Sunday morning was the day that the candidates who are members of FBC Jacksonville were recognized by their pastor during the church service, and a special prayer was made for God's will to be done in the election. (see the video below).After recognizing the non-FBC Jax members present in the service who were running for office, and then recognizing candidates who are FBC Jax candidates, Mac Brunson prayed for the will of God in the elections:
"....the cries of this city go out, the injustice of this city comes up before you, the bias of this city comes up before you, the unfairness of things come up before you, Lord, you are a God of righteousness, and your word tells us that 'blessed are the people when the righteous rule'. So Lord, we pray for your will to be done in the elections in this city this coming week."Apparently things are pretty bad in our city with all the "injustice", "bias" and "unfairness", and our city is in need of "the righteous" to be in charge. Strange, because our city government has quite a number of the "righteous" downtown in City Hall - at least four of the City Council members are members of FBC Jacksonville. And one could argue that some of the "unfairness" and "bias" over the past few years has been at the hands of public servants who are members at FBC Jax - can you say "Don Redman"?
The usual practice at FBC Jax in previous weeks leading up to the election has been for Jim Whitmire, the music minister, to recognize politicians or candidates who were present in the service. But for this special Sunday before the election, Mac Brunson did the duties. He started out making a point about how his experience overseas on his Holy Land trip has taught him what a great country we have (most people know that without traveling to the Holy Land and Rome), and he urged everyone present to go out and vote.
Next he acknowledged three non-FBC Jax candidates present, and the recently elected CFO of the state of Florida who was visiting also.
Then Brunson said they need to especially pray for their own members running for office:
Mike Hogan, candidate for mayor (introduced as "faithful member of the church")
Ryan Taylor, candidate for Tax Collector
Clay Yarborough, candidate for City Council
Richard Clark, candidate for City Council
Ray Holt, candidate for City Council
Don Redman was NOT mentioned, but he is running unopposed in his seat, and it is probably good that he lay low at FBC Jax the Sunday before the elections.
While not stated explicitly, the separating of the announcing of the non-FBC Jax candidates from those who are members, and then stating the church should "especially" pray for the members, and the prayer including the "...blessed are the people when the righteous rule", seems to be a subtle message that FBC Jax members should vote for candidates based on them being a church member.
In a conservative city like Jacksonville, I hope members of FBC Jax will look at the candidates' positions and not their church membership when voting. For mayor, there are a number of conservative Republicans besides Mike Hogan, and people should look at the experience and positions of the candidates, and not where they are church members - again, I would say "Don Redman" is your example of this.
And when I hear the preacher quote the Bible before an election involving a mayoral candidate who is in his church: "...blessed are the people when the righteous rule", another Bible verse comes to mind:
"There is none righteous, no not one."
True, especially when it comes to politicians. :)
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Here is the video - the audio is good, but the video is choppy and and irregular, my apologies.
59 comments:
So thankful that our Pastor stands for righteousness!
If you think he should not be praying for these people, then don't listen to his prayer.
Are you the "prayer police"?
Are we grading prayers now?
Did you rate his prayer a 2?
Jesus prayed for the Kingdom to come on earth....probably a little to political for you.
Good for you Mac, don't worry about the peanut gallery.
They don't have a prayer
And when I hear the preacher quote the Bible before an election involving a mayoral candidate who is in his church: "...blessed are the people when the righteous rule", another Bible verse comes to mind:
"There is none righteous, no not one."
THANK YOU! Mac always quotes the OC when it suits his premise.
Let's go over to the NC....
When Paul wrote Romans 13, Rome was under the rule of a Pagan Caesar.
It was written anytime between 55-58 AD during the early reign of Nero!
Paul had not even been to Rome yet when he wrote it. He most likely wrote it from Corinth (A very pagan and cosmopolitan city rebuilt by Ceasar) and Phoebe was entrusted with it for the church in Rome.
You know, even in the OC, God was furious the Jews begged for a king. He was their king.
Mac and other pastors always find a way to leave out that inconvenient part.
