…word on the street is that Dick Iverson has selected the pastor to replace him as leader of MFI.

The rumor is that he decided to choose from his Executive Committee, which includes Frank Damazio, Wendell Smith and Bob MacGregor.

And the person he chose is…

…(drum roll please)…

…Bob MacGregor.

I claim a victory for City Business Church.

…and hilarity ensues.

Once a week, The Washington Post Date Lab sets up singles in the DC area. And this week they picked conservative Christians, Megan and Timothy, delighting me to no end. These two managed to fulfill every possible cliche.  Her favorite book, The Case for Christ. His: The Bible.

Here is a wonderful sample of their date.

Megan: I was glad that he was Christian. But he does things that I don't do, like dancing and drinking and going to movies.

Timothy: It had come up that she graduated from Bob Jones University. People who graduate from Bob Jones are definitely more strict. If she's absolutely against dating someone who likes to go to the movies and have a beer every once in a while, I have to respect her views on that. [But] Jesus never hid from the secular world, and I don't think I'm going to Hell for watching "The Office."

Needless to say, it didn't work out.

This should be a case study on why some Christians can't get married.

Having pretty much irrefutably resolved, I think — to any open-minded person who accepts the authority of the Word of God — the question of Christ’s Deity in the previous post (hopefully that was helpful, in spite of the length), let us proceed. 

Anyone who has spent any time at all in reading the four Gospels will soon notice that the Gospel of John is markedly different from the other three.  

So much so that Matthew, Mark and Luke have been grouped together and referred to under the name Synoptics, which basically means “same view.” These Gospels record many of the same parables, miracles, and teachings from the Life of Jesus in a similar style, chronological order, and oftentimes, in almost identical language.  

But John’s Gospel is another story. It is quite unique in both style, wording, and content. Scholars believe that it was the last of the Gospels to be written, probably sometime around 90-100 A.D., towards the end of John’s life. It has been surmised that at that time, John was the Pastor of the church at Ephesus, and that since he was so close to their Savior — John 13:23, 20:2, and 21:7,20 all refer to John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” — the Christians of John’s day were constantly asking him to give his account of the Good News as he remembered it: a spiritual record of the Life of Jesus. 

The Early Church Father Irenaeus (died ca. 185 A.D.) states that John wrote his Gospel to specifically refute the Gnostic heretic Cerinthus. Church history tells an interesting story of John, who upon encountering this Cerinthus in a public bath house, cried to his disciples, "Up! Let us leave, lest the building fall down upon us; for Cerinthus the enemy of the truth is among us!”

Quite a strong response to false doctrine, as well as perhaps an example for us in our day!  

John does not open his Gospel with a genealogy of the natural life of Jesus the Man, as do Matthew and Luke, nor with action as does Mark, but instead goes back to Eternity past, and describes Jesus as God Himself. 

Also, it may be noticed that the wording of the Gospel of John is different. The way he describes things, and the words he uses, are more simple and straightforward. Notice the subdued, almost understated way John begins in chapter one:  

“In the beginning” 

“was the Word” 

“the Word was with God” 

“the Word was God” 

“in Him was life” 

“the life was the light of men” 

This is especially apparent from his usage of the Greek language, which is of an extremely simple and basic construction. So much so, in fact, that all beginning students of Greek start out their study of this intricate and complex language in the writings of John, usually in this very Gospel. After that, it’s on to more intermediate Greek such as is found in James, the Gospel of Mark, and the Epistles of Peter. Finally — almost as punishment — one concludes with the baffling perplexities of Paul’s scholarly Greek, very complicated indeed. 

It should be noted that while John does use the most basic constructs of language to communicate his message, the words are nevertheless deeply profound in spite of their simplicity. Jerome (died ca. 420 A.D.), the writer of the Latin Vulgate, remarked that “John indeed excels in the depths of divine mysteries.”  

Students of the Bible have also noticed certain distinctive overall themes in the four Gospels.  

Matthew has been recognized as being directed to the Jews — it is believed to have originally been penned in Hebrew — and being replete with O.T. citations, is thought to have been written to prove the Messiah- and King-ship of Jesus. Thus, it is perhaps addressed to the religious man. 

