At a crossroads

[king neb]

For those of you that don't know my story, i'll briefly mention that around 9 years ago I was on track to moving up within the Southern Baptist denomination and becoming a pastor, possibly even planting a new church in New Orleans. But everything sort of came to a halt upon embracing "Calvinism".

I then got involved with some non-southernbaptist churches, including a postmill Baptist church that subscribed to the London Baptist confession (calvinistic). I was on track there of becoming the next pastor, going through training, teaching, etc., etc.

But all that came to a screeching halt upon embracing full preterism. Not only was i booted from the church, but i suffered a severe knee injury and had no income coming in. Eventually, i ended up in bankruptcy and in Florida working for an appraisal company, the only job i had offered to me at the time. (hard to find work with a leg in a brace)

I have been down here for 4 years. I love it down here, but it is expensive considering i have four children to care for - certainly in comparison to Alabama. So far, my pay has kept me alive, even slowing increasing. Future looked good. But now, unfortunately, we are in one of the worst market conditions in over 20 years. Our business has almost come to a halt and we may be within 2 to 3 weeks of shutting down. Also, we currently live in a rental home that we will be forced to leave within a few months.

A huge part of me wants to make things work here, especially because of the fellowship i have with others who have come to accept me and my preterism. (some preterists themselves, some not) But another part of me wants to get into a cheaper area. My wife is pushing to move to the Alabama/Tennessee area.

Of course, i'll have to find new work regardless of where i go (no college degree) and with bankruptcy still on my record. i don't have any trades/specialties because i spent a good deal of my life preparing for future ministry. All that has pretty much went down the tube.

And it's not like the old days where i could visit an area, plug into a church, and get help/leads there.

My doctrine is a barrier for many Christians. In fact, it was my doctrine that got me booted on the street 4 years ago to start with and caused a majority vote in my church to decline any financial aid to us when i sliced my knee open and couldn't work.

anywho, I really don't know what to do. It's starting to depress me some. God's sovereignty does bring me comfort, but then there are times when i wander if the sovereignty is working against me...i've wandered if i have brought all this upon myself, perhaps some punishment for holding to certain beliefs that i do. On the other hand, i won't violate conscience simply to "make friends" and get life in order.

anywho, just some thoughts. If it was just Amanda and I, i wouldn't be so concerned. We have roughed it out before. But i have four little ones in my care and not too many people i can turn to.

thanks for listening.

[djHeir]

got y'all lifted bro, stay encouraged!

[str8wisdom]

I will be praying for you Neb!

[CHEMAelMC]

Of course, i'll have to find new work regardless of where i go (no college degree) and with bankruptcy still on my record. i don't have any trades/specialties because i spent a good deal of my life preparing for future ministry. All that has pretty much went down the tube.

Hey, bro, I am really sorry to hear that, but yo, don't ever say that "it went down the tube", when you are preparing for a ministry.. I know God is still going to use everything that He has given you for His honor and glory, keep searching for the Kingdom of God. I gotta tell you that I do not agree with your doctrine, but from my point of view, people shouldn't deny help because of doctrine.. Imma pray for you bro

anywho, I really don't know what to do. It's starting to depress me some. God's sovereignty does bring me comfort, but then there are times when i wander if the sovereignty is working against me...i've wandered if i have brought all this upon myself, perhaps some punishment for holding to certain beliefs that i do. On the other hand, i won't violate conscience simply to "make friends" and get life in order.
.

Hey, bro, I always tell people this: REMEMBER THE LIFE OF JOB, the word says that he was a nice man that stayed away from evil, and God allowed Satan to mess his life, but with a purpose. I believe (tho' right now I don't have a Bible verse to back it up) that God lets us go thru hard times in order for us to grow up, to mature, and to totally depend on Him.. and to praise Him no matter the situations, and when the hard times had passed, you become stronger.... so, don't let the enemy start playing with your mind, trust in God! bro, He's always glorified at the end of any situation!!

