tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.comments2014-12-13T09:54:49.326-08:00Ask Gary ThomasGary Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15140168415800191834noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-80841761585647876532014-12-13T09:54:49.326-08:002014-12-13T09:54:49.326-08:00In the name of Allah,the Most Compassionate the Mo...<br />In the name of Allah,the Most Compassionate the Most Merciful.<br /><br />Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah." But if they turn away, then say, "Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]." <br /> O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason?<br /> Here you are - those who have argued about that of which you have [some] knowledge, but why do you argue about that of which you have no knowledge? And Allah knows, while you know not. <br /> Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah]. And he was not of the polytheists.<br /> Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers.<br /> A faction of the people of the Scripture wish they could mislead you. But they do not mislead except themselves, and they perceive [it] not.<br /> O People of the Scripture, why do you disbelieve in the verses of Allah while you witness [to their truth]? <br /><br />Holy Quran 3:64-70<br /><br /><br />http://fragrantbreeze.blogspot.com/<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10662181973382556895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-75849936404623158512014-11-11T09:43:32.612-08:002014-11-11T09:43:32.612-08:00I realize this is an old post but just wanted to s...I realize this is an old post but just wanted to say I love it! This was part of the reason I converted to Catholicism from evangelicalism. Seeing the priests prostrate themselves before the altar was so moving, and having such a God centered service was refreshing. <br /><br /><br />Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17842999061439892689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-24720049727652320642014-02-10T11:29:51.169-08:002014-02-10T11:29:51.169-08:00Hi Gary .. I almost agree with you in that Christi...Hi Gary .. I almost agree with you in that Christians are forgiven and are now referred to as saints throughout the New Testament. However, Scripturally, I do think that your conclusion is backwards .. we are now "forgiven sinners" ... and because of our faith in Christ, we are a new creation in Christ Jesus, now stand before God with the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21), therefore Christians are called the saints who are still progressing toward a greater righteousness in Christ (called sanctification)."For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Heb. 10:14). Yes, we do struggle with Adam's nature, but focusing on that only empowers it ..(1 Cor. 15:56). Therefore, those who have not come to Christ are called sinners, and those who have been saved by the finished work on the Cross and have come to Christ, are now the New Testament saints.ijudyazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02752694472241740332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-18072364814412312052014-02-10T11:27:36.092-08:002014-02-10T11:27:36.092-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.ijudyazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02752694472241740332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-35698028360015515882014-02-10T11:19:43.057-08:002014-02-10T11:19:43.057-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.ijudyazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02752694472241740332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-67342457014186773122013-10-10T10:06:47.632-07:002013-10-10T10:06:47.632-07:00As a woman who was born and raised Catholic, left ...As a woman who was born and raised Catholic, left the Church to become an evangelical Christian, then completely left Christianity, and finally, returned to the Catholic Church, I just want to say thank you for this post. While I sometimes enjoy evangelical services because of the energy of it and good preaching, I have come to see the sacredness and beauty of the Catholic mass. I'm glad there are evangelical Christians out there who appreciate it as well. God bless...Krishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13440307309827761522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-53275262209644629362013-06-07T08:48:07.060-07:002013-06-07T08:48:07.060-07:00This is great advice. It's so true how praying...This is great advice. It's so true how praying together forces you to examine other areas of your life as well.<br />-Casey Bachus<br />howisurvivedmyhusbandsbraininjury.blogspot.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00868611647478580846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-66732278482688474072013-01-31T14:53:35.970-08:002013-01-31T14:53:35.970-08:00Thank you for your insight; so glad that you did, ...Thank you for your insight; so glad that you did, in fact, write such a book. It's been a blessing to many couples, ourselves included!Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10403329840173741390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-77588631242143827132012-09-10T21:55:36.515-07:002012-09-10T21:55:36.515-07:00Our small group is going to read Seeking the Face ...Our small group is going to read Seeking the Face of God this fall. Is there a study guide for the book...or at least a set of guiding questions for the chapters?blhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15804775709053294900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-8589834226217687642012-04-12T08:50:44.392-07:002012-04-12T08:50:44.392-07:00Gary, thank you for highlighting this important wo...Gary, thank you for highlighting this important woman. My second novel, Lost and Found, is a contemporary story loosely based on Madame Guyon's life. It includes quotes from her many works and is based on the teachings I took away from her autobiography. Though she lived hundreds of years ago, she is relevant today because of the eternal Truth she surrendered to.Ginnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15141104890205966718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-41969182485440136072012-02-24T11:43:38.162-08:002012-02-24T11:43:38.162-08:00Love the quote "temptation is patient". ...Love the quote "temptation is patient". Well written article. Thanks for being God's voice :)Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00084480597063268569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-44556207029773944612012-02-24T07:29:45.313-08:002012-02-24T07:29:45.313-08:00Temptation is patient, and