Why do churches steal
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We hear the hurt and frustration in your question and we want to bring it before the Lord together with you. When we have been hurt by people who claim to represent God, it can leave a deep wound and cause us to question all churches and even whether God hears us at all.
We want to share what the Bible says about both of these concerns. First, God never intended His church to steal from people. The church is meant to be a flock cared for by shepherds, not fleeced by them. Scripture warns us very clearly that there will be false teachers and abusive leaders among God's people. Jesus said, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15. The prophet Ezekiel spoke God's judgment, Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves. Shouldn't the shepherds feed the sheep. Ezekiel 34:2. And the apostle Peter warned, There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, and in covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words. 2 Peter 2:1-3.
If a church is demanding money through manipulation, guilt, or greed, or living in luxury while the flock suffers, that is not the biblical pattern and God will judge it. Jesus Himself cleansed the temple when it had become a den of robbers. Matthew 21:13. True giving in the New Testament is to be voluntary and cheerful, not coerced. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7. We rebuke any practice that uses the name of God to steal, exploit, or enrich leaders, and we also gently rebuke the idea that all churches are thieves, because God has many faithful shepherds who serve with integrity. We are called to test all things and hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Second, we want to reassure you that no church, no person, and no power can steal your prayers away from God. Your prayers go directly to the Father and He hears them. The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17. And, This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 1 John 5:14. You do not need a church to act as a gatekeeper for your prayers. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5. We can therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. Even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit himself makes intercession for us. Romans 8:26. No one can intercept or block what you whisper to God in sincerity.
We also notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and assurance that our prayers are heard. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. Romans 10:9. It is by trusting in His death and resurrection for our sins that we become children of God and our prayers are heard as a Father hears His children.
We pray together for you now.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We lift up this dear one who has felt robbed and unheard, and we ask You to heal the wound that has been caused by disappointment or exploitation in Your name. Lord, expose and judge all that is false and greedy, and raise up true shepherds who feed Your sheep with truth and love. Help us not to grow bitter toward Your whole church because of the sin of some, but give discernment to find a faithful, Bible believing fellowship. Most of all, we pray that this heart will know that no one can steal a prayer prayed to You, that You hear every cry, and that access to You is open through Jesus alone. Draw this dear one into a saving relationship with Jesus, forgive sins, and pour out peace and assurance that You are near to all who call on You in truth. Psalm 145:18. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen.
We encourage you to continue to pray directly to God through Jesus, to read His Word for yourself, and to seek a church that preaches the whole counsel of Scripture, handles money with transparency, and points always to Christ and not to itself. If you have been directly harmed, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and, if needed, biblical accountability for those leaders.
We want to share what the Bible says about both of these concerns. First, God never intended His church to steal from people. The church is meant to be a flock cared for by shepherds, not fleeced by them. Scripture warns us very clearly that there will be false teachers and abusive leaders among God's people. Jesus said, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15. The prophet Ezekiel spoke God's judgment, Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves. Shouldn't the shepherds feed the sheep. Ezekiel 34:2. And the apostle Peter warned, There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, and in covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words. 2 Peter 2:1-3.
If a church is demanding money through manipulation, guilt, or greed, or living in luxury while the flock suffers, that is not the biblical pattern and God will judge it. Jesus Himself cleansed the temple when it had become a den of robbers. Matthew 21:13. True giving in the New Testament is to be voluntary and cheerful, not coerced. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7. We rebuke any practice that uses the name of God to steal, exploit, or enrich leaders, and we also gently rebuke the idea that all churches are thieves, because God has many faithful shepherds who serve with integrity. We are called to test all things and hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Second, we want to reassure you that no church, no person, and no power can steal your prayers away from God. Your prayers go directly to the Father and He hears them. The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17. And, This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 1 John 5:14. You do not need a church to act as a gatekeeper for your prayers. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5. We can therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. Even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit himself makes intercession for us. Romans 8:26. No one can intercept or block what you whisper to God in sincerity.
