Reformation: TD Jakes and Deception

Written by Bernie Dehler
(See the end for directions to download and share the TV program.)

       Bishop TD Jakes
  I just did a TV show last night regarding TD Jakes' book The Great Investment.  I thought it would be chock-full of name-it-and-claim-it, but he actually is against that!  He's not against "name-it-and-claim-it" for theological reasons, but for a practical reason: what good is it if God gives people financial blessings if they don't know how to manage it?  Therefore, his book is very strong on worldly wisdom on how to invest and make your money.  (As a minister of God, he should be giving godly advice, but I don't want to go into that for now.)

  Here is the overall picture.  TD Jakes is making money off the faithful, and proud of it.  He lives in luxury (luxury vehicles and has a luxury home, click here to read more about it).  How can a minister live like that, when we have brothers/sisters in the Lord dying from starvation and malnutrition?  Maybe he doesn't know about them? He makes it perfectly clear he knows about them.  He describes them on pg. 15 in fact.  Then how can he, or any Christian minister, live in extreme luxury while we know of brothers/sisters striving just to SURVIVE?

   Three reasons.  First, they are deceived.  Second, they sear their consciences so they don't have to think about it.  Because they do this, then thirdly they can "fleece the flock" (make money and use Christians to make themselves rich.) 

  Scripture for reason 1.  Jesus told a parable about a farmer who scattered seed.  In that parable, some of the seed grew into plants, but got choked-out due to the deceitfulness of wealth.  Click here to read about it in Luke 8.  (Remember, those who are deceived it don't know it, or else they wouldn't allow it; no one wants to be deceived.)

Luke 8, verse 14:
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

  Scripture for reason 2.  A seared conscience... even in a "Christian" or one who claims to be a Christ-follower:

1 Timothy 4:2
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

  Scripture for reason 3.  Flock Fleecers:

1 Timothy 6:5
and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

  How should one manage their money? They should consider themselves stewards of everything God has given them: their time, treasure, and talent.  It needs to be managed for God, not selfishness.  Our Lord Jesus gave a great parable of this called "The Parable of the talents."  Click here to read it (Matthew 25), and please meditate on it.

  The Apostle James taught that if you don't help the needy, and simply wish them well, your faith is worthless:

James 2:14-17
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

  Listen up, TD!  Listen to what the Spirit says (the Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, his understudy):

2 Timothy 3:1-17
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

  Please, every Christian reading this, help sound the alarms to the danger of TD Jakes, and those like him.  Many preachers, including him, are infiltrating many mainline churches.  I saw it myself, and was shocked.  Also pray that TD Jakes eyes will be opened.  It will make a great testimony for a future date!

  By the way, please help us in trying to confront & reform Pastor John Hagee.  He's the senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio and is frequently seen on TBN TV.  His abuses are well documented in the open-letter; please go here to read and sign it.

  Let me also note that not all Christian ministers are "flock fleecers" like TD Jakes and John Hagee.  There are some positive role-models, such as Focus on the Family & Coral Ridge Ministries.  Click here (Excel spreadsheet) to see a salary review for the ones in the big-time (high revenue category).  As a general rule, most local preachers at churches are actually underpaid or not paid much, because of the nature of the "business."  The ones who do real good financially, like TD Jakes, do it through selling many products and slick marketing, spending a great deal of time and effort in trying to "fleece the flock."

Update: How should a Christian minister act and behave, financially? I think a beautiful role model is the director of Gospel for Asia.  Go to their website ( http://www.gfa.org/gfa/ ) and get their free book, and you'll see a night and day difference between him and TD Jakes!

To view or download the TV show:  To play the following files, click on them with your LEFT mouse button.  If your internet connection is fast, it should directly play.  If slow, it will make a temporary download and then play.  To only download the files (so you can play them anytime and pass it to friends), click on it with your RIGHT mouse button, then select "save target as...", and then hit "save":

• Windows Media player, video (19 MBytes): TD_Jakes.wmv

• Audio MP3 format (7 MBytes) : TD_Jakes.mp3

Comments

[David]

I don't know what to think about John Hagee and others being overpaid. I know I've never been overpaid at any job I've worked. I earn it. I give to the poor, as in straight into their hands, as in foodstuffs, as in no overhead. I have the confidence to know God will meet my every need, because I've been faithful in that respect.

If any blame is to be laid, it has got to be on those who show up every week at church and in front of TV, and don't scrutinize every word that comes out of a high profile bible teacher. We are not supposed to be lazy listeners, but wise as foxes. That takes courage and a little work.

