Comments on: Having the Nerve to Follow Christ (Part 1)

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:45:54 +0000

Michelle,Thank you for these examples of courage. It is a reminder to us all that there may examples in our own lives that are not being noticed.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:44:44 +0000

Servant21–What you are you are saying is so true. The courage that comes from Jesus is greatly needed so that our own desires, fears, insecurities don’t take over.

By: servant21

servant21 — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:26:19 +0000

Jim, I truly love your this post. Courage is needed more today, than ever before, so it seems. I believe we are in a day of gross darkness as spoken of in Isaiah 60:2 or very near. So today we need to be courageous and continually seek the Lord's Face and His Will. The disciples were excited because they'd been beaten for their belief in Jesus Christ. How much longer will it be before this opportunity comes before us and will have that faith to face our persecution with that much eagerness. Will we trust God and stand for what we believe, or will we do as Peter did and deny Christ. I pray we'll do as Christ did and said, and receive the persecution as it comes. And pray for their forgiveness. Man this truly excites me, to know that some day I could do as Christ did. It's still a scary thought though.Thanks Jim for this post, it was needed.God bless, servant21

By: Michelle Van Loon

Michelle Van Loon — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:25:13 +0000

I have seen courage in the lives of some believeing foster parents I’ve known – as well as hospice nurses, military chaplains and some teachers who’ve gone the third mile for a struggling child. All were compelled to follow Christ into unglamorous, even dangerous circumstances. Far from the spotlight, God sees it all.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:50:53 +0000

Joyce,Thanks for this. Unfortunatly this seems to be a reality in many churches. In such a system, some may attack the messenger or the one who dares to describe what is really happening. Far too often, good people finally lose their spirit and give up.I think hope is to be found when a few people choose to go on and live a life of faith and service, trusting in God. That is not a "fix." Rather it seems that is what faithful people do.Thanks so much.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:46:11 +0000

Matt,Very, very true. I like the way you express this. It does become almost impossible to experience salvation under such a structure. Very sad and empties the Gospel of its good news.

By: Matt Dabbs

Matt Dabbs — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:40:11 +0000

Legalism is one place we find a tremendous amount of fear. Once you make it nearly impossible for anyone to get to heaven why try to reach them? So they stay in their fortresses defending straw men rather than going out and making a difference.Courage – anyone who is going out to change the world one person at a time whether through evangelism and/or service.

By: joyce

joyce — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:35:23 +0000

I really appreciate this post! I work on staff at a church, and I think the pressure to constantly appease and smooth over issues is stiffling our ministry. I certainly don’t enjoy picking fights, but sometimes we just need to call people on their attitudes and behaviors, and call the whole body on its need to step out into God’s future, rather than dwelling in the safe place they prefer.