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Well, I know that Rick Warren says that he has a heart for the "unchurched" (you can't call them "lost" that is offensive), but I know for a fact that he nor most of the Pastors that follow after him and his "programs" care very much for those of us who love Jesus more than anything and are NOT willing to compromise for the sake of growing our church. My husband and I just happen to be 2 of the 1,000's of born-again believers who have been left without a church home because we would not bow down to the purpose driven agenda. We got saved at this church and served and worshipped there for 11 1/2 years. When we talked to our pastor about our concerns (3 times) he was very upset that we did not see things his way! He ended up telling us (just like Rick Warren instructed them) that we would probably be happier somewhere else!! The Emergent Church movement is dangerous... they do teach that no one can really understand nor interpret Scripture... sounds a little like Roman Catholicism in that only the priests were able to interpret the Word of God. Just one more thing to lead us down the ecumenical, one world religion church road. I am with Ruth on this one, give me Christ and Him crucified. Without the shedding of blood there is NO remission of sins... That is what the Word of God says... you can call it offensive or whatever, but it doesn't change the fact that it is God's Word... there is only one way to the Father, and that is through His Son Jesus, NO OTHER WAY.. God help us!!!

Praise the Lord for his heart of repentance!!! That is what is missing in the church today... Remember that the enemy has lost another battle in your friends life and he (Satan) will accuse him all the day and night long.... Just be there to pray for and encourage your friend.... Oh just remember King David!! God bless ya'll

Dear Sean, I too, was just going to keep silent on this one... but because of our "experience" I have to say something. My husband and I got saved in and attended our home church for 11 1/2 years. Our church was flourishing and growing (because the HOLY SPIRIT was DRAWING people to come and hear the Word preached. After a few years we had pretty much stayed at the same number of congregants... then one day things started to change... the music and lighting first!!! After that the way things were done, new building, way our pastors preached (watered down messages, dress casually, more "worldly" music,).... I could go on and on but I would just like to say that you are discerning the downward turn of your church... we've been there, the Holy Spirit started to show us things that just didn't line up with scripture and how God says things are to be done... Have you ever heard of "purpose driven"? Would almost gaurantee thats where your leadership is headed... We prayed and sought God, we "TRIED" to have a Christ-like conversation with our pastor about our concerns and feelings, only to be told that if we didn't like the direction the church was headed that "maybe we would be happier somewhere else". Just, by the way, as Rick Warren told them to say... To the one who asks about scriptural objectiions to the concerns.... NOTHING is to take the place of the Holy Spirit, He alone can DRAW someone to want to come to Jesus. You can offer all the lighting, loud music, etc. but stop offering it and go back to traditional church as it has been, and you will lose the crowds.... I will be praying for you my friend, may God grant you discernment and wisdom to know how to handle the situation.... God Bless ya'll

Praise the Lord!! A pastor who has not bowed down to the seeker-friendly, cotton candy preaching craze of our day!! I know for myself that I am glad you posted this and when you did. Its very easy to get discouraged because of the falling away we are witnessing today... I for one will be praying for your pastor and your congregation that you may remain faithful to preach the Gospel without fear of offending anyone. The cross is foolishness to the unsaved, but unto us who believe it is the power of God... Repentance is absolutely necessary, preach on pastor.... Thanks so much for posting... God Bless ya'll

Hi All, Sorry to see that I have offended some but I knew that was going to come... Interesting that the moderator thought that the website that I listed was bashing Catholics... I just wanted to back up the information that I gave, didn't want anyone to think that it was just my opinion.. The website actually is one of the few that actually are looking out for us as believers today, you know, being a Berean. Just for the record, I love Catholics but is it "negative" or "bashing" to speak the Truth (for the Truth is not a thing, but a man and His name is Jesus) in love to those who are lost? The Pope held Mary in the highest regard, higher than Jesus... and that is a fact you can read in his very own books... and I do believe that there are Catholics who may be born again, and I believe God would just whisper to them in that still small voice, "Come out of her my people.." God Bless

Hi All, Well we can only know what we find in the scriptures.. ALL ten were virgins, awaiting the bridegroom. The wise ones differ only in that they had taken more than enough oil with them in case the Bridegroom tarried...which He did... we know that oil in the Bible refers to the anointing, Holy Spirit. Therefore because the Bridegroom tarried, the foolish virgins were not prepared to endure until the Bridegroom returned. They ALL had slumbered and slept while awaiting the Bridegrooms return, we are as born again believers instructed to not sleep as do others, but to watch and pray... When the cry was made that the Bridegroom cometh, the foolish virgins were just not ready, and forbidden to enter into the Kingdom. To my best judgment based on the Word of God, they were virgins, did have oil but ran out because they did not prepare to endure while He tarried, and were forbidden after all to enter into the marriage... sounds to me like I just need to make sure that as I go forth to meet the bridegroom (MT 25:1) that I prepare myself for the longhaul... For no man knoweth the day nor the hour... He who ENDURES to the END shall be saved...God Bless Everyone.

Hi all... in an attempt to "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.."(Jude 3) I feel that it is important to know the truth about EVERY person who claims to be a "messenger" of God. It is a known fact that Billy Graham has ALWAYS made it clear at his crusades that if someone "came forward" that the prayer counselors were to NEVER instruct them to leave a church that they may have already been a part of. They are encouraged, to get involved in whatever church they are currently attending... whether Catholic, Mormon, etc.. He also has on numerous occasions stated that he believes that are many ways to Heaven. He told Katie Couric on the Today show after the pope died, that there was NO DOUBT in his mind that the pope was in Heaven, that he (the pope) was probably the most Godly man that he has known in his lifetime.... I am in no way trying to say that Billy Graham is not a Christian, but when what he says or does does not line up with Gods Word then aren't we to reject it... Thanks.. Edited by moderator

I am so sad to hear that the Purpose Driven/mega-church trend has stretched across the seas.. but it doesn't suprise me. Well Nastybutler unfortunately I was in the place you are right now about 2 1/2 years ago. My husband and I attended an Assembly of God church for 12 years, the only church family we ever had. The Lord actually saved us both in this very church.. it was a medium sized, bible believing, Holy Spirit led (NOT DRIVEN) body. I started noticing little things a first that just didn't set right with my spirit, but I just overlooked them, thought maybe I was nitpicking. But one thing led to another and before we knew it our "church" was so programmed and the Holy Spirit was NOT invited anymore... Matter of fact had He shown up, probably would have made more than a few who were running things very upset... No more sin, hell, cross, blood..that all is too offensive to the "unchurched"!!! Do not be deceived my friend, it IS all about numbers. You are right to discern that something is not right. After much prayer and research and study of Gods Word we realized that we needed to have a talk with our pastor. He called us and him and I talked on three different occasions, and we shared our concerns as far as the Biblical things go.. and we were told that we would "probably be happier somewhere else".. after 12 yrs. of being faithful to the Lord, serving Him in that body, being a part of that family, our pastor was more willing to be rid of those of us who were trying to "earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints" so that he could have a megachurch... Keep on contending nastybutler, you will be cast off as a "resister", "old fashioned" , and a troublemaker... But after having done all you can do just stand... I'll be praying for you in your battle....