Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Watchdog readers and your families. Today marks exactly one year since events were set into motion that would thrust this blog into a greater spotlight when the FBC Jax administration and Discipline Committee delivered their list of 16 sins and trespass warnings, in the name of Christ Jesus, accusing this writer of "derogatory, devisive, destructive, demeaning, and subversive" conduct. Its been a strange year, and a sad one in many ways, since that evening Blount and King showed up at my door, one that I never imagined.The blog will stay active for the near future. If you've been listening to Mac Brunson preach lately, you know that in his sermons he is readying his congregation for the upcoming lawsuits. He has been preaching on slander, gossip, his "stumble" in the newspaper last April, and more is sure to come. Discovery has begun in the lawsuits, depositions will begin early next year. In the short term I will be blogging about the doctrine of storehouse tithing that I began last week. I think you will find these articles VERY interesting and enlightening, probably a bit disturbing, but please check back and I welcome your discussion on this topic. I hope to shine a light on a heretical doctrine that some preachers in the SBC churches, even those very high in the SBC power structure, continue to preach even though they know or should know it is not biblical.
In the meantime, I wish you a very relaxing weekend with friends and family!
14 comments:
WD,
As much as I am sure I infuriate you at times (and the emotions can be the same here!) - I do wish you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving.
God has been good, even in the middle of lawsuits, disappointments in church leadership, wild bloggers, and a crazy culture.
One day this will all disappear and the temporal things that sometimes could absorb all of our time and thoughts will be gone
It will only be the new heavens and the new earth, all this old will be passed away.
I fully expect to spend eternity with you, many of the bloggers that raise my blood pressure, Dr. Brunson and his family, and all of those who have called upon the name of the Lord for salvation.
So Happy Thanksgiving, He has been faithful indeed...and there is so much to be grateful for. Blessings WD!
Jon
Happy Thanksgiving to the Dog!
Also wishing happy holiday greetings to Dr.Hypercrite and his merry band of thugs!
Did the Pharasees give thanks for anything?
CC
I am thankful for salvation, the gift of God's grace, through faith in the person Jesus the Christ.
I am thankful that He brought my spouse into my life 31 years ago.
I am thankful for two wonderful children.
I am thankful for a career that enables me to help people in need.
I am thankful for an old house that is paid for but needs work and for my ability to do that work when I am blessed with time and funds to do it.
I am thankful for my health.
I am thankful for family and friends who care about me and about the issues I care about.
I am thankful for this country and its ideals.
I am thankful for stars early in the morning, fog at sunrise, and sunsets no human painter could possibly copy.
I am thankful for you.
Arce
WD,
I too want to say Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.
I came on the blog by accident just one year ago and can sincerely say I have enjoyed the fellowship with your many "anonymous" believers who for the most part I see as knowing the Word and who have a deep love for Christ.
I'm thankful that God has called you to speak up and have not back down - you have spoken the truth with love.
WD: I also am thankful for your courage and for your allowing us to agree or disagree with each other. I am thankful for fellow believers. I see so many that are getting it right. It is true that "the church" is the body of believers. Not buildings and budgets. One day when we believers hear "well done good and faithful servant", then it will all have been worth it. God bless you all and God bless America.
P.S Arce that was a beautifully worded comment!
Yes, CC, Pharisees gave thanks, like this:
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. Luke 18:11
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
WD,
Though I haven't commented in quite a while, I remain a faithful, daily reader. I just wanted to echo the comment of Nov.26 10:01 especially "I'm thankful that God has called you to speak up and have not back down - you have spoken the truth with love."
Of the many, many things God has blessed my life with, your character and willingness to do the right thing in spite of what it's cost you is right up there on my list. Oh, that there were more godly men out there like you. May God richly bless you, your family and those you touch.
D
I wish a belated happy thanksgiving to WD and Readers. Here is a comment left on Wade's blog that is relevant to this blog.
Happy Thanksgiving, although belated, to WD, your family and all your fans here! Stay in touch. I'm praying for you.
Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you too. And you're right about Mac's sermons. Here's a passage he used for a sermon he preached I think two weeks ago: "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" Obviously, hes trying to make a point. This passage is from James 4:11-12. I was suprised to find these verses in the New Testament. Sounds more like that Old Testament dogma.
Please be praying for Matt Chandler. He has some very serious health concerns.
Happy Belated Thanksgiving.
Yes, I have been following this story about Matt Chandler. From his church's website:
"Matt Chandler suffered a seizure Thursday morning while at home, was taken to a nearby hospital and is now at home resting with his family.
Matt hit his head when he suffered the seizure and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Doctors ran several tests on Matt and will continue to run tests in the coming days. We will keep you posted.
Please pray for Matt, Lauren and the kids. The best we can do as a church body right now is to give him space and our prayers. He is surrounded by family members, the elders and friends."
I would recommend following updates at their church's website, and to continue to pray for Matt and his family.
www.thevillagechurch.net
Anon 11:17
Yesterday (Sunday) after coming back from Thanksgiving tuned into both the 8 and 10:30 AM services for the services at FBCJAX.
The preacher pounded on the words "slander" and "rumor" and belittled his own church members as if they were in elementary students.
Both these words meaning is to make defamatory statements about someone that is an expression of injurious statements.
I just don't get it - this man is so guilty himself about making a public malicious statement to the community of Jacksonville in a newspaper and yet feels he has the authority to stand in the pulpit in front of a TV camera and scold his flock. He did spend a minute or two to explain how one can have a life changing experience through salvation. Interesting message!
Perhaps someone could give me the "slander" points on this blog as thus far, I believe the facts presented have not been "slander" nor "rumors."
It is a series of studies in James and Mac dealt with his own sins in the first sermon. Watchdog is execising his perogative by not commenting on the subsequent sermons. It is pretty clear that you are not to "bash" other Christians and you should not "return fire" if you are subjected to the bashing. Instead, you should speak privately, visit in person or by two. In extreme cases it is okay to send messengers to avoid potential and severe problems. In this manner Christians can avoid giving the church a bad name or a black eye.
Those of us who are observing this have tried to show and demonstrate to Mr. Rich the problem with his approach and he still thinks that he is justified with his actions.
There comes a point where you advise and guide someone and finally come to the conclusion that you are better off just letting the sinner do his damage and hope that the Holy Spirit convicts him of his wrond doing. It is pretty clear that Mr. Rich continues his actions under the guise of protecting poor innocent and helpless Christians while his true agenda is to inflict damage and tear his opponent down. In the old western movies the villian would set the house on fire and burn the victims out for easy pickings.
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