HappyChristian

The pastor is the one God has called as under shepherd. God works in the heart of a pastor who is right with God, leading him as to how best to lead the flock. IMO, that means it's the pastor's decision. Deacons are there to aid the pastor in service to the church, not make decisions like the timing for the Lord's Supper (I realize that many churches allow their deacons to make decisions about things, but if we truly want to be biblical we have to see that decision-making as to the running of the church was not the intent of appointing deacons in Acts). The ordinances - baptism and the Lord's supper - don't fall under the purview of member opinions as to when they should take place. Again, it all goes back to the fact that God has placed the pastor in the church as His under shepherd. He is not the lord and dictator of the flock, but there are decisions that he must make without a vote. This is one of them.

We still haven't put ours up. I was able to get the church finished so all was ready for this past Sunday. But we've been keeping a friend's dog who had to stay in her crate (she was in heat...fun times). So there was no room. Nor has there been time yet. The church which founded ours always has a church planting conference every first week of Dec...so it looks like the tree won't be attempted till at least Thursday. I'm so exhausted (and I'm sick now to boot) that I'm not feeling it right now. lol. But I will be glad when we get it done.

We observe it whenever the Lord lays on my hubs' heart that we need it. That could be several times a year or not so many. I'm sure we'll observe it in January, as it'll be a new year, but I can't say absolutely since it is my hubs' decision. It hasn't been that long since we had it.

Last year we put it up the Monday before Thanksgiving because we weren't having anyone over for Thanksgiving. It was a bit weird, but it was also nice as I've got so much decorating to do - it gave me an extra week. Normally we begin to put up the tree on Thanksgiving night but this year not yet. I was so worn out last night that I just couldn't do anything. So today I decorated the smaller tree and packed up my fall decor. Tomorrow I'll be at the church decorating, so the tree will have to wait till next week some time (conference going on Mon-Wed next week, so won't be then...gonna be a long month lol).

Welcome back!

Uncle Warren was Randy's mom's brother. They had some brothers (one of whom is still with us) and one sister, Gloria. Well, this morning we woke to a text from Randy's brother, Larry (who was the one who witnessed to him). We don't have any details as to when, but Aunt Gloria was privileged to lead her brother to the Lord. We now know Uncle Warren is in Glory! Randy said that made his day! We are praising the Lord. He was the last of my mother-in-law's siblings to accept Christ. Now we pray for Uncle Bill (Randy's paternal aunt was married to him...she is in Glory as well). I do appreciate your prayer!

We got the sad news tonight that one of my hubs' remaining uncles passed away. He's been sick for a while and was put on hospice this week. Please pray for the Miller and DePriest family. My hubs, too, because his family is all in OH, and there's no way he can go back there right now. We've been working on planning a trip back there and he had hoped that Uncle Warren would still be there when we visited. He has witnessed to Unc Warren many times and no interest. One of his brothers has also witnessed to Unc Warren and was shut down. However, Randy has been praying specifically that God would send someone Unc would listen to and get saved. We do not know if that happened.

Oh, @Invicta! I am so sorry for your loss. I am so very thankful for the promise of Heaven and that you can know that she is, as BrotherTony said, completely healed. Praise the Lord for the extra 29 years He gave you both! What a testimony she leaves behind! Continuing to pray for you, friend.

I don't know how I missed this! I'm so sorry! Will be praying for your wife, @Invicta, as well as you and your family.

Interesting - the birth of the universe is one of the miracles, but he totally skipped over the miracle of the virgin birth of Christ - necessary to understanding His divinityl I agree - I'm tired of pastors and those whom they allow to teach undermining scripture. We are so blessed to have God's Word and these folks who are supposed to be aiding us in our growth as Christians stymie us instead.

Yes, there is definitely a problem within the IFB and the SBC. However, one thing that she always ignored when pointed out to her was that it is endemic to ALL church "systems." I have no problem calling out the evil, but it needs to be evenhanded and across the board, not focused on one or two groups. I know that's not what you're saying, I just wanted to add the thought. I believe in accountability, but I think it should be the people of the church, not a council of elders. JMO.

Yes, yes! No need to feed the soulwinners, either! And they can go all day, every day! Sounds like a plan! Heehee

You are so right!