Generous: Ballard Fiscal Update

[bronxrunner9]

Ugh why the fuck would I even need the old testament You it's guys like YOU how made me hate goin to church in the first place oh and one more thing I don't have to love God for giving me existence asshole I didn't ask for or want it so why should I be so fucking happy? Look life sucks because well it has it good times but for the most part lets see Job status, divorce, sickness, hatred. Your religion was created in order to state the obvious and make sense of a shitty life it's a story!!

[RobertBaral365]

The last man's life settles into the grave. Our world is now left in ruins. Extinction exists across the Earth. Eulogy imprinted on their hearts. Humanity now forgotten in the void. Do you know the cause of the universe's failure? The cowardly white light of god is to blame. The church weakness and suffocates the will. Man-made plague to poison the race. Fools live to be led by fools. Holy arrogance builds on their mountain ignorance. This world of misery and you are to blame.

[Yuri92001]

Look up the Orthodox Catholic Church of America. On their "about us" page they give a GREAT simple rundown of the History of the Church. ALL Christians come from "original" Catholicism (including some Doctrine even Prots get squeemish at). While Orthodoxy and Catholicism have MANY differences, there are STILL many ROOT similarities thta Protestants would turn their nose at.

You guys come from Catholisim, and you CERTAINLY don't come from EASTERN Orthodox Catholicism......get over it.

[plymalel]

Wow. I don't think I've ever seen a more fitting user name.

[xTRUExHATEx]

@plymalel I suppose it is quite hateful to address ironic anti-Catholic bigotry by pointing out that evangelicals are ignorant of the history of their own faith.

[gameover254286]

In all honesty it doesn't really matter if catholicism was the root of modern day christianity. All that matters is that christ died for us and was risen ffrom the dead. We are all sinners and he is the only way to reconcile ourselfs to God.

[BrockLamkins]

It's great to hear testimony of God's grace.

Read Deuteronomy 8

Don't forget God and all that He has done for us.

[xTRUExHATEx]

"It's great to hear testimony of God's grace."

It's a monumental testament to human credulity.

[Conail23]

and in your bigotry you dont understand the blessings that Christianity brings. Nations that live in the darkness of bllodthirst of Islamofascism for example, find forgiveness and redemption and peace and a lack of violence in Christianity-Christianity changes the world for the better

[xTRUExHATEx]

"and in your bigotry you dont understand the blessings that Christianity brings."

I'm sure all those people dying of AIDS in Africa after being told that condom use is sinful would disagree. I'm sure gay teenagers put on the street by their intolerant parents would disagree. I'm sure anyone who has ever been damaged by the idea of being controlled and punished by a divine dictator or who finds the idea of vicarious salvation by torture repugnant would disagree.

Ever heard of The Inquisition?

[Conail23]

you do not know what you're talking about and I get so tired of having to educate willingly ignorant folks like you, you need to do sme research on what Bible-believers do not on what the roman catholic cult, which has to do with roman and ancient babylonian religion more than the Bible, Catholicism is not Chistianity even though you in your ignorance may think so

[xTRUExHATEx]

Thank you for that beautiful statement of Christian solidarity and compassion. You Christians do love each other, don't you? LOL.

[1Mumpty]

"Ever heard of The Inquisition? "

>> Yep, It was ROMAN CATHOLIC, not Christian.

You may want to check this thing call "the internet", as it contains some information about history.... you may have heard of it (-:

[xTRUExHATEx]

If you consider yourself Christian, your denomination is rooted in Catholicism. I can give you some links if you need help with your research.

I find it hilarious that all you different flavors of Christian love each other so much.

[gameover254286]

@xTRUExHATEx: not really =/ its not rooted in catholicism at all. In acts the first followers of christ are called Christians and that is what Christians are based off of. Catholicism came after cristianity was established.

[xTRUExHATEx]

Driscoll is a Calvinist. Calvinism is an offshoot of Protestantism (the second Reformation), which is an offshoot of Catholicism. Perhaps you should learn more about the history of your particular denomination, because denying its Catholic roots makes you sound like a complete idiot.

[98nafets]

Christianity is rooted in Christ, not Catholicism.

[xTRUExHATEx]

@98nafets

*sigh*

You guys really don't have a clue, do you? One more time, s-l-o-w-l-y, Evangelical Christianity is a branch of Protestantism, which is a branch of Catholicism.  Ever heard of Martin Luther? The Reformation? Or are you completely and totally ignorant of the history of your faith?

