The ironies. I finally managed to get this site to the place where I could concentrate on my writing. Gone are the code changes, manual templates, and crooked themes. Along with the professional theme and new url, I reworked all of the broken links, refashioned the podcasts with iTunes, and did some major re-hauling of [...]
The ironies. I finally managed to get this site to the place where I could concentrate on my writing. Gone are the code changes, manual templates, and crooked themes. Along with the professional theme and new url, I reworked all of the broken links, refashioned the podcasts with iTunes, and did some major re-hauling of most of the better posts. Now everything is running as smooth as a brand new Lexus, subscriptions are up, visits are higher than ever and . . . . I wonder if this blog may be past its prime.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: —Revelation 13.4-7
In my neck of the Body of Christ, it’s all about pep rallies and big games. Every church service, every Bible study, and every teaching is filled with cheers, herkies, and Hail Marys.
“Gimme a Luke 6.38!”
“Yea!”
“Gimme a Malachi tithe!”
“Yea!”
“Let me hear you!”
“Good ground!”
“What?”
“Good ground!”
“One more time!”
“GOOD GROUND!!”
“YYYYYEEEEEAAAAA!!!!”
On the same page that we find Galatians’ “he became a curse for us,” we have “you stupid Galatians, who has bewitched you?” Paul’s ministry involved not only the disclosure of the revelation of the ages, but also corrective rebuke when his converts began to miss it. But nobody wants to hear, “Uhmm, okay, put the pom-poms down. You’re holding them all wrong. And your herky . . . well, that needs a lot more work. And your skirt, it’s all crooked and what’s that stain?” Ever try to tell a cheerleader that what she’s doing isn’t cute?
Over the years I’ve written about the redemptive narrative—how Jesus had to become sin in order to save man—and I’ve taken on some of the teachings of some of the biggest preacher big wigs. All the while the Word folks have stood on the sidelines yelling, “Attaboy! Contend for the faith!” But not too long after I turned my attention to their own doctrinal miscues they rushed the field. Like the Galatians, they started well, but later schlepped off from grace into a lot of things that are just beyond the Word and its Christ. But they don’t want to hear that; they want to keep cheering under the big lights even while their superstars are throwing the game away.
It’s not about passion or jealousy for the Word anymore; it’s all about entertainment and protecting the image of the franchise players.
As I wrote to one reader, I’m not cut out to look the other way when my team is handling the playbook like it’s Entertainment Weekly.
So it might be time to get on the free agent waiver wire. That’d make the home team happy.
You might also like:
Hi Peter,
I’m a newcomer to your blog. There’s not much that makes it onto my Favourites list as essential reading, but this blog was an instant addition. You’ve spun me 180 degrees on some really central doctrinal issues. Top-notch writing, too.
Given that your posts are so bible-centred, and treat your readers to the benefit of so much hard grappling with scripture, I’d say that your blog will be past its prime when the bible is past its prime.
Peter,
I have to add my appreciation for what you are doing. I have been teaching a couple who minister in two local prisons for several years now. We do a lot of study along your lines of interest. This past week, I mentioned that by Jesus’ “stripe” we were healed, that it was singular, not plural. That really stirred up some things. When I went to do some net research on this, yours’ was the ONLY reference I found to this truth! I printed off your lesson and also the 3 on the ‘Spiritual Roots of Sickness & Disease”. We covered the Isa. 53 lesson and the 1st lesson on Spiritual Roots this past week…..we all enjoyed it immensely. I get so hungry for fellowship along this line….I have felt alone for years and years. Please don’t go away. I, too, have added you to my favorites list and subscribed to your podcast.
Hi Peter,
I’m a newcomer to your blog. There’s not much that makes it onto my Favourites list as essential reading, but this blog was an instant addition. You’ve spun me 180 degrees on some really central doctrinal issues. Top-notch writing, too.
Given that your posts are so bible-centred, and treat your readers to the benefit of so much hard grappling with scripture, I’d say that your blog will be past its prime when the bible is past its prime.
Dear Peter
I have not had much free time in the last week or so and have not looked at your blog to catch up. Therefore I was completely lost in class today when the topic of the English class became focused on you and your, “Real Faith Talks”. The phrase sounded familiar but in the classroom setting It took me a few minutes to figure out what my classmates where trying to get information from me about. Basically I finally put together that they wanted to know what had gone on that caused you to “not write anymore”
Not having looked at your site in a few days I assured them that you would not stop writing that there must be a web site issue or something of that nature. One of my classmates pulled your Real Faith Blog up and showed me what they were talking about. I have never shared anything about you, your site, or anything even about myself in that class. I have accepted a few friend requests from people in there that have chatted with me about class work but that’s about all. I just wanted to share this with you because I thought it was pretty amazing. In case you did not know you are touching people with your words. There is one girl in the class who has been having a hard time she was the one who brought the subject up and wanted me to tell you how much your blog has helped her see things in a different way. I told her that she should comment or drop you a private e mail that you are really easy to talk to. I don’t know if she will or not but her name is Angela. If you take a short or a long break I hope that you continue writing even if you don’t share. I know that you have your own reasons and this is in no way an attempt to change your mind. I look forward to you possibly writing a book someday even though I have no idea if that would even be of any interest to you. The way that you write is only a part of the appeal that is attracting so many readers. Your words are powerful and styled in a way that we are all able to understand and get so much from the message. Many of us have searched for Real Faith Talk like yours without all the show biz and money focused tactics that many churches use these days, with very little if any luck at all.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend
God Bless
Brandy
You must keep on with this blog as you are the only “New Kind of Faith Teacher” I see out there (except hopefully me too–but I am lightyears behind you).
Dear Sir
Don’t do it
Stay…. Just a little bit longer
the roadies don’t mind
and the union don’t mind
just take a little time
don’t leave all behind
cmon write another line
this is good stuff you can’t find this anywhere and the faith preachers have been going off on some rabbit trails
keep up the good work
I hope you keep writing, even more so than you have, but I’m sure you’ll do as the Lord leads. I’ve enjoyed your unique take on the Greek, you truly do make me think.