CowPi Journal

Comments

1. I was stationed n D.C. when he made that speech, Mark. Also have read some of his other sermons. A great man, in my opiinon. I used your link and read the rest of your post, but am convinced that “judgement” will be much as we are with our own children. It is not so much what we “do” or “don’t do” as it is a matter of our heart. After all, what can we “do” to “earn” our way into heaven? Didn’t He already do it all?………..

   ∼ πλ · 24 September 2005, 2 am · by Jim ¬

2. Jim, sorry but I am a little confused about your comment. I’ve started this reply three times. So, I’m sticking with whatever comes out this time.

   I agree with you that “‘judgement’ will be much as we are with our own children.” Just look at the parable about the Lost Son. This is what most of the mystics and many of the saints say also. And as you said, we cannot earn our way into heaven. He did it for us.

   The old post I linked to essentially boils down to one of choice. I dare say that is the only thing that we own, our choice to choose God or ourselves. Everything else is gift, even the choice itself. But the choice is still ours to make. Do we keep it, or give it back to God?

   But, we must not ignore judgement, for without justice, mercy is meaningless. This is a cornerstone of the Christian faith and it cannot be ignored.

   I hope and pray that all the people I encounter in this life will make the choice, even if it is in their last hour. I hope and pray that God uses me when He can, as a mirror reflecting His love to others, however imperfectly I may do that, so that they can “see” the choice that they must make.

   ∼ πλ · 24 September 2005, 1 pm · by Mark ¬

3. Mark…It does not offend me if we disagree. None of us have this wrapped up into one plus one equqls two. The best we can do is try to live it as we believe Him to have opened it unto us. Beyond that, if we remain willing to hear the other individual, we remain open to either reject or to learn. It is hard to take such deep subjects, in the first place, and comprehend each other in a few words. We are not usually all that good with words and, even so, can describe but the picture as we see it. I do not do away with judgement. In truth, I’m probably more prone to see that day in stronger terms than most. What I do not believe is that we, with all our personal interpretations of what will get us through the pearly gates, have a lock on judgement. To me, that finality belongs to God, not me, and not even if I think I’ve correctly deciphered some portion of Scripture concerning this situation. Let me live it as I believe it, but let me not condemn others who do not see it as I do. Pentecostals always want to take that 1st verse in Chapter 8 of Romans and apply it to self-evaluation. Other denominations seem to focus on not beng “judgemental” at all. I find the Bible teaches me there is to be wisdom in judgement, as in deciphering good from evil, but condemnation is reserved unto Him in that last day. My bunch also believe the Judgement Seat of Christ to be a “shoe-in”, no more than a passing out of rewards. I look to that event and find it will be a humbling experience for us all……..Hope this clarifies my thinking; and if it yet remains far afield from your own, it need not separate us in Him. You still greatly feed me here and worship does not require we see all things alike. Peace, my friend……..

   ∼ πλ · 24 September 2005, 8 pm · by Jim ¬

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