Comments for Cornerstone Christian Church Shiloh

Comment on Occupy Wall Street, Arrogance, and a Stupid Email by Jason Takagi

Jason Takagi — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:25:34 +0000

Love your blog!

Comment on Occupy Wall Street, Arrogance, and a Stupid Email by rose jacobs

rose jacobs — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:27:26 +0000

that's a good point to make on being arrogant Ian. i think i need to read this to. and i know Jesus is necessary, if it werent for him (jesus) i wouldnt be here!

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by ian

ian — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:01:12 +0000

Praying for you and Dewey as you head down a difficult road!

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by ian

ian — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:00:45 +0000

I actually thought of you, Don, when I read the story. Your perseverance was a tremendous witness!

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by ian

ian — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:00:11 +0000

I certainly agree, Dennis. Thanks for commenting!

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by ian

ian — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:59:50 +0000

You’re right Benjamin. That is how marriage is supposed to be!

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by Benjamin

Benjamin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:33:17 +0000

When I got married, it was for better or worse. No matter what. If I ever got ill or developed Alzheimer’s I would want to know that no matter what, my spouse would be there for me. It doesn’t matter if I would remember it the next day or not. I would be there for her. ALWAYS.

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by Dennis Jones

Dennis Jones — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:44:26 +0000

Pat and I have been married for 37 years. That is not an accident – not from our perspective nor from God’s. Does that mean there have never been times when one of us or both of us were frustrated with one another and went through some rough times? Of course we have had challenges in good and bad times but the vows we took before God and witnesses meant something to us and still do. I could not imagine even beginning to think that is would be ok to divorce Pat in case of any illness or any situation that is not convenient or challeging. Pat Robertson in my opinion should repent and ask the Lord to allow him to set the record straight publicly and possibly lead those astray back to the fold. This guy is really out of touch in the reality of God’s word. God ordained marriage between and man and woman until death us do part, no matter what and that is just what Pat and I intend to do.

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by Don Jacobs

Don Jacobs — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:27:29 +0000

Here is something that hits home. My first wife had an encyclopedia of heath issuses. She went thru menopause for almost two years. She treated me like I was less than dirt. She started sleeping in another room and we never touch each other since. Things started to improve after 2 years and I was really excited that this bad phase was over. Thats when things got worse. She had a stroke and was left paralized on her left side. She was hospitalized for almost 6 months. Her health went downhill for 4 years. The last 5 months of her life she was in the hospital or the nursing home. I tried my best to take take care of her even in the worst of times. I believe this was my witness to her. I am not sure were she is today. I don’t belive she was saved although her sister keeps telling me she was. I tried my best to show her Jesus by the way I cared for her. The thought of divorce because she was sick and needed a lot of care was never considered. I can’t imagine leaving someone when they need you most. I am appalled that another believer could suggest such a thing. Don

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by Elaine Hawkins

Elaine Hawkins — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:00:56 +0000

I don’t know what informs Pat Robertson’s opinions, but obviously not the Word of God. I happened to hear, on radio, a recording of this 700 Club Q&A yesterday; I heard about the wife’s severe dementia, and that the husband said he is “seeing someone else.” In today’s secular culture, does that mean “committing adultery?” In response, Pat. R commented that “if he is going to do something (immoral?) he should go ahead and divorce her.

Even if a divorce could be friendly and painless (unlikely), it still violates the sacred vow two people made to God. And our marriages are to show the world the relationship between Christ and His Church.

Thanks, Ian, for taking a Biblical stand on this principle. My husband has suffered from Alzheimer’s for five years. He is still functional, but I can see deterioration in his brain function every day — in language comprehension, memory and personality. I KNOW what the future holds, unless Christ returns soon! But I also know God will “not leave me nor forsake me,” and I know I will not forsake my husband of 58 years.

