Prominent pastors in the country and readers of P.M.NEWS have slammed Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and his Christ Embassy Church for imposing a N1,000 toll fee on worshippers who attended New Year’s Eve service at the Christ Embassy Headquarters in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.
P.M.NEWS had reported in its 5 January 2011 edition how Christ Embassy pastors sold tickets valued at N1,000 each to worshippers who wanted to attend the crossover service in their church.
Indigent worshippers who could not afford the money were denied access and sent back by security men at the gate. The church explained that it collected gate fees from worshippers to control the huge crowd that always besieges Christ Embassy on New Year’s Eve service.
This development has outraged many Nigerians, including prominent pastors, at home and abroad.
The pastors who spoke with P.M.NEWS yesterday and readers, who reacted on www.pmnewsnigeria.com, described the imposition of toll fee by Christ Embassy as a sacrilege.
The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Ola Makinde, described Oyakhilome’s action as anathema and abuse of Christianity.
“It is a sacrilege and commercialisation of religion. It is an abuse of Christianity,” he lamented.
Founder, Soul Winning Chapel, Rev. Moses Illoh, said that such an act “is sacrilegious,” adding that the gospel of Christ is supposed to be free and not to be paid for.
“There is no excuse for this. The church of God is for everybody, both for the poor and the rich. The church where they collect money before you can go in to worship is not a church.”
According to Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, such pastors who collect money from worshippers should be stoned to death or be crucified.
“Is this possible? Such church should be destroyed and such pastors should be stoned to death. Pay N1,000 to enter a church? Is the church in heaven? It is never done.
“If it is possible, let the government intervene. These pastors are for Satan and such pastors should be crucified. It is embarrassing,” he lamented.
lso reacting to the incident, General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, said collection of money as gate fee for church service is unbiblical.
“Collecting money as gate fee before a church service is unbiblical because there is nowhere in the Bible where it was recorded that Jesus collected money from the multitude who listened to His sermon and benefited from His miracles.
“Salvation is free. You receive it free and you give it free,” he said.
Abiara added that he cannot judge Pastor Oyakhilome because he doesn’t understand the circumstances under which money was collected.
“It’s not impossible that they must have used the event to raise money,” he said.
To Rev. Oladapo Daramola, Media and Public Relations Officer, Methodist Church Nigeria, it is not right to collect money from worshippers before allowing them inside the church.
“This is not right because despite the number of people that came to worship at the feet of Jesus Christ, there was no barrier for them to come closer. Anything that will bar people from receiving the good news should not be allowed. It is not Christ-like,” he stated.
Also, Rev. Akintoye Braimoh, Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Christian Religious Matters, frowned at Oyakhilome’s act, saying it was very wrong.
“A place of worship is a place for all, even for a Muslim. PFN has already rejected Oyakhilome and he is not recognised by the body; he is on his own,” she added.
Dr. Sam Ogedengbe, Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters also stated that it was not right for any pastor to act that way.
“Why should you collect money before one can be allowed to enter a church? Is the place really a church? It is wrong to do that,” he said.
Some readers who reacted on our website, www.pmnewsnigeria.com, condemned Oyakhilome’s act, saying that it unscriptural.
Mike said: “Church has become big business in Nigeria. Now, they have introduced gate fee to church, very soon, they will introduce gate fee to heaven before someone dies. May God have mercy on them.”
According to Kayode, “the church should have thought of a bigger venue for this service. The National Stadium for instance would have accommodated a lot of people. The church should know that a special service like this will attract a lot of people, sinners and the saved, the rich and the poor, the genuine and the fake, but give an opportunity for all to meet with Christ. It was a rash strategy to control the crowd.”
Gloria said: “This news should have been best tagged ‘Pastor Oyakhilome deprives the poor of the gospel’. He’s unbelievable. Jesus Christ welcomed the crowd even when the apostles wanted to stop them. He went as far as feeding them with five loaves of bread and two fishes. We should learn from the bible, this is not crowd control, but daylight robbery.”
According to Jedidiah, “when the church becomes over crowded and the senior pastors don’t have a seat for themselves on such occasions, it becomes a good problem and for this reason, the church should pray to God to provide a bigger church for them. Such services are not for the so-called ‘true members’ to be comfortable but for the unsaved to be shown love, thereby winning them over to the winning church.”
