tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.comments2023-03-11T16:07:50.973-07:00The Rejected PathMatt Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00154919547218575815noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-12002905590380912342014-04-09T23:16:29.012-06:002014-04-09T23:16:29.012-06:00Thanks for the comment! Yes I am still blogging, ...Thanks for the comment! Yes I am still blogging, I'm at a different site now. It is: ChristianExpatriate.com <br /><br />Grace and Peace, <br />MattMatt Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00154919547218575815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-11484990218784055922014-04-09T21:43:25.752-06:002014-04-09T21:43:25.752-06:00Are you going to continue blogging???Are you going to continue blogging???luisdenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04469981756701648981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-59035460171410297092013-11-14T09:57:05.314-07:002013-11-14T09:57:05.314-07:00Awesome post. Unquestioned pride in national bound...Awesome post. Unquestioned pride in national boundaries can lead to such an "us versus them" mentality and an "othering" of fellow human beings if we are not careful. Let us pray that we can see fellow human beings as just that - fellow human beings. We are in this together! Loving your blog.peaceinthelambhttp://peaceinthelamb.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-71034756592863761792013-11-03T06:38:28.867-07:002013-11-03T06:38:28.867-07:00Enjoying your blogs very much.Enjoying your blogs very much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-21559839730754291072013-09-04T11:31:51.133-06:002013-09-04T11:31:51.133-06:00Matthew 7:7: "Do not judge, or you too will b...Matthew 7:7: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."<br /><br />The best teaching I ever personally heard on this passage made the point that observing and truthfully noting behavior and what people say is not judging. Judging in this context involves making a permanent assessment of someone's character, from which there is no possibility of repentance and redemption. Only God can make those sorts of just judgments.<br /><br />For example, if I lie and you know the truth. It is not judging me to say that I lied. It is judging me to call me a "liar." I know that might seem like splitting hairs. However, these guidelines have served me well for the past 15 years or so. Behavior is in bounds. Character is out of bounds (unless, you would like someone to permanently judge your character).<br /><br />BTW, I offer this blog post of mine as food for thought: http://the-apostate-chronicles.blogspot.com/2013/02/missing-point.html<br /><br />Blessings and peace, 'Mo SpericAtmospherichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12964462122788497938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-74530659977415300042013-08-30T03:01:45.510-06:002013-08-30T03:01:45.510-06:00Nice! What a great retelling of an often forgotten...Nice! What a great retelling of an often forgotten story.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-73854139784898984292013-07-05T17:26:49.616-06:002013-07-05T17:26:49.616-06:00Matt,
I think your blog is fantastic. You are fo...Matt,<br /><br />I think your blog is fantastic. You are following Jesus freely and compassionately and it seems to me you are doing an excellent job of it. Best wishes!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02737249533381651135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-86346427510074411512013-06-14T17:00:43.449-06:002013-06-14T17:00:43.449-06:00I was quite interested in reading your articles be...I was quite interested in reading your articles because of the similarities to my own site.<br />It's true! Christians can be at times be the worst examples of what it is to be "Christ like". I found so often in my own story Christians turn on their own, along with the histories you mention.<br />Christians need to be challenged, otherwise what do they have to offer as examples of 'Godliness' that any other religion, or even the non believer in anything offer just by being a loving person. Cheers!Andrew Thttp://www.rejectedchristians.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6103066201462858282013-05-23T20:49:32.565-06:002013-05-23T20:49:32.565-06:00I just discovered your blog and am so glad I did. ...I just discovered your blog and am so glad I did. This post speaks to me. You've put in a succinct way snatches of thoughts and conversations I've had with friends recently. <br /><br />Your thoughts on the pledge are interesting as well. In Texas schools, we pledge to the United States flag and the Texas flag daily. And then have a moment of silence...rather than a pledge/prayer. Ironic.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04842288665942019893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-41646503900257917102013-05-20T18:06:29.410-06:002013-05-20T18:06:29.410-06:00To clarify, I did not make a "marriage oath&q...To clarify, I did not make a "marriage oath". My wife and I made promises to each other. We did not swear by (make an oath) anything. In a traditional marriage ceremony, the Spiritual leader will read a set of promises to each party and the husband and wife will both reply with a simple "I will" or "I do". Either answer would be well within Jesus' instruction to say simply "yes" or "no". Also, marriage as defined by the Scripture is a covenant, which is an entirely separate thing from an oath. Matt Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00154919547218575815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-76544492379493240372013-05-20T17:42:13.830-06:002013-05-20T17:42:13.830-06:00Really though.... what about your marriage oath? I...Really though.... what about your marriage oath? I'm just curious about your views on that...