tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post1185739527648451118..comments2024-03-24T03:21:03.154-04:00Comments on CAMPONTHIS: MARK DRISCOLL ON ABC NIGHTLINE FACE-OFF...bringing Mars Hill Church to Mars HillSJ Camphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15844201288864307481noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-87156848813298053942014-03-27T06:42:32.951-04:002014-03-27T06:42:32.951-04:00I want to give thanks to the great doctor Lawrence...I want to give thanks to the great doctor Lawrence who help me in getting back my ex-boyfriend i saw a testimony post by miss Kate from Spain about how the great doctor Lawrence had helped her, i decide to email him and to my greatest surprise my ex-boyfriend came back to me after three days of contacting him.i simply want to say thanks for what he had done for me and am so happy may he live long. if you have any problem just email him :drlawrencespelltemple@hotmail.com ... ChalieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05857264258544055069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-35425721069798542042010-09-21T09:04:21.651-04:002010-09-21T09:04:21.651-04:00http://TinyURL.com/LetHimBeDamned
It is time to w...http://TinyURL.com/LetHimBeDamned<br /><br />It is time to wake up and consider how a half truth gospel is subtly (yet very effectively) corrupting the church. John Piper is concerned about it. And he has spoken prophetically here in that even he doesn't know how much what he is teaching is leading those with spiritual ears to hear!<br /><br />This discernment oriented video will cut through the sentimentality and stare truth right in the face and cause those who love the truth (i.e. Jesus) to accept it for what it is. What is truth? It is not just a question that Pontius Pilate had to ask but what all people (especially those who claim to follow Jesus) must ask!<br /><br />http://tinyurl.com/LetHimBeDamnedForAllTruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12262615355101910509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-77211060754937714242009-05-24T01:52:15.392-04:002009-05-24T01:52:15.392-04:00I understand the deep desire for unity that we bel...I understand the deep desire for unity that we believers in Christ have; this is His Spirit working in us... Jesus prayed passionately about our being one and having love for one another in Jn 17. That being said, I don't believe Scripture teaches us to brush valid concerns about a brother's or sister's behavior under the carpet for the sake of unity. I'm not saying that is the case in this particular situation, but I do hope, Steve, that you will stay true to truth, with grace, even in this new feeling of connection with Mark re: his stand on ABC Nightline.<br /><br />I have had some deep concerns regarding Driscoll and MH for some time, and they are different than what yours have been. Although I do share some of your concerns, what grieves me the most is what appears to be spiritual and church abuse at Mars Hill. The following is from my “About” page on my site, Freedom4Captives.wordpres.com :<br /><br />Freedom for Captives is about liberating people from that which binds them. Isa. 61:1 is my calling, my mission in life, namely: “to bring Good News to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” My focus at this time is about exposing what I believe to be church and spiritual abuse occurring at Mars Hill Church, Seattle.<br /><br />In this blog you will find postings which cover: <br />Mars Hill Church Abuse; Mark Driscoll; Spiritual Abuse; Church Abuse; Psychological Abuse; Former Members of Mars Hill; By-Laws; Controlling Personalities in the Church; Narcissistic Leaders & Other Character Disordered Leaders; My Brief Experience of MHC & Abusive Systems; “Christianized” Misogyny; “Wives Submit!”; “Obey Your Leaders!”; Membership Requirements; and more…<br /><br />As a mental health counselor and a survivor of spiritual abuse, I perceive many signs of cult-like control/spiritual abuse: Controlling Pastor with “Yes Men” Elders; No Talk Rule; No Dissent; Emphasis on Submission/Obedience; Shunning of “Unrepentant” Former Members; Dis-fellowshipping Questioners/Critical Thinkers; By-Laws Removing Accountability of Pastor/Elders; Mind/Thought Control; Membership Covenant and Financial Giving Pledge Required; “Biblical” Counseling Only, if Referred Out, Must Sign Release Form (no confidentiality allowed); Kangaroo Court Firing of Two Elders Who Dared to Question; Extreme Gender Role Enforcement; Members Must Attend Accountability/”Community” Groups…<br /><br />Similar lists of abusive churches and leaders are found in VanVonderen’s, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, and Dr. Enroth’s Churches That Abuse).<br /><br />In Him Always,<br />Freedom<br /><br />Freedom4Captives.wordpress.comTruth and Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265253175816307647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-10609225866131015212009-05-14T17:27:00.000-04:002009-05-14T17:27:00.000-04:00Steve,
I guess that I am late to the party,(I jus...Steve,<br /><br />I guess that I am late to the party,(I just moved to Florida) but I wanted to praise the Lord with the rest of those who commented. <br /><br />I think in the ensuing months since we have talked and 'debated' on the issue of Driscoll I have seen some of your concerns. So, the Lord has been working in me as well. <br /><br />If you are ever in Florida near the Gainesville area, look me up and I will take you to coffee. I so enjoyed it when you ministered to the past church I was in, in Michigan.Haydenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01256518337951573331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-29453722319374609892009-04-24T08:39:00.000-04:002009-04-24T08:39:00.000-04:00What in the world?
