Comments for Sam Sutter and Ashley Sutter http://suttersaga.com news from Sam Sutter and Ashley Sutter Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:16:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Book REVIEW: your church is too small by A. Amos Love http://suttersaga.com/sam/book-review-your-church-is-too-small/comment-page-1/#comment-8364 A. Amos Love Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:16:46 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=520#comment-8364 Unity. Hmmm? Sometimes good and some times, er, not so good? Just wondering… What if God is the author of our disagreements and separations? “And all things are of God…” 2 Cor 5:18, Rom 11:36, Col 1:16-17, etc. Are we working for “Unity?” And NOW working against God? Didn’t God confuse man’s language once before? Aren’t those things that happened to others, written for us to learn from? Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor 10:11 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures have hope. Rom 15:4 Didn’t God intervene when “man was in unity” with their own devices, their own plans, trying to build something themselves, to reach heaven and “make a name for themselves?” Could that be the ekklesia’s problem today also? Doing their own thing – NOT God’s thing? **Man trying to build something? (Movements? Denominations? Church Planting?) **And make a name for themselves? (“Titles” on buildings, schools, websites, books, diplomas, etc.) **Being in unity they could accomplish anything? wikipedia lists many, Nay – 1,000’s, of Denominations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations …let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name… Gen 11:4 Gen 11:6-8 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, (unity?)(this doesn’t sound good?) and they have all one language; (unity-sound alike?) and this they begin to do: (work together?) and now nothing will be restrained from them, (we can do anything, working together?) which they have imagined to do. (“the imagination of man’s heart is evil.”( ( Gen 6:5, Gen 8:21, Jer 3:17, Jer 11:8.) Go to, let us go down, and there **confound their language,** that they may **not understand one another’s speech…** (Hmmm? Sound familiar?) (Baptist, Pentecostal, Reformed, Calvinist, Egalitarian, Mercy Lord… ) God often gives us what we ask for, and, “A Little Bit Extra.” Want some “Meat” in the wilderness? God also sends “leanness to the soul.” Psalm 106:15. Oy Vey! Want some “Kings” to rule over us? How did that work out? 1 Sam 8:11-19 Ouch! “Traditions of men” nullify the word of God. Mark 7:13 Hmmm? Just wondering… What if God is the author of our disagreements and separations? Then what…??? Are we working for Unity? And NOW - working against God? Unity. Hmmm?

Sometimes good and some times, er, not so good?

Just wondering…

What if God is the author of our disagreements and separations?
“And all things are of God…” 2 Cor 5:18, Rom 11:36, Col 1:16-17, etc.
Are we working for “Unity?” And NOW working against God?

Didn’t God confuse man’s language once before?
Aren’t those things that happened to others,
written for us to learn from?

Now all these things happened unto them for examples:
and they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Cor 10:11

For whatsoever things were written aforetime
were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures have hope.
Rom 15:4

Didn’t God intervene when “man was in unity”
with their own devices, their own plans,
trying to build something themselves,
to reach heaven and “make a name for themselves?”

Could that be the ekklesia’s problem today also?
Doing their own thing – NOT God’s thing?

**Man trying to build something?
(Movements? Denominations? Church Planting?)
**And make a name for themselves?
(“Titles” on buildings, schools, websites, books, diplomas, etc.)
**Being in unity they could accomplish anything?

wikipedia lists many, Nay – 1,000’s, of Denominations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations

…let us build us a city and a tower,
whose top may reach unto heaven;
and let us make us a name…
Gen 11:4

Gen 11:6-8
And the LORD said, Behold,
the people is one, (unity?)(this doesn’t sound good?)
and they have all one language; (unity-sound alike?)
and this they begin to do: (work together?)
and now nothing will be restrained from them,
(we can do anything, working together?)
which they have imagined to do.
(“the imagination of man’s heart is evil.”(
( Gen 6:5, Gen 8:21, Jer 3:17, Jer 11:8.)
Go to, let us go down,
and there **confound their language,** that they may
**not understand one another’s speech…**
(Hmmm? Sound familiar?)
(Baptist, Pentecostal, Reformed, Calvinist, Egalitarian, Mercy Lord… )

God often gives us what we ask for, and, “A Little Bit Extra.”

