Archive
Soul Purpose – March 2010.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Yup – first up, apologies for the lack of Soul Purpose in 2009 and communication on the website/email. We really do know that you guys are the heart and soul of the magazine and want to honour that.
I’ve been overseas for the last couple of months, working as well as collecting some great stories that you’ll be seeing the pages of the magazine. Here’s the full update on what we’re looking at.
Soul Purpose has been working on a partnership with the ANZTCA – a group of chaplains that work throughout universities, polytechnics and tertiary organisations. I’m personally really excited about distributing the magazine through this network as well as existing groups and subscribers.
When we shut down the forums for safety reasons, our hope was to make some changes to the website and the way we hosted discussion on the site. These plans are still underway – please pray for us and email your thoughts about the forums/discussion models to tash@soulpurpose.co.nz. I want to hear from you guys directly.
We are going to publish the “inaugural” edition of the magazine under this new phase of life to be available for orientation weeks on campuses around the country. We have a print date, copy in the bag and are closing out a couple more pieces. We’ll close out at the beginning of February and copies will be arriving for the start of March.
I’ve also been piecing together a really important part of the background story at Soul Purpose, the Board that helps give guidance and direction to where we are going! We’ll introduce them to you shortly, as they’ll be some of the voices you hear from regularly.
Features include a guest editorial from Stephen Christian of Anberlin, a photo essay and journal from a young couple’s trip to Ecuador, an interview with Dave Tomlinson, author and leader as well as some great O-week content for those moving into a new phase of life or getting back into the swing of it after a great summer break.
So – that’s the update. Look for a new email newsletter coming to your inbox with the same info and goss about the new look and feel of the magazine. You can stay in touch with us online with Twitter.. check out @SPMAgNZ.
Once again – I apologize sincerely for the delay in transmission – but you can always contact me directly tash@soulpurpose.co.nz.
Wishing you all the best for a merry, safe and well Christmas season.
Tash
Have your say!
Let us know your thoughts. Remember, all comments are moderated. Have fun!
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Hi
Just wondering why SoulPurpose is getting itself involved with the ecumenical and interfaith organisation ANZTCA? If you look on their website, you will not find one mention of Jesus Christ or the gospel. You will however find a list of “Chaplains” that include Buddhists, Mormoms and Muslims.
What on earth is going on? I think you need to provide an explanation. Thanks.
Posted at 2:46 pm on December 10th, 2009.Hi Chris.
We’re looking to partner with an organization that sees value in SP magazine being on campus. We’re not integrating with the organization, nor necessarily holding to the same statements of belief or faith. However, what we have in common is a strong desire to be relevant and available to a broad range of students on NZ campuses, not just people who would subscribe to the Christian faith.
If we wanted to be a “Christians-only” magazine, we’d only concentrate on individual & church readers, but the truth is, there’s a lot of life out there to be discussed, and we view this as a positive relationship, as well as an open door to onward discussions on campus and throughout NZ.
This does not mean, that SP is going to be an inter-faith magazine – our faith statements remain intact. However – my hope is that people will encounter a magazine that is accessible to NZers from all walks of life, and that they’ll find hopefulness, intelligent writing on relevant issues and entertainment. All of this, with an open, frank attitude towards the importance of faith and faith issues to our culture.
So.. hope that explains a little bit of why we think this is an opportunity, one that we value. Inevitably, it hopefully means greater distribution and accessibility to the magazine and the community around it.
Tash
Posted at 2:19 pm on December 11th, 2009.Why couldn’t you distribute the magazine via Christian individuals or Christian student groups already on every campus in NZ? Why partner with an ecumenical, interfaith organisation which has members that deny the gospel and Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation? The bible talks about not being unequally yoked Tash, but it seems as though that’s what you’re doing!
As I stated in my first comment, there is NO mention of Jesus Christ or the gospel that saves on the ANZTCA website. Did that not ring an alarm bell for you from the start?
Quite frankly the “answers” you have given me are unsatisfactory.
Posted at 8:33 pm on December 11th, 2009.umm safety reasons? what o you mean by that? … was it that girl who commentd about stuff she was guna do? or that random guy…rebel heart?
Posted at 4:50 pm on December 13th, 2009.I am particularly interested in what safety aspects you were worried about surrounding the forums, there was a relatively low amount of spam or malicious material compared to other forums and the people for the most part were positive to each other. With the exception of certain conversations it was perfect. I admit I am slightly peeved that you guys pulled it down.
