Tags
agents of the devil, bible twister, Brian Houston, Chris Rosebrough, cunning, Deceitful, deceiver, devil, distorting, giglio, heretic, Hillsong, houston, Intentionally Deceitful, liar, louie giglio, maaing the point, only for a while, pretzel, pulpit, Rosebrough, tampering, tap-dance, word of faith, word of faith heretic
Scriptures say,
“We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” – Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 4:2-6. Emphasis added.
Before starting his review on Brian Houston’s sermon ‘Only For A While’, Rosebrough says the following.
“I told you this sermon was coming up so you had fair warning. I told you before I went on Christmas break that Brian Houston was going to be umm- ‘preaching’ at Saddleback. He is one of the main teachers of the prosperity heresy. (Tells you that Rick Warren’s theology is off the rails.)” – Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://0352182.netsolhost.com/F4F/F4F010713.mp3: 1:31:35, 07/01/2013.
Brian Houston sermon is (supposedly) based on 2 Corinthians 7.
Here is the sermon:
JANUARY 07, 2013
LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37
Click Here to Download this episode
Program segments:
• Does John 14:26 say that the Holy Spirit Will Speak in Your Heart?
• Louie Giglio Twists Ezekiel 37 at Passion 2013
• Sermon Review: Only For a While by Brian Houston preaching at Saddleback
Email your questions or comments to: talkback@fightingforthefaith.com
Source: Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/2013/01/louie-giglio-twists-ezekiel-37.html, 07/01/2013. (Accessed 13/01/2013.)
Rosebrough further states “Brian Houston of Hillsong” is,
“a noted, well-known prosperity/Word-of-Faith heretic. That’s what Brian Houston is. We’ve covered quite a few of his false sermons here at Fighting For The Faith over the years. And it’s important to note he’s at Saddleback church. That’s basically Rick Warren thumbing his nose at Jesus and the Holy Spirit and saying, ‘I don’t care if Your Word says to separate myself from people who teach false doctrine. I’m going to have Brian Houston over here anyway because he’s so popular right now’. I think that’s the right way of looking at it.” – Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://0352182.netsolhost.com/F4F/F4F010713.mp3: 1:32:10, 07/01/2013.
Christ Rosebrough accuses Brian Houston of serious issues in how he treats 2 Corinthians 7. At 2:02:35, Rosebrough states how Houston is handling the text.
“He’s missing, I would say intentionally missing the point of this letter.”
Then came this serious protest against Houston’s handling of the biblical text.
“Listen. Folks, I’m sorry. I’ve watched this thing twice. This is intentional. This is absolute intentionally deceitful. He starts off in the New King James version and then right here, he switches to ‘The Message’. And the reason why he switches to ‘The Message’ is so that he doesn’t have to read, ‘for Godly grief produces repentance’… He literally wants to avoid what this text says… So at this point, this is like a magic trick. Okay? He’s now going to, ‘Oh! Just let me switch to The Message okay?’ But he’s doing that so that he can continue to make his point that ‘they discovered the power of ‘only for a while’, rather than make the point how Godly grief produces repentance.” – Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://0352182.netsolhost.com/F4F/F4F010713.mp3: 2:03:02, 07/01/2013.
The sermon was so bad, Brian Houston had Chris Rosebrough marvel.
“Man! He is a skilled- quite skilled bible-twister. He is very careful to avoid the passages that would upset the agenda that he has set for this text. Because the last thing he wants to do is let God’s agenda for this text, come through.” – Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://0352182.netsolhost.com/F4F/F4F010713.mp3: 2:17:42, 07/01/2013.
Later, Rosebrough observes,
“Brian Houston has done a masterful tap-dance routine here to make sure to avoid having to talk about Godly grief that produces repentance.” – Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://0352182.netsolhost.com/F4F/F4F010713.mp3: 2:18:47, 07/01/2013.
Rosebrough ends his review with this conclusion:
“He literally bent God’s Word into a pretzel- literally distorted it in order to avoid at all costs, making the point that’s actually been made in this text… Brian Houston literally, did everything in his power, pulled out every hermeneutical twisting technique that you could possibly think of. Going backwards in the text. Forwards in the text. Switching to The Message paraphrase. Everything he could do to make sure not to make the point the text makes. And what would you expect from somebody who is a Word of Faith heretic? They are not men of God (or women of God). None of the above. They are agents of the devil and the devil is a liar and a deceiver. That’s why when they get the pulpit or get on stage they lie and they deceive by tampering and distorting God’s Word. Dangerous days we live in.” – Chris Rosebrough, LOUIE GIGLIO TWISTS EZEKIEL 37, http://0352182.netsolhost.com/F4F/F4F010713.mp3: 2:33:21, 07/01/2013.
While the Apostle Paul refuses “to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, Rosebrough exposed Brian Houston of his cunning. That is, he exposed Houston of intentionally tampering “with God’s word” to preach what he wanted to preach.
But it’s worse than that. Brian Houston attacked and demonised the Apostle Paul. How?
It was the Apostle who rebuked his readers and gave them Godly grief. And it was also Paul in this letter that stated, “what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” So not only did they rebuke the Corinthians, they purposely saw themselves as servants to Jesus, not proclaiming themselves but JESUS. As John the Baptist declared that he must decrease so Jesus may increase, so too was Paul and his instruction to the Corinth church similar.
Brian Houston did the exact opposite. He preached selfishness and excluded Jesus. Brian had the audacity to say, “the devil wants to keep your life small”. Doesn’t that sound like something Paul’s enemies would say? Why would you want to limit yourself to the role of a servant? Isn’t that small thinking? Isn’t that limiting your potential for God’s plan in your life? Do you think Brian Houston has a god that keeps him on the narrow road and points him to the small gate?
Hillsong Church Watch 
Testing…
I don’t believe you should test God.
“I don’t believe you should test God.”
newtaste again taking something out of context.
I think you should be focusing more on what we are called to do as Christians and followers of Christ instead of condemning a church that only wishes to bring people closer to Jesus.
Instead of speaking so rudely, maybe you should pray for Brian Houston if you feel this way.
Well said.
