In the last six months I have been in an intensive study of the history of the Christian church and the Holy Bible. I have been shocked, saddened, excited, amazed, and dumbfounded by what I have learned. At first, I was afraid it was going to hurt my faith and I would end up like Bart Ertman an agnostic. But I went the other direction and found it strengthened my faith and I have grown closer to God and matured in Christ. I have learned about human nature in the process and have felt a new freedom in my faith. I have had an individual "Great Awakening".
In the Jewish faith, there is a saying that it is good to wrestle with the Torah for there one grows in faith. Many people fear questioning and doubting the Bible and faith but they are the seeds of faith about to sprout. God is a relational being and invites us into dialogue with Him. My prayer has been, "Please, God show me the truth". God was merciful and has shown me the truth and now I pray I can live that truth. When we ponder spiritual things and our minds wonder about life I believe God is beginning a conversation with us so He may lead us to a deeper knowledge and love of Him.
Do most churches look and act like the first-century church? No, the church is not perfect but we are still in a sin fallen world. We should still make the effort to worship God in community and partake of the sacraments so we may follow the example of Jesus. The Spirit of God is still present and working in the churches in many ways that we cannot see. The best book I have read about the church is by Eugene Peterson called, "Practice Resurrection" it has helped me not be so critical and more understanding of church and church people.
The Holy Bible has given me so much comfort, wisdom, and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I believe it is God-breathed and living word of God. [2 Timothy 3:16 / Hebrews 4:16] The Almighty gives us free-will and so with sound reason and centuries of church tradition we do our best to live out the teachings of the Holy Word. We should be very careful to not worship the Bible but the God of the Bible. Now may we listen boldly to God and look for Him active in the world and with boldness live a Resurrection life. God's peace.
In the Jewish faith, there is a saying that it is good to wrestle with the Torah for there one grows in faith. Many people fear questioning and doubting the Bible and faith but they are the seeds of faith about to sprout. God is a relational being and invites us into dialogue with Him. My prayer has been, "Please, God show me the truth". God was merciful and has shown me the truth and now I pray I can live that truth. When we ponder spiritual things and our minds wonder about life I believe God is beginning a conversation with us so He may lead us to a deeper knowledge and love of Him.
Do most churches look and act like the first-century church? No, the church is not perfect but we are still in a sin fallen world. We should still make the effort to worship God in community and partake of the sacraments so we may follow the example of Jesus. The Spirit of God is still present and working in the churches in many ways that we cannot see. The best book I have read about the church is by Eugene Peterson called, "Practice Resurrection" it has helped me not be so critical and more understanding of church and church people.
The Holy Bible has given me so much comfort, wisdom, and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I believe it is God-breathed and living word of God. [2 Timothy 3:16 / Hebrews 4:16] The Almighty gives us free-will and so with sound reason and centuries of church tradition we do our best to live out the teachings of the Holy Word. We should be very careful to not worship the Bible but the God of the Bible. Now may we listen boldly to God and look for Him active in the world and with boldness live a Resurrection life. God's peace.
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Be kind and gracious.