| Author |
Message |
    
bachman
New member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 17
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 216.254.106.157
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 2:11 pm: | 
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(sound of crickets...) |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 536
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 8:46 pm: |
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Hopefully we all tithe to our local churches, and support missions/missionaries either thru our church or those we've learned about. As for other ministries, I give when and where I'm led; if a special speaker comes to my church and I'm blessed, and they have a need, I give.
I don't think many will post re: those they regularly support because that will start up the old WOF/prosperity debate again, and Lord knows there are enough threads already discussing this. But who knows?
Cybermom |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 537
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 8:51 pm: |
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BTW, the healthy churches I've attended were the only ones to actively and consistently support missionaries - the toxic ones either couldn't be bothered because they didn't have a heart for the lost, or only told us to support those who had THEIR stamp of approval (and actually were clones of themselves); since those "ministries" were part of their circle, they eventually stood to gain by taking offerings for them.
CM |
getagrip
Intermediate Member
Username: getagrip
Post Number: 201
Registered: 6-2005
Posted From: 65.13.197.170
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 9:33 pm: |
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Wow... this is actually a positive thread.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Andrew Wommack Ministries
Moore Life Ministries (Keith Moore)
Mac Hammond Ministries
Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham)
Rhema Bible Training Center
Reinhard Bohnke
Local church, friends who pastor, visiting ministers, Christian schools I attended and Christian school my children attend... |
bachman
New member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 216.254.106.157
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 9:36 am: |
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My wonderful local church gets my tithe, time, prayer and physical presence (whether they want it or not!)
And I'll probably start attending a weekly men's fellowship, the New Canaan Society when it starts up again in the fall. And I tend to financially support places I go to on a regular basis -- money where your mouth is!
I also support:
Mercy Corps
Heritage Foundation
Doctors Without Borders
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Yielded Vessels (the Romanian outreach the Copelands/Meyers suppprt that I'll be volunteering at in August for 3 weeks)
Andrew Wommack Ministries
Joyce Meyer
Charles Stanley/IN TOUCH
Paula White
Jerry Savelle |
getagrip
Intermediate Member
Username: getagrip
Post Number: 202
Registered: 6-2005
Posted From: 71.251.104.149
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 4:34 pm: |
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(the Romanian outreach the Copelands/Meyers suppprt that I'll be volunteering at in August for 3 weeks)...
Please let me know how that goes on this thread when you get back.
The Copelands also support Reinhard Bohnke, the German evangelist who has led millions of people to the Lord in the '90s as well as Rick Renner who pioneered a church across the street from the Kremlin in the former Soviet Union (which has grown to 2,000 and is braodcasting daily in China!).
I love giving to ministries that bear fruit and sharing in the blessing of leading millions to Christ, and changing lives all over the world.
Forgot to mention, I support Charles Capps as well (of course!).
Thank you for starting an interesting thread Bachman, if only Turner and Overdrive would do the same.... |
bachman
New member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 22
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 216.254.106.157
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 5:10 pm: |
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Well, Getagrip, there was already so much LOVE on this board (ahem!) that I thought it would only help to increase the LOVE!
Here's the Yielded Vessels link -- it also links to their "state run" version, called Family Aid Foundation.
And I think "whynot" is the coolest last name!
http://www.yieldedvessels.ro/ |
frankenchrist
Intermediate Member
Username: frankenchrist
Post Number: 322
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.109.144.241
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 3:47 pm: |
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I support Satan!!!! |
frankenchrist
Intermediate Member
Username: frankenchrist
Post Number: 323
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.109.144.241
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 3:53 pm: |
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I support Satan!!!! |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 540
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 4:30 pm: |
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No surprises there. |
getagrip
Intermediate Member
Username: getagrip
Post Number: 204
Registered: 6-2005
Posted From: 68.20.235.147
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 4:47 pm: |
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does he send free tapes? TRS/U1 might be interested. |
redeemed4life
Intermediate Member
Username: redeemed4life
Post Number: 184
Registered: 1-2006
Posted From: 4.253.68.90
| | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 7:53 pm: |
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Well I support:
Operation Outcry/Justice Foundation
CareNet Crisis Pregnancy Centers
C.U.R.E
Redeemed For Life Ministries
Freedom From Bondage Ministries
Worldwide Voice in the Wilderness
Mike Barber Prison Ministry
Bride of Christ Ministries
Oil of Joy for Mourning Ministries
Brazos Coalition for Life
Hope Pregnancy Center of the Brazos Valley
Texas Right for Life
Aggies for Life
Count it All Joy Ministries
Most of the ministries I support are not well known but participate in grass roots efforts to make a change in their own communities before trying to Go all around the world and filling their pockets with "supporter's money". |
frankenchrist
Intermediate Member
Username: frankenchrist
Post Number: 327
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.109.144.241
| | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 10:27 pm: |
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Ever notice how the "religious" leaders of the xtian right are more like sleazy used car salesmen than holy men? |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 546
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 12:31 am: |
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and you know this because....?