Posted at 3:46 pm on December 16th, 2009.Chris, I think you need to take a step back and loosen up. To me you’re modeling a very negative and judgmental attitude that pushes people away from Jesus and the church. Partnering with that group to distribute the magazine in no way compromises the message of the gospel Soul Purpose is hoping to reach people with.
Posted at 6:44 pm on December 16th, 2009.Hey guys –
There were some serious concerns around some behaviour going on in the private messaging features – that led to safety concerns of some users. You wouldn’t have seen it in the public forum. For the sake of those involved, that’s all the comment I want to make here. Thanks for your understanding.
And Chris, we do partner with a number of other Christian groups and individuals on campuses – this is a different and more substantial distribution.
Thanks guys!
Tash
Posted at 5:20 am on December 17th, 2009.Darren:
Are you SP staff? My comments/questions are directed at SP staff, so perhaps you should loosen up and step back from a conversation that has nothing to do with you?
And FYI, I really don’t see how my comments are negative or judgmental (not that there’s anything wrong with “judging”, in fact the bible instructs us to do it!). I have merely investigated the organisation SP is “partnering” with, and found it has no gospel basis or mention of Jesus at all. And as I stated, their “chaplains” are made up of Mormons, Muslims and Buddhists (all of whom deny Jesus Christ as God, and Him alone as the way of salvation). The bible clearly states in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 not to be bound or unequally yoked together with unbelievers. There is absolutely nothing on the ANZTCA website that leads me to believe they’re a christian organisation whatsoever! They are in fact an ecumenical and interfaith organisation, made up of many different faiths under the one umbrella organisation ANZTCA. While there may be individual saved christians amongst this organisation, I really don’t see how “partnering” with the organised group as a whole is a good reflection upon SP, a group whom I am led to believe is evangelical christian. As an evangelical myself, I wouldn’t want to be “partnered” with such a group, and as I stated, could find much more constructive, legitimate and above all biblical “partnerings” amongst individual christians/christian groups already on campus.
Tash: you still haven’t addressed any of my concerns about the ecumenical/interfaith organisation you’ve got yourself involved in. Your one sentence “answer” to me is wholly unsatisfactory.
Posted at 4:44 pm on December 17th, 2009.Hey Chris…
Why don’t you wait and see how things pan out before you get too worked up about what is happening at SP. Your on-line attitude has still not changed from your days on the forums that got you banned!!! Does it really matter how the message of Jesus Christ is being distributed, as long as the message is not diluted and is reach a wider audience, what’s wrong with that???
Posted at 2:04 pm on December 19th, 2009.Hi Popsy
Long time no hear!
My on line “attitude” hasn’t changed, you are correct! I am still putting into practice what the bible tells me to do ie be discerning, judging things against God’s Word etc. I note that no one has yet refuted my biblical argument from 2 Corinthians! People can try to argue around it as much as they like, but God’s Word is crystal clear.
As for my getting banned from SP message boards, just for the record I was banned WITHOUT SP following their own system of warnings from the website. I only ever had 1 official warning before being banned, whereas the website clearly stated there was a graduated series of warnings before a member was banned outright. SP decided to ignore their own rules, and banned me (it seems as though I touched a few raw nerves, and people didn’t like the truth of what I was stating, which by the way were never refuted eg my expose on now proven heretic, adulterer and drunk Todd Bentley). Incredulous really since I had been a member of the SP online community for about 5 years, and had contributed 700+ posts! And I note while I was banned, there were many people on the boards, many non christian, who seemed to be able to get away with saying anything! I was actually quite glad the boards were shut down, because they had become a joke.
And yes Popsy, in my opinion it does matter how the message of Jesus Christ is being delivered (and who delivers it)-because when you’re relying on a interfaith and ecumenical organisation to be a part of it, I believe ultimately the message will be diluted, and will be seen by the non christian audience it’s supposed to reach as being only 1 of a smorgasboard of religious ideas, all supposedly equally valid.
What we need in NZ right now, especially amongst young people, is christians who will be uncompromising in their stand for the truth of who Jesus Christ is, and the uniqueness and truth of the gopel message that saves-not a feel good mag distributed by an interfaith/ecumenical organisation that ultimately makes no mention of Jesus’ and His good news.
Merry Christmas.
Posted at 8:17 am on December 21st, 2009.Tertiary Student Christian Fellowship.
