grace Archives » Stanton Blog

5 May

Rules-based parenting vs. grace

By Kevin|2019-04-11T06:21:49-06:00May 5th, 2017|Uncategorized|23 Comments

Since May Week is legislating new rules for parents this year in order to crack down on teens and their texting habits (I've heard that they are, indeed, banning texting between teens interested in each other), I think it's an appropriate time to write about the subject of rules-based parenting—and how that relates to legalism, Pharisaism, and our understanding of God as our father, and his grace. Have you thought about why the Old Testament comes with 613 rules from God for His people? And have you thought about why the New Testament wiped out such ordinances? Or why people constantly try to interpret the New Testament in such a way as to re-create an Old Testament style legal system? The disparity in how God related [...]

22 January

My Story, by Donna Bennum

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:09:44-06:00January 22nd, 2015|Uncategorized|56 Comments

I appreciate Donna's willingness to share her story, and hope that others are emboldened to do the same. More importantly, I hope that her experience inspires others to take action! My Story, by Donna Bennum In August of 2014 I made my decision to leave 'the church' (Stanton churches) which I had been a member of for thirty-six years. In the weeks that followed I found Rising Sun church of Christ. I sat in their sanctuary and listened to their hymns, as they were accompanied by musical instruments of all sorts. I listened to the preacher speak about God's love for us and about His GRACE, and how there's NOTHING we could do to work for that grace of Christ dying on the cross for [...]

23 August

The paradigm shift from law to love

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:08:42-06:00August 23rd, 2013|Uncategorized|72 Comments

I almost corrected her when she said "God never fails" but then I realized that since "God is love" she's actually right on. Out of the mouth of babes! This could be a book-length article, but it won't be. It's just an appetizer; something to whet your appetite before a life-long meal at God's table discovering his love for yourself. I've found the understanding of God's love to be the keystone in the arch spanning God and man, his creation. It's what makes the Bible, God's inspired history of mankind's time on Earth, make sense. Without an understanding of God's love, the Bible--yes, even the Word of God itself--becomes merely a "sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal." It is a chaotic compilation of laws, commands, [...]

What is legalism?
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What is legalism?

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10 July

What is legalism?

By Kevin|2019-06-17T07:15:51-06:00July 10th, 2013|Uncategorized|29 Comments

Legalism is a term that gets thrown around a lot, and it's generally referring to an approach to the Bible that is law-centric rather than grace- or love-centric. A legalistic theology (or more accurately, hermeneutic), does not necessarily preclude the idea of grace; but generally pushes love and grace to a very minor role in our approach to God, and establishes our compliance with God's laws as the primary means of approaching him. The Pharisees of Jesus' time were a legalistic sect. They measured their own closeness to God by their adherence to the Law, and judged harshly those who did not measure up to their own standards of law-keeping. Of course, the legalist would not describe himself that way. He thinks that his standard [...]

"This needed to be said Kevin, thank you. I believe you are getting to heart of the problem in the church. Instead of a Christian being allowed to exercise their own conscience, the conscience of a few people living in South Carolina and California is forced upon the entire brotherhood." ~Anonymous

"Great blog, Kevin. I'm originally from Stanton (I remember you being a young boy there). I Spent almost twenty years in the church seeing many of the things you speak about but keeping them in the back of my mind, and doubting my own feelings that something wasn't right.

"This constant gossiping was so confusing because it was OK for teachers to talk about people, but no one else to even question actions of a teacher. Being outside of that influence and away from the constant intimidation, it is so much more clear. There was no love or understanding. I'm sure most, except for the leaders, know something is wrong if they would just be honest with themselves. I regret so much putting my children through this more than I regret putting myself through it.

"I'm just glad I left. No need for being bitter toward anyone because it was my choice to be there and stay there. Keep up the good work." ~Loraine Forshee

I have read every word of this blog… I spent many hours/days reading… Feeling so sick inside… I felt so grateful to find this blog." ~Anonymous

"I left the group because I realized that what the group taught and what God teaches were often-not always-vastly different. I had to make a choice; stay out of fear, obligation, because of relationships, or leave so I could continue to follow Christ. I left. You know, one thing I heard A LOT while in the group is that “fallen away ones” are always longing to come back into the group.” At the time I believed it, but I just haven’t found it to be true! If it were, there would be plenty of people flocking back, and it isn’t happening. I have been in contact with quite a few who have left, and not one of us has thoughts about going back. Ever." ~Debby Stevens

"What’s ironic is that we point these things out to them only for them to ignore, dismiss and scoff at the blog both publicly in talks or sermons, and among themselves in secret. For you leaders and members of the SCOC who still read this blog, it’s one thing to dismiss the dissenters, but when you have people in your own ranks parroting the SAME EXACT PROBLEMS we talk about here (some of whom don’t even read the blog yet they see the same things we do), it may be time to consider your ways instead of having “unity” (conformity) meetings trying to ignore it." ~Advocate for Peace

