Richard T
Well-Known Member
- Mar 25, 2018
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I am glad you have thought on this. If you are a pastor or elder your church sounds good to me. Absolutely there opportunities to meet needs and be part of any community at least in the USA.Yes and I think its when there is proper order that this allows more freedom of the spirit. The church is being qualified and thus also being open to the full potential of the spirit without corruption.
I did not mean to tar Penticostals as I think this could happen in any church. But moreso those who commercialise or secularise the church that its hard to tell the difference.
To me a church should be fairly poor. The opposite should be happening. Instead of making gain for self or even a particular church. Rather the leaders and members should be giving of their own possessions and everyone is helping each other.
I think it shows how far we have drifted away that we think having wealth to the point its no different to secular society is perfectly ok.
I don't think they are standing around barring people. This is what someone said and it may be that they personally had an issue. Though like I said I thought they were a bit too showy.
The point is that this is what is happening. Unlike MacDonalds where you can walk into any resturant in the country and expect more or less the same thing. Today its like walking into a Macs and getting Kentucky or Berger King or some back street takeaway who is dishing up something hot and spicy lol.
Do you think that this is moreso today generally in that everything seems to be about credentials or not, ad hominums and appeals to authority. A celebrity age and where looks, position, associations and possessions are the measure of power disguised as success.
Yes it would seem a basic teachings like the Good Samaritan which is simple and obvious. Yet it seems it can be compromised and rationalised as that the church does not have to be so extreme in giving the shirt off their own back. Even half as much would increase help for the needy.
But also I think that the church leadership should be involved in all aspects of the communities life. Be able to give counsel in marriage and any issue of modern society and how to handle this in todays world. Not be left to be swept along by whatever idea comes along.
The fact is its hard to be a Christian today and its easy to be lured into secular norms. I think a big part of the overseers as shepherds is to minister and protect the church as a seperated family in the world but not of the world. Which is hard as it means sometimes going against popular beliefs.
As to your question on titles and self promotion, even in Jesus' day the Pharisees and some others loved to be called Rabbi's even when the moment did not call for it. I suppose there is nothing new under the sun. Today the use of various forms of media have many promoting themselves. Trusting God for open doors and opportunities is the best way. Your gift, so to speak is what makes room for your. Though that Proverb is somewhat about money, but if you are gifted in God there will be opportunities. Daniel and others are proof of that. Few want to take the time like a Joseph to be seasoned in a tough season. They want to go right to the top without the character building.
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