Comments for ChurchLeaders

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Nogods

Nogods — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 05:47:00 +0000

In reply to Shaun Johnson. And your god STILL doesn't heal anyone. So are the millions of Christians that make that claim lying, or just wrong?

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Shaun Johnson

Shaun Johnson — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 04:12:00 +0000

In reply to Shaun Johnson. And guess what, i'll admit i saw people not being healed BUTI HAVE BEEN healed and I have seen 2 of my children healed as well. ijs

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Shaun Johnson

Shaun Johnson — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 04:10:00 +0000

In reply to Shaun Johnson.

… Their foolish accusations built on their own froward human reasoning justify that they were correct? Of course not! Disprove faith from a Biblical perspective if you truly want to unroot what you deem as a foolish myth. Your anchor is different from my anchor! How are we going to talk? Talk my language, cuz you are failing miserably in saying that there are no rules to faith. From a BIBLICAL perspective, I am telling you that there ARE rules that govern faith. We can’t even have discourse because you aren’t even aware of them enough to discredit faith.
Kindly,

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Shaun Johnson

Shaun Johnson — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 04:05:00 +0000

In reply to Nogods.

Again, you have just proven that you are taking an authoritative position on a book that you have at best a vague understanding of… To say that there are no rules to faith…. Proves it. Even if you discredit the Bible as not being authentic, you still cannot speak from a knowledgeable position of KNOWING what it says. You can say, “yeah and I don’t need to know it because xyz”, but you still don’t know it, therefore your opinion is, at best, speculative. How many budding scientists were killed because they were wrongly accused of being witches, even in the name of Christianity by ignorant, so-called Christians? Does their unenlightened reasoning

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Nogods

Nogods — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:57:00 +0000

In reply to Shaun Johnson.

And your god STILL doesn’t heal anyone of anything. The simple math doesn’t lie.

And FYI – there are no rules to faith. Faith is a fancy word for wishful thinking. It is the absolute lowest standard of evidence as it requires NO evidence. There is just as much evidence supporting the existence of flying purple fairies that orbit the earth as there is supporting the existence of your god. So if it is irrational to believe that purple fairies are real, it is also irrational to think gods are real and to organize your life around them.

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Shaun Johnson

Shaun Johnson — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:12:00 +0000

In reply to Nogods. you have mentioned nothing of the rules that govern faith. You are making an observation without really understanding the topic you speak of- as one who is unknowing of how radio signals work, yet gives an opinion of such a notion as the concept of playing a radio is foolish- all because their radio in question wasn't plugged in....

Comment on The Main Ingredient in Effective Prayer by Shaun Johnson

Shaun Johnson — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:08:00 +0000

Actually, friend, we are not “just normal.” we are actually considered BY GOD to be greater than Elijah! Jesus said so himself in Matthew 11:11. He said that of all men born unto women there was not a greater one than John the Baptist, but He that is least in the kingdom is you greater than he. That applies to all believers! We are the righteousness of God IN Christ (2 Cor. 5:21) through His indwelling presence. 1 John 4:17 says that as He is, so are we IN THIS WORLD! What does this mean? Eph. 4:24 says we were created in righteousness and true holiness. 2:5-6 says He HAS made us sit in heavenly places in Christ! It takes a revelation of the Holy Spirit to understand this (1:15-22) So we are righteous- even more so than Elijah because he didn’t have the Holy Spirit DWELLING in Him. He was under an inferior covenant (Hebrews 8 & 9)

