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Old Pete
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Former Pentecostals Turn…
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Losing my Religion
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Bible Discussion
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Shedding Religion (Help!)
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Old Pete's Discussions
The Only Way
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The Only Way
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Vicki
I can so relate to what you are saying. I've been on a different journey. I'm not an emotional person but I think Jim will understand when I say I share your passion.
There is only one Messenger and God doesn’t have to rely ultimately on mis…
I got called away before I could respond!
Where do we start? There are some great questions coming into the open.
I believe Paula is right to suggest that Jesus came to earth to introduce us to our Father so that we might know Him (as Father) and…
Paula has moved this to "Discussions" so I'm adding my thoughts there.
Clare's comment has prompted me to include the following comment by a former full-time minister who is now an atheist who has an interesting description of what he thinks most Christians mean by the “word of God”:
* What the pastor told me I had to…
This is not about labels. It's about those who have transitioned from one type of similar thinking to another. Making the leap. How do you get there?
Thanks for this comment, Jim.
Yes.... I hear you.
My comment about how we "receive" others on the blogs?
I was alluding to recent exchanges on Jim's blog over the last several months where people seem to want to speak their "wisdom" before they listen carefully to what's going on inside of others.…
It makes a lot of sense, Jim.
I don't think we can ever presume to be on Jesus' side! That is one of the dilemmas of tryiing to get to know and love Him. That may be why evangelical orthodoxy can be so scary.... it keeps drawing the lines which kee…
I like the image, Adagio....I think you are "spot on." I have been going through Matthew with a group of guys, just as I commented on Jim P's previous thread. I am now envisioning Jesus blasting away at standard evangelical "orthodoxy" just like he…
I have the image in mind this morning of Jesus taking the whip and driving the money changers from the temple. I'm thinking that there is a lot more he would drive out of the house of prayer. Perhaps everything needs to e laid waste before it can be…
I would love to hear what's on your mind! I come from a Bible Church background but now belong to a fellowship of people who have no idea where God is leading at this time in history. People on Jim's blog are very uncertain and conflicted about wher…
Oh, for just a couple of people to sit down with face-to-face and talk with about all this stuff without the threat of judgment and condemnation!
I'm 74 and in some ways I've been on this journey outside the walls of traditional Christianity for some 40 years. I am aware that a few people have a faith that wasn't initially contaminated by religion. But there are tens of thousands of us who ha…
Oh, for just a couple of people to sit down with face-to-face and talk with about all this stuff without the threat of judgment and condemnation!
An introduction
In 1995 I was a member of a denomination that announced that much of its theology was misguided. We were faced with a dramatic reappraisal of our own beliefs. It was a very traumatic experience that resulted in serious family break-ups (my daughter and her husband for example no longer consider themselves to be Christians). The end result was that I found myself involved with a wilderness experience for the second time, questioning just about everything I had ever been taught. I'm now 73. Over the last few years many people around the world have been drawn into a wilderness alone with God. More and more of us are now being drawn together and being given the chance to share our experiences, learning from each other, and gradually getting rid of some of the baggage of 'religion; and even questioning what it means to be a 'Christian'.
Old Pete's Photos
Old Pete's Blog
Where are we on the journey?
This blog has been prompted by the discussion on "Faith - what, why and how?"
I have been on this journey outside the four walls of traditional Christianity for some 40 years.
Paula suggested that faith and prayer were two of the most difficult questions for Christians. I immediately thought of worship.
I'm 74 and over the… Continue
I have been on this journey outside the four walls of traditional Christianity for some 40 years.
Paula suggested that faith and prayer were two of the most difficult questions for Christians. I immediately thought of worship.
I'm 74 and over the… Continue
Posted on November 9, 2009 at 3:30am — 4 Comments
Old Pete's Story
I have been on this journey outside the four walls of traditional Christianity for nearly 40 years.
