|
Welcome, hungry! You're not the oldest--I'm 57 years old.
I know what you mean about the churches. Your hunger is real. Remember in the Bible when the prophet was praying, telling God that he was the only one left, and God told him, "I have seven thousand who have not bent the knee to Baal." The elect are out there--scattered far and wide, perhaps, but out there, nevertheless. Let us pray that God will cleanse our hearts and conversation that we will all be ready for That Day.
You've found a great forum at CB. I'd like to hear more from you. I think you may have some things to teach us.
"Speak the truth in love," for "perfect love casts out fear" and "covers a multitude of sins."
|
|
Posted 04/20/2009 06:45am
Author: redeemed4ever
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Randy,
I like your blog and pretty much agree with what you say.
I'm new here too.
I've seen two church splits in my time too and seen all the working out of own agendas... ...
yes, it becomes a game, rather than a place to worship, be healed, delivered, taught and set
free to serve... .
A good blog indeed.
|
|
Posted 05/06/2009 01:38pm
Author: patty
|
|
|
|
|
Hello Randy. If you get the chance, read 'Pagan Christianity' by Frank Viola, and the follow-up: "Reimagining Church'.
You will find them on most book sites, including Amazon. All I can tell you is they are well worth it, and much of your questions and concerns about the church today will be answered.
When I started really questioning the issues I knew were off-base and wrong, about church, I faced accusation of the people of the church like you would not imagine. Blind guides with blind followers is all I can picture. I have never been a blind follower, but have read the 'road map' (the Bible) for myself always, and made my own decisions. I am the one who faces the consequences of my own life after all.
What I found at first was the 'head of a worm', which I pulled on. Another took it's place, and I pulled that one out too, and more kept coming. Finally I had the whole can of worms open and over flowing. More were at the bottom of the can. I finally realized they only thing to do was to throw out the can, not try to clean it out.
'Pagan Christianity' points out the historical origins of the church today, and are verifiable. It is a complete shock, especially when you verify the facts. The follow-up book, "Reimagining Church', will start the healing process in you, and not just leave you with hanging. They are well worth it, believe me.
I have been saved for 46 years, and in church all my life. I am the son of missionaries to Africa, where I grew up. I was in the Baptist denomination for the first half of my life, and various Pentacostal institutions since. I had come to the same struggle you have, and although it has been a lonely road, one less traveled, it has also been the most enlightening time of my life. I love our Lord and saviour more than anything, and am discovering the Father as one of love, not 'thunder and lightening' in a way I never thought possible.
Nathan
|
|
Posted 06/12/2009 05:32am
Author: goodnews
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Randy,
Like you, I'm also new here. In fact, your blog is what made me want to join! I can relate to how you feel.
I've been a Christian for nearly 25yrs and 13 of those yrs were spent under a ministry led by control and manipulation. (Not a good experience.) For the past 3 yrs my husband and I have been in and out of church--always feeling dissatisfied with the emphasis being on man's agenda and not on God so much. For a time I found myself hating church and "church people." Thank God He set me free from that anger and bitterness! I told God I had "issues" with church and asked Him to help me through this. For the past two yrs I have been asking Him to show me His truth about church...because somehow, I just couldn't believe that what I was seeing was what He intended.
A friend of mine told me about a book called, "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore" by Wayne Jacobsen. At first, I didn't want to read it because I thought it would be anti-church and I was having enough trouble as it was! It turned out to be the answer I had been seeking from God! I can't say I have it all figured out...I'm on my second reading of it and God is setting me free to just enjoy a relationship with Him and not get all caught up in the business of church.
Also, I have the book that was recommended to you! (Reimaging Church) I haven't started to read it, but am looking forward to it. These books show that we are not alone. Perhaps God is trying to get His church to wake up and stop making things so hard. I really believe God just wants to enjoy a friendship with us without all the strings attached.
As I said, I'm still trying to figure this out...I'm not 100% comfortable with being "out of church", but wouldn't trade the relationship I've gained with God during this time for anything!
|
|
Posted 07/31/2009 09:48pm
Author: writing4mylife
|
|
|
|
|
Log Into Chatroom 
