Category: outside source

Let the Church Be the Church

Brennan Manning

“Any church that will not accept that it consists of sinful men and women, and exists for them, implicitly rejects the gospel of grace. As Hans Kung wrote, “it deserves neither God’s mercy nor men’s trust”.

The church must constantly be aware that its faith is weak, its knowledge dim, its profession of faith halting, that there is not a single sin or failing which it has not in one way or another been guilty of.

And though it is true that the church must always disassociate itself from sin, it can never have any excuse for keeping any sinners at a distance. If the church remains self-righteously aloof from failures, irreligious and immoral people, it cannot enter justified into God’s kingdom. But if it is constantly aware of its guilt and sin, it can live in joyous awareness of forgiveness. The promise has been given to it that anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Brennan Manning

Understanding the Gospel of Bill (W)

Every once in a while, I’m introduced to something quite wonderful. I usually look, and mostly move on. However I approached this blog and felt I just made an awesome discovery. I asked myself (I talk to myself a lot) if I should or shouldn’t share this with you.

I came to realize that if I didn’t share this that that would be sin. Honestly.

The site is called “The Gospel of Bill (W): What Christians Can Learn from the 12-Step Programs.” It seems to be updated regularly and it could really be a boost to any one who is battling alcoholism or other addictions. Stats say that 50% of bipolar people have a definite problems in this area. Mentally ill people are especially vulnerable and end up trying to “self-medicate” themselves. We think that drinking and drugging will help us deal with our nasty and ugly lives.

Some titles I found interesting: “Thomas Kinkade and the Reality of Addiction” and “Easter Aftermath: Reflections on Death, Recovery and Resurrection”. I was also intrigued by this gem, “Powerlessness Revisited—the Tragedy of Amy Winehouse.” (That post is well on its way to being a classic!)

These posts are relevant and sincere. They just maybe your “cup of tea,” or “up your alley” (or choose your own metaphor, lol.)

May I gently suggest, that even if you don’t have any addiction issues, you undoubtly know someone who does. Share the “Gospel of Bill (W)” with them. You very well could be the light.

http://12stepspirituality.wordpress.com/

ybic, Bryan

Fear Nothing

 

 

I’m quite aware that this is very bold and very sure of itself.  But there is a urgency here that could propel us to a place where slothfulness of our hearts can be understood.

Early CCM- Spotlight on Nancy Honeytree

*****

  

Another incredible blast from the past.  “Rattle Me, Shake Me.”  This is one of the best from one of CCMs greatest–Nancy Honeytree.  I think I can date this about 1974.

Of course, I hope that it blesses, and gives you another layer to our simple faith.  Honeytree was a definite force in the 70s, she ministered with a simplicity and wholeness that is a bit of an astringent to a fat and  jaded faith of her day.  I guess “freshness” would be the way I could describe her.  But you’ll quickly pick this up as you listen to her describe herself.  It is almost impossible to not like her music, and her “story.”

Honeytree is a jewel, she communicates musically on a different level.  Her lyrics are simple, but she has a momentum that carries her through walls of pride and conflict.  I hope that she blesses you deeply.

*****
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