Showdown in the Wild West

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

It just misses the point, that's all. What happens to others affects us all. Ideas concerning standards, water/spirit doctrine, ecclesiology, etc are quite important. They subject many who don't believe it to senseless war campaign speeches, their motives being constantly questioned, back-stabbing and second guessing. This isn't about revival in your local assembly, it's about who you fellowship and grow with intimately.

It is about the local assembly, IMO. That is the grassroots of where it all begins. I believe the parable of the wheat and tares includes a plethora of situations, which also includes ecclesiology and theology.

Stew is, in fact, saying that his assembly is following the will of God for their lives - it is their motivation - and that is where everything must begin.

I could certainly look around and find the negative, but God is building a church regardless of our differences, the bottom line will always be - "God, where do you want me to serve?" To answer that, I can't look around to make sure that where I am is lining up where - if you will - anyone on this forum expects me to be.

Certainly if God opens a door away from where you have served, you will experience a time of ostracism and pain. That is going to be part of it. It's a given.

We have had to make a stand for God in the very assembly we attended to save the church from nefarious deeds of men. That was the will of God in our lives in that particular circumstance. Was it comfortable? Only when I was in the presence of God allowing Him to minister to me and give me affirmation. Outside of that - no. How could it be?

We simply are at different tenures and roads in our lives. You cannot make me be who you want me to be. You cannot demand that I get ahead of God's will in my life.

Much of the conversation here gives me the impression that demands are being made. I would never step into that arena and be party to it. Each man must answer to God and if every man is sincerely praying, He will find his place and direction. All I can say for that would be - all is well.