Ethiocross Blog

Dear Brothers and Sisters;

We all know our conversation began with the recent news of recognition of Pastor Daniel Mekonnen's forty years service and his elevation to a new status of an Apostle by his own Gospel Light Church. Since I was not present at the meeting, my comment is based on what I read and heard from individuals sharing their opinions on this particular issue during the last 4-5 weeks. To my knowledge, (I could be wrong), no single Church among evangelicals received such level of publicity, especially because of affairs considered to be internal.

The controversy became clearer because of comments made on the occasion by Dr. Alemu Biftu and Dr. Tollossa Gudina. I am not rushing to judge individuals who spent years serving the Lord, however would like to hear what they say. Is it true that Dr. Alemu finally decided to compare a fellow servant of God with the most High Priest? I doubt. Some were very emphatic to condemn them, which I always thought was cruel and not constructive. The bible is clear with issues such this one; first, we pray, talk privately and then bring it to the attention of the congregation. If efforts are not successful, the Church is empowered to excommunicate; and we as members of the body of Christ then decide to echo the Church's decision and not our own opinion. I assume these steps were not followed. One may argue that, as a guest, there is no such opportunity other than doing what we think is right.

I do not support any move concerning a Church by a single individual whether in support or against. A single individual cannot run the affair of a Christian Church. If we are in the Church (have a Church we go to), the most appropriate way is to bring it to the attention of the Church before we start acting.
While reading this article I found sections where talents of individuals are discussed. Unfortunately, I say those talents do not belong to those individuals, rather to the Church. When Christians try to put their gifts on sale, there is a problem; and we become very destructive even if our motive is genuine. Remember, we are still in flesh and not spirit beings. I appreciate brothers and sisters who took time to sit down and pray; and finally shared their insight. God bless all!

I believe this is fair and scriptural.

Thank You
~ God Bless Tsehaye
Toronto

Good Job
May God bless you!

Dear Brothers and sisters
Let us do everything for the glory of God and for the edification of Hs church.
Those people like me who were not at the SIMET can not tell or peak perfectly about that program.But we have the right based on the scripture and the hitory of the church to discern any teaching or practice that is against the ord of God.Of course our Ethiopian culture is not transparent and poor in giving recognition to those ministers but we should not copy the American style of self explanatory fame seeking culture in the church.Rather we say to our self according to the Bible,I n unorthy...abortive...the least of all... learning from great saits like Paul.
The trend here is non scriptural that is targeting the honor of individuals which is wrong.Paul wrote it perfectly but ofcourse there are some extreeme sentences but in priniciple Paul's criticism is scriptural and I thank Ethio Cross for editing his article that is very educational for our struggling church.If such peopke arose in time those great preachers like Jim Baker mght not ended in deception and finally confessed I WAS WRONG.So it is high time Pastor Daniel and his company repented and corrected their way today instead of saying I was wrong after many deceptions on the church.
Meskelu,Pastor

Hi ahew this very resneble comment God bless you God job

Dear Brothers & Sisters!

I have two concern about this article: (i) The Font, very small and not tempting to read (it is sort of 'yetachekke' article) ; and (ii) By just reading the opening and closing paragraphs, and skimming through the article, I don't see (and couldn't find) the names of the editors (they just said "we" or "concerned ones" etc). As far as I'm concerned, this hiding raises a flag by iself. So I'm very reluctuntant to accept this article as written in genuine Christian motives except just to respond to Brother Paulos' article.

Many thanks to ethiocross team!

I am personally not convinced by the above critics (If it is critics at all) from "WENDMOCH"
Their critic is full of personal biased and fallacious. They frequently insult Brother Paulos Fekadu instead of showing us what lies he wrote. They refer equivocal premises and conclude Fekadu is wrong, what ignorance is that. For God sake, did you guys (the so called “wondmoch”) read or hear how critics is presented. You committed appeal to the person fallacy! Please go and refer you text book before writing a critic on such debatable issue. Finally, I am sorry to mention your "critics" as nonsense. I am sure Paulos doesn’t waste time to reply for this crap.

hi paul,u have to respct ur spiritual father.GOD will ask him about his doing good or not,ur scripture is like poletical.pls dont tell ur father problem to media.this is not spritualty.if u dont understand talk face to face or pray about it.pls give me ur phone no.i wanna talk to u.
MAY GOD BLESS U

Dear Wondmoch or Ahaw.

God bless you for what you wrote about Paulo’s. It is timely and very accurate message. I usually read what he wrote in various Amharic Christian magazines in Ethiopia. I always wonder what his real motives are. I usually found them destructive not edifying articles.

Most of the time, before writing articles he usually didn’t ask the guy he is going to critic, why he did that, what his motives was, etc. If you don’t do this, such things will not show the whole picture. Therefore, just criticizing in a magazine someone will bring a wrong picture about that person. This is because the person who is criticized doesn’t get the chance to reply on the same magazine in the same issue or if the person does it on the next issue it will took more than a month or two, and this will put the reader to have a wrong conclusion about that person. And this will make us a vessel for the evil one. Since our aim is to edify, we should usually be extra careful when we critic a person.

In case of Pastor Daniel, knowing that his mother died and he was in grief, for Paulos waiting more than two weeks was unacceptable. Come on Paulos don’t forget you’re in Ethiopia. For me waiting even two month wasn’t too long, knowing my culture and if my aim and motive was to correct Pastor’s Daniel mistake and edify the church.

Regarding about other Fathers who made a speech in that ceremony, you should have asked what really they mean when they say what you quoted. This would have made for us readers to have a very balanced understanding. Otherwise just writing whatever is on you mind and get recognition from this is not a Christian way. If you are dong politics, I think it will work because the aim is to get a recognition and get as much acceptance as possible from the mass whether the matter you are talking or writing is correct or wrong.

I believe if you are open and have no other motives, this article will help you much and will help you to think twice and pray before writing any critics in the future. Just to let you know I am not against critics, but I want it to be done in love and by putting yourself in that person’s shoes.

In the need we need this kind of writers like AHAW to correct someone who doesn’t care for the person they are going to criticize. I hope others also will learn from this and will make their criticism the Christian way.

God bless you again the writers.

This is not a Christian critisizm. The writers did the exact same thing they accused Paulos of...I see hypocrisy in that! Why all the insults? Why all the ugliness and personal attacks? Just to be heard?? And by not stating their names, it's obvious that they are trying to psychologically trick the reader into trusting their false humility.