Comment on Many Churches Are Living in the 1980s. Here’s Why. by adamski

adamski — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:27:00 +0000

I think in the US, you are starting to come to terms with the end of ‘Christendom’ and the increased secularity of mainstream society. This has already happened in other countries like the UK and Australia and is not a bad thing as it actually means the church is being called back to the Great Commission, to ‘Go’, ‘Make Disciples’, ‘Baptise’, and ‘Teach’.
Here in Australia, where I work as a pastor, there are at least two generations of ‘unchurched’ people whose knowledge and experience of Christianity is very limited. They’re certainly not walking into church – the only way to reach them is to go to them, and become a ‘slave’ to them to use the language of Paul in 1 Cor 9:19-23.
Of course this means stepping out of the comfort zone, being prepared to make mistakes, and putting oneself into the ‘servant’ role, rather than as the esteemed pastor preaching to the converted. It also means that the most useful way to build up and equip the people of God for ministry is to get them talking and being with the unchurched.
Many churches in Australia are still struggling to come to terms with the end of Christendom, and there is a great deal of insularity going on, with the sense that ‘society has gone wrong’ or the ‘church is dying”, both of which are unfaithful attitudes. People don’t know what to do when no-one really comes in the doors any-more. I’d say that Christendom in Australia has actually created a mostly timid church, used to the effects of social conformity to fill buildings, with the illusion that this was ‘success’. A church that has largely forgotten that they have been charged to participate in the Missio Dei.
I’d even go so far as to say that any church that is not interested in being part of the Missio Dei, has ceased to be a church, and is instead a club. As a pastor this is a big challenge – do you want to be the ‘club mascot’, or do you want to lead the people God has given into your care into a Spirit-filled engagement with the wider community?
So, a great time to be in ministry!

Comment on Dear Church, Here’s Why People Are REALLY Leaving You by Kepha Hor

Kepha Hor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 21:17:00 +0000

In reply to Heisenberg.

So, when Gen. 7:16 uses ‘Elohim and YHWH in one sensible, fluent Hebrew sentence, it’s not evidence? Could it be that Moses gets penalized for failing to write like a 19th century German pedant?

Poor Pilate! He had the Truth itself literally under his nose.

As for the empiricist or materialist, does he not have a few axioms as well?

Comment on 11 Things Not to Get Your Pastor for Pastor Appreciation Month by John

John — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:36:00 +0000

I was “Ambushed” during our announcement time by ten ladies who planned nice things to say about me. I was so honored, touched, and humbled. Then they gave me a gift card for Harbor freight. I am so blessed to serve where I do, with the people I do!

Comment on God Among Our Brokenness—Does He Even Care? by brent.tamatea

brent.tamatea — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:35:00 +0000

When i experienced brokenness i had no fight left i could only cry out to him thru the hurt and pain i was experiencing he was my savior he was my only hope and he heard my cry.It is those times i really appreciated that God can be trusted that he will be there for me he will get me thru whatever i am dealing with when i dont have the strength to.I praise him for there is no other like him he is worthy of our praise.Thank you Lord for sending your son in our brokeness that we may be made whole in him.brentnz

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Ryedain

Ryedain — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 15:29:00 +0000

The dividing line for “real” church isn’t found between the institutional church and churches that are loosely assembled believers that connect with each other. The dividing line for “real” church exists at a deeper level just as there is a dividing line between “real” believers and nominal believers. Nominal believers would offer their consent to all, or a majority of the right things about Jesus. However, they have not made Him Lord of their life in any real sense and are not walking in a relationship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. They talk like Christians and do what Christians are “supposed to do”; but like the pharisees of long ago they have no real relationship with God, only a surface deep religion. “Real believers” not only “know” the right things about God; but they have accepted the sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives. are walking with Him daily, and the Spirit of God dwelling within them is transforming them more and more into the image of Christ. If any collection of believers, institutional or those loosely connected and assembled, becomes filled with and directed by a majority of nominal believers, then it will degrade into withered shell of what the “Church” is called to be. Likewise, if any collection of believers, institutional or those loosely connected and assembled, is primarily filled with and directed by “Real Christians” then it will be a living and fruitful expression of “The Church.” Being “institutional” doesn’t make a church bad or good, fruitful or unfruitful. The difficulty with championing an exodus from any and all institutional churches is at least two-fold. First, You cannot get through the Gospels and Acts, let alone the rest of the New Testament, without seeing that God always raised up community into and working through, organization. God raises up people of differing gifts and some of those gifts involve leadership. Are organizations/institutions perfect? Absolutely not. Can they be broken or corrupted and become toxic? Yes, when the people who lead them are broken or corrupted or even weak or ignorant. However, the second point is that organizations/institutions also have the capacity for great good -greater good (scope and potency of impact) than disorganized collections of people. I get that there are genuine believers living out their faith as biblically and fruitfully as possible and feeling compelled to do it outside the institutional church. But let’s not neglect that there are imperfections and shortcomings to that approach as well. The early church didn’t even get out of the sixth chapter in Acts before it became obvious that structure, hierarchy, and separation of responsibilities was going to be necessary. If you begin as a loose conglomeration of believers and have any success in making disciples for Jesus Christ you will inevitably find a structure for accountability, discipleship, growing effectiveness, etc. will become necessary. And with these beginnings of structure, you will also find yourself in danger of beginning to turn inward and to begin feeding the growing institution instead of being missional.

