By Oladipo Oluwatosin
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:14
In recent times, CBEX, a crypto investment platform, has emerged as the newest heartbreak among thousands of Nigerians—many of whom are church-going believers, workers, and even ministers. Disturbingly, many pastors and members of some Pentecostal churches were reportedly caught in the trap, losing thousands of dollars in pursuit of “life-changing returns.” This is not the first time.p After MMM, a notorious Ponzi scheme that swept through Nigeria like wildfire in 2016, one would expect a collective lesson learned. But history, it seems, continues to repeat itself—especially within the Church.
Once again, the Church has found itself entangled in a net spun not by Satan alone, but by its own unchecked desires. What are we really preaching, and who is really calling us?
Why Did So Many Christians Fall for CBEX Again?
1. The Seduction of “Sanctified Greed”
Many believers, especially in Pentecostal circles, have dressed up greed in religious garments. We say "God wants me to prosper" and then chase any scheme that promises returns, whether God is in it or not.
2. Lack of Spiritual Discernment
Despite years in church, many do not hear God clearly. They ignore checks in their spirit because “everyone is doing it.”
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits…” – 1 Timothy 4:1
3. Promotional Pastors, Not Called Ones
Some ministers today were never called—they were promoted. They pursue ecclesiastical rank, not spiritual depth. Their sermons lack fire because their altars lack intimacy. Instead of teaching contentment and wisdom, they endorse shortcuts to wealth.
4. No Lessons Learned from MMM
MMM was meant to be a mirror. Instead, it became a memory we brushed aside. The same church folks who wept over lost savings returned to the same cycle.
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” – Proverbs 26:11
The Get-Rich Syndrome in the Church: A Cancer in the Body
The gospel has been infiltrated by a message of prosperity without process, and elevation without obedience. Many pastors teach testimonies that are financially flavored but biblically empty. People now measure God’s faithfulness by how many digits are in their account—not by their growth in grace, patience, or character.
A Prophetic Warning to the Church
“Judgment must begin at the house of God…” – 1 Peter 4:17
If we do not repent from the lust for shortcuts, more schemes like CBEX will ravage the body, not because God isn’t watching, but because He allows judgment to start with us first.
To Pastors:
Stop chasing positions. Return to your calling.
Preach the full gospel—including suffering, patience, hard work, and holiness.
Teach your congregation the power of contentment and stewardship, not speculative investments.
To Members:
Test every spirit—especially the spirit of get-rich-quick.
Your tithe is not a casino token. Your offering is not a lottery ticket.
Stop sowing to impress men; sow in obedience to God.
Advice to the Body of Christ
1. Get Financially Educated, Spiritually Anchored: The Spirit and wisdom must go together. Don’t just pray about money—understand it.
2. Verify Every Opportunity with God’s Word: If Jesus wouldn’t put His hand in it, why should you?
3. Expose Greed in Church Culture: Rebuke the idol of money that is being subtly worshipped. Preach against it.
4. Raise a New Breed of Leaders: Leaders who fear God more than losing followers. Leaders who will feed the sheep, not fleece them.
Final Charge
Let this be the last time we cry over a financial collapse rooted in our own disobedience. God is not against wealth, but He is against wealth that replaces Him.
It is time for a spiritual audit.
Let the all church ddenominations use this moment not to shame, but to reset. Let the pulpit burn with truth again, and let the pews be filled with people who hunger not just for wealth—but for righteousness.
“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. – Malachi 3:7
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