tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.comments2023-06-12T04:11:04.149-04:00Spend and Be SpentJason Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-59893675653580256842016-04-22T06:59:08.167-04:002016-04-22T06:59:08.167-04:00So thankful the Lord brought Fred and Harriette in...So thankful the Lord brought Fred and Harriette into our lives...may we all strive to be more like Christ.... Pam and DougAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-58262160696027064262015-04-21T15:00:50.595-04:002015-04-21T15:00:50.595-04:00Fred was amazing...and tougher than a bag of hamme...Fred was amazing...and tougher than a bag of hammers too.Ben Plummernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-59304615916080631902015-04-20T19:27:44.934-04:002015-04-20T19:27:44.934-04:00Jason,
As one (of many) of Fred's grandchildr...Jason,<br /><br />As one (of many) of Fred's grandchildren, thank you so much for sharing your sweet memories of him. He truly was an incredible man of God and I am so blessed to have not only known him but to call him Grampy. I am sorry for the loss you are feeling right now along with so many others.Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448601542934128651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-14426895381764325752014-05-20T00:30:20.778-04:002014-05-20T00:30:20.778-04:00Very Good, and yes Brave Blog... I always had to w...Very Good, and yes Brave Blog... I always had to work outside the home, BUT my desire was to be a full time housekeeper, wife, and mother.. AND IT IS my belief that the work of a mother which stays at home, keeps the home an environment in which children and husband, can grow in the LOVE of Christ, IS more valuable than one that seeks to make a mark in the world, in a career that gives of one false praise of greatness. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-48914363632954116592014-04-09T11:24:26.305-04:002014-04-09T11:24:26.305-04:00No, I definitely agree with you. I think that the ...No, I definitely agree with you. I think that the "Strange Fire" conference was a bad idea, and didn't do MacArthur or those that follow him any favors. I am kinda glad he is not affiliated with a baptist denomination.<br /><br />I am not a cessationist either, but a continualist (sp?). I think there is a continuum of where people fall in regards to how much the gifts manifest themselves. I guess a long discussion would have to be had as to the exact position and particulars of how I view it. But I don't think I am as far as the C. J. Maheny/Josh Harris branch of continualist calvinists, but closer to the Piper/Sam Storms thought. <br /><br />But anyway, I guess I never have thought about the gifts being a place that MacArthur's theology (and many other reformed cessationists) might reflect a smaller (in relation to my post) God. I think you make a valid point. I know what the cessationists would say, but I wonder what the calvinistic continualists would say? And they might not even like the discussion, but I am just curious; that's what got the ball rolling on this post in the beginning...Jason Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-76680243978021390482014-04-09T10:53:54.737-04:002014-04-09T10:53:54.737-04:00As you and I have discussed, I guess I would fall ...As you and I have discussed, I guess I would fall in line more with the General Baptists than the Calvinistic Baptists although, I have softened my stand in regards to engaging in public and pointless debates with the Calvinists and calling them names such as heretic and the like; furthermore, some of my best friends lean more Calvinist/Reformed than I do. However, I would question one thing you said about the big view of God that the Calvinists seem to articulate better than the General Baptists. [I would even be disenfranchised by some General Baptists for the comment I am about to make, but anyway... :)] <br /><br />Would you still hold to that statement in regards to John MacArthur and his "Strange Fire" Cessationist Conferences? As a former Cessationist, who now embraces the fullness and miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit and believe they are still in operation today, I would have to argue (for lack of a better term) that as for MacArthur and the "Strange Fire" Cessationists, it seems that they have a smaller view of God than do the Non-Cessationists, which I know is a totally different discussion than the General vs. Calvinistic discussion. Just a thought. <br /><br />The reason I say smaller is not that I think they discredit the miracles of Scripture, I just feel that they say that He chooses not to do them and this for one disenfranchises 2/3 of the Christian Church in the World as well as a growing number of "Reformed Charismatics." Whereas, myself and others would say that because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, He will continue baptizing and filling with the Spirit and doing miraculous works among, through and at the hands of His believers until He returns. <br /><br />I know, it's a whole new can of worms, but just a thought/question.Nathan Wilkersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11255316734700179686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-60215582316551701912014-02-12T12:48:10.079-05:002014-02-12T12:48:10.079-05:00I am reading Revelations also. I read this book b...I am reading Revelations also. I read this book before but this time I asked God to please, please let me understand it a little better. It breaks my heart that my sister and her husband (and others) are getting so old and all those years never followed God. They say they are Christians and pray morning & nights but I don't see any fruits. This has been hard to deal with everyday. Thanks for the blog. