Free Republic

Based on what I know about the Anon 11:51 situation, our discipline committee is acting more like a gestapo, as someone posted yesterday. A man is accused of being divisive in the church through blogging, so the committee as a first step of "reconciliation and restoration"... writes a letter outlining the sins, attaches a trespass warrant banning the man AND his wife from the property until they meet with the committee. I haven't yet found that part of the church discipline process yet in Matthew 18, but maybe its in the Greek text that only Mac himself understands. The committee...

The Rev. Mac Brunson, a Texas preacher known for his homespun, Bible-based sermons and an ability to inspire congregations, will be nominated as pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, prominent members of the downtown megachurch said Thursday night. State Sen. Stephen Wise, state Rep. Stan Jordan and Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland told the Times-Union that Brunson has been tapped to fill the pulpit vacated by the Rev. Jerry Vines, who retired Tuesday after 23 years at the 28,000-member church. "I know it's going to be the guy from Texas," Wise said of Brunson, who is pastor...

When the Rev. Tony Hansberry, senior pastor, introduced Edwards during the church's 7:45 a.m. service, it was with reference to Nehemiah, the Old Testament hero praised for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. "There's a Nehemiah among us, one who comes to help us build the walls," Hansberry said. __________________________________ At First Baptist, the Rev. Jerry Vines introduced Reed, who quickly stated he was not attending church to promote President Bush. "I'm not here today on behalf of any other candidate than the Lord Jesus Christ," said Reed, who praised Vines and the church, and then returned to his seat.