What is Happening in Moscow, ID?

[WAJungleMonkey]

I stumbled across this video by Doug Wilson, randomly looking at moving to Moscow because it seemed like a nice, quiet college town. I vaguely know who Doug Wilson is- pastor of Christ Church... some kind of abuse scandal? What is happening in Moscow and why is everyone moving there?

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

I stumbled across this video by Doug Wilson, randomly looking at moving to Moscow because it seemed like a nice, quiet college town. I vaguely know who Doug Wilson is- pastor of Christ Church... some kind of abuse scandal? What is happening in Moscow and why is everyone moving there?

There are large amounts of Christians in general moving to areas that are "redoubts" for them. They are moving from largely non-Christian areas of the country (Cali/New York/urban areas) to areas that are still predominantly Christian. We have a large influx on them in my Appalachian mountain county. We call the people who move here "refugees" and happily welcome them to reinforce our culture. Moscow, Idaho is another location that Christians are fleeing to.

By fleeing to these areas Christians are concentrating themselves. You see this in politics as "red areas growing redder" and "blue areas growing bluer". As Christians make up more and more of the percentage of the population in areas like where I am or like Moscow, it creates a sort of Christian "enclave" effect where the culture within the borders becomes ever more Conservative Christian with each passing year.

In the case of Moscow, ID, I think 1 out of 5 or 1 out of 10 people in the entire city are members of Christ Church, which Doug Wilson is the head Pastor of. There's also a Christian school and publisher there that many residents belong to, and tons of Christian small businesses. Lots of people are moving there as it's one of the "redoubt" locations where Christians are taking hold/have taken hold of.

Why does God seem to be drawing Christians across the country into like-minded communities that seem to be fairly self-sufficient? I'm not sure, but it's exciting to see it happening in my lifetime. Hopefully it's a massive, nationwide revival or awakening! Or perhaps He is preparing the elect for some upcoming trial? It reminds me of God drawing animals to Noah's Ark.

 

[agedman]

I stumbled across this video by Doug Wilson, randomly looking at moving to Moscow because it seemed like a nice, quiet college town. I vaguely know who Doug Wilson is- pastor of Christ Church... some kind of abuse scandal? What is happening in Moscow and why is everyone moving there?

My personal opinion matters little, but be aware that there are extremists on both sides that have their own agenda.

Be careful to sift EVERYTHING spoken and written through the Scriptures and cling to what is Scripturally sound, trash the rest.

It is sad but unfortunately true that popularity may lead to excess. Be it Mars Hill, Hillsong, FBC Hammond, …

Do nothing through strife or vain glory, but always give your heart and mind to living under the authority of the Spirit of God.

Jack Hyles didn’t, Jerry Falwell didn’t, Bob Gray (Florida) didn’t, …. Each lost their way and though now long dead serve as a reminder of how not to serve the Lord.

So, without directly answering your question, for again I will express no opinion, merely warnings that what is in the public may not be what is in private.

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

If you want to learn about scandals, you can watch this video. The main scandals are his partial support for Federal Vision and his writings on Southern Slavery.

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

There are large amounts of Christians in general moving to areas that are "redoubts" for them. They are moving from largely non-Christian areas of the country (Cali/New York/urban areas) to areas that are still predominantly Christian. We have a large influx on them in my Appalachian mountain county. We call the people who move here "refugees" and happily welcome them to reinforce our culture. Moscow, Idaho is another location that Christians are fleeing to.

By fleeing to these areas Christians are concentrating themselves. You see this in politics as "red areas growing redder" and "blue areas growing bluer". As Christians make up more and more of the percentage of the population in areas like where I am or like Moscow, it creates a sort of Christian "enclave" effect where the culture within the borders becomes ever more Conservative Christian with each passing year.

In the case of Moscow, ID, I think 1 out of 5 or 1 out of 10 people in the entire city are members of Christ Church, which Doug Wilson is the head Pastor of. There's also a Christian school and publisher there that many residents belong to, and tons of Christian small businesses. Lots of people are moving there as it's one of the "redoubt" locations where Christians are taking hold/have taken hold of.

Why does God seem to be drawing Christians across the country into like-minded communities that seem to be fairly self-sufficient? I'm not sure, but it's exciting to see it happening in my lifetime. Hopefully it's a massive, nationwide revival or awakening! Or perhaps He is preparing the elect for some upcoming trial? It reminds me of God drawing animals to Noah's Ark.

Interesting. Tough decision. It is a really attractive idea- I know life there won't be perfect since we are all sinners, Church or not- but it would be great to get out of this extremely liberal part of the state I have found myself in. "Upcoming trial" seems more likely to me- if the Tribulation doesn't kick off, surely another civil war will.

