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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'Why Do Christian Ministers Fail?'
Reader Comments
Posted by Kerrie Logan in Armidale NSW @ 06:14 on Aug 21 2008
Beautiful and solid response to a very disappointing situation, well done Mr. Fletcher :)
Beautiful and solid response to a very disappointing situation, well done Mr. Fletcher :)
Posted by Jimbolean Jim @ 06:12 on Aug 21 2008
Show grace? How about calling it for what it is? The man is a liar and deceiver. People like him and the rediculous Todd Bentley bring the church into disrepute.
Rev 21:8 "liar, liar, lake of fire" (paraphrase)
The money hungry Hill$ong types who peddle the Gospel for profit are a curse and bring shame to the glorious name of Jesus.
Show grace? How about calling it for what it is? The man is a liar and deceiver. People like him and the rediculous Todd Bentley bring the church into disrepute.
Rev 21:8 "liar, liar, lake of fire" (paraphrase)
The money hungry Hill$ong types who peddle the Gospel for profit are a curse and bring shame to the glorious name of Jesus.
Reply by Tim in Brisbane @ 06:04 on Aug 23 2008
Wow mate. If only you know what Hillsong is doing for the people of the world - those in strive and lost and in pain (physically or spiritually). Don't speak with ignorance. Money while necessary (even when doing God's will) on earth is never Hillsong's focus. Whats wrong with being excellent in music or worship - when circular bands are doing it? Shouldn't the people of God be leading the way in every facet of life?
Wow mate. If only you know what Hillsong is doing for the people of the world - those in strive and lost and in pain (physically or spiritually). Don't speak with ignorance. Money while necessary (even when doing God's will) on earth is never Hillsong's focus. Whats wrong with being excellent in music or worship - when circular bands are doing it? Shouldn't the people of God be leading the way in every facet of life?
Reply by Frank in Kalgoorlie @ 02:53 on Aug 22 2008
It is hard to find a Hero of Faith in my Bible that didn't fall from grace. Thank God for Jesus because I would't get to Heavan if I had to earn my place.
It is hard to find a Hero of Faith in my Bible that didn't fall from grace. Thank God for Jesus because I would't get to Heavan if I had to earn my place.
Reply by Kevin Seiuli in Sydney, Australia @ 15:42 on Aug 21 2008
Jimbolean Jim, I am perplexed as to why you would post such angry words.
Are you so holy, without sin and have made no mistakes in your life that you can pass jugdment on someone? Sure, he was in the public eye and lied about what he had or didn't have BUT isn't a sin a sin regardless of how big or small it is or if it is made in public or not?
Need I remind you of John 8? Verse 7 perhaps? When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
Matthew 7:5: "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (not "paraphrasing" but the NIV version).
Ultimately, God will be Michaels Judge as well as everyone else here now and who has ever lived so leave the judgement to the Almighty, get into the word and pray for him, his friends and family during this tough time rather post such indignant, ill-informed & unjustified comments.
We are all part of the body of Christ and as much as the World (including many christians) have all jumped on the bandwagon to attack and condemn the church at large through Mikes actions, we need to stand united and show solidarity with Jesus as the centre and the focus of all this so that God is always glorified in the midst of all this chaos.
Let Go Jimbolean Jim and Let God do the rest.
Jimbolean Jim, I am perplexed as to why you would post such angry words.
Are you so holy, without sin and have made no mistakes in your life that you can pass jugdment on someone? Sure, he was in the public eye and lied about what he had or didn't have BUT isn't a sin a sin regardless of how big or small it is or if it is made in public or not?
Need I remind you of John 8? Verse 7 perhaps? When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
Matthew 7:5: "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (not "paraphrasing" but the NIV version).
Ultimately, God will be Michaels Judge as well as everyone else here now and who has ever lived so leave the judgement to the Almighty, get into the word and pray for him, his friends and family during this tough time rather post such indignant, ill-informed & unjustified comments.
