But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God – 2 Corinthians 4:2
A Charismatic and Prosperity-Driven church in Maryland just gave away five automobiles at their grand opening. “Destiny Church” told the Washington Post that it would be a good way to get people to church. They gave away a Chevy Cruze, a Dodge Journey, a Ford Escape, a Nissan Sentra and a Toyota Corolla.
Pastor Stephen Chandler explained, “We were just going for something you would not expect a church to do.”
You can watch the video below.
The WaPo reported:
It was part marketing ploy — but also theology, Chandler said. Randomly giving away cars to people who show up to worship demonstrates God’s unbelievable, no-strings-attached goodness, Chandler preached.
And it sure helps get people in the door on a Sunday morning.
The problem is that the ‘pastor’ is right. It is part theology. Destiny Harvest Church holds to the Prosperity Gospel and teaches that the atonement of Jesus guarantees health, wealth and prosperity. The primarily African American congregation’s website says:
GOD’S WILL FOR PROVISION – It is the Father’s will for believers to become whole, healthy and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God’s will while on Earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ’s provision in order to better serve others
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Spiritual: John 3:3-11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10.
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Mental and Emotional: II Timothy 1:7, 2:11; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3.
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Physical: Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24.
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Financial: Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19.
Sandy Dobson and her 13-year-old son came for the car. She said, “We were super excited. There really is a car! It’s at the front door. Who doesn’t need a new car? Different people have different things that bring them to Christ, to church. It doesn’t always have to be traditional methods.”
Jesus, on the other hand, said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
If you’re trying to bring people to Jesus by offering them idols, you’re doing something wrong. But they’re not trying to bring people to Jesus; they’re trying to bring them to church. There’s a difference.
