Disqus - Latest Comments for jskogerboe

Re: My Facebook Backlash… What is the Biblical way to handle disagreements online?

jskogerboe — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:59:09 -0000

Sarcasm mixed with a pointing finger sounds ugly. I'm speaking the truth in love here. For the sake of the reputation of Jesus and His Bride, I'm asking you Diana to consider not posting.

-joshua

Re: The Problem of Gay Friendship

jskogerboe — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 02:44:37 -0000

This is thought provoking. Deeply challenging, but very good. Professor Hill, I am a heterosexual conservative Christian just finishing my Seminary internship year and about to be ordained a Pastor in the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. We affirm, as you do, the traditionally understood prohibition of homosexual behavior in scripture, but I think the conservative evangelical church has often done a miserable job of ministering to those in the gay and lesbian community. My best friend from high school is gay, and I struggle to know how best to love him and my other gay friends well. I walk an uncomfortable line - standing on my convictions without unnecessarily sucker-punching them with ignorant or insensitive blather in an area of life that is obviously deeply personal and deep-seated for all of us: our sexual nature and desires and the way those shape our relationships. My heart understands the need for intimacy and friendship and love. I know everyone needs that. I'm glad I found you - I intend to read more of your writing and follow you in the coming months. Thank you for your voice. I deeply respect your decision to live a celibate, God honoring life. Actually, my internship is not far from Ambridge at all. I'm in Bethel Park, just south of Pittsburgh. One day soon, if you would ever allow it, I'd be so grateful if I could drive up to meet you and buy you a sandwich. God bless you and your teaching and your ministry.

Re: Your Sunday Morning Worship Preference

jskogerboe — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 10:18:38 -0000

Whoa. Roy, you just read of ton of your own stuff into this post. I had no negative reaction to seeing picture B. Actually, I had no negative reaction to seeing any of them. You did, but that's on you, not Carlos.

Secondly, good communication is about making a clear point, or inspiring new thoughts and ideas. This is a BLOG, not a dissertation. Carlos has no obligation to cover ever nuanced worship option available... where does he stop then?

What this post lacked, apparently, is your preferred worship style, perhaps. But it doesn't lack integrity, as you seem to imply.

Re: Dear Worship Leader… Sincerely, The Non Worshipping New Guy

jskogerboe — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:16:30 -0000

Trumpet at 5:48 FTW. Thank you. :-)

Re: Christianity's New F-Word

jskogerboe — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:11:16 -0000

This isn't a "backwards" article at all. I don't think the author's intent here is to throw the baby out with the bathwater regarding a rational defense of faith by way of apologetics. I agree with several here who have said that faith and reason work together. However, there are many in the Church who see issues of faith becoming subservient to human logic. It's really in many cases an issue of the inerrancy or authority of scripture. Of course, the modern Christian Church is all over the map with regards to scripture. I know many readers here may see the Bible as a divinely inspired but less than perfect holy representation of the Word and heart of God. Yet, I and many conservative followers of Jesus believe the Bible is true and without error and perfectly relevant right now, without contradicting itself. To believe that is not only a matter of rigorous intellectual study, but also a matter of faith. So to say "the problem" in Modern Christianity is a lack of reason rather than a lack of faith is certainly true in some cases, but for many, reason trumps faith. Many have assimilated the societal values of logic and philosophy and argument and elevated them to such a degree that the wonder of the Gospel - the mystery of the love of God - and simple child-like faith are seen in many cases as second-class values in the life of faith. I'm grateful for Sungyak's perspective. I share his concerns.

Re: The Adoption Journey

jskogerboe — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:59:49 -0000

Congratulations brother. :-) My fourth son and I (and the rest of the family!) are HUGE fans of adoption. God bless your family.

Re: http://stuffjustinlikes.com/post/14808984718

jskogerboe — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:45:53 -0000

Hey Justin. Hope you are well. George MacDonald was certainly a gifted writer, but as a theologian I think we can consider anything he says about God as suspect. He rejected the idea that Christ's death accomplished substitutionary atonement for our sin, and he basically believed everyone was going to heaven, because a loving God would never do otherwise. I know people are flirting seriously with these ideas today, but I think they are outside the bounds of what scripture teaches about God.

To see God on His throne always caused the men of the Bible to drop to their faces in fear. To consider this Holy sovereign judge a "monstrosity" is to ignore a very real part of God's nature. Yes, Jesus at the table with his friends is absolutely God. So is God on the throne. Both/And.