I would never want to take advantage of somebody, let's say, living on a fixed income, as many of televangeist viewers must be. Nobody's asking them to work for free, but to be mindful that most of their viewers will never even come close to over a million in yearly compensation.

David

[eric]

I once asked an inner-city black pastor why he drove such an expensive car and wore such expensive clothes. His response was interesting. He said, "Because I want every young black male who meets me to know that crack is not the only thing that pays well!"

I know there are some who are fleecing the sheep. I know there are some who are taking advantage. But there is also a danger when we expect ministers to support their families on insufficient incomes. There is this ideal in many churches that the minister must be dirt poor in order to truly work for God. I think that attitude is just as unbiblical as fleecing the sheep.

I think there is a lot more than just how much they receive. I think how much they give is just as important. If they are doing it right, their left hand doesn't even know what they are doing so why should we.

Just looking at the other side.

[Brandon]

I love your recent web cast about TD Jakes's book and tithing... I've always had a funny fealing about tithing and you have confirmed for me several areas that I've been struggling with... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Brandon

[tricia]

Bernie,
I found a site that lists Prosperity Gospel quotes from Evangelists, I thought you might be interested.

http://www.inplainsite.org/html/the_prosperity_doctrine.html#Quotes

I was amazed. I know that Hagee is not the only one either, there are many of them with different degrees of greed and wealth teaching this false doctrine and taking money from the poor they should be helping! It's outragous. I know first hand that it also happens ,on a smaller scale, in local churches. No matter the degree to which it is done it is always wrong and very sad!

Sincerely,
Tricia

[Nick]

hello Bernie,

my name is nick and i live Ohio and my wife and i really enjoy your show. i love that you contend for the faith and deal with the contraversial issues when nobody else seems to care. i also deal mainly with false doctrines and the charismatic church is what is on the rise in my home area. i deal with the spririt gifts and healings more than any other issues, though lately i've been dealing with the health&wealth and calvinism a lot more lately.

Nick

[Patrick]

Hey Bernie,

Just watched your review of T.D. Jakes book. It's seems like we are on the same page as far as financial Biblical stewardship goes. That's pretty refreshing - I don't find many who believe what the Bible preaches.

...Patrick

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

David said:
"I would never want to take advantage of somebody, let's say, living on a fixed income, as many of televangeist viewers must be. Nobody's asking them to work for free, but to be mindful that most of their viewers will never even come close to over a million in yearly compensation."

So true. Help expose Pastor Hagee. Help sound the alarm. Tell your friends. He thinks he can get away with it. Here's how to help expose him: sign the open-letter to him:

http://open-letter-for-pastor-hagee.org/

The petition info is now also on the Hagee article at wikipedia.com:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hagee

...Bernie

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

Tricia said:
"I was amazed. I know that Hagee is not the only one either, there are many of them with different degrees of greed and wealth teaching this false doctrine and taking money from the poor they should be helping! It's outragous. I know first hand that it also happens ,on a smaller scale, in local churches. "

It is very sad. The very people who appear to be representing God are fleecing the flock. By the way, most local pastors are severely underpaid,,, because they don't have the same kind of income to be tempted with. Most struggle to survive. Some of the big players are also very noble. Two positive examples are "Focus on the Family" and "Coral Ridge Ministries." How unfortunate that people like Pastor Hagee bring scandal onto the worldwide church of God, and cast suspion on all. Please sign the open-letter to Pastor Hagee here:

http://open-letter-for-pastor-hagee.org/

...Bernie

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

Nick said:
"My name is nick and I live Ohio and my wife and i really enjoy your show. I love that you contend for the faith and deal with the contraversial issues when nobody else seems to care."

Hi Nick-

That's cool how we can connect, from Oregon to Ohio. Thanks for the positive feedback. Yes, many ministries won't touch controversial issues, because the "ultimate sin" is to upset the donor, which costs a lot of money to acquire. I only have a handful of supporters, so I don't have to worry about it. I pray that I would continue to speak as a reformer, and never be afraid of telling the truth, bluntly as needed, as Jesus and the prophets did. There's no shortage of ear-ticklers and false prophets.

...Bernie

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

Patrick wrote:
"Just watched your review of T.D. Jakes book. It's seems like we are on the same page as far as financial Biblical stewardship goes. That's pretty refreshing - I don't find many who believe what the Bible preaches."

