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| Thou Shalt Not Blog - Oh my! |
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Georgia Southern Baptists have approved a resolution against blogging! The resolution, adopted at the state convention's annual meeting Nov. 12-13, states that "certain people" use blogs "for divisive and destructive rhetoric at the expense of peace among the brethren." See this article from the Dec. 8 Biblical Recorder: "State meetings oppose blogging, alcohol" , or see the actual resolution here.
Do our denominational "commandments" go too far? Is this a breach of freedom of speech? Is this a viable action for the 21st century church to take? It doesn't seem to be a resolution against all blogging, but just blogging by those who disagree with the SBC status quo. I find this both amusing and disturbing . . .
This blog posted without the approval of the Georgia Baptist Convention :)
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| To add a comment to "Thou Shalt Not Blog - Oh my!" |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Go on and voice let your blogger run free! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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o_O It's like the political correctness movement, but applied to churches. I follow Christianity, not Churchianity. Jesus has done more to change my heart than any organization or law. Do the people running Churches actually have time waste figuring out what they stand against? What do they stand for? |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Kathy you have got to be kidding me, well actually I guess you aren't kidding after reading the links. I suppose all denominations fall into rule making in one form or another. I guess the establishment needs to feel in control or something. As Lucy would say "Good grief Charlie Brown" what will they think of next.
peace |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Apparently they need to log onto MyChurch and blog with some of us.... I think they would find that this is a wonderful venue to spread the Word, fellowship with each other and hear truth(with some rhetoric thrown in-can't escape that ??).
I think my point is: If a lie is being spread about the word someone here will straighten you out(LOL). If you need encouragement, inspiration, uplifting, guidance - someone here will help.
Even going to the toilet is getting POLITICALLY CORRECT now a days....
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Well, first off, whether or not this goes against "Freedom of Speech", well, that's a CIVIL law, and not really tied to God's law.
Now, that being said - this doesn't really seem like it's God's Law either....but a church's law, which way too often is confused (especially by non-believers) as being the same as God's Law. You hit it on the head about this being a '21st century' thing. God's Law is eternal...church laws have to change with the times, and often change a lot. :)
I won't tell on you, Kathy! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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First, let me say I disagree with their resolution. Second, let me say I understand why they feel the way they do. Third, let me say their feelings should not trump the truth.
It is important to be unified in our purpose of reaching the world with the Gospel. Public divisiveness can be seen as thwarting that purpose - it's like airing out our dirty laundry in the center of town.
When I was a kid, our family had a rule, "What goes on in this house STAYS in this house." I am pretty sure other families had the same rule. We have similar guidelines for our children. Disagreements should be settled within the family, not gossipped about to friends and acquaintances. So, yeah, I understand.
However, the Southern Baptist Convention is a much larger "family" and doesn't live under one roof or even on one continent. Trying to communicate through traditional channels when any group gets that large becomes very difficult and dissenting opinions can be drowned out in such an environment.
Besides, my understanding of the SBC is that churches are self-governing, which is very different from other Christian denominations. Local associations, state, national and international conventions answer to the local church, not the other way around. For example, we choose our own pastors, they are not chosen and sent to us; we determine how much money we will contribute to missions work; we own our church building and grounds, not the convention. To me that means any level "higher" on the organizational ladder than the individual church has no authority to dictate to the church.
My point is this: If someone is blogging in a way that is unscriptural, that should be handled by their local church. If it is someone in leadership in that local church, then the local association might get involved. Blogs that simply express disagreement with the Southern Baptist PTB - as long as they conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect to their Christian siblings - are sometimes necessary to share differing viewpoints. Making an effort to silence such discourse is, IMO, inappropriate; especially given the way our convention is structured.
hmph. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Cathy, I've blogged while drinking a beer that I brewed. I also dance, play card games, games that involved dice, computer games, watch movies, and couldn't possibly care less about how many angels would waste their time dancing on pins. Jesus is taking me home someday, though. I hope no one would want to complain about Him doing that. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Growing, thanks for not telling on me! (I'm not in Georgia, so I don't think anyone will come after me - yet!) It sounds like they had a few specific bloggers in mind when they made this resolution, and I don't think it was MyChurch blogs they were most concerned about.
Soozanne, great post! You are correct that the SBC has traditionally held to the autonomy of the local church, although in the past several years those in top positions seem to want to turn that around.