According to Mac, he had best obey Obama! :o)
Sorry for the interruption, but.....
Off subject BUT you and others need to see this.
It is hot in GA.
Read the comments in the 1st article.
http://thecultbuster.blogspot.com/
WD-The church, particulary FBCJax is placing in the minds of the sheep the need to have a christian ruler. Of course, Jesus as we know might not agree. overtime any thing can become the truth to the human mind. Keep in mind these people think they are doing the correct thing, the pastors mind is conditioned starting at the siminary. They know not what they are doing.
Taking verses out of context to support your position WD?
These righteous ones, if elected will be under the "authority" of Brunson as he right from get go yesterday announced we are to pray for those in authority, so he's top dog under these members in the political field under the organization chart for these men.
These men particularly chose FBCJ for membership for the money & votes - look at this bunch & as said before they stick together like glue.
Keep it up W/D . . .your blog reminds me of the gospel song "strong like a river - you are a fountain that rains down on us who have been torched by many of these so called righteous men.
Be careful what you say "slow to speak" as believe it or not there is a huge community of believers outside of FBCJ who don't agree with you. Whatever, you are one of his best cheerleaders.
Verses out of context, don't think so!
Taking verses out of context to support your position WD?
March 21, 2011 11:30 AM
Show us how it is used out of context. Do you even know where it is?
It is time you guys backed up your immature parroting soundbites with CONTENT.
One of these years the American people will get what they want. A authorian ruler of christian values. But in the end, the power generated will be in vain.
CULT
The underlying foundation of what passes for American Christendom is a focus on man centered authority.
They hunger after authority over others instead of hungering for Christ which requires humility.
It is the worldly Christianity being passed off as the real thing by guys like Mac.
The verse is located in Romans 3:10. The context concerns those who are born into this world that have no righteousness of their own. As a matter of fact, the unrigtheous do not even seek God. After salvation we are righteous in Christ. Have a nice day
"The verse is located in Romans 3:10. The context concerns those who are born into this world that have no righteousness of their own."
So who is born with righteousness of their own?
No One is born with a righteousness of their own. No need to split hairs.
"No one is righteous, no not one" is Paul's statement about the unregenerated, non-Believers, pre-salvation in Romans 10.
So actually the saved are righteous, thus it is a truism to say, as Brunson did, that the people are blessed when the righteous rule.
Watchdog, your disdain for Brunson really showed on this posting. Shake the sand off, and move on!
AJ
This passage is not talking about candidates who seek an earthly office to rule. In fact carting politicians in front of church is an abomination. It is Psycho sick. Besides, where in the Bible dose this action admonished. I think you have crossed the ling beyond return.
"No one is righteous, no not one" is Paul's statement about the unregenerated, non-Believers, pre-salvation in Romans 10.
So actually the saved are righteous, thus it is a truism to say, as Brunson did, that the people are blessed when the righteous rule.
Watchdog, your disdain for Brunson really showed on this posting. Shake the sand off, and move on!
AJ
You have made your self unrighteous by supporting local rulers in a biblical way. No where in the bible dose it say to vote for an office seeker. However, if you use the Babylon model that is a different story.
OK, so Anon 5:44 and Anon 6:13 are actually the same person because he can't correctly spell "does" both times and he has zero ability to complete a logical argument.
The Proverbs 29 passage does (not "dose") speak of authority who rule over us, and the joy of submitting to authority who are righteous.
The Proverbs 29 passage does (not "dose") speak of authority who rule over us, and the joy of submitting to authority who are righteous.
You will not find a righteous authority in the united States. The only rightous ruler you will find is Jesus Christ. He is the answer. The Jews wanted and got a ruler. The only Joy you have is Jesus. You will not find that on earth in any public office. Inform your pastor of the history.
The church, particulary FBCJax is placing in the minds of the sheep the need to have a christian ruler. Of course, Jesus as we know might not agree. overtime any thing can become the truth to the human mind. Keep in mind these people think they are doing the correct thing, the pastors mind is conditioned starting at the siminary. They know not what they are doing.