How can TD Jakes be wrong? Just because he's on Christian TV and has many best selling books, he must be right, isn't he? How could he be wrong with no other prominent preachers pointing it out? Such is the sad state of Christianity today. The major media ministers are afraid to sound the alarms.

Hank Hanegraaff is one of the few. I appreciate and learned a lot from him. I looked at his finances, though, and got very disturbed. I felt betrayed. He also shows many signs of greed. I wrote about it here:

http://freegoodnews.blogspot.com/2005/01/greed-case-study-in-bad-cri.html

and here:

http://freegoodnews.blogspot.com/2004/11/greed-good-bad-and-ugly.html

I don't know of any prominent and noble Christian reformers. Any suggestions?

...Bernie

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

Patrick says:
"Just watched your review of T.D. Jakes book. It's seems like we are on the same page as far as financial Biblical stewardship goes. That's pretty refreshing - I don't find many who believe what the Bible preaches."

Yup- basically, it is my own idea from Scripture, then I sometimes run across some mature Christians with the same idea. My role-models are people like KP, of "Gospel for Asia" (who I know only from reading his book, see right sidebar). A rare Christian-- actually living a Christ-like life... people who understand what Gal. 2:20 actually means (being crucified with Christ, and Christ living in them).

...Bernie

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

Eric said:
"I once asked an inner-city black pastor why he drove such an expensive car and wore such expensive clothes. His response was interesting. He said, "Because I want every young black male who meets me to know that crack is not the only thing that pays well!""

I think I heard TD Jakes say the same thing on TV. What a shame. They are teaching worldliness for church members. We are not to be of this world. An example of teaching the very opposite of Christianity, and TD Jakes was ranked as "America's #1 Most Influential Christian" by a magazine. Unbelievable!

...Bernie

[Minister C. A. Cunningham]

We must understand that none of us are perfect but working towards perfection. I understand your concerns about the misuse of church money. However I have never read scripture where God authorizes other believers to openly lambast those that he has annointed to preach the gospel. You must understand that because Eli (high priest) and his sons operated in error, God himself dealt with them. Just be careful how you deal with God's Man. It is true that he is just a man but he is God's man. If different Pastors and Clergy pervert the gospel they will have to give an account to God, not you or I. We tithe and give offerings to the Lord cheefully because it is biblical. There really is no committment to God without true sacrifice. This is done through fasting,praying and consecrating one's life. It is also with money. All are important. Read the bible closely take your eyes off of man and focus on what God has for you to do. This of course applies to us all. I am not trying to start controversy I am just a conduit for God. Let us pray one for another without ceasing. May the grace of God and our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ be with all of us as we do his will.

[Bernie of FreeGoodNews.com]

Minister Cunningham said:
"However I have never read scripture where God authorizes other believers to openly lambast those that he has annointed to preach the gospel."

"Lambast" is too harsh of a word. The Bible does say in many places we are to rebuke each other when in error. Matthew 18 is one famous place about how to confront a fellow believer in sin (Jesus says how to do it). Probably the most important verse on this topic would be here:

2 Timothy 3:15-17
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

There it is, from the Apostle Paul. Rebuking and correcting are two basic uses for Scripture. Also read Galatians 2 for the story of Paul publically rebuking Peter. These were even two Apostles.

TD Jakes needs a healthy dose of rebuke. His materialism is a scandal and blight upon the church, which is the body of Christ.

Minister Cunningham said:
"We tithe and give offerings to the Lord cheefully because it is biblical."

That's my objection: tithing is NOT biblical for Christians. That's why it isn't taught anywhere in the New Testament. Please download the free book about tithing on the right side-bar of this webpage.

If you want to debate this, answer me this: how much of your money belongs to God, 10% or 100%? The nonsense from tithe teachers is that they say everything we have belongs to God, then they go on to say to give our 10%.

The tithe is too harsh on the poor, and too easy on the rich. "True Stewardship" is when you manage it all (100%) as if it belongs to God, because it does (Randy Alcorn's book,"The Treasure Principle" offers a great description of this). If you give 1% or 60% to your local church, it is irrelevant. Manage it all for God, and invest/spend it as God directs, and you'll be living by the spirit. What a shame that our tithe-teaching pastors don't understand that, so they don't teach it. It's so much easier to ask and demand your 10%, and conduct Scripture-twisting to justify/rationalize it.

I do believe that many Pastors also preach tithing simply because of ignorance; preaching what they've heard from others and is acceptable in church culture.

Just my thoughts.

Anyway, you really need to download the free book and read it, then post again with anything you disagree with.

