At Bellevue:
Memphis Passion Play
Sunday, April 1st
3:00 p.m. (Sold Out)
6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 2nd
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3rd
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4th
7:00 p.m.
At Germantown Baptist:
Germantown Passion Play
Sunday, April 1st
5:30 p.m.
There are several Bellevue members participating in this year's GBC passion play which is directed by Dr. Jim Whitmire.
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TRUE ANNOUNCEMENT.. and it is in the bulletin!!.
Rob Mullins joins staff as interim pastor of assimilation of Germantown Baptist Church.
God is doing a mighty work at Germantown Baptist.
Dr. Mike Spradlin "preached" this morning on the Cross, what a wonderful message!
Bro Mike has agreed to stay on as interim pastor thru the summer, his orignial commitment was thru Easter.
One of the pastor's search committee spoke after the worship service, what a man of humility, so refreshing to see someone humbly seeking God's will.
It's a beautiful today that God has given us, may we all use it to His Glory.
Just heard from one of the truthful Christians that attended 9:30 at BBC.
Absolutely Nothing happened this morning, as was expected.
"PAYDAY.........SOMEDAY"
sheepless,
I was there too!! It was wonderful. The choir performed music from the Passion Play, led by a man of grace and humility, people were friendly, and the Gospel was preached by a man of integrity. The congregation sat and listened to a message on the Cross that was so very timely. I am glad I did not miss it!
On the drive home, I was thinking about the plot to hijack Bellevue, an established, Christ honoring, conservative church that was built on the sweat and prayers of the saints of God, the sacrifice of Dr and Mrs Rogers and their family,the pastors who had gone before them, and the financial sacrifices of the faithful for over 100 years.
Why would the body of Christ allow the power of the world to overtake their church? Why are they so easily led astray? Why did the farce of a business meeting last Sunday not wake them up? There should have been an uproar and there was applause in support of the manipulations of the secular leadership style - why? Where is Christ being honored in this leadership? There is no longer preaching on repentance, just love without consequence - why?
sheepless,
Did Gaines announce his new TV show? I expected that to be his next move. You know, Donna was overheard telling a friend at WJX that the reason they decided to take the "job" was that "they wanted a TV ministry and BBC had the money to do it". There was nothing said about being "God called" to BBC, just the money. And the discerment of the flock leads them to continue to eat it up!!
sheepless wrote:
"Rob Mullins joins staff as interim pastor of assimilation of Germantown Baptist Church."
Who or what are they assimilating? All those Bellevue people who have joined GBC?
"Bro Mike has agreed to stay on as interim pastor thru the summer, his orignial commitment was thru Easter."
How wonderful for them! We (at least I) discovered at last night's perfomance he can sing, too!
Hey friends...(of course that leaves some people out),
Anyone planning on going to GTBC tonight for the Passion Play??? It would be nice to sit with some friends.
BBC leadership had to be party to the "leaks". Guards/armour up.
mom4 wrote:
"Did Gaines announce his new TV show?"
No, but he did announce it's his wife's birthday and that she's "a sweetie" and "the best Christian I know." You know, you married men might want to learn a lesson from that. I doubt Brother Steve will be sleeping on the sofa tonight!
Mom4.
I know several families whose eyes were opened by the business meeting!
In their quest to silence the sheep....and one very precious one in particular....BBC leadership exposed their fangs.
The problem and burden are for the weak and the lost who won't see, and are being led away from the narrow gate by those who will be held accountable for their souls.
They demand loyalty to the authority but they care nothing for the souls of the lambs.
MOM4 said...
sheepless,
You know, Donna was overheard telling a friend at WJX that the reason they decided to take the "job" was that "they wanted a TV ministry and BBC had the money to do it". There was nothing said about being "God called" to BBC, just the money. And the discerment of the flock leads them to continue to eat it up!!
11:23 AM, April 01, 2007
Mom 4,
It has also been reported that she has said they are "used to taking out the trash" (meaning those who don't toll the line for them). Now every time I empty my trash in my email, I think of that remark.
How can any Christian how a heart that would speak words such as these?
p.s. Maybe BBC is just holding a little tighter to the $$'s on that TV Ministry until the dust settles or "all" is revealed.
I'm going to GBC tonite and would love for some of us to sit together.
We could meet in the front foyer to the right side as you come in say around 5:00.
If anyone wants to let me know and count me in.
I've got an open house today but will check my email after.
Nass has my email & phone, if some are planning on meeting ask Nass to let me know or to phone me. Nass knows who to give it out to & of course who NOT.
Mom4, gmommylv, Nass, anyone else,
Are you all in for tonite, Nass you could enjoy it for a second time.
NASS, I'm so glad to hear Bro Mike can sing as well as preach.
Gmommylv will see you there!I think Lucy will be there too!!
I always do that...so sorry!!
I can remember Dr Rogers telling us years ago about how they train bank tellers to know the difference in counterfeit money, and the real thing. They don't give them counterfeit. They give them real money to hold, touch, and feel over and over until it's just second nature to them. So when counterfeit money comes through, it stands out.
For years, we had the real thing in Dr Rogers, and Jim Whitmire. And now, someone we trusted has put something counterfeit in our hands. We know it doesn't feel right. There are some very obvious flaws that show it to be "less than" the real thing. Yet, we trusted who gave us this "new money". What do we do?
For some of us, it's easy to just put it in the cash drawer, say thank you very much, and go on about our day. Others stop and say "Wait a minute. Something is not right here.” Other tellers quickly tell them to not ask questions, and just go along. It’s for the best, and we really don’t want to rock the boat. If others think we have counterfeit here, we won’t get any new customers. They would be forever lost. Nobody wants to be a Hezbollah and keep people lost. But what are we leading them to if we have counterfeit in our bank? So again, what’s the right thing to do? What are you going to do?
Bellevue Baptist Church has sunk so very low.
We have a pastor who ordains a secular businessman to shield him from accountability. The same businessman who flaunts the fact that they had no intention of allowing the congregation to be heard in a staged business meeting that opened the vote for a bloated budget without line item expenditures and no accountability, as well as the confirmation of some committee members and chairs that have questionable ties that will give them HUGE financial "gaines".
We have a pastor who openly admits giving $25000.00 to a homosexual and pro-abortion church and is STILL of the mindset that it is the RIGHT thing to do - no repentance there is it Wayne Vandersteeg?? How can you sleep at night knowing that you freely gave sacred money to support blatant sin? YOU SHOULD DENOUNCE IT PUBLICLY AND CLEANSE YOURSELF FROM THIS SIN!!
We have a pastor who allows a confessed homosexual pediphile stay on staff AND even after it is brought to the attention of the congregation and authorities, still try to keep him on staff (I wonder what is being hidden behind that cloud??)
We have a pastor who STILL refuses to let the victim tell the truth of the events - perhaps it is because this same pastor's lies will be uncovered (don't be kidding yourself Steve Gaines - what is done in secret will be revealed in public).
We have a pastor who threw out some of the most Godly staff ever to serve in any church just to make room for his friends, family and the family of his "partners in crime" - some of whom helped dupe the congregation into trusting them in order to feather their own nests - enjoying having your son-in-law on staff John and Pat Caldwell? Does that give you some special status with the leadership now?
