Epicenter 2011, Walnut Creek Community Church

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[repent n believe]

I heard Rick Whitney's message on Heaven during epicenter 2011. Something that amazed me was that at least he included a quote from Jonathan Edwards, J.C. Ryle, DL Moody, and Charles Spurgeon.

[MidnightRider]

I heard Rick Whitney's message on Heaven during epicenter 2011. Something that amazed me was that at least he included a quote from Jonathan Edwards, J.C. Ryle, DL Moody, and Charles Spurgeon.

Do you think he read those authors, or did he just copy the quotes out of a book?

[repent n believe]

I believe if he had started reading those authors writing, many of the Great Commission Ministry's teachings, doctrines, theology, and practices would have been changed. I hope he mentioned those not just to show the flock that he reads their writings but to let them know how these people lived their life submitting themselves to the sovereign will of God.

Well if GCM leaders start reading writings from authors of 16th, 17th, 18th,19th and 20th centuries and literally encourage their flock to read  their writings, there will for sure come a new revival at the GCM churches. I am not trying to say that those writings are the main source of truth because they are written by man who have failed so many times in their life and even in their writings to explain the love of God. But because of His providence and grace, He used these weak men of God to spread the truth  during the time when people started adopting totally different doctrines and practices in the church.God used these people to spread the knowledge of God and the truth during those time which brought some great revival in many European nations and the Great Awakening in Eastern United States.

[Desmond]

It is a machine. They throw in quotes, but they do not read the authors. They take quotes out of books like they take verses out of scripture. What the author believes, in both cases, is beside the point.

A warning to people who have invested in Epicenter, or LT or HSLT: this is all part of a large machine. You are indoctrinated and put in places where you will experience high emotions and high pressures. Over and over you will hear that 'commitment' is a great virtue. Rick Whitney will talk about brothers who are "on the wall". If you were a part of building the wall but have left, you are non-existent. All that matters is who is on the wall now.

You are being fed revisionist history. The weakness paper that they sent out were only sent out to a select few. GCx was labeled as a cult or dangerous group by the 80's and came out with the paper to appease critics. Yet the practices in the weakness paper still exist. What does that mean? Think about it! Read the Weakness Paper: http://gcxweb.org/Misc/WeaknessesPaper.aspx

As we speak, parents and teens are gathering to hear of their view of evangelism here in Des Moines. This evening they will probably be handing out tracts at parks and malls throughout the city. They will hate doing it for the most part. They will first hear a motivational speech and then feel guilty that they haven't "done enough". Then, they will be paired with an older person who has some boldness because they were initiated years ago. There will be a lot of adrenaline, a lot of rejection, but then a time of testimonies where they will hear "success stories". They may feel guilty they didn't do more (if they had nobody to talk to). If they talked to somebody and got through a tract, they will be affirmed and maybe admired. They will leave with a pseudo sense of purpose.

This, of course, will wear off after a time. That is, unless, somehow, someway, you can keep the momentum going. No worries, there will be a summer filled with activities to keep you busy and plenty of inbred conferences featuring some variation of the 10 speakers to keep you going and off-balance. Hmmm, let's think of who the speakers will be at Faithwalkers 2013. Mark Darling, Bill Young, Brent Knox, John Meyer, Rick Whitney (if it is only in the west). Think I'm mocking? Bet me $100 right now!

Glad I got out! Which reminds me, political season is in full swing. Who have they publicly endorsed from the pulpit this year? Don't tell me that all 200 the zombies are casting votes in the straw poll for the same candidate because they all researched the issues and made the best decision independently. Sheep being led to slaughter!

Wow, that felt good to get off my chest! Guess I've been holding that in for a while. Sorry to be a hit and run poster. This forum helped me realize a lot of things I always suspected. Wish I hadn't gotten in as deep as I was in GCx, but it happened. What makes it dangerous for a kid to play with a gun is that he kinda knows how to use it. I think that's what happens with these folks who appoint all of their friends to positions to lead churches and teach the Bible. We came here because we trusted the leaders to teach the Bible accurately! Now I'm pretty much cynical of anyone who teaches. I'm sure that will change eventually. I still have family in there and miss them and am sad at how they have changed, so I'm pretty angry at it all.

[Innerlight]

Sorry Ms. Bachmann....


 "This is the crucial point. While human politics is based on the premise that society must be changed in order to change people, in the politics of the Kingdom it is people who must be changed in order to change society." (Charles Colson - Kingdoms In Conflict)

[MidnightRider]

It is a machine. They throw in quotes, but they do not read the authors. They take quotes out of books like they take verses out of scripture. What the author believes, in both cases, is beside the point.
...

During my time in GCx, reading was discouraged. As my pastor put it: I only read books written by authors I know, because I want to know about their lives before deciding whether to read their books. So I don't read many books.

[Desmond]

It's not Bachmann, but Pawlenty! They are buddying up to him!

[MarthaH]

Wow! That picture triggered something in me! How many times did we hear about politics from the pulpit! They taught the constitution better than they taught scripture

I remember one Sunday driving in and parking my car with my Ron Paul bumper sticker in a row with 20 Huckabee stickers. I was talked to about that, encouraged to go to the straw poll etc. I'm sure they are more cautious now, but it would be interesting to hear from an insider if they have begun to tighten the screws to get the flock to straw poll for the next savior of the U.S. of A.

Is anyone in Iowa going to the straw poll? It would be interesting to see pictures of how many Pastors and staffers will be at the Pawlenty tent. A quick disclaimer; I think he would be a good president, so I'm not bashing him. I just hope the squirrel distances himself from the nuts.

I've heard they don't record their messages at the mother ship so they can preach on being a Christian nation and protect themselves from gay activists. Desmond, are you still around? Could you sneak in on a Sunday and record a message for us (I'm joking of course)? I'm sure it's coming. DTC gets the word out through Bible studies, not the pulpit.

[Innerlight]

I can't see the link...what is it?  it comes back as a dead link.

Pawlenty attends Wooddale, which I attend as well.  A church not known for fiery politcal activism, but solid preaching of the Word.  He is a middle of the road, white suburban Baptist.  Hard to believe he would fit in there.  Bachmann, and her "Glenn Beck" politics is much more up their alley....

[MarthaH]

Picture of a pastor and politician.

[blonde]

I voted for Jesse Ventura when he ran for gov in Minnesota.  "Hey Gene,,,,,we got a problem here......."

[AgathaL'Orange]

I'm hoping to go to the straw poll.  If I do, I will let you know if any GCC people are there that I recognize and where they are.  I've never been so this may be impossible!  I *think* I might go for Ron Paul.  But maybe one of the others.  I don't know yet.  I'm more of an independent and vote equally for who I like regardless of party, but as a currently registered Republican, I might as well join the party for a bit. 

[Linda]

So, Blonde, we have you to thank for Jesse getting elected. Thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

So, Blonde, we have you to thank for Jesse getting elected. Thanks a lot!

Haha! I was living in MN at that time too

[blonde]

Sorry Linda.  I think we need more Independents in the run of things.  All these damn RINO's are making things real bad.  And the liberals.  I am a true Independent.  We need to balance the budget, get this HOGS out of Washington and do what the rest of the nation does: live on a budget, manage business wisely and be innoative.