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TODAY’s Church – A Den of THIEVES (Part II)
Power and the love for money have been the main drivers behind the formation of organizations that have called themselves ‘churches’ since the very first one was formed by the Romans – the Catholic Church – centuries ago.
Even the advent of so-called protestant, evangelical and pentecostal ‘churches’ has been motivated by the same spirit, as witnessed by the continual misinterpretation of the Word of God. None of these is a ‘church’, as the Church is not an organization, but the Body of Christ – a purely spiritual entity (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24).
Once one is saved, by believing and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, one automatically becomes part of the Church – the spiritual Body of Christ – without joining or attending any organization.
However, for the sake of encouraging, strengthening, comforting and assisting one another (1 Corinthians 14:26; Acts 20:28), believers may meet informally, for instance, in their neighbourhoods (at each others’ homes, or any other place agreed upon), at any times that they feel the need to meet – not necessarily only on a Sunday or Sabbath.
In contrast to what is happening today, there is no need to worship on a particular day at a particular venue that is considered to be the house of God, since by receiving Christ, not only does one become part of His Body (the Church), but also our own bodies become His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, God no longer dwells in a man-made structure (Acts 18: 24; Ephesians 2: 22), but in all believers – and as such, wherever one is, that is a place of worship – even one’s own home.
This also helps in developing the believer’s relationship with God, as worshiping and reading His Word in one’s home strengthens them spiritually – by communicating with the Holy Spirit and reading the Bible more – thereby God’s power manifesting in their lives more significantly. As opposed to today’s situation whereby believers are dependent on ‘pastors’ to help them realize the power of the Holy Spirit in them, rendering them (believers) spiritually ineffective – even relying on these ‘pastors’ for healings, blessings, etc, despite believers having the power to achieve these on their own (John 14:12).
Although, the aforementioned gatherings are informal, God recognizes them, holds them in high regard (Matthew 18: 17-20), and expects them to be orderly (1 Corinthians 14: 26-40).
What we have today is totally unscriptural. Besides the fact that God never ordained any organizations to masquerade as His Body, the manner in which they are led is contrary to Jesus Christ’s teachings.
Firstly, He explicitly instructed believers not to crave for power and titles (Matthew 23: 5-12), and yet these organizations are led by people wanting to be worshipped as idols – misleading believers that they alone facilitate healing and blessings; having pleasure in receiving gifts – even beyond the giver’s means; and rendering their words that are contrary to God’s Word to be law – in addition to wanting to be called ‘father’, ‘pastor’, ‘prophet’, ‘bishop’, ‘apostle’, etc.
Secondly, God warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6: 5-10; 1 Peter 5: 1-4), however, from the very first so-called ‘church’ till today, leaders have sought to serve themselves, not the flock of God.
As discussed in our previous installment, tithing never meant giving one tenth of one’s income to the church. Deuteronomy 12: 5-7,11-19; 14: 22-29; 26: 1-12, clearly states that the tither was to bring his/her tithes to a place of worship, for which it would be used for a thanksgiving meal for his/her family and the poor. However, today ‘church’ leaders have been robbing believers of their incomes by collecting the tithes.
Additionally, these leaders say that the tithing law stipulates that the Levites (priests) should not be forgotten. Agreed, but they (Levites) were only included in the tithing by partaking in the meal.
Nevertheless, today’s so-called ‘pastors’ no longer fall under the Levitical priesthood, as only Jesus Christ is now the High Priest (Hebrews 7: 11-28). In fact, all believers are now called a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and are equal in God’s eyes, as all are made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1: 26).
Furthermore, as we were all commanded to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28: 18-20), we can accomplish this either by pastoring, evangelizing, teaching, etc, therefore, all of us are called to these (Ephesians 4: 10-13). These are varied methods of ministering, and not leadership positions over others in the Church.
In order to effectively minister, Paul set a very admirable precedent – he worked as a tentmaker to earn the resources for his ministerial work and did not rely on other believers – the Church (Acts 20: 34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
As such, the Church is under no obligation whatsoever for the upkeep of those who preach the gospel.
So where do believers bring their tithes? As God now dwells within believers, the thanksgiving meal – tithing – can be given in one’s own home with his/her family, and – if one wishes – the poor.