Has anyone at SP heard of this organisation? I personally don’t know much about them, but looking at their website they seem to be an evangelical christian organisation, that has representation on all universities etc in NZ. Why dosen’t SP look into this group, and distibute the SP magazine through them? They appear to be a solely christian organisation, not an ecumenucal and interfaith one, and therefore would be an ideal partner for SP according to 2 Corinthians 6:14-16.
Just as an aside, on the ANZTCA website, I see a picture of an elder of “The Street” who also is involved with ANSVAR insurance who specialise in insuring “faith organisations”. What influence (if any) does this have with SP’s decision to “partner” with ANZTCA?
I look forward to a reply.
Posted at 9:22 am on December 21st, 2009.Hi Chris – and others.
Thanks for all your comments and ongoing participation.
I’ll keep this relatively brief that so we don’t start creating the world’s longest comment stream.
1. Chris, as I stated in my second reply, we actually already partner with several TSCF’s throughout the country. Have done for many many years and won’t be ceasing that distribution arrangement.
2. I think some of your assumptions and comments seem to be directed with the idea that SP is somehow changing the core beliefs and values to match or lineup with those of ANZTCA. I’ve never stated this and it isn’t the case, however we have some similar goals in wanting to create avenues for people to be able to find avenues of discussion, expression and guidance in spiritual matters on campus. So, actually, I can’t see any reason why SP shouldn’t be precisely in that place.
3. You talk about “in my opinion it does matter how the message of Jesus Christ is being delivered (and who delivers it)-because when you’re relying on a interfaith and ecumenical organisation to be a part of it, I believe ultimately the message will be diluted”.. it’s a magazine, printed on paper. It can’t be re-edited once it has left us in print. So ultimate control over the message is ours. I consider it a privilege to have been approached because they consider SP to be important.
4. The questions over board members etc seems pretty provocative – as if you’re trying to find a covert or underhand intention. But to reassure you, actually the approach originally came from an Auckland contact within ANZTCA.
5. I think if we were going to proof-text on this, Paul’s interaction at Athens, using Hellenistic concepts to communicate his message also provides a appropriate precedent for what we’re trying to do.
Chris, I’m really happy to dialogue about this with you further, but I suspect at this point it’s really a much better idea if we do that privately.
My hope is always, that more people encounter a relevant, truthful message in the pages of SP, whatever subject matter or however they came across the magazine. It is my firm belief that is keeping the main thing, the main thing.
As always – kind regards.
Posted at 9:53 am on December 21st, 2009.Tash:
Re:
1)- you never specifically mentioned TSCF at all; secondly, why not distribute to every campus through TSCF solely? They cover virtually every university etc in NZ! Again I ask, why partner with an ecumenical/interfaith organisation whose main priority isn’t Jesus or the gospel? On a purely practical level, you seem to have several different groups all running round doing exactly the same thing! Doesn’t make any sense to me.
2,3)- I have assumed no such thing. However, as history has proven time and again, when you start associating and partnering yourselves with groups such as ANZTCA who are ecumenical and interfaith, 1 of 2 things happens- either your message will become diluted, or they will boot you out! I really don’t see how a Muslim member of ANZTCA is going to be happy with a magazine (promoted by the organisation he belongs to) that says Jesus Christ alone is the way to the Father. A Muslim doesn’t believe that, neither does a Mormon or a Buddhist (all ANZTCA Chaplains as per their website). And implicit in your reply is the fact you acknowledge the ANZTCA has DIFFERENT CORE BELIEFS AND VALUES! Ring a ding ding, there’s that bell I was talking about.
4)- provocative? Maybe, maybe not. But it does seem like a rather odd coincidence.
5)- Paul’s interactions never used unsaved people or others of differing religious persuasions to spread the gospel message. Never! So I don’t quite understand how you think you’re using his methods! Thats twisting scripture out of all context, to make it fit what you want it to.
Please address specifically 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. What does it say Tash? Either you “partner” with an ecumenical and interfaith organisation (like ANZTCA) and disobey the scriptures, or you have nothing to do with them, therefore obeying the scriptures. It seems pretty clear cut to me.
Posted at 4:52 pm on December 21st, 2009.Chris…
I’ll not enter your discussion with Tash, but I suggest you make your point (which you have), and then leave it up to her and the board.