If you're referring to the pastors they know exactly what they're doing! The sheeple? Not so much.
I'd suggest a study of dominionism and a couple of very good reads that should open your eyes to what is going on here. (Keep in mind these are written by a somewhat liberal Jew, but they're well-researched and documented.) It's about spreading the "message of Jesus," but that message is probably not what you think it is.
The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power
C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy
It's the quest for power wrapped in pretty paper with a big Jesus bow on it.
Off Topic: Wade Burleson > What If the Trials of This Life, the Rain, the Storms, the Sleepless Nights, Are Your Mercies in Disguise?
When I go to vote tomorrow, membership in FBCJax will automatically disqualify any candidate from my vote.
The wife is to be submissive to her husband and the husband to Jesus Christ. Nowhere is a pastor the head of a woman other than his own wife,,,and good luck on that one.
Richard: my prediction in the mayor's race:
Hogan: 40%
Moran: 27%
Mullaney: 22%
Others: 11%
Then the gloves come off for a run off between Hogan and Moran.
Romans 3:10. The word none means none. If any of us were righteous we wouldn't need Jesus Christ to have saved us as at our best we are but filthy rags. Get it filthy. Go pick up an old greasy dirty filthy rag...thats the way we look to God. Paul speaks very plainly here inspired by the Holy Spirit. Filthy includes all leaders. Its everybody. Hope this helps as a 6th grader can read the Bible and knows the meaning of filthy.
"Off subject BUT you and others need to see this.
It is hot in GA.
Read the comments in the 1st article.
http://thecultbuster.blogspot.com"
I can't see any comments.
Maybe the opponent could bill himself as "The Unrighteous."
I would like to have heard more concerning the unfairness, bias, and injustices practiced in our city. We have four members of FBC on the city council and two Judges and a lot more attorneys. I for one do not know what these problems are. A broad brush stroke without elaborating leaves us desiring more. Lastly, I do not recall Jesus having any of his disciples running for political office nor did they suggest the same. Seperation of church and state probably is the best solution to the world. Look how rich politicians get after being poor and running for political office. Need I say more.
Watchdog, you might need to clear some problem in your site. I posted a comment yesterday it came up, however the next hour or so it disappeared. Thanks. Keep up the good work. Truth will always win out.
Blogger has a spam detector that dumps suspected spam comments into a file waiting for me to determine if they should be posted. It doesn't work well at all, as yesterday three true spam messages were posted, but I get indiscriminant anon messages, and even some regular posters seem to get their messages in spam. I usally check the spam folder only once or twice a day, so that is what is going on. My apologies.
the video is gone
10:34pm Anon wrote...
Romans 3:10. The word none means none. If any of us were righteous we wouldn't need Jesus Christ to have saved us as at our best we are but filthy rags. Get it filthy. Go pick up an old greasy dirty filthy rag...thats the way we look to God. Paul speaks very plainly here inspired by the Holy Spirit. Filthy includes all leaders. Its everybody. Hope this helps as a 6th grader can read the Bible and knows the meaning of filthy.
I respond with...
You are way off on your universal label...so I assume you are younger than a 6th grader. Filthy does not include all leaders nor everybody - - it only describes the non-Believer. Filty and "not one good" describes our condition before regeneration, we are just the opposite now. If you are a Christian, then you are righteous, you are holy, you are sealed, you are not a sinner but instead a saint.
I think I see this so much in the church today, and certainly on this blog including Watchdog's theology, that we don't have a clue about our identity in Christ.
AJ
AJ - certainly when a preacher uses the words "the righteous", he is referring to Christians. Yes, we who are believers are "righteous" in the sight of God.
I don't interpret that verse to mean "blessed are the people when the Christians rule", which would be a logical interpretation of how it was used in the context of a local election, and having just introduced the "Christian" people who are running.
No, I don't look at what church a candidate goes to, or whether they call themselves evangelical or Baptist or whatever. Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, and Bill Clinton - all Southern Baptists. I look at qualifications, experience, and their public policy stands - and those all are mostly independent from their religious professions or affiliations.
