Comments for The Outlet http://theoutlet.wordpress.com Did you ever need an outlet because your brain was running over? Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:01:13 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Worthy of the gospel? by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/worthy-of-the-gospel/#comment-1085 Sherie Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:01:13 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=645#comment-1085 I agree that I think we are saying very similar things. The points you listed above are very good and I agree with them. I recently was forced out of a church because the pastor looked at one area of outward expressions (e.g. fear and lack of submission to him in the way he wanted me to submit and related communication) and through that he decided that I was not a believer. I have 25 years of other outward signs including my finances, calendar, belongings, and numerous other testimonies, but he looked at this one area of my life and said it revealed that I was unteachable, unsubmissive to God, and was a lying to others by claiming I was a believer. Even he said my words expressed that I believed but he felt my behavior in this one area reflected a different heart. Like you said, "The Holy Spirit had access to my heart and was able to begin a transforming work that still goes on. My continuing imperfections are a sign that I’m not done being hosed off." If I am hearing you correctly on the other key point you brought up I would summarize it as what Christ said was the 2nd part of the great commandment, we need to love our neighbor. Love, especially in the face of conflict, brokenness, pain, and struggle is one of the greatest witnesses we can have to others. That love is not something we can conjure up. Infact if we even try we are walking in pretense which really is a form of hypocrisy and is therefore sinful. Love of this nature can only come from a heart that is centered on Christ and where God's love pours out of us and changes us into his servant. I agree that we should live transparent lives that are authentic and open to others. As believers I think we should be moving to a place where there aren't any areas of our lives that we would be ashamed to be made public (not that they have to be made public). If we as believers look down on and judge others then we are forgetting that we share the most basic connection with them, we are all created by God, a sinner by nature, and in desperate need of his salvation and a life that needs to be transformed. I have recently started attending a church that is gospel centered. They proclaim it regularly and clearly and unlike any church I have ever been to I see it changing the lives of those who attend there. I also have recently become connected with another community that is learning to live in spiritual community that is gospel centered where we share like they did in Acts 2. Most churches really just walk in comfort and congenial relationships. I don't see that this is what the Bible calls us to, and honestly it leaves me disillusioned and disappointed in Christians. The Jesus I know and love is radical and he calls me to a life that is very different than this world. So, when I ask "Do you live in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ?" What I really am asking is are you willing to live the life Christ has called us to, picking up the cross to sacrificially give up your plans and live by the standards/commands/objectives and in the love that Christ showed us the example of? Would someone who doesn't know Christ look at your life and see the gospel and love of Christ exhibited in your life? I agree that I think we are saying very similar things. The points you listed above are very good and I agree with them.

I recently was forced out of a church because the pastor looked at one area of outward expressions (e.g. fear and lack of submission to him in the way he wanted me to submit and related communication) and through that he decided that I was not a believer. I have 25 years of other outward signs including my finances, calendar, belongings, and numerous other testimonies, but he looked at this one area of my life and said it revealed that I was unteachable, unsubmissive to God, and was a lying to others by claiming I was a believer. Even he said my words expressed that I believed but he felt my behavior in this one area reflected a different heart. Like you said, “The Holy Spirit had access to my heart and was able to begin a transforming work that still goes on. My continuing imperfections are a sign that I’m not done being hosed off.”

If I am hearing you correctly on the other key point you brought up I would summarize it as what Christ said was the 2nd part of the great commandment, we need to love our neighbor. Love, especially in the face of conflict, brokenness, pain, and struggle is one of the greatest witnesses we can have to others. That love is not something we can conjure up. Infact if we even try we are walking in pretense which really is a form of hypocrisy and is therefore sinful. Love of this nature can only come from a heart that is centered on Christ and where God’s love pours out of us and changes us into his servant. I agree that we should live transparent lives that are authentic and open to others. As believers I think we should be moving to a place where there aren’t any areas of our lives that we would be ashamed to be made public (not that they have to be made public). If we as believers look down on and judge others then we are forgetting that we share the most basic connection with them, we are all created by God, a sinner by nature, and in desperate need of his salvation and a life that needs to be transformed.

