I have found myself in quite an interesting position recently, defending the UCCF.
Anyone who knows anything about me knows that must show quite a journey.
And I found my freedom to forgive and make my heart attitude right because of relationship.
Which is why my views on unity are ever evolving.
As I read back some of the things I said originally when discussing my own experiences, I genuinely now know my heart is clear. They don't have any hold over me.
Receiving forgiveness is such a rich, rich blessing.
Sometimes we underplay the amazing gift of being imparted the grace to give it!
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing those links. They're helpful in understanding where you're coming from. I wonder if you'll accept a gentle challenge? In August 2009 you wrote "The reason I am twitchy when I see other bloggers or movements apparently bringing up a drawbridge against others is because I know what it is like sitting at the table amongst ten people, one slating you, 8 silent." That would get an Amen! from me, except that at DaveW's blog I read you engaging in exactly that sort of raising the drawbridge against others with comments like "Methodist ministers who do not believe that Jesus is God" that you left at DaveW's blog. If you know the pain of being 'unchurched' by fellow Christians, you shouldn't be straying into that territory yourself.
Trying again
I take that as a fair challenge Richard.
Remember I love Methodists.
http://theroadtoelderado.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/5-things-i-love-about-methodists.html
As a contrast I can genuinely say I cannot think of a positive word written about newfrontiers on the several Methodist blogs I follow. And I have read pages upon pages of criticism, which is not something you will find on here, or in my comments on other blogs.
My Grandma was a Methodist of decades standing. I was part of the Methodist Sunday School when I lived with her.
I do receive the challenge that unless I can back it up with names, faces and places I should not bring it up.
Or I should say, unless I am willing to publicly back it up, rather than "can".
First, apologies for the incoherence of my earlier comment. I think you got what I was driving at despite my inability to string a sentence together! Fwiw, I don't have any problem with criticism of Methodism, or any other denomination. There are differences between Christians, and I see no difficulty in raising them. The problem comes when we start to say stuff that suggests this or that group aren't proper Christians. And I felt there was something of that about the comment you left at DaveW's. I'm sure it was unintentional.
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