“As was in many of the most religious people of Jesus' day, it is possible to become fully versed in a theological tradition or excel in theological education and still have a hardened heart that never truly surrendered to the Word of God.” Costanzo, et al (for full quote, click link below)
Tag: graciousness
Prayer Note #69: A Prayer (Drawn from Colossians 3:12-14)
Grant that I might be a living embodiment of Christ’s saving, healing, redeeming love in this broken world.
Quote of Note #219: Serving Others, Not Controlling Them
"If self-denial is at the heart of the kingdom [of God], controlling others is anti-kingdom." S. Bezner
Quote of Note #218: Love Without Limits
"Somehow we've developed the mind-set that to love one person or group, we have to hate another person or group. So we direct our love toward the groups we're part of--our families, our denominations, our political parties, our ethnic groups--and feel free to hate anyone outside these boxes." J. Perkins (to read the full quote, click link below)
Quote of Note #209: Gracious Persuasion vs. Hostile Conquest
"This change should always be the desired outcome, rather than the pride of having won a battle and leaving an opponent flattened and humiliated in the dust." J. Crotts
Quote of Note #204: Motive, Means, & Politics
"As sinners we need a spiritual strategy for dealing with our own sinful tendency to put the best possible interpretation on our own motives while putting the worst possible interpretation on those of our opponents."
Quote of Note #161: The Biblical Mandate for Civility
photo by GAC "The truth is that civility is not something that stands over against biblically based convictions in a kind of 'tension' relationship. To put it bluntly: the obligation to be civil is itself a matter of biblical conviction. This is very clear, for example, in 1 Peter 3:15. . .'Always be prepared to … Continue reading Quote of Note #161: The Biblical Mandate for Civility
Quote of Note #145: Blessing our Enemies
Photo by GAC "Repentance and tearing down walls that we've built also means that we speak differently of 'them'. 'Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you' (Luke 6:28). To bless means to speak well of. This biblical command can radically change our interactions within our circle of friends. When the topic … Continue reading Quote of Note #145: Blessing our Enemies
Quote of Note #96: Patience with the Failings of Others
"Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of what sort soever they be; for that thyself also hast many failings which must be borne with by others. If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldest, how canst thou expect to have another in all things … Continue reading Quote of Note #96: Patience with the Failings of Others
Pastor Note #92: Living Out Love
There are many factors that help a church to be healthy and effective—biblical and theological faithfulness, creativity and boldness in outreach, members who are diligent and committed to growing in their faith. But few things can wreck a church faster than bad relational ethics. Relational ethics in a church are one of the most important … Continue reading Pastor Note #92: Living Out Love
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 