I don’t disagree with you necessarily, but a few thoughts.

First, I notice more and more that blogs on this website tend to focus more on us and our own personal work of holiness. What is holiness that isn’t first empowered by God? Should we not be focusing more on Him and less on us? Isn’t this where true holiness is found- in Him, and not in us? Where do we draw a line where we are “holy enough” for God? I am saying we should not pursue holiness. We should pursue Christ. Then and only then does God do the continuous regenerative work in us and through us (in the world). Holiness is found in thinking deeply about Christ and the cross, not in trying harder to be holy, lest we find ourselves on the same street corner as the Pharisees.

Second, I don’t know about your (author) particular scope of influence and group of people that you fellowship with, but in the crowd I walk with there can be seen lots of zeal for Christ, for obedience, and for discipleship. I don’t agree with the thoughts of those like McLaren (I can’t exactly tell for sure whether this blog is running parallel to him or not) who think that Christianity is done for. I see lots of people zealous for Christ. After all, Christians did not start this movement. God did. And if it didn’t start with us, then it isn’t held up by us, and it certainly isn’t going to end with us.

Third, I felt the heart tug of the last sentence. It puts the focus where it belongs. We are not holy unto ourselves, or unto the family of Christ, but holy unto God.

Fourth, how holy do we need to be living before we can start discussing the will of God theologically? If our holiness has not been bought by the cross, we have no holiness at all. Again, the focus better not be on us, but on Him. Being brought up in the Wesleyan doctrine, I agree that holiness is mandatory, for without holiness no man shall see God. On whose holiness do we rely?

Just a few thoughts.

The Gospel for most persons usually does start with a discussion, but if heard and heeded correctly, never ends with just a discussion. If the will of God is nothing but words to us, then we are just sounding off (1 Cor. 13:1). May God help us all to hear what the Spirit has to say to the Church and be hearers and doers of the word. Dan.

There is nothing that warms my heart more then someone coming to me as they leave a service with emotion in their face telling me how powerful the Message was to them, meeting them at their point of need. All te hours of prayer, research, and typing have been a sucess if even one child of God has heard IT! That’s what IT is…the music and all the other trimmings that go with the service are only there to compliment IT! (GOD”S WORD).

Let’s get back to first and foremost, living a life of Holiness, whether we wear a uniform or pair of jeans, or whether we play a tuba or a set of spoons, we ALL need IT! A life of living as best we can for God.

Major Gerard mentions allowing little or no time for testimonies, ministering in Newfoundland we are still blessed with 2 services (and I mean that sincerely), so we will often use our evening service for a time of testimony, and that’s when you hear how God’s children really are feeling.

Anyway, I could go on and on but on a stormy night in Green’s Harbour, Newfoundland I welcome the oppertunity to read, study and thouroughly enjoy your work. Bless You Major Metcalf.

Tony Brushett (Captain)