Therefore, forming an organization in order to preach the gospel to all nations might appear noble, but as evidenced over the past centuries, these organizations have done nothing except work contrary to God’s Word and, as such, should be disregarded (Revelation 2: 2,3), as they have proved no better than the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Jesus Christ’s earthly days (Matthew 23: 13 – 36)
By Tendai R. Mbofana and Tinta Mbofana
Tendai R. Mbofana and Tinta Mbofana are independent Christian commentators, and write in their on capacities.
Posted by Editor
on February 1, 2012. Filed under Forum, LATEST NEWS.
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Extra eye
February 1, 2012 at 10:29 am
I name of the church we liv our livz.bt one pretence ll bury us.
Gladis nomvete
February 1, 2012 at 10:36 am
its better to do what you know is right.I Tithe and its working for me.
Special Agent Dr. M.
February 1, 2012 at 10:51 am
Am not a pastor but all what I can say is that may God open your spiritual eyes. The things of God you cannot understand with academics etc, but with the spirit of GOD. I tithe it works for me. Am working in a foreign country but privately am also helping these peolple to eestablish churches that they may experience what I have experienced therefore your theory of motivation for money is totally unfounded and unresearched we do it to fulfill the great commission, go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to tithe and give are biblical principles of prosperity and my friends I have seen Gods hand in my life by applying these principles. GOD bless you.
LC
February 1, 2012 at 10:54 am
Tendai and Tinta, please be careful what you publish, remember God will hold you accountable for misleading people. avoid herresy and interpret scripture in totallity neither should you add nor subtract from scripture.God can not be mocked, what you sow is what you will reap
michael
February 1, 2012 at 11:02 am
Form a pentecostal church then you are rich because the tithe is for the owner of the church ,the pastor.
Mention any pentecostal church that is running an offarnage in this country.
Lets be honest followers are literally hipnotised into believing that by tithing big then you make more money and yet they remain poor while the pastor gets richer look at Imakanndo for instance.
Spectaor
February 1, 2012 at 11:09 am
The article is not interesting.Its just misleading.Tina and Tinta must be demon possesed.
LEO
February 1, 2012 at 11:10 am
Church is the group of people called out,aprophet is aspokes person of God and God sends aprophet at each age one at atime nt so many prophets at one time.Tithe was for the Levites ,and it is part of worship,apastor is nt supposed to wrk any other job than wr he is caring the flock.He needs to meditate fulltime in prayers and counciling ,tithe take care for the pastor.
Antireligous4worldpeace
February 1, 2012 at 11:13 am
Muslims considers christians, hindus buddist …as filthy dogs or unbelievers ‘kafirr’ they belive the only true religion is Islam.
Yesterday 35 christians were arrested in a Saudi arabia, the women were strip searched and had fingers inserted in their genitals while the men were severely beaten!! They now face deportation because they prayed openly to a ‘christian God’ in an Islamic state!!
While slimey pastors are ripping people off because of religon there is a religous war going on as to which is the true religon, I wonder why the so called ‘christian nations’ would allow other religons in their country if their only plan is to kill all non muslims and over take the whole planet as a one state that would live by the koran. More info.. on ALJAZEERA AND Dispatches UNDERCOVER MOSQUE (google)
Michael kaoma
February 1, 2012 at 11:18 am
God gathers for himself spiritual believers: and He does not need a building to do so.
I agree wholeheartedly with the Mbofana’s. The church today,is so caught up in doctrine,it forgets the core aspect of christianity; love your neighbour as your self.
A true believer,can be catholic,or pentecostal, so long as he/she worships in faith and truth,and these are the people that make christ’s body.
From the time of the first apostles,the devil was still able to infiltrate the church,and influence believers. Therefore,the motion,of a Church of God,today does not hold true.
The pastor,minister might have righteous intentions,but not everyone will: and the need for power and money,unfortunately makes even the good intentioned heart give in to temptation.
Sad
February 1, 2012 at 11:23 am
Tithe is biblical and it helps to run Gods works .e.g. building churches,assisting men of God,assisting orphans,widows,disabled and so on.However, some pastors has taken it to be their salary and if there is differences in sharing, you will see the church spliting…this is sad.Most pasters spend such funds in an Godly activities; forinstance, here in Kasama a named bishop from a named church implegnanted the 17 year old girl,accepted the charge and paid the admision of guit fine.The church decided to stop him from preaching but refused claiming that he is the founder of this pentecostal church and as such he can not be desplined…after the church insisted, he has ditched the church and formed his own.The news is everywere even on our local radio (Radio Man).For me the traditional churches like the Catholics,jehovahs witness,seveth day,apostalic churches,anglican and so on have understood the work of tithe, the one with a problem in understanding tithe are some pentecostal churches.God help us…………………..
