Religion, Just So Glad To Be A Part Of It

[maggiebee]

Very interesting sermon at church today about Jeremiah. He didn't think he could do the things asked of him - in fact he was quite afraid. As part of the service we were asked to go to a table at the front of the church. On one side was paper and pencils. We were asked to write down what made us afraid to do things then scrunch it up and throw it in a bin. We were then asked to pick up a promise made to us from the other side of the table. My own offering was that I didn't do things because I was afraid of failure. My promise was from 2 Corinthians: But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. This is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am week, then I am strong.
Found this passage very reassuring.

[Old_Geezer]

I'm glad it helped.

[douglas9401]

Michty!

[Stargazer]

How refreshing to see a positive posting on the subject of Christianity. It is interesting to see that there has not been the usual quick response from what seems to be almost everyone on Answerbank who jump on the bandwagon with derisory comment following a post such as this. Or do all those Abers save their ammunitiion for Goodlife?

[jourdain2]

I read a passsage in church the other week about 'when I am weakest then I am strong'. Paul, 2 Corinthians - I think it was Ch 7. Have a look.

Our sermon was very different, but also interesting - included a reference to Ecclesiastes (a wicked (!), stand-in vicar) in which the author said something about how rare it was to meet a righteous man - but he never met a righteous woman (or words to that effect). He nearly got pelted with hymn books! But he's a nice old chap and did it for effect and to get our attention! Glad you were helped. :)

[maggiebee]

Ha, that's lovely jourdain2. I remember one sermon when the minister talked about how distractions can stop us from getting where we want to be.....then his mobile phone rang. Congregation was in fits. Set up of course but got the message across. Will have a look at the passage you mentioned.

[Canary42]

Stargazer, what a shame that after your first sentence you then embark on a negative comment.

[ludwig]

// Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. This is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am week, then I am strong. //

Except when you go for a job interview. Then you'll say you're good at things, like any same person would.

[jourdain2]

Actually, no, Ludwig. I was, however , in a different time and to admit to weaknessess that you were addressing was not a problem. I suppose that in the 'hard-nosed' today it may be different. Such a shame. :)

[beso]

Not surprising that religion promotes weakness. That is what subservience requires so that the devotee will do as they are told by the church oligarchy.

And just a reminder that your religion tells us that we were all born worthless sinners too.

The relationship with your God is very much an abusive relationship where the abuser convinces the abused that their life has meaning only through them.

Read the explanation at this link to see just how accurately the "abusive relationship" models fit your devotion.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/essays/is-the-christian-relationship-with-god-healthy/

[wildwood]

@Stargazer - //How refreshing to see a positive posting on the subject of Christianity.//
I don't see any of the holier-than-thou brimstone preaching that some others usually spout here. Maggiebee is merely relating on her experience with her religion, no need to take offence here.

I am glad for you that you can find solace in your belief, maggiebee.

[dieseldick]

you have a bit of a cheek blabbing about religion , how very very good of you. but you remember calling me a di*k yesterday on my thread about immigrants in calais . will you now ask forgiveness ?

just saying ;-)

respect.