Hi Unknown "Christian Brothers" in Christ,
I have read the response you wrote to brother Poulos. If this kind of writing is from my fellow christians brothers I am realy very sad. It is totally character assasination, it is good to rebuke wrong doings the problem is how? by degrading your brother in Christ instead of lifting him up? Is that the way Jesus teach us? go to your pastor (ofcourse if you are not pastors) you shall go to him and show him what you have written? If he is really true Christian he will rebuke you and teach you how you shall mainain your relationship with your fellow brothers. The funy thing is from where you got all those proverbs? I am sure from your sinfull flesh. Most of your critics looks like to neel down your Christian brother. Please come back together and evaluate what you have written and repent. Yes brother Poulos made some mistakes by being too harsh(may be from his anger what he has observed) but the issue he has raised are serious and shall be a concern of all true christians fellow. You are too soft to admit the major mistakes done by our church leader. Your writing also much harsher than Paulos, but you do not have the courage to rebuke wrong doings.You tried to have a middle ground on the issues raised by Brother Paulos. As a christian are you looking for middle ground when it comes wrong teachings?
God bless you
In Christ

Years ago, I was attending a service in Addis Ababa in which the speaker was the only practicing Christian member of the then government. He was a well-respected official and a man of God. He kept his faith known to all around him including other government officials. He said ' in his capacity as a government Minister, he was required to attend all sorts of meetings, including Workers Party's. Mind you, those meetings were governed by Communist principles and meant to promote business in light of this imported ideology. This brother (father for many of us) sits in these meetings and wonders why he had to sit among non-believers. After struggling with his thought for some time, God spoke to him to pay attention how this group of people spoke to each other. He saw how every speaker stood up and spoke in a language very clear to all by taking turns. The rest listened with absolute dedication and regard to the speaker. The most amazing thing, he said ‘God made him to understand how His people could not spoke the same language and had no respect for each other at their meetings, which were supposed to glorify His name’. The brother I mentioned felt very ashamed at the luck of discipline among Christians, and then after he had to speak for four consecutive weeks on 'Church Discipline' in numerous Churches. I believe many who listened to him knew that he was communicating God's message to His people.

More than anytime today, the lesson I learnt years ago seems to me is appropriate and meaningful as we are struggling to find a common language and discipline that we should abide by. We live in a time when many asteroids (space objects not following the general pattern of planetary movement) are threatening our planet, and in the same analogy, some Christians are acting on their own without paying attention to the possible consequences of their actions. I am worried when I read some comments because brotherly love that wipes out our deficiencies, which St. Paul speaks about, is gradually abandoning us and as result, we are becoming unforgiving. Our love can do anything. Love persists and does not count misdeeds or mistakes. I do not believe in the hard-edged approach that some are advocating for and no one is helping God or His work for that matter. I do not condone sin if it is becoming a standard norm; however do not wish to gasp my last breath in order to prove it is happening. God is on His throne, sees everything, and deals with everyone accordingly. Let us stop insulting and degrading each other. I ask all Churches back home and abroad to monitor our conversations and make it a requirement for all members not to make unauthorized statements on behalf of the Church or our Christian faith. Churches should not be intimidated and side step when anarchy is unfolding. There is no wisdom or gift not mentioned in our Bible and the Church is the one to defend it. Bless all without exception!

I hate when Christian brothers degrade each other. Paulos wrote with harsh words and even passed a judgment on our elders or fathers. Nobody tried to rebuke him or correct him. Now I read an article who rebuked him with the way and language he used. I am not fully supporting this article; however when I saw the comments given, while approving some, against these guys (AHAW) I wanted to say to you who commented against; where were you? Were you happy and joyful when he Paulos scold and write harsh words on our fathers? Don’t be hypocrite when you wrote comments on these guys (AHAW), “they being a writer from their sinful flesh?” “And to show it to their Pastor” “Crap”…etc.” I believe as you said their Pastor might not approve it. But how about Paulos’s Pastor, will he approve it when he read what Paulos wrote on his Fathers. (Which for me is a crap except the issue about Apostles) I believe when we commented we should be balanced, especially Christians.

AHAW or brothers: I admire you for coming forward and rebuke Paulos, because no one dared to rebuke him to his face. Even though I heard in personal discussion with various pastors’ and Christian brothers that they were saddened by his article and the language he used. However I would have liked if the tone you (AHAW)used was lower and be written in love.

Paulos, I hope you will learn some lesson from this. (Neglecting the annoyance language the AHAW used). Converse with yourself; why this? Say to your self what mistake did I committed? What should I have done? To be honest if you ask these questions to your self and consult it with God, I believe you will come to your senses, and we will be privileged to read an article in “MATETAS’ a title “I WAS WRONG” as you have started lately.

God bless AHAW and Paulos!

Fellow Believers!

After skimming through this article, I wanted to ask "What and how should a Christian behave?" I don't know how you answer this question; but I have made the following observation.

Real Christians,
- Don't seek half-truth; but as true Children of God, they seek the whole TRUTH!
- Since they serve their dear Lord, they don't have a hidden agenda (in their heart); but they are honest to themselves and their Master!
- As true believers, they reveal their true identity; they don't hide behind a curtain (or give themselves a "fancy" Hebrew name)!
- Since they are Childrens of Light, they don't hide-and-bite; but they shade LIGHT in darkness!
- True Christians don't cover error and SIN; but they expose it!
-
-
And finally,
Real Christians don't retaliate; they REPENT!

God bless!

To: ETHIOLOVE, is that you who call the late singer Eyasu Berhe hero? watch out my dear christian brothers and sisters.(Refer to www.nazret.com on ETHIOLOVE comments regarding Eyasu Berhe " 01/21/10 @04:33 "the hero died... He will stay in our mind forever") non believers may intrude in our affairs.
Thanks.

In christ

God bless you writers. You did a great job. Thankyou for your wise advise to paulos. Pride comes before destruction. Take counsel brother paulos.

After giving my views about AHAW article, I have seen comments, for and against, this article. This is encouraging sign that Christian are reading and participating in issues raised.

Today, I want to add my own reply on one of the comments given by “Amare”

He gave good comments regarding how Real Christians should behave.


Real Christians,
- Don't seek half-truth; but as true Children of God, they seek the whole TRUTH!


