Church - A Stumbling Block to Faith?
2008-01-19 10:16:00
In my post, Confessions of a Former Worldwide Church
of God Member, I made a statement that I wish to expound further on:"Quite honestly, I say this knowing full well some of you, if not most will be offended by this statement, I find church attendance can be a hindrance to a believer's walk in faith"Before moving on let's clarify what exactly a "Stumbling Block" is."an obstacle or hindrance to progress, belief, or understanding""An obstacle or impediment""a difficulty that prevents progress"Source:American Psychological Association (APA):Stumbling Block. (n.d.). Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: BlockChicago Manual Style (CMS):Stumbling Block. Dictionary.com. Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary. K Dictionaries Ltd.
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Home Birth is a Safe Option, but is is Safer?
2008-01-17 13:42:00
I have a blog that I started a few months ago. It was called The Vineyard of Prayer and was supposed to be a prayer blog, however, it did not evolve as I expected and has been mostly dormant. Upon finding out that I am expecting my sixth child, I rededicated The Vineyard of Prayer to my pregnancy and has now become a parenting blog.I renamed it TheOliveParent. Like, In Spirit and In Truth, it is a faith based blog, but doesn't necessarily cater to professed Believers only. It focuses on parenting issues as well as pregnancy, childbirth, home birth, breastfeeding and any topics associated with it.I wrote a post today regarding home birth and the safety of it compared to a hospital birth for low-risk women. Because of the nature of the post, I thought it would be fitting for this blog as wel
Confessions of a Former World Wide Church of God Member
2008-01-15 12:40:00
Now some of you may have heard of The World
Wide Church
of God. For those of you who haven't here's a brief, basic, summation of WWCG, as described by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:"The Worldwide Church of God (WCG), formerly the Radio Church of God, is a Christian church currently based in Glendora, California, USA. Founded in 1933 by Herbert Armstrong as a radio ministry, the WCG under Armstrong had a significant, and often controversial, influence on 20th century religious broadcasting and publishing in the United States and Europe, especially in the field of interpreting biblical end-time (eschatalogical) prophecies. However, within a few years after Armstrong's death in 1986, the succeeding church administration, led first by Joseph W. Tkach, Sr. and then his son, Joseph Tkach, Jr.
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, Member
Something Extra to Share - A Response to a Comment
2008-01-07 10:29:00
The Comment
on the Something More to Share
post states:"Some say the KJV is better because of its language. It is true that the modern English language seems to be going somewhat downhill with a lot of people - not that that's a bad thing completely - it's just that there won't be so much beauty to words and appreciation for words if the English language eventually turns into text message and IM language where words aren't fully spelled out.I believe that proper English speech and grammar are very important and should have more importance in schools (even though I'm not the best at practicing them - I wish I were). This said, some people might prefer the KJV because they think of it as proper English and don't like the way newer versions are cutting down the text, like the NLT.I appreciate
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, Response
Something More to Share
2008-01-05 12:04:00
During my blog silence a few months ago, which translates in September of last year, A young college student happened upon my blog and emailed me with two questions they had for me."So, if you believe in a young earth I was wondering if you could explain why?As well, if you believe in an old earth creation instead I was wondering if you could explain why?My second question, I was wondering why you and other Christians alike continue to use the inaccurate old English King James Bible? This is not to say one version is necessarily the “correct” version but for someone who believes in the infallible word of God, as do I, the KJV can be very inaccurate because of the KJV and New King James Version alike who both use a language or non-modern language not used anymore AKA Old English and old
Read more: Share
Another Year of Beginnings
2008-01-03 09:21:00
To my brothers and sisters of the faith, created by Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I wish you blessings of a joyful New Year! As I review 2007, my husband and I are in complete agreement, it was a spectacular year of trial by fire, and in no way we will celebrate the end of a tumultuous year. Instead, we celebrate the growth it brought us as His children. Indeed our faith is MUCH MORE precious than gold, as it says in 1 Peter 1:7. The question we both discussed and entertained throughout the year was there a "mindset" or an "attitude" that we needed to acknowledge? At the year's end, it was clear to the both of us, by the Holy Spirit, that it was a simple trial of our faith."Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto
For the Love of Ritualistic Traditions
2008-03-17 14:02:00
