DISQUS

They still do....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkHM8xG6i8o

That is one of the stranger things I have seen. (Your new worship project being the strangest!) The dancing's not bad, it's just such a strange mix of genres for me. Plus, how come the girls have to have the handheld mics?

The " last thing" they need is to NOT go to hell.

It is good not everyone has the opinions that I have read here or there never would be the first "amazonian" to reach the other "amazonians".

What bothers me about these comments is the importance of culture is being put before the imortance of eternal desiny. Would it really be the "worst thing" for these people to lose some of their culture but gain eternal life? (I'm not saying the two are mutually exclusive.)

The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few, and yet we are going to sit back with arms crossed and "decide" the best way these workers should give their lives? I don't think we should get to decide until we are willing to give our lives as well.

And Imago Dei is the image of God.

"But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feel of those who preach the good news!'"
Romans 10:14-15

I think a lot of strides have been made to not affect the culture of people-groups by missionaries. If you look at how YWAM goes into places and tries to minister using their culture, it seems that we are a long way from the way English missionaries went into Africa 200 years ago. I think most missionaries today understand that to "Americanize" someone is not the same as teaching them about Jesus. Also, groups like Wycliffe are very conscienctious about the culture of the people they are witnessing to.

But, even though I care deeply about preserving culture, and I understand that to make untouched people-groups wear chinos and a polo shirt isn't "reaching" them -- how much more important is it that they spend eternity in heaven rather than keep their earthly "culture"? Any culture we made them lose, even by accident, would be restored in heaven, but if they are not in heaven, what kind of service have we done them?

I think the big picture DEFINITELY says that we must reach them (in the most conscientious way possible); to not tell them about Jesus for fear of disturbing their culture would be a horrible mistake and foolishness on our part.

Good explanation, Ben.

hahahaha! I'm laughing out loud. Honestly, I don't think we have been grocery shopping together since we had the 3rd child. Sam drives around the parking lot with the kids in the van while I "run in and get a few things". He doesn't seem to mind even if it takes me 30 minutes...just as long as he doesn't have to go in! :)

hahaha...I definitely feel sorry for you guys and not for Owen. I have been there many times. :) Actually, with the picture thing, just once. Once was enough for me. Ethan was 18 months, Andrew was 3 and Joel was 5. Ugh! I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. But the pics are worth it now! Does he look older with his hair cut? Mine always did. It's so sad with the baby!!

Ben, I want to know what your dad thinks about all this...he was the main one at Jubilee blowing the shofar. Remember that HUGE one he got? It was so big and it stank inside.(I guess like a ram??) I will never forget the first time I heard it being blown...it scared me half to death -- that thing was so loud!

Ahhhh, here is the irreverent, sarcastic and hilarious brother in law (one of them!)that I know and love. I had been pretty worried that the pastorate would make you all religious and goody-goody. I should have known better, given your sacreligious family history! :)

Yes, this is a pet peeve of mine too. Is it really #27 or did you make that up? If not, I want to know what the first 26 are.

From Jersey with Scurvy

CurlyMoe Idaho

Spurgeon Virgin (Islands)

Melinda Virginia

Leroy Illinois

I need more time...I'll think of more...it's almost like Sudoku.

We have! But I don't know if we count...

Yes! I have found that God is faithful to keep me humble too. It's not exactly something I have to strive for...humbling circumstances seem to find me. :) God is so faithful to sanctify!

See, Mr. Hamilton is saying what I'm talking about. I would never bash Joel's personality or his "way" of doing church, but when he crosses over into inaccuracy, he MUST be judged by us, his brothers and sisters in Christ. Our world is so PC today, it's hard to remember what our responsibility as Christians are sometimes.

I disagree this time Ben. Now, understand that I really do love Joel Osteen's positive style and smiling face although I deeply disagree with a lot of his teaching. I agree with Josh and I believe in the "law of venue", in other words, once Osteen began marketing himself with books and TV shows, he was fair game for others to criticize and yes, should I say it...judge him. That is part of being a major player in the Body of Christ. It's just like your dad's rule with prophecy...if you give the word publicly and it's not God then you have to be corrected publicly. To not address someone's fallacy in order to not be "divisive" is just too close to being PC.