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by ian

ian — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:53:47 +0000

I agree completely Nancy. It is truly unfortunate that anyone would allow a medical issue to be the cause for the ending of a marriage. Her difficulty and illness is the time she needs her husband the most! Thanks for commenting!

Comment on Alzheimer’s, Divorce and the 700 Club by Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:21:10 +0000

I’m totally repulsed and disgusted that he thinks divorce is justified due to this disease. That’s only the beginning then. There are many many other illnesses, situations that would also fall into the same category. I suffer from severe clinical depression and have for years now. I see Drs and therapists and have taken every medicine known to man in many different patterns. I just started on a brand new one yesterday. My husband and I have been together 16 years. The first 10 were the best years of my life. The past six have been nothing but a struggle mentally and physically for both of us. He is still by my side even though he admits it to be very hard at times. And know one knows that better than me. But we keep hoping I will regain “me” someday, and I try not to give up hope. By this time the Reverend would have long kicked me to the curb as well. How appalling and disgusting to think he has the right to make that decision ;(

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter – Final Edition by ian

ian — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:32:47 +0000

You’re right, Don. It is so easy to get off track as life throws its challenges our way. Thankfully, the Lord forgives and continues to guide us!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter – Final Edition by Don Jacobs

Don Jacobs — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:04:12 +0000

In the winter on my life (over60) I have been thinking a lot about finishing well. I have really blown 60 years of life. For whatever reasons life keeps throwing me curves where relationships destroyed, feelings are hurt. I then get off track and feel like I lost more ground in a few days than gained in years.

Comment on Faith by Faith – September 4, 2011 – Podcast | Cornerstone

Faith – September 4, 2011 – Podcast | Cornerstone — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:25:49 +0000

[...] Click Here to view the Message Video File [...]

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 4 by ian

ian — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:14:49 +0000

You’re so right, Eric. This is an ongoing issue to always keep an eye on. If not, it is scary how quickly it can take over.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 4 by ian

ian — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:14:06 +0000

Good distinction Chris, between a cynic and someone who is spiritually apathetic. Thanks for the comments!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 4 by Eric Ethridge

Eric Ethridge — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:18:26 +0000

It’s not so much the dealing with cynicism that is difficult, it’s when you get up one morning and find it has subverted your attitude in life.

Dealing with the detrimental effects of cynicism means you are awake and aware of its presence in your life, you are actively trying to discourage “the creep”, you are fighting it.

The best way to discourage cynicism and anger of others is to keep your inner eye on your attitude and thought process. Head it off on the way in. Once it takes hold, much like termites, it can cost a lot more to remove it.

Eric

*sent from my Droid*

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 4 by Chris

Chris — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:34:46 +0000

I don’t think the cynicism bothers me as much as apathy and general malaise. With a cynic I feel there is a chance for them to turn. Perhaps they are crushed because they recognize the world is not as it should be. Rather than turning to an all knowing, powerful, and loving God they look for a checklist or church to change their circumstance rather than their circumstance changing them. On the other hand, the spiritually apathetic are happy to ride along; not too convicted or upset either way–just on a big tube ride down the river of life with no convictions regarding heart or circumstance.

Comment on “His Own Place” by brandon

brandon — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:00:56 +0000

Ron – thanks for taking the time to read and respond to the blog.

First of all, let me say I agree with you on a few points. Number one, this lifetime is a fleeting moment. The New Testament book of James tells us that we “are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Certainly not the most uplifting of thoughts, though our own experience tells us it’s true. We are, quite literally, “here today and gone tomorrow.” Also, I agree with your statement about our interpretation of the Scriptures often being influenced by what’s most beneficial for us. I think “Love Wins” is a perfect example of this. In today’s culture, the concept of hell is unpalatable to many inside the church. It’s easier – and certainly more “politically correct” – for us to pretend like Jesus never talked about it or to explain His words about it away. To interpret hell away is certainly “most beneficial” to us as Christians.

