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Satan in our Church

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by GulliverBarb, Feb 16, 2004.

  1. GulliverBarb

    GulliverBarb New Member

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    Help! Our young church, 1/2 which are baby christians and a young pastor needs many prayers.

    Satan is there, very present, very bold and has a strong hold. We are very worried as the decline in parishoners is increasing rapidly. We live in a small community, word travels fast.

    Any prayers and advice are welcome.
     
  2. Servent

    Servent Member

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    EVANGALISM
    go to the people with the truth, do not hold back
     
  3. GulliverBarb

    GulliverBarb New Member

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    The church is being ripped apart because people are now taking sides. :(
    Half the people know the truth and the other half are not hearing it. Even though they are told and it is boldly present.

    Barb
     
  4. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    I have been down that road with a congregation and it is still the same even after I left. Very few besides myself would take a stand. In the midst of those who did take a stand the others would not listen. So they will eventually have to listen to God because He will have His way later if not now. Some of the leaders were and still are proud. So do what you can and then let God do the rest. If you as His messenger cannot get through to them through His word then they will have to be left to their own ways. They will not like their own ways.But they may never understand.
     
  5. Precepts

    Precepts New Member

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    Stand up in the midst of the Tabernacle and pour your heart out to everyone present. The people hate me now for testifiying to that effect, but when I had seen what was going on in the area of unforgiveness and choosing sides, the guilty confessed they had become pharisees, apologized to the church and then left. And I thought they got right?

    Remind them about how Jesus has forgiven us for our every sin, so they should act like Christians and do the same, if they don't, then they have identified themselves, and sadly is the case, but it's just right.
     
  6. chargrove

    chargrove <img src=/chargrov.jpg>

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    I was involved (briefly) in a rather large church where division and strife were present. It is an unfortunate situation. Apart from what others have said and what you most likely already know, the only advice I can give you is to separate from this congregation in accordance with the mandate of the scriptures, which tell us that the God of the Bible is not the author of confusion. Good luck. [​IMG]
     
  7. GulliverBarb

    GulliverBarb New Member

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    Thank you everyone for your responses.

    GB: we have been watching the last 3 weeks God taking an active role in punishment of this evil. (Very scary stuff) I hope these people repent and soon!

    Percepts: the guilty confessed they had become pharisees, apologized to the church and then left. And I thought they got right?
    I think in your case they did get it right, they should not have left the church if they repented.

    In our particular problem the guilty STILL have not confessed, nor apologized, nor left, but continue to cause serious strife and now has brought our pastor into danger of legal allegations. These people refuse to repent and ask forgiveness. What can we do???

    Chargrove: Regretfully we have decided to leave our church, but do intend to return as soon as God finishes cleaning up. &lt;smiles&gt;

    One lesson has surely been learned. Satan does truely exist and is VERY powerful, I have seen him work. The Lord, however has saved us from his evil, and vengence is truely his. LEV 26 We are watching the Lord actually doing this. It is amazing what He is doing to these people.

    I am wondering if there will be a church left when He gets done?
     
  8. Precepts

    Precepts New Member

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    If your pastor has followed the guidelines of dealing with these particular individuals in the process of rstoring them in the spirit of meekness, then "HE" has no other option but to bring them before the church for discipline, not a happy situation at all, but necessary to maintaion the fellowship and sweet communion with the Lord. Just make sure it's the pastor who makes this decision and not some one under his authority stepping out of that umbrella of protection and becoming fair game for the devil.

    Please proceed very carefully in this matter. I will be praying after this manner and my hope is it will bring honour and glory to the Lord.

    In Christ Jesus,

    Brother Ricky
     
  9. GulliverBarb

    GulliverBarb New Member

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    Brother Ricky,
    Our Pastor is currently under a lease with these individuals. [​IMG] (
    Pastor did say 3 weeks ago that this is what is needed to be done.
    Our Deacons are on the hunt for a new home for the pastor and his family now. So maybe that is what he is waiting for.

    Barb
    P.S. Sorry for the double posts also. Guess the site was having technical difficulties.
     
  10. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    I have tried to see in scripture where the people listened to the prophets and yielded to God. I can't think of a time when the people listened unless some drastic action took place.

    Can you?
     
  11. chargrove

    chargrove <img src=/chargrov.jpg>

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    So the problem has to do with the parsonage and a lease agreement? I will not try to elaborate on a matter for which I am not completely in line w/ all facts, but I am sure that the only way to do it is to provide a parsonage for a pastor (if he doesn't own a home in that area already) and that's IT. If he leaves, then he moves. If he stays, then his RENT is paid by the church. None of this buying the home for the pastor and making it a tax issue or any of that nonsense. Also, no one in the church should own the home and be the landlord, so to speak. All business affairs should be kept separate. That's my opinion. [​IMG]
     
  12. GulliverBarb

    GulliverBarb New Member

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    No that is only a part of the problem.
    It would take a few days to write all that has been going on with these individuals.
    Thank you for everyones help and prayers.
    Barb
     
  13. chargrove

    chargrove <img src=/chargrov.jpg>

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    Good luck, Barb. There are always other churches.
     
  14. Precepts

    Precepts New Member

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    Stick it out Sister and watch the hand of the Lord at work. By all means help your pastor get out from under the binding hands of those he rents from, they do not own God's church, or God's man!
     
  15. GulliverBarb

    GulliverBarb New Member

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    We have been watching Satan work, and now God has stepped in. The show has begun. Will keep you posted as new developements happen.
    Thank you again for everyones advice. We are helping pastor in everyway we know how.
     
  16. Precepts

    Precepts New Member

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    Just Praise Him! Praise Him! The devil will have to flee!
     
  17. Thankful

    Thankful <img src=/BettyE.gif>

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    Amen, Brother Precepts! Let the devil know he is not welcome!
     
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