Phebby Chiwama SA
February 1, 2012 at 11:41 am
Tendai and Tinta, please stop misleading people tithing is very important.Ba tumfweko bushe namupena.
Tendai and Tinta you are VERY c.r.a.z.y, to hell with you demonic i.d.i.o.t.s
Dido
February 1, 2012 at 11:44 am
Am A Christian and there are so many Pastors and Bishops who have rerly shocked me. Example; my work mate is a single lady of 26 yrs and she fucking around with a married bishop of about 50 years. Can you get engourage to go to such church where this bishop preaches? NO. I better do was is right and respect GOD
Unity a must
February 1, 2012 at 11:50 am
Antireligous4worldpeace
Not to contradit your statement,but i feel you are too personal on muslims, because the issue here is about christianity and Bibble teachings and not Muslims. Remember no one can jugde another person apart from God. What we have to understand is that we will be judged according to our deeds. Let us be sure off what to convey to the public as this will have an effect to our judgement.
Mukombe
February 1, 2012 at 11:58 am
Ba Tendai na Tinta ubufi mwenu, i have head such lies before you wont succeed to deceive me by turning me against our pastors that the are dangerous men stealing our money, neither will you discourage me from going to meet togethers with other believers. No one forces me i will continue to give i am happy and proud to see prosperous men and women of God that is how it should be i give out of my own volution and will continue to do so. By the way are you two believers.
VIRGIN
February 1, 2012 at 12:14 pm
ITS BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD. ARTICLE TOO LONG I READ FIRST SENTENCE FOUND MYSELF DOZING,TRY MAKING YOUR ARTICLE SHORT AND MORE INTERESTING AND MAKE SURE YOU STICK TO THE TITLE CAUSE MOST OF YOUR ARTICLES ARE MISLEADING.
Chilando
February 1, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Tithe is biblico u guys malachi 3:10-11 and we r told 2 rememba our lidas (priests,pastas, eldas, nuns etc) wo have tot us de faith we have heb 13:7
I am
February 1, 2012 at 12:16 pm
The article clearly states that the first church to be formed is Roman Catholic,but i wonder why some people disagree to this fact. I had been attacked here and there over the same. May God deliver them.
Sando
February 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm
The topic is open minded and no one is force to believe in it. God never appointed one man to be interpreter of his word but allowed anyone with holy spirit to lead others in understanding.
Amalyashi ya kwa lesa must be respected and you must be careful not to subtract nor add a thing.
Pastor Chris Musonda
February 1, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Michael, Go To Chingola, in Lulamba Township, Fire Baptised Church is Running an Opharage called MUTENDE VILLAGE. it has been there for years,
(A Man without the Spirit of God, does not understand the things of God.)
LEWIS CHAMA
February 1, 2012 at 12:59 pm
BEEN THE FIRST TO BE FORMED DOES NOT ATTAIN ANY RIGHTEOUSNESS BUT TO BE FORMED ON CHRIST AND NOT PETER.
Umwina Nkana
February 1, 2012 at 1:18 pm
The Good News is that Christ has given the Holy Spirit freely to all who believe; and the Holy Spirit will lead believers into all TRUTH. Instead of insulting authors, which in itself is un-Christian, everyone is free to search the scriptures and ask our ever faithful God for understanding. The Bible warns us against false prophets in these last days.
big brain
February 1, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@pheby chiwama cant u comment without using abusive language.i believ u inherited ur stupidity from ur father.sulunoko noko obe nimbwa iya panda umuchila.chikala go and lick ur mothers pussy full of maggots.anyway i blame the condom manufacturing company for producing a faulty condom which ur kolwe father used when bonking your stinking dirty bitchly and prostitute mother chikala stanyoko wiso imputi
Rich man
February 1, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Bring your tithes and offerings in the store house (of God) Malachi 3:10-11, where is the store house on earth? when you meet in fellowship with one another you grow spiritually, The Church is the most convenient place from where to meet. If men and women start meeting in homes, soon we’ll hear something else (UBUNTUNSE), If pastor steals for God’s Children its his sin with God. Never judge him. Revisit your sentiments with a BASIS.
shalot
February 1, 2012 at 1:41 pm
borrrrring, next please
Bulozi bwa luna
February 1, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Pentecost pastors jst wnt money…
SKEPTICO
February 1, 2012 at 2:06 pm
My take is people with the most ridiculous religious ideas are always most certain of them. No wonder Galileo was found guilty of heresy for simply saying that the earth was not the centre of the universe and everything did not revolve round it. Of course that was contrary to the church doctrine. Can we move on?