We are all part of the body of Christ and as much as the World (including many christians) have all jumped on the bandwagon to attack and condemn the church at large through Mikes actions, we need to stand united and show solidarity with Jesus as the centre and the focus of all this so that God is always glorified in the midst of all this chaos.
Let Go Jimbolean Jim and Let God do the rest.
Posted by sorry in I can't @ 05:07 on Aug 21 2008
Michael is my friend too. I love him dearly, like a brother. His father spoke into my world as a suicidal teenager and brought me to Christ. The pain right now is awful but I am sure nowhere near what his family are feeling. I owe the Guglielmucci family my very life. I won't turn from Mike but man, it hurts.
God... are you here? Can you see? Your people are in pain....do you see the tears?
Please, do something.
Michael is my friend too. I love him dearly, like a brother. His father spoke into my world as a suicidal teenager and brought me to Christ. The pain right now is awful but I am sure nowhere near what his family are feeling. I owe the Guglielmucci family my very life. I won't turn from Mike but man, it hurts.
God... are you here? Can you see? Your people are in pain....do you see the tears?
Please, do something.
Reply by me in brisbane, australia @ 15:35 on Aug 22 2008
God has never left.God is still here.He's still in control.Check out the story on Peter & walking on water.when peter took his eyes of Jesus, & noticing the situation around him, peter started sinking. in the middle of a storm. waves. wind. at nite. sinking. but when he cast his eyes back to Jesus - who had never left, was still in the same place - & called out to Him, Jesus pulled peter up out from sinking and drowing.
Focus on Jesus rather than some person, who can never and will never save your soul from hell.
Sin is sin no matter what colour, how many stripes, or with purple spots. It doesnt change. And just because someone well known has stepped into it doesnt mean that it should be simply overlooked.But it doesnt mean that we shouldn't forgive.Rather forgive & move on with our life. With our relationship with God.
People come people go. in between failures occur. This is an e.g. of a break in trust...and we aren't even God...a break in the trust God has bestowed on this individual. But yet at the same time if he is truly repentant God is able to forgive all.
When you stay focused on a person, it's easy to be disillusioned when wrong things occur.If you hold someone in such high esteem above God,it's understandable 2 become disillusioned. Becoz noone in this world-past or future - will be able to do what Jesus did.
Noone but Jesus has ever died for humanity. For every single person. You, me, parents,neighbour, the Subway sandwich artist down the road,school teacher,policeman,doctor, the head researcher on penguin behaviour at Antarctica...noone has done that for everyone - but Jesus.
So MG wrote a great song. But will not ensure me salvation.Won't ensure eternal life with Jesus.Won't save me from eternal separation from God.
There's only one way-through Jesus.Focus on Christ. He never failed.Never made mistakes.HE is the only one who died for your sins and mine.And has risen from the dead.
God has never left.God is still here.He's still in control.Check out the story on Peter & walking on water.when peter took his eyes of Jesus, & noticing the situation around him, peter started sinking. in the middle of a storm. waves. wind. at nite. sinking. but when he cast his eyes back to Jesus - who had never left, was still in the same place - & called out to Him, Jesus pulled peter up out from sinking and drowing.
Focus on Jesus rather than some person, who can never and will never save your soul from hell.
Sin is sin no matter what colour, how many stripes, or with purple spots. It doesnt change. And just because someone well known has stepped into it doesnt mean that it should be simply overlooked.But it doesnt mean that we shouldn't forgive.Rather forgive & move on with our life. With our relationship with God.
People come people go. in between failures occur. This is an e.g. of a break in trust...and we aren't even God...a break in the trust God has bestowed on this individual. But yet at the same time if he is truly repentant God is able to forgive all.
When you stay focused on a person, it's easy to be disillusioned when wrong things occur.If you hold someone in such high esteem above God,it's understandable 2 become disillusioned. Becoz noone in this world-past or future - will be able to do what Jesus did.
Noone but Jesus has ever died for humanity. For every single person. You, me, parents,neighbour, the Subway sandwich artist down the road,school teacher,policeman,doctor, the head researcher on penguin behaviour at Antarctica...noone has done that for everyone - but Jesus.
