Puzzled And Saddened
 

Of all the things in life that puzzle me, one seems to come to the top of the list again and again. Why is it that some find the need to be so dismissive and snobbish when dealing with fellow Christians who aren't in lock step with their views? I understand the need for doctrine and a firm grasp of the Truth, but it saddens me to see the aristocratic superiority and condescension displayed within the ranks of people who should be counted as brothers and sisters in Christ. Is it some juvenile need to have a little club that keeps others out? How much damage has been done to the cause of Christ by our inability to see beyond fellowship cards and a directory to tell you who's in and who's out? Why can't we understand that "The Church" is too large, too all encompassing to be boxed into neat little lists or sold away bit by bit on DVDs?

You belong to a group? Fine. You choose to walk independently? Wonderful. But don't set yourself up as something more that any of us can ever hope to be, a sinner saved by grace and trusting to the mercies of a Kind and Loving God. Please treat each other accordingly.

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

:thumbsup

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

yup

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

Always wise, sound words from my good friend.

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

Controversy is what seems to keep this particular forum alive. ;)

That being said, I agree with you perfectly, in the sense that those of us who believe the Apostolic gospel message but who differ on various bits and pieces of interpretation, should not be cutting each other down to shreds. Instead, conversation and discussion should be held about issues that we may not agree on without attacking the character of those involved in the discussion.

I love to hear what others think about various issues, because "iron sharpeneth iron"... and I don't claim to have all the answers about every single issue.

One thing that can't be compromised are the basic doctrines of the gospel of Christ found in Heb. 6:1-2. And even there, I know there are differences of opinion... but we must at least look to those as the foundation of what we hold dear in Christ.

If someone believes he can or can't wear a certain piece of clothing, or believes communion should be with wine instead of grape juice... or whatever, the list can be endless.... we can discuss those issues, without being hateful, then that discussion can produce good things.

But attacking the character of people who are doing their best for the Lord with what they have, I don't like it at all.

But, I do love good debates, discussions, and teaching that does not involve mud slinging or stone throwing :)

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

Yeah. Agreed.

Took some of the young people to a youth service Friday night. Complete fiasco.

This young snapper gets up and says "I am not talking to anyone else here tonight but the group from __________."

We should have just got up and left then.

This guy got preaching against non-pleated pants on men because... as he said it "It shows all your equipment to the women!"

He never stopped. Finally I just sat back and watched him. Complete amazement that the idiot was even let loose by his handlers but.......

The tendency to attack anyone who is not in your group is so overwhelming to those men that they just can't stop.

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

Cosmetic Christians.

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

My friend TJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ's pastor preached that same message.

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

Bwahahahahahahahahahaha


Lovin it!

Re: Puzzled And Saddened
 

Wow! I had no idea those kind of youth services were still held. Brought back memories of a section 8 Louisiana Youth Service from the mid 70's where the youth group from the most conservative church in the section (the pastor later ran off with a young woman in the church) had a presentation that included pulling a little red wagon with a TV in it around while singing "this train is bound for glory, you can't get to heaven if you ain't holy...."