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Featured Local Churches Avoiding Addressing Gossip

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by saturneptune, Dec 1, 2013.

  1. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    A thread in the political section addressed the control of government over churches through tax exempt status. The debate has evolved into a question as to whether that has affected how pastors preach from the pulpit.

    Maybe something needs to be different. In the past year, from a good number of churches, I have heard 85 references to alcohol, 76 references to either lottery tickets or gambling, 15 references to dancing, 10 references to movie or TV shows, and 6 references to smoking.

    Odd though, although none of that is taking place within the walls of the local church, gossip is rampant, and not one reference was uttered, and if it was, no action is taken against offenders. We all know James says if one commits one sin, one has transgressed against the entire law. First of all, it is reasonable to contend that of the list above, at least half are not sins. It may be more, but suffice to say, most are man made myths. Gossip is without a doubt a sin, and flourishes right in the physical building of the local church. Yet, nothing is said.

    Aside from the sin itself, gossip causes dissention, ruins reputations, is totally evil, disrespectful, promotes hatred and produces enemies. It stands for everything Christ does not want His church to be.

    Why are some of our local churches tolerating this? It seems to me it is the duty of the pastor and church leadership to address this immediately, and if necessary, follow through with disfellowship. Why do sermons never address this, yet, we have plenty on the Baptist pet sins?

    In addition, every time a sermon is preached on drinking, dancing, etc, (take your pick), it is teaching members to memorize the rule, and obey it in their own power, the exact opposite of the Christian walk. Those sermons should focus in on how to listen to the Holy Spirit living in each of us.

    Personally, I would rather deal with a drunk, a smoker or a gambler any day of the week rather that a person full of poison words, a sharp tongue, and a big mouth.
     
  2. HAMel

    HAMel Well-Known Member
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    saturneptune, I for one am pleased you "threaded" this needle.

    Let me begin by saying that more often than not I really become irate at some and then unload on them. A lot of built up anger in me the result of too much nonsense.

    Last Sunday we celebrated our Thanksgiving Dinner at Church. While at the table with my family this woman comes up to me and makes a comment that at first, shocked me and then after pondering the matter I became a bit upset. Ruined the day for me.

    Specifically, if the comment was intended as a joke I need to realize that all humor contains a certain amount of truth. If not, it's as slap-stick.

    From the comment made to me apparently another has identified a specific trait of mine they take offense to and it has started down the road of gossip.

    But here's the thing. As a general rule, when you run across someone you don't really appreciate..., it's because you see a trait in them that you possess. Not always..., but often. As such, you don't like what you see in them because you're seeing yourself.

    After thinking much about last Sunday I just have to come to grips that no matter how friendly people seem and no matter how big the smile, many are just looking for that little edge.

    Gossiping about other must ease the pain of the gossiper.

    Perhaps should a Pastor preach against gossiping folks will start to gossip in an effort to determine whom he's referring to. Can't win for losing.
     
    #2 HAMel, Dec 1, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 1, 2013
  3. just-want-peace

    just-want-peace Well-Known Member
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    My daughter and I used to clash like two goats butting heads; primarily for this very reason.:BangHead:

    Once I realized how much our traits were alike, it became easier for me to be more calm with her. BUT until then, it was war!!!:D
     
  4. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Perhaps it would be better if you attended churches that preach salvation and discipleship. I do, and I haven't heard one single reference to any of these subjects as a central part of the sermons out pastor preaches.

    Why concentrate on one sin when, as you say later in this post, that we violate the entire law? For that matter, why are we concerned about the law? It has no power or hold on us. Our righteousness comes from God, not living the law. Not the Mosaic law, not the law of the IFB or SBC or whatever alphabet-soup denomination we may belong to, not the law of our own households -- and yes, we have all of those to which we subject ourselves when it is the exact opposite of what Christ wants for us.

    The same can be said for every sin we may commit. I believe we need to free ourselves from thinking of what we should not be doing and begin to live our lives committed to Christ and what He would have us do.

    For this, I refer you back to the first reply to this post I made above, within this post.
     
  5. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    If what you say it true, then why is a church quick at the trigger to issue church discipline over drinking or one of the "vice" sins, but ignores gossip?
     
  6. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Haven't a clue. My church doesn't do that, either. Sounds to me like you're hanging around legalistic churches that need to spend more time preaching Christ than the law -- whether that law is Moses', or their own.

    When a church becomes the policeman over its congregation, it has lost sight of its biblical purpose.
     
  7. Rippon

    Rippon Well-Known Member
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    You need a personal encounter with yourself.
     
  8. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Mike....I encourage you to read ML-J STUDY ON THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT........REALLY SERIOUS!
     
  9. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    And why would anyone choose to join a legalistic church in the 1st place.
     
