Comments on: Tuesday Town Hall 28…Kingdom Advancement http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/ Just a few things I want to say Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:31:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Anthony http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2668 Anthony Tue, 19 May 2009 14:38:19 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2668 Missions are important. Helping people to show an example of Christ is important. My problem with spending so much time on out of town missions is, that if would devote half as much time working in the community you could actually show someone a lifestyle, not just an example. There are needs everywhere in the world, I understand that, but if we can't help the ones around us, why are we helping everyone else. This does not apply to those that God has called to do missions, but for those that are going once per year, yes, they help, but could there services be better used locally to build a community, put more people into the ultimate mission, and from there go. If the church can't afford to pay the bills, why are the congregation focusing on something other than growing the congregation and helping the local community. Once the church grows enough where the bills and things that have to be done are taken care of, then take what's left and put towards everything else. Why go out and reach the world, when the people you see every day are on their way to Hell? Missions are important. Helping people to show an example of Christ is important. My problem with spending so much time on out of town missions is, that if would devote half as much time working in the community you could actually show someone a lifestyle, not just an example. There are needs everywhere in the world, I understand that, but if we can’t help the ones around us, why are we helping everyone else. This does not apply to those that God has called to do missions, but for those that are going once per year, yes, they help, but could there services be better used locally to build a community, put more people into the ultimate mission, and from there go. If the church can’t afford to pay the bills, why are the congregation focusing on something other than growing the congregation and helping the local community. Once the church grows enough where the bills and things that have to be done are taken care of, then take what’s left and put towards everything else. Why go out and reach the world, when the people you see every day are on their way to Hell?

]]> By: Chris http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2358 Chris Sat, 02 May 2009 04:00:17 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2358 Nancy, I agree. I was trying to make sure I understood Sonny's point. Doing what is right is right whether we feel good or bad about it. I am not perfect, and I know no one else is either. We just have to do the best with what we have to offer, and we should do it in the most efficient way possible due to the short time we here to offer that help. Nancy,

I agree. I was trying to make sure I understood Sonny’s point.

Doing what is right is right whether we feel good or bad about it.

I am not perfect, and I know no one else is either. We just have to do the best with what we have to offer, and we should do it in the most efficient way possible due to the short time we here to offer that help.

]]> By: Nancy M http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2340 Nancy M Fri, 01 May 2009 14:20:21 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2340 Chris, I don't think you have missed the point. We all have our own opinion on how to do things and I really don't think anyone is wrong (just different :HEAD: ). As long as we use what we have, where we are to the best of our ability with God being the focus and truth being taught the kingdom will advance. Even though it may be step at a time. I do think that we should work in our community and build relationships that will last. Feel good missions are not the type mission I care to go on. I feel good when I work for God wether close to home or out of town and I don't think feeling good about the job is wrong. I don't do the work to feel good I simply enjoy being used by the Lord. Sometimes the work isn't pleasant. I can think of many things I enjoy more than cleaning but cleaning is something I used to do for people when I felt led to offer them help. Now it seems that I have other talents to use. You are right on point when you say a non-chiristian can build a barn, etc...and if we are not focused on the true mission we accomplish the same as the non-christian-a project finished, backs patted and goose bumps all around. No one truely changed just looking for their next feel good project. I pray for the mission trips and projects that I support, then trust that the work of God will be accomplished. At least if we are off base we took the chance to play the game. :fite: Love you all, Nancy Chris,

I don’t think you have missed the point. We all have our own opinion on how to do things and I really don’t think anyone is wrong (just different :HEAD: ). As long as we use what we have, where we are to the best of our ability with God being the focus and truth being taught the kingdom will advance. Even though it may be step at a time.

I do think that we should work in our community and build relationships that will last. Feel good missions are not the type mission I care to go on. I feel good when I work for God wether close to home or out of town and I don’t think feeling good about the job is wrong. I don’t do the work to feel good I simply enjoy being used by the Lord. Sometimes the work isn’t pleasant. I can think of many things I enjoy more than cleaning but cleaning is something I used to do for people when I felt led to offer them help. Now it seems that I have other talents to use. You are right on point when you say a non-chiristian can build a barn, etc…and if we are not focused on the true mission we accomplish the same as the non-christian-a project finished, backs patted and goose bumps all around. No one truely changed just looking for their next feel good project. I pray for the mission trips and projects that I support, then trust that the work of God will be accomplished.

