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Regular Joe
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Last Login: 6/5/2008 10:23 AM
Posts: 367,
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| When I think of the GOD that is spoken of in the Bible, the One who is was seen by the prophet as 'high and lifted up', the One before whom heavenly hosts in Revelation fall on their faces and worship, something seems slightly awry with the current trend toward tons of 'religious' and 'Christian' merchandizing around current 'fads' and the most 'popular' books and movements that often offer spiritual 'junk food', instead of the deep and penetrating truths of Scripture. Your thoughts?
In His Toolbox,
B4B
http://mypeoplepc.com/members/dcartwright/CMF_FortCarson/
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Hard Charger
 
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 5:55 AM
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| I am not exactly sure what you are talking about, I am thinking you are talking about the bookof the month or day that tells you how to enhance your life through the book, (or enhance the author's life by purchasing it) rather than the acceptance of christ. And it good to hear from you, its been awhile.
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JR's Chick
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: 11/28/2008 4:34 PM
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I have a general distrust for anyone who is wealthy and in the ministry field. There's a woman and man who both have their own ministries, I can't think of their names right now, but they are very well known, and I view them more as celebrities than preachers, seeing their nice white smiles on book covers and TV ads. Perhaps they have worked hard, are good at what they do and have helped people, but I can't get past my skepticism.
Blacksmith Six
"I'm normally not a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me Superman!" -Homer Simpson
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Site Owner/Operator
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:44 PM
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| It seems these days that the whole liturgical church scene is a big PR job. People are just not getting there on Sundays and its almost like the different denominations are starting to do get desperate and are making concessions to put people in the seats. If the message hasnt changed in 2000 years then maybe the different groups need to evaluate whats changed and get back to basics. My family and I recently got back to church but we decided to try out a group that was worshiping out of the local school. They dont do a "liturgical" service, no rigid service, the dress is casual as well as the athmosphere. I was telling a friend that at first I was really wierded out because it was so 'loose' but after about 6 weeks we realize that it was our old habits and not Gods rules that were part of those other services. Our bottom line is getting to church and getting the message. Dressing up, pipe organ, formal choir, stained glass... its window dressing and if you dont get the POINT then what are we doing there. These days with the cinical nature of everything and formal preaching, I really am starting to enjoy getting up on Sunday morning and going to church and concentrating on the message vs concentrating on what Im wearing.
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Regular Joe
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Last Login: 6/5/2008 10:23 AM
Posts: 367,
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| I didn't want to get specific and end up sounding judegmental, but I wonder when a hugely popular book (with everyone, not just Christians - an indicator in itself _ Jesus said the gospel was an offense to to many) ends up a cottage industry, or when you visit a new 'Christian' movement's site and find a page selling $14.99 mouse pads, etc., or all sorts of 'stuff' on sale by a local 'megachurch' in order to pay for the next 'upgrading' of their facilities - perhaps the state of the art fitness center, and the list goes on........ Some of this is blatant commercialism, some of it is trying to entice the 'seekers' put there, when the only ones 'out there' truly seeking God are those in whom there is a Divine nudging in the first place (John 6:44). If God actually performs the first step in the salvation process (effectually calling some of the lost to Himself) are we as Christians crossing the line and becoming a bit too much like the world? Has sense of the holiness, divine majesty, and awefilled reverence, like Elvis, left the building? That reminds me of one church that actually had an Elvis impersenator on their 'stage' 'performing' How Great Thou Art. this is worship? Like others, I wonder what's happening when ministers (men and women) of the gospel become celebrities and seem to enjoy that celebrity status, especially when contrasted with the character of perhaps the foremost minister of the gospel, the Apostle Paul. I suppose that's enough for now.........
In His Toolbox,
B4B
http://mypeoplepc.com/members/dcartwright/CMF_FortCarson/
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Trooper
Group: Registered User
Last Login: Today @ 7:38 AM
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| I understand what you are saying because I have had some of the same problems. As my brother (Army Chaplain) says sometimes people hear the "Economic Call" from God rather than the old fashioned "Call" on their lives. I have often thought that those who are selling the books that warn of the coming Apocalypse shouldn't be giving them away if they really believe that the end is near. I pastored small churches for years without pay because I had a full time job (teacher at a small college) that took care of my needs. Yes, I too wanted to be pastor of a large wealthy church but isn't it supposed to be what God wants you to do rather than what you want to do? Many people try to create God in their own image rather than letting Him re-create them in His image. Perhaps the "get rich quick" mentality has taken root in the Church as well as in society. We no longer want to work hard enough to earn a reward we want the government to give it to us because it is an entitletment, win it in the lottery, or gain it through a "slip and fall" lawsuit. Ah well. Are these not the signs of the times we were told to look for? Get ready. The King is coming.
 The hippo is unpredictable and aggressive with old scars and fresh, deep wounds providing signs of daily fights that are accompanied by much bellowing, neighing and snorting.
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Seasoned Vet
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 11/7/2008 3:31 PM
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| Get ready. The King is coming  (thumb-up)
sticky307
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Hard Charger
Group: Registered User
Last Login: 11/27/2008 5:29 PM
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B4B I smell TULIPs in your last post  I agree with much of what has been said, there is way too much commercialism out there in the name of ministry but I don't think it is much different now than it has been for the last few hundred years. There are many who would take their place in the Church and use it for their own glory rather than the Glory of God. I too did the "tent-making" thing before I came on active duty with the Army. It's a difficult and busy life but it is amazing to see what God does if we surrender our will to His and allow for Him to be in control.
"...my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in | | | |