We have a pastor who sent Chuck Taylor and Steve Tucker to "visit" Mike Spradlin to tell him to back off - Thank God Mike Spradlin rebuked them in Jesus' name.
We have pastor who has split the last two churches he has pastored without an ounce of concern. According to his wife, he is just "taking out the trash". According to former members, he divided families and friends. Some of them are even now bitter enemies over STEVE GAINES - what kind of Christian does that without remorse?.
We have a pastor who openly mocks God's children by going to other churches and expounding upon the fact that it is just a disgruntled few that don't like the music..without shame!!
We have a pastor who will try to cut his foolish supporters loose too if he decides they are no longer able to assist him in his quest for his own personal glory - hide and watch Phil Weatherwax, Steve Marcum, Larry Ray, et al. Have you signed your statement of total support yet? Are you striking a deal with the devil to keep your job? How about the rest of the staff? Are you willing to sign a statement of unquestioning support to a man who will toss you aside as soon as he "thinks" you are expendable? How about the congregation? Are you all willing to stand behind a man with all this baggage and give him total control and support no matter WHAT unholy thing he does next? Think, Think, Think!
One thing I have noticed about Steve Gaines. Not one time in all the history of this disaster called his "tenure" has the man ever said that God called him, that he has prayed over any decision and that the Lord told him what to do, or that the Lord has called his new hirelings into the ministry. He shoots from the hip, does what is right in his own eyes and mocks the heritage of Bellevue Baptist Church.
I pray that the SBC is learning all about the real Steve Gaines and shuts him out at the convention. I pray that Union University will wake up and remove him from his position there. I pray that the Lord will move on behalf of His children and remove him and all those he has brought with him to Bellevue.
My fear is that the Lord is separating the dross from the gold and that BBC may continue to drown in the dross until He comes.
Wedge,
Very insightful. Thanks.
Mom4,
You did hear the word preached this morning, didn't you!!
God bless you for standing for truth!!!!
sheepless,
When you are looking at the sacrifice that was made at the cross, there is nothing but the truth that matters.
"Have you signed your statement of total support yet? Are you striking a deal with the devil to keep your job? "
I tremble for anyone who would sign any oath or statement that has a 'loyalty' clause in it for the pastor or leadership.
wedge, very insightful. The real thing is scripture in total, in context.
There are quite a bit of false beliefs coming from some on this blog in order to prop up a false teacher. It is quite scary. And I pray they will get into the Word.
Lin said...
"Have you signed your statement of total support yet? Are you striking a deal with the devil to keep your job? "
"I tremble for anyone who would sign any oath or statement that has a 'loyalty' clause in it for the pastor or leadership."
Lin, it is in the works as we speak.
"I tremble for anyone who would sign any oath or statement that has a 'loyalty' clause in it for the pastor or leadership."
Lin, it is in the works as we speak. "
Mom, If this is true and goes ahead...think of the implications behind this. Why is one needed? It is blasphemous.
This is a parallel only. I know I will be attacked for this but I am going to say it. Hitler did this in Germany. And many signed. Those that did not were cast out of the church or imprisoned. Dietrich Bonhoffer went to the gallows. The pledge was not to critisize the Furher or the regime. It led to other blasphemies later on.
But the question is why would a leader think he needs a loyalty pledge? The answer is scary.
There is NOTHING good about this and only evil.
There IS a cost to discipleship. The cost is FOR Christ. Not Steve Gaines.
Matthew 5
33"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' 34But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.
James 5
12But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
lin said...
"There IS a cost to discipleship. The cost is FOR Christ. Not Steve Gaines."
AMEN, with tears.
Posted by request:
I have the distinct pleasure of knowing many from Bellevue as that is where I attended for about a year, but GBC has been my home church since I moved here almost a decade ago. I would be willing to coordinate with anyone who is coming tonight. I will be there about 5:00 and will be honored to sit with anyone. I would love to put faces with names. Feel free to pass my cell number 383-0563 on to anyone who would like to have it.
Brenda
Lucy is on vacation & will not be attending tonight.
lin: I "signed" a loyalty pledge the day I accepted Jesus' gift of salvation. My loyalty goes to no other. Period.
Thanks for the offer Brenda, but we already have other plans. But I will be there EASTER Sunday to worship and rejoice for the Greatest Gift!
lin said...
"Mom, If this is true and goes ahead...think of the implications behind this. Why is one needed? It is blasphemous"
I believe some of the ministerial staff would agree with you. It will be interesting to see who signs and who walks. Their allegiance to man or God will be out there for all to see. Of course, there will be some that will say they are "under their scriptural authority" in order to lay a self-righteous claim to their pledge, but no where in scripture does it say to swear an oath to a religious leader, but quite the contrary as you have shown.
Mom4: Question: I know scripture says to "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's" but I always thought that was meant to tell Christians that they are obligated to be under their goverment authorities and laws. Yet, I remember nothing that says we should show blind loyalty to church leaders. Is that scriptural? :/
May I be so bold as to suggest that if any of us are going to GBC tonight, that, out of respect to the GBC congregation, everyone sit with their family randomly amongst the congregation, rather than sit as a group.
concerned said..
"Yet, I remember nothing that says we should show blind loyalty to church leaders. Is that scriptural? :/ "
I am no theologian, but even with the scriptural instruction to "render unto Caesar", the implication is as you said, to obey man's law, however that in no way implies that we should blindly follow a man or a leader whether secular or religious. Rather we are to be "discerning fruit inspectors" as Dr Rogers so often stated.
Lin's use of scripture in the previous post is pretty much right on no matter what venue one could choose.
If anyone has other scripture that would apply to this situation, please post..
Let's get quickly to the point!
Enough of the politically correct wranglings and appeasement of personalities.
Where are the men at Bellevue?
Are you a man of Bellevue, then what have you done to help bring this mess to an end?
Have you done anything?
Do you have any Biblical convictions upon which you will stand regardless of the cost or outcome?
If you don't have any Biblical convictions then get in the Word of God and start acting like men.
If you get in the Word and believe that there are problems that need to be addressed by the church, then speak and live your convictions.
I am sick and tired of those that would spread the belief that going about things in a Christ-like manner means that you keep your mouth shut and go along to get along.
The disciples of Christ two thousand years ago did not believe that and the disciples of Christ today know better as well.
If you believe that the only real problems that Bellevue has are the dissenters. You should make a list of those dissenters and present it to the church to vote those such as myself out of the church.
I absolutely refuse to pledge my loyalty, allegiance or unconditional support to any man other than the Lord, Jesus Christ.
I absolutely refuse to be united with any that call themselves brothers, that not only ignore the written Word of God but glorify themselves in doing so.
I absolutely refuse to be united with any that would subvert the truth and propegate a lie.
If Christ had first began his ministry today, would he be able to find twelve men on the staff of Bellevue that would forsake everything and follow him?
Could he find twelve men in the deacon body of over 180 men?
Could he find twelve men in the entire active congregation of over 2000 men?
I dare say that it would be difficult to find twelve that would forsake anything, much less everything.
Men should be ashamed of the way they have handled this situation. They should be ashamed of themselves for not standing firmly in and on the Word of God. They should be ashamed for allowing the Word of God to be of no consquence in how they have dealt with these issues. May the Lord God Almighty break your heart over the apathy that has been exhibited by the men of Bellevue Baptist Church. Weak, puny, cowardly men, who will not subject themselves to the Lordship of Christ and the truth of His Holy Word.