I have recently started attending a church that is gospel centered. They proclaim it regularly and clearly and unlike any church I have ever been to I see it changing the lives of those who attend there. I also have recently become connected with another community that is learning to live in spiritual community that is gospel centered where we share like they did in Acts 2. Most churches really just walk in comfort and congenial relationships. I don’t see that this is what the Bible calls us to, and honestly it leaves me disillusioned and disappointed in Christians. The Jesus I know and love is radical and he calls me to a life that is very different than this world.

So, when I ask “Do you live in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ?” What I really am asking is are you willing to live the life Christ has called us to, picking up the cross to sacrificially give up your plans and live by the standards/commands/objectives and in the love that Christ showed us the example of? Would someone who doesn’t know Christ look at your life and see the gospel and love of Christ exhibited in your life?

]]> Comment on Worthy of the gospel? by Roz http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/worthy-of-the-gospel/#comment-1084 Roz Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:53:13 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=645#comment-1084 I think we're both onto the same truth, though I think it's worthwhile talking further and clarifying the way we are doing. This is an area where there's a lot of confusion in the minds of Christians. You're absolutely right that our outward conduct needs to reflect the call of Christ in our lives, which I take to mean vigorous pursuit of obedience to God. however, I'm aware that sometimes people are "challenged about [their] conduct and if [they] are living in a manner that is worthy", which might reveal some assumptions that, in my view, are fallacies. One of these assumptions is that what is seen on the outside is accurately reflective of the heart. The week after I gave my life to Christ, I was probably as much of a sarcastic, lazy, truth-embroidering putz as I had been the week before. But the dwelling place of my heart was different. I had been transferred from the mucky swamp of the kingdom of sin into the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit had access to my heart and was able to begin a transforming work that still goes on. My continuing imperfections are a sign that I'm not done being hosed off. Nevertheless, the transfer from one kingdom to another is a done deal. I could leap off the edge back into the swamp, I suppose, but I've never had a desire to do that. Thank God. Another assumption is that it is up to us to make sure our behavior and that of others in the church woo others into belief in Christ. This is incorrect. Certainly poor behavior can give terrible scandal, and it's one reason we should energetically work to root out sin in our lives. But it is far more winsome to others (and reflective of the truth) if we live lives of mutual love, respect, and support that also reach out in love to those God sends to us. How powerful it was for me to walk for the first time into a church (on Father's Day) in which the pastor's sermon consisted of the ways that God the Father's love surpassed the faulty ways he had been able to love his children over the years. He was strikingly frank and honest. I immediately knew this was a place where God was depended on, my own perfection was not yet demanded, and where the people were going to be humble and genuine. Who wouldn't want to hang around more of that? Scripture enjoins us to lovingly address areas of serious sin in one another's lives as a means of helping remove the veil from their eyes and moving them towards repentance. For instance, if I see my brother in Christ cooking the books or conducting an extramarital affair, it is right to go to him, telling him what I observe (checking the facts, if necessary) and encouraging him to address it righteously, following all the steps laid out in the New Testament. And there's a role for brotherly chastisement on smaller matters -- I appreciate it when someone gently draws my attention to it when I've embroidered the truth or spoken contemptuously. These are certainly ways we can serve one another. But I'm concerned whether, when we ask ourselves if we're living in a manner worthy of the gospel, we're instead looking at how we appear to other people. Are we afraid of living transparent lives because we're afraid our weaknesses will be met with criticism and judgment rather than acceptance, prayer and love? Do we look at people who struggle with temptation as less worthy and expect other Christians to have the same attitude toward us? Do we equate depression or fear with a state of sinfulness? Do we unconsciously think of a successful Christian life as one that is seamless and polished rather than humble and increasingly hungry for God himself? As churches - as the body of Christ - what should we be encouraging one another in? I'm afraid we sometimes try to look like we've reached the pinnacle rather than supporting one another through the process of gradually getting cleaned up after we've been transported by Christ from the muck to higher ground. I think we’re both onto the same truth, though I think it’s worthwhile talking further and clarifying the way we are doing. This is an area where there’s a lot of confusion in the minds of Christians. You’re absolutely right that our outward conduct needs to reflect the call of Christ in our lives, which I take to mean vigorous pursuit of obedience to God. however, I’m aware that sometimes people are “challenged about [their] conduct and if [they] are living in a manner that is worthy”, which might reveal some assumptions that, in my view, are fallacies.

