From: Missy K.
Location: New York City
At this writing, I'm a disciple for five years now. While it hasn't been easy during this time, I've never grown more than in any other time in my life!! As the mother of two, God has allowed me a perspective of life through His Word, and the people He's put in my life to see me mature in Christ.
Sarah, people aren't perfect. And, as I've studied the Bible with many women as a disciple, I tell them this. However, I won't apologive for sharing the Gospel as how it is written. Just as I've helped many women to come to know God, it's is ALWAYS their decision to follow God or not. As far as all your findings or tithing, dating, marriages, roommates, et cetera, let me answer at least one of them. My husband of eight years has also been a disciple for five years. As far as the leaders choosing a mate for you? Nonsense! My husband and I were married BEFORE being baptized into Christ and becoming disciples. I believe the bottom line is this. Proverbs 18:17 states clearly, "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him."
After five years of your involement [sic] with the ICC, I'm sorry you feel as you do. But, I've contacted you, so I doubt very much I'll be blaclisted [sic], as you say. I try to be all things to all people, knowing though I won't make all people satisfied all the time (1 Corinthians 9:19-23, one of my favorite Scriptures!) And I know I'm in this for the long haul, too. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). My conviction is threefold: One, not everyone will accept God's standard and how it's written in the Bible. Two, there is a difference between ADVICE and OPINION (See DPI's website at www.dpi.com, and find Gordon Ferguson's book, Discipling).
Lastly, humility doesn't come easy for anyone. What I've said here may or may not change your mind, but I hope it has, or will. So, if you've ever considered yourself humble enough, read Jeremiah 17:9-10 and Philippians 2:4-11. I think you'll see true humility, dying of a broken heart, as a common criminal, hanging on a tree...Remember this. It may change your perspective.
Postnote: You've mentioned songs like "I Tried and I Tried". What about songs like "Ten Thousand Angels", "Search Me", "Prayer For Boldness", Handel's "Halleluah [sic] Chorus" from "Messiah" and my personal fave, "Stand In Awe"? These can all be found alphabetically in the songbook.
Usually the accusations of the ICC arranging marriages refer to what they do with single members.
Name: Justin Moore
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: New Mexico
Time: 1998-07-08 15:59:00
Comments: I believe you have a bad attitude. Anyone who disagrees with the ICOC has a bad attitude. No one in the ICOC ever forces someone to do something. If you feel presured that is your responsibility to let others know. Besides, what can you possibly gain from spreading negativity about people. I have never seen an ICOC website putting down people who have left the church. You are not publicly ridiculed, so what right do you have to do this to anyone else. I am not here to judge you, or to ridicule you...but I disagree with your motives. i have never met you, you have never met me, and yet you feel obligated to slander me, because your association with the Church didn't work out. if you have any response e-mail me please. Thank You Justin Moore Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ ICOC
Well, he opens it with the words, "I believe you have a bad attitude. Anyone who disagrees with the ICOC has a bad attitude." Then he goes end it with, "I am not here to judge you, or to ridicule you." I don't think this needs any more comment!
Name: Mike Loudermilk
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Raleigh, NC
Time: 1997-12-15 09:31:00
Comments: It is so sad when you heart is not with christ. I have been with the church for 3 years and befor [sic] going to the church my marrige [sic] was on the rocks my 3 boys were out of hand we were over come with bills my life was horrible. My wife was met by a co-worker and was invited us to church we went I was shocked and did not go back for a year my wife went back off and on and made and decided she needed to do something to get this family back on track. After being with the church for a mounth [sic] I started to see how happy she was and I was still struggling. I decided to give it a shot and now we our out of det [sic] my kids are back on track and my marriage is like when we first met. (We have been married for 15 years) . I now work the drug rehab our church has and loving helping people. It sounds like to me you cant make a commitment to have god in your life and obay [sic] his commandments. You need to set [sic] down and look at your life and see where you are going and you know where you are going. The bible is the bible we did not write it. It says what it says and live by it and we do not make up and add our own words to passages. I will pray for you and remember god hates a liar.