“I think you should be focusing more on what we are called to do as Christians and followers of Christ instead of condemning a church that only wishes to bring people closer to Jesus…”
This sounds just like Newtastes’ obfuscation routine, doesn’t it? Instead of dealing with the issues contained in the article, they use deflection tactics and say basically, that we should just “get on with it” and ignore such glaringly obvious heresy and self promotion, as espoused by Houston and Co.
Why bother praying for someone like Brian? My Bible is clear, that a heretic gets a first and second admonition and is then cast out:
“A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sins, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10, 11
The only prayer I could pray, is one where God would remove him from his Hill$ong perch, and deal with him severely, until he repented.
“Well said” @Carly?
You must be Newtastes’ apprentice Carly, as you are learning to appreciate the “art of obfuscation” too…and you are learning at the hands of a master in the art.
Why don’t you just read your Bible, and get some insight into what the Hill$ong leaders are really all about? It isn’t about Jesus Christ and his kingdom… Perhaps you could start at Matthew 7:13+ and read on…
“I think you should be focusing more on what we are called to do as Christians and followers of Christ instead of condemning a church….”
Read what the Bible says we are called to do as Christians:
hebrews 5:14 — But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
ephesians 5:11 — And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
“Instead of speaking so rudely, maybe you should pray for Brian Houston if you feel this way.”
The truth about Hillsong is not pretty, there is no way to make it pretty. Also it has been said here several times before that those here do pray for Brian Houston and Hillsong.
I’m so sorry you feel that way. I can’t imagine why one must feel so spiteful. Trust me, I know the God of the Bible. I don’t pretend to think that you may or may not be better educated than myself. I stand firm behind not only Brian Houston, but the entire church as well. You seem to troll looking, begging for an argument. I’m sorry you feel this way, to me a very scarred and angry individual. Maybe you are the most loving person on the planet, but your comments portray you as different. Over my years I’ve learned that there are a great number of churches and denominations that have great strengths for the believer to draw upon with out losing our core value of Christ being the one way. I’m sorry you feel so angered by Hillsong. Wonder where that comes from? Anyway, I do wish you the best as you continue your journey in faith. I pray you find peace and you are able to express your views with rationality and to also be able to listen to others without it becoming a threat to you individually and your faith.
Do not flatter yourself. The only ones threatened by Hillsong and you are others like who like you who do not care what the Bible says, nor understand how to discern good from evil.
Your lacking has nothing to do with me.
“I’m so sorry you feel that way….”
Appeal to feelings, accusations of spitefulness, calling critic a troll and projecting imaginary psychological inadequacies onto them (instead responding to the scripture verse/passage itself). Standard reflex response by Hillsongee.
” I stand firm behind not only Brian Houston, but the entire church as well.”
Why not behind Christ first? The real worldwide invisible church believes in Christ and puts GOD first, people second.
This phrase “….and you are able to express your views with rationality…” is quite ironic. How about *you* rationally defend your position and answer the bible verses Chip quoted with your thoughts i.e. logical reasoning stead of your emotions?
“Trust me, I know the God of the Bible.”
From the low level of knowledge you have displayed here so far, I would not trust you on anything.
“I pray you find peace…”
Going by the tenor in all your posts, one must question whether you pray at all.
“You seem to troll looking, begging for an argument.”
You have it backwards. The ones who often use Scriptures on Bible websites are not the trolls, it is ones like yourself who have no fluidity with the Scriptures.
”I stand firm behind not only Brian Houston, but the entire church as well.”
That’s typical of every previous Hillsongee who has proudly ridden in here upon their high horse. They’re all mouth, with no Bible to back it up, until they leave all befuddled in a cloud of shame.
Why are you so cruel? I just don’t get it?! I am the wife of a pastor, with a degree in theology. (And not at Hillsong, thank you) Goodness, I shake my head at your meanness. What are you trying to accomplish exactly. You call me stupid, wow…I’m sorry, but I find your people skills beyond poor. I hope that ultimately people can see Christ thru you. Sorry you have to resort to calling people stupid, lol. That’s super cool dude. lol. I don’t care what you think of me, I know Christ as my Lord & saviour. And I also know I respect the work of many churches, including Hillsong. I’m sorry we disagree. But I may be surprised to see YOU in heaven. Lol. Just kidding. Not everyone is out to attack. I simply came across this and wanted to voice my experience with Hillsong. It’s amazing you can disagree with an individual’s experience, but it seems you can. And yes..I used the word “experience”. I meant as a whole experience, the Bible teaching was great too.
Carly – having a degree in theology (as do some of the moderators and commenters here), do you believe Hillsong and its pastors preach the Word of God biblically, in context? Have you ever seen them spends months or even years going verse by verse through the text, producing congregations that are educated with the full council of the Lord?
Do you believe it’s biblical for Hillsong to have unbiblical mysticism (Beth Moore and Christine Caine) preached from their pulpits (though it’s usually a stage these days)?
Do you believe it’s appropriate for Brain Houston to have fellowship and encourage his congregations to approve modalist heretic T. D. Jakes?
I’m sorry, I don’t have time for this anymore, I have far bigger priorities than trying to explain my story to someone who clearly doesn’t give a crap. Sorry we can’t all live up to your so called standard. But watch your mouth. I’m not you, but my faith is real. And I’ve entertained you enough. There is NOTHING I could say for you to respect me, and for that I can’t respect you. The church SHOULD NOT stand divided. It’s just disgusting that you can so easily reject anyone that doesn’t share your opinion. For that you get no more of my story, had you treated with respect in a meaningful conversation id be happy. Education. AOG BACH OF THEO. Look it up yourself as you seem to have an abundance of time.
“Pastors ” wife? Lol. Leaving my personal details out, because clearly you are abusive and demeaning.
Carly, it’s quite confusing talking to you. Does the rudeness stem from a different personality i.e. “lunchbox blues”? The personality that doesn’t like the boundaries of having to be a Christ-like pastor’s wife?
Quotations…you are the one that “mocked” me. What thrill do you get?
Lunchboxblues/Carly – you’re the one who told us you’re a pastor’s wife.
@Carly – and what was that “Bible teaching” specifically, Carly? Can you remember some of the highlights, and mention them briefly? I’d like to know just what it is that you got out of Brian Houstons’ motivational talks… and of course, just what he got out of you – lots of money, Carly???