Olo said: “it still beats my imagination to hear that such a thing actually happened in Christ Embassy, and at the headquarters for that matter. What’s money turning man of God into?”
Temmy reacted this way: “Imbecile, idiots and stupid people will always continue to follow a stupid pastor. When Jesus referred to his people (including me) as sheep, He did not mean idiot sheep like most Nigerians who are following those money worshipping and 419 pastors of nowadays.”
Thousands of readers, who reacted in various websites and blogs, including social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, also expressed shock and disappointment.
— Simon Ateba & Kazeem Ugbodaga
Source: PM News – pmnewsnigeria.com
THIS ARE THE ONE CHRIST DISCRIBE AS FAULS PROPHETS, ROBBERS AND THIEVES, THEY ARE ANTI-CHRIST AND DECEIVERS WHO MISLEADS THE POEPLE. AS HE SAID THE POEPLE PERISHED DUE TO LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. ALL CHRISTAIN SHOULD WATCH OUT AND KNOW WHOM THEY FOLLOW.
THE REPRISENTATIVE OF JESUS CHRIST , ASK ,THOSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED , AMONG THE CONGREGATION NOT TO BLOCK THE CHANNEL OF THEIR BLESSINGS BY GIVING ONLY 1000 NAIRA , TO APPRECIATE THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN THEIR LIVES ; UNFORTUNATELY ,SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT PART OF THE MINISTRY OF HOLY SPIRIT ARE COMPLAINING INSTEAD OF THEM TO ASK JESUS CHRIST TO HELP THEM TO BE A PARTAKER OF THE BLESSINGS INVOLVED IN GIVING. THEY STARTED TO CONDEMN THIS AMIABLE MAN OF JESUS CHRIST , AH AH !!! JESUS CHRIST WILL FORGIVE THOSE WHO ARE CONDEMNING THIS GOOD PASTOR. PLEASE SIR REMEMBER ME IN YOUR PRAYER OF BLESSINGS (JAMES JULIUS .O. AKINWANDE TAYLOR ( JAMES JuO AKITAYLOR)
I dont understand why Christians are always looking for away to criticize one another. religion is a matter of choice and whoever wants to pay money to worship thats his or her choice. people where not forced to pay the money and there are other churches to go to if one does not like whats happening at a particular one. now the so called true Christian leaders who have spoken on the matter have passed judgement on the man and one even saying he should be stoned to death, i think the same bible they are claiming to abide by to worship God says though shall not judge. would it have been better to allow the crowd in and then people suffocate and die? if it was a crowd control measure you all cant kill him for that. there are thousands of churches where people could have gone to if they didnt have money to pay there.
Where in d bible was it stated dat”if u dont ve material belongins,money in dis instance, u wil nt b allowed d blessings of d lord”.i ve jst 2points to stress here.
1)i understand d crowd control strategy wich is not out of place in a church dis large,on such a day, but sendin back those who cant afford to pay is not christ-like.a secluded area for those who can afford to pay would ve been better.so as not to overcrowd a particular section.
2)Giving onto God as in d scripture isn’t fixed.u should give as ur heart willeth,ur tithe been an exception,So if it was for a pavin for heavenly blessings then they should ve been allowed to give as they willed.
In a nutshell,the watchnight service cld be considered a money making strategy by d so-called man of God.Painful as it may seem the so called faithfuls of the church will still be blind to this.This act is not of christ and shld not b encourged.Many of those who cld not pay cld b havin there last chance to accept christ nd mak heaven.If they didnt there souls wil cry for vengeance…..they will …….that i knw…..
@ Lazzy, like i said, thats is not the only church and i’m sure a few steps away there are probably 5-10 other churches. I have been to a christ embassy church b4 on a sunday and i was told there was no space to sit inside and was asked to sit outside and watch the service on tv but i didnt like the idea so i went to a redeem church which was a few steps away coz if i wanted to watch a service on tv would have stayed home to tune to a tv (just my belief).
if there was a section for people who could pay to sit comfortably and a section for those who couldnt to suffocate to death, wont the man be accused of segregation in the house of God, and have no value for them? the whole fuss about the matter makes it sound like God is only present in Christ embassy where pastor Chris is preaching.