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-53002520650069822522013-09-27T00:06:53.065-04:002013-09-27T00:06:53.065-04:00Maybe I'm just not as good as it yet over the ...Maybe I'm just not as good as it yet over the technology, or as disciplined to keep up. Trying both, I still stand that personal interaction is necessary for real, full, (and probably biblical, if you look at the over 50 "one another" commands given"). Nancy's right, hard to give a hug over the internet. <br /><br />So what are the best methods or techno ways that you like for deep personal investment discipling, sharing life together?Jason Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13519037305033514506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-6354507335667308242013-09-25T08:48:11.505-04:002013-09-25T08:48:11.505-04:00there have been times when Pastor Jason has talked...there have been times when Pastor Jason has talked with me in all the many ways with modern technoloy and it has been great. There are times when I just need a warm huge, a smile and for you to say "everything is going to be alright". That really works for me. Can't get that from any technology. Nancy Kinsleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-46486318543811991402013-09-23T20:57:13.088-04:002013-09-23T20:57:13.088-04:00For some, it is quite possible to have deep, perso...For some, it is quite possible to have deep, personal relationships with people over the internet. I do not believe that physical contact is necessary to live life together on a day to day basis, or to live out the commands of Jesus, or to encourage one another... at least not with our current technology.<br /><br />Godspeed in your next venture :)Lew Ayottehttp://lewayotte.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-4684590206530679722013-08-28T11:18:03.758-04:002013-08-28T11:18:03.758-04:00Thanks for sharing, Pastor Jason. And I keep you a...Thanks for sharing, Pastor Jason. And I keep you and several other pastors in my daily prayers. I also want you to know that I have so appreciated your preaching and teaching GIFT from the Lord over the years we were at New River. Keep your eyes of faith fixed on our Lord, and keep depending on Him for everything.Geoffhttp://www.gordonstate.edu/faculty/gclementnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-19469430199538966122013-03-29T11:19:42.808-04:002013-03-29T11:19:42.808-04:00Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-49909325949778010482013-03-19T14:59:46.749-04:002013-03-19T14:59:46.749-04:00If we live in a representative government, and the...If we live in a representative government, and the majority of people support gay marriage, shouldn't the elected leader represent the majority of people? Even if that means changing your beliefs.Lew Ayottehttp://lewayotte.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-44760454261985594272013-01-26T11:31:28.833-05:002013-01-26T11:31:28.833-05:00Its like you learn my mind! You seem to know so mu...Its like you learn my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the guide in it or something.<br />I believe that you simply can do with some % to drive the message house a little bit, but other than that, that is excellent blog. An excellent read. I'll certainly be back.<br /><i>My webpage</i> > <b><a href="http://froxh.com/blogs/10895/11668/shed-weight-for-everyday-living" rel="nofollow">diets that work for women</a></b>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-783910763542858732012-12-22T04:25:38.966-05:002012-12-22T04:25:38.966-05:00Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a ...Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written <br />article. I'll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I'll certainly return.