tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post6608181499280389064..comments2024-03-23T22:54:58.661-04:00Comments on FBC Jax Watchdogs: Why I Don't LeaveFBC Jax Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-76828021241268382842008-05-09T22:54:00.000-04:002008-05-09T22:54:00.000-04:00This blog is an abomination in God's sight. He hat...This blog is an abomination in God's sight. He hates those who sow seeds of discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). How can you call yourself a follower of Christ and then air all this garbage for the whole lost world to see? And yes, there are many who point to this blog (gossip rag) as their reason for not going to church.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-32687670689980301292008-05-06T21:22:00.000-04:002008-05-06T21:22:00.000-04:00is there really any difference between written gos...is there really any difference between written gossip and slander on a blog or web post and doing it verbally in a barber shop, beauty shop or another place. Isn't defaming or slandering another name or character a sin?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-3237541373803645972008-04-29T14:56:00.000-04:002008-04-29T14:56:00.000-04:0010:27..The last time I checked, its the Holy Spiri...10:27..<BR/><BR/>The last time I checked, its the Holy Spirit that guides individuals to a church not you. You have no right to tell anyone to go or come to any church, thats their decision!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-89170951587106647572008-04-29T10:27:00.000-04:002008-04-29T10:27:00.000-04:00WD - you are sadly mistaken on so many levels in w...WD - you are sadly mistaken on so many levels in what you write. Go ahead and blame Mac and blame church leadership for all the things you cite, they are used to it. Sorry, but Mac doesn't accept the blame that you are trying to pass off on him. You yourself are passing judgment on Mac yet you don't know Mac's heart or anything about Mac intimately, so I caution you against that. The things posted here at this website are not leading anyone to Christ. If you think they are, please tell everyone about this site and don't ever come to the church again where people, it seems to you, are not being saved, its that simple. All I can tell you is that you have misread the situation in your assessment of Mac and assumptions about Mac.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-49848399223708662972008-04-29T00:50:00.000-04:002008-04-29T00:50:00.000-04:00WD, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on not le...WD,<BR/> Thanks for sharing your thoughts on not leaving. You have stated exactly the way many of us feel. It's discouraging to say the least but it helps to see the heart of someone who is hurting as we are and has such an ability with words. (and is willing to deal with some of the naive, ridiculous comments directed his/her way.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-49716181838531763492008-04-29T00:49:00.000-04:002008-04-29T00:49:00.000-04:00WD, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on not le...WD,<BR/> Thanks for sharing your thoughts on not leaving. You have stated exactly the way many of us feel. It's discouraging to say the least but it helps to see the heart of someone who is hurting as we are and has such an ability with words. (and is willing to deal with some of the naive, ridiculous comments directed his/her way.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-5985450733684371992008-04-29T00:01:00.000-04:002008-04-29T00:01:00.000-04:00Thanks for your Blog. I am staying put at FBC JAX ...Thanks for your Blog. I am staying put at FBC JAX too. I am still waiting on our new pastor. Right now we just have a substitute teacher. Give Mac a year and he will receive a call to somewhere else where he can make more money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-42614141850123697182008-04-28T17:50:00.000-04:002008-04-28T17:50:00.000-04:00anon 7:54, Do you mind telling what is the church ...anon 7:54, Do you mind telling what is the church you are attending. I might want to visit. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-15705966525670516262008-04-28T17:17:00.000-04:002008-04-28T17:17:00.000-04:00I appreciated your analogy. Very appropriate. I'...I appreciated your analogy. Very appropriate. <BR/><BR/>I'm usually just a reader, but today's posts exasperated me. Where is the discernment in today's churches? The Bible tells us to pray for it--that love is worthless without discernment.<BR/><BR/>We would all like to believe that every pastor is "God called" into the ministry and to each of his pastorates. But, spiritual discernment and maturity tell us otherwise. <BR/><BR/>When I read some of the comments, I am reminded that in the last days we will have Laodicean churches filled with those who have no spiritual discernment, but seem to feel that they are the only ones who "love" their fellow man.<BR/><BR/>I'm not refering only to Bro. Brunson--he may be a fine preacher. But, the problem arises when the pastors want to be treated as if they are the "new Moses" and only they hear from the Holy Spirit and are "God's man". A true man of God would seek the counsel of many Godly laymen in the church and not demand only his way and all the money he can talk the church into giving him.