One of these assumptions is that what is seen on the outside is accurately reflective of the heart. The week after I gave my life to Christ, I was probably as much of a sarcastic, lazy, truth-embroidering putz as I had been the week before. But the dwelling place of my heart was different. I had been transferred from the mucky swamp of the kingdom of sin into the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit had access to my heart and was able to begin a transforming work that still goes on. My continuing imperfections are a sign that I’m not done being hosed off. Nevertheless, the transfer from one kingdom to another is a done deal. I could leap off the edge back into the swamp, I suppose, but I’ve never had a desire to do that. Thank God.

Another assumption is that it is up to us to make sure our behavior and that of others in the church woo others into belief in Christ. This is incorrect. Certainly poor behavior can give terrible scandal, and it’s one reason we should energetically work to root out sin in our lives. But it is far more winsome to others (and reflective of the truth) if we live lives of mutual love, respect, and support that also reach out in love to those God sends to us. How powerful it was for me to walk for the first time into a church (on Father’s Day) in which the pastor’s sermon consisted of the ways that God the Father’s love surpassed the faulty ways he had been able to love his children over the years. He was strikingly frank and honest. I immediately knew this was a place where God was depended on, my own perfection was not yet demanded, and where the people were going to be humble and genuine. Who wouldn’t want to hang around more of that?

Scripture enjoins us to lovingly address areas of serious sin in one another’s lives as a means of helping remove the veil from their eyes and moving them towards repentance. For instance, if I see my brother in Christ cooking the books or conducting an extramarital affair, it is right to go to him, telling him what I observe (checking the facts, if necessary) and encouraging him to address it righteously, following all the steps laid out in the New Testament. And there’s a role for brotherly chastisement on smaller matters — I appreciate it when someone gently draws my attention to it when I’ve embroidered the truth or spoken contemptuously. These are certainly ways we can serve one another.

But I’m concerned whether, when we ask ourselves if we’re living in a manner worthy of the gospel, we’re instead looking at how we appear to other people. Are we afraid of living transparent lives because we’re afraid our weaknesses will be met with criticism and judgment rather than acceptance, prayer and love? Do we look at people who struggle with temptation as less worthy and expect other Christians to have the same attitude toward us? Do we equate depression or fear with a state of sinfulness? Do we unconsciously think of a successful Christian life as one that is seamless and polished rather than humble and increasingly hungry for God himself?

As churches – as the body of Christ – what should we be encouraging one another in? I’m afraid we sometimes try to look like we’ve reached the pinnacle rather than supporting one another through the process of gradually getting cleaned up after we’ve been transported by Christ from the muck to higher ground.

]]> Comment on Worthy of the gospel? by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/worthy-of-the-gospel/#comment-1083 Sherie Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:21:35 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=645#comment-1083 Roz, You bring up a great point. I am not sure the question is wrong since Phil 1:27-28 tells us to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel, but you point out how we get there. We don't conduct ourselves worthy through our own works. I have been there before and it creates terrible bondage in our lives when we think we can work our and accomplish our salvation and growth through hard work. Instead, as you said it comes through the being connected to the vine. Our conduct is an outflowing that comes from the condition of our heart and how our heart is in right or wrong relationship with God and others. We do have to be cautious about looking at others and judging them based on external behavior though because there are all sorts of reasons the externals may not be in sync with the internals and God makes it clear that what is most important to him is the heart. As our hearts are committed and surrendered to him the externals will over time align more and more with the condition of our heart and show those fruits but we need to be paitent, uplifting, encouraging, and persevere with others even if they are not quite there yet. I love your question "am I feeding and watering and protecting?" It causes us to look at things a little differently to get to the roots. Thanks! Roz,
You bring up a great point. I am not sure the question is wrong since Phil 1:27-28 tells us to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel, but you point out how we get there. We don’t conduct ourselves worthy through our own works. I have been there before and it creates terrible bondage in our lives when we think we can work our and accomplish our salvation and growth through hard work. Instead, as you said it comes through the being connected to the vine. Our conduct is an outflowing that comes from the condition of our heart and how our heart is in right or wrong relationship with God and others. We do have to be cautious about looking at others and judging them based on external behavior though because there are all sorts of reasons the externals may not be in sync with the internals and God makes it clear that what is most important to him is the heart. As our hearts are committed and surrendered to him the externals will over time align more and more with the condition of our heart and show those fruits but we need to be paitent, uplifting, encouraging, and persevere with others even if they are not quite there yet.