I want to ask him when he said “half truth”. Is it about Apostle Issue? Or what? If it is about Apostle, I don’t know what the stand of the writers of this article are, but my stand is you can believe whether there is an Apostle in this time or not, the main issue should be, what you are doing for the kingdom of God. Should we waste our time debating on this issue or save lives? Believing that there is an Apostle, will it save a soul or not believing will lose someone’s salvation? Or vise verse. It is better to have a stand in issues like this but is it fundamental in Christian belief. My view is; it is not.

If it is about the ceremony, I don’t even understand it. I wish the organizer came forward and explain it.


- Since they serve their dear Lord, they don't have a hidden agenda (in their heart); but they are honest to themselves and their Master!


This, the writes of this article should respond. But I want to ask Paulos the same question.


- As true believers, they reveal their true identity; they don't hide behind a curtain (or give themselves a "fancy" Hebrew name)!


For this I wish the writers of this article told us their identities. However I want to ask Amare; what is worth, the content or the identities of the writers? In Ethiopia in political newspapers when people debates about certain issues they usually look to the person to come to the judgment than try to refute what he says based on the content. Now we are looking the same insight from Amare


- Since they are Childrens of Light, they don't hide-and-bite; but they shade LIGHT in darkness!


If I am not wrong, I don’t see any bite from AHAW, they just rebuke him with same word as he used. However as “Ethiolove” commented it was better if it was in Love and lower tone.


- True Christians don't cover error and SIN; but they expose it!



I haven’t seen any SIN covered in this article by AHAW. If I understand it correctly they are writing about Pauos general behavior in his writing.


-
-
And finally,
Real Christians don't retaliate; they REPENT!


Yes this is true, Real Christians don’t retaliate; they should REPENT, but I haven’t seen any sin committed by AHAW to repent of instead of retaliate. If I understand correctly they write to rebuke Paulos, believing the way he wrote about Pastor Daniel and other fathers are wrong. I repeat the way or HOW he wrote is wrong.

I think the last statement, “Real Christians don’t retaliate” should be addressed to Paulos, because what he should do is counsel with himself and repent, not retaliate.

Finally, I will expect high standard articles from Paulos in the future having in mind that any article should be to edify people and corrects them in LOVE if he sees any wrong doings.

Accepting all of what Amare mentioned about the general Christian behavior, I want to add mine.

Christian should submit to AUTHORITY.

As the body of Christ,If Jesus comes Now
with this hate, name calling,and down sizing insult where will end up?
I live this Question with Love and Humility for all of us?
Let us repent and pray now!If we don't Love our brother and sister there is no truth in us !!
How the world hear from us the name of Jesus if we Talk about persons !!
Let us cross,We are standing and looking diffrent signs for Jesus coming. On the eve of the last trumpet the enemy want spread division and handle us a sword to murder the body of christ?
I have no dought Jesus knows about every thing before We say or write,
we can't convince him or change his mind he knows us more than we know our self.Let the world see and witness by our love, from all sides of Apostlic Issue Let's bring healing for the body of Christ.
Blessed for ever.

Truely speaking, z above comment i see is almost meaningles. they r accusing him 4 not praying 4 pastors & they r not praying 4 him? z word 'yetemtata' fits 4 them than his
we need guys like pawlos who remind us where we are.
God bless pawlos!!!!!!

To Yaregal

Since I am in Ethiopia, I can not see the web link you refer too. What amazed me very much was how hasty we are in our conclusion to say something. Based on your hasty conclusion I would have liked what your comments would be on this issue we are commenting at.

Just to reply to your accusation, if it is an accusation, I am not the guy you want me to be to. For me a hero is a soldier for Christ.

Shall I say what a GOBEZ person you are? For your information I and my friends laughed very much, and they found something to tease me about. Thank you for this. Just in a middle of serious things we need something like this to freshen up.

Mercy for all of us.
Is it time to insult and condem one another? is it time to fight one another? is it time to blame one another? Do you think we are growing or going down in faith?
have we done anything that glorify our lord and save souls? why do not go to muslim and write some thing that may help the lost souls? Have you got time to pray for one another?
Mercy for all of Us. Please let us grow in Love and live for Christ.

I love you all,

Thank you my brother for your comment one Paul's article. But I want to tell you this.
If money can buy you a name in the house of God this is one the example.
Many of us know these people. We lived with them we served in the House with them. They are ministering for living than for God. Since they have a lot of money they collect in the name of God they can come to Ethiopia and act like they are the blessed ones. But we many know they are responsible for all the mess that is happening among Ethiopian evangelical churches. They are the one who bring the pastoral leadership, which the church is run like a company, own by a single person. They bring the properly gospel and condom all the poor, those people who pray "give us our daily bread". They are destroying the only hope Ethiopia has, gospel. I agree Brother Paul. I say they should retire before they do more damage to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Believers of Lord JESUS (Sons of GOD)Read 1Corinthians:12:12-21
Different Members in One Body For just as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body – though many – are one body, so too is Christ. 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves4 or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. 12:14 For in fact the body is not a single member, but many. 12:15 If the foot says, “Since I am not a hand, I am not part of the body,” it does not lose its membership in the body because of that. 12:16 And if the ear says, “Since I am not an eye, I am not part of the body,” it does not lose its membership in the body because of that. 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, what part would do the hearing? If the whole were an ear, what part would exercise the sense of smell? 12:18 But as a matter of fact, God has placed each of the members in the body just as he decided. 12:19 If they were all the same member, where would the body be? 12:20 So now there are many members, but one body.

Holy Bibel Saying read Romans 13:8
"Owe no one anything, except to love one another,"
Believers are like these. But in our country ....., what is is problem?

God help us please in Jesus name. Our Lord JESUS mercy be on Me,Brothers & Sisters (Believers of Lord JESUS) & Our country.

without LORD JESUS We are nothing.

love you brothers and sisters from U'rs sister

Geta yebarkachu yebtchrstianen shetet lalem hulu bemaweju wendemachen paulos asdengetonge nber,ebakachu yebtechristianen gudaye lemimelketw sew bgel ngerut enji kezih belaye batemelalesu dess yelengale beki kbeki belye nw tebareku

Dear brothers and sisters,

I wonder if this comment is coming from the concerned pastors, their supporters or their association. I thank God for persons like Paulos who are asking the right questions whatever their motives may be. There is no wrong question anyway and Paulos should not be condemned for asking. We cannot say, "You should known better" and base all our conclusions on Paul's unpolished communication style. God knows his heart and motive and judges him not based on our projections. There is no biblical basis for condemning this "young" believer. It should not be, Ahiyawun ferto dawlawun.

