|
|
Post by snow on Jun 14, 2012 10:15:20 GMT -5
But the other ways still have a good message. Jesus is important to Christians, but you can't expect others to believe what Christians believe. So, I say, there were many Masters that tried to enlighten the world in the same way as Jesus did, and they too have their devoted followers. But do they get what God has offered to those who follow Jesus? I would think the experience would differ in some ways, but in important ways, the message is still the same. Love one another. What this world needs most is more tolerance for our differences, less fear of those that are not like us, and the willingness to get to know what they really stand for. In the end we would most frequently find, I believe, that they just want to do the best they can, love their friends and family, provide for them and have a spiritual tradition that helps them to feel closer to their creator, whatever or whoever, that may be for them. |
|
|
|
Post by sharonw on Jun 14, 2012 10:37:23 GMT -5
If ev eryone in the world were more tolerant of individual's and love one another, that it would be just like Jesus said,
Jhn 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
|
|
|
|
Post by emy on Jun 14, 2012 13:51:17 GMT -5
If ev eryone in the world were more tolerant of individual's and love one another, that it would be just like Jesus said, Jhn 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, and Mohammed and Krishna and Buddha and... that they may be one, as we [are]. |
|
|
|
Post by quizzer on Jun 14, 2012 16:50:50 GMT -5
If ev eryone in the world were more tolerant of individual's and love one another, that it would be just like Jesus said, Jhn 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, and Mohammed and Krishna and Buddha and... that they may be one, as we [are]. I don't know if that's very fair, emy. Christ will keep Christians. God will keep all of us. Muslims and Buddhists and Christians won't see eye-to-eye on all of their theology, but we can all find common humanity to share and understand. |
|
|
|
Post by calleduntoliberty on Jun 14, 2012 18:12:16 GMT -5
I would think the experience would differ in some ways, but in important ways, the message is still the same. Love one another. What this world needs most is more tolerance for our differences, less fear of those that are not like us, and the willingness to get to know what they really stand for. In the end we would most frequently find, I believe, that they just want to do the best they can, love their friends and family, provide for them and have a spiritual tradition that helps them to feel closer to their creator, whatever or whoever, that may be for them. Why love and tolerance? Aren't hate and intolerance just as good as love and tolerance? "The world needs more love" might be your truth but what about those for whom "the world needs more hatred" is truth? |
|
|
|
Post by calleduntoliberty on Jun 14, 2012 18:15:17 GMT -5
I don't know if that's very fair, emy. Christ will keep Christians. God will keep all of us. And if Christ is God? We can live in peace with one another and share many things on this earth. That does not mean we serve the same God or that all those groups believe in the true God. |
|
|
|
Post by snow on Jun 14, 2012 18:27:34 GMT -5
I would think the experience would differ in some ways, but in important ways, the message is still the same. Love one another. What this world needs most is more tolerance for our differences, less fear of those that are not like us, and the willingness to get to know what they really stand for. In the end we would most frequently find, I believe, that they just want to do the best they can, love their friends and family, provide for them and have a spiritual tradition that helps them to feel closer to their creator, whatever or whoever, that may be for them. Why love and tolerance? Aren't hate and intolerance just as good as love and tolerance? "The world needs more love" might be your truth but what about those for whom "the world needs more hatred" is truth? I don't believe the world needs more hatred ever. That's how we've been handling things forever and it hasn't worked yet. We need to find something that does work. Why not love? |
|
|
|
Post by calleduntoliberty on Jun 14, 2012 18:28:35 GMT -5
I don't believe the world needs for hatred ever. That's how we've been handling things forever and it hasn't worked yet. We need to find something that does work. Why not love? That's your truth, right? Why is your truth better than someone else's truth? |
|
|
|
Post by kiwi on Jun 15, 2012 1:12:35 GMT -5
So you are saying they all are one in God? Yes. But like Rational says there is many definitions of God. I think God is able to sort it all out. If they were all one in God there would not be many different definitions of Him. God is one with one will which is not changeable and cannot be divided like you suggest is happening. |
|
|
|
Post by kiwi on Jun 15, 2012 1:14:46 GMT -5