sin is always looking f...Temptation is patient, and sin is always looking for ways to destroy marriages. As someone moving towards marriage and full time ministry, this is an important reminder to me. Thank you for sharing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16372698512462672511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-33100309440143852572011-12-31T11:23:40.688-08:002011-12-31T11:23:40.688-08:00I too love Oswald and have also very much enjoyed ...I too love Oswald and have also very much enjoyed and use Brad/Eden Jersak's Rivers from Eden, a 40 day devotional involving listening prayer. Blessings to you and Lisa for a fabulous 2012 :)Marisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00084480597063268569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-72638932767936682402011-12-27T13:26:30.728-08:002011-12-27T13:26:30.728-08:00Thanks for the list, Gary. I look forward to readi...Thanks for the list, Gary. I look forward to reading through some of your suggestions. I am just about to crack open Every Body Matters and can't wait to dive in. So thankful for how the Lord is using you in writing books and providing resources.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522861831532362438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-53512846695332537282011-12-06T08:49:08.301-08:002011-12-06T08:49:08.301-08:00Thanks Chris. I don't there ARE any "skin...Thanks Chris. I don't there ARE any "skinny" pictures of Chesterton, nor of C.S. Lewis for that matter. But you get the point; it's not about appearance as much as spiritual readiness. The reality is, all of us have some form of compromise in our lives and God still uses us--but that doesn't mean we should stop pursuing God's best.Gary Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15140168415800191834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-61090708709234587072011-12-06T07:53:10.480-08:002011-12-06T07:53:10.480-08:00I heartily agree. I have recently lost some weight...I heartily agree. I have recently lost some weight myself and see it not only as a physical benefit, but spiritual as well. Doing so cultivated self-discipline ant the ability to deny self. Both crucial.<br /><br />I have a hard time sitting under an overweight pastor. That being said, G.K Chesterton is one of my favorite authors....I haven't seen any "skinny" pictures of him....<br /><br />As a minister, I understand people are looking at me when I stand in front of them--consciously or unconsciously they are making judgments about me and the example I am setting.<br /><br />I'd love to hear more talk about gluttony. It's listed, we skip it in the sermon so we can get to the potluck....Chris Moelleringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10957336758032928891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-77488566678039363622011-11-24T10:37:04.311-08:002011-11-24T10:37:04.311-08:00Gary, thanks for the encouraging words and for the...Gary, thanks for the encouraging words and for the inspiration for doing God's Will....Enjoy the holidays...Lou Viggianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178142581774642622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-42281219500403236522011-10-13T12:03:17.344-07:002011-10-13T12:03:17.344-07:00I guess couples need to get tougher on the "s...I guess couples need to get tougher on the "soft issues." You're right: "By God's grace we can grow in each of these areas." There's always hope! And we don't need to fear the pain and work associated with growth. The joy of growth will always outweigh it all!Cheryl Rickerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053817438711127361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-48247094017310037032011-10-10T10:33:36.877-07:002011-10-10T10:33:36.877-07:00I thought this article was fantastic and have link...I thought this article was fantastic and have linked to it for others to read. And yes, someone should write a book about this.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03903375700915031290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-37574858007131640302011-06-04T14:51:29.355-07:002011-06-04T14:51:29.355-07:00You mentioned in the next post you'd discuss s...You mentioned in the next post you'd discuss sustaining a prayer life...did I miss it?Sharon Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16365023538140287765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-64690120584878569092011-06-04T13:27:02.708-07:002011-06-04T13:27:02.708-07:00Thank you for this post...touched me deeply. What ...Thank you for this post...touched me deeply. What a privilege it is to talk with the Creator, the King of Kings, the Lord of Hosts - the Lord of the Angel Armies. We take it for granted that He wants to walk our days like He walked with Adam in the garden. The intimacy that prayer creates is incredible and then when we start noticing it is actually him talking, to learn to be like Moses to turn off the road to see what that burning bush is about when so often I just keep walking down the road - it's life changing, heart changing.Sharon Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16365023538140287765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-12290691791525508732011-06-02T22:46:31.022-07:002011-06-02T22:46:31.022-07:00Wow, never heard that about Hong Kong. It's g...Wow, never heard that about Hong Kong. It's good for us to remember each culture has challenges of it's own and to pray. Thanks for this insightful article.Tara Colehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07607379321944257131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-4037381663034737462011-05-09T18:22:10.381-07:002011-05-09T18:22:10.381-07:00Balance, the age old challenge to both old and you...Balance, the age old challenge to both old and young.<br /><br />Love God supremely and love the neighbor as yourself. That will keep the balance right.Rickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11927804352178022854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-17903186553604003072011-05-09T17:48:11.329-07:002011-05-09T17:48:11.329-07:00Dear God give us understanding. We stand at etern...Dear God give us understanding. We stand at eternity's door so unaware at the gravity of what is before us.<br /><br />Thank you Gary.Rickyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11927804352178022854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6215648228511635687.post-88973006557120991032011-03-16T20:10:04.089-07:002011-03-16T20:10:04.089-07:00thanks , well said.thanks , well said.bigrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11252387816690201737noreply@blogger.com