tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post4808194748177486868..comments2023-11-02T03:14:55.334-05:00Comments on The Bratton Report: You are cordially invitedMike Brattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145152348285384619noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-65875433383314517392007-08-12T17:36:00.000-05:002007-08-12T17:36:00.000-05:00Wish I could've been there.Though, given the subje...Wish I could've been there.<BR/><BR/>Though, given the subject matter, I definitely would've been the proverbial "fish out of water" (and just think, I don't even LIKE fish!). But still, it would've been cool just to hang out, grin, and eat mozzarella sticks.<BR/><BR/>How are you, Mike? Long time, no see/talk/whatever. Found you through a Google search (although, technically speaking, you weren't really "lost", LOL)... Finally got over my brain-gas and searched on "Mike Bratton" instead of "Michael Bratton". Like Taco Bell says, you gotta think outside the bun.<BR/><BR/>;-]Jim McKeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04302154484950586503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-56389419674337349482007-08-07T07:32:00.000-05:002007-08-07T07:32:00.000-05:00Please count me in if there's another lunch -- I w...Please count me in if there's another lunch -- I wasn't up on the blog last week and totally missed this one! I would have loved to have met everyone.Miriam Wilmothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03977271688329151671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-66588654230155816042007-08-06T23:00:00.000-05:002007-08-06T23:00:00.000-05:00Speaking of bepatient.... Sorry I couldn't make it...Speaking of bepatient.... <BR/><BR/>Sorry I couldn't make it to lunch. I just couldn't cram one more thing into my day! For all of you that reside in Memphis (unless you are going to be around again soon Mike), would you be interested in doing it again sometime? <BR/><BR/>I will probably be missing quite a bit until the fall- we have a first birthday party in few weeks (yippee!) and then a first family vacation with our expanded family! <BR/><BR/><BR/>Solomon, if you heard the sermon from Sunday, SG mentioned that when things get tough you can't just quit the ministry and go sell insurance.... well, that is what a family member of mine did- he was a pastor (who now sells insurance) and won't even go to church since none of them "do" it right! <BR/><BR/>We don't always get it right, but I bet your wife and kids don't either- and you stick with them anyway. As far as I am concerned, you make a commitment to the church when you become a Christian, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer...Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01867337846220103344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-9932695340916584352007-08-06T21:11:00.000-05:002007-08-06T21:11:00.000-05:00solomon,You've got email.I read on the previous th...solomon,<BR/><I>You've got email.</I><BR/><BR/>I read on the previous thread "Dr. Bill Loney" addressed the matter of blog comments acheiving their intended effect. He asserted that blogs are different from the old chat rooms because the responses on a blog are carefully measured and well thought out. Ideally yes, in real life, no. Many inexperienced bloggers shoot straight from the hip with no forethought whatsoever. <BR/><BR/>Blogs are great when used properly. This is from an article I read:<BR/><BR/><I>At their best, blogs offer an unparalleled opportunity for Christ-seekers to engage in rich and varied conversation, personal accountability, and thoughtful reflection. In any church, one is likely to find people of relatively similar beliefs and backgrounds. It can be more difficult to find others who will challenge your mind-set beyond the bubble of your current understanding. With online community, you can easily find people who will stretch you beyond your present knowledge and belief structure. Another beauty of online conversation is the ability to engage in it at one's own pace. To consider and either deny or accept any belief in a face-to-face conversation can be overwhelming and rushed. The opportunity to approach and walk away, to carefully formulate and consider your beliefs without someone standing there anticipating your answer (and their refutation) is an enormous aid in becoming a well-rounded and critical-thinking individual.