Being a ‘pastor’s’ wife should have made you more discerning, but apparently it didn’t…
I’m not being mean and nasty, as you may perceive others to be, but I’m asking the same questions Carly, because they must be asked. But Hill$ong and other ‘churches’ like them, don’t seem to want to answer them.
But seeing that you are so wise, perhaps you can answer for them???
“I have far bigger priorities than trying to explain my story to someone who clearly doesn’t give a crap.”
Carly, Lunchbox, Whoever. What you display is an argumentative and judgmental spirit. Recognizing wickedness is not mean. The Bible points it out and says we are to mark them and flee from it. Jesus was quick and even forceful in pointing deceivers out. Do you think Jesus was being mean? I think it’s cruel to deceive millions of people out of their money like many of these ‘pastors’ are doing.
“I am the wife of a pastor, with a degree in theology.”
So with your degree, you should know better than to support Brian Houston. Brian McClaren also has a ‘doctorate’ degree in theology. As does word-of-faith heretic A.R. Bernard. As does false prophet Phil Pringle. A degree does not guarantee anything, what good spiritually did it do these men?
“The church SHOULD NOT stand divided.”
Pringle claims to see gigantic angels standing next to him. Pringle’s wife claims to see angels flying around in church. Their followers believe this. Do you think it is ?KIND? of them to deceive millions of people like that? What ?GOODNESS? or ?UNITY? do you find in that? The Bible calls financial gain from that sort of thing…. ‘filthy.’
Nobody here is dividing the church, it is those doctrinal deceivers who are dividing the church. When is the last time you brought this up to: Brian Houston, Phil Pringle, Rob Bell, Rick Warren, Perry Noble, Judah Smith, and Casey Treat?
Where is my right to an opinion? You seem to think you are the only one who knows anything.
”I stand firm behind not only Brian Houston, but the entire church as well.”
Then you stand with Brian Houston that ‘Christians and muslims serve the same God?’
“I am the wife of a pastor, with a degree in theology.”
You are a puffed-up nonentity: a clueless moron with a meaningless piece of paper, who is hitched to a fraud who has even less idea than you do.
If this husband of yours really sees himself as a “pastor”, why doesn’t he comment here himself? Or is he quite content to have his whiny little Miss Jezebel wear the pants?
Are you even a Christian? Seriously who talks like that? C’mon!! what are you getting from this? This is not healthy discussion.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have time for this anymore”
More to the point, you don’t have the brains for it.
So rude. Why?
“If this husband of yours really sees himself as a “pastor”, why doesn’t he comment here himself? Or is he quite content to have his whiny little Miss Jezebel wear the pants?”
i wonder if hubby lets her teach her talk that smack from the pulpit in church, seeing how she’s got that big degree and all – Lol !
“you are clearly a waste of breathe.
Now why don’t you go ahead and mellow out, drama queen.
So rude. Why?”
Hypocrite.
So you’ve got a theological degree and your husband is a pastor.
1 Timothy 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. http://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-timothy/3-11.html
Have your responses demonstrated holiness, discreteness, soberness?
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
How do your responses demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit?
And you know what, I’m not the smartest person out there, but I’m not the dumbest. I’m not the most perfect person either. I’m here on this earth to serve my God and creator and to continue to learn His ways. I don’t say this to try to flatter myself, but I am one of those rare individuals who has given up everything for the call of God on my life. It wasn’t easy. But God has restored every aspect of my life to fuller than it was and I learned so much. I am confident to continue down that path. I’m sorry for ever commenting. I thought you may have appreciated hearing someone with a positive experience. I see now, that wasn’t the case. My apologies. May you go forth in the wisdom of God to do the work He has called you to do. And do so with a good heart.
Perhaps God brought you to this challenging website for people like yourself for a reason? Two passages came to mind for you:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+15%3A1-5&version=KJV
*3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
We are made clean through faith in Jesus and His word. Not through our own personal sacrifices/ good deeds/ church we choose to attend.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A5-13&version=KJV
*12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees*.
See what good can come of the rebukes you have received by comparing them with scripture OK?
P.S. I found the Book of Proverbs extremely constructive on making my thought patterns line up with the bible. I suggest you read a chapter, look at verse that jumps out and Google a relevant sermon to listen to / read that day.
I love those verses, and quite enjoy the book of Proverbs.way to go champ!
The problem with you hillsong supporters is always the same old deal…. you are into Experiences as opposed to being into the Bible.
Oh darling…you have no idea my experience. Hush! Shame on you for speaking on my experiences. Tsk tsk.
Personal experiences are real. However are they from automatically from God?
Many atheist sports fans probably experience what believers claim are religious experiences/ God touching their heart when their team wins Grand Final. 🙂
Thinker, very true.
Upon leaving a department store, my atheist sister-in-law immediately discovered in the parking lot that a dog sweater she got, failed to be rung up on the sales receipt.
She was very excited when she told us. Rather than going back in and paying for it, she said “It must have been God saving her some money!!”
That line was coming from the same person who months earlier claimed she was so honest, she has never stolen anything in her life.
(Not including the fact that when she visits salad bars, she secretly stuffs as much in her purse as she can before she leaves.)
And don’t ask me to reconcile her being an atheist with claiming ‘God was saving her some money”, because this is her typical contradictory way of thinking.
“[….] I’m not the smartest person out there […]”
We could easily discern that from the fact that you struggle with basic English (your “theology degree” notwithstanding).
“[…] but I’m not the dumbest.”
The jury remains out on that one. Evidence to date strongly suggests that it would be very difficult to underestimate the extent of your intellectual prowess.
I’m an average joe. I don’t believe in talking hoity toity to try to bring others down. You all excel at tearing me down, but if you were so convinced of what you believe, would you just call me dumb? I’m not like you. I believe the bible, can discuss it, but you are tremendously rude and think you are something pretty special. And I’m sure you are. This hasn’t even been an attempt at talking which was my goal, but like every one of you have proved, me included, that can’t be done without mudslinging. Make a joke of me, laugh, I hope it makes you feel like the interaction with me was worth it. You are stuck up snobs with no embrace unless it suits your own means. I am far more advanced in dealing with people. That is where my strong suit is. Can anyone say anything nice? Yes? No? Perhaps answer a question I asked.
