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Post by praying4souls on Apr 4, 2006 11:39:33 GMT -5
Last night I received an e-mail ( April 3) from "The Great News Network" and it said the I should not have any affiliation with the "open-air outreach"!
The letter said if I did, I could not participate in any of "The Great News Network" events!
" If you want to be an integral part of GNN and all that the Lord is doing and will do here, we encourage you to follow our lead and separate yourself from OAO and any other ministry which follows some of the same unbiblical practices and behaviors. Our concern for you, as members of GNN, is that you aren’t influenced to imitate what they are doing. GNN does not want t! "
For starters I have never participated in any of their events! And secondly I'll continue to support "open-air outreach" and any efforts Jesse does as long as it for the furtherance of the Gospel and people are Repenting and coming to know Jesus in true Holiness!! ;D:-)
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Post by victorialewis on Apr 4, 2006 11:54:07 GMT -5
We just got accepted to the NYC EBC (we're Miles' mom and dad), but my husband has told me that unless God intervenes in a mighty way, we will now not be attending.....this is all extremely disturbing, and grieves us greatly. We love the members of GNN, as I know Jesse and Miles do.
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Post by praying4souls on Apr 4, 2006 11:58:56 GMT -5
So this is not taking out of context if anyone has not received the full e-mail that was sent out by "The Great News Network" and would like a copy let me know!
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Post by Evan on Apr 4, 2006 12:01:16 GMT -5
I received that same e-mail. Some of it was disgusting as they tried to make it look like what Jesse is doing is completely wrong with qoutes such as...
So what I gather is that this is something something similar to a union picket. We are not allowed to post here, not allowed to link to the site from ours, not allowed to take their doctrinal stance! So in other words we must conform or be cast out? That doesnt make any sense. If we continue here will we be expelled from GNN? I guess that is the inevitable for me, I wont break ties with this ministry.
Just to let you know Jesse, you have my endorsement, if you have an HTML for a link to your site I would be honored to add it to mine. That is not in direct defiance to GNN, rather since they are not agreeing and breaking all ties, you will need some exposure.
This sounds to me like a one sided power struggle. I think I will be resigning from GNN for the reason that they continually are throwing subliminal insults Jesse and Open Airs way, that to me is not biblical.
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Post by Steve Noel on Apr 4, 2006 15:46:41 GMT -5
I have chosen to submit to the leadership of GNN and withdraw from OAO. I have nothing personal against any of the brothers or sisters here (I don't even really know any). I have really enjoyed the doctrinal discussions that we've had and they've helped me to grow, but I do understand where GNN is coming from and agree with their assessment. I must be accountable to God for the decisions I make. I know in my heart that this is God's will for me. I cannot violate what I believe is the Spirit's leading.
Steve Noel
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Post by praying4souls on Apr 4, 2006 16:01:11 GMT -5
Situations like this is why the apostle Paul wrote letters to the Corinthians because they were so much division within the body of Christ over doctrinal issues!
In first Corinthians chapter 3, Paul boldly stated wherever there is in the strife and divisions among God's people they are acting like the world!
No wonder Christianity is a laughing stock!
If the church cannot control its own matters, what business do we have telling the world how to live theirs!
This verse is taken from "The Message"; As long as you grab for what makes you feel good or makes you look important, are you really much different than a babe at the breast, content only when everything's going your way?
I like what Mathew Henry the commentator said "The most simple truths of the gospel, as to man's sinfulness and God's mercy, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, stated in the plainest language, suit the people better than deeper mysteries. Men may have much doctrinal knowledge, yet be mere beginners in the life of faith and experience. Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality. True religion makes men peaceable, not contentious. But it is to be lamented, that many who should walk as Christians, live and act too much like other men. Many professors, and preachers also, show themselves to be yet carnal, by vain-glorious strife, eagerness for dispute, and readiness to despise and speak evil of others."
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Post by rsmportland on Apr 4, 2006 16:03:57 GMT -5
What's all the hoopla about - is Jesse just too radical or something???
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 4, 2006 16:20:28 GMT -5
Yes GNN decided to sent out two slanderous emails to 700+ people against me and the ministry. They also have a slanderous 9 page letter from their founder on their private boards against me.
