Comments for SpeakFree

Comment on What Goes Wrong… by Pastor Nick

Pastor Nick — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:42:37 +0000

While I agree that spontaneity is important just like structure is important. I am uncomfortable being the spontaneous one in a church that I’ve never been to before. However, you’re right Nathan, the Spirit has an element of spontaneity to Him.

Comment on What Goes Wrong… by Nathan Hellman

Nathan Hellman — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:42:14 +0000

I’m always up for a little spontaneity I think structure is important, but flexibility is just as vital. We must make sure that whatever happens, our response comes from the fruit of the spirit.

Comment on No Idols by Abigail Clark

Abigail Clark — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:33:44 +0000

i think that spiritual life is much more important compared to our earthly life.’-.

Comment on Injury and Preparation by Julie

Julie — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:30:45 +0000

I like how you connected your crash with the pain and injuries that come in life. Thanks for the encouragement

Comment on Book Review: Three Cups of Tea by Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:49:15 +0000

Hi pastor, i heard about you like two years ago and i like you soo much. actually i love God and i’ve got some passion for everyone who follows him. God has realy bless you and will continue to bless you. i realy like you so much.

Comment on AU Music and Worship Conference by cna training

cna training — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:35:59 +0000

Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!

Comment on No Idols by Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:35:03 +0000

This is indeed an interesting topic, one that I personally have tried to understand and quantify more precisely over the years. What has become very interesting to me, from a high school teacher’s perspective, is to observe students, what they do or do not “bow down to.” To them bowing down to a person or a object is completely meaningless, which I think is a huge danger. And with such things as idols, or what we come to depend on, focus on, give our attention to that is not glorifying God, it is these things that become habits, ones we may not even be aware. I see it every day in different students, and also, in my own life. Interestingly enough, with today’s self image problems, whatever the source, it seems like students are making themselves the idol. Now whether that is just a socially maturing device to achieve a level of self-confidence or otherwise is up for debate.

Comment on No Idols by Pastor Nick

Pastor Nick — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:14:40 +0000

Nathan,
You have some great points. Many times we take the things that should be tools and turn them into idols. It happens with all sorts of things, not just computers or iPhones. We can turn our cameras, camping equipment, guitars, etc… all into idols.

Nick

Comment on No Idols by Nathan

Nathan — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:02:55 +0000

Spot on Nick! It’s such a subtle thing though, when we allow technology to become an idol. Technology is used as a tool, and in this day and age it’s used for so many things: studying, writing,note-taking, blogging, social networks, E-mail, and other communication like IM and Skype. So where to draw the line I wonder? When our computers, phones, and iPods are used in so many areas of life as a necessity even, how can we know if our tools are becoming idols? I think you nailed it when you said productivity is the key.
I spend time just surfing and not getting anything done but intaking trivial things. My wife and I sometimes will watch shows together, but don’t tell anyone, that gets excessive too!
The thing is, I believe that these things can be used for good or evil. Paul makes an important statement in 1 Corinthians 10:31-’whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ I wonder how much would be cut out of our lives if our focus was to glorify God. That’s the point of the commandments.

Thanks Nick.

P.S. It’s interesting you posted on this topic, because I was just being humorous a second ago and told the dog that he shouldn’t bow down to Baals or Asherah poles.

Comment on The Law by Pastor Nick

Pastor Nick — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:52:42 +0000

Gary,

Thanks for commenting. The Seminary has a spiritual formation class for all incoming seminary students now. I both enjoyed and was frustrated with the class, but overall it helped my spiritual devotional life and I am very grateful for it.