Comment on Many Churches Are Living in the 1980s. Here’s Why. by Tom Swieringa

Tom Swieringa — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:53:00 +0000

I have found over the past 35 years of ministry and 62 years of life that churches are a lot like people. Ideally, I think that if I teach them the right stuff, they will make the right changes. Reality is that most often they don’t change until they hurt enough that they have to. Having been the part of the closure of two churches I found the words of Neil Cole so true (not sure which of his books the quote is found in) – “The fear of change is often greater than the fear of death!”

Comment on Dear Church, Here’s Why People Are REALLY Leaving You by Heisenberg

Heisenberg — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:38:00 +0000

In reply to Kepha Hor.

They have a time machine called “evidence”. They have physical evidence and they have literary evidence. You don’t even have to go past the first two chapters in Genesis to see that there is truth to Graf and Wellhausen. Grab a piece of paper, bullet out the order of creation in Genesis 1, and then bullet out the order of creation in Genesis 2, and compare the lists. They don’t line up. The answer lies in the original Hebrew manuscript; they are obviously two different stories written by two different authors, and stitched together by an editor.

In John 18:38, Pilate famously asks Jesus, “What is truth?” That may be the most profound statement in the entire Bible.

How do we ascertain truth? Do we examine evidence, and use reason and logic to arrive at conclusions that establish truth?

Or is truth based on faith, as many religious people around the world would have us believe? For Christians, truth is based on a book of stories. Same for Muslims, albeit different stories. Same for Hindus. Same for any other religion. Why should the Christian religion be considered unique in that regard?

For me, the cognitive dissonance required to believe in both faith-based truth and evidence-based truth was too great. Faith is far too arbitrary to set the standard. I chose to believe in evidence as the most reliable source of truth.

Comment on George Mueller’s Timeless Advice for Growing in Faith by disqus_5T2jXBEN10

disqus_5T2jXBEN10 — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 05:56:00 +0000

Lk 18.7

Will not God deliver His children who cry out to Him night and day for deliverance.
However; when the Son of Man returns will He find faith on earth?

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by ReligionTime

ReligionTime — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 03:07:00 +0000

Carey Nieuwhof raises some excellent points. Points that will certainly cause me to think about some of my positions on the value (for me at this stage of my life and walk) of “going to church” versus not. This article also had me clicking on some of his referenced links.

And in doing so, I keep seeing a common problem – or fault – most all Pastors, and “pastors,” and Leadership holy rollers, make when lecturing/teaching/encouraging other Christians on “proper” Christian behavior; and specifically, going to and/or being involved with “the Church.” And that is… a loosey-goosey, ever changing, definition of what “the church” is and means when they are so scolding us.

Mature Christians, Bible studying Christians, already know most of what Nieuwhof’s Biblical arguments are… still, as in my case, it was good to hear them fresh again. Yet the Nieuwhof’s of this world maybe fail to acknowledge that (as with MANY Biblical issues) there is more then one way to look at what the Bible literally says. Are we not sometimes amazed at the convoluted (subjective, agreed) extractions from Scripture we humans (and whole denominations) often take away from reading Scripture???

