Church gives away BMW in celebration of Easter

[jfrog]

I love what that church did.

[MissBrattified]

I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with giving things away to people in the community.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

OK, the cross just got turned into a game show.

post of the day

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Sam

Well, there may be different reactions and feelings about that church and Easter service, but I think it is absolutely great!!! Having that many people there to present the Gospel to is wonderful. And to emphasize how generous our God is and how freely He gives is a message that people don't often associate with church. Usually they expect condemnation, guilt trips, an aloof and unknowable God, and a message with no relevance to their daily lives and needs.


Someone said, "People don't care how much we know but they want to know how much we care."

the problem is the presentation of the gospel included the giveaways.

I think they'd have a better plan if they took those donations and bought food for people on a regular basis...go OUT to them

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by BeenThinkin

Boy this proves you just can't win for losing!

Some complain about the church that is only interested in "tithes and offerings" and fleecing the people for their money.

And now the church that does just the opposite and "gives things away" is also criticized!


Been Thinkin (And boy it hurts too!)

Oh I doubt anyone has a problem with giving things away....It's the whats, whens and hows that is the issue

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

the problem is the presentation of the gospel included the giveaways.

I think they'd have a better plan if they took those donations and bought food for people on a regular basis...go OUT to them

Food is a perishable commodity and as it approaches that expiration date it is often given away by retailers and wholesalers in very large amounts. I volunteered in a food bank for several years and got to see "the system" at work.

Most of that food goes into the large food bank distribution centers and then out to individual churches and other charitable groups.

The cars given away (above) were all used, low mileage cars and guess what? Easter weekend just happens to fall right before April 15. Car dealers and other types of wholesalers have to pay a tax on their inventories - the cars just sitting in the lot - every year.

So if you were facing the prospect of paying taxes on a car, or getting a tax write off for the retail value of that car, what would you do? You can't give the whole inventory away because you've got a business to run and the business does need inventory. But why not give away one or a few shiny low mileage cars, get the write off, avoid the tax and recoup it all with an enormous amount of free advertising and good will that you've won from thousands of excited church members in your community.

It ends up being a win-win-win.

[pelathais]

This church (http://redemptioncitychurch.com/) advertised on Facebook since early in the year that they were giving away a Harley Davidson and many other valuable gifts as part of their church launch.

Since they were giving everything away as gift certificates and not actual inventory, I am guessing the church or its sponsors themselves ponied up the cash. I was going to go, just to check it out. I was curious how it all would work out for them; but an Easter dinner with my grand nieces was more compelling than a shot at a Harley.

[Praxeas]

Well personally if it was me, I would give the cars to members of the church that had no car or their car was old and run down. Other moneys, if we were that wealthy or big, I'd just find a way to give to those I know are needy, not merely greedy

[A.W. Bowman]

I must admit that when I read the initial post my initial response was, "Bring people into the 'church' by showing them how they can use God for their own ends." And, no doubt there will be a good number of that will fall for that ploy. However -

As usual, my friend Sam came alone with a much needed reality check, and BeenThinkin pointed out the double mindedness so many of us hold to.

As it was with Jesus, there will be many who will follow after Him in order to get what they can from Him. Yet, when the going gets a little rough they will scatter like leaves in the wind. Even so, a few will stay and say, "But where shall we go? You have the worlds of life."

Then, where are the churches who are caring for the sick, the homeless, the hungry, the poor, those in prison, widows and orphans, etc. (Mt 25:35-45), when the big issue is frequently how to support another building/maintenance fund, securing the required pastor's weekly ten percent of the entire congregation's resources, and getting more church members in order to increase our cash flow?

There are some things that are best accomplished by large, well financed assemblies and some things best undertaken by small groups. Or, perhaps the 'best' approach is for a lot of small groups to work together to support the lager projects (1Cor 16:1-4)?

For me, I shall remain as an assembly of one working within an larger assembly of 45-50, working within an assembly of several thousand, etc., etc., working to improve the lot of just one individual at a time.

I can contribute a dollar toward buying someone a car or even a house, and give a dollar to one who is hungry. Motivated out of a heart of love: Compassion, discernment, following after the Holy Spirit, obeying God and keeping one's conscience clear before the Lord, what more is required?

[jezebelslayer]

Originally Posted by Sam

Well, there may be different reactions and feelings about that church and Easter service, but I think it is absolutely great!!! Having that many people there to present the Gospel to is wonderful. And to emphasize how generous our God is and how freely He gives is a message that people don't often associate with church. Usually they expect condemnation, guilt trips, an aloof and unknowable God, and a message with no relevance to their daily lives and needs.


Someone said, "People don't care how much we know but they want to know how much we care."

I love what you had to say here! Amen!!