In response to your comments regarding your banning it was a decision that was not made lightly but was clearly within our rules, as they state;
“Reprimand for bad behaviour is not taken lightly and is only enforceable by the forums administrator. If a behavioural change is seen then the offender’s slate is wiped clean. Also, if the administrator feels the actions warrant it, they have the right to ban a member outright without the need for continual warnings.”
Your behaviour as well as others fell within the need to ban outright without the need for continual warnings.
Have a great Christmas, P
Posted at 8:14 pm on December 21st, 2009.Popsy:
Oh dear. The main reason I was given for my banning in an e-mail from Elliott Taylor was my continual “expose” of christian personalities. Yet it seems SP is obviously unfamiliar with Romans 16:17, which specifically tells us to mark those who cause divisions and teach false doctrine, and avoid them!
Jesus did it, Paul did it, and numerous great teachers throughout church history have done exactly the same thing.
Thats all I ever did, follow the biblical examples and put into practise the plain teaching of scripture, and the abuse and scripture twisting etc that ensued, directed at me from other people was a joke and SP moderators seemed to do little about it.
Rob Bell, Phil Pringle and Todd Bentley were exactly those persons the bible instructs us to mark and avoid, because of their heresy, false prophecies etc etc.
It seems to me that if SP can’t even get the basics right, and apply clear scriptural principles (ie the Romans passage above, and the 2 Corinthians passage in my earlier posts), then perhaps they should think of getting out of christian ministry.
Posted at 2:03 pm on December 22nd, 2009.Thanks for your comments Chris…
I pray that one day you will learn and put into practice the teaching in Eph 4:15 & 16…
My commenting here has concluded, I’ll leave it up to Tash to comment further if she chooses.
Try and have a good Christmas…
P
Posted at 4:10 pm on December 22nd, 2009.Popsy:
That condescending, judgemental comment you just made is rather childish. I actually am speaking the truth here in love, because I am extremely concerned at the direction I see SP taking by joining with ANZTCA. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t bother wasting my time!
Also please note the previous verse to the ones you just quoted- “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;”
That verse is one of the reasons I post what I do-I want to ensure that young people especially are grounded in sound doctrine, so that they can grow as discerning christians, in an ever undiscerning world.
Try and have a good Christmas? You bet I will.
Posted at 4:27 pm on December 22nd, 2009.Chris…
This is not a comment (as I promised not to add further) but a suggestion…
If you are that concerned why not email Tash and arrange to meet her (as you both live in Auckland) and talk things over with her in an amicable way. I don’t know who the board members are but if they too are in Auckland you may be able to involve them. I believe that would putting in practice what you firmly believe in…
Isn’t that a mature thought???
Sorry I don’t bet but I’m please you have every intention of enjoying Christmas, I hope it is enjoyable for you…
Over and out, P
Posted at 7:07 am on December 23rd, 2009.Popsy:
I don’t actually live in Auckland!
I really see no point in meeting Tash personally, because I have stated quite clearly here, with biblical support, what it is I believe. I would say nothing different in a face to face meeting. Either SP can choose to do things biblically, or they can do things unbiblically. As I stated, it seems to me to be a pretty clear cut decision.
Why doesn’t SP get in touch with the head of TSCF in NZ, and get a distribution arrangement solely through them, to every university, tertiary institution etc throughout NZ? As I stated, not only would this be a legitimate biblical partnering as per 2 Corinthians, but on a purely practical level, having 1 organisation that distributes the magazine throughout NZ would make common sense.
Gee, with all this good advice, perhaps I should be on the SP board? Lol ; )
Posted at 9:06 am on December 23rd, 2009.Popsy:
I don’t actually live in Auckland!
I really see no point in meeting Tash personally, because I have stated quite clearly here, with biblical support, what it is I believe. I would say nothing different in a face to face meeting. Either SP can choose to do things biblically, or they can do things unbiblically. As I stated, it seems to me to be a pretty clear cut decision.
Why doesn’t SP get in touch with the head of TSCF in NZ, and get a distribution arrangement solely through them, to every university, tertiary institution etc throughout NZ? As I stated, not only would this be a legitimate biblical partnering as per 2 Corinthians, but on a purely practical level, having 1 organisation that distributes the magazine throughout NZ would make common sense.
Gee, with all this good advice, perhaps I should be on the SP board? Lol ; )
2 sleeps til Santa folks!
Posted at 9:07 am on December 23rd, 2009.No, I have the last word!
No, I do!
