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What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/29/2009 4:02:16 PM
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Eutychus
Posts: 7069
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From: Dothan, AL
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Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB)
According to many threads and posts, most or all of the Church is a veritable pit of Satan's vipers. Whole threads are dedicated to pointing out any real or imagined flaw in one or more groups of believers and they are sometimes held up as examples of all that is bad in the Church. If my sole contact with Christians were in those threads and posts, I'd stay away from such a group of hopeless, sour people that profess Christ as Lord.
The point of this thread is to share what you thinks is RIGHT in churches or your local church in particular or believers in general. Edify us. Let's dwell on these things!
NOTE: If you have more criticism about the Church in general, most local churches, or the failings of Christians, please don't post here; there are many, many other threads where you can post.
_____________________________
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:29
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/29/2009 4:11:46 PM
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ushalk
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This is a fair thread I think. There are a lot of good deeds that are done in the churches today. They help the needy with food and clothing and sometimes they help with shelter.
There are alot of good deeds done through the churches. This coming from one that probably comes down on the churches the most.
_____________________________
if we hide the truth we kill a soul.
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/29/2009 4:20:38 PM
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crankius
Posts: 3350
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This will be a good thread. Thanks for starting it!
Can I start with a simple thing? I like that the church I attend has the offering boxes on the back wall, and we each give as the Lord leads us to give.
Not real significant, but I think it is right! 
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
God's Attributes
Notable Words
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/29/2009 4:22:58 PM
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sue244
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From: Colorado
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I'll use this tread to brag on my church for a moment then. It is a church that actually truly LOVES each other. Only took me 25 years to find it and its wonderful. Truth is preached from the pulpit every Sunday and Wednesday. Good Hymns are sung each week. Christians lives are lived out all week, the pastor is not afraid to step on toes. Real fellowship takes place. People are willing to hold each other accountable. My pastor never compromise in truth or practice. I will be very sad when I graduate from college and move away from this church becuase it is the most Christ like church I have ever been too.
_____________________________
It is a remarkable fact that all the heresies which have arisen in the Christian Church have had a decided tendency to 'dishonor God and to flatter man. Spurgeon
Never let us be guilty of sacrificing any portion of truth on the altar of peace. Ryle
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/29/2009 4:58:13 PM
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ironsharpensiron
Posts: 1466
Joined: 4/21/2006
From: Los Angeles
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Thank you, Eutychus, this is a much needed thread!!
What is the local church doing right..?
Ours just moved into a permanent building, having been in a school for several years. The new stripmall our church is connected to is extremely grateful we are there: 1)We make sure to let the congregation know the restaurants would love to see us stopping in, 2)we want to make it a point to use all the services of the stripmall, 3) we have been having the restaurants use our facility after morning services to create a clientele through the church members where they don't have to drive away to eat somewhere else 4) this gives a great opportunity for the church to mingle and break bread together...The charter school that has come into the stripmall we are using each other's facilities...the business owners are very grateful for the church's support! The list goes on, but the message is clear ~~ our local church is building bridges, and creating some awesome evangelistic outreaches just by 'serving' the local businesses in the stripmall. The local community is hearing about this, they're coming in as well ~~ God is so awesome!!
www.highervisionchurch.com if you want to see what other positive things we're doing!!
Matthew
_____________________________
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 12:03:44 AM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2073
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I participate in a number of different fellowship groups. . . all of which are the church. I would say love dominates and Jesus is the focus among all of these groups. The individuals in these fellowships enjoy getting together with other believers. We sing. We praise. We share what the Lord has been doing in our individual lives. We pray and ask for prayer. We confess sin. We read and study scripture. We ask questions. We challenge one another. We correct when needed. We help each other with tasks large and small. We listen. And we love. And we believe for one another. Yes, there is much right among the gathering of the redeemed! Oh, and we share food, a very important part of fellowship.
_____________________________
Liveloved
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 12:16:51 AM
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didymus101
Posts: 1298
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All the churches I went to for awhile were bad, so many small-minded and hypocritical people, dogmatic and cold. I saw little or no brotherly love. Then a strange thought came to me, it was surely not my own, for it said, Is it them or you? That same afternoon a friend showed me a book that mentioned this spiritual axiom: anytime we are troubled or upset, the problem is in us. That night in a movie on TV, the police psychiatrist talked about projection, putting what we do not like or accept about ourselves onto others. It was hard to avoid the obvious.
