Fired Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz Apologizes for Infidelity

[Sosthenes]

So, he was getting sustenance from a Body of Believers, even if it wasn't the church he was at the time working with.

1Ti 5:17 NKJV - Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
1Ti 5:18 NKJV - For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer [is] worthy of his wages."

There are many Pastors in service, who also have jobs to help in making ends meat. There are probably many more of those then the ones who get all the publicity, and the great amount of money that apparently was being paid out here to this Pastor.

So some of you should be wondering where I got this verse that Jesus didn't trust people.

John 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

John 2 :: King James Version (KJV)

John 2 - And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

www.blueletterbible.org

Let's look at the word "commit" which is the same word "believe" in John 3:16.

The KJV translates Strong's G4100 in the following manner: believe (239x), commit unto (4x), commit to (one's) trust (1x), be committed unto (1x), be put in trust with (1x), be commit to one's trust (1x), believer (1x).

G4100 - pisteuō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv)

G4100 - πιστεύω pisteúō, pist-yoo'-o; from ; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):—believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

www.blueletterbible.org

Jesus did not trust anyone. He did not commit himself to anyone.

So why should we trust people? Did the Bereans trust people?

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Why wasn't Paul's word good enough? Why did they search the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so?

Because that's the admonition. That's what being a Christian is. They set the example because they know the nature of man.

I learn more from studying the Bible myself than I do from other people. Once I started feeding myself, I would never trust you or anyone.

Its kind of like being fed food from one of these fast food restaurants. They don't wash their hands and I get sick or the food has been in the warmer too long and they just reset the timer.


Matthew 10:21 ¶ And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

One day people may turn on us and you can trust if you want but I know the word but the verse is tied to the next verse which talks about enduring till the end.

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Truth has a center and I can do another Bible study on that and it makes people mad.

The end times is about deception and there are already people entered into the ministry to make money off of us. False prophets will arise and the bible says that even the elect could be fooled except the days be shortened. That is some serious stuff and your brothers will be safer if you tell them the truth from the beginning or Christianity will pay for it later.

From having a mother proof read paper in bible college for plagiarism, pastors were the worst and some of these students even copied the fonts from centuries earlier.

So if you think that you can trick people into the kingdom by sanitizing Christianity, what are you going to do when they can be tricked out? If you can trick people in then they can be tricked out. The thing you want to do is be very very honest with them from the beginning and maybe they will work with you.

 

[Sue D.]

Churches are full of sinful people -- hopefully they will be come sinners saved by grace. That is the difference. The Church is the group of local born again believers and the universal Church are born again believers from all over the world.

Your John 2:24 passage -- Jesus knew He would be going to the cross and He also knew exactly when the right time would be.

Your concept of Jesus not trusting people. He died on the cross for all people Because we're All sinners and have No power to do anything about that ourselves. But , also, John 3:16 "for God so Loved the world that He gave His only Son... that whosoever believeth .. will have everlasting life."

The 'trust' concept is entirely different. I trust people 1st until they give me a reason to Not trust them.

And, yes, there Are pastors who are in ministry for gaining money. And there are Lots of others who are in ministry because God called them to that ministry -- they care about the souls of the people and a salary Does pay their bills. Church sometimes have a parsonage that the pastors' family live in while serving that church. Other's help the pastor's family to find housing. Some pastors choose to be bi-vocational so they can more relate to their congregation. But mostly pastors are hired and their full-time work is shepherding their flock. They are on-call 24/7

My late husband graduated from Bible college and Seminary decades ago. He did his own work and worked a job, also.

I don't know How a person could 'sanitize' Christianity. Unless you're referring to a works-based salvation which isn't really salvation. Jesus Christ did everything For us -- His blood is sufficient. That is what We need to place our trust / faith In. The shed blood of Jesus Christ.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Dear @Sosthenes,
I can appreciate your cynicism, but that is not the hope I find in the Word of God. Shoot, I grew up in NYC, which is the Mecca of not trusting anyone!
In fact my mother had me incarcerated by turning me over to the police who woke me up while I was sleeping. So, that lack of trust is something I can understand, and for me it took years to let go of that, because the realization is that we're all sinners, and only by the Grace of God I am Saved. This doesn't mean that I don't check up on the message that is being communicated. My Pastor who has retired due to health reasons, used to tell the congregation from the pulpit "Don't trust me, (lifting up his Bible) check me out. Verify what I'm saying to you." Now how many actually did the checking I couldn't tell you, but I did. He would also say "If you disagree with me, come let's talk, and bring your Bible with you!" Never had cause to do so, though I did shoot him an email now and again but the trust I had in him as a Pastor to lead this flock, came with time, and was not automatic. So caution is warranted, but not the blanket coverage you are placing upon them who preach from the pulpit, and avoid by dealing with dead ones. Who by the way can't answer any questions you might have I do love Spurgeon, but I'd sure like to have been able to ask him a question now and again over one of his sermons or devotionals.

That is what I suggest for you. Trust, but verify what is being said. Any issues with it, then start a dialogue with them and if they are true men of God, and see the sincerity that you bring to the table. They'll be open with you and will allow for the time so that you might have understanding, or guide you to it or you to them. If they do not, or resist, then you are right to be wary of them. I don't deny that their are wolves in sheep clothing out there, as well as some who do not understand fully the calling they have entered into. The latter, could use help, and not condemnation, while the former avoided with the light of truth shined on them. My Pastor who I spoke of before was knowledgeable, but within the congregation there are teachers/professors who were more knowledgeable in the Hebrew, Greek, and yet they stayed in the pews, and did not assume because they knew more, that they were able or called to do what the Pastor was doing in leading the Lord's Flock of believers. If they corrected or had questions of him, I'm sure it was done in private, and it must have been acceptable, because they're still there.

Now if you want to sound a clarion call of warning, then do so, but take care on how you do so. Creating an environment of fear is not the way, but rather one in love and understanding. Just as you would in teaching a child, guide them in a fashion that opens them up to the knowledge you are imparting, and leaving out the abrasiveness that builds up the defensive walls of those you are trying to reach.

So, should Pastors be paid? Which is what started this discussion. I believe they should be. What say you?

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

P.S. And no I wasn't wondering where you got the verse that Jesus did not trust people, which was fine, because He could see into their hearts and knew what motivated them. Sadly, I cannot, but it doesn't mean like the Bereans that I don't check up on what people say or put out there. Maybe, not perfectly, but it will all eventually come out into the light. Also, keep in mind that Jesus also called people his friends in spite of their imperfections. Which I'm very thankful for! God bless!