Cathy, it was Florida's state convention that, during the same 2 days, approved the measure to require all its board members and committee members to abstain from all alcohol. This not so surprising for Southern Baptists. But I won't report your blogging habit. Your secret is safe here on-line! :)
Thanks, Jeff, Glenn, mstovall, chafas, Shannon, and Jess! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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What wine goes best with blogging, Cathy? Chardonnay, Merlot, ...? Sounds like I'm about as much of a "heathen" as you are, Jess! Thanks for risking the wrath of the SBC and posting this, Kathy! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Yep, that's me: a Heaven bound Heathen =D I like a little bit of port, which I sip while eating stilton cheese (an English blue cheese) melted on water crackers. An acceptable alternative is dark chocolate sauce mixed with port on vanilla ice cream. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| Satan will use any earthly tool for his devices. But God will too. I've often found the church movement silly when it comes to certain "taste not touch not" attitudes. I think the blog movement has done more good than bad to the cause of Christ. The biggest plus has been that Christians who would have never fellowshipped together before (for whatever reason) are now fellowshipping together. It's opened lanes of dialogue that previously never existed. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| I've met so many people whom I care about on this site! I can post a prayer request, and know that someone will be praying for me, almost immediately. EFellowship is a pretty awesome thing! Apple should come out with a device for it - call it iFellowship. Oh, wait, they make computers, so they already did. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Here's some scripture I thought would be germain: Collosians 2:13-23 (Amplified)
13 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,
14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared [j]completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.
15 [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].
16 Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath.
17 Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ.
18 Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and declaring you unworthy and disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions and inflated by his unspiritual thoughts and fleshly conceit,
19 And not holding fast to the Head, from Whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by means of its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
20 If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things and have escaped from the world's crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? [Why do you submit to rules and regulations?--such as]
21 Do not handle [this], Do not taste [that], Do not even touch [them],
22 Referring to things all of which perish with being used. To do this is to follow human precepts and doctrines.
23 Such [practices] have indeed the outward appearance [that popularly passes] for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion and delight in self-humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh (the lower nature). [Instead, they do not honor God but serve only to indulge the flesh.] |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Oh my goodness! Well the only thing I will say is that this type of stuff will continue as long as people trust and obey man over God, as long as people refuse to study The Word of God, and give up their right to seek answers from God.... (I always thought that's what Christ hung, bled, died and rose again for) so we could go boldly to the throne and ask our Father whatever...
Blogging... anti... now that's taking it a bit too far.
I'm so glad I'm free. Ya'll mean to say that you hide the wine between the groceries... too deep!
Pastor Aminata |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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The folks who are squealing so loudly about the criticisms of the bloggers were conveniently silent when the fundamentalists, who are the powers-that-be in the SBC today, vilified, discredited, and displaced the former moderate leadership of the convention. There were no blogs back then, but godly men and women had their names dragged through the mud and lost their jobs just the same. While I don't support libel under any circumstances, the scriptures say that we reap what we sow. Sometimes, it is unpleasant when the chickens come home to roost. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| Yet another good blog! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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I bought a six pack (bottles) of Moose Drool today and the checker asked me if I wanted it in a bag. I always tell them "no." My hope is that as I'm walking to the car I'll be seen by someone (anyone!) from a church we used to go to where they don't believe in drinking any alcohol. I know, I know! Wrong attitude, Jen! But still... Now, if I was coming out of there with Coors Light or Budweiser or some other lowly brand, I'd be having them double brown bag it for anonymity. Beer snob!! :-P |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| For me, I only buy what I'm going to drink or cook with that evening. I'll take one or two bottles home at most. I don't know any brothers or sisters who would be misled by that, so I don't hide it. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| That's it. I'm back!! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| Hey, Joey!! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| I love all the christians blogging on a blog about Christians not blogging! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| Well all I can say You keep on Blogging for The Lord. God Bless You and your blog. Doyle Crowe. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| Hey Jen |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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lol - I meet a friend for dinner, and when I return my blog has been kidnapped by a bunch of winos! Shannon has "come out" on this blog (never again to conceal her bottles under her toilet paper), and, out of respect, I won't mention Cathy, Jess, and Jen's names! :) Cathy, blogs often blow as the wind. Interesting and unpredictable! I am not a drinker, but that's a story for another blog! I've seen too much of alcohol's abuse and destruction, and I don't want to take any chances with myself or with leading someone else down that path. I do not claim a legalistic stance on alcohol, however, and I definitely do not claim that the Bible demands abstinence or that Jesus changed water to grape juice. Perhaps more in another blog . . .
Loren, such a good point. This blog community fellowships together as family: Protestants of all denominations, Catholics, theological opposites - who never would have come to love and understand each other from our separate churches.
