Hello NL

I need your objective opinions, suggestions and answers:

I'm a christian but not 100% affiliated to any church. I've been to the Catholic church, Anglican church, Winners chapel, RCCG, and Christ embassy. But lately, i just find myself staying home on Sundays and just read my bible and once in a while watch Joel Osteen for 30 mins on TV. I consider myself an open-minded, nonconformist christian.

I've been criticized by 2 of my friends who said i'll not be blessed and receive prosperity if i don't attend their church or crusade. I was shocked by this. My questions are:

1. Is Christianity all about prosperity? it seems that's all i hear them say. The last time i went to a church (name withheld) and didn't give any offering, people around me including the usher frowned at me and gave me that disappointing look as if i had committed a crime. After service, i was shocked when one of church elders confronted me and said i need deliverance so that i can prosper and pay my tithes and offerings. I told him i already paid my tithe by donating to an orphanage and that i'll be donating to Red cross next week. He frowned and walked away.

2. Is God's blessing or presence restricted to only certain locations and at certain times? For example only at the crusades organized by Winners chapel, RCCG or Christ Embassy? Will i be condemned or not receive any blessings or prosperity if i don't attend?

3. Back to tithing and offerings, i told my 2 friends that my offerings and tithes goes directly to orphanages, homeless shelters, Red Cross, charities that help refugees and victims of various abuses, etc
i was criticized for this and was told to give to the church directly if i want to be blessed and prosper more.Is this also true? Does it mean i'm not a cheerful giver?
4. When these various crusades are held with millions generated from offerings. Why can't these millions be channeled to orphanages or to help refugees or victims?

5. Nigeria is reputed to be one of the most religious nations in the world.There are so may places of worship in Lagos with new ones opening up every week, which makes Lagos the city with the highest number of places of worship per capita. But still so much corruption, fraudulence, ethnic animosity, cheating, etc among ourselves but yet we are still faithful worshipers of our different faiths. There seems to be a disconnect between our moral behavior and our religious faith?

6. I've also noticed the competition for materialism among the big churches in Nigeria. From number of private jets, luxury cars to mansions. Why is this so? Shouldn't the churches be focused on humility,righteousness and heaven. But it seems they are building and acquiring the wealth - heaven here on earth? I don't see this kind of materialism or competition among the Imams or other religious leaders? Correct me if i'm wrong.

Thanks for reading.

The whole essence of going to Church is to go and worship GOD as part of a community. You should not focus only on your perceived shortcomings of the Church.

The Church is composed of people that are not perfect but striving to work out their sanctification in fear and trembling. If every self righteous Christian stays at home to Worship GOD in his own way, it negates communal worship of GOD.

How would the sinful Church going Christians be evangelized if you don't take your Light of Christ in you to illumine their darkened areas and change their "wrong" doings in the Church to worship HIM in Spirit and truth. Have you considered that why HE gave you wisdom and knowledge is to evangelize HIS Church goers? Listen to HIM and start soemwhere

Because of JESUS CHRIST, we can do good and continue doing good in the face of ignorant criticism. Being a Christian in words, thoughts and actions is not easy. Christ did not find it easy and never promised us that it will be easy. So don't chose the easy way out.

Important thing is to keep that FLAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT in you that discerns aflame and avoid being sucked in or pulled down.

chijokz:
Hello NL

I need your objective opinions, suggestions and answers:

I'm a christian but not 100% affiliated to any church. I've been to the Catholic church, Anglican church, Winners chapel, RCCG, and Christ embassy. But lately, i just find myself staying home on Sundays and just read my bible and once in a while watch Joel Osteen for 30 mins on TV. I consider myself an open-minded, nonconformist christian.

I've been criticized by 2 of my friends who said i'll not be blessed and receive prosperity if i don't attend their church or crusade. I was shocked by this. My questions are:

1. Is Christianity all about prosperity? it seems that's all i hear them say. The last time i went to a church (name withheld) and didn't give any offering, people around me including the usher frowned at me and gave me that disappointing look as if i had committed a crime. After service, i was shocked when one of church elders confronted me and said i need deliverance so that i can prosper and pay my tithes and offerings. I told him i already paid my tithe by donating to an orphanage and that i'll be donating to Red cross next week. He frowned and walked away.

2. Is God's blessing or presence restricted to only certain locations and at certain times? For example only at the crusades organized by Winners chapel, RCCG or Christ Embassy? Will i be condemned or not receive any blessings or prosperity if i don't attend?

3. Back to tithing and offerings, i told my 2 friends that my offerings and tithes goes directly to orphanages, homeless shelters, Red Cross, charities that help refugees and victims of various abuses, etc
i was criticized for this and was told to give to the church directly if i want to be blessed and prosper more.Is this also true? Does it mean i'm not a cheerful giver?
4. When these various crusades are held with millions generated from offerings. Why can't these millions be channeled to orphanages or to help refugees or victims?

5. Nigeria is reputed to be one of the most religious nations in the world.There are so may places of worship in Lagos with new ones opening up every week, which makes Lagos the city with the highest number of places of worship per capita. But still so much corruption, fraudulence, ethnic animosity, cheating, etc among ourselves but yet we are still faithful worshipers of our different faiths. There seems to be a disconnect between our moral behavior and our religious faith?

6. I've also noticed the competition for materialism among the big churches in Nigeria. From number of private jets, luxury cars to mansions. Why is this so? Shouldn't the churches be focused on humility,righteousness and heaven. But it seems they are building and acquiring the wealth - heaven here on earth? I don't see this kind of materialism or competition among the Imams or other religious leaders? Correct me if i'm wrong.

Thanks for reading.

Op, I see that you are an innately good person.
Pls continue to seek ask questions, seek meanings, and champion social justice.

Do not let church and churchianity corrupt your good heart and soul.

If there were ever such a thing, the church bears the greatest resemblance to the anti-christ.
It is the w.h.ore, the deceiver that robs you of your inner chastity, your christhood, your mental sovereignty .

Stay the course.

The truth is this, ALMOST ALL Christians are better off worshipping God at home, save for the fact that we're encouraged to 'fellowship with one another'. You might be open minded, but do not let it affect your relationship with God, largely, people who claim to be open-minded are rebellious towards God without knowing they are. To maximize your blessings as a Christian, it is imperative you fellowship with other Christians; that way, your understanding and commitment towards God is raised. Please, kindly stick to a church, practice its doctrines and maximize your blessings.

On tithing, please note that it is a commandment (Mal 3: that must be obeyed to the letter. You are a Christian, I expect you to know this better sir.

As touching offerings, most churches today have come to take it as some sick competition, if you have, give. And if not, so be it. It all depends on one's faith. Even the Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Pastor David Yongi Cho and Juanita Bynum of this world all have a place of 'fellowship' where they go to on Sundays. I understand most of our churches here are nothing to write home about but I can assure you that there are a few Living Churches. Kindly stop attending every church, it's one thing if you're invited. The effect of not having a permanent place of worship could cause you to see churches as mere places where some brain-formatted folks gather. It's not that way, though, and I hope you find a living church. Shalom!

plaetton:


Op, I see that you are an innately good person.
Pls continue to seek ask questions, seek meanings, and champion social justice.

Do not let church and churchianity corrupt your good heart and soul.

If there were ever such a thing, the church bears the greatest resemblance to the anti-christ.
It is the w.h.ore, the deceiver that robs you of your inner chastity, your christhood, your mental sovereignty .

Stay the course.

@Plaetton, it is understandable to believe you are your own boss, God and the controller of your will, which is not the basis of the thread. The OP, I believe, is a Christian who seems to be finding some hard time with the multiple doctrines, attitudes and lifestyle of the church. I believe he needs our help and what you have suggested is in no wise considered as help, with due regards.
There is no such thing as mental sovereignty, our minds roam but as humans our wills are not entrusted into our hands to decide. I understand your point clearly but this is a Christian in need of other Christians counsel.

Chijokz, God bless you.
Christianity has become a trend. I feel the way you do too.
I grew up as an Anglican, but I've been attending an RCCG because it's closer to my house. I've attended for a few years, and recently the pastor started pressuring me to become a worker because it's a sure source of blessings etc.
Guess what? I still attend the church, resist every effort to get me into any department, pray to my God and leave.
I used to pay my tithes quite faithfully before now, until a friend said it would be put to better use helping people around me and I saw reason, which is what I now do, like you.

My advice is, whatever you like about church, let that thing encourage you to attend from time to time at least. I'm a lazy Christian, and I need all the encouragement that I can get. At least in church, I get to pray and be reminded on what God approves of, and sticking to it.
Unfortunately, in recent times, my church is leaning heavily towards the prosperity preaching, so I'm becoming reluctant to attend.

Sanchez01:

@Plaetton, it is understandable to believe you are your own boss, God and the controller of your will, which is not the basis of the thread. The OP, I believe, is a Christian who seems to be finding some hard time with the multiple doctrines, attitudes and lifestyle of the church. I believe he needs our help and what you have suggested is in no wise considered as help, with due regards.
There is no such thing as mental sovereignty, our minds roam but as humans our wills are not entrusted into our hands to decide. I understand your point clearly but this is a Christian in need of other Christians counsel.

Thank you sir.
You have inadvertently cemented my points for me.

1. The op said hello to all NL. He did not specify where he wanted opinions to come from.
2. I perfectly understood what he wrote , as well as where he was coming from. I did not need your help in that regards.
3. My post was not about me. I gave a straightforward opinion based on facts provided by the op.
4. You have no right tell me what words I use or not use. I have mental sovereignty. If you don't , well , thats not my problem.
5. The op does not need your help. Comprehension comprehension,.. and I doubt if you are in any position to help. The op is going through the normal course of walking the lonely path of the straight and narrow that I , and many other people, perhaps even you, walk.

At this point , it is irrelevant to me to what the op believes or not does not believe. It is about his innate qualities and where he goes with it.

Tranglatar:
The whole essence of going to Church is to go and worship GOD as part of a community. You should not focus only on your perceived shortcomings of the Church.

The Church is composed of people that are not perfect but striving to work out their sanctification in fear and trembling. If every self righteous Christian stays at home to Worship GOD in his own way, it negates communal worship of GOD.

How would the sinful Church going Christians be evangelized if you don't take your Light of Christ in you to illumine their darkened areas and change their "wrong" doings in the Church to worship HIM in Spirit and truth. Have you considered that why HE gave you wisdom and knowledge is to evangelize HIS Church goers? Listen to HIM and start soemwhere

Because of JESUS CHRIST, we can do good and continue doing good in the face of ignorant criticism. Being a Christian in words, thoughts and actions is not easy. Christ did not find it easy and never promised us that it will be easy. So don't chose the easy way out.

Important thing is to keep that FLAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT in you that discerns aflame and avoid being sucked in or pulled down.

I agree with you but what i've seen so far in the different churches i've attended negates the true definition and purpose of worshiping God? Flamboyance, Ephasis on tithing and offering, etc..But like rightly said keep the flame of the Holy Spirit in us.

Sanchez01:
The truth is this, ALMOST ALL Christians are better off worshipping God at home, save for the fact that we're encouraged to 'fellowship with one another'. You might be open minded, but do not let it affect your relationship with God, largely, people who claim to be open-minded are rebellious towards God without knowing they are. To maximize your blessings as a Christian, it is imperative you fellowship with other Christians; that way, your understanding and commitment towards God is raised. Please, kindly stick to a church, practice its doctrines and maximize your blessings.

On tithing, please note that it is a commandment (Mal 3: that must be obeyed to the letter. You are a Christian, I expect you to know this better sir.

As touching offerings, most churches today have come to take it as some sick competition, if you have, give. And if not, so be it. It all depends on one's faith. Even the Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Pastor David Yongi Cho and Juanita Bynum of this world all have a place of 'fellowship' where they go to on Sundays. I understand most of our churches here are nothing to write home about but I can assure you that there are a few Living Churches. Kindly stop attending every church, it's one thing if you're invited. The effect of not having a permanent place of worship could cause you to see churches as mere places where some brain-formatted folks gather. It's not that way, though, and I hope you find a living church. Shalom!

Thanks Sanchez. You hit the nail on the head..But regarding tithing, Am i disobeying God if I channel my tithes and offerings to the needy (orphanages, refugees, etc) which is what i'm currently doing?

Kimmo:
Chijokz, God bless you.
Christianity has become a trend. I feel the way you do too.
I grew up as an Anglican, but I've been attending an RCCG because it's closer to my house. I've attended for a few years, and recently the pastor started pressuring me to become a worker because it's a sure source of blessings etc.
Guess what? I still attend the church, resist every effort to get me into any department, pray to my God and leave.
I used to pay my tithes quite faithfully before now, until a friend said it would be put to better use helping people around me and I saw reason, which is what I now do, like you.

My advice is, whatever you like about church, let that thing encourage you to attend from time to time at least. I'm a lazy Christian, and I need all the encouragement that I can get. At least in church, I get to pray and be reminded on what God approves of, and sticking to it.
Unfortunately, in recent times, my church is leaning heavily towards the prosperity preaching, so I'm becoming reluctant to attend.

Thanks Kimmo for your advice.

plaetton:


Op, I see that you are an innately good person.
Pls continue to seek ask questions, seek meanings, and champion social justice.

Do not let church and churchianity corrupt your good heart and soul.

If there were ever such a thing, the church bears the greatest resemblance to the anti-christ.
It is the w.h.ore, the deceiver that robs you of your inner chastity, your christhood, your mental sovereignty .

Stay the course.

I appreciate the words of encouragement.

chijokz:


Thanks Sanchez. You hit the nail on the head..But regarding tithing, Am i disobeying God if I channel my tithes and offerings to the needy (orphanages, refugees, etc) which is what i'm currently doing?

You're most welcome! And yes, you're disobeying God if you channel your tithes and offerings to the needy. Here are a few Scriptures to back it up:

Mark 14:7

New International Version
The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

New Living Translation
You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.

English Standard Version
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.

New American Standard Bible
"For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.

King James Bible
For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

NB: These versions all mean the same thing but note that we're admonished to give to the poor because they'll always be among us (which is what you're about to do or you've been doing. Still, it cannot be regarded as tithing, but giving.

Malachi 3:8-10 King James Version (KJV)


⁸ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

⁹ Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

¹⁰ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

NB: Now I'm sure that the Scriptures above are a commandment made by God Himself. The font in red clearly answers your question: Tithes are meant to be brought into God's house and this we must do, not because the church wants it but that God commands it. Now you see that you may likely disobey if you think diverting them to helping the needy works better.

plaetton:


Thank you sir.
You have inadvertently cemented my points for me.

1. The op said hello to all NL. He did not specify where he wanted opinions to come from.
2. I perfectly understood what he wrote , as well as where he was coming from. I did not need your help in that regards.
3. My post was not about me. I gave a straightforward opinion based on facts provided by the op.
4. You have no right tell me what words I use or not use. I have mental sovereignty. If you don't , well , thats not my problem.
5. The op does not need your help. Comprehension comprehension,.. and I doubt if you are in any position to help. The op is going through the normal course of walking the lonely path of the straight and narrow that I , and many other people, perhaps even you, walk.

At this point , it is irrelevant to me to what the op believes or not does not believe. It is about his innate qualities and where he goes with it.

It would be strenuous to have me argue because I believe I started it. I only meant you don't go beyond the subject matter within the thread, which you did. Like I stated, I started it and I'm sorry I took a swipe at you. Please, don't be offended

Sanchez01:

It would be strenuous to have me argue because I believe I started it. I only meant you don't go beyond the subject matter within the thread, which you did. Like I stated, I started it and I'm sorry I took a swipe at you. Please, don't be offended

I am not offended at all, just making conversation.

