We learned this past weekend that Mac and Debbie Brunson's "Trip Down the Danube" cruise on the luxurious "River Beatrice" with 100 of their closest friends, with "100% Egyptian cotton linens and cashmere/wool blankets" in the state rooms - was canceled. Why?
Volcanic ash from the Icelandic volcano shut down air travel to and from Germany.
We as Christians must ask: Why did this volcano erupt?
Taking the cue from our American Christian leaders like Brunson and Pat Robertson, we must seek answers to the following questions:
Could this volcanic eruption be the judgment of God?
What is God telling us? What is God telling the Icelanders?
Perhaps the Icelanders are not tithing to the national church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland? Could it be that their failure to fork over 10% of their income, their desire to drive stolen cars and wear stolen clothes has caused God to shake the foundations of this volcano?
Maybe the Icelanders failed to "just slice off a big hunk" of their assets for the ELCI building program and God didn't like that.
Perhaps God tried to wreck their economy, and raise their gas prices, but that didn't get their attention, so God pulled out the 'ole "volcanic eruption and ash" trick.
Or maybe God is paying Europeans back for being the training ground for Ergun Caner in his youth; after all, according to Caner he was "rrrraised in Eurrrope" before he came to "Ah-meerrr-icah", when he was trained in the "Islamic Youth Jihad", training to "do that which was done on 11 September".
Or maybe the Icelanders' ancestors, much like the Haitians, made a deal with some Viking demons long ago, and God is paying them back for it?
Or maybe, just maybe, God didn't want the "Trip Down the Danube" to take place. Maybe he used the volcanic eruption to stop yet another example of modern Christian celebrity worship and excess all in the name of Jesus? I don't know, just asking the questions.
Maybe when Mac Brunson returns from Europe, he and Pat Robertson will share their insights as to why this tragedy occured.
And by "tragedy", I mean the volcanic eruption, not the cancelation of the "Trip Down the Danube".
:)
32 comments:
Amazing post. You may have a future in journalism. Keep up the watch!!!
JOhn Daniels
FBCJ has another opportunity coming up in May for Mac, Debbie and favorite friends as they are advertising for a group to go to Haiti to do mission work. Of course they would have to take back the luxery clothes for work clothes and camping gear - they say they need a chaplain, Mac would be perfect now that he's not using the time off for the river cruise.
Yes it is an amazing post - the lifestyle of the Brunson family is what makes people upchuck, and could care less what people think.
After all Mac is "God's Holy Man" according to the good Rev. King.
In the future they will use the term "mission" vs vacation.
They use the term "Mission" just to be able to get that free tax expense paid vacation ride that those with a title use within these denominations.
Want to go somewhere free in the Baptist ministry? Just call it a mission trip.
It is the same meaning, just sounds better to the cult followers.
But thankfully there ARE those who do real mission work and for those we are thankful........
Debbie in Haiti??? Without all her luxurious creature-comforts??? Debbie might actually have to get dirty!!! Impossible. Not going to happen. Bet that.
April 22, 9:34 AM:
"Good to hear your church is reaching young adults. Are they unchurched people or rechurched people?"
Both.
"What is your church doing besides sitting there that is reaching them?"
Reaching out on a one to one basis, inviting them to join us.
And the Lord continues to add to the church.
"Do you believe it is the building that is attracting them? Or something else?"
Could hardly be the building since it is a 90 year old relic, as you would call it. The attraction is not the building but what's inside the building: a pastor and people who show them love, no entertainment - just pure worship, and good "meaty" messages from the Word of God. That'll do it every time.
I believe FBCJ has a few bottles of water left over from the Media blitz about passing out water to the homeless. They could take those bottles of water and the camera crew to Hiati and show Mac giving a bottle of water to a poor Haitian boy. Click! Click!
I remember someone recently said that the earth had not opened up and that the sky was not falling. I believe the volcano and the fallout was an instrument of God to us all, just to say that occasionally He has the last laugh. Ps 59:8 " But thou, O Lord, dost laugh at them; thou dost hold all the nations in derision".
Don't forget Falwell's explanation of why 9/11 happened; and other leaders explanation of why New Orleans was wiped out. Or recently, the Islamic leader saying earthquakes are because of the way women dress in those countries.
It is amazing what we all believe sometimes isn't it.
Anon 4:49 True, however what is such a paradox is what we all don't believe sometimes!!!
When I heard that the Brunsons were "stranded in Paris for 2 days" and the misery of having to ride a bus, take a train and walk to catch their cruise ship so they could cruise down the Danube, I was disgusted... Meanwhile, FBCJ is having budget issues, buildings are falling apart and the people are leaving in droves.. but don't worry, we will go to Europe for a few days cause we are tired....
