>>>"It's All Just a Game."

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

I think that's a good way to put it.

Sadly, some Christians are mortally wounded in nonsensical culture wars, never living to realize that they could've served God without the fight.

Some, like Saul of Tarsus, are so busy fighting a "righteous" war, believing they are protecting the things of God. Imagine their disgust when they eventually realize - after wasted years - that all of their religious zeal is misplaced, and that they've spent a lifetime FIGHTING truth, instead of fighting FOR truth.

When that realization hits home, it's demoralizing. That's why so many wind up leaving sound doctrine, as well as unbiblical standards. They expended an entire youth fighting for both elements, and cannot separate one from the other.

I have to wonder at times if the enemy of our souls sits back in amazement at the confusion we cause amongst the army of God by attacking each other instead of facing him. Meanwhile he continues to destroy lives and capture souls, and we can not defeat him because we are to busy killing our own wounded and fighting for our own little causes.

[drummerboy_dave]

Good thread. You are usually on target. Our relationship with God must outweigh our religious ambitions.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by drummerboy_dave

Our relationship with God must outweigh our religious ambitions.

Good thought!

It's supposed to be Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.....not My Kingdom Come, My will be done..........

[DeepThinker]

A lot of men leave the ministry because they've "tried" to live it. While they preach against sin in the pulpit they are doing what they preach against in secret. His position and his secret life become too unbearable and he can't take it any longer. He either confesses to a confidant, is found out, or he quits before he is humiliated. No one leaves the ministry because things are going well, they leave because something is going on in their lives that they are not admitting to. The "excuse" of pointing the finger at God and saying, "It's just a game", will not stand up at the judgment.

There are genuine ministers who do pass in their resignation because they see the hypocrisies and they step away only to start up their own "Independent" Oneness Church. Which is a good thing because that means the door is open for people like myself that too sees the hypocrisies and I go to that Church. Hooray for me!

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by DeepThinker

A lot of men leave the ministry because they've "tried" to live it. While they preach against sin in the pulpit they are doing what they preach against in secret. His position and his secret life become too unbearable and he can't take it any longer. He either confesses to a confidant, is found out, or he quits before he is humiliated. No one leaves the ministry because things are going well, they leave because something is going on in their lives that they are not admitting to. The "excuse" of pointing the finger at God and saying, "It's just a game", will not stand up at the judgment.

There are genuine ministers who do pass in their resignation because they see the hypocrisies and they step away only to start up their own "Independent" Oneness Church. Which is a good thing because that means the door is open for people like myself that too sees the hypocrisies and I go to that Church. Hooray for me!

[A.W. Bowman]

This is one of the most honest threads I have seen on this forum. I have nothing to add, except -

Thank you.

[ManOfWord]

Well said, EA! All of life is a "game." It just depends on which "game" one is willing to spend one's time on. We can play the "game" of power, respect, position, accomplishment etc. and please men OR we can "battle/play" in things which really matter. When we examine what we are engaged in and realize that we want to make a difference, we see the "game" in an entirely different light.

For me, I don't have time for insignificant trivialities when a world is going to hell. The MOST important things is getting them to Jesus, not a doctrine, not an experience, but the PERSON of Jesus Christ. If that happens, I believe that everything else will fall into place.

I don't have time to play the "game" of men, politics etc. Let lesser, insecure men play those games with those of their "kind." I came, I played and I conquered. Then I realized that it wasn't even really important. I can identify with post. Thanks!

[noeticknight]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I really am curious about this. It seems that a lot of people who have no problem with the standards, but don't believe they're salvific, are also surrounded by people who like the lifestyle. But, what if you have some people under your authority who really, really, really dislike the lifestyle? That's when we have a train wreck. That's when things get really complicated and difficult.

I assume you mean standards of membership? I agree that some folks just love the culture. Perhaps it gives them a sense of comfort and belonging, after all, that's human nature. However, I believe the "train wreck" occurs when folks get confused and attempt to standardize righteousness, holiness and truth by their own performances, when in fact, God has already become the standard...in the person of Jesus Christ.

As for those who really, really dislike the lifestyle? Maybe ministers and saints are getting in the way of these precious folks' pursuit to be like Jesus?

[ChTatum]

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

I think that's a good way to put it.

Sadly, some Christians are mortally wounded in nonsensical culture wars, never living to realize that they could've served God without the fight.

Some, like Saul of Tarsus, are so busy fighting a "righteous" war, believing they are protecting the things of God. Imagine their disgust when they eventually realize - after wasted years - that all of their religious zeal is misplaced, and that they've spent a lifetime FIGHTING truth, instead of fighting FOR truth.

When that realization hits home, it's demoralizing. That's why so many wind up leaving sound doctrine, as well as unbiblical standards. They expended an entire youth fighting for both elements, and cannot separate one from the other.

Wow.

I enjoyed the first post, but this one, to me, raised the bar another notch.

[Fiyahstarter]

WOW. Just WOW!

Send this link to headquarters!

Go tell it on the mountain!