William Booth was slandered from both the unsaved and the so called saved because he preached radical holiness and because of his methods of street preaching. Catherine Booth said that the salvation army suffered more opposition because of their strong stance on holiness then for any other reason.
When William Booth heard his son talking about some of the most recent slanderous reports, he pulled his son into his office and said these powerful words, "At the end of the day it matters not what they have said about us, but what we have said about them."
Let's all commit to pray for GNN that God will bless them and use them for His glory.
If anyone has any questions about my preaching there are videos and long lengthy audios on this website. And many more are coming.
Psalms 55:12-14 "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
Mt 5:11 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake"
Lu 6:28 "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
2 Corinthians 11:15 "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 4, 2006 16:54:07 GMT -5
Evan, SermonIndex actually made me a link bar to use if people wanted to link to OAO from their site. You can find that at: www.therevivalweneed.com/openair/banner.gifI greatly appreciate anyone who links to OAO and pray that the Lord blesses you.
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Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 4, 2006 16:59:17 GMT -5
It is with deep sorrow and continual grief in my heart over everything that has taken place. On numerous occasions with talks and emails with GNN I have left thinking that perhaps there could be reconciliation. Shortly after these my dreams were crushed through different circumstances. I can't say that I have experienced rejection on this level in my whole life. God has a record. Please continue to pray for us as a ministry and please continue to pray for the GNN ministry.
"Will ye also go?" -Jesus
With love,
Miles Lewis Open Air Outreach Preacher and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ
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Post by victorialewis on Apr 4, 2006 17:18:16 GMT -5
Tomorrow I will be submitting my resignation to GNN as a Seed Sower, and withdrawing our applications from the next Boot Camp.
I believe that Wesley and Whitefield never slandered one another, but their followers did. Let us be above reproach, and the ministries speak for themselves.
To God be the glory....
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Post by manna/ E.Wallace on Apr 4, 2006 18:22:55 GMT -5
Be of Good Cheer!! i am mindful each day...to be content in all things...as Apostle Paul had learned..It is the Word of God that changes people, not rules, not people, but God himself. Jesse , Miles, i see now.. why back a month ago, i was told that we don't say this or that on SBE about certain things, you remember what i had spoken about at OSU..about a certain preacher..when i had spoke out on Neo-Evangelism ...Discernment is what we need in the church today, learn to contend for the Faith before we can ever be witnesses, pulling others from the fire. God Bless.. Praying for us all..
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 4, 2006 21:31:40 GMT -5
I am becoming all too farmiliar with "straw-man" arguements. That is when someone builds up a straw-man, makes an arguement against that straw-man, when in actuality you were not that straw-man to begin with. In fact, I myself would be against the straw-man that has been built up.
I am learning more and more to rejoice in tribulations (2 Corinthians 11:10) and to take it as a blessing when men say all manner against me falsely. (Matthew 5:11).
In light of that, I suppose the events as of late are really the biggest compliment I have yet recieved! To have someone warn 700+ people just about me! Not once, but a total of three times now. Never have I recieved such a large compliment.
I will publicly preach hard against sin until the day I die! Though the world come against me, though all of hell come against me, though supposed brethren come against me, I will rebuke sin with all I've got!
Brethren, if God be for you it doesn't matter who is against you. Preach it, and preach it hard! When you preach, give it to them with both barrels!
"You'll never please everybody. Some men will say you've gone too far. Other men will say you haven't gone far enough. I just compromise and say I won't please anybody." A W Tozer
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Post by Grant on Apr 4, 2006 21:55:17 GMT -5
I have chosen to submit to the leadership of GNN and withdraw from OAO. I have nothing personal against any of the brothers or sisters here (I don't even really know any). I have really enjoyed the doctrinal discussions that we've had and they've helped me to grow, but I do understand where GNN is coming from and agree with their assessment. I must be accountable to God for the decisions I make. I know in my heart that this is God's will for me. I cannot violate what I believe is the Spirit's leading. Steve Noel I am in agreement with our brother, Steve. I'll miss the doctrinal discussions but pray the LORD is glorified as a result of all this someday. Blessings to you all.
