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History reveals that Christian fads and trends come and go. It seems that it is common for many pastors and church leaders to constantly look for some new methodology, “new wave” or “new thing” God is doing, “right now.”
We live at a period in church history that is characterized by enthusiasm for methods and means that facilitate church growth. Large churches are commonly equated with successful pastors and successful church growth methods. Whatever it takes to reach that objective, is acceptable, we are told. Church growth has become the measuring stick for successful Christianity.
The same old same old isn't always good.. neither is everything new.
However, I think we'd find if we really got back to the old way, that this is the only way for it to become really new!
Agree 100%. If we could get back to the way things "used to be", we would truly see revival. God's Word and plan for us is timeless, yet these wolves want to reinvent Christianity because they think God's Word as it is is not sufficient. Woe to them who change His message!
What if I personally know someone who came to a saving relationship with Christ through 'The Message'?
What if I told you that someone would be facing the fires of Hell had God not called them through The Message?
Should they not have read it?
I would rejoice in this. But it doesn't take away the many, many things wrong with it especially when it is used as a Bible, and not the poor paraphrase it is. I would also ask if they could have come to saving grace by reading the NIV or similar?
'Could have' people been saved without Billy Graham?
'Could have' people been saved without gospel tracts?
'Could have' is a far cry from 'did'....and in my opinion...the 'did' is the biggest deal.
I think that came out wrong. Of course all that matters is that they "did". The Holy Spirit is it what drew that person and ultimately was the cause in their salvation. The means by which they did does not matter.
What if I personally know someone who came to a saving relationship with Christ through 'The Message'?
What if I told you that someone would be facing the fires of Hell had God not called them through The Message?
Should they not have read it?
According to the Bible, it is the Spirit that leads people to the Messiah, not a book. If it was ordained to be so, "The Message" would not be a deciding factor. Yahweh would have used something else.
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It's do or die around here lately. I'd rather be of one accord rather than divisive. 
