tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post7178453896928355744..comments2024-03-04T07:45:15.155-07:00Comments on Hackman's Musings: The Truth Project? Part 2Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-9378105136895534392013-01-09T18:24:33.690-07:002013-01-09T18:24:33.690-07:00Thanks for reading and commenting Mike!Thanks for reading and commenting Mike!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-52839867597594281452013-01-07T20:45:34.091-07:002013-01-07T20:45:34.091-07:00Very well stated. I am glad you called this person...Very well stated. I am glad you called this person's opinions for what they are: biased without contextual basis.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02599364411195322784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-87911791789727218022011-09-25T17:16:40.592-06:002011-09-25T17:16:40.592-06:00For those who think our current culture is out of ...For those who think our current culture is out of tune with God, what about apartheid, including "separate but equal" in the U.S.? The Church at large was a supporter of segregation, and in the southern U.S., most churches were segregated. What about the battle for women's rights? What about the boys' strike in (I believe) the late 1800's for the right to go to school and for a limited work day? What about child labor in the U.S.? Yet these all took place in a supposedly halcyon age when we in the U.S. were supposedly more Christian! Alas, these darned human beings--always sinful!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-73410696259990596972011-08-13T00:50:56.282-06:002011-08-13T00:50:56.282-06:00Anon (March 13) - Thanks. I wrote once about the ...Anon (March 13) - Thanks. I wrote once about the differnece between digital and analog thinkers, and the comments here give some good examples. I do find I spend a lot of time clarifying points I never made to folks who have already decided where I am coming from.<br /><br />Anon (Aug 12)<br /><br />There was no malice in not providing a link, just an oversight. I think on most of my other Truth Project posts I link to something of theirs. Again, I am not trying to get people to not watch it, I just encourage them to watch it critically.<br /><br />I am not sure what your intent was with the list of scripture verses. The funny thing about Scripture is that , by pulling verses, I can get scripture to say anything I want. I don't even think that is being manipulative... The scriptures had many authors over many thousands of years, so it speaks with many voices. What scripture says to any one person, I believe, says more about that person than it does about God.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-7269443239898022692011-08-12T11:22:47.637-06:002011-08-12T11:22:47.637-06:00Since the Truth Project logo is used in this blog ...Since the Truth Project logo is used in this blog it seems only fair that one should be able to provide a link to a video about the study...<br /><br />http://youtu.be/GJ8ikrDisDUAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-86257251516755882442011-08-12T10:41:11.479-06:002011-08-12T10:41:11.479-06:00I have watched and studied the 'Truth Project&...I have watched and studied the 'Truth Project' while comparing it to the Bible and it's teaching. It is not perfect, as is nothing that man does, but it has some very good things about it. It is very eye opening to say the least.<br /><br />I also read every comment and wanted to give some 'food for thought'...<br /><br />“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."(Matthew 10:34-39)<br /><br />He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats(Matthew 25:31-46)<br /><br />If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:12-20)<br /><br />“ Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord."(2 Corinthians 6)<br /><br />"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations"(Matthew 28:16-20)<br /><br />In His love and praying for all who read this to be ready in season and out, to preach the gosple by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we as Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” <br /><br />We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony(Rev 12:11) and without a seperation then to whom shall we preach ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-75566618413572672122011-03-13T00:46:52.732-07:002011-03-13T00:46:52.732-07:00Andrew,
I wanted to let you know that I have appre...Andrew,<br />I wanted to let you know that I have appreciated your honesty and your willingness to share your thoughts. Here is my own insight to what I have seen with the comments on your blog:<br />- posters should write shorter posts.<br />- those in disagreement with your view have clearly not put thought into the point you are trying to make<br />- the point of this video series has done two things. 1.proved your "us/them" theory to be valid. 2.failed to teach Christians how to engage the worldview's that exist around them.<br />- those not skeptical of this video series clearly cannot seem to fathom any other ideas than their own (or the one's fed to them through videos like these).