Hey...just a thought but according to an article in Thursday's Kalamazoo Gazette, Jesus is supposed to come back on Sat. May 21st. WHOO HOO!

I know.... only the Father knows the day. But I can hope, can't I?

Is anybody out there?

Is anyone reading anything anymore? I still like this idea of sharing our thoughts about what we're reading. It really only works if we write stuff, though. I'm done with the book that countered Love Wins and will write my thoughts soon. It was very interesting.

I'm looking forward to hearing about what you're reading. The verse that signifies this blog says it all.

Hebrews 10: 24-25  "Let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds...Let us encourage one another..."

Please spur and encourage me. :)

Thanks.

Love Wins Loses

Well, I'm done. Reading that book was way more difficult than I ever expected. I am one who, in the past, has enjoyed Rob Bell's teachings and even feel like I grew in my walk with the Lord as a result. But, my heart breaks for him because he seems so confused and off. I'm tempted to go through the book chapter by chapter and point by point and share my thoughts, but I'm not sure that would be healthy.

Generally, four main ideas were problematic for me throughout the book.

1. The misuse of questions.  I am a firm believer in asking questions. I have always said that questioning equals seeking, and God wants us to seek Him. But this was different. The questions Rob asked were not for the purpose of seeking, they were for the purpose of proving a point. And doing that every now and then is okay, but it was so dominating. Essentially, questions were used to manipulate. And maybe some may say, "so what," but it didn't set well with me at all.

2. The misuse of scripture. I'm not going to go into detail and explain how he misused them, I just know that I've never read a book and had the thought so many times, "that's not what that means, I think he's taking that out of context." I realize that I'm not perfect in interpreting scripture and so to have this thought once or twice while reading a book is normal. But it was continuous throughout. Not good.

3. What about faith? He refers to what we believe as our Christian faith, but the reality is that once this life is over, it won't take faith to believe any more. And "without faith, it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6) My pastor mentioned this fact several weeks ago in a sermon and as I read, it was evident that this point was not going to be dealt with.

4. Don't judge God! This is my biggest issue. What gives Rob Bell the right to decide what love is? Just because love being both merciful and just doesn't make sense, doesn't mean it's not what it really is. God is both and God is love. Many times throughout the book he makes a remark something like, "What kind of God is that?" or "Who would want to follow a God like that?" How arrogant! I can't believe he can be okay with this. God is who He shows and says He is all throughout scripture and He doesn't change. He is the potter and we are the clay. We have no right to define what He is. He made us and can do as He pleases. So back to faith. I understand that it doesn't always make sense. But I choose to believe that God is good, even when that doesn't make sense. He says He's good and by faith I believe Him.

What we decide in this life does determine our eternal destination. Part of me would like to think otherwise also, but that's not what God's word tells us. I would love to talk more with anyone about this, as I know I have not been real specific in this entry.

Finally, I end with Matthew 7:13-20.

The Narrow and Wide Gates

    ¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

True and False Prophets

    ¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

I know this is strong language but we're told to watch out. So the quickest summary I can give on "Love Wins" is simply this:

Love Wins = Bad Fruit = Bad Tree = Equals False Prophet = Heresy

Jesus Wins

Well, I'm not finished yet with "Love Wins" but I found this little video clip that is interesting. I'll still refrain from my thoughts until I'm done reading the book. (it won't be long) I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts. I'll also be sharing some thoughts from another book I'm reading this month called "Out of Your Comfort Zone" by R.T. Kendall. Wow. What a contrast these two books are. Well, more to come. Until then, enjoy this video. Sorry it's copy and paste. Not that hard. Just copy and paste:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDLCN8GwBHE

Finishing?

Thanks Trevor, I haven't been reading this month, but maybe in this last week, I can finish the book I was reading...."The Me I  Want  To Be"  by Ortberg.....I will make this my goal! :) I have about 1/3 rd left, totally doable!

New Guy

FYI - I have invited my good friend, Ron Elkins to join us in this Fellowship. He and I go back to my Battle Creek days.

Welcome, Ron. Write about whatever you're reading this month. Then next month we'll get back on track to all reading the same book.