[98nafets]

Protestantism is not a branch of Catholicism. There have been Christians who are not Catholics around since Christ's death. The Catholic church forced its beliefs on people. Catholicism was a corruption of Christianity. Protestantism was a return to true Christianity.

That is like saying Sunni Islam is a branch of Shia Islam. They are two separate belief systems in Islam. Just as protestantism is separate from Catholicism.

[xTRUExHATEx]

@98nafets Okay, so you really have no idea. There was only a single group of Christians after Christ's alleged death who were not Catholics. They were called Gnostics, and they were completely wiped out by the Catholics. The founder of Protestantism was Martin Luther. He was a CATHOLIC. Protestantism, while separate from Catholicism today, has its roots in Catholicism (as do all denominations)

[98nafets]

Do you know where the Disciples went after Jesus' Death? They went all over the place, not just Europe. The disciple Thomas went to India where he converted many people, including my ancestors, hence why many Christian Indians have the last name Thomas.

[xTRUExHATEx]

@98nafets Yes, Thomas left a few Catholics in India. The only Protestants in India are a result of missionary activity.

[jgeekb3]

So following this logic, the United States is a "branch" of the United Kingdom.

Since the 11th century, a large percentage of people who believe that Jesus was and is the Christ have not recognized the religious authority of the Pope (see: Great Schism).

In the 16th century, another group stopped recognizing Rome's authority (see: Protestant Reformation).

What part of Christian history am I not understanding?

[xTRUExHATEx]

@jgeekb3

"... the United States is a "branch" of the United Kingdom."

No, but its cultural roots are certainly British. What these evangelicals are doing (following your analogy) is akin to an American saying that Western culture = US culture and has nothing whatsoever to do with Europe.

Your comrades are essentially asserting that Protestantism in general and Evangelicalism in particular trace directly to Christ without going through Catholicism (because of their contempt for Catholics).

[therealdrag0]

xTRUExHATEx, You seem to idolize a social gospel theology. God does not give a blanket call to his people to poverty or to riches. He call us to expand his kingdom and bring glory to God. Driscoll and Mars Hill are doing that. I DON"T CARE HOW MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE OR MAKE OR USE. What is money next to the value of a soul?

Have you rejoiced in what you consider a skewed ministry? Have you rejoiced because they are proclaiming Jesus? Paul would (Phil 1:15-18), so check your heart.

[xTRUExHATEx]

"He call us to expand his kingdom and bring glory to God."

So it's just lucky side effects that all this kingdom expansion enriches those doing the expanding and that glorifying God lets you glorify yourself as well?

[therealdrag0]

I said nothing of the sort. I do not associalte God's kingdom with any earthly kingdom or riches, that would be foolish.

You, after all, are on a computer and on the internet. Do you

know how rich that makes you? If you say it doesn't make your rich your an naive fool. Get off your high horse and do something useful. You don't know Driscoll and it is not your job to judge Driscoll. By the fruit I have every reason to accept Driscoll as a leader and no reason to accept you.

[xTRUExHATEx]

"By the fruit I have every reason to accept Driscoll as a leader and no reason to accept you."

Good, because, unlike Driscoll, I'm not looking for followers. You're a good little sheep. Carry on!

[Pablo113]

Jesus said, not to work and not to save for the future. He also said if some one sues you, pay twice what you owe.

So?? How would we pay the person twice if we are not working or saving for the future?

Thanks Jesus! Your Rock....LORDdddd!!!!

[therealdrag0]

Jesus didn't say that. He said to not worry about earthly things.

But Paul says that we are to work so that we can give generously to those in need.

And Provers speaks about saving up.

We are to save for the future.

Check out the little youtube video: "Planning for Retirement? (Advice From John Piper)"

[xTRUExHATEx]

"But Paul says that we are to work so that we can give generously to those in need."

In the Bible the first priority of giving is providing for the needy. There has been some re-prioritization. Today the focus is on expansion. It's not about helping people, it's about finding more customers.

[wowmanyourock]

Sweet deal; scripture, prayer, diligence and Jesus have got to be the driving force! Keep it up guys.

[xTRUExHATEx]

It's expensive to be a Christian.