No but man is limited by what He has put in the box for us  You're just coming up with ideas and saying has to accept them. No Kiwi, I don't expect anyone to accept my ideas. I offer them so people understand me better. I'm not sure who really decided 'what God needs'. Since the books are written by men, maybe we're all just making it up as we go. Myself included of course.  If you having to rely on books to know God you won't find Him. If you have the Spirit which God gives you would no doubt what so ever on who God is and what He wants. |
|
|
|
Post by sharonw on Jun 15, 2012 1:18:35 GMT -5
If ev eryone in the world were more tolerant of individual's and love one another, that it would be just like Jesus said, Jhn 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given meb] that they may be one, as we [are]. [/b] [/quote][/quote] Emy, in this post all I'm trying to say is love brings people together as one....that was Jesus' words, but I'm not talking about Jesus other then what he had said....the POINT in all of this is that all may be one....leaving the hashing of spiritual beliefs to each person..... Otherwords, loving our neighbors as ourselves...not trespassing on one another, but loving one another. |
|
|
|
Post by kiwi on Jun 15, 2012 1:19:10 GMT -5
But do they get what God has offered to those who follow Jesus? I would think the experience would differ in some ways, but in important ways, the message is still the same. Love one another. What this world needs most is more tolerance for our differences, less fear of those that are not like us, and the willingness to get to know what they really stand for. In the end we would most frequently find, I believe, that they just want to do the best they can, love their friends and family, provide for them and have a spiritual tradition that helps them to feel closer to their creator, whatever or whoever, that may be for them. None of this matters if it is not driven by God and having His Spirit within. |
|
|
|
Post by kiwi on Jun 15, 2012 1:21:32 GMT -5
I don't know if that's very fair, emy. Christ will keep Christians. God will keep all of us. Muslims and Buddhists and Christians won't see eye-to-eye on all of their theology, but we can all find common humanity to share and understand. Common humanity has nothing to do with it it is all to do with obeying Gods will. |
|
|
|
Post by sharonw on Jun 15, 2012 1:23:23 GMT -5
I don't know if that's very fair, emy. Christ will keep Christians. God will keep all of us. Muslims and Buddhists and Christians won't see eye-to-eye on all of their theology, but we can all find common humanity to share and understand. I look at it this way...each person is on the earth because our God planned it that way or allowed it that way and He loves all of us and He just wants us to love Him with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. And love our neighbor as ourselves. If we really were doing that, then there would never be problems....but then there are some breeds of people who seem to have hatred and intolerance breed into them...some of them have fought and still are fighting for the whole time they've been known to be on the earth |
|
|
|
Post by kiwi on Jun 15, 2012 1:24:34 GMT -5
Why love and tolerance? Aren't hate and intolerance just as good as love and tolerance? "The world needs more love" might be your truth but what about those for whom "the world needs more hatred" is truth? I don't believe the world needs more hatred ever. That's how we've been handling things forever and it hasn't worked yet. We need to find something that does work. Why not love? It may not need hate but it is getting and it will get worse and there is noting anyone can do about it. The answer is to be watching and waiting for His return. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2012 3:28:24 GMT -5
I talked with a young mother today – she is one generation down from me.
The things that stood out to me from this conversation were.
How much more knowledgeable the next generation is of csa compared to my own generation – I have spent years meandering to the point where I am currently at. I presume this lady probably got to the point she is at through education. The younger generation are generally in a far better place on this subject.
There was very clear gratitude for the way Graham Thompson spoke. It is amazing how far and quickly his message has spread through the country.
She mentioned that her sisters in law had been molested as children and the type of harm this had done them (by the way, this molestation had no involvement of anyone in the 2x2 fellowship). Once again I feel humbled by the extent of the damage that has occurred to others by csa over the years, while I myself travelled on in life unaware of the burdens and cares that others have had to bear. Very humbling indeed.
What really struck me in this chat was the hope in her eyes and voice- she was alight with the hope that a turning point had been established here by Graham’s message. I really hope for her sake and everyone’s sake that a clear correct direction is now established regarding the treatment of all future csa cases in NZ.