I began to uncover the sources of my judgments of others through a spiritual practice. I uncovered how protected I was and how much shame seemed to rule my thinking. Remarkably, the poeple at the chrch I was then attending began to get well right along with me.
Let me share this story:
An old man is sitting under this tree by a scenic view of a little village far below in the valley. A motorist pulls up to the scenic view and says to the old man, "Hey, old man, what are the people like down there?"
The old man asks him, "What are the people like where you come from?"
The young man smirks and says, "Petty, selfish, and narrow-minded. Nobody cares about anybody but themselves. I just left that town and I am never going back."
The old man says to him, "I think you will find the people down there to be the same way."
A little while later another motorist pulls him and goes to the old man, "Excuse me, sir, that's a beautiful view. What are the pepople like down there?"
The old man asks him, "What are the people like where you come from?"
The young man smiles and says, "Caring and unselfish. Really giving people. Very warm and friendly. I can hardly wait to get back."
And the old man says to him, "I think yo will find the people down there to be the same."
Far, far too often our perception is cause.
The thought I now find is helpful for fellowship and church is what can I give, not what I am getting.
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 11:02:13 AM
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Lapidoth
Posts: 4981
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: OKLAHOMA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: agapist
All the churches I went to for awhile were bad, so many small-minded and hypocritical people, dogmatic and cold. I saw little or no brotherly love. Then a strange thought came to me, it was surely not my own, for it said, Is it them or you? That same afternoon a friend showed me a book that mentioned this spiritual axiom: anytime we are troubled or upset, the problem is in us. That night in a movie on TV, the police psychiatrist talked about projection, putting what we do not like or accept about ourselves onto others. It was hard to avoid the obvious.
I began to uncover the sources of my judgments of others through a spiritual practice. I uncovered how protected I was and how much shame seemed to rule my thinking. Remarkably, the poeple at the chrch I was then attending began to get well right along with me.
Let me share this story:
An old man is sitting under this tree by a scenic view of a little village far below in the valley. A motorist pulls up to the scenic view and says to the old man, "Hey, old man, what are the people like down there?"
The old man asks him, "What are the people like where you come from?"
The young man smirks and says, "Petty, selfish, and narrow-minded. Nobody cares about anybody but themselves. I just left that town and I am never going back."
The old man says to him, "I think you will find the people down there to be the same way."
A little while later another motorist pulls him and goes to the old man, "Excuse me, sir, that's a beautiful view. What are the pepople like down there?"
The old man asks him, "What are the people like where you come from?"
The young man smiles and says, "Caring and unselfish. Really giving people. Very warm and friendly. I can hardly wait to get back."
And the old man says to him, "I think yo will find the people down there to be the same."
Far, far too often our perception is cause.
The thought I now find is helpful for fellowship and church is what can I give, not what I am getting.
You beat me to it..........LOL
I was going to tell that parable...........lol
Euty, I knew right off this was to counter the
what is wrong about church threads. And I
guess I have to admit it's over due.
So, thanks bro for putting this up.
We seem to judge the whole by the few nut cases.
I know I have the perfect church of one until the
other members show up....................LOL {sarcasm}
If it weren't for the church family I'd have no family at all.
I am part of a ultimate disfunctional natural family.
Even with all the quirks I can't wait to go to church at the
next time to go..............
Sukkot is next Saturday so we will be going out for a big
breakfast to celebrate. Being a small group we can do this
and get away with it. LOL.
What is good about the church? Friendly fellowship, a moral
compass, help in the time of need, opportunities to be a help,
encouragement when we are down, burdens carried by others.
(((((((CHURCH))))))))
_____________________________
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 11:25:19 AM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2073
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: agapist
All the churches I went to for awhile were bad, so many small-minded and hypocritical people, dogmatic and cold. I saw little or no brotherly love. Then a strange thought came to me, it was surely not my own, for it said, Is it them or you? That same afternoon a friend showed me a book that mentioned this spiritual axiom: anytime we are troubled or upset, the problem is in us. That night in a movie on TV, the police psychiatrist talked about projection, putting what we do not like or accept about ourselves onto others. It was hard to avoid the obvious.
I began to uncover the sources of my judgments of others through a spiritual practice. I uncovered how protected I was and how much shame seemed to rule my thinking. Remarkably, the poeple at the chrch I was then attending began to get well right along with me.