I know I am.

Therefore to wholly dismiss the church-is-unBiblical crowd… people who may actually at times be arguing FROM Scripture is… odd? Condescending? Naive?

It would be more helpful in such articles if the Nieuwhof’s of this world would state a VERY specific definition of “the Church” and required behaviors related to that definition when the lectures begin. Mixing generic, conceptual, often formless “Church” definitions in with actual street address and building “Church,” helps NO ONE and certainly not the strength of such an article. IMHO

The reality of the “done with Church” crowd… IMHO… is that we are almost ALWAYS talking about going to a particular building, with specific priests/pastors, teaching a specific denomination’s interpretations of Scripture – and often, that specific priest/pastor’s interpretation!

And you lecturers of behavior are really mostly talking about our going to “mass” or “service”, likely on a Sunday, and/or helping out with that through volunteering.

Right? Right.

And you lecturers fail to understand that mature, Bible studying Christians, often know Scripture BETTER then the Pastors! Ouch. (Not on everything, but often on enough SOMEthings that make us doubt the superior knowledge/God-ordination presumption priest/pastors often enjoy and rely upon with their “flock.”) We are almost never “learning” anything new. In fact, well intended sermons filled with “christian” sounding teaching, but nevertheless complete Biblical nonsense, so often emanates from the Pulpit that it can be painful to listen to!

And “fellowshipping” with each other is often also a complete joke. I bet more then 90% of all church goers go, attend, and come home directly after “service” either completely alone or with immediate family and/or friends. That’s it. Folks are NOT enmasse starting up relationships with every stranger they meet at “church”- even in those churches that forces everyone to shake hands and “say hello” a thousand times on campus and during service.

The third biggie we non-goers hear from you superior-Christian folk is: “worship.” Again, please don’t tell me you believe the ritualistic singing of commercial songs in groups; or of the ritualistic prayers and motions (of both of clergy and congregation), etc… that goes on in “services” is either Biblical or somehow infinitely more pleasing (worship-y) to God, then is a walk in nature admiring God’s creation; or talking to God on your own; or about Him with friends and family; or thanking Him for it all. etc. For you Nieuwhof types, “worship” is often only genuine when it happens in a church with dozens, or hundreds; or thousands of other strangers. Okie Dokie.

Missing from all of the Nieuwhof’s type lectures is a point they always make at the Pulpit. Who amongst us haven’t heard the sermons about the “body of Christ” being composed of many parts? The hand versus the foot? That we each have our part to play… We can’t all do the same things… all the time or ever. Missionary work, versus being a stay-at-home parent raising the future Christians of this world… etc. Together we comprise the whole body… And THAT is Okay!?!

YET, somehow, we who worship, love, and serve God outside of and/or separate from a denomination or building… who “fellowship” differently… WE GOT IT ALL WRONG.

What? We are not even a filthy toe nail in that “body of Christ?” 🙂

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by RickNPhx

RickNPhx — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 02:04:00 +0000

If you don’t mind my saying, some comments here sound like they originate from people I’ve known who were themselves very cult-like, in that where-ever they were in their walk, was always where they thought everyone else should also be. There was no such thing as people having any variation in their belief or practice. I don’t intend to be critical here, I’m just offering an observation. I do admit, among the poor in my Church, a large number only show up when they have their kids in musical worship, and otherwise they’re not seen, and they certainly never serve or help in any regard. But we are a really good solid Church, even though we struggle with finances, mostly because our membership have shifted to more lower income people – who by the way don’t tithe. One thing for sure, open discussion is good, but tearing each other apart or down is not helpful at all.

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by RickNPhx

RickNPhx — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 01:53:00 +0000

Excuse me fellas, but are all of you experienced Church workers or leaders?