I thought I’d revisit the forum. Yikes, now I remember why I left. No wonder it was taken offline.
Posted at 10:41 am on December 23rd, 2009.Merry Christmas everyone!
Posted at 6:36 pm on December 24th, 2009.The angel said to them,”Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. he is Christ, the Lord” – Luke 1:10-11
:)
Yes, Merry Christmas Everyone…
Im really looking forward to SP being back, have definitely missed it…Will be praying for SP and all the other people involved, and for God’s leading for the future. I believe He will lead you (SP) down the right paths.
Thanks for the great mag, and all the best for these next couple of months
Posted at 4:53 pm on December 25th, 2009.Rosie
YAY! I have missed SP so so much, I am so glad to hear that it is coming back with a bang! I will keep SP in my prayers
Thanks for all that you guys do, I think this mag is an awesome way to spread the message of Jesus and it is such a good mag for everyone
much love, Ngaio
Posted at 3:38 pm on December 26th, 2009.Glad to hear SP is coming back, have missed you guys! Was such a great influence on my life when I was a teenager, and now that I’m a youth group leader, have really wished it was still around to help share the gospel with our kids.
Am a little bit interested to see these “changes” but am really looking forward to them too. Don’t be discouraged by any negative comments (I’d even consider disabling comments potentially on this post), you guys are doing a great work and it has really made an impact on so many peoples lives.
Blessings,
Posted at 11:48 pm on December 28th, 2009.Owen
Chris:
My question to Chris is this, if and it is an if, the people you mentioned are false teachers and that’s a really big if, rather than going round saying they are false teachers, why did you not talk to them directly and correct them? What good is it going to serve them that “if” they are living in false doctrine that they keep living it? They are trusted with parts of the church so if you are to have any influence you must influence them, not others. Pushing on others only makes yourself look arrogant and even more so when you say I told you so, like you did.
Tash:
Posted at 9:27 pm on December 30th, 2009.I am aware of what was going on, I am quite good friends with the majority of the people who were on the boards, and to be honest I don’t really see a way around it unless you got rid of the PM part of the forums, at least that way people would have to communicate in public, at the same time though it does lose a bit that is useful
I am
Jono:
No “if’s” about it mate, I proved over and again that these men were teaching false doctrine/making false prophecies, and bringing christianity into disrepute.
Read the verse again I gave in my earlier post re marking and avoiding false teachers-it says nothing about going to them privately! Their published material is already in the public domain, so we have an obligation to point out error and false teaching in that material.
For the record, I did in fact try to contact Phil Pringle on numerous occasions about his publicly stated prophecy, (which the bible instructs us to judge), it was proven to be false and i never had the courtesy of a reply.
These types of individuals are exactly whom the bible warns us of in the last days, and the chance of getting them to repent and change their ways is almost futile.
Lastly, if doing what the bible instructs me to do and informing the christian public about the nonsense being taught/prohesied makes me “arrogant”, then thats a label I’ll quite happily live with. I’m “arrogant”. Jesus was “arrogant”. The apostle Paul was “arrogant”. Looks like I’m in good company.
Posted at 10:12 am on December 31st, 2009.And just while we’re on the subject of arrogance, what I find arrogant is people who are obviously biblically illiterate, who don’t know what the bible clearly teaches, who come on here and start name calling and make smarmy comments. No one has dealt with the verses I’ve given, no one has been able to refute what I’ve said, instead I get personally attacked and name called.
Posted at 10:32 am on December 31st, 2009.Chris…
I see you ended 2009 in your usual manner!!!
Maybe it’s not about the verses you’ve quoted but the way you discuss things, have you ever considered that???
Hopefully in 2010 and beyond you might start to show the grace of God in your conversations and comments then the message you have on your heart might be heard.
Please prayerfully consider my comment because it is given in love.
Happy New Year, P
Posted at 7:59 am on January 1st, 2010.Popsy:
My usual manner? I’ll defend myself and my position (which again, no one has dealt with or refuted) til the cows come home.
Unfortunately you seem to be another person who seems more intent on attacking me personally, rather than dealing with the issues I have raised. It seems Jono can attack me personally, Owen can attack me personally, Why am I not surprised? can attack me personally, and yet you say nothing about their posts!
This smacks of hypocrisy, but that seems to be par for the course around here doesn’t it?
Perhaps you (amongst others) should heed the “advice” you seem all too willing to dish out.