Where are my glasses?
Did I jus...What in the world?<br />Where are my glasses?<br />Did I just read that?<br /><br />Steve, you are a bigger man than I thought. I commend you for your post, that took guts. And more importantly, teachability and sensitivity to the Spirit's leading.<br /><br />Can't you do anything about John MacArthur? Like remind him that Satan is the accuser of the brethren, so we don't need John MacArthur supplementing him in that role?<br /><br />Maybe he could just focus on preaching more sermons in which there will be a secret Rapture before the Antichrist and the Illuminati run bonkers on the planet. And no one knows the time of Christ's return except those who notice when the rapture happens and count forward exactly seven years, but for some reason that doesn't count. Or do anything except hinder from a distance what God is doing in Seattle or darken counsel by words without knowledge?<br /><br />As for him being the new Spurgeon -- don't make me laugh.guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17886766442705704631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-18932756568119414732009-04-16T18:22:00.000-04:002009-04-16T18:22:00.000-04:00John MacArthur from "The Rape of Solomon's Song Pa...John MacArthur from <A HREF="http://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/pulpit/Posts.aspx?ID=4172" REL="nofollow">"The Rape of Solomon's Song Part 3".</A> <br /><br /><I>When a speaker deliberately arouses lusts that cannot possibly be righteously fulfilled in unmarried college students, or when his personal illustrations fail to guard the privacy and honor of his own wife, that is far worse than merely inappropriate. When done repeatedly and with the demeanor of an immature bad-boy, such a practice reflects a major character defect that is spiritually disqualifying. Any man who makes such things the main trademark of his style is quite simply not above reproach.</I>Chad V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02478790778245966382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-40191508168289972962009-04-14T13:09:00.000-04:002009-04-14T13:09:00.000-04:00Real Family GuyThank you for your comment and the ...<B>Real Family Guy</B>Thank you for your comment and the thoughts you expressed.<br /><br />Let me try to clarify for you a bit further to your concern which I thought I had done in my article.<br /><br />1. I am not sacrificing biblical truth for the sake of unity. On the contrary, I still support my concerns over some of the pulpit language MD uses. <br /><br />2. However, my approach in dealing with these things in the past did not represent a Christlike attitude, humility, nor was it befitting genuine Christian charity. I needed to make that right.<br /><br />3. To charge me here with not being biblically discerning I think is unfair. We are to speak the truth in love; and to do so in a manner that exalts biblical doctrine/theology and lowers needless straw man judgments.<br /><br />4. Lastly, I am certain you would agree that just throwing someone under the evangelical bus is not helpful to the greater body of Christ. But taking the time to measure all things by the Word of God rightly divided on any issue is.<br /><br />Mark is our brother in Christ. Let's treat him as such.<br /><br />I hope this further clarifies for you my position.<br /><br />Grace to you,<br />Steve<br />2 Cor. 13:11SJ Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15844201288864307481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-28329705571434443122009-04-14T12:49:00.000-04:002009-04-14T12:49:00.000-04:00Steve,
I was very saddened and taken back by repo...Steve,<br /><br />I was very saddened and taken back by repositioning yourself as a supporter of Mark Driscoll and his ministry. With all of the truth that has exposed Mark for being a vulgar and irreverent "minister", I am VERY concerned about your continued ability to discern God's Word. You know better than to loosen your Biblical satndards for the sake of false unity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-91946240388809351062009-04-08T16:17:00.000-04:002009-04-08T16:17:00.000-04:00Steve and Danny:Thanks for clarifying the issue. B...Steve and Danny:<BR/><BR/>Thanks for clarifying the issue. Both your posts were very valuable and enlightening to me. <BR/>On a broader note, may I say that this mini-discussion, which started with my disagreement with a statement by Danny, was resolved exactly the right (biblical) way. When Jesus prayed for unity among believers, He wasn't naively saying there would never be disagreement. Praise God for you guys!