Featured Has anyone ever heard anything like this.

I could be wrong but I believe that sounds more like Mormon theology than Baptist theology.

 

Concur. This guy needs to explain exactly where he got this information and then he needs to understand why it is inaccurate. Then he needs to publicly recant. If he won't listen to you, call in others to rebuke him. If he still refuses, then you follow with the business meeting. I do not see any biblical precedent for your family just up and leaving the church before you try to correct this heinous error. If the pastor refuses to recant and the church refuses to expel him, I would suggest you finally have the warrant to leave the church. Until that time, I would strongly urge you to remain there and fight the good fight. Imagine what would happen to that church if everyone who knew better simply left without trying to correct this error...!

I agree that an associational leader might prove an excellent "second or third" witness to bring to bear on the problem, should the pastor refuse to hear you out or rejects your rebuke.

 

It smells like Mormon theology but if that's where he got it from, he didn't even get that right. They teach that Satan fell after Jesus agreed to assume the messianic role. There was a big meeting among all the created beings and God the Father asked who would go be the messiah for the world. Satan volunteered, but said he would do it for the glory. Jesus then volunteered and said, he would do it for God's glory. God therefore picked Jesus over Satan, which led to Satan openly warring with God. This resulted in Satan's rebellion.

So it sounds most like Mormon doctrine. It's obviously wrong either way. Didn't want to jump off topic, just wanted to drop a footnote.

Please keep us informed, as this kind of thing happens more often than many people realize and I fear we botch our responses far too often. In short, your church's problem may ultimately prove a good lesson for other churches.

 

Are you sure that was the position being espoused, or was it a position simply being described as an errant position. It's hard for me to imagine any Baptist (or any orthodox Christian church for that matter) even coming close to that. Which Scriptures were being discussed?

Do you go to church with the individual calling himself "awaken"?

 

Think about this-----perhaps----perhaps---just for a second there--your mind got sidetracked some sort of way(I know mine does) and you didn't hear the preacher say----"And the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe . . . that Jesus Christ was a created being . . . " Maybe it wasn't made clear to you some sort of way------

just tryin' to throw a blanket over a fire for ya before it turns into an inferno

 

Go somewhere that teaches Jesus is God, Creator, Savior and our only hope. That goes beyond theological differences on this board. You need to run from that building at a rapid speed. Even Catholics do not believe such nonsense. It sounds like Mormon.

 

"Let us create man in our own image..."

Where have I run across that before..., humm?

 

A bit of clarification, please, if you don't mind?

Who made the statements referenced in your OP? Were they made by the pastor, a deacon, SS teacher, guest speaker, etc.?

Is this particular study using materials produced by a 3rd party source? If so, is it possible those statements will be refuted later in the lesson plan?

Since you mentioned being in your church for about 7 years, is this an "out of the blue" situation or have you heard similar things before, that went unchallenged or were not quietly resolved? (A person no longer teaching a SS class is an example of the latter.)

Do you know, for fact, that the deacons haven't already started taking actions if the "whole story" warrents them to be taken? Have you given them enough time to carry through on their responsibilities, first?

One of the reasons I'm asking is because of a situation that happened in our church. A young man, in study to become a pastor, wanted to teach and preach at our church. He was given the opportunity. All I can say further is that he will not be given that opportunity again at this stage of his spiritual growth.

As lay persons in a church, isn't one of our responsbilities to allow church leadership the time and opportunity to resolve, and if necessary, refute a "situation" before the congregation? If they don't, then act upon our further responsibilities in accordance with church policy, the scriptures, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

 

IMO you owe it to the Church of Christ to take the matter to the pastor and/or deacons. They may not even be aware that such things are being taught or believed within the assembly.

 

I agree it makes a difference about WHO said these things. IF it was the pastor, and he really believes it and didn't just get confused...then you should definitely plan on leaving if personal steps do not set it right...