Comments on: pushing my buttons

By: marko

marko — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:12:36 +0000

matt — clearly there is a difference between “defining sin” and articulating all the manifestations of sin. i have no problem defining sin, and could give several definitions for you to pick a favorite from (from “disobeying god” to “choosing one’s own priorities”).

can you agree that there are areas where the articulation of the sin is debated between people (and churches) who are both bible-believing followers of jesus? take alcohol, or speaking in tongues, for example. you may have a position which you feel strong about, and feel is the best interpretation of scripture as you understand it. but please tell me you would not deny the salvation of those who believe otherwise (and are likewise convinced of their position, also based on their interpretation of scripture)?

you imply in your comment that your interpretation is what is already clear.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:49:50 +0000

“YS is a vehicle to help Youth Workers minister to students and build our faith lives…yet, why is it vital for them to spell out every single thing not directly related to Youth Ministry?”

I am not asking for YS to define anything, I am just asking YS to advocate the things that the Bible has clearly already defined. If one cannot define sin, then why would any of us need a Savior?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:31:35 +0000

I’m not suggesting that the word can be improved. What I am suggesting is that there is a lot of mystery to this Kingdom of God thing. To suggest we have all the answers, that we claim truth from our own narrow experience and understanding is to be in a playground of sorts. It’s rather careless and wreckless. Since recess is over does that mean your not palying or you are playing?

By: Jim K.

Jim K. — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:00:34 +0000

WOW, back to the playground. No Kevin, actually it “presupposes” that I have NO vision greater than the spoken Word of God, I have NO vision comparable to the Word of God, I have NO vision that can increase the worth or validity of the Word of God, I have NO vision that my feeble human mind can wrap around the Word of God to make it better, more truthful or more powerful. My vision is only that of the perfect Kingdom of God revealed by the Holy Spirit through His Living Word. It “presupposes” that I AM BLIND and only see because Jesus has given me my sight back, it “presupposes” that I willfully accept that I am NOTHING apart from Him who has called me, NOT the other way around. It “presupposes” that I believe it IS possible “That your kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” It “presupposes” that I don’t believe we have to accept the short fall of the church and all our bickering over who can show the other youth guy up, because it “presupposes” I believe we have all been empowered by grace to live the holy life we have been called to. Here is a short list of other visionaries that thought the Word of God could be improved on by the human mind, Joe Smith, Charles Tazer Russel, Mary Baker Glover, Michael Servetus, Charles Filmore, Theophilus Lindsey. And just to break the politally correct nice Chritian run around the bush but never say what you really think, I would never have ANYONE who doubted or thought they could improve on the WORD or create doubt in the minds of kids that God has entrusted me with any where near them. The Father’s love protects at all cost. I’m out, reccess is over

By: Jason T

Jason T — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:19:18 +0000

Marko!
The YS conventions have been nothing more than a great oppurtunity for me to expand upon my beliefs, experience what other “denominations” are teaching and developing a further since of what Jesus meant when we were called a body with many parts. I was at the St Louis Convention this year, unfortunately I missed the Greg talk (marital rejuvenation happens). Beyond missing Greg’s talk, I since that YS is becoming an amazing tool for the growth of the kingdom of God, whether through an evangelical point or Catholic. The people I talked with, listened to and enjoyed the presence of God with seemed to be focused on nothing more than growing themselves so that they can grow the youth that they serve. I believe that YS is one of the best things that I found to help me as a youth pastor to not only better effectively reach out to the youth in my community that are lost, but to help grow the youth that are within the church toward God.
The diversity of the convention is always something I look forward to. If I don’t agree with the speaker, then I don’t agree with the speaker, I take what is said and examine the points, comparing them to what the Bible tells us.
May God continue to bless you and all of the YS staff.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:32:22 +0000

Yeah but doesn’t that presuppose you have vision and others are blind. What if it’s the other way around? Hmmm.

By: Jim K.

Jim K. — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:07:06 +0000

Hey Bubba, Actually wasn’t refering Greg’s sermon, but the bickering that it seemed to produce because the need for personal opinion and feelings or more bluntly the need for SELF to be heard and met. I had never even heard of Greg S. before this. I quickly checked out his blog site and saw nothing that should cause such a uprising. I will say that in these times and this culture that is literally sreaming out for truth and something that’s real to have youth pastors or youth workers who don’t believe God’s word is authoritative and is open for error scares me to death. If His word and promises are open for error just like everything else in this world,, What is the point?? We have absolutely NOTHING to offer, more to the point Jesus has NOTHING to offer, He is just another option in a world of choices to stroke ourselves into feeling better. If His word is not always true why not WICCA, why not Hinduism, Islam, for that matter out right satan worship, seriously Why Not?? If we don’t believe in absolute truth why should the kids around us?? My point was the closer we come to Christ the less room for self to get in the way. As far as diversity goes?? Jesus was not diverse He never changed. The people He ministered to were diverse, their sin although different produced the same results, separation from the Father. We have different spiritual gifts to meet the needs of the diverse people in our given culture. Paul said he becomes all things to all men so that some will be saved. But he never compromised the Word of God, the Gospel remained the same, it remained TRUE without error, he repeatedly warned against those who preach anything but Christ crucified. So should WE be diverse, disagree, believe anything but absolute truth, did Jesus,,no. Should we use all of our spiritual gifts to reach the diverse, yes. We should have the heart of the Father, the mind of Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit if we put them first there is no room for self. Jason Upton has a song that I think is called Morning Star that talks about those in ministery who want to shine so bright as to make it impossible to see Jesus. I have seen so many working with youth fall into this, it’s a real trap when you have kids hanging on your every word to forget that we are NOTHING with out the one who called us. I prefer to be nothing and watch as Jesus opens the eyes of the blind.

By: bubba

bubba — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:05:54 +0000

Jim K-I believe Greg did refer to scripture and that his point was the cross. Especially unity in the cross. I believe you may be able to get that talk. It is called “Fanatic for the Cross”.

We will all never agree but we can work towards the common goal that kids are being lost so lets get out there, love ‘em and rescue them. We are all part of an incredible rescue team, the cross at the center, unity is the strength, and diversity that allows us to reach the unreached.

By: Darrell Halk

Darrell Halk — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:37:53 +0000

First of all, the mention of Yac was indeed a pretty low blow. I totally agree with you Marko. I would say this about YS, I am a 4 time attender so I do not have a lot of experience but I have attended conferences previous to yacs death and after and I see no change in the variety of people that YS has brought in.

I think all attendees would agree that there have been many things said in previous YS events that they have not agreed with, but it is my expereince that it is good to be challenged by people who don’t necessarily line up with your common stance. It challenges you to reevaluate why do I believe what I believe and does the Bible speak clearly on this issue. I am not afraid of differences in opinion because it challenges me to be better and more sure of my stance on every issue.
It is an issue of teachability, are you willing to hear something that doesn’t line up with what you previously believed and learn from it? You may listen and throw it all out, but you may also realize that your view may have been narrow, misguided or even unscriptual.
I love YS, keep upo the good work.

-Darrell Halk-

By: Jim K.

Jim K. — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:31:33 +0000

Oh yea, I’m 48 and computer illiterate, so somehow everyone gets the ruff and final draft of my post,,, double portion of blessing??
Oh yea,, Jesus does transform, because He does, I get to be daddy again to a whole new generation of kids, all praise to the Son of the Most High!!