XVDHMAK@VCUVM1 (Michael Kline) (02/06/90)
Brothers and sisters, If we are going to be "tactful", I think it might be best to back up all "beliefs" with scripture and/or writings. I can see the possibility of another "war" coming on, and hopefully, by agreement, we can "nip it in the bud" right now. Obviously, I'm not perfect, but if possible, can we try, as I did, hopefully well, say, "I don't agree, and here is why...". They we can list our reasons from the scriptures and writings. What I see causing the problem is when we "shoot from the hip". Let's not be "judgmental", and I pray to God I did in my postings to Peter. Peter, in Jesus, I love you, and I pray that someday you can know Jesus as I know Him. Then you can make your own decision as to what you want to do. I don't agree that anyone can be "the christ", but I agree that God can give us prophets, and the like. I find that people like Ken Hagen, Ken Copeland, and even Jimmy Swaggert can be some of those. They point us to Jesus, and in people like Jimmy Swaggert, we see that no matter how much one tries to do the will of God, they are subject failure when they get their eyes off of Jesus. I think Peter has presented us with a question we can answer and respond to, in love. The basis of this question seems to be, "Can other people be endowed with the anointing of "the christ" and take upon themselves this title, giving teachings as valid as Jesus?". Let us respond to this, but PLEASE, as I said, do it in love. Some points might be: 1. Is "the christ" a person, a force, or what ever, that has gone through time and anointed various people? Budda, Gandi, etc. What does the Bible say about this? What does "the christ" mean? I think James had answered this once, but maybe a definition of terms is in order. I thought Hebrews 1 did a good job of addressing this. Well, what do you say? We are called to be peace makers. We are all adults, and I'm sure even Eric would agree that he could just as easily be labeled "TheTactful One". I print my posts and take them home to read them, so I missed David's post so far, It's printed and in my duffel bag to read tonight. If I were to guess on one of Eric's objections, the response might well have been: David, I saw your response about attending a non Christian service and not being affected. It seems you felt that you could even go so far as to feel a "Hit me with your best shot" attitude. Do you not feel this might be almost the same as "Tempting the Lord"? What I mean is that you put yourself into a position where God had to protect you. Did you feel the Lord wanted you there? It bothered me, and I was wondering..... PLEASE bear in mind, this was only a guess on David's post as I have not read it yet? What say we? CHRISTIA has been doing pretty good lately, and I have decided to stay, but I would hate to see it go down hill again. It may be that Peter's mistake to let the note go "public" was a God send to get us thinking. Bless you, brothers and sisters. In His Peace, Michael A. Kline, Sr. SSE VDH, Technical Support (804)786-1559 XVDHMAK at VCUVM1 Richmond, Virginia