I would be interested but I would have to fly down one day and fly the next but I wouldn't wate the dollars aon just a couple of folks though.

Eric

An excellent idea! I could pick up a few people on the way through from Adelaide if anyone wants a lift, it's just a short drive over the border for me - and I can offer a safe but fast trip in the SS HSV (what's that? nobody is up for it?) ha ha. Would probably stay overnight and drive back the next day provided it was a weekend. Love to catch up with everyone in the 'flesh' so to speak!

Urch

Hi all,

 

I for one find that there is great merit in Ian’s suggestion of a gathering of ex-revivalists.

 

Speaking only form personal experience, (which I am sure would translate to many others), the normal progression from Revival is straight to a Pentecostal assembly. After all, we take our ‘warped’ views with us and cling to what we at the time perceived as truth…only to find out that indeed that foundation is also lacking.

 

Please Consider and this forum were the only means (for me) to experience the ‘other side’ of foundational doctrine. Living in a small isolated town (Maryborough) does not afford me the luxury of getting together with other like minded people.

 

There are questions (such as where do I fellowship?) which I think would be well answered by ex-revivalists in such a gathering as proposed by Ian. I would be interested to find out more about Ian’s statement, “…while many former Revivalists are now happy in orthodox churches…” as I have only just now reached a position where I too now consider that Orthodoxy is the most acceptable option.

 

Having said so, I am still reluctant to make the first step having consideration to ‘gay marriages’, ‘gay ministers’, and ‘ordained women’. Yes I know that this is also doctrinal topics, but my point is that I view these topics from Revivalist eyes and haven’t as yet been exposed correct teaching…hence my reluctance.

 

I know that I am not comfortable in the Pentecostal circle, but where and what do I go/do?? I think that this proposed gathering will help greatly and I for one (despite the cost) would attend.

 

God bless

 

Akriboo  

Hi, Akriboo.

Thanks for the feedback and for sharing your views. I'll limit myself to addressing just your expressed concerns, if I may?

... I have only just now reached a position where I too now consider that Orthodoxy is the most acceptable option.  Having said so, I am still reluctant to make the first step having consideration to ‘gay marriages’, ‘gay ministers’, and ‘ordained women’. Yes I know that this is also doctrinal topics, but my point is that I view these topics from Revivalist eyes and haven’t as yet been exposed correct teaching…hence my reluctance.

I'd suggest that Revivalism has an established reputation for ignorantly propagating a wide range of myths with respect to orthodox Christian churches; what they teach and what they do. Consider, Revivalist pastors really haven't a clue about other churches, whether from first-hand or third-hand experience! All they do is parrot precisely the same nonsense that they received from equally ignorant men.

But to address your three concerns. To begin with, understand that no orthodox church has anything to do with the idea of gay "marriages". Whilst there certainly are enclaves within a very few mainline (and otherwise orthodox) traditions that have advanced this idea, the broader traditions have rejected the move outright, as being wholly without biblical and historical warrant. But the issue almost seems to be that homosexuality has been elevated in the eyes of some conservatives, to a position far above where it actually sits in the taxonomy of sin. What many conservative Christians altogether fail to understand, therefore, is that Scripture doesn't condemn homosexual attraction, only homosexual practice. And this remains a crucial distinction. It might help for you to reflect on the following analogy: I believe myself to be a normal man, one who experiences a normal range of biological appetites. Consequently there are times where I do feel physical/sexual attraction towards a woman who isn't my wife. So long as I don't dwell on the fact, and so long as I don't allow the attraction to run its course into physical action, then I've not sinned against either my God or my wife. The same is equally true for those who experience same-sex attractions. Your second issue is closely tied to the first. Active homosexual behaviour precludes a person from Christian ministry. Those congregations that have embraced actively gay men as ministers, have rebelled against the creedal statements of their respective traditions, and as such are not normative examples of their parent denominations. In any case, the numbers that are actually involved are so small as to be largely irrelevant. And last but by no means the least, your final concern is actually moot. The apostle Paul singled out several "ordained women" in several of his letters, including one who was actually an APOSTLE! Revivalists often read the names of some of these women, and unconsciously believe that it is men who are being discussed! One of the benefits of being able to read Greek (and Latin), is that it enables one to recognise and distinguish between masculine and feminine names.

Blessings,

Ian



(Message edited by Didaktikon On 18/03/2009 21:47:22)

Hi Akriboo
.................................................................................................................................................................
I know that I am not comfortable in the Pentecostal circle, but where and what do I go/do?? I think that this proposed gathering will help greatly and I for one (despite the cost) would attend.
.................................................................................................................................................................
I agree. I had no inclination to turn to a Pentecostal arena having left Revival Fellowship four months or so ago. After so many years there (31 years), for me it was really beneficial to stop and gather my wits, gain some perspective by reading this forum and take a huge sigh of relief. I knew I was at a critical stage and have been helped and comforted through it lovingly and rationally by people on this site.

I fellowshiped with no-one except by keyboard here and prayed. I came to realise that I had nothing to fear in orthodoxy, in fact I found the comfort of established, proven Christianity an eye-opener.