Yes, Bellevue has many strong Christian woman. There were women that stayed at the foot of the cross when the disciples fled and there are women now that have stayed at the foot of the cross as well.
Where are the men of Bellevue?
Perhaps you could find them at this moment engrossed in a ballgame or contemplating a business deal. Perhaps some are praying for God's will to be done, but refusing to be a part of accomplishing that will.
The waves of God's wrath are beating upon the dam of His mercy and men refuse to work to the shore the dam of mercy. The day of wrath will come upon suddenly, swiftly and completely when that dam breaks.
Enough of the politically correct wranglings and appeasement of personalities.
I have seen 'pledges' that are couched in very vague terms only to be interpreted later if someone broke the pledge or not.
One pledge I saw simply said that the person must represent the church well and respect their elders. This was used later against them when they disagreed with something.
Tim: AMEN. Preach on!
Thanks Tim! We ladies are tired of shouldering the weight..
Tim: Another thought....the Christian men of tomorrow are watching the Christian men of today. What are they being taught? What is the future of our churches, and our families?
tim,
RIGHT ON, BROTHER!!!!!!
Tim, you made me think of this:
Ephesians 5
1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
**** 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not associate with them; 8for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.****
12For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
My family and I were at GBC this a.m. also. I saw at least two families of BBC join.
This was the conspiracy from the beginning. Run off all those that oppose SG and his Mighty Men of Valor, in order to pull off last Sunday's "Shame."
My loyalty lies with The Master himself. The Master of the Universe, the Lord, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. When he comes back to lay claim to his children, Steve Gaines is gonna be in for a rude awakening.
Mom4....Do you know if GBC has a Single Adults Ministry for people in their 20s and 30s?
Concerned said,
Tim: Another thought....the Christian men of tomorrow are watching the Christian men of today. What are they being taught? What is the future of our churches, and our families?
OC says: They are taught to be sissies. The future of our families is that there are no absolutes, everything is acceptable, tolerate everything. Accept everything. Don't speak up against homosexuality, instead, promote it. You want to be their friends, don't you? Don't speak up against abortion, let it slide and act like you didn't notice. Dead babies won't call you on it.
Hey, Satan has an idea. Let's blur the difference between male and female. That's what's going on now.
Guys acting like girls, and girls acting like guys. What a great idea. It works real well with the world. And with the Devil's plan.
Just My Opinion. OC.
Koragg said...
Mom4....Do you know if GBC has a Single Adults Ministry for people in their 20s and 30s?
REPLY:
That is the one area where GBC appears to be weak. The GBC bulletin today announced the resignation of the Single's Minister. It is reported that he is going to Sam Shaw's little church in Tupelo, if that tells you anything. I would expect the Single's Ministry to improve dramatically in the coming months.
Koragg- I don't go to GBC so I don't know much about their singles ministry- but I did find out a little by visiting their website. Looks like they have a couple of ss classes each hour. I am going to attempt to post a link to the page about upcoming events. Looks like they have a good bit going on. I do hope you all find a place to worship. www.gbconline.net/templates/cusgermantown/details.asp?id=20898&PID=380498&Style=
If that doesn't work just go to www.germantownbaptist.org and look around.
Thank you, Tim!
I've stated this in private, and I'll probably get blasted for it, but I'm tired of this! Our staff, deacons, and other church leaders (both men and women) are surely good people, but let's face it. The ones among you who see there's a problem are acting like a bunch of spineless weenies! There, I said it. Blast away.
Some old English guy once said, "Evil triumphs when good men [and women] do nothing." While you won't find that in the Bible, I'm sure one of you theologian types can (and will) come up with a Scripture that says something very similar.
So ask yourself, leaders (you know who you are), is it worth maintaining your popularity, your perceived power or status, your job, harmony in your own families, or certain friendships (which probably aren't true friendships in the first place) to keep your mouth shut and do nothing, or even worse, actually sign a loyalty pledge to a man, when you know in your hearts that something's wrong?
For pete's sake, I'm begging you (and NASS is not one to do that) to get up off your blessed assurances, pull yourselves together, and stand as one. Or as "oc" would say, "Man up!"
If you stand for what is right, it may be very uncomfortable in the short term, but the Lord will ultimately bless you. If you don't, well... then you deserve what you get, and nothing I could ever say will matter. It's your choice. Won't you please do the right thing?
NASS {dismounting soapbox}
NASS is right. We have to stand up to the moonbats and tell them we're not going to put up with their garbage anymore. Lets be the garbage that strikes back to use a term Donna Gaines has called us. Lets stand up, batten down the hatches, and be soldiers for truth in this war. And yes folks, this is a war. A war against Satan.
RIGHT ON, NASS!!!!!!!
NASS: THANK YOU! Your strength is inspiring and your plea is right on.
We are ultimately standing for our Savior.
NASS is right.
We should revel in the fact they very slowly showed all the "dissenting voters" by panning the cameras on each of us. We need to take every opportunity to stand and be counted. Maybe someone who sees your courage to stand against the masses will get the courage to do the same.
NASS,
You know where I'm coming from. Thanks.
Hey Wedge,
I saw my grill on the monitor during that meeting and I was the only one sitting in the area that voted against some things! And It felt good to stand up for what is right!
What legacy does this generation of men have to pass to the children of today that will be the leaders of tomorrow?
I tell you that if those today that hold to moral absolutes do not act upon them, then without a doubt the leaders of tomorow will have no moral compass.
By doing nothing your are acting to hasten the reign of anti-christ. The things are Biblically wrong and not opposed by this generation will be embraced by the next generation in spight of Scripture.
Sons, grand sons, daughters and grand daughters will be condemned to hell because the morals of men today have not impacted their lives to the point of action.
The Word of God has been abandoned for the word of men in this generation. The Word of God has been seen as to grevious a burden to bear and far to inconvient to live by this generation.
Tim: It's not too late. Those of us still raising families can impact the future generation. We can impact our grandchildren's lives. We can show a Godly example to all we meet. Things can be changed; we just have to be committed. However, it seems to me that every generation has the opportunity to water scripture down or to solidify foundations. It's a "choose ye this day" kind of moment......
Tim,
I think part of the problem is that liberalism is such in this country that it makes people afraid. I mean, nowadays, people will sue you for saying the sky's blue if they think its polka dot! I mean, theres liberal moonbats that want to put WARNING LABELS! on THE BIBLE!
If we don't stand up and fight...liberalism is going to take over and we won't even be able to express our beliefs!
Thanks.
Oooh, sorry. That should have read "yourselves", not "yourself". NASS cringes.
koragg wrote:
"I saw my grill on the monitor during that meeting and I was the only one sitting in the area that voted against some things!"
Keep up that "moonbat" talk, and you just might see your monitor on the grill!
That did feel good, didn't it? I mean, it would have been nice to have more people voting with me, but I took a stand and voted my conscience. In the end, I can only be responsible for myself.
Yeah it did.
And I wonder if security kept their eye on me as I stormed out of it. You could tell I was NOT happy. I was lucky I was able to restrain myself from mouthing off to Larry Ray on the way out.
Exodus 7:17
Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
Water in the Old Testament is often a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Water is a necessity of life. Just as the Holy Spirit is a necessity of the Christian life.
