tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post4980234570747164622..comments2024-02-27T10:27:03.841-05:00Comments on The Double Edged Sword: The Crowd Or The Cloud: Part 1Joel Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02474230869182287895noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-22045422543168473402009-06-26T07:53:47.518-04:002009-06-26T07:53:47.518-04:00Anonymous: You misunderstand the "buffet"...<b>Anonymous:</b> You misunderstand the "buffet" analogy greatly my friend. It is a vast land of bounty that is not fed to you by someone in position. You eat of what the LORD has prepared for you. I'd encourage you to study the Scriptures that reference "the great feast" or "wedding suppers" in order to grasp the deeper meaning. Partaking of this feast is no selfish event.<br /><br />Another misunderstanding is your reference to "house churches". I don't attend "house churches". I gather in homes and live out New Testament gathering of the Body of Christ. House churches can just be normal church order in the confines of a living room if the origin is errant. <br /><br /><br />And it is not "comfortable" if it is genuine. You see, most deem comfort as what chairs we sit in and how the lighting is and this is not correct. The spiritual atmosphere is challenging. All are in a place of transaparency and this is far from comfortable for many, even myself at times after years now. One must experience it to understand.<br /><br />What is "community" that you reference? Is it just gathering together? I do not just desire "community" because millions of people gather together in community in the name of anything. I desire biblical unity and that is a much deeper level of relationship. Community is simple - anyone can hang out together. Unity requires Christ at the Head and the Body in submission under Him.<br /><br />I find it odd that you label Jesus as "Mr. Controversy" yet are seemingly debating my desire to also stand up and question religious authority.Joel Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02474230869182287895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-40951094907659111562009-06-25T09:37:07.003-04:002009-06-25T09:37:07.003-04:00The term 'buffet' infers that we can pick ...The term 'buffet' infers that we can pick and choose the parts we like. Sounds like Burger King to me: I want it my way, the way I like it. Me, me, me. I get my feelings hurt if it does not play into my arch of understanding.<br /> There is great danger in this. Organized religion, in and of itself has many flaws, but wheat and tares often grow together. Why not let the Lord remove the fire fodder and not hurry the process along.<br />I'm all for present truth. Just not at the expense of being a lone ranger or an elitist snob. Community is important. Just as honor, loyalty, submission, trust, and faithfulness.<br />Fear has everything to do with it, for sure. Many are afraid to think on their own, within the boundaries held in place by God's planting.<br />House churches are cool, for sure. So much more comfortable, I mean your refrigerator is right there! lol Perfection is expected. Holiness is still required and maturity still meanders through a lonely path, no matter how you try to rush it.<br />.02<br /><br />PS-to Nina:<br />Jesus was no threat or harm to anyone and He came bringing blessings.-Might want to re-think this: Matthew 10-I did not come to bring peace but a sword. He was intolerant on the Pharisee and the Sadducee denominations. Three woes were given. He did mess with their theology and upset their apple carts on many occasion. Jesus WAS Mr. Controversy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-26040095508190390442009-06-23T06:55:01.541-04:002009-06-23T06:55:01.541-04:00Harriet: I hear ya.