<br />- I love the countless "you need to watch the whole thing" arguments. Try convincing a friend to watch a pile of garbage! "No, wait, there is good stuff in here! See, I found a toothbrush! Brushing your teeth is a good thing!"<br /><br />I am on "tour" one and already have problems. I will be watching a few more to see where it goes. My concern is how quickly people buy into his arguments. The best way to mislead someone is to permeate the argument with so much truth, you miss the part that isn't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-53937975517205980512010-07-29T12:05:41.175-06:002010-07-29T12:05:41.175-06:00Latest Anon - Thanks for your thoughtful comments...Latest Anon - Thanks for your thoughtful comments.<br /><br />I can be with you on a lot of your thoughts.<br /><br />One point I am wary of is when historical revisionism is discussed. I find that in many circles, any alternative views in perceived history are interpreted as negative. I would contest that, for the most part, it is not revisionism but greater objectivity. History is naturally written by the winners and I feel that modern scholarship is allowing us to unpack previous declarations in a more objective light.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-66436264060809394882010-07-24T08:17:53.253-06:002010-07-24T08:17:53.253-06:00I am currently facilitating the Truth Project seri...I am currently facilitating the Truth Project series in our church. Next Sunday our group will wrap up tour 12. Although I have not gone through the official training seminar, I try to do my homework before class by watching the videos, reading the lesson guides and discussing with my wife who has helped me develop thought provoking questions that we can share during our discussion time. I also purposely seek out blogs (such as this one) that critique the Truth Project series because I feel it helps me understand what our participants may be thinking when they see the videos. So far, I have found that the Truth Project material is right on point with what I believe and those in our church. We have about 30 participants in our class. <br /><br />I have found this blog to be very insightful. While I continue to believe the Truth Project content is more on point than off, I have found so much value from the comments posted. Indeed, we should not divide the world as we are meant to give of ourselves to serve others and lead them to Christ. Also, the person who quoted Amos I feel was right on point (very eye opening). Why would we wish for the end when we could wish for more time to save others and make a difference? Nevertheless, I feel the content in the Truth Project is still very thorough and useful for people to understand what is being taught in our culture and how that is contrary both to Christianity and what our founding fathers intended for this country.<br /><br />Historical revisionism is real and most people have not done enough homework to realize that. The Truth Project is a great resource for people to learn how to discern the Truth from Lies in the world. I agree that we shouldn't use it to destroy others. Rather, we should use it to discern falsehoods that seemed to have permeated our culture so that we may better lead others to Christ. <br /><br />This coming Sunday, in addition to the content in tour 12, I plan on sharing two additional messages. First, I would like to share the points on this blog about judgment and that we should share Christ with others in love and not judgment. Second, I would like to share the points on this blog about Christians wishing for the end to come as this is not a very Christ like attitude toward serving others. <br /><br />All and all I am still very much bought in to the Truth Project content. I feel there are so many insightful issues that were covered. It would be great if your blog could talk more about the content that is on point rather than your criticisms of the series. <br /><br />All and all, I feel this blog has been a very healthy read and thank those who have posted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-71271465789677670872010-07-24T08:16:54.183-06:002010-07-24T08:16:54.183-06:00I am currently facilitating the Truth Project seri...I am currently facilitating the Truth Project series in our church. Next Sunday our group will wrap up tour 12. Although I have not gone through the official training seminar, I try to do my homework before class by watching the videos, reading the lesson guides and discussing with my wife who has helped me develop thought provoking questions that we can share during our discussion time. I also purposely seek out blogs (such as this one) that critique the Truth Project series because I feel it helps me understand what our participants may be thinking when they see the videos. So far, I have found that the Truth Project material is right on point with what I believe and those in our church. We have about 30 participants in our class. <br /><br />I have found this blog to be very insightful. While I continue to believe the Truth Project content is more on point than off, I have found so much value from the comments posted. Indeed, we should not divide the world as we are meant to give of ourselves to serve others and lead them to Christ. Also, the person who quoted Amos I feel was right on point (very eye opening). Why would we wish for the end when we could wish for more time to save others and make a difference? Nevertheless, I feel the content in the Truth Project is still very thorough and useful for people to understand what is being taught in our culture and how that is contrary both to Christianity and what our founding fathers intended for this country.