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An Open Letter to Owen Jorgensen: Difference between revisions

An Open Letter to Owen Jorgensen (view source)

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This combination of quote and comment could not be more ironic. Mr. Jorgenson fails to recognize that Brian Tracy’s quote perfectly describes the faulty thought process someone might use to cling to a belief system in the face of growing evidence against it, as well as why they would celebrate a paper thin defense such as the one offered by Mr. Jorgenson himself—because it matches what they already believe, so no discernment is applied toward determining if it is actually true—yet the chosen quote does nothing at all to explain why droves of people, would be leaving, leaving what many of them whole-heartedly believed was true, something in which they had their personal identity, their family structure, their social circle, their very life! This behavior is actually antithetical to the premise of Tracy’s quote, and speaks to the power of truth and of the Holy Spirit in a humble heart.
This combination of quote and comment could not be more ironic. Mr. Jorgenson fails to recognize that Brian Tracy’s quote perfectly describes the faulty thought process someone might use to cling to a belief system in the face of growing evidence against it, as well as why they would celebrate a paper thin defense such as the one offered by Mr. Jorgenson himself—because it matches what they already believe, so no discernment is applied toward determining if it is actually true—yet the chosen quote does nothing at all to explain why droves of people, would be leaving, leaving what many of them whole-heartedly believed was true, something in which they had their personal identity, their family structure, their social circle, their very life! This behavior is actually antithetical to the premise of Tracy’s quote, and speaks to the power of truth and of the Holy Spirit in a humble heart.
Let us return to John 3 once more, only this time, let’s pay less attention to the words of the Pharisee and instead, turn our attention to the words of our Lord:
Let us return to John 3 once more, only this time, let’s pay less attention to the words of the Pharisee and instead, turn our attention to the words of our Lord:


13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
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The word “gospel” simply means “good news”. Jesus found preaching this good news to Nicodemus to be a far more important subject than his own miracles. Paul, Peter, James and many others spent the balance of their lives—and indeed, gave their lives— underlining that same gospel focus. So what about us?  Jude instructed his readers to “earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”. The single word translated “once for all” is the same word Peter uses in 1 Peter 3:18 when he declared that Christ suffered once for sins” It is finished. We rest on that exact same gospel, his work on Calvary and his resurrection. May we stop falling in love with enticing “new” revelations and become consumed by the same passion that drove those early Christians. May we say, as Paul: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”   
The word “gospel” simply means “good news”. Jesus found preaching this good news to Nicodemus to be a far more important subject than his own miracles. Paul, Peter, James and many others spent the balance of their lives—and indeed, gave their lives— underlining that same gospel focus. So what about us?  Jude instructed his readers to “earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”. The single word translated “once for all” is the same word Peter uses in 1 Peter 3:18 when he declared that Christ suffered once for sins” It is finished. We rest on that exact same gospel, his work on Calvary and his resurrection. May we stop falling in love with enticing “new” revelations and become consumed by the same passion that drove those early Christians. May we say, as Paul: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”   
It is my prayer that everyone who reads this, as well as Mr. Jorgenson himself, will take some time of reflection and ask God to examine his heart. Sincerity is not enough. Truth is objective, and when answers are readily available, we are accountable. When your beliefs are challenged, you can be defensive, reactionary and shallow or you can answer. It is important to remember that objecting to the challenge without actually addressing it, dismissing it out of hand, or even “sitting it on the shelf” is not biblical. Answering the challenge is not only acceptable, it is biblically commanded. (1 Pet 3:15) That doesn’t mean that you will be adequately prepared for each question that arises, but let every honest, God-fearing heart search for the answers with integrity before him, realizing we will all have to give an account someday.  And if the search finds us in error, may each one of us have the humility to realize that when uncomfortable truth is discovered, one of two things will result: convenience and comfort will be sacrificed on the altar of truth, or truth will be sacrificed on the altar of comfort and convenience. Don’t be guilty of the latter, friend.  
 
It is my prayer that everyone who reads this, as well as Mr. Jorgenson himself, will take some time of reflection and ask God to examine his heart. Sincerity is not enough. Truth is objective, and when answers are readily available, we are accountable. When your beliefs are challenged, you can be defensive, reactionary and shallow or you can answer. It is important to remember that objecting to the challenge without actually addressing it, dismissing it out of hand, or even “sitting it on the shelf” is not biblical. Answering the challenge is not only acceptable, it is biblically commanded. (1 Pet 3:15) That doesn’t mean that you will be adequately prepared for each question that arises, but let every honest, God-fearing heart search for the answers with integrity before him, realizing we will all have to give an account someday.  And if the search finds us in error, may each one of us have the humility to realize that when uncomfortable truth is discovered, one of two things will result: convenience and comfort will be sacrificed on the altar of truth, or truth will be sacrificed on the altar of comfort and convenience. Don’t be guilty of the latter, friend.  


“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18)
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18)
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