As a child I absolutely loved "Sesame Street"! Every morning I would settle down with my pillow and immerse myself in an hour of colorful, monster puppets and dancing letters. My most favorite part of the program was when the game "Guess Which Thing Doesn't belong Here" came on. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this game, it was a game in which four things, people etc, would be portrayed and three of those things were similar leaving one thing that didn't "belong". It's around major Christian holidays such as Easter I feel as if I'm once again, piecing together the things that don't belong. Take a look at the pictures I have selected below. Can you tell me which thing/person doesn't belong here? If you choose the cross o
Being Wise as a Serpent II
2008-03-17 11:20:00
(continued from part 1) a child's father I have had the pleasure of watching my husband father our children. Truly, it is the most beautiful thing I've seen. While I have had a father until the age of 17, I was emotionally, fatherless. this is not to say that my father was a horrible parent. Oddly, he was very generous of his time and in his compassion to others, it just wasn't directed towards his family as we needed him to be. As an adult, I see the deliberate direction from the Lord in my childhood. One in which I can rejoice in, looking back. My physical father wasn't there in the way I needed him to be, but my Father in heaven was. It made it much easier for me to"look to Him" as I was searching for someone to look to. My children, absorb every word from their father
Invisible Worship
2008-03-19 13:33:00
I was asked once, "What worshipping God looks like in my life". It was a question that I welcomed as an opportunity to testify and share, but it also identified a perception that worshipping God is largely limited to being visible and in a group (gathering) setting. This perception is supported by the many claims by Christians of "falling away" if one is not in a physical church or group. My worship of the Father is by the fellowship of His Son. My worship is not limited to a day of the week, but minutely as I am His Temple in where He resides. My worship of the Father is my love for Him and His truth. My worship of the Father is in serving my husband. My worship of the Father is in the ministry of my children. My worship of the Father is in the hosp
Returning From the Midst of Carnality
2008-03-31 12:35:00
I must admit that I have been "hiding" out the last few days, despite the fact that I have had the time to sit and write a post. I have been evaluating my blog's purpose, my blog's audience and which direction the Lord wants me to take. Originally, when I started this blog, 9 months ago, it was to promote the concept to the seeking unbelieving society that one does not need church to find God. It was to protect, proclaim and hold dear the name of Christ that has been abused and misused by so many, so that those who DO seek Him KNOW Him as He is to BE known. It was to be a source of simplicity, in this confusing time of doctrines of men. For that reason, the original name of this blog was "Confessions of an Unchurched Believer". However, naturally, my blog attract
Perseverance Award
2008-03-31 11:12:00
I was awarded a Perseverance
Award
from my brother in Christ Isaiah, owner of Joie de Vivre. My thanks to you for considering me and my humble blog! The award is to “… acknowledge those bloggers who have invested their very life in their blogs so as to encourage, build and warn others.” Many awards get passed from blogger to blogger, unfortunately all those who I would have considered granting this award to have already been awarded. So what I will do instead is acknowledge those who have demonstrated brotherly/sisterly love in communication, and respect when dialoguing about the Word of God with others. A subject that is typically tense and can be used to attack others, these people have stood out above and beyond the rest: BrotherMark at Grow and Know Isaiah at J
A Redirect - Faith-Healing
2008-04-03 13:21:00
I wrote a post in regards to the news of the death of Ava Worthington, whose parents practiced "Faith
-Healing
" in TheOliveParent blog. Please take a moment to check it out as this blog continues it construction. :) God Bless! Links: Faith-Healing, A Question of Accountability Subscribe to Confessions of an Unchurched Believer by Email
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Under a Bit of Construction
2008-04-03 10:35:00
Please bear with me as I make changes to my blog. I am currently experimenting with colors and pictures as well as adding and removing page elements, so things may look "funny" for a while.God Bless!Subscribe to Confessions of an Unchurched Believer by Email
Read more: Construction
Why I Do Not Call Myself Christian
2008-04-12 12:00:00
Since I've made the life transforming decision to lean not on the understanding of doctrines taught by pastors in churches. I've become more and more uncomfortable with the word "Christian
". In so many ways, today's Christianity seems to contradict the very principles taught by the Bible itself. It has come to represent an ideal and a view, that to be Christian, is to be arrogant, self-righteous and judgmental. I have found to be Christian, by today's standards, means deviating from the Bible in some way, shape or form. Who Can Be Today's Christian? There are many who call themselves by this precious name. They have varied beliefs. So who is a Christian? This becomes a question in the mind of those seeking Jesus. They may have a predetermined idea of who Christians ar
Where Can I Go For Answers?
