Just joined

[macon church]

My name is Bryan. I am 37 and have just recently found my way back to Christ. I was baptized when I was 8 but strayed from His teachings. I have not found a church in my area to attend as of yet. Don't know how people think about this but I don't like being "preached" to. I would prefer to worship and fellowship instead of hearing nothing but fire and brimstone most of the time.

Anyway, I thought this might be a great way to continue my learning in a way that I am more comfortable. I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Just joined

Don't know how people think about this but I don't like being "preached" to. I would prefer to worship and fellowship instead of hearing nothing but fire and brimstone most of the time.

Well, you have come to the right place!

True Christians™ know that it's only necessary to preach to the unconverted. We exhort the Saved™ to save souls for Jesus and tell them how best to bring those who hate God -- atheists, homosexuals, Wiccans, Muslims, Democrats, "GOProud Republicans", adulterers, fornicators, etc. -- to "conviction", the point where they realize their guilty, sinful nature.

What's your favorite way to help a sinner realize his guilt?

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Well, you have come to the right place!

True Christians™ know that it's only necessary to preach to the unconverted. We exhort the Saved™ to save souls for Jesus and tell them how best to bring those who hate God -- atheists, homosexuals, Wiccans, Muslims, Democrats, "GOProud Republicans", adulterers, fornicators, etc. -- to "conviction", the point where they realize their guilty, sinful nature.

What's your favorite way to help a sinner realize his guilt?

Great line. I lean Libertarian myself. I have Christian values and I want to convert as many as possible but I don't want the govt to impose my values or anyone else's onto other citizens.

"Wherever politics tries to be redemptive, it is promising too much. Where it wishes to do the work of God, it becomes not divine, but demonic." Pope Benedict XVI

Government can't save you. Only God can.

[Nobar King]

Re: Just joined

I don't like being "preached" to.

What do you expect when you go to Church?

[James Hutchins]

Re: Just joined

Great line. I lean Libertarian myself. I have Christian values and I want to convert as many as possible but I don't want the govt to impose my values or anyone else's onto other citizens.

"Wherever politics tries to be redemptive, it is promising too much. Where it wishes to do the work of God, it becomes not divine, but demonic." Pope Benedict XVI

Government can't save you. Only God can.

Son, being a liberal anything is bad business for Jesus.

God wants you to follow His rules His way. You cannot have it your way. If you want to have True Salvation(c) than you better snap out of your liebral ways and follow the KJV exactly as God had it written.
If I did not care about you I would not of said anything. Think about it.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Just joined

"Wherever politics tries to be redemptive, it is promising too much. Where it wishes to do the work of God, it becomes not divine, but demonic." Pope Benedict XVI

Government can't save you. Only God can.

Why are you quoting Pope Maledict the Rapist-Enabler? Are you a Papist stooge?

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Wow some of you guys sure are cruel to be called Christians. And no I'm not a big fan of the Pope at all but he did make a valid point in the quote. And there are plenty of things that a church can do to new members besides being "preached to". How about teaching the word of God? Most I have been to lately do nothing but try to guilt the unsaved into being saved or ask for money. Man, I was hoping to have found a descent forum not be attacked or ridiculed.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Son, being a liberal anything is bad business for Jesus.

God wants you to follow His rules His way. You cannot have it your way. If you want to have True Salvation© than you better snap out of your liebral ways and follow the KJV exactly as God had it written.
If I did not care about you I would not of said anything. Think about it.

I am not a liberal unless you go by the original intent of the word. Where in my post did you get that? I said I was a LIBERTARIAN. Look it up. I just don't think it is the governments job to tell people what to do at all. They should follow the original intent to the Constitution and that is it.

I think doing drugs is stupid and so is smoking cigarettes but I don't want the government dictating the legality of it. I think homosexuality and prostitution are morally wrong but it is not the governments responsibility to curb either action.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Just joined

Wow some of you guys sure are cruel to be called Christians.

How so?

And there are plenty of things that a church can do to new members besides being "preached to". How about teaching the word of God?

That'd be called "preaching".

