1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (King James Version)
1 Corinthians 4
1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
I realize that there are a few people on here that are trying to scare others into not making comments.
Although I do agree that some of the comments have been rude and uncalled for, I do not agree with trying to shut people up by scaring and threatening them.
When a person is doing the will of God, we are to expect ridicule and persecution.
It is out of the need to protect others that I have started this blog (as I have mentioned in earlier posts)
It would be wrong for me to just 'let it be' when there are so many others that are hurting.
I want to protect my brothers and sisters in Christ
1 Thessalonians 2:3-13
3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
I cannot speak for those that have chosen to comment, but for myself and what I have done, I am not ashamed.
If my telling my story has ruffled feathers, then so be it.
When I go to my church, I don't expect to always get a pat on the back for being such a 'good Christian'. I expect to get my toes stepped on.(sometimes it feels more like they're being stomped on)
If you're feeling so uncomfortable, and ill-at-ease about something that is said and/or reported,
could it be, that the Holy Spirit is stepping on your toes a little?
If we are truly innocent, then words mean nothing.
God is a just and righteous judge, He knows everything that is going on even if it is behind closed doors.
Due to numerous email responses I have received, I KNOW my blog has been instrumental in helping so many.
I thank God for using my story and life experiences to help others.
I will not back down because of threats
Yeah... I'm glad for you Laura. You truly are free in Christ!
ReplyDeleteBravo! Let the intimidation tactics fail!
ReplyDeleteThe phone call Laura received from church leadership was misrepresented on this site.
ReplyDeleteShe was not threatened.
One would think that Christian to Christian you could reason with someone, but Laura has proved over and over that she does not reason with anyone, not even her parents those many years ago, and that is why there is a breech in the relationship.
There is no one that needs saving from anything--her "cause" is a way to justify being anti-Biblical in dealing with her problems.
People are well able to make their own decisions and judgments about her father and church, but that isnt good enough for her it seems. Everyone must have the same feelings and doctrine as her.
It's not about backing down from something, it's about facing something, which she will not do.
And it's also about letting go, and letting God.
Anonymous @ 4:48, it sounds more like you're describing the PVBC than you are Laura.
ReplyDeleteAnon 4:48, so you are categorically denying that the person from PVBC who called Laura threatened or insinuated legal action might be taken?
ReplyDeleteAlso, you state the call she received was misrepresented here. Of the three quotes she made, please point out which one(s) is patently false.
Speaking of misrepresentation I too then would like to speak out. Myself and many others have also been misrepresented by pms to the people of pvbc. In fact we were lied about and falsely accused and treated in a hatefull manner, we even have letters signed by pms with these statements. May I also mention that many; if not all of us have tried to reason with pms and found out that there is no reasoning with him. Its either his way or church discipline. If ever anyone tries to justify or explain they are told what they are doing is not Biblical, and it must be bacause they arent't Tithing or their not right with God. How is it that only pms can always be right with God? I think the track record of what has happened is finally revealing the truth about who pms really is. People may give up on God, but God does not give up on people; How could all these former {disciplined} people of pvbc all be in wrong with God. Why can no one be aloud to just leave and move on ? why must pms always seek to discredit the people who leave? Why is it that all these people have now turned the backs on God{ but somehow are still serving the Lord faithfully as before} just in a different church? Then finally why doesn't pms speak up for himself? why is it always others that must speak out for him? Don't you think he should answer himself for the things that he has done? PETE REIMER
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like freedom in Christ to me. More like bondage to the past, bondage to your hurt feelings. The ability to let go and forgive is freedom. I feel very sorry for you, that you can't move on with your life.
ReplyDeleteReread I Corinthians 4:4-5 as posted above.
4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
4:48 pm I do not know Laura or her family but have been helped by the sharing of her story.
