Some Thoughts

3 Responses to “On Being Fierce”

1. Luke Middleton says:

   April 28, 2005 at 5:11 pm

   HMMM, good question, John Eldredge.

   I’ll start this off like a high schooler writting a thesis paper…

   The definition of fierce: extreme and violent energy; extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; etc. etc.

   Given that…then thinking…

   Jesus in the Temple.

   Peter’s zeal eventually harnassed in the right direction.

   Paul never seemed overly sedate.

   There must be a million (or a half dozen) OT examples of God saying “this is now yours, go take it” and His people going and taking it fiercely.

   Matthew 11:12 [show] [12]From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. (ESV)
   … “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”

   Yet, the meek will inherit the earth.

   LOL.

   Something I often find myself praying is for God to set my mind and heart straight, based on His truth, so that I can go 100 miles an hour in the right direction.

   Romans says that if your gift is to lead, then lead with zeal.

   I guess if you know something as great as salvation and you know our God – it doesn’t really pay to be half-hearted and passive about it.

   If I had to pick only one thing off your list (I think already picked them all) for today’s church, it’d be “in battling personal sin”. I love all the health and wealth messages on tv that tell you to believe – but never address possible sin issues in your life that could be the cause of some of the undesirable consequences in your life. Also, you don’t have to look far for men who are not ferocious about sin in them, their family, or their church. If seeing others drink poision isn’t something that gets you worked up – you’re already dead.

   I find myself a fierce fan at some sporting events.

   So if everything’s relative…

   Bottom line: if something is of God – why not be fierce about it?

   *2 points to Aron for getting the longest blog comment anyone’s ever gotten out of me. How blessed you are ;)
2. Aron says:

   April 28, 2005 at 7:18 pm

   Blessed indeed, my friend. ;)

   When I think ‘fierce,’ (staying in the Eldredge rut), the first image that comes to mind is something like this (except with a bit more blood).

   I don’t think I’ve ever prayed, preached, fasted, or loved that fiercely.

   But I think we should aim for that…
3. Aron says:

   May 7, 2005 at 5:35 pm

   Here’s a good answer from John Frame, speaking on when to use ‘strong/forceful speech’:

   I grant that many passages of the Bible from the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles do not sound very “peaceful.” These men were willing to use very strong, angry language when necssary. On many occasions, however, they showed much patience and gentleness. In my view, strong language is appropriate against people (1) who claim to have some religious teaching authority, and (2) are proclaiming false doctrine on serious matters, leading believers astray, or are dishonoring orthodox doctrine by ungodly lives, and (3) have ignored clear and graciously expressed warnings that their conduct displeased God. The Protestant Reformers used similarly strong language (which can usually be justified on these principles). Most of those today who are seeking to emulate the biblical and Reformation writers in this respect are overdoing it, in my opinion. They should learn to give at least equal attention to peacemaking.

   John Frame, Apologetics to the Glory of God, (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1994), p. 29-30, note 34.

• gahagangmail.com
  Links to wtsbooks.com and the Preferred Tools below contain referral ids, from which I receive various benefits.

• Recent Posts

  • Reading Recap: July – Dec 2011
  • The Bench vs The Catechism
  • The Ethic of Seeing
  • The Rule of Elders (presbuteros)
  • Old Westminster

• Recent Comments

  • Joel P on Reading Recap: July – Dec 2011
  • Aron on Reading Recap: July – Dec 2011
  • Joel P on Reading Recap: July – Dec 2011
  • Greg Gentry on The Ethic of Seeing
  • Aron on The Ethic of Seeing

• Currently Reading

• Preferred Tools

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  (Note: Referral Programs)

• Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org