Unveiled Faces

Red Sky at Morning

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
13,931
Recently, I was struck by the simple message of this clip...


Christians on this forum come from different backgrounds and places round the world, and we yet we each have come to a point in our lives where we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour.

For some of us, it's hard to get to Church, others have experiences they can share or simply knowledge that has changed the course of their lives. We are brothers and sisters and though we may differ on some secondary doctrines, we have fellowship in the Lord.

Having been struck recently by the message of 2 Corinthians 3 I just wanted to set up a general purpose thread where we can share openly parts of our journey of faith with one another, and with those who are interested in knowing more.

http://biblehub.com/kjv/2_corinthians/3.htm

"17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
 

Red Sky at Morning

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
13,931
I wanted to share this one I saw earlier as it goes to the heart of the Gospel message as well as to the times we are living in.

Hebrews 10

"23Let us hold fast the profession of our afaith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

 
Last edited:

rainerann

Star
Joined
Mar 18, 2017
Messages
4,550
Recently, I was struck by the simple message of this clip...


Christians on this forum come from different backgrounds and places round the world, and we yet we each have come to a point in our lives where we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour.

For some of us, it's hard to get to Church, others have experiences they can share or simply knowledge that has changed the course of their lives. We are brothers and sisters and though we may differ on some secondary doctrines, we have fellowship in the Lord.

Having been struck recently by the message of 2 Corinthians 3 I just wanted to set up a general purpose thread where we can share openly parts of our journey of faith with one another, and with those who are interested in knowing more.

http://biblehub.com/kjv/2_corinthians/3.htm

"17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
This video reminds me of something I was thinking about the other day because I never feel like I have enough time. It all started when I was younger because my mom died when I was still a teenager and I had a little bit of drug problem, history of abuse. It has made me feel like I am behind for years and like I will never really be able to catch up. I am always trying to catch up. Over the past few years, I have had to realize that I am not superhuman. Unfortunately, this only seems to accentuate my obsession with time because I feel like it is even more important for me to use my time in the best possible way at all times.

Needless to say, learning to rest has been a challenge for me, but I realized the other day that it is not really my time anyway. It was a relief when I felt God was comforting me and reminding me that the world will not come to an end just because I rest or do something simple. It made me feel like sticking with my faith all these years was worth it, because I have needed rest probably more than I needed to "catch up" with the rest of the world to begin with.

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28).

The video is a great reminder that our faith is still useful for living in a modern world.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8).
 

JoChris

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
6,168
When I came to this town a few years ago now, I was relieved to find a small bible-believing church in the area.
I tried to fit in, I wanted to participate in church activities like my old church, but for multiple reasons that didn't happen. I don't have the extended family I had hoped for (like I have had in other towns in the past) and am becoming resigned to it being the same Sunday only- fellowship unless new church families move to the area.

I have said that for any lonely readers out there. Sometimes it is God's will to keep us to ourselves for company despite being a church attender - the challenging thing is to learn how to accept it is God's will for us and then do that without grumbling. God Himself knows what I can and can't handle RE church fellowship. I have to learn to accept His judgement on this matter and trust that it will work out for good.
 

Red Sky at Morning

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
13,931
I struggle to make Church fellowship as my family dynamic makes it really difficult!

My wife was made to feel (by her Mum) that God would reject her if she didn't attend the Methodist Church meetings regularly. She never felt 'good enough'. She needs to understand God loves her not for works and regular attendance but for herself.

I absolutely love another local Church I sometimes visit, this one is a mainly African, non-denominational fellowship and I am the only one of us who goes there out of the four of us. The church is extremely dynamic and would potentially scare my wife who comes from a more traditional background!

Me going alone puts strain on things as my kids, 10 and 14 now are at a delicate age - when I was a teenager I was prone to rebellion and I don't want to be the 'religious' one they react against!

I would love to be able to be in more regular fellowship with fellow believers as it seems so hard for me to find it in the usual way!!! Prayers for a breakthrough would be greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:

JoChris

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
6,168
Does that African church have any mid-week services, bible study groups etc.? You should contact them.

On Sundays your family's preference on churches should come first right now *on the condition* it is a good bible believing church you attend. Remember your kids won't be with you forever.
 