So MG wrote a great song. But will not ensure me salvation.Won't ensure eternal life with Jesus.Won't save me from eternal separation from God.
There's only one way-through Jesus.Focus on Christ. He never failed.Never made mistakes.HE is the only one who died for your sins and mine.And has risen from the dead.
Posted by Lance in Perth @ 04:30 on Aug 21 2008
This was not a 'failure' or a 'fall'.
This was an elaborately-planned and executed hoax.
Don't try and wallpaper over it with Christianese, Mal.
This was not a 'failure' or a 'fall'.
This was an elaborately-planned and executed hoax.
Don't try and wallpaper over it with Christianese, Mal.
Reply by Reggie in Sydney @ 07:05 on Aug 24 2008
I should have expected this kind of thing from you Lance. Nowhere to air your anti-pentecostal rants after signposts shutdown? I bet you've been itching for this kind of thing to happen so you can feed your anger even more.
I should have expected this kind of thing from you Lance. Nowhere to air your anti-pentecostal rants after signposts shutdown? I bet you've been itching for this kind of thing to happen so you can feed your anger even more.
Reply by Dave in Portland, OR, US @ 13:04 on Aug 22 2008
God is bigger than denomination and I don't think He is going to care what denomination we were on earth when we meet Him in glory. I think all that He is going to care about is whether or not we loved Him and what we did to love, help and bless others.
You're entitled to your opinions Lance, but please (this is coming from a brother), I would urge caution in what you say. Whether it is your intent or not... the way you have worded your posts comes off very harsh, unforgiving and judgmental.
Lance, when I think about Paul - He beat, persecuted, harassed and even murdered many Christians, and yet God still had a future and hope for him. God also has a future and a hope for Mike, as He does for you and for me... and yes, even "Pentecostals".
The bible is littered with endless accounts of His redemptive love toward people who didn't deserve it. And His word says that He has called each one of us to be "ministers of reconciliation". Reconciliation is usually more effective when kindness and grace are applied.
God is bigger than denomination and I don't think He is going to care what denomination we were on earth when we meet Him in glory. I think all that He is going to care about is whether or not we loved Him and what we did to love, help and bless others.
You're entitled to your opinions Lance, but please (this is coming from a brother), I would urge caution in what you say. Whether it is your intent or not... the way you have worded your posts comes off very harsh, unforgiving and judgmental.
Lance, when I think about Paul - He beat, persecuted, harassed and even murdered many Christians, and yet God still had a future and hope for him. God also has a future and a hope for Mike, as He does for you and for me... and yes, even "Pentecostals".
The bible is littered with endless accounts of His redemptive love toward people who didn't deserve it. And His word says that He has called each one of us to be "ministers of reconciliation". Reconciliation is usually more effective when kindness and grace are applied.
Reply by Dave in Portland, OR, US @ 13:00 on Aug 22 2008
Lance, His (Christ's) love covers a multitude of sins. Obviously Mike's sins have been exposed, and I think it's safe to say that we all realize how deliberate his actions were (with or without the attached psychological issues). But, Christ's love covers His sin, as His love covers yours and mine also.
Christ instructs us to be examiners of fruit, not to be judgmental and certainly not stereotypical (I.e. your blanket statements about "Pentecostals"). I concede that there is no justification in Mike's actions, but... Mike and Mike alone will be responsible for those and it is our job to love our neighbor (I don't think God placed stipulations on who or what that neighbor looks like).
We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Be careful not stereotype an entire denomination as being "liars". Many have come to Christ through the Pentecostal denomination and many millions of lives have been changed for the better because of Christians in that denomination. Only Satan is the "accuser of the brethren", and maybe it's better if we try not to resemble His character.
Whether you are pointing your finger at one denomination or another, remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, striving toward the building of His kingdom. I don't read anywhere in God's word where He recognizes denomination.
