KC02

The unbiblical titles are subjective I know. I know some are called 'prophet apostle Last name....' The pastor is called, 'Arch Bishop Last name' The thing is, this guy is just a regular co-pastor with his wife. He told me basically that Good made him Arch Bishop and I would just have to submit to him. They have a philosophy that they call 'tough love' that seems to give them a license to bully, intimidate and control people.

You articulated that so well! Bless you.

Thank all of you for your replies. The replies all seem to agree that I should run! Yea, I knew that. I'm in a new town and I am trying to find a church. I guess I was trying too hard. I've actually agreed to take a leadership path; however, I feel like I was bullied into it now. Thanks again. I certainly will run.

I am personally not susceptible to these control tactics. I fear for others... The newbys. I think the make it or break it for me will be if the leadership refuses allow me to hold them accountable too, then there is no reason for me to be there.

Hi guys, I am in a new town so I just found a new church. Let me run a few things by some of you elders. Is anything wrong with this doctrine : the soul is saved but the outside man is not. I see things differently through my Christian worldview, but I'm not sure I should argue this. The leaders seem to want everyone to submit to them. This is biblical but they seem to be on a power trip. They mock the notion that God may lead somebody to another church. I'm afraid that this atmosphere could lead to abuse and certainly bondage. If you are afraid to visit or move to another church, that is bondage. Don't get me wrong, this church has a lot going for it. The church and pastors are young. I am certain they are not creating this atmosphere on purpose. The one thing I can't stand is that they create long fancy non biblical titles for themselves and expect everyone to submit to them. perhaps I am exaggerating a bit. Perhaps this is not fair. If if I stick around, they will be training me for leadership. Any thoughts on how I can improve the atmosphere?

A few years back, while praying, God spoke to me saying, "I will send you to far away places to preach the gospel." I have been wondering ever since how far is far? NY City seems far to me. However, this year God has given me direction -- finally. "Far" apparently is USA->Africa. I have an upcoming mission trip to the Horn of Africa -- a very dangerous place. I am going to a Muslim country. If you would like to read more about it, please visit https://gogetfunding.com/mission-trip-to-africa/ There is no way I can go without the support of the Christian community. We need funds and we definitely needs prayers. If anyone has first-hand information about the place where I am going, please share it here. I do have a Nigerian partner who has been preaching for 20 years. I believe within 5 years, the radicalized Muslims will put a stop to any preaching of the Gospel in this area. Time is truly of the essence. I am currently perusing my M. Divinity degree. However, it will be put in hold a semester (or 2) as soon as we have the funds to facilitate this mission. If you can't give, please pray. I am also very interested in knowing how other missionaries raise funds for your missions and other advice that only seasoned missionaries can give me. This will be my first mission. God bless you all.

Absolutely! He is our "earnest deposit" (Ephesians 1:14). God's presence in our lives proves that we are His and that His promises are true. Please allow me to quote one of my favorite writers, Gorden Fee, to better explain the topic: From: BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE ISSUE OF SEPARABILITY AND SUBSEQUENCE Gordon D. Fee

I suggest the book, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, written by two college professors, Fee and Stuart. The book will give you some tools that will be very helpful in your quest to better understand the Bible.

I'm gonna throw in with shiloh357 on this one with his previous post in this thread. This view is from the Oprah Winfrey Gospel. Anyway, here is an explanation: Adherents hold that there is hope for people even after death to choose the wonderful salvation that is offered through the Messiah. This view is based upon two points. Boyd and Eddy explain: “The first relates to the general portrait of God. The second relates to specific passages that support it.” One the first account, adherents of this view paint God as so blindly and brazenly passionate that He pursues mankind to the ends of the Earth, indeed, even beyond the grave. One the second account, postmortem adherents point to Verses such as the very familiar John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:4, both which shows God’s strong desire that all men come to the knowledge of His Son. Other verses used to support this viewpoint are Duet. 30:15-20 and 2 Pet. 3:9. These Verses also show God’s desire to save mankind. Although all of these Verses are clearly conditional, that within itself doesn’t weaken the postmortem position as they only claim that men and women will retain the privilege of accepting Christ beyond the grave; thus, death does not seal one’s eternal fate.

That is fair enough, Salty. Keep in mind that the Scriptures must be interpreted. Christians around the world see things a little differently. The underlying questions is "What is the fate of the unevangelized?" You can't simply dismiss all of the discussion that has taken place since the beginning of time. One of these viewpoints is correct, or at least closer to the truth than the others. The Bible isn't absolutely explicit on this matter as you make it out to be. They also aren't merely the "ideas from men" but refined interpretations of the Scriptures. If you want to further the discussion, tell us where you stand on the issue. It's an important question.

I agree with the OP. The time is upon us where, if we preach the Gospel, we can can be charged with hate crimes and sent to prison thanks to the PC police.

Wow you get wound up easily. This is just a discussion that has been going on for 2,000 years (at least) and there is something to be learned from it. If you feel that you have all of the answers and know everything, then you are only deceiving yourself. I don't know how you learn anything with that kind of attitude. That's all. I'm not arguing with you anymore. If you don't want to join in this discussion, then just ignore this thread please.

You are off to a great start. Your comments on God's glory are excellent. I would add some levity, if appropriate in your church. A quote, anecdote or just some humor is good in any speech. You could make it more practical. Should we expect to see God's power in our lives today? How can we experience the reality of God's kingdom today (being born again)?

The alternative is to choose to be ignorant of major views held by Christians historically around the world. The value in considering different viewpoints is simply to have an examined Christian worldview. You should know what you believe and be able to support it. If you find, however, that you can't support your viewpoint from a Biblical perspective, then there is great value in that alone.

Very true. I'm not senile but if you put me on TV unscripted, I would probably be muzzled and carted off behind the curtain within ten minutes