At least if we are off base we took the chance to play the game. :fite:

Love you all,

Nancy

]]> By: Sonny http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2325 Sonny Fri, 01 May 2009 03:26:07 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2325 Thanks Chris for seeing most of what I am saying. We all need to try harder to ascertain why the Kingdom of God, which is supposed to have the enemy besieged behind the gates, are allowing instead the enemy to advance even unto sitting in our sanctified pews. We are not doing what we are supposed to be doing. Small pockets of feel good ministries are not advancing much more than our own spiritual egos. I know I am being harsh here but I am angry at the moment about a few Kingdom issues that have come across my studies today. I apologize beforehand if I offend anyone. What needs to be said, needs to be said. I do Love you all Thanks Chris for seeing most of what I am saying. We all need to try harder to ascertain why the Kingdom of God, which is supposed to have the enemy besieged behind the gates, are allowing instead the enemy to advance even unto sitting in our sanctified pews. We are not doing what we are supposed to be doing.

Small pockets of feel good ministries are not advancing much more than our own spiritual egos.

I know I am being harsh here but I am angry at the moment about a few Kingdom issues that have come across my studies today. I apologize beforehand if I offend anyone. What needs to be said, needs to be said.

I do

Love you all

]]> By: Chris http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2322 Chris Fri, 01 May 2009 03:11:18 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2322 I may be missing the point as well, but I don't think Sonny is saying throw money at people and that will suffice. It seems to me that he is speaking more broadly. If I am wrong please correct me. For example:If we sent out 100 missionaries. They all go and help a town rebuild, that is great. But what if we took those same 100 missionaries and sent them to more places and had them out among the people in many areas helping in more day to day stuff (instead of a grandiose gesture), and used the resources to help spread the word of God rather than build something or clean something. Better yet, help the people in your own area. I can't think of an area of this country that doesn't have people in need. It is cheaper, and you are helping people that you can have a long term impact on directly. If we all helped and shared in our own neighborhoods, and still did the occasional mission then things would be going a lot better. Feel good missions are great, but it does seem to waste precious resources that we could or should use more efficiently. Those grandiose things have their place, but non-Christians can build a barn, plant a tree, or set up a park, and get just as much credit. It takes a personal touch to reach others and we should try to reach as many people as possible and not just in little pockets because "we" feel bad for them or their area. What happens when they don't need that school, or they don't need the church built. What do we do then, just forget them? All people need help when it comes to understanding God, and what is planned for the future. Once again maybe I am off base, but this is what I am seeing. Chris I may be missing the point as well, but I don’t think Sonny is saying throw money at people and that will suffice. It seems to me that he is speaking more broadly.

If I am wrong please correct me.

For example:If we sent out 100 missionaries. They all go and help a town rebuild, that is great. But what if we took those same 100 missionaries and sent them to more places and had them out among the people in many areas helping in more day to day stuff (instead of a grandiose gesture), and used the resources to help spread the word of God rather than build something or clean something. Better yet, help the people in your own area. I can’t think of an area of this country that doesn’t have people in need. It is cheaper, and you are helping people that you can have a long term impact on directly.

If we all helped and shared in our own neighborhoods, and still did the occasional mission then things would be going a lot better. Feel good missions are great, but it does seem to waste precious resources that we could or should use more efficiently.

Those grandiose things have their place, but non-Christians can build a barn, plant a tree, or set up a park, and get just as much credit. It takes a personal touch to reach others and we should try to reach as many people as possible and not just in little pockets because “we” feel bad for them or their area. What happens when they don’t need that school, or they don’t need the church built. What do we do then, just forget them?

All people need help when it comes to understanding God, and what is planned for the future.

Once again maybe I am off base, but this is what I am seeing.