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Post by Rodgers on Apr 4, 2006 22:05:58 GMT -5
I will not pray for false brethren. This is a good lesson to learn. We certainly need to look out for who we get involved with. The church today is in a very sad state. There are many people who claim to be Christians but they are not Christians. The are actually enemies of the Cross. Those men at the GNN do not like Jesse because he preaches against sin. This obviously means that they are trying to live in sin and make excuses for their sin. The wrath of God abides on them. They are wells without water, clouds without rain. Their mouths must be stopped for the heresy they are promoting and I will not pray for them or any false teacher. I will pray that God will convict these people but that is all. At least they preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. God certainly use anything to save anyone, but that does not mean they are right or deserve our prayer.
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Post by messengermicah on Apr 4, 2006 22:11:30 GMT -5
Oh no, now my reputation is ruined! Why didn't you guys tell me about this? Just kidding. I am behind you guys 100%. I do not know much about GNN except that it is sort of a sister organization to WOTM (I think). I have nothing negative to say about them, but will miss the brothers and sisters who will no longer post on here. I do not know how similiar this is, but my whole church has really turned on me since my arrest. They wrote me a letter saying they would no longer be able to provide a covering for our outreach (?) This was kind of strange because I am not aware of how they really support us in any way other than just tolerate us. Many lies, slander, gossip, etc. have gone forth. All this is not such a big deal to me (although it is not exactly pleasant), but it is more difficult on my wife because she works for the church and is the head pastor's secretary. The attitude seems to be that we are getting what we deserved. I praise God for the polarization that persecution brings to the body of Christ. It forces people to either identify with the reproach of the Lord or side with the world. May we continue to go forth in His name and count the cost and the price.
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Post by josh on Apr 4, 2006 22:12:18 GMT -5
I must say I am greived by this whole thing, and I will be praying for both sides. While I do not agree with Jesse in all his practices, I have also learnt alot from this message board, and from listening to audio of Brother Jesse preaching.
It is the same with GNN I have learnt alot, and will conitnue to learn alot from them.
So I will pray for everyone involved. That through it all God would receive the Glory.
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 4, 2006 22:19:00 GMT -5
I am reminded of this powerful message by Leonard Ravenhill, how people today are trying to pretty up the gospel and make it more acceptable. He says there is nothing we need more other then an old fashion baptism of hell-fire preaching. (But let me personally warn you that if you burn too brightly people will work to put out your light. They will throw mudd and garbage at you to put out that light.) www.fireonthealtar.com/compilations/anon/whostouching.ramThat is what I am seeing. People who are working and laboring to take an unnacceptable thing (the gospel) and put it into an acceptable package with a nice little bow on top. I'll never be so soft. I will preach the bible as it is in the bible. They started their sermons with "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand." There was no gradual progression to secure acceptance. People knew what they preached from the beginning. Anyways, I encourage everyone to listen to that exhortation from Leonard Ravenhill.
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Post by Jules on Apr 4, 2006 22:27:46 GMT -5
Yes GNN decided to sent out two slanderous emails to 700+ people against me and the ministry. They also have a slanderous 9 page letter from their founder on their private boards against me. William Booth was slandered from both the unsaved and the so called saved because he preached radical holiness and because of his methods of street preaching. Catherine Booth said that the salvation army suffered more opposition because of their strong stance on holiness then for any other reason. When William Booth heard his son talking about some of the most recent slanderous reports, he pulled his son into his office and said these powerful words, "At the end of the day it matters not what they have said about us, but what we have said about them." Let's all commit to pray for GNN that God will bless them and use them for His glory. If anyone has any questions about my preaching there are videos and long lengthy audios on this website. And many more are coming. ." Jesse, I'm encouraged by your post. Too right...by your words and actions men will know you. I will be in prayer for you guys that you will remain above reproach throughout this trial and don't fall into sin by feeling the need to defend yourself to the slander. Continue to defend the gospel, preach the Word. My prayers are behind you, Miles, and Jeff.
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Post by messengermicah on Apr 4, 2006 22:31:38 GMT -5
Amen. I have to agree though with Jesse and the others that the real root reason behind all this opposition is the message of holiness. This is what we believe is the reason behind all of our opposition from our home church also. Since they do not want to believe or conform to God's standards of holiness, they will try to find a way to write you off as being wrong, heretical, etc.
If we are right then they are wrong. If they are wrong then they must make MAJOR changes that they are unwilling to make as it would cost too much.
