Comments for JoeTucker's Weblog http://joetucker.wordpress.com my thoughts on the road to discipleship Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:50:50 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on on the Persecution (or lack thereof) of the American church by chris smyth http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/on-the-persecution-or-lack-thereof-of-the-american-church/#comment-291 chris smyth Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:50:50 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=209#comment-291 i heard someone else recently talking about the condition of the church here in america. that we are persecuted. which, to some extent i agree with. people dont like the church, they bad mouth it, and may take minor legal actions to silence or sanction it. but really, we live here with lots of room to breath. what little persecution we do receive, i think is earned. the early church and persecuted church around the world is often beat up for "random" reasons, which tend to boil down to ideological differences. for instance 70,000 christians were displaced in Orissa, India after a Hindu leader was killed and someone thought it a good idea to blame a christian. like christians setting fires in rome in the first century. but the church in america often deserves its scorn. what does it say about the church when often the best critiques and prophets come from outside Her walls. truly, in america, ive seen the church play more of the role as persecutor, as ive seen her kick pregnant girls, drunks, the poor, and homosexuals out of Her meeting places. not to say all churches here are like that. and that no churches in other countries share those actions, but, there is something off and different in this country about how persecution works, and i can only say it has something to do with someone being in the wrong bed. may she return to her first Love. may she fully trust Him once again. i heard someone else recently talking about the condition of the church here in america. that we are persecuted. which, to some extent i agree with. people dont like the church, they bad mouth it, and may take minor legal actions to silence or sanction it. but really, we live here with lots of room to breath. what little persecution we do receive, i think is earned. the early church and persecuted church around the world is often beat up for “random” reasons, which tend to boil down to ideological differences. for instance 70,000 christians were displaced in Orissa, India after a Hindu leader was killed and someone thought it a good idea to blame a christian. like christians setting fires in rome in the first century. but the church in america often deserves its scorn. what does it say about the church when often the best critiques and prophets come from outside Her walls.

truly, in america, ive seen the church play more of the role as persecutor, as ive seen her kick pregnant girls, drunks, the poor, and homosexuals out of Her meeting places. not to say all churches here are like that. and that no churches in other countries share those actions, but, there is something off and different in this country about how persecution works, and i can only say it has something to do with someone being in the wrong bed. may she return to her first Love. may she fully trust Him once again.

]]> Comment on on the Persecution (or lack thereof) of the American church by Jennifer http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/on-the-persecution-or-lack-thereof-of-the-american-church/#comment-290 Jennifer Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:13:58 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=209#comment-290 And yet, the church is persecuted here in America. Steidl and I just had a long conversation about the view and treatment of the church in "scholarly," "academic" and post-modern circles. Maybe no one is stoning us, but there is certainly a social and intellectual persecution against any who believe. I do admit that I have seen this more in the West than I did in Ohio, but I'm not sure whether this is because it's significantly different here, because I notice more or because I spend more of my time away from the fam. P.S. It's good to hear about your time back in Akron. We'll have to catch up sometime soon. We can phone or coffee when I'm back for the Scott/Nicole wedding or (I've tried this once or twice with some other friends recently) drink coffee together while skype-ing. Let me know what you think :) And yet, the church is persecuted here in America.

Steidl and I just had a long conversation about the view and treatment of the church in “scholarly,” “academic” and post-modern circles. Maybe no one is stoning us, but there is certainly a social and intellectual persecution against any who believe.

I do admit that I have seen this more in the West than I did in Ohio, but I’m not sure whether this is because it’s significantly different here, because I notice more or because I spend more of my time away from the fam.

P.S. It’s good to hear about your time back in Akron. We’ll have to catch up sometime soon. We can phone or coffee when I’m back for the Scott/Nicole wedding or (I’ve tried this once or twice with some other friends recently) drink coffee together while skype-ing. Let me know what you think :)

]]> Comment on on the Persecution (or lack thereof) of the American church by Anne http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/on-the-persecution-or-lack-thereof-of-the-american-church/#comment-289 Anne Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:24:14 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=209#comment-289 I think that part of the reason that the church is not persecuted is because it has been adopted by the political system / system that oppresses and used as a political tool (think Moral Majority, the role of the Evangelical Church historically opposing Civil Rights). If Christianity were followed in the ways that it is described in Acts, would it not be persecuted? Instead, we have allowed it to be adopted and twisted by authorities... I am just learning about this and figuring it out for myself, but Shane Claibourne's Jesus for President has been helpful and interesting in thinking about how the church should be... I'm convinced that it cannot be the way it has become here... we must go back to being the peculiar group of people... the Jews in the Old Testiment with their strange economic ways and their odd customs... the Early Christian communes described in Acts... Hey, wait! We could actually discuss this in person! Coffee, perhaps? I think that part of the reason that the church is not persecuted is because it has been adopted by the political system / system that oppresses and used as a political tool (think Moral Majority, the role of the Evangelical Church historically opposing Civil Rights). If Christianity were followed in the ways that it is described in Acts, would it not be persecuted? Instead, we have allowed it to be adopted and twisted by authorities…

I am just learning about this and figuring it out for myself, but Shane Claibourne’s Jesus for President has been helpful and interesting in thinking about how the church should be… I’m convinced that it cannot be the way it has become here… we must go back to being the peculiar group of people… the Jews in the Old Testiment with their strange economic ways and their odd customs… the Early Christian communes described in Acts…

Hey, wait! We could actually discuss this in person! Coffee, perhaps?