This is madness. How much did he pay for the air he is breathing, the life he is living, yet he will charge for admittance into the supposed house of God. This is insanity!!!!!!!!!
This idea is wrong about christianity, that should be voluntary not mandated or imposed on the congregation. At the end time, fake pastors are arising, solicitors for devil to will arise, music industry is not left out. Should we christian fold our arms and watch this? There should be an end to this. God bless.
I concur with IdY word!!!
u guyz publishin dis article are so crazy dat ur brain is needed for urgent check up.u all are quoting the bible nd you didnt quote the part dat says’TOUCH NOT MY ANNOINTING AND DO MY PROPHET NO HARM.u p didnt remember dat the same scripture says’JUDGE NOT SO DAT YOU SHALL NOT BE JUDGED’.You dont knw d circumstances surrounding d issue and you newspaper,magazine and internet agents just pick up news and spread it jus like that to tanish the man of God image.its unfair.Make sure dis paper upload my comment for all to see jus like the others.May God Forgive You.
When People do not understand a thing they should just keep quiet.Yes this was a control strategy and the members were given alternatives to participate in the service at the other branches of Christ Embassy.
If that was not done,we could have had large crowd which would have being difficult to control.Simon,you seem to be so interested in this issue.I wanted to ask you “How much have you made commenting on Pastor Chris up and down this new year” in newspapers.Simon I have also read your article on PmNews and you are not going to make headway in the penwriting business if you choose to dwell on Pastor Chris Oyakilome and his ministry.
I am speaking as a 19 yearlong member of Christ Embassy and the so called poor ones had the alternative to watch at any of our branches.if they so desperately wanted to be physically present,they had an option of picking a free ticket.The whole objective was to have a certain number of people present in the Hall.
@Idy, d issue here is not whether or not there r other churches around to go to.wat if those churches had tolls too.dts to say som persons wil b denied d priviledge of rededicating there lifes in d new year.it isnt fair.this same man of God wil stil tel u to avoid bias in al respect.how is this for a (man)house of God.
They will always talk…They do not know, neither do they understand, they walk in darkness. What is itching u folks abt Pst Chris you judges? YOU FOLKS ARE NOT A FACTOR! Use ur time for better things.
JESUS IS STILL LORD.GATE FEE OR NOT.
GOD SAY ’TOUCH NOT MY ANNOINTING AND DO MY PROPHET NO HARM.u p didnt remember dat the same scripture says’JUDGE NOT SO DAT YOU SHALL NOT BE JUDGED’.You dont knw d circumstances surrounding d issue and you newspaper,magazine and internet agents just pick up news and spread it just like that to tanish the man of God image.its unfair.Make sure dis paper upload my comment for all to see just like the others.May God Forgive You. if there was a section for people who could pay to sit comfortably and a section for those who couldnt to suffocate to death, wont the man be accused of segregation in the house of God, and have no value for them? the whole fuss about the matter makes it sound like God is only present in Christ embassy where pastor Chris is preaching.
listen to yourselves. 1000 gate fee to enter d house of God(if realy). Since he want to control the crowd. Why not close the gate when number he wants has entered. This is simply money making!
listen to yourselves. 1000 gate fee to enter d house of God(if realy). Since he want to control the crowd. Why not close the gate when number he wants has entered. This is simply money making! And mind u that nobody is judging him
Idiots!!! There ar so many ppl doing so much evil in d world. What have u done abt it? What have u said abt them?
And u open ur mouths and devote so much time to slander a man of God who is doing so much good in d world. Why ar ppl so quick and eager to condemn good ppl? Its a shame and I’m sorry for all of u.
@somi since many ppl are doing evil. Where do u want us to start? U must start 4rm somewhere probably 4rm pastors. U hv to no that there are several means one can control a crowd other than charging them(some is given above) resulting to separating the poor 4rm d rich. Answer these simple question ” what if everybody paid the 1000 what wil happen,wil he tel some ppl to live?
Let it be said loud and clear that there can be NO justification for charging money to enter a church even if it is one kobo. Jesus Christ who is our living example gave and gave, even gave his life for the people.
No matter how much the followers of Pastor Chris curse and abuse people, that will still not make it right. I am open to a public debate on this.