Comment on Musicians: To Pay or Not to Pay? by LW Beam

LW Beam — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:58:00 +0000

I have run into this subject as well,
In the past I have had a pastor tell me that if I expect money to play, then I’m doing it for the wrong reasons and that the band I was with, should play for free…….. we should be doing it for free for the glory of God……
I disagree with him on so many levels, one of the readers of this article hit it right on the head…… Musicians and singers sink so much time and effort into mastering or as least being really good at their chosen skill.
My response to this pastor or anyone who thinks all this effort is free; think back to your college days, they were not free, colleges don’t give away educations, you have to pay your dues…..
So to pastors who think Musicians should give away their tallent for the glory of God, I challenge you to stand before your congregation and tell them you will no longer take a paycheck because you are in it to present the gospel not make money…..
Yes, it is true, that is how you make your living……..
But have you ever thought that a musical ministry just might be how I or others might want to make a living, and you don’t make a living by doing it for free…..
Just my two cents…….

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Shawn Thornton

Shawn Thornton — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:34:00 +0000

In reply to Grady Walton.

I totally agree with what you have wrote. I have done the same thing. I also like what you said about the willingness. That is a must and I guess I have yet you find those men that are willing.

It is an encouragement to hear others that have found the deeper relationships that are outside the well established institutional walls.

You also hit the nail on the head that being lead by the Holy Spirit of God is another must. I think that a good portion of people have a hard time understanding the role of the Holy Spirit and that is a direct effect of teaching and a call to discipleship……

Most of what I have found that is called discipleship is no more than a nicely packaged program……now I am not saying that programs cannot be a jumping off point to get started but it must lead to that deeper understanding as you pointed out so well

Thanks so much for your response because it truly is an encouragement

Comment on Dear Church, Here’s Why People Are REALLY Leaving You by Striving4theprize

Striving4theprize — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:04:00 +0000

Pathetic! I can throw stones all day at everyone else’s programs. Why don’t you show me how it should be done. The fact is that God is REAL and has REAL expectations for everyone of us. Don’t tell me that you didn’t understand; you didn’t like your local church; you didn’t like God in the Old Testament, but only like God in the New Testament.

The fact is that YOU will meet God and YOU will be judged. How have YOU loved others more than yourself? If you think your ‘ministry’ is smiling at others, doing your job to the glory of god and being wonderful to your friends and family – YOU don’t get it! Even the very, very, very lost do all of that!

What are YOU doing for OTHERS! What are YOU doing for people that can’t or will never repay your kindness for kindness?

Go out and change the world! Heaven will be filled with people that didn’t criticize others, but instead loved OTHERS (not their own family and friends). It will be HEAVEN to be around people that gave up this pathetic 75-80 years in EXCHANGE for eternity. Heaven is for those that lose their life now. They’ve willing chose to SERVE others EVERY day!

The problem with the American church is the same problem with Ezekiel’s Jerusalem and Sodom – Ezekiel 16:49 New Living Translation (NLT) Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.
Who have you served every day for your lifetime? I’ll bet those that criticize have been the ones taking care of THEMSELVES!

Comment on 52 Church Small Group Ideas To Encourage Fellowship by Zoe

Zoe — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:05:00 +0000

I was looking for more of an outline for a meeting then what you can do, but these are some great ideas. Jesus all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Comment on Many Churches Are Living in the 1980s. Here’s Why. by J.R.

J.R. — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 22:20:00 +0000

Planting another church is not the end all. It is the easy way out of ministry. Revitalization is the need of the day within the Christian church, not another store front congregation in between two other store front congregations.

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Grady Walton

Grady Walton — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 22:09:00 +0000

In reply to Shawn Thornton.

