tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post4129011358047145858..comments2024-03-28T09:52:15.415-04:00Comments on Common Denominator: Pagan Christianity 9-10: Tithing and SacramentsKen Schenckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09745548537303356655noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-29860156906860217012009-04-03T10:43:00.000-04:002009-04-03T10:43:00.000-04:00Ken, Frank's point is that a serious divergence ex...Ken, <BR/><BR/>Frank's point is that a serious divergence exists between the organization that calls itself the "church" in America and the living, breathing ekklesia of the New Testament. If the "church" was influencing culture, ministering to the poor and those broken in spirit, and demonstrating the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit in their lives this would be a different discussion. <BR/><BR/>However, the "church" is not influencing culture but being influenced by it. The "church" has relinquished the high calling of ministering to those cast off by society to government and non-profit organizations. Worse of all, the "church" appears to be "in the world" as well as "of the world" in most statistics measuring divorce, premarital sex, pornography, morality, and ethics.<BR/><BR/>Ken, we certainly have liberty and indeed it was freedom that Christ set us free; but perhaps we need to take a closer look at the spiritual principles underlying the methods of the first century church. As we do, I believe we will find that in our quest to be relevant and modern in our approach we have adopted "doing" Church for being the Church.<BR/><BR/>I love you brother and appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts.Tommie J. Goggans IIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02931200608253604750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-4508142431258969082009-03-21T20:40:00.000-04:002009-03-21T20:40:00.000-04:00we use one loaf and many cups. Many people now are...we use one loaf and many cups. Many people now are germaphobes and through the winter they prefer the individual cups- until we go back to using real wine anyway :) <BR/><BR/>We do drink all at once, however- out of our many different cups. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for this series<BR/><BR/>Glenn KneppAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-9841967188373710072009-03-19T22:32:00.000-04:002009-03-19T22:32:00.000-04:00I also have a problem with the compulsory form of ...I also have a problem with the compulsory form of tithing which has existed in previous days, particularly when administered by the state. I believe that the church has mostly gotten beyond it, though not entirely. Well, at least you do not have to pay to enter a church building like you would for most all Christian concerts and conferences.<BR/><BR/>Jesus did commend the woman who gave 100% so I doubt that he would get obsessed about 10% as long as one's motives were right and churches were not requiring it.<BR/><BR/>Times are truly getting tough and the church should again become a department of social services as in Acts 6 & 1 Tim 5. This will not be cheap but it can happen. Volunteerism must become the order of the day.<BR/><BR/>Am I to suppose that Barna and Viola do not regularly receive an "envelope" for their speech making? (During which time, the principal of "spontaneous, participatory gatherings" with the "full-functioning priesthood" will not be in effect. Ditto for any ban on those spirit-quenching, pre-arranged "orders of service.")<BR/><BR/>How about some leadership via example, George and Frank, rather than charging an ungodly 27 dollars for the audio version of your book. Last I checked, a CD could be had and duplicated for just a few dimes even with the fancy color labels. Better yet, just put the mp3 files out there for free access. Then, you can help rid the church of all the greed-driven pastors who "make merchandise out of the word of God."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-20064389958298457852009-03-19T10:30:00.000-04:002009-03-19T10:30:00.000-04:00I have really enjoyed this book review. I have h...I have really enjoyed this book review. <BR/>I have had three conversations about the "crisis" of conversion in the last few weeks. Viola does insist on a confession of faith, I presume along the lines of Romans 10. But do you think there is a growing danger that we have more people in our churches today who are simply acculturated or nominal Christians? <BR/>How would a more "corporate" understanding of salvation help us? My understanding may have more to do with sociology than theology, but I grew up with a suspicion of this; linked of course with an anti-Catholic, anti-liturgical bias.John Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01584577160006751298noreply@blogger.com