]]> Comment on The secret of living content in any situation… by Drew Dudek http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/the-secret-of-living-content-in-any-situation/#comment-288 Drew Dudek Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:51:52 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=202#comment-288 Hi Joe, It has been a long time brother. I just read some of your blogs, good stuff. Funny, I think our generation has really taken notice to the poor more then the last. Not sure why? I myself, can't seem get them out of my head. Jesus says to many things about the poor that I can't run from. Anyway, I really got to see poverty in it's fullness in Northern Ghana this summer. Jenna (my wife) and I got to spend a month out there with a small church group. Your right, I haven't found anyone in America that has less then some of the Ghanaians. I saw street orphans with just rags and no love. It breaks the heart. I think I was able to give something to those children, tangible love. Hugs and time. I felt God saying that he would send someone all the way across the world and spend thousands of dollars on air fair, just to give one child a loving hug. It made me think that that is how much he loves me. It's making me see that God has the natural resources, and that's the easy part, it's getting people to go is the hard part. I feel as if I just got off a tread mill and started to actually run forward a little. Not their yet, but pushing for something real. It's scary, but at the same time blissful, because the grace is so there! Anyway, I have to get back to coding. Hope this makes sense, I write programs not essays. I'll be reading more of your blog, please keep writing, it's encouraging. Thanks! Drew Dudek Hi Joe,

It has been a long time brother. I just read some of your blogs, good stuff. Funny, I think our generation has really taken notice to the poor more then the last. Not sure why? I myself, can’t seem get them out of my head. Jesus says to many things about the poor that I can’t run from. Anyway, I really got to see poverty in it’s fullness in Northern Ghana this summer. Jenna (my wife) and I got to spend a month out there with a small church group. Your right, I haven’t found anyone in America that has less then some of the Ghanaians. I saw street orphans with just rags and no love. It breaks the heart. I think I was able to give something to those children, tangible love. Hugs and time. I felt God saying that he would send someone all the way across the world and spend thousands of dollars on air fair, just to give one child a loving hug. It made me think that that is how much he loves me. It’s making me see that God has the natural resources, and that’s the easy part, it’s getting people to go is the hard part. I feel as if I just got off a tread mill and started to actually run forward a little. Not their yet, but pushing for something real. It’s scary, but at the same time blissful, because the grace is so there!

Anyway, I have to get back to coding. Hope this makes sense, I write programs not essays. I’ll be reading more of your blog, please keep writing, it’s encouraging.

Thanks!

Drew Dudek

]]> Comment on Some thoughtson Galatians 2:9&10 by joditucker http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/some-thoughtson-galatians-2910/#comment-287 joditucker Sun, 31 May 2009 00:21:36 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=205#comment-287 Amen! Amen!

]]> Comment on The secret of living content in any situation… by Tyler http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/the-secret-of-living-content-in-any-situation/#comment-286 Tyler Sun, 10 May 2009 05:57:59 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=202#comment-286 Well said. My beans just finished. Good night! Well said. My beans just finished. Good night!

]]> Comment on The secret of living content in any situation… by Hillary http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/the-secret-of-living-content-in-any-situation/#comment-283 Hillary Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:41:28 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=202#comment-283 Joe I really felt what you meant in this one i think. Or at least, I really feel a deep agreement with what you say. this often comes on sundays, when i go to south street and later our home church. It was good to see you when you were home (though it was short, and we didn't get to talk much. but I enjoyed your presence). i'm sure we will be in touch. Joe

I really felt what you meant in this one i think. Or at least, I really feel a deep agreement with what you say. this often comes on sundays, when i go to south street and later our home church.

It was good to see you when you were home (though it was short, and we didn’t get to talk much. but I enjoyed your presence). i’m sure we will be in touch.