ReplyDelete4:48 pm person you bear false witness. You wrote, “Laura has proved over and over that she does not reason with anyone, not even her parents those many years ago, and that is why there is a breech in the relationship.” Pretty bold to make a blanket statement like “Laura has proved over and over...she does not reason with anyone”. PROVED, OVER and OVER, not reasoned with ANYONE. Why not say “sometimes proved", "often" and "not reasoned with some people on occasion”? Pretty bold accusations made without back-up. I imagine that at some point in her life Laura’s proven she has reasoned with someone more than once. Seems like you just want to make her look real bad with those big lies (i.e. “does not reason with anyone” ANYONE). Another example of this is when you say “Everyone must have the same feelings and doctrine as her.” Really EVERYONE MUST have the same feelings and doctrines? Come on, shame on you for being so unreasonable with your manipulative words and statements.
“Laura... does not reason with anyone... those many years ago, that is why there is a breech in the relationship”. You wrote “those many years ago” the relationship was breeched because of Laura. I think you are implying when she was still under PMS’s authority. Where is the parental responsibility here for a child that in your opinion is so unreasonable? If you make her look so bad “those many years ago”, perhaps PMS wasn’t ruling well.
Maybe you made that call to Laura on behalf of the church. If not, did someone gossip by telling you about it? Did you listen in, or was it taped? How would you know that it was “misrepresented ” unless you were there first hand and had all details. If you made the call to Laura why not just ‘let go, and let God’ by writing “She was not threatened.” and then tell us only what you really said. What a good example you could have been to us readers. Instead you continued on using psychology tactics to try to make Laura look real bad.
Do you have double standards? You wrote about “about letting go, and letting God.” Did you do that with your “anti-Biblical way dealing with (your) problems” with the manner in which you wrote in? Oh I guess you wanted to get your comment in to tell your side right? But Laura shouldn't tell her side, hummm.
4:48pm person, that was a foolish comment you posted. It made you look unreasonable. I hope you are not in leadership with behaviour as such. If you are there are similarities with your behaviour and what others have described in their coming out from under certain PVBC leadership.
Laura, thank you for sharing your story.
What, exactly, does she need to face?
ReplyDeleteThis person at April 29/11 4:48 PM is again taking a fairly broad SWIPE at this young lady(Laura Sterk). It is a very un-christian thing for you to do. I'll make some comments about your email at the end:
ReplyDeleteIn fact it is another ATTACK at a defenseless young lady who is trying to live a nice Christian life in a different Church than PVBC. That is her right and her privilege in a free country like Canada. You are again trying to start a NEW ROUND of ATTACKS for both "sides". The "attacking" was starting to SLOW DOWN quite a bit and now you have to come along and throw a big bucket full gasoline on the low, glowing embers of hate. Why don't you give it a rest already.
You say, "The phone call Laura received from church leadership...." "She was not threatened." Unless you made that phone call, then how do you know she was "threatened" or not? Did you personally make that "phone call"?
If you have been following these emails then should have been able to discern that Jason Sterk has tried to, in all kindness, try to establish a little bit of rapport between pastor and Laura and Jason Sterk. I see that Jason is trying to put out some "feelers" but I have a feeling you might be Willfully BLIND about this.??? I hope you will just go and put away your "bucket of gasoline" and let God do a work here.
I don't know if you represent anyone from the Church "Leadership" or not (like Randy Hildebrand or any of the other deacons), if not you should really try not to speak for them. Below I will try to explain to you why I am giving you this advice: (This advice will do well for the leadership as well.) (I hope you are not one of the pastor's sons.)
As you can tell, below is the email by Jason Sterk. (Someone from PVBC had been writing things to berate Jason Sterk and he is defending himself in a very nice Christian way.) I will use asterisks *** to hi-lite things in this email of Jason Sterk's ***with my comments*** in between.
To: @ 10:12 AM April 27 (By Jason Sterk)
I have no interest in the PVBC. You make it sound like I have been hanging out there. I have been there four times in my life!
1- The first time I called pastor Sullivant and asked him if I could meet with him, as I had never met him before. This was about 10 years ago.
