I attend a Methodist church. Our motto is Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors One of our young attendees (16 I believe) also attends another, Non Denominational church in the area because his mom attends there. He basically comes to Youth Group every week and Sunday Morning about half the time. Very nice, polite, friendly, smart kid. His mom came to our Sunday morning service just once, spoke with the Pastor afterwards and she told him she won't be coming back because we allow too many of the wrong people in.
Just who are the wrong people? This is the Emerging Church? Emerging as they exclude others who just want to know Christ? Isn't it the churches job to try to bring everyone to Christ? How can we do that if we don't let everyone in?
Just who are the wrong people?
KJV: I Corinthians Chapter 6
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Anyone who is still operating in these things and has not repented before God, asked forgiveness of sins, and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior as the only way to heaven.
This is the Emerging Church?
In great part, although not just any "one movement" is causing the great falling away.
II Thessalonians 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
(NKJV calls the header of this passage the "Great" falling away, which I think is also nicely appropriate)
Anyone who let's the desires of this world consume them, letting their love grow cold is contributing.
KJV: Matthew Chapter 24
[11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. [12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Emerging as they exclude others who just want to know Christ?
I can't say based on your description of mother and child, but Emerging is the hip-hop acceptance of all - interfaith, buddhism, whatever, under the name of a universal christ or god. Worshiping together in disregard to differences of belief.
Isn't it the churches job to try to bring everyone to Christ?
Yes, to and through. There is only one way to heaven. Not
Sophia, buddah, or any other can get you there. If people do not turn from these false gods they cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven.
How can we do that if we don't let everyone in?
We don't. We were told to preach the gospel to all the world, not invite sinners in, but bring them to repentance and to the cross of Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation.
The bible makes it clear not everyone gets in...
KJV: Matthew Chapter 7
[13]
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
[15]
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Regarding the whole church conspiracies Crimeny, there is a lot of false teachings in the church. It's really important to read the bible in context and in it's entirety asking God for Wisdom.
There's no conspiracy in labyrinths, these things popped up all around us a few years ago:
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24QkcyPwurM[/video]