<BR/><BR/>Yes, I'm cynical. But, with good reason. Believe me, Mac Brunson is not the only Baptist pastor playing these games with their congregations. If only he were! Wake up people. Remember, we can do the right things for the wrong reasons.<BR/><BR/>Yes, God will hold these pastors accountable for not tending the sheep appropriately. But, we are to be good stewards until that time.<BR/><BR/>We need watchmen to call attention to these conditions. Maybe some people will pray for discernment due to these efforts by WD. Keep up the good work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-77347977465898910792008-04-28T17:12:00.000-04:002008-04-28T17:12:00.000-04:00Anon 4:27 - you are sadly mistaken on so many leve...Anon 4:27 - you are sadly mistaken on so many levels in what you write. Go ahead and blame me and blame this website for all the things you cite, I'm used to it. Sorry, but I don't accept the blame that you are trying to pass off on me. You yourself are passing judgement on me yet you don't know me or my heart or anything about me, so I caution you against that. The things posted here at this website are not keeping anyone from Christ. If you think they are, please don't tell anyone about this site and don't ever come here, its that simple. All I can tell you is that you have misread the situation in your assessment of me and assumptions about me.FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-20657264833044440462008-04-28T16:54:00.000-04:002008-04-28T16:54:00.000-04:00I find it interesting that to GOOGLE First Baptist...I find it interesting that to GOOGLE First Baptist Church Jacksonville, you must use FBC JAX to get anything about Watchdog to show. Why would you not GOOGLE by Jacksonville if you are so new to the area?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-73908792649052329882008-04-28T16:27:00.000-04:002008-04-28T16:27:00.000-04:00Anonymous April 28 3:25 sums it up. Watchdog, you...Anonymous April 28 3:25 sums it up. Watchdog, you have given us a glimpse into your heart through your writings and responses to others on this blog. It is not a glimpse that brings glory to God in any way. I have seen no signs of the fruits of the Spirit in any of your writings or responses. I have seen anger, hatred, disdain and utter disgust for other Christians. I know the heartache that the person writing this entry feels, for I too had a friend totally reject Christ, not just a church, because of the actions of Christians that were so unlike our Lord. She told me that Jesus could not possibly be the Messiah because if He were, and His teachings were true, His followers would show love for each other and not be critical and unkind. She pointed out, and rightly so, that people who do not even claim to be Christians treat others more kindly and with more love than many of those who do claim to be followers of Christ. I wept at her Bat Mitzvah. We were part of a Sunday School class where members were guilty of criticism and gossip of fellow Christians and our pastor on a regular basis, always pointing out the flaws in our church. Christian who engage in conduct that does not bring glory to God will answer for their conduct, regardless of who they are or their position in life or how much they have given to the church. I am sorry you are so miserable in your church and in your life. Do you have any of the joy in your life that a Christian who is in tune with God experiences on a daily basis? I weep for you. I am sure you will make fun of me, telling me to enjoy the kool aid, or I am young and stupid, or incapable of understanding your level of thinking, as you do everyone else who disagrees with your opinion. Have at it. Your methods and manners are achieving nothing, especially nothing that honors our Lord and Savior. God knows each of us, and sees our hearts. All things done in secret will be made public one day, and we will be held accountable for every person who came in contact with us whom we did not tell about Jesus and the plan of salvation. Have you ever known the joy that comes from leading someone to Christ? Do you spend time on your knees praying for your pastor and your staff? That will bring about change. God is the only one with the power to change the lives and hearts of men. You will never find a perfect church, or a perfect pastor. You have mentioned previously that you weren't happy with either Dr. Vines or Dr. Lindsay and thought changes were needed then. Focus on Jesus - He is the only perfect one. Don't take your eyes off of Him. You have many issues but you are approaching them in an incorrect manner. You are bringing public disgrace to a wonderful church and the cause of Christ. Jesus loves you and I am praying for you. Try approaching your problems on your knees crying out to God. You will see changes in your life and the lives of the persons for whom you are praying. It's a promise from God's Word.