<BR/>James<BR/>middletree.net<BR/>middletree.blogspot.comJameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04014047518163579226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-23153326849622280352009-04-08T15:54:00.000-04:002009-04-08T15:54:00.000-04:00Steve,This was a profitable post and an example fo...Steve,<BR/>This was a profitable post and an example for all of us who name the name of Christ. Thanks for giving us a front row seat in order to be refreshed (Philemon 1:7). God's blessings to you sir.REMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285866237413113428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-69612964693228340992009-04-08T13:16:00.000-04:002009-04-08T13:16:00.000-04:00Danny brother can i throw you something to conside...Danny brother<BR/> can i throw you something to consider? Maybe your view is quite valid, but it may be possible as with many believers is that they've never really considered ecclesiology, they've never came to a biblical understanding of what church should be, of what preaching should be. "well i like this type of church, well i like this type of preaching.." The question rather is, what does God want, what pleases Him? Then that should be what i want. (sometimes what man calls legalistic or compormise is actually what God calls biblical and necessary) Then over that we must clarify what's NOT important at all (which usually happen to be the things people look for first). hope this helps.Julius Mickelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02453209929174513662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-17057989302158951042009-04-08T11:02:00.000-04:002009-04-08T11:02:00.000-04:00Steve,I wasn't referring to anyone in particulare ...Steve,<BR/>I wasn't referring to anyone in particulare of being a wolf. MD is one of my heroes-certainly not him. I am thinking back through my childhood in fear mongering preaching and oppressive church government. Weighing all that with the fact that God is sovereign frustrates me that he would allow wolves in the sheep pin. I guess I should pray more for the church.Dannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14548496821252885511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-84708538225512348122009-04-07T18:52:00.000-04:002009-04-07T18:52:00.000-04:00Steve, i know statistics like that abound of minis...Steve, i know statistics like that abound of ministers leaving the ministry. <BR/>Yet i'm more familiar with leaders being fired because they stood upon biblical principles. I'm not sure either how exactly a man called of God can be so discouraged that he never again fulfills the call of God over his life: I believe the true minister of God would have such a desire that they wouldn't (nor God allow them) be able to stay away indefinetly (even if it was for a season)- yet as concerns the majority the problem more falls on NOT upholding these biblical standards).<BR/>There has to be broader descriptions that apply to wolves as well (and i'm not saying MD is), other than correct doctrine (is it not possible to have correct doctrine and still lead the people astray by a life inconsistent with it?) The fruit of one's life says much of the gospel (say a ministers home life could pervert the gospel). As Jesus told the disciples 'do what they say, but don't do what they do..(due to their hypocrisy).<BR/>As concerns MD i think a great concern of many within the reformed camp is there attempt to point out that sometimes the 'method' DOES change the message, in what way are we representing our Holy Christ to a culture that already has a twisted Hollywood view of Jesus.Julius Mickelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02453209929174513662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-1277079619269199982009-04-07T17:16:00.000-04:002009-04-07T17:16:00.000-04:00One last thing: if that same man with humility fee...One last thing: if that same man with humility feels he is qualified according to Scripture to serve in the office of elder - that is also a good thing. It is then incumbent upon the pastors and elders already serving in that local church to verify that calling with charity, humility and grace themselves.<BR/><BR/>How many fine men of God have been so weighed down with extra-biblical legalistic nonsense in pursuing the pastorate by those over them, that under the weight of such unprofitable scrutiny and criticism have left the process so discouraged and heart broken never to return again to aspire to that office.SJ Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15844201288864307481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-75724801652769341272009-04-07T17:11:00.000-04:002009-04-07T17:11:00.000-04:00DannyOne verse to consider in yours and James' dis...<B>Danny</B><BR/>One verse to consider in yours and James' discussion here is 1 Tim. 3:1:<BR/><BR/><I>"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task."