Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by StillStanding

Since there seems to be little difference when it comes to moral failings, what is the purpose of holiness "standards"? They apparently don't stop a wandering eye or unmoral thoughts and actions!

what was the purpose in going to church, praying, standing behind the pulpit and preaching, singing songs, worshiping God, fellowshipping? Since it doesn't seem to stop the wandering eye or unmoral thoughts and actions!

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Charnock

StillStanding, no, they don't.

In a previous post I mentioned the standards "shell game."

Legalism's heart is insidious. It dresses everything up really pretty on the outside, while its inside is filled with a deadly cancer.

That's how an Apostolic lady can have long, uncut hair, always wear dresses, never wear make-up or jewelry and still be full of bitterness, hate and gossip. We measure her appearance and think she's "holy," but God sees things differently.

There are Liberal Christians that walk the walk, talk the talk and you'd never know that on the inside they were full of bitterness and gossip too!

Merely doing what she believes the bible teaches for women does not make her a legalist.

Does legalism exist in the UPC? Yes it does, but Legalism isn't merely obeying what you believe the bible teaches.

Legalism
Legalism, in Christian theology, is a usually-pejorative term referring to an over-emphasis on discipline of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of misguided rigour, pride, superficiality, the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God or emphasizing the letter of law over the spirit. Legalism is alleged against any view that obedience to law, not faith in God's grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legalism_%28theology%29

It's how a preacher can rage at compromisers and emergents as he preaches at conferences but at the same time be carrying on with prostitutes at the same conference. He dresses the part and says all of the right Apostolic catch phrases, but he has missed the essence of Christianity.

What was the excuse of the liberal preachers who were having Homosexual affairs or were serial killers? That's not legalism. That's HYPOCRISY.

He compartmentalizes. He feels justified because he's living up to Apostolic measurements. But he has failed to live up to God's standard.

If that is true that is not what every one is doing or feeling. Nor is that the result of a doctrine like "standards". While I disagree with standards on certain levels, the real issue or problem is not with standards themselves but how they are applied or what emphasis is placed on them (See definition of Legalism above)

[MawMaw]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

The truth is: people from all walks of life..err....

Exactly, Sis Alvear. The blame game is so silly.
No group is perfect, but, we follow The Perfect One.
If I sincerely pray, fast, obey His Word, and seek His
guidance, I rest assured that He will lead me to all I
need, to be able to one day be with Him when my life
on this Earth is over.

[Praxeas]

“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

[Charnock]

Praxeas, you miss the point. I think you're being facetious.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

what was the purpose in going to church, praying, standing behind the pulpit and preaching, singing songs, worshiping God, fellowshipping? Since it doesn't seem to stop the wandering eye or unmoral thoughts and actions!

That is an honest question. The things you mention keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ. It's when we lose our focus that we start to sink. Holiness "standard"s, on the other hand, are for the purpose of assimilation into a certain religious culture. One can lose focus hiding behind a "holiness" standard. I often see "holiness" standards used as a facade.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Charnock

Praxeas, you miss the point. I think you're being facetious.

Charnock, if so what was the point? I think you're being absurd

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by StillStanding

That is an honest question. The things you mention keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ. It's when we lose our focus that we start to sink. Holiness "standard"s, on the other hand, are for the purpose of assimilation into a certain religious culture. One can lose focus hiding behind a "holiness" standard. I often see "holiness" standards used as a facade.

Yet we have people doing ALL that and still falling. One can lose focus behind their ministry or church attendance

One can lose focus on anything. For some it's their "standards"

For others it's fasting and prayer
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed within himself in this way: God, I thank You that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice on the Sabbath, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And others casting out demons and prophesying
Mat 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness!

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Yet we have people doing ALL that and still falling. One can lose focus behind their ministry or church attendance

One can lose focus on anything. For some it's their "standards"

For others it's fasting and prayer
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed within himself in this way: God, I thank You that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice on the Sabbath, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And others casting out demons and prophesying
Mat 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness!

If ANY of us are saved, it will be because of the grace and mercy of God! None of us are good, no not one! That's why I don't like to see us judge one another! If we get what we deserve, none of us will make it!

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by StillStanding

If ANY of us are saved, it will be because of the grace and mercy of God! None of us are good, no not one! That's why I don't like to see us judge one another! If we get what we deserve, none of us will make it!

Exacty