What's on your sheet?

[jeolmstead]

In the early 80’s Cathy and I became committed charismatic Christians. We served in our local church dutifully until we went off to Bible College. In college we lived on campus in our own mobile home. We were completely surrounded by others like ourselves.

It was great. Unfortunately we became completely out of touch with a lost and dying world. We did not socialize outside of our own Christian ghetto.

In 1990 or so I was hurt by some folks in the church to the point that I pulled away and ran with the world.

For ten years I lived with “them” instead of “us”

Interestingly enough I found more opportunity to share the faith with people who desperately needed it. One night I sat in a bar with co-workers and friends and shared with them how God loved them, and, how through forgiveness they could be free.

In the car club we met and befriended a gay couple. They lived their lives under the impression that all evangelical Christians hated them. We loved and served them. We shared the love of God with them.

God showed Peter a sheet containing all the things that came between him and those who needed the gospel.

I wonder what “things” would be laid out on the sheet laid out before us?

John O.

 

[LogicalChristian]

I'm not sure I have enough paper some days.... other days, I feel it's only a sticky pads worth.

 

[gratefulgrace]

Very thought provoking question. I'll get back to you. gg

 

[NaLuvena]

ha ha ha ... very though provoking!!!!

probably all the stuff I "forbid" that prevents me from becoming all that God wants me to be......

 

[lismore]

Good question.

 

[imperfectchristian]

In the early 80’s Cathy and I became committed charismatic Christians. We served in our local church dutifully until we went off to Bible College. In college we lived on campus in our own mobile home. We were completely surrounded by others like ourselves.

It was great. Unfortunately we became completely out of touch with a lost and dying world. We did not socialize outside of our own Christian ghetto.

In 1990 or so I was hurt by some folks in the church to the point that I pulled away and ran with the world.

For ten years I lived with “them” instead of “us”

Interestingly enough I found more opportunity to share the faith with people who desperately needed it. One night I sat in a bar with co-workers and friends and shared with them how God loved them, and, how through forgiveness they could be free.

In the car club we met and befriended a gay couple. They lived their lives under the impression that all evangelical Christians hated them. We loved and served them. We shared the love of God with them.

God showed Peter a sheet containing all the things that came between him and those who needed the gospel.

I wonder what “things” would be laid out on the sheet laid out before us?

John O.

Something my grandpa dadee used to say half jokingly comes to mind..."I don't have a problem with anybody, its people who have a problem with me."

When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit at around the age of 12 God spoke to me and told me basically the same thing. He told me, "David I love everybody, but everybody doesn't love me."

It is so very poetically tragic that He is so very near each and every one of us and yet we can live out entire lives and die not ever realizing it and embracing Him.

 

[mercyreigns]

A visiting pastor commented recently, that Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding, but most Christians these days would be praying that he's turn the wine turned into water!
You have asked a big question!

 

[gentlefire]

after being hurt by the church i also spent some time out of "church" to recover and reevaluate a whole bunch of beliefs etc etc, it was the best thing that could ever have happened, met some people on interesting journeys spiritually asking questions much like my own. God healed me and got me back in touch with fellow believers again but recently have been feeling rather clostrophobic in the church again - become over churched maybe, surrounded by people who love God yes but dont think outside the church much (thats not a judgement just an observation) .. your thread and question are very timely and challenging

 

[1usul1]

deep stuff Joelmstead.

Thats real good.

 

[gratefulgrace]

Only God can reveal that to us and I think it can change from circumstance to circumstance. I used to think it would be child molesters, having been molested myself. But our church was dealing with a brother who had been caught and convicted of this sin. We were trying to set up a restoration process with him and the body, puting into place some safe guards for him and the families of our church. Some families said they would leave if he was allowed to return, God gave me a heart to love this man it was not natural but I figure that God forgives us so how can we refuse to forgive any contrite person. He ended up not receiving the discipline and measures suggested and moved to another church with support Godly christians so I hope it all worked out ok. I was willing though by the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. gg