What preachers have you listened to lately? What churches have you attended in the last month? What orphanages/ministries/homeless shelters/food pantries/feeding programs do you consistently support? You have no credibility if you have no experience.
CM |
frankenchrist
Intermediate Member
Username: frankenchrist
Post Number: 328
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.109.144.241
| | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 5:14 am: |
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A little presumptuous there. I have been subjected to the evil hate cult of xtianity from day one.
I happen to work for a treatment center for addicted, homeless and abuused kids. I happen to support my local food bank and shelter -- squeezists are not the only people who do -- contrary to your narrow-minded, bigoted, hate cult propaganda.
I am not going to go to some room where you sit and listen to some sleazebag in a suit spout hatetred for everyone who dosen't conform to his small-minded,selfish greed.
Phuck that.
So you jack off to pictures of some bloody dead guy stapled to a stick and hate everyone who is not stupid enough to play along. -- am I supposed to be impressed?
I'm not. |
actvthinkr
Intermediate Member
Username: actvthinkr
Post Number: 113
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 69.170.85.57
| | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 11:53 pm: |
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You know Frankenchrist, that is one thing I do have to agree with you on. If you are not supporting a church, it is assumed that you don't support anything. Why should anyone assume that because you choose not to support "their" chosen way, that you are somehow a bad person incapable of supporting any worthwhile social cause? It's rediculous
I was told by a church that I quit attending, that if I didn't tithe first, than anything I did generous or unselfishly for anyone or group - didn't count to God or Jesus. Also, if you don't go to church, you aren't getting the proper information on the bible, especially if you're reading it yourself. I have met far more Christians that think that way, are judgmental, assuming, and self - serving, than are not.
And I am a Christian |
redeemed4life
Intermediate Member
Username: redeemed4life
Post Number: 185
Registered: 1-2006
Posted From: 4.252.247.65
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 12:02 am: |
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activthinkr- I TOTALLY AGREE with what you just said. and Frankenchrist even tho our beliefs differ I have to say that I respect the work that you do and the places that you support. I too have worked with abused and neglected children and it takes a special person to be able to handle that kind of enviroment. Please dont group ALL Christians together. We are not all judgemental, hateful, legalistic, biggoted (sp?) closed minded and self-serving!! |
redeemed4life
Intermediate Member
Username: redeemed4life
Post Number: 186
Registered: 1-2006
Posted From: 4.252.247.65
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 12:17 am: |
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activthinkr- I TOTALLY AGREE with what you just said. and Frankenchrist even tho our beliefs differ I have to say that I respect the work that you do and the places that you support. I too have worked with abused and neglected children and it takes a special person to be able to handle that kind of enviroment. Please dont group ALL Christians together. We are not all judgemental, hateful, legalistic, biggoted (sp?) closed minded and self-serving!! |
actvthinkr
Intermediate Member
Username: actvthinkr
Post Number: 114
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 69.170.85.57
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 1:03 am: |
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redeemed4life: I definitely don't group all Christians together, because I have also met a few (truly, just a few) wonderful, loving Christians - who walked the talk consistantly. On the other hand, those who are the worst examples just don't realize that they are the reason that some people hate Christianity. Stereotyping is not fair and unfortunately because it seems the majority of Christians exemplify the "judgemental, hateful, legalistic, biggoted (sp?) closed minded and self-serving" attitudes, we get stereotyped, then we who are not that way, have to work extra hard to "prove" we aren't.
