Carlos Whittaker

Jun19

I really have a hard time believing…

Posted by loswhit in Authenticity

I really have a hard time believing…
[Insert Answer Here]

http://littlehoffman.blogspot.com tymm

the church.
http://www.carusophotography.com Jay

…I am in the same predicament I was in just a year ago with work. Biggest client ends agreement without warning leaving me scrambling.

Anybody need a photographer or a project manager?
http://www.leannvineyardcooper.com Leann Cooper

how badly people can be to one another. it always surprises me.
http://www.crucialencounter.com Andy

Hanson were boys.
Eminem’s daughter is now 17!
http://www.daleaceron.com Dale

…that people meditate and plan and dream of murder.

I just don’t get it.
Elizabeth

That things will ever get better
http://www.mustardseedyear.com Jason Wert

…my situation is ever going to get better.
Juli

..in Jesus.

I was raised in church, went to a Christian college… and I want to really bad. But there is something deep down that cannot believe.

Tyler

diddo

Kory

…that I could ever change.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

We fully understand how blessed we are.
Theresa

That I agreed to go on a date with this guy who,in his own words,is not a “devote christian”. He drinks at times and curses. We are complete opposites. I would usually ignore guys like this but instead I am drawn towards him.

Besides all of that though, he is a sweet person with a big heart. I really like him but I want to be with someone who is in love with God and would be a spiritual leader. He is a christian but in my opinion lukewarm. I don’t think I should go out on a date with him. Kinda hard for me to let go of him though.

Mike

One question to ask: Do tell the large number of people who atten these large churches to stop inviting people to church and small group?

Is there a number that when a church reaches that they say that’s enough. No more until someone leaves.
Mike

Sorry Theresa. That was supposed to be for the comment below.

Theresa

Well, no we should not stop the growth of the church, however I find it hard to believe that mega churches can effectively meet the needs of the community and its members. I believe that more focus is placed on maintaining the building, paying the staff and keeping the members, than actually meeting the needs of the community etc. Yes most mega churches have small groups but I wonder how genuine they really are at times. Is it just about bible study? More churches need to find out the spiritual, financial and emotional needs of their members and the community and actually meet them. Its easier said than done, but its possible. Most churches in general are completely missing what “the church” is really suppose to be about. We are suppose to care for one another. Acts 2:42-47—- 42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and held everything in common, 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. 46 Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.

Chris

…the church isn’t just another business with Jesus “tattooed” on it’s buildings. Pastors are celebrities that make an amazing payroll for preaching Jesus, writing books, and making conference appearances. Is it better to “roll bank” for preaching the Gospel or to do it b/c YOU REALLY LOVE THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE? Do we really need $80,000,000.00 buildings? Or do we really need to end poverty? The business of the church is “the sickness”! (Sorry I ranted)

http://littlehoffman.blogspot.com tymm

A to the mother-stinking Men, Chris. Amen. And again for good measure… AMEN.
Sierra

I don’t know who you are, but I am stealing that final quote about buildings vs poverty
Sarah

I have a hard time believing people are still bashing the megachurch. Yes they can have downfalls, and the pastors or other leaders do, but that happens in smaller churches ALL the time but it doesn’t make the news everytime. When pastors realize and admit they are imperfect and are leading an imperfect people, God does amazing things! We have a huge building at my church because we are growing and God is doing a good work, no an AMAZING work, and people are GETTING SAVED. That is what makes the difference. And our church donates time and food and money ALL over our community and people are seeing that happening and wanting to know WHY. And JESUS is why, we hear the gospel every week. I’m sorry that Christians have to still be split on this – a large church is only a bad thing if you don’t want to see God make big moves.
Theresa

I don’t agree with pouring millions of dollars into a building. However, some of these “mega” churches often give a large percentage of their income to Missions and those in need etc. I really don’t see anything wrong with Pastors making a huge salary, its what they do with that salary that counts. But unfortunately many of them take the funds and spend it on lavish material things. Also in my opinion,the bigger and more expensive the buildings, the more comfortable and self centered the church will become. The mandate is to go out into all world and preach the gospel. (That includes showing Gods love in practical ways, giving to the poor, healing the sick, helping the single mother, widow, prostitute on the street). We have changed that mandate however to, ” build big multi-million dollar facilities, stay right there and hope that the world will hear are pretty little watered down sermons and be moved by that”. #just saying

BriAnne

That this really is the plan for my life.. don’t get why I’m in the situation I’m in… all it does is make me cry..
http://Beingbrittany.tumblr.com Brittany

That I am fully forgiven for the abortion I had at 19. That god sees me as clean rather than being as dirty as I feel.

Amanda

You are God’s daughter. He loves you. I’ve been where you are-and He really does forgive. Ask Him for help forgiving yourself. There is No Shame, No Condemnation in Jesus. I don’t know you but I’m here for you and I love you.

Andrew P

that I am loved. I hear the words, I can say them. But deep down… it doesn’t exist. And yes, sadly, that includes Jesus.
http://Www.amberWIRE.com Amber Cox

Women who have babies but didn’t know they were pregnant.
MJT

Thart Atlanta Braves are a playoff orgaization
lrc

that my mother did the best she could, as people like to tell me. She totally didn’t even try to do her best as a mom. I’m not bitter, but wondering who thinks it’s actually helpful to lie about others. She was an awful mother, and still is. Accepting that could have helped me love her earlier. As a child, people telling me my mom was doing her best didn’t make me feel comforted. It made me feel isolated, as if no one understood. If someone’s going through crap, please just acknowledge that they are going through crap.
http://www.graceistruth.com Chris Pontarelli

Satan is not tempting us…especially from reading some of these replies!
Heather

I’m almost thirty and have yet to get what I really want out of life.
Andrew

… that I can do greater things than Jesus did during his time on earth.
http://www.kellyasummers.blogspot.com kelly summers

…that God actually loves me. I can’t get my head to understand grace. I still always feel like I have to work for it.
http://betachristian.net Moe_NYC

… it looks that bad on the way out.
Christianna

Sometimes I have a really hard time believing that it’s possible for me to be healed fully because I can be doing so great one second and the next not so great.
Gary Moore

that I’m good enough.
Bethany

That God is good when he doesn’t heal my body on my timeline. My husband reminds me otherwise, but that is my most persistent doubt.
http://www.chriswalkerlive.com Chris Walker

….in myself.
Stacey

That a man could ever fall in love with me. That I could follow my heart and be brave enough to do what I know God is calling me to do. That my family will ever want to live for God. That I could ever be content for eternity seperated from my family. The list could go on and on.
Albert

I’m good/qualified/brave enough to accomplish my dreams.
http://randomnessofd.blogspot.com/ Dani

that pregnant women HAVE to rub/scratch their bellies constantly, especially in the presence of their infertile friends.
laura

that I will be off dialysis one day
Elaine Argento

in man
http://jennyrain.com Jenny

God still comes to some churches on Sunday
http://www.healingmaya.com Jo-Ann

… that I am strong enough to face the next three years.
http://loveendowed.tumblr.com A

…that God has a great husband out there for me.