Let me share this story:
An old man is sitting under this tree by a scenic view of a little village far below in the valley. A motorist pulls up to the scenic view and says to the old man, "Hey, old man, what are the people like down there?"
The old man asks him, "What are the people like where you come from?"
The young man smirks and says, "Petty, selfish, and narrow-minded. Nobody cares about anybody but themselves. I just left that town and I am never going back."
The old man says to him, "I think you will find the people down there to be the same way."
A little while later another motorist pulls him and goes to the old man, "Excuse me, sir, that's a beautiful view. What are the pepople like down there?"
The old man asks him, "What are the people like where you come from?"
The young man smiles and says, "Caring and unselfish. Really giving people. Very warm and friendly. I can hardly wait to get back."
And the old man says to him, "I think yo will find the people down there to be the same."
Far, far too often our perception is cause.
The thought I now find is helpful for fellowship and church is what can I give, not what I am getting.
But, friend, this is not fair! You've started a new thread within this thread and I want to respond. 
Yes, perception can be cause.
But not always.
And carnal man loves to abuse this thought. Start a new thread, please. . .
And Euty, thanks for this needful thread. 
_____________________________
Liveloved
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 12:20:26 PM
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Lapidoth
Posts: 4981
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: OKLAHOMA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stampinlady
We've found our home finally. I've have heard the best whole counsel of God taught in many years and I praise God that He brought us here. The Word of God is taught here and to me that's all I need.
That's great news. We all need a good church home.
_____________________________
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 12:51:27 PM
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didymus101
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Sorry, liveloved, but I found this totally appropriate for this thread.
What is right with some churches is what we bring to it, not what we expect to get from it.
What is right with some churches is the work we allow the holy spirit to do on us so we are up to being there for others.
What is right with some churches happens within us, reaching deep for acceptance and mercy and a giving heart.
What is right with some churches is my vision of brotherly love, of seeing each soul as a child of God and worthy of my time and commitment.
What is right with some churches is my responsibility, finding my total rest in Christ.
What is right with some churches is my not looking for what is wrong but where a brother or sister is stuck or needing assistance; a view of mercy, not judgment.
It is always the right church if I give all my heart, mind, soul, and strength to the power of God in helping it grow.
As I said, our perception is often the "cause" of the problems we see, meaning something wrong in us is projected on them. What is right with some churches is getting the eyes to see we are all at different stages of maturity, including ourselves.
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 12:57:13 PM
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didymus101
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Or in other words, the "right church" will always be the one where I allow myself, through the power and grace of God, to give freely, expecting nothing in return.
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 2:02:45 PM
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doinkdom
Posts: 6103
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
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To borrow a descriptive phrase, our local body is the "dearest place on earth."
We practice the "one anothers" in scripture. We take biblical fellowship very serious as we are involved in one another's lives, we are friends, we are family, we share what we can with others (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) as there are several in our group who are functioning widows and orphans.
We strive to talk about and walk out scripture in our daily life. We always point to the bible first, not just as a bandaid or after-thought.
My dearest friends, my beautiful sisters in Christ and my joy are all in our local body.
_____________________________
"Well in my experience if something seems too good to be true
it's best to shoot it just in case."
~Fi
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 2:30:10 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2073
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: agapist
Sorry, liveloved, but I found this totally appropriate for this thread.
What is right with some churches is what we bring to it, not what we expect to get from it.
What is right with some churches is the work we allow the holy spirit to do on us so we are up to being there for others.
What is right with some churches happens within us, reaching deep for acceptance and mercy and a giving heart.
What is right with some churches is my vision of brotherly love, of seeing each soul as a child of God and worthy of my time and commitment.
What is right with some churches is my responsibility, finding my total rest in Christ.
What is right with some churches is my not looking for what is wrong but where a brother or sister is stuck or needing assistance; a view of mercy, not judgment.
It is always the right church if I give all my heart, mind, soul, and strength to the power of God in helping it grow.
As I said, our perception is often the "cause" of the problems we see, meaning something wrong in us is projected on them. What is right with some churches is getting the eyes to see we are all at different stages of maturity, including ourselves.
I'm with ya, agapist, but carry this through. . . all the way to Jesus' day.
So what did Jesus say was right about the church of His day?
Was His perception wrong?
