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Will people really stand with God when their neck is on the line?

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5330 **7/1/19 12:07 pm**

Some will say that what I'm about to say is because I'm bitter. I'm not. I've moved on. But I've been thinking this morning and I'm concerned.
I won't rehash the story, but suffice it to say that I was given an ultimatum to leave the independent church I'm working in, or surrender my credentials or have my credentials revoked. I surrendered them back in March. Since that time, I've had many ministers, both in my state as well as from other states and even some men from within "the system" contact me and tell me and tell me how sorry they are and most have said that they felt I was wronged. My point is NOT to argue that. I've made my choice and moved on.
Recently I've spoken with ministers who again stated that if I'll just hold on they would help fight for my credentials when there is a change in leadership. Again, my post is not against my former AB. Here's the concern.

If men and women who say that they believe I was wronged but will not stand up or speak up for what they believe to be right, what makes them think that they will suddenly find it within themselves to stand up for what's right when the government tells them to preach what they are told or even to renounce their faith or watch their family die? I'm NOT equating this on the same level.... it's NOT. But all this has had me thinking about this and wondering what it will really be like if we Christians come under such preasure and tribulation? I think about a personal issue a number of years ago when a friend and fellow-pastor came under attack and accusation by a superior and I went to bat for him and proved him innocent of the accusation. I was told then my future in the COG was over, but I refused to watch my brother destroyed to cover for someone elses failure. Just recently someone asked me if it was worth it. My answer was "absolutely." It did cost me, but I KNOW I did the right thing and God, who keeps records knows. That's all that matters to me.

But to the issue at hand. I really wonder if when the rubber meets the road how many men will bow their knee in order to save their own families? That's a lot to think about. Speaking for me, it's easy to risk my own neck, but what about when it's my wife, my kids or my grand baby? That changes the playing field and it is a lot to think about!

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 7307 **7/1/19 1:10 pm**

Well brother, we may be a fixin to find out. Shocked

_________________
Charles A. Hutchins
Senior Pastor SPWC
Congregational Church of God

www.spwc.church

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 13654 **7/1/19 1:32 pm**

A great argument for post-tribulation coming of the Lord.

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 6042 **7/1/19 3:20 pm**

There is the belief that all the Christians will be gone before it gets bad. And then, those that are left, will either be saved or not. And we hold this because we see some saved folks that are apparently shown to be in the tribulation.

But if they won't live for God NOW, why in the world would we think they will when they have the anti-Christ breathing down their neck? And if there's no one there to witness to them, how indeed would they get turned around?

I'm thinking that those saved folks might already have been saved.

IN ANY CASE, Darrell, I am bummed out over this loss to the Church of God. There is ZERO WRONG with holding on to our credentials and serving outside the Church of God...SO LONG AS WE STILL HOLD TO AND PREACH NOTHING CONTRARY TO COG DOCTRINE.

Why in the world would such a person serve as a kind of "ambassador" to independent, Methodist, Baptist churches, maybe even one day bringing them into the Church of God. And if nothing else, perhaps exposing them to better doctrine?

My assistant pastor was asked to serve as an interim pastor at a Baptist Church. He did (just for a few weeks). I cannot help but believe that was as good for HIM as it was for THEM. It gave him a chance to minister on a bigger platform than I can provide for him, as well as gave them a very positive experience with the Church of God.

Folks, it's not like we have too few pastors. What we have is too few pastors willing to pastor outside west of the Mississippi and north of the Mason Dixon.

Acts-celerater Posts: 787 **7/1/19 4:34 pm**

If people wonâ€™t take a firm stand for God now, there is little hope that they will when it is really going to cost them.
Or look at it another way: if folks donâ€™t have a deep enough relationship with the Lord in relatively peaceful times such as we are presently enjoying, they for sure are not going to somehow develop that deep relationship when it could cost them their life for being a Christian.
The time for that is right now.
_________________
“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
Voddie Baucham

People say they will make a stand for God

Acts Mod Posts: 25305 **7/2/19 5:24 am**

But they often refuse to make a stand for what's right. Is there a difference?
_________________
Doctor of Bovinamodulation

People are dying for their faith in christ

Acts-celerater Posts: 935 **7/2/19 6:01 pm**

All over the world and have been doing so for 2000 years. I am sure most of us are willing to die for Jesus if need be. There will be many who don't and the Bible addresses that as the "great falling away". I guess we shall see what we shall see.

Re: Will people really stand with God when their neck is on the line?

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **7/3/19 12:07 pm**

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 13654 **7/5/19 5:21 am**

It's interesting to think about this question in light of the 2016 presidential election.

Friendly Face Posts: 434 **7/5/19 6:00 am**

How many people are willing to deny themselves whatever to live on 90% of their incomes (tithing) when having combined incomes of $100,000 or more?

How many people are willing to inconvenience themselves to commit to church every week let alone a commitment to do something for the church?

How many people deny their testimonies & set terrible examples for children/youth to live together before marriage?

The list can go on but it is food for thought when considering how many people will go through severe pain and economic loss for Christ.

Re: Will people really stand with God when their neck is on the line? LOL

Acts-perienced Poster Posts: 11798 **7/5/19 10:59 am**

90% of this board posts under a pen name......LOLOLOL

the answer is no.....LOL Very Happy

Re: Will people really stand with God when their neck is on the line? LOL

Golf Cart Mafia Capo Famiglia Posts: 4508 **7/5/19 7:56 pm**

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **7/6/19 4:56 pm**

WHO SAID THAT? Shocked

_________________
Some facts but mostly just my opinion!
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