Sunday, June 21, 2009

The Shack

I have just finished reading this extraordinary tale of love, relationship, forgiveness and healing. Some perceptions put forward are truly incredible. The idea that the bible is meant to be a way for us to form an idea of who Christ might be and what He wants for us, is unlike the rule laden, barren house, that is the Bride that I have come to know. A place where forgiveness is preached but not truly in evidence. A place where rules are paramount, without regard to the instruction from the Lord not to judge.
The description of the 10 Commandments has indeed given me pause for thought. That they might be a "mirror" for us to use to see the filthy face that stares back at us, convicting us for our judgemental way of life but not requiring guilt, "where is that getting you?" That living by the rules of the Commandments allows us to accuse. What has that to do with a relationship with God and with each other? Scary!
Love....love never forces. Are we able to live by such an attempt to set us free from our choice to continually live apart from the Lord? To live in relationship, as we were meant to do?
The Shack asks some searching questions. It is a shame that there seems to be many, who are too concerned with the rules. The very stuff that was put to rest as the nails were driven into the loving flesh of Jesus who took that pain, so we would not have to.

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Thursday, June 11, 2009

Decisions

I have decided to move to another church. It seems to be a constant search for the loving, non-judgemental church environment I am seeking. Maybe, it doesn't exist?

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Tuesday, June 09, 2009

forgiveness

I am wondering how the Pastor at my church can justify his stance of non forgiveness for two people who fell in inappropriate love. Both were very lonely. One is married. Sad. Both are sorry and have confessed and been forgiven by the Lord.
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
What is it that seems to allow (in their own minds) christians to take this judgemental stance when the bible clearly has an opinion on the subject? I assume that this Pastor accepts that he might not be forgiven his sins if he takes this route. I must admit, I am confused.

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Monday, June 08, 2009

Church

What is it that makes a christian church of today recognisable? How does one tell how much integrity a christian has? How come christians are just as judgemental as anyone else in our society? Where does one find a biblical church?

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