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"All The Things That Matter" on BrightU: How ancient corruption mirrors modern megachurches

By jacobthomas // 2025-07-10

• In episode 7 of "All The Things That Matter," Brad Cummings highlighted how first-century temple priests exploited worshippers by forcing them to exchange money at high rates and buy overpriced "approved" sacrifices, turning God's house into a "den of thieves."
• Cummings and Dr. Sherri Tenpenny criticized contemporary churches for prioritizing fundraising over spiritual teaching, with some leaders profiting from guilt and shame under the guise of religion.
• Cummings condemned prosperity preachers for "fleecing the flock," comparing them to Ezekiel's "worthless shepherds," and emphasized Jesus' mission of shame removal, not shame management.
• Cummings noted Jesus cleansed the temple twice — targeting systemic exploitation — and suggested He would do the same today against churches prioritizing profit over prayer.
• Both Cummings and Dr. Tenpenny urged listeners to seek genuine faith beyond institutionalized religion, emphasizing that God's presence isn't confined to churches but is accessible anywhere.

In episode 7 of "All The Things That Matter," aired on July 11, former pastor and bestselling author Brad Cummings unpacked the shocking parallels between first-century temple extortion and modern religious financial schemes.  Cummings detailed how temple priests in Jesus' time forced worshippers to exchange their money for Tyrian shekels, coins bearing the image of Baal, to pay the mandatory temple tax. "They had to exchange their money at exorbitant costs," Cummings explained. "Not only that, but priests would reject animals brought for sacrifice, forcing people to buy 'approved' livestock at inflated prices." This system, Cummings argued, turned God's house into a "den of thieves" (Mark 11:17), where spiritual leaders profited from the faithful. "The more people sinned, the more sacrifices they needed — and the richer the priests became," he said.  The conversation took a sharp turn toward contemporary religious institutions. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny shared her frustration: "Almost every time I've gone to church in the last five years, half the service is about fundraising — missions, buildings, campaigns. The sermon gets cut to 10 minutes." Cummings, who was ousted from his pastoral role after uncovering embezzlement in his church, didn't hold back: "Religion has become a business of shame management. Jesus is in the business of shame removal." He criticized prosperity gospel preachers who "fleece the flock," echoing Ezekiel's warning against "worthless shepherds" (Ezekiel 34:2). Cummings emphasized that Jesus cleansed the temple twice — a deliberate rebuke of corruption. "The first time, He drove out sheep and oxen. The second time, it was just doves. He was targeting their exploitation at every level." When Jesus overturned the money changers' tables in the temple, He wasn't just making a symbolic gesture — He was exposing a systemic corruption that exploited worshippers for profit. Drawing a direct line to modern megachurches, he asked: "Would Jesus flip tables today? Absolutely. When leaders prioritize profit over prayer, they're repeating the sins that provoked His wrath." Both Cummings and Tenpenny urged listeners to seek authentic faith beyond institutionalized religion. "God wants to walk with you — not just your money," Cummings said. "If your church helps you do that, great. If not, take a walk in the woods. God isn't confined to Sunday mornings."

Want to know more?

If you want to learn more about how you can join the healing revolution and regain control of your health, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "All The Things That Matter" package here. Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to eight "All The Things That Matter" videos (with eight audios and eight transcripts), free "Walking With God" eBook (details on a PDF) and a 20 percent discount on "The Founder's Bible" (details on a PDF). Sources include: BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrightU.com BrighteonUniversity.com 2

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