Comments for blogspression.com http://www.blogspression.com Philisophical Ramblings from a Christian Worldview Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:25:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 Comment on Who are the Elders? by wag http://www.blogspression.com/church/who-are-the-elders/#comment-25 wag Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:16:29 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/who-are-the-elders/#comment-25 why does this word pastor keep getting inserted where the scriptures say elder or overseer, its intresting to note luke doesnt seem like used the designation elders in both jewish and gentile churches. paul appoints elders in the churchs not the word pastors, in 1st tim 5;17 verse says elders not pastors why does this word pastor keep getting inserted where the scriptures say elder or overseer, its intresting to note luke doesnt seem like used the designation elders in both jewish and gentile churches. paul appoints elders in the churchs not the word pastors, in 1st tim 5;17 verse says elders not pastors

]]> Comment on Another View on Leadership (guest post) by wag http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-24 wag Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:24:34 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-24 my question is; is the leader[s] of the church the final authority or does the final authority rest in the body of belivers with the word of God. it seems to me the deposit of faith was left in apostolic authority of the scriptures.if therefore we have absolute leaders claiming absolute authority then the word of God ,the priesthood of the believer,the command to test all things have been abandoned creating protestant popes, which many are; i do feel compassion for those who end up in the [pastorate] tring to function as every person's jesus , with the false division between clergy and laity there is always a disconect between the church body and the [pastor]sadly this should not be; however, the corporate mentality of the ceo [ pastor] and board of directors [ deacons] and stock holders [,church] forces this mentality on the church thereby grieving the Holy Spirit and denyng the priesthood and gifted ministry of the belivers... my question is; is the leader[s] of the church the final authority or does the final authority rest in the body of belivers with the word of God. it seems to me the deposit of faith was left in apostolic authority of the scriptures.if therefore we have absolute leaders claiming absolute authority then the word of God ,the priesthood of the believer,the command to test all things have been abandoned creating protestant popes, which many are; i do feel compassion for those who end up in the [pastorate] tring to function as every person’s jesus , with the false division between clergy and laity there is always a disconect between the church body and the [pastor]sadly this should not be; however, the corporate mentality of the ceo [ pastor] and board of directors [ deacons] and stock holders [,church] forces this mentality on the church thereby grieving the Holy Spirit and denyng the priesthood and gifted ministry of the belivers…

]]> Comment on Another View on Leadership (guest post) by wag http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-23 wag Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:51:03 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-23 to breaking my fall your verse acts 20:28 you say the paster/elder has been give the roll ect.. then you switch the term elder to pastor which the verse doesn't say the pastor is called by God to shepherd the flock, also the verse says elders are the overseers doesnt mention the pastor finialy the slite of hand you say ,to oversee to make sure the job is done correctly..... [wide open to debate] you say feed poimaniw i believe is a verb to shepherd however this should refer back to the elders and doesnt mention the pastor or pastors however you switch the term and state the pastor has been called to oversee.. however in this verse the Holy Spirit called the elder[s] to oversee and shepherd the church . i finish in agreement with your final statement that the direction and leading of the church should fall under them as long as them are those the Holy Spirit in acts 20/28 are the elders. to breaking my fall your verse acts 20:28 you say the paster/elder has been give the roll ect.. then you switch the term elder to pastor which the verse doesn’t say the pastor is called by God to shepherd the flock, also the verse says elders are the overseers doesnt mention the pastor finialy the slite of hand you say ,to oversee to make sure the job is done correctly….. [wide open to debate] you say feed poimaniw i believe is a verb to shepherd however this should refer back to the elders and doesnt mention the pastor or pastors however you switch the term and state the pastor has been called to oversee.. however in this verse the Holy Spirit called the elder[s] to oversee and shepherd the church . i finish in agreement with your final statement that the direction and leading of the church should fall under them as long as them are those the Holy Spirit in acts 20/28 are the elders.

