Comments for Chapel Hill Team

Comment on Interesting Experience – What do you think? by Cary

Cary — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:44:27 +0000

Very interesting question, and I think I would have to mostly agree with Robby.

It’s all very debatable, of course, but I think that there is a certain set of generally accepted universal human values that can exist regardless of religious belief. It certainly can be argued that these values come about because of the existence of divine standards (this is C.S. Lewis’ argument), but in any case, I think we can confidently expect a certain level of ethical behavior of people regardless of their allegiance to Christ. The entire civil justice system is based on this.

What Jesus does is add extra dimensions to it – he calls us beyond universally-accepted ethical behavior. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies. Go the extra mile. Let your yes be yes and no be no without oaths. Realize that anger is as serious as murder. Always forgive.

So, yes, Christianity does not own ethics, it just adds some special depths to it.

Comment on Interesting Experience – What do you think? by Robby

Robby — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:29:42 +0000

I think that if God’s invisible qualities are made clear through his creation (Rom 1:20) and all people are created in the image of God (Gen 1:26), then it stands to reason that people should have an innate sense of right and wrong. While some people choose to ignore it, and others (like your humanist friends) do not attribute it to God, we all have a moral compass inside us, and we all know that honesty is right and lying is wrong.

I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who would plainly state that it’s OK to lie. But if you pushed them on their answer, most folks would have situations where they felt they were justified in not being completely honest. I’m sure the person who lied to you didn’t really feel like they were lying. In their mind they were just keeping the peace by playing a little loosely with the truth.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is that Christians don’t have the corner on the honesty market, and non-Christians shouldn’t be justified in their immoral behavior just because they don’t know Jesus.

Does that make any sense?

Comment on Alpha Course by Harvard

Harvard — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:19:43 +0000

Justin and Suzy Kastner have led the Alpha course for many years at E-Free church in Manhattan, so you might see if you can talk to them while you’re in town. Morris took the course at E-Free and like Cary said, raved about it.

Comment on Alpha Course by matt

matt — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:52:16 +0000

Thanks, Ryan and Cary. I’ll follow up on both.

Comment on Alpha Course by Cary

Cary — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:40:50 +0000

You might talk to Morris Crisler about it. He’s been through it and raves about it.

Comment on Alpha Course by Ryan Richardson

Ryan Richardson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:08:40 +0000

I ran Alpha for a while at Purdue. People seemed to enjoy it, but it didn’t work like I had hoped. It was a lot of work and so we burned out a little bit. I think they’re big weekend includes using charismatic gifts. I tried the non-charismatic version and didn’t seem to go as well.

I’d be interested in talking to you about the church planting movements seminar I recently attended. I think it presented some interesting thoughts about church planting, and also gave me some insight about small groups, which you said you’ve struggled with. Give me a call if you want at 901-486-6558.

Comment on Strategic Planning by Dwayne Hilty

Dwayne Hilty — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:51:35 +0000

Definitely praying for you, my friend. Sounds like a very similar road for us as well. We’re 9-months into things, have enjoyed some amazing things, are hitting the growth wall right now, searching for who God wants us to be. May God transform you guys in the process of moving you where he wants you to be.

Comment on Dream along with me! by Taylor

Taylor — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:11:12 +0000

I want, no I need to tell someone about what God spoke to me. God told me two years ago that I would win the mega millions lottery. He told me to play twice each at different times. He also told me what to do with the money. He told me to take 17 of it and give to the people. He told me not give all at once but to give as needed. I know that God told me this. He told me to use the rest for the center and my family. He has given me three major dreams since. One has completed itself and I’m living out the second dream now. I know God does not lie but I’m becoming afraid that I didn’t hear him correctly. God has done amazing things through the dreams. A major prison ministry is being formed that will house people coming out without a christan home to go to. I asked God today to please allow someone to tell me when will this come to pass. How long will I have to wait for him. I need to know because after a while you start to question if you are crazy or not. I don’t want God to be hurt or disappointed with my thoughts. I don’t want to be faithless. But sometimes I feel weak. But true to his power when I cry out he gives me strength. I have prayed and now I wait.
Please pray before you write back. Let me know what your spirit has told you to tell me.

Thanks
Taylor

Comment on Prayer for the Russell Family by Rufina

Rufina — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:41:13 +0000

This is great info to know.

Comment on Prayer for the Russell Family by Robby

Robby — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:55:13 +0000

Tim,

I know that no words can magically erase the painful emotions you are struggling with right now. Just know that Christian brothers & sisters (many you have never met) are going before the Lord’s throne in prayer to petition for comfort and strength for you and your family.