Thanks, Pastor Kip! Your comment is on one level comforting and on another painful and challenging. Those who wish to stop the blogs are reaping what they sowed, but the painful part is that all we Southern Baptist pew-sitters may be reaping what we sowed too, in our silence and in our ignorance, standing by as godly men and women were being tossed outside, without caring enough to intervene. I'm sure most were ignorant as I was.
Before I left for seminary in 1989, I knew there was a controversy of some kind going on, and I had been warned not to be influenced by those people that didn't believe the Bible was true. My seminary years were eye-opening, but the controversy was all a blur until several years after I graduated, when God began to bring some clarity to my jumbled perceptions. Oddly, in all my seminary years, I never met anyone who didn't believe the Bible. I found myself a reluctant player on a battle field, where all the students were divided into two armies. One side called the other "fundies," and the other side called the first side "liberals." Yet I never met anyone who claimed either of those labels. The "fundies" called themselves "conservatives," and the "liberals" called themselves "moderates." I somehow survived those years without labeling myself anything, but I was labeled by others, usually as a "fundy." There's a point to this story, really!
My point: I suspect that the overwhelming majority of Southern Baptists have no idea what all the controversy was/is about. They aren't interested enough to research it (which takes effort but is easy now with the internet), so they just believe whatever tidbits they might glean from their own pastor, who may be staunchly on either of the two sides, or may even be just as ignorant. If we had been better infomed, we could have stood up and possibly made a difference. And we still can - not about what is past, but about what is present and future. We can become informed. We can listen to both sides of the issues. We can ask questions until we understand. And we can do something positive to make a difference. Maybe even in our blogs! Any issue that divides Christians in half is not likely as black and white as we may believe. We should listen to the other side. Really listen. And try to understand how they could see things so differently.
*Kathy steps down from her soapbox now.* See what you caused, Pastor Kip? :)
Thanks, Pastor Aminata, Joey, Doyle, chafas, and JesusFreak, for your thoughts and comments! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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I've seen too much of alcohol's abuse and destruction, and I don't want to take any chances with myself or with leading someone else down that path. I do not claim a legalistic stance on alcohol, however, and I definitely do not claim that the Bible demands abstinence or that Jesus changed water to grape juice. Perhaps more in another blog . . . I could have written this, Kathy. I don't drink, either. I used to have the occasional glass of wine or bottle of beer, but became allergic to both years ago. (The Moose Drool I bought was for hubby.) If I really wanted to indulge, I suppose I could take an antihistamine and then have the drink, but I really feel that God doesn't want me to have alcohol, anyway. But that's a whole other subject... :-) |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Hi Ragamuffin! Yes, I agree that Paul would have been a blogger! I can see him with his laptop blogging as he sailed (except during the storms)!
Jen, I'd love to hear your story. Maybe we'll both post an alcohol blog sometime! |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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So many rules...such 'little' love!
Thanks for the information, Kathy.
Cathy. |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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Kathy, all I can say is, I sure am glad that I'm a Presbyterian! .......Oh wait, that was my last church. Now I'm non-denominational! Blogging is legal! Woohoo!
~mike |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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| Kathy, Having been raised in a SB church, you know it is always adopting something. I take my leading from the Holy Spirit and not the SB Convention. |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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| Great blog Kathy |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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| Kathy, I am sure you are correct, the prohibitions have nothing to do with what we are doing here on MyChurch. Still, makes for a pretty good blog. And it gave chafas the opportunity to post his rant against denominations. ;-) (just kidding chafas) |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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Wow, oh wow!
I read the article in the link but they didn't make reference to the "popular North Carolina Baptist" Blogger that we all know and love. Since I'm in a denomination and not Baptist I'm obviously one of the apostate and therefor exempt from the resolution.
Soap box permission is granted. ;) |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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Hi Lara! Southern Baptists have traditionally been abstainers of alcohol. As for the "lively" thing, someone else said that to me recently, and I find it interesting. What is your picture of "lively"? Because Southern Baptist churches are autonomous, I'm sure there are churches of all levels of liveliness, but I've never described any of my churches that way. We don't jump the pews, shout, dance in the aisles, or wave our arms like many churches. In comparison to the liturgical churches, though, I would agree.
Cathy, Mike, and Apostle Patrick, thanks!!
Lucyless Mike, Amen!! Paul, I'm with you! Thanks, Gene! :) You are safe to continue blogging! |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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Are we talking about lively now? We have three services at our church - two on Sunday and one on Saturday. There is a very traditional service (organ music, 200 year old songs) Sunday morning, a contemporary service (guitars, drums, worship team) later on Sunday morning and the service on Saturday is a mixture in style but extremely relaxed in dress. I'd say lively isn't there but for one of the services and even THAT isn't as exciting as I've seen. I think it's about choices and preferences. But that's a topic for another blog.