There are simple points to be made:
1. If you thought crowd control was the problem,( nobody sprang Dec 31 on that Christ Embassy branch) why not announce a month earlier the number of people that will be allowed to enter the hall and give people alternatives the way Covenant Christian Center did with the Platform?
2. Every believer in Jesus Christ is a man of God, make no mistake about it. The same way Pastor Chris will be made accountable for his action is the same way the congregation member will be made accountable. There shall be no VIP sections. For the people who are quick to jump to defence, there are too many instances in the bible where it is made clear that we are all equal before God. God is not a respecter of class or position. Read: Annanias, Sapphira, Saul(Before he was converted) even the great Prophet who said to God that he was the only person left to serve Him and God told him that He had 400 other prophets who had never bowed to Baal
3. This is the conclusion of the matter- Every tree shall be judged according to its fruit, you cannot be a good tree and yield evil fruits. Selah.
P.S: If you must voice your opinion (as you are entitled to) please turn on the spelling check/auto correct. It hurts to read such terrible English/ Grammar. Its bad enough when your logic or reasoning is poor….
well, lets not pass judgement, the bible says judge not so that you won’t be judged by God. God and Pastor Chris knows why the money was collected. Its not because he asked people to pay ticket then he is now the worst sinner, other Pastors has their own way of collecting money or extorting money from the members. Now that every pastor want to acquire his own aircraft. Whatever you assume to be a good thing, do it. Thats all I have to say.
Publishers job weldone. You folks are here talking nonsense while my Pastor is doing what he knows to do very well. I want to use this opportunity to invite you publishers to our upcoming programme tagged “Atmosphere for Miracles” When u come u will see more news to publish, may be the way he laughs, the shoe he will wear and so on. I will update you on the days of the programme and venue! THEY WILL ALWAYS TALK…LOL
It is a shame that some people have allowed themselves to be blindfolded by the popularity and deluded importance attached to certain person in their live even if it contradict the set standard. I have nothing against Pastor Chris infact i admire his contributions on this earth. But whatever is wrong can never be right no matter how u debate it. The action by Christ Embassy did by collecting N1000 from members before allowing granting them entrance to the house of God is condolable and therefore must be condemned. Agreed this was done for definite measures but it falls far below the standard of God. It’s unfurtunately, this is credited to Pastor Chris because he is the leader of the affected church. i don’t even have the power to judge an animal let alone the person of Pastor Chris but i totally say no to this because am a Christain and i study the bible. This is a muckery to the Christain communities not only in Nigeria but all over the Globe….May God help us all because no one is perfect but the teachers of the word must be more careful or else the same word the undermined will stand as a strong statement against them……
ATMOSPHERE FOR MIRACLES WITH PASTOR CHRIS
DATE: JAN. 21ST 2011
TIME: 12:00PM – 8:00PM
VENUE: LOVEWORLD CONVOCATION ARENA (Publishers please take note)
Wow glorious 8hrs in God’s presence.
@ Excess Wealth, thank you for the invite to AFM Live, the description for the meeting can only be described in an heavenly holyghost language, English language can not describe it. We entered with free tickets, I was privileged to also attend the 31st eve service with a free ticket. Waoo it was a meeting with God.
I will like to be a top partner of Christ Embassy, to be among those giving big time for the propagation of the gospel, I know the gospel is free but it is not cheap, the LCA building is the biggest holyghost-miracle Church, some group of persons must be giving towards it (like Solomon did in the bible days), I want my name recorded in Heaven for the propagation of the gospel, no time for an cheap talk, I need to go and water my spirit for the upcoming AFM Live @ 12noon/28th Jan 11 @ LCA opposite UK visa application center(VFS office Oregun, Lagos). Pastor Chris I Love you and You are not of this World, I don’t expect the associations to accept you, after all the Jewish teachers did not accept Jesus. Ahahahaha, The world ain’t see nothing, we are no religions folks, Christianity is our lifestyle.
Thank God say Christ Embassy no be embassy to heaven…aaaarrrrrrhhhhh….poor man no go fit enter to see baba God be that…Crowd control or NOT, church service admittance should be 1st come 1st serve….and to all christ embassy fanatics (19 yearlong member) check your faith and where does your loyalty lies- Jesus Christ or Oyahkilome?
