Jesse Duplantis, a TV preacher, shamelessly announced to the world that he is “believing God” that his congregation will raise the tens of millions of dollars necessary to purchase a brand new private jet for he and his team. Duplantis proudly explained that he’s had three jets in his career, and mainly needs this new one so he can make direct flights as opposed to stopping for fuel.

“You know I’ve owned three different jets in my life and used them and used them and just burning them up for the Lord,” the Louisiana televangelist declared in a video for “This Week with Jesse.”

“Now some people believe that preachers shouldn’t have jets. I really believe that preachers ought to go on every available voice, every available outlet, to get this gospel preached to the world,” he said.

Duplantis is not new to the world of jets, as he has “purchased for the Lord” over the years, since 1994. He bragged about these jets in his announcement to get another.

“This is the Starship Enterprise. This is where I’m going, praise God—what I’m believing God for,” he stated.

“We’re believing God for a brand new Falcon 7X so we can go anywhere in the world in one stop,” Duplantis added, defending himself.

He then addressed those that have critqued his need for a brand new jet stating, “Now people say, ‘my Lord, can’t you go with this one?'” he said, pointing to an older jet. “Yes, but I can’t go at one stop,” he pointed out.

He argued that overall he could fly cheaper if he had his own private jet because “I have my own fuel farm” and “I can avoid all those exorbitant prices for jet fuel all over the world.”

To note: a new Falcon 7X costs around $54 million.

Duplantis then continued saying that God had, in fact told him he needed the $54 million dollar jet.

“Jesse, you want to come on up where I’m at? Before you ask, I’ll answer—Isaiah 65:24. I want you to believe me for a Falcon 7X,” he explained.

Where would he get the absurdly large amount of money? Not from his own pocket, of course. Instead, he claims, God’s voice in his head told him, “Jesse, I didn’t ask you to pay for it. I asked you to believe for it.”

He then pleaded with his audience to fund the jet for him and his wife.

“We never ask you to give anything that me and [wife] Cathy don’t give ourselves,” he added, saying that he would only pay for the jet in cash.

“I really believe that if Jesus was physically on the earth today he wouldn’t be riding a donkey. Think about that for a minute. He’d be in an airplane preaching the gospel all over the world,” said Duplantis.

That’s a dubious claim, however, considering the Jesus walked amongst the poorest of the poor, and never did anything to elevate himself over others. He was born in a manger, and his followers traveled in nothing but rags. Not to mention, he could have taken a more praised mode of transportation, like a chariot but stuck to a lowly donkey.

Duplantis then warned his viewers that he believes the end times are approaching, pointing out that the moving of the United States embassy to Jerusalem signaled so. He then started to plead for contributions for his private jet again, saying if someone donated, God would bless them.

Most of those that top the wealthiest “pastor” list include pastors that preach the prosperity gospel. Duplantis himself has a net worth of around $40 million.

He has even called God “my sugar daddy.”

You can watch Duplantis’ video announcement here.

Earlier this year, Kenneth Copeland, who runs Kenneth Copeland Ministries, bought a Gulfstream V airplane from Tyler Perry, which brought about much speculation and criticism.

“What a wonderful gift!” Elite CX Team Leader Charlie Bollinger wrote about the purchase on his KCM blog. “We knew the Gulfstream V would come quickly, and now we have it. And it’s all because of you, the faithful KCM Elite CX Team members–combined with the blessings of a FAITHFUL GOD!”

The organization did not disclose how much the jet cost them.

H/T PJ Media