In the 1960’s I had been treasurer of an Anglican Parish Church for 8 years but gradually became disillusioned with what I saw then as a lack of ‘radical’ Christianity. By this time I was reading “The Plain Truth” magazine published by Herbert Armstrong and the Worldwide Church of God – a Sabbath keeping church. I became a member in 1978. We ‘knew’ that we were the one and only ‘true church’ beca… Continue
In the 1960’s I had been treasurer of an Anglican Parish Church for 8 years but gradually became disillusioned with what I saw then as a lack of ‘radical’ Christianity. By this time I was reading “The Plain Truth” magazine published by Herbert Armstrong and the Worldwide Church of God – a Sabbath keeping church. I became a member in 1978. We ‘knew’ that we were the one and only ‘true church’ beca… Continue
Posted on April 19, 2009 at 10:03am — 3 Comments
Comment Wall (11 comments)
- At 8:57am on November 13, 2009,
Patti Palmer said… - Hello!
I am like you in not being able to memorize scripture. I study and read and breathe in the Word, but have a very difficult time place the exact words in my head. But, in my opinion, that is not as important as placing these Truths in my heart.
To me the remnant that is talked about in scripture, in part, lets us know that there will never be a time when those that are Believers in Christ do not exist. No matter how persecuted the Body is, there will always be the remnant. The thread that weaves history.
Anyway, I read Romans 9, especially verses 6-9, as Paul telling the Israelites-his people, that just because you are from the lineage of Abraham that doesn't make you a 'child of God'. In verse 9, he states that it isn't not the natural children who are God's-but the children of the promise who are 'Abraham's offspring'.
This means that Abraham's physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. It is the children of the promise who are considered to be Abraham's children. Romans 9:8
So what was the promise of Abraham?
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant." Genesis 26:24
Promise-he will have many descendants that will be a great nation.
Were these physical descendants? Yes & no.
It is those with the 'faith of Abraham' that are the lineage of God.
So that's why faith is the key! God's promise is given to us as a free gift. And we are certain to receive it, whether or not we follow Jewish customs, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. Romans 4:16
Your statement of: 'I only ask questions to encourage people to think for themselves - its not for me to teach others.' - is so true!
We are called to hold ourselves accountable, to God & to each other. I love questions. You can not grow without them. And I hear God telling me, 'Go ahead and ask, Patti, don't be afraid to ask.'
"What purpose is there to life, unfair as it may sometimes seem?"
Good question.
To me the purpose is to, paring it down to its most narrow definition: To love God & to love others.
Jesus answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands." Matthew 22:37-40
Is life unfair? To me the answer is no. Some of the realities of life seem unfair, but life is a gift and has a greater purpose than existence in this world. We are preparing for a 'life eternal'.
It would be unfair if all were not given the opportunity to know God and his saving Grace.
All are given that opportunity, even if they don't ever hear a sermon, read a Bible, have internet access....
This is the agreement I will make with the people of Israel at that time, says the Lord. I will put my teachings in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. People will no longer have to teach their neighbors and relatives to know the Lord, because all people will know me, from the least to the most important. I will forgive them for the wicked things they did, and I will not remember their sins anymore. Hebrews 8:10-12 (from Jeremiah 31)
So you are correct when you say that it isn't your responsibility to teach. God is doing that through the hearts and minds of all men and women. It is our job to listen and live His Word. Jesus is the high priest and it is by his sacrifice that we can come to the Throne.
I love God, I love his creation and I am sure that I have lots of things wrong. But I know who has everything right. So I go through each day relying on Him, who I find my being and purpose.
Thanks for your comments. And I am not sure that it was the way you wrote your comment that I didn't understand. It might very well be that I wasn't reading it correctly.
Shalom brother,
Patti
- At 2:13pm on November 10, 2009,
Patti Palmer said…
- I am not quite sure where you are going with this. The remnant could be called elitist if you wish..although I don't see it being elitist on the part of the believer as much as on the part of God. Elitist meaning a select group based on beliefs and distinctive attributes. Distinctive attributes meaning, 'sinners saved by God's grace'. That is for Him to distinguish, not me.
Romans 9 is a great part of scripture speaking about the remnant. Isaiah is full of reference to the remnant.
It isn't for anyone to cull out the remnant. God will do that. It is for me to live by faith through the grace of God. Loving Him with all my heart, soul, strength and mind and love my neighbor as myself.
And yes, it is a heart thing. I can have all the knowledge in the world, but if I do not embrace it in my heart, being my soul, than it is of no use.
