Comments on: A Hodgepodge of Thoughts on This July Fourth http://ceruleansanctum.com/2005/07/hodgepodge-of-thoughts-on-this-july.html Looking for the 1st century Church in 21st century America Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:37:15 +0000 hourly 1 By: Dan Edelenhttp://ceruleansanctum.com/2005/07/hodgepodge-of-thoughts-on-this-july.html#comment-121 Dan Edelen Tue, 05 Jul 2005 05:34:00 +0000 http://ceruleansanctum.com/?p=58#comment-121 Teresa wrote: <I>The church is not for the purposes of all that we are making it.</I> The Church is to bear the image of Christ. How that plays out in our society is something we must consider. If that means we question the prevailing wisdom, then it must be questioned. The fact that we so easily digest the prevailing wisdom is proving us to be as wise as doves and as innocent as serpents. That's completely reversed. Teresa wrote: The church is not for the purposes of all that we are making it.

The Church is to bear the image of Christ. How that plays out in our society is something we must consider. If that means we question the prevailing wisdom, then it must be questioned. The fact that we so easily digest the prevailing wisdom is proving us to be as wise as doves and as innocent as serpents. That’s completely reversed.

]]> By: Teresahttp://ceruleansanctum.com/2005/07/hodgepodge-of-thoughts-on-this-july.html#comment-120 Teresa Mon, 04 Jul 2005 18:28:00 +0000 http://ceruleansanctum.com/?p=58#comment-120 I understand many of your comments here to be valid. I became the neighborhood watch block capitan to build relationships with my neighbors and be able to share Christ and build relationships. I know most of the people on my block now which is very long. But I don't think that the church needs to be involved in everything. This is one thing that I beleive that the Lord has been teaching me lately. I know that this will not sit well with many, but I will explain more on my blog soon. I beleive that we spend way to much money as well as time on things that we've been told we "need". If we really think about it, all we "need" is shelter, food and 1 pair of clothing. I do belive that many of our grandparents were crazy and there was much suicide a those that suffered in silence, afraid to let others know. That is why you don't know. We also did not have the services and record keeping...to document us. I do get your point, but I don't think that you are correct on it all. The church is not for the purposes of all that we are making it. Does it matter in the end? What does? Only 1 thing will last in eternity, so why are you bothering with such things? I understand many of your comments here to be valid. I became the neighborhood watch block capitan to build relationships with my neighbors and be able to share Christ and build relationships. I know most of the people on my block now which is very long. But I don’t think that the church needs to be involved in everything. This is one thing that I beleive that the Lord has been teaching me lately. I know that this will not sit well with many, but I will explain more on my blog soon. I beleive that we spend way to much money as well as time on things that we’ve been told we “need”. If we really think about it, all we “need” is shelter, food and 1 pair of clothing. I do belive that many of our grandparents were crazy and there was much suicide a those that suffered in silence, afraid to let others know. That is why you don’t know. We also did not have the services and record keeping…to document us. I do get your point, but I don’t think that you are correct on it all. The church is not for the purposes of all that we are making it. Does it matter in the end? What does? Only 1 thing will last in eternity, so why are you bothering with such things?

]]> By: Gaddabouthttp://ceruleansanctum.com/2005/07/hodgepodge-of-thoughts-on-this-july.html#comment-119 Gaddabout Mon, 04 Jul 2005 16:27:00 +0000 http://ceruleansanctum.com/?p=58#comment-119 Dan, your words are full of wisdom and God's <I>real</I> love. I've often pondered the same questions of how Christians are supposed to be "not of this world" in this consumer-driven economy that begins with a concious embracing of greed and self-indulgence (see Adam Smith). At the same time, the Church has its moments and it has come to the rescue for my wife and I in some of the darkest moments of our life the past year. A great medical burden has put our otherwise middle-class lives into a tailspin. We are a total mess financially. Recently we did not know how we were going to survive another month, but people in our church body recognized the problem and came to the rescue without any strings attached. It is a difficult juxtaposition for me. When I had money, I was cynical and did not have a giving heart. In so many ways, I stole from God. Now, in no position to give anything at all, God has given to me financially when I needed it the most. One part of me aches to return it, because the money I've received only further reminds me of how much money I've wasted in my own selfish pursuit. I can honestly say I have not earned this. But I know I have to put down my pride in this instance because it is not just myself I am resonsible for. I have to take care of my wife, too. It strikes me not even the early church lived with the kind of community God wants for us. If they had, we would not see the harsh words throughout the late NT, particularly in Revelations. However, I'm sure it will not be a fun experience answering to God someday for what we've made of His church in America today. I pray He will honor the church I've experienced the past week, and not destroy us for the church represented in me the previous years of my life. Dan, your words are full of wisdom and God’s real love. I’ve often pondered the same questions of how Christians are supposed to be “not of this world” in this consumer-driven economy that begins with a concious embracing of greed and self-indulgence (see Adam Smith).

At the same time, the Church has its moments and it has come to the rescue for my wife and I in some of the darkest moments of our life the past year. A great medical burden has put our otherwise middle-class lives into a tailspin. We are a total mess financially. Recently we did not know how we were going to survive another month, but people in our church body recognized the problem and came to the rescue without any strings attached.

It is a difficult juxtaposition for me. When I had money, I was cynical and did not have a giving heart. In so many ways, I stole from God. Now, in no position to give anything at all, God has given to me financially when I needed it the most. One part of me aches to return it, because the money I’ve received only further reminds me of how much money I’ve wasted in my own selfish pursuit. I can honestly say I have not earned this. But I know I have to put down my pride in this instance because it is not just myself I am resonsible for. I have to take care of my wife, too.

It strikes me not even the early church lived with the kind of community God wants for us. If they had, we would not see the harsh words throughout the late NT, particularly in Revelations. However, I’m sure it will not be a fun experience answering to God someday for what we’ve made of His church in America today. I pray He will honor the church I’ve experienced the past week, and not destroy us for the church represented in me the previous years of my life.

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