May the Lord strengthen you!!!

God bless you

--Chema

[CLER]

prayed for you bro

[king neb]

thank you all. very humbling. and extremely appreciated.

[nubia7]

keeping you lifted.......

[kobe]

Wow Neb, I've been there! Many times actually, and I'm sure you have been in a tight situation many times before like you are now. Let me first encourage you before I pray, like the Mary Mary remake goes "God didn't bring you this far to leave you!". Somebody mentioned Job above, so yeah, I know how it is to have nothing left BUT to lean on God's sovereignty. And if God has truly shown you what to be true, then you are an inspiration for "stickin to your guns" and not compromising just to be "comfertable". As a Father, my ONLY fear in life is not being able to provide for my kids. And even at that, I know deep down that is a fear that's not rooted in God's Word, His promises, or faith. As Jesus said in Matthew 6, worrying aint gonna do you any good. He takes care of the trees and sparrows, and how much more valuable to Him are you then those things? Anyway...

Daddy, I lift my buddy Neb to you now, that you would comfort by Your Spirit and give him the peace that passes all understanding, hardships, worrying, and circumstances. Father I pray that you would keep Neb and his family safe, secure, and faithful in You. You have already done great things in his life, and You are FAR from being through with him. You know the work and plans that you have ahead of him, so let him rest upon how you've brought him through in the past. I speak blessing and prosperity into his life, in Jesus Name, amen.

[kobe]

Hey, bro, I am really sorry to hear that, but yo, don't ever say that "it went down the tube", when you are preparing for a ministry.. I know God is still going to use everything that He has given you for His honor and glory, keep searching for the Kingdom of God. I gotta tell you that I do not agree with your doctrine, but from my point of view, people shouldn't deny help because of doctrine.. Imma pray for you bro



Hey, bro, I always tell people this: REMEMBER THE LIFE OF JOB, the word says that he was a nice man that stayed away from evil, and God allowed Satan to mess his life, but with a purpose. I believe (tho' right now I don't have a Bible verse to back it up) that God lets us go thru hard times in order for us to grow up, to mature, and to totally depend on Him.. and to praise Him no matter the situations, and when the hard times had passed, you become stronger.... so, don't let the enemy start playing with your mind, trust in God! bro, He's always glorified at the end of any situation!!

May the Lord strengthen you!!!

God bless you

--Chema

Neb, this guy is right. Don't ever think that ANYTHING you did in life was a waste, especially ministry and/or ministry training! It's got you where you are now, and where you'll be tomorrow, and was just what you needed at the time, according to Gods plan! :-D He's working ALL things for your good, including the trials. And you can bet dat. :-)

[lisajames96]

We will pray for you neb. And if it's any consolation Tennessee and North carolina have pretty affordable places to live but safe and down home at the same time.

[Jeffr0cks]

prayin bro...

[BondServant]

prayin as well

[gospelmessenjah]

praying King Neb.

[montenell]

praying, on the flip side if you move to bama then i'll have somebody to chop it up with

[ROB]

I'll be praying for you as well, bro. Didn't know things were like that. If you ever wanna talk live PM me and I will give you my number. Love ya, bro.

[RJ of MMM]

Bro, I'll be keeping you in prayer. I personally cannot imagine this kind of stress [shaking head @ the state of the body].

[smoke]

prayin for you and your fam neb

[king neb]

thanks again all. Much appreciated, especially now. Cut in paycheck began today.

Gotta do some serious job hunting this week.

[djHeir]

Still praying homie. BTW, I've heard that pizza delivery (as a second gig) can bring home a good amount of money for part timers. Also, if you've got a UPS in your area, that's a great part time job that offers great benefits to part timers. Only caviot is that you have to really work hard for a few hours a day but it's worth it when you're taking care of fam. I'd love to go back to UPS as a second job but they won't hire people back who've been in managment before

[albraggs]

i got u fam in my prayers. God bless you


asia