--I just finished reading the book today and thought I'd see what
folks thought about it. I read your comment. One thought which
occurs in me is to recommend the book by Bruce Olson , Brucko. I
hope i am spelling the title correctly. His experience is more in
line with what Jesus really does. I was encouraged by Mclaren's
thoughts and also felt caution.
It's good to explore Christianity and phylosophy but to see Jesus and
let Him teach us is part of that. I want to say letting Jesus teach
is better than that but am cautioned by the idea of the spider web
being anchored by several different sites.
I can not understand the realivence of the church experience at all.
I was raised in the church and love it in some way but find hearing
someone else tell me about God as if God were not in me nor me in Him
to be a strange uncomfortable feeling.
I don't see the church of today as real in some way. Playing a game
kindof. I find walking in the comfort of Jesus as more comfortable
and have not found anything which can add to that.
Although the lack of human fellowship is felt in my life but when I
reach out with my true perspectives toward fellow believers I am
perceived as lacking faith. Others have the idea that there are no
lone Christians. But there are.
A new kind of Christian was given to me by someone I shared with and
found surprising kinship with, however and it encouraged me. But
what is the purpose of trying to become a post modern Christian?
Our spider webs are anchored in the scriptures and in our
experiences. I don't believe the bible is the word of God. I
believe it to be the scriptures flawed by translation and cultural
gaps however powerful with the spirit of God using them. The idea of
the scriptures looking at us is an interesting concept.
I have had a few experiences of Christ. One was actually in the
flesh. He performed surgery on me. real surgery not imagined or
hoped for. Another time he appeared to me in a dream and the content
of our conversation was prophetic concerning my life personally and
it was fulfilled exactly. When I saw him he appeared as the
brightest light to me. Not like the sun but different. He was
joyful and I knew Him without question. In none of my experiences
like that did I find him religious. He never compelled me into
church and neither was I in any victoriously spiritual and holy
states. But those experiences have leavened within me.
I do know the scriptures and they are part of me as well. I would
love to find a group of believers that could fellowship but what
would we do? What would be the purpose? I can see Jesus anytime I
like to now. Not with my eyes. I remember how he looked in my
vision of Him and I see him as that. That allows me to see "above
the line" As the fictional character tries to teach. When I judge
someone through my self righteousness I find it helps me to focus on
Jesus and look through Him to that person or to that worry that I
have or any passion which excites or disturbs me and it gives me a
new rest. The above the line idea reminds me of what I am trying to
relate.
Bruce Olsen learned that in the book. Not through visions but in the
way Jesus wanted to teach Bruce Olsen. He doesn't mention these
things at all but his experiences teach me that The WORD OF GOD which
was made flesh loves each man and approaches us uniquely. He does
love us.
I believe He covered all sins whether we know it or not. But to know
it is powerfully life changing and freeing. Missionaries shouldn't
preach the gospel. They should live beside people and serve and let
Jesus serve them. Then when your neighbors asks about the hope they
see in you you can tell them the good news. Don't make it contingent
on magical prayers and getting into churches. Let Jesus be the
master. Each situation is unique. You can't repeat the past not
create your own desires. Iy has to be Him or it is worthless.
enough words so I will end. This just felt a little like fellowship
and I wanted to try it. Jeff-
--DEAR KATIE
WHAT'S ALL THIS STUFF ABOUT STAGES? YOU DON'T FIND CHRIST IN STAGES
AND THE ROAD ISN'T BUMPY.
LIFE IS BUMPY BUT JESUS IS AS CONSISTENT AS THE SUN AND MORE SO. YOU
MAY BE NEW TO THE FAITH AND YOUR NOTE IMPLIES YOU STRAYED AWAY SO YOU
MAY NOT BE NEW. BUT JESUS DIDN'T STRAY AWAY FROM YOU HE WAS IN YOU
THE WHOLE TIME AND YOU WERE IN HIM. YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT BECAUSE YOU
WERE ONLY SEEING WITH YOUR EYES BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING TO
JESUS HE WAS THERE. HE IS NOT HAVING A BUMPY TIME EXCEPT BECAUSE OF
PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND MY WHO STRAY AWAY. THE STRAYING ISN'T GOOD FOR
US BUT NOW THAT YOU ARE BACK IF YOU LOOK AT HIM YOU WILL FIND HE
NEVER LEFT IT WAS YOU AND HE IS NOT ASHAMED OF YOU.
