Posts Tagged ‘Dennis Tuuri’

17
Nov

Coveteousness – OCCUPY Portland’s Sin & The Christian Remedy

   Posted by: Doug    in NT - 1 Timothy, Political, Political-Economics, Theology-Political

Pastor Dennis Tuuir

 

In last Sunday’s sermon at Reformation Covenant Church, Pastor Dennis Tuuri provided the most insightful evaluation of the OCCUPY movement that I’ve seen to date. He shined the light of Christ’s Word on the problem, with a view to how we, as Christians, can speak to the issues that the world is struggling with economically right now.

The sermon, The Tenth Word, Social Policy and Politics, is part of a long series on the 10 Words (Commandments).

As the OCCUPY movement continues to play out in the social consciousness of our city and country, it is important to think biblically about how to respond to it. Peaple painfully feel that our society is broken and in need of serious repair – but know not what to do. For most in the OCCUPY movement there are no real agendas, solutions or hopes apart from change for change sake. This revolutionary spirit is a hope that is based on a faith that once the existing social order is destroyed, a new and better society will emerge for the good of the world. But such an evolutionary faith is no hope at all – for apart from God there is no reason to suppose that man will be better off than he was before.

 

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:6–12 (NKJV)

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30
Mar

Fasting and the Future

   Posted by: Doug    in OT - Isaiah, Social Issues, Theology

Today (03/29/09) Dennis Tuuri, Pastor of RCC, in a sermon related to Lent and Christian suffering, mentioned that “fasting is an anticipation of a change in history.” This is a very helpful perspective to keep in mind as people consider the meaning and use of both Lent and fasting generally. Isaiah 58:3, 5 tells us that fasting is an affliction of our souls. Properly understood, fasting, when practiced, should be seen as part of our praying that God would use us to change the world around us. Specifically, in Isaiah 58:6-7 we are told about fasting that pleases the Lord:

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?”

It is the kind of fasting that moves us to action and service. In our service we see the world transformed around us. The future we hope for is brought into the present. Fasting brings us into conformity to the will of God so that we become part of the establishment of His Kingdom.

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