Posted on 05/07/2013 8:52:00 AM PDT by Gamecock
Problems didn't discriminate the size of the church.
Only if "The Church" met at one location. I think you'll find that they didn't, and it still doesn't.
You need to do more research on Mark Driscoll. This church is very heavy into the shepherding thing and if you step one inch out of line, you a literally shunned. It’s very close to becoming a cult.
<.......”they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”....II Timothy 4:3,4
Note the “will” mentioned right in the beginning....along with “their desires”.
They ‘want’ to believe whatever will ‘validate’ their own behavior and beliefs rather than Gods.
I think these Pastors knew full well what the temptation was and had to have ‘entertained’ the idea in their minds long before the act...as with most who fall into adultry.
It is not something that just happens as some like to proclaim. The individual leaves an opening and then the war begins “within”..... long before the event.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
All the believers were together and had everything in common.
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Their life was about so much more than a big "happening" on Sunday morning.
<....All groups have problems or issues....>
Yes indeed Cronos....but news agencies are looking for the big guys...the big story...for it will grab the attention of the nation....”sexual” issues always sell to the people of this immoral nation now...especially if it is tied to Christianity.
Cronos, please don’t start making absurd personal attacks, the Roman Catholic denomination owns the Crystal Cathedral, don’t let some personal prejudice or personal animosity lead that simple information to the start of personal attacks.
I’ve heard about the church discipline thing, which is a bit weird. I wouldn’t use the word ‘cult’ ... but, it is concerning. I don’t pretend to know the details — and I don’t always believe what I read in liberal rags like “The Stranger” (which broke the ‘shunning’ story). That ‘The Stranger’ — which carries degenerate columnist Dan Savage — dislikes Driscoll may be a plus. But, it is worth keeping an eye on.
But, on matters of doctrine, Driscoll is solid. And, he’s far ahead of the curve on preaching to men and bringing men back into the church, and preaching on matters of sexuality, gender relations, etc. ... areas where the church at large is sorely lacking in most cases.
Ministry to men is a HUGE problem in the church, and we’re reaping the consequences of several decades church silence on matters of sexuality (other than simply listing sins). Those are two topics I’m actually fairly interested in, and two that I believe could right the ship, to the extent its gone wrong. Mark Driscoll is at the forefront of those conversations.
SnakeDoc
Yikes! THX
Pastors urgently need our prayer and spiritual support. They are men who face the same temptations we all do who are doing battle with Satan on a daily basis. Their Christ-centered proclamation of the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God pose a direct threat to the Devil, his kingdom and to those lost souls who are under his sway and control. Is it any wonder then that he is doing everything in his power to compromise and destroy the lives and ministries of those pastors and Christian leaders who are proclaiming Christ and rescuing those who are perishing.
Please pray for them and when it seems so easy to cast dispersions on their sinful failings remember the words of Jesus regarding one who rightly deserved death: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
The above is in no way written to excuse the sin, but to serve as a plea for prayer because those who stand outside of formal ministry often have no clue as to the trials, tests and difficulties that torment those who have sacrificed all for the cause of Christ.
A church is only perfect when no one is in it. Once you start putting people in there, things get messy. We are all sinners in need of a perfect God. I urge FReepers to quit piling on and pray instead.
The poster implied, through that picture, that Warren was involved with the Crystal Cathedral. I correctly pointed out that he is not and never was the pastor of the Crystal Cathedral.
Whether or not Schuller influenced him I couldn’t say, although in all the years I attended Saddleback I didn’t hear Pastor Rick mention Schuller one time.
Both churches were founded the same year, for what it’s worth.
Let's remember the good they have done and pray for their repentance and Salvation.
Peace be with you.
Max Lucado at Oak Hills in San Antonio is very good and very humble as well. Don’t know much about Randy Frazee, his successor as head pastor, but have heard good things.
Worth repeating.
I have had some personal experience with them as an organization. One of their ministers signed on to be the interim pastor of my local church which is connected to another denomination. He attempted to take the church away into Mars Hill org and it ended up in a big legal battle which my denomination won. Driscoll may be solid in his doctrine, but I am no so sure about the practices of his org. It’s not what people say that matters so much, it’s what they do.
You’re welcome.
Right on, right on!
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