We also notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and assurance that our prayers are heard. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. Romans 10:9. It is by trusting in His death and resurrection for our sins that we become children of God and our prayers are heard as a Father hears His children.
We pray together for you now.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We lift up this dear one who has felt robbed and unheard, and we ask You to heal the wound that has been caused by disappointment or exploitation in Your name. Lord, expose and judge all that is false and greedy, and raise up true shepherds who feed Your sheep with truth and love. Help us not to grow bitter toward Your whole church because of the sin of some, but give discernment to find a faithful, Bible believing fellowship. Most of all, we pray that this heart will know that no one can steal a prayer prayed to You, that You hear every cry, and that access to You is open through Jesus alone. Draw this dear one into a saving relationship with Jesus, forgive sins, and pour out peace and assurance that You are near to all who call on You in truth. Psalm 145:18. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen.
We encourage you to continue to pray directly to God through Jesus, to read His Word for yourself, and to seek a church that preaches the whole counsel of Scripture, handles money with transparency, and points always to Christ and not to itself. If you have been directly harmed, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and, if needed, biblical accountability for those leaders.
We hear how heavy this question feels, and how much disappointment must be behind it to wonder if your prayers are even getting through.
We want you to know something steady and true. No church or person can steal a prayer or block it from God. When you pray, you are speaking directly to Him, and He hears you Himself. Even when people let you down, that direct line to Him stays open and safe.
At the same time, we understand why churches can feel untrustworthy. Churches are made up of imperfect people, and sometimes they handle money poorly, hurt people, or fail to care well. When that happens the wound cuts deep because we expect more from God's people. It makes sense you would feel guarded.
If a particular experience is weighing on you, it can help to bring it into the light in a small, safe way. You might set aside quiet time at home to tell God plainly what has happened and what you need, and if you feel ready, share your story with one mature believer you trust who will listen without pressure.
Father, we bring this dear one to You and ask You to make Your nearness very real. Heal the hurt left by people who disappointed them, guard their heart from bitterness, and let them know their prayers are heard by You alone. Lead them to a place of genuine care and fellowship where they can be encouraged. In Jesus' name, amen.
We want you to know something steady and true. No church or person can steal a prayer or block it from God. When you pray, you are speaking directly to Him, and He hears you Himself. Even when people let you down, that direct line to Him stays open and safe.
At the same time, we understand why churches can feel untrustworthy. Churches are made up of imperfect people, and sometimes they handle money poorly, hurt people, or fail to care well. When that happens the wound cuts deep because we expect more from God's people. It makes sense you would feel guarded.
If a particular experience is weighing on you, it can help to bring it into the light in a small, safe way. You might set aside quiet time at home to tell God plainly what has happened and what you need, and if you feel ready, share your story with one mature believer you trust who will listen without pressure.
Father, we bring this dear one to You and ask You to make Your nearness very real. Heal the hurt left by people who disappointed them, guard their heart from bitterness, and let them know their prayers are heard by You alone. Lead them to a place of genuine care and fellowship where they can be encouraged. In Jesus' name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
There is a painful cry in your question, and it is one that many a wounded heart has uttered. You ask why churches would steal from people and steal their prayers away when they come asking for prayer. If you have felt robbed or turned away by those who should have helped you, it is no small grief, and the Lord sees it.
Know this first, that no man and no church can steal a prayer that is offered in truth to God. There is forgiveness with Him, and with no one else. I charge you to spurn, with the utmost indignation, the so called absolution by a so called priest, whether of one church or another, for there is forgiveness, but that forgiveness is only to be obtained from God, through Jesus Christ, His Son. Where the offense went, from that very place the forgiveness comes, for it is God against whom we have sinned, and with Him there is forgiveness. No officer of a church can intercept it or sell it or keep it back from you.
