Dale Cresap's blog

Have you heard people described as being able to dish it up but not take it? This presumably refers to insults and rudeness and is not considered a compliment. The implied criticism is that if you do one you should be able to do both, being willing to be on the receiving end of what you put forth. But this is a modern example of Old Testament law of parity - an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. There is an alternative. For I say unto you that you resist not evil, go the extra mile, and turn  the other cheek.

Are you a conservative? A liberal? Do these choices flow out of your faith? I have sincere followers in both camps. Do you find it incomprehensible that someone could read the same Bible you do and come to a different conclusion about political ideology? Eating meat offered to idols may not be an active concern for you anymore, but the same principle that each should follow the guidance of his own conscience is enduring and broadly applicable. I have a large family, and even more to the point, a large body.

Do you think I love everyone? For some Christians, this is more a matter of abstract doctrine than a practical way to live. They are sure that I love the people who go to their  church, but beyond that things get fuzzy. Do you find practical ways to affirm that I (and you) love everyone? I do. For I send rain and sun on the righteous and the unrighteous alike. Where do the wicked get their provision from if not from me? Do you consider them to be enemies of God? They may not acknowledge me, but I still bless them. I have called you to love your enemies.

My word cautions you not to grieve the Spirit. What do you think this means? The most obvious and customary answer is sin, but the Bible deals with sin at great length elsewhere, but what else could it be? Have you been in a meeting that was led by the Spirit? This is obvious to anyone with even a little discernment. Have you ever been in a meeting where the leading of the Spirit was rejected to follow an agenda or maintain control? This is even more obvious to those who have observed both. What could be more grievous to the Spirit than to deny this gentle leading?

Have you ever heard anyone appeal to authority to settle a dispute? Authority will be with you always, and even I recognized the validity of authorities who did not approve of me. Those in such positions have the ability to set policy, but you should not mistake that for being a source of truth. Holding an office doesn’t make you right, it just makes you in charge. You are to honor those who rule over you, both in civil and spiritual matters, but you should not look to them as an unquestioned source of truth.

Do you think of church as a social event? Most Christians recoil against this idea because the church has been criticized for this from those within as well as those without. But there are social aspects to church. Isn’t this where you go to connect with your friends? There is nothing wrong with this. The problem arises when it becomes an exclusive club, or it has no additional substance. You are called to have fellowship and not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. This satisfies a deep human longing for belonging. What does your church provide beyond this?

Do you believe that my words speaks of unconditional love? Yet you will not find this phrase in the Bible. This is a modern word that was not available in Bible times, or for many of the major translations. But it is a Biblical concept. It is described more in stories and actions than as an abstract concept. Where do you find it in the Bible? Consider the story you refer to as the prodigal son, which may better be described as the loving father. Consider the story of the Good Samaritan who aided a stranger from outside of his own group and tradition.

You know that grace is free for you. Do you ever wonder if it is costly for me? Do you ever wonder how much demand you put on the resources of heaven? Children are oblivious to the cost of raising them, but parents are aware. One of the largest expenses is for education and diligent parents will see this coming and save up for it, not complaining about the sacrifice. In like manner, your education in the Kingdom of God is costly and most of it is non-monetary, but I don’t want you to be troubled about this. I knew how much it would take and I put enough back to finish the job.

Over the course of time I have had many followers. Some are more diligent advocates of my message, and some are more capable. Perhaps you have encountered those who put forth weak arguments or faulty reasoning in defense of the gospel message. This does not invalidate the underlying message. Erroneous reasoning can be spoken in support of truth. This is a situation in which to correct the well-intentioned speaker in private, lest two believers fight about the truth in public.

Have you ever thought that people who disagreed with you were crazy? Have you ever said this to them or about them? You have clear direction in the Sermon on the Mount not to make such statements or accusations. This is particularly true about those who function normally and exhibit no typical symptoms of insanity, and disagreeing with you does not qualify as this. Other people see the world from a different perspective. Could it be that their views make sense to them within their paradigms as much as yours do to you within yours?