Clifford T. Hilbert says First Baptist Church of Dallas is an abomination for raising $115 million to build a new sanctuary. He says they are self-centered, prideful, arrogant, and greedy to be building a church when people are out of work and in need. He says they should be helping those people instead.
So I ask Mr. Hilbert how he knows First Baptist isn't reaching out to those in need. I have a feeling that they are a very benevolent congregation. As they say on their website, "Missions is a lifestyle." Benevolence is something they are already involved in. This fund-raising is above that. FBC is involved in street gang ministry. When's the last time you tried to show a gang member a better way, Mr. Hilbert? FBC is involved in literacy ministries. When was the last time you taught someone to read, Mr. Hilbert? FBC goes into jails, prisons, and juvenile facilities to try to help those people change their lives for the better. When was the last time you were in a jail, Mr. Hilbert?
I go back to the Old Testament. When God was instructing the Israelites on building the tabernacle, they were to spare no expense. Implements and decorations were covered with gold. The finest fabrics were used. The priest's garments were jewel encrusted. God placed a great deal of emphasis on the place where His people were to worship. Jesus, Himself, said, "The poor you have always with you." The only time there will never be hungry people is when we get to Heaven.
Now, here's the real crux of the matter, Mr. Hilbert. How much have you given to the poor this year? How many items have you bought that you didn't absolutely have to have? Shouldn't you have put off buying those items and given that money to the poor? As my grandma used to say, "What's good for the goose is good for the gander." So if what you've bought for yourself outweighs what you've given to the poor, then you, Mr. Hilbert, are a hypocrite of the highest order.
"Fund people, not buildings." The Dallas Morning News; May 19, 2010; p. 16A.
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2 comments:
Well, it appears Mr. Hilbert doesn't like my questions. He responded, but he didn't answer any of them.
However, I found through his reponse that he has some sort of ulterior motive. He wants all us unsaved church members to visit his website. Here's most of his response. I refuse to direct anybody to some nutcase website, so that's been redacted:
Before you speak foolish words, you should know of... Before you speak foolish words, you should know of what you are speaking. Before you make idiotic, judgmental comments about someone, you should do some research. [Gosh, isn't that what he did to FBC, Dallas? . . .Essie]
For your information, here is the complete article I wrote to the Dallas Morning News.
"So First Baptist Church of Dallas is raising $115 million to remodel their buildings. What an abomination to God! In the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression, when so many people are out of work and in need of help, when so many people are hurting, instead of making a greater effort to reach out and help these people and the poor, FBC Dallas is gathering a record amount of money to revamp their property! How self-centered! What pride! What arrogance! What greed! What a complete abomination to God they are!
Oh yes, I know, they'll say that the leaders prayed about it and felt that it was God's leading to do this. Let me ask them this: "Would God approve of wasting so much money on yourselves when there are so many hurting people out there? Would God sanction such self-centeredness, such self-indulgence, such pride?" Oh, I know FBC gives money to different charities. Well, just think how much more good you could do with $115 million, instead of spending it on yourselves.
Acts 17:24,25 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelling not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is He worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.
This I promise you, you will never see the completion of the renovations because this nation will not be prosperous nor free by 2013. Read my blog to find out why. "
I suggest very strongly that you read my blog and pay heed to it. Otherwise you will be lost in the coming days, just as most of the church members."
AGAIN, I ask Mr. Hilbert if he spends more money on himself than he donates to charity. If so, I stand by my charge of HYPOCRITE.
Great blog Essie...Mr. Hilbert why didn't you respond to her questions? (Hmm...I suspect we all know why don't we?!)
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