HE KNOWS WHAT WE ARE. HE KNOWS WE ARE IN A DARK CONFUSING PLACE AND
EVEN CHURCH CAN ONLY HELP A LITTLE.
YOU MAY NEED A GOOD CHURCH TO HELP SOME BUT IF YOU CAN'T SEE JESUS
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HUNGRY AND THIRSTY. OR WHAT IF YOU START TO THINK
THE CHURCH HAS SATISFIED YOU AND DON'T USE YOU SPIRIT EYES AND SEE
JESUS ALL AROUND YOU. HE IS IN FRONT OF YOU AND IN YOU AND YOU ARE
IN HIM.
I LOVE THE HYMN THE DEEP DEEP LOVE OF JESUS. LET'S SEE THE FIRST
VERSE GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS. UNDERNEATH US ALL AROUND US IS THE
CURRENT OF HIS LOVE. HE IS IN YOU AND YOU ARE IN HIM. ASK HIM TO
TEACH YOU TO USE YOUR FAITH TO SEE HIM. DON'T BECOME A CRAZY WITH
THIS. I THINK FAITH IS A RUDEMENTARY ORGAN RIGHT NOW AND IT
FUNCTIONS SECONDARY TO OUR SENSES NOW. WHEN OUR BODY FALLS AWAY I
THINK IT BECOMES PRIMARY. REMINDS ME OF CATERPILLARS. EVER NOTICE
THE LITTLE SPOTS OF COLORS ON THEM? THEN IN THE TRANSITION THE SPOTS
BECOME THE ENTIRE WING. THE ORGANS MAKE THE SAME TRANSFORMATION.
DEAR KATIE JESUS IS NOT BUMPY AND HE LOVES YOU. IT IS GOOD TO READ
THE GOSPELS AND GALATIONS AND EPHESIANS. LOOK HOW HE LOVED AND
LOVES. HE IS NOT GONE AND IS VERY MUCH ALIVE. JEFF
I am a long time and devout Christian who is engaged to a Muslim. I
have received so much hostility to this relationship from Christians
that it disheartens me about the Church. I think we need more love
and interaction toward people of other faiths. If we are moving
into a postmodern church, why can't the church embrace couples who
don't fit into their traditional understanding? I try to explain to
my fiancee that Christians don't have laws about who you can and
can't marry, like Islam does. Yet, all she sees are close-minded
Christians who want to break up our relationship, or convert her
brefore marriage. I would like to hear anyone's thoughts about this
situation.
I agree with you that "we need more love and interaction toward people of other
faiths" and Islam is certainly one of those faiths that we need to better
understand and dialog with, if only for the reason that so much of world's
population is Muslim.
That being said, can a marriage between a Christian and a Muslim person work.
For that manner, can a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian in
general work? In my observation, it can, but not without a lot of work.
Marriage is a lot of things. On one level, it is a legal arrangement, and on
that basis it really doesn't matter what the couple's religious persuasion is.
{As an aside, it is on this basis that most of the arguements in favor of
homesexual marriage rest, but that's another topic not germane here.} But
Christians (as well as followers of other religions traditions) believe that
marriage is far more that a legal contract, but is rather a true spiritual
union. The problem is that a mixed faith couple is going to experience the
spiritual dimension of the relationship in radically different ways.
Even in the most successful mixed-faith couples this creates a lot of stress. To
deal with this, most couples do one of two things (a) they maintain a separation
from each other with respect to their spiritual lives -- resulting in an
intentionally more superficial relationship or (b) they demphasize the spiritual
dimensions of their own lives in to keep it from being an issue.
For most Christian communities, neither of these results is particularly
satisfactory, which is probably why you are feeling their disapproval.
I would hope that you would not mistake their lack of approval with an unloving
heart, however. I would be encouraged by the fact that they want to share their
faith with your fiancee. They may not be going about it in the best way, but
that's another issue entirely.
