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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 19, 2007 15:31:50 GMT -5
Campus crusaders urge ‘180’ in life Story by Jessica Mayrer | APRIL 18, 2007 Montana Kaimin
There is no shortage of people on the University of Montana campus trying to save your soul these days.
On Monday morning, students returned to school to find “180” written in chalk on sidewalks across UM.
The number refers to the turnaround that comes from finding God, said Ivan Bucher of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Urey Lecture Hall, Bucher’s group will share stories of life changes brought about by rebirth in God, he said.
Bucher knows about big life changes. Two years ago, he crashed his car while driving drunk. His lifestyle, filled with sexual promiscuity, was keeping him from a relationship with God, he said.
“I really had no control,” he said.
A representative from Campus Crusade for Christ reached out to him.
“He prayed for me, he waited on me,” Bucher said.
And now Bucher, a UM senior in communications, is reaching out to the campus community. He wants to save students from the pain of being lost without a moral foundation, he said.
Members of the group are “trying to be the light and the truth to students,” he said. “I can’t help but tell people about it. That’s why it’s so radical.”
Bucher acknowledges the term “crusade” is inflammatory. And while he does not believe in pushing religion by force, “it’s really the right term for what it means to build spiritual movements,” he said.
Bucher agrees with the tactics used by the Open Air Outreach evangelicals, the group that spurred outrage among many UM students two weeks ago with their fire-and-brimstone preaching.
At least they got attention, he said. “I’m in full agreement with everything they profess.”
Jesse Morrell, a founding member of Open Air Outreach agrees. Riling up students is the way to go, he said. “No one listens to a soft-boy sissy,” Morrell said. The confrontational approach Open Air Outreach uses to save souls is rooted in Jesus’ teachings, he said.
“I didn’t come to bring peace,” Morrell said, citing the Bible.
“We are trying to cause a division between light and darkness and good and bad,” Morrell said. “We are not trying to bring peace, we are trying to cause controversy.”
Morrell formed the group about five years ago, concerned about wavering moral values on campuses across the country. His group now travels to as many as 40 schools each semester.
Morrell said college students today live only for themselves, filling their time with alcohol, promiscuity and drugs.
This selfishness and a progressive loss of Biblical values are responsible for the growing violence on school campuses today, he said.
School administrators used to worry about kids chewing gum in school. Now, he said, they worry about kids shooting guns in school.
“It’s a very dark future for America if it doesn’t change,” he said.
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1611isperfect
Full Member
Publick preaching in Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 140
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Post by 1611isperfect on Apr 19, 2007 16:04:19 GMT -5
AMEN!!! ;D
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Post by alan4jc on Apr 19, 2007 16:18:27 GMT -5
Nice article ;D Not all the "christians" were opposed to us.
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 19, 2007 16:26:38 GMT -5
It's true.
And not all the pharisees were opposed to Christ. Not all the religious objected to John the Baptist.
There will always be some "Christians" who do not like open air preaching on sin, hell, and repentance, but then there will always be Christians who support it.
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Post by josh on Apr 19, 2007 19:57:13 GMT -5
There is the problem, you are not called to cause controversy, but you are called to preach the gospel, that reveals the Prince of Peace to sinful humanity, and then show people how they have peace with a wrathful God who even though He was angry at sinners showed mercy in providing a way of escape.
Jesse, if that is how you preach, and if that is a direct quote from you, then you are not worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher. Since that isn't the gospel you were preaching.
Yes, the gospel does cause division, but we don't set out to cause controversy. We should set out to preach Christ and Him crucified!
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Post by Kerrigan on Apr 19, 2007 20:24:46 GMT -5
I have to agree with Josh on this one bro. I hope that isn't a direct quote from you. If it is maybe you didn't mean it the way it came out. I think Josh hit the nail on the head when he said, "we don't set out to cause controversy." Yeah, it will happen at times, but we shouldn't SET OUT to do that...
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Post by danlirette on Apr 19, 2007 21:15:05 GMT -5
There is the problem, you are not called to cause controversy, but you are called to preach the gospel, that reveals the Prince of Peace to sinful humanity, and then show people how they have peace with a wrathful God who even though He was angry at sinners showed mercy in providing a way of escape. Jesse, if that is how you preach, and if that is a direct quote from you, then you are not worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher. Since that isn't the gospel you were preaching. Yes, the gospel does cause division, but we don't set out to cause controversy. We should set out to preach Christ and Him crucified! Josh, I agree also that we should not be preaching in order to "cause controversy"... At the same time, your remark on Jesse not being "worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher", basedon that one statement, is ridiculous. Jesse may have some things we don't agree with.. and he may not agree with some things we do (concerning methods)... but our message is the same: Repent, believe and confess. To make such a harsh resounding and ridiculous statement based on a quote from Jesse, without actually taking into account the years of Gospel Preaching he's done and is doing, shows a lack of discernment and proper Biblical judging. Brother, if Jesse is not worthy to carry the message of the Gospel then none of us are... Why? We all share the same Gospel. God bless and keep you, Brother Josh I mean no offense in my words here; I really believe your Ministry, Josh, is a God-Ordained Ministry, as are many here. I'm simply concerned with your public statements on the Board in this instance Dan
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Post by josh on Apr 19, 2007 23:46:45 GMT -5
To be a gospel preacher, one must preach the gospel.