Posted at 12:54 pm on January 1st, 2010.Hi Chris,
I would just like to point out that all through you comments you’ve said that you are judging people against God’s word – the way its says to in the bible. I have searched the bible thoroughly for a loop-hole through which to judge people, and I have not been able to find any. If you could point me to the scripture to which you are referring, I would much appreciate it.
Also, not trying to attack you personally, but the people you have accused of being false witnesses are well respected influential people. I personally look up to Rob Bell and his teaching. I think he lays out what the bible has to say in a logical way that appeals and makes sense to many people. So I would ask you to maybe reconsider you opinions and judgments before you make them public.
Thanks.
Guys, the way the comments have been going is getting quite aggressive on both sides, and is upsetting to read. I would appreciate it if all involved could maybe tone down their comments and keep Jesus at the centre of this discussion.
Posted at 12:07 pm on January 2nd, 2010.Not Judgmental:
Oh dear, which bible are you reading? You can’t find one verse or example from scripture where we are commanded to judge or to discern false teaching and correct it, or point out to others that they’re mistaken or sinning? Here’s some:
John 7:24, 1Cor 5:12, Matthew 7:1-5 (read the passage in context please, don’t take verse 1 OUT of the context of the whole passage), Hebrews 5:14, Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Cor 14:29, 1 John 4:1, James 5:19-20, 1 Timothy 1:3, Titus 1:9., 2 Timothy 4:1-4.
That list proves to me you haven’t searched your bible THOROUGHLY as you claimed you did.
Secondly, it’s the fact that the likes of Rob Bell etc ARE so popular and their teachings so widespread, that we must examine what they teach against scripture, lest a large amount of people get deceived. Acts 17:11 provides us with the example of the Bereans who examined the scriptures to see if what was being taught was true or not. Far too many people today are all too happy to accept Rob Bell and others at face value, with no discernment at all of what they’re teaching. As I’ve proven here before, Rob Bell is a false teacher-he twists scripture, promotes universalism, doesn’t believe in hell etc etc. If you look up to Rob Bell, I would have to seriously question your biblical literacy and your discernment.
I have spent many hundreds of hours researching the likes of Rob Bell etc. I have read his books and listened to many of his sermons. I do not say the things I have said here about him lightly. I have no personal animosity towards the man, neither am I judging his motives or his heart-I am merely examining what he says against the clear teaching of scripture, against historical orthodox christianity, and found him to not be teaching the truth.
So no, I will not be reconsidering my opinions/judgments at all.
Posted at 12:50 pm on January 3rd, 2010.An important distinction:
Some people either through lack of knowledge and failure to research the scriptures, make a crucial mistake on this whole “judging” business.
There’s a difference between judging someones teaching and fruit, and judging someone personally in regards to salvation/where you spend eternity.
It is quite clear in the scriptures that God is the only judge of the latter, while in His Word he clearly instructs us to judge or discern the former.
Posted at 1:15 pm on January 4th, 2010.Aaah good times, I miss this.
Posted at 8:47 am on January 6th, 2010.Chris:
You are quite right the bible does indeed say to judge them by there fruits.
Do they show Love?
Do they show Joy?
Do they show Peace?
Do they show Patience?
Do they show Kindness?
Do they show Goodness?
Do they show Faithfulness?
Do they show Gentleness?
Do the show Self-Control?
Now I can agree that the people you have mentioned do not meet all these criteria, but at the same time I do not meet all these criteria, and deny it all you like but I’m fairly confident that you probably don’t meet all the criteria either. Because we are human. We are not God. I know at times I do not show good self control, but other times I do. And I also know that the bible says judge not that you will be judged.
Perhaps people aren’t following up your stuff because they know better. Do you want someone to judge you?
By the way I haven’t called you any names, I said the way you say things come across as arrogant not as arrogant.
Posted at 10:30 am on January 6th, 2010.I had not intended to follow this discussion further, but curiosity got the better of me.
Chris, my comment was not intended as a personal attack on you (you seem to effect the same quite well without any help). I don’t remember you from when I was a member of the forum; it was a number of years ago and I think it’s likely that I left before you joined.
When I was a member of the forum, it was quite a common occurrence for a discussion to be taken over by someone who was absolutely determined that his or her opinion be heard, regardless of whether anyone was interested in hearing it, or whether the topic of the discussion was at all related to the point he or she was attempting to make the other commenters assent to. I saw several such individuals come and go. Their behaviour had nothing to do with my leaving; indeed, the perverse amusement derived from watching someone shoot himself in the foot so thoroughly is something that I missed acutely until I discovered Ian Wishart.