Chris

]]> By: Nancy M http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2313 Nancy M Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:06:41 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2313 Sonny, Knowing your testimony I can understand where you are comming from. You have said it yourself you didn't need anyone. Before you came to Christ you were very self sufficient. You were perfectly content on your own. I realize that having guests come in and do ministry is taxing on a community of people (believers and non-believers). It means more people to do for and feelings to consider but if the ministry team goes in with the right mind set they are going in as servants not vacationers. Yes, numerically we probably could do more if we took the cash and gave but what about the personal side of ministry. Jesus went about doing good he didn't send money to those that needed comfort. They needed a personal touch. I am sure that there are plenty of people out there who would rather us just send the money. I just hope that they would use the money wisely and teach the truth of the Word. Until you spend some time with someone you don't know them. Anyone can say that they are ministry minded but after a personal visit and a discussion or two you begin to see their definition of ministry/truth/passion/commitment/reality. The Word of God is alive but it can only live in us when we submit to it. You yourself have a strong ministry in teaching. It is a gift. You pull out the best and the worst in us (those you teach). Challenging our preconsieved notions and wrong teaching we have imbedded in us. What if the truth you have uncovered for us is just kept within our own group here. We have talked about go-go-go. Why is it so difficult to see that a mission trip to take medical equipment to a village hospital and people to teach others how to use it a waste of money. I do agree with you in that if there are skilled people in an area that can be hired to help the economy of the area, apply the money to stimulate the economy. I am sure of one thing none of us are perfect but if we strive in all that we do to put others first with God as the one who directs us the work of the kingdom will move forward. We should strive to be effective in all that we do. Love ya, Sonny,

Knowing your testimony I can understand where you are comming from. You have said it yourself you didn’t need anyone. Before you came to Christ you were very self sufficient. You were perfectly content on your own. I realize that having guests come in and do ministry is taxing on a community of people (believers and non-believers). It means more people to do for and feelings to consider but if the ministry team goes in with the right mind set they are going in as servants not vacationers. Yes, numerically we probably could do more if we took the cash and gave but what about the personal side of ministry. Jesus went about doing good he didn’t send money to those that needed comfort. They needed a personal touch. I am sure that there are plenty of people out there who would rather us just send the money. I just hope that they would use the money wisely and teach the truth of the Word. Until you spend some time with someone you don’t know them. Anyone can say that they are ministry minded but after a personal visit and a discussion or two you begin to see their definition of ministry/truth/passion/commitment/reality. The Word of God is alive but it can only live in us when we submit to it. You yourself have a strong ministry in teaching. It is a gift. You pull out the best and the worst in us (those you teach). Challenging our preconsieved notions and wrong teaching we have imbedded in us. What if the truth you have uncovered for us is just kept within our own group here. We have talked about go-go-go. Why is it so difficult to see that a mission trip to take medical equipment to a village hospital and people to teach others how to use it a waste of money. I do agree with you in that if there are skilled people in an area that can be hired to help the economy of the area, apply the money to stimulate the economy. I am sure of one thing none of us are perfect but if we strive in all that we do to put others first with God as the one who directs us the work of the kingdom will move forward. We should strive to be effective in all that we do.

Love ya,

]]> By: Sonny http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2310 Sonny Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:09:56 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2310 I wish someone would see what I am trying to discuss here and give some thought to it. Mission is the ONLY thing we are supposed to be doing but are we really concerned enough to do it in the most effective manner? Do we really want to feed as many as possible, to help as many as possible, even if we do not get the recognition or accolades. All of your thoughts and expressions are valid and right in a sense but I am asking something totally different than what it seems most of you are reading. Thanks for the input though. Love you all I wish someone would see what I am trying to discuss here and give some thought to it. Mission is the ONLY thing we are supposed to be doing but are we really concerned enough to do it in the most effective manner? Do we really want to feed as many as possible, to help as many as possible, even if we do not get the recognition or accolades.

All of your thoughts and expressions are valid and right in a sense but I am asking something totally different than what it seems most of you are reading.

Thanks for the input though.