And yet we must speak plainly that not all who wear the name of the church are true. One reason for the betrayal of our Lord was to show that man's sin could reach its culminating point even among His professed followers. You that are church officers, do not conclude that because you enjoy the confidence of the church, that therefore of an absolute certainty the grace of God is in you. Judas sat at the table and still betrayed his Master. So when you find greed or coldness where you looked for help, do not wonder as though some strange thing had happened. The church of God should feel a peculiar property in the poor and needy, as if they were handed over, in the love of Christ, to His people, that they might care for them, but where that love is absent, the fault lies with men, not with Christ.
Your prayer, if it is offered through Jesus, goes straight to the throne. Do as Martin Luther did in the days of his dark distress, when a brother monk said to him, Do you not believe in the Creed, and do you not say, I believe in the forgiveness of sins? Now believe in the forgiveness of sins for yourself. Trust Christ's Word and you will be believing what is absolutely true. He says authoritatively to each penitent, Man, your sins are forgiven you.
Do not say, my sins are too great, or my prayers are too weak to be heard. However sinful your life may have been up until now, there is forgiveness with God even for you. He has no buts in His forgiveness. You sometimes say, Yes, I forgive him, but I will never trust him again. Not so the Lord. You make a clean breast in confession and He will give you a clean breast by absolution. He says, I will not remember thy sins. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. He never plays fast and loose with men. What He forgives, He forgives absolutely, irreversibly, eternally.
Therefore do not trust your feelings about whether your prayer was received, and do not trust any man to validate it for you. If you say, Lord, I cannot trust You unless I feel this or that, then you in effect say, I can trust my own feelings, but I cannot trust God's appointed Savior. What is this but to make a god out of your feelings. Trust Him as you sink and you shall swim. Trust Him as you feel yourself dying and you shall live.
Bring your prayer again, not to man, but to Christ Himself. Tell Him you have nothing to pay with, and ask Him to blot out the debt. He will set you free and load you daily with His benefits. He that has trusted Him with one soul could trust Him with a million souls, for He is able to save all who trust Him.
May the Lord Himself hear you now, forgive you fully for Christ's sake, heal your wound from those who have wronged you, and give you a place among His people where you are fed and not fleeced, and where prayer is offered with you and for you in truth.
Know this first, that no man and no church can steal a prayer that is offered in truth to God. There is forgiveness with Him, and with no one else. I charge you to spurn, with the utmost indignation, the so called absolution by a so called priest, whether of one church or another, for there is forgiveness, but that forgiveness is only to be obtained from God, through Jesus Christ, His Son. Where the offense went, from that very place the forgiveness comes, for it is God against whom we have sinned, and with Him there is forgiveness. No officer of a church can intercept it or sell it or keep it back from you.
And yet we must speak plainly that not all who wear the name of the church are true. One reason for the betrayal of our Lord was to show that man's sin could reach its culminating point even among His professed followers. You that are church officers, do not conclude that because you enjoy the confidence of the church, that therefore of an absolute certainty the grace of God is in you. Judas sat at the table and still betrayed his Master. So when you find greed or coldness where you looked for help, do not wonder as though some strange thing had happened. The church of God should feel a peculiar property in the poor and needy, as if they were handed over, in the love of Christ, to His people, that they might care for them, but where that love is absent, the fault lies with men, not with Christ.
Your prayer, if it is offered through Jesus, goes straight to the throne. Do as Martin Luther did in the days of his dark distress, when a brother monk said to him, Do you not believe in the Creed, and do you not say, I believe in the forgiveness of sins? Now believe in the forgiveness of sins for yourself. Trust Christ's Word and you will be believing what is absolutely true. He says authoritatively to each penitent, Man, your sins are forgiven you.
Do not say, my sins are too great, or my prayers are too weak to be heard. However sinful your life may have been up until now, there is forgiveness with God even for you. He has no buts in His forgiveness. You sometimes say, Yes, I forgive him, but I will never trust him again. Not so the Lord. You make a clean breast in confession and He will give you a clean breast by absolution. He says, I will not remember thy sins. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. He never plays fast and loose with men. What He forgives, He forgives absolutely, irreversibly, eternally.