Back to you, Kathy. . . . what a "lively" topic! |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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| Anyone for a beer? |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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Yeh as a matter of fact! Thanks for asking. I'm leaving in about 15 minutes to meet up with a friend from church for dinner and a beer.
Coming, Jen? |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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Marcella, I can tell you about a man and wife who left the church never to return because they thought that the pastor shouldn't wear red pants (this was in the 70's when strange colors and prints were popular). Strange thing about judgmentalism - it's self limiting.
Jen, I'm leaving now. . . . |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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OK, I am behind on reading the various blogs, so this is the first time I have strolled by Kathy Lane in a while...wow, did you stir up some discussion on this one! I wonder if the SBC saw my post on TwoDaLoos?!?
The resolution reminds me of the days of old when people were told not to read their Bibles because only those truly educated and inspired could understand it and just to make sure, all the services were held in Latin.
It amazes me that there are so many in the church that see every new thing as some mark of the beast. Maybe God has provided us with these blogs as a new way of reaching the uttermost parts of the world.
Kathy, I don't want to pile on about the alcohol thing...perhaps a topic for another day, but let's just say that legalism can kill anything and lack of self control can make anything a sin. |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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| Egad! We moved to FL and the alcohol issue came up with FL Baptists and I was embarrassed by that. Now, I learn that the "powers that be" in my home state of GA seem to know what's best for Southern Baptist believers. It seems that no matter where I live it's a sad state to be in. (you may groan at that pun if you must) |
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| December 08, 2007 |
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Lara, I've been a member of 3 churches in my lifetime, all Southern Baptist, the first of which was small and rural, the other two somewhat suburban, and I wouldn't call any of them "lively," although if by "lively" you are referring to music style, they are all open to any type of Christian music occasionally. Also my current church has a creative movement team that makes occasional presentations during our worship, and occasionally we may incorporate a few instruments. We sing a mixture of hymns and praise choruses, and our services are freer than liturgical ones, although everything is carefully planned. Although we certainly have no rule against anyone shouting "Hallelujah", that would be out of the norm, and it might turn a few heads. Although we don't HAVE to sit quietly, that is generally what we do. That said, I'm sure there are Southern Baptist churches just like whatever you are picturing, as every local church is autonomous.
Marcella, I am sorry to hear your story. Again, not all Southern Baptist churches would fit into that mold, although there are certainly some that are just that legalistic. I don't think that would happen in my church. We are all imperfect and hopefully striving to move closer to God's ideal for us. If we had to reach perfection before being accepted into God's family, none of us would be there.
Wyatt, I'm with you!
Voice, I'm guessing the Twodaloos would not be blessed by the SBC! :) You said: "The resolution reminds me of the days of old when people were told not to read their Bibles because only those truly educated and inspired could understand it and just to make sure, all the services were held in Latin." Great point, Voice! Very similar I agree! On the blogging thing, I don't think it is blogging in general they have a problem with, but rather blogs that dissent from their point of view. And feel free to discuss the alcohol issue all you want. That was the other part of the article I posted. Being a lifelong Southern Baptist, that one just didn't surprise me personally like the blogging issue.
You're punny, Bunny! :) |
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| December 09, 2007 |
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A denomination trying to ban blogging!! They should ban gossip and slander and the other things the Bible mentiones that won't be in Heaven. Also, they should encourage living the Golden Rule and their churches doing Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 much more. No alcohol, even for Communion, for me, please. |
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| December 09, 2007 |
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restore said:
My husband and I belonged to a Southern Baptist church a few years back. We had prayed for my husband's dad salvation for years...until one day his dad come to church and went to the alter and repented of his sins. What a glorious day that was! It was time for dad to get baptized a few months later...The pastor of the church refused to do it because dad still drank his beers now and then and smoked also. What ever happened in letting the Lord clean your act up for you? Dad never did get baptized, he left the church worse then when he came and a year later he took his life....
I feel for you restore. They were very wrong to do that. You are very justified to be upset at them, and I'm sure God joins you. I'm glad baptism isn't
When the just converted Ethiopian Eunich asked to be baptized, Philip didn't check on his past, ask about his present habits, or with hold baptism in some codependent huff.
Acts:8:36-40
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" *
38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
* Some later manuscripts add: 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
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| December 09, 2007 |
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Are we here to please ourselves, or our church? Are we here to praise ourselves or our church?
Do we have faith, and do we love our God ? Are we here to praise God, and to bring Him Glory?