The biblical principle is that the local church or a council of churches should handle (Mt 18 and Acts 15, etc.)this kind of critical doctrinal issues, not simply an unknown 'wondmoch'. The paticipation of the local churches and the national Fellowship of Evangelical Churches is critical. I am not sure if those pastors would like to submit to the authority of these bodies but I think they should. Some of these pastors usually act independantly and have monopolized the Diaspora church ministries through their association. We, the Diaspora Christians have known that since the establishment of the Pastors' Association over twenty years ago. If one is not a member of the association, he or she is treated like a heretic or 'black sheep'. I am sorry that our youngster, Paulos has been given such a verdict now. Paulos has the truth but he probably lacks the wisdom and expertise to communicate it, sounding "Christian' or 'cutlural' or diplomatic. In other words what the Wondmoch are saying is that he is not 'politically correct' within the Christian culure.

ADH, your are right; we need to go back to church discipline. It is biblical to have the house of God in order. The internet is not the right place for it though.

I think we are still going in the same circle. I thought we have ended the discussion already as the church was not willing to show the video clip.

The Diaspora churches and pastors need to have their house in order. They should not infect the Ethiopian church and believers with their pursuit of secularized liberal theology. We need the pure and full gospel of Jesus Christ, not watered down liberal sweet and mellow talk. The Cross demands our full dedication to the purity and integrity of the message of salvation. We are sinners saved by grace; so are our pastors. They have erred.They be told so. There is no middle ground meddling as the 'wondmoch' are doing now. God will honor these leaders if they confess they are wrong and be disciplined by the church. We do not need to sugar-coat their act and behavior. God and His people will forgive them if they denounce their position, based on the report we have been reading about the SIMET. If the have a different issue from what we have been discussing, let them come to the fore. Let them show us the video. There is no place for speculation. Otherwise, they will continue their journey disregarding the "barking dogs". That is not Christ-like. Quite a few of us are barking here and they have ignored us.

Wondemoch, I respect your assessment but respectfully disagree with your conclusion. We all need to repent and seek God's face. We have imprisoned the gospel and God will hold us responsible to the measure of our gifts and knowledge. Let us serve the Living God, not Mammon!

I do not want to reveal my name because I fear the persecution of these Diaspora pastors. They have destroyed many brothers and I do not want to be their victim. I nevered feared the communist imprisonement, bullet and humilation which I had faced time and again; but now I feel I should survive their persecution and wind up my ministry with utmost integrity to what I know to be true in these last days. I am reminded of my Lord, Jesus avoiding untimely persecution by the Pharisees many times.

May God us all.

i like the last word.

While the focus of this blog is around the controversy created because of Gospel Light Church's decision to elevate its founder and current Senior Pastor to a less common position of an Apostle, there are still some other facts worth our opinions. According to the recent poll by ETHIOCROSS (not scientific) more than 50% participants do believe we can have Apostles in the Church, less than 40% are against, and about 8 to 10% have no opinion. Although not conclusive, however these figures tell us how Ethiopian Christians who have the capacity to go online and follow the progress of our debate perceive the title of Apostleship. With some sort of margin of error, this is a reflection of our entire Churches. I could be wrong and willing to be corrected. Surprisingly, not many are engaged in a discussion whether the title is necessary or not as the figures may suggest, there is a serious gap in opinion.

When we read Endale's comment and Ahaw's response, both focus on languages used and choices of words in describing the individual's example by some speakers at the ceremony. Like many of you, I was kind of drifting from one opinion to the other one, back and forth, as if I am watching a basketball game when points are scored. Many times, I tried to be neutral. In my previous comments you could not tell where I stand, because I did not see any point to choose where to stand, therefore did not give it importance. I did not believe in "Either you are with us or with them", because I knew we all are together except we have some serious communication problem. Finally, I am considering combining Endale and Ahaw's opinion by removing all unnecessary personal attacks and insults. When the two are combined, they will make a wonderful piece of advice for the years to come. Read both of opinions carefully and you would find from each paper at least ten points that you give your thumbs up.

SWF I am sorry for what you are going through, and would like to share my little advice of a daily prayer like the old days. ‘Please God help us to realize what is going on in our brothers, sisters and our own lives. Help us to live by your example as leaders and congregants of your Church. Make us a free people in your house and liberate us from the feeling of endless persecution. Please forgive those who persecute us. Amen!’

ADH,

Thank you for your advice and prayer. The issue here is not personal preference as you know but it is doctrinal. It is like you either believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ or spiritual reserruction of Him. I believe Jesus arose from the dead physically. The liberal theology teaches the spiritual or reserruction by faith. Many Evangelical churches in America have adopted the liberal thinking and incorporated it in their doctrines. There are many other issues of departure between the two. Now,"apostleship" is not a position of honor to which one gets promoted to like the the incumbent pope to a sainthood. If we establish such a position, we are not biblical or Evangelical or Protestant any more. The Bible clearly teaches the sainthood of every believer and it would be redundant to accord such a position to leaders. That is why I call myself Saint Fatuma Wakjira. I am sanctified by the blood and redemptive work of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I appreciate ethiocross.com's hard work of running opinion polls. I do not, think though, Church doctrines should be decided by a majority opinion poll. None of the apostles tried to please the majority. I believe my first call is to please one spectator or audience who is God, Himself. The Bible is His word. He gave us for doctrine and practice (2Tim. 3:16). That is why I have been shouting SOLA Scriptura! Jesus is the Only Way, etc. The liberals have hard time swallowing those extreme assertions. I bet some of these leaders are influenced by liberalism. That is why they have to come up with new doctrines all the time. To me an apostle is a missionary, period. Missions is central to Christ's mandate. I cannot argue with anyone in this loop because it is counterproductive and waste of God's resources, that is your time and mine. We have a higher calling tell the dying world about the loving Saviour (Is. 61:1-3). God will hold us accountable for the stewardship of our gifts, talents, time and other resources. That must be our primary focus. This church politics where we argue who is going to be on the right and left side in His Kingdom does not hold ground with me. I have written extesively in our previous discussions. There is nothing to balance here. there is no neutral position with me. I am sold out to what I believe is true. I have dedicated my resources, time and energy from youth to old age serving the Church of the Living God. I do not compromise God's word (the little that I know) for material or intrisic gain. I know one Apostle, Jesus, the Christ who came down from heaven, incarnated to save the lost sinners such as me. I know His 12 apostles plus Apostle Paul in their rank. I know others as missionaries whether they serve in Haiti or in Paris. They are the torch bearers of the gospel. They are pioneer church planters. I know too many of them in my life. They never needed any human recognition. They served their Savior in solitude; in remote and obscure place in the the jungles of Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc. I had the privilege of being under their feet and learning the Word of God in Ethiopia in 1960s. They were the precursors of the revival. Neither they nor their disciples sought recognition. They paid for the mission with their life. Do we have apostles in Ethiopia? Yes, indeed we have had them ever since Ethiopia started receiving gospel believing missionaries from time immemorial. I am not sure about the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8. I hope he delivered the message to Ethiopia. How could he be quiet? The Orthodox claim the Syrian duo as such. The Lutherans claim to have received missionaries in early 19th C. Others in the 20th. We do have apostles in the jungles of the cosmopolitan New York or Tokyo. But, they should be self-seeking but sold-out servants of the Lord. I know there are missionaries in Moqadisho who risked their life for the sake of the gospel! Do they need recognition? No. They are looking forward to the coming of the Messaiah like the heroes of faith (Heb. 11).