...Bernie

[Tessa]

the bible says sow and u will reap! u are sowing wrong! God says he wants to bless us and bless us more abundatly! and when saul asked for wisdom God gave him wisdom and riches. If u read through the whole old testament u will c bout the riches that filled God's house! At one stage the ppl had so much money they didn't know what to do wiht it! Why would God want us poor? Jesus wasn't poor! God aint poor! All the earth and the riches there of belong to him! why wouldn't he wana keep it to himself? Why would he want his children to suffer? yeah there is other things that's gona make us suffer in the spiritual! But God has grace upon grace! He loves his children! we are his children! He aint a old man wiht a whip in his hand! He is our God! Our father! you got to wake up! Get rid of religioun and star believing in the one true God. Start loving Him! Love Jesus and the Holy Spirit! Read ur bible wiht a passion. Ask God for revelations!

Bless all of Zion

Tessa

[Daniel R]

Tessa, Jesus was rich? Where did you learn that? Have you ever read 2 Corinthians 8:9? I am sick of hearing this doctrine that Jesus was rich. He was God and he became man. How poorer can He get than that? He gave up everything for you and me, so that we might have everlasting eternal life and not a selfish earthly life.

2Cr 8:9 - "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (i.e. Spiritual riches)".

Here, Jesus "being rich" is speaking of his preexistence in his position of glory. He became poor in becoming a man and that too a servant in position and also in his social life (read Zech. 9:9) He came as a servant. We are to follow the pattern laid by Jesus in becoming servants rather than self appointed masters. If we do follow the pattern of our dear Lord, then in eternity, we will be exalted by our Father God, who also exalted Jesus, His beloved Son.

..Daniel

[Bernie Dehler of FreeGoodNews.com]

Yes, obviously Jesus lived in poverty... mind boggling how preacher's preach otherwise:

Matthew 19 (see verse 27):
16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,'[d] and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'[e]"
20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Also:

Luke 9:58
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Also:

Matthew 6 (Jesus talking)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

...Bernie

[NewWoman]

I have come upon this site while I was doing some research and I am surprised. I never knew that televangelist made so much money. I don't know about John Hagee, but doesn't Bishop Jakes make money from the sales of his books and tapes and CDs? I also wonder what has happened to ministers, pastors and other church leaders working? The money from the church shouldn't be the only source of income and as far as expecting preachers to support their families on inadequate incomes, everyday people do it every day.

[Bernie Dehler from FreeGoodNews.com]

Hi NewWoman-

No one knbows for sure how much TD Jakes makes, because his organization is classified as a "Church" and therefore is not required to file a tax return. Same with Benny Hinn, Marilyn Hickey, etc. John Hagee is different, since he also has a non-profit television organization, and so he's forced to disclose his outrageous salaries.

Remember too, that there are some noble organizations that are doing a fine job, such as Focus on the Family, a great role model for others. It's very unfortunate that people like Pastor Hagee are slandering the church by their financial abuse.

Please help by signing the Open Letter to Pastor Hagee, and tell anyone you know who attends his church in San Antonio, Texas (Cornerstone Church). If we confront him, there's a chance for reformation. So far, he has experienced what it is like to get away with this for a number of years, knowing that most Christians don't know or don't care.

Petition: http://open-letter-for-pastor-hagee.org/

It is getting good publicity. I'm getting lots of hits on it from search engines. In fact, on some search engines, like MSN, it can often come up in the first page of results when just search for his name.

...Bernie

[Mike]

