In some other translations Paul says he tried to be all things to all men that he might save some. In the NLT (new living translation) he says he tries to fine common ground. The point of finding common ground - helping others find or take steps towards Christ. To me, that is what it is all about. Common ground for conversation, common ground for relationship. It could be Nascar, biking, rowing, books, beer, music, some craft or collection. We show an interest in them and their life. Does that mean I am going to start collecting Barbie dolls to save the Barbie doll lover, NO? maybe a common concern, maybe just something I can learn from the person to improve my knowledge. Today I simply asked my friend about optical work as he has been an optician. I am not trying to save his soul, I am being human and trying to see if I can bring something of help in vision care to Ugandans at some point. He had a lot to offer in something I know nothing about except that people have trouble seeing, need correct glasses and that I need 1.5 magnification to read things near at hand.
If you google common ground you will find housing, pubs, reconciliation resources, coffee shops, something with gay and lesbian concerns, computer language, a radio show and lots more. As a man, human and pastor I want to find common ground that God may open a door to Godself in Jesus Christ through me. I know a couple of churches and friends that have opened coffee houses named "Common Grounds" great idea and I love coffee and coffee people.
Our president, Barak Obama "No one is exempt from the call to find common ground."
I like it FIND COMMON GROUND and see what happens.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
First Corinthians
1 Corinthians Chpt 1
The Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head. "Let there be no divisions among you." Out with nit picking, out with petty quarrels and power plays. Why? The world is lost, dying and going to hell. Do we hammer out policy? Yes. Do we push to understand and sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron? Yes.
What I have observed in churches and in other organizations is that there is nothing easier for Satan than to start a little fight and blow the whole thing up. Over the years I get lots of excuses from inside and outside the church. I left because they were fighting over... Frequently it involves money, but not always. Nothing stunts or stops church and individual spiritual growth like division. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Jesus. We had best not be too idealistic on friction. Whenever there are people there will be friction. A good resolved conflict or division is often a strength. But everyone has different tolerance levels for such things.
In the later section of this chapter I find some fun phrases. God uses the foolish to shame the wise. The powerless to shame the powerful and the despised by the world to bring to nothing what the world considers important. Why? So no one can boast in themselves. It's kindof like the trick up God's sleeve - the child that blows your mind by simple kindness, the stereotype that is wrecked in some way and simply when God does a wonder. Let us only boast in Him!
The Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head. "Let there be no divisions among you." Out with nit picking, out with petty quarrels and power plays. Why? The world is lost, dying and going to hell. Do we hammer out policy? Yes. Do we push to understand and sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron? Yes.
What I have observed in churches and in other organizations is that there is nothing easier for Satan than to start a little fight and blow the whole thing up. Over the years I get lots of excuses from inside and outside the church. I left because they were fighting over... Frequently it involves money, but not always. Nothing stunts or stops church and individual spiritual growth like division. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Jesus. We had best not be too idealistic on friction. Whenever there are people there will be friction. A good resolved conflict or division is often a strength. But everyone has different tolerance levels for such things.
In the later section of this chapter I find some fun phrases. God uses the foolish to shame the wise. The powerless to shame the powerful and the despised by the world to bring to nothing what the world considers important. Why? So no one can boast in themselves. It's kindof like the trick up God's sleeve - the child that blows your mind by simple kindness, the stereotype that is wrecked in some way and simply when God does a wonder. Let us only boast in Him!
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