  10. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Agreed:thumbs:
     
  11. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    You prattling old woman....when you going to mind your own business and shut up. You exasperate situations vs provide constructive criticisms. Funny you cant see it...or can you?
     
  12. HAMel

    HAMel Well-Known Member
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    A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip. :thumbs: (Billy Graham)

    Gossip clearly destroys others. There is no need for it. Gossip is the result of little minded people. It's been said that gossip is the Devil's radio and folks tune in to listen daily when all they have to do is change channels. All gossip will return to the one with the flapping mouth. It's amazing that gossip abounds as it does and it's amazing that so many folks are brain dead when it comes to the reality of their gossip. It's absolutely amazing! Ignorant people.
     
  13. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    I am not convinced that a certain level of "discipline" is not consistent in holding the assembly members accountable for some repetitious violation of the articles of faith and bi-laws that founded the assembly.

    If a member is a gossip and is found as a repeated violator, then that should be dealt with according to Scriptures - IF the founding documents of the church specify such is in violation of the gathering.

    This would be true of any member who has any other sin of which would violate the founding statements of the assembly.

    For instance: In some churches, the consumption of intoxicants is viewed negatively, and it is reflected as such in the founding documents of that assembly.

    The assembly does have the authority to "discipline" the member(s) over that issue, just as they should have over any other matter concerning the statements of faith.

    HOWEVER, I am not certain that most churches even care to know what their founding documents say, and relegate any "discipline" to "I think" statements, or "The Bible says" as if they suddenly become aware that some sin might actually be discussed as ungodly.

    Nor am I convinced that unless the founding documents of the assembly spell out what infractions will be disciplined, that the assembly has any authority to discipline a member.

    Some may say, the Bible says, and may be correct in that; however, the assembly is gathered by acceptance of agreement(s); a certain set of statements and articles in which all agree are essential to that group remaining in fellowship.

    It is violation of that (those) documents in which the church has legal authority to discipline. If they find no statement in the documents and they do in the Scriptures, then the documents need modified. Or, perhaps the other way around.

    If gossip is a violation of the assembly rules, then it should be dealt with and not excused.
     
  14. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Agreed. But devoting an entire sermon to gossip? Or any one sin?

    Ridiculous. That isn't the purpose of a sermon, nor is it the pastor's job to spend time in the pulpit haranguing his congregation.

    A sermon edifies.
    A sermon inspires.
    A sermon lays the groundwork for life change.

    A sermon isn't a recitation of law.
     
  15. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Great post. Most are accusing those condemning gossip as Pharisees or legalistic. Odd sort of path. The Holy Spirit in them is certainly not the agent in making them gossip. Those supporting the gossiper in fact are the Pharisees. If this was a drinking thread, over half would be condemning the sin themselves.
     
  16. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Never again will I converse with the person you quoted. I cannot figure out why it keeps coming back.

    Back to the op, the comment was made about a church policing its congregation. In general, it should not, however, when someone joins a local church, that person can be expected to be held to the standards of the bylaws and Constitution.

    An ideal situation is where everyone is lead by the Spirit in them. If this were the case, there would be no gossip and no problem.
     
  17. nodak

    nodak Active Member
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    Gossip is right up there with all the biggies.

    But it troubles me that so many today shy away from ever preaching any law. If I don't know what the law is, how will I know I am a sinner in need of a Savior?

    Naw, I think we did better when preachers were not afraid to name sin--all of it, socially acceptable ones and the favorites we love to rag on--and called us to account.

    Now, no need when sister Sue walks in less than modestly dressed to call her out in front of the congregation.

    But if you preach expository sermons, covering whole books of the Bible, you just cannot avoid that pesky law. Whether you comment on it or not, you will be reading it to them (us). And sometimes when you cover it generically it gets through to us specifically by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Which gives us opportunity to repent and get right with God.

    Sometimes I think our 4 spiritual laws version of evangelism and discipleship plain runs amok.
     
  18. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    I don't need someone telling me what it is wrong to do. I need someone telling e what is right to do. I've got "wrong" down pat. Give me "right" when you preach Christ to me.

    Sure, make all the pastors the moral police. Turn 'em into legalists pointing out the flaws of each and every congregant. That's provide enough sermon material for every Sunday until the Second Coming. He'll never have to write a sermon again. Just let him pick a new sin every week -- they are myriad -- and harangue on that for 30 minutes.

    Sure. That's why they spent all that money going to seminary.

    What you describe is what accountability partners are for.
     
  19. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Sounds like an AA meeting & you get a sponsor who will tell ya when your screwing up. No thanks. :laugh:
     
  20. HAMel

    HAMel Well-Known Member
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    Agreed. But devoting an entire sermon to gossip? Or any one sin?

    EW&F, our Pastor has devoted the last six Sunday Morning Sermons on the 23rd Psalm.
     
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