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AllInTheNameOfProgress

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Everything posted by AllInTheNameOfProgress

  1. Hooray! I am encouraged by many many people on this blog, and Bill, you are definitely one!
  2. I would be really surprised if I ever handed out tracts, either However, I joined an "evangelism task force" this past year in my church, and it has now been renamed "Open Doors," and I would have never thought I'd be there, either. I believe it's important to get the word out that there is a group of us who doesn't believe God will send people to an eternity in hell for not believing in Jesus. I bought the book "So You Can't Stand Evangelism" off this website, and it was really good! As to your point, Bill, about Jesus saying "I am the way.... no one comes to the Father but through me," we had a GREAT sermon about how Jesus is LOVE. "Love is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father without love." Janet
  3. Bill, I love that you are writing this down! When I first joined the message board, I posted something about "Which teachings are most meaningful/helpful to you?" Here was the list I came up with... I honestly believe the teachings about hell were to motivate people who were only motivated by fear. It is a stronger place to be motivated by love in life, but let's face it -- fear moves people who are on the wrong track. Jesus may or may not have taught any of these, but each of them have called me to be more than I am. The "don't plan for the future" teaching, I believe, was to recommend against the destructive power of worry,so that one speaks to me in that way. Janet ----------------- Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength Love your neighbor as yourself Do unto others as you would have them do to you Followers need to have right attitudes in their hearts; not just on the outside – specific examples include alms giving, prayer, and fasting Become like little children – the last will be the first Reconcile quickly with those who anger you Do not retaliate; non-violence modeled by Jesus even in death Love your enemies and forgive,forgive,forgive! Give to everyone who asks Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth – you can’t serve God and wealth Seek to please God; self-denial; how you live this life DOES make a difference. Don’t judge others – focus on making yourself righteous – don’t cast stones unless your are sinless. Jesus came to seek the “lost”, not throw out the law – he ate with “sinners” and outcasts There is a special place in God’s heart for the underdog in life Need to be hearers AND doers of Jesus’ teachings – followers will be known by their actions. Let your light shine before others and keep your zest for life. Don’t squander your gifts/talents Don’t be too busy when God calls you Serving God is not always the easy path, and not everyone chooses that path, but it leads to life! Don’t worry, and always pray for what you need Don’t be a stumbling block for others’ faith Jesus became a way for people to feel forgiven of their sins, and faith in Him relieved their sufferings God loves all of us, and giving us Jesus is a great expression of that love! Don't let your religion get in the way of your relationship with God and with other people.
  4. I'd recommend "Sister Act." It models how the church needs to adjust its ways to connect with real people. I guess it's not really a story from the Bible, though, but I believe it is progressive. Another interesting movie is "Joshua", about a character like Jesus being in our world today. It has been a long time since I have watched it, so don't know if it would be too conservative. Sometimes kids (and others) can't understand why people wanted to crucify Jesus. I think it helps to put Jesus into our current times and see how we think leaders/church would react to him. "Evan Almighty" is a recent religious flick I enjoyed. Even though the miracles of God are part of the humor, the part that is progressive is the idea that if someone asks for patience, God gives them opportunities to be patient, etc. I wouldn't say that comes from a progressive world view, though.
  5. We did a little of this once when I was teaching our confirmation class (10th graders). We visited the local Jewish temple, the Catholic mass, the AME church, and the Buddhist temple. It was interesting for the adults involved, too. I recently purchased the book "So You Think You're Not Religious" and the accompanying 6 week class study guide. I wonder if there is interest in working together to turn the modified "Which Teachings of Jesus" list into a discussion plan? It would be useful for people to gather and talk about how the teachings have been/could be useful and inspire changes in their daily living. Maybe something adults and older children (middle school and up) could discuss together?
  6. I wholeheartedly agree with the above post. I had another question, if you have time and the inclination to explain further... Why did you change "faith in Jesus" to "faith in God" in terms of relieving people's suffering, and why did you change "Jesus" to "Truth about Divine Love?" Thanks!
