The Single Biggest Problem With the Pentecostal Church Today
 

Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. (Song of Solomon 1:6)

Almost everybody I talk to is worried about everybody else and what they are doing. Trying to change the organization, district, or, section in some way. Concerned about the standards the guy in the next town is teaching. Freting about what some "big name" preacher is doing. Upset over who is preaching some camp in another district. Wondering if the revival 2000 miles away is genuine. On and on it goes.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone just took that same energy and kept their own vineyard and kept their big nose out of everybody elses? Honestly, if the Org. dissappeared tomorrow, I don't think I would even notice for a month (or until I didn't get my bill). Are we the only ones who are more concerned for our local vineyard than what is happening in another district? Are these all just preachers with too much time to kill and too little to do?

Thanks for letting me vent.

Oh, and about Tampa and the TV resolution:

I DON'T REALLY CARE ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

Complaining about everyone else is more fun!!!!! :lol

Yeah, and if they make a BIG noise about what's happening in another town maybe no one will notice that they only have six people in their church and haven't baptized a single soul all year.

Sorry... I'm fighting cynicism.

So, what are you doing here discussing the problem of people not minding their own business????

Methinks thou art hoisted by thine own petard!:)

Yeah, I knew some wisecracker would point that out.

See how widespread this has become! Even I'm doing it! Lol! :lol

ROFL It's pretty contagious, eh???!!!!

You may have a point about a great problem in Pentecost.

I do not see that as the greatest problem in Pentecost.

Continually rubbing how good, holy and all the good works that we have done in the Lord's face is the greatest problem, in my opinion.

I've seen God pass up some of the most classic of Apostolic saints in bad need of healing and perform the greatest of miracles for a first time visitor and rank sinner needing it far less than some faithful saint that has lived holy, never missed church, preached the message all of their life, did so many good works.

If I was God, these faithful old saints in bad need of healing, in bad need of some miracle would be the FIRST that I would heal. So, I have often wondered about that. How can that be?

I've heard saints speak of their great service for God but cannot understand how it is that they are not healed. I've heard preachers speak of their many years of faithful service to their church and the work of God but can't seem to find the healing that they have so desperately needed.

Not long ago I had lunch with a preacher in very dire financial straits...needed an instant miracle in his finances. He related to me the churches that he has built, his many years of faithful service and financial sacrifices that he has made for the ministry, placing himself and family last that the needs of God's house was properly met, but now that he is in such a condition he can't understand why his miracle is not forthcoming.

Rubbing it in God's face. I see it as the greatest problem in Pentecost today. "We have done many wonderful works in THY name."

"Why! We healed the sick, cast out devils and raised the dead before breakfast every morning and was in church everytime the doors were open and sometimes when they were not. Now, let us rub it in your face about how high we have lifted the standards of holiness!" Why, we don't even associate with other Apostolics whose standards are less than ours...not even to speak to them if we see them in Wal-Mart. Nobody has done as many wonderful works as UUUUUUSSSS"

RUB! RUB! RUB!

How impressed the Lord must be. Meanwhile, he just healed a prostitute of cancer while many wonderful and beloved saints are dying with it. I have prayed a time or two, "Lord would you just let me have my way for once? There is a precious saint, a giver, that I would love to heal RIGHT NOW!" But, I understand that I need to control, even crucify my own frustrations.

Come on, don't you know the greatest problem in Pentecost is ...

















































Television?



















j/k (although it IS a problem!)
:largehalo

Yes, television is a problem.

Had there never been the invention, there would be no division and confusion over it. There would never been the contention among us because of it.

Television has placed us in a TRIAL. We are in a TEST in regards to carnality and spirituality. So, I don't think Television is the issue after all. But rather it seems to be an issue of carnality and spirituality. Television seems to be the object or focal point that has brought forth this spiritual test that we are FAILING. We are getting a big fat "F" on our spiritual report card.

Agreed.

The pentecostal church's biggest problem is people who think they have arrived when they are no more than dead dry bones.

The single biggest problem with the church today is......





















people. :thumbsup





BTW, they are also the single biggest thing that is right with the church today.

Are you preaching tomorrow, Bro Strange? :covereyes

The altar will be full!

If there are no people, there is no church. If people are living off 50 year old experiences, than there is a dead church.

Hmmm.....I am living off of an experience that is at least 2000 years old. Doesn't feel dead to me.

You didn't personally experience that 2000 years ago. I would guess in the past few weeks, you refamiliarized yourself with that experience. I don't think you've went 50 years without getting your tank refilled...