<br /><br />Historical revisionism is real and most people have not done enough homework to realize that. The Truth Project is a great resource for people to learn how to discern the Truth from Lies in the world. I agree that we shouldn't use it to destroy others. Rather, we should use it to discern falsehoods that seemed to have permeated our culture so that we may better lead others to Christ. <br /><br />This coming Sunday, in addition to the content in tour 12, I plan on sharing two additional messages. First, I would like to share the points on this blog about judgment and that we should share Christ with others in love and not judgment. Second, I would like to share the points on this blog about Christians wishing for the end to come as this is not a very Christ like attitude toward serving others. <br /><br />All and all I am still very much bought in to the Truth Project content. I feel there are so many insightful issues that were covered. It would be great if your blog could talk more about the content that is on point rather than your criticisms of the series. <br /><br />All and all, I feel this blog has been a very healthy read and thank those who have posted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-55386607932805557252010-07-24T08:04:23.352-06:002010-07-24T08:04:23.352-06:00I am currently facilitating the Truth Project seri...I am currently facilitating the Truth Project series in our church. Next Sunday our group will wrap up tour 12. Although I have not gone through the official training seminar, I try to do my homework before class by watching the videos, reading the lesson guides and discussing with my wife who has helped me develop thought provoking questions that we can share during our discussion time. I also purposely seek out blogs (such as this one) that critique the Truth Project series because I feel it helps me understand what our participants may be thinking when they see the videos. So far, I have found that the Truth Project material is right on point with what I believe and those in our church. We have about 30 participants in our class. <br /><br />While I continue to believe the Truth Project content is more on point than off, I have found so much value from the comments posted. Indeed, we should not divide the world between us and them as we are meant to give of ourselves to serve others and lead them to Christ. Also, the person who quoted Amos I feel was right on point (very eye opening). Why would we wish for the end when we could wish for more time to save others and make a difference? Nevertheless, I feel the content in the Truth Project is still very thorough and useful for people to understand what is being taught in our culture and how that is contrary both to Christianity and what our founding fathers intended for this country.<br /><br />Historical revisionism is real and most people have not done enough homework to realize that. The Truth Project is a great resource for people to learn how to discern the Truth from Lies in the world. I agree that we shouldn't use it to destroy others. Rather, we should use it to discern falsehoods that seemed to have permeated our culture so that we may better lead others to Christ. <br /><br />This coming Sunday, in addition to the content in tour 12, I plan on sharing two additional messages. First, I would like to share the points on this blog about judgment and that we should share Christ with others in love and not judgment. Second, I would like to share the points on this blog about Christians wishing for the end to come as this is not a very Christ like attitude toward serving others. <br /><br />All and all I am still very much bought in to the Truth Project content. I feel there are so many insightful issues that were covered. It would be great if your blog could talk more about the content that is on point rather than your criticisms of the series. <br /><br />I feel this blog has been a very healthy read and thank those who have posted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-6338631701626871302010-07-04T23:08:44.249-06:002010-07-04T23:08:44.249-06:00Hey Ryan, thanks for stopping by! I am glad the a...Hey Ryan, thanks for stopping by! I am glad the article was helpful. If you and your friend decide to teach the series, I would be interested to hear about some of your experiences and observations.