Comments on: An overwhelming response…

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:34:09 +0000

My ‘net’s being cruddy and won’t let me listen. Is there a transcript anywhere? Or your notes?

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:28:30 +0000

Thank you Ryan, for your honesty.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:23:15 +0000

Ryan, God bless you.

This is such a hard topic, Thank You for approaching it, for listening to us, for meeting it face on. I feel a little guilty for having sounded so negative. I’m grateful for having had the chance to say it but, officially, I’m sorry.

Jesus wins! Can you tell I have a hard time saying Love wins? because, how do we define love then? the general idea has failed me a few times…if we go and define love like Corinthians 13 – then in what capacity does it win?

I have a favorite verse that comforts me though:

Psalm 85:10 “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”

It seems achieving both is in the will of God and is going to happen! How beautiful….

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:10:48 +0000

Ryan -

Thanks for your initial question and letting us vent. I know that Jesus lives in all of us but we all are not Jesus. We all fall. I put too much stock in our pastor and leaders – more than I should. They have a huge task and are always in the spotlight. I do miss being close to them as friends and have no idea why we aren’t friends anymore. My relationship with Jesus is not based on their behaviors but it makes me uncomfortable going to church. I want to enjoy church.

I think for most people, it is scary to get close to people at church (fellowship). There is the fear of being judged by others for our human frailties. I am judging my minister and others too. It makes for a double edged sword. Being open and loving may cause being judged and persecuted. Hopefully we can trudge through this difficult life, love each other and let go of judgement, and do His will as much as possible.

I’ve heard it said “God did not promise us a smooth flight but He did promise a safe landing.”

Thanks for your blog and all you do!

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:25:28 +0000

I listened to your sermon … you know, I read many of the comments as they were coming in, but it was different listening to someone read them and put a voice to them. It just made me feel sad. It stinks that so many people have had bad experiences in church or with Christians. And I feel bad about being part of the problem. I’ve been wrestling with God over some things, and I know I reflect that more than I reflect who Jesus is.

Ryan, I’m glad I have a place through your blog to “hang out” without feeling like I have like I have to have it together or have it all figured out. Wish I could find a church like that in my neck of the woods …

By: Sarah C.

Sarah C. — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:54:19 +0000

I posted anonymously before, and part of me wishes I hadn’t. In truth, even in the shadows of the internet I was afraid of being judged. You sent me a reply by email, and it made my cry all over again, but they were much happier tears. Thank you for caring.

To know you actually read all 150 comments, even those last two, is comforting. Your sermon as a whole in response to the answers given your plea was… insightful. Ryan, thank you for the link to your sermon, and also thank you in general, your blog always makes the day a bit better, even when the topics may not be entirely upbeat.

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:01:48 +0000

Hey Ryan… have you heard this song by Chris Tomlin yet? I only just discovered it (being totally not the cool kid) but I loved it! It’s called “God of This City”.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk

By: Tracy M

Tracy M — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:16:29 +0000

I’ve been to several churches and not found the one for me. I’ve tried & tried and quite frankly gave up. I LOVE being able to listen to your podcast. Thank you…

By: anonymous

anonymous — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:36:41 +0000

In truth, while my comments might have seemed a judgmental assault, it was really self-defense. Every Christian I have ever encountered (including you) has bitten off a piece of my soul. If just one would keep their word…If just one would seek to understand the battle instead of condemning me for having scars…If just one would shut up and act…maybe my fear would lessen.

By: james

james — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:55:41 +0000

Ryan is absolutely right. We have no right to judge others and write them off as “lost.” For if we do, Whether Christian or not, we are guilty of much more than condemning other. We are guilty of condemning ourselves.

By: erin

erin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:17:55 +0000

I think one of the reasons I enjoy your blog so much is how thoughtful it is…and how in turn I reflect. It makes me a better person. So thank you.

By: TheDan

TheDan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:00:48 +0000

I’ve decided to cut back on my judging. From now on I am going to focus all of my judging energy on judging you.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:42:33 +0000

Ryan, this post by you is O’ so humbling to me. I’ve found myself in situations that I have to ask for forgiveness of my attitude. My post for today kind of goes along with your post here. I love how God ties it all together and speaks to our hearts. I’ll listen to your podcast. I always enjoy listening to you. God’s using you in a mighty way! Praise to HIM on high!

By: Robin

Robin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:22:13 +0000

I appreciate that you seem to really live: Love Wins!
Good job Pastor Ryan!

By: Sonja Chandler

Sonja Chandler — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:08:59 +0000

In truth, we can judge other Christians for not being what we think a christian should be, but we really “can’t” judge. I have judged a lot. I try not to but sometimes in moments when I’m not as aware as I should be I judge. What happens is the very finger I’m pointing with ends up pointing back at me because we are all human and we all make mistakes no matter how well we are serving. When I judge I find myself being convicted of something even more pressing that I need to work on myself. It’s a funny, enlightening, continous circle of learning. And it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.

Ain’t life grand.

I’m off to listen to your sermon now.
Have a great day!