Comments for Renewal Dynamics http://renewaldynamics.com Official Blog | Regent University School of Divinity and The Center for Renewal Studies Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:23:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Comment on Arab Spring Movement and True Human Freedom by Diane Chandler http://renewaldynamics.com/2012/01/30/arab-spring-movement-true-human-freedom/comment-page-1/#comment-10530 Diane Chandler Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:23:40 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3695#comment-10530 Ben, I appreciate your comments, particularly your comment about the church’s commission to pray for the nations. Much agreed! The reality is that harsh dictatorships are neither exclusive to any religious faith nor atheistic governmental system. Throughout history, we see the tragic results of abusive dictatorships in Europe, Russian, Africa, and Latin America which have repressed human rights, amassed fortunes unto themselves, and cared little for the welfare of their own people. North Korea is an unfortunate example of this reality. My point of this Blog is to highlight the cry for freedom that is inherent in the human heart regardless of culture, religious worldview, or political system. God has created the human heart to be free from the autocratic control and abuse of human systems that seek to undermine their God-given flourishing. And true spiritual freedom comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ that supersedes political and military realities. Jesus (“Issa”) is appearing to Muslims in dreams and visions in unprecedented ways, offering eternal life through forgiveness of sin - not through human works but through free grace. I encourage you and others to view some of these extraordinary stories featured on the “More Than Dreams” DVD that is linked in this Blog. They reveal the incredible love and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ for those who cannot deny God’s supernatural appearing to them. Thank you again for your comments, Ben. Ben, I appreciate your comments, particularly your comment about the church’s commission to pray for the nations. Much agreed!

The reality is that harsh dictatorships are neither exclusive to any religious faith nor atheistic governmental system. Throughout history, we see the tragic results of abusive dictatorships in Europe, Russian, Africa, and Latin America which have repressed human rights, amassed fortunes unto themselves, and cared little for the welfare of their own people. North Korea is an unfortunate example of this reality.

My point of this Blog is to highlight the cry for freedom that is inherent in the human heart regardless of culture, religious worldview, or political system. God has created the human heart to be free from the autocratic control and abuse of human systems that seek to undermine their God-given flourishing. And true spiritual freedom comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ that supersedes political and military realities.

Jesus (“Issa”) is appearing to Muslims in dreams and visions in unprecedented ways, offering eternal life through forgiveness of sin – not through human works but through free grace. I encourage you and others to view some of these extraordinary stories featured on the “More Than Dreams” DVD that is linked in this Blog. They reveal the incredible love and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ for those who cannot deny God’s supernatural appearing to them.

Thank you again for your comments, Ben.

]]> Comment on Arab Spring Movement and True Human Freedom by Ben Wiles http://renewaldynamics.com/2012/01/30/arab-spring-movement-true-human-freedom/comment-page-1/#comment-10518 Ben Wiles Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:29:35 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3695#comment-10518 Dr. Chandler, This is a much-needed word for the Christian (especially Evangelical/Charismatic) world right now. I dearly love Israel and pray for her as we are instructed in the Scripture, but we also should never neglect to pray for the precious people who are enslaved to the harsh dictates of the Islamic faith. I have been speaking out lately (here in the Bible belt, no less!) that God is neither Republican nor Democrat, and neither liberal nor conservative. We should all be involved in the political process and vote as the Holy Spirit leads us, and also serve in political office! But we must never forget that our purpose and passion must be the same as His - the Kingdom of God being shed abroad in the hearts of men and women whose lives are being transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. I cringe when I hear evangelical leaders call for us to go to war on Islamic nations as if all of those people don't matter. War may be a necessary evil in this world, but I believe the Church needs to focus on what we are called to do - pray for the nations to be saved. Dr. Chandler,

This is a much-needed word for the Christian (especially Evangelical/Charismatic) world right now. I dearly love Israel and pray for her as we are instructed in the Scripture, but we also should never neglect to pray for the precious people who are enslaved to the harsh dictates of the Islamic faith.

I have been speaking out lately (here in the Bible belt, no less!) that God is neither Republican nor Democrat, and neither liberal nor conservative. We should all be involved in the political process and vote as the Holy Spirit leads us, and also serve in political office! But we must never forget that our purpose and passion must be the same as His – the Kingdom of God being shed abroad in the hearts of men and women whose lives are being transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. I cringe when I hear evangelical leaders call for us to go to war on Islamic nations as if all of those people don’t matter. War may be a necessary evil in this world, but I believe the Church needs to focus on what we are called to do – pray for the nations to be saved.

