PTM E-UPDATE -- MARCH 8, 2010
What our readers and listeners say
Is church more about where we go and what we do -- or is it more about what we ARE?
Your article about church is the most amazing information I have ever read concerning the destruction of the temple in 69-70AD. I never dreamed the temple was an obstruction to early Hebrew Christians' acceptance of Jesus Christ. It's wonderful and mind-dazzling. -- OhioI loved your PTM e-Update lead article on March 1. You hit the nail on the head, and I imagine you will really rock the boat. You may have plenty of people who are upset, angry and want to shut you down -- but as I recall, that's exactly what the religious people have always tried to do with the gospel, starting with Jesus himself. Keep up the good work! -- New York
The guilt and condemnation of abortion
Hi Greg, I would like to comment on the question posed by the friend of the young lady who underwent an abortion and is depressed with the guilt of it all. The Apostle Paul regretted his former activities in persecuting Christians and putting some to death, so much so that he called himself the worst of sinners. Paul, while being ashamed of his past sins, realized the debilitating spiritual paralysis he would experience if he continued dwelling on his sinful former life. Christ in him helped him to see the need to put his past behind him and keep looking ever forward with his new life in Christ. As Christians we all have a past, and instead of allowing that past to rule over us we must, in Christ, always look forward. If we forever live in the past we will be paralyzed by feelings of unworthiness, regret, fear and guilt -- and in the process fail to embrace the love that God gives us. Paul instructs us that no matter what our physical circumstances might have been when we are called into Christ, not to worry about it. I know from personal experience that this is not always easy to do. I still cringe at remembrances of my former doings -- I think it is human to do so. But establishing a relationship with Christ is very important and tasting his kindness which leads us to repentance as Scripture states. This lady needs a lot of compassion and love to deal with the grief, sorrow and guilt which overwhelms her. -- FloridaAbortion AND compassion
Your article about abortion stirred my heart, deeply. Though my issue may not be abortion, I've been on the receiving end of judgment and condemnation and it has hurt me a great deal emotionally. I've also endured much loss. Depression has taken a huge toll on me to the point that I'm now on disability because I can't work. I get overwhelmed very, very easily and since every job I know of or had in the past was/is performance-based, I am no longer considered a productive member of our society. As a result, I receive "silent" condemnation in the form of rejection by both family and those whom I once thought of as close friends, not to mention a society that is quick to label "people like me" as welfare bums. When I will next work I really don't know. I've tried the pull-myself-up-by-my-own-bootstraps approach but it has only ended in failure, and being even worse than before. So where else can I go but to Jesus?
Why do I share all this with you? Because when I read your response to the question about the young lady who was dealing with the emotional aftermath of having had an abortion, I saw that your response was filled with compassion. I don't see this compassion all that often in this greed-filled, materialistic world that places a higher value on making and hoarding money than having personal concern for the welfare of your neighbor. You know, I can very easily imagine Jesus warmly accepting and embracing that young girl (who had an abortion) in his arms, listening to her, crying with her, comforting her. I believe this is the Jesus you and I have come to know--the One who goes out his way to comfort a heart that has been cut and damaged with the sharp judgment and criticism of others, the one who dared to love even when it cost him most dearly--torturous death on a cross. His profound love was never motivated by money, pride, belligerence, personal gain, making himself look better, or wanting to control the lives of others (religion).
I'm still going through a lot at the moment but I want you to know that I deeply appreciate your ministry. I'm sorry I can't contribute because I'm on a very limited, fixed income but please know that you have my heartfelt prayers for a ministry that comes from the heart. Liberated in the love of Jesus -- EmailOne hell of a video
I have enjoyed PTM's website for at least five years, but I have an objection to the "facts" presented in your Q&A titled "One Hell of a Video." The beliefs about hell presented here are what Jehovah's Witnesses profess -- one of many reasons they are considered a cult. The Bible is quite clear on an eternal fire. I have provided a link below to a very concise overview of this. I'm gonna have to take the statements of Jesus as fact. How about you?
• You bet I take the statements of Jesus as fact. I am so serious about taking what he says as fact that I believe in the specific genre of language he used, and that God the Holy Spirit inspired -- and read what Jesus (or any one else in the Bible) says as fact as factual given the normal and applicable rules of language. Hermeneutics is a huge subject -- it seems to me that the infernalists filter their view of what the Bible says through the filter of Dante's Inferno -- which, last time I checked, is not in the Bible. Thus, they may overlook the real "facts" being given -- in the context of the type of literature God the Holy Spirit inspired in that portion of Scripture.
If you will pardon me, the Bible is not "quite clear" about eternal fire. Of course, I realize if one reads the Bible from one perspective, given one set of cultural and religion presuppositions, it may appear to be "quite clear." I do not subscribe to a Jehovah's Witness version of hell, any more than John Stott or Clark Pinnock do -- whose views John Piper (whose short piece you attached) attempts to dismiss. I do not see this issue as a critical or distinctive belief that separates "true believers" from "heretics" -- but apparently some do. If my hell is not hot enough or severe enough (i.e. eternal torture) for them, then, given my facts-driven and relational knowledge of our Lord, I must differ, in all humility. I do not condemn them for their views, but I am afraid a few of the infernalists may be attempting to make an advance reservation in hell for me!
What hell is and isn't is not a "cults" vs. the true church issue -- yes, cults have erroneous teaching about this topic and many other topics -- but the world of authenitc Christianity is filled with a variety of perspectives and speculations about hell. If you have not read what John Stott and Clark Pinnock have to say about this topic, then don't take my word or the word of John Piper, read them for yourself (I suspect you have not done so). Another recent book dealing with this issue, available on Amazon.com, I am currently reading (which I highly recommend), is a book titled Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Bradley Jersak. Thanks for allowing PTM to be of service. -- In Christ, Greg AlbrechtAn old friend
Greg, you may remember me -- an old friend from Minnesota. I've lost touch with you -- probably the last time I saw or heard from you was 15-20 years ago. My husband died and I moved to Virginia. This past weekend I went to a lay speaking ministries conference sponsored by the United Methodist Church. I was visiting many of the displays at the conference, and was surprised to see three of your books on one of the tables of a facilitator. When I talked with him, he asked if I had ever heard of the Plain Truth Ministries and Greg Albrecht. He said he is a supporter of PTM. So here I am -- back in touch after all those years! -- VirginiaAbout had it with them all, until . . .
I spent half a century in one of the "one true" churches (Mormon). Came to the biblical Jesus and have attended a few "Christian" churches over the past three years. I began to refer to myself as non-denominational, rapidly moving toward non-"Christian" label. Frankly, I've about had it with them all until you guys came along. My wife pointed me your way. Thanks -- EmailRETURN TO PTM WEEKLY UPDATE CONTENTS PAGE
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