salos

I don't want to cause hurt feelings, but there is one part of the church where betrayals are much more likely to happen than the others. If you're in a church system where betrayal and strife are commonplace, move! Faith is one thing, but it is important for us to protect ourselves from unnecessary suffering. Trying to be too brave in an impossible situation can lead to insanity.

Wasn't it Jeremiah whose brothers wanted to kill him? Matthitjah, great post. Thanks!

I've had lots of problems with anger. One thing that helps me is that I know anger can cause migraine headaches. That's a steep price to pay for temper! Also, if anger goes unchecked it can lead to hostility, which I really don't need. I stay away from evil people. I pray for others a lot. I consider my own occasional stupidity before I allow myself to get too perturbed at what other people do.

You're very welcome.

The Ezra thing was pretty strong. It was about maintaining the national identity of Israel. Christ had to be born in Israel, which wouldn't exist if the nation meshed into the neighboring population. Malachi 2:13-16 speaks about divorce. It specifically talks about how cruel it is when men deal treacherously with their wives. I believe that verse 15 states that it is more likely that our children will be godly if we stay married, even in tough circumstances. The Bible never demands that a person live with an abusive spouse. Sometimes a separation will help the abusive partner wake up to the situation and change his or her ways. Hope this helps, Mary

Natt, I sure feel for you. hugs and prayers...

Billielovesdarrin, this is excellent. Thanks!

I think these scripture texts apply: "Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth." Rev. 12:3, 4a, NIV "And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying,

Hi, Natt. I'm brand new here, but I'm not new to seeing really big problems in churches. I think you should let the pastor know you will not tolerate the revealing of your confidences. Here in the U.S. such a thing is against the law. I would not at all recommend that you tell anyone of your history in order to beat him to it. If you give the information out, then you would have no legal recourse. If he gives it out, then you do. If you are firm with him about it, he will probably back off. In this situation it would not be wrong to consult an attorney. You wouldn't have to tell the attorney what the confidences were. It would be enough for him or her to know you are being threatened. Your pastor's behavior is 100% unethical and very cruel.