I love your question “am I feeding and watering and protecting?” It causes us to look at things a little differently to get to the roots. Thanks!

]]> Comment on Worthy of the gospel? by Roz http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/worthy-of-the-gospel/#comment-1082 Roz Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:52:52 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=645#comment-1082 Insightful and thoughtful post, Sherrie. The problem is that the very questions, "Am I living in a manner worthy of the gospel?" or "Do I reflect and exhibit certain conduct, attitudes, and hopes?" can incline us to examine things upside-down. Of course serious sin patterns need to be yanked out root and branch with whatever grace, energy, and help from others that we can get. But the other things you're talking about -- growth in love, joy, patience, self-control and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit are just that -- <i>fruits</i>. You don't get fruit by energetically working on them. Instead, you position the plant in good soil, see that it is well-fertilized and watered, keep it free from pests and predators, and then you wait. And then you see fruit. So I wonder if a better question for ourselves might be, "Am I abiding in the vine? Am I feeding and watering and protecting -- in other words, am I being a good steward of the things that affect my growth that God has put into my bailiwick?" We can only be stewards over our own resources. God himself gives the growth. Insightful and thoughtful post, Sherrie. The problem is that the very questions, “Am I living in a manner worthy of the gospel?” or “Do I reflect and exhibit certain conduct, attitudes, and hopes?” can incline us to examine things upside-down.

Of course serious sin patterns need to be yanked out root and branch with whatever grace, energy, and help from others that we can get. But the other things you’re talking about — growth in love, joy, patience, self-control and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit are just that — fruits. You don’t get fruit by energetically working on them. Instead, you position the plant in good soil, see that it is well-fertilized and watered, keep it free from pests and predators, and then you wait. And then you see fruit.

So I wonder if a better question for ourselves might be, “Am I abiding in the vine? Am I feeding and watering and protecting — in other words, am I being a good steward of the things that affect my growth that God has put into my bailiwick?” We can only be stewards over our own resources. God himself gives the growth.

]]> Comment on Worthy of the gospel? by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/worthy-of-the-gospel/#comment-1081 Sherie Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:10:09 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=645#comment-1081 Absolutely I remember you. It is great to hear from you. I have been learning this summer that letting God change the way we think starts deep in our heart and it may be some of the hardest changes we can go through, but they are deep, powerful, and life changing. I hope you do allow God to change you and to draw you toward him. God is so big that we can think we know and understand things and even after walking with him for 25 years I am amazed at who he is and what he does in people's lives. He loves us so much. I hope you are well and that the changes you were making in your life last year have proved to be positive. Hang in there and keep looking toward God. He is the source of truth and the answers. I believe that with all of who I am. Sherie Absolutely I remember you. It is great to hear from you. I have been learning this summer that letting God change the way we think starts deep in our heart and it may be some of the hardest changes we can go through, but they are deep, powerful, and life changing. I hope you do allow God to change you and to draw you toward him. God is so big that we can think we know and understand things and even after walking with him for 25 years I am amazed at who he is and what he does in people’s lives. He loves us so much. I hope you are well and that the changes you were making in your life last year have proved to be positive. Hang in there and keep looking toward God. He is the source of truth and the answers. I believe that with all of who I am.
Sherie