As if trying to keep from sinning wasn't hard enough - Geez.. |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 547
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 1:30 am: |
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fc
Wow. What a truckload of hatred and bitterness you drive. It's hard to be angry with you when you've obviously got so much baggage - either that or you're just going for the shock value, and that doesn't make me mad, either; I used to teach high school - I've heard and seen it all. So I'm not impressed, distressed, or shocked by your language and attitude. Go ahead and dump on me if you need to. Maybe it'll let you vent and be a kinder person to the people who have to deal with you in the real world.
It IS nice to see that you reach out to make life better for others, and I do, too. See, we do have something in common, whether you like it or not.
CM |
bachman
New member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 25
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 216.254.106.157
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 1:17 pm: |
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EVERYONE STOP!!!
This post is ONLY for ministries you SUPPORT -- not to rag on other people. Gee, I hoped there could be ONE SUBJECT where you simply list what you support but it keeps falling off with all these snide comments and put downs.
Please, have some self-control and post your nasty comments and put downs at the 5,333,678 other subjects here at faithnet.
Thank you... |
trsrinheaven
Intermediate Member
Username: trsrinheaven
Post Number: 493
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.175.31.119
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 1:53 pm: |
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Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote...
I follow Paul and Apollos....
"For when one says, I belong to Paul, and another, I belong to Apollos, are you not [proving yourselves] ordinary (unchanged) men?
5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Ministering servants [not heads of parties] through whom you believed, even as the Lord appointed to each his task:
6I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.
7So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater.
8He who plants and he who waters are equal (one in aim, of the same importance and esteem), yet each shall receive his own reward (wages), according to his own labor.
9For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God's [b]garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God's building.
1 Corinthians 3:4-9
I follow the Holy Spirit in me the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead....not some man.
11And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.
12So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh.
13For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:11-14
I also "study to show myself a workmen worthy, as a doer of the word, rightly dividing the word of truth"
2 Timothy 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
(Message edited by trsrinheaven on July 24, 2006) |
gorobb
New member
Username: gorobb
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 64.241.37.140
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 10:17 am: |
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amen trs |
zeuszor
New member
Username: zeuszor
Post Number: 25
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 70.146.228.215
| | Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |
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Justin Peters is a good man and an excellent preacher of the Word. He is the real deal.
www.justinpeters.org |
bachman
Junior Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 26
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 82.77.126.41
| | Posted on Saturday, August 12, 2006 - 8:08 am: |
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Hi All--
I am currently in Romania with Pastor Rufus and the Yielded Vessels ministries.
http://www.yieldedvessels.ro/
trsrinheaven, Yielded Vessels was paid by Joyce to translate a couple of her books into Romanian to GIVE AWAY to the poor here. I was at a gypsy camp yesterday -- the "homes" are 8 feet by 7 feet, and 5 to 9 people live in the homes; the homes are built on a DUMP-- Joyce's book "Battlefield of the Mind" was the book this woman was learning to read with, along with her bible! Also, Don Clowers' has been here to help, and Kenneth Copeland just INCREASED their support to this ministry by 20%!
It is a blessing to see God using the humble servants here to preach the gospel, feed the poor and hungry, build homes for them, care for the thousands of orhpans, hold church services and counseling sessions, all in the Love of Jesus.
This is "real life" folks -- we can ••••• and moan all we want about the ministries and doctrines and who has a plane, the money and how it's used, but the ministies I mention have put their money where their mouth is. I have seen it first hand. It is true.
trsrinheaven, many of us find you entertaining, some of us laugh at you, some are offended by you, but I am happy to be here serving these people in Romania. And I KNOW if you were here with me, you'd be just as happy to feed and shelter these people with the funds and materials from these ministies you abhore. Because with all your posting, we all know your passion is an expression of your love of God.
Peace in Him,
Bachman (posted August 12 from Cluj, Romania -- home August 24!} |
trsrinheaven
Advanced Member
Username: trsrinheaven
Post Number: 550
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.175.31.119
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 12:31 am: |
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bachman,
Give up your lame lust,
Tell Joyce Meyer to give up her millions of dollars of wasteful jewelry, clothes, homes, $6,000 per hour unecessary airplanes. ..Copelands $20 million dollar airplanes.
