first of all...im back!
Date: September 14, 2007 01:08AM
I agree - any church body should be exposed and accountable for financial management. There is something wrong immediately if these issues are in secret (spending/budget). However, I have not personally attempted to retrieve this information, so I do not feel I have the right to accuse in this area... I suppose I could just go into the office and ask for some info. We should verify this info before its considered fact, or has this been done already?
Yes, a kingdom divided will fall. That's the MAIN reason for so many denominations of one faith. Sad.
Its funny, because I am part of "RLC" and I dont have anything to do with real estate.
I actually love people from my heart, with what God gave me. I might just be the exception to the rule, however.
In response to most of this forum, I must say that there are MANY believers at RLC that do love the Lord and love one another. I see it all around. Just because there are simultaneously "not so good" things happening does not mean that the work of God is not being accomplished. I personally do agree with everything that occurs there, and the "methods" and "strategies" and whatever else, but what I do know is that it is up to me personally to do the work that needs to be done. I do not have to ask permission from Tony to visit the sick, or the imprisoned, or feed the hungry, and clothe the naked. The Word of God has already given me this charge.
...In other words, I do not think it is fair to say that RLC is full of real-estate mongers and business people trying to turn a profit at the expense of others. I have nothing to do with these wicked ways.
Also, what is up with the personal attacks against 242 groups and the worship style? 242 is a way for community (true community) to grow. Yes, some may do a ridiculously crappy job at it, but thats another story. And the worship "style"? That is a mighty shallow statement. I may not like hymnal style, or rap, or jazz, but God is the ONLY judge of whether or not He likes what he's getting. If you don't like the style, go somewhere else where the guitarist, drummer, and singers will cater to YOUR personal preference. I personally like ska-style worship and neo-industrial emo-style worship. Ok, I just made that last one up... anyway, get over it.
Also, to answer TMAC: I do NOT ignore the things that go on at RLC. Read my past posts, I have never denied anything either. I just firmly believe that there must be sound evidence before I believe something. And like I said like 47 or 48 times (nebulous numbers) I know alot of weird stuff goes on. But I also know that each person must choose to live their own life and make their own decisions. I dont believe that Tony ever told anyone to worship him, yet, there are people that make him a demi-god, or put him on some high place. Thats not me, thats not acceptable at all, and each individual is accountable to God for this life-style. To reiterate, I have never heard Tony tell someone, or even imply, that he must be worshiped or exalted. The problem, in part, is that individuals want to be recognized and accepted by leadership and therefore "honor" Tony and Tom and Brandon and on and on and on...
Also, why does everyone keep assuming that me and aaron are spies for Tony? What in the world? Honestly, come on now. Again, I will say, please read past posts from aaron and myself.
If you really want to make a difference (just an idea), try to live in such a way that others will see something different and want to know what it is, and then people will be drawn to Christ. That might just work. And if, by chance, the Bible is correct, then it WILL work. That is how I have chosen to live. If we just sit back and whine and complain about the current condition of things, it will only continue to deteriorate. If we get off of our arses and do something, then the communities around us will be changed for Christ. Again, just an idea. It is actually possible to reach out to people within the church without being overly cynical. I mean, it was whining that kept the israelites in the desert for so long. Right?
By the way, Pepsi is WAY tastier than Coke. I mean the bite that it gives and that refreshing flavor burst, WOW! Coke products taste cheap.