I applaud Pastors like Herb Revis at North Jax, where approx 20 FBCJ families have moved, who continually preach the gospel and reach their neighbors. Isn't that what ministry is all about.. reaching our neighbors???
By the way, ask Smyrl to show us his tatoo... mmmmm
"I applaud Pastors like Herb Revis at North Jax, where approx 20 FBCJ families have moved, who continually preach the gospel.
==============================
North Jax continues to build a great reputation among believers and people respect the ministry of Herb Revis and his staff.
If Mac Brunson was such a great preacher why are so many people leaving? They should be flocking to the Brunson church.
The fact of the matter is that Brunson and (Mrs)only work part time and travel the other half. What a life they live!
As members of FBCJ we have visited Pastor Revis North Side Church and found it to be everything the above blogger wrote. I applaud this church too! They sure don't have critics blogging their ministry. With Brunson at the helm, FBCJ will continue to lose members - they blew it when they hired him.
Dr. Dog -
Great post! I agree with the previous posts about FBC continuing to lose members.
As long as the staff pastors and wealthy deacons/trustees believe that Mac is "God's man", Team Brunson will continue to milk this position for all it's worth.
Then, when the budget crisis reaches critical mass, they will go to greener pastures. I just hope that it won't be too late to rebuild a healthy ministry at FBC Jax.
Trip Down The Danube Canceled""
Oh, what a shame. Ranks right up there with losing your job, or health care. And of course having your house in foreclosure or the car reposessed. Or even being homeless. And how sad to be stuck in Paris, or having to catch a bus! A real catastrophe! Betch there was time for "shopping" while being "stuck" in Paris. Others should be so lucky to be "stuck" in Paris. How can one endure?
Trip Cancelled...Ha Ha Ha!
ANON Apr 23 8:47
You say............
"I applaud Pastors like Herb Revis at North Jax, where approx 20 FBCJ families have moved, who continually preach the gospel and reach their neighbors. Isn't that what ministry is all about.. reaching our neighbors??? "
Oh be soooo very careful before you speak.
This guy is one of the silent and very snake like ministers who are like those many have spoken about here and on other blogs.
He is very good friends with those with the G B C - Everson, White, Cathy, Sturm, Robertson, etc., and is NOT how you view him or think he is.
He knows how to take advantage of FBCJAX and Brunson's situation and will milk it dry.
He too see $$$$$ signs and is licking his chops like a wolf overlooking a sheep herd in a pasture! He knows when to say what and HOW to say it to seem authentic.
I know him very well!
Be careful of those within the Baptist Mafia! Be very careful!
Stay away from those Everson disciples - stay far away!
Off Topic:
Tim Rogers (TimR2) saga continues at Baptist Life Forums ...
Tim Rogers and SBC Today.
Some background on the above ...
Burleson gets threatened....
GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN!!
I was just about to sign up for the trip when "WHEW", Lucy pulled it out from under me. Again.
I hope the members are paying attention. I hope they will add it all up.
How much does it cost to print up the FBCJ logo on the water bottles to give to the homeless? Can't we just give water to the homeless?
PLEEEEEEZ!
WWJL?
(What Was Jesus' Logo?)
Reading these posts amaze me, its not shame on The Brunsons, but shame on the trustees and deacons for allowing this type of travel. I cannot imagine what would be the need for a pastor and his wife to go to Paris.. The average pastor and his family is lucky to get a week out of town and its usually to the next town over, nevermind out of the country.
Where are the decons and trustees..? Why aren't they standing up for what is right?
Due to the fact there are budget issues at FBCJ, perhaps they should suggest to the pastor that he take a pay cut or perhaps they should curtail his expenses, or they should fire the 3 marketing firms they have hired to build membership in the FBCJ Country Club.
If memory serves me correctly, Dr. Lindsay didn't need a marketing firm to reach the lost.
Remember folks there are still lost people across the street from your house.
Let's be good stewards of the money that God has put in our control deacons/trustees!!
WD
If you won't post my blog writing,
I am done reading your crap.....
Have fun!
Re: Pastors taking vacations. Most pastors do not have the resources to take trips to Europe. Many feel this is extravagant and had rather be close to their pastorate in case that they are needed, i.e., sickness or death of a member or just being available at a moments notice. I know some pastors that hardly ever took a vacation and lived close to their church in a home supplied by their members. They also had eggs, flour, bacon, ham, bread, milk, vegatables and other food supplies given to them in order to supplement their meager salary. But, they were PASTORS of a local church and their heart was in their ministry. I suppose that those days are long gone now, however, if one wants to be a real pastor he should strive to stay close to his church if God has called him.