“. . . most Christians could care less about real
relationships. To put in the time to get to know other people outside of your
circle is not happening.” Have to agree with you there. In my own case, I
simply got tired of going to church year after year without getting to know people
and the Word of God on a deeper level. Even small home groups were limited in
the depth of relationship and discipleship they offered. Then one day at a men’s
retreat I was thrown together with two other men, men who I would not have
chosen to be close friends. And yet by God’s design we have continued to meet
weekly for many years and we have become invested in each other’s lives even as our
Bible studies (with direction from the Holy Spirit) have made me a more educated
Christian than a lifetime of Sunday sermons. We welcome new men, but I find
that most men are not willing to commit the time and emotional effort in this
type of deep relationship. This, to me, is the real church within the institutional
church and I argue it is available to nearly anybody with one prerequisite: you
have to be willing to connect with whoever God places in your world. In other
words, if you just want to associate with the cool Christians or the celebrity
Christians in your church, you will most likely not find the deep relationships
you crave. You may find a clique, but that’s all.

Comment on 10 Best Things Billy Graham Ever Said by Judy Ralph

Judy Ralph — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:28:00 +0000

I am a devoted Catholic, but I have great love and respect for Billy Graham, He is truly a man of God sent to teach us and guide us to God.

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Cal

Cal — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 17:04:00 +0000

In reply to Josh. Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up Acts 14:Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by Dhana

Dhana — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 16:29:00 +0000

In reply to connections-man. Oh my days you're so right! I have worked with MBTI before and I definitly am an INFP and got Andrew / Naomi in this test!

Comment on 12 Signs You Are a Modern-Day Pharisee by namanyira gimugunyi

namanyira gimugunyi — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 12:52:00 +0000

man ,brother u have dissected me for real and am found defenseless

Comment on 7 Things Teens Need From Their Parents So They Won’t Abandon God by Dr. Charles Louis-Egbuchiem

Dr. Charles Louis-Egbuchiem — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 09:08:00 +0000

I have been so blessed by this article and pray that God blesses the writer for sharing it. I have also taken time to read all comments posted here but really wondered how Aelfgifu stumbled into this site. Someone should please tell the etheist that this site is not meant for people like him. The site is meant for the edification of the body of Christ. Since Aelfgifu is not a christian and does not believe in the Bible, the wisest thing to do is to get out of this site and stop insulting himself. Yeah, I’m already waiting for his baseless attacks and abuses; that means nothing to me anyways! I have observed all his attacks on well meaning people on this site, so his on me wouldn’t mean a thing! This site is not Aelfgifu’s scientific research centre, please!

Comment on 9 Unbiblical Statements Christians Believe by Charlton Wilson

Charlton Wilson — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:25:00 +0000

In reply to Alex Voon.

You said:

1. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law. Those who never heard about the law shall also perish without law. Same goes for Those who never heard about the gospel of Jesus shall also perish without gospel.

Why? Because of sin. It is clear that All have sinned (Ro 3:23 -For all have sinned) and there is none who have not sinned at all. Everyone dead or alive have sinned. Is there anyone sinless beside Jesus? None because there is none righteous. Ro 3:10 -As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: So everyone is Unrighteous which is Sin.

1. You made this up!! Please show me when it STATES that those who have never heard the Gospel shall perish. Please don’t make assumptions. Show it to me in black and white.

2. Yes all have sinned. B U T … Aren’t those who are in Christ saved? Are they not then made righteous in Christ? If not, then just who gets to go to Heaven? Isn’t Rom 3:10 then talking about people PRE salvation? If a person is made righteous in Christ to be saved, then you’re quoting this out of context.

3. The Bible states that Jesus, who has ALL authority to judge will decide who gets to go to Heaven. Sinlesssness is not the ONLY prerequisite to get to Heaven. Jesus told the thief on the cross (who did not repent) he would join Him in Paradise that very day.
4. It is patently obvious that you do not understand Romans 2:12-15 [NKJV]. Those verses categorically refute your understanding. Please note the last four words of verse 15 “… or else EXCUSING them”. [Capitalised by me for emphasis].
5. Are you saying that Paul was wrong in writing Romans 2:12-15?

You said:
“There is no way to escape sin without Jesus.”

