Reformed. Christianity. Evangelism. Modern Culture.
The early church called people to come to Christ that they may have their sins forgiven. Two thousand years later has the message changed? Well, a local church is calling people to come and receive bling. What? Really?
A church giving away gold jewelry? Really? “The jewelry was a donation,” said Mike Walker, associate pastor at Christian Victory Church. “And we thought it would be nice to share this blessing with the community. The jewelry has great value, but it has more value if we can bless someone with it.”
So the church, located near Fleming College, is holding a Valentine’s jewelry giveaway Sunday at the church. It’s called Romance and the Rings.
“It’s open to everyone,” said Walker, who handles operations and business for the church.
Mark Murack is lead pastor. The Brealey Dr. church was founded in Peterborough in the 1990s, moving to its current site after several years on Simons Ave.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with the event, which includes fellowship and more, beginning at 10 a.m. Ballots have to be in the bin by 10:15; a draw will happen at 11:30 a.m., with three ballots drawn for the jewelry, which has a total value of $5,500.
“Valentine’s is always about giving love — and we love to give,” Walker said.
How low we have fallen since the days when Sunday was called “The Lord’s day”. A day when the body of Christ gathered to listen to preaching from the Word of God. A day when believers came to gether to worship God and encourage each other in the Lord.
Wasn’t there a time when the church focused on Christ on Sundays? A time when they esteemed God so highly that they constantly reminded themselves of their need for him with songs like Toplady’s Rock of Ages hymn:
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
Well, I must be mistaken as that was long ago. A very very long long time ago. 😦
A Twisted Crown of Thorns ® 
I agree that churches are not as they used to be. But at the same time, some people won’t ever enter a church, so there needs to be something in the church that will attract them to come to church. I don’t think churches need to “bribe” every week or month or year, but think it is a good idea to try different things to get more people to come to the church. The world isn’t going to enter, unless they can get something out of it. This jewelry giveaway probably had lots of guests in their service….hopefully they got everyone’s information and will be able to followup with each of the families. Maybe even some of these people will continue to go to church because of this.
The question we have to ask our selves is ….is it biblical? Are we using carnal means to increase attendances, bulk up numbers ? Are we being carnal? It’s better to be faithful to the gospel….like Paul and say, I came to you “not with words of eloquent wisdom lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” 1 cor 1:17
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