I believe if God calls one to be an evangelist his obligation would be to be busy doing the call throughout the year not working 5-6 months and then traveling all over the world. If any evangelist is not working at least 10 months out of the year he needs to look elsewhere for work as maybe God never called him.
I believe the deacons and trustees are way out there somewhere when it comes to being an overseer of a pastor. Possibly they WANT the pastor to be held in "celebrity status". I say if that is their calling they need to move to Hollywood where the other actors display their artistic abilities, but for heavens sake stay out of the church. They do more harm than good as we have seen displayed over and over again throughout the last 40-50 years.
Others should be so lucky to be "stuck" in Paris.
Paris wasn't even on the itinerary. The group was supposed to fly from the U.S. to Munich, board the ship, and end in Budapest. Apparently the Brunsons went early so they could do a little extra sightseeing, shopping, fine dining, etc. How conveeenient for Mac and Honey to get stuck in Paris without the hassle of having a group of other people in tow.
I hope everyone who was going bought travel insurance and that it covered "acts of God." Some policies don't.
Trip Cancelled...Ha Ha Ha!
Schadenfreude...
Anon 1:20-
I too know Herb Reavis VERY well. And I do not know what you are talking about. Is he perfect? No, but he has never been anything but gracious, humble and encouraging to me and others who know him.
I do not know of your experience with Reavis and North Jax, but mine have always been the opposite of what yours seems to be.
I believe the deacons and trustees are way out there somewhere when it comes to being an overseer of a pastor
================================
The above have refused to listen to the people of First Baptist Church - many divorced, have problem kids, yet given the authority and title of "deacon & trustee" to oversee the church. They are nothing but favorite men with puppet strings that Mac Brunson wines and dines.
I have no respect for these men who line up in their "black" suits
on the sidelines and front rows with their serious faces while looking at pews filling up with less and less people.
Right, it is a Country Club Church - that's the reason they hooked up with Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee. They are not after souls, but MONEY to continue to support their wealthy pastor & his senior staff.
Most churches with the title " First Baptist " in front of them are known throughout the Baptist Cult as a "Country Club" church.
At least that is what those within the Baptist Mafia say........
and all the First Baptist pastors go.........................
wink-wink :)
Where are the decons and trustees..? Why aren't they standing up for what is right?
April 23, 2010 5:50 PM>
The answer is very simple: they do not want to lose their favored status.
I do not know of your experience with Reavis and North Jax, but mine have always been the opposite of what yours seems to be.
April 23, 2010 11:32 PM
I love these types of comments. I have to wonder how well folks really know the phony anointed ones. Spend large amounts of time with them outside the "church building". Really know them 'spiritually' and personally. My guess is that most don't but think they do.
Point is, they are almost always kind and encouraging in their 'work'. It is how they make a living and IMAGE is everything in that line of work. Most folks believe the image projected on stage and shaking hands afterwards.
Tom,
Wouldn't it be interesting to know if Tim Rogers' pew sitters know about his vitriol and childish comments all over the blogsphere? Would they recognize the Tim they know at church? Or, are they just like him and hang on his every word and agree with his brand of illogic, vitriol and childishness?
Scary thought. But my guess is most of the SBC is just like him. And of course, since it would be a majority, it would mean they think God sides with the majorities.
I love these types of comments. I have to wonder how well folks really know the phony anointed ones. Spend large amounts of time with them outside the "church building". Really know them 'spiritually' and personally. My guess is that most don't but think they do.
April 24, 3:16
I love your characterization of me, not knowing Herb as well as you when you do not know me! I cannot prove to you how well I know Herb Reavis and Lisa any more than you can.
But suffice it to say that I am not blind to what goes on nor naive about it all. However, I am a realist and have never put these men on pedastals, that is why I am never surprised when they show a human side!
Am I to assume that you are bitter about some confrontation with HR? I can't say that since I do not know you. But I do know Herb better than I know you and I am sure that you know Herb better than you know me, so let's leave it about him and not us, as a means to attempt to discredit someone who has a differeing opinion.
If you want to see why Tim Rogers is acting so bizzarly for Caner this picture will explain it:
http://www.christianindex.org/3604.imgpre
ergun and his brother don't even LOOK like they are from muslim blood. they look like just like and other fat american in the sbc
ergun and his brother don't even LOOK like they are from muslim blood. they look like just like and other fat american in the sbc
ergun and his brother don't even LOOK like they are from muslim blood. they look like just like and other fat american in the sbc
ergun and his brother don't even LOOK like they are from muslim blood. they look just like any other fat american in the sbc
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