Jesus came to help the poor and the needy, He wanted us to spread His word so that people can be saved and would come to the house of God to worship Him…since the poor aint wanted in christ embassy, then who doctrines are u following, dat of Christ or some human? i av been to churches where wen d crowd couldnt be accommodated, workers were asked to stand for new comers to sit, its about winning as many souls for God…if they knew d crowd was too much they shld have used TBS or d stadium, or maybe put a big TV outside so members dat couldnt go in wuld watch from d outside screen…so nw they mean salvation has a monetary price….God help us
i am lost of words THANK YOU GOD,THANK YOU PASTOR CHRIS THANK YOU PRESS FOR THE FAME AND GOOD NAME YOU HAVE GIVEN TO PASTOR CHRIS CHRIST EMBASSY LOVES YOU ALL
Stop castigating him. You guys should be sure of things before you comment on them.
@ TOO MUCH PROSPERITY, Your are very much welcomed. ATMOSPHERE FOR MIRACLES WITH PASTOR CHRIS on JAN. 21ST 2011 was a glorious one. What an impartation! Nobody left the auditorium the same. The sick where made whole and thousands gave their lives to Christ.
I am looking 4ward to seeing U guys on FRIDAY 28th JAN. 2011 by 12:pm. Remember, our man of God Pst Chris said at the first meeting that “This is just the beginning” O boy, nothing will stop me from attending the upcoming meeting. am fully ready! Yes my brother “no cheap talk”
PASTOR CHRIS IS MAN OF GOD ,THE GOSPEL IS FREE BUT THE MEANS TO BRING IT OUT TO THE PEOPLE ARE NOT FREE….SO THOSE PREACHERS SHOULD KNOW THAT BILLS ARE PAID TO SHARE TO THE WORLD EFFECTIVELY….
I have read through all this comments and to find out alot of us can sin unto God without knowing and we ask why it seems things go wrong in our lives,
as non-members,we entered without anyone asking for tickets,not even the members were asked tickets,though i learnt members were told before the program to give 1,000
for the organization and a slip was given to them,it was not a ticket for entry,itwas not compulsory to give it,lets not be saying what we don’t know and never criticize men of God like Pastor chris who is a great ambassador of Nigeria,those who commented wrongly its a terrible sin repent,
hmmn…! If God decides to control the crowd coming into heaven. How much will He collect ?. Hmmmmnnm.
This was not a strategy to control the crowds this is PRECISELY what that church has always stood for! Why are people shocked? More will come about this so called church? What happened to first come first serve! That would not make him money now isnt it! He does not want a church full of poor who still wont be able to give offerings. WAKE UP people! This is not the way to control crowds. You control crowds by closing the gates when the church is full PERIOD!! We are not fools and God is still going to Expose these deceitful thieves!
Nobody has posted words from Pastor chris. Why crucify the accused before a trial. It is lawfully wrong. those of u pastors, which of u have never committed any wrong even after u were ordained into ministry. U are quick to judge. Like someone said disciples of Jesus tried to stop people frm coming to Jesus. This may have been the decision of some but did not understand the result of it. Never speak against a man whose source n motive u are not sure of.
well,it is just a matter of time,,.the true servants of Jesus Christ would be exposed either here on earth or CERTAINLY at the other side of life where there’s no TIME but ETERNITY
Keep talking while me and my Pastor are doing our own thing. I love this Word from my Man of God “IF U STICK TO THE WORD U WILL SURELY COME BACK WITH A TESTIMONY.
2. WHAT GOD WANT 2 GIVE U IN UR LYF IS NOT MONEY, CAR OR JOB. HE WANTS TO GIVE U HIS WORD IN UR SPIRIT.
I LOVE U MY FELLOW BRETHREN EVEN THE CRITICS!
