The Big 501(c)3 Issue
As we mentioned, we are not currently a 501(c)3 non-profit organization at this time. Here at LUC we not only believe in maintaining the very same principles that Jesus Christ established while HE was here on earth, but we also believe in avoiding situations that would cause others to break these same principles. As an established Christian organization we believe it is our duty to follow the rules that govern the land, but at the same time to never fall under their control. We have one MASTER and LORD, Jesus Christ. Our duty is to Him alone.
"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." - 1Corinthians 7:23 |
After reviewing the application process, and what is required to become a 501(c)3 organization, we felt that if we were to go through with the process, we would in turn be denying Christ. Because of this, we chose to opt-out. We are in no way saying that all of the organizations out there that are 501(c)3 have denied Christ. What we are saying is that our personal convictions would not allow us to go through with this process. We understand this means that we would have to pay taxes on all donations, but this is something we are prepared to do. As Christ commanded His disciples, "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto GOD that which is GOD's", so we are prepared to do.
In addition, there are two basic principles that govern our decision not to seek a 501(C)3 status at this time. The first principle is found in Matthew 6:1-4:
In addition, there are two basic principles that govern our decision not to seek a 501(C)3 status at this time. The first principle is found in Matthew 6:1-4:
"BEWARE OF PRACTICING YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE MEN to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE POOR, DO NOT SOUND A TRUMPET BEFORE YOU, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. BUT WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE POOR, DO NOT LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND IS DOING, SO THAT YOUR GIVING WILL BE IN SECRET; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
|
The second principle is found in Luke 6:35
"...do good, and lend, HOPING FOR NOTHING AGAIN; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest:" |
Based on our understanding of Christ's teachings we've decided to refrain from signing any agreements that would take away our liberties to serve Christ in the manner that He has committed unto us. Becoming a 501(c)3 organization we believe would cause many to unknowingly break these principles and miss out on GOD's full blessings.
"...but people will not give unless they can write it off on their taxes."
This is a common phrase we often hear when it comes to not being a 501(c)3 organization. We realize that there is a lot of truth to that statement, but we are not willing to compromise our devotion to Christ for the sake of donations. It was He who called us to do this, and we depend on Him to fully complete what He has started. In addition, we fully support and promote the idea of giving for the sake and for the love of Christ only; not with hopes of getting a tax write-off. A tax write-off is basically reporting to the IRS all donations made in order to get some of it back. In this way we've broken both principles of giving: 1) not doing it in secret, but to be noticed by men, and 2) doing it expecting something in return. We know that GOD will greatly bless those who give with a willing heart, while not expecting any type of return, be it financial or praise.
"...but people will not give unless they can write it off on their taxes."
This is a common phrase we often hear when it comes to not being a 501(c)3 organization. We realize that there is a lot of truth to that statement, but we are not willing to compromise our devotion to Christ for the sake of donations. It was He who called us to do this, and we depend on Him to fully complete what He has started. In addition, we fully support and promote the idea of giving for the sake and for the love of Christ only; not with hopes of getting a tax write-off. A tax write-off is basically reporting to the IRS all donations made in order to get some of it back. In this way we've broken both principles of giving: 1) not doing it in secret, but to be noticed by men, and 2) doing it expecting something in return. We know that GOD will greatly bless those who give with a willing heart, while not expecting any type of return, be it financial or praise.