You are correct. Jesus said that NO ONE goes to the Father but through Him. That means He judges the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the atheists, the pagans, et. al. and He and ONLY He decides who is saved and who isn’t.

By your reckoning, NONE of the people in the Old Testament have made it to Heaven since there is nothing in the Old Testament that states that any of them had any encounter with Jesus.

You said:
“Conclusion : Sin is the reason because –
No one can be forgiven of their sins without believing Jesus.
There is no way to escape sin without Jesus for all have sinned..

Paul said He would not have known sin if it wasn’t for the Law. How are those who don’t/didn’t know the Law supposed to know ‘sin’ [except what God put in their hearts]?

Your objection is invalid.

Comment on 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a New Ministry by Truth and Wisdom

Truth and Wisdom — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:18:00 +0000

There are no mistakes on God’s plan. If you pray and follow God’s will there will be none. However, if you follow your own way and knowledge you will fail every time.

Comment on 11 Things Not to Get Your Pastor for Pastor Appreciation Month by Hilda

Hilda — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:15:00 +0000

We practice pastors appreciation in my church in Ghana and I believe it’s a wonderful idea. Scripture supports it hands down. We call it the GALATIANS 6:6 Sunday.

The list of 11 is more American than universal but I get the picture… I agree Pastors deserve valuable gifts that we would love to receive ourselves if in their shoes.

I love my pastor. It’s an honour to appreciate him every now and then. ??

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Johnnycongo

Johnnycongo — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 06:17:00 +0000

The church organizations had relied on the soft-hearted and blind spirituality of Christians for too long. The church had become demanding, manipulative and exploitive, – and very lucrative for the clergy and office bearers while the outputs required by Scripture continually deminish. The lack of salt, light and yeast into society right to the ends of the earth is apparent in the current chaotic state of the world. Pastors, elders and church boards, as well as mesmerized congregations must decide whether to choose life or death, – but the majority of true believers and truly reborn cannot continue to serve the corruption, comfort and self-service of the post-modern church organization.

Comment on Dear Church, Here’s Why People Are REALLY Leaving You by stjones911

stjones911 — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 02:32:00 +0000

In reply to Jason Graham.

The church needs more than baby Christians who aren’t interested in loving God with their minds. It needs mature Christians who can rightly divide Scripture (sorry for the “dead” phrase) and can teach their own children, others’ children, and new believers. That “dead” language has nothing to do with “feeling special”. The language itself is special; it was inspired by God. Paul’s letters are full of “dead” language. If you think Jesus spoke only simple concepts in simple words, you need to invest in a red-letter Bible and pay particular attention to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5-7 and John 13-17. There’s some “dead” language for you. There’s a reason God gave us 66 books, not a tract.

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by rosiemei

rosiemei — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 01:44:00 +0000

hmmm maybe…but now that I’m 43 I’m somewhat strict when it comes to theologians 🙂

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by Dorothy Lisa Gaddy

Dorothy Lisa Gaddy — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 01:42:00 +0000

Sounds like me.

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by Elaine Wheatley

Elaine Wheatley — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 01:31:00 +0000

In reply to Susan. I got James and Deborah.

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Shawn Thornton

Shawn Thornton — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 00:19:00 +0000

In reply to Living Liminal. Yes I agree. All I want to see is like you said a real dialogue. Good response

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Hank

Hank — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 23:37:00 +0000

Those “church institution” buildings..turn them into housing for the homeless….provide them with lodging, food, and the word of God….you want new recruits to Christianity, then there is an untapped resource…this idea will never fly because the homeless and destitute do not have MONEY to pay the overhead of these big, under utilized buildings, but if they are truly christian organizations then go for it..MONEY should not be the the qualification for membership in these week entertainment clubs.

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Jerome

Jerome — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 22:56:00 +0000

Too many of the religious “institutions” spend their hour or so of “worship” listening to a preacher giving a disjointed sermon on the Bible, jumping from one subject to another…then talk about money…need money for insurance, etc and more donations…then talk about birthdays…and singing happy birthdays…for half an hour (idolatry), then special announcements for another fifteen minutes, does not give a person much time for the worship of God, does it!