Lance, His (Christ's) love covers a multitude of sins. Obviously Mike's sins have been exposed, and I think it's safe to say that we all realize how deliberate his actions were (with or without the attached psychological issues). But, Christ's love covers His sin, as His love covers yours and mine also.
Christ instructs us to be examiners of fruit, not to be judgmental and certainly not stereotypical (I.e. your blanket statements about "Pentecostals"). I concede that there is no justification in Mike's actions, but... Mike and Mike alone will be responsible for those and it is our job to love our neighbor (I don't think God placed stipulations on who or what that neighbor looks like).
We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Be careful not stereotype an entire denomination as being "liars". Many have come to Christ through the Pentecostal denomination and many millions of lives have been changed for the better because of Christians in that denomination. Only Satan is the "accuser of the brethren", and maybe it's better if we try not to resemble His character.
Whether you are pointing your finger at one denomination or another, remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, striving toward the building of His kingdom. I don't read anywhere in God's word where He recognizes denomination.
Reply by Tim in New Zealand @ 00:25 on Aug 22 2008
Well said Lance.
The Christianese used to blur the real issues and defend the church seems to reflect a reluctance to use ones own God given wisdom and intelligence.
The situation brings to mind Jesus’ reaction when the Temple was used as a market place. "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." Of course he will have forgiven the traders, but we must remember how angry he was, and that he first demanded change. He didn’t quietly organise a prayer meeting with the traders. His reaction was furious, and he physically enforced change.
Grace is essential yes, but it is no excuse for accepting mediocrity and not striving for excellence. The church is God’s bride and surely we must be passionate about the pursuit of purity, despite our own individual shortcomings. This pursuit involves self criticism and in this case where the integrity of the church has been brought into question, surely it demands a wider review of systems and culture.
GTLMC – of course this had to be planned. You don’t accidentally fool thousands of people and get rich in the process. He persisted for 2 years. Do you really think it was an accident?
Well said Lance.
The Christianese used to blur the real issues and defend the church seems to reflect a reluctance to use ones own God given wisdom and intelligence.
The situation brings to mind Jesus’ reaction when the Temple was used as a market place. "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." Of course he will have forgiven the traders, but we must remember how angry he was, and that he first demanded change. He didn’t quietly organise a prayer meeting with the traders. His reaction was furious, and he physically enforced change.
Grace is essential yes, but it is no excuse for accepting mediocrity and not striving for excellence. The church is God’s bride and surely we must be passionate about the pursuit of purity, despite our own individual shortcomings. This pursuit involves self criticism and in this case where the integrity of the church has been brought into question, surely it demands a wider review of systems and culture.
GTLMC – of course this had to be planned. You don’t accidentally fool thousands of people and get rich in the process. He persisted for 2 years. Do you really think it was an accident?
Reply by John in Adelaide @ 00:15 on Aug 22 2008
Right on the money, Lance. He's perpetuated a fraud and, in the process, fooled so may who saw him as an inspiration. Worse, though, many of us dug deep because of his condition. Forgive and forget? Not likely.
Right on the money, Lance. He's perpetuated a fraud and, in the process, fooled so may who saw him as an inspiration. Worse, though, many of us dug deep because of his condition. Forgive and forget? Not likely.
Reply by Lance in Perth @ 19:19 on Aug 21 2008
Let's just say I know a bit about these things, because I have someone in my own family who makes up illnesses/injuries on average about twice a year.
Much of my teenage years was spent tip-toeing around the house because this particular family member was in their bed nearly all the time, with the door closed, hooked up to an oxygen tank.
In the end, another family member got fed up, ran every medical test imaginable on the 'sick' family member, and the end result? There was not, nor had there been anything wrong with them.
This family member is now in their 70's, and what's this (winter) season's illness/injury? An injured coccyx bone. All you can say is 'yeah, that's terrible', and ignore them until they come up with the next fake illness.
While I recognise that the fabricating of illnesses/injuries is a psychological issue, it's not something that you just 'fall' into.
