Camp Meetings. What do you expect out of them?

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Cindy

Maybe with Camp Meeting just like any other meeting, you get what you expect. Or what you put in to it. If you are there to be fed the Word, or worship God. You will be blessed. If other things are in the way of that, you will more than likely come away form the meeting, in the same condition you went to it.

Or maybe with a new girlfriend or boyfriend.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Cindy

Maybe with Camp Meeting just like any other meeting, you get what you expect. Or what you put in to it. If you are there to be fed the Word, or worship God. You will be blessed. If other things are in the way of that, you will more than likely come away form the meeting, in the same condition you went to it.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Or maybe with a new girlfriend or boyfriend.

I think that is more for Youth Camp, but you never know. Maybe it is a place to search for a spouse. Could be worse places I guess.

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

I almost did not post the following article. I could be in serious trouble over its content and/or tone of presentation. However, it is long past time that the church throw off its country club persona, even if does look really spiritual on the outside. The hour is late and the great falling away has already started.

-------------------------

"Circle the wagons." That's good. That is exactly what the 'understated' advertisement among ministers was for a number of youth camps that were held last year. Frankly, I don't attend such meetings any more, unless it is to reconnect with some friends I haven't seen for a while.

I have lost interest in hearing yet another rendering of how the primary verse in the Bible, Acts 2:38, underpins every other verse (and doctrine) in the Bible, and how no one else in the world is going make it to heaven unless they attend (or are licensed) by a particular religious organization.

I also have a hard time attending functions where the sole purpose seems to be a circus event. Now, I really don't mind having a good time with other saints and especially before our Lord. But, when I want shouting, spitting, rolling, jumping, dancing, prancing, etc. I find clowns at a circus do a very credible job, and for the shear enjoyment of the performance and their expected paycheck.

Peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks, that is what most of my experience has been at such functions, not to mention all of the bartering that goes on at the seller's booths. Yet, there have been notable exceptions to this rule, for which I am grateful. Even so, as noted above, perhaps it is because my exceptions have not been in line with the true purpose of the event. In that case, I would be spiritually satisfied at such a gathering. For example, I am really not interest in watching all of the wives, daughters and girl friends parading around in dresses and other such get-ups that would feed my wife and I for several weeks (1 Timothy 2:9). Or, ministers walking around in $400.00 suits. Something about an apostolic doctrine being discarded in favor of glitz and glamor.

Then there are the serious 'private' ministerial meetings where the the local sheep herds are compared. I run 75-80 head per service and 85-90 on Sunday mornings. Well, retorts another, I run well over 300 on Sunday morning. You can easily identify what these numbers really represent when you look at the luxury cars, SUV's, etc. out in the parking lot (Acts 20:29, 2 Peter 2:3, Matthew 7:15, 11:8, Mark 12:38). Of course, on the more practical side of the spiritual comparison ratings center's around Pastor so-n-so's church - I never heard any church referred to as the church that meets in so-n-so's house, or the church of this or that city. The churches always seem to belong to a particular individual - and that individual is never identified as Christ Jesus! Another apostolic doctrine set aside (1 Corinthians 1:11-17). Then there are the discussions on how the different services are conducted and who was invited to preach, or how the special revival was conducted, and other such things. Yep, one more set of of Paul's apostolic instructions ignored (all of 1 Corinthians 14). Really, just how apostolic are self-professed modern day apostolics? Which among a lot other such issues has lead me to ask this final question:

What did Paul (when not writing letters in response to questions and congregational problems), and all of the other apostles teach? (Hint: Matthew 28:19-29) So, when attending another big religious social event (to check out who was invited to preach and to sit in the chief seats of the synagogue (er, the meeting house platform) ask yourself, in the words of an old Wendy's advertisement, "Where's the beef?"

Personally, I am just sick and tired of spiritual fluff, shallow teaching, self promotion, and the elevation of men to stand between the saints and their God (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

In conclusion: If the shoe described above does not fit you, then please do not be as the evil stepsisters and try to put on Cinderella's glass slipper. Actually, I thank God for those 'in ministry' who are truly called of God and who maintain their calling with integrity, and who actually feed God's sheep nourishing food. For those who teach the principles of God and how to apply them in order to obtain a truly overcoming life, a life set aside and consecrated unto God (holy), and not just to meet some leader's personal desires (agenda). I praise God for those leaders who point the way to Jesus and not unto themselves. Who encourage each individual saint to grow into full spiritual maturity, to seek out God's gifting, ministry and good works that was foreordained for them walk in before the foundations of the world was laid, that is, to motivate everyone to take personal responsibility for their own salvation - and become willing to actually 'work out' their salvation in fear and trembling. Again, if this other slipper doesn't fit, don't try to force it.

I realize that I am not being realistic here. Too critical of the wolves and not enough praising of the faithful. Even so, I continue to look for men and women of spiritual clarity, passion, courage, and integrity. So, if any reader of this missive is a wolf - consider yourself 'bashed'. If you are a 'saint', then consider yourself honored, for you stand before God with clean hands.

BOOM!!!

I love it when Bro AW pops in and drops a bomb like this one! Brother, you nailed it, and I appreciate how you keep holding us responsible for making our experience authentic.

[oletime]

I expected the unexpected because Jonny James was preaching ours this year and he said "and they threw the 3 hebrew children in the fiery furnace they were called shadrach ,michach and the big negro" it was equal parts gasping and busting a gut .Only he could get away with that,hilarious !

[MawMaw]

Originally Posted by oletime

I expected the unexpected because Jonny James was preaching ours this year and he said "and they threw the 3 hebrew children in the fiery furnace they were called shadrach ,michach and the big negro" it was equal parts gasping and busting a gut .Only he could get away with that,hilarious !

