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Thread: Church Members Mistreat Homeless Man in Church Unaware It Is Their Pastor in Disguise

  1. #1

    Church Members Mistreat Homeless Man in Church Unaware It Is Their Pastor in Disguise

    Note this is the very scenario the apostle James railed about in James 2:1-13 and led him to declare that faith without works is dead.

    http://the-wopr.newsvine.com/_news/2...or-in-disguise


    Pastor Jeremiah Steepek transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning.

    He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service, only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him.

    He asked people for change to buy food – no one in the church gave him change.

    He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back.

    He greeted people to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him.

    As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such.

    When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation.

    “We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek.” The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation.

    The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. The clapping stopped with all eyes on him.

    He walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment then he recited,

    “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

    “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

    “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

    ‘The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

    After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame.

    He then said, “Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will YOU decide to become disciples?”

    He then dismissed service until next week.

    Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ should be more than just talk. It ought to be a lifestyle that others around you can love about you and share in.
    9/11 Thermate experiments

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    "We as a country have lost faith and confidence in freedom." -- Ron Paul

    "It can be a challenge to follow the pronouncements of President Trump, as he often seems to change his position on any number of items from week to week, or from day to day, or even from minute to minute." -- Ron Paul
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  3. #2
    Wish there was something simple like this that could make Christians stop and think about following charlatans into cheering on war.

  4. #3
    If Jeremiah Steepak is the head pastor of a 10,000 member church, he ought to be easy to track down. But I can't find anything about him other than versions of this story, or sites questioning its veracity, including snopes, which makes some interesting but inconclusive points.

  5. #4
    Might not be a true story, but I don't doubt the reactions from many church goers would be about the same as the ones in this story to a homeless man begging in their church.

  6. #5
    "He's talkin' to his gut like it's a person!!" -me
    "dumpster diving isn't professional." - angelatc
    "You don't need a medical degree to spot obvious bullshit, that's actually a separate skill." -Scott Adams
    "When you are divided, and angry, and controlled, you target those 'different' from you, not those responsible [controllers]" -Q

    "Each of us must choose which course of action we should take: education, conventional political action, or even peaceful civil disobedience to bring about necessary changes. But let it not be said that we did nothing." - Ron Paul

    "Paul said "the wave of the future" is a coalition of anti-authoritarian progressive Democrats and libertarian Republicans in Congress opposed to domestic surveillance, opposed to starting new wars and in favor of ending the so-called War on Drugs."

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by RickyJ View Post
    Might not be a true story, but I don't doubt the reactions from many church goers would be about the same as the ones in this story to a homeless man begging in their church.
    I don't either, but being told to sit in the back is the only thing they're accused of that's clearly wrong. It's also the part that I have the hardest time believing.

  8. #7
    Best read all day, thanks!

  9. #8
    It's been known to happen in the past.
    James 2:2-3 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:



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  11. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Dr.3D View Post
    It's been known to happen in the past.
    That's exactly what makes it suspicious.

  12. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by erowe1 View Post
    If Jeremiah Steepak is the head pastor of a 10,000 member church, he ought to be easy to track down. But I can't find anything about him other than versions of this story, or sites questioning its veracity, including snopes, which makes some interesting but inconclusive points.
    I don't care whether it's real or not, it should be. Great story. Nothing gets changed unless individuals step up and change it with their own sweat and pocketbooks. Not looking to government to do it for them with money that is not their own.
    ================
    Open Borders: A Libertarian Reappraisal or why only dumbasses and cultural marxists are for it.

    Cultural Marxism: The Corruption of America

    The Property Basis of Rights

  13. #11
    IN
    YO
    FACE
    PHARISEES!
    FLIP THOSE FLAGS, THE NATION IS IN DISTRESS!


    why I should worship the state (who apparently is the only party that can possess guns without question).
    The state's only purpose is to kill and control. Why do you worship it? - Sola_Fide

    Baptiste said.
    At which point will Americans realize that creating an unaccountable institution that is able to pass its liability on to tax-payers is immoral and attracts sociopaths?