2- The second time I showed up at a service and talked to Mike and Brenda and some of Laura's siblings. This time I asked Mike what it would take to bring this family back together. I was told that Laura had to submit in writing that her accusations were false. I told him then that I couldn't see that happening. This was about 3 or 4 years ago. *** 3 or 4 years ago Jason tried...***
3- The third visit was when I showed up a few weeks ago at the Wed. night service, when Pastor Sullivant addressed some of the accusations against him. That night I talked to Brenda, and a few of the siblings(and others)
***Here Jason shows that he would like to do the Christian thing and try to establish a friendship with, "Brenda Sullivant and a few of the siblings (and others)"*** ***How about PVBC people try to humble themselves a little bit like this "bad" Jason Sterk is doing. Maybe Jason is the type of example that PVBC people could LOOK UP TO, EH?*** ***I mean why bother with the "gasoline" at every little thing.***
(Jason Sterk says,) "I was rude to Mathew that night, and after leaving and giving it some thought, I felt I owed him an apology. ***To me this Jason guy seems like a very nice Christian man.*** to continue
Continued:
ReplyDelete4- The fourth visit was a week and a half after the prev. Wed night service. We were In the area for the weekend. I came to the Sunday morning service. My only reason for going was to apologize to Mathew. I did apologize to Mathew for the way I spoke to him. He accepted my apology. I then met the rest of Laura's siblings except for Michael Jr.
***Wow! Here Jason Sterk's Christianity really shines. If all of us at PVBC could do as God tells us to do in "I Chronicles 7:14, "Humble ourselves and pray and seek God's face", [like Jason Sterk did] and "TURN FROM OUR WICKED WAYS," then maybe God would "hear our PVBC prayers" and "forgive OUR PVBC sins," and then maybe God could do some "healing" about these terrible sins at PVBC. Let's not just try to fool ourselves and say that we have no sins.(God says we would be liars if we say we have no sin.) Let's just humble ourselves and confess OUR SINS to God and not just DEMAND that Laura and those other "bad people OUT THERE", yeah, THEY need to repent of THEIR SINS!! Yeah right! We self-righteous pharisees, yeah, we are so pure and Holy. That won't fly in the judgment day before Almighty God. God says we are all unclean, all as filthy rags, we have turned everyone to our own ways, there is none righteous, no not one" etc, etc.
Jason Sterk in his own quiet, humble manner comes quietly into our Church and apologizes to Mathew Sullivant and Mathew accepts the apology. What a blessing. What a nice humble Christian Jason is. This is Christianity at it's best. I see the beginnings of someone trying to make peace between the two factions and I don't think it is coming from the PVBC side. I pray that PVBC could respond in like manner. As long as "that guy" stays away with his "gasoline can." continue:
Continue to the end:
ReplyDeleteJason Sterk writing:
So to set the record straight, I have no interest in the PVBC! I do however have an interest in meeting the other side of a family that I have not had the chance to get to know. Can you blame me for this?
***Jason, as I have written above, I think you are a very nice Christian young man that all of us at PVBC can look up to. I pray that this will happen very soon. You have extended that hand of peace. I for one take your hand and say, "may God richly bless you for your kindness and attempt to make peace with PVBC and your "other family" here. I hope to meet you someday.
I will try to dissect this email of yours: (Referred to right at the top of this comment.)
The following was written by: "The person at April 29/11 4:48 PM "
One would think that Christian to Christian you could reason with someone, but Laura has proved over and over that she does not reason with anyone, not even her parents those many years ago, and that is why there is a breech in the relationship.
There is no one that needs saving from anything--her "cause" is a way to justify being anti-Biblical in dealing with her problems.
People are well able to make their own decisions and judgments about her father and church, but that isn't good enough for her it seems. Everyone must have the same feelings and doctrine as her.
It's not about backing down from something, it's about facing something, which she will not do.
And it's also about letting go, and letting God.
April 29, 2011 4:48 PM
I guess I have already covered the 4:48 comment. Maybe now it is also time for you to "Let go and let God."
Quote from "4:48" [Laura does not reason with anyone, not even her parents those many years ago].