It seems we are having the same problem you’re saying you have with us, answering questions. Questions that are reasonable and just might contribute to some useful dialogue between us. So I submit the same comment I made earlier:
Carly – having a degree in theology (as do some of the moderators and commenters here), do you believe Hillsong and its pastors preach the Word of God biblically, in context? Have you ever seen them spends months or even years going verse by verse through the text, producing congregations that are educated with the full council of the Lord?
Do you believe it’s biblical for Hillsong to have unbiblical mysticism (Beth Moore and Christine Caine) preached from their pulpits (though it’s usually a stage these days)?
Do you believe it’s appropriate for Brain Houston to have fellowship and encourage his congregations to approve modalist heretic T. D. Jakes?
Tomorrow I will answer! Thank you for engaging politely.
“You are stuck up snobs with no embrace unless it suits your own means. I am far more advanced in dealing with people.”
You are the epitome of arrogance.
No. I’m not.
I’m different than you.
That doesn’t make me ignorant.
Shame on you for such wreckless words.
There is a God given value and wisdom in my life. Who are you to judge what you don’t know.
“I’m an average joe.”
Well if the truth be told, you are not really that at all. However, it is wonderful that you dare to dream, and that you aspire to one day reach such heights, no matter how far they may seem to be beyond your reach.
I’m sure that if you commit your way to Brian Houston – if you unswervingly abide by his word, if you obey his commands and walk in his precepts, and if, above all, you shower him with your money – you will see the fruits of your labours. Yes, Carly, one day you may ascend to the hillock of mediocrity – you may become average. (Who knows, you may even be able to shame that “pastor” husband of yours into making something of himself as well).
You think Brian has some god-like factor in my life. I assure that’s false. Thank you for calling me dumb. I could say a lot of what I think of you for stopping to that level but I’m not. How can you call anyone stupid?! I just shake my head. My life has been anything but mediocre and I’d be willing to bet, I’ve stepped up and served God in ways some of you could only imagine.
Lol…I am happy to read the links AS I ALREADY STATED!! Did NOT ask to be spoon fed, simply was asking for dialogue. I’m sorry. Wish you the best.
Carly – We provided links in response to your request about the sort of churches we would recommend, and as for “dialogue”, we also asked reasonable questions that you haven’t been interested in answering, questions about Hillsong. We are aware of, and have Christian friends and families still attending this movement, despite its problems, people who hope to have influence for the better if it weren’t for the ongoing nepotism in the hierarchy. There have been at least 6500 comments on this site to date this year and the majority of them coming from Christians willing to interact with maturity. Along with a minimum of 1500 views at this site per day, it’s reasonable to assume that this is not insignificant interest in the issues with Hillsong.
Cheers, Team Churchwatch.
“No. I’m not.
I’m different than you.
That doesn’t make me ignorant.
Shame on you for such wreckless words”
I didn’t say ignorant, I said arrogant. You made a blanket statement and called everyone “stuck up snobs” and then say you’re “far more advance”? And you think our words are wreckless when you’re the one making all those nasty posts? And now you brag how you serve God?
You are very arrogant and I would recommend you seek serious counseling.
I’d take a dose of your own medicine.
Carly – You asked what churches we recommend, here’s a good place to start:
http://www.thegracelifepulpit.com/PhilJohnson.aspx
Cheers, Team ChurchWatch.
And here:
https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/
Cheers, Team ChurchWatch.
Why should I? I did not make your posts. You did. Go back and read all your posts. You need serious counseling.
“I think you should be focusing more on what we are called to do […]”
Why should anyone care what you think, in particular? Who appointed you as an arbiter of what is acceptable and what is wise? How about instead of complaining here, you take your own advice, and focus on doing what you are called to do.
“[…] instead of condemning a church that only wishes to bring people closer to Jesus.”
It that what Brian wants? He only wants to bring people closer to Jesus? So the fact that he is paid $300,000 per annum for allegedly doing that is just incidental, is it?
“Instead of speaking so rudely […]”
How ironic. Maybe you’ve never seen the breathtaking degree of arrogance shown by pompous money-grubbing navel-gazers such as Brian Houston.
“[…] maybe you should pray for Brian Houston […]”
Do you think that Jesus prayed for Judas?
“[…] if you feel this way […]”.
Feelings? You are an object lesson regarding those who rely on “feelings” to determine what is true. Good luck with that.
well as the Bible says that everything will be shown from the fruit, compares to hillsong church that have shown many fruits, what is yours?
i don’t know why “Rosebrough Says Brian Houston Was “Intentionally Deceitful” we are all christians no matter where we are or what we do we are all one body of christ. i agree with paul though ” everything will be shown from the fruit”
Well shucks, Rochelle – it surely like as sounds as though you and Paul just go together like peas and carrots!
“What’s my destiny, Brian?”
“Why it’s to hand over your money and worship me, of course!”
Bogus!!! You think Hillsong is about the money? Ha! You have no idea…yes, Brian is paid that wage, not by his choice, but by that of the church. The building is incredible, but incredibly well laid out, multi purpose. It’s influence reached around the world.
There are many incredible religious buildings and statues around the world. Does their influence automatically come from the Christian God?
RE international influence: and so has McDonalds, Coca Cola …[fill in gap]. Do those companies’ financial success come from tithes and generous offerings to God? Of course not. e.g.Bill Gates is an atheist.
“yes, Brian is paid that wage, not by his choice, but by that of the church”
Do you think it was not by Brian’s choice that he wrote “You Need More Money”?
Please name a person who you suspect may have been the true author for that book.
“It’s influence reached around the world.”
That is very unfortunate, isn’t it? Satan has befriended two great companions in Brian Houston and Rick Warren.
Though it will all work out in the end, when God uses those two men to flush out a great many Tares and separate them from the true Wheat.
“The building is incredible, but incredibly well laid out, multi purpose. It’s influence reached around the world.”
So? One could say the same thing about the Kremlin or the LDS Headquarters.
“The building is incredible, but incredibly well laid out, multi purpose. It’s influence reached [sic] around the world.”
What a coincidence; that’s exactly how the Tower of Babel was meant to turn out.
OH MY GOD, if we plan something out, we must be evil!! Good Lord, help us to have no purpose and be completely unorganized and ridiculous!!
