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Beeber is stuned and ready. I’m going to take a shower... Ah...that’s right...old school.

Great article here. Our family is mostly German / Scot and can trace our crossing to New York in 1708. Can trace further back, the paternal line, to 1440 in Marienthal, Zwickau, Sachsen, Germany.

Thank you for the reply. I wasn’t offended and didn’t take it as an assault. It was a good, clean discussion. There are too many divisions out there and I don’t believe that it is exactly God’s plan. Hopefully, in the end, we can all find common ground and just be about God’s will and get as many souls to Heaven as possible.

Why are you suggesting to me to review sites that are completely and totally biased against the ICOC? You don’t have to convince me that there are people that do not like the ICOC movement. But, I will disagree against these sites and their calls for Cult naming.

The fact is, there are dozens of books and Internet sites that explain that modern day mainline, denominational and non denominational churches are losing souls. Today’s “Church” tastes great but is less filling. People are leaving because they are unsatisfied with hypocrisy and feel good Christianity. Men are leaving because they are uninspired and women are leaving because no one will lead them. Churches today will accept divorce quicker than they will same sex marriages or unwed couples living together. Churches accept and tolerate sin and refuse to call it out. There are exceptions, yet these churches are struggling to grow.

It has been my experience that people have left our church because they might have been challenged on unrepentant sin or they just simply did not want to live the life of a disciple. That’s right...it is OK to call out sin in the church. We are called to be higher and nobler. We are called to repent. We are called to be righteous. We are called to make disciples of all nations.

At least, that is what I’m taught when I go to church. Visit my church on a Sunday and you will hear the Word of God being preached from the Bible. You will hear A Capella and musical instrument assisted songs. You will see people that range from youth ministry to eldest. You will see a mix of White, Black, Asian and Latino. That’s my church, and it’s not a cult.

You have a couple of biased websites. I have a different experience.

Taz...I'm glad that you've done a lot of research on this, and yes, we can disagree.

I'm sorry to hear that your relative had a bad experience with her ministry and that you did not have a great experience either, but that kind of experience can be said of many churches out there.

Not that I need to defend, but your comments were rather pointed.

You mentioned recruitment. Recruitment in the form of evangelism is exactly what Jesus told his disciples to do. Go and make disciples. Jesus recruited all the time. We don't call it recruitment, but evangelism. More churches should seek to increase the faith and the faithful. Why is that a bad thing?

You mentioned “Wednesdays” as a primary meeting. In my opinion and experience, Sundays are for worship and Wednesdays are for study series or family style church talks. Do other churches have midweek services? Yes, and the first century church appears to have met on a daily basis at times. Why is that a bad thing?

You mentioned “17 or 19” steps. Is that what Cult Watch is throwing out? There are study series that can be shared that are Bible based. There are many studies out there for new disciples, campus, single and and marrieds. Jesus said to go and make disciples and TEACH them. We do believe that there are steps like the following, Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, and Baptism. Not everyone knows the how and the why. Why is teaching the Word to someone a bad thing?

You mentioned meeting places on campus or otherwise. The first century disciples met in people's homes and in public places. Many of our congregations have purchased and maintained long term buildings and places of worship. Others still rent out other churches, schools or convention rooms. Some will base worship on the building rather than from the heart. Why is a deed or title to a building a requisite of worship?

You mentioned that we are “still telling recruits not to trust their parents.” That's just simply not true, but I will point out that Jesus did tell his disciples, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” Which in my study leads me to believe that your love for God must be so great that any appearance of any other love would seem as hate. Why is loving God more than anything a bad thing?

I agree with you. I have my way of believing in Christ and interpreting the Bible and you have yours. I would argue that many of the congregations out there aren't compatible with God's plan of worship.

From our website, it is clear that our only intention is in the interest of seeking and saving the lost by reaching out through evangelism and mission. Changing lives for Christ is not a bad thing. More churches out there should try it.

http://www.icocco-op.org/

Luke 19:10
Acts 2:42
Mat 28:18
Luke 14:26

Sorry. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. I've been a member of the ICOC and in several ministry locations for over 20 years. There are horror stories and bad attitudes in any denominational church or church that calls itself non-denominational, and the Internet and those who have been “burned” are quick to call a ministry a cult.