Blood in the Old Testament is the just punishment for sin and a picture of the sacrafice to be made by God as an attonement for our sins.
In the New Testament we are released from the penalty of sin by the shed blood of Jesus and kept by the Holy Spirit. When the conviction of the Holy Spirit is rejected however, then He will confirm the condemning power of the blood of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of men at Bellevue. If the conviction of the Holy Spirit is ignored then there will be no excuse for the condemnation that will surely come.
Men of Bellevue has your heart become hardened as Pharaoh. Must God turn the water to blood and will your heart still be hardened. The conviction of the Holy Spirit will soon give way to the condemning power of the blood of Jesus Christ.
bepatient,
The rule here is that no one has to post using his or her name. I have no problem standing and identifying myself in public, face to face. But this is the internet, and the rules are different. I've stated before that comments lobbing criticism about that subject will be deleted. You've certainly been around here long enough to know that.
Also, I'm not a "leader" in the church, so all I can do is stand and vote when given the opportunity. If the deacons and other leadership will stand, I'll be standing right beside them. Until then, deal with it.
NBBCOF
Concerned says:
Tim: Another thought....the Christian men of tomorrow are watching the Christian men of today. What are they being taught? What is the future of our churches, and our families?
Piglet says:
This is why we had to pull out and visit other churches! Our boys have seen a lack of spiritual brass at a church where I thought we would NEVER stand for something so shameful!!
Folks, Covenant Baptist is a very friendly church that we visited today and we were all blessed!!
We also ran into some other Bellevue refugees. They are everywhere....scattered sheep..
Piglet says:
This is why we had to pull out and visit other churches! Our boys have seen a lack of spiritual brass at a church where I thought we would NEVER stand for something so shameful!!
OC says: Piglet, Thankyou for putting things in a more civil tone than I did. I think your sensitivity goes a lot further than my 'obnoxiousness'.
And I thank the others here who have generally expressed my sentiments but with alot more class than I have shown. You know who you are. I admit to sometimes being 'abrupt' (obnoxious). But I am grateful for those who have a better command of not only the English language, but a tenderness of the heart that I often do not display.
I would love to go to church with you people. OC
At 8:12 AM, April 01, 2007
sickofthelies said...
I'm all dressed and heading out to GBC this morning to worship.
junk99mail says...
SOTL,
I am so glad to hear that you chose to gather with Christians this morning for worship. How was it?
NASS,
You are right, Dr. Spradlin sings very well! It's been a long time since I've heard him so I had almost forgotten that.
I've decided to coin a new term. You've heard of Warrenism (referring to the teachings and practices of Rick Warren) and Warrenist (a follower or Rick Warren's teachings and practices). My new word is "Warrenizer", meaning one who seeks to convert others (including established churches) to those teachings and practices.
I think most folks who are not in agreement with, or who are opposed to, Warren's doctrines and ways, would probably be content (rightly or wrongly) to pay little attention to those churches that follow the PDC or seeker or CGM models, and take a live and let live approach, just like they do with various denominations they disagree with. But what really gets people upset is the attempt to inflitrate and convert or take over an established church to move it toward beliefs and practices significantly different from those already established.
Most Baptists probably would not argue with or contend against a Presbyterian or Pentecostal or whatever church down the street. But if new leaders or members (or even existing ones) came into that Baptist church and started espousing changing to the doctines and polity of another denomination, the membership would be understandably upset (if they realized what was happening). Likewise, one can see why they'd be unhappy if their church is "converted" from within by "Warrenizers".
I'm junk99mail and these are my Perceptions....
OC,
Piglet sure is a sharp little piggy - she does control her words and knows her scripture very well doesn't she!
Thanks from me too:)
Payday Someday!
Junk,
MIke Spradlin was just terrific!!! He spoke wtih not one note and with no podium...he was amazing..very very good.
The choir was terrific. No dancing around on stage..they were in the background....the focus was on the music, not on the person singing.
It was just fantastic.
It reminded me of " the good ol days"
someone said that Mike Spradlin teaches a bible study at the seminary at 7:00 AM on wednesday mornings. Is that true?
Did anyone by chance, see Jamie and his wife on TBS being interviewed when he returned to Bellevue?
I did and Jamie made it very clear that you will not recognize Bellevue in five years. It was no secrete that there were plans to revamp Bellevue into something it was not because Jamie talked aabout that on his t.v. interview. At the time I wondered what it meant.
They had plans and it is a well thought out and controled plan to change Bellevue from before they arrived. I'm sure you can get a copy of that interview.
Rod: Changing the culture....that hacks me off! What gives them to right to do that? Some arrogance.....
Come to the seminary on Wednesday mornings and hear Dr. Spradlin teach the book of Mark. It is excellent. Also, they serve breakfast for 4.00. We go there because that's where we get fed, and now it takes place of our Wednesday night.
Breakfast is between 6:30 and 7 AM and the Bible Study is at 7. It has always been a tremendous blessing. Dr. Spradlin gets God's Word out in context and power and expositorily, like it was meant to be taught.
oc,
Crusty
LOL Junk. I was about to comment about Krusty the Clown lol.
Junk.
Thanks lot. Love you too. :)
As far as loyality oaths, they are not of God but of man or satan. What sort of man would ask for anyone to sign a loyalty oath to him? What sort of a man would sing it?!!!
I suppose the same character of men who would climb over fences at gated communities, for a surprise attack on a Christian brogher, and not feel like a fool for doing so. (Praise God their plans to intimidate Mr. Sharp in person were foiled.) The Lord took care to cause that caper to become stillborn.
oc,
when did i say , 'crusty"?
LOL...maybe i was " sleep posting"
can you help me out here?
ok, oc, does this describe you better??
oc
Ok, I am being told that I DID call you ' crusty'..but I'm sure I meant it in a " friendly" sort of way.
For instance, I always order
"thin and crusty" pizza..
see? I love CRUSTY
(((( oc ))))
Then I wanna be crusty too!!!
Junk: Fantastic! Loved it!
Junk,
Ok, you're crusty too!!! LOL
Rick Warren requires his church members to sign a covenant that he or she promises to protect the unity of the church (The Purpose Driven Life, p. 167). This is dangerous and unscriptural covenant. The child of God is not instructed to submit to a church or to its leaders blindly and at any cost. We are commanded to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21), and all things means all things. The Bereans are exalted because they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). No preacher is above being tested by God’s Word. The Bible says, “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge” (1 Cor. 14:29). Preaching is to be carefully judged by God’s Word. The pastor has God-given authority (Heb. 13:17), but it is not unquestionable authority and it is not his own authority; he is not a shepherd over his own flock; he is an undershepherd over God’s and he will give an account to the Great Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:1-4). The pastor’s authority is not in his own word; it is in God’s Word (Heb. 13:7); and if he strays from the Word of God he has no authority over God’s people and he should not be followed. Blind loyalty to a church is Popery and it is a gross heresy.
Warren even claims that “conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important things” (p. 162).
If this were true, then the apostles and preachers in the early churches were side tracked much of the time, because they were frequently involved in doctrinal conflicts. Paul was involved in such conflicts almost continually. Most of his epistles contain lengthy sections in which he takes a stand against false teachers. In his epistles to his fellow preacher Timothy, Paul repeatedly warned about false teachers by name (1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:17-18; 4:12, 14).
