tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.comments2023-10-31T11:57:39.387-04:00Authentic means REALDennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-8147254496462352202015-12-28T17:20:00.174-05:002015-12-28T17:20:00.174-05:00Well Dennis I can't help agreeing with your th...Well Dennis I can't help agreeing with your thesis that a return to the Christianity of the first century would produce a tremendous growth within the church with which we are all familiar ... the evangelical churches of North America and of Europe.<br />What are we doing wrong? You heard it before: "Keep doing the same thing and expect different results? You are nuts!" Yep, that's us!<br /><br />But elsewhere they do much better. Africa, South America, Asia ... few Dr of Divinities, sometimes little money for buildings, hard lifestyles, persecution, and so on. True ... there are Yankee tele-evangelists "working" the crowds ... but that doesn't work here anymore. First of all there are few crowds to "work"; know what I mean? But how come there are crowds over there? What is God's kingdom doing over there. It might surprise you ... or maybe not...: they are doing things DIFFERENTLY.<br />Just for fun..be sure to check out "Speranta Media" on YouTube. Tell me if you've ever seen this approach over here. <br />- And how about Christians .. laymen ... praying for the sick to be healed. Or dealing with demons. They do it in Africa. Or singing the gospel outside of the sanctuary ... no way Hosea!<br />- Church starts @ 10:30 ... be there for 10 and you can have a coffee. Don't forget the next pot luck for the "Young at heart" (seniors) families A-M- main dishes; N-Z- dessert. Thanks for your support. Qawiihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11360438643274850912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-58906048997815642942015-11-30T17:47:18.636-05:002015-11-30T17:47:18.636-05:00So there are many people offering guesses as to wh...So there are many people offering guesses as to what the real figures are; I read somewhere that the church went from 10,000 in 33 ad to 10,000,000 in 100 ad ...20% of the Roman empire and then to 30 million - 60% of the Roman empire just before Constantine started backing us. Does that sound way out? (Maybe you think so?)<br /><br />WELL- LOOK AT IT THIS WAY: He was a smart cookie- right? Wouldn't he jump in with the winners rather than cuddling up to some poor losers? That's how politicians ALL do things today. What has changed?<br /><br />Right now Christians are very unpopular ... and our numbers are very small ..especially in Canada - and in Europe. Do you see any Constantines (politicians) switching over to our side? They say Putin is getting religious though. AND they say ..." the Russian Orthodox Church is growing." Get it?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00755125978265681864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-72477443099066583012014-10-12T12:00:28.085-04:002014-10-12T12:00:28.085-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06381326607775120236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-20421205270896450202012-08-02T22:26:47.778-04:002012-08-02T22:26:47.778-04:00any thoughts on Chick-fil-A current events?any thoughts on Chick-fil-A current events?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-12677924835249982622012-01-28T02:19:40.877-05:002012-01-28T02:19:40.877-05:00He lines up pretty well with most liberal theologi...He lines up pretty well with most liberal theologians--unbelievers, but still want the religious feeling.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-10930400703559160732012-01-27T13:06:44.286-05:002012-01-27T13:06:44.286-05:00A great recent example of inconsistency is Alain d...A great recent example of inconsistency is Alain de Botton's "Athiesm 2.0"--the TED talk is at http://www.ted.com/talks/alain_de_botton_atheism_2_0.html <br /><br />His logic is inconsistent--"since there's no God, but religion is the best source of meaning/connection/spirituality/morality, let's steal these things from religion for athiesm!"<br /><br />Think about the logic...he is covering up deficiencies in atheism by borrowing from theism!HgsDctrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724763485757002726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-91129675216758812122011-12-18T17:54:07.283-05:002011-12-18T17:54:07.283-05:00This book is life changing! :)This book is life changing! :)Sarah Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00133730188344948769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-11919297582018467512011-06-07T09:36:31.963-04:002011-06-07T09:36:31.963-04:00No, there's no exchanging personalities or pro...No, there's no exchanging personalities or projecting thoughts. Those would be more typical of the occult. But we do affect each other. Paul says that when one member suffers, the whole body suffers in 1 Cor. 12. <br />Whether we are controlled by the Spirit is up to us, but whether for good or for bad, we are all affecting the health of the body of Christ.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-20081270272641774792011-06-07T03:30:49.777-04:002011-06-07T03:30:49.777-04:00Wait, I understand this, but I have question. This...Wait, I understand this, but I have question. This Mystical... it doesn't mean we can Exchange personalities or project thoughts, or be tied together somehow right. Bc I'm pretty sure the holy spirit doesn't control ppl. And if I don't want to participate in being in the spirit, this shouldn't effect others......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-35078249164148967332011-05-22T09:50:34.541-04:002011-05-22T09:50:34.541-04:00There can be you and are right.There can be you and are right.Poker Casinohttp://pokercasinoworld.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-1393157431353898522011-03-19T01:08:26.410-04:002011-03-19T01:08:26.410-04:00You'll have to read it to know the answer to t...You'll have to read it to know the answer to this.