]]> Comment on Bridge for Sale by wag http://www.blogspression.com/ridiculous/bridge-for-sale/#comment-22 wag Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:15:27 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/ridiculous/bridge-for-sale/#comment-22 Benny Shanon assumes that because there were drugs on Mt Sinai, which he gives no evidence of, that Moses took them, which is again an assumption. The issue is, what does the text [scriptures] say? Second, am I to assume because there are psychedelic drugs in Jerusalem or at Benny's university that he is taking them while making these claims about Moses. Maybe because he had previously taken drugs, that he is still taking them now. Obviously his real issue is as he himself states, he doesn't believe in the supernatural. This puts a severe disadvantage on his conclusion and categorically limits him to where the evidence would lead in the text of the Old Testament. Suppose I state I don't believe in cognitive psychology because it was made up by people in the 60's who did L.S.D. and used it in religious rites. Stating this as a truth would be the same as Shanon's statement about Moses. I mean how does he know Moses was taking drugs? Was it 'probably yes' or 'probably no' or is he himself probably on ayahuasca. Benny Shanon assumes that because there were drugs on Mt Sinai, which he gives no evidence of, that Moses took them, which is again an assumption. The issue is, what does the text [scriptures] say? Second, am I to assume because there are psychedelic drugs in Jerusalem or at Benny’s university that he is taking them while making these claims about Moses. Maybe because he had previously taken drugs, that he is still taking them now. Obviously his real issue is as he himself states, he doesn’t believe in the supernatural. This puts a severe disadvantage on his conclusion and categorically limits him to where the evidence would lead in the text of the Old Testament. Suppose I state I don’t believe in cognitive psychology because it was made up by people in the 60’s who did L.S.D. and used it in religious rites. Stating this as a truth would be the same as Shanon’s statement about Moses. I mean how does he know Moses was taking drugs? Was it ‘probably yes’ or ‘probably no’ or is he himself probably on ayahuasca.

]]> Comment on Moment Of Truth by jmorton http://www.blogspression.com/media/moment-of-truth/#comment-21 jmorton Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:35:04 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/media/moment-of-truth/#comment-21 This goes to show that the truth of Christianity can be seen in the most unexpected circumstances. Great story! This goes to show that the truth of Christianity can be seen in the most unexpected circumstances. Great story!

]]> Comment on Moment Of Truth by breakingmyfall http://www.blogspression.com/media/moment-of-truth/#comment-20 breakingmyfall Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:14:51 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/media/moment-of-truth/#comment-20 good post... good post…

]]> Comment on Another View on Leadership (guest post) by Anthony http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-19 Anthony Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:43:04 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-19 I'm not sure that Christians discussing ideas among themselves is dangerous since we know that iron sharpens iron. I think as long as the discussion takes place with Biblical authority in place there is nothing to fear. I believe there to be liberty on certain views (ie holy days, food, ect. Rom 14 ). Since no one has "perfect doctrine" I think it's safe to say that differences will occur. We are all unified in Christ and called by God to be His children. His word serves as our authority and I do think the elders should discern what is worth defending and what is simply iron sharpening iron. Now if there is a movement to replace certain unchangeable doctrines (ie who Jesus is, salvation, ect) with heretical views than I would say there are wolves among us. Peace. I’m not sure that Christians discussing ideas among themselves is dangerous since we know that iron sharpens iron. I think as long as the discussion takes place with Biblical authority in place there is nothing to fear. I believe there to be liberty on certain views (ie holy days, food, ect. Rom 14 ). Since no one has “perfect doctrine” I think it’s safe to say that differences will occur. We are all unified in Christ and called by God to be His children. His word serves as our authority and I do think the elders should discern what is worth defending and what is simply iron sharpening iron. Now if there is a movement to replace certain unchangeable doctrines (ie who Jesus is, salvation, ect) with heretical views than I would say there are wolves among us. Peace.

]]> Comment on Another View on Leadership (guest post) by breakingmyfall http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-18 breakingmyfall Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:55:09 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-18 "I think the “facist” remark on the other post was related to the statement that regular people (dumb sheep if you prefer) are only allowed to share opinions with their pastor. That is absurd and down right scary. It must be a joke." If the opinions are ones that will affect the church and it's body, then yes it should go through the Pastor/Elders since he/they are responsible for the local church as God has called them to be. Dissension in a church often occurs when people "Share their opinions" freely with others without going to the leaders first. This usually creates gossip, misunderstandings, etc... And let's just understand, when I say opinions I don't mean "I think the Patriots should of won the superbowl" It is in reference to opinions that are vital to the ministry of the church. And yes, I think the patriots should of won the superbowl. “I think the “facist” remark on the other post was related to the statement that regular people (dumb sheep if you prefer) are only allowed to share opinions with their pastor. That is absurd and down right scary. It must be a joke.”

