Arranging the Deck Chairs, Fiddling, Fine Dining and Other Diversions from Reality

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Incorrect.

I am leaving by choice.

I resigned to pursue other interests, namely pastoring.

What are you leaving PP, sorry I don't understand?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Timmy

I dunno, "God is in control" seems like a tautology, or a self-fulfilling prophecy, or something. It can't possibly be disproved: nothing that ever happens could possibly be bad enough for us to say, "God slipped up". We can always say that He allowed it to happen for some greater good.

And who gets to decide what is good? Humans will never agree on some things (like Res 4, e.g.). So, leave it to God, right? Well, that would be another convenient way of proving that "God is in control" -- no matter what happens, God must think it was good. He allowed it to (or made it) happen, after all.

And to say that God is literally "in control" is to point a big finger of blame right at Him! 9/11? God was in control. Hitler? God controlled him.

Sometimes I think we say things just because we've heard others say them all our lives, without really thinking about what they mean.

Just rambling.

That's what I was saying, sort of. However, if you pick a reasonable outcome as being "acceptable" or "good," then your faith will prevail and even grow stronger.

If you "go for the moon" and demand miracles all the time, you're certain to be dissappointed with most outcomes that you face. Therefore, be like Koheleth (Ecclesiastes 1:1) and see that since death is the inevitable outcome of life (Ecclesiastes 1:2) everything that happens up until that time is "meaningless" or a "vanity."

Let it all go. Ride the waves and keep your feet on the board while waiting for the next wave (otherwise the sharks will bite). Keep pointed toward the shore but also keep an eye on the sea. The next big wave is probably the swell that you're seeing out on the horizon. Oh, dude.*

*All surfing analogies either begin or end with "dude."

[anapko]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Leadership is strangely absent.

Particularly when letters are sent out with only Initials as signatures. It appears that the invisible are laying back to see how much support comes through before making the appearance. The question should be: " Why don't you just come out and say, ' Hey, we don't approve of Resolution 4, we're mad. so we're starting another organization! ' "!!! This air of secrecy is uncalled for. Good thread PP!!

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by anapko81

Particularly when letters are sent out with only Initials as signatures. It appears that the invisible are laying back to see how much support comes through before making the appearance. The question should be: " Why don't you just come out and say, ' Hey, we don't approve of Resolution 4, we're mad. so we're starting another organization! ' "!!! This air of secrecy is uncalled for. Good thread PP!!

I thought we disapproved of secret groups?

[anapko]

Originally Posted by Kutless

I thought we disapproved of secret groups?

That was before Resolution 4. Afterwards, all bets are off!

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

As we continue to wait for January to come, it's sorta entertaining to watch all of the diversionary tactics employed by those planning the Tulsa meeting, and those in power in the ivory towers of the Not-So-United-Kingdom.

So, while everyone else deals in denial, I feel it my lot in life to remind you that....

many have already left,

many more will be leaving,

and the financial impact is gonna be remarkable.

Originally Posted by freeatlast

I have friends home from europe mission feild raising pim's.

This will make it difficult for them? What do you think?

Will missionary giving go down signifgantly?

I am afraid it will...