Offended?

The following was a post entitled “I’m a Big Angry Jerk”. I have this page here so that you can read this after getting offended at what you may very well be right to be offended at. Most likely you found this site because you googled the name of somebody who’s teachings and goings ons I take issue with. So now that you’re irritated at the way I’ve talked to some folks, cool down a bit by reading this.
Here’s the post:
I’m a Big Angry Jerk
Well, maybe not so much these days.

However, I have been under the….uh, I don’t know how to describe it. I’ve been inwardly pressed, squeezed if you will. I guess I can call it “conviction”, but it’s more than that. I’ve been through a pretty thorough house cleaning.

To sum it up, I’ve become painfully aware of a prevailing propensity to strong arm anyone that is wrong about something. I forgot that all the major victories in my life and breakthroughs have come only by the Spirit of God when simple truth was set forth to me, not by being belittled with truth. Now this by no means is a statement from me saying that I no longer believe it’s right to dispute issues. No, not at all. What this is is me saying that as I read back on some of my comments to dissenters, I get grieved by the Lord for the manner and tone of speaking that I’ve exhibited. I’ve run people out of here because instead of just disagreeing, I start ad hominem attacks on their character. You know, like calling people flakes and stuff. And even when I don’t write things like that, I can remember being in a state of mind and disposition of soul that was just no pleasing to God.

So basically this is me apologizing for being rude in times past and hurting anyone’s feelings…..or just pissing you off cuz I’m a jerk.

For the record, I don’t have a difference of actual opinion regarding anything I’ve written as far as facts and details go. But I know that it came across in a manner that is so counter productive to the Kingdom of God that I have to acknowledge it publicly.
I will continue to write things that most likely run against the grain of my charismatic compatriots, the “prophetic movement” and other such things and entities. Not for agenda reasons, but simply because there are thoughts and things that cross my mind which I trust to be the Lord’s promptings that I don’t hear anyone else saying….and maybe, just maybe I can help a few folks out. I don’t have it out for anyone, I just refuse to sit silent. I can’t do much, but I can type.
I’ll just make sure to do it…uh, nicer.
That was one of the big reasons why God brought me to FIRE church. I’ve learned to actually *gasp* love my brothers and sisters in the body who get on my nerves and believe kooky stuff and act wierd during the song service. I’ve actually learned to see that they still have much value to contribute to my own life. I’ve learned that they can once in a while do me some good….I say “once in a while” with tongue in cheek.

But I’m not recanting.
“I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us.”
Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, 1521

Nope. No recanting.
Just promising a nicer scalpel.
mark jr.