Comments for The John Allen Blog

Comment on Question – Will God give up on us? by Tammy Hise

Tammy Hise — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:04:44 +0000

There are times I forget, or think maybe He has given up on me, but knowing that He won’t has always comforted me.

Comment on “Questions for God” – What is appropriate dress for church? by Susie Mullins

Susie Mullins — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:19:51 +0000

After forty years in another church that actually dictated to its members concerning appropriate Sunday dress, coming to Trietsch was a bit of a shock to me. Seeing people in t-shirts and flip-flops and sundresses and jeans felt wrong and inappropriate, and I was frankly turned off. I felt the same way about what I felt was irreverent music – electric guitars and drums in worship services! But when I observed how truly worshipful the people were, and how joyful and sincere in their love for God and for each other, it quickly became apparent to me that the problem was my own. That scripture in 1 Samuel came to me – the one that says that man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart – and I was utterly humbled. My long-ingrained veneer of santimonious judgmentalism melted away, and it was a life-changing experience – one for which I am profoundly grateful.

Comment on Daily Reading – August 20 by David Taylor

David Taylor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:00:07 +0000

I’m not sure I have ever understood the term “poor in spirit.” If the term means down or sad or depressed then no I’m not. If it means I am completely reliant on God’s grace then yes I am poor in spirit. I am very much aware of how short I fall from the mark. I am aware that I cannot get there on my own and therefore desperately need God’s grace to close the gap. My faith is like a child’s in that I don’t question that God loves me just as a child “knows” that their parents love them and will protect them I “know” that God loves me and will always be with me.

Comment on Question for God: Because the Jews have rejected Jesus as the Messiah, has God rejected the Jews? by David Taylor

David Taylor — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:35:02 +0000

As the parable says the King threw a banquet and then invited all to come and enjoy. I would love an in depth study of Romans. I think you are right in that the question within this question is “if God can reject the Jews can God reject me?” I think we all worry that we have been so terribly bad that God will reject us. The good news is there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.

Comment on “Questions for God” – What is appropriate dress for church? by David Taylor

David Taylor — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:27:17 +0000

I enjoy wearing jeans and comfortable shirts to church. I am not a “dress up” kind of guy. I will admit the first time I saw a guy wearing cargo shorts in service I had the thought that wasn’t appropriate. How quick I am to judge when I myself do not want to be judge. I agree God cares little what we wear to cover our bodies. God cares deeply what is in our hearts. God calls us to be ourselves and to let the Holy Spirit fill us and shine through us to others.

Comment on Question – Will God give up on us? by David Taylor

David Taylor — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:16:00 +0000

Thankfully God never gives up on us. God is always with us gently urging us to turn back. We may give up on others, we may give up on ourselves, we may even give up on God but God will never give up on us. One of the rock solid truths we can count on is that God’s love for us never ends.

Comment on Question for God: Because the Jews have rejected Jesus as the Messiah, has God rejected the Jews? by Mary Ailor

Mary Ailor — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:58:46 +0000

It has always been hard for me to believe that God would reject the Jews since they were His chosen people, but in the back of my mind I was never sure. Your explanation was very understandable and confirms God’s love for the Jews. Thanks, Diane

Comment on Question for God: Will those who commit suicide be allowed into heaven? by Mary Ailor

Mary Ailor — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:48:57 +0000

I have always wondered about suicide, and this explanation is great. It is so helpful to list the passages from the Bible that further back the answer. Thanks Lyle for your explanation.