Best of luck,
-Dan
jambolyajones <jeffblythe@...> wrote:
I am a long time and devout Christian who is engaged to a Muslim. I
have received so much hostility to this relationship from Christians
that it disheartens me about the Church. I think we need more love
and interaction toward people of other faiths. If we are moving
into a postmodern church, why can't the church embrace couples who
don't fit into their traditional understanding? I try to explain to
my fiancee that Christians don't have laws about who you can and
can't marry, like Islam does. Yet, all she sees are close-minded
Christians who want to break up our relationship, or convert her
brefore marriage. I would like to hear anyone's thoughts about this
situation.
Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
You can visit the Finding Faith Yahoo groups web site to modify your
delivery settings and review former messages @
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith
Delivery Options: individual emails, 1 digest email a day, or no email (all
emails avail @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith)
Want to unsubscribe? Just send a blank note to
findingfaith-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Daniel W. Elwell
Email: dwelwell@...
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I would add that it seems to me that in any relationship we always need to ask
How God is glorified with that relationship - how is HIS name being praised
because of what you are entering into? I think that a lot of the problems many
relationships face are based on the selfish way we interact in the relationship.
Rather than asking what's in this relationship for me we need to ask "What's in
this relationship for GOD?" The perspective shifts from me or us to GOD - where,
I think it should be.
I also think that marriage is a couple who is struggling redemptive-ly. What are
you willing to sacrifice for each other (keeping in mind your faith in God)?
I wish you discernment, wisdom, wise and gentle words and I wish you the best in
your relationship.
Ben
----- Original Message -----
From: Daniel Elwell
To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 1:40 PM
Subject: Re: [findingfaith] interfaith marriage
I agree with you that "we need more love and interaction toward people of
other faiths" and Islam is certainly one of those faiths that we need to better
understand and dialog with, if only for the reason that so much of world's
population is Muslim.
That being said, can a marriage between a Christian and a Muslim person work.
For that manner, can a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian in
general work? In my observation, it can, but not without a lot of work.
Marriage is a lot of things. On one level, it is a legal arrangement, and on
that basis it really doesn't matter what the couple's religious persuasion is.
{As an aside, it is on this basis that most of the arguements in favor of
homesexual marriage rest, but that's another topic not germane here.} But
Christians (as well as followers of other religions traditions) believe that
marriage is far more that a legal contract, but is rather a true spiritual
union. The problem is that a mixed faith couple is going to experience the
spiritual dimension of the relationship in radically different ways.
Even in the most successful mixed-faith couples this creates a lot of stress.
To deal with this, most couples do one of two things (a) they maintain a
separation from each other with respect to their spiritual lives -- resulting in
an intentionally more superficial relationship or (b) they demphasize the
spiritual dimensions of their own lives in to keep it from being an issue.
For most Christian communities, neither of these results is particularly
satisfactory, which is probably why you are feeling their disapproval.
I would hope that you would not mistake their lack of approval with an
unloving heart, however. I would be encouraged by the fact that they want to
share their faith with your fiancee. They may not be going about it in the best
way, but that's another issue entirely.
Best of luck,
-Dan
jambolyajones <jeffblythe@...> wrote:
I am a long time and devout Christian who is engaged to a Muslim. I
have received so much hostility to this relationship from Christians
that it disheartens me about the Church. I think we need more love
and interaction toward people of other faiths. If we are moving
into a postmodern church, why can't the church embrace couples who
don't fit into their traditional understanding? I try to explain to
my fiancee that Christians don't have laws about who you can and
can't marry, like Islam does. Yet, all she sees are close-minded
Christians who want to break up our relationship, or convert her
brefore marriage. I would like to hear anyone's thoughts about this
situation.
Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
You can visit the Finding Faith Yahoo groups web site to modify your
delivery settings and review former messages @
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith
Delivery Options: individual emails, 1 digest email a day, or no email (all
emails avail @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith)
Want to unsubscribe? Just send a blank note to
findingfaith-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Daniel W. Elwell
Email: dwelwell@...
