From my perspective, that was the right, proportioned, humble, brutally truthful response to the Lakeland mess. He calls those who knew about TB's issues and simply remained quiet "reckless and foolish" and condemns their actions. Those who didn't know he asks the hard question, "why". It was their responsibility as those commissioning and approving to know the one who labored among them.
I think he's right to not condemn every report of salvation or healing that came out of Lakeland. The Word says where there are two people gathered in His name, he'll be in the midst. That doesn't come with any other stipulations. It only takes two agreeing, in a place to summon his presence. Is that a loophole to let heretics and sinful leaders like TB, do what they want? No, but God's presence isn't solely based on the guy/gal leading the meeting.
I think this part of his statement is at the core of not only the charismatic churches, but the church world as a whole: We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype,sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma. This has produced: shallowness; false movements; novice leaders—gifted but immature and untested; a deficient understanding of God’s word; the building of man-centered rather than kingdom-centered churches and ministries; competition rather than
cooperation; humanistic, self-centered Christians who don’t
understand sacrifice and commitment; Christians without
discernment; superstar leaders; a perverted and powerless gospel;
prayer less and anemic Christians; a replacement of the fear of the
Lord with the fear of man; and a young generation that is cynical
of it all. We are responsible, not the devil; he takes what we give
him.
If every pastor, church member and Christian would pray and fast and ask God to correct those issues in our own personal life and in our churches, revival would be the unavoidable result.
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In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity. Augustine
I had the privilege of hearing Dutch speak at "the Call". I have also known his son-in-law for as long as I have been married. (My husband's family has known them forever!)
I thought this was a wonderful letter that was written with the Love of Christ.
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Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
"You will be hated for my sake-Just remember that it should be for MY sake and not YOURS-
Do NOT act in such a way as to be offensive, and then blame it on me"
From my perspective, that was the right, proportioned, humble, brutally truthful response to the Lakeland mess. He calls those who knew about TB's issues and simply remained quiet "reckless and foolish" and condemns their actions. Those who didn't know he asks the hard question, "why". It was their responsibility as those commissioning and approving to know the one who labored among them.
I think he's right to not condemn every report of salvation or healing that came out of Lakeland. The Word says where there are two people gathered in His name, he'll be in the midst. That doesn't come with any other stipulations. It only takes two agreeing, in a place to summon his presence. Is that a loophole to let heretics and sinful leaders like TB, do what they want? No, but God's presence isn't solely based on the guy/gal leading the meeting.
I think this part of his statement is at the core of not only the charismatic churches, but the church world as a whole:[/U] We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype,sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma. This has produced: shallowness; false movements; novice leaders—gifted but immature and untested; a deficient understanding of God’s word; the building of man-centered rather than kingdom-centered churches and ministries; competition rather than
cooperation; humanistic, self-centered Christians who don’t
understand sacrifice and commitment; Christians without
discernment; superstar leaders; a perverted and powerless gospel;
prayer less and anemic Christians; a replacement of the fear of the
Lord with the fear of man; and a young generation that is cynical
of it all. We are responsible, not the devil; he takes what we give
him.
If every pastor, church member and Christian would pray and fast and ask God to correct those issues in our own personal life and in our churches, revival would be the unavoidable result.
Amen
__________________
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
"You will be hated for my sake-Just remember that it should be for MY sake and not YOURS-
Do NOT act in such a way as to be offensive, and then blame it on me"