Jesus was sure misguided when he thought all of the money should go to the poor. I'm sure if he were here today that he would shift his focus to iPhone apps, campus funds, a great stage set-up and pastors who shop at Hot Topic.

[Pablo113]

I agree Truehate! If Mark really believe in Jesus, why doesn't he give up all he owns including his parish and give it to the poor and follow his boy....JESUSssssss!

[lidgerwood]

Mark spends his money generously- he can shop wherever he wants- don't be so ready to call someone out for being selfish or hypocritical. Jesus told people not to store up treasures on Earth and as far as I can tell, Mark devotes his resources to the glory of God.

Instead of getting a high paying corporate job, he works his butt off telling people about Jesus. Everybody could be more generous, but this man and this church are doing a lot better than most people.

[xTRUExHATEx]

"Instead of getting a high paying corporate job... "

You assume that he could obtain such a job. More likely he'd be a school teacher, and that doesn't pay nearly as much. He's selling a product from which he and his company are profiting mightily. It appears that many a camel expects to fit through the eye of a needle.

[Pablo113]

If he believes in Jesus, then he should give it ALL AWAY! And follow the LORD!

[lidgerwood]

They put together the iPhone app for free, and don't charge for it- the campus funds are to support their brothers and sisters in Christ- they give away 10% of their funds as a church to set up other churches to teach people about Jesus and their pastors can shop wherever the hell they want.

These people love God and love people- they spend their money in ways that proclaim the kingdom of God. Mark exhorts people to give more, not so he can get a pay rise but so more people will hear the gospel

[xTRUExHATEx]

"They put together the iPhone app for free..."

The resources to create and distribute an iPhone app are not free.

"... the campus funds are to support their brothers and sisters in Christ..."

People who can afford college need the funds more than those who are starving? Nice priorities.

"... they give away 10% of their funds as a church to set up other churches..."

That's called investing earnings to expand the business.

[lidgerwood]

Exactly, the resources needed for iPhone apps and other things are not free- but people at Mars Hill do it for free- they lose money on that. If you look at the breakdown of the Mars Hill budget you'd see them giving away a stack of their money to charitable organisations- they fund missionaries and they give away resources and materials.

'Expanding the business' is actually them putting up their own money to ensure that more people are told about Jesus. What do you do with your money?

[xTRUExHATEx]

"What do you do with your money? "

I think people need food, shelter and liberty more than they need indoctrination, so I make my charitable donations in accordance with those values. I think bringing a dying person medication is more helpful than bringing her a Bible. Call me crazy.

"But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:" ~ Luke 14:13

These folks should be the priority... no upper-class college students on that guest list.

[Conail23]

true hate, no matter how much physical help you give out-eventually we ALL die, even the well-cared for. It's just fine to help ppl physically BUT the help that Christians can give that is of eternal value is more important than simply putting off the inevitable

[xTRUExHATEx]

It's Christians who think that their message is valuable, not the recipients of said message. I'm sure that people who are starving would just as soon have the food, thanks.

[lidgerwood]

Paul the apostle shared your concern- he told his readers that it would do no good to see someone in need of food and shelter and say "I wish you well- be fed and find shelter" and then not do anything to help the guy.

You call it indoctrination and downplay its significance because you don't know what the gospel means. Telling people about Jesus gives them life. Jesus is the Lord of everything, and he gave everything so you could have life. He died on the cross to pay for your wretchedness.

[xTRUExHATEx]

"He died on the cross to pay for your wretchedness."

Speak for yourself, asshole. Maybe you deserve crucifixion, but I assure you that I do not.

[comfalot]

Oh, glorious pride. You are such a beautiful thing.

[xTRUExHATEx]

You find my assertion that I am undeserving of the death penalty contemptuous? I assure you it's quite uncontroversial to people who aren't insane.

[Conail23]

Just who do you think you are truehate? You speak for everyone now? You speak for all the millions of devout Christians who received that message that they love and would die for FROm Missionaries?! You don't know what yur talking about buddy, you act like yur surprised that Churches spread Christianity? that's what Churches do! if u dont like it why are u watching Christian videos? Get a life dude!

[xTRUExHATEx]

"You speak for everyone now?"

No, just for hungry people who would rather have food than indoctrination.

[Conail23]

Christians feed the poor all over the world! Where u been living under a rock? DOn't claim to speak for others, you cant speak for anyone but yourself. I do go out and feed the homeless btw do you??