In my experience, I have never been controlled or brain washed, although, there have been times that my mind needs a good washing. Over the years, the ICOC has grown and changed as needed, and has seen some bad times, but also some very good times.

The amount of lives that have been changed for the better, through the ICOC or through its benevolent arm, HOPE Worldwide, across the country and around the world has far outweighed the criticism that some give.

So...in my opinion and experience...not a cult. Although, first century Christians were also called a cult, so maybe it's not so bad.

I cooked my Trader Joe’s brisket in the pressure cooker this last New Year’s with Guinness. After the brisket was cooked, removed, wrapped in foil and set aside, I cooked my potatoes, carrots and onions in the same brisket and Guinness broth. While the veggies were cooking, I sauteed, rather than boiled, the rough chopped cabbage, with butter and brisket broth till soft and tender. It was great at the time, and we will have it again tonight. Cheers!

Jim, prayers are on the way for your speedy and healthy recovery. Please, stay strong and keep doing what you do!

So sorry for your loss...prayers on the way.

Where is Biden in all of this? Do they have him locked in the basement? Impeachment? Great! Biden next in line...Not so great. I really do hope that Biden has his hands dirtied in all of these criminal dealings.

If the pencil had been black, mechanical and loaded with extra lead...An Assault Pencil!

14th century Black Death remains uncovered...this is how zombies are made.

Responsible leaders in KY just recently updated KY CCDW laws for the better. This bill is not an example of better! Talk to your reps, y’all....don’t let this pass!

My resupply plan follows the popular video game “Fallout”... encounter bad guy...shoot bad guy...loot body...resupply...repeat as needed. P.S. ...keep a keen eye out for Deathclaws!

And...as far as YouTube is concerned...my authority of choice has been and shall always be...Hickock 45! My favorite and highly entertaining!

I agree with your post.....opinions. Everyone has them and everyone can agree or disagree. I’ve carried daily for years and still do not consider myself a professional. The key is....carry what is comfortable to you!! Carry different pistols/revolvers as needed. Carry multiple items as needed. 45’s...380’s....doesn’t matter considering having any gun is better than not having a gun at all! Get plenty of range time and shoot with the ammo that you will be carrying. Try different carry ammo and buy quality ammo! Buy quality holsters the first time and carry what is comfortable and safe for you!

But...all that is just my opinion! Personal example...at work...discreet carry pants...S&W Bodyguard .380 chambered with Hornady Critical Defense ammo...holstered in Alabama Holster Company right pocket holster...extra mag in Alabama Holster Company pocket single mag holster in left pocket. Most any other time...Glock 30 chambered with Hornady Crit Def ammo...holstered in Comp-Tac Minotaur IWB holster/right strong side carry...two extra mags in Comp-Tac dual belt slide holster on left side. It’s a win/win on any occasion! Too bad all my holsters, ammo and firearms were lost in a tragic boating accident....sad day!

I have multiple Comp-Tac holsters and I absolutely love them! Great quality and easily concealed.

“On Killing”...I’ll have to check it out.

Regarding the DVD set...I’ll have to check it out.

I've had this article bookmarked for years....it's not about men and women armed with guns and a "hero-complex".....it's about men and women who are willing to lay their life down for family, friend or stranger.

It's about the simple fact that there are monsters in this world and that they can "snap" at a moments notice or that they can "snap" with premeditated intent.

In reflection of the day's tragedy...I wonder if the problem is not that there are more guns at the hands of those who would do harm, but rather less guns at the hands of those who would do good in order to put their life in harm's way?

If you have the means and the capacity, get some much needed range time and familiarity with the tool that is a firearm. Practice with ease and earnest. Get your concealed carry permit. Carry not as a gun-toting "cop-wannabe," but as a "Sheepdog," willing to protect your self, loved one or stranger that is fellow in this wayfaring world.