  7. Don't let your religion get in the way of your relationship with God and with other people Slippery -- what do you mean by religion?. Excellent questions, AllInTheName. Look around you for answers from God and God's angels. They are with you. Blessings to you all, Jesus May 15, 2008 Thank you, Jesus (through canajan, eh?) I loved the insights. You asked the question "What do you mean by religion?" I am referring to Jesus' teachings about gathering grain on the Sabbath, etc, that were contrary to religious principles of the day. I believe some of the teachings I had highlighted, like "reconcile quickly with those who anger you." and "give to everyone who asks" and "do not worry" are not moral absolutes, but are opposite to human nature, and take effort -- they help us to "love our neighbor as ourself." You don't believe there is value in asking God for what you need? At least for self-awareness' sake? Why did you change "faith in Jesus" to "faith in God" in terms of relieving people's suffering, and why did you change "Jesus" to "Truth about Divine Love?" Thanks for taking the time. I appreciate it!
  8. Thanks, OA. Some of the other teachings you have deleted have actually helped my perspective on life's issues and they have helped me preserve some relationships I would have otherwise discarded, but I am just one person. Do you think the writers of the Bible were following a particular agenda when they wrote those sayings, or that they were just from a different worldview? I appreciate your feedback -- at the meeting last Wednesday we talked about how nice it is that the Methodist church is not a creedal church, and the group was concerned about affiliating with TCPC, because it almost sounds like we'd be creating a liberal creed for our church. We decided we need to come up with a message that is reconciling, knowing how many have felt excluded and hurt by Christianity, but that we also need to communicate and celebrate the diversity of belief at our church. Even when we don't see eye to eye, we see heart to heart...
  9. DON'T HAVE TO CHECK YOUR MIND - Janet Krech October 2007 Verse 1: G Dsus C2 They say their hearts are open. G Dsus C2 They say their minds are open. G D C2 G Testing other's tolerance a fundamental fear . G D C2 G Questioning beliefs I hope they don't hold dear. Bm Em Bm Em Will it be copacetic? Or seen as pathetic? Bm G D Will they write me off, or will they agree? CHORUS: G Dsus C2 You don't have to check your mind at the door. Em D C2 Don't have to hide your doubts anymore. G Dsus C2 Your questions might just end up teaching me Em D C2 And opening up new possibilities G Dsus C2 C Your mind 's a gift God has given you G Dsus C2 C Let's share our questions and uncover truth G D C2 G D C2 Take your mind and use it -- as a witness to our Lord . Verse 2: G Dsus C2 As we learn of Jesus G Dsus C2 He valued higher thinking. G D C2 G His questions and his parables planted new ideals. G D C2 G Showing us with thought we can harvest something real. Bm Em Bm Em God gave each of us a mind. If we seek then we will find. Bm G D Do you think I'm off, or do you agree? Verse 3: G Dsus C2 The Spirit's moving forward. G Dsus C2 A mighty wind comes blowin' G D C2 G Gathering in the people's minds so they can know The Way G D C2 G Bringing us together as disciples still today. Bm Em Bm Em I know it as I kneel. Is it something you can feel? Bm G D Will you write it off, or will you agree? TAG G Dsus C2 We say our hearts are open. G Dsus C2 We say our minds are open.
  10. I sometimes write songs for our "contemporary" worship service at my Methodist Church. Much of the Christian Music published does not reflect a progressive viewpoint. Is there anyone else out there writing music that would be willing to share? Listen to the attached mp3. The quality is not great because it's a live recording at a worship service. But if anyone needs chords and lyrics I could share. 65535_Don__t_Have_To_Check_Your_Mind.mp3
  11. Thank you SO much! I will repost it! This is getting a LOT better with your insights. I completely agree with your post. I have problems with the Don't worry - pray for what you need, thing, too. I think it is easier to have abundant life if we do not worry as much, but there are some things we do have to worry about - like paying the bills, etc. It's hard to compare myself to birds or lilies and get a lot of meaning out of it. However, I do believe it is important to keep the things that you "need" on your heart and mind and allow God to be part of that. It is one way of staying connected and seeing connections. Most of my problems are caused by language and its inability to capture meanings completely.
  12. October's Autumn: Thanks for your reply. Do you have time to elaborate on why the others do not apply to you? I have struggled with some of these (like don't worry) and have had to try to figure out how to reconcile the Bible teaching with my understanding of God. Do you think the ones you deleted are not true teachings of Jesus or are ones that do not point you to God? If I do not get other answers I will repost in a different section. Good idea!