I fellowship regularly now at an Anglican church (which looks every bit like a church we used to mock, stained glass windows, etc) and I can't begin to describe the relief of revivalism being stripped away with every sermon, every time I walked through the doors. It is still very strange for me to do and taking communion for the first time was another 'hurdle'. I go to a bible study where we talk context and meaning - verse by verse - and it's exciting.

I reckon us meeting up somewhere - for those who could make it - would be the biggest hoot. I'd love to do it. I could make Melbourne - so that one vote from yours truly.

Chips Ahoy

Hi Ian

 

I do agree with your statement and observation wholeheartedly…

“Revivalism has an established reputation for ignorantly propagating a wide range of myths with respect to orthodox Christian churches; what they teach and what they do. Consider, Revivalist pastors really haven't a clue about other churches, whether from first-hand or third-hand experience! All they do is parrot precisely the same nonsense that they received from equally ignorant men. “

 

I was discouraged from and indeed persuaded (rather forcefully) to discontinue and abandon my external (to Revival) studies. I enrolled into Tabor Collage and only completed the first semester when the oversight heard about it. Needless to say, “All they do is parrot precisely the same nonsense that they received from equally ignorant men”.  Is so true!!

 

Anyway many thanks for shedding light on my concerns and despite what I previously though about the subject, that would not have stopped me from the orthodox direction. My uncomfortableness in Pentecostalism was increasing in overwhelming degrees.

 

As with Chips, I too have withdrawn from the Pentecostal circle to gather my thoughts having ‘Please Consider’ and this forum as a guide (offcourse not to mention the Lord in prayer).

 

So, I for one would embrace the idea for a gathering and forging new friendships…’the rising of the Phoenix’ so to speak.

 

God Bless

Akriboo

Hi Chips

 

Your post has been a great help…I am so much more comfortable with my journey now since reading it.

 

Go does know how to answer prayer!! Even the little ones :)

 

God Bless

 

Akriboo

All,

Please ignore my last post here, I thought this was a suggestion for 'anyone' on this forum to attend a 'get-together'.

I didn't realise it was only for those attending 'orthodox' churches - but I guess I shouldn't be surprised really, it's the old 'separation' thing again. How very sad that the church, the body of Christ cannot dwell together in harmony!

Love in Christ, Urchin

Hi Urch

I'm sure the invitation is to all of us.

Maybe the confusion came as a result of my replying to Akriboo and mentioning the proposed gathering in one post.

cheers

Chips

Good morning, Chips.

The invitation was completely inclusive, with the proposed event to be open to all: orthodox Christians, heterodox Pentes (Revivalists, AoG/ACC, etc) and non-Christians alike. The post in question struck me as being little more than the person's standard lower-lip 'pout', with silly statements about 'separation' and untested assumptions as to what constitutes the Christian Church thrown in for good measure. But nothing worth losing a moment's sleep over.

Blessings,

Ian


(Message edited by Didaktikon On 19/03/2009 20:56:57)

Hi Sea Urchin

 

I do apologies if I have caused any misconception or angst amongst forum members…that was not my intention.

 

Nevertheless, please understand that this is my journey and my road that I need to travel on. Should my path be in a direction that does not parallel another, then I should seek assistance from those that it does.

 

You are obviously on a journey yourself and both your journey and mine are, nevertheless, a journey which we should not criticise, judge or become angry about…we are still the servants of Christ.

 

Both Ian and Chips responded to my questions about a certain issue I was struggling with. Yes I am finding it uncomfortable in Pentecostalism that does not mean that you should feel the same…your journey is different than mine.

 

I responded to the invitation to a gathering and added that in my perspective will assist in my search for fellowship outside Pentecostal circles…this is my desire. There has never been mention of exclusivity or even division.

 

I hope that we could still come together, despite where our journey is leading to. In Revival we judged too quickly and pointed the finger at other rashly…something I don’t want to do any longer.

 

God bless

 

Akriboo

Hello Akriboo

Thanks for your encouraging words above - please rest assured that you certainly haven't caused me any angst or concern and I apologise if anything I said has upset anyone here.

Yes, in Revival we did (I have since repented of my part in this) point the finger rather maliciously at other groups and even now many ex-revivalists haven't quite gotten over this judgmentalist attitude. I was not suggesting that you (or Chips for that matter) were being 'exclusive' in any way. I believe that the body of Christ is made up of many parts, some of which may seem small and insignificant to some people - but each and every part is required for the body to function - and for the Church to grow. We can learn from one another and encourage one another as I believe we are meant to.

You're right, I am on a journey, you are on your journey and everyone else here is as well. None of us has yet 'arrived' but I pray that all of us continue on and keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. At this stage of my journey I am reasonably content in the church I find myself in, which is not to say that I am in total agreement with everything. I have visited other churches, both orthodox and pentecostal since leaving RF a couple of years ago and as I said, am content at the current time but this is not to say that I will be forever. I intend to continue on with my studies and pray daily that God will continue leading me in the direction that He wants me to go.

I pray for you too that you find a church to your liking and that you will always remain close to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God bless you Akriboo

Urchin