Is this biblical??

[Cindy]

Where are your parents in this?

[deadeye]

Originally Posted by krod38

Im 17 and have been in church since 2005. I have grown much in the lord and i have noticed that the church i go to is too controlling almost to the point it is culty. I cannot ask a question or question authority because i have been labeled 'rebellious' 'backslidden' 'you have a bad spirit' and 'you need to pray through'. I feel hurt. arent pastors supposed to be as equal to the members of the church and not higher than us, after all we do have the same holy ghost as the leadership and serve the same god. Is it biblical for pastor to be controlling and hard on you the way some pentecostal preachers are, they like to abuse their authority??? what do you think?

One piece of advice I can give you is not to seek advice from the assortment of rebels, backsliders, and the occasional apostate that frequent this forum....

[OilCityCajun]

Originally Posted by Mr. Smith

Ridiculous. He doesn't need to "Pray through." What the heck does that mean, anyway??? And, pastors are on EXACTLY the same level. According to I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 we're all a part of the body working together. Offices are DIFFERENT, but not UNEQUAL.

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

Yea "Pray Through" is pentecostal lingo that is non biblical...

What it means in common usage is to pray until one receives or is renewed and refreshed in the Holy Ghost. By extension, it tends to infer that the person praying through is either seeking for the Holy Ghost or has backslidden. But; That isnt how I meant it. I assumed by reading my comment in context, it would be clear I was saying something completely different. I guess some people just can't see the obvious...or refuse to. I meant that he should pray for strength, courage, and wisdom to get through this trial, as well as for guidance to find a church with the right spirit that teaches truth with love and patience. What did you think I meant?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

What it means in common usage is to pray until one receives or is renewed and refreshed in the Holy Ghost. By extension, it tends to infer that the person praying through is either seeking for the Holy Ghost or has backslidden. But; That isnt how I meant it. I assumed by reading my comment in context, it would be clear I was saying something completely different. I guess some people just can't see the obvious...or refuse to. I meant that he should pray for strength, courage, and wisdom to get through this trial, as well as for guidance to find a church with the right spirit that teaches truth with love and patience. What did you think I meant?

and, even though the term is not scriptural, the way you used it is also a valid use of the term. Also, to pray until you receive the answer is another way of using the term pray through.

[Mr. Smith]

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

What it means in common usage is to pray until one receives or is renewed and refreshed in the Holy Ghost. By extension, it tends to infer that the person praying through is either seeking for the Holy Ghost or has backslidden. But; That isnt how I meant it. I assumed by reading my comment in context, it would be clear I was saying something completely different. I guess some people just can't see the obvious...or refuse to. I meant that he should pray for strength, courage, and wisdom to get through this trial, as well as for guidance to find a church with the right spirit that teaches truth with love and patience. What did you think I meant?

I thought you meant exactly what you said it commonly means...."Just go speak in tongues, you young fool." And to that I say, "Ridiculous." I have no idea how the context of your "Advice" would change the common meaning. I've heard it enough times (thousands), I know what it commonly means. As for the concept of praying until you speaking in tongues as making anything better or changing anything, I would again say, "Ridiculous." Where is that in the bible?

The context of my, "What the heck does that mean, anyway" was, "Oh please, gimme a break."

But the dumbest thing you said was that pastors are on a higher level than everyone else. This poor kid came to the wrong place for advice.

[Mr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Sam

and, even though the term is not scriptural, the way you used it is also a valid use of the term. Also, to pray until you receive the answer is another way of using the term pray through.

But we don't always get an answer, true? If you tell someone to do that, they might be praying for 35 years. Even I, as enormously spiritual as I am, would struggle to do that!

[OilCityCajun]

Originally Posted by Mr. Smith

...I have no idea how the context of your "Advice" would change the common meaning...

Then by all means allow me to break it down for you:

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

This isnt just a Pentecostal phenomena. There are pastors in every denomination who usurp more authority than is rightfully theirs.

My very first 2 sentences acknowledge that some pastors are, indeed, tyrannical usurpers.

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

All I can tell you is not all Pentecostal pastors are this way, nor is Pentecost the only sect where it can be found.

and at the center of my post you find 2 more sentences acknowledging that some pastors are tyrannical usurpers.

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

I would suggest you take their advice on one point... Pray through soon and often...

"...on one point..." clearly indicates I disagree with them on all other points. I.E.: I disagree that asking questions is a sign of rebellion, etc., etc.

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

ask God to lead you to a place where you can reach you highest potential in Him.

I close by telling him he needs to find a new church, but not one of his own choosing, but rather one to which God leads him. So you see? When you read the context without a preconceived notion and a bucket load of attitude, you find the context does indeed infer a different meaning to "pray through" than that which is commonly intended.

Originally Posted by Mr. Smith

But the dumbest thing you said was that pastors are on a higher level than everyone else. This poor kid came to the wrong place for advice.

Really? Are you saying the responsibility clearly laid on Ezekiel applies only to Ezekiel and not to all ministers, including pastors?

[geekette]

Originally Posted by deadeye

One piece of advice I can give you is not to seek advice from the assortment of rebels, backsliders, and the occasional apostate that frequent this forum....

Sometimes us rebels, backsliders and apostates can see more clearly, being apart from the situation, than those in the middle of it.

On the other hand, our vision may be clouded by our past experiences, so take our words with a grain of salt.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by OilCityCajun

Then by all means allow me to break it down for you:

My very first 2 sentences acknowledge that some pastors are, indeed, tyrannical usurpers.
and at the center of my post you find 2 more sentences acknowledging that some pastors are tyrannical usurpers.

"...on one point..." clearly indicates I disagree with them on all other points. I.E.: I disagree that asking questions is a sign of rebellion, etc., etc.
I close by telling him he needs to find a new church, but not one of his own choosing, but rather one to which God leads him. So you see? When you read the context without a preconceived notion and a bucket load of attitude, you find the context does indeed infer a different meaning to "pray through" than that which is commonly intended.

Really? Are you saying the responsibility clearly laid on Ezekiel applies only to Ezekiel and not to all ministers, including pastors?

And what responsibility was laid to Ezekiel? And what makes you think we are not all ministers?

[deadeye]

Originally Posted by geekette

Sometimes us rebels, backsliders and apostates can see more clearly, being apart from the situation, than those in the middle of it.

On the other hand, our vision may be clouded by our past experiences, so take our words with a grain of salt.

Hmmm..a balanced non reactive response....good it is....