|
|
|
|
Post by calleduntoliberty on Jun 15, 2012 8:06:25 GMT -5
If they were all one in God there would not be many different definitions of Him. God is one with one will which is not changeable and cannot be divided like you suggest is happening. No, God is not divided. God is one, just as Jesus said to the Father -- "we are one". kiwi, do you believe as the Bible says, that Jesus is God? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2012 8:27:52 GMT -5
If they were all one in God there would not be many different definitions of Him. God is one with one will which is not changeable and cannot be divided like you suggest is happening. No, God is not divided. God is one, just as Jesus said to the Father -- "we are one". kiwi, do you believe as the Bible says, that Jesus is God? Chapter and verse please that says "Jesus is God". Thanks in advance. |
|
|
|
Post by quizzer on Jun 15, 2012 10:49:36 GMT -5
No, God is not divided. God is one, just as Jesus said to the Father -- "we are one". kiwi, do you believe as the Bible says, that Jesus is God? Chapter and verse please that says "Jesus is God". Thanks in advance. Got it! Following are verses used to show that Jesus is God in flesh. The scriptures used here are from the New American Standard Bible. John 5:18 - "For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God." John 8:24 - "I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." John 8:58 - "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'" (Exodus 3:14 - "And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’") John 10:30-33 - "I and the Father are one." 31 The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?" 33 The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God." John 20:28 - "Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Col. 2:9 - "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." Phil. 2:5-8 - "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Heb. 1:8 - "But of the Son He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom." (Quoted from Psalm 45:6, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Thy kingdom." ) Jesus is worshipped - Jesus said to worship God only, yet He receives worship. Matt. 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Begone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."’" Matt. 2:2 - "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." Matt. 2:11 - "And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh." Matt. 14:33 - "And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God’s Son!" Matt. 28:9 - "And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him." John 9:35-38 - "Jesus heard that they had put him out; and finding him, He said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36 He answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you." 38 And he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him." Heb. 1:6 - "And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, 'And let all the angels of God worship Him.'" Jesus is prayed to Acts 7:55-60 - "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. 58 And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 60 And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" And having said this, he fell asleep." 1 Cor. 1:1-2 - "Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." (The phrase, "to call upon the name of the Lord" is a phrase used to designate prayer.) 1 Kings 18:24 - "Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He is God." And all the people answered and said, "That is a good idea." Zech. 13:9 - "And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’" Rom. 10:13-14 - "for 'whoever will call upon the name of the Lord' will be saved." 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?" (Paul is speaking of calling upon Jesus. (The phrase "Call upon the name of the Lord" is a quote from Joel 2:32)). Joel 2:32 - "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." (LORD here is YHWH, the name of God as revealed in Exodus 3:14. Therefore, this quote, dealing with God Himself is attributed to Jesus.) |
|
|
|
Post by quizzer on Jun 15, 2012 10:52:58 GMT -5
I don't know if that's very fair, emy. Christ will keep Christians. God will keep all of us. And if Christ is God? You can argue the semantics with your Muslim and Buddhist neighbors. They'll have some opinions. If their idea of God resounds with peace, love, sympathy, and empathy, I have no knowledge that we are not all worshipping the true God. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2012 15:53:55 GMT -5
Chapter and verse please that says "Jesus is God". Thanks in advance. Got it! Following are verses used to show that Jesus is God in flesh. The scriptures used here are from the New American Standard Bible. John 5:18 - "For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God." John 8:24 - "I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." John 8:58 - "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'" (Exodus 3:14 - "And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’") John 10:30-33 - "I and the Father are one." 31 The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?" 33 The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God." John 20:28 - "Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Col. 2:9 - "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." Phil. 2:5-8 - "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Heb. 1:8 - "But of the Son He says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom." (Quoted from Psalm 45:6, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Thy kingdom." ) Jesus is worshipped - Jesus said to worship God only, yet He receives worship. Matt. 4:10 - "Then Jesus said to him, 'Begone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."’" Matt. 2:2 - "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." Matt. 2:11 - "And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh." Matt. 14:33 - "And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God’s Son!" Matt. 28:9 - "And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him." John 9:35-38 - "Jesus heard that they had put him out; and finding him, He said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36 He answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you." 38 And he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him." Heb. 1:6 - "And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, 'And let all the angels of God worship Him.'" Jesus is prayed to Acts 7:55-60 - "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. 58 And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 60 And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" And having said this, he fell asleep." 1 Cor. 1:1-2 - "Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." (The phrase, "to call upon the name of the Lord" is a phrase used to designate prayer.) 1 Kings 18:24 - "Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He is God." And all the people answered and said, "That is a good idea." Zech. 13:9 - "And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’" Rom. 10:13-14 - "for 'whoever will call upon the name of the Lord' will be saved." 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?" (Paul is speaking of calling upon Jesus. (The phrase "Call upon the name of the Lord" is a quote from Joel 2:32)). Joel 2:32 - "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." (LORD here is YHWH, the name of God as revealed in Exodus 3:14. Therefore, this quote, dealing with God Himself is attributed to Jesus.) So do you have any which says "Jesus is God"? |
