Let's talk about life
There's a lot going on with us here at Freedom Life Grace Church. We can't fit everything into a service or Bible Study so we have made this blog available to you as a resource, inspiration, and amusement.
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Faith
Scriptures: James 1:27
There's a lot of talk these days about finding Christianity without religion. It seems that religion has become the latest scapegoat for the ills of the world today - and not undeservingly. After all, the recent terror attacks on Paris, France, were carried out be to cries of "Allahu Akbar" meaning "God is [the] Greatest."
Religion has certainly played its role in many of the challenges that I faced in life. Because of what I heard in church I struggled for many years with self-acceptance, fear, and relationships. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the most frequent misconceptions I hear from people I when I say, "I lost my religion."
Religion has certainly played its role in many of the challenges that I faced in life. Because of what I heard in church I struggled for many years with self-acceptance, fear, and relationships. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the most frequent misconceptions I hear from people I when I say, "I lost my religion."
Will Rucker • General
Scriptures: Matthew 9:13
We ultimately want to be good. Our image of God is the one who is the blueprint of goodness. Whatever He is, we strive to become. God doesn't make mistakes, so in order to please Him, in order to be accepted by Him we can't make mistakes either. How silly of us to think that way. What an impossible standard we have created for ourselves. No wonder religion makes us crazy.
Will Rucker • General
One of my greatest frustrations with Christianity is its belief that Jesus is only found in it - that Jesus is somehow limited to revealing Himself only to those of a particular brand of faith. The truth of the matter is God is not a Christian and neither is Jesus. One of the most polarizing words in the world is Jesus, with Christian being a close second. Whether you are a Mormon, Catholic, or Protestant, Jesus is a big deal to your faith. I really find it interesting that Jesus is also a big deal in the Jewish faith, and Islam, too. So what is the problem?
The problem with believing Jesus is a Christian, or more broadly, to follow Jesus one must call him or herself a Christian, is that it simply isn't true.
The problem with believing Jesus is a Christian, or more broadly, to follow Jesus one must call him or herself a Christian, is that it simply isn't true.
Will Rucker • Personal Growth
Scriptures: John 8:36
Gateway doctrines appear harmless at first. Yet, quite honestly, once you try a gateway doctrine you're never satisfied. You always want another hit, something stronger, and something more radical. Gateway doctrines start out small like a mustard seed, but once they take root, they turn into a large bush. If you are careful, if no one pulls you back into the fold, that bush undergoes a wild transformation and becomes a tree large enough to provide both rest and shade.
Will Rucker • Faith
Scriptures: 1 John 4:16-19
Life starts and stops, and is sustained or suspended with and by what you believe. How you experience life is formed by what you believe. Fear-based religion is not from God. I would go as far as to say fear-based religion is devoid of God.
So, the questions remain: What do you believe? How do those beliefs add to or subtract from the quality of your life?
So, the questions remain: What do you believe? How do those beliefs add to or subtract from the quality of your life?
Will Rucker • Outreach
Scriptures: Hebrews 8:1-13
One of the most self-serving misconceptions that religion has promoted is the notion that "God needs ME to reach others for Him." Central to almost every religion I have studied is the idea that God wants His followers to convert others to that brand of faith. We can all agree that Pepsi and Coke are basically the same thing, just different flavors, but when it comes to religion, my flavor is the only truth.
Understand that there is a difference between sharing God with others out of a personal desire for them to experience the good things you enjoy and being forced to make people know your God.
Understand that there is a difference between sharing God with others out of a personal desire for them to experience the good things you enjoy and being forced to make people know your God.