tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post7723710895675378409..comments2023-10-29T19:03:11.547-04:00Comments on A Pilgrim's Progress: "The Jesus Paradigm" - the Church and PoliticsErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-19425611884716554062009-07-03T16:02:09.945-04:002009-07-03T16:02:09.945-04:00Eric,
You asked, "...- when will it make it ...Eric,<br /><br />You asked, "...- when will it make it Down Under?"<br /><br />Have emailed the publisher. He doesn't know.Aussie Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16199918171163666399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-69507616818256104572009-07-03T07:31:43.665-04:002009-07-03T07:31:43.665-04:00Aussie John,
I agree with you that what Dr. Black...Aussie John,<br /><br />I agree with you that what Dr. Black describes would not be popular in many (at least Western) churches today. Most pastors would not like it and, unfortunately, many lay people wouldn't either. The NT model requires most of today's pastors to step out of the spotlight. It also requires all members of the body to be active instead of passive.<br /><br />My hope is two-fold. First, I hope many more churches are planted in the West using the NT model. Second, I hope an increasing number of traditional churches will begin to move in this direction. <br /><br />Enjoy the book - when will it make it Down Under?Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-42503628974000329332009-07-03T07:27:11.145-04:002009-07-03T07:27:11.145-04:00Arthur,
Dr. Black certainly does not pull any pun...Arthur,<br /><br />Dr. Black certainly does not pull any punches. My guess is that he is speaking very firmly in order to get his point across. I do have to agree with him that many (at least American) Christians seem to look to the state to solve society's ills. Far too many conservative Christians do seem to go along with the Republican Party line no matter what.<br /><br />Dr. Black appears to have chosen to speak firmly at "let the chips fall where they may."Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07306854704766653209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-64361961203042529882009-07-02T22:20:36.053-04:002009-07-02T22:20:36.053-04:00Eric,
The position of Dave Black, as you describe...Eric,<br /><br />The position of Dave Black, as you describe it, is that which I have sought to demonstrate and encourage for most of my years in pastoral ministry. <br /><br />It's not a position which is popular amongst the leaders who want to dominate denominational politics,and is openly frowned upon. <br /><br />I can only suppose that the reason is that if a congregation lives as described in the Book of Acts, there is no room for self agrandisement and ego massaging.<br /><br />Paul Burlenson very wisely said this on his blog,<br />"It is, in fact, the breaking down of the vessel, instead of the building up of the vessel, that is needed for true ministry to be performed which the troubles and difficulties that came to Paul reveals in 11 Corinthians 4:10-12. So a broken and flawed vessel is the place where the Treasure [Jesus] is actually magnified. This, contrary to present day popular opinion, is the true minister, not the one gifted, trained, talented, and capable of presenting truth in a spell binding fashion. It is, rather, the one broken, shattered, and exhibiting the true recovery of Grace that is seen as the true minister scripturally. All believers are to be that minister.<br /><br />Each christian is that vessel. Each vessel is to reveal that Treasure. Each person is a minister when this is real and is happening. All believers are in "the ministry" though they may provide a living for themselves in many ways. Some may even be supported by a local assembly. But their authority is to only truly come in this way. Not because of an "office" they hold."<br /><br />I suggest that is also Dave Black's experience. I'm looking forward to the book arriving in Australia.Aussie Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16199918171163666399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987271399653590272.post-21585227429752322532009-07-02T20:28:46.879-04:002009-07-02T20:28:46.879-04:00I have to say that the politics part of it grated ...I have to say that the politics part of it grated on me. I get what he is saying, but the way it was said was a bit over the top in places in my mind.Arthur Sidohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03848508095612688493noreply@blogger.com