When it comes down to it there is nothing morally wrong about having officials running for office stand up in a church. And i am sure there is no where in the Bible that it says it is wrong. It can be argued that the way Brunson went about it isnt right. In the end it doesnt really matter (at least to me).
Christians are considered righteous only as far as God is concerned. And this righteousness comes from Christ's work on behalf of believing sinners on His work and His performance.
BUT, in the eyes of people both christians and lost people, christians do NOT always act righteous. As a matter of fact, christians are worse than lost people in their behavior and deeds. As this blog rightly criticizes christians in high places who act differently than what they proclaim.
AJ. I'm a seasoned Christian for your information and probably a lot older than you. We as Christians live in physical bodies that are nothing but unrighteous. Paul said he did what he didn't want to do and David committed murder and adultry in a sinful body. The point is Jesus paid for all our dirty sins. Thy Peace has it right as Christians are a bad advertisement when it comes to Christianity and being our brothers keeper.
I wonder how Bro. Mac will feel if it is not God's will that these men be elected. I don't think the pulpit is the place for electioneering. I must admit I don't pastor a "mega" church so maybe if I did I would do differently. My hundred active members are not enough to make a big difference in an election.
The wife is to be submissive to her husband and the husband to Jesus Christ. Nowhere is a pastor the head of a woman other than his own wife,,,and good luck on that one.
March 21, 2011 10:29 PM
Oh Dear. What if the husband is not saved?
What if the husband claims to be saved but is an abuser or pervert?
You are claiming the a married woman has a mediator between her and Christ.
Ever studied Kephale? And how it is used in Greek? No, you have not. You believe what ever you are told. "Kephale" is a unity metaphor of head and body. It does not mean boss or in charge.
The only place authority is used in a marriage context is 1 Corin 7.
Check out Eph 5:21. Your husband is to submit to you, too.
BTW: What would be the point of a married woman having the indwelling Holy Spirit if the husband is doing that function for her?
"You are way off on your universal label...so I assume you are younger than a 6th grader. Filthy does not include all leaders nor everybody - - it only describes the non-Believer. Filty and "not one good" describes our condition before regeneration, we are just the opposite now. If you are a Christian, then you are righteous, you are holy, you are sealed, you are not a sinner but instead a saint.
I think I see this so much in the church today, and certainly on this blog including Watchdog's theology, that we don't have a clue about our identity in Christ."
I think Dog makes a good point to you, AJ. Anyone can claim to be a Christian and get the "righteous" before God label here on earth. That would include Clinton, Gore, etc.
It is a vote getter.
And we do "get our identity in Christ" if we truly have one.
Remember, in Matthew 7, Jesus says, "I never knew you". He did not say, "YOU never knew me".
Time to get serious about what salvation means.
One of the areas most lacking in Christian education is the political realm of the 1st Century. Study it so you can know what kind of rulers the Christians lived under when Paul wrote Romans.
Trey said...
In the end it doesnt really matter (at least to me).
At least this guy knows where he is going.
"BTW: What would be the point of a married woman having the indwelling Holy Spirit if the husband is doing that function for her?"
I like that passage in Genesis where God tells Adam what he did wrong. He submitted to his wife.
;-)
Edmund Burke said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
We are in a mess because we DO NOT PRAY!
So....Mac prays for our City and that's bad????
HUH???
What do you want him to do?
It really hurts God to see this kind of mud thrown.
Because the one who throws the mud, is always the dirtest.
Anon 5:38 PM. In the case you cited you fail to realize that the unsaved husband is sactified by the wife I Cor 7:14. The wife being saved has the indwelling Holy Spirit and you can rest assured that a lot of wives have helped lead their husbands to the Lord. There are a host of men who were once lost but more likely saved due to their wives having prayer, patience, love, joy, and peace in the home than we will ever realize. Take a close review of Ephesians 5:24 "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ (notice not the pastor) so let the wives be to their own husbands, in every thing. Sort of hard getting around "every thing". Thats why Jesus said they were to be one flesh. Paul said it was a mystery. By the way there is no mediator between man but Jesus Christ. I never said that the unsaved husband nor the saved husband takes the place of Jesus Christ in regards to salvation.