Rolling stone
February 1, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Ba tumfweko, learn to select and scrutinize what you publish. Not everything every Jim n Jack writes is news worthy. These chaps are busy twisting scriptures to suit their misguided ideologies.
jef
February 1, 2012 at 2:31 pm
TITHING AND OFFERINGS ARE A GOOD THING BECOZ YOU SIMPLY ACKNOLEGES WHERE YOUR BLESING COME FROM-(JEHOVAH),BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PASTORS BUILDING THEIR MINISTRY AROUND THIS!AS IF ITS THEIR CALLING!MANY CHURCHES HAVE EVEN A REGISSTER FOR THE SAME!
SECONDLY;CHURCHES HAVE A CERTIFICATE(S) GIVEN BY THE GOVERN SO THAT THEY CAN IMPORT ‘UTENSIL’ THEY MIGHT NEED DUTY-FREE.BUT I WAS SO DISSAPOINTED WITH ONE MAN OF GOD ,WHO TOLD ME THAT I USED AN EXPENSIVE WAY WHEN BUYING MY CAR,INSTEAD I SHOULD HAVE SEEN HIM FOR THE SAME TO AVOID TAX!
COME-ON FORKS!THE KING OF GLORY HIMSELF PAID TAX!
Tither
February 1, 2012 at 3:13 pm
I am a tither and a giver in the House of God and i also give to the poor. I have not gotten broke out of my giving. In fact i started out broke, busted and disgusted but today i have a different story.
You are probably broke fellas against the message of prosperity.
To my observation NO RICH MAN ACCEPTS THE GOSPEL OF POVERTY. AND ANY MAN AGAINST THE MESSAGE OF PROSPERITY IS POOR.
apbl ©2012
February 1, 2012 at 3:13 pm
every person has a right to their own thoughts n opinion
if this article does not touch yo conscience then its not meant for you
the error we make always is learning to give in order to receive we tend to forget that we tith because we received and thats why the authors of this article emphasis more on thanks giving from a tith. how in the world would you make a thanks giving before receiving it just doesnt make sense and thats what most of our pastors preach. “give to the Lord and you will receive blessings in your finances” but who gave first between you and GOD? i think thats the question here,
do you give so that God appreciates in giving you something in return? or you give because God has given you n now you are appreciating through thanks giving to God?
think about it, why do you tith?
muntu
February 1, 2012 at 3:32 pm
ok here it is,when we watch nigerian movies its depicted that for one to go to the witch doctor he/she has to give an offering neh,wats wrong wit doing the same in the Church after all the kingdom of darkness has borrowed these principals from the church.The church bliv me or not is a place of power and those that undastand the power of these principals can not be moved,its either ure God is BIG or small in ure eyes defined by ure sacrifice u make for ure GOD or ‘god’.
The west remains strong due to the fact that they have given to the needy.Wen Somalia was in turmoil the U.S.A gave billions of dollars to sustain that country including Ethiopia crisis in 1992 which oil rich african state gave?
Oprah,Bill Gates,Micheal Jackson the late Bush,Clinton jst to mention a few are sending dollars to Africa weather they knw God or not they undastnd the principal of giving and they have not run broke.
GIVING=its a sacrifice and wen acceptable by God its rewarded.
Evangelist
February 1, 2012 at 4:28 pm
May the grace of God descend on Tendai and Tinta so that they may know the Truth for only the truth shall set them free.
May the Holy Spirit illuminate their minds so that they can understand the things of God for the carnal mind does not understand spiritual things.
May the Holy Spirit enable Tendai and Tinta to comprehend the fact that while the true Church is universal, that is the Body of christ which is spiritual, there’s also a local church. In a local church there are Christians and non Christians.
Through the local Church oversight is provided to Christians. Nowonder there are Overseers or Pastors. Christians have and enjoy fellowship with one another in a local church. Non Christians are exalted to repent and believe in Jesus in a local church and through evangelism.
