[quote=bigmtman][quote=chuckybrass]Thank you for your kind thoughts and input bigmtman!
Unfortunately, Gary Kendall's church is one of the approved Rick Warren "Purpose Driven Church" role models. I didn't believe God thought we should put making our church profitable over taking care of the sheep then, and I don't buy into that hooey now. I left my old church for the same reason, but I thank you for the thought. It is my belief that we walk in faith, and are compelled by God to accomplish certain things at times. I do not believe that they will always include being financially successful. Jesus did not die a rich, affluent business man, and neither will most Christians whether they choose to believe it or not. Like I said before, I am not into entertainment church...
http://www.livingsent.net/biography BTW: Rick Warren was Obama's right hand pastor in 2008. He kinda got kicked to the curb, didn't he........[/quote
Chucky, I clicked on the link you provided. The Gary Kendall in the link is NOT the Gary Kendall that I am referring to. I personally know Gary. My wife and I were married by him in our front yard in WV. He looks nothing like the one in the link. He has never lived in Kansas. He currently lives in Raceland, KY. I've never heard him promote Rick Warren.
In reference to Warren, ever since I heard that he seemed to be promoting Chrislam, I decided that he was either misguided or a wolf in sheeps clothing. "What does light have to do with darkness?"
Gary's main thrust is that ever since God rent the veil of the temple in two at the end of Jesus's crucifixion, God resides in the hearts of believers, not in the temple or a church. The "church" is not a building of stone, wood, and glass, but the church is us--those who have accepted Christ as Savior. He exposes many myths about our faith that are taught as t***h. It is a very interesting, uplifting, and reassuring book.
I share your thoughts about the "Prosperity Gospel." Those who preach that God is a heavenly slot machine that you put $10 in and get $100 back are just trying to line their own pockets. My wife and I tithe, and while we don't get ten fold back in money, we know we are blessed in other ways. We have what we need, we have peace in our home, and we have seventeen grand children. We are truly blessed.
God bless you![/quote]
Thanks for the clarification, bigmtman! Your Gary Kendall may be worth the read!
God Bless!