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
You can visit the Finding Faith Yahoo groups web site to modify your
delivery settings and review former messages @
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith
Delivery Options: individual emails, 1 digest email a day, or no email (all
emails avail @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith)
Want to unsubscribe? Just send a blank note to
findingfaith-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Would some one know of a church or small group (cell) in the
postmodern mindset in Calgary (Alberta) CANADA ?
It's for a young christian (biological and spiritual) moving to that
city.
Thank you.
Jack
Hi folks,
(I posted this to "ANKOC" on Yahoo but thought I would post it here
too.)
I just finished reading all 300-and-some posts there (pant, pant) and
I've enjoyed what I've found so far.
First, a little about me and then I would like to ask a request (I
know, poor manners for a newbie).
I have been a conservative, fundamentalist Christian for 31 years.
But I have reached a point where I want to grow in my faith in Christ
but leave behind some "baggage" that I have accumulated over the
years and that, I feel, weighs me down in my journey to know Christ
more. I'll be frank, I am sick and tired of all the arguing,
judging, self-righteousness, divisions, and control that I have
experienced in churches for the past 31 years. I am also sick and
tired of all of these same things that I find in myself and I long
for freedom. Jesus promised us life, an easy yoke, a light burden
and rest for our souls. I have found very little those things in the
institutionalized church (I know, they are found in Christ alone),
but I want to grow in grace. To be honest, I've considered giving up
Christianity and church altogether but I can't give up my faith in
Christ. Quite a predicament, huh?
So I was searching the net one day under the subjuct of "ex-
fundamentalism" (yes, I'm desperate) and someplace I found a link to
McLaren's book "ANKOC." I picked up the book and gave it a cursory
reading. I found much in there that has stimulated my thinking to
think "outside of the box" and I also found much that I think I need
to work out through discussion.
Enough about me. The forum at "ANKOC" is 5000-and-some messages
long. I simply don't have the internet time to go and read all of
them and any questions that I would post concerning "ANKOC" would be
water under the bridge at this point. Especially seeing as 1) I
don't want to disrupt the current topic and 2) Brian's new book is
out (which I have but have not read).
Here is my request: Is there anyone here on this forum that would be
willing to "start again" so-to-speak with "ANKOC?" I realize this
would involve alot of work and probably another forum here on Yahoo
(NKOC2?). I have another friend who would also be interested in
going through the book and discussing it.
So are there any NKOC's here that would be willing to journey anew
through Brian's "AKNOC" book? I would sure appreciate it. And with
all the members here, maybe someone else would enjoy it, too?
Sincerely,
christophilus
Thanks for your post. I'm glad you found us!
ANKOC and it's sequel, The Story We Find Ourselves In
(TSWFOI) can catalyze thiking in some interesting
ways. That is of course Brian's chief reason for
writing the books - to stimulate thinking.
I'm not exactly sure what you are specifically asking
for, though. Are you looking for folks to correspond
with about about what you discover from the book? Or
are you looking for a penpal to read through the book
with you.
I'm sure there are many folks on this list that might
be willing to share their points of view on the topics
in the book.
-Dan
--- christophilus1 <christophilus@...> wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> (I posted this to "ANKOC" on Yahoo but thought I
> would post it here
> too.)
>
> I just finished reading all 300-and-some posts there
> (pant, pant) and
> I've enjoyed what I've found so far.
>
> First, a little about me and then I would like to
> ask a request (I
> know, poor manners for a newbie).
>
> I have been a conservative, fundamentalist Christian
> for 31 years.
> But I have reached a point where I want to grow in
> my faith in Christ
> but leave behind some "baggage" that I have
> accumulated over the
> years and that, I feel, weighs me down in my journey
> to know Christ
> more. I'll be frank, I am sick and tired of all the
> arguing,
> judging, self-righteousness, divisions, and control
> that I have
> experienced in churches for the past 31 years. I am
> also sick and
> tired of all of these same things that I find in
> myself and I long
> for freedom. Jesus promised us life, an easy yoke,
> a light burden
> and rest for our souls. I have found very little
> those things in the
> institutionalized church (I know, they are found in
> Christ alone),
> but I want to grow in grace. To be honest, I've
> considered giving up
> Christianity and church altogether but I can't give
> up my faith in
> Christ. Quite a predicament, huh?