When I read the comments on this post, I rolled my eyes, grimaced a little, chuckled under my breath (not too loudly; I was at work) and felt a pang of nostalgia. Ecclesiastes 1:9 is as appropriate as ever it was.
Posted at 10:33 pm on January 6th, 2010.I realise my second comment contradicted my first.
To attempt to correct this: While I did enjoy the futile persistence of these rogue commenters (and frequently was guilty of goading them), the whole thing did get tiresome after a while. It was especially discouraging when people wanted to have an honest, respectful, light-hearted discussion about something and the thread became swamped with enormous, aggressive, irrelevant comments by one or two members with a bone to pick, and it’s true that the frequency of this occurring was one of the reasons I left.
Posted at 10:46 pm on January 6th, 2010.Looking forward to the new magazine and website.. have missed it.
Posted at 8:15 pm on January 7th, 2010.kirsty do you have facebook?
most of us have been hiding out elsewhere and are about to set up a new website with a wider idea behind it. look me up jono morgan and i can pm you the details
Posted at 8:07 am on January 8th, 2010.Chris…seriously get a life bro. From the looks of it you are upsetting heaps of people and you are totally going about this the wrong way. You are wanting attention and unfortunately you are getting it. Tash and the team are doing a really good thing joining with ANZTCA and I believe it will really help them to further the gospel throughout NZ campuses. Be respectful in the way you talk to Tash and others please, your attitude is crap and its certainly not what I would have thought a christian should be acting like. Consider that if you will.
Posted at 3:33 pm on January 12th, 2010.To everyone else, Soul Purpose is amazing and I’m seriously looking forward to the return!
Have a wicked Summer :)
phew. what a read. call me a biblical illiterate, but if the content’s not changing (which it clearly isn’t) then who cares how it gets out there. ultimate goal? reaching youth and being jesus to the world/reader. Mean. Get it out there Tash. Blessings and know you’ve got a good-sized faithful fully behind ya.
Posted at 12:04 am on January 13th, 2010.Hahaha Chris you are coming across like such a fool! Haven’t had that good a laugh in a long time. Go have a cold shower and maybe get offline and start practicing what you preach…..yelling from your cyber soapbox is going to get you no where!
Posted at 3:32 pm on January 14th, 2010.Where the smeg are the forums? Its like a ghost town here! Forums please! :(
Posted at 8:52 pm on January 14th, 2010.http://WWW.LOLCHURCH.CO.NZ
Posted at 9:13 am on January 15th, 2010.Again, I get personally name called and attacked by “Wow!” and “Luke” and no one says boo. Where are you Popsy? Tash?
The only fools and those who need to get a life here, are the above named posters who seem to get a kick out of slagging other people off, and don’t even address the issues raised from a biblical viewpoint.
Pathetic.
Posted at 10:09 am on January 15th, 2010.Chris…
To put the record straight…
I am not a member of Soul Purpose staff, I never have been… I’ve got no control over what is said here… And can only comment just the same as you…
I have never name called you or slagged you off and if you’ve taken any comment that way I apologise. Likewise, I can do nothing about what others say here…
I believe I gave you some sound advice earlier if you wished to get your message accross which you have made your own choice on, I have accepted that and moved on…
Maybe you need to do the same…
Posted at 2:26 pm on January 16th, 2010.Chris…
To put the record straight…
I am not a member of Soul Purpose staff, I never have been… I’ve got no control over what is said here… And can only comment just the same as you…
I have never name called you or slagged you off and if you’ve taken any comment that way I apologise. Likewise, I can do nothing about what others say here…
I believe I gave you some sound advice earlier if you wished to get your message across which you have made your own choice on, I have accepted that and moved on…
Maybe you need to do the same…
Posted at 2:26 pm on January 16th, 2010.Wow… It got published twice…
Shows you how much control I have!!!
Posted at 2:28 pm on January 16th, 2010.Jono I do have facebook, will have a look now
Posted at 9:03 am on January 18th, 2010.Popsy:
your earlier comments re my banning indicated to me that you are a member of SP staff! You seemed to know all about the reasons why I was banned, and your use of the word “we” and “our” suggests you’re a staff member as well! Strange.
