Things We've Heard

I have been reading Perry Noble's Blog...and I am amazed at the way "Christians" treat one another. So what if his church isn't your style or your way of worship? That's why there are so many churches. You can have your pick. At CIOC we have had our share of talk. Here are a couple.
1. CIOC is a Cult. Well I don't think so...it's amazing how many times I have heard this one. We are not a cult for several reasons. One, we worship God not Scott or any other person. This brings me to number 2.
2. It's Scott's way or the highway. This one is not true either. As Senior Pastor it seems as I am getting my way when in reality there has been a lot of times I haven't gotten my way at all. On the other side of this is the fact that Tyra and I birthed this church out of our own house. We don't have the luxury of everyone else of leaving. Many who have left have done so because of decisions I have made. This, in part, makes my case...they left...had they gotten their way...they still would have left. Now that we have a staff of people who have truly become a part of this vision, they (Wally and Julie as well as Blake and Heather) can do about anything they want. Recently while at a conference Blake and Heather were in a group of other youth pastors and all they heard was how hard it was to do what they wanted to do without the senior pastor or council coming down on them. My point? I am not selling out for a bowl of beans like Esau...if you want to have a say at CIOC...Stay and committ....I DID.
3. We started this church from other church members...well this is true and not true. Any time you start a church people from other churches are going to come. I haven't found a church yet who don't have people in it from other churches...it's part of church work. I can, however, say that we DID NOT start this church from a large number of people from one church. Tyra and I were at Rocky River Worship Center in Anderson when we started this church. We had only about 10-15 people come from there over the last 3 years...all but 6 have gone back to Rocky or elsewhere. We got 10 from High Praises Church of God and all of those have left or gone back...so now 3 years later...we have only 12 left that we orginally started with.
Well, that's about it for now...sorry if this offends anyone...I was just wanting to answer some of what I have heard over the years...it's FUNNY if you think about it.

The Fear of God

Where is the fear of God? As soon as I say this I will be labeled by some as "clothes-line", "holiness", or even maybe a strict preacher. I am sorry that you might label me that way. My only concern is what we are producing in our churches. Let me explain. I was recently reading some blogs. Now mind you I don't know some of these people personally I simply search for those who have ministry, church, bible and things like that in their profile. What I found shocked me! The ones that bashed ministry, church, God, and the like didn't shock me much at all. Those who affirmed a relationship with God encouraged me. The shock came when I read some (well actually several) that spoke about going into ministry in one entry only to talk about partying, drinking, and other things they were going to do that weekend in the next blog. This utterly shocked me. Now before you email me with comments such as, Scott we can't judge them, let's read a few scripture together.
James 3:1
3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
NKJV
Prov 1:7
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
NKJV

I want to encourage this next generation! I also want them to know that God is serious about HIS work. He is SERIOUS about those who profess HIS NAME and live a different way. Let's not judge without giving hope...but also let's not give hope without speaking of the seriousness of God.
Paul said this, Acts 20:27

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
KJV

God wants us to accept people...to help people...but to also disciple people and part of discipleship is DISCIPLINE. Discipline to do our BEST to live a life pleasing to God. Thanks for listening or should I say Reading.

Are we there yet?

Ever heard that? If you have children you probably hear it from home to McDonald's. I was listening to Apostle Ron Carpenter speak on TV the other night and he was preaching on Ruth. He made a point that simply caused me to sit back in my seat (ok I was already sitting back in my recliner, but you know what I mean). He made the point that in chapter 4 nobody , except for Naomi and Boaz, were present. What happened to Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion, and Orpah. Now before you answer that...I know...some died and some just didn't have what it takes to make the journey. I have often wondered why some things take so long to accomplish in life. You look around and you see others prosperous and yet it seems like you are in quicksand. Well, it took Israel 40 years in a wilderness...why? Not because the trip takes that long but because God had to remove those who just can't make the trip with you. Now we are quick to think that makes others less spiritual but not necessarily. Some just are not called to take the trip with you. I used to get "bent out of shape" because people would leave...now I just understand that God is moving those who are not supposed to take the trip with me. Some come to help for a season and yet others come to go the distance...either way you have to trust God.

You've just been TAGGED!!!

Get Ready for TAG at CIOC! More Details to come...are you curious yet?

Amazing

Thanks to everyone who has responded to the "Where is that church?" post. It's amazing that God is raising up a church like this here in Anderson, SC. As you know we have had so many people come through our doors. From those who wear "gothic" attire to those who are dressed out of this world. I thank God for all those who have joined us in this journey. I truly believe this church accepts everyone (read Kim Hollaway's response to the previous post). Thanks to Bill Kinley for posting that story. CIOC will be a place for those who are looking for Jesus. Many can't accept that...many are too busy trying to make the outside look right. Many are more concerned with the outside instead of the inside...but God is concerned with the heart...Let's go after those who are lost...love someone who is needing love TODAY!

I Can't Say it Any Better

I was reading a blog tonight that just blew my mind and yet spoke it all at the same time. READ IT HERE Post a comment on my site once you read it and let me know what you think.

The Best Yet

I just wanted to send a shout out to everyone. We are still in Asheville and I must say this (for me and most of those I have talked too) has been the BEST Marriage Retreat yet. Now I know we have only one other one to compare it too...but Roger and Pam Childers were AWESOME!!! They challenged us to look at our own personalities and how they relate to our spouse. And the Biltmore House...well enough said...I also want to thank all the couples that went this year. I know you work hard for your money and can spend it anywhere on anything...Tyra and I THANK YOU for spending some to come strenthen your marriage. Churches are only as strong as those who attend and when you strengthen any area of your life you are helping make our church better. We truly have the GREATEST Church ever. There is more unity now then ever and the Spirit of God is REAL in this HOUSE! Thanks to everyone for making this an AWESOME family to be a part of and lead.