gdp's Comments

The House Studio : When does civil disobedience become an option?

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 19:38:33 +0000

One thing I have considered about King was that he appropriated the Christian religious community to reach a secular goal. He did this by appealing to the Christian sensibility of moral rightness inherent to desegregation. I think this is what Ryan is getting at below too, that out of our relationship with Christ we are driven to oppose evil.

The House Studio : Our 360 review

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:35:56 +0000

Let me ask you something Manny. What if, in your rebuke, you are wrong? What if the people you rebuke are in fact in the center of the Spirit’s leading in ways far different from how he works with you? What if their sphere of influence is to different people using different techniques? What if God has blessed those you attack with ways of evangelism that are foreign to you? Can you see that your rebuke then would look a lot more like cannibalism? Can’t you see how your rebuke differs from that of O.B., a voice that welcomes us to pursue Christ with greater earnestness? Let me tell you where you have blessed me. At various times you have warned that pursuing good deeds (social justice) is not enough in itself. Christ alone is the way to salvation. Because that truth is the core of who we are at The House, I agree with that statement; I have examined our approaches to missions and outreach, knowing that doing good is not a priority over spreading the good news of Christ. I would love to hear where you’ve actually heard something we’ve said and considered it as a blessing to yourself. If you say there is nowhere, then you clearly are not paying attention or exhibiting a willingness to listen. When we publish "Unnoticed Neighbors" this fall, do you believe I have any confidence that you would give us the benefit of the doubt that we are discussing issues of social justice with full knowledge that it’s not the whole story of salvation but is still an important part of the Gospel? Not a bit. But that book will help many young people find ways to put action to their faith. I don’t believe we’re ever going to agree on a lot of stuff Manny. I believe I’ll see you in heaven one day and we won’t care about all of this. Until then we’ll work as God wills it within the sphere of those he brings into our influence, and trust that you are doing the same for those in your sphere. You want to rebuke us, fine. We’re rebuked. Anything else? Both of us can be more effective for the kingdom reaching the lost than arguing with each other.

The House Studio : Our 360 review

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 01:13:26 +0000

Ah yes, that name I remember!

The House Studio : Our 360 review

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:10:59 +0000

Thanks Matt. What's your twitter name? I looked for you in our followers but couldn't figure out which one was you. Do we follow you?

The House Studio : Our 360 review

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:12:53 +0000

Bummer. We talked about whether those passages might be perceived that way and discussed them with the authors. Guess we'll know better next time...

The House Studio : Our 360 review

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:36:32 +0000

I used the word attacked because a number of people with the same opinion expressed by the author FELT attacked. I am sure none of us ever feels we are the ones attacking. You use the word "rebuked." Fine. I felt attacked. Second, there was some good conversation in response to last week's blog. I especially appreciate the feedback of O.B. who took issue with the author, yet acted in a way that is becoming of a Christian. That is dialog that sounds reasonable and invites reflection. Unfortunately I don't personally feel that most of the comments on last week's blog reflected anyone trying to create conversation. Most were simply people talking AT frequent readers of this blog, not TO them. A large portion of the comments on the blog didn't make me feel like any response I gave would be considered thoughtfully. I am willing to accept that those writers believe in the conviction of their words. But I'm not interested in trying to dialog with someone who doesn't reflect a listening heart. I believe that most of the commenters to last week's blog have appropriated the political rhetoric we see in so many places in our culture. Villianize those you see as enemies, and use fear to manipulate people into agreeing with you. Unfortunately it's easy for someone to see themselves as your enemy when they seem to find their identity in who their enemies are. I know you'll take issue with this paragraph. It's not the language you would choose to use. But for many who read those comments, this is how they were perceived. I am always open--in fact welcome--challenges and disagreements. But say what you want to say and move on. Trust God to move the spirits of those to whom you have spoken, and acknowledge that sometimes you are wrong, as we all are. It's not necessary to fill 3/4ths of a blog's comment space saying the same thing without reflecting that you have a heart for discussion instead of anger.

The House Studio : Monday morning is for the random

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:59:26 +0000

This infographic about the ocean creeps me out. There is so much unknowable stuff down there; makes me appreciate all God has created that we will never see.

The House Studio : 4 Reasons Why I Don’t Care About The Rob Bell Book Controversy

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:46:56 +0000

Completely off topic here O.B., but I appreciate the tone and nature of your disagreement. It is through comments like yours that we create meaningful dialog rather than cannibalize one another.

The House Studio : 4 Reasons Why I Don’t Care About The Rob Bell Book Controversy

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:42:31 +0000

Just a clarification--Is it just me, or do a lot of these comments make the assumption that The House caters to Nazarenes simply because that is who is our sponsoring entity? Weslyan--yes. Nazarene--not necessarily.

The House Studio : Monday morning is for the random

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 13:50:02 +0000

Yup. Juan kicked it. But In-N-Out...nothing like wild speculation, eh?

The House Studio : Top 10 secular songs with Christian themes

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:03:15 +0000

LOVE All you Zombies. Believe it or not I saw them sing that live.

The House Studio : 4 certainties for the future of small group content

Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:04:09 +0000

I teach from an iPad, or use YouVersion on my phone. What if something like KE was available as an iPhone app in a 4.99 teacher version, and a .99 student version. The student version would have handouts and weekly devo material, and the teacher version would have the lesson notes and commentary, as well as any activity ideas and instructions. Would that be appealing?

The House Studio : Downtown Christian

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:11:12 +0000

Like you Shawn, there is no place I'd rather be than home with my family. Everything else just feels like obligation. But I have to admit that like going to a therapist, I might initially hate the idea of going, but generally I love having gone. I have to admit that I am a more complete person when I put myself in a place to allow others to speak into my life.

The House Studio : Reminders for small-group leaders

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:44:14 +0000

We acknowledge that God touches individuals personally. One person cannot become a Christian for his or her entire family. Each one makes this decision on his or her own. However, Christians do not have the right to live their lives however they want. Part of becoming children of God is accepting that we are created for community, and that we are responsible to the body of Christ. Also, as part of the body, we help each other learn meaning from scripture for our spiritual growth. Each person's perspective sheds light on scripture and amplifies its meaning. In other words, we learn better together than apart.

The House Studio : Monday morning is for the random

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:42:23 +0000

Yeah, forget about affordable health care, Congress should take on the volume of commercials!

The House Studio : Top 10 Non-Christmas Christmassy movies

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:54:46 +0000

That was actually on my original list of Christmas movies. The last half of the movie seems specific to Christmas, but them some of these do as well.

The House Studio : Monday morning is for the random

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 21:09:05 +0000

Given her previous post, I think Deanna Evans will enjoy a background on this page from InterfaceLift: http://simpledesktops.com/browse/8/

The House Studio : the huge, grey monster

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:07:15 +0000

Deanna, watched the Miyazaki video this weekend. Nice piece.Thanks for the recommendation!

The House Studio : The Hipster Christian

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:46:15 +0000

Question: How many hipsters does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: it's a really obscure number. You've probably never heard of it.

The House Studio : Warehouse S

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:14:33 +0000

Broom hockey?