- At 10:33am on November 10, 2009,
Patti Palmer said…
- Faithful Remnant=those that have their belief grounded in Christ, not in theory, supposition, traditions - but in the man/God, Jesus Christ, his sacrificial death, burial & resurrection for the forgiveness of the sins of man. His Father, God Almighty, creator of everything and the Holy Spirit the comforter sent as a promise to believers. These 3 entities/1 being. Completely seperate-completely united. This is the remnant.
All through scripture the remnant remains faithful to God. A thread that is woven through the tapestry of history. In my mind this thread is the color of blood. The blood of Jesus, the savior. It is a mark on His bride the body of Christ. The ekklesia or called out.
Where is the remnant? I don't believe you can define a place or people. They are God's. Some meet in buildings with traditions & programs, some are wandering through the desert, some our hidden in places I cannot imagine. They are where God has placed them. But I think one think is consistent with the Remnant: they are sinners saved by the grace of God, through Christ. They are in a relationship and not a religion.
As I have been writing these words, I have been praying and asking God for direction. I don't believe anyone has ever asked me the question, 'what do I mean by faithful remnant.' Thank you for that question. This is my answer. God is great and it is in Him that I place my trust.
Thanks for being my friend, too!
Living in and for Christ,
Patti
- At 5:04pm on October 22, 2009,
David Bishop said… - Hi Pete
Read the book on holiday. Ticked a load of boxes. As a pastor who is gently leading a flock out of Religion (taken 11 years so far) I am seeing the miracles that God has given me to lead. They are getting to realise who they are in Him too. I am falling in love with the sheep daily. What's happening in Brighton? Dave
- At 12:24am on June 2, 2009,
Amy Fouse said… - Thanks Pete! I will have to take a look at your more recent stuff. I will let Steven know, too. You have blessed us!
- At 11:27pm on May 31, 2009,
Amy Fouse said…
- Thanks for the suggestion about the truefaced thing! It helped me make sense of some things! I actually made a little sketch of some of the ideas to show to some people and they loved it, too. It is such a great way to explain this journey I am on! It has sparked some wonderful and deep conversations with people! Thank you for this tool!
- At 1:16pm on April 21, 2009,
Steven Fouse said… - Wow. I just went back and really looked at the photos/mini maps...I can tell a lot of thought has gone into them! It seems to me that hours and hours of discussion could be had on each section of each chart!
I, too, am a person who likes to map things out, to make a chart to help me wrap my mind around concepts and ideas. I would love to discuss each of these topics/ideas, not as a point of division or debate, but as a sharing of stories, as you suggested on the "Life" map.
Anyway, thank you for sharing these, and I hope we might be able to discuss them sometime in the future!
- At 10:27am on April 21, 2009,
Steven Fouse said…
- Hi Old Pete!
I saw the photos you uploaded, and was wondering...what are these for? The seem quite interesting, and I was wondering if you were going to use them for discussion topics, or if they were for something else. Just being nosy!
Peace, brother!
- At 6:19am on April 15, 2009,
Dave Aldrich said… - It is wild, Pete... all these avenues for connecting on the internet now. I know what you mean with asking questions. I've been doing the same lately. After working 30 years for this one place I am now facing possible unemployment. So I have been busy trying to build my freelance business, book cover design. It was easier when I saw it more an extra-income hobby!
I took my Facebook account down a while back and my blog. I had one of those, "Who cares what I have to say?" moments. But now I just joined here on Jim's very cool site. And also on a couple other business network sites. This divine nobodies site is so huge... being able to have our own pages and group networks. Wow.
Wishing you well and I look forward to staying in touch with you.
So much to do and so little time it seems.
Dave
- At 7:29pm on April 12, 2009,
Dennis Swint said… - I thought that your blog about puddlegum was very good. I could really relate to it.
About
How to be a Nobody
By Kwee Lain
Everybody wants to be a somebody
Nobody knows how to be a nobody
If ever there is a somebody
Who knows how to be a nobody
Then that nobody is a real somebody
If you ever want to be a nobody
Then follow that somebody
Who already is a nobody
Later, let go of everybody
Even that somebody
Who already is a nobody
Eventually, you will be a real nobody
Written by somebody, who wants to be a nobody, for the benefit of everybody.
(photo by zoo gal)
© 2009 Created by Jim Palmer on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
