For groups of over 2000 believers, gathered together to hear God's word, are not a "church" according to VORT, they are something VERY different.
They are a "Mega-Church".
So the large goups that gathered around Jesus to hear Him speak would be thrown out of town if they formed in Rockaway Township? In many cases they were well over 2000 in number.
These large groups would have caused many inconveniences to those around them as they followed Jesus around. And they didn't only listen to Him speak, they all ate together (another sign of a "Mega-Church"?)
And what would have been done with Jesus Himself? What would be done with a man who caused these large groups to keep gathering?
The preachings of Jesus and how many people he preached to, and what he represents, is in no way, shape, or form pertinent to the REAL issues between RT & CC. As noted in the previous message, Jesus came, preached, and left. Jesus's preaching is not the issue, nor is it relative to the case here. I attend church regularly already so Jesus is in my life already. We just do not feel that the 5000+++ fit in our small township. The issue of CC is not Jesus, but the SIZE OF THE PROJECT.
I thought it came down to numbers. That's what VORTS planning expert said. That's the only thing different between a church and a "Mega-church".
The numbers. Over 2000 is a mega-church. So Jesus' followers were a mega-church. Ireland preaches about Jesus to large groups as well. That's the comparison.
Face it Opposers, you would run Jesus out of town on a rail if He pulled any of His stunts in your town, wouldn't you?
Unless my Bible is different, Jesus did not pitch his tent in one play and stay there. And he especially did not live "on campus." Let's not play the word game when one references "left" since he did physically leave that specific location.
Now you sound like the good rev during his riduculous explanations of why he can't project growth.
Finally, where Jesus lives in my life is not relavant to the CC issue.
Ireland is not Jesus. Not even close. In fact, I bet jesus is ashamed of him in some way.
Jesus owned the clothes on his back, and nothing else.
Ireland is a used-car salesman, and nothing more.
And by the way, Jesus WAS a traveling preacher. Go through your bible (a real, accurate bible, not the one you received as free gift for joining Christ Church) and you will see that he tried to bring his message throughout the different areas of what we now call the Middle East.
In fact, the Mormons believe that he came to North America.
Sounds to me like you are brainwashed and VERY anti-Christian, as you do not believe the actual history of Jesus.
Maybe you should ask Ireland for forgiveness. But wait, since he has no real church authority he cannot absolve sins.
You relate Jesus to Ireland and his clan? That is total blasphemy. One man was interested in the well being of mankind while the other is interested in his wallet.
quote: Originally posted by: Very relevant "Not a good analogy? I thought it came down to numbers. That's what VORTS planning expert said. That's the only thing different between a church and a "Mega-church". The numbers. Over 2000 is a mega-church. So Jesus' followers were a mega-church.
Sorry - there were no planning or zoning boards back then. There were no cars. There were no parking spaces for Lexuses (Lexi???). Jesus did not speak about cafeterias for 1000. Jesus did not speak about mega-resorts with gyms / video studios. Jesus did not require a state of the art 3000 seat (stadium seating) amphitheater.
...and those of you who want to say 'blasphamy'...I say comparing Dr. Ireland and his 'country campus' to Jesus fits that word perfectly.
quote: Originally posted by: WWJG "The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:21 Context Would Jesus be allowed into Rockaway Township? According to VORT, apparently not. For groups of over 2000 believers, gathered together to hear God's word, are not a "church" according to VORT, they are something VERY different. They are a "Mega-Church". So the large goups that gathered around Jesus to hear Him speak would be thrown out of town if they formed in Rockaway Township? In many cases they were well over 2000 in number. These large groups would have caused many inconveniences to those around them as they followed Jesus around. And they didn't only listen to Him speak, they all ate together (another sign of a "Mega-Church"?) And what would have been done with Jesus Himself? What would be done with a man who caused these large groups to keep gathering? "
Proverbs 22 16 He (1) who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich, (2) will only come to poverty
So WWJD - I'll bet he wouldn't collect all that money from his parishioners to live in nice houses (how many?) and drive a Lexus. I'll bet he would NOT abondon his parishioners - forcing them to move so far away - without even leaving a place to continue praying behind (after all - if Ireland left a building in Montclair, less people would follow him). How dare you compare this man to Jesus. Jesus would NEVER leave people behind so he could follow a far away dream of a campus. This 'man' is more concerned with building his personal fortune in Rockaway than he is with the old and infirm that he leaves behind, without the church that they call their own...Why? Because if he left a church in Montclair, more people wouldn't follow...So tell me - is this about people (and money) following Ireland or about worship. If it were about worship, he wouldn't worry about how many follow. He'd leave the old church / school in Montclair to serve those who can not or choose not to move.
"Face it Opposers, you would run Jesus out of town on a rail if He pulled any of His stunts in your town, wouldn't you?"
so you're admitting ireland is pulling a stunt...thanks...
and to answer your question...no we wouldn't run jesus out of town b/c he wouldn't be pulling a stunt...
and stop trying (albeit in vain...) to make RT residents look hateful and anti-christian...your accusations fail on the most basic level...we have 14 places of worship in our town...we are pro-RT!!!
