tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.comments2020-05-28T03:43:16.264-07:00SoulfarerMike McNicholshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16718438960132101615noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-46839831750170266452020-05-28T03:43:16.264-07:002020-05-28T03:43:16.264-07:00Wonderful blog post. This is absolute magic from y...Wonderful blog post. This is absolute magic from you! I have never seen a more wonderful post than this one. You've really made my day today with this. I hope you keep this up!<br /><a href="https://www.urdupoint.com/dictionary/english-to-urdu/introvert-meaning-in-urdu/53419.html" rel="nofollow">meaning of introvert</a><br />Abay Barhohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09361577306725770886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-13300784226872985742017-08-19T18:22:40.501-07:002017-08-19T18:22:40.501-07:00I just notice your post. I appreciate your notes. ...I just notice your post. I appreciate your notes. I thought I would offer my notes since we now witnessed the impact of Rob Bell's exploration. I read Rob Bell’s book two times about 2 years apart. My first read I looked for all the things I found easy to reject. The second read I tried to understand his questions, reservations, and point. <br /><br />Rob Bell paid a steep price for his journey toward universality. Though there is a question as to whether he is a universalist and he does not consider himself a universalist. But he opens the door wider.<br /><br />Rob Bell’s book was widely and vehemently criticized. His mega-church congregation began shrinking in panic as their pastor articulated a story of Salvation, Heaven, and Hell that ran counter to conservative traditions. After losing 3000 congregants Rob Bell resigned his pastorate in September 2011. Not likely the storied ending he was hoping for. After all he was just trying to turn the Christian gospel message into good news for the nations. He nowhere lost his commitment to Jesus nor did he lose his belief that Jesus is the way and means of salvation. <br /><br />Rob Bell’s book remains the 7th top selling Christian title in Amazon history. Clearly God’s plan for salvation and the scope of His love for humanity remain relevant concerns in our secular and pluralistic world. But can the tension between God’s love for the whole world (the many) and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ (the one) be resolved without compromising the basic tenants of the Christian faith? <br /><br />Rob Bell asks, “Will all people be saved, or will God not get what God wants?” Bell wrote his book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, because he did not like the traditional evangelical Christian response to this question. Rob Bell could not reconcile a restrictive Christian message with the love of God. “Telling a story in which billions of people spend forever somewhere in the universe trapped in a black hole of endless torment and misery with no way out isn’t a very good story. <br /><br />Telling a story about a God who inflicts unrelenting punishment on people because they didn’t do or say or believe the correct things in a brief window of time called life isn’t a very good story.” <br /><br />Rob Bell did not walk away from his Christocentric tradition. Bell rejects restrictivism, but he shares a qualified exclusivism with respect to the particularity of Jesus Christ in salvation. Bell believes that there is salvation apart from direct knowledge of Christ. His proof text is from Exodus where Moses struck the rock and out flowed water. The apostle Paul’s commentary refers to this story about this rock, saying that those who traveled out of Egypt “drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10). Salvation is effected by faith, but not necessarily explicit faith in Jesus Christ. Saving faith has a theocentric rather Christocentric focus.<br /><br />So Jesus saved without those people knowing that it was Jesus giving them the water. Interesting, there are much stronger and less ambiguous verses that could have made his point better.<br /> <br />My perspective is that men cannot find God apart from Christ. Jesus is the difference maker, the way, the truth, and the life. But this does not mean that God cannot find men. It seems all agree that the God of the earth will always do right. Can we also agree that the God of all the earth will do what he wants? Elevating the narrative themes that focus on God’s persistent love raises optimism regarding salvation. Is this not our hearts cry? Is this not the God that we hope for?<br /><br />There is a compelling case to consider for optimistic salvation. We need not diminish the importance of the Christ but we can enlarge the wideness of God’s mercy.<br />Mike Dunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01261809717320133712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-82118057785844723722015-06-27T14:09:02.363-07:002015-06-27T14:09:02.363-07:00Thanks for all your comments.