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6339012302074370792013-05-19T20:56:07.108-06:002013-05-19T20:56:07.108-06:00Great thoughts Matt, I could not agree more. While...Great thoughts Matt, I could not agree more. While I love America, we are Christians first and citizens of the Kingdom of God. It is our job to promote the Kingdom, not the empire of America.<br />I love your other thoughts here too. You will get push back from some believers, but you are on the right path. <br />Grace to you.<br />Mark LeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-6276641307593591842013-05-19T20:12:21.928-06:002013-05-19T20:12:21.928-06:00Thanks for the response! I appreciate your view (e...Thanks for the response! I appreciate your view (even though we don't agree) and it gives me things to think about. I think my post has done the same for you as well. As you said in your first comment, the sum of Jesus' life and teaching was love. I don't believe that my stance as a pacifist(which is rooted in love) has become a "single track" for my thoughts. I DO very much aim to have love be that single track. Love has no national boundaries and doesn't pick sides. It is like one giant bear hug around humanity. Saying the Pledge is another way to me of picking sides. If I am FOR America, that very easily turns into exclusion of OTHERS, something I definitely don't want. I'm not saying that you are personally excluding others in the world from your love. However, as is often the case, when saying the Pledge people are giving allegiance to one nation over another. I would rather give my allegiance to God's kingdom and therefore not place anyone in the OTHER category, for his kingdom does not wage war with other nations, but fights a spiritual battle for the benefit of all mankind. Matt Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00154919547218575815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-39039731541674948572013-05-19T19:50:32.469-06:002013-05-19T19:50:32.469-06:00To both of you,
Again, I would like to start by sa...To both of you,<br />Again, I would like to start by saying that I agree with several points of yours. My perception does not at all conflict with the idea that Christ's kingdom includes people of the earth without national boundaries and divisions. I am saying that my personal view on not taking an oath at all differs from that explained in the blog. Does that mean that your marriage oath is also something that goes against Christ's instruction? You already stated that pledging "allegiance" is "similar" to an oath. Even "oath" is not the exact word that Jesus would have used (haha He obviously didn't speak English). So to interpret the word oath so literally even as a translated choice and then apply it to the pledge of allegiance seems a bit stretched to begin with (in my opinion). I'm also not going to argue that our country has always upheld the most Godly values in the least. Just because I'm pledging "allegiance" to the nation I live in does not mean that I align myself to every stance that has been made for our country. I am not "taking an oath" to support everything that happens within our nation's boundaries. I am choosing to voice my respect for our nation and be active in a democratic system that allows me to support my own stances. I too am humbly searching for God's will in me as an individual, and His influence in and beyond our country's national boundaries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-25875403753415215492013-05-18T20:57:23.343-06:002013-05-18T20:57:23.343-06:00Anon...pledging to Christ to seek and serve him in...Anon...pledging to Christ to seek and serve him in others is awesome. Both our neighbors, and our enemies. While pledging the flag you may be able to parse those differences in your own mind, it is a public act of allegiance to one nation above all others. Especially in light of tomorrow, the day of Pentecost, isn't it pretty important to say that God is bringing all nations together into one people? <br /><br />Whoever is a friend to the u.s. is not necessarily my friend, and whoever is an enemy to the u.s. is not necessarily my enemy. These are some of my thoughts about the implications of the scriptures as a whole...God doesn't respect our nations or boundaries as much as he is bringing them under his own banner (or flag).<br /><br />Moreover, public ceremonies are a way of disciplining our bodies towards what is important, but the flag and, especially, the national anthem are symbols are tied up in a whole system of meaning that are often tied up in violence (rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air). Patriotic displays, whether you intend it or not, say to others "my country above all". If everybody thought this way there would be a lot of wars. As it is, enough people believe it for there to be a lot of wars. And most (if not all) think that their country is based on some timeless (or God-blessed) principles. It doesn't solve the problem of national favoritism - it inflames it.<br /><br />Peace.The Charismanglicanhttp://www.charismanglican.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-84497331297211360462013-05-18T17:51:28.616-06:002013-05-18T17:51:28.616-06:00Friend,