</I> <BR/><BR/>In spite of the almost limitless opportunities for dialogue, blogs have their own unique risks:<BR/><BR/><I>One of the more interesting aspects of online journaling is the stark reality that most authors present. Something about typing your thoughts and life into a keyboard strips away the masks and pretension we often carry around. Self-disclosure, so rarely found in everyday conversation, occurs almost frighteningly often in blogs. This could be helpful or unhealthy. It is hard to deny that there is a great need for authenticity and consistency in our self-expression. However, a question looms: At what point does this self-revelation become too much? Certain aspects of one's life ought to be evaluated only in private or in the presence of a close companion. Online journals present these private discussions to the world.</I><BR/><BR/>Keith, there's a reason that the things you read on the blogs are so different from your experience at church. To some degree, we all wear masks in our relationships. However, when we're sitting alone with our computers it's much easier to express our frustrations and disappointments with one another. There's no denying it, the greatest pain and suffering is caused by people, and it's usually by people we care about. Nonetheless, these are exactly the same people you used to worship with.<BR/><BR/>I saw you mentioned 'Rowdy Lynn.' I used to go to Sunday school with him, and I never knew anything about him because he's very shy around others. I never would have known anything about how opinionated he is if not for the blogs. Now that I know him at a deeper level I don't especially care for some of his thoughts, but who's to say whether or not that's a bad thing? Would it have been better for us to have a shallow relationship that would eventually fell apart because we're different people?<BR/><BR/>Here's my point, Keith. The people you meet on the blogs are generally closer to authenticity than the people you've met on Sunday mornings. Judging from some of the posts from the people reaching out to you, it looks like your friends are here. <BR/><BR/>My invitation to come to church with me is always open, but don't overlook even one person God has put in your life. Even if you only know them by the screen names 'bepatient' or 'memphis', their prayers for you are of greater value than all the treasures of the earth.<BR/><BR/>Be blessed, brother!larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12511765356493811796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-82954936292026887392007-08-06T12:13:00.000-05:002007-08-06T12:13:00.000-05:00Mike,You said,Max Brunson was at 1st Baptist Dalla...Mike,<BR/><BR/>You said,<BR/><BR/>Max Brunson was at 1st Baptist Dallas when Jim left Bellevue, so I totally see God's hand in that situation. (Karen's correction-it's Mac, not Max)<BR/><BR/>Sometimes His work is easily discerned, but in other instances a good deal of time must pass before God's activity in a situation can be discerned.<BR/><BR/>And what would this situation be? <BR/><BR/>As to your "leading away" vs. "leading to" comment, isn't it the same as "half empty" vs. "half full"? To be lead to some new ministry, don't you in turn have to be lead away from your present ministry (notwithstanding the wet behind the eyes just out of seminary dudes)? <BR/><BR/>And finally you said:<BR/><BR/>Here's the thing, Karen--truth is objective. If you're speaking the objective truth and I'm not getting it, it's incumbent upon me to come around to the truth. By the same token, if the objective truth is something other than the conclusion you're drawing, you should be less fond of your conclusion and more fond of the objective truth. It simply isn't a question of who agrees with whom, but rather what the truth of a matter is.<BR/><BR/>To which I say: "Huh?" Isn't truth just truth? There's nothing objective about truth - it's truth or it's not. When I did something bad, my mom never asked me for the "objective truth" - she wanted to know the truth, not my personal spin on the truth. Since I said "huh?" above, I think I may be misinterpreting what you are saying, so please enlighten me. <BR/><BR/>Karen (grabbing another hanky to dry my tears that Mike is now in AL) :(Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805543641376648431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-119928467903045202007-08-06T11:15:00.000-05:002007-08-06T11:15:00.000-05:00Karen said... Hi Mike,Glad you made it back home o...<I>Karen said... <BR/>Hi Mike,<BR/><BR/>Glad you made it back home okay. As far as church discipline, I've said all along that it will have to be "a total God thing" (ain't I spiritual?):) to fix the Bellevue mess. Do you think that God is working out the mess by leading Bellevue's strong leaders away from Bellevue?