Does anyone think that Jesus would be any nicer to these non prophets?
Many Christians and non-Christians alike find Benny Hinn utterly detestable. I don't know who the other guy is. When I see in Hinn on tv, I keep hearing a certain passage in my mind.
"They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them" -Matthew 7:15
Does anyone have a problem with making a buck in church to cover expenses?
I've thought about this too. I'm not so sure its as simple as selling things. I think there are a few factors at work. For instance, a church I used to attend before I moved was so good that I opted to get their audio cd's sent to me. It was kind of up to you how you wanted to do it. They didn't expect you to pay for it, even though producing it, manufacturing it, buying the packaging and postage across state lines is expensive. I paid for it as a courtesy so they could supplement others who were less fortunate but wanted to hear the Word. Its the same at my current church. When I first moved out here, we took a much heavier hit with moving expenses than expected. Between the moving truck, the gas for it and the POV, hotels, food, paying first and last month's rent at a new place, it gobbled up just about all of our funds. As well, it would be at least 2-3 weeks before I received a new paycheck. The new church immediately offered to have us raid their food bank. Nothing was expected of us. But because of the worthy ministry and the generosity shown to us, when we were finally settled, we gave back more than was given to us and offered to serve in their homeless outreach or any other capacity.
Having said that, they sell expensive Bibles in the bookstore. I think that's fine because if you don't have one, they'll also just give it away. The way they do it is allow for people to feel convicted. They don't pressure any one or ask them to pay tithes until they feel comfortable doing so.
That's why I say its kind of hit or miss. We all know the mega-churches who operate more like Wal-Mart and less like Peter and Paul's congregation. Are they fleecing the flock? I'm sure some of them are. But at the same time, I think we need to see what is being sold, what is being given away for free, and to look at the fruits they bear.
Now, the moneychangers at the Temple in the Bible were basically hustling. They saw the Temple as an opportune way of spreading their marketability. They made it all about themselves and whether they could gamble or sell doves, rather than give back to the community, which ultimately gives back to God.
"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." -C.S. Lewis
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