Philippians 1
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons[a]:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
I have read through all this comments and to find out alot of us can sin unto God without knowing and we ask why it seems things go wrong in our lives,
as non-members,we entered without anyone asking for tickets,not even the members were asked tickets,though i learnt members were told before the program to give 1,000
for the organization and a slip was given to them,it was not a ticket for entry,itwas not compulsory to give it,lets not be saying what we don’t know and never criticize men of God like Pastor chris who is a great ambassador of Nigeria,those who commented wrongly its a terrible sin repent,
It is a shame that some people have allowed themselves to be blindfolded by the popularity and deluded importance attached to certain person in their live even if it contradict the set standard. I have nothing against Pastor Chris infact i admire his contributions on this earth. But whatever is wrong can never be right no matter how u debate it. The action by Christ Embassy did by collecting N1000 from members before allowing granting them entrance to the house of God is condolable and therefore must be condemned. Agreed this was done for definite measures but it falls far below the standard of God. It’s unfurtunately, this is credited to Pastor Chris because he is the leader of the affected church. i don’t even have the power to judge an animal let alone the person of Pastor Chris but i totally say no to this because am a Christain and i study the bible. This is a muckery to the Christain communities not only in Nigeria but all over the Globe….May God help us all because no one is perfect but the teachers of the word must be more careful or else the same word the undermined will stand as a strong statement against them……
“BUT FOR CHRISTIANS, I WOULD HAVE BECOME A CHRISTIAN”
Where there are grey areas concerning a matter people tend to fill it with their personal assumptions. I think we should get to know the church, their purpose and their practice.
1. The all-nite service was broadcasted live on Superscreen, Loveworld SAT & Infinity Plus (both satellite TVs).
2. The program was streamed live on-line for those who wanted to watch via the internet.
3. All Christ embassy Group churches contected on line and viewed the program on line.
The above points means that structures were in place to have this beamed to the whole world free of charge!!
The auditorium from where this is beamed is a 20,000 seater auditorium with about 4 other auditoria linked to it to manage the overflow.
As is the practice of members of Christ Embassy, they would all love/prefer to attend the all nite service at the Loveworld Convocation Arena, live with Pastor Chris.
The ticket issued was used as an indicator for seat reservation and crowd control. Tickets were printed for the exact number of seats in the auditoria).It was a way of even deterring too many people from coming and encouraging them to go to the different centres, which were manned by Group & Zonal Pastors (Great Men of God, some of whom you may have seen ministering on TV). But even that failed. At the end of the day, the crowd was let in and a space created for them (even outside the venue and the overflows).
It is amazing that for everything Christ Embasy has tried to do people have complained.
In 2006, the church organised an easter program at their camp ground by the ibadan express, pple complained that they caused so much traffic that travellers slept on that stretch of road.Somebody suggested National Stadium. The last program the church had at the national stadium was its youth conference (for the youth alone not the whole congregation!) and this casued untold traffic all the way from V/I. The stadium is also too small for a Christ Embassy church program.
Presently the stadium is being used by the Surulere Group church (only!) for their programs. This is just one arm of the many Christ Embassy Group Churches.
Due to all these challenges the church has resorted to technology (internet & Satellite) for its ministrywide broadcasts.
During the last program in South Africa, the church had to use the Soccer Dome (venue for the las FIFA World Cup). That venue still could not take the South Africa worshippers inpite of so many overflows!
For those christians that believe in the gospel but have issues with the strategy adopted by the Church, I think you may suggest to the church better ways to (other than the ticket) to handle the mammoth crowd that turns out at the programs.
As a church, they are aslo mindful of their community and would not want to cause such traffic congestion/obstruction that would negatively affect others.
As mentioned earlier, clear the grey areas before castigating others. For the men of God that jumped to press without the facts; when it concerns the gospel please do not throw caution to the winds and speak. Remember is not about you and Pastor Chris but about the flock. What if some one falls out of faith because of your manner of handling this, what will you tell God on that day.
Remain Blessed and may the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to have free course all over the world till Christ comes.
To this note to amaka and all blind guides from the propaganda machine known as Christ embassy
And all his spiritual henchmen out to destroy the innocents peoples souls for the love of mammon
This letter or note sounds more like apologist comment from a finally oiled propaganda machine?
Out to do the usual cover up the truth campaign or religious sound bites designed to or devised to deceive people charging to get into the church is a crime against the people and is more and more like a business set to extorting the innocent this church has many die hard believers even if Jesus was to walk up to them and tell them it is a lie he is teaching meaning (Pastor Chris) they would call Jesus Christ the anti-Christ and tell him to get behind them in the name of (Pastor Chris Oyakhilome)
Seeing your all part of the GOD kind claiming to be gods is not the same sin the devil contrived in the Garden of Eden, so it is high time people start to wake up your walking dead let the real Jesus mortify your mortal bodies.