May the Almighty God open the eyes of Tendai and Tinta so that they may fully understand the word of God. For why would God institute the office of overseers believers are not supposed to meet as a local Church? Why would Paul tell Titus to put things in order by ordaining elders or overseers to provide oversight in a local church if it not God ordained?
I pray for you that you may see the Light and Know the Truth. Only the Truth will set you free. And that truth is Jesus. Amen.
Evangelist
February 1, 2012 at 4:29 pm
May the grace of God descend on Tendai and Tinta so that they may know the Truth for only the truth shall set them free.
May the Holy Spirit illuminate their minds so that they can understand the things of God for the carnal mind does not understand spiritual things.
May the Holy Spirit enable Tendai and Tinta to comprehend the fact that while the true Church is universal, that is the Body of christ which is spiritual, there’s also a local church. In a local church there are Christians and non Christians.
Through the local Church oversight is provided to Christians. Nowonder there are Overseers or Pastors. Christians have and enjoy fellowship with one another in a local church. Non Christians are exalted to repent and believe in Jesus in a local church and through evangelism.
May the Almighty God open the eyes of Tendai and Tinta so that they may fully understand the word of God. For why would God institute the office of overseers if believers are not supposed to meet as a local Church? Why would Paul tell Titus to put things in order by ordaining elders or overseers to provide oversight in a local church if it not God ordained?
I pray for you that you may see the Light and Know the Truth. Only the Truth will set you free. And that truth is Jesus. Amen.
Hisman
February 1, 2012 at 4:52 pm
This is insane! Could we have some better things published……. and to the writer/author; remember you are accountable to God for all the lives you will drive astray by your utterances and statements.It is as simple as that – be careful. Not all Churches are there for money. Our church spends money to save lives; money which not even the government can spend! depending on your school of thought – but I think you need help brotherman!
SKEPTICO
February 1, 2012 at 11:18 pm
If the Bible wasn’t called “GOD’S WORD”, one would have thought it a ghastly bad story.It’s not even original-All one has to is read some mythology.
If one has to believe in God, it is far more rational to believe in God that doesn’t care about you. Hence,the reason for random acts of life and death. One can call it God’s divine plan, but then why pray?
Why is it that a humble questioning of God will lead to gasps and sighs. Oh wait, you can’t, because the church strike fear in people who question. YOU ARE GOING TO HELL! But wait, GOD LOVES YOU.
Phebby Chiwama SA
February 2, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@big brain,waba bawiso akabwamba ubunono nabanoko ukununkapamatako
Suspect
February 9, 2012 at 9:20 am
You ladies need serious prayers if u were to know the truth.involke for the Holy spirit and it will leed you to the truth.the TITHE thing has been working perfect and my work has progressed marvelously
Fyakubantu
February 16, 2012 at 9:59 am
There we go again a bunch of paranoid believers, if you read and see clearly the author did not write this based on the academic knowledge only but referred every statement to a bible verse so stop running away from the truth, all you tithe supporters please i beg you to refer to the bible verses given in the authors story, you tolerate these thieves called pastors and encourage them, God is not helping you because you gave a pastor a present or tithed but because he loves you. so please stop driving us to you blindness
REAL
February 26, 2012 at 10:48 am
Tendai nd Tinta careful with this so called pastors,thats how thy make money thy are gud in incouraging pipo to pay tith nd main pipo are sufering coz of that
repent
June 30, 2012 at 9:19 am
may our good lord Jesus christ show us good ways
CONNIE
December 9, 2012 at 2:55 am
THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING THE TRUTH ABOUT TITHES. I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT STUDY THE WORD OF GOD. THEY ARE BEING DECEIVED. TITHES WERE FOOD AND WERE ONLY FOR THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD. THERE IS NO ONE MAN SHOW (PASTOR) IN THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST. THERE ARE ELDERS AS STATED IN THE WORD OF GOD.
THERE IS MUCH MORE I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE BUT PEOPLE REFUSE TO BELIEVE THE TRUTH AND THAT IS SAD.
GIVE NOT THAT WHICH IS HOLY TO THE DOGS, NOR CAST YOUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE AS THEY WILL TURN AROUND AND REND YOU. PLEASE STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, AND QUIT IDOLIZING THESE WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.