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Acts 8:9-25 (KJV)
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
I don't if this happens only in Africa but all I know is that it very common in this part of the world, the fact remains that money is very good, helping the needy in church and giving money to the church is very good as well but can this money cannot buy you the kingdom of God unless you are born again.
This passage shows how Peter makes it clear that money can't buy the gift of God, money can make you receive the holy spirit. You see pastors in Africa giving the rich special treatment in church, pastors go their house to eat, they are ones that decide whether something should happen in church or not.
Some pastor have already make it clear in Africa that this person is the one that's feeding me so he need my attention, when these pastors are preaching they will never talk about the person's wrong doings because they know it will annoy the person, This isn't right in the church of God and it needs to be addressed.
You cannot deceive God, you can only pretend to be what you are not to humans but God deals with our hearts, God's gifts cannot be brought with money. No matter how rich you are if you not willing to seek the truth you will not make the kingdom of God. Jesus also tell the rich man that unless you are born again you will not make the kingdom of God. Giving money to the church or helping a pastor doesn't guarantee you heaven but it is the journey that you must embrace and embark on. I pray that God will help us in Jesus name.
Thanks for your time.