Comments for nickloyd.com

Comment on When Christians get HIV by KGenesis

KGenesis — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:27:55 +0000

Well, I just found out today that I am HIV+ and the news is shocking but my faith in God is all that I have left. I lived a lifestyle displeasing to God and as a result of my actions I have acquired the virus. It is unfortunate that under these circumstances I was only willing to completely submit to his will. I stand now with open eyes and an open heart for God to use me as only he can. I surrender.

Comment on Predestined to Hate Rob Bell by Chase Crickenberger

Chase Crickenberger — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:24:56 +0000

I have to say that this article really meant a lot to me. I have read Love Wins and have found Christ in almost all of his words. He does not blindly make his case, he supports it with scripture, and I believe many of the “hell fire” and damnation pastors that currently rule over the church, such as my own, dislike Rob Bell out of shear ignorance. This book helped me find my religion again, and who I am in the eyes of God and Christ. I had been struggling to find how God could make millions of people burn in hell, and this book helped me find the answer. He doesn’t; his unrelenting love is just like it is stated, unrelenting. It lasts for eternity, and all those who live will have the opportunity to find his love, and will, whether that means going through their own hell for a while or not. I have tried to have arguments with people about this book, but most who dislike it are just too stubborn to sit back and listen to his teachings, and just listen to what he has to say. I feel that those pastors out there who can’t look at what they consider the “other side”, are ignorant, and will never be able to expand their knowledge of their faith. And that any Pastor who condemns this book to a congregation is doing nothing but hurting their congregations’ faith, and ultimately holding to much religious control over the people in their congregation. I love this book, and I wish that all would be able to just hear Rob Bell for what he really is, a good upstanding christian man who, just like me, is tired of the judgemental, almost elitist outlook modern christians have, thinking that they are the only ones who will be save, and that God’s love is finite, but in all actuality love wins in the end no matter what.

Comment on The Call to Controversy by Anna

Anna — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:01:20 +0000

Hi Nick,

I too have started a similar type of blog…just wondering if you could follow too.

Your sister in christ,
Anna

Comment on When Christians get HIV by Anna

Anna — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:49:04 +0000

It was the worst news for me when I heard my doctor was saying about my sickness but now after 10 months that I know I am HIV positive many things changed in my life and I realaized God has a perfect plan for me too:)

Comment on Top-10 Things Your Youth Pastor Would Like to Say by Paul

Paul — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:32:47 +0000

Great article, every point. Been in youth ministry for 8 years at one church and I would have sworn you crawled into my head and stole my thoughts.

Some commentators need to re-read #5.

Comment on Are Long-Nose Genes Recessive? by Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:56:39 +0000

OMg, your nose isn’t even that big at all.

Comment on Top-10 Things Your Youth Pastor Would Like to Say by Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:16:15 +0000

EVERY church member needs to read your post! I think it would open their eyes to not only how tough youth ministry is but to the fact that a lot of them are the ones that are needlessly making it tougher. I feel that a lot of comments that are made to the youth pastor are not necessarily meant to tear him/her down but after one receives 10 in any given day it tends to wear on a brotha (or sista).

Comment on Top-10 Things Your Youth Pastor Would Like to Say by Joe Lalonde

Joe Lalonde — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:24:46 +0000

Nick,

Thank you for sharing the secrets behind being a youth pastor or, in my situation, a volunteer youth leader.

As one of the youth leaders in our church, we see these played out every week. The one I struggle with the most is number 4 and number 6.

I often wonder if parents are considered about their children’s spiritual well being as it often appears they are not concerned about their own. We see the parents drive up, drop off, and head out only to return after service has ended(sometimes long after service has ended). We have the kids for 1-2 hours a week, they have them much more. Feed your kids.

As for number six: Relationships are important. That is why we pour so much into the younger generation. We know they need guidance and leadership and friendship. We need that too. I, and I know others, struggle with finding deep, quality relationships in the church. It is something that causes a lot of burnout.

Comment on Putting the “apology” in apologetics by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:38:55 +0000

Interesting assessment. Lots of truth in there I would think, yet I am surprised at how “conventional” this new generation of young people really are. Check out some of the new books on the young millenials. What I’m learning in my area of young college students is they are coming in: developed in there ability to work in teams, value tradition and want to understand/appreciate it…. Maybe you hit it on the head… this group of young people seem to be finding the “norm” between crazed apologetics and works without faith is dead. I feel much more reared in the latter and am grateful for what could be some refreshing balance… a place with some new possibilities!

Comment on When Christians get HIV by Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:58:42 +0000

Rick you are a hero. We need people like you here in Botswana. YOu can help the hopeless, God bless you