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-50960344831808137832010-07-04T20:49:33.599-06:002010-07-04T20:49:33.599-06:00I know this several years old, but I wanted say th...I know this several years old, but I wanted say thank you for your thoughts on this teaching series. A fellow pastor/friend of mine wants to possibly do this series this fall so I decided to look into it. I was immediately skeptical when I learned it was from Focus on the Family as they are typically very conservative, fundamentalist, and mondernistic in their views; which is quite different than the world of Jesus and the Church until the 16th century, not to mention my own theological perspective (Post-liberal). Apparently I wasn't too far off base in my skepticism from what I've been reading. <br /><br />I will certainly use your insights and thoughts when I review this series and determine how exactly this should be taught if/when my friend and I teach it. I have a feeling I'll be using the Truth Project as more of what NOT to be as a Christian in our society and more of a way to help teach a Christ-centered epistemology as opposed to one founded in Modernism.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-88468098967148535272009-11-25T20:50:46.113-07:002009-11-25T20:50:46.113-07:00Welcome to all of the latest posters! I am glad s...Welcome to all of the latest posters! I am glad so many are looking around to see what the critics have to say about the Truth Project!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-71418406162946553982009-11-25T20:20:31.609-07:002009-11-25T20:20:31.609-07:00Having gone through the first five tours of TP, I ...Having gone through the first five tours of TP, I have come to the conclusion that to actually gain anything from it you must check in your logical thought processes at the door. The tour on science is especially full of erroneous and misleading information. I'm especially dismayed by the whole anti-science position and disregard for critical thinking. As a born-again Christian I'm really saddened by the way we as Christians feel that having faith excuses us from examining every word to see if it is true. I pray that we learn to rightly divide the word. Blessings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-444570168693335152009-09-17T14:45:39.825-06:002009-09-17T14:45:39.825-06:00I hope to read all of these comments, but just wan...I hope to read all of these comments, but just wanted to quickly say that so far it is Lesson 9 that bothers me. It seems overly political. See the lessons here: http://kingsley.locke.net/truth/truth.htm<br /><br />I'm not aware of anyplace to view the actual videos online, especially since they run for an hour or so each. Our church is doing the Truth Project soon so I wanted to research it a bit.Randyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16504844681754360503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-72056977407615459112009-09-10T13:52:48.999-06:002009-09-10T13:52:48.999-06:00I would love to read over all of the comments on t...I would love to read over all of the comments on this post...but I'm afraid I don't have the time to do so so I apologize if what I say has already been said in this thread. I'm planning on watching the truth project eventually but I just wanted to talk about the "us/them" mentality and see your thoughts. <br /><br />I see your point in that Paul sees no distinction in people when referring to the sin that we are all guilty of. It is clear that the Bible puts no superiority on anyone except for Christ. However, I do think there is often references to an "us/them" mentality in the Bible but that is not to say that we are better or have less sin. There are many verses that refer to the righteous and unrighteous. <br /><br />In Romans 8 Paul refers to those that live in the sinful nature and those that live according to the Spirit.<br /><br />It seems to me that we are clearly all equally guilty of being sinners. I think the Bible still sets "us/them" mentality when referring to the righteous and unrighteous however it is necessary to remember that the righteous are only that because of Gods grace. <br /><br />Paul was so determined in reaching the gentiles that as often as he could he would preach equality among all people. He was very right in doing so, but I think his point was to show that God's grace is not for just one particular people but for all.....that doesn't rule out that we shouldn't be aware of those who are consumed by habitual sin and those that are seeking a life of holiness. The bible says not to pass judgements but everyday we must make judgements about things. 1 Corinthians 2:15 "The spiritual man makes judgements about all things but he himself is not subject to any man's judgement"<br /><br />Also, in the Bible I see many war metaphors for Christianity..in Psalms the psalter often refers the God as his shield, sword etc.<br /><br />The New Testament is also filled with many references to our sufferings. Paul talks about God's wrath and those "prepared for destruction." I don't feel that it is wrong for Christians to have a war-time mentality..however, we shouldn't regard non-believers as our enemy.Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15840351611886263776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-41232924092511808112009-08-30T15:07:49.825-06:002009-08-30T15:07:49.825-06:00I recommend The Truth Project. I think it does an...I recommend The Truth Project. I think it does an excellent job of revealing the lies of the world and contrasting them to the truth of God. It is not an "us" versus "them" message. The reason I think The Truth Project is an important message is that God's Word has become so watered down and merged with society that sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two. It is much the same as the serpent in the garden or the temptation of Jesus; mixing truth with a lie. I think the series does an excellent job of clarifying what is the lie and what is truth. I definitely leave with a sense of awe of such an amazing God and the knowledge of the sovereignty of God. This series is more about who God has revealed Himself to be.barbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-74166873731967448192009-05-28T06:37:53.601-06:002009-05-28T06:37:53.601-06:00My church (United Methodist) is starting "The Trut...My church (United Methodist) is starting "The Truth Project" in a couple of weeks. I had some reservations about signing up. One reason is that I prefer to study the Bible for what it is, not pick it apart into doctrine and theology. I am also a recovering Southern Baptist. (I wish there was a 12-step group for this). The couple facilitating the group have a reputation for being a bit fanatical, but it's unfair for me to judge them because I don't know them personally. I don't want to sign up for the group and then drop out, but neither do I want to come away feeling that I'm going to burn in hell because I like Harry Potter. I have read all the comments and blog posts with interest and I thank everyone for being so open and honest. I'll think about it for a few more days before signing up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-40514454917713569642009-05-15T17:33:00.000-06:002009-05-15T17:33:00.000-06:00Andrew have you had a chance to go through the ent...Andrew have you had a chance to go through the entire series yet? If not I highly recommend it. Not to change your mind on the content, but to allow God to do a work in you, which is what the creators intent is: to be transformed. He also admits that the tour is not as complete as he'd like it to be, that some areas were fast tracked and not a lot of time spent on them. For what they intended, they did a very good job. No evil comes from this series I assure you. If you have a discerning mind then you know no harm can come to you from going through the rest of the series. Then tell us what you think please.Shawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-85365981450314406152009-05-11T06:03:00.000-06:002009-05-11T06:03:00.000-06:00Also, my wife has shown me that I've misspelled me...Also, my wife has shown me that I've misspelled messenger all over the place...sorry for looking like a doof! <br /><br />Take care!Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-28828405439421851652009-05-10T22:18:00.000-06:002009-05-10T22:18:00.000-06:00And I do apolgize for the length of these posts, A...And I do apolgize for the length of these posts, Andrew...I definitely could use some training on conciseness! I'll quite clogging up your blog now :)<br /><br />Peace!Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-761700552149966562009-05-10T22:16:00.000-06:002009-05-10T22:16:00.000-06:00Andrew,
I also appreciate your candor and civilit...Andrew,<br /><br />I also appreciate your candor and civility as well, and wish you all the best...and I sincerely mean that! I will close with this (and I'm assuming your reference to Romans 2 was to this passage "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.")<br /><br />...you are right, it is NOT ours to judge who is a Christian, and who is not, we MUST leave that job to God, LEST WE BE JUDGED! But would you suggest that having a knowledge of the Truth and being willing to stand firm in God's Truth when challenged, equates to judgement? Or, does it simply equate to knowledge and conviction of the Truth? If we say that we believe the truths found in the Bible, and we submit to God and His Truth, who have we passed judgement on? But what we find in the world in many instances, is that willingness to stand firm in God's Truth, is perceived as judgement from the one who speaks that Truth...the messager, rather than the author of the Truth, you know? Why is that? In many cases, it may very well have to do with our delivery method! Absolutely...there's a LOT of harm being done in the name of Christ in our world! But are we also not told to expect this response from the world, when faced with Jesus and His Truth...John 3:19 - "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”<br /><br />Who ever does what is...what? True. There's that word again! We're told that men (all men...you, me, everyone by our human nature) hate the light, and love the darkness, because we love our sin and don't want it to be exposed. And man...we know that's the TRUTH too, don't we? I struggle against sin and temptation every single day. Sometimes I overcome, and sadly, sometimes I fall. But the light of Christ exposes that sin, and if we desire to follow Him, we'll do all of what he asks...we're called follow the complete wholeness of Jesus, in whom the wholeness of our triune God is found, you know?