So, what gets us so worked up about the End Times? Our fear of death. We are slaves to death. If you arent, then I challenge you to live forever.
Also, I think people find the thought of seeing the apocolypse exciting. I mean, what will it look like when Jesus comes back to heal the world? How amazing will it be? How scary?!
I think religious fanatics who feed on the weak-minded and use this fear to profit is sickening.
"So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for YOU to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.'" (Acts 1:6-7) YOU also implies people like Harold Camping and the rest of the "sign-readers" out there.
Who does this guy think he is anyway? If Jesus Himself wouldnt even tell the DISCIPLES when the rapture was going to happen, why would people think that this guy would be so privelaged to have this knowledge? Only God knows this. "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." Matt 24:36. What makes Harold Camping (or anyone before him, for that matter) so special?
So I hope you all are staying strong in your faith. Do not let this hype make you doubt. That opens the doors for Satan to do some nasty things.
I will see you tomorrow. =P
Friday, May 20, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Troubled, encouraged, trusting the Lord.
I had this amazing converstation with a co-worker the other night. I thought it was amazing, anyway. We were chatting on break and the conversation turned into a "religious" conversation.
She talked about how she'd been burned before by what sounded legalists mostly. Pharisees. Law-keepers.
Here is the email I sent to my pastor. Edited to take my friend's name out.
"I had an amazing talk with my friend at work tonight about Jesus. She has been burned many times by what sounds like religious fanatics, who were friends and family. I think our conversation was making good progress, and I invited her to church some time. She said "There is one determining factor about whether or not I will attend your church. Do you believe that you are supposed to love God, your husband and children, in that order?" I said "Yes." She then brings up something she had seen online about a preacher who had said this was the order to love in. And then he said "For example, if my house was on fire, I would make sure that my wife was safe outside, and then go back in to save my children." I think that's a little extreme, I mean c'mon, who wouldnt go for their kids first, right? Well, this thought has influenced her so much... She doesnt understand how you could love someone more than their own kids.
I told her that God gave up his only son for us, to save us, and that's how much he loves us. And out of that we should love our Lord God with all our heart, and soul and mind. But that doesnt mean let your kids burn while you're saving your wife. Wake the lady up and tell her to help you, for crying out loud. Anyway... I'm praying hard for her. I think she's on the edge of wanting to know more, but all these bad experiences are keeping her away."
I find myself almost offended that She would judge me based on something this weirdo said. Does she honestly think I'd opt to save my husband before my child? Seriously?
Anyway. My pastor says it's hard to speak truth into people's lives, when they arent believers or are basing their faith or opinions on emotions. Even the bible says to be careful there.
She and I havent talked anymore about church or God. But I will keep praying for her, that her ears would be opened to the whisper of God, calling her. That her feelings about her past would ebb, and make room for new things. I hope in God's plan for her.
She talked about how she'd been burned before by what sounded legalists mostly. Pharisees. Law-keepers.
Here is the email I sent to my pastor. Edited to take my friend's name out.
"I had an amazing talk with my friend at work tonight about Jesus. She has been burned many times by what sounds like religious fanatics, who were friends and family. I think our conversation was making good progress, and I invited her to church some time. She said "There is one determining factor about whether or not I will attend your church. Do you believe that you are supposed to love God, your husband and children, in that order?" I said "Yes." She then brings up something she had seen online about a preacher who had said this was the order to love in. And then he said "For example, if my house was on fire, I would make sure that my wife was safe outside, and then go back in to save my children." I think that's a little extreme, I mean c'mon, who wouldnt go for their kids first, right? Well, this thought has influenced her so much... She doesnt understand how you could love someone more than their own kids.
I told her that God gave up his only son for us, to save us, and that's how much he loves us. And out of that we should love our Lord God with all our heart, and soul and mind. But that doesnt mean let your kids burn while you're saving your wife. Wake the lady up and tell her to help you, for crying out loud. Anyway... I'm praying hard for her. I think she's on the edge of wanting to know more, but all these bad experiences are keeping her away."
I find myself almost offended that She would judge me based on something this weirdo said. Does she honestly think I'd opt to save my husband before my child? Seriously?
Anyway. My pastor says it's hard to speak truth into people's lives, when they arent believers or are basing their faith or opinions on emotions. Even the bible says to be careful there.
She and I havent talked anymore about church or God. But I will keep praying for her, that her ears would be opened to the whisper of God, calling her. That her feelings about her past would ebb, and make room for new things. I hope in God's plan for her.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Emerging Leaders
I am in this class at church called "Emerging Leaders." At first, I didnt feel like I would ever be in a position to lead, so my first reaction was "No." But, I went to the first meeting, read the first book -about The Gospel. We were supposed to write a summary of our understanding of what the gospel is. I didnt write anything. :(
Now we're reading a book called "Leaders who Last." I'm getting down to the last chapters, and doubting my position in leadership. Where at Mystery will I lead? Where am I now in a position of leadership?
Matt and I are in charge of Building Care, that is, maintainance of our church building. Steev tells us that such a responsibility means that we are in Deacon roles, and I guess that means we should be in this leadership class. Otherwise, I suppose our role could be revoked... hmm. I guess we are in a leadership position, being in charge of something, obviously.
"To lead means that you are a certain kind of person who travels in a specific direction and recruits other people to join you on your journey." -Dave Kraft
I dont feel that this describes me. I dont think I have ever really gone out of my way to lead (not unless I have sort of been forced into that position).
So what does that mean?
Now we're reading a book called "Leaders who Last." I'm getting down to the last chapters, and doubting my position in leadership. Where at Mystery will I lead? Where am I now in a position of leadership?
Matt and I are in charge of Building Care, that is, maintainance of our church building. Steev tells us that such a responsibility means that we are in Deacon roles, and I guess that means we should be in this leadership class. Otherwise, I suppose our role could be revoked... hmm. I guess we are in a leadership position, being in charge of something, obviously.
"To lead means that you are a certain kind of person who travels in a specific direction and recruits other people to join you on your journey." -Dave Kraft
I dont feel that this describes me. I dont think I have ever really gone out of my way to lead (not unless I have sort of been forced into that position).
So what does that mean?
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