In the church we do have gifts called apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and pastors (Eph. 4:11-12). These are all positions of gifted functionaries (servants) to train church members in other ministry areas. Their position of authority is to teach and administer the the word of God. If we recognise thier gift, we should recognize it before they start the ministry, ordain, commission and send them out trusting God. We cannot promote them from evangelist to pastorate to apostleship to sainthood.

Please, let us study the Bible, the only authority that can bind us together. Bible only! We need apostolic authority based on the knowledge and spirituality of the person in the churches. But, we do not have a universal apostle like the Pope. Do we a pope/apostle now in the Ethiopian Evangelical church? Did the ECFE recognize the papacy?

Can any one post the video of the Simet event? I appreciate your reconciliatory spirit but this is not about the persons but about their position. You and I cannot and should not speak for them. They are our leaders. They should come to the fore and speak what they believe and they do not believe. Neither Endale nor Wondmoch should advocate for them. They are servants of the Most High. If they erred they have to say it loud and clear so that this error shoud not go down to eternity. They are mere mortal men but their words and actions will survive them. Their legacy will be distorted and misconstrued if they do not correct it now while they are still alive. I am begging them to do this in the Name of Jesus Christ and for the sake of His blood. They have grounded the gospel by their silence. I know and I am telling every one in this loop to heed to the Word of God, not the commotion.

With love from an elder brother.
May the Holy Spirit speak to us all.
God bless us all.

SFW,
I don't dispute your legitimate concern and am reading it with a lot of interest even before you assumed your new nickname, which of-course is more meaningful. I agree, many powerful men and women of God lead their life in relative obscurity, and on the other hand there are still some who are chosen to a limelight of fame and prestige because of the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, they too are exposed to honor and disgrace equally. Most of the time, they get humiliated in broad day light just because they proclaim in public 'Jesus is Lord'. I remember a man of God who calls 'the preaching of the Gospel from a pulpit' as an honorable service since it is done in front of the faithful. Whereas, he used to call the other type 'service in disgrace and humiliation', when the servant of God stands in front of unbelievers -preaching on a street corner to the amusement of everyone. In light of todays' Christianity, I don't know what that brother would have said. I am not saying anything new what my dear brothers and sisters do not have any knowledge about. You could tell many similar stories of your own which are more meaningful. I tell you, no one is better than His Master by any standard.

Given our tight culture of not speaking in public, even about honorable matters, I am afraid that the official call for repentance or acceptance of mistakes in public may not be welcomed. Then, are we going to hold on it forever or try something different? I believe there must be a place and time where the two sides would be able to come together, and resolve this issue amicably. I say this, because I noticed some frustrations as concerned parties are indicating luck of willingness and some of us are getting tired in waiting. If the mountain does not come we have to go to the mountain. This is the nature of true Christianity. God bless all of us!
In Christ!

ADH,

How true! Our culture is impediment to following the Master. I do understand why it the Lord taught forsaking father, mother, sister, brother, etc. Our secular culture has a very smart skill of righting the wrong and wronging the right. Woe to me, if I do not live above my culture! Much of it is sinful. My first allegiance should be to Christ and His cause but many a time we fail, and the grace and mercy kicks in. I could give you an example. An elder of a church won a bid for building an annex to the church. The pastor gave the bid to his brother who is a church member and justified his act by quoting scripture that helping one's family first is a Christian duty. I can give scores of similar examples of unethical behavior of our leaders. Such is rampant among other societies as well. But, are we not to be salt and light against such norms? Are we not to affect the culture? Jesus said, "If your righteousness does not excel that of the Pharisees, you shall not inherit the Kingdom of God". I believe in radical submission and obedience to Christ. It is costly but I would leave the consequence to God. Now coming back to this situation, I do not want to speculate and heap burdons I cannot carry on my dear brothers. That was why I stressed these kind of things need to be handled in a church setting where the church leadership could exercise discipline. In the absence of ir, this came out to the internet. We need to go back to the basics.

Now I do not want to push this thing too far lest I fall with it. May it be known though, neither my proponents nor I are cowards hiding behind cocealed names. Let it is understood by all sincere believers that our motives are pure before the Blessed Savior.

Again, thank you everyone. I think we should the whole matter to Master and keep on loving and serving the multitudes. May the Holy Spirit who weighs our motive, attitude and action minister to each one of us.

Blessed is His Name.

SWF

Dear Paul,

When we read (John 21:20-23) Peter was called to follow Jesus, then Peter, turning around saw the disciple whom Jesus loved (John) following him. And Peter said to Jesus what about this man (John) is following you, and Jesus said him “what is that to you? You follow me. Simply saying that is not your business, mind your business. Apostle Daniel Mekkonen is running his race, and you too, run your race as he did. Why some people are always critics, never work for the kingdom of God, just critics. Some of you said that Apostle Daniel has weakness; God knows his weakness before Daniel saw his weakness. You remind me the word of God (Acts:9:13) Jesus called Saul(Paul) to serve him, and Ananias said Lord I heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem, Ananias wants to convince Jesus not to put him in Ministry, but Jesus knew Paul, before Ananias knew him. And Ananias is a disciple, but he didn’t understand Jesus heart. Today I am asking you this question really do you have personal experience with Jesus, or you Just accept Jesus a long time ago, and go to church to fill the pillows. You don’t know Apostle Daniel Mekkonen, and Lord Jesus Christ what relationships have privately.