>
> So I was searching the net one day under the subjuct
> of "ex-
> fundamentalism" (yes, I'm desperate) and someplace I
> found a link to
> McLaren's book "ANKOC." I picked up the book and
> gave it a cursory
> reading. I found much in there that has stimulated
> my thinking to
> think "outside of the box" and I also found much
> that I think I need
> to work out through discussion.
>
> Enough about me. The forum at "ANKOC" is
> 5000-and-some messages
> long. I simply don't have the internet time to go
> and read all of
> them and any questions that I would post concerning
> "ANKOC" would be
> water under the bridge at this point. Especially
> seeing as 1) I
> don't want to disrupt the current topic and 2)
> Brian's new book is
> out (which I have but have not read).
>
> Here is my request: Is there anyone here on this
> forum that would be
> willing to "start again" so-to-speak with "ANKOC?" I
> realize this
> would involve alot of work and probably another
> forum here on Yahoo
> (NKOC2?). I have another friend who would also be
> interested in
> going through the book and discussing it.
>
> So are there any NKOC's here that would be willing
> to journey anew
> through Brian's "AKNOC" book? I would sure
> appreciate it. And with
> all the members here, maybe someone else would enjoy
> it, too?
>
> Sincerely,
> christophilus
>
>
>
>
=====
Daniel W. Elwell
Email: dwelwell@...
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com
Hi Dan,
> I'm not exactly sure what you are specifically asking
> for, though. Are you looking for folks to correspond
> with about about what you discover from the book? Or
> are you looking for a penpal to read through the book
> with you.
Uhh...yes! :)
I had read ANKOC once through but desired to go through it again
while discussing some of the ideas and concepts with other Christians.
I asked the other forum NKOC if they wanted to go back through the
book but it appears that they have gone through it 3 times already
(wow) and, while they were very gracious in encouraging me to post
any thoughts I had, I did not want to interrupt their current topics
and conversation.
Therefore, I started a second NKOC group called (what else?) NKOC2
for the purpose of going through the book. NKOC2 is NOT competition
for or a replacement for the original group, just a sub-group that is
going through Brian's book again. If any of you would like to join in
the discussion (we have just started the Introduction), you can find
it at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nkoc2
BTW, I am about 3/4's of the way through "Finding Faith" and enjoying
it immensely. Brian's breakdown of 4 stages of faith has really
helped me alot -- to see where I am coming from and to see where I
might need to go in my faith in Christ.
Thanks for your reply, Dan.
christophilus
I have read Finding Faith, ANKOC, Adventures in Missing the Point,
The Story We Find Ourselves In, More Ready Than You Realize, and The
Church On the Other Side (basically all of Brian's books). I have
found his writing to be very consistent in theme and content. I was
struck, however, during Other Side, when I realized that Brian was
doing exactly what he had criticized the modern church for; that is,
suggesting "13 easy ways to reinvent your church". Throughout his
writings he has made the point that the modern church has over
analyzed theology and reduced it to so many formulas to "know" God.
I felt he was betraying his own beliefs and was angry and
disappointed. So angry that I was ready to throw postmodernism out
the door. But I have just finished reading Cedar Ridge Community
Church statement of beliefs and values, and I have to truly say I
still find this "new" kind of Christianity an answer to my searchings
for the truth. And perhaps Brian addressed this paradox in the
introduction that I did not read (shame on me). Thanks for listening.
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site... but not new to postmodernism. I finished
NKOC and I'm starting Finding Faith... Has anyone else just started
that would like to communicate via email about the book?
Mandi
Hi everyone...
I finished reading this book not too long ago. I have been an
atheist/agnostic for as long as i can remember, and so is my family. I
don't go to church. So this book was challenging to me. I was prepared for
something offensive, and pushy, but found a lot to make me think about the
way i was approaching my life.
All of the chapters were profound to me, however the most profound I think
were chapter 2 and 4. Is anyone here still willing to talk about this book?
I finished it and found myself with a kind of "wow...now what?" feeling...