</I><BR/><BR/>Notice the two words: aspires and desires. They are two separate words in Greek. <BR/><BR/><B>The first word</B> (oregetai) means to reach out or stretch one's self forward to grasp. It is an external function. IOW, not just a desire but an actual seeking after. <BR/><BR/><B>That second word</B> (epithumia) means to have an overwhelming inward desire - to aspire. It is sometimes used in the negative sense for lust (2 Peter 1:4) - so context is very critical in helping understand its proper meaning (similar to James 1 where the same Greek word is used for tempt and trial - context is important). <BR/><BR/>This word then means the internal desire to be an elder. A desire that will not let them go, that has taken them captive, in wanting to serve the Lord and His people as an under-shepherd of Jesus Christ. It is a good thing. It is an excellent and noble thing. Why? Because the daily rigors of caring for God's people is not to be entered into lightly - it is a tireless task without applause and adulation from others. So the man of God must know convincingly that he is called to that office. It is not to be sought after with childish rashness or out of pride. But with moderate, holy, circumspect vigor.<BR/><BR/>So someone who is asserting to their pastors or elders that they have this "strong desire" to be an elder is desiring a good, noble, excellent thing. And should not be seen as prideful or so quickly labeled a wolf for claiming so. That is not in keeping with the text.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, calling someone a wolf (sometimes MD has been referred to that here) is not appropriate. The "wolf" biblically is one who tries to infiltrate a body of believers with unsound doctrine (heresy) and tries to subvert the very authority of God's Word and undermine the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ - neither of which Mark is guilty of.<BR/><BR/><B>So to all here,</B> let's be careful on the general labels being tossed about here without much effort when dealing with our brother... Amen?<BR/><BR/>Hope this helps a bit to bring more clarity...<BR/><BR/>SteveSJ Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15844201288864307481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-70391325410136940952009-04-07T14:57:00.000-04:002009-04-07T14:57:00.000-04:00DannyConsider that a lot of harm has come through ...Danny<BR/>Consider that a lot of harm has come through over-reaction, ,many of us may start to feel like Elijah did (that it was him all alone) but God cleared that one up!<BR/><BR/>Yes it's true there are very few good churches (i've recently went through the search process) even going to churchFinder websites (like 9marks or founders) doesn't mean they'll be healthy (this is very sad)(affliation and accountability aren't synonymous) . But praise God these guys along with www.anchoredintruth.org are beginning to make a dent in Our nation. <BR/>Jesus clearly warned us such wolves would come, we're to test them 'biblically', I like what i heard Paul Washer say once; He said that false teachers are judgments on the people (they get the hire their itching ears wanted) Who's to blame? Perhaps just the elder (he could have lied-even testing someone's conversion isn't failproof), could also include those who hired him, those who endorsed him, not to mention seminaries.<BR/>Lord please raise up more and more shepherds after your heart that will lead by example!Julius Mickelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02453209929174513662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-17527302184178031952009-04-07T14:35:00.000-04:002009-04-07T14:35:00.000-04:00James,Point conceded. Guess I'm struggling with w...James,<BR/>Point conceded. Guess I'm struggling with why God allows some wolves into positions of authority. Is it their sin or those who appoint's shortsightedness. Either way I don't think we properly apply the scriptures to which you refer. We should be more diligent in seeking out Godly leaders. In the church in which i grew up the deacons were elected based on who had the largest lawn mower for the church property.Dannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14548496821252885511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-16672592626303120002009-04-07T12:39:00.000-04:002009-04-07T12:39:00.000-04:00Danny:I too believe scripture should be the founda...Danny:<BR/><BR/>I too believe scripture should be the foundation for anything we believe, and for any answers we come up with. In this case, I presented Scripture to you, to demonstrate that it is not a given that one must be prideful in order to recognize his own qualifications.