Red Sky at Morning

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
13,931
Well... The issue is that my kids are competitive swimmers! My oldest spends 14 hours a week at the pool (one of the fastest in our county now) and that works out as 7-9pm each evening...

I know...

Anyway, I go to the gym while she's there, have plenty of time for listening to Bible teaching, talking with people etc etc, just makes Church fellowship hard.
 

Red Sky at Morning

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
13,931
@rainerann - something I had to learn, and I'm still learning is the meaning behind the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10

38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The Lord wants our heart more than our productivity. When he has that the results flow from relationship, not from condemnation or obligation imo...
 

JoChris

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
6,168
Well... The issue is that my kids are competitive swimmers! My oldest spends 14 hours a week at the pool (one of the fastest in our county now) and that works out as 7-9pm each evening...

I know...

Anyway, I go to the gym while she's there, have plenty of time for listening to Bible teaching, talking with people etc etc, just makes Church fellowship hard.
It is very challenging for sure. No easy answers for people like us, who want fellowship but can't.
 

JoChris

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
6,168
This video reminds me of something I was thinking about the other day because I never feel like I have enough time. It all started when I was younger because my mom died when I was still a teenager and I had a little bit of drug problem, history of abuse. It has made me feel like I am behind for years and like I will never really be able to catch up. I am always trying to catch up. Over the past few years, I have had to realize that I am not superhuman. Unfortunately, this only seems to accentuate my obsession with time because I feel like it is even more important for me to use my time in the best possible way at all times.

Needless to say, learning to rest has been a challenge for me, but I realized the other day that it is not really my time anyway. It was a relief when I felt God was comforting me and reminding me that the world will not come to an end just because I rest or do something simple. It made me feel like sticking with my faith all these years was worth it, because I have needed rest probably more than I needed to "catch up" with the rest of the world to begin with.

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28).

The video is a great reminder that our faith is still useful for living in a modern world.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8).
When I read that I thought of this website for you. http://www.christinyou.net/pages/ebooks.html

Scroll down to spirit-union allows for soul-rest. :)
 

Red Sky at Morning

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
13,931
When I read that I thought of this website for you. http://www.christinyou.net/pages/ebooks.html

Scroll down to spirit-union allows for soul-rest. :)
Love the introduction - perhaps you have hit the nail on the head...

"SPIRIT-UNION ALLOWS FOR SOUL-REST “The world around us is restless – hurrying and scurrying to accomplish something meaningful. People are seeking “rest” – but are looking in all the wrong places. True “rest” can only be found in “union with Christ.” “Union with Christ” is the essence of Christianity. Christianity is not a belief-system or a morality code, but is the union presence and function of the living Lord Jesus within Christians."

Going to mow the lawns, listen to some music and "rest" for a bit now!!!
 

Camidria

Veteran
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
736
Recently, I was struck by the simple message of this clip...



Christians on this forum come from different backgrounds and places round the world, and we yet we each have come to a point in our lives where we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour.
Loved this clip, I think I am truly blessed to belong to a non denominational church who's focus is exactly this, to honour God and advance His kingdom and make disciples...
My wife was made to feel (by her Mum) that God would reject her if she didn't attend the Methodist Church meetings regularly. She never felt 'good enough'. She needs to understand God loves her not for works and regular attendance but for herself.
Pray for her my friend, pray that God will show her, her true identity, that she will KNOW who she is as God's child and that she will truly experience Him personally like a father. If it wasn't for a praying mother I'm sure my life wouldn't have turned out like it did (i'll tell you all about it in another post.)

I would love to be able to be in more regular fellowship with fellow believers as it seems so hard for me to find it in the usual way!!! Prayers for a breakthrough would be greatly appreciated!
It is very challenging for sure. No easy answers for people like us, who want fellowship but can't.
I truly feel that you should pray that God will make divine appointments for you with like-minded people who are seeking fellowship, then just start a small bible study group at the times that you can do it! It's hard I know, but God has come through for many of my friends who had the same needs when they moved out of the city and into a small town, He made a way!
 

Camidria

Veteran
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
736
@Red Sky at Morning I forgot to add, I will definitely pray with you for your wife and kids!