  14. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by LibertyEagle View Post
    I don't care whether it's real or not, it should be. Great story. Nothing gets changed unless individuals step up and change it with their own sweat and pocketbooks. Not looking to government to do it for them with money that is not their own.
    It makes a good point when told as a story. I don't think it would be as good if it actually happened.

    As it is, the fictional genre doesn't have to account for the details that would need to be accounted for in a real event, such as how the sermon would have come across to the other 9,990 people there who had no interaction with the faux homeless guy.

  15. #13

  16. #14
    It reeks of email forwarded falsehood.

    It suffers from one gigantic plot hole. It's true that churches that clap during the service don't care about social problems, but it's just as true that such a place wouldn't have anything to do with a pastor who does care.

    There are safeguards in place in every church to make sure they don't get clergy that don't line up with their theology.
    Megachurch's theology is the theology of mocha lattes (because they taste good) in stadium seats (because they feel good) with a rock concert (because they think they sound good) and a powerpoint presentation (specifically designed to make the audience feel good).

    Megachurch's safeguards would therefore include preventing someone who makes the audience feel bad.
    WHAT THE F*** DID YOU THINK​ WAS GOING TO HAPPEN???

  17. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by erowe1 View Post
    I don't either, but being told to sit in the back is the only thing they're accused of that's clearly wrong. It's also the part that I have the hardest time believing.
    Jesus instructed us to give to those who ask. He wasn't talking about organizations or charities, but individuals clearly in need.
    Last edited by RickyJ; 09-30-2013 at 03:12 PM.

  18. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by amy31416 View Post
    Wish there was something simple like this that could make Christians stop and think about following charlatans into cheering on war.
    There is, show the results of what those American made bombs and weapons do to innocent people.



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  20. #17
    Nothing like a cheap stunt so you can be self-righteous. Get tested long enough, and eventually everybody fails. Including the preacher man. I'm sure there are plenty of scripture passages that cover these inane "tests," one of which is something about going before the grace of God.

    This kind of drama reminds me of the immature high school girl who tries to "test" her boyfriend; generally by stirring up a conflict by pretending to be interested in another boy.
    Last edited by NorthCarolinaLiberty; 09-30-2013 at 03:36 PM.

  21. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by RickyJ View Post
    Jesus instructed us to give to those who ask. He wasn't talking about organizations or charities, but individuals clearly in need.
    But even that has to be understood within the context of loving one another. It isn't always the case that giving someone what they ask for is the best way of meeting their needs. I would be a bad father if I gave my kids whatever they asked for.

  22. #19
    David Jeremiah is the pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, Calif. That's the closest I could find. So, yes, this appears to be a made-up story.

  23. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by erowe1 View Post
    But even that has to be understood within the context of loving one another. It isn't always the case that giving someone what they ask for is the best way of meeting their needs. I would be a bad father if I gave my kids whatever they asked for.
    Agreed. I do not give to beggars. I believe not giving to beggars is a good rule. I will sometimes explain this to the beggar, which if he is a respectable person, he will understand. I'm just not his mark. But more power to him; go con the next guy.

  24. #21
    Excellent story. I have seen this happen so many times with people who claim to be Christians. I like to call them luke-warm Christians.
    “The spirits of darkness are now among us. We have to be on guard so that we may realize what is happening when we encounter them and gain a real idea of where they are to be found. The most dangerous thing you can do in the immediate future will be to give yourself up unconsciously to the influences which are definitely present.” ~ Rudolf Steiner

  25. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by NorthCarolinaLiberty View Post
    Nothing like a cheap stunt so you can be self-righteous. Get tested long enough, and eventually everybody fails.
    Isn't that the point?
    All modern revolutions have ended in a reinforcement of the power of the State.
    -Albert Camus

  26. #23
    and this is why i don't subscribe to organized religion.

