tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28605099.post845666621516389766..comments2023-10-24T07:03:42.942-05:00Comments on vtmbottomline: MINISTERING TOGETHERPaul Burlesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021178307705707423noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28605099.post-76245327925443727882011-06-05T05:18:05.514-05:002011-06-05T05:18:05.514-05:00Aussie J, Christiane, Traveller,
I appreciate you...Aussie J, Christiane, Traveller,<br /><br />I appreciate your comments. I've been tied up and not commenting for a bit but it's good to get back and see what you guys have to say. Thanks.Paul Burlesonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17021178307705707423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28605099.post-62532862243813652002011-06-03T17:14:45.428-05:002011-06-03T17:14:45.428-05:00Paul, this is a well reasoned, thoughtful post, wh...Paul, this is a well reasoned, thoughtful post, which I agree with completely. <br /><br />Your imagery of the orchestra reminded me of the story of Leonard Bernstein, the accomplished US composer and conductor of the 20th century. Near his death he was interviewed by a reporter for the New York Times. He was asked what he thought was the most important person/position in an orchestra. The reporter thought he might respond the conductor or the concert master. But Bernstein answered second fiddle. He went on to explain if no one plays second fiddle there is no harmony. He obviously intended to convey more than the limited musical application.travellernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28605099.post-16700467240144829092011-06-01T22:38:15.196-05:002011-06-01T22:38:15.196-05:00" ... a stated longing for what could be in t..." ... a stated longing for what could be in the Body of Christ if we were willing and able to yield to the Holy Spirit in fresh ways with a greater desire for something that cannot be explained in terms of human control, manipulation, or methods born out of pragmatism."<br /><br />wonderful words, Paul<br /><br />I think of St. Ambrose, who wrote of 'a different kind' of ministry, graced with the Holy Spirit's gift of Christ-like humility, for the service of the 'lost and confused' who, lacking trust in all others, can willingly come to the hands of a humble shepherd for care:<br /><br />" . . For he who endeavours to amend the faults of human weakness ought to bear this very weakness on his own shoulders, <br />let it weigh upon himself, not cast it off.<br /> For we read that the Shepherd in the Gospel (Luke 15:5) carried the weary sheep,<br /> and did not cast it off. <br />And Solomon says: “Be not overmuch righteous;” (Ecclesiastes 7:17) for restraint should temper righteousness.<br /> For how shall he offer himself to you for healing whom you despise, who thinks that he will be an object of contempt, not of compassion, to his physician?<br /><br /> Therefore had the Lord Jesus compassion upon us in order to call us to Himself, not frighten us away. <br />He came in meekness, He came in humility, and so He said:<br /> “Come unto Me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.” (Matthew 11:28)<br /> So, then, the Lord Jesus refreshes, and does not shut out nor cast off, and fitly chose such disciples as should be interpreters of the Lord’s will, as should gather together and not drive away the people of God. <br />Whence it is clear that they are not to be counted among the disciples of Christ, who think that harsh and proud opinions should be followed rather than such as are gentle and meek; persons who, while they themselves seek God’s mercy, deny it to others "<br /><br />St. AmbroseChristianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15969310497166526545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28605099.post-91747854369346117712011-06-01T15:23:03.714-05:002011-06-01T15:23:03.714-05:00Paul,
Your words had me metaphorically jumping up...Paul,<br /><br />Your words had me metaphorically jumping up and down with joy.<br /><br />I am overjoyed to read words as you, have written, coming from a brother of similar vintage to myself, and with a similar background of denominational ministry.<br /><br />I don't read the words of an angry, or negative attitude.<br /><br />Your words reveal one who has understood the New Testament vision of a fully functioning family, with a heart yearning to see, what is without doubt, the religious club formalism and habitualness which is practiced by the church of today (there are very few exceptions), replaced by followers of Christ functioning in the way a New Covenant priesthood should, as a living, loving organism, not an organization.<br /><br />We would then see something like the church which Jesus said He would build, with He, Prophet, Priest and King, being the ONLY true Senior Pastor.Aussie Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16199918171163666399noreply@blogger.com