I will also preach what I see in the Bible without compromise or apology. I have no malice towards my home church or my leaders, and am continuing to pray for them.
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Post by messengermicah on Apr 4, 2006 22:35:24 GMT -5
Actually, I don't know if I should call them MY leaders anymore because they have removed themselves from me. Nevertheless, I will pray for them.
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Post by Jules on Apr 4, 2006 23:30:37 GMT -5
The Spirit brings unity. Bottom line. We should all check our hearts to see that there is no offensive way in us. It is easy to respond to a situation like this in a manner that justifies ourselves our our personal views. We would do well to avoid both. Edify the body we are commanded. Posts implying that GNN staff are unsaved concern me, and I pray that Jesse and the other men on this board will refrain from joining in such judgment, but rather now is the time for discernment, love, and wisdom to be applied. Not judgment, bitterness, or anger. Now is the time when the Spirit Himself will reveal those that are led by Him. Man's opinion is as dung. OAO reputation will stand the test, as will GNN's. Fruit inspection is one thing, as we will soon be able to see. And we are to do this of course. But we mustn't fall into the trap of the devil, which is anything beyond that.
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Post by jonathanhulewicz on Apr 4, 2006 23:41:19 GMT -5
Jesse & Co,
I too am grieved by GNN attack on you guys. Your gracious reponses exhibit the fruits of the Spirit. The SWAT Team have been truly blessed by the work you are doing and the great discussions on this message board.
It is a pity that GNN are slow to condemn the many false teachers/doctrines (that really do great damage to the gospel) that some of the seed sowers on their message board subtly promote.
Having said that I have certainly learnt a lot and have been blessed by being a GNN seed sower.
I will continue to participate in both camps unless forced to do otherwise. If push comes to shove I will make my stand with you.
Jesse, don't be discouraged; we are praying for you!
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Post by bullhornbob on Apr 4, 2006 23:48:13 GMT -5
Well my brothers and sisters, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Let me explain:
I have always had a burden to preach the truth of the word. Holy living, life above sin, the blatant biblical errors laced throughout most of todays "churches", all have deeply concerned me. I admit, shamefully, that I never had the boldness to cross over into the obedient walk. Paul calls it walking in the Spirit.
So for many years, I coasted through church service after church service, never really finding that place of obedient fulfillment.
It took the boldness of some radically obedient people to shake me out of my slumber. I saw some things in their lives that really convicted me, obviously because of the sin in my life.
When I finally said "That's it", and I got the sin out of my life, that is when things started taking off. Again, I am sad to say, I waited a lot of years to move into obedience to God's word.
Now don't get me wrong. I wasn't in blatant outward sin, but the things that I knew God wanted me to do, I would refuse to obey. Lust, the fear of man, lack of a bold witness, all these plagued me until I got right with God.
The reason I am saying this is because almost immediately, I started suffering rejection and slander (I would never dare call it persecution) from those within my church. "You're too opinionated", or "You have to preach the love of god" were some of the types of advice I began to get. Mind you (I am not boasting by any means), I am a credentialed minister with a very large and popular Christian denomination, so things got pretty tipsy real quick-like!
To this very day, I am still scrutinized by my leaders, although one has been very patient and unfazed by the radical changes in my life.
An awesome thing has been happening as well, though. The Word of God has literally exploded off of the pages with truth and illumination! I mean, verses just pouring out truth after truth. It is truly amazing. And not just me, but my wife as well. She has blown me away with some of the things the Holy Spirit has shown her.
I will never turn back, friends! I will keep to the plow, no matter what ground I must tend. This is eternity at stake, and not just for myself. All people that die in their sin wind up in hell. What am I doing to stop it? Will I let hell continue to fill to overflow, or will I boldly start to snatch the lost from the edge of the precipice of eternal darkness?
Some encouraging scriptures:
John 15:19-23 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
I know that Jesus is talking about the world in this passage, but I say that the people who love the world really hate God anyway, so they can call themselves whatever they please. The fruit of their lifestyle speaks volumes.
I really love and respect my elder leaders, but at the same time, I know that most of them are deceived. Very sad, indeed.
As far as praying for them, I will continue to do just that. The prophet Samuel stated I Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way."