]]> Comment on Modern Warfare by Wolfgang Vondey http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/12/12/modern-warfare/comment-page-1/#comment-9748 Wolfgang Vondey Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:13:13 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3673#comment-9748 Thank you, Mike. I resonate with your experience. The escape from the culture of violence is not easy, perhaps impossible if we believe the minds of some (see Rene Girard's book, <em>Violence and the Sacred</em>). Violence and destruction appeal to our fallen nature. Fortunately, Christianity is not a religion that simply criticizes. God through the Holy Spirit has given us the means to discern the world and to be transformed into the image of Christ. This is a message of the gospel. It is good news. Still, this transformation is often hard work, and discernment is the difficult starting point of the long process of transformation. Thank you, Mike. I resonate with your experience. The escape from the culture of violence is not easy, perhaps impossible if we believe the minds of some (see Rene Girard’s book, Violence and the Sacred). Violence and destruction appeal to our fallen nature. Fortunately, Christianity is not a religion that simply criticizes. God through the Holy Spirit has given us the means to discern the world and to be transformed into the image of Christ. This is a message of the gospel. It is good news. Still, this transformation is often hard work, and discernment is the difficult starting point of the long process of transformation.

]]> Comment on Modern Warfare by Mike Marcano http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/12/12/modern-warfare/comment-page-1/#comment-9733 Mike Marcano Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:53:45 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3673#comment-9733 Dr. Vondey, Thanks for your candid blog on the unnecessary involvement Christians tend to have in these types of video games. Through conversations with friends over the years, I’ve often noticed that I often tend to stand alone when it comes to issues of playing violent games, watching R– rated movies, alcohol consumption, etc. I tend to be reminded of Paul’s argument of permissible vs. beneficial actions in 1 Cor 10:23-31 and acknowledge the appropriateness it has in potentially grey areas of the Christian life. I think the potential pitfall for most Christians is that they fail to operate in discernment, resulting in poor daily decisions that, at face value appear spiritually meaningless, yet often do cause damage to ourselves and/or our neighbors. In the end, I’ve resolved to follow Romans 14:22-23 and keep a standard of avoidance on such matters; however, getting the community around me to see matters in this light is painfully difficult. Thus, I commend you for posting something in which most may disagree with you. Dr. Vondey,

Thanks for your candid blog on the unnecessary involvement Christians tend to have in these types of video games. Through conversations with friends over the years, I’ve often noticed that I often tend to stand alone when it comes to issues of playing violent games, watching R– rated movies, alcohol consumption, etc. I tend to be reminded of Paul’s argument of permissible vs. beneficial actions in 1 Cor 10:23-31 and acknowledge the appropriateness it has in potentially grey areas of the Christian life. I think the potential pitfall for most Christians is that they fail to operate in discernment, resulting in poor daily decisions that, at face value appear spiritually meaningless, yet often do cause damage to ourselves and/or our neighbors. In the end, I’ve resolved to follow Romans 14:22-23 and keep a standard of avoidance on such matters; however, getting the community around me to see matters in this light is painfully difficult. Thus, I commend you for posting something in which most may disagree with you.

