(11/3/2013 edit to 10/27/2013 post)
A Christian business networking group I frequent recently finished the "Explore God" series. I have to remember it was meant to be purposefully exploratory and without being confrontational.
The 7 week series was good, in a "hmmmm" sort of way. I do admit though that I was looking forward to it being over. The desire to dig deeper, to ask questions and not, caused some struggle. Especially when confessed believers spoke up about not reading scripture, and their thoughts about scripture. I think that's what I struggled with the most, yet, it opened my eyes and heart to some new thoughts. My "thinking" is different and I'll be practicing Proverbs 25:2 ("In His glory, God conceals matters. The glory of kings is to search matters out.") a bit around what I observed.
Others were on a different path altogether. Some regular attenders to this weekly meeting missed most if not all the series. I think it was that uncomfortable.
For me, the biggest hmmm or aha was connected to the width of thoughts from the group, especially those that come across as spiritual, even Christian believers. The difference I believe is connected to reading scripture.
Explore God, the series, was a reminder for me that Christianity, the religion, is practiced from many foundations. It's not easy and the depth is massive. Yet, to the normal observer it's a wide playing field of variances, feelings and beliefs (I don't have a problem with those who call Christianity a religion because that's what many people practice it as. Telling them it is something else only widens the cavern).
I've been blind to the number of Christians who don't read the Word that is the basis for their "religion." (Maybe if they read the Word, if wouldn't be a religion?) Yet Christ is the Word. He was there in the creation. His Word is the basis for life eternal. I know beyond any doubt but that comes from faith. It comes from exploring that faith. A faith that comes from renewing my heart, soul, strength and mind through the living, testing and studying of that faith.
It's a tough grip.
Maybe we should next "Explore the Word?"
To that end....
A Christian business networking group I frequent recently finished the "Explore God" series. I have to remember it was meant to be purposefully exploratory and without being confrontational.
The 7 week series was good, in a "hmmmm" sort of way. I do admit though that I was looking forward to it being over. The desire to dig deeper, to ask questions and not, caused some struggle. Especially when confessed believers spoke up about not reading scripture, and their thoughts about scripture. I think that's what I struggled with the most, yet, it opened my eyes and heart to some new thoughts. My "thinking" is different and I'll be practicing Proverbs 25:2 ("In His glory, God conceals matters. The glory of kings is to search matters out.") a bit around what I observed.
Others were on a different path altogether. Some regular attenders to this weekly meeting missed most if not all the series. I think it was that uncomfortable.
For me, the biggest hmmm or aha was connected to the width of thoughts from the group, especially those that come across as spiritual, even Christian believers. The difference I believe is connected to reading scripture.
Explore God, the series, was a reminder for me that Christianity, the religion, is practiced from many foundations. It's not easy and the depth is massive. Yet, to the normal observer it's a wide playing field of variances, feelings and beliefs (I don't have a problem with those who call Christianity a religion because that's what many people practice it as. Telling them it is something else only widens the cavern).
I've been blind to the number of Christians who don't read the Word that is the basis for their "religion." (Maybe if they read the Word, if wouldn't be a religion?) Yet Christ is the Word. He was there in the creation. His Word is the basis for life eternal. I know beyond any doubt but that comes from faith. It comes from exploring that faith. A faith that comes from renewing my heart, soul, strength and mind through the living, testing and studying of that faith.
It's a tough grip.
Maybe we should next "Explore the Word?"
To that end....