SFW,
It looks-as if we are the only ones willing to share our thoughts, nevertheless do not doubt the presence of hundreds if not thousands of visitors. Therefore, I still keep in my mind, these are not a private conversation, and therefore visualize how many souls at this time are keenly seeking answers to problems they believe the Church is facing now days.

We could have a laundry list of issues that we observe daily in the Church. To some it is justifiable and to many a practice that needs to be stopped. All in the name of scriptures. Who is quoting the scriptures truthfully? What is the motive behind our actions? Are we honest and not seeking our personal interest? How do we convince the other side about what we think is wrong based on the scriptures we all presumably agree? The problem becomes harder, the fact that no one wants to be seen contradicting the Bible. Everyone wants to win no matter what at any cost, and live another day hoping to repent in hiding while keeping many in horrible pain. I sometimes wonder if this is the negative side of interdenominational or nondenominational nature of the Church in exile. I could be wrong, however inclined to believe it. Long before we became free, we were worshiping in hiding and no one was allowed to know about our whereabouts and what we did except members of our Church. When all of a sudden some of us started pushing the idea of fellowshipping with other Church members, there was a brother who opposed to it. He insisted the Church in hiding should keep its identity, and not compromise it by seeking unity with others, which he thought would result in anarchy. I do not know how that brother's fear could be translated here, however I suspect doctrinal differences are being ignored or falsely presumed to be non-existent, and therefore playing somewhat a hidden but decisive role. Are we not singing 'Akuna Matata' like those creatures in the movie?

I totally, agree the Church is capable of handling its internal matters, and therefore should not necessarily disclose everything to the outside world controlled by devil and to his delight. I told ones a pastor who decided to go to court seeking a restraining order on some members. Off-course he did not listen to me and did what he thought was right. I was not offended but not happy either. What could be said when there is no willingness to listen instead preferring to exclude the so-called 'trouble-makers' as the best way of having peace. I knew it was a temporary solution, and as years go-by many left that Church. This is only one single case and God knows how many more in other places.

I want to be clear here, that leaders are not the only ones to be blamed for what the Church is going through. How about the rest of us? Do we pray for the Church as we used to? Or else we made a prayer embargo like Johanna who failed to warn the people from coming wrath? If we are sitting and wondering, let us get up and move the mountains. The bible says we can shake and move the mountains with our prayers. I am with you and not excluding myself. I take the blame indirectly when the evil is finding ground more than any place in the Church.

SFW, I liked your last prayer 'May the Holy Spirit who weighs our motive, attitude and action minister to each one of us'. Amen!

In Christ!

To Your Sister,

Thank you for bearing with me. Just as Paul said the love of God and the care for His church should constrain us. Some people may resort to frustration and say, "It is none of my business, min agebah, why should you care, etc?". On the contrary, I say it all matters to me because this is my life. It is the SOLE purpose of my life. It is the gospel. This is the CROSS. This is the Christ, Crucified. It is the CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. It is the love for my people. It is the love for all human beings for whom the Savior died". I do not understand how you interpreted the scripures you quoted above to mean what you are trying to say. I would leave that to you, the holy Spirit and your own conscience. But, I know that I am commanded to be 'my brother's keeper'. If I do not tell him when he errs or lives in sin, I am equally a sinner for not telling him to not to continue in his evil ways (read Ez.3: 16-27). In fact, the essence of the gospel is to proclaim the good news. One cannot be silent about it if he or she is a born-again beleiver. That silence is anti-gospel and counterproductive. You are either for the gospel or against it. God demands that we care for our brother even while he is erring. That is love without limits manifested in Jesus Christ, that He died for us even when we were yet sinners (enemies of God). That is why I said God loves sinners, but not their sin. Let us get the record straight. We are not against any body. On the contrary, we are for everybody in the Spirit of Christ. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ must be liberated to serve Him and Him alone. Let us not create unnecessary structures that suffocate the gospel. We recognize the functions and the gifts in the church but we do not make a big deal of every gifted person. Each is important to the ministry of the church. We do not wish the gifts overshadow the message or the messenger of the gospel they ought to preach. The messenger is called to be salt and light to the world, just like you and I. We need to imitate Christ and His apostles (like Paul), who lived close to the Master. There are too many aposltes or missionaries who influenced my life or may be your life also. But, we have to be careful not to give the position of our Savior, like one brother said "Perfect" and another attributed the position of Melkeseddik, equating him to the Lord Jesus Christ. The church approved, explained it and now trying to justify its position through Wondmoch. We are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the principalities trying to snatch the gospel and he church in our very eyes. We care because we love Christ, His Church and His mission. Please, try to understand us. Pray for us. God will us accountable if we silent when we know the truth and do keep it to ourselves and say min agebagn?! We will face the judgment day and will be asked about he meklit He gave us! Pray for us! We cannot sing 'akuna matata' chigir yelem when we have the problem of the millennium which dethrones Jesus Christ and destroys the Body of Christ. I alienate myself and my infleunce that unscriputal, anti-Christian act. It is detrimental to the church. I have no part in this.

May God have mercy on our brothers. If they are genuine, they must come forward and say speak the 'truth in love' which they preach.

"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). It is about time to take a stand for the Lord.

Oh God, please, send your revival to your people once again as you did in the 1960's and 1970's. Where are those soldiers of the CROSS, are they already taken home to glory? Am I left alone, crying in the wilderness? God of Jermaiah, God of Elijah, God of John the Baptist, God of Deacon Steven, will You not visit us again? Please, Send your Spirit to us. Help us to swallow our pride and brighten our candle for a moment. And Gize, once again! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Servant SWF.

It is unfortunate to see occasionally some of our thoughts exiting our minds in an unintended way. Our motives may be to build, correct and educate however quite often we find ourselves doing something else. I read every comment a number of times, and think carefully what to say in my response, if I have to, otherwise keep quiet.