]]> Comment on Modern Warfare by Wolfgang Vondey http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/12/12/modern-warfare/comment-page-1/#comment-9688 Wolfgang Vondey Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:27:12 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3673#comment-9688 Thanks, Robert. I think your response illustrates my concerns. I wonder about your definition of a "fine" and "mature" Christian. Even if you are not an "Elizabethan Faux Puritanist" (whatever you meant by that phrase), the idea that a Christian would call video games and movies that glorify killing and violence "fun" and "entertaining" or "silky" or "messing around" is at odds with the holistic biblical image of the Christian life lived by the Holy Spirit. This is actually the point of my blog: that these games do not contribute to the formation of a Christian spirituality; violence does not edify, does not lift up. I did not speak to whether the games and movies are perceived as fun and entertaining. Obviously the popularity of these games supports that claim. I question that they contribute to joy, love, peace, patience, long-suffering, forgiveness, and faith. What I fear is that Christians individually and together with the churches have said very little about the condoning of violence in our cultures. I did not imply or suggest that these games or movies lead to violent lives and behaviors. I suggested that the goal of everyday Christian living is undercut by the impersonation of violent behaviors. It would have been more accurate to call my perspective an inheritance of the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. You also would have a clearer picture of my thoughts if you knew about my experience in the military. And if you add to that my upbringing in Germany--a country highly sensitive to its errors in two World Wars, you would have come closer to a characterization of me. You certainly do not suggest that we need to participate in whatever thing we find ethically objectionable before we can make an acceptable judgment, do you? I stand by the conclusion of my post: if you pray about your involvement in these things and open your sensitivities to the Holy Spirit, God will direct your heart. Whether you or I are correct or incorrect in our position is beside the point. What matters is that our maturing as Christians reflects the maturity God intended for us, not the image we have of it. In the end, if you are correct that these video games do not at all impact a person's character, psyche, behavior, and spirituality, there remains the suggestion of the Apostle Paul: what matters is not your conscience, but the conscience of your neighbor (1 Cor. 10:25-31). Take whatever is available in the market place, but do do not participate in anything that offends another person. Seek not your own good but the good of the many. In my case, this means the pursuit of fun and entertainment that seeks love, joy, and peace. Thanks, Robert. I think your response illustrates my concerns. I wonder about your definition of a “fine” and “mature” Christian. Even if you are not an “Elizabethan Faux Puritanist” (whatever you meant by that phrase), the idea that a Christian would call video games and movies that glorify killing and violence “fun” and “entertaining” or “silky” or “messing around” is at odds with the holistic biblical image of the Christian life lived by the Holy Spirit. This is actually the point of my blog: that these games do not contribute to the formation of a Christian spirituality; violence does not edify, does not lift up. I did not speak to whether the games and movies are perceived as fun and entertaining. Obviously the popularity of these games supports that claim. I question that they contribute to joy, love, peace, patience, long-suffering, forgiveness, and faith. What I fear is that Christians individually and together with the churches have said very little about the condoning of violence in our cultures. I did not imply or suggest that these games or movies lead to violent lives and behaviors. I suggested that the goal of everyday Christian living is undercut by the impersonation of violent behaviors. It would have been more accurate to call my perspective an inheritance of the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. You also would have a clearer picture of my thoughts if you knew about my experience in the military. And if you add to that my upbringing in Germany–a country highly sensitive to its errors in two World Wars, you would have come closer to a characterization of me. You certainly do not suggest that we need to participate in whatever thing we find ethically objectionable before we can make an acceptable judgment, do you? I stand by the conclusion of my post: if you pray about your involvement in these things and open your sensitivities to the Holy Spirit, God will direct your heart. Whether you or I are correct or incorrect in our position is beside the point. What matters is that our maturing as Christians reflects the maturity God intended for us, not the image we have of it. In the end, if you are correct that these video games do not at all impact a person’s character, psyche, behavior, and spirituality, there remains the suggestion of the Apostle Paul: what matters is not your conscience, but the conscience of your neighbor (1 Cor. 10:25-31). Take whatever is available in the market place, but do do not participate in anything that offends another person. Seek not your own good but the good of the many. In my case, this means the pursuit of fun and entertainment that seeks love, joy, and peace.

]]> Comment on Modern Warfare by Robert http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/12/12/modern-warfare/comment-page-1/#comment-9668 Robert Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:35:04 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3673#comment-9668 I think you're overreaching. While I don't recommend letting children play these games, or any games until a proper age, they aren't as bad as you're making the, out to be. I have played and continue to play MW3, as I did Black Ops before it, as a way to enjoy a challenging game and some harmless diversion. The violence has yet to make me do anything to anyone and so long as you approach it maturely it isn't that big of a deal. Though I prefer sports games to FPS games, I've had plenty of fun running around in a virtual world with unrealistic goals and a team of friends. Your pic isn't realistic and assumes a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy. Boys are always going to do silky stuff and make believe about manly things like guns, fighting, and competition. Even kids who had parents try to program it out of them still messed around with it and are fine, maturing Christian adults. The Elizabethean Faux Puritanism that pervades so much of modern evangelicalism is odd at best. I don't know if you've ever played MW3 or any other FPS but you should try it, the experience is actually...well...fun. I think you’re overreaching. While I don’t recommend letting children play these games, or any games until a proper age, they aren’t as bad as you’re making the, out to be.

I have played and continue to play MW3, as I did Black Ops before it, as a way to enjoy a challenging game and some harmless diversion. The violence has yet to make me do anything to anyone and so long as you approach it maturely it isn’t that big of a deal.

Though I prefer sports games to FPS games, I’ve had plenty of fun running around in a virtual world with unrealistic goals and a team of friends. Your pic isn’t realistic and assumes a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy. Boys are always going to do silky stuff and make believe about manly things like guns, fighting, and competition. Even kids who had parents try to program it out of them still messed around with it and are fine, maturing Christian adults.

The Elizabethean Faux Puritanism that pervades so much of modern evangelicalism is odd at best. I don’t know if you’ve ever played MW3 or any other FPS but you should try it, the experience is actually…well…fun.

