Well said. They are seeking the most available source to fill who they are. It's time to realize kids today are nothing like 50 yrs. ago. If we don't meet them there are multitude of options that many of older generation have no idea. Applying traditional methods is like trying to light a match in a monsoon.
I also think our use of normal and the value of group dynamaic's should be open to discussion. John the Baptist was considered to crazy. God demostrated his glory through some pretty disfuntional people. He also pointed out the value of the individual in his parables. People who do not have direct experience with illness especially long term illness would be the benifactors of helping these least of these but do not understand the insight and faith that can be nutured in illness. Profound things happen if you can maintain your hope and total dependence on God and his reprsentatives. A profound understanding is revealed when you are humbled to point of survival. Don't feel bad because Most sick people have been on both sides of the fence. But learn to use and value them for what they are which is a potential gift from God. Remember the apostiles were the same as those crazy people on street corners to the religious leaders of the time.
Thanks for honoring us with your painful story. Your correct that they are in the Lords hands now and before. Bag the rule as peace offering to open the door to more dialogue. Then expose your relationship with Jesus to him. I may not work right away, but validate them if they believe in Jesus. What do you have to lose?
I have first hand experience and I truly believe that from what you have told us he struggles with the apparent hypocricy of the church He doesn't undetrstand that we are all depravaed and rely on Grace.. Believe in your prayers because I feel your pain and I believe God is right there with your children. I believe God hears you. Enjoy the peace that comes with losing your control to hope and faith in Jesus.
Liberals like to worship God for extended time also Bev. Some of the best Christain teachers at LCS are liberal also. My daughter is one those talented kids for Christ who is a leader in her school. Lets leave the politic;s out of our judgements before this divide becomes greater.
I have many pastor friends and confidants. It is a extremely difficult profession by any imagination. Being a pastor as well know, creates unique demands on people unlike most professions. That being said Jim, your greatest service in the church is how you relationally spread the Word. People will remember you by how leadership lifts up the church and for your personal interactions. Sermons are extremely important by providing the window to meaning of His words. But peope are more relational than intellectual. Most lay people are very intimidated by a Pastors knowledge and moral authority. That, I believe is one the reasons Pastors are challenged by some lay people. You know how big our male ego's are.
Anyway Jim you are good person. Your reaction shows your matured faith that cries for Divine justice. I like you Jim. Thanks for listening to a broken, sick shutin.
Hi Guys(That includes you Elizabeth) I like Dutch's description of the inverted pyramid. Great word picture of our church structure. As far as classis approvals of pastors, we all know the system of church order rarely is the problem or the source of conflict and frustration. The way people use, manipulate, and interpret the order is the issue. We always have to keep this in focus when we talk about confessions or church order. We make church order function or hinder its function.
Why we act as if the documents of church(except the Bible) are a issue. That is a fallacy.
I know exactly what your talking about when it comes to being in relationship with God and fell the Holy Spirit fill your mouth with words that are not yours. I see the Spirit in coincidences that that happen to me. Glory be to God
You are correct to state theoretically 20 men could due the work if they aren't Calvinists. Total depravity prevents your idealism from being realistic. You may be able to convince some minds but not those who feel motivated by the overwhelming scriptural support of the new covenant . You know Jesus's fulfillment of law. You can't get around this with logic that doesn't accept responsibility for the need of disenfranchised people. We have had the power and did not lead well enough for people not to be content without a voice that speaks for them. We are not victims.
Posted in: Not Just Surviving the Holidays
Hi Mark,
Good advice to be preemptive in dealing with holidays. Maybe I could add planning alternate activities especially for the disabled.
My perspective as a disabled person, holidays can be tough or rewarding depending on planning. Thanks Mark
Posted in: Adult Content in Youth Ministry?
Well said. They are seeking the most available source to fill who they are. It's time to realize kids today are nothing like 50 yrs. ago. If we don't meet them there are multitude of options that many of older generation have no idea. Applying traditional methods is like trying to light a match in a monsoon.