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-64457393183831094542008-04-28T15:25:00.000-04:002008-04-28T15:25:00.000-04:00Please, please... take this blog off the web! A fr...Please, please... take this blog off the web! A friend (a non-Christian whose spouse had been prompted to get their family into church as they have a new baby) and I were Googling FBC so I could show them what ministries we had. My new husband and I just joined a couple of years ago, and have been SO BLESSED by the church. I've not been part of the church for my whole life, so I don't know how much of this is true, but nevertheless. When I wanted to share the blessings with my friend, this is one of the first few sites that came up. How embarrasing to Our Lord, and for me, that I found, with a searching soul, that someone in the church is berating our own congregation and God's chosen shephard, the man who is our pastor. Oh, my heart is broken. Please remove these harmful words from the WORLD Wide Web. What damage you could be doing for the kingdom! Better to spend your time listening to His voice, reading His words, talking with His children, sharing with those that are not yet His children. Offer solutions to the church with your time. Spend it in prayer. Hold up the staff members.<BR/><BR/>If you have a problem with anyone in the body, God's Word lays out a method to deal with it in Galations: Have you gone to the brother or brothers that offended you one-on-one personally? Then have you taken this to the congregation (I do not know, but I have not been in a service where this has happened)? Please try the method that our Lord gave us. But even if all that does not work, their wrong and your wrong does not make it right-eous.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-5455786217634845602008-04-27T21:05:00.000-04:002008-04-27T21:05:00.000-04:00I’m just tired of all the secrecy and being ignore...I’m just tired of all the secrecy and being ignored. I have grown up in the church and every church I have ever attended gave detailed descriptions of how money is spent. FBC feels that the members don’t have any need to know exactly how money is spent and feel they aren’t accountable to anyone. Well, I happen to feel that I am accountable for where my tithe is being spent. As a member I should have access. At this point, I don’t even know how much Mac makes per year! And I’m confused about expenses. We are already hearing about summer camp and how desperately they need money. I know that last year they paid the “helper” director of the high school choir quite a large chunk of change for the week. No one else is paid for "helping" at camp. Not even the camp director! Is that a wise use of the money sent in to help “sponsor a child” for the week. I’m becoming frustrated with a ministry that seems to be wasting money in many ways and using it for things I don’t even know about! It’s time that God’s people start holding the leaders at FBC accountable for their use (or waste!) of the church’s money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-48748513757157662722008-04-27T20:43:00.000-04:002008-04-27T20:43:00.000-04:00Team Brunson?? LOL That sounds like a cult followi...Team Brunson?? LOL That sounds like a cult following nameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-73298784494110007132008-04-27T20:32:00.000-04:002008-04-27T20:32:00.000-04:00Anon 8:23You are a hypocrite. Using your definiti...Anon 8:23<BR/><BR/>You are a hypocrite. Using your definition, then you yourself must be a hater of the people on this blog. Yet I'm sure you would say "No, I don't hate you, I'm just posting here to tell you what you're doing is wrong, and that its not God's will for you to be doing this, and I don't like that you're doing this, so I'm coming here to tell you that I don't like it."<BR/><BR/>So you're a hater using your own definition and judgement that you cast on us.FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-36869365136346554662008-04-27T20:23:00.000-04:002008-04-27T20:23:00.000-04:00hatred-the feeling of one who hates; intense disli...hatred-the feeling of one who hates; intense dislike or extreme aversion or hostility. <BR/>dictionary.com<BR/><BR/>Do you have an intense dislike toward "Team Brunson"? Or how about an extreme aversion? Then yes, your a "hater". It's that simple.<BR/><BR/> You still don't see it. You and this site do more to hurt our "neighborhood" than any one person. How in the world can you refute that? And by the way, they're not abuses just because you say they are (or that you don't understand)<BR/><BR/> There is a whole generation of people that grew up at FBC that want nothing to do with our church or church at all. They're hurt for some reason. I just don't see how trying to force the leader of our church to conform and submit to your "accountability" is of God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-35773742534300594602008-04-27T20:12:00.000-04:002008-04-27T20:12:00.000-04:00Voice of Reason says:I don't sense any hatred here...Voice of Reason says:<BR/><BR/>I don't sense any hatred here at all. Like the Malta natives, you are pre-judging us. We point out abuses and voice our concerns here and you immediately jump to he conclusion that we "hate" someone. That is why it is so hard to reason with people who claim to be "Christians." Any questioning of their beliefs or positions gets you a tongue lashing and you are accused of so many things. This pastor did the things blogged about here. Period. Facts are facts. And right or wrong, those actions have effected his credibility and ability to lead and has most certainly called into question his motives for coming here. Until he addresses those things, hiding behind Spurgeon's egg money is not going to cut it.