People are turning the truth in a money making machine for personal gain I will never stop attacking this evil church I was a member once and all I got was evil of the people they took form and destroy my life so now I declare war on all you blind guides with the word of truth from the bible?
Just as the scripture teaches here you people only see the gospel of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome:
Not the gospel of Christ?
It’s a gospel about a man not the maker of all things meaning Ha-Shem
Jesus is the one you need know if you stopped reading his books and listening to this fraud in a white suite you will see the Christ he is an anti-Christ
Matthew 10:5-20
7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;
10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
11″Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.
12As you enter the home, give it your greeting.
(N.I.V) 1 Corinthians 9:18
18 What then is my reward? Just this: that
in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of
my rights in preaching it.
(K.J.V)1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
2 Corinthians 2:17 (New International Version,)
17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
2 Corinthians 2:17 (King James Version)
17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ
All i know is that Pastor Chris is my pastor and no body can change it. He is man sent from God. I love you Pastor Chris
Galatians 3:1
O foolish CHRIST EMBASSY, who hath bewitched?
Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, called PASTOR CHRIS, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of CHRIST EMBASSY, giving out that himself was some great one:
Acts 8:11
And to him they had regard, because that of long time PASTOR CHRIS had bewitched CHRIST EMBASSY with sorceries.
I love pastor chris,& u nwabuwa,Idy,Nwando;Excess wealth,muche,Somi,Austine,Too much prosperity &Governor mose know it fully well that it is unbiblical to impose a levi to the members b/4 allowing them in,the bible made me know that Pual reboke Peter,the bible u are qoting that ordered us not judge mandated us never cover evil.mined u that u don’t just read bible b/cus u can read i urge u to ask 4 Holy spirit.remember that Pual,Peter & others has no guy name so why are u bearing guy name u must follow the full step of christ not man.
They no not neither would they understand.no matter what the criticts says,its not new.pastor chris has changed my life with the undiluted word of God.I Love you pastor chris.also you can follow pastor chris and pray with him on the best social network by following this link.:www.yookos.com/pastorchrislive.
What he did is dead wrong. Locking the gate when church was full would have been batter. Maybe he needed money urgent for his girlfriend. Noone is judging but we cnt all allow evil to triump. All you members crying out here are blind. Surely, a good number are quiet and disappointed too. What does he do with the money self?? He can’t help d poor like other pastors, he cnt even print bible to share free. Bet, he’ll sell.. Even rasphody is a means of stealing from students and all as he wnt even allow his members read other books. Is it not clear you guys r in bondage?? Think for yourself fools…it was God who gave you understanding and freewill for a purpose. Sh*t!!
@Niyi: Abi una christ embassy bible no talk
2 Timothy 3:16
ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So Act 8:9&11 no be bible? Wake up my man, I no say leave Jesus!!!!
I say leave the dubious man chris oyakilome!
@Paul: U just confirmed that rasphody is a form of mind control, thanks!
New International Version (©1984)
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
New Living Translation (©2007)
In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.
English Standard Version (©2001)
And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
International Standard Version (©2008)
In their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. The ancient verdict against them is still in force, and their destruction is not delayed.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
And by greed and fictitious accounts they will make profit among you, these whose judgment from the first has not been idle and their destruction does not sleep.
GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995)
In their greed they will use good-sounding arguments to exploit you. The verdict against them from long ago is still in force, and their destruction is not asleep.
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And through covetousness shall they with false words exploit you: whose judgment of old now lingers not, and their destruction slumbers not.
American King James Version
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.
American Standard Version
And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.
Thank u all critics.u can also help me complete it by saying pastorchris has brain wash me.he is a life coach mentor father teacher and the latest revelation HE IS A PLACE. Pastor Chris i love you sir.CRITICS HAVE YOU READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES(the most read daily bible devotional in the world) TODAY?
Niyi
says:
December 11, 2011 at 7:01 am Thank u all critics.u can also help me complete it by saying pastorchris has brain wash me.he is a life coach mentor father teacher and the latest revelation HE IS A PLACE. Pastor Chris i love you sir.CRITICS HAVE YOU READ YOUR RHAPSODY OF REALITIES(the most read daily bible devotional in the world) TODAY?