Is that better??
“OH MY GOD
Good Lord”
Now using the Lord’s name in vain. Is that what a pastor’s-wife does Carly?
Hillsong, Brian Houston & the vision of the church. So pure, so welcoming, so freeing. This IS real church, honest pure people that love God. Such a shame that when a church thrives, everyone gets hating. We are all on this together. Let’s not be hating. We’re better than that. Strengths and weaknesses in every church. But together we should have a United front. This is a poor example of what the faith is, and by this I mean your article and your “cause” be better than that.
“Hillsong, Brian Houston & the vision of the church.”
I’m afraid not.
So you must agree with Bill Hybels that only a select few ‘pastors’ such as Bill Hybels himself and Brian Houston are capable and qualified to lead the entire Body of Christ, and all other real pastors should become subservient to these Napoleonic Emperors and their buds, is that correct?
And you think Brian Houston (as a totally incapable teacher who frequently if not always mishandles the Bible)… AND preaches for filthy lucre… ‘IS real church’?
You better get your thoughts together, because these men ain’t following God. They don’t even know Him.
“We are all on this together. Let’s not be hating.”
Not ‘all’ of us are. Some of us aren’t part of ‘this.’ Do you think Jesus was hating when He spoke these words? Ever read Matthew 13? Why do you think this means?
Matthew 13:36-40:
“36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.”
Say what?! Lol. I lived and attended church there, I knew many of the pastors including Brian and they all have this incredible compassion for the world. Do I believe that only a few pastors are capable and qualified to lead all of the body of Christ, of course not. Where do you get such nonsense? Hillsong promotes the local church whatever that is. Knowing these individuals gives me confidence that their hearts are absolutely in the right place and they are incredibly submissive to the will of God. If you count on the media for your facts then you know you are way off because the media is way off base and reports sensationalized and untrue stories… I know that first hand. Hillsong is s good place. With good people.
I read my bible. Lol. Say what? Ha ha. I speak in good conscious when I speak and in rarely swayed into popular or unpopular opinion. Perhaps being part ofvHillsong and working deeply within that church I got to know individuals. With such genuine God fearing hearts.its my season with Hillsong that taught me people are just people. Real, raw, welcome.
“I speak and in rarely swayed into popular or unpopular opinion”
Then why do you include emergent terms even on your minimal website?
“within that church I got to know individuals. With such genuine God fearing hearts.”
What evidence of God fearing? Brian Houston is not one of them. He has no fear of pilfering the Scriptures whenever he feels like furthering his ungodly empire.
“my season with Hillsong that taught me people are just people. Real, raw, welcome.”
Real, raw, deceived.
How to Stop Being a Drama Queen
If multiple people have called you a drama queen and you always find yourself getting upset, emotional, or frustrated by the people around you, then it may be time for an attitude adjustment. Though you may think that being a drama queen brings excitement to your life and gives you the attention you’re seeking, there are better ways to live a meaningful — and much less stressful — life. If you want to know how to stop being a drama queen, see Step 1 to be on your way to throwing down your crown.
And how are your overgeneralised, amateur self-help psychology quotes of any relevance to this blog entry on Chris Rosebrough’s criticism of Brian Houston?
Literally laughing out loud!!! Funniest thing you ever wrote!! Ha ha…that was a mockery – from Wikipedia. Lol. I’m sure you could find some useful info. Can’t believe you thought that was legit. Ba ha ha!! Sorry!
Oh stop already, I did too many sit-ups today and laughing hurts!!! Lol
Perhaps you should step away from the internet before you further embarrass yourself and the cause of Christ any further Carly/lunchboxblues.
Oh, I’ve never been afraid to embarrass myself! I enjoy a good laugh! I see people like you just like to debate. I thought you may actually care what someone else thought of Hillsong. Sorry, my bad! Better get back to those sit ups!!! ha ha ha!!! Have a grand day.
Wikihow gives no indication that it is satire as you claim.
1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Sermonaudio.com would be a constructive website to listen to while you exercise.
e.g. http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?chapter=5&verse=23&keyword=galatians&BibleOnly=true&currSection=sermonsbible
Good grief, it was a joke!!! lol. I thought I already explained that. Sorry, I thought you all claimed to be smart. Didn’t know I’d have to tell you twice!! My bad. I will not play jokes on you anymore.
Still this ‘Carly’, like all other hillsongers, after posting for hours, has no clue on Scripture.
As usual, in their own dumbstruck way, she’s yet another hillsonger wondering what’s wrong with Hillsong??!!
I’m kinda wondering what’s wrong with you actually!! Why so abrasive.
clearly y’all enjoy yourselves at the expense of others. Now what can I say that would ever convince you of my right to an opinion that you don’t share?
“I’m kinda wondering what’s wrong with you actually!! Why so abrasive.”
“clearly y’all enjoy yourselves at the expense of others.”
No we don’t. That making of accusations is called mudslinging.
As we are commanded in 2 Corinthians 10:5:
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
That is not abrasiveness. It’s called obedience.
You Carly, on the other hand, in possible rebellion, have set yourself up as an authority above the Bible. As in trying to convince others that Brian Houston is ‘a Bible teacher.’ As in your calling for ‘unity’ with false teachers who rebel against the Word of God in every way possible. In spite of the FACT the Bible clearly commands us to not do that.
PS: Go try pulling your silly stunt on any other Discernment website, and you’ll get the exact same reaction as you got here. So don’t say it’s us. It’s ALL Christians who see the problem. This is not Hillsong-style apologetics where Brian Houston is allowed to distort the Bible making it about money / wealth / success / maximizing your potential.
PSS: I personally would hope you would come to your senses. I would venture a guess that most of us have been studying Discernment *and* Apologetics *in addition to* our normal Bible reading / studying, for at least a few years. That is nothing bad. It is something to be commended.
ALSO: Since you knocked Thinker, I will say I have always been impressed in Thinker’s tenacity at studying these things, and Thinker’s resourcefulness in finding out more. Thinker is a very good example among us, at getting to the truth of a matter.
Whatever makes you happy, if I could hear past the abrasiveness, it would have been an interesting chat. However, my humble thoughts are just something for you all to jump all over. One day, we will all be standing before God. And because I have had a positive experience with Hillsong, does not mean that I won’t be walking the streets of gold with you. Be careful with your words.