Despite the liberal controlled government and strong liberal culture, there are also a fair amount of conservative pockets out here. I would hate to see them get stuck on the wrong side should a war come up. I also can't help believing that as Christians, we are called to integrate into the world and be a light in the darkness, not isolate from it... but then, at what point do you give up on the world and cut and run? I know "cut and run" doesn't sound very brave, but even the bravest of people need to recognize when they are heavily out numbered.

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

My personal opinion matters little, but be aware that there are extremists on both sides that have their own agenda.

Be careful to sift EVERYTHING spoken and written through the Scriptures and cling to what is Scripturally sound, trash the rest.

It is sad but unfortunately true that popularity may lead to excess. Be it Mars Hill, Hillsong, FBC Hammond, …

Do nothing through strife or vain glory, but always give your heart and mind to living under the authority of the Spirit of God.

Jack Hyles didn’t, Jerry Falwell didn’t, Bob Gray (Florida) didn’t, …. Each lost their way and though now long dead serve as a reminder of how not to serve the Lord.

So, without directly answering your question, for again I will express no opinion, merely warnings that what is in the public may not be what is in private.

That is typically how I lean towards issues like this. Too much of an apparently good thing can potentially make one sick

 

[agedman]

That is typically how I lean towards issues like this. Too much of an apparently good thing can potentially make one sick

Popularity is addictive, and unfortunately “spiritual leaders” of today are just as protective of their turf as the religious rulers in the days Christ in the earthly ministers.

Focus on the Lord, rest in the power of His might, and make no provision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh or danger will come to call.

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

If you want to learn about scandals, you can watch this video. The main scandals are his partial support for Federal Vision and his writings on Southern Slavery.

"It would be nice if Wilson's theology wasn't so controversial" .. haha, yeah... that would be nice. But since when has the nature of faith and works ever NOT been controversial? Honestly, I think people way too often over-think it. Overthinking seems to be a problem especially with the Reformed/Calvinist types, Lol!

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

Interesting. Tough decision. It is a really attractive idea- I know life there won't be perfect since we are all sinners, Church or not- but it would be great to get out of this extremely liberal part of the state I have found myself in. "Upcoming trial" seems more likely to me- if the Tribulation doesn't kick off, surely another civil war will.

Despite the liberal controlled government and strong liberal culture, there are also a fair amount of conservative pockets out here. I would hate to see them get stuck on the wrong side should a war come up. I also can't help believing that as Christians, we are called to integrate into the world and be a light in the darkness, not isolate from it... but then, at what point do you give up on the world and cut and run? I know "cut and run" doesn't sound very brave, but even the bravest of people need to recognize when they are heavily out numbered.

Doug responds to that exact conflict you're having here, and he's not encouraging movement to Moscow. He's generally encouraging having a strong community around you that is likeminded.

I'd listen to the video and pray over it. That exact question is asked at 7:13. For my wife and I the decision to live where we live was very purposeful as we decided we needed a safe environment for our kids as that was our first duty.

We stumbled onto him via James White.

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

Doug responds to that exact conflict you're having here, and he's not encouraging movement to Moscow. He's generally encouraging having a strong community around you that is likeminded.

I'd listen to the video and pray over it. That exact question is asked at 7:13. For my wife and I the decision to live where we live was very purposeful as we decided we needed a safe environment for our kids as that was our first duty.

We stumbled onto him via James White.

One of the big reasons compelling me to move elsewhere is the fact that, while there are conservatives out here, the churches that remain are not very healthy. I don't have a wife or kids, which may be evidence to stay, but I also feel very alone and isolated, which isn't good for me either.

 

[Iconoclast]

In Moscow ID. those believers are mostly postmill, and are seeking to implement Kingdom living and laws in that place.

Doug Wilson began to travel down a wrong path in reference to Federal vision issues, but I believe he has recovered himself.

He is highly intelligent and thinks outside the box. I find him thought provoking.
I avoided him after the auburn avenue conference which I listened to.
But I am listening to Him again as It looks as if he has returned to a more biblical position.

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

In Moscow ID. those believers are mostly postmill, and are seeking to implement Kingdom living and laws in that place.

Doug Wilson began to travel down a wrong path in reference to Federal vision issues, but I believe he has recovered himself.

He is highly intelligent and thinks outside the box. I find him thought provoking.
I avoided him after the auburn avenue conference which I listened to.
But I am listening to Him again as It looks as if he has returned to a more biblical position.

Since I don't know anything about FV, I guess I don't have a negative view of him... just what I've seen in the above videos... which seem good. I am particularly really interested in Trinity Reformed Church (a plant from Christ Church)- which is also in Moscow- about their efforts to create a biblical form of worship that more closely resembles the early Church. The website is quite extensive in their explanation, but also provides a lot of room for discussion. I really want to engage them more on that.