If this is not brain washed, this person who commented on this post i don’t know what it is then did he even read the bible quote your lost man i feel really sorry for you this man you worship as a god is going to burn with you? You’re sinning against God he is just a man worship the lord “Pastor Chris” is not Jesus he is just a really bad servant follow Christ not the so called man of god
He teaches that your gods which is a lie and your also Christ’s this is blasphemy
A Hebrew – English Bible
According to the Masoretic Text and the JPS 1917 Edition
Psalms Chapter 82 תְּהִלִּים
א מִזְמוֹר, לְאָסָף:
אֱלֹהִים, נִצָּב בַּעֲדַת-אֵל; בְּקֶרֶב אֱלֹהִים יִשְׁפֹּט. 1 A Psalm of Asaph. {N}
God standeth in the congregation of God; in the midst of the judges He judgeth:
ב עַד-מָתַי תִּשְׁפְּטוּ-עָוֶל; וּפְנֵי רְשָׁעִים, תִּשְׂאוּ-סֶלָה. 2 ‘How long will ye judge unjustly, and respect the persons of the wicked? Selah
ג שִׁפְטוּ-דַל וְיָתוֹם; עָנִי וָרָשׁ הַצְדִּיקוּ. 3 Judge the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
ד פַּלְּטוּ-דַל וְאֶבְיוֹן; מִיַּד רְשָׁעִים הַצִּילוּ. 4 Rescue the poor and needy; deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
ה לֹא יָדְעוּ, וְלֹא יָבִינוּ– בַּחֲשֵׁכָה יִתְהַלָּכוּ;
יִמּוֹטוּ, כָּל-מוֹסְדֵי אָרֶץ. 5 They know not, neither do they understand; they go about in darkness; {N}
all the foundations of the earth are moved.
ו אֲנִי-אָמַרְתִּי, אֱלֹהִים אַתֶּם; וּבְנֵי עֶלְיוֹן כֻּלְּכֶם. 6 I said: Ye are godlike beings, and all of you sons of the Most High.
ז אָכֵן, כְּאָדָם תְּמוּתוּן; וּכְאַחַד הַשָּׂרִים תִּפֹּלוּ. 7 Nevertheless ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.’
ח קוּמָה אֱלֹהִים, שָׁפְטָה הָאָרֶץ: כִּי-אַתָּה תִנְחַל, בְּכָל-הַגּוֹיִם. 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for Thou shalt possess all the nations. {P}
whoever u may be pls be sorry 4 urself.i love my man of God.cos d bible says believe ur profet………….
it looks like you need to learn, to read and write and read your bible as well we are under command to believe in jesus christ this is why you don’t know the truth you follow a man who would ba a god
RE:united against chirst embassy
No mind dem, dem eyes don blind!
I can pay 1m to hear words that will change my life forever. Critics only criticies people above them.
no matter wt u guys say eigther 4 or against d man of god the bible said jugde not!! It waz an order 4rm god!! Dont say anything good or bad against any 1 who is under critism!! Imagine pastors commenting ignoring wt d bible says abt jugdment… I am starting to suspect those pastors who commented how can a pastor say he should be stoned to death? Bt god said we should walk in luv!! An as i recall love doesnt broon over jelousy… If u analyse the content of the comments made by the so called men of god, u ll discover that they are envious!! This topic as a whole is nonesense!! May god 4give u guys!!
Thank God 4 pastor chirs!i av attendend mny churchs dt ties their hair even ear nd wears long skirts, still my life wer never changed 2 good instead worst. Since d day i steped my feet 2 BLW aka chisrt embassy my life was changed completly 2 become a true nd born again christain.his massage of salvation changed my life 4ever.praise God i av got d truth
Thank God 4 pastor chirs!i av attendend mny churchs dt ties their hair even ear nd wears long skirts, still my life wer never changed 2 good instead worst. Since d day i steped my feet 2 BLW aka chisrt embassy my life was changed completly 2 become a true nd born again christain.his massage of salvation changed my life 4ever.praise God i av got d truth.cheer up brethen.love u pastor chris
Why Christians always looking for a away to criticize one another.