Ok, here's the story. Its no secret around my work what I believe. And my belief in Christ. I have flown my flag pretty high in the last 2 years.
We got this new VP of engineering. He came from California. So far, at work he is very big in putting people in thier place. Always letting people know he is the boss. One day, he found out I was a gun nut. And came in to tell me he likes guns, and owns a kimber 22. Fine rimfire gun. But I am little more past him in gun knowledge. I indulge him, and let him talk down to me about guns, explaining this or that. I smile. He likes to talk at people and not really listen.
Ok, he finds out I am a Christian,he comes down and starts talking at me about Christianity. He likes to control the conversation. He is pushing this Kenneth Copeland stuff on me. Ok, I can't indulge him any more. I don't think copeland is a good man at all. Right up there with benny hinn, tammy, and the rest of those false teachers. Everyday, I see some print out of copeland ministries on my desk chair he has left and later wants to talk about.
He is using his authoritative position even in a religion situation to talk down to me or control the conversation. I am trying to figure out a way to be a good witness to him, but let him know I am not a big copeland fan. He has taking a unusual liking to me.
Honestly, I have been avoiding him like the plague.
I can relate. For one thing I agree with you as to Kenneths doctrine. In the big picture however, what difference does it make in a progressive way what we think of K Copeland . . . .especially if the guy does'nt listen, and therefore isn't of a recieving disposition.
I've worked with a guy for five yrs now and only just the other day got a "what do you think" out of him. I believe he had heard thru the grapevine that I was of a different understanding than himself. I had listened to him expound on his beliefs so long until I knew right where he was coming from and had my ducks in a row. Now we are having a good interaction over our differences and I can tell he's really listening to what I have to say. Plus . . .I'm actually starting to like the guy.
I try not to be dogmatic in real life, but rather wait for my opinion to be invited . . and then I give my truth quietly and only speak of things that I am sure about and can go into depth with. . . .as far as with folk that consider themselves knowledgable. Folk that are proud of their opinion require finesse, it's much easier to witness to the humble.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
2Pet.3:16-18
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
The Christ of Scripture is an eternal, divine personality who cannot be dismissed by a flip of the cultist"™s redefinition switch, regardless of how deftly it is done. The average Christian will do well to remember the basic conflict of terminology that he is certain to encounter when dealing with cultists of practically every variety.
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
BC, you are right about KC. Many follow him without actually knowing what he teaches. His doctrine on God is almost identical to the LDS. His position is that we, like God, will one day become a 'god' by faith, which is an absolute falsehood.I know there are some Word of faith guys on here andI bet they dont know what he really teaches. It is sad that we have such false teachers prevalent today. The emphasis on 'faith' and 'believing', a very positive message, is what attracts many to this movement, yet the theological areas that they delve into are not just suspect, but downright error---and like I said, most within this movement don't realize what really is being taught, thay hear the positive message of an unwavering faith, but rarely do they see the erroneous concept of God that accompanies this movement. I know--I attended one of these churches for a while, and it didn't surface until much later. I was astounded at their view of man becoming 'god', and the teaching that we are 'little gods'. Copeland actually gives a 'description' of 'god', giving his height,the span of his hands,etc., claiming that he was once a man like us and used his 'faith' to create the world, and to acheive 'god' status. We, being 'little gods', can , by faith, do the same.
I said all that to say this. Be gracious in your approach,and inquire a little into his view of faith, and his concept of God, and that will tell you just where he stands personally. If he is unaware, he wil most likely become very defensive, and will need some gentle persuasion, via pointing out the actual teachings of KC. Hank Hanigraf(sp?) has some tapes of KC teaching on this subject, where he spells out directly his view of faith and his concept of God. If he is truly interested in truth, then it will no doubt shake him , but, he will come to see, via the Spirit of truth, that he is being misled. As Leaf said, be gracious, patient, and kind when approaching him.
It sounds like he feels comfortable talking with you about subjects he probably doesn't get to talk with other people about. Challenges like this also bring opportunities.
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Jesus Christ--The reason for the season!
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.
If you're certain you know everything, there's little opportunity to learn anything.
It sounds like he feels comfortable talking with you about subjects he probably doesn't get to talk with other people about. Challenges like this also bring opportunities.
true, but a slippery slope with your VP. Think I am going to see if he wants to go out and shoot next weekend.
The way to go is to establish some discussion rules for yourself, it is what I do With JWs, usually they like to jump around to different subjects, so what you do is tell him, oK I'll discuss that doctrine but only that one, and it has to be based on using the word of God.Usually works for any cultist.
Next week will discuss another.
If He agrees to that then you have a chance.
If I can help, just PM me, you know how LOL
Otherwise he'll lead you around to different issues and he will just begin to get frustrated and mad.
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The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. Zephaniah 1:14
פרץ
that would be a good start, i would aslo recomend a book for you to read. it is called boundries, i got it and read it, i had some issues dealing with people and addressing control issues, this book will help put things in perspective, and how to "handle" them.
good luck buddy, thats a tough one
keith
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John 3:16
things are more like right now than they've ever been
It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
William James
It's funny I've also got favor at my work place. This week he handed us our report cards. Some were told they will not have a job next year, some were moved and some of us were shown favor.
Mark, I must be one of the silly ones but I really don't sweat what my boss thinks of me.I give my job 100% because I'm a Christain .Everyone else triesto stir away from him.He is a tough ole boy, In the mornings I;m 100% pumped on God {That can be seen in my much posting ..I'm sorry , been convicted and will work ASAP on not posting so much} Anyway, I go straight for Him every morning and sows seeds and talk to him about hunting strategies.
As far as the Kenneth Copeland teachings..I have not heard from him in years but it wouldn't matter to me. I would sit and listen.to your boss...before you can win oneto Christ you must gain their trust...this is done through friendship.This is one reason why Christians try to be loving and kind..it will open a door. You listening to him will not harm you.Fact..listen to Copeland,ahe has some nuggets as well. AS Leaf has said before,"Keep the meat..throw out the bones."Speaking from a pentecostal's view..we are misunderstood alot. I've been listening to a drug addict man Mon. - Fri. I do not planto start smoking herb any time soon. I'm the only one John Doe likes and he trust me..I sow seeds there too.
Summary,
Get to be freinds. Have fun shooting. I don't beleive because your friend listening to Copelandis going ot send himto Hell. Copeland says alot of good things too. There is no perfect church with a perfect church doctrine.Thereare also no perfect Christians on earth.
Little issue at work
I've been listening to a drug addict man Mon. - Fri. I do not planto start smoking herb any time soon. I'm the only one John Doe likes and he trust me..I sow seeds there too. 