Anyway...Is this group only for those who are christian? I wasn't sure if i
could post here or not...but this is the first time i have ever read
something religious that made sense...and I have never had a conversation
with someone religious that has ended with me actually feeling like i wasn't
being told I needed to *change*.
thanks for offering this group...please let me know if it is not ok to post
here...
Sunny
_________________________________________________________________
Get McAfee virus scanning and cleaning of incoming attachments. Get Hotmail
Extra Storage! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es
Hi Mandi,
I am new to this forum and to postmodern Christianity. However, I
have read ANKOC and I am about 3/4 the way through "Finding Faith." I
would love to discuss FF with someone. This particular forum doesn't
seem to have much interaction on it but I would love to fire up
some. :)
So I'd be interested in talking about it here or via email.
Not sure who the mod is here but I'll welcome you to Finding Faith.
neox
Hi Sunny,
Welcome to Finding Faith.
My online name is Neochristian (neox for short) and I am about 3/4 of
the way through Finding Faith and have ready one of Brian's other
books (A New Kind of Christian).
> All of the chapters were profound to me, however the most profound
I think
> were chapter 2 and 4. Is anyone here still willing to talk about
this book?
I'd love to talk about it. To me, the things that meant the most was
seeing the 4 stages of faith. DANGER! DANGER! I have been a
fundamentalist Christian trapped in stage 1 for almost 30 years! So I
was greatly encouraged to see a stage 4 that I could grow towards. :)
> Anyway...Is this group only for those who are christian? I wasn't
sure if i
> could post here or not...but this is the first time i have ever
read
> something religious that made sense...and I have never had a
conversation
> with someone religious that has ended with me actually feeling like
i wasn't
> being told I needed to *change*.
Quite a twist, isn't it? I am not the moderator here but I would
think that this forum is for anyone who seeks to explore faith and to
see if it is worth finding. :)
Welcome again, Sunny.
neox
PS - my former online name was christophilus (seen above) but I
changed it for personal reasons
Just a note to let those on this forum know that there is a sub-group
of the original NKOC called NKOC2 (I'm not very imaginative). The
original group has been through "A New Kind of Christian" 3 times,
has gone through "The Story We Find Ourselves In" and is awaiting
Brian's third book.
So rather than trying to "rewind" that particular forum, I started a
sub-forum for those brand new to ANKOC. We are just starting into
Chapter 1 this week.
If you would be interested in interacting on Brian's book, the web
addy is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nkoc2
neox
what you thinking about now in your life?
ian
_________________________________________________________________
Share your photos without swamping your Inbox. Get Hotmail Extra Storage
today! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es
Well...If it is ok to post here and not be christian, then i would like to
do that. I am not quite sure what to expect. But i know that right now i
can't handle being squished or sqashed or talked into anything...I just want
to talk about god without being *converted* into anything. I am wondering
so many things about god, and just have a lot of thinking to do, I guess.
So is being with god really like brian says in his book? I could have never
imagined that...it baffles me sort of. There are parts to believing in god
that sound amazing...and that kind of terrifies me. I'm not sure if i'm
making any sense...
Sunny
_________________________________________________________________
Add MSN 8 Internet Software to your existing Internet access and enjoy
patented spam protection and more. Sign up now!
http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/byoa
Good morning,
I am like you and trying to not only find answers, but direction as well. I
am finding that my life is so difficult right now and I can't do it alone. I
need help, but am unsure as to the right way to pray for guidance.
I have 17-year old twin boys and they are the best things to have ever
happened to me, but also very concerning to me as well. I have tried to raise
them
the best way I know how, but I am very worried about both of them and the
direction they are headed into.
I am hurting and know that if I knew the right way to pray, then I might find
some peace. If anyone can help me I would be extremely grateful.
I believe and trust in God, and have so my whole life, but never before have
I needed to feel one set of foot prints in the sand...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
its always good to post here and not be a christian, at least in my mind.
despite what anyone else says. how do you see
brian explaining god? what do you think god looks like?
ian
>From: "Sunny Day" <fireaunt@...>
>Reply-To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
>To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [findingfaith] a lot of thoughts
>Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:35:01 -0500
>
>Well...If it is ok to post here and not be christian, then i would like to
>do that. I am not quite sure what to expect. But i know that right now i
>can't handle being squished or sqashed or talked into anything...I just
>want
>to talk about god without being *converted* into anything. I am wondering
>so many things about god, and just have a lot of thinking to do, I guess.
