Today's 'churches'

[krassandbernie]

I wanted to share this with you guys. I have a feeling that Dave is already aware of the info. found through this link; but just in case......you should all take the time to read these pages. It might help explain why so many of us (myself included) have felt so lost in just about any chruch building we walk into today. btw, when you get to the bottom of the page click 'next'.....don't recall how many pages there are; but there's a few!

Ed

hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm

[Fletch]

Ed, yes indeed I was aware of the implications of churches become victims of the IRS and 501c3. Attorneys, and Accountants suggest a church become 501c3 to make their lives easier not the churches life. Any Pastor who gets up in front of his congregation on Sunday morning and endorses a specific candidate of takes a stand on a ballot issue runs the risk of loosing their church's 501c3 status. Most Pastors and Church Boards have no clue that loosing something they don't even need in the first place isn't such a bad thing. They will set aside Biblical Principle in order to be under the IRS' control. I seem to remember something about being luke warm in the Book of Revelation.

Most Pastors and boards have been so indoctrinated that they are "Required" to be 501c3, they now longer ask WHY?

As George Barna expands upon in his book Revolution, every day the established church leaves more and more of us wanting.

I know that one day in the not to distant future there will churches that actually understand that the Book of Acts is the blueprint for God's church. And the numbers through their doors will astound established religion.


In Christ

[wilhint]

Hi from the new guy,
I couldn't help but jump in here. While I totally agree that the book of Acts is the model for the church, any church, I also find thet God expects us to be good stewards of what He blesses us with. He also expects us to obey the laws of the land. Now, a church does NOT have to be a 501(c)3 approved vessel, but why not allow the members to take advantage of that aspect and, for as long as we are able to, use the tax advantage for our giving? Can that be so wrong? I think our nation is headed to where that taxation thing will be taken away in the name of whatever the current trend in government may be called, and we, as Christians, will eventually discover in this country what that thing called persecution for our faith really is all about. Until then, let's use the advantage of the tax laws.
As to pastors worrying about the issue of losing the 501(c)3 staus because they speak their beliefs about certain things from the pulpit, if they are truly God fearing and loving men they won't worry about it, they'll speak out and let the devil do his worst if that's what happens.
My church doesn't fear the government, we worship in the Spirit, and lettem bring their A game if they want to argue.
Blessings,
Will