Church Perspective - Latest Comments

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

MZMee — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:50:24 -0000

I too agree this was not the smartest choice with the use of money. It's a DECORATIVE piece, not something useful for the ministry. Even if this ministry could afford this purchase, was it something that would truly benefit the ministry? That's no different than me buying 3000.00 custom curtains for my house just because I could afford it, when that money could go to build the business I've wanted to build. Then the other issue is this is not a ONE TIME purchase. This is a design that requires ONGOING money to keep up. It's not just a painting. I just hope that there isn't ONE person in his congregation who is suffering financially because the money he spent on that could have been split amongst the poor and struggling people in his congregation to help them get on their feet. I am trying not to be too judgemental because I don't now the "rest of the story". I don't know how this pastor is helping his flock behind the scenes or what every dime is going to. I just know that I hope the day doesn't come that this church will face money problems because the first thing people will look at is that tank.

Nobody is saying that when you come into wealth that you can't spend your money on things you can afford. I mean when I started making 6 figures, I did spend money on things that I couldn't afford before such as painting my house, tile floors, granite counter tops, etc. But guess what...those things were NEEDED (my house was a foreclosure and needed rehab). But I spent wisely. I got the lowest possible bids, I chose products on sale, and hired church members to install it all to bless them. I COULD HAVE afforded something much more expensive...but why? I would randomly bless people with money and give my servers at restaurants 50.00+ tips as the Lord directed me. It's ok to spend, but ask yourself the real PURPOSE for what you are buying.

The church's motto says PURPOSE. So I ask the pastor...what PURPOSE does this tank serve other than a piece of art to look at???????

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Troy — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:52:57 -0000

I saw this on "Tanked" and a Google search led me to this page. In reading the commentary, I see several Christians feeling negative emotions. If you are among those, I may suggest a course of action that could be as simple as:
"I pray for the Lord to fill this Pastor with the Holy Spirit and guide him to His will."
For me, I didn't really have emotions about it one way or the other, so I just pray that all of those who come into contact with this "spectacular" monument be touched by the word of God and follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. :-)

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

somerandomthought — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:50:55 -0000

Funny thing is yeah, 40 million could feed a lot of people. Perhaps Pastor Rush is doing just that by feeding the Word of God and teaching them how to fish for themselves. Perhaps what you see in this tank and large church is the result of a lot of people who learned how to fish, literally and spritually, and continue to eat that Food of the Spirit. Perhaps it grows because people are drawn to the table. Children who cannot afford the Dallas Aquarium can come to church and see every fish that would normally be separated swimming harmoniously. Children who go to the school of the same church and children who don't can go to one place with family and share in the same meal. It's okay if it strikes many as odd. This is not the church for you if you can come in and see waste and greed instead of a place of worship. That's fine. The good thing is God provides many places to dine on His Word. Keep it moving.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

joey — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:16:00 -0000

sorry no. not a prophet. I missed the book about the prophet that drove the golden chariot...what chapter/vs was that?

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

joey — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:13:01 -0000

How many thousands could have been feed or even housed....for what it cost for some to see a pretty sight once a week? You people are all blinded by pride. "Oh? cloth the naked? feed the hungry? help the widow? no...we did do any of that with the gifts you gave us....but we built a big giant building in you name", "No...it's not a housing complex....we use it once or twice a week"

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

joey — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:06:28 -0000

Don't worry, one day you'll see you the truth
Did Chirst come as a King....or a carpenter?...nuf said

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

joe christian — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 22:58:21 -0000

and we wonder why the world is starving....

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

thop — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 08:47:25 -0000

If i was in Texas I would go to that church, but I have heard that a lot of atheletes and celebirties go there thats why its probably no problem to have that. and it draws in hundreds of people a month to join the church and accept christ as their personal savior, so you have to look pass the money for the aquarium as long as they are doing things for the community.its absolutely beautiful.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Brenda — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:49:41 -0000

WHOEVER YOU ARE, "THANK YOU"! FINALLY SOMEBODY WITH SOME BIBICAL- COMMON SENSE. THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP FOR OUR MAN OF GOD!! ALL THESE PEOPLE ON HERE WITH THESE "NEGATIVE" COMMENTS, DON'T KNOW 1/3 OF WHAT OUR PASTOR/CHURCH HAS BEEN THROUGH. The Word of God says: "I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn't

always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the
battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not
necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead
successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right
place at the right time.(New Living Translation) Then, THERE'S THE KING JAMES VERSION- I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the
swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor
yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but
time and chance happeneth to them all.
~Just a Word of Wisdom- EVERY TIME YOU ALL PUT YOUR MOUTHS ON US, YOU RAISE US TO OUR NEXT LEVEL". THANK YOU!!