Couldn't He have done all the things you mention above? giving, giving, giving?
Carnal man's perception IS wrong. So his critical judgments and dirt digging in the church is wrong.
However Jesus' perception and those who have His mind will also see the wrongness in the church of today.
And all of these perceptions can be judged (and ususally are) through the filter of carnal man, not spiritual man. And spiritual men are killed or maimed or wounded over and over again by the carnal men who are in charge.
Jesus died because of His perceptions.
So I ask again:
What did Jesus say was right about the church of His day? (Please don't tell me the church didn't exist. . . substitute those practicing religion or whatever phrase you find accurate. . . )
_____________________________
Liveloved
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 2:59:05 PM
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Eutychus
Posts: 7069
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From: Dothan, AL
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I would rather read about "What is RIGHT with some churches these days?"
Thanks,
Euty
_____________________________
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:29
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 3:05:52 PM
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Eutychus
Posts: 7069
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Dothan, AL
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: agapist
Or in other words, the "right church" will always be the one where I allow myself, through the power and grace of God, to give freely, expecting nothing in return.
I agree with your premise. We will be much more joyful with an attitude of "ministering" instead of being "ministered to."
That is one of several reasons I was first attracted to my church - the deacons. Deacons in all the other churches where I'd been a member felt their job was to keep the pastor in line and steer the church. Deacons in my current church believe their job is to help the pastor through ministering: visiting the sick, assisting members & non-members in need, and helping widows and elderly with needs as simple as mowing their lawn, shopping, checking on them, or bringing them food. Unlike other churches where I've been a member, they seek to serve the members and help the pastor instead of rule.
_____________________________
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:29
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 3:11:37 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2073
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Eutychus
I would rather read about "What is RIGHT with some churches these days?"
Thanks,
Euty
I am sorry, Euty. That's why I earlier had said this was the topic of another thread. . . the rightness of the church and the wrongness of the church are really the same topic. But my first response was to honor your desire. My response will now be the same. Bless ya, LL
_____________________________
Liveloved
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 5:05:14 PM
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crankius
Posts: 3350
Joined: 4/12/2005
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The church we attended while Mr. Cranky was in graduate school had a classically trained music leader, and the choir would learn the most beautiful music by composers like John Rutter. This is not something you see in most churches--we appreciated it so much and we truly miss it.
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
God's Attributes
Notable Words
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 5:12:08 PM
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crankius
Posts: 3350
Joined: 4/12/2005
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The pastor at our church preaches expositionally from the Word of God. Whether he is teaching verse by verse through a book of the Bible, or a topical sermon, he carefully examines the passages and fleshes them out. I also appreciate his regular focus on the Gospel message and God's attributes.
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
God's Attributes
Notable Words
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 5:12:56 PM
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doinkdom
Posts: 6103
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
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I dunno if this is right or not...BUT...
I just re-connected with nearly everyone from my youth group in high school/college. We're gonna get together next summer!
It's "right" because we were very close as teens and even today, this reunion will mean more than any other one.
_____________________________
"Well in my experience if something seems too good to be true
it's best to shoot it just in case."
~Fi
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 5:22:31 PM
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crankius
Posts: 3350
Joined: 4/12/2005
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That's great, doinkdom!
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
God's Attributes
Notable Words
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 9/30/2009 5:45:42 PM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 1062
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: offline
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quote:
The point of this thread is to share what you thinks is RIGHT in churches or your local church in particular or believers in general. Edify us. Let's dwell on these things!
Our chuch has its skeletons in the closet, since it is composed of human beings. However, God is also at work, in amazing ways. Since its founding in 1981, King's Park International Church has spun off more than 40 daughter churches, nationally and around the world. Folks who spend time working with the founding pastor get the vision to "go, and do thou likewise."
On a micro scale -- dreams of ministry that had lain dormant in my life for decades have started happening within the last few years. There was no formal church program to train members for outreach to Turkish Muslim grad students, but for some reason, it's happening now, and it didn't before.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: What is RIGHT with some churches these days? - 10/1/2009 1:01:18 AM
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Chrio
Posts: 227
Joined: 6/25/2009
From: INLAND EMPIRE, CA.
Status: offline
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Greetings in Jesus
RJR Fan, That is what is Right with the church! I Bless His name for one that celebrates doing His will over everything else!
This far by Grace ... onward by Faith
_____________________________
Be A Blessing
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