Valerie: The thing I'm tr...<b>Harriet:</b> I hear ya.<br /><br /><b>Valerie:</b> The thing I'm trying to remember is how hard it seems from the inside. The how's, what if's and many questions make it tough to venture into the unknown. Nonetheless, no excuses will suffice. We must continue to follow Christ alone over ways of men.<br /><br /><b>Anonymous:</b> True. Even in the process of struggling with change, there is a joy and peace in the expectation of the results. After all, we are to "be conformed into the image of Christ" which, at its very heart resides in change. <br /><br />The way I see it, we'd better get used to it. :)Joel Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02474230869182287895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-12235455858348645302009-06-22T11:34:34.099-04:002009-06-22T11:34:34.099-04:00I didn't like my comfort zone messed with eith...I didn't like my comfort zone messed with either, but the more it happens, I am growing to adjust to it more and more. it hurts but it feels good at the same time. I guess it is a little like I am burning flesh and that always hurts but when it is gone, Chirst has space to take over.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-41136580770118314312009-06-22T08:58:26.942-04:002009-06-22T08:58:26.942-04:00"Most Christians are comfortable in their rel..."Most Christians are comfortable in their religious environment and ecclesiastical shell that they or others have created for them. We are a people that if we don't like it, we simply won't do it."<br /><br />How true Joel. Don't ask them to think for themselves. Also many don't want to pay the price for what it involves in walking in relationship with Jesus. The world has a grip on them and to leave that behind is unthinkable. Give me Jesus anyday over the world. I say with Job "though He slay me yet will I trust Him." (and no I don't have it easy!!)Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00497030310714465235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-69572207619704313372009-06-22T08:52:35.341-04:002009-06-22T08:52:35.341-04:00oh I understand.. I don't LIKE my comfort zone...oh I understand.. I don't LIKE my comfort zone messed with..but I allow it to happen and listen closely to the Spirit for guidance and comfort during the "ride".Harrietnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-67511399112581675482009-06-22T07:51:26.678-04:002009-06-22T07:51:26.678-04:00Harriet: Regarding Body gatherings, when I find my...<b>Harriet:</b> Regarding Body gatherings, when I find myself in uncomfortable situations, I try to ask myself, "will it cause me to grow and rely upon the LORD in a greater way?" If so, within reason, I'll usually attempt to dive in and get over it. Growth and victories often come outside of our comfort zones. Now I'm sure not suggesting one throws out discernment or wisdom, but much that is spiritually good for us dwells in the unchartered territories.<br /><br /><b>Nina:</b> Interesting points. Those in the time of Jesus surely did not desire to embrace the "new", you're right. In our case today, the old (original) is what needs to be the "new". Following Jesus, the Christ alone is just not acceptable in the clique-ish oriented Christian circles. <br /><br />I choose one identity, in Jesus Christ.Joel Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02474230869182287895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-69999500842652571872009-06-21T23:16:02.833-04:002009-06-21T23:16:02.833-04:00Great beginning. Love the title. I was just thinki...Great beginning. Love the title. I was just thinking about how there is nothing new under the sun. The very reasons why people choose the "in- crowd" over the cloud is the very reasons why Jesus was crucified.As you said, prejudice,ignorance and uneasiness. I always say that it was thew unwillingness of people to receive a fresh revelation. But it's all the same. What traditionalists don't realize is that they are crucifying Christ over and over again when they deny the freedoms we were given and refuse relationship with him. I find it interesting that when people were asked should they release Jesus or release the murderer they chose to release the murderer. This is because murder was something that they were familiar with.I don't have to even point out the similarities because I am sure you already can see a few.But the point is that before people would come out of their comfort zones they would rather deal with potential death than that which is unfamiliar which can bring new Life.Jesus was no threat or harm to anyone and He came bringing blessings.But people did not understand so they chose to deal with that which was familiar.Anything that is not growing is dead and it is impossible to grow past a certain point spiritually without relationship or as you said choosing "the cloud over the crowd". We as believer's must learn to choose life and contrary to popular belief,there is life past "just" salvation.Great blog.Ninapoethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02261153613707778441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25635043.post-11519890285991546132009-06-21T20:05:07.814-04:002009-06-21T20:05:07.814-04:00I do indeed remember having my "comfort zone&...I do indeed remember having my "comfort zone" messed with Joel..lol...not too many years ago either.<br />It wasn't pleasant. But change rarely IS for me personally.<br /><br />I can't go back to the institutional church anymore.<br /><br />on a side note..<br />Frank and I enjoyed our time with you and Kristin last night!("church" was GREAT!) ;) <br />Thank you so much for your friendship!Harrietnoreply@blogger.com