The idea that Christians are divided on “what happens after this life” doesn’t mean that the truth is not out there. Sure, we may not be able to empirically prove the existence of hell (i.e., I can’t take you there), but, as a Christian, I believe what Jesus said about it. He talked about it as though it were an actual place of real punishment. Moreover, He presented Himself as the one way to escape Hell. I believe He died for the explicit purpose of freeing people from it. The fact that He gave His life to save people from its torment speaks to its reality. As a Christ-follower, I would be doing Him a disservice if I took this subject lightly.

Anyway, thanks again for your comments on this topic. The fact that “4.8 billion people may be facing eternal hell” means that this discussion about hell is perhaps more important than it’s ever been.

Comment on “His Own Place” by Ron Krumpos

Ron Krumpos — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:30:40 +0000

In 2011 world population will reach 7 billion (vs. 3 billion in 1960). There are now approximately 2.2 billion Christians. Chan and Sprinkle seem to be saying that 4.8 billion people may be facing eternal hell.

Concepts of afterlife vary between religions and among divisions of each faith. Not all Christians agree on what happens after this life, nor do all Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, or other believers. Rebirth, resurrection, purgatory, universalism, and oblivion are other possibilities…none of which can be proven.

Mystics of all faiths have more in common than the followers of their orthodox religions. True mystics realize that eternal life is here and now; it does not begin after mortal death. The age of Earth is said to be 4.5 billion years, of the Universe 13.7 billion, yet few humans live to be 100. This lifetime is a fleeting moment.

Scriptures are subject to interpretation; people often choose what is most beneficial for them.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 3 by ian

ian — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:11:52 +0000

Thanks for the insight Heather!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 3 by Heather

Heather — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:08:25 +0000

Ian
It is important. How can you be faithful to something if you live a lie and pretend to be something you are not. God truly knows who you are and cannot be deceived. What good are you to the world and how bright of a light can you shine when your life doesnt exemplify Christ. Here are a couple of quotes I wanted to share.

If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters. ~Alan Simpson

Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught. ~J.C. Watts

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 2 by ian

ian — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:47:15 +0000

‘kisses from God” …great image. His Word is so powerful and all-encompassing. Someone once compared it to a fine diamond that when held up to a light reveals great beauty…however, when it is turned just a little bit, a whole new beautiful sight is revealed. The riches of God’s Word can never be fully mined.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 2 by ian

ian — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:45:20 +0000

I agree Shari! It is amazing the difference it makes with such a simple move…getting up a bit earlier and spending time with Him. That is how lives are changed!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 2 by Heather

Heather — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:13:50 +0000

I know when I am in a group setting I am always more faithful to dig into God’s word. So this once again brings up accountability. It does truly amaze me that when I sit down to ready God’s word I can read the same passages over and over and never walk away with the same thoughts or what I call “kisses from God”.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 2 by Shari Hoffmann

Shari Hoffmann — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:46:05 +0000

I have been a christian most of my life, but my walk with the Lord has never been as strong or consistent as it has been since I started waking up before everyone else (4:30am) to pray and read His Word. Years ago I never dreamed I would get up this early (my job starts early), but now I look forward to spending quiet time with God. Starting my day focused on the Lord keeps me in tune with Him all day. Reading His Word consistently has brought me a new awareness of it’s power and strength in my life. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a devotional time with God. I feel like I’m actually “walking” with Him, not just believing in Him. There’s a big difference. So I totally agree: daily devotions helps us keep our eyes on Jesus.