Thanks for the comment. If you know me pe...Friend,<br /><br />Thanks for the comment. If you know me personally I'd love to know who it is, if not feel free to remain Anonymous. I understand that the point of the passage on making oaths is about being true to your word. However, Jesus does clearly say "do not swear an oath AT ALL". We can twist his words or talk about the reasoning behind the command and skip around the words all we like, but the instruction remains the same. I think it is awesome that you are pledging to be the "hands and feet " of Jesus in our country, however, that is not what the pledge is actually about. By your reasoning it seems I could take any creed I like (from the Nazi's, a Satanic Creed, or the North Korean National Anthem) and as long as I am thinking of it in a different light than it actually is, there's nothing wrong with it. You did also mention that there is nothing wrong with pledging to the "godly values of our country", would you mind expounding on those values? To clarify, the Revolution I am talking about is the awakening of Jesus-followers to come out from the nationalistic idolatry we have been in bed with for so long. Matt Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00154919547218575815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-20447673921276001962013-05-18T15:31:51.728-06:002013-05-18T15:31:51.728-06:00Matt,
I believe that you are in fact entitled to y...Matt,<br />I believe that you are in fact entitled to your own opinions, and am not challenging your sense to search deeper into your relationship with God. I think it's great that you are able to question things of the world and search for your own identity among them. However, keep in mind that the entire goal of Jesus' teachings is to preach love. Though you would argue that that is exactly what you are fighting for as you declare pacifism, be careful not to allow these views also to become a single track for your thought processes. I disagree that the Pledge of Allegiance is in any way making the country our "master". In saying the Pledge we are declaring that the country is "under God" and asserting loyalty to the Godly principles "for which it stands". Scripture, as I'm sure you know can be interpreted from so many different standpoints. I view the passage you cited earlier differently. I think that the emphasis of the passage is more about being true to your word than labeling oaths as a sin. The very nature that the truth has become so subjective in this world that an oath has a different importance than a simple yes or no is the bigger problem. Jesus is telling us that all we should need to say is "yes" or "no" to demonstrate loyalty. That doesn't mean that a pledge to something (especially to the Godly values of our country) is evil. That being said, I personally say the pledge as a promise to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my own country. We are pledging to do God's work in our nation. No need for a "revolution".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-7549433797327796992013-05-15T21:06:35.183-06:002013-05-15T21:06:35.183-06:00Friend,
I don't mean to debate or start an a...Friend,<br /><br /> I don't mean to debate or start an argument but it seems to me that you have confused the two concepts of judging and making choices. The examples you gave (deciding which ice-cream to eat, clothes to wear, or what gifts to give someone)are all instances of individual every-day choices that we all make in this world. However, these choices are a completely different and separate matter than what I and Jesus are talking about on the issue of judging. The form of judgement where we as mortals put ourselves in the place of God (trying to decide who is in or out of salvation or a relationship with God) is always condemned in scripture. Yes, Jesus said "do not judge" but continued by saying "for the measure you use to judge others will be how the Father judges you". You are also correct that Jesus, as God come to us in flesh, had the right to judge us men yet he did not. Instead he chose to lovingly serve and give his life for us. That being said, we are called to follow Jesus in his example of how to live this life. Therefore, we also (as mere men) should refrain from judgement as Jesus did. The main point of my paragraph on judging was to point out the self-righteous judgmental attitude of many in Christendom today and throughout history is another example of Christians not looking very much like Christ. <br />Carry on. <br />Peace,<br />Matt Matt Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00154919547218575815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-49392424764670344052013-05-15T18:07:44.983-06:002013-05-15T18:07:44.983-06:00I love it, Matt! I was just baptized in the name ...I love it, Matt! I was just baptized in the name of Jesus this past November at the age of 27, but I also don't call myself a Christian. My friends and family not only don't understand, I don't think it's within their limits to comprehend this concept. Some people just cannot receive the Logos (Greek word, google it if you're not familiar with it's concepts. "In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God."). I have found that even relying on a single English translation of the Bible can be misleading because of the Christian minds that have interpreted and translated it into the common versions we find today. My Bible concordance has been a great help for me while reading the Bible. Blue Letter Bible is helpful too, they have a website and a smart phone app.