It takes a certain level of thinking through to come up with the details of the story-line.
What didn't help Mr. Guglielmucci and probably exacerbated the problem is that the Pentecostal church in Australia tolerates a certain level of fibbing, 'acceptable lies', exaggeration and hyperbole....on everything from 'tithing' to talking-up some rather ordinary guest speakers.
Lying has become (maybe it always was?) second-nature to Pentecostals. What makes this different is the sheer scale and audicity involved in the elaborate cancer hoax.
Less audacious lies are routinely accepted by Pentecostals.
The real question in all this, is where is the line drawn between 'acceptable' lies..and 'unacceptable' lies in Pentecostalism?
Lance
Let's just say I know a bit about these things, because I have someone in my own family who makes up illnesses/injuries on average about twice a year.
Much of my teenage years was spent tip-toeing around the house because this particular family member was in their bed nearly all the time, with the door closed, hooked up to an oxygen tank.
In the end, another family member got fed up, ran every medical test imaginable on the 'sick' family member, and the end result? There was not, nor had there been anything wrong with them.
This family member is now in their 70's, and what's this (winter) season's illness/injury? An injured coccyx bone. All you can say is 'yeah, that's terrible', and ignore them until they come up with the next fake illness.
While I recognise that the fabricating of illnesses/injuries is a psychological issue, it's not something that you just 'fall' into.
It takes a certain level of thinking through to come up with the details of the story-line.
What didn't help Mr. Guglielmucci and probably exacerbated the problem is that the Pentecostal church in Australia tolerates a certain level of fibbing, 'acceptable lies', exaggeration and hyperbole....on everything from 'tithing' to talking-up some rather ordinary guest speakers.
Lying has become (maybe it always was?) second-nature to Pentecostals. What makes this different is the sheer scale and audicity involved in the elaborate cancer hoax.
Less audacious lies are routinely accepted by Pentecostals.
The real question in all this, is where is the line drawn between 'acceptable' lies..and 'unacceptable' lies in Pentecostalism?
Lance
Reply by GTLMC in perth @ 13:31 on Aug 21 2008
With respect, how on earth would either of you know?
You're entitled to your opinion; don't flatter yourselves to the extent of such a confident assertion.
I don't know Michael. But I know Jesus, and know that his Grace has covered my sins many times over. I'm just fortunate mine have been dealt with privately. Can either of you two look in the mirror and see a perfect and faultless reflection?
Grace. Forgiveness. Because I know I'm so very far from perfect.
With respect, how on earth would either of you know?
You're entitled to your opinion; don't flatter yourselves to the extent of such a confident assertion.
I don't know Michael. But I know Jesus, and know that his Grace has covered my sins many times over. I'm just fortunate mine have been dealt with privately. Can either of you two look in the mirror and see a perfect and faultless reflection?
Grace. Forgiveness. Because I know I'm so very far from perfect.
Posted by Roost in New Zealand @ 04:26 on Aug 21 2008
With all due respect Mal I felt quite frustrated after reading your article.
Although it is very well talking of forgiveness, human failure etc. (over and over again), I think this article is perhaps overlooking many real issues and perhaps a few weeks premature.
What about surrounding issues such as accountability for the big names, or lack of. How about the naivity of friends, family and those other 'finest Christian leaders' who failed to show any level of discernment.
How about acknowledging those hundreds of people whose faith will be devestated, and thousands who are actual cancer sufferers.
Despite how 'nice' it sounds to talk about forgiveness, let's get real. There IS a time for condemnation, and recognition of internal failure.
Perhaps another article on wider issues Mal?
With all due respect Mal I felt quite frustrated after reading your article.
Although it is very well talking of forgiveness, human failure etc. (over and over again), I think this article is perhaps overlooking many real issues and perhaps a few weeks premature.
What about surrounding issues such as accountability for the big names, or lack of. How about the naivity of friends, family and those other 'finest Christian leaders' who failed to show any level of discernment.
How about acknowledging those hundreds of people whose faith will be devestated, and thousands who are actual cancer sufferers.
