In reply to 'Judy'

I received the following comment, and thought I'd reply.

Just wondering what qualifies you to make judgements about the motives and workings of Hillsong?

Well Judy, I'm glad you asked.

I Corinthians 6:1-4 mentions that believers should judge other believers (even men of 'little account') As does Matthew 18:15-17; "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (please note some manuscripts include "against you" after the 3rd word)

1 CORINTHIANS 4:11-13; But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."

In the above verse, I would classify Hillsong as a swindler.

So you see, believers are called to aid their brothers and sisters in the never-ending plight of being Christ-like. How can we help each other if we do not let our fellow Christians know when what they are doing is wrong? Therefore we must do what we can to highlight the errors in the ways of our churches, and in the case of an organisation as large as Hillsong; maybe more than just private words are needed.

If that comes across as me assuming I am perfection personified...it wasn't my intention, for I do not feel that way at all.

What I think it means is; as Christians, we are told to constantly strive to be Christ-like in every way. That's fine, but we're still faulty beings at heart...so of course we're going to stumble, of course we're going to give in to temptation sometimes...

So, it would be kind of useful for us to have some level of accountability. What's worse, having your fellow Parishioners whispering about your failings behind your back, or openly offering a shoulder to lean on and an ear to talk to? I know which one I'd choose.

Have you ever met a Christian who appears perfect to those around them, but is really struggling? I'll bet you have, you probably just don't know it.

No one can be expected to shoulder all the hurt and problems in their lives alone. We all need someone. Sometimes, that someone may have to take responsibility for the unpleasant task of helping to set us right on the path. The best part about that is, those who are best at helping us with such things usually got that way by having similar struggles themselves. So we know that we're not alone in our struggles. Others have been there.