Archive for the 'FaithTalks' Category

Well, it seems that there could be all kinds of directions our discussions could go, based on today’s message.  However, lets try to focus a bit on the observation that:

Ministry creates community

Mission results in connection

What do you think about that?  Do you agree that if our goal is “connection” we will never find it, but if

If the overall umbrella of the Christian life is that full engagement comes only with full surrender, and full engagement in life requires transformation of my ‘mind’, how are you doing?  What struggles and successes have you had?

Mel mentioned that we renew our minds through patience, diligence and discernment.  What has been your experience in each area?

Well, after hearing a couple of pastoral “confessions” yesterday¹ how do you respond to the challenge to be “fully engaged” in your Christian spirituality?  Do you see following God as a sacrifice or as something pleasing?

In my experience, it seems that when my focus is on myself (my skills, my family, my interests, my goals, my career, etc), being a fully devoted follower of God can become a struggle and I tend to live the Christian life through willpower alone.  That is not much fun.  However, when I let my eyes be open to the big picture (informed by the Biblical viewpoint of life), then I catch the vision and passion of a mission that is much greater than I am, and I am inspired to follow God relentlessly and with a whole lot more passion and excitement!

What has been your experience?  Where are you at now?

Yesterday, Garth taught us about the life of Gideon, and we explored the context of his spirituality and his “face to face” encounter with God.  Do you remember the three key points of the message?

1. Gideon may have been convinced of God’s greatness, but he was confused about his nearness.
2. Gideon was convinced of God’s intentions, but confused about his instructions.
3. Gideon is willing to believe, but he’s worried about being wrong.

Welcome here!  This posting is the start of a new online experiment at Westwood Church.  Coming out of today’s teaching time (and after playing “I’ve Never” with way too many people at one time!), we were all challenged to consider, connect and commit, as we each pursue a more intimate “face to face” relationship with God.

The three “I’ve never …” self-assessment statements that we explored were: