WARNING AGAINST PREACHING FOR MONEY
By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
" But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed." 2 Peter 2:1, 3 NLT
“From the least to the greatebhst, their lives are ruled by greed. From prophets to priests, they are all frauds. They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.' Jeremiah 6:13-14 NLT
The purpose of preaching is beyond church membership but being disciples of Jesus Christ. The preacher's ultimate objective is for the character of Jesus Christ to be seen in the lives of believers. The bible says " The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith." 1 Timothy 1:5 NLT
Christianity if practiced according to the biblical standards in 1Timothy 1:5 will produce citizens who averse to sharp practices and corrupt tendencies . Most cities in southern Nigerian have a church density of at least ten churches per one hundred square meter .
That means going by biblical standards these region should have the best governments , cleanest environments , security , peaceful marriages with businesses done in accordance with best global practices. But this is far from reality . When preachers preach for money it strips the Bible of its life-changing power . What we presently have is what the Bible describes as "They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT The power of Christianity is in a godly character. Most of what is considered as deliverance cases are the consequences of ungodliness , the bible says "An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him".Prov 5:22 NLT and " We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them." 1 John 5:18 NLT
Repentance is the adoption of best practices , this is what brings about prosperity and good health. Preachers who preach for money deemphasize the need for repentance and by their standards a person's righteousness is measured by his or her ability to make donations to their infinitesimal ministries. This is the reason behind the escalation of the culture of bribery and corruption and bad governance with poverty presently being experienced in most underdeveloped nations where such preachers are celebrated . No country can develop were such preachers are , they frustrate the implementation of government policies .
Their prophesies are motivated by love for money . "You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim to depend on the Lord . ..”Micah 3:11 NLT and Church members are viewed as items to be merchandised. Such preachers will not go unpunished .They are in danger of not entering heaven regardless of their egocentric acts of benevolence (2Pet.2:3)
Prayer: heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to overcome the fear of false prophets.
+2348035536911 +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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