Thankyou Harry. Looks like all my librarian training has been put to good use after all. 🙂
How to Stop Being a Drama Queen
If multiple people have called you a drama queen and you always find yourself getting upset, emotional, or frustrated by the people around you, then it may be time for an attitude adjustment. Though you may think that being a drama queen brings excitement to your life and gives you the attention you’re seeking, there are better ways to live a meaningful — and much less stressful — life. If you want to know how to stop being a drama queen, see Step 1 to be on your way to throwing down your crown.
Ad
Edit
Method One of Three:
Part One: Changing Your Perspective
Stop Being a Drama Queen Step 01.jpg
1
Know when you’re creating drama. One way to stop being a drama queen is to become self-aware enough to know when you’re the one bringing on the drama. Do you find that you always end up getting in conflicts with people, and that no one in your life is easy to get along with? Do you find yourself getting heated, crying, or stomping your feet on a daily basis? If that’s the case — unless you’re living in a war zone — chances are that a lot of this drama is self-created. Knowing that you are the source of a lot of the drama is the first step to curbing it.
Once you see that you’re the source, you’ll stop blaming the people around you and will see that you’re in control of the situation.
On how to stop being a drama queen. Lol…but seriously.
2
Stop making a big deal out of everything. If you’re a drama queen, then you must be an expert at taking a 3 or 4 situation up to a 10 on the drama Richter scale. The next time you’re faced with a conflict or a minor disturbance, take a minute to ask yourself how big of a deal it is, in the scheme of things. Maybe your boyfriend is 10 minutes late for your date. Maybe you spilled a little bit of coffee on your sweater. Will this matter to you 10 hours from now — or even one hour? Is it worth crying over? Is it worth ruining your day over?
These are important questions to ask yourself. Chances are, you’ll see that you’re making a big deal over nothing and will be able to move forward without throwing a fit.
Making a big deal over every little thing will not help your mental state. It’ll make you stressed out, sleepless, and generally irritable. Remember that minimizing your problems will actually make you feel better.
If you make a big deal over everything, then no one will take you seriously when something that is actually devastating happens to you.
Stop Being a Drama Queen Step 03.jpg
3
Work on building your self-esteem. A lot of the time, drama queens are the way they are because they have a low self-esteem. They may feel like people will only pay attention to them or give them the time of day if they are constantly being dramatic, loud, or talking smack about people. Ask yourself if this sounds like you, and think about your own self-image and how you really feel about yourself. When you get up and look in the mirror, what do you see? Work on loving the person you see there, and not basing your self worth on how much attention people give you.
Of course, building confidence takes a lifetime. The sooner you start realizing that your worth should come from yourself, not from what people people think of you, the sooner you’ll stop creating drama.
Really think about yourself. Nobody’s perfect — what are your flaws? How can you work on addressing — or accepting them?
Part of feeling good about yourself is hanging out with people who make you feel good. Are there people like that in your life? If everyone around you is focused on putting you down, then you won’t be able to feel good about yourself until you ditch them.
“Once you see that you’re the source, you’ll stop blaming the people around you and will see that you’re in control of the situation.”
Was it Joel Osteen I heard preaching on this last week?
I hate to bring this up but you don’t seem in control of your own life.
Please start giving Chapter and Verse for everything you say, because you seem to revel in Doctrines of men rather than in the Scriptures.
I don’t need to do anything you say, do I, you are clearly a waste of breathe. It’s a shame, I bet you could really do something with your life too. You seem fairly judgemental for knowing nothing about me. I’m NOT entering your “little” game, what purpose would it serve but to give you something else to pick apart. Can you not be respectful? Now why don’t you go ahead and mellow out, drama queen.
Now that’s a nice comment coming from a ‘pastors wife’ isn’t it, Carly??? And if we’re a waste of breath, then why are you wasting yours?
The Bible encourages us to ‘redeem the time, for the days are evil…’ Eph. 5:16
“I’m NOT entering your “little” game, what purpose would it serve but to give you something else to pick apart. Can you not be respectful? Now why don’t you go ahead and mellow out, drama queen.”
I’m afraid that it’s you that’s been playing games, and you seem to be the drama queen here. You’re not a good example of a leader’s wife, but you are a very good example of what cults like Hill$ong and other associated churches produce in the lives of their members – and their leaders.
A Christian leader’s wife must meet certain standards too:
“Even so must their wives be serious, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.” 1 Timothy 3:11
“you are clearly a waste of breathe.
Now why don’t you go ahead and mellow out, drama queen.
Can you not be respectful?”
Hypocrite.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have time for this anymore, I have far bigger priorities than trying to explain my story to someone who clearly doesn’t give a crap.”
Bigger priorities? Like working on that Scripture-barren thing you call a ‘website?’ It is kind of lonely over there, not too many readers there huh?
How much money and how many years did you say you wasted on that ‘degree?’
Have you looked into an Assemblies of God bachelor of theology. Each school may have different requirements, but generally they are all pretty on par with each other. Are you not educated in this?
No. Actually I got a real university degree I use for real, which would have been way out of your reach.
I also didn’t want a ‘degree’ like yours that only comes with the option of creating worthless so-called ‘Christian’ websites, and trolling around the internet.
Oh. And I didn’t want a degree like yours that didn’t even teach you its subject matter
— the Bible.
My degree has helped me make money, not waste it.
We all have a different calling on our lives. I would never discourage anyone from studying the word of God in a university degree setting, but certainly not if you are called elsewhere. I’m glad you can make money with yours. 👍🏼
It just struck me as tho you were well aware of degrees, so I assumed. Anyway, if you are interested in knowing what that covers then it’s easy enough to google. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. 😉
“… generally [AoG schools] are all pretty [much] on [a] par with each other.”
That it to say, they are uniformly useless.
“Are you not educated …”
That’s pretty funny coming from a devotee of the hillsong cult.
Define cult. And show me the parallel to Hillsong.
Are you not educated… That is exactly how misinterpretation happen.because that was only HALF the question.