</I><BR/><BR/>I realized that there would be a mourning period after my family and I moved to the Birmingham area, but you all must be strong and faithful... :)<BR/><BR/><I>When you look as the number of wonderful Godly men who have been led away from Bellevue, how can you not draw the conclusion that this is God's discipline for Bellevue?</I><BR/><BR/>Because, quite frankly, it's a subjective conclusion, and a premature one at that. And it works from the errant notion that God "leads away" instead of "leading to."<BR/><BR/><I>You may not agree with me and that's fine, but I'm having a hard time not drawing that conclusion. </I><BR/><BR/>Here's the thing, Karen--truth is objective. If you're speaking the objective truth and I'm not getting it, it's incumbent upon me to come around to the truth. By the same token, if the objective truth is something other than the conclusion you're drawing, you should be less fond of your conclusion and more fond of the objective truth. It simply isn't a question of who agrees with whom, but rather what the truth of a matter is.<BR/><BR/><I>God really is good though - I can't see how Jim Whitmire would have ever left Bellevue for 1st Baptist Jax, but I do see how he can leave an interim position at GBC for a full time position in FL.</I><BR/><BR/>Bellevue had, and still has, a mandatory retirement age. As much as anything, that precipitated Dr. Whitmire's departure--though he is still Minister of Music Emeritus.<BR/><BR/><I>Max Brunson was at 1st Baptist Dallas when Jim left Bellevue, so I totally see God's hand in that situation.</I><BR/><BR/>Sometimes His work is easily discerned, but in other instances a good deal of time must pass before God's activity in a situation can be discerned.<BR/><BR/><I>My word verification is egohhd (ego head!) </I><BR/><BR/>Are you sure that wasn't supposed to be High-High-Definition Ego? :)<BR/><BR/>--MikeMike Brattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13145152348285384619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-82615503481674192672007-08-06T10:09:00.000-05:002007-08-06T10:09:00.000-05:00Hi Mike,Glad you made it back home okay. As far a...Hi Mike,<BR/><BR/>Glad you made it back home okay. As far as church discipline, I've said all along that it will have to be "a total God thing" (ain't I spiritual?):) to fix the Bellevue mess. Do you think that God is working out the mess by leading Bellevue's strong leaders away from Bellevue? When you look as the number of wonderful Godly men who have been led away from Bellevue, how can you not draw the conclusion that this is God's discipline for Bellevue? You may not agree with me and that's fine, but I'm having a hard time not drawing that conclusion. God really is good though - I can't see how Jim Whitmire would have ever left Bellevue for 1st Baptist Jax, but I do see how he can leave an interim position at GBC for a full time position in FL. Max Brunson was at 1st Baptist Dallas when Jim left Bellevue, so I totally see God's hand in that situation.<BR/><BR/>My word verification is egohhd (ego head!)Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805543641376648431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-27433770977465099672007-08-06T01:07:00.000-05:002007-08-06T01:07:00.000-05:00Solomon, I feel the same way you do anout some of ...Solomon, I feel the same way you do anout some of the posts, but I have a solution for you to try. A. Do not read it. or 2. Skip over posts by certain people (which is what I do when I read the blog)<BR/><BR/>I highly doubt that anyone would say the type of things you reference in person (which is another thing all together) but if when you read the blog, there are certain people that I just skip over.....some of them I can already tell you what they are going to say or that they are going to argue about, or about what new dirt they might have found. (Still waiting for details on something that was broke on the blog a few months ago!)<BR/><BR/>If you really look at the posters, I'd say only a few of them actually attend BBC anymore or ever have, but that is the openess (sp?) of the Internet isn't it??? :)<BR/><BR/>It is unfortunate in a way, because they have a right to voice their opinions, but they lose that right with me when they post with anger. I can honestly say that there are 2 posters I will not even read their postings at all.Jfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07112629068602038293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-24523324259662845122007-08-05T22:25:00.000-05:002007-08-05T22:25:00.000-05:00Junkster said... Mike Bratton said... Though I hav...<I>Junkster said... <BR/>Mike Bratton said... <BR/>Though I have a friend who suggests church discipline is long overdue at Bellevue, until it is implemented there is no other option but to speak the truth in love to them. And, to remember that God loves us when we are unlovely.