Simplicity: Positive and Negative
Simplicity can kill or bless our lives22 total reviews
Comment from mfowler
Your essay rests on the semantics surrounding the word 'simple'. Simple as in uncomplicated and humble, and you have God's servant. Simple as in ignorant and unknowlegeable, and you have the people you speak of here. You've used good examples of scripture to highlight your ideas and it's all well written. A good idea, exposed in faith.
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
Your essay rests on the semantics surrounding the word 'simple'. Simple as in uncomplicated and humble, and you have God's servant. Simple as in ignorant and unknowlegeable, and you have the people you speak of here. You've used good examples of scripture to highlight your ideas and it's all well written. A good idea, exposed in faith.
Comment Written 05-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
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Thank you and I hope the contrast in the two types was helpful. Thank you for reading.
Comment from Spitfire
I'm glad you made an argument for both sides. "Simple" can be interpreted in several ways. Those peasants who led a harsh life found solace in their faith. But if by "simple" you mean ignorance of the consequences of sin, then then they definitely are in need of spiritual knowledge.
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
I'm glad you made an argument for both sides. "Simple" can be interpreted in several ways. Those peasants who led a harsh life found solace in their faith. But if by "simple" you mean ignorance of the consequences of sin, then then they definitely are in need of spiritual knowledge.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
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Thanks for reading and commenting....the contrast between to the two types of simplicity was my aim. JB
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
The fact is that the more we simplify our lives, the more we get out of them and appreciate the gift of life. Simplicity is always more honest, easier, and more effective, not just in human lives but in the workings of the whole universe and all its systems, including animal populations, rivers and their beds, water evaporation and rain, etc. Einstein was a big fan of simplicity, so there is one area where religion and science agree. So no one can fault your message here, wherever they stand. An article that all readers can relate to is rare, but you have done it and done it well, Dennis. Bravo!
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
The fact is that the more we simplify our lives, the more we get out of them and appreciate the gift of life. Simplicity is always more honest, easier, and more effective, not just in human lives but in the workings of the whole universe and all its systems, including animal populations, rivers and their beds, water evaporation and rain, etc. Einstein was a big fan of simplicity, so there is one area where religion and science agree. So no one can fault your message here, wherever they stand. An article that all readers can relate to is rare, but you have done it and done it well, Dennis. Bravo!
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
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Thank you Phyllis! A good word from you is sweeter than a kiss from a Penguin (I guess most anything is) but you know what I mean. I hope the contrast between the two types of simplicity help everyone. God bless you, Dennis
Comment from MelB
Well written piece here Dennis. Even though David made mistakes, he kept seeking God. God can use the simple to do marvelous things, but we are called to be more like Christ, gaining his knowledge and wisdom. You're right, this world is going down and rapidly. We have a choice whether we choose death and separation from God or choose life and to be made right with God. I pray this reaches those that are still deciding.
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
Well written piece here Dennis. Even though David made mistakes, he kept seeking God. God can use the simple to do marvelous things, but we are called to be more like Christ, gaining his knowledge and wisdom. You're right, this world is going down and rapidly. We have a choice whether we choose death and separation from God or choose life and to be made right with God. I pray this reaches those that are still deciding.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2015
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I thank you for your perception and your prayer for the effectiveness of this piece. It has gotten a pretty good reading and reception though some reviews bear witness of little understanding. Blessings, sweet sister in Christ, Dennis
Comment from royowen
What a great evangelical message you've woven here brother Dennis. Some people think that one needs to be clever enough to apprehend the wisdom of God, when really He talks of children understanding beyond the wisdom and knowledge of adults, there are no degrees of cleverness in His kingdom. For wisdom, salvation, grace are available to all who reach out and grab what is offered! My complete support and gratitude for this supportive excerpt, dearest brother, blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
What a great evangelical message you've woven here brother Dennis. Some people think that one needs to be clever enough to apprehend the wisdom of God, when really He talks of children understanding beyond the wisdom and knowledge of adults, there are no degrees of cleverness in His kingdom. For wisdom, salvation, grace are available to all who reach out and grab what is offered! My complete support and gratitude for this supportive excerpt, dearest brother, blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
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Thanks brother Roy...God's wisdom is greater than all and its free...blessings, Dennis
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Good one
Comment from Janet Foor
Thank you Dennis for sharing this information and thoughtful piece. I love the example of David. He has often been an inspiration to me. He made lots of mistakes but always sought the Lord for forgiveness.
