Members Down/Churches Up

[plain_n_simple]

I believe this is a result of the nasty disposition a visitor experiences when going to a Baptist Church for the first time. Not all, but many are slowly realizing that doctrinal issues and judgement of each other make for an ugly bride that no one wants to fellowship with. My prayer is that love will become the measure of each local body and not the legalism most experience.

http://baptistcourier.com/2014/03/state-church-sbc-churches-increase-members-baptisms-fall/

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I believe this is a result of the nasty disposition a visitor experiences when going to a Baptist Church for the first time. Not all, but many are slowly realizing that doctrinal issues and judgement of each other make for an ugly bride that no one wants to fellowship with. My prayer is that love will become the measure of each local body and not the legalism most experience.

http://baptistcourier.com/2014/03/state-church-sbc-churches-increase-members-baptisms-fall/

So what are you suggesting.....get rid of doctrine?

 

[plain_n_simple]

Make love thy neighbor the doctrine.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Make love thy neighbor the doctrine.

So what are you saying, it isn't doctrine now.......cause if it isn't, its not a Christian church.

 

[plain_n_simple]

It isn't in practice as proved in the decline.

 

[poncho]

Love thy neighbor instead of looking down on they neighbor? I think that would be a step in the right direction but it might be to much to ask of some people in the church.

 

[plain_n_simple]

Love thy neighbor instead of looking down on they neighbor? I think that would be a step in the right direction but it might be to much to ask of some people in the church.

And those churches will die in the coming days.

 

[poncho]

And those churches will die in the coming days.

I do believe that it's already happening.

 

[preacher4truth]

The fallacy of some is to believe that 'love' means to cast off holding to truth and doctrine for its sake. Believing this is to expose oneself as not knowing what Biblical love is. Thus the OP here.

 

[Revmitchell]

I believe this is a result of the nasty disposition a visitor experiences when going to a Baptist Church for the first time. Not all, but many are slowly realizing that doctrinal issues and judgement of each other make for an ugly bride that no one wants to fellowship with. My prayer is that love will become the measure of each local body and not the legalism most experience.

http://baptistcourier.com/2014/03/state-church-sbc-churches-increase-members-baptisms-fall/

I suppose people read into these things what they want. Trying to blame just one thing fails to really understand the issues involved.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Make love thy neighbor the doctrine.

I completely agree.

Jesus did not talk much about what we should believe, but he did talk a lot on how we are to treat others ... and it wasn't arguing doctrine or beating others over the head with our pet beliefs.

 

[~JM~]

Wigglesworth Smith?

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I completely agree.

Jesus did not talk much about what we should believe,

Absolute hogwash. Christ DID tell us not only what to believe, but what to preach.

but he did talk a lot on how we are to treat others ... and it wasn't arguing doctrine or beating others over the head with our pet beliefs.

Nope. Doctrine is to be adhered to, without compromise. Doctrine is not to be argued.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

The fallacy of some is to believe that 'love' means to cast off holding to truth and doctrine for its sake. Believing this is to expose oneself as not knowing what Biblical love is. Thus the OP here.

Nailed it. The biblical meaning of "love" is lost on most. If we truly had love for the lost, we would obey God.

 

[Rippon]

Jesus did not talk much about what we should believe,

I find that statement utterly surprising on a Christian forum.

Mt 21:22 :if you believe,you will receive
Mk 1:15 :Repent and believe the good news!
Lk : Don't be afraid;just believe
Jn : 1:12 : to those who believed in his name
Jn 3:16 : whoever believes in him shall not perish
Jn 6:35 : who believes in me will never be thirsty
Jn 11:27 : I believe that you are the Messiah
Jn 20:27 : Stop doubting and believe
Jn 20:31 : and that be believing you may have life

And of course in Acts and the Epistles are many passages which urge us to believe certain truths that we should know love, and embrace.

 

[plain_n_simple]

Love is patient, never condemns(there is now no more condemnation for those who are in Christ), Love always thinks the best, love forgives, love is never about self. When you beat a brother over the head, call him heretic, not saved, you are not walking in the Spirit of Christ. Jesus spoke strongly to the pharisees, who are no brothers. Love over doctrine.

 

[Revmitchell]

Joh_8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 

[plain_n_simple]

Joh_8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Spoken to unbelievers

 

[Revmitchell]

Spoken to unbelievers

Oh well......I suppose that changes everything. Hmm....maybe Jesus was running chasing lost people away from the church.

 

[plain_n_simple]

He spoke this to Pharisees, and knew their hearts of unbelief. Context context