Who are you really?

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[norman]

I was given a head's up on the new series at Evergreen in Minneapolis.  Who are you really?  Its a discussion about the doctrine of whether you are "chosen" or "not chosen"  This verifies everything I have experienced from people I know that go to that church.  Although they say "in all humility"  that God chooses some but not others, my experience in practice from the people there is brash entitlement where a judgement of "which side of the fence"  you are on (chosen or not chosen) occurs in minutes or at least in one meeting.  I have been aggressively asked even before a person asks any other questions :  where I go to church, if I have a "salvation story" and if I pray.  If one balks at such invasive interrogation, you may be determined to be "not chosen"  and then, you are treated with sneering disrespect.  I have witnessed people acting on  "what's yours is mine"  "all blessings are meant for me"  etc.  aggressively taking things, bad mouthing people etc, etc.  That is the fruit I have seen coming from that church.  They need to ask themselves the question:  Who are YOU serving? 

[Neverbeengcm]

Norman,

Unfortunately for the folks at Evergreen (and any other church where this is happening), God is the only one with the authority to decide whether a person is "chosen" or "not chosen".  Anyone on Earth who feels entitled to decide such things is obviously not doing so on God's behalf.  Therefore, their self-appointed power to decide who is chosen must be the work of Lucifer.

I love how freely people use the term "saved".  By declaring themselves "saved", some people feel empowered to judge others to determine whether others are worthy of being in their heavenly presence.  In reality, we cannot simply declare ourselves "saved" and then be free to judge others or live our lives without caring for our fellow human beings.  If a person truly has been "saved" (whatever that really means to them), they will act in ways that are kind, loving, caring and helpful to others no matter what denomination of religion they subscribe to...including atheism.  Jesus did not hang out with the religious zealots of his time.  He went where his loving grace was needed in society.  Why don't we find ALL of our "saved" people selflessly helping other human beings in slums, coaching a kids soccer team or helping underprivileged mothers without husbands take care of their children in need.  Instead, some "saved people" hide behind the veil of "being saved" in the comfort of their nice warm homes...living their lives without caring about much more than saving their own souls.  Very sad to me...

I don't believe serving only the church is enough to save our souls (for those of you who only do that). I believe we all have an obligation to serve others who need our grace or the grace of God.  We all should volunteer in our community and give of ourselves in selfless ways to earn God's presence. Try to volunteer for some new things without calling attention to yourself or expecting something in return.  You will feel something in your heart that is good.  Could that feeling of love be a gift to you from God?

Does God choose you to be chosen...or do you choose to serve God by serving others?  

Galations

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.