Despite how 'nice' it sounds to talk about forgiveness, let's get real. There IS a time for condemnation, and recognition of internal failure.
Perhaps another article on wider issues Mal?
Reply by Chris in UK @ 03:02 on Feb 16 2009
One thing that I have realised from looking at some of the comments on this page, and also personal experience, is that sometimes the most judgmental people are in fact, christians. This maybe is down to the fact that we as people are either taking advantage of, or forgetting the goodness of God's grace.
We go around acting like Mike has done so badly, acting as if we are in the right by punishing him etc, but the truth is anybody who acts in that way is being exactly the same as the pharisees that killed Jesus. I think we all need to look in the mirror and see the plank in our eye. Like one comment above said "let him who has no sin cast the first stone", we should all realise that we all mess up and "fall short of the glory of god". So stop acting all righteous and 'logical', because Grace defies logic. It goes against what is deserved - just as Jesus didn't deserve to die, we don't deserve to have life. And so let's stop taking it for granted, and show not only Michael and his family love, but also the rest of the world how we as christians should be.
And one other thing - for all the people who claimed that because of Michael they lost their faith, let me ask you - who was your faith really in at the first place then? - Realise that people always make mistakes and let each other down. So don't look to others for a foundation, look to God who is our solid rock and firm foundation, one who will never leave us nor forsake us.
And for Mike and the family - I love you guys and have nothing but respect for the way you have coped during this time, especially with all the criticism aimed your way. May God bless you all and keep restoring you.
- thanks for the great article mal.
One thing that I have realised from looking at some of the comments on this page, and also personal experience, is that sometimes the most judgmental people are in fact, christians. This maybe is down to the fact that we as people are either taking advantage of, or forgetting the goodness of God's grace.
We go around acting like Mike has done so badly, acting as if we are in the right by punishing him etc, but the truth is anybody who acts in that way is being exactly the same as the pharisees that killed Jesus. I think we all need to look in the mirror and see the plank in our eye. Like one comment above said "let him who has no sin cast the first stone", we should all realise that we all mess up and "fall short of the glory of god". So stop acting all righteous and 'logical', because Grace defies logic. It goes against what is deserved - just as Jesus didn't deserve to die, we don't deserve to have life. And so let's stop taking it for granted, and show not only Michael and his family love, but also the rest of the world how we as christians should be.
And one other thing - for all the people who claimed that because of Michael they lost their faith, let me ask you - who was your faith really in at the first place then? - Realise that people always make mistakes and let each other down. So don't look to others for a foundation, look to God who is our solid rock and firm foundation, one who will never leave us nor forsake us.
And for Mike and the family - I love you guys and have nothing but respect for the way you have coped during this time, especially with all the criticism aimed your way. May God bless you all and keep restoring you.
- thanks for the great article mal.
Reply by Wendy in Horsham @ 07:15 on Aug 22 2008
How sad to read your comment. It reminds me of the story of the woman caught in adultery, and what did Jesus say? "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
I was extremely uplifted and encouraged to read the comments by Mal Fletcher and totally agree that the forgiveness and grace of our God is beyond description.
How sad to read your comment. It reminds me of the story of the woman caught in adultery, and what did Jesus say? "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
I was extremely uplifted and encouraged to read the comments by Mal Fletcher and totally agree that the forgiveness and grace of our God is beyond description.
Reply by sg @ 03:50 on Aug 22 2008
Oh No not condemnation! Thats the devils job..God brings conviction, lets leave this in Gods hands. Also can we spare a prayer for Amanda, his wife, who has possibly been betrayed the greatest!!
Oh No not condemnation! Thats the devils job..God brings conviction, lets leave this in Gods hands. Also can we spare a prayer for Amanda, his wife, who has possibly been betrayed the greatest!!