If that is the case.... Blog, Blog, Blog !!!! |
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| December 09, 2007 |
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Hi Bill, Jess, and Joey! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
We have several Georgian friends here. It would be interesting to hear from them about this. I wonder if they have even heard about it, even the Baptist ones (and/or the Floridian Baptists about the alcohol issue). |
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| December 11, 2007 |
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| When Christians start attaching all of these types of "rules" to the book, I think that it drives non-Christians further and further away from the truth. What a shame and one of satan's tools, if you ask me. |
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| December 11, 2007 |
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BLOGGING IS A WAY TO TALK TO EACH OTHER AS LONG AS IT IS NOT OFFENSIVE AND AS LONG AS IT IS MONITERED AND LOGS ETC ARE CHECKED ON A REGURLAR BASIS AND ANY PERSON DOING WRONG IS BLOCKED FROM USING BLOG GOD BLESS YOU FROM STEVO |
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| December 11, 2007 |
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Kind of like the Pharisees, huh Sue? I agree! Thanks! Thanks Woman and Stephen!
For all you non-Southern Baptists, I maybe should explain that "resolutions" are not exactly rules. They may be just a way of getting it "on the record" that the voting "we's" are not in favor of whatever the issue is, that they have come to an agreement about it . . ."Be it resolved . . ." i.e. "We have spoken." |
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| December 12, 2007 |
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| Kathy, Sue does make a great point here. We all have our ideas of what is "right living". Even as you describe, the resolution may only be a statement of strong opinion. Yet it does in some way drive a wedge between truth and Truth. I could make the case, and I know you well enough to know you would agree, that hearing the dissenting point of view simply makes us stronger. It helps us to anchor our views better or change them. I am glad God gives me grace. Not for me to continue to sin, but so I can live in the freedom He has given me. |
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| December 13, 2007 |
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| Something my recovery group discussed last night kind of relates to this. In recovery groups, people don't show up to fix other people. We don't tell other people what they should be doing. The reason is this: if I do what someone else tells me to do, I'm not listening to God anymore. |
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| December 13, 2007 |
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| Many years ago. I was a young soldier caught up in a war nobody wanted a part of. I wondered if "freedom" was worth the price I may pay. today, I can now see how so right I was to answer that with a "roger." The founding Fathers" knew this. Thank God for freedom of speach. Thank him every day!! Let's not let our troops down now and vote for one of these scabes who would make us loose another war!! PLEASE!!!! |
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| December 13, 2007 |
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Thanks, Voice! I agree!
True, Jess. Sometimes we miss God's voice by listening to someone else's.
Golden, thank you for fighting for our freedoms! May we study our history enough to know how to preserve and protect them! |
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| December 13, 2007 |
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if I do what someone else tells me to do, I'm not listening to God anymore.
OOOOOOOOOOO, Jess! What a great point. |
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| December 13, 2007 |
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Thanks Gene. There are obvious exceptions, but when it comes to things like conviction, we should just be listening to God: 1 Cor 4:3-6
3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. |
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| December 13, 2007 |
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JessIAm,
Love your contribution here...and the above scriptures.
Cathy |
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| December 14, 2007 |
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Kathy, it seems like one would have to be on this web site 24/7 in order to keep up. I do not mean to bring such great light on my service alone. I mention more so to you all to understand the importance of fighting for this great country. I am not the only one who has suffered for this land. For it's ideals. When I see a fee exchange of ideas going forth such as I have seen here. I warms my heart greatly. All the times I just knew to myself that the suffering was so worth it is shined brightly in my eyes to see. You can be so blinded by pain. I never felt for a second my service. Nor, my comrades was a waist. After forty years. I see more, and more proof of this. I feel God's smile and truly, this is more thanks than any one person can give. But, we must keep giving our troops the will to go on. They want to do their job. Some day they will know that it was righteous. As I always knew our fight was. But, you hear the left talk about bring people home who would lie down their very lives for the very principles you speak of. This is the greatest gift one man, woman could ever give. To hear good people on this web site talk so freely on God's Word is a thrill you just could not believe. I am the one who truly thanks you all for showing me just how great it was to be a part of showing the world, men, and women will always suffer. No matter how hard to keep these freedoms. We just can't give it up. Walk away as we did in Vietnam. The world is depending on us to leed the way to Christian reality. Now is the time to apply this truth.
I hear so many Christians talk of this forgiveness that makes them vulnerable to the enemy. Show no mercy to the enemy. Santan shows us none. And God expects us not to. When we show mercy to evil. We expand it greatly. I believe in forgiveness. But the enemy uses this to expand their agenda. Though love is very difficult. Love your enemy by showing them you will fight to keep God's holy truth above all. Standing fast is not weakness. Fighting for Christ may be the most difficult challenge we have right now. But, it is the best fight you will ever be a part of.