I agree, better say something rather than nothing, and face the consequence. Mostly, we quickly exhaust and choose to go personal in a way of cutting our conversation short. In private conversation, it probably works that way, but not in a public setup where opinions are expected to flow without restrictions until they dry up. When that happens, it means we reached a certain point to determine if we have a consensus. We all are unique in dealing with issues and in our own styles. We may be limited to express ourselves, however our luck of civility is not going to compensate for that. I have seen it many times in various occasions, how easily insults are hurled at each other. I do not think we get God's approval for our behavior.

Thank God, many were called early to lead a simple and quiet life. They are in the Church every week not because they have a special duty of warming the pillows as our dear sister said. God planted them and they will never depart when the heat or wind gets stronger. They were there when prayer houses were being filled with multitudes. Their love for Jesus Christ never diminished and love Him even more. They try to be heard when something goes wrong, and not wanting to be critical. Brothers and sisters have to be able to consult each other, therefore any such move should not be considered as a futile fault finding effort. There is an important issue at hand that needs to be clarified. Nothing more or less. The Church and Man of God whom we love very much must come forward and clear the air so that we all breathe fresh air. Once we hear from them, we turn our faces towards others for the sake of unity of the Church! God bless!

I notice my older generation is stuck with eneteprsing spirituality where seeking fame, gain and glory have devoured their spirituality. Suffice reading Ethiopian Pastors' Fellowship article,that details how self-seeking, corrupt and beligerant pastors have become. The statistical data by HB London does not seem to preclude ethnic church pastors who may hide in the shadow of their language and ethnic pecularities. Ethiopian churches in America are no less corrupt than their pastors either.

In this state of confusion, the message of the cross is apparently auctioned for the highest bidder. The devil has been using crafty schemes like creating unnecessary heirarchies such as "apostle, bishop, pastor, arch-bishop", etc. to confuse the believer. If one studies the word of God thoroughly, these are all functional gifts, and not "shumet" for someone to make profit or capitalize. They are positions of servanthood to the master's call which is based on 'Go ye, therefore to... (Mt. 28:19-20).' It is an open call to every disciple or believer although Paul distinguishes the functions of the five offices of ministry/servanthood (Eph. 4:10-ff)as gifts to prepare the believers for propagating the gospel. It is that simple. It is not complicated at all.

I beleive the Ethiopian church under the current leadership is either confused, drifting or rebeling against the biblical doctrines. The church's silence is not going to benefit anyone. It is about time to stand for the truth with the authority of the word of God. We need to pray that this mighty wind of heresy and rebellion must stop in Jesus Name. Jesus is the Only Way! He The Bible is the Only authority for doctrine and reproof (2Tim. 3:16). The office of an apostle is a functional missioanry office, distict from pastoral calling. The pastors' fellowship should take a stand against unbiblical teaching or else bear the consequences of being heretic.
Last warning, please, do not isolate, target and persecute the old-time Pentes in America. I believe we are doomed to be species in extinction. But, so be it. Our God is Eternal God. We will disappear from the popular scene but appear with the Lord in His coming Kingdom. Glory to His Holy Name!

With Love,

SFW

Concerned Sisters and Brothers,

I cane back to the loop because I was reminded to fast and pray seriously about the schemes of the enemy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Certainly, we are limited in resources and also lack communication means, methods and skills. In a discussion I had with a senior servant who I consider one of the grand fathers of the Ethiopian Evangelical movement, he said, "This is the most destructive force the Ethiopian Evangelical Church has ever faced". This is stuck with me and that is why I have been very vocal about it. I totally believe it is true to the best of my conscience. I am saying this prayerfully before the Lord. We cannot leave this in the limbo, for the enemy to feast on and fester destruction in the long future. We must fight the good fight in words and deeds. Spiritual wars are fought with spiritual arms (Eph 6:10-ff). Apart from that, we have secret amunitions of fasting, seeking and prayer that we can all be engaged in. I therefore, suggest that we take three consecutive Fridays, Feb, 12, 19 and 26, to hold a day of fasting and prayer in total agreement. Please, join me as as I would focus my prayers for 1. the brothers invoved in the simet 2. the hosting church 3. the rest of us who are affected by the incdent and its probable effects 4. the Diaspora Ethiopian churhces and pastors 5. the Ethiopian bible-believing Church (not to use the word Evangelical which is associated with many ills of the Western societies, 6. ourselves and our families, 7. a mighty revival based on return to biblical Pentecostalism that drove saints like Deacon Philip and Steven, the Apostles including Paul to dangerous dedication to the cause of the gospel. In our recent history also, the Mulu Wongel Pentes pioneered the mighty revival that shook the nation and broke its stronghold. It all takes dedicated soldiers of he Cross who are totally sod out for Jesus. No compromise in the interest of sinful self. No carnal mediocrity (middle ground philosophy) to please everyone and all sides but God. No fear of mighty men but only Almighty God. You are either right or wrong. You are either for God or against God. You choose life or death, not sleeping zombie. You are a saved saint or a lost sinner. You serve God or Mammon, the god of this world (seeking glory, gain, money, fame, sin, cares of the day, etc.), 8. Pray for the Universal Body of Christ, all saints everywhere. 9. Pray for lost everday that the love and the gospel of jesus would somehow find them, 10. Pray for laborers of the harvest of the gospel, that the Lord may raise many to serve Him in total submission and boldness.

We can pray on these points with our family members, friends, churches, fellowships, co-workers, anytime or anywhere. Having said this, I am going to silence unless someone provokes another thought.

I believe I have said and done everthing as 'unto Him', my Lord and my Redeemer. I have no fear to face the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you, my brothers have anything to say or to add, I will be honored to receive your correction or consent.

Maranatha!Come Lord Jesus; Holy Spirit, will yu revive us again? In Jesus Name, Amen!

SFW

One point I want to clarify before writing my short note is that I don't have any question about the apostlship of Pastor Daniel Mekonen. I don't mean that he deserves it. Because apostleship is not something to be earned.But the ministry of pastor Daniel has been a ministry of an apostle so I don't have any question about that.
But the question I have is;
1. Who are you people which don't want to identify yourselves ?You said from different churches which churches ?
2. You guys said "zinegnana tawaki mehon anfeligim" It is good because your writings won't make you popular because by writing this you can't correct brother Paulos you are even worse than him.I don't mean that his writings are totally untrue but you guys came to correct him as I suppose but you even came the worst people.
3. You guys mentioned his choice of words but what about yours ? I still wait for some mature person to come and comment in his writings yours is short of that.