Anyway, just my two cents. Thanks for all you do, brother. The church needs your techno-wizard-like wisdom to be better communicators of the Gospel. May that all-powerful, all-sovereign, righteous judge on the throne be a close friend to you. What an awesome miracle. God bless!

Re: Patriotism, Devotion and Captain America

jskogerboe — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:34:19 -0000

Thanks Tyler! Great article. I've wondered about how so AMERICAN a hero is going to fly in the current conflicted state of the nation and the global market. This is well written, and it is going to be very interesting to see how this plays out.

I also echo greg's comment above. Your comments about the Tea Party are informative, as is your assessment that "When we express any sort of love of America, we might feel the need to qualify it under a layer of snark and disillusionment..." When you use WE in that statement, you are identifying the circle you are surrounded by, and the ideology or perceptions that surround you. There are many, many of us who are quick to express our love of country without such qualifications. It honestly goes without saying that America is not heaven... no country in the world is untainted by sin, greed, apathy, corruption... we live in a fallen world. And NONE of this diminishes from your greater point that it is Patriotic to be motivated to make America BETTER. To be honest about our problems. But I feel no compulsion to qualify my love of America as a deeply wonderful, generous nation, full of courage and beauty.Maybe you're exactly right. Maybe this is the best time ever for a truly American hero. It will interesting to see whether Hollywood can make a movie like Captain America without a continual undercurrent of apology for all of our failings. Thanks for this Tyler. God bless.

Re: Jesus' Unsettling Humanity

jskogerboe — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:58 -0000

People like me? I'm interested to know what you mean. Not for argument's sake... for clarity's sake.

Re: Jesus' Unsettling Humanity

jskogerboe — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:05:04 -0000

I hated this article. I have no problem in speaking of Jesus' humanity as a comfort to His children... but to use these passages of Scripture to suggest that Jesus was "cranky" or succumbing to the pressure of fame, or using a racial slur (which I understand is a common, and I believe false, interpretation of the Syrophoenician woman story), or flew off the handle over a misunderstanding... This is an irresponsible post meant to be provocative, not reverent or completely truthful. I enjoy the edges RELEVANT is willing to explore in matters of faith. I'm not suggesting you should stop doing that. However, I feel this article is more about generating reaction than encouraging the faithful with the truth or presenting the reality of Jesus to the unconvinced. RELEVANT, you can do better.

Re: Why You Should Use Twitter to Conduct Interviews

jskogerboe — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:54:10 -0000

Jeff, I love this. I love being able to come back and search the hashtag and read through the tweets. You are an innovator, bro. And I think Michael Hyatt is brilliant, so... win win. God bless, Jeff.

Re: Love Wins: A New Split in Protestant Evangelicalism

jskogerboe — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:38:57 -0000

In many ways I agree with israel. "We got stuff to do." Disciple making and deep communion with God, for example. I understand the sentiment of this post, but this here is no new "on the verge moment." I'm not trying to be contentious, but I do disagree, because the Church has gone through these cycles of reexamination for 2000 years. In the end, Love wins, so to speak, and Jesus' Church carries on. I think it is OK for those of us who believe the Bible is full of absolutes and the unchanging truth of God to stand with conviction and oppose the idea that core doctrines of the faith need to be "rethought." Of course, the command to "speak the truth in LOVE" still stands. Thanks for the post Jim. I think it is a bit hyperbolic, but that's not meant to have any sharp points. I think there is LOTS of room for continuing to challenge and encourage fellow believers under this big tent. God bless.

Re: What Will You Sacrifice?

jskogerboe — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:39:15 -0000

Excellent excellent excellent, brother. You have nailed it. We are worship facilitators. Therefore, whatever leads to deeper, richer, more honest, more united worship for our congregation needs to be first. Before our pride and preferences and policies. To God alone be the glory, because He alone deserves it. Thanks for the superb reminder. God bless!

Re: John Piper’s Report on His Leave of Absence

jskogerboe — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:50:42 -0000

Thanks so much John for your life and ministry. This is an inspiring example. God bless you and your bride, your kids, and your ministry. Soli Deo Gloria!

Re: http://stephenbateman.tumblr.com/post/1617574690

jskogerboe — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 07:39:48 -0000

Actually from right in the Twin Cities where we live. Single mom situation with multiple kids at home - couldn't handle a baby. We met with her after meeting little Joshua. It was a God thing. He was actually born in the same hospital as our 3rd son, about 7 weeks later. So the two of them have basically grown up as "twins," sharing a room and clothes and toys, etc. It's amazing. Puts a while new depth to what it means to be "chosen" and "adopted as sons" into God's Kingdom (Galatians 4:5, Ephesians1:4-5).

