Let’s say that one of your members buys a lottery ticket and wins big. This person offers your church 10%. Since the money was won gambling would you accept it?

Let’s say that one of your members buys a lottery ticket and wins big. This person offers your church 10%. Since the money was won gambling would you accept it?
stephens_tim

Tim Stephens, Pastor

Callaway Assembly of God

YES. I would also accept a donation from a drug dealer, prostitute, stripper, or anyone else who has engaged in an illegal or questionable activity. WHY? Let’s be clear, I don’t support or encourage illegal or questionable activities, or things like the lottery which are legal but morally suspect when applying the principles of God’s Word. The question is not, “Do you support the lottery,” but very specifically, “Would you accept money from a person who obtained it from a questionable activity.” Read that last sentence again. There is a difference. Suppose someone received money through what may be considered questionable means, and decides to give some of the money to a church. If they experience the grace, mercy and love of Jesus Christ in their life, and want to express their gratitude in a monetary way… what kind of message would it send for the church to reject their heartfelt act of generosity toward God through the church? You’re not good enough, you’re too tainted to associate with us, or any number of impressions that would give off the “holier than thou” vibe. Listen, I’m not saying that we should compromise the principles of God’s word to make people comfortable. Quite the opposite. I’m saying that we should clearly live the principles of God’s Word, which includes loving people toward a loving Savior. Money itself is amoral (not good or evil in and of itself), so this isn’t a question about money as much as it’s a question about people.

April 20, 2019No comments

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