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Brenda — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:31:30 -0000

DOES IT SPEAK OF AN OUTREACH PROGRAM "IN THE BIBLE"? DID JESUS DO OUTREACH PROGRAMS?

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Brenda — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:29:05 -0000

TOUCH NOT GOD'S ANOINTED, AND DO HIS PROPHET NO HARM! WHY DON'T YOU ALL WHO ARE BASHING MY PASTOR'S CHARACTER, REVEAL WHO YOU REALLY ARE? BUT, AT THE SAME TIME IT DOES NOT MATTER...GOD KNOWS WHO YOU ARE!!

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

PleasedwithGod — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:43:43 -0000

hellawaits...You idiot there are WAY more than 7 people employed at IBOC! You said in this ridiculous post " I don't understand the mentality of people just because some says that they are doing it for God then it must be true". Check you own mentality, just because someone on this blog said that there are only 7 people employed at IBOC then it must be true??? Think before you write and check your source of information.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Winner — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:34:34 -0000

Reality Check........you said a key word (WORK). To me that sounds like those people you are referring to were getting paid.(Job creation) If you have a job, I hope the CEO of your company don't have at least four cars, nor own a house on acres. I'm also pretty sure that EVERY employee that works for the company you work for have a car!!! Lord knows if you have a job you better not be struggling financially at ALL!!! Since you posted this comment I know you are financially set (sarcasm).

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Whatitdo3245 — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:17:09 -0000

Since Buckner...I'm glad my tithes and offerings are going towards the upkeep of the tank/church since I know what it represents(life), and I have been overflowing with blessings as a result! My tithes and offerings are in good hands with IBOC. Its great knowing that I contributed towards something so great that represents God and his children. Its so refreshing to know that I can see where my tithes and offerings are going and am very pleased with the results. Your post just reassured me that my tithes and offerings are in good hands!

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Since Buckner — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 12:51:20 -0000

Count the cost. $2.5 Million to build the tank, $100 Thousand in fish, A SALARIED $Full-time marine biologist, Thousands of dollars in yearly fish food and cleaning cost, and THE MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL to keep the tank operating 24 hours, 365 days per year?????

Do the math...Unbelievable misue of tithes, offerings, scriptures and the trust of God's people.

Mark, there are no outreach programs.Just thought you should know.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Since Buckner — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 12:49:35 -0000

Do the math...Unbelievable misue of tithes, offerings, scriptures and the trust of God's people.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Since Buckner — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 12:47:03 -0000

Do the math...Unbelievable misue of tithes, offerings, scriptures and the trust of God's people.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

sandy — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:13:54 -0000

How make the fish tank?

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Sis Toni — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:35:33 -0000

BELIEVERS: DO NOT GET INVOLVED IN FOOLISH DISCUSSIONS about spiritual
pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws.
These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing
divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have
nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away
from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. Titus 3:9-11.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Since Buckner — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:42:28 -0000

For my Christian Brothers and Sisters:

Persecution for JESUS' SAKE and Persecution for Church Financial Decisions, are two different things all together.

As long as the African-American church, gives their tithes/offerings and don't care where the monies are spent...the appropriation of tithes and offering will always miss the target of its intended scriptual purpose.

a truly COMPLETE study on tithes would show-that tithes are time, talents, and goods. in biblical times, they would leave one tenth of their crops in the fields for the WIDOWS and ORPHANS and POOR.

From my Jewish Brothers and Sisters:
As for money- if you read torah, you would learn that you are not to work, shop etc. on shabbat, you are not to carry money with you. So, that means no money to churches. Yeshua- Christians know him as Jesus, never collected money to spread the gospel- his disciples never did either. spreading the news is verbal. You don't need money, books, or buildings to do it.

