Big Win
Big win tonight--we won 25-2. Almost pitched a shutout.
So proud of the way our kids played. We've been doing a ton of hustle drills trying to unleash a little aggresiveness. Definitely paid off tonight. Plus we were hitting some ridiculous shots! Our kids were draining 15-18 foot jumpshots! So cool to see the kids evolving in their skills and having fun!
So proud of the way our kids played. We've been doing a ton of hustle drills trying to unleash a little aggresiveness. Definitely paid off tonight. Plus we were hitting some ridiculous shots! Our kids were draining 15-18 foot jumpshots! So cool to see the kids evolving in their skills and having fun!
6 Comments:
Mark,
You are a very dangerous man. You silence those who show that you are in error with Scripture (the tithing debate).. obviously you believe in tithing... that is HOW YOU GET PAID to serve God.
It's really sad. I pity those who sit under your teaching.
Remember... God will hold those who teach to greater accountability (or in His Word, greater condemnation).
Either you believe him or you are standing in full defiance, unbelieving of the consequences of your erroneous teaching.
Anonymous,
If "dangerous" is teaching biblical truth then I'm guilty as charged :)
There were 36 comments on the tithing post :) And I didn't delete any of them even though I felt like the "spirit" of some of them crossed a line. That isn't silencing :) I let everyone say their peace while I kept quiet.
I'll say it again. Theologically, practically, and logically I believe in the tithe. That isn't dangerous. It's biblical. What's dangerous is teaching people that a biblical principle and biblical promise isn't biblical.
One of the reasons I stopped after 36 comments is because I don't want this blog to get sidetracked or hijacked.
We've got kingdom work to do!
Two verses then we need to call it quits.
I think you're falling into the I Timothy 1:4 trap--you're promoting controversies rather than the work of God. I'm just calling it like it see it.
And I Timothy 5:18 says "the worker deserves his wages." I don't apologize for paying our staff. They need to eat :) But I don't think any of us take it for granted. I never cease to be amazed at the privilege of getting paid to serve Christ full-time.
Grateful beyond words!
Mark
Mark,
I think in your settings you can set it to not allow anonymous posts... might be a good idea in light of what happened with the tithe thread... I appreciate what you said about not letting this blog get sidetracked, you're right on. It's amazing that people come to this blog, likely having no real attachment to NCC or you, just wanting to argue. Just to encourage you, I appreciate this blog and your thoughts, and appreciate watching from across the country what God is doing there, thanks very much!
I have a t-shirt design you might want to market to "Anonymous" and others: "Fundamentalism and Elvis are still alive!!"
Blessings, keep your eye on the finish line.
Thanks Larry.
I'm honestly surprised there aren't more arguments on evotional given the volume of readers :)
I love a good debate. Iron sharpens iron. And I think truth is found in the tension of opposites. But it has to stay contructive and redemptive. Felt like the tithing debate crossed that line a few times.
Theological arguments can easily turn into personal attacks. I'm afraid that too often we're debating internally when we ought to be storming the gates of hell.
We obviously need a strong theological foundation. But being a "denominational mutt" I've learned to have some biblical latitude as well.
Anywho.
Thanks for the kind words.
Still tithing :)
Mark
Hey Mark,
I went to the Church at Union Station and I really enjoyed both the music and your talk.
I appreciate the comment you made that it is unfortunate that sometimes the church today is better known for what they oppose then for what they stand for.
I also appreciate you articulating what you stand for.
However, for folks who are new like myself it's also very helpfull to know who and what you do oppose.
I'm a gay man (and judging by my gaydar, not the only one in the crowd today).
I don't know if in your eyes that makes me a 'Phillistine' or not. But if you're going to as you said today "pick a fight with the Phillistines", and I'm included in that category, I'd like to know sooner rather than later.
So, could you tell me ... Does your church have any openly gay members? (again, after today it's pretty obvious you have a few closeted ones, so I specify OPENLY gay). Where do you all stand on supporting openly gay Christians?
Thanks
David Mariner
David,
Really appreciate the straight-up question. While I think face-to-face conversations are sometimes easier--especially on such personal and spiritual questions. I feel like I owe you an answer.
I really try to avoid labels. And I tend to frame things in positive terms--what we're for--instead of negative terms--what we're against.
Over the years we've had many people who are either openly gay or wrestling with their homosexuality attend NCC. Some of them have become good friends. So my answer isn't just stated in a theological vacuum.
I really believe that each of us must be good stewards in every area of our life--time, talent, and treasure. But also sexuality. I think the goal is to glorify God in that part of our life the way we try to in every other part of our life. I think the church needs to be a place where people can rediscover their sexuality in biblical ways. It's been so encouraging over the years to see lots of NCCers (heterosexual and homosexual) find a place where they can experience some sexual healing and wholeness.
Long story short, I believe that sex was God's idea. And it is hsi gift to a husband and wife. It is a sacred covenant between a husband and wife to be enjoyed in the context of marriage. That is something that we really try to promote and celebrate at NCC.
We also try to embrace everybody who walks through our doors. I think the church needs to be a place where grace and truth are manifest. Grace means I'll love you no matter what. Truth means I'll be honest no matter what. We really strive for that as much as possible.
Happy to dialogue further :) Or shoot me an email at mark@theaterchurch.com.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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