Thursday, April 10th, 2008
Below is an article written by Cameron. He was an intern a few years ago and asked me to post this letter that talks about his conclusions of Generation Interns. I would love it if current or past interns would post their opinions on the article in the comments section.
I have never been an intern at the City Church, but I am married to one. I think I speak for Cameron, but our goal is not that the leaders at The City Church are slandered, harmed, or evil spoken of. We just earnestly desire that God be exalted and to see Him worshiped in Spirit and Truth.
Note: I have made changes per Cameron’s request on 2/3/2009
<Cameron’s Article>
I want to talk briefly about Generation Interns. From 2003-2004 I did Interns and it helped me in many ways. As an ignorant and young Christian, I didn’t even know what the synoptic gospels were, namely, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and they they gave a historical account of Jesus’ life and ministry! I hadn’t done much bible reading up to Interns, and the basic doctrine class was very helpful for me in starting out as a new learner of the Word.
We learned about many great topics such as the nature of God, the canonization of the Bible, doctrine of angels and demons, the Trinity, etc. Every Christian needs to be familiar with these things, and there is no price too great for such knowledge. The ministry activities were also some of the best experiences of my life. I built relationships with people who I’m still very close with. Thanks Facebook!
Now, if I may say, I think I may have liked it if 2 other basic things would have been emphasized in the program. 1. That we are required to uphold God’s holy moral law perfectly and, 2. That we are to be under God’s own eternal wrath if we fail to do so.
If these would have been more emphasized, not just by TCC and Interns, but even by the majority of churches who call themselves Christian, then I think I may have understood more sooner why it is that 3. I am saved by grace. I would have realized that I was saved from God, by God. In other words, that what God (Christ the Judge) demands from me, Christ (the Savior) supplies. I really do wish that all churches, and all Christian teaching programs made sure that these gospel 101 points were emphasized. Simply because, then grace could really be grace. I think that is really the therapy we are all looking for.
In the words of Forrest Gump, “that’s all I have to say about that”.
Humbly and respectfully,
Cameron
Does anyone else out there think these points should be taught and emphasized by Christian churches? Does anyone disagree?
Tags: City Church Kirkland, Interns
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Judah was on the TBN “Praise the Lord” show from TBN with Pastor Steve Munsey as the host at 7:00 PM PST. I found a few clip of Steve Munsey on You Tube in the fall “Praise-A-Thon” for TBN promising people if the give $$$ to TBN all their problems will be solved.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9QKYmxYcrGg
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NuydWziggVM&feature=related
The scripture is very clear about these teachers, and the compiler of the first video puts some of the scriptures on the screen as he preaches. It sickens me because they prey on those who are broke, and become wealthy off of their giving with outlandish and unbiblical promises.
I hear the argument that the city church preaches a “balanced” view of prosperity, but they keep the company of the people who cause people to speak evil of the way of truth. All you have to do is turn on the TBN “praise-a-thon” to see the length they will go to twist scripture for money.
As for pastor Judah, it was pretty cool seeing him up there talking about his new book “Dating Delilah”. Even though I disagree with him on the teachings of the city church, I have always liked Judah. If only he could take his speaking skills and passion and be taught by good biblical teachers who are not hyper-faith and hyper-prosperity he could make great gains for Christ. I often wonder how one could come out of a cloud of such teaching when so much of your life is invested in a specific false teaching.
My niece was watching with me, who is unsaved. She made the comment that Judah seemed sincere and passionate. I agree. But I asked her if the suicide bombers who blow themselves up are sincere and passionate. I think she got my point.
It reminded me of a time I was witnessing on the streets when I met a girl who said she was a Christian, so I shared the gospel with her anyway. After I was done, I asked her if she had ever heard the gospel before, and she said no. I then asked her if she still thought she had been born again, but she said no. I asked her where she went to church, she said Generation Church in the University District (under Pastor Judah). I asked if it caused her concern that she was never presented the true gospel and she said yes. I didn’t ask, but I bet she could quote Malachi 3:10 for me though.
What a shame.
The question isn’t if we are passionate, the question is what are we passionate about. We can be sincere, and we can be sincerely wrong. If people aren’t learning about the true gospel when they go to church, what are they learning?
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Tags: City Church Kirkland, Pastor Judah Smith, TBN
Monday, April 7th, 2008
I heard Judah Smith (and his wife Chelsae) will be on the National TBN broadcast at 6:30 PM (not sure if that is Pacific or Eastern time). It was announced by Wendell yesterday before the service.
Anyway, I hope someone gets to watch it at 3:30 and let us know if they are on at that point. If they are, it would be great to get a report of what they are doing, since that is scheduled to be the “praise-a-thon” (view the TBN schedule for today). The 6:30 PST show is Jesse Duplantis, and I doubt they will appear at that point.
Tags: City Church Kirkland, Pastor Judah Smith, TBN
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