Well, we can all look at each other and pick out flaws until the cows come home, but the man brings people to Jesus. He also captures an audience that, some, would otherwise NEVER listen to the gospel. Ask half of the people, who listen to him, if they know (or even care) how many cars he has. I would be curious to see that survey.
Many of his books, CD', etc. are purchased by people who CAN afford them. If people have to choose between a meal and a T.D. Jakes CD, I think they will probably eat first. Like the original thread states, the wheel is so big now, that the only other option would be to just quit. I mean if you didn't fund the ministry, what else would happen?
I'm a little confused. Should he use his talents in singing, writing (and other area's) and give the reproductions away? If so, are the editing, production, and media companies going to mass produce all of this for free? Should he not make a profit off of his work (outside of his T.V. ministry)? Does anyone here live off of the bare minimum of their income and give the rest to the poor? You know, not invest for retirement, buy cloths, create an inheritance for your family (this inlcudes personal property). He is in the "business" of getting the message out. He's doing that and it hasn't cost me a dime to hear it. Unless you count the cable t.v. bill that I would be paying anyway. Oh, wait a minute, I probably shouldn't have that, or the internet connection and computer I'm using now, because I can't take it with me when I die (as the column insinuates). Also, I should use that money to feed the hungry (which, by the way, he does). I would surmise to say that ANYONE reading this is guilty of the same thing. Have a t.v.? Have a computer? Why?
His messages does have a lot of "blessing" overtones (does that really need to be defended???), but that's not all he preaches about. Does anyone "listen" to his messages, or just critique them? He touches almost every area you can imagine. At least he IS preaching and bringing people to the church. There are people who are doing a lot worse, and should probably be drawing more negative attention than T.D. Oh yea, and I wonder why he preaches about free market principles? Could it have anything to do with the fact that we live in the U.S.? Imagine that, preaching to people about their country, culture, and undeniable surroundings and economic system. You know, stuff people can relate to. How dare him (ha!).
So the man isn't perfect. Who is? You? me? Hardly. While we're all in the quoting spirit, how about "judge not lest ye be judged". Shouldn't we leave that to God? I wonder what would happen if we left it up to people form their own opinions, instead of feeding them negative-slanted information. Notice I didn't say totally untrue, but the slant isn't a very positive one.
I know that I, personally, never gave his lifestyle one thought until I read some of these postings. I admit that they did make me go "hmmmmmm" for a split second, and actually made me think about all of the little details that were being spewed. But I had to smack myself and say, "hey" I was starting to come back to God a little more since I've been listening to T.D. Should I now worry about all of this, or continue to be inspired to live a better life because T.D. Jakes has been connecting me with God again? I picked the latter, because I (as probably thousands of others) do not focus on the negative of everything. I mean I do focus on negative things quite often, but I don't want to direct that energy onto a person that inspires me. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
If someone doesn't agree with him, care for his message, style, or personal flaws, then they shouldn't listen to him. If he was teaching communism, I might join the bandwagon here. Actually all of this reminds me of a National Geo episode, watching the lions tearing into an gazelle. Some people need to take a break and re-focus.
Discouraging others from getting inspiration when they finally find it shouldn't be the priority. We are all experts at pointing out the flaws of others. If we just devoted the critical analysis towards ourselves, we would probably have a better chance of making more change in the world.

Hope I didn't bore of offend anyone. Just calling it like I see it, if I'm allowed to have an opinion here.

Mike

[Tony]

I guess you believe that what you are saying are helping others. I need to understand that why I can use the gifts that God has given me to make a six figure income working at a corpaorate job and you would not have an issue with that as long as I give to my local church & to various charirties and meet the needs of my community. Now if I am a Pastor and use the gifts that God has given to write & minister to the lost and create an income simulair to what i would have in my corporate job that is wrong...I believe God speak to more than just you. My blessing are not determined on what you or anyone else thing. He does not consult you or anyone else to determine how he should bless me. We must be very careful not to mix our personal feelings with God has blessed even if you don't like it. I think this is good dialogue,but dangerous

[Bernie Dehler from FreeGoodNews.com]

Hi Mike,

Your response has so many errors, I think I'll make it the main topic for another blog article and answer it. Just to start, just one point, you say:

"Well, we can all look at each other and pick out flaws until the cows come home, but the man brings people to Jesus. He also captures an audience that, some, would otherwise NEVER listen to the gospel."

I could restate your words like this, to make it a positive pronouncement:

"If a preacher is bringing people to Jesus, then we have no right to demand financial accountability from them."

I think this would be obviously wrong to everyone, yet I still think that you and some others would still believe it. Let me give you just one Scriptutre to counter this point:

James 3:1
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Yes, there will always be those who are naive, and don't know what these greedy preachers are doing. I was that way when I donated to Jim Bakker (former PTL Director and TV Host) before his lavish lifestyle was revealed. But to defend the greed once you know it... that's a serious display of spiritual immaturity. Just my opinion, of course.

By the way, Jim Bakker, after doing his jail time, wrote a book called "I Was Wrong" where he acknowledges his waywardness. This stuff he acknowledges, is the same stuff TD Jakes, Benny Hinn, John Hagee, etc. are still doing today. You can buy his book, used, for 75 cents here:

http://product.half.ebay.com/I-Was-Wrong_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ949592

...Bernie

[Bernie Dehler from FreeGoodNews.com]

Hi Tony-

The difference between big incomes working for a secular company or a ministry is two-fold:

1. A ministry gets money by donations (intended to be used by God), a secular company by selling goods and services at a profit.

