Taking a Deeper Look...

So, I believe in the Holy Spirit.  I believe He is alive and well and works through us.  I believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which can lead to many works - prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpretation, healings, teachings, wisdom and knowledge, and so on.  I might be going out on a limb by saying these things and it might make others feel uncomfortable knowing I believe them, but here they are.

With that being said, I have a serious problem.  I've read 1 Cor. 14 over and over and I cannot get over how most churches who believe the same as me just disregard these instructions coming from Paul!  

Do not speak in tongues during a worship gathering, unless there is an interpretation.  I must admit.  I have never been in church where this is the rule.  Unbelievers are scared and believers aren't edified.  Yes, speaking w/God in an intimate way is important - but not in front of everyone.

There have been some complaints and I think they're right on.

I don't enjoy hail...

Today it hailed.  That's right.  Big piles of hail on the side of the street/sidewalk.  It's April 3.  Quite a bit into spring and it hailed.  I'm mad.

On a different, happier note, I am thoroughly excited about helping people!  These past few weeks I've read a lot about the poor in the U.S. and the resources available to them (or lack there of).  And, guess what?  I want to meet those needs!  I want to be a part of a community where needs are met.

Oh!  Something somewhat related... tax cuts to the top 1% richest people in the U.S. get more money from the federal government than the ENTIRE federal education department.  That's right.  Makes you sick, doesn't it?!

I'm going to rethink church...

So this Wednesday I'm leading a small group discussion on the first century church.  I, myself, don't really have any new knowledge, but after reading some of "Pagan Christianity" and looking through a few articles from Frank Viola's organic church website, I think that I've come up with a few ideas.

I'm going to focus on the modern day church building.  The first century church met in homes, not buildings that need to be maintained and "led".

I'm also going to discuss the idea of community - what is community to us?  What is community to God?

Then, I was thinking about the role of the pastor... but thought I might be martyred, so decided to instead focus on communion.

I'll probably talk about this more in detail when I get everything figured out.