(So far he has cast himself as Paul, John the Baptist and Jesus in his application of the scripture.)<BR/><BR/>The nepotism, free condo, and $307K free land gift HAVE to make any reasonable, rationale person concerned and left wondering what is going on. Sure, maybe those were just coincidences that were given AFTER he decided to come, but maybe they played a huge factor in his and his wife's decision to leave Dallas? Right or wrong about his motives and heart, it is "the appearance of" some shady doings and IF he has nothing to hide, then be open and transparent about it. <BR/><BR/>Until then, no hate, and no more questions. Just observations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-62796572368685539922008-04-27T19:54:00.000-04:002008-04-27T19:54:00.000-04:00I was a 25 plus year veteran of FBC until recently...I was a 25 plus year veteran of FBC until recently. My attitude towards the changes at FBC were getting in my way of worship and being fed spiritually. I resisted leaving for the longest time because of the history I had at FBC. It is there I met my spouse, my kids were born, raised (to this point) and baptized. I hated leaving so many long time friends. <BR/><BR/>I have found a new church home and am in a "honeymoon" phase with my new church. The whole family loves it. I can't wait for Sunday's now. Every week as we get to know people it gets better and better. Just how it used to be for me at FBC. I now wonder what took me so long to leave. Yes, there is life after FBC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-59763718317408567882008-04-27T19:28:00.000-04:002008-04-27T19:28:00.000-04:00Dear Watchdog:Thanks for giving your perspective i...Dear Watchdog:<BR/><BR/>Thanks for giving your perspective in your latest posting! I was curious, does Team Bruson read your blog that you are aware of?<BR/><BR/>Thanks,<BR/>SBC Guy in IllinoisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-38758927236437431212008-04-27T17:40:00.000-04:002008-04-27T17:40:00.000-04:00Anon - "just opinion and hatred" you say. I don't ...Anon - "just opinion and hatred" you say. I don't see hatred here. So those who blog about the abuses of the pastor are "haters"?FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-54919850446486400902008-04-27T17:28:00.000-04:002008-04-27T17:28:00.000-04:00Wow...Can you feel the hatred here? This site can ...Wow...Can you feel the hatred here? This site can only be of God. WD, do you see what kind of followers you are ralleying? How in the world can you be happy with this? Are you holding anyone accountable yet? Is anyone in leadership paying you any attention? Have you asked youself "Why" yet or do you simply blame it on someone else? And no the HOA doesn't make sense....if your questions were answered but not to your liking then no you don't make sense. Theres nothing wrong with questions but this site is just opinion and hatred. And it just produces more of the same...just keep reading people. You'll see what I mean.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-17682149247041901442008-04-27T17:14:00.000-04:002008-04-27T17:14:00.000-04:00Excellent analogy - or not. Sorry I don't get it,...Excellent analogy - or not. Sorry I don't get it, and I don't think you can compare an HOA to the Church (where the leader is God called). Unfortunately I have been in a church for 3 years where my husband is on staff, and it's been three years since I've heard a good sermon. I would love to be able to sit under the Godly preaching of Dr. Brunson every Sunday and Wednesday - and all you can do is complain. This blog really tells the readers more about who you are than who Dr. Brunson is. My heart goes out to you because I know you're hurting, and you're lashing out at the wrong person.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-57798214339806416652008-04-27T14:21:00.000-04:002008-04-27T14:21:00.000-04:00Hey Mac - If you give what you do not need, it isn...Hey Mac - If you give what you do not need, it isn’t giving - Mother TeresaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-91703979325927519332008-04-27T14:12:00.000-04:002008-04-27T14:12:00.000-04:00Voice of Reason says: WD - excellent analogy. It ...Voice of Reason says: <BR/><BR/>WD - excellent analogy. It captures not only the abuses by the pastor, but also the impact of the hurtful accusations by those that defend him. It also portrays the sadness and hurt of the "residents" of the neighborhood who are being abused.<BR/><BR/>Now, about today's sermon - it was the most offensive of all for those of us who do read our Bibles. <BR/><BR/>Pastor, did you intentionally take those Scriptures out of context or are you just trying to make every text you can apply to YOU again? OR was it just a subconscious error? Either way, you embarassed yourself and any pastor who hears it will be embarassed for you.