Re: http://stephenbateman.tumblr.com/post/1617574690

jskogerboe — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 06:48:49 -0000

SO SO GLAD for you and your family, Stephen! Our 4th son is adopted... I'm a big fan (of him and of adoption. :-)

God bless you guys. And thanks for starting my day with "EAT THAT NULMER!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! :-)

Re: Saving Blue Like Jazz: The Movie

jskogerboe — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:14:28 -0000

Wow. OK, two things... I helped "save" the movie through my blog (although that does sound a bit hyperbolic, but... good times) and I'm really going to enjoy it. Second, I'm just a dude encouraging everyone to speak kindly to one another - especially those with whom you disagree. C'mon Church! Go Team! Go Team! God bless, everyone. :-)

Re: Life's Not Always Fireflies and Hummingbirds: Guest Post: Alece Ronzino

jskogerboe — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:44:23 -0000

Thanks Alece. Great reminder. :-) Bless you.

Re: I Should Vs. I Want To

jskogerboe — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:12:18 -0000

Great post brother. I agree with you, and the passage that came to mind as I read this was Psalm 37:4 > "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires." When I was younger, I used to think that meant whatever my heart desired, He would give me. As in, I desire a Ferrari. In my heart. But this is better translated, "Intentionally be delighted with God, and stoke your delight in Him, and He'll place in your heart the desires that line up with His will for you." So I say AMEN to your post, and the best road I know to the "right" desires is to throw yourself into a passionate, grateful, delighted relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Thanks for the encouragement today to keep first things first. Bless you and Trisha.

Re: Are You a Man?

jskogerboe — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:33:52 -0000

Excellent. I need steady reminders about what is at stake. This was challenging, encouraging, and sobering all at the same time. It's time again for me, on the eve of entering Seminary full time next week, to reassess my convictions... rather whether or not my life is in lock step with those convictions. Praying for Holy Spirit help in the sanctification process, and joyfully aware that my identity is already secure. Thanks so much for posting, brother.

Re: Everyone LOVES DODGEBALL!!!!!!!!!!

jskogerboe — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:15:23 -0000

Only a dodgeball makes that satisfying "sssmUCK!" sound as it flattens out against someone's face at high velocity. Good times.

Re: VIDEO: TED HAGGARD STARTS A NEW CHURCH

jskogerboe — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:30:24 -0000

You know what? I'm genuinely torn. I haven't figured this out. And certainly I recognize that I have no authority here... I'm just another brother in Christ who is wary of Ted Haggard returning to Senior Pastoral ministry. After reading your post and watching the video, I blogged about my struggle here >> http://www.jskogerboe.com/?...

But MORE important than any of my thoughts here was a link one of my commentors (and a friend and fellow blogger) posted. It is a 1991 article from John MacArther called "Should FAllen Pastors Be Restored?" It is an EXCELLENT resource, and it pulls on my heard and my head. You can find it here >> http://bit.ly/ax6yLC

At the end of the day, I'm left with this question: Is RESTORATION of Pastor Ted into the Body of Christ "enough," or is it necessary (or even wise) for him to regain Senior leadership of a local congregation? I honestly don't know...

Thanks to you guys at POTSC for continuing to inspire God thoughts in me. Bless you!

Re: http://stephencollins.tumblr.com/post/661672750

jskogerboe — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:14:20 -0000

Thanks Stephen for the link to my post and this EXCELLENT follow-up. I'm weighing this carefully right now. The reference to "disqualification" in I Corinthians 9:27 holds a lot of water to me in this discussion. Maybe John is right here... maybe the loving and scriptural response ought to be forgiveness and restoration to the Body of Christ, but not a restoration of the mantle of leadership. ??? I need to seek out some older (wiser) Christ followers here. I'm forever a student. Thanks a ton for this outstanding resource, brother. Makes me appreciate you more, and thank God for this amazing social media forum for important discussions like this one. God bless. Praying for you these weeks, as well - I'm not forgetting your life trajectory right now. :-) Take care.

Re: http://joshuarwhite.tumblr.com/post/634812772

jskogerboe — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:38:26 -0000

I love this picture for 100 reasons. Beautiful shot. Great light. Great people. Great story. And the iPhone... Thanks for posting, Joshua. Sweetness.

Re: http://joshuarwhite.tumblr.com/post/618275095

jskogerboe — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:19:09 -0000

Whoa! Sweet shot. That pops. Very cool Josh. And beautiful @kassincahoots! :-)