Read more here
Ima
Thanks imaresistor. Well put.
I just don't understand why the sheep cannot see that. What a methhod cloked in the guise of "unity" in order to take power and control over the church.
Steve gaines said at one time he never even read any of RW's books yet he seems to be railraoding the sheep into warrinism. I cant help but wonder if that wasn't another lie.
Rod: My answer to that....if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. His actions show something different than his words.
This morning I stayed home and watched Dr. Rogers on t.v. I had really forgotten how far we had fallen until I heard the choir and heard Dr Rogers say: turn in your Bibles to......... It was a wonderful message.
I also loved Bellevue when we had NO pastor. After Dr. Rogers retired, I still loved going there and we were fed and had unity around the word and music with visiting pastors or our staff preaching.
I still cannot believe that the spirit has changed so drasticall in such a short time. It makes me sick to even drive past the chruch because it is not the same church. People who I thought were "good Christians" are gossiping and speaking evil of men whom they onced had respect for and loved. I remember when you had to get on a waiting list to get into a Wed. night class that Dr Spradlin taught. Now I hear some of those same people who used to love his class say things about him that I will not repeat, and this has not just been one person but a pack of dogs. What happened? Have they so soon turnted on their previous teachers that they loved and respected? Why? And, I'm greived to hear the many, many, many people, some who have shocked me, who evil speak against Adrian Rogers. It is beyond my comprehension how these people hve been mezmerized. I frankly cannot understand or believe what I'm seeing or hearing.
rod almond wrote:
"Did anyone by chance, see Jamie and his wife on TBS being interviewed when he returned to Bellevue?"
Did you mean TBS as in "Turner Broadcasting System" or TBN or something else? I'd be interested in seeing that.
It was Trinity Broadcasting Channel 30 I think. I called them on the phone to make certain I don't know why you cannot get a copy of that tape.
Jamie also made it very clear he was no fan of Dr. Rogers. It was a shock to me to see how he handled questions about Adrian. But he made it manifestly clean that he loved steve. And, that they had plans for big changes at Bellevue.
45
Please, go away. Just go away.
Rod,
I saw Jamie on that show!!! I had forgotten all about it until you mentioned it. AT the time, I did not pay very close attention, becuase I was unaware of the plans they had at the time.
Now I wish I had paid closer attention.
Rod,
It was on Trinity Broadcasting. It was that woman with big, purplish hair and LONG LONG eyelashes.
Speaking of loyalty pledges and coventants, the following is an example of a typical Baptist Church Covenant. of the type you would typically see displayed on the wall in a Baptist church in days gone by. Nothing was normally signed, but this was typically adopted by the congregation to affirm their commitments and to let new members know what would be expected of them. It is interesting both for that it does and does not say...
"Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance ; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ , and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word."
Did any one see Bro. Billy Grahan last night on TBN. It was from 1978 here in Memphis. Guess who was on the platform with him? You guessed it Dr. Rogers and there was mention of Tommy Lane also.
The sermon was on how God uses the Holy Spirit through your conscience to know right and wrong.
It as become apparently clear that our present leadship at BBC is so wordly that they are no earthy good. What has a man, if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul?
Bitterness and spite? How about fighting for truth and righteousness? No, I do not believe the majority want truth and righteousness.
Piglet says:
I once said that BBC would have to pick me up and throw me out battered and bleeding because I would never leave. The irony is, I have been engaged in this spiritual warfare and look up to find that BBC has left me instead. There is nothing left of the BBC I knew. Nothing to leave anymore.
He didn't care if they left! Instead he said the child's past 'attitude' with security caused them to be watching her. David even said there was nothing horrible on record at church that she had done!
3:01 PM, March 24, 2007
----------
Onlyamember said
He didn't care if they left! Instead he said the child's past 'attitude' with security caused them to be watching her. David even said there was nothing horrible on record at church that she had done!
So tell me, what makes you think that David Coombs would bring some integrity and transparency to the situation at Bellevue. He is not even protecting our children!!
Sorry, this really hit home to me and I am unlike this child's family; I am still outraged that this can happen in my church and be swept under the rug!
2:16 PM, March 24, 2007
---
I will not be surprised what they do to you all. I WARN you stay away from BBC do not bother about trying to change BBC.
Leave it to the LORD don't get angry it only leads to sin, get away from that church!
How many times did they arrest that teenage girl?
Piglet they just might make you batterd and bloody. But some people are smart people they do not fall for their lies, some people know to much so that is why they don't fall for stupid things they say. some people so then stay away.
Don't think that those people care for you all. that church has been hurting people for decades now, do you know them all? I don't think so. Did anyone notice anyone missing latley or in the past few years or decades? No you did'nt you all don't know nothing do you? I don't know everything but I know things. Only the LORD knows everything I am just waiting, watching and praying.
I will warn you they are getting worse, and anyone there in BBC is in danger and memphis police does not care! they will do their job these are facts I watch and I know.
maybe I will even call the memphis police station that gives service to BBC and tell them.
Here is some uplifting information for you guys:
Today in SS class as we were studying the book of 1 Peter in depth, My SS teacher mentioned a wonderful pastor she found on the radio who was teaching from 1 Peter this week. She told us about his message and how it fit in with the passages we were studying today. Here is her quote on the pastor: He put it so simply but so powerfully that I ran to write it down as fast as I could.
The pastor: Adrian Rogers
Sick of the lies,
I paid close attention because I could not believe what I was hearing. First of all I was so angered at the way he avoided saying anything nice about Dr. Rogers when he was asked about working with him. I wondered at the poor taste in him wearing those feelings on his shoulder and making it so public. It actually hurt him, in my opinion.
Then when he said that no one would recoginze Bellevue in five years, and they had big plans for Bellevue, it really concerned me. We had not been told that when sg came they were planning to "gut out" the Bellevue they obviously thought was not good and "doing things wrong" and bring in a new "church".
Yet, to the congregation itself who felt and experienced these changes and the change in spirits, they kept making remarks like it was just our dislike for the music or missing AR. or some such lie. All along they have been plotting and planning on destroying the old Bellevue and revamping it into something else. So far this something else is beyond awful, and quite frankly beyond belief at the wicked and evil tactics used and the smearing and slander of precious saints to get their way.
Who do they think built Bellevue?
How do you improve on the number one church, (in my opinion)?
How can you think for one moment a man can replace the Lord?
AND if it is true that Donna refered to sheep as trash, then she too has a foul mouth and wicked heart. What Christian would call a sister or brother "trash" just because they didn't agree with them? Let alone a pastors wife. UNbelievable!
junk99mail said...
Payday Someday!
7:00 PM, April 01, 2007
Junk thanks for this reference. In looking at Dr. Lee's bio. it reminded me of my thoughts on Dr. Rogers choice of retirement time.
Dr. Rogers loved and had great respect for Dr. Lee.
I have always felt the reason Dr. Rogers retired at the time he did (and he was not sick at the time) was so as not to pastor Bellevue for a period longer than Dr. Lee had pastored Bellevue of 33 yrs. Dr. Rogers retirement announcement was at 32 yrs of pastoring and his actual retirement was at approx
32 1/2 yrs, making it shy of Dr. Lee's service of 33 yrs.
