Brought to You by - The World
Posted by Melvin Jones on July 5th, 2006
Apparently the idea of having the ungodly (or at least the somewhat secular) sponsor a “Christian” event is really starting to catch on.
As you know, The ‘Mess 2006 is being sponsored by Kraft, Coca Cola, Pine Sol, and a host of other secular organizations. It could just be me, but it seems wrong to have the unsaved provide aid to things that at least theoretically are supposed to be about God.
But I guess what works for T. Dexter is going to work for Donnie McClurkin even while they claim to be separating themselves from the world. Take a look at this ad for the Youth Xplosion (click here).
On the Youth Xplosion website, McClurkin says:
“More than an event, PFC YOUTH XPLOSION 2006 will be a movement of a generation living radically for His Name! We will bring together today’s generation from all races and cultures in Long Island, NY on July 27th - 29th 2006, where thousands of young people will come together from across the country to set this world on fire for Christ!”
Click here to see the text.
I have a couple of problems with this.
1. He talks about radical Christianity
2. He talks about the youth attending the conference setting the world on fire for the Lord
Why do I have a problem with McClurkin talking about radical Christianity? Simple. The stuff he is doing is typical and not in any way radical. What Jesus did in Luke 9:1-6 is radical. He sent them out in twos to proclaim the Gospel. He did not beg money from the wealthy centurions, the local newspaper, or the local chariot manufacturer to support them. He trusted God to meet the disciples’ needs.
Paul, a tentmaker by trade, didn’t ask for money from the local idol manufacturers or the shipbuilders. He depended on contributions from the church, over and over again. Take a look at 2 Cor 9:5 and Philippians 4:16.
Even back in the Old Testament, Abraham had enough sense not to take anything from the unsaved, the heathen if you will. He said “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” He said this in Genesis 14:21-23.
Let’s see, who’s going to pay for the conference facilities? The New York Knicks? And who will pay for the gathering at the colleseum? Maybe FM Radio 98.7 Kiss?
I’m not much of a sports fan. I do even less to keep up with the personal lives of the ball players, male or female. But it’s not too difficult to check on the radio station 98.7 KISS.
Click here to take a look at the home page for 98.7KISS.
So if I understand correctly, we want our little munchkins (and the not so little munchkins) to be imitators of Christ. And we do that by taking money from, and advertising for sponsors who promote men like Doug E. Fresh (read the lyrics from a couple of his songs , then go to confession for saying such words, even in your head) and women like Mary J. Blige. I guess I could win a couple of people to Christ with a belly button like hers. You think?
How convincing do you think any speakers will be when they tell them to dress modestly and have speech appropriate to who they say they are?
But I guess I shouldn’t be too upset. I mean after all, McClurkin is just imitating his mentor T. Dexter, and Juanita Bynum (click here), and a host of others who would use an association with the Gospel (even a loose one) to make a couple of bucks.
While they run this scam on you (all the while whining that it takes money to do God’s work), you give them anywhere from $35 to $75 so you can get your PRAYZE on (Click Here). And this is supposed to set the world on fire?
The early disciples set the world on fire through personal sacrifice (you know- that dying to self thing), prayer and holy living. Are the youth now going to do it through concerts, PRAYZE, and ponying up the cash?
These pimps get money from you. They get money and resources from the sponsors. And the only thing you get is the privilege of knowing that you have helped provide publicity for the heathen and made the leaders of Perfecting Faith Church a little more cozy with the unsaved. They walk away with your cash and you walk away with what? You walk away with the pride of knowing that you helped advertise for Doug E. Fresh and Mary J. Blige. Yeah. That works.
I’m going to say it again: These people think you are stupid.