Mark is thought to be addressed to the Roman world, to the man of action. Mark does not open his Gospel with a genealogy, but instead goes directly into the Ministry of Jesus. Inasmuch as Mark was known to be Peter’s companion (see 1 Peter 5:13 and Colossians 4:10), who also was connected to Rome — the “Babylon” reference in 1 Peter 5:13 is thought to be a reference to Rome — it is thought to have essentially been the Gospel according to Peter, and thus it truly seems to be the “Gospel of Action.” If you look up the words “straightway,” and “immediately” in a concordance, you will find that they occur in Mark more times than any other book. 

Luke is the longest of the four Gospels, and as he was probably a Gentile (compare Paul’s distinctions in Colossians 4:7-14), his Gospel has been recognized to have been addressed to the Greek world. His Gospel has more parables than the others, and is thought to have been directed to the thinking man. 

John focuses his Gospel on the Deity of Jesus Christ (see 20:31), and selects 8 major Miracles from the Life of Jesus to show this. This book has traditionally been recognized as being addressed to the believer. 

Thought: Many people say John is their favorite Gospel, the one they turn to in times of difficulty.  

Question: What is your favorite Gospel?

-joebib

It's funny how these three are all connected.

I did not know this, but guess who serves on the Board of Regents at Oral Roberts University:

Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn and Creflo Dollar. Three of the regents under investigation by the U.S. Senate. They were among six televangelists who received letters from Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee.

And guess who attended Oral Roberts University:

Pastor Frank Damazio is a graduate of Portland Bible College and holds a Bachelor of Theology degree and a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University.

And what do ORU, the Regents and D-Maz all have in common? They all believe in the "Prosperity Doctrine".

Sadly, if recent events are any guide, I don't think the "Prosperity Doctrine" believes in them.

A reader sends in this CNN video clip of a sex scandal surrounding a pastor who found out that his uncle was really his father. (Yep, this took place in the South.)

It's a good interview about how congregations need to stop treating pastors like they are infallible. The pastor in the clip seemed a little smug to me and I found it annoying. But other than that a nice discussion on how we treat authority figures in the church.

A reader sends in the following WSJ article which discusses the backlash against tithing.  

The backlash comes as some churches step up their efforts to encourage tithing. Some are setting up "giving kiosks" that allow congregants to donate using their debit cards when they attend services. Others are offering financial seminars that teach people in debt how they can continue tithing even while paying off their loans.

The article also discusses The Mega Church Affect

The Megachurch Effect

Resistance to tithing has been increasing steadily in recent years, as more churchgoers have questioned the way their churches spend money. Like other philanthropists today, religious givers want to see exactly how their donations are being used. In some cases, the growth of megachurches, some with expensive worship centers equipped with coffee bars and widescreen TVs, have turned people off of tithing. And those who object are finding like-minded souls on the Web in theological forums.

The whole article is great, especially the section about "grace giving" and the stories of people who stood up to their pastor.  I encourage you to read the whole thing

But most importantly I want all you readers to know that you're not just bitter and angry, you are also apart of a larger movement, a "backlash" if you will. It makes a blogger think we may be reaching a "tipping point", a point where Christians no longer allow their pastors to manipulate them into giving money.

I've decided to take Anna's advice and expand our FAQ's by responding to a few comments that we often receive here. I doubt that many actually read the FAQ's but regardless, I'll answer them anyway:

(Comment 1) You are so hurt, you poor things - striking out blindly in your pain.

Upon first glance it may appear that both Reformed Pope & Catalyst are very bitter and angry towards City Bible Church and Frank Damazio…of course if you stick around long enough you'll see that we really aren't all that upset. We just find what they teach to be wrong, and "We aren't going to take it…"

Of course, saying that someone is "striking out blindly" due to hurts and bitterness is a defense technique (used by many Christians) called deflection. The goal here is to take the attention off the original subject and deflect it to another issue. As I always say in these kinds of situations…I'm more than happy to talk about my issues, but that is a topic for another day…now, back lets get back to you…

(Comment 2) Before you criticize these leaders publicly, you must go to them personally.

Did it. Loved it.