]]> Comment on Friendship by Diane Chandler http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/11/26/friendship/comment-page-1/#comment-9298 Diane Chandler Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:28:24 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3666#comment-9298 Cheryl, Thank you for your comments and questions. You mention that Jesus had three close friends in Peter, James, and John. Although I don't believe that Jesus was prescribing how many close friends to have, what we might take away from His example is that among a small group of people, we cannot be equally close and intimate with everyone. What creates such intimate bonds in friendship? Perhaps there are several factors such as common interests and calling but also complementary personalities that seem to attract to each other. You mention about looking at what the Bible says about friendship. Truly, we cannot find anyone who embodies friendship better than Jesus (i.e., John 15). And if we all approached relationships/friendships within a biblical perspective reflecting depth of commitment to work through conflict, perhaps we would not be so relationally fractured. You ask about some books that might be helpful. The very best resource on friendship is the Bible, with Jesus as our example. Friendships such as that of Jonathan and David and Ruth and Naomi are full of lessons about godly love, commitment, and personal sacrifice. Let me suggest a few other resources below as possiblities: Books by Christian authors: (1) Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction by David Benner (published by InterVarsity Press, 2002), (2) Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoffer (truly a classic on Christian community), (3) Making Friends and Making Them Count by Em Griffin (published by InterVaristy Press, 1987; this book is written by a communications professor), (4) The Friendship of Women: The Beauty and Power of God's Plan for Us by Dee Brestin (published by David C. Cook, 2008) (5) Here is a recently published book that I've not read yet but hope to soon: Practicing the Way of Jesus: Life Together in the Kingdom of Love by Mark Scandrett (InterVarsity Press, 2011). A Secular Resource: (1) Vital Friends: The People You Can't Afford to Live Without by Tom Rath (published by Gallup Press, 2006). When you purchase the book new (not used), there is an assessment that you can free assess online for related to friendship. The access code is in the inside back flap of the cover. I hope that these resources might prove helpful. Thank you again for your contribution to this Blog. Diane Cheryl,

Thank you for your comments and questions.

You mention that Jesus had three close friends in Peter, James, and John. Although I don’t believe that Jesus was prescribing how many close friends to have, what we might take away from His example is that among a small group of people, we cannot be equally close and intimate with everyone.

What creates such intimate bonds in friendship? Perhaps there are several factors such as common interests and calling but also complementary personalities that seem to attract to each other.

You mention about looking at what the Bible says about friendship. Truly, we cannot find anyone who embodies friendship better than Jesus (i.e., John 15). And if we all approached relationships/friendships within a biblical perspective reflecting depth of commitment to work through conflict, perhaps we would not be so relationally fractured.

You ask about some books that might be helpful. The very best resource on friendship is the Bible, with Jesus as our example. Friendships such as that of Jonathan and David and Ruth and Naomi are full of lessons about godly love, commitment, and personal sacrifice. Let me suggest a few other resources below as possiblities:

Books by Christian authors:

(1) Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction by David Benner (published by InterVarsity Press, 2002),

(2) Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoffer (truly a classic on Christian community),

(3) Making Friends and Making Them Count by Em Griffin (published by InterVaristy Press, 1987; this book is written by a communications professor),

(4) The Friendship of Women: The Beauty and Power of God’s Plan for Us by Dee Brestin (published by David C. Cook, 2008)

(5) Here is a recently published book that I’ve not read yet but hope to soon: Practicing the Way of Jesus: Life Together in the Kingdom of Love by Mark Scandrett (InterVarsity Press, 2011).

A Secular Resource:

(1) Vital Friends: The People You Can’t Afford to Live Without by Tom Rath (published by Gallup Press, 2006). When you purchase the book new (not used), there is an assessment that you can free assess online for related to friendship. The access code is in the inside back flap of the cover.

I hope that these resources might prove helpful.

Thank you again for your contribution to this Blog.

Diane

]]> Comment on Friendship by Cheryl Fisher http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/11/26/friendship/comment-page-1/#comment-9287 Cheryl Fisher Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:05:18 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3666#comment-9287 What interesting facts about Frankin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill. We know that Jesus had three close friends Peter, James and John. Could it be that Jesus gave us an example about how many close friends to have? No more than three (good friends). Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." I believe, we as Christians, have to learn what the Bible says about being a friend and about friendship and choosing your friends wisely. Do you know of any Bible study that teaches this? Do you believe that some people come into your life for a season and some come into your life for a lifetime? I am continually seeking wisdom on friendships and not only on how to be a friend but how to respond to your friends and acquaintances with honesy and sincerity. What interesting facts about Frankin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
We know that Jesus had three close friends Peter, James and John. Could it be that Jesus gave us an example about how many close friends to have? No more than three (good friends). Proverbs 18:24 says “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.”