What a stupid foolish waste.
The world laughs at them, those who support their lustful waste, and their continued CON games.
Then you would see how millions more could be reached, helped and done to help so many more people.
Instead it goes for jet fuel, houses, luxury cars. . . to support the world instead of souls.
People are so lustful, and stupidly ignorant to not understand STEWARDSHIP.
There is more written in the Bible about finances than there is on heaven and hell, prayer, or faith? Jesus taught more about this subject than any other, so it’s obvious that our stewardship of money is very important to God.
Financial stewardship is probably one of the most misunderstood subjects in the Bible and yet one of the most important. Jesus Himself said in Luke 16:10-11:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
In other words, if you can’t deal with finances and become faithful in that, you can’t be trusted with anything. Finances are just the beginning point.
Many people believe the money they have belongs to them. After all, they earned it. They’ve scrimped, they’ve saved, and they may even be working two jobs to make ends meet. They earned it, it must be theirs. Right?
Wrong. It may seem that way, but it’s just not true. The first step in becoming financially responsible and blessed is to recognize God as the source of your prosperity.
You may have worked a job, but it’s God who gave you your life, your breath, your talents, your abilities, the power to think, and the blessing of living at a time of unparalleled opportunity in one of the most prosperous nations in the world. You didn’t do any of that!
When we understand that God is the source of all our blessing, then it’s easy to realize that we are merely the stewards of all that He gives us. The dictionary defines a “steward” as a person who manages the affairs, especially the money, of another person. And when we get the mindset of a steward, it totally changes the way we think about and use money.
Abraham is a great example of a man who had the mindset of a steward. He completely understood and acknowledged who his source was, and because of that, God abundantly blessed him. Genesis 12:1-3 says, |
marta
Advanced Member
Username: marta
Post Number: 580
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 71.201.145.107
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 10:28 am: |
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I don't "tithe" to my local church or other ministries. I don't use a calculator to determine my giving. Rather I give free will offerings to help support those who teach the gospel. And I give free will offerings to support Christian ministries that care for the poor and hurting.
One of my favorites is a homeless shelter that refuses to accept government aid. They are supported entirely by churches, businesses and individuals. This is so that they can freely share the gospel with each person they help and not be hindered by government regulations.
When I give, I don't give blindly ... I consider the person running the church or ministry. I don't give money to those who can not be trusted with it.
Ministers who exploit the gospel for their own gain are no better than the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked. I won't give money to any ministry that spends the money on lavish living ... in my opinion, these people are not real ministers of God. They prove by their actions that they love this world and the things in it more than they love God. |
zeuszor
Junior Member
Username: zeuszor
Post Number: 26
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 70.146.228.215
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 10:48 pm: |
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Justin Peters is a good man and an excellent preacher of the Word. He is the real deal.
www.justinpeters.org |
bachman
Junior Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 28
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 82.77.126.41
| | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 6:29 am: |
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Marta, have you ever wondered why God mentions the tithe -- the 10%? Why He didn't just say "give"? He said to give tithes (10%) AND offerings.
So I was just curious as to why you made it a point to say: "I don't "tithe" to my local church or other ministries. I don't use a calculator to determine my giving."
Of course, you don't need a calculator to figure out 10% but I do think you need to "calculate" if you are going to give a tithe.
Anyway, just curious!
Peace in Him,
Bacham |
marta
Advanced Member
Username: marta
Post Number: 590
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 71.201.145.107
| | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 9:56 am: |
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Marta, have you ever wondered why God mentions the tithe -- the 10%? Why He didn't just say "give"? He said to give tithes (10%) AND offerings.
This thread is not supposed to be a debate about tithing so I'll just answer your question quickly but I won't be responding to any more posts on the subject.
In the New Testament God has given Christians clear instructions about giving. Tithe or 10% is never mentioned. God never instructed Christians to give tithes and offering ... He instructed us to give free will offerings.
(Message edited by marta on August 20, 2006) |
bachman
Junior Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 29
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 82.77.126.41
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 10:05 am: |
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Hi Marta -- thanks for respecting the topic of this discussion (ministries you support) and answering my question at the same time -- a real achievement!