I have attempted to set up a meeting with Pastor Frank Damazio of City Bible Church in Portland, OR, He refuses to meet with me. You can read our email exchange here. In addition to the meeting attempt, I sent PF a letter listing my concerns about his teachings. I have successfully met with 2 other elders from CBC…and had one writing posts on this blog for a short time…That discussion can be read by clicking on the following 6 links: Dear _______, Dear Howard, Howard's Response, How Howard Saved the World (Part 1), How Howard Saved the World (Part 2), and finally, Addressing the Mob. In addition to ALL of that I have had a few months worth of email exchanges with another elder @ CBC (I have not posted those emails, because I told him I wouldn't. You can, however, read his defense of the "Faith Harvest Doctrine" here…start at the bottom and work your way up).

We also received a kind letter from CBC's lawyers…we were able to work out that dispute…You can read those posts (best post ever) here.

So, before you run to your Matthew 18 defense, please know that we have had a lot of contact with City Bible Church. Oddly enough…we still don't see eye to eye…I guess the next step would be for us to cast Frank Damazio out of the congregation, but I bet he would still keep coming.

(Comment 3) Every leader is appointed by God, therefore they are exempt from human evaluation - Do not touch God's anointed!

I have to answer this comment with a question of my own: What makes someone "God's anointed"? Who gets to set that bar? Are any and all "pastors" to be considered "God's Anointed"? What about small group leaders or mentors? I would also like to ask that any and all people who use this line of defense need to think real hard about it, before they start talking about our political leaders…my oh my, how many Christians wanted to bash ole Bill Clinton when he was in office…If PF is one of "God's Anointed" then so was Bill Clinton…and Hillary in '08 will be as well…enjoy that one.

(Comment 4) Satan is the accuser of the brethren, so when you accuse a leader of any wrong-doing, you are just satan's pawn.

Satan is the founder of the Prosperity Doctrine…when you follow that teaching you are just satan's pawn. How's that for a little Rosie-Dosie?

(Comment 5) Don't you have anything better to do than sit around criticizing people who are attempting to do God's work?

No…although things have slowed down lately so maybe I'm getting a life…probably not though.

Also, if you want to learn more about my personal life, you can go to my family blog, which I am far more proud of than this site. Look at how happy everyone is and tell me if I am letting bitterness ruin my life? And as always, you are welcome to contact me directly if you have any other questions or concerns…and I am happy to meet with anybody who wishes to do so.

Johnpaul Morton (Reformed Pope)

Mortonjp14@hotmail.com

Just when I thought I had seen every comment out there, James goes and says this:

All religion, spirituality, and any “just causes” set aside, you are really doing an impressive job at ruining this man “Frank Damazio’s” life. Good luck with everything.

I don't quite know what to say about that….so I'll move on to address another comment from Frustrated:

Let’s say for the sake of argument, that you are right. Frank Damazio is a cheater. He steals and manipulates. He focuses way too much on tithing and leaders and minimizes the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Allow me to set the record straight. I, Johnpaul Morton, do NOT (let me stress the word NOT)…I do NOT believe that Frank Damazio is a cheater. I do not believe that he Steals. I do NOT believe that he does anything illegal. I happen to believe that Frank is deceived. I believe that Satan has worked his way into the American culture so much that he has many pastors (PF et al) believing that God wants them to be wealthy. Their eyes are blind to the truth and they have been distracted from teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This does NOT mean that they cheat or steal. People CHOOSE to give them money of their own free will.

Pastor Frank Damazio of City Bible Church in Portland, OR is not an evil person…he just happens to be mislead. Please pray for him. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

According to one lawyer, yes:

A judge agreed in a decision published this week to hear arguments on the claim, and he ordered a financial appraisal of the church. Lawyers involved in the case said it could represent the first time anyone in New York state has tried to treat a religious institution as a marital asset.

The wife argues that her husband of 31 years used his Brooklyn church as a “personal piggy bank,” setting his own income, spending the congregation’s tithes as he pleased and running a catering business from the building, according to an account of the claims in state Supreme Court Judge Arthur M. Diamond’s decision….

The wife said $50,000 of the couple’s money went into starting the church, and she should share in value.

“That church is no different than any other business he might have opened,” said the wife’s lawyer, Robert Pollack.

But as you know, God wants everyone to be rich. So move along people, nothing to see here.

(H/T - Chris)

I would like to take a moment to update everyone on Faith Harvest. I, naturally, have been listening very closely to all of Frank Damazio's Faith Harvest sermons (this year he started prepping his congregation early with the "Surplus" series which he has carried right into "Faith Harvest" which he titled something like Supernatural Supply…). I've heard them all.