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Frank Viola | Beyond Evangelical
Official Blog of Author & Speaker Frank Viola. Digging below the surface and moving beyond the shallows in today's Christianity.
Jesus Reaching His World
Why Calvinists Live Like Arminians & Arminians Pray Like Calvinists
Really great to have all of your great links on the subject on one post, :). Living by the life of Christ transcends our beliefs about sacred and secular for sure, as I think I heard you say one time, especially fellowshipping with students at school that I teach at, learning to help live by Jesus, and then being their “teacher” in the classroom later that day.
That is really the key for “any” church and person if they can “by and through the life of Jesus Christ Himself.” as Frank said then that will bring much glory to Christ and His Kingdom.
Hi Frank, I’ve belonged to two churches in my lifetime. One was a naval gazing church and the other is very outwardly focused but there is very little feeling of family there. However, I still prefer being part of the second over the first. Naval gazing doesn’t accomplish much and it induces nit-picking and people are needlessly hurt. One thing I’ve learned is that I do the church no good when I am continually focused on the church and what is wrong with it. I contribute much more when I remain focused on, Jesus. Afterall, He is the one who will present the church as a spotless bride. Until then, the church will always have struggles and never quite be what people would like her to be, just like the people who comprise the church.
Pam
There is a big difference between criticizing and challenging/encouraging us all to hold fast to the Head and follow the Lord. I agree that the former does no good; the latter, however, is part of the DNA of the church and the impulse of the Spirit of God to move us toward Christ. The matter of “seasons” is so vital yet so little understood or talked about today. So I don’t think a particular church has to settle for either/or . . . unless they want to.
Awesome collection. Solid!
I’ve read these all and it’s great that they are in one place. I have been part of the shallow/outward focused churches as well as ingrown/inward focused churches. I love that you talk about both.
Great post, Frank. Your balance is commended. The issue of seasons can’t be emphasized enough.
Thanks for the list Frank! Looking forward to the podcast on Colossians!
Thanks for the summer reading list! I’ve already read and shared one of the pieces on Facebook (20 Reasons…Adopt Me). If I get ex-communicated from my church, can I come to yours? J/K, thanks for the thought-provoking work!