Yes, you have to try and dredge something up from, "those many years ago" !!! Yes, just let it go and "let God." OK? those many years ago Laura was a young 18 years old, grown up in a very sheltered
family and so she was young and "innocent". How on earth did you ever think that she at age 18 should be able to reason with a seasoned veteran like PMS who was about 42 years old at the time, a Bible School graduate who had already preached approx. almost 2200 messages by that time and who has a booming voice that would intimidate the most hardened criminal anywhere? There has not been one single person of any age who has ever been able to stand up against him since he came to Winkler. If there is I would sure like to meet such a man.
She was not a toughened woman like from the streets of Winnipeg. She was young and innocent and naive and small frightened girl who grew up in a very strict home and so when she first made contact with the world she was frightened and had nowhere to go at this young age of 18. She was totally abandoned. Alone! Frightened! And you just so coldly 'write her off' as, "she does not REASON with anyone, not even her parents those many years ago." [See paragraph above.]That is a very cruel statement for you to make. God will not take that lightly when you do this to a young "child" of God. It would do you good to immediately repent of this and get this off your back so to speak.
Laura, after reading your entire blog, I feel for you. As soon as the PVBC was intoduced to Altona, many in the community referred to it as a "cult". In high school I did a project on what a cult is and your home life experience falls right into that catagory. Many mormons are treated the same way. Even David Karesh was abled to treat his followers the same way. I am worried about this "church of God" as well. I have family currently attending this "church". I applaud you for revealing what so many in the Pembina Valley have suspected for so long. I know you mean no disrespect to the PVBC. But truth is truth. As for posters remaining Anonymous, this is cowardly. I am proud to be a mennonite for Altona. Let the hate responses begin.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you why these people are always discredited,lied about,falsely accused,and why they are labeled as not being right with God.Very Simple What does the devil try to do with any and every Christian? aaah ha the very same ! No I'm not calling pms the devil but his actions and his accusations seem to have a resemblance.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sad situation,butit could be resolved if both sides would sit down and talk with each other.I lost a son at 40 yrs. of age,to a heart attack.I am so thankful that we had a good relationship.I saw him for the last time that morning of the day he passed away,and the goodbye hug he gave me was the last one,becuse he passed away 8 hours later, I thank the LOrd,for the opportunity to see my son that day,and I thank him every day for that.Please fix this hurtful,painful,situation before it's too late
ReplyDeleteHow can you go infront of your church members and preach about love and forgiveness when youcannot do the same with your own child?PMS , you are a hypocrite!!!DO you think you,re on the same level as GOD? Ithink higher because GOD DOE,S TREAT HIS followers a whole lot better. Morris
ReplyDeleteTo Annoymous May 4 @ 7:50 pm-
ReplyDeleteThis has been tried before. People that are now shunned used to be in the same spot you and many other PVBC'ers are now. Faithful and dedicated to the work at that church. Attending every service faithfully and doing their duty as a Christian-happily I might add. They did not want to believe that the accusations of this "man of God" were true. But actions DO speak louder than words. If you dig deeper and look at his "track record" it is all too clear. Many a meeting was held with people from both sides in an attempt to reconcile. Most of the now shunned had a lot to lose by questioning (family, close friends, place of worship etc.). The problem with these meetings is you can only reconcile when both parties are willing to humble themselves and seek reconciliation. Therefore today..many are shunned and many a relationship has been destroyed in the very attempt for reconciliation.