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps church discipline is in order ... but I doubt the congregation or leadership is likely to bring the pastor before the church for it. </I><BR/><BR/>Ha, ha.<BR/><BR/>You made a funny!<BR/><BR/>(stops to catch breath from guffawing)<BR/><BR/>Seriously, though, I didn't think I had to be more specific, but I will. My friend was referring to all the people who've spent roughly a year now (both those who do so psedonymously and those who do so self-servingly) ignoring Scripture and attacking personally the people who serve in Bellevue's staff and leadership--his opinion was that <I>they</I> should be introduced to the concept of church discipline.<BR/><BR/>Sorry we missed you at lunch.<BR/><BR/>--MikeMike Brattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13145152348285384619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-48642814267008234962007-08-05T21:27:00.000-05:002007-08-05T21:27:00.000-05:00Mike Bratton said... Though I have a friend who su...Mike Bratton said... <BR/><I>Though I have a friend who suggests church discipline is long overdue at Bellevue, until it is implemented there is no other option but to speak the truth in love to them. And, to remember that God loves us when we are unlovely.</I><BR/><BR/>Perhaps church discipline is in order ... but I doubt the congregation or leadership is likely to bring the pastor before the church for it.Junksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14422651080120306816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-81094800887266009962007-08-05T20:52:00.000-05:002007-08-05T20:52:00.000-05:00It was quite an honor to see so many of you this p...It was quite an honor to see so many of you this past Thursday, and to see how much we were in agreement with regard to so many different things. One thing that was brought up is at the foundation of Keith's observations:<BR/><BR/><I>solomon said... <BR/>You know, I was greatly encouraged by some of the posts on the NBBCOF Friday. After I had all but given up hope, I almost believed that God's grace was finally shining through.</I><BR/><BR/>Hope is never a bad thing, when it's properly vested.<BR/><BR/><I>But after reading some of the posts today, I've given up. After 'Rowdy Lynn's' condemnation of his friends' wedding (it's possible to go without a formal invitation, you know)</I><BR/><BR/>Maybe it was a rowdy-free wedding, and <I>out</I> of friendship, they didn't want him to sacrifice even for an hour something so integral to his personality?<BR/><BR/>Did he actually speak to his friends about the lack of an invitation? You know, face-to-face? I understand it's a novel concept, but I say step out there and try new things! ;)<BR/><BR/><I>to aslan's victorious gloating that Ken Reich is leaving our children,</I><BR/><BR/>When people are obedient to God's will, He is ultimately the only one who gets the victory. Knowing Ken, he's no doubt going where he's led; just as with Jon, there can't be any antagonism involved. <BR/><BR/><I>to SOTL's pathetic hateful outlash of the day, I've had it. I don't know who people like mom4 and gmommy are, but I won't expose my family to them anymore. If these are the people who occupy the pews of the 'church', count me out. </I><BR/><BR/>Keith, I'd appreciate it if you'd send me an e-mail with your phone number in it, or let me e-mail you mine. I'd like to talk to you in depth about the worldview that is discouraging you. I would also suggest you hook up via e-mail with my friend Padroc; ol' Pedro had some encouraging things to say Thursday specifically about the issues you raise.<BR/><BR/>Yes, all sorts of people shine the pews of Christian churches--and every one of them is someone for whom Christ died. Now is the time to love people in spite of themselves; God loves them, God commands that we love them, and God commands that we assemble together as His church. <BR/><BR/>Though I have a friend who suggests church discipline is long overdue at Bellevue, until it is implemented there is no other option but to speak the truth in love to them. And, to remember that God loves us when we are unlovely.<BR/><BR/>--MikeMike Brattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13145152348285384619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-62263237065702225442007-08-04T23:46:00.000-05:002007-08-04T23:46:00.000-05:00You know, I was greatly encouraged by some of the ...You know, I was greatly encouraged by some of the posts on the NBBCOF Friday. After I had all but given up hope, I almost believed that God's grace was finally shining through.