they sincerely believe what they have found is so great, they want everyone to join in with them and find the peace that they've found. But unfortunately many of them vigorously condemn what others believe without realizing that there may be crucial tenants shared...
I absolutely agree, sometimes this is lost in the translation and it does come across condemning. I think most of this attitude comes from the Church organization and a lack of individual opinion for fear of being ostracized.
I don't even think that most of them realize how much of what they hear from the pulpit is actualy based on opinion as opposed to the Bible. I know when I read the Bible for myself the first time I was quite suprised by what it said as opposed to what I had heard in church.
I would say that it should be required reading for all Christians.
Peace
mikel
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He is no fool who gives up that which he can not keep to gain that which he cannot loose
Hearty second to C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity was excellent, and would likely be the first book I'd give a young believer. I have Screwtape and "The Great Divorce" on my "to read" list.
Currently, I'm reading John Piper's "Desiring God". Excellent and eye opening book. Really the best book I've read on really understanding the heart of God.
For the record, my favorite translations are the NASB and the ESV.
C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite Christian authors. I like his straightforward, tell it like it is style, which is especially evident in Mere Christianity.
I haven't read anything by Piper, but I've heard wonderful things about his works, as he's one of my roommate's favorite authors. Someday when I have more time to read I am going to read one of his books. Any recommendations?
Currently reading The God You Can Know and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the nature of God. I am on the third chapter, which discusses the perfections of God.
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"For man He suffered and He died: If man will take His word as guide And leave all infamy, Then we shall come to happiness And blisses more than we can guess in Jesu's company."
I don't even think that most of them realize how much of what they hear from the pulpit is actualy based on opinion as opposed to the Bible. I know when I read the Bible for myself the first time I was quite suprised by what it said as opposed to what I had heard in church.
I would say that it should be required reading for all Christians.
Peace
mikel
Raven! My Pastor always used to say to not take his word for it, but for us to read the Bible for ourselves. I always thought that was very humble of him to say that.
I haven't read anything by Piper, but I've heard wonderful things about his works, as he's one of my roommate's favorite authors. Someday when I have more time to read I am going to read one of his books. Any recommendations?
Piper's flagship work is "Desiring God", so that seems as good a starting point as any. "The Pleasures of God" is also highly recommended (though I've not read it yet).
I have never heard of Piper, but will look for 'Desiring God' the next time I'm in a bookstore. Thanks for the recommendations, everyone.
Siobhan B
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"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king..."
Realm: The rolling green hills of North Carolina's Piedmont region.
C.S. Lewis is brilliant!!! Everyone should read Mere Christianity, whether you are Catholic, Protestant, Agnostic, or Athesist, or anything else.... Just read it to find out what Christianity is really all about. The logic in that book is astounding, and Lewis is so fun to read! I love British authors!!
has anybody read "the Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee?
I have it on PDF if anyone is interested. his writing were done all before 1952 when he was imprisoned in China.
Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the same year. Throughout the nearly thirty years of his ministry, Watchman Nee was clearly manifested as a unique gift from the Lord to His Body for His move in this age. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972. His words remain an abundant source of spiritual revelation and supply to Christians throughout the world.
Excerpt from Watchman Nee's final letter written on the day of his death --
'...in my sickness I still remain joyful at heart.'