I continue to pray for you and ALL of us! We are fellow brothers, not enemies. Our true enemy, Satan, would like to see us treating each other as enemies.
Let’s make sure to dissapoint him!

I won’t bother you, or this “community” anymore. I asked a question, and if you’re honest (which I assume you are) you know that none was really given (Matt. 6:33 aside). My identity ought (should) not to have been an issue. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you. I just wanted some scripture to validate a quote you put on your (the communities) blog. As I said, I have absolutely no agenda. I think it important to justify what I believe scripturally, and I thought it would be true for you as well. I hope it is.

It seems like, for the most part, I have been attacked. Why, for asking questions? For choosing to remain anonymous? What if I were someone with whom you do have disagreements, would you refuse to answer a question asked? If I were to call you and still wish to remain anonymous would you refuse to answer me?

I’m sorry if I have bothered or offended anyone, but really, would it have been so hard to throw some scriptures out there to help a searcher?

I stumbled on this site the other day while surfing the net, and I asked a question. It seemed like a fair question. I made a response to Mike a little while ago, and said that I assumed it was his blog as it was called by his name. The response was directed to Mike.

Now another anonymous writer replies,

“Saying stupid things like that isn’t likely to get your question answered.”

What was stupid about my assumption, and why will it not get my question answered?

Wow!

Go to mail.yahoo.com or http://www.hotmail.com and set up a free email account there. Then ANYTIME you sign up for anything on the internet, use that email address. As a result, all of your spam will get directed there instead of to your preferred email account.

With that obstacle out of the way, it shouldn’t be any trouble for you to identify yourself so you can receive the answers you desire. Mike’s policy is a good one, I think.

“Having said that, anonymous comments are welcome on my blog. But I don’t want to set a precedent of answering anonymous questions. Sign in, and I’ll be glad to answer. I don’t even have a clue as to what part of the quote you’re asking about. (E.g., are you asking if the church and the kingdom are the same thing? Are you questioning whether churches ought to live for consumerism or for the reign of God — “in authentic community for the sake of the world”?)”

I prefer to remain anonymous. I don’t want to get spammed.

Mike, I would like to see scriptural proof for nearly everything said in this quote. You put it out there, and I am wondering how you scripturally justify it. It seems like a fair question to me. If you believe it, prove it, please. I have no agenda other than simply trying to justify my beliefs by God’s word.

I assumed that as this site is called, Mike Cope’s Blog, that it was your blog. Sorry if I was wrong about that.

This is not just Mike’s Blog. The things I write are from me (or quoted by me). But the community that’s created here has entered into discussions many times. I’m thankful for that, because often I don’t have the time to check back in again and again.

Having said that, anonymous comments are welcome on my blog. But I don’t want to set a precedent of answering anonymous questions. Sign in, and I’ll be glad to answer. I don’t even have a clue as to what part of the quote you’re asking about. (E.g., are you asking if the church and the kingdom are the same thing? Are you questioning whether churches ought to live for consumerism or for the reign of God — “in authentic community for the sake of the world”?)

My question is directed to Mike. Please let him respond.

1 Peter 3:15 (Amplified Bible)

“But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.”

I look forward to visiting with you.

“The first scripture I would refer you to is Matthew 6:33

For more discussion, pick up the phone and let’s visit.
I am in the book!

God bless,
DU”

Dave, doesn’t seeking the kingdom involve allowing the word of God to lead us? All I asked for were scriptures to illustrate the quote of Howard Snyder. I personally have asked Mike to help me with this twice, but have received no reply from him! Why?

As to picking up the phone, I have no idea who you are, or where you live. How could I do this?

I asked a sincere question, as one searching for truth. I am confused as to why none has been offered. Mike’s bio says he is a minister. Are you there Mike?

“Circle ‘bombs’ below that may be warning that your people should not be confined to one facility:
• ‘Maintenance’ replaces outreach.
• People complain about investing tithes and offerings in material buildings.
• New workers ‘walk on eggs’ to avoid offending others in order to develop or expand a ministry.
• People express frustration because their ministries are being restricted or they are not allowed to do what God has gifted them to do.
• Leaders complain of exhaustion. Ministry is a chore rather than a joy.
• Planning sessions revolve more around keeping the organization running smoothly than around spiritual and pastoral concerns.
• Rules proliferate.
• Innovations take longer.
• Potential leaders and competing.
• The percentage of members in places of leadership declines.
• A chronic shortage of leaders in touch with the local community stifles outreach.
• The church must rely more and more on paid staff.
• Programs receive more attention than people do.
• Funds for buildings and paid staff are becoming a major concern and topic of discussion by leaders.
• Unsaved visitors seldom return.
• Sterility replaces reproduction.
• Even heroic attempts to form effective home groups are futile.”

I think the above are signs that church is more of an organization or business than a living, missional organism. Not all of the above are inherently “bad,” but they do require some discernment as to whether or not they help or hurt our involvement in the Great Commission. I hope that’s a blessing to someone.

DU