To cause trouble and strife and not preach the gospel makes one not a gospel preacher.
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byhislife
Junior Member
No Compromise
Posts: 78
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Post by byhislife on Apr 20, 2007 1:43:09 GMT -5
Praise God! I am so thankful that OAO came to our area, preached on our campus and stirred up the Devil! Perfect timing too... God knew what was about to happen on the east coast. All I hear from students is that this was the first time the gospel was preached with such boldness and authority.
There are now hundreds, perhaps thousands of students across the UM who will never forget this great incursion of light into darkness... Isa 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
My only hope is that many will repent and beleive the Gospel and that we will be able to have the team back next semmester for another round of Truth and Light!
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Post by joem on Apr 20, 2007 7:09:40 GMT -5
Yesterday at 7:57pm, Josh Williamson wrote: Quote:“We are trying to cause a division between light and darkness and good and bad,” Morrell said. “We are not trying to bring peace, we are trying to cause controversy.”
There is the problem, you are not called to cause controversy, but you are called to preach the gospel, that reveals the Prince of Peace to sinful humanity, and then show people how they have peace with a wrathful God who even though He was angry at sinners showed mercy in providing a way of escape.
Jesse, if that is how you preach, and if that is a direct quote from you, then you are not worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher. Since that isn't the gospel you were preaching.
Yes, the gospel does cause division, but we don't set out to cause controversy. We should set out to preach Christ and Him crucified!
Josh, I agree also that we should not be preaching in order to "cause controversy"...
At the same time, your remark on Jesse not being "worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher", basedon that one statement, is ridiculous.
Jesse may have some things we don't agree with.. and he may not agree with some things we do (concerning methods)... but our message is the same: Repent, believe and confess.
To make such a harsh resounding and ridiculous statement based on a quote from Jesse, without actually taking into account the years of Gospel Preaching he's done and is doing, shows a lack of discernment and proper Biblical judging.
Brother, if Jesse is not worthy to carry the message of the Gospel then none of us are...
Why?
We all share the same Gospel.
God bless and keep you, Brother Josh
I mean no offense in my words here; I really believe your Ministry, Josh, is a God-Ordained Ministry, as are many here.
I'm simply concerned with your public statements on the Board in this instance
Dan
Amen. It will be a good day when we all stop attacking each other in light of single sentences and occasional failures. Loving the brethren is fruit of the Spirit. If we need to be perfect in every word in order preach the gospel, quit now.
Grace and Peace, Joe
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Post by Paul Mcgrade on Apr 20, 2007 13:38:23 GMT -5
There is the problem, you are not called to cause controversy, but you are called to preach the gospel, that reveals the Prince of Peace to sinful humanity, and then show people how they have peace with a wrathful God who even though He was angry at sinners showed mercy in providing a way of escape. Jesse, if that is how you preach, and if that is a direct quote from you, then you are not worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher. Since that isn't the gospel you were preaching. Yes, the gospel does cause division, but we don't set out to cause controversy. We should set out to preach Christ and Him crucified! Amen Josh. You'd do well to search deep within your own heart Jesse. I'd rather speak 5 words of understanding than 10,000 words that no one could understand. I'd rather speak to 12 people who are listening intently and and a few of them regenerated by the power of God, a few of them encouraged to pursue after Christ with all their hearts, a few of them go from pride to humility before God than to have 300 people listening to how great a preacher I am. Let me babble all day long if just these things would happen, if just God would get glory out of me and out of every single one of the 12 people I'm talking to. (NOT PREACHING AT)
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Post by sean on Apr 20, 2007 14:03:36 GMT -5
There is the problem, you are not called to cause controversy, but you are called to preach the gospel, that reveals the Prince of Peace to sinful humanity, and then show people how they have peace with a wrathful God who even though He was angry at sinners showed mercy in providing a way of escape. Jesse, if that is how you preach, and if that is a direct quote from you, then you are not worthy to carry the title of gospel preacher. Since that isn't the gospel you were preaching. Yes, the gospel does cause division, but we don't set out to cause controversy. We should set out to preach Christ and Him crucified! Amen Josh. You'd do well to search deep within your own heart Jesse. I'd rather speak 5 words of understanding than 10,000 words that no one could understand. I'd rather speak to 12 people who are listening intently and and a few of them regenerated by the power of God, a few of them encouraged to pursue after Christ with all their hearts, a few of them go from pride to humility before God than to have 300 people listening to how great a preacher I am. Let me babble all day long if just these things would happen, if just God would get glory out of me and out of every single one of the 12 people I'm talking to. (NOT PREACHING AT) Amen Paul.
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Post by shetani on Apr 20, 2007 14:09:32 GMT -5
Soft boy sissy? My god, Jesse - how much farther back in the closet can you get?