<BR/>Of course, if you find a Scripture that does say that we can rule out anyone who says they are qualified to be an elder, I'd love to see it. <BR/>James<BR/>www.middletree.netJameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04014047518163579226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-41309235991043910602009-04-07T11:06:00.000-04:002009-04-07T11:06:00.000-04:00James,I will always fall on the side of scripture....James,<BR/>I will always fall on the side of scripture. My reason(opinion)has told me by experience that the guys in the front of the I-want-to-be-an-elder line most of the time are wolves. I can't imagine you haven't run into an elder who shouldn't be an elder. If you haven't I want to move my membership to your church. I know i'm a cynical fool. Have lost much faith in the Bride and it borders on sin and slander...may God help me.Dannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14548496821252885511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-11347661081359649292009-04-07T09:33:00.000-04:002009-04-07T09:33:00.000-04:00Thank you Steve, for your time and answers. And th...Thank you Steve, for your time and answers. And thank you also for allowing us to dialog on this. Keep up the good work.<BR/><BR/>God bless you, brother!Dan Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07265109708112762476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-12198473527246776662009-04-07T09:22:00.000-04:002009-04-07T09:22:00.000-04:00CDHow do you think you'd respond today if the youn...<B>CD</B><BR/><I>How do you think you'd respond today if the young lady who wrote the letter below to Ingrid Schlueter were a member of your local congregation who had approached you for godly counsel about this issue and what responsibility - if any - do you believe Driscoll has to try to prevent this type collateral damage which results directly from the sex-saturated messages emanating from his pulpit?<BR/><BR/>In Christ,<BR/>CD<BR/><BR/>"Dear Mrs. Schlueter,<BR/><BR/>I wanted to thank you so much for your latest post exposing the foul-mouthed “pastor” Mark Driscoll. I am an 18 year old Christian young woman who has struggled with pornography. You have no idea what reading and watching Mark Driscoll’s material did for my spiritual life. I was instantly reminded by my sinful flesh just how much I enjoyed my despicable sin, and was repeatedly tempted so strongly that I had to stop reading his article. I should have been able to find refuge in a godly pastor’s words, not even more temptation. I should be made to think of Holy Scripture, not of the perverted images that I have a hard enough time trying to keep out of my mind.</I><BR/><BR/>I would counsel her that this kind of material crosses the biblical line; not to read it; I would agree that she is correct of a right expectation to find refuge in a godly pastor's words and on the Scriptures, etc. <BR/><BR/>I would also assure her that I would try and contact the pastor responsible for this unfortunate material being publicly taught like this.<BR/><BR/>I dealt with this kind of thing right at the beginning of my article. I don't approve of it at all.<BR/><BR/>I will forward this onto Mark.SJ Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15844201288864307481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-63450521446219212162009-04-07T09:16:00.000-04:002009-04-07T09:16:00.000-04:00Dan S,Are the following verses only to be put in p...<B>Dan S,</B><BR/><I>Are the following verses only to be put in practice by pastors and elders, with reference to their congregants:<BR/><BR/>2 Timothy 3:16<BR/>All scripture is breathed out by God,<BR/>And profitable for teaching,<BR/>For reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.<BR/><BR/>2 Timothy 4:2<BR/>Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.<BR/><BR/>1 Timothy 5:20<BR/>Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.<BR/><BR/>Titus 2:15<BR/>Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.</I><BR/><BR/>Very good question.<BR/><BR/>1. 1 Tim. 5:20 is for the local church. Some pastors feel they have the authority to just go about from church to church and act as judge and jury over other congregations - which is wrong. However, other church elder boards may appeal to the counsel of outside pastors by requesting their insight on certain matters. That is a different thing altogether.<BR/><BR/>2. Titus 2:15 is more general and universal-similar to your other passages mentioned.