What the churches today are doing is building up empires of their own.

If tithes and offerings are so important to the church,
why didn't Jesus collect them when he was teaching in the synagogues and streets?

Study to shew thine self approved

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Sis Toni — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:19:41 -0000

sorry News430..my comment wasn't meant for you..you get it.

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Sis Toni — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:16:50 -0000

I am a new member of IBOC but not a new BELIEVER. I was not drawn to the fish aquariums or the building. My mother is a member and invited me to come and listen to the Word that was being taught because of the situation I was going through at the time which happened to be at a smaller church. I attended a Monday Night school and was amazed at how the HOLY SPIRIT spoke through this anointed Man of God. Pastor Rush did not know me from Mary but told me everything I was going through and the ways Satan was attacking me, through the message God had given him to teach. Not only that, he then gave me(us) the words to take to God in prayer. I have yet to have a private one on one conversation with him. I attended only Monday school for a year and then decided to join. After that I started attending Sunday services. I have been there a little over 2yrs now. My focus is not a building or fish but how to build a stronger relationship with CHRIST who will then guide me into WHAT HE WANTS ME TO DO IN HIS KINGDOM and I am being taught how to do just that. I pay my tithes because the Holy Spirit and scripture teaches me to do so. Do I care where the money goes? NO. If I see someone in need or on the corner asking for a dollar I GIVE TO THEM because God will make sure I have that to give with plenty left over. I don't know if I'm entertaining an angel or not. My life is changing because of the WORD not Pastor Rush. Although I do thank him for letting God use him as a vessel to help those who are truly seeking God. For me, I am happy to see Men and Women of God prosper and live the abundant life no matter what level it is. That's what Jesus came to give. It's not easy going to God praying in the Spirit for people who slander and scandalize your name, spitefully use you or out right lie about you. But if you truly know God and have a REAL relationship with Him then you know this is something YOU HAVE to do before you can ask for anything on your own behalf. It's more than a notion. Jesus said I ASSURE YOU THAT EVERYONE WHO HAS GIVEN UP HOUSE OR BROTHERS OR SISTERS OR MOTHER OR FATHER OR CHILDREN OR PROPERTY, FOR MY SAKE AND FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOOD NEWS,WILL RECEIVE NOW IN RETURN A HUNDRED TIMES AS MANY HOUSES, BROTHERS, SISTERS, MOTHERS, CHILDREN,AND PROPERTY---'ALONG WITH PERSECUTION'. AND IN THE WORLD TO COME THAT PERSON WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. MARK 10:29-30. Pastor Rush has been preaching 42 years..Do any of you know what all he has given up?
IBOC FAMILY there is no need to defend our Pastor in all this foolishness. EVERYTHING IS PURE TO THOSE WHOSE HEARTS ARE PURE. BUT NOTHING IS PURE TO THOSE WHO ARE CORRUPT AND UNBELIEVING, BECAUSE THEIR MINDS AND CONSCIENCES ARE CORRUPTED. SUCH PEOPLE CLAIM THEY KNOW GOD, BUT THEY DENY HIM BY THE WAY THEY LIVE. TITUS 1:15-16. Pastor Rush is going through what JESUS calls "PERSECUTION". It's real yall.
My prayer is for the BELIEVER to realize that THE SPIRIT TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, AND WHAT HE TEACHES IS TRUE--IT IS NOT A LIE. SO JUST AS IT HAS TAUGHT YOU, REMAIN IN FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST. 1JOHN 2:27.

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Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Sis Toni — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:41:30 -0000

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

What?1? — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 01:04:14 -0000

website still says under construction, except the giving section. does he really own 6 cars?n

Re: Largest Private Aquarium in a Church?!?

Buckner 1990 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 20:16:23 -0000

Last Sunday, was my last day as an IBOC member. Not because I was a blind-follower, not because of the fish tank, not because Pastor Rush did something to me, or said something I didn’t like or agree with.

But I could no longer ignore and deny that fact that my Pastor, whom I love dearly, had become the millionaire, mega-church, luxury car-driving, mansion-living, book-selling, celebrity-seeking, self-glorifying leader…..he himself had warned me about, way back when our small church was on Buckner.