Comments on: Honeymoons are for reflecting…along with other things…

By: Bill Eberly

Bill Eberly — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:04:22 +0000

So, Nate,
Been a little while since you heard from your “friend in Hydro”. Please don’t take it that I didn’t like your response, and so I’ve just forgotten about what you said. Truth is, I only just read your response today. If there’s something I’m new at, it’s definitely this blog thing. I never liked to write in formation, and I have noticed that I still don’t enjoy writing the way I should.
Today, I am thinking of you again, because my wife got me the House Tour CD by Derek Webb, and I heard the song “I Repent” which you quoted in our prayer class with Wendy a year ago. Thing is, I didn’t realize it was the one you’d quoted until I heard about repenting for trading truth for false unity.
And when he said “loving people is not efficient” I suddenly remembered you were the one who discussed this.
And it was holy spirit 2×4. Because I found myself recalling what you said, and realizing that I too was feeling the same emotions.
On the other subject, I know this sounds silly, but do you mean The book of John Chapter 1, or the book of 1st John? I think you mean 1st John Chapter 1, but I would ask for clarity from you.
Thanks for holding the Christ light for people in the corner of the world that you live in, I hope yours and my conversation can be more frequent, and I’m sorry for my lack of response (for so long) to your response.
Miss you pal,
Bill

By: Nathan Myers

Nathan Myers — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:39:43 +0000

Hey there Friend-from-Hydro,

Thanks for the kudos on thinking about these things. It is true that we can be more God-honoring (and ultimately more joyful) when we’re intentional about a number of things in life…most folks just slide along in life and expect things to work out. I’ve grown to be very uncomfortable about doing things a certain because they’ve “always been done like that.” Traditions are certainly important, but we definitely need to investigate them to see where they’ve come from and what meaning comes out of continuing them.

I’m glad you’re asking that question about your wedding time too. I’m sure you’ll reflect back and see some things you’re glad were included, and you may find some elements you’re uncomfortable with or downright disappointed in. Both are good; both will be fruitful for future action.

In regards to the “Christian” question, I think you’re probably accurate in suggesting the definition of Christian wasn’t so tight for the study. I think the Pew Forum is who did the survey, and while they’re a thorough group, they are really only surveying “what’s there,” and “what’s there” in America is a mostly surface, consumeristic understanding of Christianity.

I’m not surprised at the result of the poll; in some ways I’m disappointed at the stat, and in other ways I’m intrigued. I just had a conversation with the father of the groom at a wedding I was in, and he and I both we digging into the question; “Is the institution of Christianity (and all the trappings of it) the “way” because we claim to be the inheritors of the promise, or do we need to expand our vision of what Jesus meant when he said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”?” He and I both agreed we should expand it, especially in light of John 1. Check out that first chapter (I love the imagery) and the parallels to the above “way” comment. I’m interested in your perspective. Maybe we can email responses, or I could put up a general discussion post here on the site.

Good to hear from you Bill,
Nate

By: Bill Eberly

Bill Eberly — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:43:39 +0000

Yo Nate,
Good to hear from you, and find your blog. Congrats on your reflecting on the importance of having a wedding which pointed to the living God whom you serve, more than yourselves. Awesome.
I know Leslie and I tried to do that, and I wonder how well people knew that was our goal?
Today, I heard an interesting statistic on the radio when I was drinking my morning coffee here in Oklahoma. A new study shows that 3/4 of the Christians in the world say theirs is not the “only path to God” the head pastor and I here at Pleasant View discussed that in our morning meeting. Are pastors falling asleep at the wheel and letting that pass? he asked. I point to two things a) some pastors are, but also b) I wonder who all calls themselves a Christian, and how “tight” the definition of Christian was for the study. Thus my appriciation of your use of “In Christ ALONE” at your wedding. And congratualtions on your wedding, and… other… things. Love ya man, welcome to the world of mawwage.