I want to add a prayer request of my own, today for some reason I had an opportunity to share with my mom in law how much our heavenly Father loves us and that He is not an impersonal God like the old Dutch Reformed church taught, but that He wants a relationship with us. I shared with her how I had a very personal experience the other night and spoke to God for the first time in a very long time that I could hear Him again! (Usually when I speak to Him He has been quiet for some time) He told me specifically why He has been quiet and what He wanted me to remove out of my life. I didn't share everything with her but I got so emotional as the Holy Spirit moved me to tell the story, it touched her heart (she has been hurt by her own father emotionally) hence this as well as the old ways of an impersonal God is hindering her from truly having a relationship with Him.

I fear for my parents in law, as they are like Sunday Christians in that they believe in God but they do not live like they have any belief. They do not love Him, they do not KNOW Him....
 

Camidria

Veteran
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
736
I have said that for any lonely readers out there. Sometimes it is God's will to keep us to ourselves for company despite being a church attender - the challenging thing is to learn how to accept it is God's will for us and then do that without grumbling. God Himself knows what I can and can't handle RE church fellowship. I have to learn to accept His judgement on this matter and trust that it will work out for good.
There is something I learned recently about church that has helped me a lot, a church - no matter witch one, will always fall short in certain areas but perhaps be great in others. So therefore I fill up at home with my personal time with God and throughout the week as I talk to Him and trust Him to show me where I can serve the people at my church on a Sunday. I will stay there and serve and try to teach them the things God has opened up there (and what He is working with). I believe as the Church grows and challenges arises, God will open up the things that my Church is closed to now. Like for a long time we have been focusing on discipleship, but we have neglected the people pastorally. Now that the opportunity has opened up for counselling, miraculously I was added to the group of counsellors and now I can help my church grow in that area.
 

Lady

Star
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
1,302
There is something I learned recently about church that has helped me a lot, a church - no matter witch one, will always fall short in certain areas but perhaps be great in others. So therefore I fill up at home with my personal time with God and throughout the week as I talk to Him and trust Him to show me where I can serve the people at my church on a Sunday. I will stay there and serve and try to teach them the things God has opened up there (and what He is working with). I believe as the Church grows and challenges arises, God will open up the things that my Church is closed to now. Like for a long time we have been focusing on discipleship, but we have neglected the people pastorally. Now that the opportunity has opened up for counselling, miraculously I was added to the group of counsellors and now I can help my church grow in that area.

That is wonderful. I see how God prepared you to step into the counseling ministry as He refined you beforehand.
You are a gentle and caring person which are great qualities in a counselor.

Enjoying the "life in Christ" stories, everyone!
 

JoChris

Superstar
Joined
Mar 15, 2017
Messages
6,168
I truly feel that you should pray that God will make divine appointments for you with like-minded people who are seeking fellowship, then just start a small bible study group at the times that you can do it! It's hard I know, but God has come through for many of my friends who had the same needs when they moved out of the city and into a small town, He made a way!
I approached the pastor about that years ago. He said they already had a monthly woman's prayer bible study group.

It is out of town and I can't drive. I asked several times for a lift and I was forgotten both times. I have given up hope in that area. :(
 

Thunderian

Superstar
Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
7,515
I feel so bad for you guys and for my own ungratefulness.

My wife and I are blessed to be part of a small church of dedicated Christians that has become a very big part of our lives. We look after each other's kids and work on projects together -- my wife and I even catered a church couple's wedding last month.

Yesterday we had our annual free church carnival with hot dogs (halal chicken dogs, because most who come are Hindu or Muslim), cotton candy and games. In the middle of it all, we're making food and painting faces and playing games and loving it all because the sun is out, we're with our friends, our kids are all playing safely, and we're telling people about Jesus. I should be more thankful for what we have there.

Christian fellowship can be a double-edged sword. At it's best, you have a group of people who know a lot about each other, and accept it all with love and support. At it's worst, you have a group of people who know a lot about each other and it strongly resembles high school. Most churches are a mix, but there is a reason I stopped attending regularly for years, and if it wasn't for my wife I don't know that I would be as involved as I am now.

I am praying that God will provide the fellowship that meets everyone's needs here.

Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
 
Last edited:
Top