Anyway, sorry we couldn’t have a beneficial conversation to any of us. How unfortunate it couldn’t be constructive! I know the definition of cult, and speaking from personal experience I see no parallels. Bit then again, you guys are all the experts it seems…self proclaimed ones anyway. (Don’t worry, I can hear you screaming…it’s the Boble!!!” And guess what. I read the same Bible as you!
“Define cult. And show me the parallel to Hillsong.”
Didn’t they teach you anything about research when you did your “degree”? Or are you just a lazy good-for-nothing like your master Brian Houston?
Oh everyone read any blog, like totally!! Yeah, I don’t really write on it. It is a barren wasteland. It was meant to be a place where I cans hate my life experiences and what I’ve gained from that. Had I kept up with good intentions, I think you’d be surprised to learn a bit more about me. But, sorry. I got carried away with living life and not writing about it.
And I’m asking for your definition of cult, because clearly we must see it differently. Was looking for clarification. The low blow attempt was uber classy tho. Well done! 👍🏼👍🏼
“… that was only HALF the question.”
My profound apologies; I reasoned that it was appropriate to quote half the question given that you have only half a brain.
thats right! Half a brain and a human miracle it would seem. You are all a bunch of judgemental creeps. I asked some genuine questions and made some genuine comments, but this is what I get? A wife does not make a doormat.
Carly, here’s a link to a definition of a cult, written by a man who knows the AOG/ACC movement here in Australia pretty well:
http://www.moriah.com.au/textarchive/what-is-a-cult.htm
And here’s another article by the same man who comments on Hill$ong’s takeover tactics:
http://www.moriah.com.au/textarchive/hillsong-corporation.htm
They should keep an educated person such as yourself busy for a while…
I know you think you are being clever, but we both know your comment was spiteful, however I thank you for the time to post those articles. I do look forward to reading them.
“You are all a bunch of judgemental creeps.”
Carly you are one of the most critical & judgmental visitors I have seen. Though you continually paint yourself as an angel, truth be told you’re not impressive in your spirituality. Though you keep declaring your innocence, you inevitably start name calling again.
Time to start looking into your own closet, before trying to peer into ours.
“A wife does not make a doormat.”
Obviously not in your case; you are not nearly as intelligent as the average door mat.
@Carly – I wasn’t being ‘clever’ Carly – you asked nicely for a definition a cult and I gave you a link to a fairly lengthy one, which may well benefit a lot of other readers. I hope so.
I also hope that you’ll “eat the orange and spit out the pips” from what you’ve read here these last few days. There is some really good food for thought in and amongst all of the posts…
I look forward to the articles, however, I’d really appreciate one on one dialogue from you as individuals. I think you may be veryvaurprisedcto hear what I say. But that must waitron tomorriw.
Out of curiousity, which churches do you endorse?
And you guys really “love” your quotation marks…like it’s used for things you don’t approve of. “Fascinating”
Carly/lunchboxblues/pastor’s wife?:
Folks, we are communicating with a very bored “troll”. Time to stop feeding it.
I’m so sorry you feel that way. Was only trying to speak from my experience. But I guess that means “I’m trolling” have a good day just the same and I apologize if you were offended. Wishing you the best. And maybe I’ll try to work on that blog. I’d love for you to hear my story one day. I agree with having a critical eye, ear, heart, etc. But I also believe in a big ok whopping dose of love and compassion. Good on you guys for being passionate. But realize just because one person had a good experience does not make them a cult member, a follower of man, or dumb. I honestly thought someone might care to hear. But it’s obvious you all have your minds made up. It’s really too bad, because we all serve the same God and read the same Bible.
No one has “their minds made up” Carly, they’re simply responding to the tone of your comments. There’s plenty of respectful dialogue between those who have differing views. If you wish to keep commenting, at least attempt to be treat others as you expect yourself to be treated.
Cheers, Team ChurchWatch.
The thing is I have! And my questions or comments have not been responded to. I’m a lighthearted person bit sensitive as well. This doesn’t make me perfect. But not once have I been acknowledged for anything I say in a respectful way. Not once! And then if I say anything back, you are all over me? Like cmon. Nobody gave me their definition of a cult and how Hillsong lines up with that. No one told me what church they personally support. And no one acknowledged that I could possibly have had a positive experience.
“Nobody gave me their definition of a cult and how Hillsong lines up with that.”
Aw, diddums.
Why don’t you get off that smug backside of yours and do some research? If you’re too lazy and ignorant to be able to do that, you certainly don’t deserve to be spoon-fed by anyone here; many of us have got better things to do. You should note that your claim to have a theology degree rings hollow when you have manifestly failed to educate yourself regarding important spiritual matters, and all the more so when you present as bordering on wilfully ignorant with respect to such a crucial subject.
And if you don’t like being characterised as an undiscerning empty-head, how about bringing something to the table that will persuade people otherwise, rather than whining about how others won’t do your work for you?
RE cult definition: Apollo gave you several very good links to read already. You should do him the courtesy of reading them first before you respond any further.
In secular academic libraries, difficult academic material is only given to post graduate university students because only they will be able to comprehend that material.
Once you demonstrate that you understand the two sides to cults (Christian perspective, excluding non-Christian cults):
1. Theological – how cults add/ subtract/ distort scripture to fit their own model of “Christianity”
2. Sociological – the group dynamics/ characteristics/ behaviour of cult members
….only then should time be spent on your request on how does Hillsong church fit that profile.
Here’s a link to SAGU – the AOG’s “Southern Assemblies of God University”, for a rundown on what is involved in a Batchelor of Theology, if you want to take a peek folks:
http://www.sagu.edu/admissions/on-campus-online-degrees-at-sagu
👍🏼
And here’s another link to the local “Hill$ong College” and its Batchelor of Theology program:
http://ac.edu.au/faq/bth-hillsong-campus/
It’s also interesting to note that Carl Lenz’ wife, Laura Lenz was a graduate of Hill$ong College, and also where she met Carl (is “Carly” a joke perpetrated on us bloggers by you Carly/Laura???).
