Our Love For The Brethren.....
 

I have mentioned on numerous threads that I have been in OP for 20+ years. During that time I have had so many experiences, and i have had the opportunity to observe many practices within the church and the church structure.

Having said that, I am wanting some feedback from some of you concerning the love for one another. I am sure we all are familier wth the scriptures that talk about how that people would know us because of our love for one another; also, the scripture that teaches that if a brother falls we should restore them.

It has been my experience that "saved" folks are more welcoming, patient, caring, and kind to the "sinner" then they are toward their own saved brothers and sisters. On one hand it makes me wonder if we are using the bait and switch to lure "lost" people into church...winning them to our theology and structure....after all once they have been there three times..."we got'em!"

I have seen ministries use people who would be thought of as unsaved or at least backslid on the platform to sing etc., but have also seen the same ministries shun folks who they have known for years and are saved because they were not "lining up" properly in some area...why is that??

It just seems that some people in the Apostolic Church have some dysfunction when it comes to really loving one another, much less restoring someone who has fallen. I realize this post has alot of broad generalities, but I have seen this pattern in more then one congregation, and am wondering if anyone here has ever seen or experienced this.

Maybe we are harder on each other because we believe we all should "know better", so I get that to an extenet, but the idea of making a stranger feel comfortable on a platform of influence while ostrasizing a brother or sister over disagreements or commitment level seems wrong to me. Anyway...

Re: Our Love For The Brethren.....
 

You hit the nail on the head when you said "bait and switch" because most ministries are interested in building "their" kingdom. So once they have you, then they can walk all over you and treat you like a doormat, while working on the bait and switch on the new ones coming in, who in turn, later on, will receive the same treatment.

Have seen this many, many more times than I care to count, including being on the "receiving end" of the bait and switch program. While we weren't "sinners" but just new members, we were given special treatment until they were sure they had us, and then all the "love" that was shown to us at the beginning dried right up.

But Jesus did say, by your LOVE ONE FOR ANOTHER shall all men know you are my disciples. I think most churches are sadly lacking in this department, simply because they are not in love with Jesus, they are in love with the kingdom they are building for themselves in the "name of Jesus"....

Re: Our Love For The Brethren.....
 

It all boils down to having compassion toward others (not a select few, but toward all of my neighbors)...which many need to revive within themselves (even this writer is not exempt). Everything within the body of Christ revolves around our Love for God and our Love for Our Neighbor. Love isn't a handshake, love is a commitment; it is far easier to condemn others (and so much more self-satisfying) than to commit to the betterment of others (and please Jesus).

It really is that simple...while we need a revival of repentance...we also need a restoration of Christ's compassion within us (hearts of stone made flesh again).

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh , and will give them an heart of flesh:

Re: Our Love For The Brethren.....
 

Church is just like anywhere that groups of flawed people gather together.

Today we discuss the 'bait and switch' of a church that is inviting, welcoming and loving to the newcommer. But there is also the church that is just cold and unfriendly right from the start. Where people have formed their longterm friendships and associations and really already feel complete with out Mr/Ms New-person.

Most churches have become more 'seeker' friendly as they seek to build financial resources. People move away, die, backslide... those empty seats have to be filled up with somebody if we are going to keep the lights on (or the pastor's lake house :)). So whether or not they admit it to themselves that is a big motivation for 'roping them in'. Our church even had classes on how to make new folks feel welcome and 'teams' that were assigned to follow up with them and retain them. Of course we also had people who would bother you if you missed more than two services... and if you were in with the in crowd and missed one without calling out you would get a call.

No matter how we feel about what goes on in churches (or anywhere else) all we can ever change is ourselves and if we are really well loved and pretty cleaver a few people who are close to us... So maybe each of us should pledge today to be loving to all who are under the banner of Christ whether or not we just love or even like them otherwise. It may not sound like much, but it's harder than you think.

Love is a verb. Just do it.

Re: Our Love For The Brethren.....
 

Wow. who made you God? You know the hearts of MOST ministers? That all they are interested in is building their own kingdom and not saving lost souls? Amazing

I've been in my church for over 25 years and the Love never dried up. Im not sure whether to view the first two posts with great sadness for the plight you two have been through or extreme skepticism.

Re: Our Love For The Brethren.....
 

you could try humility...nah :lol