1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

I feel that the biggest problem in Pentecost is people. If we could just fiqure out a way to get the people out of this and get God into it, we would see revival.

If you got all the people out of it there'd be nothing to revive! :lol

No...not preaching. :D If I were, the Exit way might be full. :lol

Just helping a few young people in a Mother Day appreciation skit.

I believe that the single biggest problem is commitment.

The biggest problem in the church is PRIDE.

The single greatest problem in Pentecost is everybody does not agree with...

MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

:lol

We live in an era of instant gratification and the give-me generation. If it does not happen in real live action like on reality TV, they are not satisfied.

The commitment level in churches lasts about one hour now too.

Good post JAS

Television isn't the problem anymore than internet is a problem. I get tired of hypocrits who use and endorse the use of the internet while bashing the use of television. The reason I get tired of it is because the majority of these hypocrits haven't even turned on a television or looked into what's out there. They laud internet filters and such to block porn, though sensual ads for dating services, etc still pop up no matter what service or filter you have; and while they laud the filters, they conveniently ignore the fact that there are ways to regulate and block certain television programming also. Hmmm, wonder why they haven't talked about that!?

Plus, what ever happened to the good 'ole fashioned HG filter?

The problem isn't television, gentlemen. That's just a crutch and something for ministers to complain about.

The problem is from the top down people are ~lazy~. From the pulpit to the pew people have no or very little dedication to God or the Kingdom of God.

Most saints just come to church to punch their weekly timecard. They do their "duty" one or two days out of the week and leave it at that. Maybe once or more a year they'll help out with a special event or outreach at church.

Most ministers surf the net or other sources for their messages and use the other time for golf, fishing, etc. They'll step up in the pulpit and berate their congregation for lack of dedication, but they'll never go on outreach or work much themselves.

If we were to take a poll of ministers who have won a soul or were involved with personal evangelism, odds are upwards of 75% would say no.

From the top down (pulpit to pew) dedication to personal evangelism is lacking. From the top down (pulpit to pew) ministers and saints are lazy and don't have much dedication separate from the 4 to 6 hours spent a week in services.

Stop using television as a crutch . . . that isn't the problem, it's just an excuse.

JMO :thumbsup

Admin? Is it acceptable for someone to label all those who support the use of internet, but are against tv, as hypocrites? I thought that was against the rules. Post reported.

If you don't watch tv but you watch YouTuBe then you are a hypocrite.

If you watch a church service podcast on the net but don't allow tv, you're a hypocrite.

Think about it.

Please report this post also.

I always try to obey my elders.

That's commendable as long as your elders are obeying God.

Perhaps you should take the time to do a good Bible study on what hypocrisy really is. Then come back and attempt to make your accusations.

Also, since I do not advocate TV in the home, but just watched the link by Bro. Strange to the Organ Players on YouTube, would you say I am a hypocrite?

My understanding of hypocrisy is when you say one thing and do the opposite. For instance if you preach against tv because it is evil (although there is alot good on tv) and then you turn around and watch a form of tv on the internet even if what you watch on the internet is good. So, yes, though I respect you, I would regretfully say you are being hypocritical in this one thing.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hypocrisy

Luke 13:13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

Call the law-light the candles-sent up the balloons-strike up the band Dan and I agree on ONE subject.:cheer :woohoo :party :shockamoo :waving :congrats :bdayparty :bdaysing :encore

What are you talking about?

I never made any of the statements to which you say you disagree?

We need you to be the Gen Supt. I'm sure you can show the rest of us hypocrite, lazy low lifes how it is done...in fine fashion.

Anyway, I have no idea why you addressed this post to me.

While you may not see the post Brett quoted in the same way, the "in your face" response is equally as bad here, mizpeh.



Bro Brett,

Reading the entire post presented does leave some sting with the word "hypocrite" in it, but the label apply in the argument that without internet controls, some argument against TV controls is not valid.

This is the side usually taken by those who favor having a TV in my experience. What I define as a hypocrite, is a UPCI minister who has a TV in his home, and even worse, one who has none, but will pass around "DVD" or go to another home to watch their favorite show/sporting event.

Many have already even used a more strong label- "liar."

Post of the Day

Not hard to agree with m' Houston buddy.

Oooops!

I disagree. :D

Elder Strange,

Did you have WAFFLES for breakfast????

My offer still stands ....


http://www.glennbeck.com/picoftheday/03-31-04-pod.gif

So is the argument down to cultural relativism- what ever that is, as it seems as elusive as nailing jelly to a wall.
This means we next accept those who dress like Brittney, and Paris.

No Thanks.