And I wasn’t referring to you in my above post about being name called, I was referring to “Wow!” and “Luke”, 2 posters who cannot debate the subject, let alone refute any biblical argument I have given about not being “unequally yoked”, instead, they lower themselves to ad hominem attacks. Who’s doing the “judging” now? Those posters need to heed the biblical admonitions I have given above in earlier posts-their behaviour is atrocious.
Posted at 2:29 pm on January 18th, 2010.Chris I was merely saying your argument and tone in all of your posts are coming across really agro and rather ‘foolish’. Yes knowing the bible is important and using it to guide us in our day to day lives is very important but so is discernment and knowing when to let things go. Just drop it man….its sunny outside, go enjoy the fresh air and just trust Soul Purpose is in good wise hands.
Posted at 6:31 pm on January 20th, 2010.Luke:
Sorry, but you didn’t say my argument and tone was agro, you called me a fool straight out (as well as the rest of the rubbish you posted hahaha etc etc). How old are you? Your post was extremely childish. Stop backpedalling and trying to cover your mistake-admit it and i would think you’re a reasonable person.
Secondly, you say “knowing the bible is important” etc etc, yet again, you fail to deal with the subject of this whole debate ie unequally yoked. You (nor anyone else) haven’t refuted my argument biblically. No one has explained why SP should join an ecumenical/interfaith organisation who make no mention of Jesus or the gospel.
You mention “discernment”, yet you and others here show very little of it!
And yeah, I was outside today actually enjoying the sun and the fresh air, but nothing I’ve seen here persuades me that SP is in good hands at all. The fact that the SP head cheese wants to join up with the ANZTCA proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Posted at 8:40 pm on January 20th, 2010.Hey Chris, you should join the discussion we’re having at LOLCHURCH.
http://www.lolchurch.co.nz/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=28&sid=8c97475c5e01b316d1579aa6c13ce6ff
Posted at 10:07 am on January 21st, 2010.Chris:
Just had a look at it, and all i can say is “lol”. What a joke that site is. Half a dozen people slagging me off behind my back, name calling me, and misrepresenting things I’ve said-those people ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Posted at 11:22 am on January 21st, 2010.And I’ve just spent a further 10 minutes or so reading stuff on that site, and I am appalled and disgusted at what I have read. I also think that a website that purports to be some sort of a “christian” one (ie going by it’s name, and I use the word christian here very loosely) should have christians as moderators-sexymadison69 by her own admission ISN’T a christian, yet she’s a moderator! She calls the Apostle Paul a “prude” in 1 thread I looked at (based on her worldly opinion of sexuality)-what she’s calling prudish is actually the inspired Word of God. If it wasn’t so sad it would be funny.
Posted at 11:44 am on January 21st, 2010.Hahaha Chris! What’s your thoughts on Jesus mixing and mingling with prostitutes? Is that being un-evenly yoked? Because by your thoughts and comments it would seem that you believe Christians should only associate with and do business with other Christians and ultimately Soul Purpose is somehow ‘failing’ by being distributed by a way larger spreading distributor? Do you understand business? Because from a pure business perspective having your magazine (in this case Soul Purpose) distributed to more people through an organization with a way larger reach is in fact a very good business plan. I don’t think God gives a rats about whose distributing Soul Purpose….all he cares about is that as many people get the chance to read it. Why do you care so much who distributes it….its about whats in the mag rather than who posts it to different universities!
I like you Chris you make me laugh
Posted at 12:13 pm on January 21st, 2010.Luke:
based on what you’ve just said, I think you’re a biblical illiterate! Go and study your bible for a while pal, you obviously need to. You don’t have the slightest clue as to what you’re talking about.
The bible makes it quite clear that we are to associate with non christians, so why on earth would I believe (as you have asserted) that I don’t think that?
Do I understand business? I do actually, I have run my own businesses and worked for myself for donkey’s years. What business experience do you have? If your “business expertise” is anything like your biblical “expertise” I’d run a mile from you!
I think God does give a rats actually, His Word says so. Read again the passages I’ve given, then come back here and argue the subject from a biblical perspective, not a worldly or business one.
And I’m glad you find me entertaining, I think you’re a joke as well based on what you’ve posted here.
Posted at 12:36 pm on January 21st, 2010.I think it’s about time to wrap this up. For all the encouragement and support – we’re super-grateful and looking forward to the magazine getting out there again.
Posted at 12:39 pm on January 21st, 2010.