Inviting Fair Discussion
As mentioned in previous posts Jesus often did things, which, on the surface don’t square with images of a loving God. His methods were very different to what we, from our modern day perspective expect, and because of that He is often accused of being insensitive and in-compassionate.
The same is true with the Old Testament. God’s instructions, teachings or actions are not easily understood, faults are assumed and God is accused.
To be honest I understand this response. Read more
What Is The Purpose of Bible Study?
Bible study is one of the cardinal practices of today’s churches. It happens at least once and often multiple times weekly in most Bible believing churches. It is so heavily featured that most pastors aspire to be great teachers of the Bible and work hard at honing their teaching skills as if there are no other significant activities to ministry. To be recognized as “knowledgeable” or “clever” is considered a great honor. Unfortunately, style and originality don’t vary that much between churches. If you’ve heard one you’ve heard most of the others as well.
And for the church member, attending these studies in addition to regular Sunday services is the gauge of their spiritual vibrancy. When they miss too many they are treated condescendingly at arms length as if they have contracted a communicable disease. Having this rule in place, of course, keeps people coming back even when the teaching is less than compelling. In many cases it is far less. Read more
Church: Building, Crowd or Team?
“Church” as defined in the Bible is not a complex organization. The leadership are few (elders and deacons), its purposes are defined very broadly (preach the gospel, disciple believers, minister to the poor) and the executive processes are abbreviated (whatever you agree to on earth, God agrees to in heaven).
Under these general guidelines many different “versions” of church have developed none of which represent the New Testament pattern exactly. I wouldn’t accuse any particular “church” of being completely wrong but it might be fair to suggest that we have all missed the point to some degree.
If we are going to get “church” right we must consider carefully the words and actions of Jesus. He introduced the idea so He sets all the precedents. Understanding “church” from His perspective should be our primary objective. So, the question is, what did Jesus say and do? Read more
What is Grace Giving?
I began a series of posts on Tithing in July 2009 that immediately attracted a lot of negative attention. Every comment came from people who reject tithing, believe it was eliminated at the cross and feel quite free to abuse anyone who thinks otherwise.
- They refer to those who teach tithing variously as false prophets, liars and thieves.
- Those who practice tithing, they say, are duped.
- Anyone who doesn’t see their point immediately or questions them with rational arguments are accused of being gripped with a cultic mindset.
In other words, anyone who disagrees is either a false prophet, a dupe or psychologically damaged. That makes it easy for them. Tithers need help not answers. Read more
Thought On Mindset Mobility
Don’t be so open minded your brain falls out
Don’t be so closed minded you don’t need it any more
One is mindless
The other is thoughtless
One is never settled
The other never moves
The middle is considered compromise
But repentance requires the mind to change
Where are you? What do you THINK!AboutIt?
Tim Pepper - Beautiful Frustration