JESUS DIDN'T RIDE A ROLLS-ROYCE, BUT A DONKEY

Jesus Didn't Ride a Rolls-Royce, but a Donkey

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org

This weekend on air I am interviewing Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) about his investigation into six ministries and their use of donor funds. The six include Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, David and Joyce Meyer, Randy and Paula White, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar. The investigation he is heading is not based on theology.  It is based upon possible abuse of donor money to tax-exempt organizations and was further prompted by public complaints and statements from whistleblowers who were once associated with the ministries mentioned.

Grassley says to ministries and churches, "You are a trustee of the people's money."  And he is right and as a ministry leader I take the words seriously.

Lee Grady from Charisma Magazine has made the following comments. One would think Charisma might be leading a campaign against Grassley but just the opposite. Due to space limitations, I am shortening Grady's comments.

He writes in a column, "In Defense of the Good Senator," Grassley is a Bible-believing Christian and is not behind a devilish conspiracy. Judging from some, you'd think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another inquisition."

Lee Grady chastises Paul Crouch for stating that the probe is similar to the probe of Hitler of Christians in the 1930s. Grady asks, "Just why are we so paranoid just because a senator has asked for some documents to prove that these ministries are in compliance with the law?"

Grady continues that Grassley doesn't believe in government intrusion of religion. The inquiry, not inquisition, is strictly about compliance with the law, not about doctrine. He wants to be sure these six ministries are following the law and that hardly makes him evil or a conspirator.

Lee Grady emphasizes that Grassley has a reputation for integrity. Secular outfits examined, such as the American Red Cross, did make internal changes in order to correct financial abuses and to comply with IRS rules.

Sen. Grassley has said, "Jesus came into the city on a donkey. To what extent do you need a Rolls-Royce to expand the ministry of Jesus Christ?"

This is an honest question from an honest man, and it deserves some honest answers.

Kudos to Lee Grady and Charisma Magazine for telling the truth behind this story. It is not a witch hunt or an effort to demonize anyone or any ministry. It is about following rules which the Bible tells us we must and about protecting either innocent or naïve followers of ministries who could be abused.

We air live only in Minneapolis/St. Paul and you can "listen live" at www.kkm.com. We air on a tape-delayed basis in many cities and all programming goes up on our Web site at "Radio Archives" on Monday. For podcasting information, visit the Web site. We are live Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST with a rebroadcast Sunday, 12 to 2 PM on AM980 KKMS.

By Jan Markell Click here for bio and archived articles