]]> Comment on Worthy of the gospel? by joanna http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/worthy-of-the-gospel/#comment-1080 joanna Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:54:52 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=645#comment-1080 I still come here, able to find inspirin words from you... your thoughts keep me thinking and i have to say.. a lot of people(including me) call ourselves christians but dont allow God to work in us... I am now trying to make a conscience effort to conduct in a godly way, and letting God change the way I think. I hope you remember me. Love you sherie xoxo I still come here, able to find inspirin words from you… your thoughts keep me thinking and i have to say.. a lot of people(including me) call ourselves christians but dont allow God to work in us… I am now trying to make a conscience effort to conduct in a godly way, and letting God change the way I think. I hope you remember me. Love you sherie

xoxo

]]> Comment on Skilled or filled? by egreckeweg http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/skilled-or-filled/#comment-1076 egreckeweg Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:53:43 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=320#comment-1076 Amen! For added texture consider "Living in the Wide Openness of Life" @ http://egreckeweg.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/living-in-the-wide-openness-of-life/ Blessings! Amen!

For added texture consider “Living in the Wide Openness of Life” @ http://egreckeweg.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/living-in-the-wide-openness-of-life/

Blessings!

]]> Comment on Squandering what God has given by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/squandering-what-god-has-given/#comment-1074 Sherie Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:40:04 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/squandering-what-god-has-given/#comment-1074 Welcome! I am glad you stopped by and found something that touched you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Welcome! I am glad you stopped by and found something that touched you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

]]> Comment on Squandering what God has given by sandrar http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/squandering-what-god-has-given/#comment-1073 sandrar Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:03:28 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/squandering-what-god-has-given/#comment-1073 Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post... nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R. Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.

]]> Comment on Sharing our gifts by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/sharing-our-gifts/#comment-1066 Sherie Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:23:53 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/sharing-our-gifts/#comment-1066 Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I am glad that my words touch someone along this journey. I am learning that we need to look more to people as blessings in this life than as someone to meet our needs. Only God can truly meet our needs, and with him we have a lot fewer needs to start with. May you bless someone today as you go through your life! Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I am glad that my words touch someone along this journey. I am learning that we need to look more to people as blessings in this life than as someone to meet our needs. Only God can truly meet our needs, and with him we have a lot fewer needs to start with.

May you bless someone today as you go through your life!

]]> Comment on Sharing our gifts by beth http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/sharing-our-gifts/#comment-1065 beth Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:38:24 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/sharing-our-gifts/#comment-1065 Thanks for sharing your gift. It was really very nice. It was nice going through your blog. Keep it up the good work. Thanks for sharing your gift. It was really very nice. It was nice going through your blog. Keep it up the good work.

]]> Comment on Earnest prayer by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/05/01/earnest-prayer/#comment-1064 Sherie Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:52:53 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/05/01/earnest-prayer/#comment-1064 Jim, your prayer brings tears to my eyes. I hear your honest and heartfelt plea for God to be active in your life and your acknowledgement that you need him. If I can hear that I know that God hears it. I will pray for you, but I also believe in faith that he has already heard your prayer and is responding. May you feel his presence in your life and may you see his work and blessings, even if they are not exactly what you might expect him to provide. I especially will lift up your son and his rebellion. I personally just came to see some sin in my life that I was blind to and rebelling from so I know how difficult that can be, but God is faithful. He has brought me out of it and I have confidence he desires to do the same for your son. Peace be with you my brother! Yes, thank you God for your unfailing healing love and all the answers you give us to spoken and even the unspoken prayers! Jim, your prayer brings tears to my eyes. I hear your honest and heartfelt plea for God to be active in your life and your acknowledgement that you need him. If I can hear that I know that God hears it. I will pray for you, but I also believe in faith that he has already heard your prayer and is responding. May you feel his presence in your life and may you see his work and blessings, even if they are not exactly what you might expect him to provide. I especially will lift up your son and his rebellion. I personally just came to see some sin in my life that I was blind to and rebelling from so I know how difficult that can be, but God is faithful. He has brought me out of it and I have confidence he desires to do the same for your son. Peace be with you my brother!