Thank you

To all who are called by His name
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus
I can see myself stuck in between the two generations. meaning I am not like our fathers nor as this young generation.I see a lot of discontent by the young generation about what is going on in the Ethiopian churches.The writings of our brother Paulos Fekadu reflects that clearly.
But why don't we try to bridge the gap between the two ? How can we do that ? I myself do not approve most of the things in the Ethiopian churches which is run by pastors who were in the leadership position for the last 40 to 45 years.But how can we make a smooth transition ? Not looking the young generation as the only hope for our problems in the churches while blamimg the old generation for all the mess in the churches today.
Because every time when church issue comes there is always a fight between the two. Even look at the discussion about Dereje Kebede's song, the same fighting comes. What can we do ? Please let us pray and come up with a solution which will benefit both of us.
As for the writing eventhough I agree with some of your point I suspect that this is not written by people from different churches but I suppose it might be people from the leadership position who are angry at brother Paulos Fekadu. Sadly I tell you this is not the way to correct him.

Let us go back to the Bible, not any where else, for our source of truth and doctrine (teaching), discipline, principles, ethics, thoughts, actions and life in general. Christ is the only model to follow. We appreciate every one including Paulos and Pastor Daniel Mekonen. They are all human beings who can make mistakes like any of us. We love and respect them and that is why we pray for them and try to correct them biblically. Paulos has a right to ask questions and give his genuine comments. Pastor Daniel has a right to be a appreciated as good missionary as many others of his time. There are too many desrving missionaries who do not get the attention or yearn for popularity or appreciation from mere men. The Lord knows them and their reward is in heaven. I do not comfirm Apostleship like of the Pope to my brother Daniel unless he officially declares he is Roman Catholic. I do not mind calling him Pope Daniel once he clears with Pope Benedict. That is not an issue with me. My problem is with two brothers, Dr. Tolosa and Dr. Alemu as well as the church who declared Daniel to be "Fitsum and given the office of Melkessedik." I also cast doubt on the authencity of the call of those in the pastor's association and the the churches they lead who do not seem to care or agree with them and continue on 'things as usual'. This is a very serious matter. It is unfortunate that these pastors are mislead and are misleading their congregations away from biblical and historic Christianity. This is not about individauls but about the gospel of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Sola Scriptura! The Bible ONLY! No other authority apart from the scrptures. This is not a fight against the spirit of HERESY. Glory to Jesus Name!

As I said earlier, this is the second Friday of fasting and prayer based on the previous commitment. Let us pray for all of them. May truth, love and humility abound among us, in Jesus Name.

Servant SFW.

Since the fast and prayer in the last three weeks, the Lord has given me some indication of how to tackle this debacle of heretic move of our erring brothers. There is nothing like Christ's model of direct confrontation (Mt. 18) and Paul's admonishment of "speaking the truth in love". The erring brothers are hurting the church, themselves, the body of Christ world wide, not necessarily the Ethiopian Churches alone but also Bible believing Christendom as a whole. Doctrinal errors need to be corrected immediately lest they take root and poison the purity of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. A few us, older leaders had seen this and other kinds of error coming and flourishing unchecked among us. But we chose to wait and see, may be saying, Who am to judge; the Lord knows best, etc. May the Lord forgive us! These apathetic feelings and actions have brought us to practice sin and shame in the church. We have lowered the standard of God's servants 1Tim. 3 and Titus 1) to suit our situations. I am not quite sure that our brother does not meet that standard, especially as regards to being husband of one wife. We all know that! God forgives and so does the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, what kind of legacy and model are we implanting in the church? Is the Biblical standard situational, contextual or eternal?

You know, we cannot preach the gospel without judging sin in us and in others (not sinners per se). Certainly, we are all sinners saved by grace but those who are called to have received "special call to ministry", have criteria and qualification to meet. It cost Jesus, the Son of God to be human (humility), live among us as servant (fully obedient as missionary/apostle supreme), die a substitutionary crucifiction, death for our atonement (the ultimate sacrifice) and the glorious reserrucion, ascenssion, given name above every name to be worshipped in heaven and earth (the glorious reward). There was no short cut for Christ's apostleship apart from going through God's provision of man's salvation. The apostles proper, the 12 and Paul also had their share to be "apostle". Now to say, the apostleship bestowed on our brother cannot be like the "shumet of Melkesedik", the messianic ordination. Neither is the person is "perfect" as reffirmed by the Gospel Light Church.

What is behind all this? What is the motive? Who is doing this and for what purpose? Do we need another apostle, messiah, Jesus? Where is this error taking us to?

Are the Bible and the Subject of the Bible, Jesus the Messiah still relevant to this new generation of Ethiopian Christians today? If the Bible is the ultimate source of truth, we have dig it until we justify our acts; otherwise, we are erring and going heretic. Our brothers have mislead and failed us. We are they confess and make things right before God and His people. I am chllenging them and their supporters to come to the fore to shine Christ or disppear from the scene by going to silence in the interest of the advancement of the gspel of salvation. There is no double standard with God. It is either or, not, but and and. Let us continue to pray on the topics I outlined above.
Thank you ethiocross.com for according me the opportunity to pour my heart with love and respect to all.

God bless us all, in Jesus Name. Amen!

Maranatha!

Your Servant
SFW

Oh my God guys we have a lot to do.... let's talk about Jesus.

I am amazed at the response given to apostle Paulos Fikadu, I think the response is more belittling to the other concerned apostle in question than to apostle Paulos Fakdu. In fact, the nameless persons could very well be the apostle in question himself, than his cadres. At any rate, they or he did not convince us that, what happened was biblical. In fact, there is an area where they argued that the bible does not give enough explanations on the topic. I am amazed at that saying also. Is it that they did not read the Bible or they just chose not pay attention to it,to say so?
joe

hi brothers and sisters,why are you Wasting time for all rubsh if you pray God could solve all this but we just Prefer to talking than praing, i just do not know for how long we could do this.

hi brother and sisters!
I agree with Paulos for his concern. But he migh have used some words which might be difficult for the elders. You don't rebuke the elder the way you do the young. But I personally believe that every body has to be rebuked properly - no one is immune. Now what? Paulos has rebuked the elders in a wrong way? Well, but these unknown respondents have also rebuked Paulos in a wrong way too.