Posted in: What Is a Worship Disruption?
Jesus kind of messed with sunday traditions of the time.
Posted in: Listening to a Fellow Christian with Schizophrenia
I also think our use of normal and the value of group dynamaic's should be open to discussion. John the Baptist was considered to crazy. God demostrated his glory through some pretty disfuntional people. He also pointed out the value of the individual in his parables. People who do not have direct experience with illness especially long term illness would be the benifactors of helping these least of these but do not understand the insight and faith that can be nutured in illness. Profound things happen if you can maintain your hope and total dependence on God and his reprsentatives. A profound understanding is revealed when you are humbled to point of survival. Don't feel bad because Most sick people have been on both sides of the fence. But learn to use and value them for what they are which is a potential gift from God. Remember the apostiles were the same as those crazy people on street corners to the religious leaders of the time.
Posted in: Is it Important for Youth to Attend Church with Their Parents?
a-vberg,
Thanks for honoring us with your painful story. Your correct that they are in the Lords hands now and before. Bag the rule as peace offering to open the door to more dialogue. Then expose your relationship with Jesus to him. I may not work right away, but validate them if they believe in Jesus. What do you have to lose?
I have first hand experience and I truly believe that from what you have told us he struggles with the apparent hypocricy of the church He doesn't undetrstand that we are all depravaed and rely on Grace.. Believe in your prayers because I feel your pain and I believe God is right there with your children. I believe God hears you. Enjoy the peace that comes with losing your control to hope and faith in Jesus.
Ken
Posted in: Is it Important for Youth to Attend Church with Their Parents?
Liberals like to worship God for extended time also Bev. Some of the best Christain teachers at LCS are liberal also. My daughter is one those talented kids for Christ who is a leader in her school. Lets leave the politic;s out of our judgements before this divide becomes greater.
Posted in: A Preacher's Memoir
Jim,
I have many pastor friends and confidants. It is a extremely difficult profession by any imagination. Being a pastor as well know, creates unique demands on people unlike most professions. That being said Jim, your greatest service in the church is how you relationally spread the Word. People will remember you by how leadership lifts up the church and for your personal interactions. Sermons are extremely important by providing the window to meaning of His words. But peope are more relational than intellectual. Most lay people are very intimidated by a Pastors knowledge and moral authority. That, I believe is one the reasons Pastors are challenged by some lay people. You know how big our male ego's are.
Anyway Jim you are good person. Your reaction shows your matured faith that cries for Divine justice. I like you Jim. Thanks for listening to a broken, sick shutin.
Ken
Posted in: Classical Exams
Hi Guys(That includes you Elizabeth) I like Dutch's description of the inverted pyramid. Great word picture of our church structure. As far as classis approvals of pastors, we all know the system of church order rarely is the problem or the source of conflict and frustration. The way people use, manipulate, and interpret the order is the issue. We always have to keep this in focus when we talk about confessions or church order. We make church order function or hinder its function.
Why we act as if the documents of church(except the Bible) are a issue. That is a fallacy.
Ken
Posted in: People of Color in Leadership Positions
Bev,
I know exactly what your talking about when it comes to being in relationship with God and fell the Holy Spirit fill your mouth with words that are not yours. I see the Spirit in coincidences that that happen to me. Glory be to God
Ken
Posted in: People of Color in Leadership Positions
He is not totally depraved.
Posted in: Church Outreach and Disability
Hi Mark,
Could you please send them to the churches too. Maybe your way ahead of me, but some how the word has to get out.
Ken
Posted in: Delegates by the Numbers
John,Aaron,
You are correct to state theoretically 20 men could due the work if they aren't Calvinists. Total depravity prevents your idealism from being realistic. You may be able to convince some minds but not those who feel motivated by the overwhelming scriptural support of the new covenant . You know Jesus's fulfillment of law. You can't get around this with logic that doesn't accept responsibility for the need of disenfranchised people. We have had the power and did not lead well enough for people not to be content without a voice that speaks for them. We are not victims.