kcjim
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Everything posted by kcjim
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Q4. God's Glory
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 3. Passover and Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 12-15)
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Q3. Blaming the Leader
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 3. Passover and Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 12-15)
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Q4. Letting God Fight the Battle
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. Finding Courage to Stand (Exodus 5-11)
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Q2. The Courage to Confront
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. Finding Courage to Stand (Exodus 5-11)
In some cultures, church leaders are seen as "conciliators" or "moderators," bringing resolution of problems in consensus-building ways, so often pastors avoid confrontation until absolutely necessary, or even avoid it completely, seeing confrontation as a sign that they failed. Confrontation can make everyone sit up and notice, can make people see that not everything can be compromised away, can teach that there are some absolutes (a song in the 90's says, "there is a line I will not cross"). When we (leaders) refuse to confront when we should, some followers will become discouraged, and God's will may not be done. -
Q1. Blaming and Resisting God
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. Finding Courage to Stand (Exodus 5-11)
Moses blamed God because he had done God's bidding and it had turned out badly. I don't think Aaron and Moses are stubborn, just discouraged and distrustful after their initial defeat. That is why God had to command the second confrontation with Pharoah. -
Q4. Fear and Courage
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1. The Birth and Call of Moses (Exodus 1-4)
We are afraid to obey God because we are not sure what is in our hearts is truly from God, especially if it is something that will put us in danger or discomfort. We can deal with this by testing our urges against scripture and the counsel of those in our faith circle. Courage is action in the face of fear. Without action nothing gets done, so no leader is without courage. -
Q3. God is Angry with Moses
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1. The Birth and Call of Moses (Exodus 1-4)
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Q2. Moses Responds to God's Call
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1. The Birth and Call of Moses (Exodus 1-4)
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Q1. Moses the Murderer
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1. The Birth and Call of Moses (Exodus 1-4)
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Q3. Trivial Excuses
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 10. The Call to the Kingdom (Luke 14:12-24; 9:57-62)
Jesus' message is harsh in part because it is out of context, in part because the gospel writer wanted to make a strong point, and in part because he needs all the strong followers he can get to continue his message after his death. The call is urgent because a person can never know when his time will come and needs to be ready at any time. Our excuses would seem trivial if Jesus were standing in front of us in person. -
The parable announces that the only requirement is to believe - that no matter how bad your circumstances, no matter how heinous your sins, you can be saved. The parable clearly talks about servants (us Christians) being sent out to gather people in, to bring them to Christ. The parable points to the rapture.
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Q4. Accountability and Judgment
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 9. Serving in the Kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30)
Each day (well, every so often) I renew my committment to use my abilities in Christ's service and in the service of those he has created (which is everyone!). And I often fail to do my best. I trust that God's love for his creation, manifested in his gift of his Son, is enough to make up for my failings. -
Q2. Ability to Carry Out
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 9. Serving in the Kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30)
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The kingdom is small like a tree seed, which contains the potential to become a mighty tree; and again like yeast, which can suffuse a large amount of dough and make it rise to great size. The kingdom grows like a tree or like a rising loaf of bread. The door is narrow in that not everyone can find the way inside (i picture us blindly groping along a wall for an opening or for a light from within to guide us). The kingdom banquet is large in that it includes people from all races and cultures, but selective in that it is set only for those who have truly repented their sins and been granted Grace.
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Q2. The Narrow Door
kcjim replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 8. The Narrowness and Breadth of the Kingdom (Lk 13:18-30)