This is the kind of man Dr. Rogers was, to leave Dr. Lees legacy of 33 yrs unsurpassed.
How blessed we were to have such a man of integrity leading Bellevue Baptist Church for so many years.
Thank you dear Rogers family for sharing this wonderful man with BBC, he loved doing the Lord's work and he loved his family.
He is so greatly missed.
4545
Good to see you back tonight. How about answering these questions you forgot to answer last night.
45
Is it in the character of Christ to lie? Do believe that our Lord anoints a man who lies to the Lords flock and hides molesters in the Lords ministry?Is this an example of christ like behavoir?
Do you want your children to imitate SG? Do you aspire to be more like SG since he is your spiritial leader? I doubt that you will answer these questions,since you have a history of avoiding questions,but you may want to consider these and think about your behavoir on this blog.
OH 4545, quit whinning - you have been doing much worse than any hurting soul on this blog ever even thought about doing. Saddle up one of your horses and go away!
The Germantown Passion Play was wonderful tonight. They are doing such great work for the Lord in their music department under the leadership of Dr. Jim Whitmire, what a man that loves the Lord.
NASS, you are right Dr. Mike Spradlin does have a great singing voice. He has a great and powerful preaching voice and he sings too...also a man of integrity. Wish we had that in the pulpit of BBC.
There is actually a lot of great music talent at GBC!
Catching up on the blog this evening..
Mom4 and OC
Thanks for your sweet comments! Which I don't at all deserve but warmed my heart nonetheless. :0) .
Concernesbcer
Check yo li'l ole mailbox. :)
Rod said
Breakfast is between 6:30 and 7 AM and the Bible Study is at 7. It has always been a tremendous blessing. Dr. Spradlin gets God's Word out in context and power and expositorily, like it was meant to be taught.
Piglet says:
Reckon he'd do it again at 9:00 for night owls like me? :)
sheeplessatbbc- I heard a similar report about the great service today. Dr. Spradlin will only be preaching at GBC until the Southern Baptist Convention, June 11-12.
trucker said: 45
Is it in the character of Christ to lie? Do believe that our Lord anoints a man who lies to the Lords flock and hides molesters in the Lords ministry?Is this an example of christ like behavoir?
Do you want your children to imitate SG? Do you aspire to be more like SG since he is your spiritial leader? I doubt that you will answer these questions,since you have a history of avoiding questions,but you may want to consider these and think about your behavoir on this blog.
REPLY: I do not want my kids to imitate any man. I do not aspire to be more like any man!! Your other questions are common sense
45
So do you agree with gaines that it is ok to lie to the flock and hide molesters ?
You are avoiding the questions,maybe because you agree with the actions that gains took. That says a great deal about you charactor.
well I've got to go leaving early.
See you mr 4545
Rod,
It seems that when I was channel surfing and saw that show, the reception was bad and I could not pick up everything that was being said. Seems like I saw it around 2 or 3 in the morning.
I wish I had paid closer attention. I had no idea that he slammed DR. R. I must have missed that part.
sigh.
I miss Dr. R.
Thanks piglet! Check yours too! :)
trucker
Nice to have you back. You've been scarce until recently. :)
why is 45 still here? WE are no threat to his what is left of BBC.
Why can't he go and fellowship with those people and leave us alone?
Why does he care what we think or how we feel? Is it really any of his business? I think not
I think his purpose for being here is that,like his pastor, he enjoys beating the sheep. He gets some kind of sadistical pleasure out of it.
First time visitors at the Wed Bible Study at MidAmerica get a free breakfast! It is yummy!!! Good food, good fellowship and good study. It is worth getting up early for it.
Rod: About how many people come? Is it mostly men?
Concernedbbcer, yes, it is mostly men but there are women there and even a few kids.
There were some that quit coming after having attended for years right after Dr. Spradlin stood up and spoke out concerning sg. Like I say, I was really dissapointed in these folks who loved Dr. Spradlin and sat under his teaching for years, then when he spoke the truth about sg, all of a sudden he became anathama.
How could you believe someone "new" and throw away someone you know to be a man of integrity? Go figure!
I'd guess aproximately 120 people or so. There is room for lots more!
Solomon
I totally missed that!
Remember
Hey, I was speaking figuratively when I said BBC would have to throw me out beaten and bloody. You know, emotionally beaten and bloody, not physically.
I am in NO FEAR of being injured by anyone at BBC so I'm sorry if I was misleading.
Rod...too bad I have to be at work at 7:30 else I'd be over there :).
Concernedsbcer
Mail again.
Leave Pastor Steve Gaines out of it, I never said anything was about him.
But if what I say is to bizarre for you that is your problem anyone who gets hurts it is not my fault because I don't hurt people may, sorry that is what I believe given a change who do you think they want?
An interesting thought:
* Dr. Spradlin runs a seminary
* He preaches Sunday morning at
GBC
* He preaches Wed eve at GBC
* He coaches his children's
sports and goes to their games
* He teaches Wed morning Bible
study at the seminary for any
who want to be fed
* Plus many things I have no
clue about
Interesting all he does, isn't it?
Yes Rod....does more than Gaines does. Oh wait...Gaines forgoes some of that so he can trot around the country to speak to get some extra benjamins.
Piglet said "I am in NO FEAR of being injured by anyone at BBC so I'm sorry if I was misleading."
9:51 PM, April 01, 2007
I am concerned about you and everyone they do not like you, I hope you are right piglet that there really is nothing to worry about.
Look how they treated the teenage girl.
Sorry guys..my bad..the flesh just got ahold of me.
Lots of "shooting from the hip" though.
Remember,
I do not think Gaines and Co. would result to true Mafia actions against dissenters. Gaines and Co. may be moonbats, but they are not stupid moonbats.
Rod,
Dr. Spradin also preaches Sunday nights at GBC.
Koragg said,
I do not think Gaines and Co. would result to true Mafia actions against dissenters. Gaines and Co. may be moonbats, but they are not stupid moonbats.
10:19 PM, April 01, 2007
---------
Again I say Leave Pastor Steve Gaines out of it, I never said anything was about him.
Koragg,
You sure bout that????????????
They did take our pictures last Sunday and we probably weren't even smiling!!
It is interesting all that is going on at GBC! When you look at how much that church has grown and been blessed in such a short time after its split, it is really a miracle!
I cannot help but wonder if has something to do with the Lord's faithful servants that were cast out of BBC. It seems like the Lord went before them and opened the way and provided openings for their gifts and service. The cream of the crop was "let go" in my opinion and look how the Lord is using them now.
I cannot help but wonder if the Lord didn't have all this planned out from the very beginning. He cleansed GBC and then brought the best from Bellevue to GBC and has blessed the socks off that chruch.
Signing out.
Rod said,
re: Mike Spradlin
Interesting all he does, isn't it?
Yes it is! He has been such a gift to us at GBC. We have really grown to love Dr. Spradlin and I have learned so much from him. I am praying he never catches on to our secret plan - we just keep getting him to sign on for a "few more months" and before he knows what's happening-he's celebrating his Silver Jubilee at GBC!
I know God will provide us with the right pastor- I am just grateful we got to have Mike Spradlin for an interim. We were a pretty wounded congregation when he arrived, and words can't express what a blessing he's been.
Rod,
Did you see GBC's passion play?