<br /><br />Our call is to love all, and to be prepared to offer a defense for the hope that is in within us, and from the words of Jesus himself, a verse that has really be speaking to me lately (obviously :) "If anyone would follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23<br /><br />The biggest challenge in my walk with Christ is finding a way to stand for God's Truths, as revealed in the Scripture, while still being perceived as loving by the world and non-believers! We are told that "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor 1:18)<br /><br />But then...before any of us heard the gospel...we were ALL perishing in our sin! So, why did it make sense to us? And why does it NOT make sense to the world? <br /><br />The only answer can be found in the soveriegn power of God, right? Ultimately, we're told by Jesus that "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." (John 6:44)<br /><br />So humility and submission before God allows us to continue to acknowledge that HE alone is in control, and will take care of the saving. But woe to us Christians if our behavior is not in keeping with how we're told to behave! 2 Timothy 2:24-26 tells us "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."<br /><br />Gentleness, and kind to everyone. That's how we're to teach and how to behave. Perhaps God will grant them repentance...but we don't get to know if He will or not. That's all up to God. And it definitely should not influence how we interact with other people! But what are we told that repentance lead to? Knowledge of the Truth. We're shown throughout the Scripture (as you saw in the first hour of the Truth Project) about the existence of Truth, the reality of Truth, and the ability for us, mere mortal men, to know the Truth, as revealed to us by the grace of God.<br /><br />All I'm saying (and I REALLY meant to keep this short...sorry 'bout that :) is that to imply that I'm really replacing MY name with God's in what I've written, and that everything has to be acceptable to me - it can't be about me! And that's why we have to live in the Scripture! It is there that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, reveals to us His Truths. Not ours...His. Shouldn't that be every Christian's desire? To completely submit ourselves and abandon ourselves, deny ourselves before Christ, and turn every desire to only following Him...to get to the point where anything we say can be verified in Scripture and seen as in line with God's Truths? At that point, we lose ourselves, and only God remains, right? That's our goal. Do we always succeed? Nope...we're not perfect...never will be, and we know that. But that's why we must stay in the perfect revelation of God's nature and Truth to us, the Scripture. If what we say is in line with what God says through Scripture, then we should cease to claim them as our own, and submit only to our Lord and Savior and God, Jesus Christ. <br /><br />I pray that the world would see only the author of the message that is delievered from our mouths...not the messager. We are commanded to go forth in to all the nations, proclaiming the gospel...so let's do that, and I'm exceedingly happy to hear that you proclaim Christ everywhere you go! That is awesome! Let our prayer be that our message would be the whole message of Christ, the whole nature of Christ, the whole picture of Christ, as revealed in Scripture...because as we know...there is NO greater news than the example and Truth of God's love through the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. None. It just doesn't get any better :)<br /><br />Take care, Brother!Seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-70706635149149828932009-05-10T21:05:00.000-06:002009-05-10T21:05:00.000-06:00Sean,
I find your response interesting. Do you h...Sean,<br /> I find your response interesting. Do you have the same problem with Jesus being indirect - very often - when being asked simple (aka-loaded) questions? He was asked equally simple questions and I am wondering if you were there at the time, would you have been frustrated by his response? I believe many people who sit on the side of "Truth" would find Jesus objectionable were he to have touched down in our culture. He would take little interest in our causes and morality... the "Truth" proclaimers would be as irritated as the Pharisees... Jesus didn't fit the mold.<br /><br />That is why I did not answer anon.. I refuse to fit that mold. I proclaim Jesus all over the place... but to Anon, I did not use the right words... I was not showing myself as part of the club. I have torn up that membership card.<br /><br />Sean, you seem like a decent guy and I appreciate your civil candor. However, I have been where you are. I used quotations around "Christian" as you did to refer to others... always judging who was in, who was out... spotting the fakes... It's a damaging way of thinking over time, and (I believe) it is a way that keeps us from truly experiencing grace.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12494823779999456396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310981.post-7193441931668680222009-05-10T20:31:00.000-06:002009-05-10T20:31:00.000-06:00Sorry for the little typo there...should be a comm...Sorry for the little typo there...should be a comma after "Because Jesus said that", not a period.<br /><br />Peace!Seannoreply@blogger.com