Louisiana evangelical preacher Jesse Duplantis was widely criticized for saying during a fundraiser that the reason Jesus hasn't returned is because "people are not giving the way God told them to give."
During a "Victorython" fundraiser for Kenneth Copeland's televangelist ministry, Duplantis said:
"I really believe this, if people would call this number, and put this Victory all over the world, every available voice, every available outlet - the Father would say, 'Jesus, go get'em'."
Duplantis' comment came while bragging about being a multi-millionaire.
Participating in a "Victorython" fundraiser for Kenneth Copeland's ministry, right-wing pastor Jesse Duplantis brags about being a multi-millionaire with his own private plane while telling viewers that they can "speed up" the return of Christ by donating.pic.twitter.com/3VE6sETWBB— Right Wing Watch (@Right Wing Watch) 1632332102
Despite this brag, he told viewers if they handed over their own money, it would speed up the return of Christ.
He initially said:
"I honestly believe this—the reason why Jesus hasn't come is because people are not giving the way God told them to give. When you understand this, you can speed up the time."
After this, Duplantis bragged about being a multi-millionaire.
"So what is hindering all these things is because people are not doing - in the financial realm, because we're living in an economic world - what God's called them to do. You know? He's called us to do that."
"I don't have a problem with giving, I don't have a problem with receiving - it doesn't make any difference, I just made up my mind, I want Jesus to come."
Despite this sentiment, Duplantis did not donate his own millions of dollars to the fundraiser.
Televangelist Jesse Duplantis told viewers to his TV show that Jesus has not returned because people are not giving enough money. Who can seriously believe this dingbat who has his own private jet.— Martin Dillon (@Martin Dillon) 1632671177
Pastor Jesse Duplantis net worth is $20 million, Joel Osteen is $100 million, and Kenneth Copeland is $800 million. Stop sending these fools money!— C.W. Uphold (@C.W. Uphold) 1632569886
Participating in a "Victorython" fundraiser right-wing pastor Jesse Duplantis brags about being a multi-millionaire with his own private plane while telling viewers that they can "speed up" the return of Christ by donating him cash.pic.twitter.com/LRMmmEN5ah— Mark (@Mark) 1632337058
Duplantis has been criticized in the past for using his ministry to buy private jets and furnish an extravagant lifestyle. He and Kenneth Copeland defended their ministries by claiming commercial planes were full of demons.
This maybe wouldn't be as big of an issue, if he did more for the community. But it seems Duplantis believes money is better spent on jets and mansions than helping others.
Enough so other Christians are calling out Duplantis as a grifter.
Shameless pastor Jesse Duplantis claims Jesus hasn\u2019t returned because congregation hasn\u2019t donated enough money.\n\nWhen this meet his maker what will be his response to Jesus for this LIE for Fleecing Flock among others.— Johnsonvenida3 (@Johnsonvenida3) 1632505609
Well.Well. You are witnessing a decline in donations to these bogus evangelical ministries. This is a good thing. No one should be donating to any multi million dollar ministry. They had plenty of time pay anything off. Do not donate, take care of your family and its needs.— Warren Harrison (@Warren Harrison) 1632708479
God is not blind to this\nJesse Duplantis Claims Your Donations Can Speed the Return of Christhttps://churchleaders.com/news/406023-jesse-duplantis.html\u00a0\u2026— Eli Garza (@Eli Garza) 1632582824
Jesus NEVER asked for money. That's NOT in the Gospels. \nSo what's your excuse, Jesse Duplantis?https://twitter.com/realTuckFrumper/status/1441161338441515008\u00a0\u2026— Lynn Wofford, MPA \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 (@Lynn Wofford, MPA \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6) 1632437844
Earlier this month, Duplantis was criticized for not helping the community after damage caused by Hurricane Ida. He defended himself by claiming he had donated $100,000 worth of generators.
When you compare that to the $54 million private jet he purchased in 2018, it seems like a bad return on investment for those who've donated to his ministry.
Duplantis has also defended himself for the purchase of the private jet, claiming that he never asked for money for the aircraft. Instead, he told his viewers to "Believe in god with me."
This just happened to lead to his ministry having the millions for the private jet and a fraction of that cost for helping the people in their community.
Silence, grifter.— ForeverResister \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@ForeverResister \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8) 1632369391
Like receiving private jets?— adultwithbraces \ud83d\ude2c (@adultwithbraces \ud83d\ude2c) 1632366505
.@rightWingWatch: 'Pastor' Jesse Duplantis needs a new yacht so he tells congregation 'Jesus will return" as soon as you donate more money to Duplantis' bank account.\nEND TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR THESE "RELIGIOUS" CRIMINALS. @GoVictoryTVhttps://twitter.com/RightWingWatch/status/1440731375217168392\u00a0\u2026— Covid Doesn't Care Who You Voted For (@Covid Doesn't Care Who You Voted For) 1632482904
You are a grifter. Real pastors don't have a personal jet because they don't need it. Don't use Jesus or apostles words. The GOD you believe is called money.— Swina Allen (@Swina Allen) 1632653135
Kenneth Copeland who Duplantis was raising money for, also spoke during the fundraiser and called vaccines the "mark of the beast."
Since airlines are expected to implement vaccine mandates, this was Copeland's excuse for needing several more private jets.
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