<br /><i>My weblog</i> <b><a href="http://weightloss-clinics.org/tag/deli/" rel="nofollow">king</a></b>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-58171656069823689792012-10-23T10:11:57.124-04:002012-10-23T10:11:57.124-04:00I agree with the above statements. I can speak fr...I agree with the above statements. I can speak from my own life, where I have known the gentleman that I consider my spiritual elder and mentor is a close friend of mine. I have known him for over 15 years, and he is in all means my father in the faith. This gentleman could say anything to me, no matter how painful, and I would receive it, BECAUSE OF my pre-existing friendship and relationship with him. As shared above, however, that relationship goes both ways, as he is very active in receiving from me, understanding that we are all interdependent on one another.Mark Van Nordenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15738946949583477841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-34816358903955242872012-10-23T10:08:16.294-04:002012-10-23T10:08:16.294-04:00"Jesus is the Son of God, and He is the only ..."Jesus is the Son of God, and He is the only one who is worthy of a superior / inferior ministry relationship."<br /><br />How true, but interesting that even He chose not to exercise that, choosing rather to serve than to be served.Mark Van Nordenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15738946949583477841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-18819218853662919632012-10-22T11:57:44.724-04:002012-10-22T11:57:44.724-04:00Jason,
The question itself shows a separation tha...Jason,<br /><br />The question itself shows a separation that cannot be overcome just by trying to relate to "your congregants" as friends. Can you imagine someone asking this, "Should I try to be friends with a fellow Christian?" It doesn't make sense does it? The answer is, "Of course!" So, why is the answer to your question not, "Of course!" in many people's minds? Because the question itself forms and demonstrates a distinction.<br /><br />Now, you will occasionally find people who can go against the grain and overcome those distinctions. But, as long as we persist in the clergy/laity distinction that is even apparent here, the kinds of mutual relationships that are necessary for growth, edification, and discipleship will be fleeting, and the maturity of all involved, including "the pastor" will be hindered.<br /><br />-AlanAlan Knoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452247058550736803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-27668992366004361872012-10-19T13:32:54.308-04:002012-10-19T13:32:54.308-04:00I found your post by "round about" means...I found your post by "round about" means, and hope you don't mind a stranger weighing in. <br /><br />I believe the issue begs the question, what is a pastor? I believe strongly that it isn't to function as CEO with a title. Pastoring is literally shepherding. The ways of God's kingdom are the opposite of the world's systems where the bosses cannot defend their position if they live as friends with their employees or clients.<br /><br />I believe Jesus lived with and loved His disciples as both leader and friend--something that can only be accomplished by an unearthly, divine love.<br /><br />Some scriptures that come to mind are the following: <br />1. John 15 where Jesus shows us that we are part of Him, especially verse 15: "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."<br /><br />2. Matthew 20:20-28, especially this portion, “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you…”<br /><br />3. Matthew 23:1-12, especially this portion, “be not called Rabbi…and call no man your father upon earth…neither be called masters: for one is your Master even Christ…”<br /><br />I hope you have heard me out on my opinion, but mostly that I am coming across in respectful disagreement.<br /><br />If you're interested, this is a link where I blogged a little about the topic: http://esztertun.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/two-great-adjectives-nontitular-and-nonhierarchical/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-51852691101757485472012-10-18T11:43:19.131-04:002012-10-18T11:43:19.131-04:00I guess I come at it from the other angle from the...I guess I come at it from the other angle from the two you lunched with on Tuesday. Let me reference a couple of quotes from your blog and comment on them.<br /><br />Quote #1 - "They stated that they felt like there were limits to the closeness of friendship between a pastor and one of his congregants because without them, the necessities of spiritual reproof and correction could not be carried out effectively."<br /><br />The Biblical description of a friend is one who is willing to address the difficult issues with another person. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” – Proverbs 27:6. I care more about my friends than anyone else in the world other than family, and I am willing to do whatever is necessary – even be brutally honest – to protect them. I do not think that being someone’s friend jeopardizes my objectivity, but rather emboldens my objectivity. I feel more freedom to rebuke a correct a friend because I know that they know I have their best interest at heart.<br /><br />Quote #2 – “…if a pastor brought himself down to the level of "just friends" he would lose the respect as the man of God who speaks with delegated spiritual authority from Christ.”<br /><br />I take exception to this sentence on two points. First, I do not consider myself superior to my church members, so if I become “just friends” I am not bringing myself down. If this sentiment comes from a heart of pride, we will lose the ability to effective pastor because we will become more concerned with our image than the welfare of the Body.