Don't worry Maria, the posters here show their ignorance and hate without the need for anyone to paint anything. It is truly hilarious to read this stuff.
quote: Originally posted by: Maria ""Face it Opposers, you would run Jesus out of town on a rail if He pulled any of His stunts in your town, wouldn't you?" so you're admitting ireland is pulling a stunt...thanks... and to answer your question...no we wouldn't run jesus out of town b/c he wouldn't be pulling a stunt... and stop trying (albeit in vain...) to make RT residents look hateful and anti-christian...your accusations fail on the most basic level...we have 14 places of worship in our town...we are pro-RT!!! "
"Stunts"?
That word was used in referrence to the actions of Jesus. Many in His time saw his actions as "stunts".
The point is, it's obvious by their reaction to an "Active" Christian Church, that RT would have no tolerance for Jesus if he were to stroll into town today.
It appears that the (amended) discalimer is still neccesary:
Disclaimer: Not affiliated with, employed by, set to gain from or a member of CC in any way, shape or form. Not Ted. Not Tod. Not Russ. Just a Rickaway observer.
It is very presumptious of you to assume that you know what the reaction of RT residents would be if the real "Jesus" walked down the streets of our town. I resent your assumption and I am not even Christian!
quote: Originally posted by: Craig Maier "Stunts, It is very presumptious of you to assume that you know what the reaction of RT residents would be if the real "Jesus" walked down the streets of our town. I resent your assumption and I am not even Christian!"
I can't reckon the reaction of ALL residents of RT, to be sure.
The reaction of the vociferous objectors can quite conclusively be surmized.
Especially if He had Thousands of people following Him where ever He went.
Can we guess that if He preached in the fields of RT, many people might drive to see Him where ever He was speaking?
That would be a lot of cars!
Disclaimer: Not affiliated with, employed by, set to gain from or a member of CC in any way, shape or form. Not Ted. Not Todd. Not Russ. Just a Rockaway observer.
This is a matter of the size of a project, nothing more nothing less. To ask the question "what would Jesus do?" is simply foolish and has nothing to do with the matter at hand.
Land use issues are detailed complex matters that require careful evaluation and the impact on the community must be taken into concideration. It is clear to the majority that the impact would not be in the best interest of the town and that is where our concerns are.
quote: Originally posted by: Lisa Salberg "This is a matter of the size of a project, nothing more nothing less. To ask the question "what would Jesus do?" is simply foolish and has nothing to do with the matter at hand. Land use issues are detailed complex matters that require careful evaluation and the impact on the community must be taken into concideration. It is clear to the majority that the impact would not be in the best interest of the town and that is where our concerns are. Lisa"
The question isn't "What would Jesus Do?"
It's "What would RT (Objectors) do to Jesus?"
If He caused massive crowds of people arriving by cars & buses, it's pretty obvious what they would do.
As for it being clear to the "Majority" Lisa, I must have missed something on your website. You must have conducted a Poll with results that prove that point and forgot to post it. Please provide proof of that statement here or on your website.
Disclaimer: Not affiliated with, employed by, set to gain from or a member of CC in any way, shape or form. Not Ted. Not Todd. Not Russ. Just a Rockaway observer.
1. jesus has nothing to do with this issue - you need to get beyond the race card and jesus on this issue...what our individual beliefs are and how we do or don't practice our religion is NOT THE POINT...and HAS NO RELEVANCE...and is NOT ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!
2. why are you preaching??? we are not converting to irelandism...we have our own places of worship...and we all worship or not in our own way...
3. RT residents are good people...we help eachother...and look out for our town...
4. all of our churches/temples are "active"...
5. 14 churches/temples are sufficient to service our town and offer all of the benefits we need...
6. why don't you use your real name if you're so proud of cc, ireland...and you are such a righteous person???
Originally posted by: Maria "1. jesus has nothing to do with this issue - you need to get beyond the race card and jesus on this issue...what our individual beliefs are and how we do or don't practice our religion is NOT THE POINT...and HAS NO RELEVANCE...and is NOT ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!
Ireland has been attacked and called a "cult leader". The attackers obviously felt that "religion" was relevant.
2. why are you preaching??? we are not converting to irelandism...we have our own places of worship...and we all worship or not in our own way...
Not preaching, just posting my views. Isn't this a "free speech" forum?
3. RT residents are good people...we help eachother...and look out for our town...
"Good people"? Well, if you believe the Bible (oops, am I preaching?) none of us are "Good". But would "Good" Christians want to deny a church from locating to a property that they wish to legally purchase?
4. all of our churches/temples are "active"...
"Active" in the sense of giving hope to the hopeless, mending broken lives, rescuing those in the grips of addiction? Which ones are doing that? I'll concede that I am sure GPBC is, but are there any others?
5. 14 churches/temples are sufficient to service our town and offer all of the benefits we need...
This was addressed long ago, but I don't think Rockaway Township has 14. If they do, please list them along with their addresses. Don't include any in the Borough, that's a seperate municipality.
And is 14 enough? So that means if a small church wants to come to town, the PB can deny them in your view, because you already have "enough"?
6. why don't you use your real name if you're so proud of cc, ireland...and you are such a righteous person???"