AJ while we might sit in heavenly places in a spiritual sense we unfortunately live in earthen vessels. Paul said that "none were good, no not one". He also declares us filthy rags...all of us. Neither you nor I can go an entire week without sinning and that goes for everybody. Yes, we are saved but do not have our glorified bodies so until then we will have to endure these old broken down bodies and how they react to circumstances, things, and people. Sufficient is the day and every day we live unto the end. Bless you and those who discover just how much Jesus Christ suffered so that we could one day sit at His table knowing we had no part in it other than trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
.....nothing wrong with how our church presents the politicians. Personally, I would need to get seriously prayed up before I introduced Kimberly Daniels. I was a little concerned about the structural integrity of the church building after that name was called.
Too funny about Kimberly Daniels. Yes, Mac showed extreme grace in announcing her. Goes to show you, FBC Jax doesn't turn anyone away when they introduce politicians.
The wife being saved has the indwelling Holy Spirit and you can rest assured that a lot of wives have helped lead their husbands to the Lord.
John Sullivan, FSBC Executive Director was led to Christ by his wife.
Richard: my prediction in the mayor's race:
Hogan: 40%
Moran: 27%
Mullaney: 22%
Others: 11%
Then the gloves come off for a run off between Hogan and Moran.
Dog, don't give up your day job. Your predictions were way off base and me thinks your future career as a bookie is seriously in trouble.
So....Mac prays for our City and that's bad????
who said it was bad?
who said it was good?
pray to sooth your sole
Still not a bad pick. Had the order right on Hogan, Moran and Mullaney. No one saw Alvin Brown coming in second.
"pray to sooth your sole"
As in rough shoes?
Anon 10:18,
Your lack of bible skills are dizzying! Paul never said that we were filthy rags..in fact it's not even in the New Testament. It was actually pre-cross Isaiah who said our "righteousness is as filthy rags."
So you have lost all credibility in your argument. And salvation doesn't start in heaven, it starts at regeneration. Read Jesus' High Priestly prayer!
AJ
Your lack of bible skills are dizzying! Paul never said that we were filthy rags..in fact it's not even in the New Testament. It was actually pre-cross Isaiah who said our "righteousness is as filthy rags."
So you have lost all credibility in your argument. And salvation doesn't start in heaven, it starts at regeneration. Read Jesus' High Priestly prayer!
AJ
AJ you are still a filthy rag or rags if you like.
10:06 Anon,
I am not a filthy rag even if I wanted to my friend. Because my old rags have been redeemed and I am now new in Christ. Your attempt of shaming me or ridiculing me fell way short.
I am now the righteousness of Christ, a trophy of His grace - - my past is gone, behold everything is new.
You need to take a deeper look on sin, the traded life, impuded righteousness, identity in Christ, and the new creation...you would have a whole new identity of who you now are in Him.
AJ
I am now the righteousness of Christ, a trophy of His grace - - my past is gone, behold everything is new.
Prehaps you do not sin as well. Your mine has been molested. Seek a teacher with chriist as the focus and not a ruler
Anon 9:28,
I'll simply leave you with scripture to digest. It covers my dialogue with you much better than I can articulate. Please consider sin, righteousness and new creation in this. The Word, from I John 3:
Make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 3:7-9
Make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 3:7-9
I was waiting for a verse.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
A person that is bourn of the spirit is not concerned with the fleshly candidates in a earthly kingdom of satin. How can you say your are born of the spirit and support such things. It seems as if you are being deceived.
Please consider sin, righteousness and new creation in this. The Word, from I John 3:7-9
To be part of this new creation you must seperate yourself from the world like Jesus did. That includes all matters. Not just what you select as being as part of the new creation.
Please consider sin. If you are a member at FBC Jax, you would be a lier if you did not understand that FBC Jax is not seperated from the world. Give any topic.
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