If the opinions are ones that will affect the church and it’s body, then yes it should go through the Pastor/Elders since he/they are responsible for the local church as God has called them to be.

Dissension in a church often occurs when people “Share their opinions” freely with others without going to the leaders first.

This usually creates gossip, misunderstandings, etc…

And let’s just understand, when I say opinions I don’t mean “I think the Patriots should of won the superbowl” It is in reference to opinions that are vital to the ministry of the church.

And yes, I think the patriots should of won the superbowl.

]]> Comment on Another View on Leadership (guest post) by jmorton http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-17 jmorton Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:43:36 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/another-view-on-leadership-guest-post/#comment-17 In Heb 13:17 According to Strongs, the word used for "rule" more properly should be "lead" since ruling implies political governing or lordship. This kind of ruling is specifically denounced by Jesus in Matt 20:25-28. The balance between leading people without lording over them is a difficult task. The prescribed biblical method is to have a plurality of leaders. General examples are found where elders are nearly always referred to in the plural [1 Timothy 5:17, Titus 1:5]. Other examples include when major decisions were needed, the elders came together to discuss and debate the issues so that the will of God could be diserned [Acts 15]. Having a single Pastor/ Elder/ overseer as a solo act is not supported in scripture, and is dangerous if left unchecked. I think the "facist" remark on the other post was related to the statement that regular people (dumb sheep if you prefer) are only allowed to share opinions with their pastor. That is absurd and down right scary. It must be a joke. In Heb 13:17 According to Strongs, the word used for “rule” more properly should be “lead” since ruling implies political governing or lordship. This kind of ruling is specifically denounced by Jesus in Matt 20:25-28. The balance between leading people without lording over them is a difficult task. The prescribed biblical method is to have a plurality of leaders. General examples are found where elders are nearly always referred to in the plural [1 Timothy 5:17, Titus 1:5]. Other examples include when major decisions were needed, the elders came together to discuss and debate the issues so that the will of God could be diserned [Acts 15]. Having a single Pastor/ Elder/ overseer as a solo act is not supported in scripture, and is dangerous if left unchecked. I think the “facist” remark on the other post was related to the statement that regular people (dumb sheep if you prefer) are only allowed to share opinions with their pastor. That is absurd and down right scary. It must be a joke.

]]> Comment on Who are the Elders? by Anthony http://www.blogspression.com/church/who-are-the-elders/#comment-12 Anthony Mon, 25 Feb 2008 03:55:22 +0000 http://www.blogspression.com/church/who-are-the-elders/#comment-12 Hello Callalily, I have read Acts 2 and found no verse stating Peter having authority over any apostles. I will agree that he gave a compelling sermon. After the sermon though the people continued in the apostles' doctrine, not just Peter's. (Acts 2:42) It also mentions that many wonders and signs were done through the apostles (not just Peter). (Acts 2:43) As far as James standing out during the Jerusalem council, I will also have to agree to disagree. During the council the Bible records Peter speaking, mentions that Paul and Barnabas spoke, and also records what James said. Nothing within that council states that James was in charge. It does seem though, he gave a mini sermon. I am open to the fact that I may see something wrongly, and I take rebuke seriously. I'm not sure what point in my posts were haughty or seemed to indicate a pride problem, but I assure you that is not my heart. I enjoy studying scripture and commenting on what I read. I am also not sure how Heb 13:17 applies to any of these posts. Thank you again for your comments and may God Bless you. Hello Callalily,
I have read Acts 2 and found no verse stating Peter having authority over any apostles. I will agree that he gave a compelling sermon. After the sermon though the people continued in the apostles’ doctrine, not just Peter’s. (Acts 2:42)
It also mentions that many wonders and signs were done through the apostles (not just Peter). (Acts 2:43)
As far as James standing out during the Jerusalem council, I will also have to agree to disagree. During the council the Bible records Peter speaking, mentions that Paul and Barnabas spoke, and also records what James said. Nothing within that council states that James was in charge. It does seem though, he gave a mini sermon.
I am open to the fact that I may see something wrongly, and I take rebuke seriously. I’m not sure what point in my posts were haughty or seemed to indicate a pride problem, but I assure you that is not my heart. I enjoy studying scripture and commenting on what I read. I am also not sure how Heb 13:17 applies to any of these posts. Thank you again for your comments and may God Bless you.

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