Some fool may try to suppress your talking God's truth as spoken here in your blog. You have the right idea in my mind. Do not let anyone stop you from forming your own conclusions to God's Word. Freedom comes from God. Chains can only come from the other side.
This was my main reason for my comment to you. We are deep in a battle of good versus evil. a spiritual battle which is being fought by both sides. We must be educated to be wiser than the Serpent. It is too easy to go to sleep when your tired. When we are weary from battle. We could easily let our guards down. I learned this from combat. We walked the hills for a great long time looking for a General named "Giap" He now has a book where he asks. Why did you give up? You could have had us were you to bomb us just one more day! Well, we were so near to either taking him prisoner, or taking him out. I could not believe we got a radio message calling us back in. We had no sleep for days and chased this evil all over the jungle. Just to be called back. The men I was with and I were angry, to say the least. If we were allowed to get him. It may very well have changed history. The world would have known we were serious about winning. But, it shows. we weren't. The good people of this country caved in to the powers that be at the time.
This is an example of what could happen now. If someone says. Let's give up the fight and just bring our troops home. Be alert. The enemy is behind it.
If someone tells you the battle against Satan can't be won. Or your fighting wrong. Don't listen.
Get good council on God's word and arm yourselves. You very souls depend on the freedom of truths depend on it. That was the intent of my message. God bless!! |
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| December 15, 2007 |
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THANKYOU KATHY YOU HAVE BEEN A GODSEND TO ME GOD HAS BEEN TELLING ME TO SAY THAT HIS RETURN IS SOON SO PLEASE EVERYONE CALL OUT TO GOD THE FATHER HE WILL LISTEN TO YOUR PRAYERS AND HE WILL GIUDE YOU ON A PATH OF GLORY THAT HAS TOTALY CHANGED MY LIFE GOD IS THE ALPHA AND OMEGA THE BEGINNING AND THE END PLEASE CALL OUT ALL THE WHO ARE HEAVY LADEN AND HE WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS AMEN KATHY YOU ARE ONE GREAT WOMEN OF GOD GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM STEVO |
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| December 16, 2007 |
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Thank you, Golden, for sharing your passion for our freedoms! I have stated before that I believe those who have never lived without them do not know how to appreciate them. "Freedom" becomes a watch word, but few here in the U.S. understand what life would be without them, or how easily they could be lost. I know you were not asking for personal thanks, but I offer it again: Thank you, Golden (and all others who have served), for your gift to our nation!
Thank you, Stevo, and God bless you!
Francine, thank you for sharing your thoughts here. I invite you to read my other blogs, and hopefully you will find that I appreciate differing viewpoints and am not offended by them. You will also see that I, more than anyone, advise reading the original documents and coming to one's own intelligent conclusions before jumping onto anyone else's bandwagon. Thus, I included in this in this blog the link to the actual resolution. I commend you for choosing to read the original document.
As for your conclusion, I don't think I was in disagreement with you here. I commented above: I don't think it is blogging in general they have a problem with, but rather blogs that dissent from their point of view. This seems to be your point as well. Where we differ, perhaps, is in our opinions about whether it is wrong to voice a dissenting opinion from that of the denominational body. I see it as overstepping a boundary to say "You may blog if you agree with what I say, but not if you don't." (Again, this is a resolution, not a law, so there is no real enforcement involved here.) Thank you, again, Francine, for sharing your passion here, and may God bless you in your work for Him!
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| December 16, 2007 |
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SORRY IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANY ONE BUT I BELIEVE GOD IS ON HIS WAY AND WE MUST NOT LOOSE SIGHT OF GODS PLAN FOR US AND TO BE OBEDIENT WORSHIP GOD ALWAYS AMEN AND PRAY |
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| December 17, 2007 |
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Francine, you are an intelligent thinker, and I appreciate your thoughts here. I don't think you and I are far apart, but even if we were, I always appreciate a well thought out challenge to my own positions. We all need balance. I hope to hear more from you!
Stevo, the discussion of being offended pertains to issues within the original blog. I don't think you have offended anyone. Blessings! |
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| December 17, 2007 |
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“If I do what someone else tells me to do, I'm not listening to God”
’ve read similar words before, only Luke wrote them slightly differently:
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:19-20 KJV) |
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| December 18, 2007 |
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Francine, I look forward to getting to know you better. The more we all interact with each other the better we can see each other's many personality traits. Some of my blogs are all serious, others all fun, others somewhere in between. I hope your day is fun one!