    I never could understand why people have this need to go into a building with other people to pledge their alligence to a deity.

    I can do this alone...on my own...in private...

  27. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by JK/SEA View Post
    and this is why i don't subscribe to organized religion.

    I never could understand why people have this need to go into a building with other people to pledge their alligence to a deity.

    I can do this alone...on my own...in private...
    Organized religion serves a purpose. Most people are naturally social beings. That sense of community and charity has to come from somewhere, and as a libertarian I MUCH prefer it come from voluntary, local associations such as churches than coercive, corrupt, inefficient and out-of-touch government.



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  29. #25
    Quote Originally Posted by GregSarnowski View Post
    Organized religion serves a purpose. Most people are naturally social beings. That sense of community and charity has to come from somewhere, and as a libertarian I MUCH prefer it come from voluntary, local associations such as churches than coercive, corrupt, inefficient and out-of-touch government.
    The question is, whose purpose does it serve? If it is a taxed exempt church it serves government.
    “The spirits of darkness are now among us. We have to be on guard so that we may realize what is happening when we encounter them and gain a real idea of where they are to be found. The most dangerous thing you can do in the immediate future will be to give yourself up unconsciously to the influences which are definitely present.” ~ Rudolf Steiner

  30. #26
    *double post*
    Last edited by donnay; 09-30-2013 at 07:15 PM.
    “The spirits of darkness are now among us. We have to be on guard so that we may realize what is happening when we encounter them and gain a real idea of where they are to be found. The most dangerous thing you can do in the immediate future will be to give yourself up unconsciously to the influences which are definitely present.” ~ Rudolf Steiner

  31. #27
    Missed it earlier, but now I see someone posted that the story is fake. Should have figured. Yeah, it's not even exactly the same story, but I never liked these scenarios anyway. .

    The real intent of this role playing stuff (I suppose) is not to chastise the other end, but the chastising is still built into the scenario anyway. The intent is generally to explore empathy among the role player. The preacher (in the real story, not the fake one) can now create a plea based on what he experienced himself. Colleges used to do something similar with students living like the homeless.

    I still think it's artificial and can even be lame or cheap. The role players don't perform any kind of scientific measure before making blanket statements on all the people who don't care. How many people, for instance, don't give not because they don't care, but because they don't actually have any cash? Is it also a sin, of sorts, to ask for cash in a role play? You are, in a sense, being deceitful. Does the role player, for example, return the money to the donor because he got it under false pretenses?
    Last edited by NorthCarolinaLiberty; 09-30-2013 at 07:11 PM.

  32. #28
    Quote Originally Posted by donnay View Post
    The question is, whose purpose does it serve? If it is a taxed exempt church it serves government.
    I guess it depends on how you look at it.

    Historically religion has been at odds with the state but that's definitely changed lately, with its support of Obamacare the Vatican has just become another shareholder in fascist U.S.A. incorporated.

    My overall point through is people are going to put their faith in something and it's better when it's god as opposed to the state.

  33. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by donnay View Post
    The question is, whose purpose does it serve? If it is a taxed exempt church it serves government.
    This is my ignorance speaking here, but why? Why must this be so?
    This post represents only the opinions of Christian Liberty and not the rest of the forum. Use discretion when reading

  34. #30
    Quote Originally Posted by NorthCarolinaLiberty View Post
    I still think it's artificial and can even be lame or cheap. The role players don't perform any kind of scientific measure before making blanket statements on all the people who don't care. How many people, for instance, don't give not because they don't care, but because they don't actually have any cash? Is it also a sin, of sorts, to ask for cash in a role play? You are, in a sense, being deceitful. Does the role player, for example, return the money to the donor because he got it under false pretenses?
    Personally I don't give money to people on the street but instead make a regular donation to a local charity that I know will make the best possible use of it, providing shelter, food, job training, etc.

    I'm happy to help when I can but if someone is going to be getting drunk with my hard earned money it's me.

    No doubt many people who walk on by the homeless asking for handouts are the same way.

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