Best,
Bachman |
aferrill
New member
Username: aferrill
Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 69.64.110.1
| | Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 9:08 pm: |
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Beth Moore
Angel Tree Prison Ministry |
getagrip
Intermediate Member
Username: getagrip
Post Number: 389
Registered: 6-2005
Posted From: 72.64.146.249
| | Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 12:50 pm: |
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Robb Thompsen
Keith Moore
Kenneth Copeland
Creflo Dollar
Andrew Wommack
Trsrnheaven
Mac Hammond
Willie George
Mark Barclay
Jerry Savelle
Dennis Burke
Happy Caldwell
Rick Renner
Bill Winston |
bachman
Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 58
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 162.84.177.135
| | Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 5:39 pm: |
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Andrew Wommack
Paula White
Trsrnheaven
Joyce Meyer
Keith Moore
Kenneth Copeland
Creflo Dollar |
uncharmed
Intermediate Member
Username: uncharmed
Post Number: 158
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 206.132.122.10
| | Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 11:45 pm: |
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Bachman you are a true blessing dude. I like your topic and your list. And I like that you went to Romania. You are a good person it sounds like from your testimonies and a guy who really seems like you have a good heart.
How cool is that, that you served the Lord with reaching out to the gypsies and that you are all about the Bible getting into their hands. I like you!
Merry CHRISTmas.
Sound of Angels!
Peace on Earth Good Will to all Men For unto you This Day a Saviour is Born!! |
bachman
Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 67
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 162.83.156.118
| | Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 6:18 pm: |
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Thank you uncharmed -- see what the Romanian's are up too (everyone else invited, too!)
This is the VERY BASIC website I did, working here from NYC to their Web master in Romania. I took the photos and wrote the copy--and Pastor Rufus Whynot (his real name!) just left here about an hour ago to head back to Romania. (Dec 17.)
Here's their site:
ffc.org.ro
Also, in February, Believer's Voice of Victory is scheduled to run an article on the Whynots and that will reach 560,000 people (amen!). The Copelands have supported the Whynots for more than 20 years -- and Andrew Wommack supports them too. Paula White is interested (!) and Joyce Meyer had the Whynots translate some of her books into Romanian but the Meyers are not (yet!) supporters.
And in March/April, a magazine called PRISM is running an article I wrote (!) about the Whynots using my photos. So you can discover my REAL NAME!
PRISM is from ESA (Evangelicals for Social Action) headed by Ron Sider, who wrote RICH CHRISTIANS IN AN AGE OF HUNGER, a classic book.
You can visit the PRISM site here:
http://www.esa-online.org/prism/
Merry Christmas to ALL and in Him remain Right!
"Bachman" |
uncharmed
Intermediate Member
Username: uncharmed
Post Number: 191
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 206.132.122.10
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 5:39 pm: |
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That is so cool Bachman! All of it, including your article being published.
I am going to have to check out that book it sounds great.
Hope you have the best CHRISTmas you have ever had!!
Jeremiah 29:11!!!! |
godgirl
New member
Username: godgirl
Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 203.51.60.57
| | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 4:34 am: |
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BTW Reinhard Bohnke is actually South AFrican, not German.
I support my local church with tithes and offerings, and:
Childcare International Kitgum Servants of God
Compassion
VOM (Voice of Martyrs) and other ministries as I feel called. I also support charities that are not Christian (such as the Rural Fire Brigade Australia)
The best support though, is prayer - it's power is mightier than money, and we all have as much access to it as we want  I'm sure we ALL agree on this!? |
hillariousharry
Junior Member
Username: hillariousharry
Post Number: 49
Registered: 3-2006
Posted From: 86.136.25.219
| | Posted on Friday, January 05, 2007 - 11:08 am: |
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Having worked with well meaning Xian charities, I am wary of giving to them because at times I was concerned about the good use of money.
I find it suits me to give to individuals as I become aware of need. But no hesitation re the Salvation Army.
I dont give to a church cos I dont belong to one (my faith remains deep within my heart) and because of attitudes, styles, fanaticism, manipulation and the "I'm right syndrome" I have no qualms about not being attached to a fellowship. Quite happy being the 3 times a year church goer - Xmas, Easter, Weddings, Christening,funerals etc. Friendship elsewhere is just as profitable to me and more natural. Have proved that there are better ways to support my faith.