2008-04-14 12:15:00
Anyone who watched the returning episode of "Desperate Housewives" last night, saw the interaction between Lynette, a cancer survivor and Bree, a housewife who strives for perfection in appearance in public and private. Naturally, I found this particular interaction interesting since it was about church and faith. I found it also very telling and truthful to large degree. Click on the link to view the whole episode. Quite generally church members are not prepared to answer profound questions that a seeker may have about "life", because generally many church members do not open their Bibles outside of church or Bible Study. They are reliant upon a pastor or leader to "tell" them then answers as opposed to understanding them for themselves. Another fact is that
Not So Free Bible Offer Ending
2008-04-15 18:00:00
The quota for "The One Year Bible" has been met :) God Bless! Subscribe to Confessions of an Unchurched Believer by Email
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, Ending
Not So Free Bibles
2008-04-15 11:13:00
I have six "The One Year Bible" that I am willing to give away. These Bibles are in the King James Version and is arranged in 365 daily readings. They were published by Tyndale House Publishers. Even though I've had them for a while, they are "brand new" in unopened plastic packaging. They are paper-back Bibles. I do not like them for studying because they are not arranged in the original order of a typical Bible (Genesis to Revelation). However, they still contain the Word of God :) You can have them on two conditions: That you take full financial responsibility for shipping and handling. I would offer to send the Bibles for free, if it was in my budget. The Bibles are about a pound ( my best guess) and you can choose any method of delivery of course. After
Truth Be Told
2008-04-17 11:11:00
One thing that can be confusing is this Christian society are the holidays that are observed. There is a holiday that is celebrated that marks the very center of their belief system, the death of Jesus, who died, so that they may be saved from eternal separation from God, this holiday, according to them, is Easter.Easter was celebrated last month, so you may be wondering why I'm bringing it up now. Easter is a tradition, adopted by Christians that celebrates this theme with colored eggs, pastel colors and bunnies. However, there has always been confusion by many, even Christians, of how all of these elements represent their belief. I'm bringing up this holiday in light of another approaching holiday called Passover or Pesach. The truth is the Passover explains the central belief of true C
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Why Do You Believe?
2008-04-24 11:30:00
Too many times I have found people's interest in Jesus Christ to be what He can do for them. Indeed there are life-breathing elements He brings to a dead soul. Through your belief that He is the Son of the Living God, sent from God to be a propitiation for our sins, we are saved from eternal separation from God the Father. By this grace, we love Him because He first loved us. Many of us seek Him or accept Him because of what He can do for us. He is sought for the means of financial and physical blessings as well as emotional and physical blessings. Many times people seek Him out as a self-help guru. They read and focus on the "good parts" of the Word of God to validate their emotions. What's wrong with that? You may ask. The problem arises when your relationship with Him is based on
Maternity Leave
2008-05-02 15:55:00
Yes the time has come for me to focus on the upcoming birth of my little one!For the past week and and a half I have made an effort to type a post and have had plenty of topics in mind, but home preparation duties, as well as engery have taken a toll on my intentions to post, so I am officially on maternity leave.I am HOPE to continue posting on TheOliveParent up until birth for updates so feel free to check the blog periodically.I will be announcing the birth on both blogs, until then I wish you joy, peace and contentment in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.--Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®Subscribe to Confessions of an Unchurched Believer by Email
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, Leave
It's A Boy!
