LSM's Myths of Church History

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by james73

Yes fine, present your own grotesque mythological point as fact, and then shut down the discussion, invoking an "enjoyment of the Lord" so nobody can question it...

Reading james73 post ties into something I've read that's been on my mind from Leading With Love on page 57:

"Diotrophes was so puffed up with himself he criticized and refused to listen to the beloved apostle John. He abused people who disagreed with him, created an atmosphere of fear within the local church, and demanded hids own way. He was not a builder of people but a limiter of people. He was not a uniter, but a divider. He was not a humble-minded servant leader. He would not share the ministry with peers and colleagues such as Paul. He refused godly correction and instruction. His heart was not contrite before God, and his arrogant spirit divided people and hurt the church. In Pau's words, Diorophes was "a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Cor. 13:1)."

This was based off 3rd John 9-10:

9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.

Ironically I was raised in the local churches with the concept brother Max was a type of Diotrophes. When I examine the verse 10 closer I see, it doesn't fit. Max may have been ambitious at one time, but as a type of Diotrophes, it no longer resounds.

I emphasize the last portion because the message I've heard for several decades is not to make an issue of saints not to be received. Whether it is John Ingalls, Jane Anderson, or Steve Isitt, just don't make an issue (i.e. leave the past in the past) and just enjoy the Lord.