Comment on A Response to Christians Who Are Done With Church by Josh

Josh — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 22:51:00 +0000

In reply to Living Liminal.

You are correct….Jesus said “where two or more are gathered in my name there I shall be also”….we do not need the big glitzy buildings and the “professional intermediary” preaching to us…we are quite capable of reading the Bible, discussing the Bible, singing hymns, praying and worshipping God, as a small family group, or family and friends in someone’s home..not need to driving madly across town every week and back again, for an hour in the “institution”…that is not worship of God…

Comment on Why Youth Leave the Church: 10 Surprising Reasons Teens Disappear by jf;lsdjkldvn;akdsjl;jvl;da

jf;lsdjkldvn;akdsjl;jvl;da — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 22:30:00 +0000

Well for everyone it’s not this simple, but for me I left because my church was homophobic. Later I looked more at the scientific side of things and left it spiritually, but it was originally just the intolerance that pushed me away. And I think a lot of young people feel that. Most youth tend to the socially liberal side, most churches do not. That creates a big rift because many of us see church ideologies as being pathetically behind…which is correct. Many of them are. Fully tolerant and affirming churches are the exception not the rule. But they shouldn’t be, and I don’t think they will be in the future. Until then, I’m thoroughly disenchanted with the general Christian community.

Comment on Why Churches Should Study Systematic Theology by edward adjetey

edward adjetey — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 21:30:00 +0000

God reveals himself to whom he pleases , some of the early disciples were uneducated , yet God chose to revealed himself to them.(2 Corinthians 11:6) apostle Paul said ” l may indeed be untrained as a speaker ,but l do have knowledge “. I don’t think anyone need to study systematic theology to know God , or to be used by God . Again in ( Galatians 1:11) The apostle Paul called by God ,emphasized clearly , ” l want you to know God,brothers and sisters ,that the gospel that l preached ,is not of human origin. ( 12 ) l did not receive from any man , nor was l taught it; rather , l received it by revelation from Jesus Christ .
God knows the strength and weakness of a person and yet decides to revealed himself them.

Comment on Joe McKeever: Worship is a Verb by pastor robert

pastor robert — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 20:59:00 +0000

Great article Joe. I love the line of thought and imagery. Worship is at the foundation of our very being (Romans 1).

Comment on Joe McKeever: Worship is a Verb by pastor robert

pastor robert — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 20:57:00 +0000

In reply to Jim Watson. So... What DOES the verse mean, then?!

Comment on Joe McKeever: Worship is a Verb by patrick mayer

patrick mayer — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 18:44:00 +0000

In reply to Justin. Jim is right and Paul was wrong to credit the Bereans for searching scripture on their own and not just accepting Paul at his word. Jim is never wrong.

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by connections-man

connections-man — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:59:00 +0000

In reply to me. description please? And also please take my words with a grain of salt I'm no bible or MBTI expert. Personally i just thought there were obvious connections.

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by me

me — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:53:00 +0000

In reply to connections-man. I got Caiaphas, how does he fit in those?

Comment on Which Disciple Are You? Take This Short Quiz to Find Out by connections-man

connections-man — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:39:00 +0000

Matthew – ISTJ (duty and tradition fulfiller)
Peter – ESFP? (not too sure about this one)

Comment on 10 Things That Happen When a Pastor Commits Adultery by Jango Soprano

Jango Soprano — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:26:00 +0000

In reply to Dorina Mirasola Moriarty. Thanks Dorina. I must admit. It hurts deeply to be cast out like garbage and watch your ex and her new husband's ministries grow from church to church. It is hard even getting through the Ten Commandments. Specially the part "thou shalt not commit adultery". Or scripture about divorce. It is hard to not keep resentment when you have lost everything. Thank you for your kind words.