S.C. Pastor Exposes 'Practical Atheists'

[AnotherTraveler]

I find it interesting that much of the discussions here on Worthy are only discussions. If you have ever tried to get someone here to actually "do" anything, and I mean anything, you might discover some practical atheists here also.

[~Shalhevet~]

Great article. I'm going to pass this one on!

[wyguy]

I find it interesting that much of the discussions here on Worthy are only discussions. If you have ever tried to get someone here to actually "do" anything, and I mean anything, you might discover some practical atheists here also.

*GASP!* No!

[AnotherTraveler]

I find it interesting that much of the discussions here on Worthy are only discussions. If you have ever tried to get someone here to actually "do" anything, and I mean anything, you might discover some practical atheists here also.

*GASP!* No!

yup

[ayin jade]

Life church is an emergent church.

While I agree with the op topic, I tend to be careful with the things life church comes out with.

[Deepblue]

Life church is an emergent church.

While I agree with the op topic, I tend to be careful with the things life church comes out with.

I haven't heard anything from Lifechurch that wasn't Biblically sound, or that has not helped me. They have been a blessing in my life. Is there anything in particular that Lifechurch has done that I should be aware of?

[wyguy]

I find it interesting that much of the discussions here on Worthy are only discussions. If you have ever tried to get someone here to actually "do" anything, and I mean anything, you might discover some practical atheists here also.

*GASP!* No!

yup

What is striking to me is that we all have the same Bible, but most of us here can't seem to agree on what it says.

[Rick-Parker]

Seventy-two percent of Christians claim they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, according to NewSpring Church, but only 17 percent feel that the local church is necessary for spiritual growth....

Therein is the problem.

Most likely I will be thrown into the shark-tank for saying this....

More often then not..the local church is the problem.

The Church mission, as defined by our Lord, primarily is as follows.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

If Preachers and elders and deacons would do this, then the Saints would be equipped for the work they are supposed to do!

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

However, with much sadness, I have to confess... personally I have found little of this in the local congregations I frequented.

For this reason I belong to those people whose spiritual growth is not guided by a local congregation.

thank you for saying this! it was my thought, too, but you put it ever so more eloquently than i could have!

one thing i would change, though, is say that teaching new believers how to follow Christ should be the job of more than just preachers, elders and deacons. the congregations should be taught how to teach.

we are not born knowing how to follow Jesus' teachings--we have to learn. we need to learn how to listen to the Spirit speaking to us and how to follow His directions. we too often throw new Christians to the wind, and then rag on them for not following Christ "the way they should". we condemn them for being "Christian atheists" when it is our own fault for allowing it to happen--for not guiding them in the steps they need to take--for not discipling them.

no shark tank for you Ascot Preston! if so, i'll bring an extra pair of water wings... one for you and one for me!

There are 52 occurrences in the Word where we are instructed to teach young Christians in how they should go.

[Guest Butero]

I have heard people claim that the only difference between a Christian and a sinner is faith in Jesus. It is that kind of teaching that has led to what this Pastor calls "Practical atheism".

[AnotherTraveler]

I find it interesting that much of the discussions here on Worthy are only discussions. If you have ever tried to get someone here to actually "do" anything, and I mean anything, you might discover some practical atheists here also.

*GASP!* No!

yup

What is striking to me is that we all have the same Bible, but most of us here can't seem to agree on what it says.

There are many reasons for so many views, however, some of the worst reasons are doctrines of demons. If a demon promotes a doctrine, there is a PURPOSE behind the doctrine. If, for example, there is no loss or discipline involved for disobeying God, the fear of the Lord disappears from the mind of the "believer" and the restraint to keep from sinning leaves with it. This is the result of the once saved always saved doctrine.

If prophecy can be spoken and yet not come to pass, yet there is no refuting or acknowledging even of the failure, then the word of prophecy listed in the gifts of the Spirit becomes a pathetic joke and hinders many from even seriously considering Christianity.

If we will spend endless energies agruing about the nature of God, we miss the purpose of God, to save the lost.

The devil ultimately wants us doing anything that is not the will of God, and he isn't fussy. If God wants you to visit the hospital, and the devil can somehow get you to go to the grocery store instead, that works for him. The grocery store isn't evil, but being there when a person at the hospital might be ready to come to Christ if you are there to provide a loving witness, well, the point is made.

We always have the devil resisting us if we are trying to do good, but we actually formulate doctrines sometimes that are so preventive that the devil can leave and we are still impeeded by the doctrine we have created.

There are churches that don't allow musical instruments because they have a doctrine, that refuse to baptize because they have a doctrine, that refuse to use the name of Jesus because they have a doctrine, that disallow any speakers that are not a card carrying member (if Jesus showed up, He would not be allowed to speak in the church He shed His blood for) because they have a POLICY that acts as a doctrine. There are churches that dictate your hairstyle, clothing, modern tools, electronics, and so very much more, all because they have a doctrine, a policy, a standard, something, anything that prevents, hinders, grieves, and eventually quenches the Holy Ghost from His works of leading, guiding, teaching, empowering, annointing, ect.

This place should be renmaned Mar's Hill.