]]> Comment on The secret of living content in any situation… by Joy Baltzly http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/the-secret-of-living-content-in-any-situation/#comment-281 Joy Baltzly Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:38:41 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=202#comment-281 I have been struggling with this in a different way then you have. My whole life I've had little (in terms of house and stuff, always had plenty in terms of needs, growing up on a grain farm...). There's been a lot I've wanted that I knew my family just would never have. But lately I've been realizing that if I'd lived in a real nice house, with plenty of cool things I would probably have trouble relating to the friends I have. And I am happy with who I am. Now I am an engineer, and suddenly what I could never afford is now closer within my reach. .. But I am finding that I'm not sure I want it anymore. Because I know that having more just makes you worry more about this temporary existence, and focus on protecting or caring for stuff that other people might steal or judge based on my possessions. But at the same time having too little can make you afraid of going hungry, or not enjoying your life fully. Possibly limiting experiences like attending events, parks, etc. I have found that I don't want what I have to change who I am. I think there is a fine balance of having enough that you don't feel sorry for yourself, but not so much that you feel guilty or gluttenous. I think any situation that makes us focus on stuff more than loving the people around us will make us discontent. I thought about the comment you made about the projectors and fog machines at church.... I have felt this similar way because the churches that I've attended prior definitely didn't have this much. But there is a certain group of people that these things would attract to this particular church, and maybe hold them there long enough for them to hear some truth. I think maybe this church had to accomodate the surrounding culture to grab peoples' interest that are just "passing through". Not sure if this rambling has really made a whole lot of sense. My thoughts are just that I do kind of understand what it means for having want becoming plenty, and how it can change your perspective if you let it. I think it's important to hold your identity in Christ as a definition of who you are and not what you have or what you do because that can all change in a heartbeat. I think that is what Paul is talking about...contentness is completely unrelated to what we have. Contentness is all about knowing we are loved by Christ regardless of our earthly experience. But that is why it's a constant struggle, because we know this yet there are times contentness feels unattainable. But happiness is not contentment. I think being content is what keeps us from chasing worldly desires, but we can only have contentment if we are trusting in God to provide. My heart will always break for the people in the world struggling to survive on little, but I know I can't help them all... this is where prayer has to fill the gap. We do what we can to serve and love, but in the end God is in control. I hope you are enjoying this time in Ohio Joe! It was great to see you! Happy Easter!!!! P.S.: Forgot to say good post! I have been struggling with this in a different way then you have. My whole life I’ve had little (in terms of house and stuff, always had plenty in terms of needs, growing up on a grain farm…). There’s been a lot I’ve wanted that I knew my family just would never have. But lately I’ve been realizing that if I’d lived in a real nice house, with plenty of cool things I would probably have trouble relating to the friends I have. And I am happy with who I am. Now I am an engineer, and suddenly what I could never afford is now closer within my reach. .. But I am finding that I’m not sure I want it anymore. Because I know that having more just makes you worry more about this temporary existence, and focus on protecting or caring for stuff that other people might steal or judge based on my possessions. But at the same time having too little can make you afraid of going hungry, or not enjoying your life fully. Possibly limiting experiences like attending events, parks, etc. I have found that I don’t want what I have to change who I am. I think there is a fine balance of having enough that you don’t feel sorry for yourself, but not so much that you feel guilty or gluttenous. I think any situation that makes us focus on stuff more than loving the people around us will make us discontent. I thought about the comment you made about the projectors and fog machines at church…. I have felt this similar way because the churches that I’ve attended prior definitely didn’t have this much. But there is a certain group of people that these things would attract to this particular church, and maybe hold them there long enough for them to hear some truth. I think maybe this church had to accomodate the surrounding culture to grab peoples’ interest that are just “passing through”.

Not sure if this rambling has really made a whole lot of sense. My thoughts are just that I do kind of understand what it means for having want becoming plenty, and how it can change your perspective if you let it. I think it’s important to hold your identity in Christ as a definition of who you are and not what you have or what you do because that can all change in a heartbeat. I think that is what Paul is talking about…contentness is completely unrelated to what we have. Contentness is all about knowing we are loved by Christ regardless of our earthly experience. But that is why it’s a constant struggle, because we know this yet there are times contentness feels unattainable. But happiness is not contentment. I think being content is what keeps us from chasing worldly desires, but we can only have contentment if we are trusting in God to provide. My heart will always break for the people in the world struggling to survive on little, but I know I can’t help them all… this is where prayer has to fill the gap. We do what we can to serve and love, but in the end God is in control.

I hope you are enjoying this time in Ohio Joe! It was great to see you! Happy Easter!!!!
P.S.: Forgot to say good post!