<BR/><BR/>You and I both know that the text you preached from had NOTHING to do with people pre-judging a baptist preacher after he had been in place for several months and had repeatedly abused the power and trust he had been given. <BR/><BR/>And you contradicted your own message when you pointed out that Paul said NOTHING to those that wondered if he might be a murderer, yet you twisted the text this morning to lash out at people that you claim misjudged you! You just can't resist can you, pastor. Talk about being immature. That was weak. <BR/><BR/>Let me tell YOU something: You were not "pre-judged" sir. You were loved and welcomed and treated very generously as was your family. How dare you imply that you have ever been pre-judged.<BR/><BR/>And sir, Spurgeon sold eggs and you said no one complained that they paid him enough. How do you know that? Perhaps some people did. Or perhaps he was NOT paid enough, so he HAD to sell eggs. What about you, are you implying you are not paid enough? Tell that to J.D. Collins and Mr. Davis among others. Either way, we can all Spurgeon was not given a free beachfront condo or given a piece of land worth at least 2 - 3 years of salary. And perhaps if he had put his wife on staff, she would not have had to sell eggs. That was really sick for you to even imply in any way that you are in a situation such as Spurgeon. Your fellow pastors who read this, and those who have made you a millionaire who read this blog, must be disgusted with you.<BR/><BR/>And back to the Malta natives. You said they were immature and wrong to pre-judge Paul. I would disagree. And you already know this but I WANT YOUR SHEEP TO KNOW IT TOO, Paul was a PRISONER on a ship full of murderers and convicts. When they saw the snake bite him, it is perfectly reasonable for them to believe he must be a murderer. What would YOU expect them to think...that "this prisoner must be God's man and we are witnessing a miracle?" Of course not. And remember, this happened very quickly, the snake bit, and then in that short time, they wondered aloud about who Paul was. Then, in probably less than 5 seconds, the snake was shaken off. They OBSERVED Paul, like we observed you, and when they saw he was not getting ill from the bite, THAN they made a second erroneous judgment...that he was a GOD. That part of your sermon received very little attention. How gullible people are. They are equally quick to judge someone a god, (or God's man) as they are to judge him a murderer. This is what it makes it so easy for you to fleece them and twist scripture and apply it erroneously. Why, oh why, sir - did you try and make this description of Paul's journey and shipwreck about YOU? Please tell us! Are you again reacting to this blog? And you call us immature. <BR/><BR/>I will make this offer: If you start preaching the word, I will stop commenting here. Fair enough. Please, sir, PREACH THE WORD! Don't use every illustration to defend your ridiculous fleecing and poor leadership of this flock.<BR/><BR/>And pastor, please review your 1st year of seminary notes about prescriptive versus descriptive texts. This account was not made to tell us that Jesus/God is there in our storms and will deliver us. You know better than that. It also is not there to tell us that we can just shake off poisonous snake bites. (Go ahead and try that one for me.) God did not "rescue" Paul from the shipwreck. His ship was wrecked and he had to swim on shore. Than he was bitten. Go ahead and tell us the real meaning of that passage Doctor Brunson. <BR/><BR/>I guess you also preach that Jesus calmed the storm and the point of that was to let us know he is with us in our storms and he will calm them after we wake him up. Or maybe...that passage is really about him being GOD and having the ability to command the winds and the waves? <BR/><BR/>Please, preach the Word and trust the Holy Spirit to apply it to the listener. <BR/><BR/>By the way, you don't really see yourself as "shipwrecked" like Paul do you? Do you really feel you are being attacked and persecuted out there at Deerwood or while on the campus of our church, or out at the Town Center? Come on, sir. Get real and tell us the truth.<BR/><BR/>That sermon effort today was PATHETIC! You should be ashamed of yourself. Have you no shame on what you do with God's word that at one time in your life you preached with conviction and integrity. <BR/><BR/>And so Spurgeon supported some widows with his money. Great, God will pleased with those of us who are actually spending our money on widows and orphans, and NOT giving the money to you so you can live like a king and then feel good about yourself that after you have taken millions for yourself and your family, you might then give back some of what has been lavished on you? Donate that $307K you received from Mr. Collins to the school and I will admit I prejudged you...only then will you be VINDICATED. Until that happens, sir, it is the WD and those that comment here, that are being VINDICATED.<BR/><BR/>That's all for now. I can't wait for tonight!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com