Protestantism

» pink101 - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by BrianTubbs:
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Jesus never built a multi-million dollar worship center. He never asked people to send him money - and he would then, in turn, pray for their needs. We need to keep Jesus in mind when we ask whether we are truly FOLLOWING him.
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I have a sense that--if it were up to Jesus alone--we would never have had Christianity. Very few would have ever followed him. Very few ever follow him today.
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Yakkers can yak all they like; but, the truth is on the table. Ollie makes some good points.
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Here's a secret for a pathway to success for you, Brian. Develop a newsletter. Build a mailing list. Always mention that although everyone can't be on the front lines and do the preaching, they can do their part in their own way. And, don't forget to thank them for their faithfulness. That's the start of a mega-church.
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:)
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-- posted by pink101

» redback - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by pink101:

When Christianity moves its discussions from its spiritual philosophy and after-life focus/destination...to the day-to-day; who can recognise a Christian by their actions; how we practice safe agape love; etc... then 'challenges' will emerge. (Well, "yesterday" we called them problems )

"Jesus never built a multi-million dollar worship center..."

as I think of the USA's ( larger than the Cathedral of Notre Dame's ) Crystal 'Cathedral' paid by humankind based on faith another was behind the push to construct it. BTW: Is it also a tourist attraction?

AND I think of the many tithes, will proceeds etc transferred to each church's Property Trust...albeit legal..but a deliberately separate entity. Poor churches, rich Trusts?

"...We need to keep Jesus in mind when we ask whether we are truly FOLLOWING him..."

This is where that 'two birds tied together' thing makes some sense to me and I'm not sure if it was part of Brian's intent. If a sparrow was tied to an eagle, it WILL fly but not if two budgies are tied together.

It behoves us to be clearer about how we understand this thing called 'context'...how we need to link things together for the better sense of it rather than the poorer sense. The selective extracts of Bible passages may lead to better or poorer sense, it seems to me. Caveat emptor.

-- posted by redback

» Migisi - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by BrianTubbs:
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Jesus' own ministry, and the early churches, had their benefactors. We don't read that Jesus specifically asked for donations, but he certainly does commend giving ~everything~ one has to one's church... read Mark 12:41-44 (The Widow's Offering)
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Judas was Jesus' 'keeper of the money bag' (Treasurer), so I must assume Jesus had an operating fund. I can see Judas circulating in the audience passing the hat while Jesus gave his sermons. And given Jesus' large following and the huge crowds that attended, I imagine that Judas' purse was bulging at the end of the day, and the Treasury was quite sizable. I bet the rabbis noticed a drop in Temple offerings because followers were giving everything to Jesus. Another reason to hate Jesus.
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I wonder if Jesus and Judas had budget meetings too. (wink)

-- posted by Migisi

» pink101 - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by Migisi:
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New budgets--new sermons.
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Got any good ideas for getting the congregation to be a little more sacrificial in their giving?
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-- posted by pink101

» Twice__Pardoned - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by pink101:

I have a sense that--if it were up to Jesus alone--we would never have had Christianity. Very few would have ever followed him. Very few ever follow him today.

Hmmm... Jesus actually says in scripture that Men will reject him because of us.

I don't think he'd do what you say though... because first I assume Jesus transcended time, so he KNEW what people would do in His name... and made the choice to go forward anyway.

Also the church is not much different than any other organization... mission statements and motivation... As long as the motivation is to spread the gosepl and the mission Statement is in Love then whatever.

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned

» HeadZenCards - Winners and Losers

In response to Winners and Losers posted by Twice__Pardoned:

There would be less hatred if the world abandoned religious nonsense.

But I am in the world, not of it.

-- posted by HeadZenCards

» pink101 - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by Twice__Pardoned:
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My sense tells me that the apostle Paul is responsible for the creation of Christianity as we know it. Not that Christianity is strictly Pauline; but, that Paul gives it identity and structure.
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-- posted by pink101

» Twice__Pardoned - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by pink101:

Jesus very clearly started the church

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned

» pink101 - Standard of Success

In response to Standard of Success posted by Twice__Pardoned:
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Explain that, would you please.
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-- posted by pink101

» Twice__Pardoned - Winners and Losers

-- posted by Twice__Pardoned