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-64695681605659889872011-03-18T14:59:26.486-04:002011-03-18T14:59:26.486-04:00Where, Dennis, in your book describes the breakdow...Where, Dennis, in your book describes the breakdown or failure in this biblical model, since this breakdown can only be of human error?citsobdivadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01685163335018916480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-70425433246540038852011-02-27T06:42:34.672-05:002011-02-27T06:42:34.672-05:00When ever we go the church or any where else then ...When ever we go the church or any where else then we few blessed there. And that makes us to present ourselves to God as those alive from the dead.Muscle Buildinghttp://www.aboutmusclebuilding.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-40219183194480853492011-02-20T16:56:41.779-05:002011-02-20T16:56:41.779-05:00wow, I really wish this was my experience at xenos...wow, I really wish this was my experience at xenos for more than a decadeThomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08097827778824952677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-43246064186716191872011-02-09T00:07:03.281-05:002011-02-09T00:07:03.281-05:00Thanks, Dennis. My experience and observations lea...Thanks, Dennis. My experience and observations lead me to conclude that motivating folks to "the next step", even within common church culture, necessitates that folks be convinced that what's being offered has to pay better than what they'd otherwise be doing with their time. It's not an easy sell!<br />I got to your blog by following a link that you posted on sc.com recently. Blessings as you continue to discover the riches that reside in Christ.<br />Jim LondonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-83460147244906904622011-02-08T09:41:45.861-05:002011-02-08T09:41:45.861-05:00You're right. That is a really market-driven t...You're right. That is a really market-driven type add. I've actually noticed a similar pitch before and got them to change it (I think it was on a brochure) but didn't notice this one. Needs to change.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-38365260042527492202011-02-08T00:39:33.706-05:002011-02-08T00:39:33.706-05:00Dennis, in your post you briefly profile common ch...Dennis, in your post you briefly profile common characteristics of a consumer ethos, and lament their appearance in the church. <br />However, your Xenos website commends house groups in language that seems to belong to a typical marketing pitch: "Our Home Group Connection is designed to help you find a home group that suits your needs and interests. There are a wide variety of groups within our church. We can match your interests, lifestyle and location with a like-minded group, and we look forward to hearing from you." How do you want to be understood?<br />JimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-76543864473586941252011-02-01T12:51:51.931-05:002011-02-01T12:51:51.931-05:00I should go ahead and send you guys a couple copie...I should go ahead and send you guys a couple copies. I think I'll do that.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-11103866460693932212011-01-31T17:37:38.338-05:002011-01-31T17:37:38.338-05:00Hey Dennis our leadership team is looking forward ...Hey Dennis our leadership team is looking forward to getting stuck in to MOOA when the book arrives on our Irish shores next week. Even more excited now having read your post!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205216012056052897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-62977366047485439312011-01-31T10:25:46.184-05:002011-01-31T10:25:46.184-05:00I don't necessarily know them personally, but ...I don't necessarily know them personally, but they report their motives in several studies on the subject, such as James Draper's study in <i>Facts & Trends</i> September/October, 4, 5, 6.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-26427458758722909602011-01-30T22:56:19.098-05:002011-01-30T22:56:19.098-05:00Wow. So leaders often want their churches to grow...Wow. So leaders often want their churches to grow because they plan to move to a new church soon? If you know them well enough to know their motives, hopefully you are helping them see how this is completely illogical.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-85787912795372719332011-01-29T20:46:10.112-05:002011-01-29T20:46:10.112-05:00Agreed. Another aspect to consider is the differen...Agreed. Another aspect to consider is the difference between short term and long term results. I think what we're seeing today is leaders focused in showing massive results in a few years, often because they plan to move to another church soon. Long-term strategies like disciple making and equipping the saints don't show the massive numeric growth you can get by putting on a good stage show.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18077345966570168113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-83263074118621503522011-01-29T18:00:43.839-05:002011-01-29T18:00:43.839-05:00I'm 111 pages into this book and what keeps ri...I'm 111 pages into this book and what keeps ringing true is biblical example applied to contemporary western church imperatives. I agree with the your argument that prioritization of pragmatic methods for growth has unfortunately replaced the 1st century model of spiritual ethos laid out by Jesus, the disciples, and Paul. I like the idea of remaining faithful to gospel principles outweighing the results-at-all-costs driven economy that exists in most American's church experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-79605209243467964272010-12-08T00:03:18.684-05:002010-12-08T00:03:18.684-05:00LOVE THIS BOOK!! thanks for doing a review. EVERYO...LOVE THIS BOOK!! thanks for doing a review. EVERYONE must read it... i tell people about it everywhere i go its that goodmarie zimmermannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883907342870204095.post-65339562095469436092010-11-18T09:21:11.348-05:002010-11-18T09:21:11.348-05:00If it is freely given to you, then you should free...If it is freely given to you, then you should freely give as well. I would have loved to read your book that just came out... but since it is not free and I don't have the money to buy it, I can't receive the info that the Lord freely gave to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com