Monday, April 5, 2010
Is it me...or was that a line we just crossed?
When I first heard this story on the news, I thought...prayed it was an April Fools joke. Well. It's no joke, and I'm trying to figure out if I'm laughing, or crying. Seriously. I don't know what to think about this.
One thing is for sure. I feel guilty, because I know I have done the same thing myself. I can justify it because it was to a lesser degree, but I feel like I still did it. It being - giving something away to get people to come to church...or Jesus.
Check out the story for yourself...what do you think?
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4 comments:
I agree it's not THE reason to go to church, but having discussed it with a few people I know that don't frequent church that often they thought it was a good idea. It is an interesting concept. Would like to hear his after comments to see if the congregation grew after doing that, or if it is just a serge for free stuff.
Andy, appreciate your honesty, and we must admit that we have all been guilty of trying to buy converts and we justify it by saying whatever it takes to get people into the kingdom we are going to do it. We live in a consumer mentality culture. We must begin to trust the Holy Spirit's power to convict and convince people they need Jesus. I rejoice that 500 people professed Jesus as Lord as a result of this pastors efforts, however, how many will become radical followers of Christ? I'm not sure what the answer is except for prayer and spiritual renewal across our nation. You may not remember me, I was pastor at FSBC Liberal years ago when we had you come in for a weekend after a week of super summer. I just happened to find your blogspot. Looks like you are doing a great job as pastor of Riverview, may God bless you! JOY
Keith Bryant
Director of Missions
Central Baptist Association
Great Bend, KS
Brother Andy, I am sorry I missed this post. First off, I would say, I do not see any where in scripture where Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, or any other disciple of Christ gave away a 700 Series chariot to draw people in to hear the gospel. If I am to do as Christ did, I am simply to present the gospel, and rely on GOD'S power to bring people into the Kingdom. [Rom 1:16]
I believe the consequences of giving away expensive "prizes" in order to bring people in to church to hear the gospel is covered in the parable of the sower. [Mat 13:1-9; 18-23]
Mat 13:22 "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
Thanks for sharing.
Teri Nichols
Brother Andy, I am sorry I missed this post. First off, I would say, I do not see any where in scripture where Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, or any other disciple of Christ gave away a 700 Series chariot to draw people in to hear the gospel. If I am to do as Christ did, I am simply to present the gospel, and rely on GOD'S power to bring people into the Kingdom. [Rom 1:16]
I believe the consequences of giving away expensive "prizes" in order to bring people in to church to hear the gospel is covered in the parable of the sower. [Mat 13:1-9; 18-23]
Mat 13:22 "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
Thanks for sharing.
Teri Nichols
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