Hillsong And Brian Houston

[lilmissmontana]

I think if God can reform and anoint a murderer like Saul, changing him into one of the most (if not THE most) prolific writer and evangelist ever, He can reform and anoint a child molester. In our eyes, a child molester is worse than a liar or a cheat. In God's eyes, it is all sin, and it all leads to death without His forgiveness.

If we only allow people who are "blameless before others" to run the church, there would be no church. We are blameless only in that Jesus has forgiven our sins and taken the blame for us. You and I are no more blameless than this man is. We are no better and no worse than he is in God's eyes. We have all sinned and fallen short. We are all blameless in God's sight if we are truly washed in the blood of His Son. If we aren't Christian, we bear the full brunt of the blame for our sins.

As Jesus said, He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.

Condemning this man because of past sin is putting yourself in the place of God. It is HIS job, and His job alone, to judge both the sin and the genuineness of repentance. Also, while we ARE to judge and discern our brother's sins (i.e. other Christians) for the sake of their souls, this man was NOT a professing Christian when he committed the molestation. When he becomes a Christian, all that is supposed to be washed away. If our Lord declares a sin forgiven, how arrogant it would be of us to say the sin is unforgivable.

Of course, God gave us the intelligence to protect what is ours. I would not let this man babysit my kids, Godly or not. But if he's bringing so many people to Christ, perhaps he truly has changed. Maybe not. But that's not my place to judge the level of his repentance. If he were to come and speak at my church, then I would be given discernment as to whether he is Godly. Seeing him or hearing him on video/audio would be helpful. But just hearing stories, I don't think any of us can judge.

So, along those lines, has anyone ever gone to listen to this man? Or seen him in a video or heard him in an audio program? If so, what are your feelings?


GoldenKing wrote Where, exactly, does it say in scripture that Mary was a prostitute? That is a myth of the Catholic church (no church-bashing, just stating fact). It only says she was delivered from seven demons. (I think that number is right.)

totally! I'm reminded of Proverbs 24:15,16

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: for a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked will fall into mischief.

The Lord judges on the intent of the heart ... and I understand it's not how many times you fall ... it's how many times you get back up and try to do better ... the Lord qualifies the unqualified ...

If we're asking for scriptures I'd like to see some on being spotless before the people ... who among us was without spot ... spotless before the people and spotless before the Lord are two different things in my understanding ... and especially in this time when everyone is pointing fingers and accusing and coming with guilt and accusation ... no ... I'll let the Lord decide if I'm spotless or not ... and if someone else is or isn't ... not my call ... I'm only to see what is out of place and out of sinc with the Word and avoid applying those things in my walk ... leaning on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct me ... and to redeem the time, spending it wisely ...

 

[byhisstripes]

I tend to agree with MisMontana here in that I really wonder what the purpose of this thread really is.

It certainly doesnt edify anything or praise God. I think the OP and some others should please remember that this forum is pretty much consecrated to fellowship and praise, and contentious bits like this really dont serve the body here.

This is a no debate forum.

No mod hat from me, just an observation.

good question????....I can't just sit and not say anything becuase then wouldn't I be just as guilty as the ones doing it? If Im wrong let me know and I will end it here. Im just trying to shed some truth.

 

[GoldenKingGaze]

My purpose, I suppose, I'd like change in Hillsong. I am critical after disappointment with the changes made, looking at practice, not people.

I am concerned about Hillsong's numbers and their future.

I want them to go after holiness, the love of God, His presence and power.

After a turn from Blaksabb, I had to defend things, going from critical.

I will draft a survey/petition, after thinking and reading some posts here. I wrote the first draft for Hillsong in 2000. I don't know why I plod along and am not diligent. Disorganised maybe.

Thanks for agreements, and comments. Thanks Stormdancer, Byhisstripes.

There was a Mary who was saved by Jesus from stoning, after being caught in adultery.

When I was a Catholic charismatic, I was taught about the translation of "Baracks woman". I heard it was Magdalen.

I didn't know we couldn't debate here. I was after that.

Perhaps this thread should be moved?

 

[byhisstripes]

Thank you for admitting what you were truly after, if you are looking for a place of debate I believe the Spirit Filled/Charasmatic forum has a subforum that you can bring this thread to and debate, if you would please (you don't have to) ask a mod to move this thread over there and or close it it would be greatly appreciated.
You are more than welcome to come fellowship with us and join us in games anytime you would like, we would love to have you here with us

 

[Redheadedstepchild]

Mod Hat On

I'm closing this for review.

Mod Hat Off​