<br /><br />I relate and agree with everything you said above, except that about judgement. Given, this is still something I'm working through myself and by no means am I an excellent teacher on this topic, but I don't think it's possible to live a life without judgement. I mean that on a deeper level than, "Nobody's perfect." For example, choosing between vanilla or chocolate ice-cream is a form of judgement. At our most basic and fundamental existence we use judgements to navigate through our worlds. Should I or shouldn't I tithe? How much? Should I buy the blue or green shirt? Will she like the roses or the tulips more? These are all judgments. Matthew ch.7 has a beautiful message on judgement. This is one of the places where it says do not judge, but that is an incomplete message. The gospel goes on to explain that you should first work out your own problems before trying to judge other people for theirs. Jesus, being the perfect son of our Lord, had every right to judge and condemn us men, but he humbled himself and came instead as a servant. Yet from time to time his teachings are judgmental (check out John 8:15-16). You mentioned the passage where Jesus says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. If you were to say that to a rich person today, would they not receive that as a judgement on them? I think the important thing is that you don't want to do/say anything that will be a stumbling block for others to join and harmonize with you in your faith. If that means keeping your thoughts to yourself at times, do so. If it means dishing out judgment, there IS a time for judgment.<br /><br />"The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one." 1 Corinthians 2:15<br /><br />There are many ways to read and interpret the above message and it is not my intention to indoctrinate you with my own thoughts, but when contemplating the above passage I highly recommend reading the whole chapter before coming to any conclusions about your right to judge.<br /><br />Peter's first letter to the church in Corinth also talks a great deal about judging those INSIDE the church, and letting God judge those outside the church. 1 Corinthians ch.5/6 specifically touch on this topic. It is also written here that the saints will judge the world and the angels.<br /><br />I hope that I have been helpful and that my words have been well received. God bless you, your wife and your child. I will pray for your well being.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09531190124942850767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-87574656913591784412013-05-08T06:15:05.635-06:002013-05-08T06:15:05.635-06:00Matt, it's been a while since you wrote this, ...Matt, it's been a while since you wrote this, but it has come back to my mind a couple times and I thought I'd share some thoughts. If I apologize for the history of my country, then am I judging God for what He led the country to do in a specific situation? God says He turns the heart of the king (meaning that he directs it). I think it is clear that God does use nations to execute judgement on other groups/nations. That is His will upon occasion. Jesus's race/country was violent in an earlier time and erased certain wicked cultures in that area on God's command. Jesus never apologized for being Hebrew, or for that violence, even though it sure sounds different than what He taught. So I guess it bothers me a little to hear an apology for earlier events in our national history which I think God did guide and did use for His purposes. I think that particular judgement requires that we elevate ourselves to a position that we don't really have the right to stand in. I appreciate your thoughts and the ideas you share in your blog. Thanks Matt.Larry Leddenhttp://www.famtech.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-3962705126585607472013-05-07T17:47:02.953-06:002013-05-07T17:47:02.953-06:00This post is oh so true...something I have been th...This post is oh so true...something I have been thinking a LOT about the past few years. It grieves me to think what the world sees in some people (a very high number in all honesty) who call themselves Christens. And I would say you are very right in that one of the main things, I would say the root of a LOT of them, is that we judge...I say "we" because I am one of them...the Lord in His grace is working on me in this area and I am staring to see a change...not because of anything I did, but because I asked Him to root it out of me. I couldn't do it myself, it is in me too deep, but He CAN change us! He is so good...keep working Lord, change me and make me more like You. So that people can see YOU flooding out of me.The Thimblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12028180473083349890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261859787165438266.post-74462526348387889882013-05-06T14:35:43.457-06:002013-05-06T14:35:43.457-06:00I am not suге where you aгe gettіng
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