Our Life Together Vol 3 Nr 10 March 31, 1975

Ken's article "To Me for You" generated the most response on Facebook. One of the first comments was in relationship to his comment:

Like the Jews of Biblical days we feel that God sits in heaven and delights to pour down his blessing upon us (or me) as his special people, and our responsibility is limited to just receiving his blessings and indulging ourselves.

The comment about this is that Ken seems to be overgeneralizing about the Jews. Another comment said that this is also the attitude of most Christians. Of course this is an overgeneralization about Jews or Christians. But there is a tendency in our churches to see God as our "Blessing giving Santa Claus". We see this especially in the Health and Wealth Gospel purveyors. Certainly God does seem to delight in blessing us -- but why? I think Ken is right on point. God blesses us so that we might bless others. This was another of the teachings that was at the center of our community life.

Some of the comments were not directly related to this article, but they brought up an important point; the importance of Bible reading in the church and in community. The Bible was at the center. We really tried to ensure that any of our teachings were scripturally sound. It was amazing how the young people of that day devoured the Bible. Everyone carried their Bible and seemed to be reading anytime that they had a spare moment.

Clay's article discusses our need for compassion for those around the world who were persecuted or oppressed. This teaching was always important for us. Living in community can cause us to become inward focused. There was always a tension between the inward focus and our need to be outward focused.

Lastly I must mention the letter which demonstrates the influence that Ken Pagaard and the First Baptist Church had in many places throughout the country. Last night I had dinner with an old friend and his wife. They both remember being influenced and encouraged by the ministry of our church during the 70s. Incidentally the lived in different parts of the country at that time. She had actually visited the church briefly. Of course one of the instruments of this influence was OLT. Actually this letter states that the people depended upon it.