Quote:
Originally Posted by notofworks
It's possible that others on AFF could better me in talent, education, preaching ability, and biblical knowledge. But no one could top me (match me, possibly) in my passion for the local church and making sure the line of believers behind me is as long as possible. I live for nothing else. I'm completely consumed by it and nothing else in this world inspires me. Of course, my personal family is #1 and our personal circumstances are the only thing that keep me from working every waking minute that I'm not asleep.
So if there's ever the impression that I'm not serious about Jesus Christ or the mission of the local church or the ecumenical church, I've been misunderstood.
As far as the mission of the local church....when one reads the New Testament, one must be aware that nearly every instruction given is with an awareness of the impact it will have on those that are outside the faith. I don't see that the early church had any other care than to spread the redemption of Jesus Christ to everyone possible. The church is based on the Cross of Jesus Christ and the purpose of the cross was the redemption of mankind.
And I love the fact that guys like Rick Warren, who could take it easy for the rest of this life and be very happy that 40,000 people call Saddleback their home, is still as passionate as ever about reaching people. The same can be said of Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, Perry Noble, Erwin McManus, and others.
I once saw Eddie Long, who is a part of the TBN bunch that I don't care for at all, speaking at a gathering of ministers. In the middle of his message, he was overcome with agony for how little he had done for Christ. I had never heard of him at the time. He wept like I've never seen anyone in a sermon and he bent over double and tears poured from his eyes and....I know this is yucky...but stuff poured from his nose as he wept. There wasn't an ounce of dignity in him. He finally said, "When I realize how many people are in this city that need Jesus, the agony is unbearable", and he started the process all over again.
I tell this because I looked up Eddie Long and found out that he pastored a church of 30,000 people. I don't ever want to lose my passion for those who don't know Christ. It's the only thing in life that really matters to me.
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Great to hear you say these things. In fact I can't actually say the same concerning my own zeal.
I was just saying - the ratio may change as time goes on. Not that your zeal diminishes per se. Of the 40,000 at saddleback I doubt the majority would be identified as unbelievers.
I do think you show your sincerity here on AFF. Not sure that you aren't "misunderstood" by many.
BTW ...... nevermind .., I'll start a new thread later tonight!
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