It was like Bellevue's early days when Bro Whitmire first started them. Wonderful and magnificient.
Hey, tell them to cook lots of bacon & eggs Wednesday morning.
amy said
I know God will provide us with the right pastor- I am just grateful we got to have Mike Spradlin for an interim. We were a pretty wounded congregation when he arrived, and words can't express what a blessing he's been.
Piglet says:
Oh, Amy, I hope you are right! But we trusted our search committee and look what we got! I hope your search committee is spirit filled and wise enough to screen out the wolves.
Rod: I don't mean to offend anyone here at all, but discerning hearts need to be used everywhere. Dr. Spradlin and Dr. Whitmire are interim ministers; GBC still has a ways to go before it is stable. I know it has been a blessing to so many, and I am so thankful for that. Just remember to keep your wits about you...."Wise as serpents; gentle as doves." I was talking today with some friends and we discussed how any church needs to be thoroughly studied before joining. We discussed how sad it is that this must be done.
Amy,
Have your passion plays always been this great or has Bro Whitmire taken them to a different level?
It really was wonderful.
sheeplessatbbc,
Hay, not only scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage but also biscuits and gravy! Also, cereal both hot and cold, and muffins and hot coffee....... Everyone is welcome to come and be blessed!
Another thing, has anyone noticed how the Lord has been upholding Dr Spradlin during all these attacks on him? I marvel at his countenance and how you can see his joy in the Lord in the midst of these attacks. The Lord is good!
Piglet said
Oh, Amy, I hope you are right! But we trusted our search committee and look what we got!
I worry about that too sometimes, but I know several people on the search committee and I trust them to truly seek God’s guidance. Keith Cochran (new youth pastor) told Bob Sorrell he had never been so thoroughly interviewed and scrutinized for a job before!
Rod,
Well slap my knee, that sounds better'n ole Perkins or Cracker Barrell.
Just goes to show when you're doing the Lord's work, the Lord's way, He will take care of you.
Hey NASS, Concerned,
Wonna go to breakfast Wed? Good preachin to boot!
Our bible fellowshiop teacher, advised today that he and his wwife are leaving BBC today and he is a deacon as well, we have already had three other leadership couples in our mid 30's class leave. My wife and I are visiting other churches as well.
This teacher is a man of GOD, a great person whom I have been on many Faith visits with, i believe there will be few GODLY men left at BBC before long.
i caught the BBC on tv this am @ 8am, sure seems funny they only show the seating from one view over and over, its because the other seats are sparsly occupied.
jmo
jason
You are right and wise,
concernedSBCer. I recognize what you said is true, but I was thinking of how giving and attendence was so down right after the split, and how (I've been told) that their giving is way up and so are their numbers.
I KNOW numbers and giving mean nothing but I was told they were pretty badly off right after the split.
4545,
How's your sister-in-law? You haven't gotten back to me in over two weeks. What's going on?
Dee
Sheepless: I'm leaning strongly in that direction. Wanna meet?
Have your passion plays always been this great or has Bro Whitmire taken them to a different level?
I could be wrong, but in the 10 yrs I've been at GBC, I think that's our first Passion Play. We have always had a wonderful choir, and programs, but I think the idea of Passion Play at GBC started with Dr. Whitmire. We are real attached to him too!
concernedSBCer said...
Sheepless: I'm leaning strongly in that direction. Wanna meet?
Sounds great. Where shall we meet & what time?
Amy,
My mistake, guess I was thinking about your Christmas program, you do have one don't you, hope my mind is not totally failing me.
For the first time passion play, it makes me appreciate what GBC and Bro Whitmire did even more.
Unbelievable!
Just an observation: Look at the many teachers who have left BBC. They are the cream of the crop and excellent teachers. Some have been teaching there for years.
Also take a look at the thousands of people who have left. The ones you know personally, are they not the ones who are very serious about the Lord and their walk with Him? They are the ones who have personal devotions daily and study His Word and have a close walk with the Lord.
I know this is not one hundred percent true probably, but I have been deliberately watching this.
Also, I know many people who have stayed and some I love and have fellowship with on a regular basis and those I know personally and still relate to, we do not talk about Bellevue. Why? Because first I don't want to be a stumbling block to them because they are IMMATURE believers. This is what is frightening to me is that so many of those I know personally, are not able to discern what is right and what is not.
Also, they are influenced by their Bible Fellowship teachers and they are naieve. They believe everything they are told and they do not look at both sides to disceern that there is another side to what they are told. They just assume that if the pastor said it it is true and everyone else is just lying about it.
offline...
rod said,
Another thing, has anyone noticed how the Lord has been upholding Dr Spradlin during all these attacks on him? I marvel at his countenance and how you can see his joy in the Lord in the midst of these attacks. The Lord is good!
Yep. The Lord does this for those who are His, doesn't He.
2 Chron 16:9a
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.
Exodus 7:17
Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
Tim: You found it!
Sheepless: Please email me.
Rod said-
I KNOW numbers and giving mean nothing but I was told they were pretty badly off right after the split.
Last year at this time was very hard. I've said this before- because of everything that happened, GBC will never be the same and that is very sad to me. A lot of our friends left, and I miss them very much. You know, I don't understand how they could have read the proposed bylaws and not have clearly seen it was about power and control- and they would say they don't understand how we could stay at a church filled with evildoers who attacked and ran off all the staff.
That being said, I do think we are a stronger church because of what happened. It feels more like a congregation now, instead of a crowd. We go to the contemporary service, and the majority of the people who left went to that service-in fact, we are the only couple who stayed at GBC in our Sunday School class. The two services had become like two separate churches that shared the same building, and I feel now we are all on the same page about what we hold precious in our faith and in our leadership.
One reason I am sharing all this again is please know that what ever happens, God is in control, even if your not.
offline....
Night everybody!
Sweet dreams!
Sheepless said,
My mistake, guess I was thinking about your Christmas program, you do have one don't you, hope my mind is not totally failing me.
I am thrilled about the Passion Play and hope it will become a tradition! Yes, we do have a big Christmas program. It is three nights and has the Living Nativity, Bethlehem Village, Music Programs etc..
One thing for us to remember is that we are in the end times and there will be a "whole lotta shaken going on".
The Lord sifts and tests; the enemy attacks and appeals to the flesh and brings in the world and believers want to be spoon fed and feel good about themselves.
We llve in a world that exalts and worships self and it has always been a remnant that have walked after the Lord. Isn't the gospel to be co-crusified with Christ and then co-resurrected with Him in newness of life? For us to live in now Christ and too many love to indulge the flesh.
I John 5:6-8
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
The Spirit is truth. When truth has been removed the Spirit has been removed.
Today, I had a great day at BBC. This morning I took my first grade son out of children's church so he could participate in his first Lord's Supper. He was recently saved and baptized. What a joy it was to sit there with the bread and the juice and discuss what each of them meant, it was truly a special time.
Then this evening, my family went to BBC to see the Memphis Passion Play. I have taken my children to see the play before, but this time it meant more. My oldest son (the 1st grader) wrapped my arm around him and curled up next to me as the play started and occasionally he would whisper a question, which I would answer to him, or I would ask him a question and he could answer himself. Thank God for the Childrens workers that teach Sunday School.
