statement to reject the proposal.

Dele Alake, an official in the group, told viewers on Channels’ Sunrise programme that the General won’t show up because the APC is still not convinced about the credibility of the new body.

This has infuriated a wide array of Nigerians, especially young people, who were looking forward to the two leading presidential candidates going head-to-head. “I am totally disappointed,” said Anuoluwa Akinremi, a computer science undergraduate at the University of Lagos. “I have campaigned seriously for the Buhari presidency, because I think he represents change. But now I am not so sure. What is he afraid of? Why can’t he enunciate his policies before Nigerians?”

For Emem Eduk, a young graduate of Finance, the general’s refusal to participate in the debates has confirmed his fears that he lacked the intellectual capacity to be run an efficient presidency. “He is marketed as change but listening to him on the campaign trail is not convincing to me. Now he is running away from the debate; that is not change!”

These views seem to represent the general opinion on the General’s refusal to debate. On the popular Nigeria’s online forum, Nairaland, negative reactions have poured in with many of the participants wondering why the General has caught cold feet. A member of the forum, who goes by the name Shircris03, stated that “I’m really saddened by this turn of events. Am I sure the General is the right choice after all? If he is refusing blatantly to debate, how much more addressing serious national issues?”

Imanuelle stated: “Buhari won’t even be able to remember the stats he’s supposed to arm himself with, for the debate. Those guys that work with Channels will make him worse than Obafaiye Shem (of the NSCDC’s website fame).”

A lawyer, Sadiq Haruna stated that there is nothing anybody can do to force General Buhari to debate. “There is nothing in the constitution or in our electoral laws to compel him to debate. So it is within his constitutional right to reject it if he so chooses, even if it is to hide his incompetence.”

Source: http://nigeriantimes.ng/news/nigerians-condemn-buhari-for-dodging-debate/

Now, your tithing particularly is a form of partnership; tithing is a partnership. God didn’t say that “If you don’t give your tithes, you will not be blessed.”

From his response it is obvious to me that tithing is not compulsory for us Christians. According to Pst Chris, God didnt promise to bless christians because of tithing. He said it was partnership between the tither and God. the questions, are you forced to go into partnership? For us Christians what is actually recommended is freewill offering, to give as one is led. Though with one condition: that is the more you give, the more you get. Nowhere is tithing recommended or practised by early Christians. If you don't do it, you are not breaking any law since there's none. Even Pst Chris admits that God does not need your tithe to bless you and what is required of you is to give as you are blessed. Tithing is a burden God as not put on anyone.

I have heard my pentecostal brothers say this so often, and I wonder if this is true. This is because the most innovative and creative people in the world are the least spiritual, people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and the founders of Facebook, Google, Intsergram and the rest. Yet our people here pray, from morning till night and rarely create anything of value. Why haven't they control things from the spiritual and create the best brands in the world? Can anyone please enlighten me!

From Al Akhigbe from the forum, Where is Rev Anita Oyakhilome on FB

ALWAYS MONEY MATTERS

''Esteemed Group Pastor,

Warm greetings in the matchless name of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.Amen.
Congratulations on the just concluded International Pastors and Partners Conference.IPPC.
I have been directed by our highly esteemed Zonal Director, Pastor ----------- to remind you of your Financial commitment to offer 7, the birthday of our dear Man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Phd.
The minimum target for each Group is ten million Naira only (N10,000,000.00) .

Kindly note that the money is expected on or before 2nd December as you are aware that the birthday is on the 7th of December.
Thank you for your outstanding commitment to the vision of our ministry.
Signed-----''

Now, the above letter just hit my email box. And I thought I should share a thought or two for the benefit of those who don't know why we are doing what we are doing.

Now, in this zone, there are twelve groups plus the zonal church. The twelve groups will give a total sum of N120,000,000.00 and the zonal church will give N100,000,000.00 making a total of N220,000,000.00 (equivalent of approximately USD $1.3 million dollars). Let us assume every zone in Nigeria alone gives $1 million dollars each, about $30 million dollars will accrue to one man. Ghana will give big, SA will not lag behind et cetera. Tell me why the man will not play God? This is aside the personal effects that will be sold on that day for tens of millions of dollars. Why should such a man admit to wrongdoing or take correction from a mere mortal? It can only take God to bring him to his kneels.
Ironically, those being fleeced of these monies are suffering and shouting hallelujah while our apostles live in flagrant luxury. Some businesses have grounded, homes broken, people pauperized because of these ungodly extortions. Giving is a Godly principle that works for Christian, pagans, Muslims, Buddhists, anyone and anywhere. But these manipulated exploitation of God's people is certainly not of God.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, how many times did Jesus celebrate his birthday? Okay, birthday was not in vogue then. We knew some people WILLINGLY ministered to Him of their substances. But how many times did Jesus call for donations or give his disciples targets to meet to enable Him run His ministry? Oh, I forgot, Jesus was too divine for such. Then, can someone show me which of the apostles or disciples that did it? All the doctrines of giving that is enforced in this ministry are borrowed from the old testament. When it concerns money, old testament is applied. But when it concerns righteousness, you are reminded that old testament have been abolished. That is why every iniquity they commit are explained away in the concept of sin.

As I explained in my book Acts Of Our Apostles, one of the major reasons most African nations are poor is the rate at which our churches mop up money from circulation. The already poor people are dispossessed of their meagre incomes to the tune of billions of dollars every year, not to be invested in any beneficial project for them, but to provide luxury and thin god status for the pastors. Offer 7, Offer 1,2,3 to 31 are all avenues for filthy lucre. Any endeavour that has no benefits to mankind is futile.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=355387424640529&id=265251816987424

Pls urgent, what channel is it showing?

Wow, the expose by SirJohn is the best thread ever for me from Nairaland. It is the most interesting, and reminded me once again why I love coming to this forum in spite of the many things begging for my attention. SirJohn deserves to be paid the money Bro Joagbaje promised. It is a matter of integrity. The so-called miracle has been proven to be fake, with no proof to back it. Please pay Sirjohn.

Then it also demonstrates why we should be careful not to boast about our spiritual abilities. Miracles happen by the grace of God not by the spiritual might of the preacher. When it does not, we cannot force it or blame the people needing miracles for lacking faith. This reminds me of sometime in 2004 when my youngest brother was sick of cancer. After chemo and other radiation treatments failed to cure him, we took him to the healing School of Christ Embassy in Lagos.

I noticed that they were more willing to record us on video than provide succour. After many visits, my bro died as he didn't get any better. But to my surprise, my Word of Faith friends blamed us for his death. it was either we lor my late brother lacked faith. Or that we were not financially committed members of the church. Not once did they agree that may be that's how God wanted it to happen. Or that sometimes we don't understand all of God's ways. No, they insisted that the Word works ALL the time and if it didn't work for us, it was our fault. Not the Pastor's or God's. It was very painful to bear the brunt of Word of Faith people, after doing everything imaginable to save your brother and losing him. I hope this teaches Joagbaje and his ilk a lesson - that their knowledge of the spiritual is very small and that they should be humble - like Jesus was - and not to be boastful like the world. I hope it teaches them too compassion for sick people who dont buy into their miracle cure thing. Best of Luck. ManoftheYear:SirJohn!

Front page. Topical. We need to know the truth about our so-called spiritual leaders. How are they different from our political leaders? Front page.