Therefore do not trust your feelings about whether your prayer was received, and do not trust any man to validate it for you. If you say, Lord, I cannot trust You unless I feel this or that, then you in effect say, I can trust my own feelings, but I cannot trust God's appointed Savior. What is this but to make a god out of your feelings. Trust Him as you sink and you shall swim. Trust Him as you feel yourself dying and you shall live.
Bring your prayer again, not to man, but to Christ Himself. Tell Him you have nothing to pay with, and ask Him to blot out the debt. He will set you free and load you daily with His benefits. He that has trusted Him with one soul could trust Him with a million souls, for He is able to save all who trust Him.
May the Lord Himself hear you now, forgive you fully for Christ's sake, heal your wound from those who have wronged you, and give you a place among His people where you are fed and not fleeced, and where prayer is offered with you and for you in truth.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your hurt in asking this is understandable, and it is right to bring it before God. Scripture itself warns that this kind of sorrow would come, and it does not hide it from us.
One reason you see greed in churches is the same terrible tyrant that has ruled men from the beginning, the love of money. As it is written, Judas was one of the twelve, yet for thirty pieces of silver he betrayed his Lord. He was not driven by madness or drunkenness so much as by the love of gold, which puts the soul beside itself and makes a man betray what is priceless for what is worthless. When that same love enters a church, the house that should be heaven, a place of earnest prayers and holy silence, is disgraced. It becomes a place of gains and merchandise and petty tradings, and the fragrance of prayer is lost. That is not what Christ intended His Church to be, and you are right to grieve it.
Yet no man and no church can steal your prayers away from God. The Church is not a storehouse that keeps prayers from reaching Him. We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ alone, and He hears you directly when you pray in His name. A faithful minister remembers people continually in his prayers and asks great things for them, but he does not own those prayers or block them. If a church claims it can sell blessing or control whether God hears you, it is speaking falsely.
If you have been hurt by those who use the name of Christ for financial gain, do not let them steal your trust in Christ Himself. He remains faithful even when men are unfaithful. Bring your prayers to Him directly with confidence, for He promised to hear. Seek a fellowship where the Word of God is taught honestly, where prayer and holiness are pursued more than money, and where leaders show a good conscience and walk without deceit.
We will pray for you now, that God would heal this wound, guard your heart from bitterness, give you discernment to recognize a true and faithful church, and assure you that every prayer you offer through Jesus Christ is heard in heaven and not lost. May He provide for your needs, lead you to a place where your soul is fed and refreshed, and keep you close to Himself.
One reason you see greed in churches is the same terrible tyrant that has ruled men from the beginning, the love of money. As it is written, Judas was one of the twelve, yet for thirty pieces of silver he betrayed his Lord. He was not driven by madness or drunkenness so much as by the love of gold, which puts the soul beside itself and makes a man betray what is priceless for what is worthless. When that same love enters a church, the house that should be heaven, a place of earnest prayers and holy silence, is disgraced. It becomes a place of gains and merchandise and petty tradings, and the fragrance of prayer is lost. That is not what Christ intended His Church to be, and you are right to grieve it.
Yet no man and no church can steal your prayers away from God. The Church is not a storehouse that keeps prayers from reaching Him. We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ alone, and He hears you directly when you pray in His name. A faithful minister remembers people continually in his prayers and asks great things for them, but he does not own those prayers or block them. If a church claims it can sell blessing or control whether God hears you, it is speaking falsely.
If you have been hurt by those who use the name of Christ for financial gain, do not let them steal your trust in Christ Himself. He remains faithful even when men are unfaithful. Bring your prayers to Him directly with confidence, for He promised to hear. Seek a fellowship where the Word of God is taught honestly, where prayer and holiness are pursued more than money, and where leaders show a good conscience and walk without deceit.
We will pray for you now, that God would heal this wound, guard your heart from bitterness, give you discernment to recognize a true and faithful church, and assure you that every prayer you offer through Jesus Christ is heard in heaven and not lost. May He provide for your needs, lead you to a place where your soul is fed and refreshed, and keep you close to Himself.