Blessings to you Dennis.
Janet
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
Thank you Dennis for sharing this information and thoughtful piece. I love the example of David. He has often been an inspiration to me. He made lots of mistakes but always sought the Lord for forgiveness.
Blessings to you Dennis.
Janet
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
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Thank you, Janet! YBIC, Dennis
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is an excellent write, deniz, you did an excellent job telling others of Christ, as we are commanded to do. you did marvelous prose. I am better with my poetry.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
this is an excellent write, deniz, you did an excellent job telling others of Christ, as we are commanded to do. you did marvelous prose. I am better with my poetry.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
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Thank you so much...to God be the glory and may He continue to bless you...Dennis
Comment from Ben Colder
Wish I had a six for this one. Well said, Bro. Now I enter prayer with you that our Lord will send those who He has in mind to read and accept the simplicity of salvation. My blessings to you.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
Wish I had a six for this one. Well said, Bro. Now I enter prayer with you that our Lord will send those who He has in mind to read and accept the simplicity of salvation. My blessings to you.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
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Yes, let us pray for God's Word to be heard by the simple who think themselves wise in the ways of this world....glory to God, He can open the eyes of blind men still. Thanks brother, Dennis
Comment from Janet7053
Superb explanation of when to live simply and when to put away simple and futile thinking. Psalm 19 is a song I have sung in church for several years. The chorus begins in the verse that reads, "More to be desired are they than gold, sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb."
This is sound reasoning right here and should be taken seriously by the unbeliever:
Shun the simple thinking which expects life to go on forever or that death ends it all. Christ Himself could not come into God's Presence with our sin on Him without experiencing, to the fullest, the righteous wrath of God. What simplistic thinking causes any to think they can get by God with unforgiven sin?
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
Superb explanation of when to live simply and when to put away simple and futile thinking. Psalm 19 is a song I have sung in church for several years. The chorus begins in the verse that reads, "More to be desired are they than gold, sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb."
This is sound reasoning right here and should be taken seriously by the unbeliever:
Shun the simple thinking which expects life to go on forever or that death ends it all. Christ Himself could not come into God's Presence with our sin on Him without experiencing, to the fullest, the righteous wrath of God. What simplistic thinking causes any to think they can get by God with unforgiven sin?
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
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Thank you Janet for your continued support. Praying some will consider God's wisdom as superior to their own and be saved...YBIC, Dennis
Comment from Kareau
Nice piece and bravo for putting this out there to share. I was saved at the age of 13, I have my mom to thank for that as she was the one who started taking us kids to church. My dad eventually started coming with us, he went on to become an usher as did my brother. Since the passing of my dad I'm the only child that continues to attend church with my mom, although I must confess not on a weekly basis. My husband does not attend church so I have to divide my time between him and my mom. I sure hope God understands.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
Nice piece and bravo for putting this out there to share. I was saved at the age of 13, I have my mom to thank for that as she was the one who started taking us kids to church. My dad eventually started coming with us, he went on to become an usher as did my brother. Since the passing of my dad I'm the only child that continues to attend church with my mom, although I must confess not on a weekly basis. My husband does not attend church so I have to divide my time between him and my mom. I sure hope God understands.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2015
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2015
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Wonderful testimony...would encourage you to keep going deeper into God's Word as there's more to know and to grow into. My Mom led me to Christ many years ago so we have a lot in common! Thank you and God bless you, Dennis