Posted on 03/14/2005 10:28:37 AM PST by blue-duncan
I didn't know the name of the author till I clicked this thread, I knew she mentioned a Christian book and read from it, among other actions and words she shared with him. The Media is giving a lot of attention to this woman's faith in God, and the fact that she used that faith to calm a killer who was holding her. I think it's been a pretty good week for Christianity in the news. Only the most nattering naybobs of negativity would find something to complain about.
Thank you for clarifying.
I disagree that it's that simple, but we'll leave it at that.
The most important thing we should do is Pray for Ashley Smith.
Pray that the Holy Spirit protects her from the media or anything that stands in the way with her walk with Jesus.
"Excuse me Mr. Badguy, would you care to peruse the Institutes over a spot of Earl Grey?
Section one - you are totally depraved"
(insert sound of semi auto pistol being loaded here)
IMO Warren was just right for the time and place - she wasnt dealing with a theologian - she was dealing with a simple man who didnt have the heart or ears to listen - Warren was this guys milk - when he needed milk
And it is those nattering naybobs that make me glad I don't attend church any more. The mere thought of being in the same room as these stuck-up-sticky-beaks makes my navel pucker.
I told you not to bother.
Amen.
But I'm betting your post doesn't make it to tomorrow. You were a bit too specific in indentifying the Theological Discourse.
That being said, I agree that if she had tried a certain 5 point approach to bringing this man to his senses, she would not have gotten past the first point.
THAT being said, I suspect that my post won't make it to tomorrow.
Perhaps you need to consider the reason you were going to church in the first place.
Was it to be liked and to like the stuck-up-sticky-beaks?
Or was it to worship God?
Actually, the first link's author uses over 2 dozen scriptural differences to make his point.
>>However, the book in general is worded in a soft manner and there are many who prefer a hard edeged presentation on mans reason for being. In addition, we're all here to do one thing, but how we go about doing it could be vastly different. I think that's what Warren is trying to get to.<<
Respectfully, I disagree.
I believe that Jesus Himself had one way of "presenting" His message. He told them the Truth - whether or not they wanted to hear it. He didn't soften the message to those who didn't like a hard-edge presentation - he simply brought them to their sin and made them see it for what it truly is. It's supposed to be hard to handle. It's supposed to be difficult to take. Its supposed to be uncomfortable, because sin is a very uncomfortable, ugly, hard, and difficult thing.
In John, when Jesus is laying out the Truth about Him being the bread of life, many of His followers left, grumbling that His teachings were too hard. "Who can live up to this?" sort of thing.
Notice that Jesus simply let them go. He didn't chase after them saying, "Wait! What if we had a Wednesday service where you can wear jeans? What if we had a basketball court and fooseball table? Would that make it easier for you to stay and listen?"
No. He simply let them go, turned to the 12 and said, "Are you going to leave me as well?". They, of course, stayed, knowing that the road would be difficult, and the Truth sometimes hard to hear.
Preach the Word. As it is. With no frills or softening. God will grow which seeds He chooses.
>>Can you believe Rush recommended this book on his show yesterday?<<
Actually, I can. To my knowledge, Rush has never claimed a personal relationship with Jesus, so it's not surprising that he doesn't realize what he's recommending to others.
If "Institues" warrants a pull - so be it
If exposure of the doctrine as fatalism warrants a pull.....all I can do is praise God
Because my parents told me to go... Later because my grandmother needed a ride there, and a few other times for other reasons.
Was it to be liked and to like the stuck-up-sticky-beaks?
It'd be nice if they were likable. You know, really most of them are, especially my old grandmother, and her friends... My grandmother was eulogized by her pastor as the person the pastor would go to to find new strength in her faith, not because her faith was better schooled, because it wasn't, but because it was a childlike faith that was unspoiled by the nattering of man. I miss my grandmother.
I know that all the debate about which church God most prefers is something you enjoy. Me, I just do they best I can to find the right way in this life in spite of the noise of the bystanders all shouting out different answers.
I hoped for a good thread in this forum to hear discussed this book she read from and what she achieved with it. It's a cool story.
If that's what you see these debates being, I'm afraid you're missing the point.
It has never been about "which church God most prefers." It is about gaining a clearer understanding of God's word and who God is.
Because we are human, and fallible, we often disagree on those things. But we are not given the option of giving up just because it makes us, or those around us, uncomfortable.
I'm sorry Corin. I don't want to fight with you.
I didn't think we were ~fighting~.
But I can leave it here.
>>It is about gaining a clearer understanding of God's word and who God is. <<
Amen.
>>Because we are human, and fallible, we often disagree on those things.<<
I see the disagreements as a blessing, if nothing else. it allows us to present our version of what we believe. Oftentimes it facilitates a discussion that can lead to deeper understanding and learning.
If we all just shut up and locked up inside the 4 walls of our particular denominations, we'd never get anywhere. I love discussing theological differences/viewpoints - it strenghtens my understanding of Biblical precepts in a way that simply sitting and listening to someone talk doesn't.
Our differences are in how we worship - not WHO we worship. :-)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit. (from Galatians, chapter 5)
There are all kinds of ways to present the scripture. As an example, we told that we are the salt of the earth.
Salt is mentioned several places in the bible. Salt can be used to enhance flavor. Salt can be used as a preservative. Salt is a necessary chemical for sustaining life. However, if you improperly use salt, it becomes corrosive or destructive. I believe that's where the soft manner of presentation comes in . Too many want to be corrosive in their presentation in the guise of being "factual". There are ways of telling someone they are fat. Some ways will insult, discourage or even defeat someone. Other ways will provide encouragement to become fit or to take actions to lose weight. Presentation, without polluting fact is everything.
Nice to see you back suzy.
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