]]> Comment on The secret of living content in any situation… by Joy Baltzly http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/the-secret-of-living-content-in-any-situation/#comment-280 Joy Baltzly Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:36:20 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=202#comment-280 I have been struggling with this in a different way then you have. My whole life I've had little (in terms of house and stuff, always had plenty in terms of needs, growing up on a grain farm...). There's been a lot I've wanted that I knew my family just would never have. But lately I've been realizing that if I'd lived in a real nice house, with plenty of cool things I would probably have trouble relating to the friends I have. And I am happy with who I am. Now I am an engineer, and suddenly what I could never afford is now closer within my reach. .. But I am finding that I'm not sure I want it anymore. Because I know that having more just makes you worry more about this temporary existence, and focus on protecting or caring for stuff that other people might steal or judge based on my possessions. But at the same time having too little can make you afraid of going hungry, or not enjoying your life fully. Possibly limiting experiences like attending events, parks, etc. I have found that I don't want what I have to change who I am. I think there is a fine balance of having enough that you don't feel sorry for yourself, but not so much that you feel guilty or gluttenous. I think any situation that makes us focus on stuff more than loving the people around us will make us discontent. I thought about the comment you made about the projectors and fog machines at church.... I have felt this similar way because the churches that I've attended prior definitely didn't have this much. But there is a certain group of people that these things would attract to this particular church, and maybe hold them there long enough for them to hear some truth. I think maybe this church had to accomodate the surrounding culture to grab peoples' interest that are just "passing through". Not sure if this rambling has really made a whole lot of sense. My thoughts are just that I do kind of understand what it means for having want becoming plenty, and how it can change your perspective if you let it. I think it's important to hold your identity in Christ as a definition of who you are and not what you have or what you do because that can all change in a heartbeat. I think that is what Paul is talking about...contentness is completely unrelated to what we have. Contentness is all about knowing we are loved by Christ regardless of our earthly experience. But that is why it's a constant struggle, because we know this yet there are times contentness feels unattainable. But happiness is not contentment. I think being content is what keeps us from chasing worldly desires, but we can only have contentment if we are trusting in God to provide. My heart will always break for the people in the world struggling to survive on little, but I know I can't help them all... this is where prayer has to fill the gap. We do what we can to serve and love, but in the end God is in control. I hope you are enjoying this time in Ohio Joe! It was great to see you! Happy Easter!!!! I have been struggling with this in a different way then you have. My whole life I’ve had little (in terms of house and stuff, always had plenty in terms of needs, growing up on a grain farm…). There’s been a lot I’ve wanted that I knew my family just would never have. But lately I’ve been realizing that if I’d lived in a real nice house, with plenty of cool things I would probably have trouble relating to the friends I have. And I am happy with who I am. Now I am an engineer, and suddenly what I could never afford is now closer within my reach. .. But I am finding that I’m not sure I want it anymore. Because I know that having more just makes you worry more about this temporary existence, and focus on protecting or caring for stuff that other people might steal or judge based on my possessions. But at the same time having too little can make you afraid of going hungry, or not enjoying your life fully. Possibly limiting experiences like attending events, parks, etc. I have found that I don’t want what I have to change who I am. I think there is a fine balance of having enough that you don’t feel sorry for yourself, but not so much that you feel guilty or gluttenous. I think any situation that makes us focus on stuff more than loving the people around us will make us discontent. I thought about the comment you made about the projectors and fog machines at church…. I have felt this similar way because the churches that I’ve attended prior definitely didn’t have this much. But there is a certain group of people that these things would attract to this particular church, and maybe hold them there long enough for them to hear some truth. I think maybe this church had to accomodate the surrounding culture to grab peoples’ interest that are just “passing through”.

Not sure if this rambling has really made a whole lot of sense. My thoughts are just that I do kind of understand what it means for having want becoming plenty, and how it can change your perspective if you let it. I think it’s important to hold your identity in Christ as a definition of who you are and not what you have or what you do because that can all change in a heartbeat. I think that is what Paul is talking about…contentness is completely unrelated to what we have. Contentness is all about knowing we are loved by Christ regardless of our earthly experience. But that is why it’s a constant struggle, because we know this yet there are times contentness feels unattainable. But happiness is not contentment. I think being content is what keeps us from chasing worldly desires, but we can only have contentment if we are trusting in God to provide. My heart will always break for the people in the world struggling to survive on little, but I know I can’t help them all… this is where prayer has to fill the gap. We do what we can to serve and love, but in the end God is in control.

I hope you are enjoying this time in Ohio Joe! It was great to see you! Happy Easter!!!!

]]> Comment on A worthy walk by joditucker http://joetucker.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/a-worthy-walk/#comment-276 joditucker Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:04:19 +0000 http://joetucker.wordpress.com/?p=198#comment-276 Hi Joe, So glad you continue to blog.......Your words have been quite insightful into your daily life/happenings/passions/love in Philly. Anxious to see you in April in OH.......Really third grades can be a joyous group, depending on the size and general make-up of the kids. Love you, Mum Hi Joe,
So glad you continue to blog…….Your words have been quite insightful into your daily life/happenings/passions/love in Philly. Anxious to see you in April in OH…….Really third grades can be a joyous group, depending on the size and general make-up of the kids. Love you, Mum

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