Love you all

]]> By: Nancy M http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2309 Nancy M Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:12:39 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2309 I know mission trips are about bringing the Good News to others but I think that God is ok with them enforcing the Good News to us. It's not about feeling good about yourself it is about sharing yourself with others. Some of us have a more difficult time sharing ourselves due to the fact that we don't feel that we have much to offer but if we take into consideration the Widows mite that is mentioned in the Bible we can maybe see the value in ourselves, our talents, gifts, abilities or just our availability. You may never know the impact you have on others but be assured you do have a impact. Be mission minded if you are so inclined, be all that God has called you to be, do all that you do as unto the Lord knowing that He is able to make up the difference when we fall short. If no one will go who will take the Good News? Building a barn may not seem like a big deal to one person but it is a big deal to someone that is need of one. If your roof is not leaking repairing one on a mission trip may not seem like a big deal except for the one who's roof is now repaired and they can stay dry on rainy days and enjoy knowing that by the grace of God someone cared enough to fix it for you. We cleaned a lady's house while we were there. Not much ability needed to do that, but the family we helped seemed to appreciate it and they were in service with us the following Sun. She testified and shared how God had been providing for her and her family and how grateful she was for all that the church had done for them. I did not keep in touch with her and I don't know if she is still attending church but I know God hasn't lost track of her and I hope she has kept in touch with Him. Instead of worrying about the money spent on mission trips maybe we should concentrate more on spending less on ourselves on things we can do without--eating out (when we could stand to miss a meal), new shoes (when we don't even wear what we already have), new clothes (when our closets are full now), CD's, DVD's, book's (to clutter up our already full shelves), the newest and fastest electronic device (while we hord the perfectly good ones we have stuck in our over packed desks). Believe me I don't have a problem with stuff, heavens knows I have my share, but if we spent l/2 as much on the spreading of the gospel as we do on our own selfish fettishes :sry: the gospel would be prospering hand over fist. What exactly is a House Church? Love you all, Nancy I know mission trips are about bringing the Good News to others but I think that God is ok with them enforcing the Good News to us. It’s not about feeling good about yourself it is about sharing yourself with others. Some of us have a more difficult time sharing ourselves due to the fact that we don’t feel that we have much to offer but if we take into consideration the Widows mite that is mentioned in the Bible we can maybe see the value in ourselves, our talents, gifts, abilities or just our availability. You may never know the impact you have on others but be assured you do have a impact. Be mission minded if you are so inclined, be all that God has called you to be, do all that you do as unto the Lord knowing that He is able to make up the difference when we fall short. If no one will go who will take the Good News? Building a barn may not seem like a big deal to one person but it is a big deal to someone that is need of one. If your roof is not leaking repairing one on a mission trip may not seem like a big deal except for the one who’s roof is now repaired and they can stay dry on rainy days and enjoy knowing that by the grace of God someone cared enough to fix it for you. We cleaned a lady’s house while we were there. Not much ability needed to do that, but the family we helped seemed to appreciate it and they were in service with us the following Sun. She testified and shared how God had been providing for her and her family and how grateful she was for all that the church had done for them. I did not keep in touch with her and I don’t know if she is still attending church but I know God hasn’t lost track of her and I hope she has kept in touch with Him. Instead of worrying about the money spent on mission trips maybe we should concentrate more on spending less on ourselves on things we can do without–eating out (when we could stand to miss a meal), new shoes (when we don’t even wear what we already have), new clothes (when our closets are full now), CD’s, DVD’s, book’s (to clutter up our already full shelves), the newest and fastest electronic device (while we hord the perfectly good ones we have stuck in our over packed desks). Believe me I don’t have a problem with stuff, heavens knows I have my share, but if we spent l/2 as much on the spreading of the gospel as we do on our own selfish fettishes :sry: the gospel would be prospering hand over fist.

What exactly is a House Church?

Love you all,

Nancy

]]> By: Nancy M http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2305 Nancy M Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:00:51 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2305 Speaking from the donkeys's perspective. I have never considered myself a misionary only one trying to do what I can with what God has given me. I know that I have fallen short on many occasions doing just enough to get the job done. However in other instances when I did my best, which is what I should do everytime, God has truely gone above my expectations of Him. I know He can use a donkey even though He would rather use us. I have never personally been on a mission trip out of the country but I did go to West Virginia to take some supplies and do work on some homes there. We were able to minister to some very good people using talents God had given us and we were also able to strengthen our personal relationships with each other. Speaking from the donkeys’s perspective. I have never considered myself a misionary only one trying to do what I can with what God has given me. I know that I have fallen short on many occasions doing just enough to get the job done. However in other instances when I did my best, which is what I should do everytime, God has truely gone above my expectations of Him. I know He can use a donkey even though He would rather use us. I have never personally been on a mission trip out of the country but I did go to West Virginia to take some supplies and do work on some homes there. We were able to minister to some very good people using talents God had given us and we were also able to strengthen our personal relationships with each other.

]]> By: Sonny http://sonnycable.com/2009/04/21/tuesday-town-hall-28%e2%80%a6kingdom-advancement/comment-page-1/#comment-2259 Sonny Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:33:49 +0000 http://sonnycable.com/?p=1364#comment-2259 I still believe He uses a few donkeys even today. :D Love you all I still believe He uses a few donkeys even today. :D

Love you all

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