Want some “Meat” in the wilderness?
God also sends “leanness to the soul.” Psalm 106:15. Oy Vey!

Want some “Kings” to rule over us?
How did that work out? 1 Sam 8:11-19 Ouch!

“Traditions of men” nullify the word of God.
Mark 7:13

Hmmm? Just wondering…
What if God is the author of our disagreements and separations?

Then what…???

Are we working for Unity? And NOW – working against God?

]]> Comment on Book REVIEW: your church is too small by Matt http://suttersaga.com/sam/book-review-your-church-is-too-small/comment-page-1/#comment-8311 Matt Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:32:04 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=520#comment-8311 Interesting book. Just caught your tag on facebook and decided to stop by. Certainly we have lost an appreciation for the biblical unity that John 17 speaks about. Just a couple thoughts: 1. Many of our divisions stem from the fact that we refuse to humble ourselves and work through problems biblically. It is easier to church hop, split churches, and "church plant" than it is to obey the simple teaching of the Bible on exhorting, rebuking, forgiving, and restoring. Instead "God moves us" and we harbor bitterness and resentment. Instead of allowing God to teach us how to live in practical unity. Putting my own desires, preferences, and ego under the good of God's local body. The individualistic self-serving nature of our world lives well in the church. 2. I was struck by the ordering of the author's list (if that was his order. not yours). It certainly seems like the last should be first, and many of the others should be much later in priority. Thanks for the thoughtful writing. Interesting book. Just caught your tag on facebook and decided to stop by. Certainly we have lost an appreciation for the biblical unity that John 17 speaks about. Just a couple thoughts:
1. Many of our divisions stem from the fact that we refuse to humble ourselves and work through problems biblically. It is easier to church hop, split churches, and “church plant” than it is to obey the simple teaching of the Bible on exhorting, rebuking, forgiving, and restoring. Instead “God moves us” and we harbor bitterness and resentment. Instead of allowing God to teach us how to live in practical unity. Putting my own desires, preferences, and ego under the good of God’s local body. The individualistic self-serving nature of our world lives well in the church.
2. I was struck by the ordering of the author’s list (if that was his order. not yours). It certainly seems like the last should be first, and many of the others should be much later in priority.

Thanks for the thoughtful writing.

]]> Comment on Book REVIEW: your church is too small by Ashley http://suttersaga.com/sam/book-review-your-church-is-too-small/comment-page-1/#comment-8310 Ashley Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:51 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=520#comment-8310 I agree with the fact that it can be arrogant to look at certain parts of the church and wish they looked more like us. I'll never forget being at Brooklyn Tab during a baby dedication. As Pastor Cymbala dedicated the babies, it looked very much like what I had been exposed to my whole life in a baptist and evangelical church -- parents bringing forth their newborn to be presented to the congregation. The pastor would then hold the baby and say a prayer of dedication. Then this one family came out with god-parents present, a tradition in the sacrement of christening. I was reminded of how this thing had split churches and caused arguments. I loved how Pastor Cymbala affirmed them in their tradition. He praised God that the child had a set of god parents were committing to them. All this to say -- it is a sweet thing to meet in the middle and focus on praiseworthy things. Now, if only the fundies could understand that a good beat and sweet guitar rift draw my heart to worship. :) I agree with the fact that it can be arrogant to look at certain parts of the church and wish they looked more like us. I’ll never forget being at Brooklyn Tab during a baby dedication. As Pastor Cymbala dedicated the babies, it looked very much like what I had been exposed to my whole life in a baptist and evangelical church — parents bringing forth their newborn to be presented to the congregation. The pastor would then hold the baby and say a prayer of dedication. Then this one family came out with god-parents present, a tradition in the sacrement of christening. I was reminded of how this thing had split churches and caused arguments. I loved how Pastor Cymbala affirmed them in their tradition. He praised God that the child had a set of god parents were committing to them. All this to say — it is a sweet thing to meet in the middle and focus on praiseworthy things. Now, if only the fundies could understand that a good beat and sweet guitar rift draw my heart to worship. :)