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Post by messengermicah on Apr 21, 2007 13:23:22 GMT -5
I think this whole thread is ridiculous. Good article Jesse and I don't know if the quote was accurate or not, but I don't see the big deal. It is biblical. If we are preaching the Word of God we are out to bring about separation and division. Preaching means to expose sin and bring the light (2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 5:11-13).
I think when being interviewed and you are asked questions you need to make it clear that what is happening is biblical because they do not understand.
For example I am always told that I am not "successful" because people do not like the message I am preaching. I am always quick to inform them that I am very "successful" because everyone is understanding my message but they just do not like it. I will tell them, "We have been 100% successful. Every student on this campus now understands they are living in sin, heading for hell, unless they repent from their sin, turn to Jesus and live a life of loving, sin free obedience."
I think some of you are nitpicking and critical.
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Post by Kerrigan on Apr 21, 2007 14:14:39 GMT -5
I think this whole thread is ridiculous. Good article Jesse and I don't know if the quote was accurate or not, but I don't see the big deal. It is biblical. If we are preaching the Word of God we are out to bring about separation and division. Preaching means to expose sin and bring the light (2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 5:11-13). I think when being interviewed and you are asked questions you need to make it clear that what is happening is biblical because they do not understand. For example I am always told that I am not "successful" because people do not like the message I am preaching. I am always quick to inform them that I am very "successful" because everyone is understanding my message but they just do not like it. I will tell them, "We have been 100% successful. Every student on this campus now understands they are living in sin, heading for hell, unless they repent from their sin, turn to Jesus and live a life of loving, sin free obedience." I think some of you are nitpicking and critical. I'm not being nitpicky and critical, just pointing out the truth. Overall, I agree with what Jesse is doing and I agree that the message itself WILL cause division and controversy. All you have to do is look at some of my own videos to see that. My only contention was whether his intention is to cause those things or not. I don't see anywhere in the Bible where we are called to CAUSE those things to happen. In other words, that should not be our motivation or intention when going out to preach. That's all that I am saying. Do you not agree with that Micah? I am not in agreement with Josh that Jesse is not a Gospel preacher though. It seems that Josh has some other contention with Jesse and is trying to find some reason to say that about him...
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Post by josh on Apr 21, 2007 20:47:36 GMT -5
I am not in agreement with Josh that Jesse is not a Gospel preacher though. It seems that Josh has some other contention with Jesse and is trying to find some reason to say that about him... I think Jesse is a preacher, but if his mission is to cause trouble then it isn't gospel. Gospel Preacher - Gospel = No Gospel Preacher.
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Post by alan4jc on Apr 21, 2007 23:36:29 GMT -5
I was with Jesse and the rest of OAO in Montana and I was blessed by each of them and the preaching that was done. Sin was exposed and division was caused because of the Gospel. I believe that Jesse's' statement was mistaken, because people do not consider his heart for the lost. He knows the message brings controversy and that is what he meant. In his heart I believe he wants to see God glorified and people saved. I would preach with him again anytime and any place. Do I agree with Jesse on everything..of course not. But he is my brother and more than that we are members of one another, as are all the Saints on this board. Jesus spilled His blood to make us one with Him and thereby with each other. Please glorify God by loving the brethren and not quarreling. I love you all and hope that one day I could meet each of you. Many times as I have read your posts my heart has longed to be with you. May the love of Jesus Christ overcome each of us.
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byhislife
Junior Member
No Compromise
Posts: 78
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Post by byhislife on Apr 23, 2007 23:12:07 GMT -5
AMEN Bro Alan! I too spent much time with Jesse in Montana... He is not anything like some of you who don't know him portray him to be.... I mean, he is tough on sin... but he's one of the kindest and meekest 22 year od I've ever met... I am looking forward to having him come again... as a matter of fact, I would be really tickled if he and his wife moved here! img256.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00059ft0.jpg
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Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 25, 2007 14:30:28 GMT -5
From my recollection, those quotes are pretty accurate. But I think that they can be perceived or read into wrongly. My whole point was that we didn't go to MU to bring peace, we came to cause division. We went there to expose sin. We went there to talk about hell and judgment. We went there to talk about the true, controversial Jesus. In a very true sense, I am trying to cause controversy for Jesus. I am trying to make a big fuss over sin and Jesus Christ. People are sleep and we are the annoying alarm clock trying to wake them up. I am not trying to just get along with the world or be friends with the world. I am going to rather preach the true, controversial gospel of "turn from sin and turn to Jesus". I am glad that those who have preached with me, and have actually seen what I am talking about, agree that it's in a spirit of love and genuine sincerity, and agree that it's biblical. It is high time that the Church cause controversy for Jesus! We shouldn't try to bring peace, we should try to bring a sword and do battle! Here are the videos from the outreach: www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=JesseMorrell&page=1www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=JesseMorrell&page=2I am sure that nobody will have any issue with the "controversy" or the "battle" we caused in these videos, because it was caused by nothing other then preaching a message of repentance and faith.
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