²⁴ “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Anyone who listens to my Bible Studies knows that I have a serious issue with, what I call, “the pimping of the Gospel” for profit and personal gain.  I believe that this trend is a sign of the times and has the hand of Satan and his angels all over it.

2 Peter 2:1-3 (NLT)

¹ 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. ² Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. ³ 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.

I know I am going to catch flak for this but so be it.  If the prosperity gospel message works why is it that the only one getting rich are the ones teaching it and selling it?  So, instead of commenting any further I will let these articles say what needs to be said and show what needs to be shown.

Lawsuit Claims Unlawful Distribution of ‘Charitable Assets’ by TBN Directors – A lawsuit recently filed by the former head of finance for the Trinity Broadcasting Network claims that the directors of the widely-viewed Christian television network have illegally taken advantage of more than $50 million in “charitable assets” for their own good.  “Observers have often wondered how the Crouches can afford multiple mansions on both coasts, a $50 million jet and chauffeurs,” MacLeod said, according to The Orange County Register. “And finally, with the CFO coming forward, we have answers to those questions.”

Donnie McClurkin Disgusted with Pastoral Excesses -“As pastors, we have to link arms and have bi-partisanships. The [Black] church has always been the face of the community. Now we have to take on the responsibility of becoming true servants to the people from all walks of life. I get so mad when I see these pimpin’ preachers driving Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, flying around in their private jets, and making it seem like prosperity and money is the way of God when 90 percent of your congregation is on Section 8 or can’t figure out how they are going to keep their lights on or feed their kids. I’m big on perception, and what would it look like for me to live so lavishly if the people in my church are struggling?” says Pastor Donnie McClurkin in the article.”

Wall Watchers – 30 Ministries with Red Flag warning for donors  – 2011 list of 30 Donor Alert Ministries

How Pastors Get Rich (this could applied to all speakers/teachers)

¹³ It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. ¹⁵ Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. ¹⁶ Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”

Sometimes the things going on in the shadows are coming from within what we call church.  Don’t be deceived.  But, to help that along we are leaving the LIGHT on!