I have proved that my faith is just as real and effective without the trimmings of church life.
HH
(Message edited by hillariousharry on January 05, 2007)
(Message edited by hillariousharry on January 05, 2007) |
bachman
Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 76
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 162.84.144.46
| | Posted on Friday, January 05, 2007 - 9:02 pm: |
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Hi hillariousharry -- thanks for your post and your name! It's...it's...hilarious!
You will LOVE this board because unlike your church experiences, NONE OF US are right here!
LOL! |
hillariousharry
Member
Username: hillariousharry
Post Number: 61
Registered: 3-2006
Posted From: 86.136.25.219
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 1:48 pm: |
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Great bachman ...love being within a "none of us are right" group. So good and healthy.. at last being able to enjoy normal chit chat, healthy debating (even intensely) yet to know something of friendship with many people on here from all walks of life, strengths and peculiarities. And with RESPECT left in tact!
My name is of much value to me....10 years ago I was completely different...but then escaped ( not from jail)...rather from crazy churchianity..
Whilst I am pretty well a non- comformist ( just meself with a tender heart and I never offer agro to others), I'm afraid to say that I am still in the "grumpy old mens age group", which surprisingly enough ranges from 36 - 54. So another year and I'm out of it ( but in my view those in their 30s haven't caught "GOM Syndrome" yet but maybe included as they are, without knowing it, going through preparation for it!!
The extra L in my name shouldnt be there but it is, cos Harry Hill is in it then...a favourite comedian of mine.
Thanks again....wishing you new year chuckles galore!
HH (John) |
trsrinheaven
Advanced Member
Username: trsrinheaven
Post Number: 842
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.175.31.119
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 5:14 pm: |
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hi hillariousharry,
I am wary of ministries and any church or organization that puts following the leader above following Jesus.
I left a number of churches because of what looked ok but was actually either religious churchianity and hypocrits playing church.
I did know God had to have some places where the leadership put God as the center and were real people.
So from what you said about church I have to say I can agree but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Some of my most exciting blessings have come from being involved in a good church.
It may be hard to believe for some who have been burned by churches or wary of ministers. There are some very good pastors who are REAL. There are a number of people who call themselves pastors but are just teachers and do nothing for the flock but teach. A shepherd of sheep finds good pasture and protects his sheep. He also sits with and sleeps out where are. He mingles and knows his flock.
Any pastor that seems above his flock has lost the love for Gods children and forgotten his first love.
So to this I just want to say. Find a good church. It may take a while but the blessings are worth the risk. We are told not to forsake assembling together with believers for many reasons. God is a God of relationships. Iron sharpens iron. My best most faithful friends I found in church. I did not grow up in church and had my outrageous times.
Hanging out with unbelievers is a mismated situation with little fellowship of God if any. We only have true "koinania" fellowship with those who have Gods truth and light. We can only fellowship with anyone as far as they have light.
"We walk in the light as He is in the light then we have fellowship with one another" 1 John 1:7 |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 634
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 5:45 pm: |
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Good post, trs and well said.
HH, welcome aboard. This HAS been a breath of fresh air, huh? Feels Good!!
Cybermom |
granite
Intermediate Member
Username: granite
Post Number: 149
Registered: 4-2006
Posted From: 63.25.96.191
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 12:10 am: |
|
Answers in Genesis www.answersingenesis.org
Thru the Bible Radio www.ttb.org |
hillariousharry
Member
Username: hillariousharry
Post Number: 75
Registered: 3-2006
Posted From: 81.156.172.110
| | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 2:59 pm: |
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Hi Trsinheaven
Ref your posting 6.1.07 (no 842)
Value your thoughts. I take your point about the meaning of true fellowship...BUT
In my experience fellowship is not always true and real. Sometimes artificial but nevertheless called Xian Fellowship. My reasoning is that a fellow believer is not always the kind of person I would choose as a friend and confidante outside of church life and vice versa.
Furthermore, often we can appear to be "spiritually changed people" in name only...do our personalities/dispositions actually change after conversion any more than the attempts of a non Xian to live a pure life?? Given to squabbling still; gossip;rudenss ,division, inability to compromise etc... often fellowships in many respects do not have anything better than the individuals I "hang out with" (to quote your posting)....they are just ordinary people who are down to earth, constructive, fun, professional, friendly. Often I am more edified by their company than a company of believers in the church.
