MK forum

mk sheri: I hope it is okay for me to enter this conversation, though you may be wanting Gene's input. I hear what you are saying about preaching without realizing our own need. We need to realize how much we are forgiven, and that may take time (it did for me).

The quotes you have from GRACE are so spot on. There is something purifying about hearing the truth, isn't there? All Christians need to hear that, and not be afraid to confront the sin in their/our lives.

Years ago, I heard someone say, at first the Christian life is simple, then it is hard, and (finally) it is impossible. Not an exact quote, but I have come to realize the truth of that statement in my life. Why is it so? Because the life of Christ can only be lived out by Christ through the Holy Spirit in us. Jesus knew it was absolutely vital that we have the Holy Spirit, because He knew we couldn't do it on our own. When I was a young Christian, it seemed easy, as I grew older, I had to "work" at it. Then I realized, my work wasn't getting me anywhere!

The Lord continues to show me what it means to be a sinner. I don't think in our culture, even "Christian" culture we like that word very much. Paul said, "sinners, of whom I am chief" and I think this is in the present tense at least, though I am know Greek scholar. Daniel in chapter 9 said "We are wicked" and he was called beloved of God. Isaiah confessed of being a man of unclean lips and yet he saw the Lord high and lifted up. These men loved God, worshipped God and were very much aware of their own sinfulness apart from God.

The older I get, the more I realize my own sinfulness and my inability to live the Christian life apart from Christ. Sometimes it takes realizing our utter weakness to understand why Christ had to come and die, why the resurrected life is the life He empowers. It is an amazing grace that sees me in Christ, but I'm there because of the cross.

Also, I have, for the first time this year, been able to forgive some of the people in my past who have hurt* me, but only as I have come to the Cross of Christ for myself. It is there that all forgiveness takes place.

*What I have experienced through hurt in no way compares to what those abused have endured. Others have shared the peace they have found and are far more qualified than I to speak to that.

Well, FrmrNTer, if MK sheri was waiting for a response from me, she'd have had a long wait! She said it so well, I didn't think I could add to it. If it had had a "like" button, I would have clicked that, but that was about as far as my brain was going to take me. Then you grabbed the ball and ran with it, and brought even more perspective to this issue. Thank you.

These are, after all, forums ("fora" for the pedants) and their value is in proportion to the participation they attract. You are always welcome to join in. As are others! I could wish more did. There are many facets to every topic. No one has all the answers, no one knows everything; we can all learn from one another. I don't always say things as clearly, or convincingly, and rarely as concisely, as others manage to do. So, thanks again for your contribution.

This is absurd - what Gospel is satan trying to keep people from hearing? Child abuse that has been going on for many years and being ignored by NTM Executives in the US does not sound like the gospel I know and love. God is a God of justice and He exposes what has been done in secret and has it shouted from the housetops. My heart breaks for every man, woman and child who have been exposed to the horrendous abuse that NTM seems to be approving of by their silence.