>
>So is being with god really like brian says in his book? I could have
>never
>imagined that...it baffles me sort of. There are parts to believing in god
>that sound amazing...and that kind of terrifies me. I'm not sure if i'm
>making any sense...
>Sunny
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>Add MSN 8 Internet Software to your existing Internet access and enjoy
>patented spam protection and more. Sign up now!
>http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/byoa
>
_________________________________________________________________
Help protect your PC. Get a FREE computer virus scan online from McAfee.
http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
Hi all
Ian wrote:
its always good to post here and not be a christian, at least in my mind.
despite what anyone else says.
ss:
All are welcome to post!
Stephen Shields
Moderator
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.520 / Virus Database: 318 - Release Date: 9/18/2003
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi Sunny!
S:
Well...If it is ok to post here and not be christian, then i would like to
do that.
ss:
Yes it is!
S:
I am not quite sure what to expect. But i know that right now i
can't handle being squished or sqashed or talked into anything...I just want
to talk about god without being *converted* into anything. I am wondering
so many things about god, and just have a lot of thinking to do, I guess.
ss:
Sunny, we’re glad you’re here and have no interest in forcing you into
anything!
S:
So is being with god really like brian says in his book? I could have never
imagined that...it baffles me sort of. There are parts to believing in god
that sound amazing...and that kind of terrifies me. I'm not sure if i'm
making any sense...
ss:
What impressions of “being with god” from Brian’s book are you speaking of?
Welcome again!
Stephen Shields
sshields@...
http://www.faithmaps.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/faithmapshttp://faithmaps.blogspot.com
"navigating theology, leadership, and spiritual formation in postmodernity"
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.520 / Virus Database: 318 - Release Date: 9/18/2003
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sunfirefay wrote:
Good morning,
I am like you and trying to not only find answers, but direction as well. I
am finding that my life is so difficult right now and I can't do it alone. I
need help, but am unsure as to the right way to pray for guidance.
I have 17-year old twin boys and they are the best things to have ever
happened to me, but also very concerning to me as well. I have tried to
raise them
the best way I know how, but I am very worried about both of them and the
direction they are headed into.
I am hurting and know that if I knew the right way to pray, then I might
find
some peace. If anyone can help me I would be extremely grateful.
I believe and trust in God, and have so my whole life, but never before have
I needed to feel one set of foot prints in the sand...
ss:
We are really glad you’re here! Regarding the right way to pray, one of the
things you see when you read through the Psalms is that the various writers
gave God what was inside. So, I suggest you just be honest with God and
tell him where you are. Though he sometimes gives clear discernable
direction, sometimes it’s just helpful to be mindful of his presence with
you as you pray. He may not always give you clear discernable direction,
though – however – He does give wisdom to those who ask.
Hope this helps! Keep posting!
Stephen Shields
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.520 / Virus Database: 318 - Release Date: 9/18/2003
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ah prayer,
we never feel like we do it enough, despite how routine we have made it.
some people say you day is all a prayer to God, which I agree with, and
others say that prayer is geting on your face before God, which I also
believe. with prayer we aren't so sure about how much it works because we
never hear an audible voice, and we look for direct results. I can tell you
this though, if you are praying for the closeness of God, you are already
wrapped in that closeness. God is never distant from His children. We are
the ones that try to keep Him at a distance. The neat thing about prayer is
that it doesn't make Him come closer, but it makes us realize how close He
is. Christianity is the only faith that has God coming down to His people
(jesus), all the others are a striving to get up to that god. Its refreshing
to know that we don't have that far to reach to get our arms around Him.
You also talked about finding peace. Prayer is a starting point. Jesus said,
"I give you my peace." Before He ascended to heaven. That peace means that
as Christians, we are right with God. What Jesus did on the cross already
took us from separation to peace with God. Now our focus is to be on Jesus.