It depends. If you Are chAnneling your tithes And offering to the needy,you could tAlk to GOD if whAt you Are doing is right.Everytime you do it,do you feel fulfilled in CHRIST? If you do,i should Agree thAt's greAt! TAlk to GOD About it though

chijokz:


Thanks Sanchez. You hit the nail on the head..But regarding tithing, Am i disobeying God if I channel my tithes and offerings to the needy (orphanages, refugees, etc) which is what i'm currently doing?

Concerning question1,i guess you should stop telling people whAt you use your offering And tithes for,to keep youfrom being discourAged.ChristiAnity is not All About prosperity.You mAy be getting Advices from the wrong people.I would Advise you to get church you enjoy And flow with,A church in which you feel comfortAble in in most if not All their doctrines.p.s: i love joel osteen's sermon.listening to one Atm.His sermons hAve blessed me in ways unexplAnAble with words.TAlk to GOD About rhe offering And tithe.If it is fine by GOD,then humAns opinions And reActions should not bother you.mAy GOD grAnt you the grAce to excel in All you do iJn
For question 2,GOD's presence is everywhere.The reAson HE is Also cAlled omnipresent.
for question 3,it does not meAn you Are not A cheerful giver.the GOD thAt sees whAt you do in secret will rewArd you.
For question 5 And 6,i believe you should just prAy for GOD's hAnd And intervention on those AspectAnod n otl et thAt discourAge youor chAngeyour notion ouAbout christiAnity

chijokz:
Hello NL

I need your objective opinions, suggestions and answers:

I'm a christian but not 100% affiliated to any church. I've been to the Catholic church, Anglican church, Winners chapel, RCCG, and Christ embassy. But lately, i just find myself staying home on Sundays and just read my bible and once in a while watch Joel Osteen for 30 mins on TV. I consider myself an open-minded, nonconformist christian.

I've been criticized by 2 of my friends who said i'll not be blessed and receive prosperity if i don't attend their church or crusade. I was shocked by this. My questions are:

1. Is Christianity all about prosperity? it seems that's all i hear them say. The last time i went to a church (name withheld) and didn't give any offering, people around me including the usher frowned at me and gave me that disappointing look as if i had committed a crime. After service, i was shocked when one of church elders confronted me and said i need deliverance so that i can prosper and pay my tithes and offerings. I told him i already paid my tithe by donating to an orphanage and that i'll be donating to Red cross next week. He frowned and walked away.

2. Is God's blessing or presence restricted to only certain locations and at certain times? For example only at the crusades organized by Winners chapel, RCCG or Christ Embassy? Will i be condemned or not receive any blessings or prosperity if i don't attend?

3. Back to tithing and offerings, i told my 2 friends that my offerings and tithes goes directly to orphanages, homeless shelters, Red Cross, charities that help refugees and victims of various abuses, etc
i was criticized for this and was told to give to the church directly if i want to be blessed and prosper more.Is this also true? Does it mean i'm not a cheerful giver?
4. When these various crusades are held with millions generated from offerings. Why can't these millions be channeled to orphanages or to help refugees or victims?

5. Nigeria is reputed to be one of the most religious nations in the world.There are so may places of worship in Lagos with new ones opening up every week, which makes Lagos the city with the highest number of places of worship per capita. But still so much corruption, fraudulence, ethnic animosity, cheating, etc among ourselves but yet we are still faithful worshipers of our different faiths. There seems to be a disconnect between our moral behavior and our religious faith?

6. I've also noticed the competition for materialism among the big churches in Nigeria. From number of private jets, luxury cars to mansions. Why is this so? Shouldn't the churches be focused on humility,righteousness and heaven. But it seems they are building and acquiring the wealth - heaven here on earth? I don't see this kind of materialism or competition among the Imams or other religious leaders? Correct me if i'm wrong.

Thanks for reading.