Survey: Southern Baptists Differ Starkly with Public on Key Issues

CFElect »

Thu Jun 05, 2008 10:47 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

And they wonder why they're not growing? Duh! Perhaps they should stick to preaching the Gospel and get out of bed with the Republican Party. The conservative churches that are growing, for example the Presbyterian Church in America, refuses to bow to the empire and flag worship. Then again, most PCA members have a higher education level than those in the SBC. I know that sounds harsh, but it is very true.

Breakaway Episcopal Parishes Win First Case in Property Battle

CFElect »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 4:05 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

Actually, whether you agree with the Episcopal Church in the US or not, the Episcopal Church has a clear rule against churches exiting the denomination with their property. They were given the right to go forward with their suit in court (should followers of the Lamb really sue anyway?). They were NOT awarded the properties.

But ya gotta love the reasoning of some of these break away groups...the property is the MOST important thing in remaining faithful to the Bible? Even more than appearing to those outside of Christianity as acting like the world? Come on folks...Jesus calls us to a higher standard. This stuff sounds a lot like the political workings of the world...nothing to do with the Kingdom of God.

Let the Episcopal Church have the properties. If the folks who have left the Epsicopal Church feel that what they have done is God's will, then God will take care of them..fancy, multi-million dollar church property or not. In fact, it might just be better if all those buildings used for worship were leveled and a return to primitive Christianity was made..."and they went from house to house..."

Calif. Shows What Liberals Will do with Unlimited Power

CFElect »

Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:38 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Anyone who has been to California (according to this article, controlled by the "liberal's") and then to a State like Mississippi (controlled by the "conservatives") will tell you that CA is by far a better place to live. Why not just drop the lables and live for Jesus...feed the poor, love your enemies, etc.? That way the best parts of "conservatives" and "liberals" will be birthed by the kingdom of God.

The 'Changing' Evangelical Movement?

CFElect »

Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:41 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

The sad thing is that Christians still think that any political party can bring in the Kingdom of God. The Republicans have used Christians way too long and Christians are finally waking up. A recent book talked about how the administration actually played to Christians then made fun of them behind their backs. The Republican party is changing (i.e., John McCain) and I think the days of playing to the religious right are over. Perhaps Christians would do well to render unto Ceaser that which is Ceasers and to avoid "the leaven of the Herodians". Our work is to further the kingdom, not a political party. After all, look where "sleeping with Ceasar" has gotten us.

'Can You Be Gay and Christian?' Poses Conservative Activist

CFElect »

Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:42 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Isn't it interesting that we spend all this issue condemning gay people. Have we picked our favorite "sin" in order to deflect our own shortcomings? Does being a glutton keep one out of heaven? Being a gossip? What does God require of us to be a Christian? I think the answer was given years ago by Martin Luther and other reformers as they went back to the teaching of Scripture...it is by grace alone that we are saved, not by works, lest any man should boast.

I'd much rather have a gay brother or sister in my church than someone with a bitter or gossiping spirit. We're all sinners...we are all in need of a Savior...and we are saved by God's soveriegn grace...period.

Also, if you do believe that being gay is a sin that keeps someone out of heaven, how do you begin to think you can reach a person by being so hateful? Even if you believe that being gay is a sin, might I suggest getting to know a gay or lesbian person and being a part of their lives. If they are to change, this love will change them...not hellfire preaching and constant condemnation.

Brian McLaren: Postmodern Christianity Understood as Story

CFElect »

Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:28 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 3

Val...actually, everyone I met, and I met A LOT of folks, at the Brian McLaren conference were young people who grew up in fundamentalist or evanglical churches but walked away for various reasons. They know the Bible pretty well, I'd say. The first statement I heard from Brian was how what we are talking about in no way dimenishes from the saving power of Jesus Christ. That is not even in question. What he is talking about is lining our lives up to the teachings of Jesus (check out Matt 4,5 and 6).

Have you ever read one of Brian's books? If not, I'd suggest starting with "The Secret Message of Jesus". While the title might suggest gnosticism, the book is nothing of the kind. It really opened my eyes and made me aware of what Jesus meant when he warned us against the leven of the Pharisees and the Herodians.

Say what you will...for me (and for Brian, I'm sure), Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. You might not like what he says, but because both of us are covered by the blood of our Lord, we are your brothers. And suppose Brian is incorrect in some of his theology...it is not correct theology that will get us into heaven. It is, according to Romans, confessing with our mouth and believing in our hearts that Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead. In other words, it is all about grace. Thank God for grace, huh? And thank God for grace-filled Christians that through their lives I came back to the wonderful love and care of Jesus.

Brian McLaren: Postmodern Christianity Understood as Story

CFElect »

Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:08 am Agree: 4   Disagree: 5

I attended a conference with Brian McLaren a couple of weeks ago. What I found was a guy who loves the Lord and is trying to divorce Christianity from this nationalistic, extreme right agenda. The Gospels are clear on what we as Christians should be doing. Sadly, the church, for the most part, has ignored the teachings of Jesus.

God used Brian to bring me back to Jesus. What drove me away was a hateful, mean-spirited fundamentalism that is driving scores of young folks away from the Church. You folks have all the answers...but always remember, "we see through a glass darkly". No one has all the knowledge and answers except God. When we set ourselves up as having all knowledge to every situation....spiritual, moral, etc....we have made ourselves God. After all, wasn't that the first sin..."who told you that you are naked?"

Osteen: Politics is Good, but Not in My Pulpit

CFElect »

Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:41 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 2

First off, the whole article is about politics...thus, the response.

Now think about this statement you write: "If you don't <agree with me>, God bless you. " I'm not sure what you mean by that. God blesses me with His grace every moment of every day whether or not I'm correct in my politics or not :-). Thank God for grach, huh?

I applaud Osteen and Warren for not allowing politics into the pulpits of their churches. I might disagree comepletely with both men from a Christian standpoint. The marriage between Christianity and extreme right (or left) politics should have no place in the Kingdom of God. We can stand firm on our morals and principles, but to appear partisan or to come across in a way that appears as if political solutions are the best way to change our world is dangerous. The way to change our world is to change hearts and to be a seperate people (that means not gossiping, not being mean-spirited, etc. as well as some of the more "pet" sins we Christians seem to place greater emphasis on).

Anyway, God bless you too! I know He already has. Take care...

Osteen: Politics is Good, but Not in My Pulpit

CFElect »

Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:11 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 4

The misinformation about Rick Warren and other more centrist evangelicals is fairly common among those who wrap their faith in the flag. Last I checked, bearing false witness was a sin.