<BR/><BR/>If a local group of elders are entirely wrong on issues of essential doctrine then that church should be avoided entirely. (i.e. if they are Open Theists or Sabellianists.) <BR/><BR/>If on an issue like this one, we need to trust them in their counsel, ministry to and prayer over their pastor. Again, the one thing you can do is write them directly and see how that may encourage them in their counsel and leadership.SJ Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15844201288864307481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-69856995425542622122009-04-07T02:10:00.000-04:002009-04-07T02:10:00.000-04:00that's the type of offense i was speaking of!Did y...that's the type of offense i was speaking of!<BR/>Did you delete my comment (i posted from a library) <BR/>Not even sure Why unless it was too long or you just didn't like my pointedness?<BR/>I did not attempt to imply that MD fell under the situation in I Cor (i just didn't agree with your interpretation), to charge me like that is quite unfair. and to ask me have i arrived in my sanctification is a uncalled for shot at me.<BR/>It's not a matter of 'is he perfect?' for in that case we shall never be able to judge rightly anything, but a minister has to be judged as a minister and public sins or public offenses warrant public address especially when nothing changes (even if his church is fine with it, if like Phil we believe it's actually a depature from the qualifications of a minister then we must warn others to test this as well). Though there is the personal aspect, there's also the wider who's he affecting.<BR/>Phil Johnson was right on the money when he pointed out the effect this is having on other preachers. Would you agree with Phil's message or do you think he missed it (his interpretation and application)??Julius Mickelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02453209929174513662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-45507860606522253442009-04-06T20:19:00.000-04:002009-04-06T20:19:00.000-04:00Campi,How do you think you'd respond today if the ...Campi,<BR/><BR/>How do you think you'd respond today if the young lady who <B><A HREF="http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/announcement/rise-up-o-men-of-god-your-women-are-fighting-the-battle/" REL="nofollow">wrote the letter below to Ingrid Schlueter</A></B> were a member of your local congregation who had approached you for godly counsel about this issue and what responsibility - if any - do you believe Driscoll has to try to prevent this type collateral damage which results directly from the sex-saturated messages emanating from his pulpit?<BR/><BR/>In Christ,<BR/>CD<BR/><BR/><B>"Dear Mrs. Schlueter,<BR/><BR/>I wanted to thank you so much for your latest post exposing the foul-mouthed “pastor” Mark Driscoll. I am an 18 year old Christian young woman who has struggled with pornography. You have no idea what reading and watching Mark Driscoll’s material did for my spiritual life. I was instantly reminded by my sinful flesh just how much I enjoyed my despicable sin, and was repeatedly tempted so strongly that I had to stop reading his article. I should have been able to find refuge in a godly pastor’s words, not even more temptation. I should be made to think of Holy Scripture, not of the perverted images that I have a hard enough time trying to keep out of my mind.<BR/><BR/>Thank you again for all you do, and God bless!"</B>Coram Deohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03504564435400500996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14012689.post-12144562741766296652009-04-06T11:38:00.000-04:002009-04-06T11:38:00.000-04:00Dear Danny:You said "I would never nominate someon...Dear Danny:<BR/><BR/>You said "I would never nominate someone who thinks they are totally qualified for eldership. Pride and arrogance have no place in church leadership."<BR/><BR/>I'm not convinced that seeing one's qualifications is the same as pride. If God tells you something good about yourself, you're faced with either (a) doing what you believe to be prideful, or (b) calling God a liar. <BR/><BR/>Consider David's words in Psalms such as Psalm 7:<BR/><BR/>Psalm 7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this, If there is injustice in my hands, <BR/>v.4 If I have rewarded evil to my friend, Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary, <BR/>v.5 Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it; And let him trample my life down to the ground And lay my glory in the dust. Selah. <BR/><BR/>v.8 The LORD judges the peoples; Vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me. <BR/>v.9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds. <BR/>v.10 My shield is with God, Who saves the upright in heart. <BR/><BR/>David knows he can refer to himself and his attributes with terms such as righteous, upright, and integrity. Yet if such statements such as these were prideful, they wouldn't have wound up in Scripture.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04014047518163579226noreply@blogger.com