Not preaching, just posting my views.  Isn't this a "free speech" forum?

post all you want...but your religious views...as well as mine and anyone else's have no effect on this situation...we've been told taxes (as much as the loss will hurt us) is irrelevant...well...so is religion...say whatever you want...but know it holds no bearing on the situation at hand...

and you're not succeeding in making RT look like a town of heathens...

"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?   

karen said it all...HOW DARE YOU???

(and you actually consider yourself a good christian???)

quote:

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Originally posted by: Karen
"How DARE you! ""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?" You've got a whopping set of balls. Your superiority complex is mind-boggling. Is this how all of you CC people think? Unbelievable."

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I think you missed something there.  I never said I was doing any of these things.

There are many churches around the country that openly declare that they are doing the things listed above.

How many are in Rockaway Township?

 

So if that say they're "active" and cause "As much impact as possible on the community", then they're considered a worthwhile church.

Our dinky little small-town churches, the ones that our parents and grandparents attended along with maybe 100 other people; the ones in which the congregation doesn't need the hymnal to join in on "The Old Rugged Cross", "How Great Thou Art", and "In The Garden", the ones that have a tricky tray or oyster supper to help pay for repairs to a leaky ceiling--are not worthwhile, "active" churches?

Un EFFING believable.

this is a link to a list of services and places of worship...ALL FOR THE GOOD OF THE TOWN AND THE CITIZENS OF RT!!! i counted 12 places of worship...i'll investigate the missing two...

http://www.gti.net/rocktwp/commalph.html

as you can see...there is ample opportunity for anyone to worship...and there are ample services to help those in need...

giving hope to the hopeless, mending broken lives, rescuing those in the grips of addiction

well...i say that if this is ireland's goal he should stay closer...or move into an area truly afflicted with the maladies...

quote:

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Originally posted by: Karen
"So if that say they're "active" and cause "As much impact as possible on the community", then they're considered a worthwhile church. Our dinky little small-town churches, the ones that our parents and grandparents attended along with maybe 100 other people; the ones in which the congregation doesn't need the hymnal to join in on "The Old Rugged Cross", "How Great Thou Art", and "In The Garden", the ones that have a tricky tray or oyster supper to help pay for repairs to a leaky ceiling--are not worthwhile, "active" churches? Un EFFING believable."

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I didn't see the word "worthwhile" in my posts?  Did you?

I did imply that "active" Christian churches would be doing what Christ commanded them to do. I would put "giving hope to the hopeless, mending broken lives, rescuing those in the grips of addiction"  in the category of Christ's Great commision, wouldn't you?  I could post some Bible verses here that spell out Jesus' own words on this, but I'm sure you already learned them at your small church, so I won't bother.

the question is, how many churches in RT are following Christs commands?

And it does surprise me a bit to hear that you sing "How Great Thou Art" in your church.  From all your dialogue hear, I would expect that maybe you had modernized that song a bit to be sung as "How Effing Great Thou Art"

For if it's good to use those words to strongly emphasize a point, than it certainly would make sense to use them when praising the your Lord, Jesus Christ, wouldn't it?

quote:

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Originally posted by: Obsever
""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?   "

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So Observer - what about us non-Christians.  What about the numerous Jews and Hindus in Rockaway Township.  What about other religions...Are we then 'worthless' because we don't fit YOUR BRAND of religion?  Do you believe the only salvation possible in Rockaway Township is GPBC or Christ Church?  Are you typical of Christ Church members?  What a horrible holier than though attitude you have....

 

worthwhile?

"the question is, how many churches in RT are following Christs commands"

i, personally, don't follow commands blindly...we each have free-will to make decisions for ourselves...but as a good christian i do follow the commandments...

maybe ireland should stop coveting...

quote:

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Originally posted by: Maria
"worthwhile? "the question is, how many churches in RT are following Christs commands" i, personally, don't follow commands blindly...we each have free-will to make decisions for ourselves...but as a good christian i do follow the commandments... maybe ireland should stop coveting..."