I think that this h...Thanks for all your comments.<br /><br />I think that this has implications for Christian communities that do not affirm same-sex marriages and for those that do. Either way, we need to recognize that the State is establishing a legal bond that is designed to do certain things, like create inheritance rights, create (hopefully) secure and safe places for children to be raised, etc. But the Christian community, while not unconcerned about those things, is primarily focused on faithfulness, mutual care, reflecting the image of God, and submitting the relationship to the lordship of Jesus. What we celebrate and bless may be related yet different from what the State acknowledges. In fact, there may be times when the Christian community affirms and blesses a marriage when the State does not.Mike McNicholshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16718438960132101615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-55675934083188479262015-06-27T10:17:29.961-07:002015-06-27T10:17:29.961-07:00Mike, you are absolutely right on with this blog. ...Mike, you are absolutely right on with this blog. The church would be better to get out of being a legal conduit for 'the State' and be only a religious ceremony for their community -- which should be free of any State mandated requirements for who gets married by any given church/pastor/priest/clergy. The State doesn't dictate who gets Baptized. I think we should have the marriage ceremony/sacrament become similar to the Baptism ceremony. The State doesn't have any influence on that at all because there is no legal/license to file with the government to make it binding. In our churches, we should be concerned with the bond that our God requires in the marriage ceremony. Leave the State requirements completely to the State to allow whatever bond the State wants to recognize. I think our focus should be on our religious ceremony and let the 'secular world' focus on what they will.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05757986728260156692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-19869976207937157242015-06-27T03:51:05.172-07:002015-06-27T03:51:05.172-07:00Nicely done! (Side note: I have always said, &qu...Nicely done! (Side note: I have always said, "vested" in me, not "invested" in me although the latter might be true)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15920668692866175468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-8191820385286267312015-06-26T13:44:38.378-07:002015-06-26T13:44:38.378-07:00A very honest & peaceful way to co-exist with ...A very honest & peaceful way to co-exist with a changing world that doesn't look at life the way I do. This approach allows me to hold firmly to what I believe is true while also giving the State the freedom to define a 'state' marriage in whatever way it wants. So, as of today, I'm out of the marriage business, no longer an agent for anyone except Jesus. Hmmm. Feels kinda good to turn in my 'badge' and be a rep for God's Kingdom alone!Marty Bollerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16926186312888925184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-12137511443518521142015-06-26T12:07:36.659-07:002015-06-26T12:07:36.659-07:00Mike, I think you are correct. I remember once in ...Mike, I think you are correct. I remember once in SoCal that I married a couple in a backyard ceremony. They signed the papers along with me. I put them in my marrying Bible and then into the trunk of the car. A couple of months later, the couple called and wanted to know if they were legally married. They had applied for something together and when stuff ran against some database somewhere, their records were not found. I looked outside in my truck and low and behold, there was the signed marriage licenses that I have forgotten to take out and mail. I mailed it. But, it left me with the question: were they really married if the state did not have a record of it?<br /><br />That seems to be the same tree you are barking up.<br /><br />"It might be time for us to weave a new cloak." Classic!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13443766883094488771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-12166726869416394342014-11-20T10:48:37.895-08:002014-11-20T10:48:37.895-08:00i love this :)i love this :)WanderingellimaChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04187256917384039394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-54732815005689743032013-08-08T10:45:35.057-07:002013-08-08T10:45:35.057-07:00I'm appreciating more and more anyone who chal...I'm appreciating more and more anyone who challenges us to evaluate the labels we so casually and comfortably put on others. Labels tend to close doors of communication, love, and respect. Thanks Mike for another great post. Dave Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09836829245594195480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-92150152940742284752013-07-09T08:46:12.114-07:002013-07-09T08:46:12.114-07:00The "us vs them" mentality seems to be g...The "us vs them" mentality seems to be growing and growing in our culture and our churches. I despair at times, fearing that there is nothing that can be done other than for me to determine to stay on the outside of it all. That way I can be judgmental towards those who I consider judgmental. ;-)Dave Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09836829245594195480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-57187168208706563692013-07-03T08:29:01.457-07:002013-07-03T08:29:01.457-07:00Well said, Mike. I will be sharing this post and ...Well said, Mike. I will be sharing this post and then set back and watch the FB fireworks fly . . . I know too many "good christian" FB friends who are more loyal to the ideologies of a nation (with crosses draped in the American flag) than loyal to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Treveccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17783025907572532266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-50195930120664555602013-07-01T09:16:38.914-07:002013-07-01T09:16:38.914-07:00Great post, Mike. I love how you identified your c...Great post, Mike. I love how you identified your church planting experiences with his challenges in starting this group. <br /><br />We so often see people as their position, rather than seeing them as travelers, folks on a journey, just like us. So we can't handle when they disagree, and we especially can't handle when someone close to us finds themselves on a different part of the path.