Comment on Why Generosity Matters by ian

ian — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:48:13 +0000

You are so right, Mike. Tithing makes no financial sense outside of a faith decision. It is a huge leap of faith when you know the numbers will not add up. But God simply has a way…

Comment on Why Generosity Matters by Mike

Mike — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:56:42 +0000

Well, so many things that I could share about money. So I am going to limit it to getting over the hump of “how are we going to afford to tithe?”. I can remember wanting to tithe but putting every other bill and so called need ahead of giving. No matter how we worked out our budget, it never seemed doable because we would first pay our bills and then see what was left over. Even after we started to make some sacrifices like eating out less, making the commitment to keep our vehicles as long as they were still running etc. there wasn’t enough money left over to make a full tithe. We didn’t tithe until we stepped out on faith and made our tithe the first thing out of our budget. Don’t get me wrong, the numbers don’t always seem to add up but God continues to work it out ever month and has blessed us greatly. One of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Oh, one more quick thing. I have noticed that I want less often since we got rid of cable and even choose to turn of the 5 or 6 channels that we get with the rabbit ears. Hollywood has an obvious, distorted, one-way view on possessions.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:08:39 +0000

Thanks for responding to that question…it will help encourage so many others! One day, one step at a time.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:07:59 +0000

Exactly!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Heather

Heather — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:43:11 +0000

Ian
Good question!!! I could be a millionaire if I could honestly answer it for everyone. I think in my personal walk I have just started to learn to say no to things, which is a battle in itself. God has to be a priority and I have to keep placing him there as He is not always #1 on my list, sadly. It is a journey and an everyday battle “choosing” to make God a part of all that I do.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by stacy anderson

stacy anderson — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:28:50 +0000

Very well said Dennis!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Terrie

Terrie — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:20:06 +0000

Selfishness…. I think that sometimes we can become so wrapped up in ourselves and what we want, need, desire, our pain, that we forget that if we would just spend time with Him, we would get the comfort from our pain and even, if it’s His will….receive the things we are asking for. But more than anything, it is the peace that we get from knowing that we have a God that not just listens, but shows us his presence and loves us no matter what our faults may be and gently pulls us back to Him. Okay, sometimes not so gently….but like you said Ian, it’s the end result that matters….the coming back. I know I have to be reminded from time to time.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:10:25 +0000

Good call, Mike. If we miss a part of the armor, we open ourselves up to attack. I wish I could have seen you vanquish your foe…your son! Cute.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:09:23 +0000

I know, it is sad Stott died…he was a giant! Elise, you have hit on a deep foundational issue for us all – our sinful nature. To be able to keep that in mind as we live our lives is paramount. Thanks for posting!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:08:16 +0000

Much agreed Chris. Especially in our American bubble, success is eminent. It is all around us all the time. And it speaks loudly for us. If we are not careful it becomes our pursuit. Thanks for adding to the conversation!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Mike Ledbetter

Mike Ledbetter — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:20:01 +0000

maintaining faithfulness… I think Eph 6:10-17 has the answer. We must put on the FULL armour of God. Leave one part out and you are susceptible to a strike. Graeson being the strong boy that he is loves swords so we got him a play set of the full armor of God; a belt saying “the belt of truth”, a breastplate saying “breastplate of righteousness”, feet covers that say “the gospel of peace”, a “shield of faith”, a “helmet of salvation”, and a “sword of the Spirit”. It was fun playing with him because all I would have to do is wait until one of the things fell off and then he was all mine.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by elise

elise — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:39:28 +0000

I didn’t know that John Stott had died! He is one of my favorites and inspired my tattoo dignity/depravity when he wrote of the spiritual paradox of humanity in his book Contemporary Christianity. I think remembering that we all have the capability for unspeakable depravity or the glorious dignity that Christ wants for us in Him is paramount in my daily life in respects to viewing every decision i make and which direction it takes me. So many trivial things take up our time, and even important good things distract as well and can pull me from being wholly faithful. I think much of it is praying for God to keep us deliberate and present even when we don’t quite feel we are there. Thank you for the blog post! :O)

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Chris

Chris — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:25:46 +0000

Success & good fortune are very distracting sometimes. It’s so easy to lose focus on the source of blessing. The trap is always there…waiting to snare me,…”hey, you did pretty well for yourself…what next?” It’s just that quick & presents a very wide path to walking away from God.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 03:19:25 +0000

Wow, you hit the nail on the head Heather! You won’t find any shortage of ‘amens’ to that distraction. For many people this is their key issue that, if it could be addressed, would tend to bring healing in so many areas of their lives. Any thoughts for how to get it dealt with…for you or anyone else?

