Comments for on the walk

Comment on come closer by Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:08:53 +0000

Ethan,
I don’t think you missed blogging all that much, at least the evidence doesn’t suggest it.

I assume work is avalanching on you, so I guess I’ll just say a quick prayer for you.

Peace, brother.

Comment on work of the people by Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:32:31 +0000

Hey, Ethan.

I recently read a good book on the topic, I think his name was Brent Webb-Mitchell and the book was Christly Gestures. If you ever read it you should know that I loved his theory, but when he tries to put it a practice from his theory he shows an amazing lack of understanding of how the church REALLY works. That criticism notwithstanding, I give him an A+ for TRYING to figure out what his theory means in practice.

Comment on worship with who we are by on the walk » work of the people

on the walk » work of the people — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:00:09 +0000

[...] I read Dan’s thoughts I remembered a recent post in which I stole from my friend Aaron Wymer some of his fine thoughts on worship. But I also [...]

Comment on Ash Wednesday by Preparing for Easter - Lenten resources « more better disciples

Preparing for Easter - Lenten resources « more better disciples — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:23:12 +0000

[...] with the season of Lent do not have clear New Testament equivalents, MCC uses the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter to encourage people to prepare their hearts for remembering Jesus’ death and [...]

Comment on church events of the bible 1: prayer meetings by church events of the bible « more better disciples

church events of the bible « more better disciples — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:31:14 +0000

[...] Posted in better disciples at 7:50 pm by alexlozada I’ve referred to my teammate Ethan Magness’ blog On the Walk before, and he’s writing a thought-provoking series of posts on “church events of the bible” – specifically in the book of Acts. I borrowed from “prayer meetings” and “business meetings” for the opener of a ministry team meeting earlier this week. If you are a part of a small group, read “temple and homes” and think about how to deepen the relationships among people in your group – is it through the connecting that happens from sharing food or are there other ways that fit your group dynamics? [...]

Comment on church events of the bible 4a: daily life – an excursus by Sam Davis

Sam Davis — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:56:28 +0000

Ethan,

Would love to ask you a question about something my church is working through, and catch up a bit. Would you email me? Love the blog.

Comment on church events of the bible 4a: daily life – an excursus by Ethan Magness

Ethan Magness — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:07:24 +0000

After you read Pagan Christianity (which overstates its case pretty dramatically in my opinion) you must read his next book (Reimagining Church). It is fantastic. It certainly is part of the catalyst behind this series of investigations.

Comment on church events of the bible 4a: daily life – an excursus by Deb

Deb — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:04:08 +0000

I can’t wait to read more. I was just going to email you to ask about Pagan Christianity. It caught my eye on the way out of the library, and it’s raising lots of questions…

Comment on you must read this by Matt

Matt — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:31:56 +0000

Oh yeah, I would put 2 Cor 5:21 in me eye black. What verse would you point people to?

Comment on you must read this by Matt

Matt — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:28:21 +0000

Romans 10 asks:
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?
And how will they hear without a preacher?
How will they preach unless they are sent?

Paul’s list of rhetorical questions is designed to point out that a clear gospel presentation is required for salvation. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom 1:16).

I think we have to understand the bad news (ie. Why we need a Savior) before we can truly appreciate the good news.

The first 3 chapters of Romans (1:18-3:20) is the bad news — essentially an indictment of humanity that is summarized in 3:23. Once we affirm that, the gospel is a relief! The good news of our justification, sanctification, and glorification is truly good news indeed!

I didn’t come to repentance and faith until I understood and confessed that I was a wretched sinner who broke God’s law and deserved the just wages of my sin. I was proud, and the mirror of God’s law humbled me (Gal 3:24).

We have to go humble (James 4:6-11). The law humbled me. I approached the cross with tears and a desire to be reconciled to God. I trusted in Jesus alone. He would never cast me out. Tears were transformed into joy. I passed from death to eternal life — all because of Jesus.

So, we need preachers. Sometimes they use megaphones. Sometimes they’re sitting in the middle seat on an airplane reading their Bible. I prefer one-to-one evangelism.

I agree that we don’t need hate-filled and angy preachers. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He didn’t come to judge, but to save (Jn 12:47). He came to save us from the next time He comes — to judge. We’re preaching to people who desperately need Jesus.

“Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” (Eph 2:3)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ

By grace, through faith, we have been saved. (Eph 2:4-5)

I’m thankful that we have pastors at MCC who saturate themselves in God’s Word and equip us to share our faith. I’m excited about the upcoming series on evangelism.

Talking about the walk,
Matt