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15917305562449567822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-30008241286878479632013-06-27T08:39:35.055-07:002013-06-27T08:39:35.055-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08177018244408731614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-68011053005598573112013-06-27T07:41:46.332-07:002013-06-27T07:41:46.332-07:00Thank you for this article. It seems rational disc...Thank you for this article. It seems rational discourse has been reduced to emotional pleas, accusations, and allocating the opinions of others into a "with us" or "against us" extreme. Even when people carefully craft their opinions and provide reasonable evidence to support their claims, their opposition chooses to setup straw men and mercilessly execute them in the most elaborate and degrading way. Again not engaging in reasonable discussion. As you have pointed out, the people that haven't commented are now being dragged into a battle. These are strange times indeed.Mr.Mongehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16237694919494960940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-86050307356750237982013-06-26T23:04:03.553-07:002013-06-26T23:04:03.553-07:00I loved this! Thank you, Mike.I loved this! Thank you, Mike.Sonjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05796926184965080509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-4607565787866695402013-06-25T12:48:37.837-07:002013-06-25T12:48:37.837-07:00Jesus contrasts what his disciples (and crowds) ha...Jesus contrasts what his disciples (and crowds) have heard (in the synagogues) about what was said to the men of old (by Moses) over against what he says now. So this contrast involves a reorientation from what the leaders in the synagogues (the scribes/rabbis and Pharisees) have said--as they teach, interpret, and enforce the law of Moses in Israel. Similarly, our controversies often result from what our leaders are telling us to think and do (about immigration and other issues of our nation).<br /><br />What Jesus says also involves a reorientation from what Moses said (for the kingdom of Israel). Instead of an eye for an eye, no revenge at all; instead of loving neighbors and hating enemies, no hate at all. The "foreigners" in Canaan (the Canaanites) were the enemies, to be hated and driven out.<br /><br />So part of the reorientation is to a new leader, a new ruler, a new king: Jesus. And it involves a new kingdom that is not a political nation like Israel, but an international kingdom of disciples of Jesus. Those from every nation are encouraged to "immigrate" to this kingdom.<br /><br />Don't get sidetracked by focusing on national leaders and kingdoms.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-27185155374525262442013-06-05T08:14:27.670-07:002013-06-05T08:14:27.670-07:00Well said, thanks Mike. Well said, thanks Mike. Dave Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09836829245594195480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-38707848405172162132013-05-31T08:07:22.713-07:002013-05-31T08:07:22.713-07:00What if sexuality is more akin to wealth? Both of...What if sexuality is more akin to wealth? Both offer defining forms of practices and identity. <br /><br />I ask this because it seems there were times in which Jesus did have a priority before the person, such as the rich, young ruler--the man who was, according to his own testimony--really doing good and living in every way the call of God that came through the Law. Sell everything, Jesus said. The man couldn't do it, couldn't let go that thing, that identity as a rich man. Jesus watched him walk away. He was sad, but still he let him walk away.<br /><br />Paddy Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10442537362540160512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-73641772999607552182013-05-22T07:21:10.595-07:002013-05-22T07:21:10.595-07:00Or, maybe we could work it up to WASSUUP.
You kn...Or, maybe we could work it up to WASSUUP. <br /><br />You know, I think that aligning with Jesus (not just as our example, but as the living presence of Christ) is always the right way ahead. I'm in.Mike McNicholshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16718438960132101615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-84534415678663408292013-05-22T06:40:29.989-07:002013-05-22T06:40:29.989-07:00I think if you work at it a little longer, you cou...I think if you work at it a little longer, you could come up with SUUP, or UUPITY. It didn't take me that long... I find it interesting as I have embraced this idea of atonement over the past year, I found myself being drawn more to following Jesus than not. In other words, rather than facilitating a slide in my behavior and conduct (the general result I would have expected from others before), I find myself more interested in aligning myself with the direction and values of Jesus (as I understand them). That's not a bad thing, right?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11193979938774122725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-70394170875939951692013-05-18T15:01:39.971-07:002013-05-18T15:01:39.971-07:00Thanks, Lise.Thanks, Lise.Mike McNicholshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16718438960132101615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-28471305417756025092013-05-18T07:06:09.415-07:002013-05-18T07:06:09.415-07:00This is a beautiful post!This is a beautiful post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-82417449057417936812013-05-01T20:50:01.860-07:002013-05-01T20:50:01.860-07:00As I listen and read about same sex marriage, both...As I listen and read about same sex marriage, both sides of the controversy, I hear a voice from the past come up in my memory. John Wimber used to say, "You cannot legislate sin. People will sin whether laws are passed or not. We as Christians are called to pray."<br />I think it says somewhere in the NT that Jesus loves the sinner and He died for all. Dreidledog31https://www.blogger.com/profile/15291026335669690598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-48628911644764160382013-04-30T08:52:17.976-07:002013-04-30T08:52:17.976-07:00Mike, I laughed out loud at a woman preaching at a...Mike, I laughed out loud at a woman preaching at a man's funeral! Thanks for that.<br /><br />This topic is sad for me. It makes me sad that we are still willing to minimize people. In this case the people are women. I hadn't thought about Peter in light of what you wrote about him. Thanks for that, too.<br /><br />And finally, "We really need to stop submitting ourselves unquestioningly to biblical interpretations that imprison human lives." I think I've done that. I don't want to be subjected to that kind of treatment anymore, and I don't want to live in a way that subjects others to that kind of treatment anymore. Once again, thanks for that.<br /><br />I think every person bears the image of God in a way no one else does. How sad for all of us if the image-bearers who happen to be women are "crashed against" so that we never live in the light of the beauty of God that He deposited in them...<br />Jack's Bellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13154399450622813635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1440421529782470542.post-57944655133269498142013-04-23T10:44:42.128-07:002013-04-23T10:44:42.128-07:00Thank God for Emily. And, by extension, for inequa...Thank God for Emily. And, by extension, for inequality, I guess.Sonjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05796926184965080509noreply@blogger.com