Hello

[alakazoom87]

My name is Matthew and I am a believer in Lord Jesus Christ. Right now I am serving at my church in southern california, directing the Junior High Ministry there. It has been a very fun experience as I've kind of taken on a role of being half pastor and half big brother to the junior high students. I believe the Bible is the word of God and I take it for what it says and not for what I want it to say.

[keltic63]

Welcome alakazoom! nice to have you here. please join in on the conversations!

btw, I see that you double posted when you realized that your thread belonged in a different forum. I took the liberty of deleting the original thread.

[Emproph]

Originally Posted by alakazoom87

I believe the Bible is the word of God and I take it for what it says and not for what I want it to say.

Surely you don't believe that the Earth has four corners (flat).

Revelations 7:1
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.

If you were showing someone the end of the world -- for the specific purpose of warning those at the end of the world -- is this a detail you would overlook?

There are hundreds more examples, not including the philosophical conundrums. Point being, everyone cherry-picks the Bible, but not everyone denies it.

Feel free to banter, but I would strongly urge you to ensure the accuracy of your sentiments on sin. To my detriment, I have little tolerance for inconsistency in that area.

That said, Welcome to Soulforce.

-Patrick

[lydiam]

Welcome alakazoom. From your post it sounds like you were browsing the website. Just wondering if in your searching you came across this article: http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible

[alakazoom87]

Originally Posted by lydiam

Welcome alakazoom. From your post it sounds like you were browsing the website. Just wondering if in your searching you came across this article: http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible

That's where I got the quote for my thread post.

[DanaH]

Hmmm, I must admit that as a new member here this post surprised me. It's so difficult to figure out what someone actually means when it is only in writing. This topic or string could last forever. Is the Bible a "book"? I don't think so... It is a collection. I have an uncle who always said, "My Bible Says". His way of saying my interpretation of the Bible. There can be no doubt, and no question that the Bible contradicts itself, and that many concepts in the Bible are no longer relevant. I love the fact that the GLBT community is finding God (and I'm one of them), and even though it's sometimes painful, I think questioning the meaning of what is written is a good thing, it will help us grow. So, No, the earth isn't flat (unless you're a Pirate). Hey, I'm Transgendered and I'm a Christian!!!!

[lydiam]

Originally Posted by alakazoom87

That's where I got the quote for my thread post.

I see. I didn't realize that. Well, I think some people have mentioned this before, but when you said the kinds of things you said in your thread and the last sentence of your introduction, I (and many of us) felt a bit out of sorts for several reasons. I'm fairly new around here, but a lot of these people have discussed the same things over and over, as I'm sure you gathered, so, you know, just make sure you've read up on what's been said before.

Another reason we feel frustration is we need safety as we dialogue, which I find here. I feel a little regret about what I posted on your thread because I didn't address you directly. I know you believe as sincerely as I do in what you believe. I am a Christian too and my authority (or guide, which I think is a much more pleasant word) is the life of Christ. I know someone joined the forum quite recently who, somewhat like you, was not entirely gung ho, but because the concerns were approached with some compassion and a desire for understanding rather than a desire to condemn, all were able to hear and be heard. I see, perhaps, the beginnings of some of this on your thread? If it's understanding and dialogue you're looking for, you're in the right place. Stick around. If it's something else, well, we're going to feel frustrated, you're going to feel frustrated... it's just not good for anyone. May I ask about your church job? Are you a student helping out, a volunteer, or are you on staff?

[alakazoom87]

Originally Posted by lydiam

I see. I didn't realize that. Well, I think some people have mentioned this before, but when you said the kinds of things you said in your thread and the last sentence of your introduction, I (and many of us) felt a bit out of sorts for several reasons. I'm fairly new around here, but a lot of these people have discussed the same things over and over, as I'm sure you gathered, so, you know, just make sure you've read up on what's been said before.

Another reason we feel frustration is we need safety as we dialogue, which I find here. I feel a little regret about what I posted on your thread because I didn't address you directly. I know you believe as sincerely as I do in what you believe. I am a Christian too and my authority (or guide, which I think is a much more pleasant word) is the life of Christ. I know someone joined the forum quite recently who, somewhat like you, was not entirely gung ho, but because the concerns were approached with some compassion and a desire for understanding rather than a desire to condemn, all were able to hear and be heard. I see, perhaps, the beginnings of some of this on your thread? If it's understanding and dialogue you're looking for, you're in the right place. Stick around. If it's something else, well, we're going to feel frustrated, you're going to feel frustrated... it's just not good for anyone. May I ask about your church job? Are you a student helping out, a volunteer, or are you on staff?

I started off as a volunteer youth leader with the junior high. When the High school pastor moved to Montana to do a church plant the junior high pastor moved up to high school and let me lead the junior high ministry. I recently got on staff. Its basically a load of fun.

[lydiam]

Where in Montana did the last pastor go? I've worked with some churches in Montana doing camps and stuff. I was in Kalispell, White Fish, Cheutaux (I don't remember exactly how to spell that one) and a few other places. I'm glad you have fun with middle schoolers. I do too, but not everyone does.

[tdogg]

Hi and welcome Alakazoom87. Hope you stay and share some more.

So, what brought you here? What do you hope to accomplish? What do you hope to learn? What do you have to offer others here, and what do you wish to obtain?

Against popular notion, curiosity never killed any cats that I know of!

Glad you are here and hope you take some knowledge and love away with you.

Tdogg

[alakazoom87]

He actually planted the church in Kalispell

[lydiam]

well how bout that. which church? if i may ask.