Most I have been to lately do nothing but try to guilt the unsaved into being saved or ask for money.

Churches need money to spread the Word of God.

The unsaved need to be convicted of their sins and realize that they are hurting God with their little pleasures, so that they can come to repentance and avoid eternal torture in Hell. Why do you think this is a bad thing?

Do you think Christians should lie and say it's OK to offend God by sinning? That'd make us Satan's accomplices, helping people on their way to the Pit.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Not asking anyone to lie about anything. I just think there are better ways to bring people to Jesus than to down talk the unsaved. These people come to church seeking the truth. That can be told to them without the fire and brimstone rhetoric. I have heard many sermons on the radio and internet that have perfected this practice. And I have no problem giving my contributions to a church but to ask every 15 minutes is a little overboard IMO. It seems like that is all they want. And No explaining the word of God is not being "preached to or at" whatever you want to call it. Maybe my choice of words could have been better but I don't need to be yelled at. All I am after is some good teaching of the word of God. Maybe cruel was not a great choice of words either just thought the words would have been more welcome than criticism.

[Brother Temperance]

Re: Just joined

Friend, we are all about teaching God's Word here. I'd advise you to check out our special Bible Study forum.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Just joined

Not asking anyone to lie about anything. I just think there are better ways to bring people to Jesus than to down talk the unsaved. These people come to church seeking the truth. That can be told to them without the fire and brimstone rhetoric.

If they don't understand the danger of turning from God, what will prevent them from a life of sin? We would not be fulfilling our duty to help them make an informed choice between an eternity serving and worshiping God, or an eternity in Hell.

I have heard many sermons on the radio and internet that have perfected this practice.

What, tell you what you want to hear? There are plenty of "Pastor Feelgoods" out there focusing on the Bible readings that give people a warm fuzzy. They'll get a lot warmer when they die, believe you me!

And I have no problem giving my contributions to a church but to ask every 15 minutes is a little overboard IMO. It seems like that is all they want.

At how many services at Landover have you heard a Pastor asking for money every 15 minutes?

And No explaining the word of God is not being "preached to or at" whatever you want to call it.

Sharing the Word of God is called "preaching". Get a dictionary.

Maybe my choice of words could have been better but I don't need to be yelled at.

Who yelled at you? I don't see any yelling. Are you some sort of a pansy, boy? God hates the effeminate, and will cast them into Hell:

1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Not inheriting kingdom of God? Only one other place to go.

All I am after is some good teaching of the word of God. Maybe cruel was not a great choice of words either just thought the words would have been more welcome than criticism.

You show up insulting people who teach ALL of God's Word instead of just the happy bits, and then you quote the Antichrist himself, "Pope" Maledict, and you expect exactly what? A big hug and a cookie?

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

If they don't understand the danger of turning from God, what will prevent them from a life of sin? We would not be fulfilling our duty to help them make an informed choice between an eternity serving and worshiping God, or an eternity in Hell.

Telling someone the danger of being a sinner and talking down to them are two different things. You can tell me you don't know the difference between the two.


What, tell you what you want to hear? There are plenty of "Pastor Feelgoods" out there focusing on the Bible readings that give people a warm fuzzy. They'll get a lot warmer when they die, believe you me!

I don't want anyone "to tell me what I want to hear". I just want someone to teach me. That can be done in a setting different from the fire and brimstone that most seem to spew every Sunday. I have come for the learning but I guess I will get it from another forum or another avenue on this one. I can't believe the earthly judgment I have seen on here. I am just seeking a different method of fellowship than I have seen from most churches. I have heard many sermons dealing with different subjects. the best ones IMO just deal with a subject, quote a few verses from the bible, and then give you an explanation of what God meant minus the "burning in hell" overtones. I think most realize that and don't need it reiterated
all the time. Again most saved and unsaved are already in church to seek answers and realize the consequences of their prior actions. Why not teach these people without talking down to them and making them feel less than human?

At how many services at Landover have you heard a Pastor asking for money every 15 minutes?