|
|
|
Post by calleduntoliberty on Jun 15, 2012 16:10:02 GMT -5
No, God is not divided. God is one, just as Jesus said to the Father -- "we are one". kiwi, do you believe as the Bible says, that Jesus is God? Chapter and verse please that says "Jesus is God". Thanks in advance. Hebrews 1:8 John 1:1 John 20:28 |
|
|
|
Post by snow on Jun 15, 2012 17:24:37 GMT -5
No Kiwi, I don't expect anyone to accept my ideas. I offer them so people understand me better. I'm not sure who really decided 'what God needs'. Since the books are written by men, maybe we're all just making it up as we go. Myself included of course. If you having to rely on books to know God you won't find Him. If you have the Spirit which God gives you would no doubt what so ever on who God is and what He wants. That's pretty close to what I think too. We can't depend on the books to tell us, we need to just have God. Of course each person has a different experience from what I can tell. Similar in some cases, but also unique. |
|
|
|
Post by snow on Jun 15, 2012 17:27:07 GMT -5
I would think the experience would differ in some ways, but in important ways, the message is still the same. Love one another. What this world needs most is more tolerance for our differences, less fear of those that are not like us, and the willingness to get to know what they really stand for. In the end we would most frequently find, I believe, that they just want to do the best they can, love their friends and family, provide for them and have a spiritual tradition that helps them to feel closer to their creator, whatever or whoever, that may be for them. None of this matters if it is not driven by God and having His Spirit within. And yet, it all matters if it is driven by God and his Spirit. |
|
|
|
Post by snow on Jun 15, 2012 17:31:37 GMT -5
I don't believe the world needs more hatred ever. That's how we've been handling things forever and it hasn't worked yet. We need to find something that does work. Why not love? It may not need hate but it is getting and it will get worse and there is noting anyone can do about it. The answer is to be watching and waiting for His return. There is more hate in some areas, true. But I am seeing a larger segment of the population trying to do something about that. Changing the way they view things etc. Doing all they can to change things for the better. I think that we should all be trying to make this world a better place. Why wait for God to return. What happens if he decides he isn't going to come back until we get it right and really truly love one another and live in harmony? If we as humanity don't start working on this right now, it will be a long time coming for your 'rapture'. |
|
|
|
Post by JO on Jun 15, 2012 19:25:26 GMT -5
I talked with a young mother today – she is one generation down from me. The things that stood out to me from this conversation were. How much more knowledgeable the next generation is of csa compared to my own generation – I have spent years meandering to the point where I am currently at. I presume this lady probably got to the point she is at through education. The younger generation are generally in a far better place on this subject. There was very clear gratitude for the way Graham Thompson spoke. It is amazing how far and quickly his message has spread through the country. She mentioned that her sisters in law had been molested as children and the type of harm this had done them (by the way, this molestation had no involvement of anyone in the 2x2 fellowship). Once again I feel humbled by the extent of the damage that has occurred to others by csa over the years, while I myself travelled on in life unaware of the burdens and cares that others have had to bear. Very humbling indeed. What really struck me in this chat was the hope in her eyes and voice- she was alight with the hope that a turning point had been established here by Graham’s message. I really hope for her sake and everyone’s sake that a clear correct direction is now established regarding the treatment of all future csa cases in NZ. Some folks felt Graham's message spoiled an otherwise lovely day of meetings. Some felt his message didn't apply to the fellowship - none of us would stoop to ungodliness of this nature. Some felt special meetings was not the place to be discussing such a topic. Its precisely because of the above attitudes that sexual predators have been handed a perfect environment for their evil deeds. And its because of these attitudes that Graham's message was necessary. Here's some of the things that we need clarity around: 1. Child sexual abusers need to know that the fellowship won't tolerate the abuse of children, and if they offend they WILL be exposed. They should think about the embarrassment and humiliation this will cause them and their families BEFORE they sexually abuse the fellowship's children. 2. Child sexual abusers need to know that the fellowship will not cast them out if they repent and seek counselling for their problem, but they will NEVER be trusted alone with children or young people again. 3. The friends need to know that a KNOWN child sex offender will NEVER be given eldership responsibilities or have meeting in his home. The same applies to workers - once they have sexually abused a child they can NEVER be trusted in the role of a worker. 4. The friends need to know that their children are safe at convention and no KNOWN child sex offender will have the opportunity to re-offend on a convention grounds. 5. The friends need to know that the ministry is approachable and child sexual abuse can be discussed freely. The situations in the past where the ministry has placed meetings in the homes of child sexual abusers while the friends have felt responsible for warning families in the district is ridiculous and intolerable. Its essential that the friends and the workers can communicate on important matters and work together towards the spiritual prosperity of the fellowship and its members. 6. The many child sexual abuse victims who have left the fellowship should know that workers and friends are sorry for the abuse they suffered and care deeply for them and wish them the very best in their journey toward healing and moving on. As they tell their story it should not be met with denial or disbelief but rather with empathy and loving kindness. The fact they are no longer in the fellowship should not affect the credibility of their testimony. Is there any way this could have been conveyed other than via messages like Graham's in meeting or a pastoral letter? The fellowship desperately needs clarity on doctrine, and surely the protection of the children we're entrusted with is one of the most important responsibilities of the church. |
|
|
|
Post by calleduntoliberty on Jun 15, 2012 22:57:07 GMT -5
Well stated list, JO.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2012 1:19:17 GMT -5
Excellent post JO. It should be copied and sent around to every worker, elder and concerned friend that we know.
Graham Thompson's sermon should likewise be forwarded to as many people as possible. Its message must go far and wide. The days of cover up, complacency and moral turbidity must end today.
Please forward Graham Thompson's sermon. Also join WINGS Facebook page and simply click on "Like" where the sermon was posted, your FB friends will see your "Like", and some will read the sermon. You may be surprised that many people will get access to the sermon that way.
|
|