And it will get worse as the days progress. I know that this type of oppposition will only increase as the modern church has turned to fables and commandments of men. As Micah said, if we are right, then they are wrong, and that demands change on their part. Most will refuse to budge.
So, I want to encourage every committed man and woman of God on this board to pray fervently, study endlessly, and preach the truth relentlessly until your very last breath.
God bless and prosper Brother Jesse, Miles and the rest of the team. I have been receiving your e-mails, and they are very interesting.
Stay Strong, and SOUND OFF!
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 5, 2006 0:06:08 GMT -5
Judgment Day will reveal the truth of this entire situation. The Lord is our vindicator. I commit myself to Him and that Great Day.
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Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 5, 2006 4:04:15 GMT -5
To that I say AMEN! I know the staff of GNN personally and I wish to think the best of them. God forbid that I should touch the Lord's anointed. There are certain situations where God gives certain people a measure of grace to deal with that particular situation. Often, other people take up offences and they simply don't have the grace that God has given for certan people and they become a worse enemy and more embittered than the initial parties involved. Please, don't let any root of bitterness spring up whereby many will be defiled. Keep the faith, push the plow, if anyone here is worried about their relationship to GNN by associating with us, by all means do what you must. Serve the Lord first and foremost.
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Post by Rodgers on Apr 5, 2006 7:23:39 GMT -5
Jeremiah 14 11 Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for the well-being of this people. 12 Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague." 13 But I said, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, the prophets keep telling them, 'You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.' " 14 Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. 15 Therefore, this is what the LORD says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, 'No sword or famine will touch this land.' Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine. 16 And the people they are prophesying to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out on them the calamity they deserve.
17 "Speak this word to them: " 'Let my eyes overflow with tears night and day without ceasing; for my virgin daughter—my people— has suffered a grievous wound, a crushing blow.
18 If I go into the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I go into the city, I see the ravages of famine. Both prophet and priest have gone to a land they know not.' "
19 Have you rejected Judah completely? Do you despise Zion? Why have you afflicted us so that we cannot be healed? We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there is only terror.
20 O LORD, we acknowledge our wickedness and the guilt of our fathers; we have indeed sinned against you.
21 For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it.
22 Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.
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Post by manna/ E.Wallace on Apr 5, 2006 9:07:28 GMT -5
Greetings, last night and this morning i prayed about this, and the first thing this morning that came to mind, was we need an old fashion foot washing, and the second thing was from James chapter 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar, this is not the deeds of the law, no! but by the works of Faith and Love.. Just as Abraham our willingness to sacrifice for the Lord God is not in vain, it is an expression of our Faith in and commitment to God, you can't have True Faith that saves, without a commitment to and a love of God... and it True Saving Faith doesn't rest on the medit of one's own works, but rather the Grace Of God almighty....a True Faith is a ' Faith which worketh by Love" Gal 5:6 Amen.. Praise God, in His Perfect Plan and Purpose in Christ Jesus..
God Bless... Praying for us all..
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Post by Josh Parsley on Apr 5, 2006 9:21:44 GMT -5
I will not pray for false brethren. You need to repent. Do you not have the love of Christ in you? You do not reflect Christ at all. How foolish it is to say you will not pray for someone, especially one who you feel is deceived. It would almost make one wonder if you have unforgivingness in your heart. I am not against GNN, nor trying to defend them, but your post is foolish. Do you honestly believe that? If you do, do you say it like Paul, weeping? What 'heresy' do they promote? You contradict yourself.
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Post by Jeff Fuller on Apr 5, 2006 9:24:38 GMT -5
I'm not really a member of this board, although I post to it now and again. But there are a few comments I'd like to make.
If OAO and GNN were local churches, I would be hestitent to be a part of either. There are doctrinal differences that would keep me from being a part of either. In this post, I'd rather avoid the lenghty discussion of those differences.
But the fact of the matter is that both GNN and OAO are para-church organizations. You don't do all the same things local fellowships do. So I'm quite perplexed that I would be asked to quit associating with a handful of traveling open air preachers who I talk with every now and again on an electronic message board. It seems quite absurd. It's most absurd that the point of most of our discussions are related to the doctrines that divide us in the first place. The only thing that links any of us is our brotherhood in Christ and desire to see the lost won for Christ!
So I'm quite baffled at the entire incident!
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