Fess up…
Well just in case you’re right, perfect opportunity to give the answer to the claim “Jesus never said anything about homosexuality.”
http://truthbomb.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/common-objection-25-jesus-never-said.html?utm_content=bufferbfdc5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
(Courtesy of http://www.apologetics315.com/
Oh suddenly I’m intelligent to come up with that. Ok. So here’s the deal, I’d love real dialogue but apparently that makes me lazy. I wanted to hear from YOU, but you post links to do the work for you and call me lazy. And I’m called less intelligent then a doormat?! I’m not a troll, and very rarely ever post on anything. So apologies. This was the wrong place. You accuse me of being rude, but numerous times you have said very demeaning things. You think my faith isn’t authentic….well that’s ok. It’s fine. I really don’t need to answer to you. You are a fiesty bunch. I like fiesty. but I think some are very immature. I wish you the best. Thank you for attempting to attack every little piece of knowledge you have on me. Shows great character. (Sarcasm) I pray that in your righteousness your hearts soften. Yeah, maybe I said things I shouldn’t have. Sorry. Go on to your perfect world of Hillsong hatery. I will continue to love on people as the Bible had told me to do.
@Carly – well your blog (such as it is) does state that you have 3 kids, and you said that you were a pastor’s wife, so that puts you right up in the “blockhole” for a silhouette on somebody in the public eye, doesn’t it?
I’ve said it here before Carly/Laura/Lunchbox… that I don’t hate Hillsong people, or their leaders. What I actually hate, is the level of deception that occurs in such places. Hill$ong lets anyone through the front door as long as they use the current ‘password’ – “tithing unit” is a popular one… “submissive and ignorant” is another, and if you think I am being facetious, then just look at any Hill$ong ‘church’ come Sunday morning. It is full of “ignorant tithing units”… that’s why they’re still tithing…
Also, the current crop of ACC pastors and churches, still pretending that they devolved from the former AOG denomination, with a true Gospel message intact, is laughable, to say the least – my turn to ‘lol’ Carly. The ACC is a business, run for a predictable (non taxable) profit, in this country, and Hill$ong is the flagship of the fleet.
Truth is, that you can’t absorb as much of the world as “Hill$ong International” has, and stay faithful to a time honoured Christianity that will stay the ground during tough times – eg: persecution for the word’s sake, if you don’t uphold the word in everyday life.
If you’re thinking that the Hill$ongers will stay strong under some future persecution of the church in this country, or any other, then you will be in for a big shock Carly.
Hill$ong in no way resembles the early church in terms of character, strength, doctrine/practice or outreach. It is a funnel shaped organisation, that continually pours innocent/ignorant people down inside its mouth, so that they can be “processed” by the ‘system’ used, robbed, and then discarded.
And if you want to lol at that summation, go ahead, but remember my words to you this day, when these things come to pass…
“16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended”
Mark 4:16,17
Stony ground has a layer of shallow top soil, so that after the seeds have been planted and have sprouted, their root system cannot penetrate the rocks below, down as far as the water table
They may grow a stem above ground for a short time, giving hope to the sower of a future crop, but when the sun comes up, they shrivel in the ‘heat’ due to a lack of water…
Weak ‘Christians’ will not survive persecution…
“but I am one of those rare individuals who has given up everything for the call of God on my life.”
“and I’d be willing to bet, I’ve stepped up and served God in ways some of you could only imagine.
“I pray that in your righteousness your hearts soften.”
Our righteousness???
LBB you seem to view posting Christian apologetics websites (e.g provide objective evidence/ experts’ opinions) as a way to answer your more direct questions from the glass-half-empty position.
When you did your degree weren’t multiple references expected for your essays (to show you had objective support for own personal position?) When I did my first degree students were penalized for little evidence of proper research.
RE your apparent measuring of faith via personal experiences: a blog entry from *yesterday* from a highly respected Christian discernment/ apologetics research website (done in blog format).
Dated 29th September 2015 (direct hyperlink not available yet) http://herescope.blogspot.com.au/
“Mystical experiences – a substitute for true spirituality”
‘I’d love real dialogue …’
Well that’s a commendable aim, Carly, but you should understand that you must first satisfy certain pre-requisites:
(a) You need to approach said dialogue with the right attitude. In particular, you will be required to show that you have a humble heart, that you you are not unduly contentious, and that above all you have a teachable spirit.
Boasting of your alleged academic achievements (cardboard cut-out degree), supposed connections (fake pastor for a husband), and dead works (having “stepped up to serve God”, having “forsaken all”) won’t impress anyone here in the slightest. On the contrary, such nonsense only serves to make you appear as a blustering and prideful fool who is full to over-flowing with their own importance (coincidentally, the very image of those pathetic devotees who pack hillsong cult buildings around the world week in and week out).
(b) You will need to show that you are in fact *capable* of dialogue, rather than indulging in severely thought-disordered rants wherein your petulant demands and reflexively defensive retorts betray the rawness of your many sensitivities. You may well be intent on carrying on like an over-emotional schizophrenic on a particularly bad acid trip, but I can assure you that such behaviour will not prove conducive to any sort of dialogue at all, let alone real dialogue.
If it’s true that you have a degree, then those who engage you in discussion here should be able to reasonably assume that you have the capacity to seek out, apprehend and digest salient information, to logically analyse facts, to reach reasonable conclusions, and to objectively argue consequently formed positions in a manner that is both coherent and lucid.
Those who contribute here come from a variety of backgrounds, both theologically and otherwise, and, as you may have noticed by now, they are a well-educated, widely-read, solidly experienced and altogether erudite group regarding all manner of subjects, both spiritual and worldly. So if you want to step up to the plate and comment here, you are going to have to prove your mettle and show yourself a worthy contender – and you should be warned that many have gone before you who have tried and failed (some in quite spectacular fashion).
“but I am one of those rare individuals who has given up EVERYTHING for the call of God on my life.”
“@Carly – well your blog (such as it is) does state that you have 3 kids, and you said that you were a pastor’s wife,”
@ Carly, No you didn’t. That is an imagination in your own mind. You did not give up EVERYTHING for the call of God. You did not give up singlehood, as others have done, for the purpose of serving God. There are many who gave up having a family of their own, only for the purpose of better serving the Living God.
1 CORINTHIANS 7:7-9
“For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.”
1 CORINTHIANS 7:32-35
“But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”
2 TIMOTHY 2:4
“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
MATTHEW 19:10-12
“The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”
Oh, you caught me….lol. No. Carly is my name.