Sojourner Posted September 28, 2014 Posted September 28, 2014 Some interesting points from Tony Campolo in this short clip, - what would you have done? JoeMo 1 Quote
Members phkrause Posted September 28, 2014 Members Posted September 28, 2014 Not only prostitutes, but how about alcoholics, drug addicts, big mean looking bikers, etc. When I lived up in Massachusetts, and went to the Atlantic Union College Church, we had a Pastor that kind of gave a sermon that was very similar to this. I bet you'd probably not find many churches, let alone the people of that chuch, that would be willing to do that. Quote phkrause Read Isaiah 10:1-13
Administrators Gail Posted September 28, 2014 Administrators Posted September 28, 2014 My husband loves that story... Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
JoeMo Posted September 28, 2014 Posted September 28, 2014 Loved that clip. Thanks, Sojourner. One of the churches I go to seems to have a "gift" for attracting members of the LGBT community. They seem to appreciate belonging to have a non-judgmental community where they can openly worship God and safely discuss issues in their lives at the same time. Quote
Administrators Tom Wetmore Posted September 28, 2014 Administrators Posted September 28, 2014 A short film version of this story, titled "The Least of These" was made by the Adventist filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder. It can be purchased on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Least-These/dp/B000APHJIG/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1411927579&sr=1-2&keywords=%22the+least+of+these%22 I know some of the extras that appear in the film since it was filmed near here and produced by someone I know. Quote "Absurdity reigns and confusion makes it look good." "Sinless perfection is such a shallow goal." "I love God only as much as the person I love the least." *Forgiveness is always good news. And that is the gospel truth. (And finally, the ideas expressed above are solely my person views and not that of any organization with which I am associated.)
Administrators Tom Wetmore Posted September 28, 2014 Administrators Posted September 28, 2014 The rest of the story is as amazing as what Tony tells in this clip. A common question is what ever happened to Agnes. Well, Tony's prayer was answered. This party was a turning point for Agnes. She left her former life and went to work at the diner. And the diner became a place that helped others. She was able to facilitate a surprise birthday celebration for Tony some years later. Quote "Absurdity reigns and confusion makes it look good." "Sinless perfection is such a shallow goal." "I love God only as much as the person I love the least." *Forgiveness is always good news. And that is the gospel truth. (And finally, the ideas expressed above are solely my person views and not that of any organization with which I am associated.)
Administrators Tom Wetmore Posted September 28, 2014 Administrators Posted September 28, 2014 Rik's interview with Tony in the special features where he tells the rest of the story is priceless. Quote "Absurdity reigns and confusion makes it look good." "Sinless perfection is such a shallow goal." "I love God only as much as the person I love the least." *Forgiveness is always good news. And that is the gospel truth. (And finally, the ideas expressed above are solely my person views and not that of any organization with which I am associated.)
Sojourner Posted September 29, 2014 Author Posted September 29, 2014 I have to say that I found this really challenging, would I have done that? Would I have had the courage to try and reach out to someone like that? The truth is I don't know. Yet I have been thinking this over today. We have created churches to be buildings that host a 10am Church meeting with a Bible Study to follow. Do we use those buildings to have parties for people and to fellowship together with our congregations and the local community? The more I think about it, the more I feel a desire to be more like the church described in the book of Acts which seemed to be so much more than just a meeting once a week! Quote
Woody Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 Yes absolutely. But whatever you do .... don't serve coffee. The church has to make a stand somewhere after all. Good Grief. JoeMo 1 Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Sojourner Posted October 1, 2014 Author Posted October 1, 2014 Yes absolutely. But whatever you do .... don't serve coffee. The church has to make a stand somewhere after all. Good Grief. I have to say I am no fan of Coffee flavoured cake! - Almost as bad as Coconut! Quote
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted October 1, 2014 Members Posted October 1, 2014 I love coconut-flavored anything! Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
CoAspen Posted October 1, 2014 Posted October 1, 2014 Coconut Cream Pie....Awesome!!!!! Okay, back to topic. rudywoofs (Pam) 1 Quote
Members phkrause Posted October 2, 2014 Members Posted October 2, 2014 I have to say I am no fan of Coffee flavoured cake! - Almost as bad as Coconut! I can understand not liking coffee, but Coconut!!! Quote phkrause Read Isaiah 10:1-13
Moderators Gerr Posted October 11, 2014 Moderators Posted October 11, 2014 If a party is celebrated by the church for everyone who turns to Christ, why not? But if done ONLY for a converted prostitute, that would send a wrong message, imho. Quote
Administrators Tom Wetmore Posted October 11, 2014 Administrators Posted October 11, 2014 Gerry, you might want to listen to the story before commenting. The party was while she still a prostitute, not a celebration of conversion. Quote "Absurdity reigns and confusion makes it look good." "Sinless perfection is such a shallow goal." "I love God only as much as the person I love the least." *Forgiveness is always good news. And that is the gospel truth. (And finally, the ideas expressed above are solely my person views and not that of any organization with which I am associated.)
Members phkrause Posted October 12, 2014 Members Posted October 12, 2014 Here's a great story: From XXX to the Pulpit http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Articles/From-XXX-to-the-Pulpit.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=38&ppc=&utm_campaign=Prayer&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.com Sojourner 1 Quote phkrause Read Isaiah 10:1-13
JoeMo Posted October 12, 2014 Posted October 12, 2014 pk, that was as good as the original "party-for-prostitute" post. People have heard me talk about "taking Jesus to the streets" before. Both of these stories are perfect examples of doing just that. Father God, please send us all the Holy Spirit right now at this time, that Your Son Jesus would flood the streets, cities and nations of this world! Sojourner 1 Quote
Moderators Gerr Posted October 13, 2014 Moderators Posted October 13, 2014 Gerry, you might want to listen to the story before commenting. The party was while she still a prostitute, not a celebration of conversion. I've heard Campolo tell that story before. Quote
fccool Posted October 13, 2014 Posted October 13, 2014 A short film version of this story, titled "The Least of These" was made by the Adventist filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder. It can be purchased on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Least-These/dp/B000APHJIG/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1411927579&sr=1-2&keywords=%22the+least+of+these%22 I know some of the extras that appear in the film since it was filmed near here and produced by someone I know. Would like to see that one. Quote
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