As Christians, I think most of us would agree that evangelism is a key ingredient of our walk. My husband and I have begun a Bible study group in our home and have about 8 co-leaders from our church, and 4 visitors attending the first one this coming Thursday.
I'm frightened.
I am unconventional and even undecided in many areas of scripture where others (most!) are soundly convicted. I'm more likely to say, "I don't know!" than "Let me show you!" Granted I will dig until I find something - but I am also more apt to present the options than the answers.
However, I am convinced that God can still use me.
What has been on my mind is an on-going conversation with God. I want to reach the lost. There are many I have fallen in love with that I cannot imagine a future without faith for them! But this conversation with God kept leading me to Christians outside of fellowship. Believers who have run away from hurt, felt pressed for commitments they were unable to provide, those that studied with people more concerned with church membership and proper indoctrination than reconciliation with the Father... Hopefully you understand my meaning. They have no other Christians in their life, and some would rather keep it that way. One thing I am fully convinced of in scripture is that we need one another - and we need to need one another. It keeps us humble, vulnerable and soft-hearted.
So I was overjoyed, with no personal influence whatsoever, the group actually discussed this! I come from a church rather notorious for being more concerned about membership conversions (strict adherence to our doctrine) than leading the lost to a simple faith. We came to quick, unanimous decision that this group was not about membership - but souls and having a genuine love for them.
Then, the group selected a 6 week study on the book of James. How awesome is that? I had been leaning toward a longer term study in John. It suddenly occurred to me, that although James has a lot about living out faith, it has much to do with the connections and relationships in the Body! I am not usually a quiet one in groups, so my silent, beaming smile during our planning meeting must have been unsettling. I am so encouraged!
Please, if you have a moment to do so, pray that this group allows God to lead us and lives are transformed to faith - or stronger faith when needed.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I am reminded...
Matthew 24:45-51
"Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
But if that evil slave says in his heart, 'My master is not coming for a long time,' and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
I try to keep this scripture in mind as a mother - my primary role of authority. It's important that I remember my place and the responsibility it entails - as well as the consequences for myself and my charges. This scripture also makes me wonder if there is such a thing as an, "evil believer." Notice that the reason the SLAVE to the master would act in this way is because he is an EVIL SLAVE. In context, I am aware that this was in reference to the Pharisees - but in applying the lesson to the religious of today...??
"Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
But if that evil slave says in his heart, 'My master is not coming for a long time,' and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
I try to keep this scripture in mind as a mother - my primary role of authority. It's important that I remember my place and the responsibility it entails - as well as the consequences for myself and my charges. This scripture also makes me wonder if there is such a thing as an, "evil believer." Notice that the reason the SLAVE to the master would act in this way is because he is an EVIL SLAVE. In context, I am aware that this was in reference to the Pharisees - but in applying the lesson to the religious of today...??
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Just Another New Year
Sorry, I am not quite that cynical yet. In New England, I now have markers with the extreme seasonal changes that truly seem to speed time. I can't believe I am at a new year once again!
I have avoided the tradition of making any resolutions in the past. In making some personal revelations this past year, I've discovered that in not establishing goals, I've avoided failure at the expense of personal growth. So, in establishing this tradition in my own life, it should be encouraging to set some goals that will be easy to accomplish that also provide an real impact in my life.
I'm still working it out, but one idea has come to mind. It's not unique. I would like to read the Bible this year. I haven't done it in a very long time - and not at all since I've been a Christian. I've chosen to read it in chronological order. So far, I am at Genesis 11. I'm trying to have an open mind, but curious to see how some of my newly formed christocentric ideas will pan out.
I've lacked focus on this for a time, but that's okay. I've learned much by looking at the focus of others and see that as no accident. God bless you all for your contributions in strengthening the faith of many, the least of which is me.
This is not just another new year - it's the present, the moment, the time God has given us. Rejoice!
I have avoided the tradition of making any resolutions in the past. In making some personal revelations this past year, I've discovered that in not establishing goals, I've avoided failure at the expense of personal growth. So, in establishing this tradition in my own life, it should be encouraging to set some goals that will be easy to accomplish that also provide an real impact in my life.
I'm still working it out, but one idea has come to mind. It's not unique. I would like to read the Bible this year. I haven't done it in a very long time - and not at all since I've been a Christian. I've chosen to read it in chronological order. So far, I am at Genesis 11. I'm trying to have an open mind, but curious to see how some of my newly formed christocentric ideas will pan out.
I've lacked focus on this for a time, but that's okay. I've learned much by looking at the focus of others and see that as no accident. God bless you all for your contributions in strengthening the faith of many, the least of which is me.
This is not just another new year - it's the present, the moment, the time God has given us. Rejoice!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Some Words, Part 1
Repentance.
It's a very confusing concept to Christians. Not so much to the rest of the world.
First, it is a very uncommonly used word in the world outside of religion. It is not used lightly and almost never as a command. The word has weight. It has undertones related so deeply with religion, that its use is only when it is absolutely the right word for the task. Have you ever heard "repent" or "repentance" outside of a religious conversation?
I have, a small handful of times. Of course, I made it to age 27 before coming to Christ. And every time, it was used as a warning or indication of self-condemnation resulting in self-correction: condemning one's own actions before another does.
Second, in the world, I've always been aware that the word is applied to specific situations, actions, etc,. - never as a general term applied to someone's life or remaining existance. If you were to describe someone as "repentant," the question begs, "Of what?" If you were to say someone has a "repentant heart," it would be assumed it was for a specific wrong-doing, not the general character of the individual.