]]> Comment on the nyer in me by Jon http://suttersaga.com/sam/the-nyer-in-me/comment-page-1/#comment-8117 Jon Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:45:50 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=516#comment-8117 And I thought I knew this blogger. Now I know her a little better. I guess I have many years on you oh blogger. I just have to reflect about God's blessings. I have come to realize that we can't set the time for the blessing, what we do is make opportunities for God to bless us. By being the person God wants us to be, gives us more chances to see the blessings God puts before us. First is we were put here on earth. Just last week, God shook Chile really hard. Was that a wake up for us to just look at what He created. We worry about the bills and what is for dinner, all the while there is that pretty sunset and the soft sound of the stream. But then there is the blessing from relationships. All of a sudden, after long years at times, the other side will comment something like, "You were there for me." or "The love I can give to my wife is because of what you showed me as a youngster." You know in your heart that when you give it feels good and right. But when, after it is history and you have given over and over, the reward comes when you least expect it. It is people letting God work through them that gives the blessings. Never have I seen something material bless like a gift of love. So take it from their. In all things give thanks. And I thought I knew this blogger. Now I know her a little better. I guess I have many years on you oh blogger. I just have to reflect about God’s blessings. I have come to realize that we can’t set the time for the blessing, what we do is make opportunities for God to bless us. By being the person God wants us to be, gives us more chances to see the blessings God puts before us.
First is we were put here on earth. Just last week, God shook Chile really hard. Was that a wake up for us to just look at what He created. We worry about the bills and what is for dinner, all the while there is that pretty sunset and the soft sound of the stream. But then there is the blessing from relationships. All of a sudden, after long years at times, the other side will comment something like, “You were there for me.” or “The love I can give to my wife is because of what you showed me as a youngster.” You know in your heart that when you give it feels good and right. But when, after it is history and you have given over and over, the reward comes when you least expect it. It is people letting God work through them that gives the blessings. Never have I seen something material bless like a gift of love. So take it from their. In all things give thanks.

]]> Comment on the nyer in me by Grace http://suttersaga.com/sam/the-nyer-in-me/comment-page-1/#comment-8037 Grace Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:16:49 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=516#comment-8037 Great thoughts. I think the perspective has to be that "it's not about me". Everything we have and what we don't have has to be accepted humbly... "to much is given, much is required".... One aspect of the story of the talents that Jesus told is that it is not about how much we have compared to others but what we do with what God has entrusted to us. James 1 actually says that the one is humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position but the the one who is rich in his low position. Spiritually speaking, the one who is suffering and has "less" according to worldly standards has the opportunity to be abundantly rich spiritually and to be spiritually rich is beyond comparison and the greatest treasure that will last for eternity. Great thoughts. I think the perspective has to be that “it’s not about me”. Everything we have and what we don’t have has to be accepted humbly… “to much is given, much is required”…. One aspect of the story of the talents that Jesus told is that it is not about how much we have compared to others but what we do with what God has entrusted to us. James 1 actually says that the one is humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position but the the one who is rich in his low position. Spiritually speaking, the one who is suffering and has “less” according to worldly standards has the opportunity to be abundantly rich spiritually and to be spiritually rich is beyond comparison and the greatest treasure that will last for eternity.