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 03:18:02 +0000

Dennis, I deeply appreciate you inserting the idea of accountability into this conversation. I think many do not understand (or maybe don’t care?) they will stand before God someday. To keep that in mind will always help fuel daily obedience to Christ. Thanks for sharing!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by ian

ian — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 03:16:43 +0000

I agree so much Don. In fact, one of the posts upcoming in this series will be about friendship/community and the need to have people around you as a support network. I work with many people (at funerals, weddings, etc.) who do not have a church home and I really don’t know how they make it. There’s no hope. No joy. All we can do is try to introduce them to Christ and the beauty of the church. And, believe me, the ‘old man, blue collar worker’ opinions are usually the best ones!

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Don Jacobs

Don Jacobs — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:43:12 +0000

Life has distracted me over the years. Having a daughter with cerabal palsy caused me to turn from God. A church telling me it was our lack of faith was the reason she can’t walk. Lack of finances certainly distracted me. Problems with my children distracted me. Taking care of my wife for some reason strenghten my faith. Maybe I was more mature. I know my small group had a lot to do with that. They were always there, supporting me, praying, caring. I think being part of a strong church definitly is important. Thats has to be it. To maintain faithfulness you need to surround yourself with faithful strong christians. So when life beats you up they are there to help you thru it. Yes all the bad things life threw at me when I was involved with strong christians I stayed faithful. Well there is an old man, blue collar workers opinion.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Dennis Jones

Dennis Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:36:03 +0000

Thought provoking Ian.
Funny…I started out for only 3 yrs hot…went cold for 12 or 13 years and chased after all that stuff satan is an expert at making look so good. You know, smoking, drinking, women….using foul language, telling off color jokes to everyone who would listen and on and on…..
Then at 27 (you heard my story about my daughter begging me to go to church when she was 4 yrs old etc…) I knew I had to get my life straight with Him. It is a matter of “wanting” to make sure I have a “chance” to spend eternity in this place Jesus says is real and has prepared for us. In reality I think some of my motivation was (is) to be an example to my kids/grandkids so I am not held accountable for making them trip..can’t accept the thought of any of them going to hell….and me being somehow responsible….and in the last few years I have realized that I really do like to be a part of His body, it’s fun, it’s a challenge, it’s cool to be “used” for the Kingdom to help others grow closer to this same Kingdom….and last – I am just plain “scared straight” to fall into the hands of the living God who brings final justice to all.

Comment on Potential Does Not Matter, Part 1 by Heather

Heather — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:24:09 +0000

I think my distraction is just simple busyness. I never seem to just have a moment.m Time to spend reading the Bible, in quiet prayer, or time to think,period.

Comment on For Good by Don Jacobz

Don Jacobz — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:23:43 +0000

Brandon, another home run. I thank God daily for bringing me to Cornerstone. I have learned so much from you and Ian. I am sadden reading this. I know because of my sinful ways I missed out on Bible college opportunities and lots of other great things God had in store for me.
Thanks brother, Don Jacobs

Comment on Why Generosity Matters by ian

ian — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:36:36 +0000

Thanks for the input to the conversation Shari! Great thoughts.

Comment on Why Generosity Matters by Shari Hoffmann

Shari Hoffmann — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:16:01 +0000

Very good message, Ian. People have their priorities wrong. Money and material possessions have become their security and purpose in life. When we realize all the people in this world who have nothing, compared to us and we make a choice to sacrificially give to help make a difference in their lives, then….we will have gotten it right.

Comment on Why Generosity Matters by ian

ian — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:40:35 +0000

thanks for the comments Linda. Yes, this is an issue we all face at times…for some, it is all the time! Hope all is well with you.