Comments on: A Pointed Question: Why Not Rather Suffer Wrong?

By: Rong

Rong — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 18:44:33 +0000

Michael – I mentioned that I was going to use your post for a follow up discussion in my Sunday School class. I just wanted to let you know that it instigated some very fruitful discussions that will most likely be continuing for some time. I’ve already had one request for a link to your post.

Thanks again,

Rong

By: bastemion

bastemion — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:32:13 +0000

Sorry about that. I commented on the wrong post.

By: bastemion

bastemion — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:29:03 +0000

Sam Harris provides an enlightening look at Christianity. We want to be different from the rest of the world but in the rush to distinction we lose our unique identity as followers of Christ. We become caricatures of ourselves.

I’m reminded of an insightful conversation I had recently. My friend and teacher mentioned that in John 21 Jesus didn’t ask if Peter knew how much Jesus loved him. He asked how much Peter loved Jesus. I fear that modern Christians are more interested in feeling loved than they are in loving Christ. If we have lost this essential focus I wonder how much more we have drifted from Christ’s intent.

By: byron

byron — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 02:01:05 +0000

Hey, saw the Volf book as your image and would love to hear any thoughts you have on it. I’m halfway through myself and really enjoying it.

By: Beyond Words

Beyond Words — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 20:20:53 +0000

I won’t go into the details of an experience I had in the church that wounded me. God used “The Challenge of Jesus,” by N.T. Wright to help me realize the way of Jesus means I sometimes have to give up my right to be right. It was excruciating to do that, but now I’m slowly healing and God is moving in surprising ways.

Since it’s always good to be a Berean and test Scripture against Scripture, plese note that even the Psalmist practiced this principle–and it’s no coincidence this was the Morning Psalm for today’s Divine Office:

Take Delight in the LORD
Do not fret yourself because of evildoers;* do not be jealous of those who do wrong. For they shall soon wither like the grass,* and like the green grass fade away. Put your trust in the LORD and do good;* dwell in the land and feed on its riches. Take delight in the LORD,* and he shall give you your heart’s desire. Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him,* and he will bring it to pass. He will make your righteousness as clear as the light* and your just dealing as the noonday. Be still before the LORD* and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:1-7

By: Keith Schooley

Keith Schooley — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:49:30 +0000

This is a really fantastic post. I’ve long thought that phrase to be one of the most challenging and all-too-often appropriate prescriptions that Scripture gives us. It’s a big chunk of what Christlikeness is all about.

One minor quibble: you write, “When we live in bitterness and unforgiveness, the process of moving towards serious moral sin and compromise is accelerated.” The real problem is that we don’t recognize bitterness and unforgiveness as “serious moral sin and compromise” in and of themselves. Fleshly sins are often merely the outward manifestation of much, much deeper problems of the heart.

By: Rong

Rong — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:09:14 +0000

How timely, as I just taught a class this past Sunday dealing with Conflict Management and Reconciliation. I briefly touched on the idea that not every issue is going to be reconciled, nor does it necessarily need to be. But we’re always after justice for perceived wrongs and most times refuse to step back and take a look at what a conflict may be doing to those around us.
I’m thankful that I have 2 more Sundays where we will be able to simply discuss what we’ve been teaching for the past 8 weeks. This post is going to be a wonderful discussion point and one that needs some serious consideration.

Thanks again Michael.
Peace,
Rong

By: Noel Heikkinen

Noel Heikkinen — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 21:26:32 +0000

Very well said. I am preaching on the topic of relationship with others in January and I fully plan on stealing from you as you steal from Mahaney.

By: fsuchris

fsuchris — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:24:31 +0000

How right you are. Unresolved conflict does more damage in the Body of Christ than so many other seemingly “big” sins.

I will be quick to say that Peacemaker Ministries has been extrememly helpful to me and my wife and others in the healing process from a previous church implosion. I encourage each of you to look them up at http://www.peacemaker.net