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If God himself gave you a direct command, would you follow it?

Christ commands His followers to spread His Gospel.  Are you doing that?

Matthew

"worthless"?  Another word I never used. The other religious groups you mention without a doubt do some good things.  That isn't the point.

Your comment that only GPBC [and of course by inference CC] can be considered active at giving hope to the hopeless, mending broken lives, rescuing those in the grips of addiction imply that you believe that ONLY the houses of worship that follow YOUR BRAND of religion can do good for society.  Sorry bud, I don;'t buy your crap..Don't come knocking at my door trying to covert me - you'll get a door slammed in your face.

Other religions may explain "how" to achieve salvation. The Bible explains Who is the Way to salvation.

Again - blasting YOUR brand of religion at us.  Sorry - I read the original bible.  I'm not interested in the sequel.  I don't care about your interpretations.  You want to spout your hatred of others - that only the right churches can truly help people, please go ahead.  You're giving us all a good understanding of the hatred of those not of your faith you have.  I've seen much good done in this town by those other houses of worship that you seem to find unsuitable at helping people.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Matthew
" If God himself gave you a direct command, would you follow it? Christ commands His followers to spread His Gospel.  Are you doing that? Matthew"

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Keep YOUR gospel out of MY FACE.  I have my own religion and I am NOT interested in yours.  Feel free to practice your believes - but don't try converting me....I don't believe in what you are selling.

It's attitudes like yours that started the Crusades...I wonder how many people have been killed over the past 2000 years in wars fought 'in the name of G-d'.  Convert the heathens or kill them - is that your attitude too?

I suppose next you'll be telling us that G-d personally told Ireland to move to Rockaway and tough sh*t on those in Montclair who are unable to follow???

 

To my fellow RT residents - I apologize for the use of the expletive in the above sentence...It's that holier than though attitude of this 'observer' (who is doing much more than oberserving) that has me POd.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Hey Matt!
" Keep YOUR gospel out of MY FACE.  I have my own religion and I am NOT interested in yours.  Feel free to practice your believes - but don't try converting me....I don't believe in what you are selling. It's attitudes like yours that started the Crusades...I wonder how many people have been killed over the past 2000 years in wars fought 'in the name of G-d'.  Convert the heathens or kill them - is that your attitude too?

I have never seen any support of the "Kill or convert" method in the New Testament, have you?  If you find such a reference, please let me know.

I do believe that method is in the Koran,  it's why 3000 people were murdered on 9/11.

Many have used a false mask of Christianity to murder for selfish gains (Hitler included) but that by no means negates the message of Jesus, does it?

 

I suppose next you'll be telling us that G-d personally told Ireland to move to Rockaway and tough sh*t on those in Montclair who are unable to follow???  

I have no idea what God told Ireland.  It certainly is possible that God doesn't want him to move to RT.  Maybe you could tell me how that issue affects the CC application?  For if they were a group of 5000 Muslims trying to go there, they would have the same RLUIPA rights that CC has.

To my fellow RT residents - I apologize for the use of the expletive in the above sentence...

Apology accepted.

 

It's that holier than though attitude of this 'observer' (who is doing much more than oberserving) that has me POd."

And I am sorry that you are angry.

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Matthew

News update:

This just in.  Jesus has returned to earth.  Of all of the pain and suffering in the world he has choosen Rockaway Twp NJ as his home.  He could have gone to the middle east and help stop 2000 yrs of war, strife and unrest but no he has choosen Rockaway twp.  WHY? He has seen the action one man has taken in His name and has been shocked how this man claiming to do his work is attempting to destroy the land, water and a community that has done a fine job in the past.

According to His press Secretary once the land is protected he will move on to the middle east to stop the war and bring peace to the world. 

Oh by the way THIS IS A JOKE - RELAX!