<br /><br />Second, I like to think that my friends respect me more than anyone else does, because they know me better than anyone else does. They know my heart, my character, yes, and even my flaws, and they see the way I allow God to work in me. When they SEE that I have SUBMITTED to the authority of Christ in my life, then they are more willing to follow my spiritual authority because they know it is from Christ and not from me. <br /><br />Jesus is the Son of God, and He is the only one who is worthy of a superior / inferior ministry relationship. He taught His disciples that to be great one had to be humble. He challenged them to not lord their leadership over others. At the end if His ministry, Jesus referred to His disciples as friends. “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15<br /><br />I also wrote my last blog about my relationships with former churches. (http://www.jimsgems.org). <br /><br />I have to admit, I have not always felt affinity with my church. Sometimes I have been hurt deeply and wish I didn’t care so much. But the more I grow in ministry, the more I love and befriend my people. If I am wrong, I just can’t help it.<br />Jim Dugganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11385765489869011230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-84996097745394228722012-10-18T10:54:58.198-04:002012-10-18T10:54:58.198-04:00As an addition... I think it helps if you and ever...As an addition... I think it helps if you and everyone else recognizes that as you are shepherding others, you are also being shepherded by them. In Scripture, only Jesus offers a one-sided shepherding relationship with us. For all others, shepherding (as with all other relationships) is mutual. But, when shepherding is seen as one-sided, then relationships become difficult and strained.<br /><br />-AlanAlan Knoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452247058550736803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-72152570942446062222012-10-18T10:49:42.814-04:002012-10-18T10:49:42.814-04:00Your friends are correct only if "pastor"...Your friends are correct only if "pastor" and "spiritual leader" are equated to "vocational ministry." I don't think they are associated in Scripture, but then that's the way it's usually done today.<br /><br />On the other hand, if you are truly "pastoring" (caring for) people and you are truly leading spiritually (providing an example of one who is following Christ that others can follow), then friendship (close relationship) is necessary.<br /><br />Remember that the instructions to correct, warn, admonish, etc. were not given just to leaders (pastors, elders, whatever term you want to use). These instructions and these functions were given to all followers of Jesus. By the logic above, then, there should be no friendships among the church.<br /><br />By the way, people did call Jesus "Rabbi"... but do you remember what he said about having others call us by titles?<br /><br />-AlanAlan Knoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07452247058550736803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-70824235357570343132012-07-28T02:36:43.524-04:002012-07-28T02:36:43.524-04:00This has been an on going question for me that doe...This has been an on going question for me that doesn't get answered. There are several ways to look at it and non is really that conclusive except that there doesn't seem to be a writ of paper for legalizing marriage in the Bible. The Bible does state that we should follow the rules of the governing authorities, except where they are going against God is concerned, but it also does not define the laws of man according to legal marriage as they did not seem to exist back then. If you are going by God's law it would seem that when a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife the two become one flesh and are married in God's eyes. Man will always be skeptical and gossip regardless if you present a state marriage license or say you are married because it is fruitful to gossip even if the fruit is bad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-19466950847149712552011-10-12T16:44:45.157-04:002011-10-12T16:44:45.157-04:00That was helpful to me. I read the words from Roma...That was helpful to me. I read the words from Romans 7 and feel in my spirit the same struggles. May God give us a passion to know and honor Him, and especially in the non-routine stretches of life. May we "practice His presence" moment-by-moment and thank Him when He lovingly corrects us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998048830719303613.post-60790605633837193652011-07-20T07:49:45.775-04:002011-07-20T07:49:45.775-04:00Thanks for sharing these. We all have "those...Thanks for sharing these. We all have "those" days, and sometimes they come in bunches. Thanks for being Jason. We need you.Jim Dugganhttp://www.jimsgems.orgnoreply@blogger.com