Thank you, Grammy! Very pertinent here! |
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| December 18, 2007 |
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Hebrews 10:23
So let us seize and hold fast and retain without
wavering the hope we cherish and confess, and our
acknowledgment of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure)
and faithful to His word. KATHY YOU ARE A SERVENT OF GOD AND A AMAZING LADY GOD BLESS YOU AMEN |
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| December 18, 2007 |
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I am late to this blog, but where I see most of this coming from is from Individual blog sites that are maybe not designed to be divisive within the SBC, but end up being so because of the differing view points. You will find this with Dr.s from differing Seminaries frequently.
Most of these blogs are from Seminarians and not like most of the fine folks here on MyChurch. These blogs get deeeeeeep theologically on periphial issues that really don't do anything but take their energy away from going into all the world making disciples that people from all nations might know God through His Son and worship Him.
If it is a gray area where scripture does not expressly state a position one way or the other, leave God to convict someone of that. I would argue that the gray area issues that are not exercised because of any other reason than God's conviction would amount to sin. The non-excercise of a Christian liberty would be sin if you chose not to exercise that freedom because someone else told you that you shouldn't.
Oh yeah, I am Southern Baptist, but more importantly, I am identified with Jesus Christ. |
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| December 19, 2007 |
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Thank you, Pastor Chris! It is never "late" to join a blog discussion. This one is still an active one, but when I get a comment on a blog that has not been active in a few months, it is appreciated even more! I can say with you that "I am Southern Baptist, but more importantly I am identified with Jesus Christ." I wonder how the SBC powers would respond to your comments. Would they acknowledge that gray areas exist, or do they see everything as black and white, making all those who disagree with them outsiders? |
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| December 19, 2007 |
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From what I have seen, most will just agree to disagree and move on. The ones with hearts of stone, we just have to overlook.
Most of those blogs are the nerdy stuff that I get into. There mostly intellectuals. Now, I read them and rarely comment on them since most of the bloggers have "Dr." in front of their names or "Phd." after.
Concerning the gray areas- The church that I just stepped down from is Pastored by a fairly conservative man and this was his conviction as well. |
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| December 19, 2007 |
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Pastor Chad,
From what you are saying it is more of a question of the best use of time and energy rather than theological divisiveness. If so, I imagine that forum would exist in writing articles/essays or books as well.
Not being a part of the SBC I can't say that I can identify with the position of the convention. However, I can certainly say that I am identified with Jesus Christ.
(Oh, and please be nice with Kathy. We like her a lot.) lol
Merry Christmas! |
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| December 20, 2007 |
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Chris, I would agree with you concerning most SBC pastors, but my opinion of the denominational leaders is more divisive than yours. I perceive the top leaders as not willing to "agree to disagree," but rather "it's my way or the highway," as this blog seems to illustrate. When one believes that he has all the truth, then anyone who disagrees at any point must necessarily be out of fellowship with God. I find the "agree to disagree" attitude among the more moderate Baptists, and among some of those who do not really keep up with denominational politics. I wish I saw things more as you do, as your way is far better imho! :)
Gene, I like you too! :) |
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| December 20, 2007 |
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It's funny to me that the SBC concedes autonomy to the local church, but passes resolutions that could care less about reaching the lost. This is just indicative of a "maintenance mindset" that is plaguing most churches today. They are taking focus off of the primary task of the church and worrying about maintaining status quo.
I'd like to know who is involved in the Georgia Assembly and where does Pastor Johnny Hunt (rumored to be the next President of the SBC) fit in. I know Jerry Vines is a member of his congregation. Both of these men are fine preachers and both are of the older guard of the SBC. Many of these contemporary blogs are from guys who have graduated within the past ten years and have targeted old guard members such as Pastor Hunt and retired Pastor Vines. I love both of these men.
