Rich church and poor members... What's up?

Of recent i've been thinking about this sardonic trend in Nigerian churches, "Rich G.O and poor congregation"

You will see a "big church" (don't want to mention any names) with branches all over, the founder living an extravagantly comfortable life while most of his member are languishing in poverty. In most cases, the church building of their branches will make you wonder if it is the same God they are worshiping in the headquarters that they are worshiping there.

This got me thinking: "is this the love that existed among the early church?" "is this what Jesus Christ did to his disciples?"

Lets take a look at a scripture in the Holy Bible: Acts 2 vs 44 - 45: "All the believeres were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need" (NIV)

The above scripture describes how the early early church conducted themselves.

Suprisingly today's church which is supposed to be a replica of the early church has gone the opposite way. Now it is the church members, most especially the needy amongst them that sell their property to finance the church. The pastor is there flying around in private jets, crushing the latest car in town not caring about the condition of his members.

I would like to clearly state that i am not against pastors owning private jets and riding luxurious cars BUT i am totally not in support of pastors living a lavish life while their member languish in poverty.

Most of all this big churches have schools - primary, secondary and even universities. Their school fees for one term can literally lavishly feed a family of 5 for 3-months.

This are schools that are built with members "tithes and offerings" including that of the poor, yet they are reserved for the elite.

Lets face the reality most of the churches in Nigeria are businesses in disguise. They tell you "pay your tithe and offering and God will bless you", they quote bible verses like "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3 vs 10 (KJV)) but then they are blind to scriptures like Act 2 vs 44 - 45.

I want to state clearly that i am not against the payment of tithe or offering. It is indeed a gateway to receive blessings from God.

I know some people after reading this will lampoon me. But before you do that i want you to look around, start with your environment. Do you or do you not see what i am talking about? Is this how Jesus Christ treated his followers? In the next article i will show you some scriptures in the Bible that will shock you.

This article is not an attack on any persons. This is just a wake up call to churches and their leaders. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOUR MEMBERS.