Only quite recently have I dared to consider...does commitment to God only mean a recognition of God's Salvation and not an actual change? ( My former Xian mates would consider me backslideen for asking this...but then I was discouraged from questioning....but gladly for the past 10 years have dared to question...
Furthermore, I dislike church attitudes which distance themselves from people who are not interested in faith. The motive is wrong in my view, whereby a Xian befriends a non-believer, simply to get them converted. That I believe it deceitful. I once worked with a Xian charity whose aim was to use social work as a vehicle for winning people....what deceit. Appalling.
Why not enjoy the friendship of neighbours, acquaintances, work colleagues, purely because we get on with them and enjoy their company. Give the spiritual objective a break now and again ( perhaps a warning to prevent excesses).
I believe that Fellowships have much to learn from secular society in regard to the blessings of friendship and communication for that matter. Seriously.
So for me Church fellowship is quite secondary in my life. Faith in my heart is the priority. These days I tend to avoid the stresses of artificial friendship in the church.
Have been around too long not to be able to own the above thoughts confidently. Sadly, this is really an indictment of Xian so called fellowship....but its true in my experience.
Having said this I have been "Saved" for for a long time and active in many different denominations until 10 years ago....then I reviewed and made changes for the good.
Be assured I am not being provocative..I speak from the heart.
HH
(Message edited by hillariousharry on January 11, 2007) |
bachman
Member
Username: bachman
Post Number: 96
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 162.84.187.43
| | Posted on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 1:58 pm: |
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Hi
hillariousharry--
I agree with a lot of what you say. My "regular" fellowship is with the people who attend my gym each morning, EARLY (6:30 to 8 AM) and we see each other Mon-Fri and have known each other since 1990.
Church-wise, I see those people once a week, sometimes more, but it is in a "church" environment which is really focused on worship and teaching. Not a lot of time for personal interaction other than, "How are you?" "Fine, Praise the Lord, how are you?"
So my gym friends--most of whom aren't saved--are all wonderful, loving people and because we see each other so often (every morning) we're very close and know all the good and bad in one another's lives.
I WISH I had Christian friends like my gym buddies (men and women) but that just isn't the way it is.
Fellowship is said to be "to fellows in the same ship" and while my non-saved gym friends are not in the same ship, belief-wise, I am a light to them and they know I'm a Christian. So we're on the same "sea" I guess -- different boats.
I know many of my chuch friends envy the "fellowship" I have with my morning crowd.
I'm blessed --people in our lives who love and support us are gifts!
Bachman |
maryg
New member
Username: maryg
Post Number: 11
Registered: 1-2007
Posted From: 67.191.18.68
| | Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 3:33 pm: |
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I do not support dead works. I do know that www.marybanks.net and www.bibleteachers.com is the real deal also and it is a work that has changed many lives. It teaches the truth of God's word and confronts tradition, false doctrines and erroneous teachings which have made the word of God of none effect in the Body of Christ for far too long.
God bless,
maryg |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 660
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 3:43 pm: |
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HHHHMMMM
Two people who work together and use the same computer cheering each other on. Why not lean across a desk and talk??
What's your purpose here? This site is to expose cults, not promote a ministry; unless of course this ministry IS a cult? |
maryg
New member
Username: maryg
Post Number: 14
Registered: 1-2007
Posted From: 67.191.18.68
| | Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 4:48 pm: |
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You are in error. This Topic was entitled, "List the ministries you SUPPORT here!" I was merely following directions. Smile God loves you.
...maryg |
cybermom
Advanced Member
Username: cybermom
Post Number: 664
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 67.186.102.112
| | Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 10:25 pm: |
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You're right, of course. I think I got carried away. I apologize.
Cybermom |
hillariousharry
Intermediate Member
Username: hillariousharry
Post Number: 117
Registered: 3-2006
Posted From: 86.134.78.28
| | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007 - 5:40 pm: |
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Hi Bachman (ref ur post 96)
Liked your friendship explanation.
Totally on the same way length as you.
Kindred spirits.
Blessings,
HH |