]]> Comment on the nyer in me by Amy the Awesome http://suttersaga.com/sam/the-nyer-in-me/comment-page-1/#comment-8033 Amy the Awesome Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:42:13 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=516#comment-8033 I get that weird feeling when people talk about their blessing from God... how they know God is blessing them because their wish-list is checked-off. These people picked certain things, prayed for them, received them, and then announce that God is therefore good because of these "perfect gifts". And I can't quite articulate why I feel this way. I know jealousy is involved (because my wish-list is still lacking those check marks), but I'm very convinced that God's goodness reaches far beyond my mortal happiness. And I'm concerned about what message this "God is good because He gives good gifts" mentality communicates to both the Christian and non-Christian culture. The compulsion for people to loudly proclaim God's goodness in relation to answered prayers really puts him in a box. For awhile, I believed (though would never admit out loud) that if I didn't see the blessings I asked for from God, then He must have forgotten about me or I must have ticked Him off. I knew it wasn't true, but I felt so left out of this little party where God was the giver and everyone but me was the receiver. I guess it just really frustrates me that Christian culture limits God's goodness to getting what we want. His goodness and blessings go way beyond me- and I cannot quantify how good He is based on what I (or anyone else) gets. I get that weird feeling when people talk about their blessing from God… how they know God is blessing them because their wish-list is checked-off. These people picked certain things, prayed for them, received them, and then announce that God is therefore good because of these “perfect gifts”. And I can’t quite articulate why I feel this way. I know jealousy is involved (because my wish-list is still lacking those check marks), but I’m very convinced that God’s goodness reaches far beyond my mortal happiness. And I’m concerned about what message this “God is good because He gives good gifts” mentality communicates to both the Christian and non-Christian culture. The compulsion for people to loudly proclaim God’s goodness in relation to answered prayers really puts him in a box. For awhile, I believed (though would never admit out loud) that if I didn’t see the blessings I asked for from God, then He must have forgotten about me or I must have ticked Him off. I knew it wasn’t true, but I felt so left out of this little party where God was the giver and everyone but me was the receiver. I guess it just really frustrates me that Christian culture limits God’s goodness to getting what we want. His goodness and blessings go way beyond me- and I cannot quantify how good He is based on what I (or anyone else) gets.

]]> Comment on the nyer in me by Debi http://suttersaga.com/sam/the-nyer-in-me/comment-page-1/#comment-8031 Debi Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:30:44 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=516#comment-8031 Love your blog. God does not long for each of us to be comfortable. But He is very patient with our prayer/wish list and He works through them to teach us full dependence and obedience, whether He decides to answer them the way we asked or not... Love your blog. God does not long for each of us to be comfortable. But He is very patient with our prayer/wish list and He works through them to teach us full dependence and obedience, whether He decides to answer them the way we asked or not…

]]> Comment on Last Week – An Avalanche of Kids… by Ashleigh http://suttersaga.com/sam/last-week-an-avalanche-of-kids/comment-page-1/#comment-7879 Ashleigh Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:50:01 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=512#comment-7879 Looks like a wonderful week! Great work! Looks like a wonderful week! Great work!

]]> Comment on it was always the small things… by Pop http://suttersaga.com/ashley/it-was-always-the-small-things/comment-page-1/#comment-7550 Pop Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:10:18 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=507#comment-7550 I saw the new little cat again today. She was hiding in the corner by the toilet. Bentley and Maggie came home tired after a short romp with Bella and Boss Mikey. Can't wait to sit with all the four legged crew for a few days of Avalanche. I saw the new little cat again today. She was hiding in the corner by the toilet. Bentley and Maggie came home tired after a short romp with Bella and Boss Mikey. Can’t wait to sit with all the four legged crew for a few days of Avalanche.

]]> Comment on To Testify by your mallory http://suttersaga.com/ashley/to-testify/comment-page-1/#comment-7402 your mallory Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:00:06 +0000 http://suttersaga.com/?p=481#comment-7402 i'm so proud of you. i love you. thank you for this. i’m so proud of you. i love you. thank you for this.

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