I suggest a great learning tool. Check out www.ccphilly.org/ order the verse
by verse teaching through the bible. its $62, but it may be the most
refreshing taste of Jesus you can get. enjoy getting to know Jesus, there's
peace already waiting there.
ian snyder
>From: sunfirefay@...
>Reply-To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
>To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [findingfaith] finding faith
>Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 06:48:23 EDT
>
>Good morning,
>
>I am like you and trying to not only find answers, but direction as well. I
>am finding that my life is so difficult right now and I can't do it alone.
>I
>need help, but am unsure as to the right way to pray for guidance.
>
>I have 17-year old twin boys and they are the best things to have ever
>happened to me, but also very concerning to me as well. I have tried to
>raise them
>the best way I know how, but I am very worried about both of them and the
>direction they are headed into.
>
>I am hurting and know that if I knew the right way to pray, then I might
>find
>some peace. If anyone can help me I would be extremely grateful.
>
>I believe and trust in God, and have so my whole life, but never before
>have
>I needed to feel one set of foot prints in the sand...
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
_________________________________________________________________
Get MSN 8 Dial-up Internet Service FREE for one month. Limited time offer--
sign up now! http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/dialup
So this has really nothing to do with the current trains of thought
posted, but maybe it will help someone with something going on in
their life. I just heard a talk on the verse in Luke about dying to
ourselves, taking up our cross and following him. Maybe it isn't to
deny everything we are and submit ourselves to God (as the speaker
mentioned) but rather to die to the things in our lives that are
keeping us from whatever we are seeking. If something (the bible
says a hand or a foot) gets in our way of achieving our goals get
rid of it. So maybe I'm just over thinking this passage, or this
really refers to simplifying our lives to get out of them the good
stuff. And then I thought how much could I do without on a daily
basis? What are the bare essentials? Or is this spiritual simplicity?
Any thoughts...
Present!
Stephen Shields
Moderator – Finding Faith Group
sshields@...
http://www.faithmaps.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/faithmapshttp://faithmaps.blogspot.com
"navigating theology, leadership, and spiritual formation in postmodernity"
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Presley [mailto:presleys@...]
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 9:05 AM
To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [findingfaith] Hello?
Anyone here?
rick
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.553 / Virus Database: 345 - Release Date: 12/18/2003
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Just wondering if anything was happening here.
I was looking for the group Bob Metivier mentioned some time ago and thought
this was it.
rick
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Shields [mailto:sshields@...]
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 11:37 AM
To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [findingfaith] Hello?
Present!
Stephen Shields
Moderator - Finding Faith Group
sshields@...
http://www.faithmaps.orghttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/faithmapshttp://faithmaps.blogspot.com
"navigating theology, leadership, and spiritual formation in postmodernity"
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Presley [mailto:presleys@...]
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 9:05 AM
To: findingfaith@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [findingfaith] Hello?
Anyone here?
rick
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.553 / Virus Database: 345 - Release Date: 12/18/2003
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
You can visit the Finding Faith Yahoo groups web site to modify your
delivery settings and review former messages @
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith
Delivery Options: individual emails, 1 digest email a day, or no email (all
emails avail @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith)
Want to unsubscribe? Just send a blank note to
findingfaith-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findingfaith/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
findingfaith-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Hello
This company really helped me out.
I almost lost my home.
I am self employed and I was able to refinance.
The best interest rates are available, for a limited time
Don't miss out stop in today.
http://lowratez.4all.cc
Hi everyone,
I'm doing some research looking for some folks who
....are under 35, and
....have facilitated Alpha courses.
If you or anyone fit these criteria, would you contact me offlist @
sshields@...?
It's a big added plus if you happen to be a church planter.
(For those of you who are in several Emerging Church online discussion
groups as I am, pls forgive the repetition!)
Thanks!
Stephen Shields
sshields@...
http://www.faithmaps.orghttp://faithmaps.blogspot.comhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/faithmaps/
"tools for navigating theology,
leadership, discipleship and church life
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.682 / Virus Database: 444 - Release Date: 5/11/2004
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Send Email