"I too am a current member in 'good standing' in the church. I read the blog and I know of two other current members who also read it. I am sure you're wondering why in the world I would still be attending after reading all of this. Honestly, I am weak and just don't have the courage to leave because of family members who are still involved. Because of the threat of withdrawal for murmuring it's impossible to ask others what they think of the blog posts and videos. I am sure I will leave someday, I'm just not quite ready." ~Anonymous

"I'm currently a member in "good standing" in the church. I read the blog, even though its frowned upon. I can't begin to tell you how closely the comments and personal testimonies align and match what's happening in the church. You read something here, and it opens your eyes to that behavior now. so that when you see it happening, you instantly think about who it happened to here on this blog, and you know the damage it causing." ~Anonymous

"I’m not giving up on God like they believe I’m lost now. I’m so glad I found this blog. It helped open my eyes to what I was a part of for TOO long." ~Not going back

“I blush for my fellows who hold up the Bible as the bond of union, yet make their opinions of it a test of fellowship; who plead for union of all Christians, yet refuse to fellowship with such as dissent from their notions. Vain men! Their zeal is not according to knowledge, nor is their spirit that of Christ. Such antisectarian-sectarians are doing more mischief to the cause and advancement of truth, the unity of Christians, and the salvation of the world, than all the skeptics in the world. In fact, they create skeptics.” Barton Stone

"Someone told me here just recently that, Gary, do you realize what’s happening, under cover? People are coming out and expressing what it is that they feel, their disdain and contempt for what you believe. I’ve got to know how to respond. And I know how I respond. That’s the basis of this lesson. I refuse. I refuse, to the uttermost of my being to dignify the absurdity of the questions and the challenges in which it is that people will present. What I mean by that is that I will not honor, they are not worthy of my consideration. … [M]y whole estimation was to not give it a nickel’s worth of consideration. But I want to give you what it is how I deal with things like this. How I respond. Because I don’t. I don’t." Gary Preman

Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHundreds of comments ago you were pushing the standard “Blacks are victimized” narrative, that the media and schools has been lying about for over a century. Not going back to pull it up. You’ve alrea…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureThe Bible never specifies how many children Solomon had. What persuaded you he had 14? Highly unlikely Solomon didn’t touch many of his wives. Pretty sure he didn’t have them for decoration, they were…
anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureAs far as Solomon, he had only fourteen children and with no birth control at that time it could be assumed that he never touched many of his wives, they were simply "trophy wives" and as such they wo…
anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureStill not understanding your racial hatred accusation, I never critiqued anyone on white privilege, nor black incarceration, you're out in left field on that one, never criticized anyone on physical f…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureConstructive criticism is fine. However, over a decade on here, you have demonstrated a pattern of non-stop criticism, likely what you endured in Stanton. And, the vast majority of your criticism is n…
anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureThank you for the attention. You post publicly your criticisms of your love interest not realizing that opens the door for everyone else to also criticize her publicly, what a great foundation to a re…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureJust received this book, can’t wait to read it. I heard the word “feminism” in a class by a woman sharing, about three times in my whole life in Stanton, once very recently. Unless this insidious evil…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and culture170,000,000!!!!!! And that was in 1995, 30 years after the civil rights act of 1965!! It's gotten much worse! Patrick Sheehan,?**! writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, in 1995, wrote what…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHow incredibly evil!! All of us who opposed masks and vaccines are vindicated, congratulations!! CDC Admits It Faked 99% of COVID Deaths To Scare Public Into Taking Vaccine Newly released data from th…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureI was pretty certain, if there was any criticism of my actions, you’d happily search hard to find it. Envy and jealousy simply can never rejoice in another’s good fortune. “Abusive husband” That’s a t…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureGetting angry over petty things at the outset is a red flag of a future abusive husband. In the initial stage the narcissist is supposed to love bomb their targeted by finding the targets deepest inse…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureMost marriages today are a world of hurt, admittedly. However, I control only three areas, my thoughts, my words, and my actions. Other than that, I have no control over anyone else, not even my fianc…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureYour in for a world of hurt. Women desire to be loved, men desire to be respected. You felt disrespected no doubt and reacted with anger instead of understanding. Your going to be tested and tried in…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureVery good, thank you for asking. What God has joined together, no man can break asunder. To find a woman willing to obey God and her husband, who is reasonably attractive, who is willing to homeschool…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureHow is your courtship going?
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHow can a woman learn the role God designed for her in the church and marriage in a church started by Merie, who rebelled against God’s order that women stay silent in the churches? Short answer. They…
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureAnd he is still apart of the church of Christ but the one he started right?
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureHe is living in Texas and is worshipping in a home with other believers. My advice would be to contact him through his instagram page if you would like more information.
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureWhere is Joe worshiping
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureFrom my understanding, Joe didn’t start his own sect. About a year after his unscriptural withdrawal he left the Stanton sect which he had been a part of since birth, and he and his family attended a…