Comments on: “That Great City” (Cowtown to Urban Hipster #2)

By: “Seek the Shalom” (Cowtown to Urban Hipster #3) | Leadership, Technology, Innovation

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:06:05 +0000

[...] 1 here. Part 2 here. Don’t miss the [...]

By: mattmccomas

mattmccomas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:41:14 +0000

Yes, fear of the unknown is a reality…still is for me and my family. But the I also know that by putting myself in position for God to show up, even though it's a little risky has led to the greatest growth in my life and most joyous experiences of the beauty of the Gospel.

I don't want to be affirmed all the time, I want to be challenged (most of the time) and deeply reliant on the Holy Spirit to use me and direct my steps.

By: mattmccomas

mattmccomas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:36:30 +0000

I haven't read it…but I'll check it out. Thanks Benson.

By: Benson Hines

Benson Hines — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:30:25 +0000

Have you read Eugene Peterson’s Under the Unpredictable Plant? It uses the story of Jonah to discuss loving the soil we (as ministers) have been given. It might be encouraging or otherwise edifying as you begin cherishing new soil. What you said about the Jonah 4 plant made me think about it, and it certainly fits the transition you’re in!

By: erin dienst

erin dienst — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:24:15 +0000

I think the disgust you described might be a kind of fear of the unknown, where there's more likely to be opponents to your faith. It's uncomfortable to be in an environment where your faith isn't automatically affirmed. To make matters worse, there are all these "sinners." Who would want to be surrounded by that?

Jesus! He did it. I'm excited about the prospect of meeting others who are passionate about whatever it may be–environmentalism, politics, pro-choice, gay marriage, etc etc. because for once in my middle-class caucasian upbringing I want to have conversations with people who care about something, instead of trying to educate apathetic marginalized Christians that they live in a broken world.

I remember when the early disciples faced opposition from the leaders in Israel in Acts 5. The leaders wanted to put them to death, but they changed their minds when a Pharisee argued that the apostles would not be stopped if their cause was truly God's. Connecting this passage with all the various "causes" people in Portland subscribe to, I am excited to labor for a cause that cannot be stopped, one that ends in our Lord's victory no matter the circumstances.

My father is deeply passionate about promoting Palestinian civil rights. However, he has seen a lot of futility in his work–things continue to get worse. I'd like to interact with more people in the city to give them hope for a cause that won't spoil or perish or fade. That's one thing that captures my heart about the city.

Love this series so far!

By: Andrea Liptac

Andrea Liptac — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:51:51 +0000

yes, yes yes!! LOVE the city! fall in love and let Him break your heart and then show you His plans for redemption beyond our wildest imagination… you're in good company!

By: mattmccomas

mattmccomas — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:50:30 +0000

Wait a minute. You can be a democrat and still be a Christian?! Hahahaha….yep, the diversity in political views, especially within evangelical Christianity in Portland is something I appreciate greatly.

By: matt mikalatos

matt mikalatos — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:11:52 +0000

Waaaaaait a minute… are you implying that evangelical Christians are all Republicans with your blue state/big city comment?

You better be careful which churches you say that in around here.