PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- OCTOBER 13, 2008
What our readers and listeners say
Consumerism and lusts
Hello Greg. Just wanted to let you know that I really love reading all the articles/information you publish at PTM. I printed out your recent article titled "The Gods of Consumerism -- and the Lusts that Consume Us" and gave it to my husband to read. It's very close to what he feels about things in our society today. Funny thing is that he is trapped by what you have described as "bad news religion." I hope that someday he will really want to accept God’s grace and leave behind what he has been "stuck" in for so many years now. Keep up the good work -- I, and I know many others --really appreciate it!
P.S. I recently suggested to a friend of mine to check out your online "church without walls." She has recently left her church and I told her this might be just what she needs to help her through this difficult time.
Thanks again. -- PennsylvaniaCommunion
I loved your response to the question about communion! Thank you! I just thought of one more element that could be included. How about the issue of who is allowed to take the communion? That was an issue that our church debated for some time before coming to an agreement that children were in fact allowed to participate. In some churches, children come up during communion and receive a blessing from the pastor, vicar or priest. In other churches we have been to, children are actually allowed to drink the wine/juice and eat the bread. Some feel that communion should not be taken by children because they do not understand the depth of what they are doing and that means they are not taking the bread and wine in a worthy manner. They cannot "examine themselves" before they take the elements. Others feel that God's grace abounds to all, and if children identify with Christ and their parents have explained communion to them, they are free to take communion. They don't need to be "confirmed" or go through a special procedure first.
Of course, children are not the only ones who face restriction when it comes to communion. Anglican churches we have attended in the UK seem to have a different take on who may receive communion depending on which congregation you may visit. Although this might not be the official line, it has been our experience. In one church, anyone who was a member of another denomination or congregation was allowed to take the bread and wine. However, we have also been to churches where you were not allowed to take communion unless you were confirmed in the Anglican church. Of course, we knew people who disregarded that rule and took communion anyway, feeling that it was a stupid rule and it wasn't up to the vicar to decide whether or not they were "worthy" to take communion!
A most moving service for us occurred in a church of a different denomination, where the minister explained in depth what communion meant. Afterwards, he invited all who identified with what Christ had done for all of us imperfect people to come to the front for communion. There were no rites of passage to go through first. The minister opened his arms out wide, and it reminded me of Jesus inviting us to come to him, and I thought, "WOW, that's the way to do it!" I'm not sure who came to the table that day (whether they were baptized, confirmed, etc.), but what I know is we were all running to Jesus that day!
Thank you for your very thoughtful comments on this issue! -- EnglandMudslinging presidential campaign emails
I have been bombarded with emails that participate in the worst kind of mudslinging and stone-throwing I've ever seen in my life. Those claiming to be Christian who willingly participate in this kind of activity should be ashamed. Jesus said to love one another, and I am just sickened by the gossip, the lies (even the white ones), and absolute crap that is being circulated throughout America and the world as of late. Empty barrels make the loudest noise -- and there seem to be a lot of barrels out there.
No matter who you are voting for, is it so difficult for you to educate yourselves about the issues this country faces? You will not find the truth circulating through political mud pies and hate mail.
Now, the latest stuff I've been sent is about how Obama is the Antichrist, Obama is a Muslim and pro-terrorist, Obama is this, Obama is that.Those who spread such hate mail are acting like the disciples who stood far off while Jesus approached the Samaritan woman at the well for a drink of water. They are like those who Jesus says in Matthew 11:19, "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
I have never seen the "Christian right" be so utterly wrong. And it doesn't even matter what party you're affiliated with, it is unwise to participate in the action of spreading gossip, rumors and hate mail to and about anyone, much less a candidate for leadership. How on God's [semi] green earth is anyone to heed Jesus' Great Commission when it is defeated out of the gate by hate, biases and judgmental attitudes? No wonder the world is in the state it's in today!
God forbid that we'd actually be wise and educate ourselves about the candidates and the issues. God forbid we should cross party lines and understand people for who they really are. Amazing that we'd circulate and believe the gossip circuit, rather than believe Jesus' own words to love our neighbors, even love our enemies!
Why does Christianity fail? Because love hasn't prevailed. That said, if someone who calls themselves Christian sends me any more of these types of emails to try to persuade me negatively about either candidate, I will seriously question their Christian discipleship, because this is the complete opposite of what Jesus would do. You don't get more "antichrist" than that.
Good thing Jesus never had to run for the U.S. Presidency. As liberal and radical as he was, and with the attitudes and prejudices that rage on today, he'd still find himself crucified.
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." (John 1:9-11) -- Carol Harper, editor, The Nashville Christian Times (Non-partisan -- and dang happy about it, too)Revelation Revolution
Greg, thank you very much for writing Revelation Revolution. I enjoyed reading it and found it insightful and encouraging, all the while focusing my attention on our Savior. Jesus IS the reason for Revelation. The book is no longer a mystery for me. I too tried to force literal and time-line interpretations on it that did not fit. Now, my wife and I understand the book so much better and are greatly uplifted by it. God is having a party soon, and I look forward to giving you a bear hug at the table! Thank you again for you and PTM! -- PennsylvaniaCancel your Plain Truth subscription!
Having just read last week's lead article about the pastor who told his congregant NOT to read The Plain Truth, I felt duty bound to respond. As a pastor, I enjoy and profit from your ministry -- and appreciate what you do. -- Baptist Pastor, FloridaRETURN TO PTM WEEKLY UPDATE CONTENTS PAGE
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