<BR/><BR/>But after reading some of the posts today, I've given up. After 'Rowdy Lynn's' condemnation of his friends' wedding (it's possible to go without a formal invitation, you know) to aslan's victorious gloating that Ken Reich is leaving our children, to SOTL's pathetic hateful outlash of the day, I've had it. I don't know who people like mom4 and gmommy are, but I won't expose my family to them anymore. If these are the people who occupy the pews of the 'church', count me out.solomonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16233693177785852232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-433200665450450942007-08-03T15:11:00.000-05:002007-08-03T15:11:00.000-05:00To Cakes, Padroc, and MB: I had a great time a hue...To Cakes, Padroc, and MB: I had a great time a huey's the other day, was nice to sit down and put a face to a "screenname", anyways, thanks for the invite Mike.<BR/><BR/>MemphisJfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07112629068602038293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-79995035039129886792007-08-03T13:38:00.000-05:002007-08-03T13:38:00.000-05:00gmommy,Thanks for the nice compliment! I wish I c...gmommy,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the nice compliment! I wish I could have gotten there earlier to see everyone.<BR/><BR/>karenKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805543641376648431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-72709641452276377862007-08-03T10:40:00.000-05:002007-08-03T10:40:00.000-05:00Karen, Did Cakes get to tell MB that I am a nice o...Karen,<BR/> Did Cakes get to tell MB that I am a nice ol gmommy and not a threat to anyone??? :)<BR/><BR/>So good that both "sides" were able to meet and share and have a pleasant experience. Thanks to Cakes and Padroc and to Mike!<BR/><BR/>Karen,I know you are always sweet to everyone and already knew MB...glad you are getting around well!gmommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11713588262748876624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-20236791322573685732007-08-03T10:14:00.000-05:002007-08-03T10:14:00.000-05:00Solomon,I didn't say FINISH the burger; just eat o...Solomon,<BR/><BR/>I didn't say FINISH the burger; just eat one in my honor! :) Or if you're willing to drive, you could get a double animal at In and Out burger, but let's not get nuts! :)<BR/><BR/>As for Huey's I showed up about 2:15 and Mike and Cakes were still there chatting. Even though I've known each of them in "real life" for some time now, it was a good reminder that there are flesh and blood people behind the blog names and they have feelings just as you do. I think we're all guilty of letting the anonymity of the internet get the better of us sometimes so it was nice to reconnect with real live people.<BR/><BR/>karenKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805543641376648431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-620479665144878782007-08-02T20:58:00.000-05:002007-08-02T20:58:00.000-05:00I wonder, is it possible for us to nominate cakes ...I wonder, is it possible for us to nominate cakes for the nobel peace prize?<BR/><BR/>And Karen,<BR/>Honestly now, did you ever really finish a Hodad's cheeseburger? If so, how long did it take you?solomonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16233693177785852232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-66975255015066971482007-08-02T17:09:00.000-05:002007-08-02T17:09:00.000-05:00WatchingHISstory said... When the righteous die an...WatchingHISstory said... <BR/><I>When the righteous die and finally bear the image of the heavenly they will display a cold callousness, feeling no sympathy for the wicked. The wicked will realize an awful awakeness and realization of their need. A need that wil go eternally unmet. An unimmaginable tormet. Their tormented cries will be met with cold indifference.</I><BR/><BR/>I don't know if that's speculation or not, but I can see where the passage could support the idea. It's certainly something to think about. I've been asked before how we could enjoy heaven if we knew that some of our loved ones were in hell. My response is usualy that we will see things, including God's just penalty for sin, very differently when we see them from God's perspective. If I'm ever asked that again, maybe I will point to this passage of scripture.Junksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14422651080120306816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-78317729196254769572007-08-02T17:03:00.000-05:002007-08-02T17:03:00.000-05:00Mike,How was Huey's? Wish I could have been there....Mike,<BR/>How was Huey's? Wish I could have been there. I actually had other lunch plans, but they fell through, but by then it was too late to rearrange my work schedule to get to that part of town from where I work (in Collierville). Oh well ... mebbe next time ...Junksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14422651080120306816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-23908289590815373092007-08-02T17:01:00.000-05:002007-08-02T17:01:00.000-05:00WatchingHISstory said... my highly skilled twin br...WatchingHISstory said... <BR/><I>my highly skilled twin brother ... removed a statement from it's context ... maintains a material fallacy ... emasculates the statement and distorts the meaning.