Again if you read my post I said I was not local and was seeking other options. I have never been to Landover and was hoping to either get some fellowship in the forums and maybe getting some online sermons. Never meant to imply that it happens at Landover

Sharing the Word of God is called "preaching". Get a dictionary.

I understand that. Not that ignorant which is why it was in quotes. What I was referring to is the talking down to and raising of the voice. Salvation can be done in a much more subtle manner which is why more and more people are doing their worship on their own and the not attending church. What most preachers fail to realize is that these people are already in church. They are not out on the street. they have already made the first and probably the most difficult step which is getting there. All the yelling and criticism probably deter more than help. I am just tired of being talked down to and seeing the constant brigade of "Sunday Christians". You know that ones that attend on Sunday to redeem Monday-Saturday.

Who yelled at you? I don't see any yelling. Are you some sort of a pansy, boy? God hates the effeminate, and will cast them into Hell:

1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Not inheriting kingdom of God? Only one other place to go.

Nobody yelled at me here. I was referring to past experiences in local churches. But like I said, when I joined I did expect more welcome words and less criticism. And yet most Christians can't figure out why turn off most potential converts.



You show up insulting people who teach ALL of God's Word instead of just the happy bits, and then you quote the Antichrist himself, "Pope" Maledict, and you expect exactly what? A big hug and a cookie?

I never insulted anyone. I am seeking a certain type of fellowship and now realize that won't happen here. Not the "happy bits" but not the fire and brimstone stuff either. I am seeking knowledge that I lost. I also didn't realize that the Pope was the antichrist. Wow you people are something else. And then wonder why people don't listen to you and brush you off as fringe. Like I said above, no wonder less and less people attend church.

[Levi Jones]

Re: Just joined

Not asking anyone to lie about anything. I just think there are better ways to bring people to Jesus than to down talk the unsaved. These people come to church seeking the truth. That can be told to them without the fire and brimstone rhetoric. I have heard many sermons on the radio and internet that have perfected this practice. And I have no problem giving my contributions to a church but to ask every 15 minutes is a little overboard IMO. It seems like that is all they want. And No explaining the word of God is not being "preached to or at" whatever you want to call it. Maybe my choice of words could have been better but I don't need to be yelled at. All I am after is some good teaching of the word of God. Maybe cruel was not a great choice of words either just thought the words would have been more welcome than criticism.

Friend, we merely teach the Word as we are instructed to teach it.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

I'm sorry if you think we are mean, but the Bible clearly says you should grow up before the LORD will treat you as a son.

Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

You find that the best sermons are ones where the Bible is quoted less? That is a shame.
How else will you know if the Minister or Pastor is telling the truth?

Speaking of reading the Bible, have you actually sat down and begun reading it cover to cover? That should be your first order of business instead of finding a church. Think for yourself and then decide where you would like to attend.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Friend, we merely teach the Word as we are instructed to teach it.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

I'm sorry if you think we are mean, but the Bible clearly says you should grow up before the LORD will treat you as a son.

Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

You find that the best sermons are ones where the Bible is quoted less? That is a shame.
How else will you know if the Minister or Pastor is telling the truth?

Speaking of reading the Bible, have you actually sat down and begun reading it cover to cover? That should be your first order of business instead of finding a church. Think for yourself and then decide where you would like to attend.

Wow that is the best advice I have gotten so far. And yes I have started reading cover to cover. On my kindle and in print. And I never said where the bible was quoted less. I am all for quotes not just the impersonal interpretation of a pastor. I would actually like more quotes. And there is a vast misinterpretation of what I have been trying to convey. I have no problem with

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

But the high and mighty act is a little tired. How about

Psalms 147:6
The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground

Psalms 149:4
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Matthew 18:3-4
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

And to paraphrase exactly what I have been trying to convey:

Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

There are other ways to lead people to salvation than to talk down to them especially those that have already made the most difficult choice to seek HIS guidance in the first place. It's just a shame that it can't be found in most modern churches. All I have witnessed is most Christians put themselves on a pedestal and attempt to think others are not worthy and deserve to be ridiculed and chastised instead of leading them to redemption in the manner they seek or desire.