LOL, so he's still using that joke?? I remember hearing him tell that like 10 or more years ago!

[MawMaw]

Originally Posted by TrmptPraise

I find most, and the ones I mostly enjoy, are faith building.

That's what I have found too, brother.

[edjen01]

Originally Posted by notofworks

Of course, that was also the expectation of every General Conference, Sunday School Convention, Youth Convention, Landmark, Sectional Fellowship Meeting, Sectional Rally, Kilometers For Christ, Sheaves For Christ anything-a-thon, Family Camp, Conquerors Camp, Revival, Music Conference, Denny's after all of that, Bible Quizzing, Singspiration, Junior Camp, Senior Camp, PK Retreat, Youth Group, and of course, the renowned March For Missions 'cause we were lookin' awesome after those 20 miles!!!

as a person who grew up in that culture...thats exactly what we did!!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

I almost did not post the following article. I could be in serious trouble over its content and/or tone of presentation. However, it is long past time that the church throw off its country club persona, even if does look really spiritual on the outside. The hour is late and the great falling away has already started.

-------------------------

"Circle the wagons." That's good. That is exactly what the 'understated' advertisement among ministers was for a number of youth camps that were held last year. Frankly, I don't attend such meetings any more, unless it is to reconnect with some friends I haven't seen for a while.

I have lost interest in hearing yet another rendering of how the primary verse in the Bible, Acts 2:38, underpins every other verse (and doctrine) in the Bible, and how no one else in the world is going make it to heaven unless they attend (or are licensed) by a particular religious organization.

I also have a hard time attending functions where the sole purpose seems to be a circus event. Now, I really don't mind having a good time with other saints and especially before our Lord. But, when I want shouting, spitting, rolling, jumping, dancing, prancing, etc. I find clowns at a circus do a very credible job, and for the shear enjoyment of the performance and their expected paycheck.

Peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks, that is what most of my experience has been at such functions, not to mention all of the bartering that goes on at the seller's booths. Yet, there have been notable exceptions to this rule, for which I am grateful. Even so, as noted above, perhaps it is because my exceptions have not been in line with the true purpose of the event. In that case, I would be spiritually satisfied at such a gathering. For example, I am really not interest in watching all of the wives, daughters and girl friends parading around in dresses and other such get-ups that would feed my wife and I for several weeks (1 Timothy 2:9). Or, ministers walking around in $400.00 suits. Something about an apostolic doctrine being discarded in favor of glitz and glamor.

Then there are the serious 'private' ministerial meetings where the the local sheep herds are compared. I run 75-80 head per service and 85-90 on Sunday mornings. Well, retorts another, I run well over 300 on Sunday morning. You can easily identify what these numbers really represent when you look at the luxury cars, SUV's, etc. out in the parking lot (Acts 20:29, 2 Peter 2:3, Matthew 7:15, 11:8, Mark 12:38). Of course, on the more practical side of the spiritual comparison ratings center's around Pastor so-n-so's church - I never heard any church referred to as the church that meets in so-n-so's house, or the church of this or that city. The churches always seem to belong to a particular individual - and that individual is never identified as Christ Jesus! Another apostolic doctrine set aside (1 Corinthians 1:11-17). Then there are the discussions on how the different services are conducted and who was invited to preach, or how the special revival was conducted, and other such things. Yep, one more set of of Paul's apostolic instructions ignored (all of 1 Corinthians 14). Really, just how apostolic are self-professed modern day apostolics? Which among a lot other such issues has lead me to ask this final question:

What did Paul (when not writing letters in response to questions and congregational problems), and all of the other apostles teach? (Hint: Matthew 28:19-29) So, when attending another big religious social event (to check out who was invited to preach and to sit in the chief seats of the synagogue (er, the meeting house platform) ask yourself, in the words of an old Wendy's advertisement, "Where's the beef?"

Personally, I am just sick and tired of spiritual fluff, shallow teaching, self promotion, and the elevation of men to stand between the saints and their God (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

In conclusion: If the shoe described above does not fit you, then please do not be as the evil stepsisters and try to put on Cinderella's glass slipper. Actually, I thank God for those 'in ministry' who are truly called of God and who maintain their calling with integrity, and who actually feed God's sheep nourishing food. For those who teach the principles of God and how to apply them in order to obtain a truly overcoming life, a life set aside and consecrated unto God (holy), and not just to meet some leader's personal desires (agenda). I praise God for those leaders who point the way to Jesus and not unto themselves. Who encourage each individual saint to grow into full spiritual maturity, to seek out God's gifting, ministry and good works that was foreordained for them walk in before the foundations of the world was laid, that is, to motivate everyone to take personal responsibility for their own salvation - and become willing to actually 'work out' their salvation in fear and trembling. Again, if this other slipper doesn't fit, don't try to force it.

I realize that I am not being realistic here. Too critical of the wolves and not enough praising of the faithful. Even so, I continue to look for men and women of spiritual clarity, passion, courage, and integrity. So, if any reader of this missive is a wolf - consider yourself 'bashed'. If you are a 'saint', then consider yourself honored, for you stand before God with clean hands.

What did Paul (when not writing letters in response to questions and congregational problems), and all of the other apostles teach? (Hint: Matthew 28:19-29)

What did Paul and the Apostles preach BECAUSE they understood what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 28:19-29? (Hint: Acts 2:38).

If they acted out Matthew 28:19, they would have just repeated what Jesus said to do. In order to OBEY what Jesus said to do, they preached Acts 2:38.

Whining can get you off track in so many ways. Just sayin'.....

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Or maybe with a new girlfriend or boyfriend.

just as long as you don't come home pregnant from camp meeting.