A View from the Pew: The Church Vs. InstitutionAuthorHouse, 2008 - 392 pagina's The underlying thesis of "A View From The Pew" deals with the institution's presentation of a god that micro-manages one's life versus a god that allows a person more personal choices, along with personal responsibility. The institution assumes the role of God's representative to the congregation and teaches them on a subject by subject basis to live and manifest their Christianity primarily through their attendance and support of the institution and its selected programs. Those institutions in question promote/emphasize (1) much praying, (2) much congregational praising of God. (3) Manifesting spirituality in their prepared "worship" programs, (4) reliance on God's constant provision for their protection as well as their every need and/or want, (5) and, acceptance of life's disappointments as having been allowed or approved by God. The congregations are admonished to read their Bible, but are taught only selective scripture that supports institutional doctrine. Some of that teaching is purposely taken out of context or misquoted entirely. God is presented only as a one-way street named LOVE. They claim that a true Christian will be an active participant in some local church. They do not want their authority challenged. Sermons have become less and less specific to audiences of a million different imaginary gods. PC's gospel of "No absolutes" has hammered specific Bible teachings into the Christian history book. The thrust of those anemic sermons is to console, without offending. Much of the ongoing ministering to the congregation comes from the group's ignorance of the Bible and how to live an overcoming Christian life. Dysfunctional families are created and sustained as sheep to be tended by the shepherd called the institution. Many institutions have taken that as their primary role. They light the fires of confusion, then chase around in their "Dear Abby" role trying to put them out. It's another form of job protection, perpetuated by use of the "mushroom theory." This book suggests that a "born again" believer and follower of Jesus Christ has been restored to an individual relationship to God the Father, through Jesus. It suggests that that relationship cannot be monitored or censored by men's doctrines or by a controlling institution, which is nefariously representing Christ's Church. |
Inhoudsopgave
THE CHURCH | 29 |
WORSHIPPRAISE | 71 |
PRAYER | 87 |
BORN AGAIN | 119 |
GRACE | 149 |
HOLY SPIRIT | 165 |
FAITH | 189 |
SERVING GOD AND EVANGELISM | 203 |
HONEST CONDUCT OF BUSINESS | 217 |
HEARING FROM GOD | 243 |
FORGIVENESS | 271 |
NATURAL EARTH EXPERIENCE | 289 |
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | 307 |
Overige edities - Alles bekijken
Veelvoorkomende woorden en zinsdelen
1st Cor 1st John according alcoholic beverages become Behold believe Bible teaches Biblical body born brethren child Christ Jesus Christian community church organizations cometh commandments declare doctrine drink earth emotional endorse evil Ezekiel faith Father flesh forgiveness fruit give given glory God the Father God's Spirit God's Word grace hath hear heard heareth heart heaven Holy Spirit Hosea individual institution INSTITUTION-CONTROLLED churches instructions Isaiah Jesus answered Jesus Christ John Calvin judgement kingdom live Luke membership micro-manages mind Moses numbers Old Testament parents Paul peace person Pharisees political correctness pray prayer preached programs promises prophesy prophets Psalms purpose driven repentance righteousness saith the Lord salvation Santa Clause say unto scripture seek Solomon soul specific taught Testament thee thine things thou hast thou shalt tithe today's truth Verily whatsoever worship