  13. Would someone please give me feedback on this? I need to meet with my pastor on the 30th to talk to our church about affiliating with tcpc, and I was hoping we could have some classes where we talk about the teachings of Jesus that help with daily living. Thanks!
  14. I write songs occasionally for our worship services, and I don't know if there is an interest in this one.y I can send you an mp3 file of our band performing it live... DON'T HAVE TO CHECK YOUR MIND - Janet Krech Verse 1: G Dsus C2 They say their hearts are open. G Dsus C2 They say their minds are open. G D C2 G Testing other's tolerance a fundamental fear . G D C2 G Questioning beliefs I hope they don't hold dear. Bm Em Bm Em Will it be copacetic? Or seen as pathetic? Bm G D Will they write me off, or will they agree? CHORUS: G Dsus C2 You don't have to check your mind at the door. Em D C2 Don't have to hide your doubts anymore. G Dsus C2 Your questions might just end up teaching me Em D C2 And opening up new possibilities G Dsus C2 C Your mind 's a gift God has given you G Dsus C2 C Let's share our questions and uncover truth G D C2 G D C2 Take your mind and use it -- as a witness to our Lord . Verse 2: G Dsus C2 As we learn of Jesus G Dsus C2 He valued higher thinking. G D C2 G His questions and his parables planted new ideals. G D C2 G Showing us with thought we can harvest something real. Bm Em Bm Em God gave each of us a mind. If we seek then we will find. Bm G D Do you think I'm off, or do you agree? Verse 3: G Dsus C2 The Spirit's moving forward. G Dsus C2 A mighty wind comes blowin' G D C2 G Gathering in the people's minds so they can know The Way G D C2 G Bringing us together as disciples still today. Bm Em Bm Em I know it as I kneel. Is it something you can feel? Bm G D Will you write it off, or will you agree? TAG G Dsus C2 We say our hearts are open. G Dsus C2 We say our minds are open. I agree that musicians need to collaborate on worship music that is in synch with the messages we want to present. I have been trying to get the United Methodist church as a whole to do that, but not everyone in the denomination is progressive. I have waded through volumes of "Christian Contemporary" to find songs that have worked in worship for my church recently. "The Face of Love" and "Deeds" by Sanctus Real "Lifesong", "Voice of Truth", "If We are the Body","Stained Glass Masquerade" by Casting Crowns "Brave" and "Legacy" by Nichole Nordemann "Word of God, Speak" by Mercy Me
  15. Here's my start at "Which Teachings of Jesus" I find God in... Your thoughts? Anyone? ------------------------- Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength Love your neighbor as yourself Do unto others as you would have them do to you Followers need to have right attitudes in their hearts; not just on the outside – specific examples include alms giving, prayer, and fasting Become like little children(humble) – the last will be the first Reconcile quickly with those who anger you Do not retaliate; non-violence modeled by Jesus even in death Love your enemies and forgive,forgive,forgive! Give to everyone who asks Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth – you can’t serve God and wealth Seek to please God; self-denial; how you live this life DOES make a difference. Don’t judge others – focus on making yourself righteous – don’t cast stones unless your are sinless. Jesus came to seek the “lost”, not throw out the law – he ate with “sinners” and outcasts There is a special place in God’s heart for the underdog in life Need to be hearers AND doers of Jesus’ teachings – followers will be known by their actions. Let your light shine before others and keep your zest for life. Don’t squander your gifts/talents Don’t be too busy when God calls you Serving God is not always the easy path, and not everyone chooses that path, but it leads to life! Don’t worry, and always pray for what you need Don’t be a stumbling block for others’ faith Jesus had the power to forgive people for their sins, and faith in Him relieved their sufferings God loves all of us, and giving us Jesus is a great expression of that love! Don't let your religion get in the way of your relationship with God and with other people.
  16. Sunday School Lady,

    I am not able to post yet (just joined), but I am interested in the topic. I belong to a UMC in CO, and we use Cokesbury, too. I think we should try to define "teachings of Jesus" that inspire us and also have lessons about the other points. ajkrech@yahoo.com

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