2008-05-19 10:49:00
My son, who has not yet been named, was born May 17th @ 3:30 p.m.He weighs in at 10 lbs. And 4 0z. he is 21 1/2 inches long.Baby and I are healthy and well and are in the birth recovery process. Our homebirth/waterbirth went smoothly and successfully.We are thankful to all those who have prayed for us. We are humbled by the grace the Lord has bestowed upon us with the birth and addition to our fam
He Who Shall Not Remain Nameless
2008-05-31 11:56:00
In my babymoon haze, I forgot to announce the name of my new son. :) I have been asked repeatedly by various individuals throughout my pregnancy about a name for the baby. The norm for this society is one unusually selects a name for a baby prior to it's birth. Throughout my pregnancy I had no clue, nor idea of what my child would be named. I also had no idea of the gender of the baby. We
Happy Father's Day!
2008-06-15 16:04:00
Happy Dad's day to all you dedicated fathers!Wishing a Happy Father
's Day to my dearest husband. May our sons perfect the art of fathering their children just as you have done with them! I love you!Natural remedies for your health and pets!www.nativeremedies.com - Reference# 8885Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®Subscribe to Confessions of an Unchurched Believer by Email
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"Go, and Sin No More"
2008-07-01 12:14:00
The following "post" is a response to a comment left on my original post of "Pro-Choice". I decided to publish the comment because it gave me an opportunity to expound further on the point of my original post. You can find the original comment at this post as well. -------------Start of Comment------------Once again I thank you for commenting. Normally I wouldn’t publish a comment that may start
No title
2008-06-30 12:43:00
I have now been the author of Confessions of an Unchurched Believer for a year, and what a year it has been! As I feel my way through the world of blogging, there is no doubt I have learned much. I have made friends as well as enemies, yet I can tell you today, right now that I have no regrets for setting up this blog. I have made more changes to my blog's left sidebar. I get frequent questions
Pro-Choice
2008-06-28 07:50:00
No, I am not pro-choice. At least not in the way the term has been utilized. This term typically applies to abortion and the legality of it whether women should be allowed to terminate her pregnancy or not. I'm not speaking of abortion, but rather the existence of choice itself.If you believe in the infallacy of the Word then you know (I hope) how it all began. The story of Adam and Eve begins
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Christ Follower
2008-06-25 15:39:00
"A Christ
follower". This phrase has been used by many to emphasize true or authentic Christian living.Living here in America, one of the richest country in the world, founded by Christians, and is largely populated by Christians of various affliations, it becomes apparent to me that "a Christ follower" is a style of life other of what Christ had meant. One of the most famous c
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"3,000 Miles Wide - Three Inches Deep"
2008-06-24 14:13:00
I found a interesting article based upon a survey of what American believers really believe. Here's a portion of the article. Click on the link below to read it in it's entirety. Americans: My Faith Isn't the Only Way 8:49 AM EST June 24, 2008"America remains a nation of believers, but a new survey finds most Americans don't feel their religion is the only way to eternal lif
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, Three
Messianic Jews Persecuted in Israel
2008-06-22 10:18:00
Romans 11 explains very clearly the RIGHT attitude and stance we, as believers in the power of the blood of Christ Jesus of Nazereth should have towards unbelieving Jews in Israel
.Christianity has been defined by human hands and minds that has stolen and corrupted the beauty of what is truly Christian that is clearly testified by the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit.And it is by this failure that ma
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Author of the Gospel
2008-07-14 00:20:00
Jesus said it true, not speaking of Himself, but by the ordination and the power of God, He laid down His life for us. Those so those would follow Him to the cross, to their death, would in turn share the beauty of what God the Father has done for us yesterday, today and forever, in doing so saving souls from an eternal hell. Unfortunately we as a Christ-professing (as opposed to confessing) socie
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, Gospel
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