Yes, thank you God for your unfailing healing love and all the answers you give us to spoken and even the unspoken prayers!

]]> Comment on Earnest prayer by Jim http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/05/01/earnest-prayer/#comment-1063 Jim Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:01:42 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/05/01/earnest-prayer/#comment-1063 Please pray that God will deliver me from unemployment and bless my finances. Please pray that God will heal my 28 year old son of the wounds he has incurred as a result of his mom, my wife (who loved Jesus) passing away due to pancreatic cancer. My son and I prayed continually and earnestly for her healing from the cancer and my son's faith has suffered as a result of her death. He is currently living in a common law relationship and rebels from honouring God or his family. Thank you God for your healing love and answered prayer. Please pray that God will deliver me from unemployment and bless my finances. Please pray that God will heal my 28 year old son of the wounds he has incurred as a result of his mom, my wife (who loved Jesus) passing away due to pancreatic cancer. My son and I prayed continually and earnestly for her healing from the cancer and my son’s faith has suffered as a result of her death. He is currently living in a common law relationship and rebels from honouring God or his family. Thank you God for your healing love and answered prayer.

]]> Comment on What is the role of the church in our lives? by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/what-is-the-role-of-the-church-in-our-lives/#comment-1061 Sherie Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:53:48 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/what-is-the-role-of-the-church-in-our-lives/#comment-1061 Thanks for the thoughts! I am wrestling through a lot of theological beliefs right now and realizing that people are going away from Christ partially because we have been taught untruths. This week I have come to terms with a lot of things I have been led to believe in the past that were wrong. Through unlearning them my entire perspective on life and God has to change. I agree that there are leaders who are self-centered and as a large church there can be attitudes of unconcern, but I am not ready to make that a single cause for the complex issues around the problems of the church. If there is one single cause I think it is lack of true faith in the right view of God. Thanks for the thoughts! I am wrestling through a lot of theological beliefs right now and realizing that people are going away from Christ partially because we have been taught untruths. This week I have come to terms with a lot of things I have been led to believe in the past that were wrong. Through unlearning them my entire perspective on life and God has to change.

I agree that there are leaders who are self-centered and as a large church there can be attitudes of unconcern, but I am not ready to make that a single cause for the complex issues around the problems of the church. If there is one single cause I think it is lack of true faith in the right view of God.

]]> Comment on What is the role of the church in our lives? by Joseph Tolbert Wiah http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/what-is-the-role-of-the-church-in-our-lives/#comment-1060 Joseph Tolbert Wiah Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:47:16 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/what-is-the-role-of-the-church-in-our-lives/#comment-1060 The role of the church today can not be seen in our lives because,of self-gain and ambition in the church leaders.People are going away from Christ because of no concern for them.Poor man today does not have privilage and opportunity today in the house of God,Because of this the church is not making impart.The church is not playing her role. The role of the church today can not be seen in our lives because,of self-gain and ambition in the church leaders.People are going away from Christ because of no concern for them.Poor man today does not have privilage and opportunity today in the house of God,Because of this the church is not making impart.The church is not playing her role.

]]> Comment on Understanding the gospel by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/understanding-the-gospel/#comment-1057 Sherie Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:23:12 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=489#comment-1057 Yes, I am thankful for him. Very thankful. Unfortunately my sin has meant he needed to make very hard decisions for the best of the community and we are not able to have relationship at this time. I am hopeful that too will someday be healed. Yes, I am thankful for him. Very thankful.
Unfortunately my sin has meant he needed to make very hard decisions for the best of the community and we are not able to have relationship at this time. I am hopeful that too will someday be healed.

]]> Comment on Understanding the gospel by fgenej11 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/understanding-the-gospel/#comment-1056 fgenej11 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:18:53 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/?p=489#comment-1056 Your certainly on the right path now. Thank God for pastors like yours. I had a similar experince in my early 20's. I am praying that you will continue in the power and strength of God's Holy Spirit and will learn and grow like you've never grown before. May God bless and keep you! Your certainly on the right path now. Thank God for pastors like yours. I had a similar experince in my early 20’s. I am praying that you will continue in the power and strength of God’s Holy Spirit and will learn and grow like you’ve never grown before. May God bless and keep you!