Reply by Mike in Brisbane @ 02:47 on Aug 22 2008
Roost, what would you have done when King David committed adultery and murder? Would you have jumped in front of the prophet Samuel and said "Ok Samuel, get the whole nation to condemn David, he should be stood down". What would you have said when David prayed "Against you alone have I sinned Lord"? You will reap what you sow if you choose a judgmental position.
Roost, what would you have done when King David committed adultery and murder? Would you have jumped in front of the prophet Samuel and said "Ok Samuel, get the whole nation to condemn David, he should be stood down". What would you have said when David prayed "Against you alone have I sinned Lord"? You will reap what you sow if you choose a judgmental position.
Posted by Jay in Melbourne @ 03:40 on Aug 21 2008
An excellent message Mal. I know Mike and despite the hurt and confusion experienced in learning of what has occured, God has driven home a fresh revelation of His Grace and the very reason for it's existence. Thankyou for your wisdom and truth in the words written.
An excellent message Mal. I know Mike and despite the hurt and confusion experienced in learning of what has occured, God has driven home a fresh revelation of His Grace and the very reason for it's existence. Thankyou for your wisdom and truth in the words written.
Posted by Kita Stringer in Narrogin Christian Centre ACC @ 03:21 on Aug 21 2008
Thankyou Mal unfortunately you are right, amazing miracles happen but people grab hold of what has gone wrong. Michael's song will still touch my heart, this just makes you remember not to judge others but to keep each other accountable. We as a church will be praying for the family. Blessings Shane & Kita
Thankyou Mal unfortunately you are right, amazing miracles happen but people grab hold of what has gone wrong. Michael's song will still touch my heart, this just makes you remember not to judge others but to keep each other accountable. We as a church will be praying for the family. Blessings Shane & Kita
Posted by Tim Perry in Hang Dong, Thailand @ 02:28 on Aug 21 2008
An excellent message Mal. I appreciate your passion in bringing clarity of thought and the mind of Christ for many who will be struggling at this time. Wether it be Michael or someone else we know and respect highly this is an issue that we will all deal with at some stage. How do I come to terms with the failure of a "hero in the faith." GRACE IS OUTLANDISH!! IT IS FAR MORE POWERFUL AND GIVING THAN WE CAN TOLERATE!! Thanks Mal
An excellent message Mal. I appreciate your passion in bringing clarity of thought and the mind of Christ for many who will be struggling at this time. Wether it be Michael or someone else we know and respect highly this is an issue that we will all deal with at some stage. How do I come to terms with the failure of a "hero in the faith." GRACE IS OUTLANDISH!! IT IS FAR MORE POWERFUL AND GIVING THAN WE CAN TOLERATE!! Thanks Mal
Posted by David M in Adelaide @ 01:39 on Aug 21 2008
Thanks for a well balanced article Mal. I've know the family for a long time and love them dearly. Were Mike to walk into my office in the next few minutes I would hold him, weep with him, and assure him of my love and his Lord's. He's not likely to walk in, but that doesn't negate any of what I've just written. My heart and prayers go out to Mike and his family.
Thanks for a well balanced article Mal. I've know the family for a long time and love them dearly. Were Mike to walk into my office in the next few minutes I would hold him, weep with him, and assure him of my love and his Lord's. He's not likely to walk in, but that doesn't negate any of what I've just written. My heart and prayers go out to Mike and his family.
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
its a tragedy for all concerned Mal. Our humanity is unavoidable. I look forward to understanding more of what has lead to this unfortunate situation. The media reports are not always the most reliable sources of information as we know.
Danny, Sharon, the family and Michael must be under enormous pressure. My heart goes out to them. Exposure of secrets is always difficult…….but the public one is that much more traumatic…..and can take years to recover from.
As a person who has had to personally deal with this level of trauma…….. I think it’s a miracle that I’ve actually come through what I went through alive and with my sanity in tact….and eventually to regain my faith in God and people…… I’m very familiar with the issues they will all be facing at the moment.
From experience what I can say is that the needs of the moment are friends. Friends who will be non-judgemental, supportive...and be there for absolutely everyone.
Out of great tragedies come great miracles.