</I><BR/><BR/>Did I get that about right? :)<BR/><BR/>heh heh hehJunksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14422651080120306816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-4223939248143609242007-08-02T11:05:00.000-05:002007-08-02T11:05:00.000-05:00Hi Michelle,If he's there, great - if not, that's ...Hi Michelle,<BR/><BR/>If he's there, great - if not, that's okay too.<BR/><BR/>kKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805543641376648431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-21957168093021617842007-08-02T10:59:00.000-05:002007-08-02T10:59:00.000-05:00Hi guys - I just talked to my brother, and he conf...Hi guys - I just talked to my brother, and he confirmed that he will be at Huey's on Germantown Parkway (near Wolfchase) at around 11:30 today. He is looking forward to meeting everyone...and Karen, he says he's not sure if he can hang around till 2:00, but he's going to try!<BR/><BR/>I wish I could come, but I am absolutely swamped. Please come to the blog after lunch and let everyone (me!) know how it went!<BR/><BR/>Enjoy your lunch!Michelle Mannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09291197133792923432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-90740733379481714742007-08-02T10:26:00.000-05:002007-08-02T10:26:00.000-05:00Mike,I'll pop by about 2 and see if y'all are stil...Mike,<BR/><BR/>I'll pop by about 2 and see if y'all are still there. Don't wait for me if you're bored by 1, ok?<BR/><BR/><BR/>Solomon,<BR/><BR/>If you're still in San Diego, make sure to go to Anthony's Fish Grotto and Rubio's Fish Tacos and Hodad's Burgers in Ocean Beach for me, ok? I sure miss SD!!!<BR/><BR/>karenKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805543641376648431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-76271044698896414182007-08-02T03:41:00.000-05:002007-08-02T03:41:00.000-05:00Luke 16:22-26 (New Living Translation)22 “Finally,...Luke 16:22-26 (New Living Translation)<BR/>22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.<BR/><BR/> 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’<BR/><BR/> 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.<BR/><BR/>When the righteous die and finally bear the image of the heavenly they will display a cold callousness, feeling no sympathy for the wicked. The wicked will realize an awful awakeness and realization of their need. A need that wil go eternally unmet. An unimmaginable tormet. Their tormented cries will be met with cold indifference.<BR/><BR/>Here on this earth we bear the image of the earthy. Our personal sin blinds us to righteousness.<BR/><BR/>Those who trespass against us treat us with a callous indifference. We cry out in pain and distress and we are met by the turned head. Like the tormented soul in hell we cry for the safety of our children as we try to protect them. <BR/><BR/>How presumptuous for "Christians" to act callous toward the plea of the innocent.<BR/><BR/>It makes me wonder if there maybe a place in heaven designated for these to dwell: heavenly slums where they will sit and watch the humble here on earth live in ease and splender. Many of these so called "celebrity preachers" deserve such a place if it does exist. Yes, there will be tears in heaven and our heavenly Father will dry them and say, "now quit your crying."<BR/><BR/>If this is mere speculation then it should at least make us ponder how we as Christians treat each other! It should remove all questions as to why sinners treat us with cruelty.WatchingHISstoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10339668990091164802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993370.post-31833138261308862382007-08-01T22:08:00.000-05:002007-08-01T22:08:00.000-05:00Hey, I have a jam packed day tomorrow, and I don't...Hey, I have a jam packed day tomorrow, and I don't know for sure yet that I can sit and have lunch, but I will stop in and say hello at the very least!Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01867337846220103344noreply@blogger.com