There's nothing more American than raffling a gun to celebrate Independence Day.

John Adams wrote about Independence Day:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as The Great Anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward - forever more!"

Isn't this an assault rifle?

Think about it: All guns are assault rifles.  Shotguns are civilian weapons that have become emblematic of the Second Amendment freedoms we enjoy in America.

Should a church participate in something like this?
Yes! Two reasons:
1. Historical Precedent.
Throughout American history, churches have raffled guns at events of every kind - especially Independence Day events! Until sum30 years ago, this was common in churches of every doctrinal background.

2. It's Scriptural for people of God to be armed.

Jesus conveyed this to His followers:

Luke 22:35-37  “Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels. Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”

V38-39  “Look, Lord,” they replied, “we have two swords among us.” “That’s enough,” he said…”

For more information about personal safety, go to newchapel.com/safe or attend one of our annual personal safety classes where you can obtain your concealed weapons permit.