Sorry to ramble, but I think it's just a blip on the screen. This will pass. I would almost bet you that those involved with the resolution are less-tech savvy than their younger counterparts. Talking about a "bully pulpit"- look at how many people we have reached just on this blog site alone! |
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| December 20, 2007 |
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| god bless you kathy |
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| December 21, 2007 |
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| Chris, I agree that this resolution is just a "blip on the screen," neither enforceable nor worthy of media attention, except that it is yet another sign of a struggling SBC. I don't know which individuals were behind this, nor would I have listed them if I had had that information, since I see this as in line with resolutions that are being passed in several state SBC meetings, GA no more extreme than others. As far as I know Johnny Hunt is still pastoring FBC in Woodstock, GA. (Readers, please correct me if I'm wrong.) I would also agree with you that those behind this resolution probably are not very experienced with blogging in general. Thanks for sharing your perspective! |
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| December 21, 2007 |
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16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. | 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. | 16:3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. | 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. | 16:5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? | 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. | 16:7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. | 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. | 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. | 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. | 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? | 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? | 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. | 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. | 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. | 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. | 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. | 16:18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. | 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: | 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, | 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. | 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; | 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. | 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. | 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. | 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. | 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: | 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. | 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. | 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. | 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. APOSTLE PAUL JESUS GOD BLESS YOU ALL |
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| December 23, 2007 |
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| Stephen, do you see this passage as saying something to this blog? Your thoughts are welcome. |
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| December 25, 2007 |
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BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER THIS CHRISTMAS BE CHEERFUL BE HUMBLE GIVE BECAUSE JESUS WAS THE GREATEST GIVER HE GAVE HIS LIFE SO THAT WE COULD BE FREE OF SIN AND BE BORN AGAIN SO WE COULD KNOW GOD,S ETERNAL LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND REPENT YOUR SINS FOR HELL IS ETERNAL AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO THERE PLEASE CALL OUT TO GOD AND JESUS HIS SON FOR GODS LOVE AND FORGIVENESS IS ETERNAL GOD BLESS YOU ALL THIS CHRISTMAS BE SAFE IE TRAVEL SAFELY GOD BLESS YOU FROM STEPHEN RIMINGTON |
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| December 26, 2007 |
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you don't blog evil blogs and i don't think i do
don't let them silence you! |
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| December 26, 2007 |
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| Thanks, Vanilla! I'm sure these guys are not interested in my blogs or yours. We should perhaps note here though that accountability is a good thing. We should all have leaders /mentors / mature Christians that we look to for balance as our own faith grows and takes its shape, whether that be our denominational leaders, our pastors, or others whose relationship with Christ is evident throughout years of faith. And I agree with you wholeheartedly that for the things for which we are sure, we should not be afraid to speak out, especially as a testimony to the wonderful works of God in our lives! Blessings to you, Vanilla! |
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| January 17, 2008 |
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| I just read something much more positive happening in GA among Baptists! A New Baptist Covenant group is meeting in Atlanta Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 hoping to unite about 20 million Baptists from throughout the U.S. and Canada, around the agenda of Christ-centered social ministry. Those slated to participate in the assembly include organizer and former president Jimmy Carter, author John Grisham, former president Bill Clinton, former vice-president Al Gore, Republican senators Lindsey Graham and Charles Grassley, and co-organizer and president of Mercer University Bill Underwood. Despite the list of headliners, this will not a political gathering, but rather a gathering to unite diverse Baptist groups in Christian social ministry, with Luke 4: 18-19 as the theme. Forty different Baptist organizations will be participating. Unfortunately the SBC has not chosen to be involved. See complete ABP article here: http://www.religiousherald.org/1991.article Anyone planning to attend this? |
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| January 17, 2008 |
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| Kathy, that's mostly good news. |
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| January 17, 2008 |
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| lol Gene! Which part do you wish to change? :) |
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| January 18, 2008 |
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| That the SBC isn't in the mix> I'd have that changed. . . |
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| January 18, 2008 |
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| I'm definitely with you on that! I just didn't want to make any assumptions. The SBC, having its own missions organizations, has not shown an openness to cooperative endeavors with other groups, even other Baptists. I, however, would plan to go alone, if I lived a little closer to Atlanta, or maybe even if someone called me up and said "Let's go!" |
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| May 14, 2008 |
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| Back in the day I was a member of the executive committe of the GBC. Does not surprise me. It reminds me of the Sanhedrian. LOL |
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| May 14, 2008 |
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| LOL....I'm a Blogging Baptist!!!! I read through all the comments, and had to laugh....ok, I am a Christian who attends a Southern Baptist Church....I don't drink, by my own choice because my husband is an alcoholic (also a Christian who attends a SB Church), we're alot more 'lively" than when I was growing up....our church is a small one with a mix of traditional and contemporary music....still, all praise and worship. My husband and I both have ear piercings and tattoos, oh my!!! and we wear jeans to church and I'm a Blogging Baptist, LOLOL |
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| May 14, 2008 |
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| opppppppppps.....I left out that we "Amen" in church and raise our hands, if led by the Lord to do so. :) |
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| May 16, 2008 |
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Hey, all, that was Brother Todd who said that, not me! LOL
Cindy, we Baptists can be very entertaining to those observing us, can't we! |
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| May 16, 2008 |
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| Kathy, yes we can, LOLOLOL |
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