Go out to step into the water a little deeper and you will have bigger problems than backslidden christians. As long as you don't get your eyes off the Prize To know him and the Fellowship of His sufferings you'll be OK He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us."God will not use dead tools for working living miracles" C. H. Spurgeon
If you were a OT Jew it was a terrible thing to be barren.
Any tree that bears not fruit is good for nothing
JN 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Does this say a disciple bears much fruit?
The fruit withers.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
In a message dated 1/21/2005 12:34:55 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Want to turn their knees to knockin ask them to hand out a tract.
Yes. But Jesus even asked -- "will there be any faith when I return" or words to that effect. Apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers are given to the body until maturity has occurred (among other reasons). These are the few - the "leaders." God saw it as a reality. If you get too involved in the obvious criticism, you may loose your ministry. I doubt it in your case. But I have know a large number of ministers who have quit their calling because spiritual growth in the church is so slowly accomplished.
I do think the problem is a subtle one: the Enemy convincing us to quit because we see others within the Body as weak and weak in a continuing fashion. Can't do this. It is the blood of Christ that cries out for these who are "weak." It is the continuing flow, as I see it, that gives these -- perhaps the Larger church -- time they need to reach a high level of maturity. Correct? Those who have been convert -- babes all ! ! (?), I think so. So, are you adding to the problem or not -- presenting the church with even more of the immature? Of course you are -- but God does not see it as a problem as we count "problems." Those who are on this forum are not typical to the Larger Church. Neither is the street preacher, or the evangelist or the teacher or the pastor or whatever. Most are trying to make sense of a Divine Reality while they work and play in a secular society. Right or wrong -- that is the reality. And church leaders need to admit this, embrase this fact, trust that the Lord can and wants these very people, just as they are -- for His wonderful pleasure (which is always "other" related). I love my kids. I accept where they are. I am thankful for every minute of their lives and, I , as the family patriarch, I am not content to see them remain where they are. That should be our attitude. I believe Paul put it this wise: " In all things give thanks. "
JD
And so we have the diference between a pastor and a street preacher demonstrated; not so much in the heart response but in the call to duty. Differing callings for different folk.
Jd