Around the part of the play where they are abusing Jesus, my youngest son got alittle frightened and wanted to sit in my lap, this is when he asked me "Why do those guys not like Jesus?" This has really opened the door and generated alot of talk from him, while he can answer basic question about Jesus, this was the first time he has brought up the subject.
So today was a good day for my family at BBC.
Memphis
Memphis,
Sounds like you had a red letter day. Blessings to you and your family.
Memphis
What was your impression of the business meeting this past Sunday?
Exodus 7:25
And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.
For seven days they were under the condemenation of the blood.
Concerned,
I emailed you a while back, if you still don't have it let me know.
well Piglet.. I listed on another thread on how I voted on the motions. I also voted to not end the meeting. I would have rathered we had stayed there all day and got everything out on the table, but I guess the majority wanted something else.
Memphis
Sorry. It's late and I didn't remember. :)
Concernedsbcer and Sheepless
Enoy your early breakfast. I'm ashamed to say that I will still be drooling on my pillow.
G'night all!
Sheepless: Please email me again. :)
Thanks!
memphis said...
"Thank God for the Childrens workers that teach Sunday School."
Did you know that many are leaving as soon as this term is up?
Hi Rod
For an additional $4 you can get dinner at GBC wed night and then catch Dr. Spradlin's preaching during prayer meeting. His Wed night sermons are my favorite. Wed nights are less like a sermon more like a great Sunday School lesson. He is going thru one psalm a week. Come join us for fellowship for as long as you need to. All visitors are welcome.
Yes Mom4, I have no doubt that many are leaving when their term is up, probably like many do every year, like I left when my term was up. I am also confident that there will be many who receive their call to "do their time" in the nursery and childrens area.
"I cannot help but wonder if the Lord didn't have all this planned out from the very beginning. He cleansed GBC and then brought the best from Bellevue to GBC and has blessed the socks off that chruch."
Rod,
Regarding your comments above.....not everyone left GBC with the split....not even ALL the staff. There are some very faithful warriors still serving with a passion in the church. BBC families are welcomed; however, to say they are the main reason GBC is being blessed is flippant at best. That was quite an insult to those of us who have never faltered in serving the Lord at GBC. We do not serve any pastor or staff member.
James Dobson on WCRV is talking about some very good points right now. Things like integrity, financial accountability, homosexuality, morals, etc.
Concerned,
You've got mail..I hope.
memphis,
Time will tell, I will not argue about it, it does no good. I will tell you that I personally know 3 long term teachers who are leaving solely because of Steve Gaines. That is 3 that have always, always been there for many years.
butterfly crown,
My husband and I visited GBC for the first time yesterday. We almost joined on the spot, but the rest of our family was not there with us. We probably will join very soon. On the way out the door my husband remarked that those that remained at GBC were the faithful, discerning hard workers that held onto the truth and fought the good fight. He said it would be an honor to be amongst them.
I agree.
Oh my goodness. I have never seen a group professng to be such strong Christians talking this way about a pastor and/or church. Gather at GBC...if that is where you feel led, and stop talking about and harassing BBC altogether.
Work on making GBC the best church is can be, and, invite your friends still at BBC to join you. It seems that GBC is going to do things exactly the way those disgruntled at BBC want them done....and will be led by a guy who is a hero to savingbellevue.com folks. Sounds like a perfect fit for all of you!
Given that you have found GBC....why don't you leave BBC, our staff and leaders...as well as the happy members (the majority) ALONE??
Mom4,
Thanks for your kind words. I hate what our church family had to suffer through, just as I hate what Bellevue is suffering now, but my family and I love serving at GBC and know that the further healing to come will only make it better. My only wish is that we stop labeling folks as "bellevue refugees" "GBC members", etc. We are the body of christ, serving through the local church.
Mom4, I am not going to argue about the people leaving when there term is up either because it happens every year. It is just sad that I post about a wonderful experience at BBC with my children and that is the one thing you harp on rather than celebrate a child getting closer to God.
Butterflycrown
I agree with mom4, the faithful GBC members have been a blessing to us when we have visited! GBC wouldn't be standing if they didn't persevere through their trials and continue serving faithfully.
memphis,
Sorry, you missed my point entirely. I was not harping on anything - just explaining that things are not as they seem. I won't address it again with you as I can tell you are not ready to receive it at this time.
Goodbye dear lady.
GBC_Member said... Come join us for fellowship for as long as you need to. All visitors are welcome.
8:08 AM, April 02, 2007
Sheepless said,
Thanks to you and all of GBC that is so welcoming to all of us with open arms and a loving smile. You of all people, know the struggles we are facing right now. We thank you for your kindness and prayers.
Fire up the kitchen Wed nite, I could also use some more "soul food" after dinner.
Maybe we can even drag Piglet off her pillow by that time of day.
Memphis, they are upset with us because we are happy at BBC. According to them, this isn't okay. They speak nothing of the wonderful works of the Lord Jesus through BBC over the recent days, weeks, months, etc. All they care about is their agenda, and the lack of progress they are making. I knew for months they'd finally figure out that the "New GBC" was where they needed to move their membership. I just didn't know they would leave....and still fuss about our church!
Some of us....wait....MOST of us still at BBC are happy! Why isn't that okay??
LoveBBC: I see from your profile you are new. In order to understand the whole picture, you need to go back and read as many threads as possible. This has never been an issue of "talking about and harassing BBC"; this has been a call to integrity within leadership. Laws have been broken; dangerous situations have occurred within the walls of BBC. Timothy addresses the qualifications for church leadership. Many have been ignored. Precious long-time members of BBC just want to honor their Savior by standing for the Truth and the inerrancy of the Word. In fact, if leadership is allowed to disregard scriptural admonitions, their punishment is more severe. There is a hope to restore to BBC integrity, discipleship, transparency, and accountability. The whole picture is heartbreaking right now; that a leader could disobey in so many areas. Restoration of the integrity of the church is the desired outcome.
Piglet: Memphis writes post about the great day his family had at Bellevue and the first thing out of your mouth is about "the" business meeting??
MOM4 said...
memphis said...
"Thank God for the Childrens workers that teach Sunday School."
Did you know that many are leaving as soon as this term is up?
We talked with a Good Friend that is a Deacon and he and his wife both teach and he told us that they were just staying on until the end of the term for teaching.Folks I really think that we will see a MASS leaving at this time if nothing changes before then. That is just what the leadership is waiting on.:(:(
4545 said...
Piglet: Memphis writes post about the great day his family had at Bellevue and the first thing out of your mouth is about "the" business meeting??
Ummmm.....4545....Piglet has not posted today. Where did you get this?
loveBBC: welcome and you are right on. this is sad, but honest It seems like a very bad day for them is when the Lord is working at Bellevue and the seats are full and the members are happy. The entire day yesterday, all they did was post about GBC and make jabs and low blows toward Bellevue and it's members.
11:52 last night
I don't think anyone here is upset because someone's happy at BBC...what gets me though, personally, is that you think everyone else should feel the same...BBC is not the wonderful experience to everyone else that it is to you. I personally am grieved at the state BBC is in..if you don't agree, fine..but don't criticize me or anyone else because we don't think it's so grand right now. On another note, 4545 et al..if you don't like what you read on this blog, then find something else to occupy your time...it's that simple.
4545: This looked like a sincere question to me. Did you answer it sincerely?
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