Comments on: Churches in Financial Distress

By: Jane Galloway

Jane Galloway — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:56:05 +0000

Hi John, I totally agree. Thanks for your post. Rev. Jane Galloway

By: John R. Brooks

John R. Brooks — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:31:47 +0000

I always try to view this program. I especialy viewed the segment on the finacial issues facing churches today. For those that were involved in this story they may rest assured that the problesw they are having are not unique to them. There are many smaller churches with less people in attendenance that have the same issues facing them. We all must remember that God’s church is not a building but is the people. We must remember that HIS church will survive.

By: Kevin K.

Kevin K. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:27:26 +0000

Joe; when you think about it, your question is a valid one. Why would God mislead a minister when this is not His Nature? Is this the devil at work? (By His Nature I assume you mean God’s nature?)

The answers to both your questions are found in the Bible…

First, God does not mislead people, it would be impossible for him to do so. In fact, his prophet Hosea stated that the ‘…ways of God are upright’ (Hosea 14:9) Moses wrote about God that ‘… perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; Righteous and upright is he.’(Deut 32:3, 2) Because his activities are dictated by his perfect sense of love and justice, it would be impossible for God to mislead people.

As to your second question, yes it is the Devil’s work: Jesus warned his followers that humans could not slave for Riches and for God. (Matt 6:24) The Devil knows all too well the distractions that riches bring; but look at the contrasting counsel from God’s word…namely, to ‘keep a simple eye’ (Matt 6:22) The Devil knows all to well the weaknesses of humans; materialism, greed, the desire for riches, etc.

God is not impressed by how large or fancy our church may be. We are wise to avoid burdening ourselves with unnecessary debt and with possessions or pursuits that require much time and attention; rather, we should pursue a modest lifestyle. We can please God well when we do his will and apply his commandments and principles in our lives. (1 Tim 6:9,10) (Micah 6:6-8) If we do these things, we will find that our anxiety levels over material things will diminish, and that our ‘whole body is bright’(Matt 6:22-23)

-Kevin

By: Pat Wintersteen

Pat Wintersteen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:55:30 +0000

Joe, your questioning the Pastor/Minister’s beleifs/actions as possibly “the devil at work” reminds me of the story of Noah’s Ark, where folks questioned Noah’s beleifs/actions.
While I agree with you that your question is controversial and could be lacking in faith, I must part company with your “know”ing it must be asked.

By: Joe Dunst

Joe Dunst — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:54:50 +0000

I have some reservations when a Pastor believes that God’s Holy Spirit is telling them to “go ahead and build….” Why would God mislead a minister when this is not His Nature? (Is this the
devil at work?). I know that this could be controversial and lacking faith but it must be asked.