Sarbanes-Oxley for Churches?
By David Davenport
Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa is investigating six ministries about their financial practices. Apparently concerned with church leaders who drive nice cars, Grassley wants records of ministry salaries, expense accounts, credit cards, cars and airplanes.
Now it's fair to argue that those things should be examined, but the question is, by whom? By Uncle Sam? I think not.
The same people who brought you the overregulation of Sarbanes-Oxley in the corporate world, and who claim to believe in the separation of church and state, now want to bring government oversight into the spending decisions of churches and ministries. That accountability should come, but from donors and boards, not from a committee of the United States Senate.
Perhaps Senator Grassley feels a clergyman should not drive a luxury car. But that is not his decision to make. There is plenty of spending for the Senate to watch right in its own building.
Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa is investigating six ministries about their financial practices. Apparently concerned with church leaders who drive nice cars, Grassley wants records of ministry salaries, expense accounts, credit cards, cars and airplanes.
Now it's fair to argue that those things should be examined, but the question is, by whom? By Uncle Sam? I think not.
The same people who brought you the overregulation of Sarbanes-Oxley in the corporate world, and who claim to believe in the separation of church and state, now want to bring government oversight into the spending decisions of churches and ministries. That accountability should come, but from donors and boards, not from a committee of the United States Senate.
Perhaps Senator Grassley feels a clergyman should not drive a luxury car. But that is not his decision to make. There is plenty of spending for the Senate to watch right in its own building.
posted by HeavyHanded at
10:04 AM
1 Comments:
think it is High Time that men of God STAND UP and speak the truth in love in response to what the Bible says about proper Christian conduct and how a Man of God should be an example to the Church and the unbeliever.First of all I believe the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,That Jesus was born of a Virgin,That Jesus died on the cross of Calvary to provide redemption from sin,and that Jesus rose on the 3rd. day.And I also believe that Jesus Christ is THE ONLY WAY in which a man can find Salvation and eternal life and apart from faith in Jesus Christ men will be judged by God who is Holy to an eternity in Hell for their wickedness and sin.I also believe what the Lord said in
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Only those who are Born Again will be saved form God's wrath and eternal torment in hell.
Secondly the Bible clearly states that we are to consider all things by the Word of God so that we know how the Man of God should conduct himself.And the word of God says in 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And the word of truth is what we are to use to conduct our lifes.And if one studies God word they will find In 2nd Timothy 3:16-17:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Gods word is profitable for many wonderful things and here in particular 4 Things. 1-For doctrine 2-For reproof 3-For correction 4-For instruction in righteousness
And these 4 Things are provided by God to us for a reason because without sound doctrine,without reproof,without correction and without instruction in rightousness
Then v:17 would not be correct which says:
17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
So when some suggest that someone is judging by agreeing with what Senator Grassley is bringing out in the open about these Pastors lifestyles.It has been reported in the US press that some of these 6 ministries Pastors under public scrunity that they fly in Cessana Jets,drive Rolls Royces and Bentley Convertables,live in Mansions worth from 2 Million Dollars up to 10 Million Dollars,stay in Presidentalial Suites for a sum of one Thousand Dollars up to Ten Thousand Dollars a night.One of these 6 Pastors when asked on CNN IF THEY BELIEVED JESUS WOULD AGREE TO THEM HAVING A ROLLS ROYCE? HE SAID "YES Jesus would agree"
So when we look at what is taking place with Senator Grassley,s requested inquiry on ministries such as Benny Hinn,Keneth Copeland,Crefflo Dollar Joyce Myers and others and in light of the scandal at Oral Roberts University where as even the President Richard Roberts resigned on Friday after his accountant informed the world that he was instructed to "cook the books" by Richard Roberts himself and the accountant was Fired.
And when you take into account that these 6 ministries teach false teachings that I Quote.."We are all little gods" and that we have the power to create through our words,and the Properity Gospel.Perhaps one is being judgemental if you think that Doctrine Reproof,Correction and Instruction in Rightousness is not an appropiate measure to be guided by not only in these 6 Pastors ministries but in any Christian ministries.And let me ask have you really dug into what The Word of Faith Movement teaches?I suggest that any one reading this finds out and become aware of what these ministries teach.The choice is yours.
It's about time that MEN OF GOD STAND UP and speak the word of truth in love and through Gods Word find Doctrine and Reproof false teachers and bring Correction so that people are not mislead and bring Instruction in righteousness so that people wiil be aware of what is happening.
I am an ordained Pentecostal minister in Regent Park -St. Jamestown Toronto.And I have a duty as a watchman of the church God has called me to lead.Here are some scriptures to that warn us of the very things we are talking about.
2nd.Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2: And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3: And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
1 Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1rst Timothy 6:3-11 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4: He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1rst Peter 5:2: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
If anyone would like to discuss what My views are on any of the above statements or on the bible in general,please feel free to respond to this email... Pastor Mike Grady info@mgrady.net
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Pastor Mike Grady/Toronto, at 9:54 AM
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