]]> Comment on Does trust have to be earned? by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/does-trust-have-to-be-earned/#comment-1055 Sherie Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:33:25 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/does-trust-have-to-be-earned/#comment-1055 Antonia, I agree with what you have said here, but I would add one element. Trust is a choice. We can choose to trust even when our emotions or the circumstances tell us not to. When we feel trust is broken we really need to step back and evaluate why we feel that way. Has the other person truly wronged us, or is our selfishness, insecurity, pride, or just desire to do things our way causing the feelings. Sometimes we need to choose to surrender in the situation and learn from it. Sometimes we need to follow the examples of Daniel and Paul and praise God in the midst of the difficult times. Trust is a difficult thing, but God gives us the ability to trust even at those times it is hardest. Antonia,
I agree with what you have said here, but I would add one element. Trust is a choice. We can choose to trust even when our emotions or the circumstances tell us not to. When we feel trust is broken we really need to step back and evaluate why we feel that way. Has the other person truly wronged us, or is our selfishness, insecurity, pride, or just desire to do things our way causing the feelings. Sometimes we need to choose to surrender in the situation and learn from it. Sometimes we need to follow the examples of Daniel and Paul and praise God in the midst of the difficult times. Trust is a difficult thing, but God gives us the ability to trust even at those times it is hardest.

]]> Comment on Does trust have to be earned? by Antonia http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/does-trust-have-to-be-earned/#comment-1052 Antonia Sat, 16 May 2009 04:28:01 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/does-trust-have-to-be-earned/#comment-1052 I think that people have a certain level of general trust when you meet someone. But once the little bit of trust is broken, that someone loses it. In that case, that someone has to earn it back. But also with the general trust you started with also has to grow into a deep, rooted trust. That's just what I think. Does this make sense? You start out with a little and it needs to grow and be nourished. ~Antonia I think that people have a certain level of general trust when you meet someone. But once the little bit of trust is broken, that someone loses it. In that case, that someone has to earn it back. But also with the general trust you started with also has to grow into a deep, rooted trust. That’s just what I think. Does this make sense? You start out with a little and it needs to grow and be nourished.

~Antonia

]]> Comment on Does trust have to be earned? by Sherie http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/does-trust-have-to-be-earned/#comment-1047 Sherie Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:52:07 +0000 http://theoutlet.wordpress.com/2007/03/22/does-trust-have-to-be-earned/#comment-1047 Prakash, I apologize that I did not get this message and replay until now. I can understand how this would be a struggle. My first advice would be to consult scripture. It tells us to test everything, and how to know the heart and committment of others. If someone is in your life and they are repeatedly choosing behavior that is hurtful to others, especially after being confronted about it in a loving and grace-filled way, then I think you need to ask if that person is honestly following Christ. Your first commitment is to Christ, and if someone is living in a way that is causing you to stumble then that person is not a healthy relationship for you (at least at this time). You may need to create some distance or ask for some space from the other person. Seek counsel from others who may be able to observe things in both of your lives, but be honest with them and yourself by being open to really receive their feedback. I pray God shows you what you need to deal with this relationship in an honest, healthy, caring, and grace filled way. Prakash, I apologize that I did not get this message and replay until now. I can understand how this would be a struggle. My first advice would be to consult scripture. It tells us to test everything, and how to know the heart and committment of others. If someone is in your life and they are repeatedly choosing behavior that is hurtful to others, especially after being confronted about it in a loving and grace-filled way, then I think you need to ask if that person is honestly following Christ. Your first commitment is to Christ, and if someone is living in a way that is causing you to stumble then that person is not a healthy relationship for you (at least at this time). You may need to create some distance or ask for some space from the other person. Seek counsel from others who may be able to observe things in both of your lives, but be honest with them and yourself by being open to really receive their feedback.

I pray God shows you what you need to deal with this relationship in an honest, healthy, caring, and grace filled way.

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