Jesus Is Hurting
ReplyDeleteto annonymous may5 6:15P.M. I am in "no spot"I would just like for Laura and The Sullivant family to,reconcile,forgive and love each other the way,God loves us,unconditionally,because our time here on earth is so short.A person never knows when they won't have the time to say "I'm SORRY
ReplyDeleteIf the PVBC is a cult,then maybe the Old Colony is also a cult for the clothes that they wear,or the ladies wearing kerchiefs,or caps,belong to a cult.No,I am not a member of the PVBC,but it amazes me,as to how many "churches"there are in Winkler,or services held at home ,because of disgruntled people that disagree with what their minister or pastors do or say.Don't we all go to church to hear the word of God,or is it just to tell others"oh i'm going to church" and sit there and sleep throgh the service.The end times are coming,i.e.disasters,people going against loved ones,nations against nations,fathers against sons,daughters against mothers,etc.This isn't solving anything,this hatred,this isn't what the Bible teaches us,or have'nt you been listening and reading the Bible?I feel so sorry for everyone involved in this dispute,but there has to be a better way of dealing with it.I am on no one's side,everyone should be lifting these people up in prayer,isn't that the Godly way?Lord,forgive us, for we know not what we do
ReplyDeleteAnon May 6 10:34pm.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I don't think we should be bad mouthing any churches. But, this isn't just a one way street. The members of the PVBC bad mouth all other churches, that are not independent baptist churches. They take it as far as to teach their children that they are not to step foot into any other church, not even if they are spending the night at a friends house can they go to their friends' church Sunday morning.
I find that truly disrespectful. I would love for us to get along with them. Those of us that are saved are all part of the church of Christ and should all be able to fellowship together. Why does there have to be such a separation?
Amen to that Let's stop the badmouthing and fellowship together <this blog has gone way out of control.Jesus cares about everyone,not just a few.This is a problem that should be between God and "The Sullivants and Laura,"May God put His Loving Arms around all of you and bring you together
ReplyDeleteClothes are not the issue at hand.Clothes don't make the person! unlike what some would like you to believe.Leadership Abusing Authority is the problem,With no accountability for actions taken.The Leadership is above reproach,and does not take heed to anything anyone has to say.They are set in there ways,it like talking to a brick wall.There is no excuse for the actions they have taken.The actions they have taken are not Gods ways.The ways they have taken are their own! If My words or actions are wrong then God himself can correct me.I know there are those of you who would say or ask would I listen? Yes I would. Anyone that wants to grow in Christ will listen it's not even a question as to would you listen.Who began the Good work in us ? God. And who does it say will finish it? God. The question that I have for you then Is how strongly and passionately do you believe what you Believe and your actions that you take in your life? Why Do you believe what you believe? and don't just say because it's right.Think for yourself People ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD? I asked a pastor this once and he took offense in me asking him that question.... How Sad a man in his position taking offense at a question like that.
ReplyDeleteWell,then "LET GOD FINISH IT"
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should notify the pastors of pvbc on your conclusion as well ! they don't seem to interested in listing to anyone else ! Are you letting God Finnish his work in you? or are you still trying to do it? Oh believe me God will finish it, and there will be some very startled people when the truth will be revealed !
ReplyDeleteAre you without sin ??? you seem to be condemming and judging everyone, I have peace within and I try in everyway to live as God wants me too,but I'm certainly not without sin,no one is,and thats why I say"Let God deal with this"I lift them up in prayer,thats what we all should do,if you have tried to resolve this problem and no one listened,then you have done your part and then pray that a resolution is made,and trust that the good and loving God will take care of it. I have no problem with you or anyone,but it seems you just have such a hatred for this church,it's pastors and the people that attend there ,give it to the Lord in prayer.and for God finishing his work in me,judge not,and I think you should be concerned about yourself, before asking about others,thats part of the problem,people are too quick to judge others.continue posting matters not related to this blog,I'm sure it makes you feel better about your self,me.I'm letting go and letting God!!Thankyou ,and Laura and the Sullivants,I pray for you ,and I hope that God blesses all concerned
ReplyDeleteNo I am not without sin.Thank God for His Grace upon us all.Why does there seem to be no Grace extended to the ones that are shunned from this church? Is Gods Grace not Good enough to cover them.Talk about Judging and no Grace and mercy.
ReplyDeleteCondemn no one,but understand,there is no middle place.You are either for or against our Lord.Pray for the entire world,that they may seek Jesus.Condemn no one,but understand,a time may come,when you need to kick the dust from your feet.
ReplyDelete