tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9037879128281967858.post6171602906983022067..comments2023-03-25T08:46:07.069-07:00Comments on Runaway Pastor: Human Touch, and Hard to Reach Placesdavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05727663487337030803noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9037879128281967858.post-11393897304558147112009-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:002009-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:00I am appreciating the writings (books and blogs). ...I am appreciating the writings (books and blogs). I think you are expressing the challenges we face in helping people see that a vital Christian faith is not an exclusive club for the “chosen few,” but an open invitation for all to come experience the wonder of a grace-filled life. I have been convinced that there are many people who have never been told, or have been so beaten down by their failures, that they are not aware of the transformational power available to each person who will believe in Jesus Christ. And, by the way some communities of faith function, it seems like there is NO relevancy to the “outsider’s” life. Reaching those whose lives do not reflect the inner conflict they feel, can be challenging simply because they do not appear to be interested. But I think, given the current social situation, people are going to be forced to reevaluate what really is important in life, and then focus on those things. That is going to reveal some of the bankruptcy of priorities in some lives, because the superfluous issues that have clamored for attention and time will need to be abandoned in the effort to survive the economic realities of life. Whereas, prior to this time people could immerse themselves in trivial activities, of necessity their funds will be more dedicated to essentials and keeping the family solvent. Without all the “Siren Songs” distracting from the inner issues, perhaps families will be pushed to evaluate the direction and purpose of life in general, and for each person specifically. <BR/><BR/>As in every time of crisis, this is a great opportunity for the Church to be the Body of Christ and model the “Christ-Driven” life. I often wonder what the Church would be like if we actually looked at the many one-to-one encounters Jesus had with people, and modeled our actions, and words after His. I think we wouldn’t be so quick to run the other way, or walk right past those who are obviously struggling with sinful actions. I also think we would be more aware of our sinful attitudes (pride, holier-than-thou) and ask Jesus to help us be a redemptive presence rather than being critical of their faults. Many people who are lost are their own expert critics. They need to be made aware of the redemptive One who can help them be transformed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9037879128281967858.post-25057292001917351652009-04-03T13:19:00.000-07:002009-04-03T13:19:00.000-07:00just noticed that you typed this at 5:55AM. *sigh*...just noticed that you typed this at 5:55AM. *sigh* always envied people who can get up early - i can only make it work for a few weeks (the longest i think was 5 weeks of VBS in Russia and Armenia - getting around 6am every morning... ahh, the beauty of armenian landscape in the morning, the golden touch on the mountains, the sliver of the new moon, and a cup of freshly brewed armenian coffee and Linda Russell for company - can it be any better? ahhh, summer, come sooner.)<BR/><BR/>re: your post... like i mentioned in skype, it's one of those entries that make me move mentally (i like the letter m) to another time and place and LIVE through a situation... <BR/><BR/>ahh, the aching and longing for deeper understanding...Zeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10178305447387543918noreply@blogger.com