Collateral Damage

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Yes, boundaries such as the list Coonskinner started. Boundaries that are Biblical - not rules that aren't.

If more was taught on prayer (for the saints) and they all develop that close personal walk with God would there been need for silly rules?

The most important and least attended service any church has is prayer meeting.

I fear that some of us are so focused on celebrating our relationship in public worship (Sunday Morn, Sunday night and Wednesday night) that we often are a farce for we have not invested the time in private building of the relationship in one on one communication in prayer that we have no relationship to celebrate!

I believe this is why some of our folks, young and old, can swing from the chandeliers on Sunday night and run with the devil on Monday morning!

Originally Posted by rgcraig

The scripture about the good and bad soil comes to my mind here ---- all you can do is sow.

I am going to do something I rarely do... disagree somewhat with Renda!

I used to say exactly what you said here. Then one morning I was praying and telling God that I sure hoped the seed that had been sown that weekend had fallen on good ground and would take root and bear fruit. The Lord spoke to me very directly and asked me "Can you not go were the seed fell and hoe out the thorns and thistles or drive away the birds or remove the stones?" At that point I realized that we were accepting a 25% harvest when he was intent on ALL seed producing fruit! I simply have to do all I can to ensure the soil is prepared for the seed and that the seed has a chance to take root and grow!

JMHO

Originally Posted by rgcraig

And that is fine if THAT person feels that way, but does a pastor that feels that way need to convince his saints that don't feel that way that it's wrong?

OK... we are talking about collateral damage here and the emphasis has been on the perceived legalism that exists in some oneness Apostolic circles and ministries. Why has their not been any discussion of the collateral damage that might be caused by those compromisers who go too far in the other direction and do not establish any absolutes for their folks, thereby allowing them to wander about as sheep without a shepherd, winding up swelling the belly of the devouring wolf?

Does collateral damage only occur at the hands of those who embrace a more conservative point of view?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by philjones

I am going to do something I rarely do... disagree somewhat with Renda!

I used to say exactly what you said here. Then one morning I was praying and telling God that I sure hoped the seed that had been sown that weekend had fallen on good ground and would take root and bear fruit. The Lord spoke to me very directly and asked me "Can you not go were the seed fell and hoe out the thorns and thistles or drive away the birds or remove the stones?" At that point I realized that we were accepting a 25% harvest when he was intent on ALL seed producing fruit! I simply have to do all I can to ensure the soil is prepared for the seed and that the seed has a chance to take root and grow!

JMHO

Wow, that God is pretty smart!!! That is excellent!

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by philjones

OK... we are talking about collateral damage here and the emphasis has been on the perceived legalism that exists in some oneness Apostolic circles and ministries. Why has their not been any discussion of the collateral damage that might be caused by those compromisers who go too far in the other direction and do not establish any absolutes for their folks, thereby allowing them to wander about as sheep without a shepherd, winding up swelling the belly of the devouring wolf?

Does collateral damage only occur at the hands of those who embrace a more conservative point of view?

No, I believe it occurs on both sides.

Originally Posted by rgcraig

No, I believe it occurs on both sides.

thanks for the earlier compliment and this current agreement. I need affirmation from time to time and you seem to be one of the most affirming among us!

Have a blessed day!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We have often discussed the misnomer that a pastor will anwer for all of the parishoners in his church at judgement day. From what I have read on AFF, most of us are in agreement that each individual will stand before God alone. The pastor will not be there to mediate, nor will he be held responsible for those who refused obedience to the Word. His only obligation is to preach the whole counsel of God.

But what if leadership unknowingly causes someone to stumble and fall? What if leadership adds an unnecessary burden that a Christian cannot bear? What if a leader's politics builds his own kingdom instead of God's?

What will happen to those who kill innocents through "friendly fire"? Is a certain amount of collateral damage necessary to win this spiritual war?

Bump

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Look, I love everyone who attends the aseembly I pastor. I try very hard to divulge the truth in an untainted way. But I am flesh. There is the possibility that I may make a mistake in my application. There is the possibility that someone may be offended and never even tell me about it. They may choose to walk away because of my ignorance.

Will God judge me (punish me) for that?

BTW, you are very kind tbpew.

PP, most people walk away from God through disobedience, not because their pastor made a mistake. If you are following His Word, how can you cause someone to stumble? I left the church for a long time, because I was offended by the truth. In other words my pastor didn't make a mistake or offend me. But my spirit was offended because I was not right with God. And when I heard the truth I avoided and even rebelled against it. That is why I pray now for a clean heart and right spirit with God.