I believe, we as Christians, have to learn what the Bible says about being a friend and about friendship and choosing your friends wisely. Do you know of any Bible study that teaches this?

Do you believe that some people come into your life for a season and some come into your life for a lifetime?

I am continually seeking wisdom on friendships and not only on how to be a friend but how to respond to your friends and acquaintances with honesy and sincerity.

]]> Comment on Friendship by Diane Chandler http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/11/26/friendship/comment-page-1/#comment-9280 Diane Chandler Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:35:02 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3666#comment-9280 Rita, I, too, am challenged afresh to appreciate the gift that God has given me through friendship both with the Lord and with others. God offers love and friendship to all who will receive God's grace in the person of Jesus Christ and allows us the privilege of sharing God's love with others. Although friendship carries with it a seed of exclusiveness, God's love is inclusive. While it is easy and natural to guard our friendships and become selfish (i.e., the dark side of friendship), godly love expressed in friendship opens wide the door of hospitality, possibility, and hope. South Africans have a glorious term, "ubuntu," that refers to being-human-in-community and extending compassion, being generous, and making oneself available to others. Friendship requires time and effort. But it is so worth it. Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) warned about depending too much on human friendship at the expense of our relationship with God. He wrote: "The renouncement consists of loving them only for God's sake, of using the comfort of their friendship seriously, according to our need, of being ready to lose them when God takes them away, and never trying to find in them our heart's true rest" (from his book, Christian Perfection, p. 183). So thankful for friendship, Diane Rita,

I, too, am challenged afresh to appreciate the gift that God has given me through friendship both with the Lord and with others.

God offers love and friendship to all who will receive God’s grace in the person of Jesus Christ and allows us the privilege of sharing God’s love with others. Although friendship carries with it a seed of exclusiveness, God’s love is inclusive. While it is easy and natural to guard our friendships and become selfish (i.e., the dark side of friendship), godly love expressed in friendship opens wide the door of hospitality, possibility, and hope.

South Africans have a glorious term, “ubuntu,” that refers to being-human-in-community and extending compassion, being generous, and making oneself available to others. Friendship requires time and effort. But it is so worth it.

Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) warned about depending too much on human friendship at the expense of our relationship with God. He wrote: “The renouncement consists of loving them only for God’s sake, of using the comfort of their friendship seriously, according to our need, of being ready to lose them when God takes them away, and never trying to find in them our heart’s true rest” (from his book, Christian Perfection, p. 183).

So thankful for friendship,

Diane

]]> Comment on Friendship by Diane Chandler http://renewaldynamics.com/2011/11/26/friendship/comment-page-1/#comment-9279 Diane Chandler Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:18:41 +0000 http://renewaldynamics.com/?p=3666#comment-9279 Carey, What's interesting to me is the enduring quality of friendship. For example, when children grow up, they become friends with their parents. Prior to marriage, an engaged man and woman should have grown in deep friendship, where the friendship deepens over time. When friends disconnect because of time, distance, and circumstance, what continues to connect them is friendship. I'm increasingly aware that friendship is the essential and sustaining element of our lives. We may lose a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or a dear friend. But the quality of the relationship (the friendship) remains and can continue to sustain us over time through appreciation of their deposit in our lives. In friendship, we are known and know others. And the beauty of friendship is that our unique personalities are the raw material for scultping our relationships ~ yours and mine. God is the ultimate friend because in God is the perfected reality of friendship ~ the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in perfect unity, love, and caring within and extending outward. So God's friendship with us engages us with God and to one another. God is our friend and I know that over this holiday season God will draw close to you and your family, Carey. Carey,

What’s interesting to me is the enduring quality of friendship. For example, when children grow up, they become friends with their parents. Prior to marriage, an engaged man and woman should have grown in deep friendship, where the friendship deepens over time. When friends disconnect because of time, distance, and circumstance, what continues to connect them is friendship.

I’m increasingly aware that friendship is the essential and sustaining element of our lives. We may lose a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or a dear friend. But the quality of the relationship (the friendship) remains and can continue to sustain us over time through appreciation of their deposit in our lives. In friendship, we are known and know others. And the beauty of friendship is that our unique personalities are the raw material for scultping our relationships ~ yours and mine.

God is the ultimate friend because in God is the perfected reality of friendship ~ the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in perfect unity, love, and caring within and extending outward. So God’s friendship with us engages us with God and to one another.

God is our friend and I know that over this holiday season God will draw close to you and your family, Carey.

]]>