he’s still bilking far poorer people out of their money via the prosperity gospel.
And he’s not taken a salary only the past two years. He was before that. And his church takes in about 43 million a year in collections.
Besides if you take in a few million a year for a number of years and have a good chunk of that left over, it’s kind of easy to not take a salary for a couple years.
All I am saying is he seems a little more worldly-focused than say, the apostles or disciples, in terms of comparing men who want to be in church leadership roles.
All I am saying is he seems a little more worldly-focused than say, the apostles or disciples, in terms of comparing men who want to be in church leadership roles.I agree.
Compare to Billy Graham's ministry, life and home.
You are not home yet
May 13, 2011|The Rev. Dr. Curtis Alexander
Ray Stedman in "Talking to My Father" told of an old missionary couple who served in Africa for 50 years. They were returning to New York City to retire, with no pension, poor health, anxiety and discouragement. As they climbed the gangplank they discovered they were on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his African big-game safaris.
Of course, no one paid the missionaries any attention. Continuous hoopla surrounded the President. As the ship sailed west to America, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong. Why should we give our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these years, and have no one care a thing about us? They fawn over the President, but God's servants are forgotten!"
"Dear, you shouldn't feel that way," his wife answered.
When they docked, a band played for the President. The New York mayor and other dignitaries were present, and newspapers put the story on page one. But no one noticed as the two elderly missionaries slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat in a poor slum. That night his spirit broke. He told his wife, "I can't take this. God is not treating us fairly!"
"Why don't you go in the bedroom," his wife suggested, "and tell that to the Lord?"
Later, returning to the living room, she noticed that he was relaxed. He seemed at peace. "Dear, what happened?"
"The Lord settled it with me," he explained. "I told him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous homecoming. I said, 'God, why didn't anyone welcome us home?'"
"And God said, 'But Charles, you're not home yet!' "
I suspect that when we see what God has planned for those who serve him faithfully, we'll revise all our ideas of "sacrificial service." We'll know then that what we have given up here in this life is worthless compared to what God has prepared for those who follow him.
On that day, many a president will be ignored, while unknown missionaries and faithful servants are cheered by heavenly beings of great splendor.
Remember: you're not home yet!