As for Last Events- I don't really have a strong view on the order and typically like to avoid groups who do have a strong opinion about it. The fact is, we don't know. Revelation is a very difficult and strange book to understand (I doubt even John comprehended the vision completely) and it seems good to not obsess over having it all figured it out. My emphasis is to watch and wait. Follow Christ today, don't stray, and trust Him for my preservation. Whether we are raptured pre-trib or have to remain until the glorious appearing, Christ will be our front and rear guard and no trial will come upon us that will not bring Him greater glory, whether we suffer or not.

 

[agedman]

…

As for Last Events- I don't really have a strong view on the order and typically like to avoid groups who do have a strong opinion about it. The fact is, we don't know. Revelation is a very difficult and strange book to understand (I doubt even John comprehended the vision completely) and it seems good to not obsess over having it all figured it out. My emphasis is to watch and wait. Follow Christ today, don't stray, and trust Him for my preservation. Whether we are raptured pre-trib or have to remain until the glorious appearing, Christ will be our front and rear guard and no trial will come upon us that will not bring Him greater glory, whether we suffer or not.

Friend, you couldn’t be more wrong. There is no reason to avoid the book, but rather be encouraged to read it. The book says it is to be regularly read. So it can be understood.

 

[Iconoclast]

Since I don't know anything about FV, I guess I don't have a negative view of him... just what I've seen in the above videos... which seem good. I am particularly really interested in Trinity Reformed Church (a plant from Christ Church)- which is also in Moscow- about their efforts to create a biblical form of worship that more closely resembles the early Church. The website is quite extensive in their explanation, but also provides a lot of room for discussion. I really want to engage them more on that.

As for Last Events- I don't really have a strong view on the order and typically like to avoid groups who do have a strong opinion about it. The fact is, we don't know. Revelation is a very difficult and strange book to understand (I doubt even John comprehended the vision completely) and it seems good to not obsess over having it all figured it out. My emphasis is to watch and wait. Follow Christ today, don't stray, and trust Him for my preservation. Whether we are raptured pre-trib or have to remain until the glorious appearing, Christ will be our front and rear guard and no trial will come upon us that will not bring Him greater glory, whether we suffer or not.

We live based on what we believe.
If you believe the kingdom is now and growing you live one way, if you think things are getting worse, you hide out hoping for a secret rapture.

FV...was an error concerning the doctrine of justification by faith. They were teaching that the whole church did not understand the apostle Paul correctly. It was condemned by every orthodox church.

Lecture 4 - The Implications and Consequences for the Church of Not Confronting the Federal Vision

Lecture 3 - Justification by Faith Alone?

Analyzing the Federal Vision Q&A

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

Friend, you couldn’t be more wrong. There is no reason to avoid the book, but rather be encouraged to read it. The book says it is to be regularly read. So it can be understood.

I didn't say don't read the book. How did you get that from my statement? Please do not make assumptions without asking me questions to further understand what I am saying. It is really annoying. I know there is a lot of encouragement and hope in it. I am just saying, I don't want to cling to tightly- and run off zealously preaching- about theories that may, or may not, be true. Like I said, watch and wait.

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

We live based on what we believe.
If you believe the kingdom is now and growing you live one way, if you think things are getting worse, you hide out hoping for a secret rapture.

To be clear, I believe the Kingdom is now and growing, but the Enemy is also raging. I don't hide out and hope to be raptured, but go forward in faith, facing what trials may come with courage, that Christ will save His Church. Secret rapture or not, I will not deny Christ.

 

[agedman]

I didn't say don't read the book. How did you get that from my statement? Please do not make assumptions without asking me questions to further understand what I am saying. It is really annoying. I know there is a lot of encouragement and hope in it. I am just saying, I don't want to cling to tightly- and run off zealously preaching- about theories that may, or may not, be true. Like I said, watch and wait.

My apologies for coming on too strong.

Nearly everyone who says they don’t understand also avoid, it is part of the human nature. Assuming can get me into trouble for certain.

About theories, I would agree, and as l have consistently read the book can see how most have strayed, but that is for another thread.

It is encouraging for me to read that you have discernment engaged and are watchful .

 

[WAJungleMonkey]

My apologies for coming on too strong.

Nearly everyone who says they don’t understand also avoid, it is part of the human nature. Assuming can get me into trouble for certain.

About theories, I would agree, and as l have consistently read the book can see how most have strayed, but that is for another thread.

It is encouraging for me to read that you have discernment engaged and are watchful .

No worries. Sorry for getting angry. I am sure you meant it in a more friendly tone than I took it. I try to avoid controversies and see everyone's point-of-views and it often gets interpreted like I am a coward- blissfully and willfully ignorant.