2. The secular company determines pay by doing peer analysis with other companies. If you are the owner, you can pay yourself whatever you want. A nonprofit determines pay by the Board of Directors. John Hagee's Board, for example, is family dominated, which violates every basic accountability standard. This is why he would refuse any accountability, including the voluntary joining of ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability):

http://www.ecfa.org

For TD Jakes, he calls his organization a "church." A "church" doesn't have to file tax returns, so who knows how much he is paid. It's a perfect way for a greedy person to hide their money if they want to get away with something. Churches should be something people attend, not some organization where you get donations from TV, radio, and internet and sell books at a profit.

I think the Apostle Paul warned Timothy of people like TD Jakes:

1 Timothy 6:3-6
3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

I think this part (verse 5) describes T.D. Jakes well:

"...been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

It also describes all of the prosperity teachers (robbers of God's people who live in mansions and drive fancy cars, like Benny Hinn and John Hagee). These people have no clue as to what verses 6-7 means:

"6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Jesus taught us what to do with our money. These people are doing the opposite, and they claim to be ministers of God! Read Jesus' words here:

Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

...Bernie

[Bernie Dehler of FreeGoodNews.com]

I just got a plea for help in an email today (see below). I don't know if it is from a scammer or if it is a true situation. If it's not true, it is still true that the letter represents multitudes of people who live in dire conditions. Now this is the part I don't understand... how can a "man of God" like TD Jakes live in luxury when his brothers and sisters in Christ are starving or struggling just to survive??? I really just don't get it!

Here's the email:

------------
From: Bernett Adelle
Sent: Thu, 18 May 2006 11:39:06 +0200
Subject: Prayer Request

Prayer Request
Dear In Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of peace and the KING of kings.

It's a great pleassure for me to write you this short mail of mine, I am Bernett Adelle a 25 years old christian girl, I am sorry for any inconveniency that this mail may cause you. I don't have a computer of my own, a missionary from France allows me to use her computer since she can't help me in any other way.

I am a Victim of war in (COTE D'IVOIRE) Africa, I have a small business before the war where I make my ends meat but unfortunately the REBELS came and destroyed all my properties and set fire on houses and offices of which mine is one of them, all my things are gone with fire,all what I have worked for in the past years are gone.

You know very well that a victim of war have nothing left for her and that is why I am writing you this mail to help me in any way the Lord Lord lay in your heart, to feed and clothe myself and if possible to re-start my little business again and I know that the Lord shall bless you in return for doing this, If you can't help me financially I will be glad if you can help me with FOOD and clothes, and also shoes, any other things that the LORD lay in your heart for me will be of a great help to me as well.

I as at now I NO have where to sleep comfortable, no good clothes, no shoes, infact I lack so many things, I am recently living with my pastor where we are about 11 people living in a single room. Anything that the Lord lay in your heart for me will really be of a great HELP at this point in time as I am seriously going hunger,Please kindly let me know what help you can render so that I can send you where to send it.
I will be expecting your response my beloved in Christ.May the Lord bless you abundanly and grant you success in all your dealinds. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your house hold for ever.

Yours Sister In Christ,
Bernett Adelle

NB: If you have doubts I will send you my PHOTOGRAPH and the contacts of my pastor for you to contact him and confirm things from him directly.

[Phil]

I think it is a shame that you would criticise this man for making money on the royalties from his books. Is this not legitimate? The bible says that the workman is worthy of his hire. And proverbs 3:15-16 states, "Skillful and godly Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are RICHES and honor." GOD has blessed this man abundantly, just as he financially blessed most of the godly men in the old testament, i.e., Job, Abraham, Solomon. T.D Jakes' ministry may not be "ideal" in your eyes, but there are certain reason why PROVIDENCE has allowed this man to become the shepherd of so many souls. The bible also declares that "the wealth of the wicked is layed up for the just." If you want to be a mendicant or a neo luddite sell your computer and relinquish all of your technological novelties because it too constitutes a level of lavish extravagance when compared to the amenities of those christians livining in third world countries. In Deuteronomy, Moses admonishes the children of Israel, to "...earnestly remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth..."(8:18). I'm not trying to debate the scripture with you. I'm just giving you the facts. Fact #1: a 1.7 million dollar home is cracker jacks. Fact #2: I can almost guarantee that you have never heard TD Jakes compare ministry to selling crack. That’s a bunch of baloney. And for you to even repeat something so outlandish and try to pawn it off as an authentic statement belies honesty on your part.