Finally, repentance is not an easy act. Repent is a verb! But it's a feeling, too. So it's a feeling you do - purposefully. It requires introspection, insight, concern - and motivation. There are two motivations to repent - fear and love. When the world uses the word repentence, they most often assume a motivation of love.
Most Christians I know use fear of God as motivation for repentance. They wouldn't agree with me, but I've listened carefully.
"To repent is a command!"
"You must repent from your sins for forgiveness!"
Who was repentance preached to? Christians?
Repentence was preached to the lost world. Don't you think the word used would be the word they understand?
Why do we change it?
It's a very confusing concept to Christians. Not so much to the rest of the world.
First, it is a very uncommonly used word in the world outside of religion. It is not used lightly and almost never as a command. The word has weight. It has undertones related so deeply with religion, that its use is only when it is absolutely the right word for the task. Have you ever heard "repent" or "repentance" outside of a religious conversation?
I have, a small handful of times. Of course, I made it to age 27 before coming to Christ. And every time, it was used as a warning or indication of self-condemnation resulting in self-correction: condemning one's own actions before another does.
Second, in the world, I've always been aware that the word is applied to specific situations, actions, etc,. - never as a general term applied to someone's life or remaining existance. If you were to describe someone as "repentant," the question begs, "Of what?" If you were to say someone has a "repentant heart," it would be assumed it was for a specific wrong-doing, not the general character of the individual.
Finally, repentance is not an easy act. Repent is a verb! But it's a feeling, too. So it's a feeling you do - purposefully. It requires introspection, insight, concern - and motivation. There are two motivations to repent - fear and love. When the world uses the word repentence, they most often assume a motivation of love.
Most Christians I know use fear of God as motivation for repentance. They wouldn't agree with me, but I've listened carefully.
"To repent is a command!"
"You must repent from your sins for forgiveness!"
Who was repentance preached to? Christians?
Repentence was preached to the lost world. Don't you think the word used would be the word they understand?
Why do we change it?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Removing the blog, er... LOG from my own eye :-)
There has been some teaching at my church that is making me itch! I don't like being told what to do, so fear of this teaching leading to that is causing me to feel very critical. (scritch-scratch!) I don't want to back away simply to avoid controversy, but I also don't feel anywhere near equipped to be a spokesperson for a Biblical cause.
My first step is to pray to God to reveal to me where I am wrong and to grant me patience and a listening heart.
Is this the way you interpret Luke 6:42, i.e., removing the plank from your own eye prior to removing a speck from another's? A wise elder woman taught it to me this way several years ago when I thought this meant I had to be blameless before I helped another sister in sin. She told me I should wait to speak until God reveals all the incorrect assumptions I've made (mostly by listening both to the other party and the Word) then to speak, but with a "listening heart."
I stood to speak at the first lesson this week, but a little tug in my memory brought me back to the words of this woman and I simply asked a harmless clarifying question instead.
Hopefully I am completely wrong in my own understanding of this scripture or in my understanding of their teaching - and all my worry is moot. ;-)
My first step is to pray to God to reveal to me where I am wrong and to grant me patience and a listening heart.
Is this the way you interpret Luke 6:42, i.e., removing the plank from your own eye prior to removing a speck from another's? A wise elder woman taught it to me this way several years ago when I thought this meant I had to be blameless before I helped another sister in sin. She told me I should wait to speak until God reveals all the incorrect assumptions I've made (mostly by listening both to the other party and the Word) then to speak, but with a "listening heart."
I stood to speak at the first lesson this week, but a little tug in my memory brought me back to the words of this woman and I simply asked a harmless clarifying question instead.
Hopefully I am completely wrong in my own understanding of this scripture or in my understanding of their teaching - and all my worry is moot. ;-)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Can I?
"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." 1 Peter 2:23
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Examining Faith #2
In the conversation below I asked about the meaning and significance of Abram being credited with righteousness by God for his belief.
God had been speaking to Abram for some time. Abram had consistently believed, obeyed and been rewarded throughout that time. This was not the first promise Abram had put faith in.
Now I am curious to know if it significant only that Abram believed what God said in general, or that he believed specifically what God said directly before being credit with this righteousness?
What do you think?
UPDATE:
As I was studying this, I noticed that it really seemed like an "introduction" with the phrase, "Do not fear" in verse 1. But we know Abram had conversations with God prior to this. Then I noticed the phrase, "the word of God" was used to describe who Abram was hearing. I've now emphazised that phrase above in red. This is the first time in scripture that this is used.
Do you think that is significant?
God had been speaking to Abram for some time. Abram had consistently believed, obeyed and been rewarded throughout that time. This was not the first promise Abram had put faith in.
Now I am curious to know if it significant only that Abram believed what God said in general, or that he believed specifically what God said directly before being credit with this righteousness?
"After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying,
'Do not fear, Abram,
I am a shield to you;
Your reward shall be very great.'
Abram said, 'O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'
And Abram said, 'Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.'
Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 'This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.'
And He took him outside and said, 'Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.' And He said to him, 'So shall your descendants be.'
Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness."
Genesis 15:1-6
What do you think?
UPDATE:
As I was studying this, I noticed that it really seemed like an "introduction" with the phrase, "Do not fear" in verse 1. But we know Abram had conversations with God prior to this. Then I noticed the phrase, "the word of God" was used to describe who Abram was hearing. I've now emphazised that phrase above in red. This is the first time in scripture that this is used.
Do you think that is significant?
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